February 2008

March 2008
www.1id.army.mil
www.1id.army.mil

Unofficial 1st Infantry Division magazine for Soldiers and Families

Unofficial 1st Infantry Division magazine for Soldiers and Families

Daggers’ mark on the pages of history pg 7

Battlefield medicine for CAB Soldiers pg 13

75th Fires celebration honors St. Barbara pg 16

 The BRO
No sacrifice too great.

is the foundation of the Big Red One. I shall

never fail my team, for I maintain the standard. My conduct and
No mission too difficult.

self-discipline sets the example for others to follow.

is what I stand for-an American Soldier on duty

for my country. My loyalty is intense. I display care for my
fellow Soldiers and my chain-of-command through courage,
respect, integrity and compassion.

II have learned
ed to , to thrive
thr in adversity.
The harsh reality
eality of combat gives me the
th enthusiasm for
realistic training.
ning I am physically and mentally
me strong to
meet the demanding situations my unit encounters.
Duty First!

IWe are one in the Big Red One.. Our

gives us strength to fight on too any objective and accomplish the
mission as our veterans have done before us. I live the legacy of
my division.

is my priority. To be ready
read for any mission,
March/BRO Creed/www.1id.army.mil

anytime, anywhere. My business is first-class training

tr and living
high standards of care and equipment, weaponry,
weaponr and tactical
and technical competence.

My is my strength. The
Th BRO is
bigger than any one individual. It gives me purpose, self-
confidence, competitive spirit, intestinal fortitude, and the desire
to fight with all my heart.

Cover photo by Dustin Roberts

 Contents 2
Danger 6: The Importance of Caring...............................pg 3
Danger 7: Caring through leadership...........................pg 4

Devils advance their skills...... pg 5

Sustaining fuel farms....... pg 6

The mark Daggers left................ pg 7

Bulldogs and pups................. pg 9

Photo by Spc. Nathaniel Smith

Springfield, Mo., native Pvt. Jeremy Letner, an infantryman on the 4th Infantry
Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division personal security detachment,
hops back in his Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle during a mission in Dukes learn new Army device, pg 10
southern Baghdad's Doura Region. The 4th IBCT "Dragons" have been deployed
to Forward Operating Base Falcon in the Rashid District since February 2007.

Just another day as a Dragon.... pg 11

Cover Photo: Transition Team
members practice combat-lifesaver
skills on one of Fort Riley’s simulation

CAB trains in battlefield medicine..........................pg 13

ranges.

Death knocking on your battle’s door?............ pg 15

Diamonds keep tradition alive.........................pg 16

Duty First! Magazine
1 Infantry Division Commander:
st
1st Infantry Division CSM (acting):
Duty First! is an unofficial publication produced under the provi-
Maj. Gen. Robert Durbin sions of AR 360-1, published by Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division.
Command Sgt. Maj. James Savitski
Editorial views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the
1st Infantry Division PAO: Department of Defense, the Army or the 1st Infantry Division. All photos
1st Infantry Division PAO NCOIC:
Lt. Col. Christian Kubik are Army photos unless otherwise noted. Circulation is 6,000 per is-
Master Sgt. Amanda Glenn
sue, printed monthly. Story and photo submissions are welcome and
Editor: should be sent to 1st Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office, ATTN: Editor,
Assistant Editor:
Bldg. 580, Fort Riley, KS 66442. Telephone number 785-239-8126 or
Pfc. Francisca Vega Laura Stroda
785-239-2402, DSN 856-2402 or DSN 856-8126, fax 785-239-2592,
Correction: The article titled “Blogs” in the February issue was incorrectly or e-mail [email protected], or visit Duty First! Online
attributed. The correct author of the article is April Blackmon, Fort Riley’s at www.1id.army.mil.
Community Relations Specialist.
3
From the Commanding General:
The Importance of Caring
1st Infantry Division Commanding General
Maj. Gen. Robert Durbin
Our Army and the Big Red One have accomplished much Support in the form of new buildings and facilities is
in six years of war. There is no doubt that we are training important. But Soldiers and Families deserve even more.
and maintaining as well as we ever have, and I am proud Caring goes beyond bricks and mortar – Caring is a culture of
of how the Big Red One continues to vibrancy and enthusiasm in providing
lead from the front in all aspects of the very best overall quality of life for
combat. Soldiers and Families. It’s not what we
As it always has been in the history must do; it’s what we want to do. Caring
of the 1st Infantry Division, our is what Soldiers and Families deserve,
success is a direct result of the service, and it’s what good leaders want.
sacrifice and courage of Soldiers and Caring means that the “tie goes to the
their Families. Big Red One Soldiers runner.” In baseball, this means that if
have slugged it out in many wars, the play is too close to call, the umpire
most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. rules in favor of the base-runner. The
Our Families endure these hardships same goes for our support for Soldiers
with resolution, commitment and and Families. If leaders face a tough
patriotism. I cannot adequately express decision, I want us to lean in favor of
my admiration and respect for you, the supporting Soldiers and Families. In
1st Infantry Division Soldier and your the past, we have been conservative
Families. in our decisions; now, if there is any
What I can do, though, is work to leeway, I want leaders to tip the scales
in favor of Soldiers and Families.
provide you and your Family with
Additionally, when it comes to
support, services and a quality of life commensurate with
Caring, exceptions to policy should become more routine.
you and your Family’s service, sacrifice and courage. I call
Why? Many of the regulations that govern support for
this “Caring.”
Soldiers and Families were written in peacetime. We are not
“Caring” is my highest priority, the division’s top priority
at peace; we are at war and have been for more than six
and Fort Riley’s top priority. This doesn’t mean that training
years. Thus, leaders must consider regulations, but should
and maintenance aren’t important. In fact, nothing is more
gain exceptions to policy when those regulations or policies
important at the brigade, battalion, company and platoon
don’t make sense in today’s environment.
levels. But at the division and installation levels, I am
“Caring” occurs only through effective leadership at all
March/Danger 6/www.riley.army.mil

focusing much energy and many resources toward Caring.

This means that I am going to ensure our Warrior levels of command in the Big Red One, Partner Organizations
Transition Battalion is the very best in taking care of our and our dispersed units such as 3rd Sustainment Command
wounded and injured Soldiers; that these Wounded Warriors (Expeditionary), Fort Knox, Ky., and 75th Field Artillery
get everything they need and much more. Caring means Fires Brigade, Fort Sill, Okla. This is why “Leadership”
that single Soldiers will see significant quality of life is my next highest priority, and one I will explain in the
improvements in the form of new barracks, new support next issue of Duty First!, and Command Sgt. Maj. Savitski
facilities, new outdoor recreation facilities and high-quality addresses in this issue.
fitness centers. Caring means that Families see new housing, Until then, make it your personal mission to live the
new and more child care facilities, a new PX and an expanded Division motto: No Mission too Difficult. No Sacrifice too
Commissary. Great. Duty First!
 4
From the Command Sergeant Major:
Caring through Leadership
1st Infantry Division Command Sgt. Maj. (acting)
Command Sgt. Maj. James Savitski
All Soldiers deserve outstanding leadership. Do you important, write it down.
provide that leadership? The most important person in a Monthly counseling allows you to get to know your
young Soldier’s life is his or her first-line leader or supervisor. Soldier and set realistic, obtainable goals. It shows them
This is not an opinion- it’s a fact I’ve seen proven over and exactly what you expect of them on a daily basis. It gives
over in my almost 30 years in the United States Army. them direction to achieve and improve in those areas. It
Therefore, this column is directed at all the 1st Infantry takes time on your part as a leader to sit down and document
Division’s first-line leaders and supervisors. everything that happened during that month, and also shows
First, I have to clear up a misconception: first-line leaders your Soldiers that you care about their welfare.
aren’t just sergeants. If you rate a Soldier We all know that time is precious and
– officer or enlisted – you are a first-line how we spend it is important. When you
supervisor. If you are a squad leader, choose to give time to one thing, you are
platoon sergeant, first sergeant, company deliberately neglecting something else.
commander, sergeant major, battalion, That’s not always a bad thing, it’s just
brigade or division commander, you are reality.
somebody’s first-line supervisor. If you’ll give me some of your time,
So, first-line leaders and supervisors, I’d like to focus on two opposing yet
what have you done today to develop prominent messages in our Army
and train your Soldiers to make our culture.
Army better? What have you done today “Get back to work!” and “What are
to ensure that your Soldiers know what you still doing here?” Leaders, you are
right looks like through your personal sending mixed messages if you release
example? your Soldiers and overload them with
What have you done today to prepare missions at the same time.
them to be better Soldiers and leaders? The Army will keep you busy 24/7
What have you done even this week or if you let it. Some leaders try to almost
month to help them grow professionally achieve that.
and personally? I saw a sample of an NCOER that
I’m talking about taking time out of your busy day to was giving a positive bullet to an NCO for putting in 80-
mentor, counsel and train. Are you taking time on a daily hour weeks. My thought was, “What kind of leader is he
basis to ensure your Soldiers know why we do things the really if all his time is consumed with his job? What does
way we do? Are you taking time to ensure they know how that say about the rater if he sees an 80-hour work-week as
to do things correctly - within Army and Big Red One something to admire?”
standards? Don’t get me wrong, I am all for hard work, but what about
Now is the time to train your Soldiers to understand mental down time, Family time, relaxation, recreation and
why following orders can sometimes make a difference restoration? You can run on empty for only so long and it
in life or death situations. This takes time. It also takes a will catch up with you physiologically and psychologically.
March/Danger 7/www.1id.army.mil

compassionate, caring leader in today’s Army. Help them Set realistic dealines and reasonable expectations so Soldiers
understand the Soldier who follows your orders today will can spend time relaxing and come in each day refreshed and
be the first-line leader tomorrow. In training them, you are ready to go.
training the future of the Army. So, first line supervisors are you up to the challenge? I’m
The same goes for counseling. counseling is an integral willing to bet most of you are more than ready. We can all
part of molding our Soldiers into future leaders. Counseling learn from each other everyday. Ask, talk and confide in
– good, bad, monthly or event-oriented – is for the benefit your fellow peers.
of everyone involved. Verbal counseling should be done on All Soldiers deserve outstanding leadership, Will you
the spot, but documentation is still important. If as leaders provide that leadership? Take care of your Soldiers. They
you don’t document important incidents, you missed an are America’s sons and daughters. Give them the most
opportunity to teach, learn and grow as a supervisor. If it’s important resource you have – your time.
 5
What it takes to be a TT Member such as the MK-19 grenade launcher, the M240B, M-249
By Spc. Dustin Roberts, 1st BDE PAO
and M-2 .50-caliber Machine guns.
“Some of the advisors are not familiar with these weapon
F ORT RILEY, Kan.- The exit strategy for the U.S.
Army in Iraq and Afghanistan requires amaz- systems,” Shull said. “With small teams like this, if they
ingly flexibility. One versatile solution is Transition get into any trouble down range, they all have to be very
Team training at Fort Riley. technically proficient with all of their weapon systems.”
What does it take to be a TT member entirely trained and TT’s can spend a lot of time on the road when in Iraq or
ready to advise Iraqi Security Forces or the Afghan National Afghanistan. To prepare for that combat experience, teams
Army on various tactics, techniques and procedures? spend a total of 48 hours in driver’s training and mounted
It all starts at Forward Operating Base Army Strong on combat patrols. They also train with frequency jammers
Camp Funston, Fort Riley. used to defeat road-side bombs or improvised explosive
The 1 Brigade, 1 Infantry Division, runs the TT show. devices.
st st

Trained 1st Brigade cadre crawl, walk and run TT trainees Along with the advanced “Shoot, move and communicate”
through everything that the team members need to know in skills of Soldiering, TT’s must learn as much as they can
60 days. about the culture of their counterparts.
Teams deploying to Iraq average 11 Soldiers, Sailors or “Being an advisor is nothing more than being a great
Airmen while teams deploying to Afghanistan average 16 leader,” Shull said. “To be a good leader with foreign forces,
servicemembers. you have to build a good rapport and connection with
Each servicemember has a specific them.”
advisory mission within the group. “To be a good leader with foreign Since there can be words and
They train their counterparts in forces, you have to build a good rapport meaning lost in the translation
logistics, basic Soldiering, leadership and connection with them.” of their Iraqi or Afghan
principles, intelligence, combat- Maj. Peter Shull counterpart, the proper use to
life-saver skills and communication an interpreter is essential when
equipment. solving problems and training
“All the training that they do here keeps them troops.
safe in theater,” said Spc. Michael Weber, validation This is why TTs spend 24 hours in cultural awareness
noncommissioned officer in charge. “The training also training, 32 hours in advisor training and about 44 hours
makes them better teachers and advisors to our counterparts. learning their host nation’s language.
We want Iraq and Afghanistan to be able to sustain their “Once an American advisor can make a connection with
own forces and without this training we won’t get to that his counterpart,
point. It’s a constant learning process and we adjust what they will start
we do to make sure teams are getting the latest and greatest listening to him,”
of training.” Shull said. “If there
What the servicemembers learn together at FOB Army was one thing that
Strong are the seven core competencies of Transition Team I could focus on
training: while I was here,
1. Team support processes it would be the
cultural awareness
2. Combat skills
March/1st Brigade/www.1id.army.mil

training.”
3. Force protection
At the end of the training, each class participates in a
4. Technical and tactical training
96-hour-long mission readiness exercise. In the MRX, the
5. Advisor skills servicemembers are tested in everything they learned in
6. Understanding the culture like-real scenarios and missions.
7. Counterinsurgency. When the MRX is over, TT’s are as ready for the real-
“These are the crucial things we tell them to focus on world mission as they can be. They out-process, turn in
for their upcoming mission,” said Maj. Peter Shull, 1st Bde. equipment and prepare to be combat advisors; making
operations officer. progress towards a more stable and proficient Afghanistan
Teams train more than 70 hours on a variety of weapons and Iraq.
 6
1st Sustainment
transforms
fuel
farm
increased the number of pumps from six to 12 and doubled
the capacity of each individual pump allowing 24 trucks to
receive fuel at once instead of six.
Photo By Staff Sgt. Bryant Maude

Spc. Chris Griffith, a native of Stockbridge, Mich., and fuel specialist with the 192nd “We went from one truck taking three hours to get
Quarter Master Company, fuels a truck at the bulk fuel farm Victory Base Complex, fuel to fifteen minutes ... on a bad day,” Velez said
Iraq. proudly.
The goal of Maj. Phil Sharp, commander of the
192nd QM Co., was to focus on increased customer
By Staff Sgt. Bryant Maude, 1st Sust. Bde. PAO
service and improving the overall look and functionality of
ICTORY BASE COMPLEX, Iraq – One year the farm.
V ago, the bulk fuel farm at Victory Base Com-
With just 34 Soldiers and 24 civilian contractors, the 192nd
QM Co. did the work required by 100 people. They worked
plex, Iraq, was dirty, inefficient and in serious need of 12 hour shifts, traveled back and forth to work by bus, ate
repair. Today, thanks to the hard work and diligence of most of their meals at the farm and rarely complained.
some dedicated Army Reserve Soldiers, the bulk fuel “Their motivation comes from within,” Velez said. “They
farm is clean, orderly and highly efficient. would be standing out in 130-degree temperatures working
The Reserve battalion falls under training and readiness and still have a smile on their face.”
oversight of the 1st Sustainment Brigade. As they prepare to leave Iraq, the Soldiers of the 192nd
“This place was in shambles,” said Spc. Chris Griffith, QM Co., talk about the things they are looking forward to
a native of Stockbridge, Mich., and fuel specialist with the most upon their return home, such as driving, shopping and
192nd Quartermaster Company, 68th Combat Sustainment finishing degrees. When asked what they are most proud of
Support Battalion out of Milan, Ohio. they all agree, “The fuel farm.”
“I think we hauled over 30 tons of The largest fuel farm in Iraq serves customers all over
trash out of here in our first month,” Baghdad, and thanks to the hard work and diligence of
recalled Sgt. 1st Class Wilfredo the 192nd QM Co., the fuel farm has been completely
Velez, the platoon sergeant for the transformed into a clean, orderly and highly efficient
192nd QM Co. “This place was operation.
neglected for years.”
In the process of cleaning up the
farm they separated materials into
different categories like vinyl, wood,
plastics and aluminum, and returned
an estimated $100,000 worth of
discarded equipment back to the
Army supply system.
March/1st SB/www.1id.army.mil

The problem ran deeper than trash

though. The fuel farm is the sole source for aviation fuel,
diesel and gasoline for the greater Bagdad area, and at the
time it was operating at about 25 percent of its capacity. Very
Photo By Staff Sgt. Bryant Maude
few pumps worked properly, and the berms surrounding the
The bulk fuel farm at Victory Base Complex, Iraq, one year
fuel bags were in severe need of repair. ago when the 192nd Quarter Master Company arrived.
“When we arrived, six pumps worked,” Velez said. The fuel berms were collapsing, the six fuel pumps were
a jumbled mess, and the amount of trash in the area was
Early on the team went to work on the pumps. They estimated at 30 tons.
 7
Daggers contribute to histo die! Now, let’s get the hell out of here!”
By Laura Stroda, 1st Inf. Div. PAO Divisional units participated in the Normandy Campaign
throughout the summer of 1944 and subsequent operations

D agger (n.) – a sharp pointed

knife for stabbing.
A dagger can serve as a deadly
across France and Germany until the end of the war. The
brigade was inactivated on Jan. 15, 1945.

weapon in combat and the 1st Infantry Charging into Vietnam

Division’s “Dagger” Brigade has been The 2nd Brigade
exactly that for nearly a century. went through a series
The 2nd Brigade has a long of reactivations and
history of fighting for and defending inactivations before
freedom – serving since World War moving in January 1964
I as a deadly weapon of the Big Red to Fort Riley, Kan., with
One. the rest of the 1st Inf.
The Soldiers of Dagger Brigade were first thrown into Div. The brigade had a
the fight in May 1917, when the brigade was constituted little more than a year
to train up before being
sent to the jungles of
Vietnam.
On July 12, 1965, the
Dagger Brigade landed
at Cam Ranh Bay and
Vung Tau, making it
the first element of an
infantry division to
arrive in Vietnam.
The brigade earned 15 campaign streamers during
as part of the First Expeditionary Division – later known Vietnam and returned to Fort Riley in 1969. Things were
as the 1st Infantry Division. relatively quiet for the next two decades, but all that changed
Dagger Soldiers earned numerous campaign credits on Aug. 2, 1990.

Daggers storm into Saudi Arabia

during “The Great War,” including the Meuse-Argonne
Offensive – the final offensive of World War I. It was
the biggest operation and victory of the American Iraq invaded Kuwait and just a few short months later,
Expeditionary Force in that war. the Dagger Brigade and 1st Inf. Div. were put on alert for
deployment. The division deployed more than 12,000

Daggers lead the way on D-Day

Soldiers and 7,000 pieces of equipment to Saudi Arabia over
the next two months.
Soldiers from the Dagger Brigade’s 16th and 18th Dagger Soldiers directly participated in the breach of
Infantry Regiments led the push on the beaches of Iraqi defenses in the initial stages of the coalition forces
Normandy during the morning hours of June 6, 1944. attack into Iraq.
They landed at Omaha Beach, one of the most heavily The brigade earned campaign streamers for the defense
fortified beaches along of Saudi Arabia and the
the French coast. liberation of Kuwait during
March/2nd Brigade/www.1id.army.mil

Col. George Taylor the 100-hour war.

led his 16th Inf. Regt.
troops ashore at Omaha
Restationing,
peace-keeping
Beach that day, uttering
a famous D-Day quote
– “Two kinds of people
are staying on this become focus
beach! The dead and The Dagger Brigade
those who are going to moved to its current home
in February 1996 when
 8
ory and honor of Big Red One
the 1st Inf. Div. cased its colors in Kansas and moved to
Schweinfurt, Germany – where the
division stayed for a decade.
A year after the move, the 2nd
Brigade deployed units to Bosnia-
Herzogovina to participate in
Operation Joint Endeavor with the
1st Armored Division. With more
than 5,000 soldiers, the 2nd Brigade
participated in Operations Joint
Endeavor and Joint Guard in Bosnia.
The Dagger Brigade served in
Kosovo in 1999-2000 and again in
2002-2003. The brigade deployed
to the Balkans twice in 1999, first
as part of Task Force Sabre in
Macedonia, then in Kosovo as part
of Task Force Falcon. Task Force
Falcon served as the U.S. component
of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) with the mission of Burton said during the brigade’s redeployment ceremony
conducting peacekeeping operations in the Federal Republic last November.
of Yugoslavia’s Serbian Kosovo province. Throughout their 15-month deployment they played a
The 2nd Brigade rotated to Kosovo again in 2002, this time vital role moving Iraqis into the political process and the
focused on maintaining the secure environment established formal reconstruction of Baghdad and Iraq. Burton said all
by coalition forces. Iraqis, regardless of sect or religion, received equal municipal
services, education, opportunity and a total improved quality
Daggers tour twice in support of OIF of life.
In February 2004, the Dagger Brigade deployed to
Northern Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While Moving to new digs
in Iraq, the 2nd Brigade averaged 90 patrols a day, many The brigade was
of which were joint patrols conducted with Iraqi Security slated to return to
Forces. the U.S. in 2010, but
The 2nd Brigade trained hundreds of Iraqi soldiers U.S. Army Europe
and policemen in an effort to help the Iraqi people help announced in January
themselves. During the year, the 2nd Brigade spent more that the Dagger Brigade
than $17 million and completed more than 318 projects to move to Grafenwoehr,
better the quality of life for the Iraqi people. Some of these Germany.
projects included building hospitals, schools, roads, water The Soldiers and their
treatment plants, irrigation systems and seed and fertilizer Families will be moving
distribution programs for the farmers. to an installation in the
In late 2006, the 2nd midst of a $700 million
Brigade deployed again in construction boom.
March/2nd Brigade/www.1id.army.mil

support of Operation Iraqi More than 50 percent

Freedom. The Dagger of the upgrade is
Brigade helped transition complete, including new
a hostile northwest living areas for single
Baghdad from a heavy, and married soldiers, an
kinetic and costly fight to enlarged dining facility,
a secured population rid of a fitness center, and a PX and commissary complex that is the
extremists, criminals and largest in Europe.
terrorists, Dagger Brigade This move allows Dagger Soldiers to be closer to the state
Commander Col. J.B. of the art training center in Grafenwoehr.
9

Bulldogs learn to father

pups
Illustration By Spc. Theresa M. Wiersgalla

Story by Spc. Theresa M. Wiersgalla, 3rd HBCT PAO

influences, such as television and the internet, and how these

F ORT RILEY, Kan.- In a hotel conference room outlets shaped their personalities.
sat 26 Soldiers with more than just one thing in It was an eye-opening experience for these Soldiers when
common. Not only were they from the same battalion— they realized how media can influence society.
they were also fathers. “Just watch television for one night’s lineup and you will
Recently, under guidance from Lt. Col. Christopher feel convinced that men are uneducated, uncaring, selfish,
Beckert, Commander, 1st Battalion 41st Infantry Regiment, self-seeking slobs,” said Harlow-Curtis.
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, a During this three-day seminar, Soldiers were taught the
Fathers Seminar was hosted by battalion Chaplain (Capt.) basics of how to be better fathers and learned ways to be
Dell Harlow-Curtis. mature, kind and responsible in their roles.
The Fathers Seminar was used as a force multiplier “This seminar lets you see the reality of how you really
designed to prepare a Soldier for fatherhood and to strengthen are at home. I never realized how I was until some of the
relationships with his spouse. tests (were taken) and (the) information I learned. It was
“If a Soldier knows his Family is intact and properly good to see other people who were just like you or similar
provided for, he then can ‘keep his head in the fight’ and and how they are to their wives,” said Pfc. Ricardo Garcia,
properly support his unit without fears of losing his Family,” Co. A infantryman.
said Harlow-Curtis. The Army, Fort Riley and the Big Red One have recently
This carefully structured seminar uses Biblically-based shifted their focus to caring for Families.
lectures designed for the specific needs of today’s father and Seminars like these are a great example of Soldiers being
with those he associates given the opportunity to better their lives at home. But it’s
“I use lectures, movies and music to communicate the still a tough sell for some, Harlow-Curtis said.
celebration of the father’s role in the Family and to make “When I found out that I had to come to this seminar, I
(Soldiers) aware how society tears down the respect of male tried everything I could to get out of coming, but my wife
authority,” said Harlow-Curtis. “Also, I use community loved the idea of me coming. I learned everything in life has
organizations like the Red Cross to give free instructive to do with being a well-rounded father and good husband. If
lectures on how to properly care for children. These classes we incorporate the knowledge from this seminar, we will be
range from diapering a child and holding a newborn to basic better husbands and fathers,” said Spc. Eric Christopher, Co.
infant CPR.” F combat medic.
No matter what materials are presented to the participants With the seminar complete and a group of fathers better
March/3rd HBCT/www.1id.army.mil

at the seminar, the most critical aspect is the fathers gaining prepared to handle their duties as “Dad,” the seminar leader
a better understanding of their place in the Family. was pleased with the opportunity to give back to his fellow
“I learned what a proper husband and father should be Soldiers.
in a relationship and how to interact “Our unit commander, Lt. Col. Beckert, has tasked me to
with my children,” said Spc. Jonathan produce the Fathers Seminar because he sees value in teaching
Stemple, Co. A infantryman. his men how to be proper fathers and loving, supporting
Another aspect of the seminar husbands, and it is with his guidance that I have the privilege
made participants aware of outside in facilitating this program,” said Harlow-Curtis.
 10
345
45 PSYOP team shows Dukes new
th
ne Army device
Sgt. Adora S. Medina, 3rd IBCT PAO Before the unit could test out the capabilities of
the device, they had to complete a one-week course

F ORT IRWIN, Calif.- The 345th Tactical Psycho- outlining the basic operation of the device.
logical Operations Company (Airborne) out of Once equipped with the LRAD, the unit took to the
Dallas, Texas, assisted the 3rd Infantry Brigade Com- field to fully get a taste of its abilities. Each system
bat Team, 1st Infantry Division, during their unit rota- was operated by a three-man team, accompanied by an
tion at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Ca. interpreter. For convoys that don’t have the luxury of
The unit arrived Jan. 10, linked up with NTC an assigned interpreter, the device can be hooked up to
contractors who provided them with two Long Range a laptop. The computer sounds pre-recorded messages
Acoustic Devices for use during the rotation. in any language can be sent through the system, as well
The LRAD works by transmitting sound up to a as any other sounds appropriate for the mission.
certain range, allowing Soldiers to communicate their The device even has the capability of zeroing in on
message to enemy forces, without even a specific individual by use of its sights,
stepping foot into dangerous ground. enabling the operator to target a specific
The LRAD provides options to standard location and control where the sound is
line units. transmitted.
“We can talk an occupant out of a “We normally utilize loudspeakers or
vehicle without even getting into the kill face-to-face communication. But with this
zone, so if there’s a detonation we’ll still device, if there’s a crowd in a normal riot
be safe,” said team chief Staff Sgt. Paul situation you can find that instigator and
Campbell. direct it (the LRAD) toward a more specific
The device is beneficial to the Army individual,” Staff Sgt. Charles Andrews
because it can be used for many different said.
combat operations such as; escalation Along with target control, the device also
of force, cordon and search, crowd and allows Soldiers to control the frequency. The
riot control and many other task-specific sound can be turned up to a desired level of
missions. effectiveness. At maximum frequency the device may
Though the Navy has already adopted this device cause ear damage, and during the Situational Training
for use during it’s operations, the Army has yet to put Exercises at NTC, enemy role-players learned firsthand
this system on the battlefield, The 345th (ABN) had the how powerful the sound can be.
opportunity to be the first Army unit to use the device “My teams have integrated well with the battalions
while conducting mobile operations. and are being utilized to their full training capability;
we’ve also done a lot of team-
building which has really drawn
the detachment together,” Andrews
said, “This is great training for
the guys that haven’t been down
range; it’s good to be in this desert,
mountainous, environment, because
it accurately simulates our operational
March/3rd IBCT/www.1id.army.mil

environment in support of Operation

Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi
Freedom”
Though the “Dukes” Brigade is
still not positive of when and where
it will deploy, they can take with
them the experience gained at NTC
and the hope that equipment like the
LRAD will eventually find its way to
the battlefield and save the lives of
Sgt. Brandon Hudgins from the 345th Tact. PSYOP (ABN) Co., operates the Long Range Acoustic Soldiers.
Device at NTC Jan 21. The unit is the first to test the LRAD during Army mobile operations.
 11
Just another day as a Dragon
By Spc. Nathaniel Smith, 4th IBCT PAO behind the scenes, often unnoticed by ground-pounders.
BAGHDAD – Benjamin Franklin once said, Sherbak, who is on his first deployment, said that’s fine
“For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of with him.
a shoe, the horse was lost. For want of a horse, the “Personally, that’s how I like it; I like being the one
rider was lost. For want of a rider, the battle was lost. supporting all the guys out there,” he said. “I’ve been supply
For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost. And all for the for four years now, and I’ve loved every year.”
want of a horseshoe nail.” Black, who is on her second deployment, said her job
Such is the life of a deployed supply section: providing provides a sense of satisfaction by supporting the troops on
the warriors on the ground with every little piece
of equipment, whether it’s something as simple as a
screw or as complex as heavy weapons systems.
It’s not a simple task. But it’s one that the Supply
Support Activity warehouse on Forward Operating
Base Falcon – operated by Company A of the 610th
Brigade Support Battalion,, 4th IBCT, 1st Infantry
Division – has embraced head-on since they deployed
from Fort Riley, Kan., in February 2007.
Spc. Christopher Sherbak, an automated logistics
specialist with “Atlas” Co., 610th BSB, said while the
workload has been a challenge, he sees the silver lining.
“It’s made the deployment fly by so fast,” the
Valparaiso, Ind., native said. “We get our breaks every
now and then, but it’s fun here.”
He commented the momentum blurs the time.
“We have a huge workload, but that huge workload
makes the day go by so fast,” Sherbak added. Photo By Spc. Nathaniel Smith
Part of that huge workload comes from the fact
that the 610th BSB’s warehouse supports not only The supply support activity warehouse at Forward Operating Base Falcon in
Task Force Dragon units, but all units on FOB Falcon, southern Baghdad supplies nine battalions. The warehouse is operated by “Atlas”
Company, 610th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st
tallying a total of nine battalions. Infantry Division based at Fort Riley, Kan.
Killeen, Texas, native Sgt. Deangela Black, the stock
control specialist
for the Phoenix’s SSA, the ground.
said on top of supporting “Even though I’m not going outside the wire, I feel good
units on FOB Falcon, about my job because I know everyone here is supporting
they assist other bases in them with the necessary supplies they need to complete their
the area when possible. mission,” she said. “I feel good about that. Without those
“We provide a lot supplies, they can’t do what they need to, so we all tie in
of support for units at together.”
other FOBs. Say another With 5,500 lines of supplies, it’s no surprise the 610th BSB
base’s SSA doesn’t have is capable of tying into everything going on in the Rashid
a needed part, they call District, from Aamel to Saha and Saydiyah to Doura.
us,” she said. “If we have
March/4th IBCT/www.1id.army.mil

Supporting an area of operations roughly equivalent to

it on us, we coordinate to the size of Orlando, Fla., is no small task, and it’s one the
get them the part.” “Phoenix” has accomplished for the past 11 months.
Despite all the work Yet Sherbak, who is married and has a 4 month-old son
going on at the 610th waiting at home, has no intention of letting up now and failing
BSB’s warehouse in their his fellow Soldiers. Instead, with the end of the deployment
little corner of the post, so close, his philosophy is simple.
the supply Soldiers’ day-to-day duties largely take place “We’ll get there when we get there,” he said.
 12
1s I
1st Infantry Division at War
1st Infantry Division
Olde continuously serving division in the United States Army. Over 7,500 Soldiers in three
Oldest
briga
i
brigades and multiple subordinate units deployed.

Prim
Primarily located in Fort Riley, Kan.: training responsibility extends to three other states
(Ken
(Kentucky, Oklahoma and Texas) and a brigade in Germany.

Preparing for modularization in summer/fall FY09, with deployment thereafter. 2nd Brigade, Germany
Played a vital role moving Iraqis into the political process and the formal reconstruc-
tion of Baghdad and Iraq.
1st Brigade, Fort Riley
Trains transition teams. As of March 2008, more than 7,000 servicemembers trained and Moving to Grafenwoehr, Germany to have ready access to Grafenwoehr Training
deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and more than 1,200 redeployed. Area to prepare for future contingency operations.

Transition Teams live and work with Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and the Afghan National Returned
Retu
Returne from 15 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2007.
Army (ANA).

Scheduled to modularize FY09.

3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) , Fort Knox

Returned from deployment in fall 2006.

Provide theater logistics command and control for the theater commander supporting the
Army Forces (ARFOR) or Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) mission.

Scheduled to deploy in summer/fall FY08

75th Fires Brigade, Fort Sill

Integrate attached ground and air maneuver forces and on
order function as a maneuver headquarters in support of
full spectrum operations.

Separate units currently deployed in support of Operation

Iraqi Freedom. 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Iraq
Cur
Currently conducting combat and civil military operations in conjunction with Iraqi Army
my
y
and Police in the Rashid District of Baghdad to restore and ensure long term peace and
stab
stability in that region.

Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom February 2007

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Fort Hood
One of the Army’s newest brigades recently returned from rotation at the
Nation
National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calf.
1st Sustainment Brigade, Iraq
Prepared for deployment in summer/fall 2008.
Prepar Provides logistic, human resource, and financial management for 80,000 Soldiers and
20,000 civilians and contractors throughout Multi-National Division-Baghdad and area
support for Multi-Nation Division-Central.
3rd Heavy B
Brigade Combat Team, Fort Riley Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom September 2007.
Preparing for rrotation to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calf. in
spring 2008.

Prepared for deployment in summer/fall 2008.

1st Combat Aviation Brigade Combat Team, Iraq
Conducts 360-degree battlefield operations with cutting edge
technology to support ground troops.

Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom October 2007

 13

1st CAB trains in Photo by Spc. Michael Howard

Pfc. Trung Van Tran of Company A, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, inserts an intravenous needle into the arm of Sgt. Bobby A. Reyes of
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 601st ASB.

BATTLEFIELD MEDICINE
By Spc. Michael Howard, 1st CAB PAO The Department of the Army requires that 20 percent of
Soldiers in a unit be combat-lifesaver certified. The 601st
ASB teams aim to exceed that standard by a factor of five,

I t has been said that in the heat of battle, a medic

is a Soldier’s best friend next to God. If that is
the case, when the 601st Aviation Support Battalion’s
with every Soldier on the quick reaction force capable of
administering immediate medical care in the event of an
injury. Consequently, every Soldier from Shadow Platoon
“Shadow” Platoon goes outside the wire for a mission, attended the training one day and the other quick reaction
March/1st CAB/www.1id.army.mil

they’ve got a lot of best friends. force platoon, “Venom,” went the next day.
This is thanks in part to their recent combat lifesaver For Shadow Platoon, the training began at 9 a.m. with
recertification and situational training exercise, which is but slow-but vital-refresher training on nasopharyngeal airways,
one example of the constant training the Soldiers receive tourniquets and physical assessment of the casualty. Sgt.
to ensure that when they go outside the wire, they are as Kimberly LaCrosse, a combat medic and shift leader at the
prepared as the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry CAB troop medical clinic and, said that while the combat
Division, can possibly make them. action tourniquet may not be the most exciting portion of the
class, it is possibly the most vital.
 “The CAT is 100-percent effective if put on correctly. training, the medics simulated an improvised explosive
14
With the cravat or the other items, it’s not perfect because device hit by throwing water bottles at the vehicles.
you still have blood that comes out, but the tourniquet is The “casualties” then role-played their injuries and some
100-percent effective,” she said. “It’ll save a life quicker of the non-injured personnel fell into their medic roles and
than anything.” performed tactical casualty care under fire. Simultaneously,
The training day continued with recertification on other members of the force pulled perimeter security and
intravenous drips. These drips are a vital lifesaving tool called in a medical evacuation request before transporting
because they can stabilize a Soldier with massive blood loss the patients to a casualty collection point for evacuation.
when nothing else can, said Spc. Ryan A. Moya, a combat During the training, the instructors added pressure to the
medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, situation by constantly reminding the Soldiers that time was a
CAB. factor. LaCrosse said the reason for cranking up the pressure
The course also covered medical tools of the trade and on these exercises is to eventually build the confidence that
methods that have undergone improvement since Operation is vital in a successful medic under fire situations.
Iraqi Freedom began. The IVs now incorporate a saline lock, “We want them to learn to be confident in what they are
which can make it easier to administer an IV to a patient doing, because if they’re not confident they’re going to mess
with a collapsed vein. Some Soldiers claimed that the IV up out there, and someone’s going to die if they don’t (use)
insertion is one of the more difficult parts of the course to the skills that I know are in them,” LaCrosse said.
master. Perhaps the most vital component to building both the
“It’s hard to get it right. It’s hard to get the needle in the confidence and skills necessary for the combat lifesavers
vein and get the flash and everything. But the training is to maintain the CAB’s zero casualties in combat record is
solid, and my partner (Pfc. Michael R. LaPointe) did a great treating the medical training as a never-ending process.
job on sticking me. I mean, there was a prick, but it could “Just tonight, we set up a time where I’m going to go
have been a lot worse. He did really well,” said Pfc. Bobbi Jo over there once a week and keep them fresh on their (IVs).
Michalski, a member of the Shadow Platoon. The training’s available for them as long as they want it,”
After the recertification, the team headed outside for a LaCrosse said.
situational training exercise. The course was tailored to meet And there is no doubt that the Soldiers want the training.
the specific demands of the quick reaction force team. “We go outside of the gate every day, and lives are at stake,”
The medics tasked a few Soldiers to role-play casualties, Michalski said. “We need the classes and the training –
and “embedded” them with the other Soldiers. During the they’re vital.”
Sgt. Gyasi Moore of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, reassures Pfc. Ramos V. Mendoza, who is
role-playing a burn victim. At the same time Moore opens his combat lifesaver bag to treat the casualty.

March/1st CAB/www.1id.army.mil

Photo by Spc. Micheal Howard

15 ACE
Ask
Care

Death knocking on Escort

Three simple steps to helping out a
battle buddy in need.

your battle
buddy’s door?
By Pfc. Francisca Vega, 1st Inf. Div. PAO Preventive Medicine.
The acronym ACE can help people remember three easy

F ORT RILEY, Kan.- Contrary to what most safety

briefings before weekends would lead you to
believe, privately own vehicle accidents are not the
steps to take if they fi nd themselves with an opportunity
to save someone’s life.
Ask your battle buddy flat-out if they are planning to kill
number one cause of non-combat deaths on Fort Riley. themselves.
According to the Risk Management Program, it is sui- Care for them by taking action and ensuring they don’t
cide. have an opportunity to act on their
Since the beginning of this millennium, thought.
75 Soldiers have died at Fort Riley from non- Escort them to someone that
combat related incidents. Of those, 22 have
is able to help them, such as a
been from someone taking their own life.
chaplain or medical assistance.
Actions follow Soldiers’ thoughts when
it comes to killing themselves, about seven These steps are obviously not only
percent more often than civilians, according to effective on Soldiers,
statistics from Fort Riley’s RMP. but on all those who
How or why this tragedy occured is feel overwhelmed with
controversial and up for debate in barracks life, and feel death is
rooms or office, but each individual Soldier can the only solution for
do their part to help prevent this loss of life. their troubles.
“I don’t like to use statistics,” said Chaplain A suicide lowers the
David Shurtleff, (Lt. Col.), with the U.S. Army morale of the unit and
Garrison, Fort Riley. “But one I do use is that everyone who depends
80 percent of those that commit suicide had a on that Soldier.
life wish (desire to stay alive.)” “I believe no man
Ask, Care, Escort is a process used by the is an island,” Shurtleff
U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and
went on. “Everyone
has someone they will
impact if they die.”
Who’s at risk? According to the
March/Suicide/www.1id.army.mil

• Males are more likely to commit suicide, and of USACHPPM, people

them White males are most at risk. who think about
• The most frequent reason for committing sui- suicide are usually
cide is a breakup in a relationship. surprised to find out
• Junior enlisted Soldiers commit suicide most how many people
frequently. care for them. Be that
According to Risk Management Program surprise and save a
life.
Illustration by Pfc.Francisca Vega, 1st ID PAO
 16

By Sgt. 1st Class Kelly McCargo, 75th Fires PAO “For her heroic actions General
(George) Washington himself issued
her a warrant as a noncommissioned
F ORT SILL, Okla.-“The theme for our Saint Bar-
bara’s Day Ball was ‘Respecting Our History;
Honoring Our Future.’ It is the quality of people, our
officer,” said McDowell. “A flagstaff
and a cannon stand at her gravesite
at Carlisle, Penn. A sculpture on the
solid traditions, and a deep history that distinguish the
battle monument commemorates her
field artillery from other branches,” said Lt. Col. John courageous deed.”
Sims, deputy commander, 75th Fires Brigade, 1st Infan- “The Saint Barbara’s Day Ball is
try Division. “These are the foundations upon not only about honoring our
which our success and glory are built.” lineage but commemorating
More than 630 Fort Sill 75th Fires Brigade Field Artillery Soldiers and
Soldiers and spouses participated in the recent their spouses,” said Col.
75th Fires Bde. Saint Barbara’s Day Ball at the Fort Dominic Pompelia, 75th Fires Bde. commander.
Sill Patriot’s Club. “On this night, I salute the Diamond Brigade family
The Diamond troops enjoyed an evening of and want to thank each of them for their service to
dinner and dancing, video presentations and skits our country during this time of war. I’m proud of the
that profiled the history of the field artillery from Diamond Brigade for all of our accomplishments
its earliest conception. world wide. Tough As Diamonds!”
More than 34 Diamond troops were inducted Maj. Gen. Peter Vangel, Fort Sill Garrison
into the Order of Saint Barbara for making “a
commanding general, encouraged all in
significant contribution to the artillery through an
attendance to be proud of their field artillery lineage
outstanding degree of professional competence and service
and understand how many oppressed people throughout
to the field artillery corps,” said Sims.
the world are encouraged by the prospect of liberation by
Fourteen spouses were also presented the Molly Pitcher
American forces.
Award for devoted and faithful service to the field artillery
He also took a few minutes to recognize the military
community.
spouses in attendance.
“An artillery wife, Mary Hays-McCauly—better known
as Molly Pitcher—shared the rigors of Valley Forge with “To the spouses here tonight, you have my most sincere
her husband, William Hays,” said admiration and respect for your service,” Vangel said. “All
Sgt. Denitra McDowell, 100th Brigade of us in this room have known for years how valuable you
Support Battalion, Fort Sill Soldier of are as military spouses. I hope you will continue to find
the Year. the Army experience an enriching one for you and your
March/75th Fires/www.1id.army.mil

McCauly was said to have braved Families.”

active battlefields to bring water to The Fort Sill Garrison commanding general finished with
Soldiers from battle position to battle warm wishes for inductees into a prestigious group.
position. Then fatefully, she witnessed “And congratulations to those of you being inducted into
her husband getting injured during the Order of Molly Pitcher tonight—a great honor and well-
a battle, so she quickly took up his deserved recognition,” he finished
artillery gun crew position to rally the As the evening progressed, Sims invited all of the 630
remaining crewmen during an entire attendees to raise their glasses and salute the field artillery
battle. corps with a toast to “the King of Battle.”
17
Caring for
military Families,
wounded troops:
Our nation’s priority
By American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Bush recently called on

Congress to reward the contributions servicemembers and
their Families make every day through better services and laws
that let them share unused education benefits and give military
spouses hiring preference for federal jobs.
Addressing both houses of Congress during his seventh annual
State of the Union address, the president also urged passage of
Dole-Shalala Commission recommendations to ensure wounded
warriors receive the services they deserve.
The president acknowledged the great sacrifices military
Families make as their loved ones serve, and announced new
proposals to show appreciation.
“Our military Families also sacrifice for America. They
endure sleepless nights and the daily struggle of providing for
children while a loved one is serving far from home,” Bush
said. “We have a responsibility to provide for them. So I ask
you to join me in expanding their access to child care, creating
new hiring preferences for military spouses across the federal
government, and allowing our troops to transfer their unused
education benefits to their spouses or children.”
Bush urged Congress to approve legislation that allows
servicemembers to transfer unused Montgomery G.I. Bill
benefits to their spouses and children. The G.I. Bill provides
up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for
college, technical or vocational courses and other job training.
March/Current News/www.1id.army.mil

Currently, the Army is the only service that allows its members
to transfer those benefits to their children.
The president said he wants all veterans to be able to transfer
benefits they have earned to their spouses and children.
Bush also asked Congress to pass a bill creating new hiring
preferences across the federal government for military spouses.
Under current law, only veterans themselves are entitled
to preferences over others in competitive hiring for federal
government jobs.
“Our military Families serve our nation, they inspire our
nation, and tonight our nation honors them,” he said.
The United States owes that same honor to its veterans, Bush
said, particularly those wounded in the war on terror.
18
He urged Congress to enact reforms recommended by the
President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning
Wounded Warriors to ensure they are able to “build lives of hope,
promise and dignity.”
The Warrior Transition Battalion on Fort Riley was activated
Jan. 23.
“We let our Soldiers down,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Durbin,
commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort
Riley. “These Warrior Transition units are our Army’s way of
making things right and ensuring this will never happen again. I
guarantee you it will never happen at Fort Riley.”
The battalion’s mission is to establish and promote conditions
for healing and assist Soldiers with the transition either to civilian
life or back to a military unit.
About 35 Warrior Transition Units currently exist and the
mission of healing Soldiers, physically, psychologically and
emotionally is a mission that is high on the Army’s priority list.
The president created the commission in March to conduct
a comprehensive review of the services returning wounded
warriors receive. The commission, co-chaired by former Sen.
Bob Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary
Donna Shalala – both of whom attended January’s address –
released its findings in July.
Some of the commission’s recommendations have been put
into effect already, but others require legislative action. Measures
already taken or in the works include:
1. Hiring of the first federal recovery coordinators to
help guide wounded servicemembers through their
recuperation;
2. Establishment of a pilot program establishing a single
comprehensive disability exam to replace separate exams
in the Defense Department and Department of Veterans
Affairs;
3. Creation of a new National Center of Excellence for Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury in
the Washington, D.C., area;
4. Efforts to create a single Web portal so wounded
servicemembers and veterans can track their medical and
recovery records, get information and apply for benefits
and services;
5. Proposed regulations to update the disability schedule for
traumatic brain injury and burns; and
6. Use of special authorities to retain the best health
professionals working at Walter Reed Army Medical
February/Current News/www.1id.army.mil

Center until it closes.

The president said he remains committed to the well-being
of America’s men and women in uniform and is keeping his
commitment to provide for veterans.
“America is a force for hope in the world because we are a
compassionate people, and some of the most compassionate
Americans are those who have stepped forward to protect us,” he
said. “We must keep faith with all who have risked life and limb
so that we might live in freedom and peace.”

Editor’s note: Contribution to this article is from Anna

Staatz, Fort Riley PAO.
Find out what your division is doing.
Visit www.1id.army.mil