Spartans build community relations in Abu Ghraib district

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1 Multi-National Division Baghdad First Team...Team First Saturday, May 23, 2009 Spartans build community relations in Abu Ghraib district Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Ford Sgt. George Talkington, a native of Las Cruces, N.M., takes a box of muffins to a chicken farmer who asked for assistance in the Abu Ghraib district. By Staff Sgt. Peter Ford MND-B PAO BAGHDAD As conditions improve day by day in Iraq, Soldiers of the 591st Military Police Company Spartans, 93rd MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, are building better relations within small communities by donating shoes, clothes and school supplies to children in the Abu Ghraib district while on patrol, here, May 20. Back in 2003, when I was first here, kids were not allowed to wave or even be around us. Now they are much more receptive, said Sgt. George Talkington, a native of Las Cruces, N.M., a Cpl. David Medlin, a native of Buchanan, Mich., a military policeman assigned to the 591st Military Police Company., 93rd MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, arm wrestles with a little boy after giving some of the neighborhood children shoes, May 20. military policeman assigned to the 591st MP Co. I think they are more receptive because of the things we do here in the community. According to Talkington, the Spartans play soccer with children at local schools and pass out candy, pens and pencils when on dismounted patrols. The Spartans show they genuinely care for the community by helping them as much as they can Just last week, a family of chicken farmers came to us saying all their chickens died and they had no money and couldn t pay their bills, Talkington said. So we gave them our rations so they would at least have something to eat; it wasn t much but it was all we could do at the time. Sometimes little things can mean a whole lot, Talkington added. Little acts of kindness can develop a lasting rapport with the community. Building strong relationships is exactly what we are trying to teach the Iraqi Police, said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Romero, a native of San Antonio, with the 591st MP Co. Strong relationships can be instrumental in preventing criminal activities and terrorist attacks in the community. When community relations are built, people are more trusting and when trust is established, people are more willing to speak about different things in the community, added Talkington. The Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Ford, MND-B PAO Spartans try to set examples of building friendships for the IP to follow by the community services that they provide. They try to show the IP how responsive the people in the community can be when connections built on trust are made by sharing with the people, said Talkington. We sometimes give cookies, candy and sodas to the IPs to disseminate to the community so they can see the effects kindness can have on the community, said Talkington, as he shook hands with a local child. Little acts of kindness by the Spartans and IPs have developed a bond with the people of Abu Ghraib and in turn have created a more peaceful community.

2 PAGE 2 May 23, 2009 Garryowen s men of steel (welders) help build success 2nd Lt. Josh Risher 1BCT, 1CD BAGHDAD Metalworkers have long been associated with Cavalry troops. In the days of mounted horse cavalry, farriers were always on hand at encampments to keep the horses shod. Blacksmiths were also necessary for making the shoes and repairing other iron and steel implements. While you won t hear too many anvils ringing from hammer strikes or smell sulfur from blistering forges these days, the important trade has been carried on by modern welders. Sgt. Nathan Henderson and Spc. Antonio Quebatay, welders for the 1st Garryowen Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, have filled the role of modern-day blacksmiths and farriers, playing an integral role in the maintenance process of equipment. They spend their days cutting and welding in an effort to fix equipment quickly and properly. If a vehicle is dead lined due to damage, such as a blown radiator or a warped door hinge, the welders use up-to-date techniques to make the repair. The methods used for making repairs are significantly different than those used in days past. Forging and shaping metals can now be accomplished with machinery. Electrically powered bench grinders are now used to wear away metal and polish rough edges. Rather than joining two separate pieces with heat and pressure from fire and hammer blows, an electrical arc welder can place metal to fill gaps without making direct contact. A variety of gases for torches, and varying alloys of steel and aluminum are used for different projects. Welding is a skill that demands both art and science. Henderson and Quebatay aren t bound to just repairing vehicles. They use their creativity for other functional projects as well. Sgt.1st Class Scott Wilkes, the noncommissioned officer in charge for the squadron s communication section, approached them with a new project aimed at relocating much needed communications equipment. The signal technology that powers the radios and computer networks was located outside instead of in the building. Most of the squadron s communications equipment operated from two track vehicles parked near the tactical operations center (TOC). The equipment s location made it difficult to maintain, and vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Wilkes had the idea to put build a cart that could house the same systems typically operated from the track vehicles. After some discussion between Henderson, Quebatay, the Squadron Signal Officer and noncommissioned officers from the communications shop, a design emerged for their TOC-in-a box. Henderson and Quebatay took time to make minor adjustments during the weeklong process of building the cart. The squadron s radios, amplifiers, and network systems are now stored on the cart, which is located inside of the TOC. The communications equipment is easier to maintain, and protected from the elements. The duo has proven they can make just about anything if the need arises. This tour, they have built equipment used for a variety of purposes. They built a new guidon stand for the squadron, several racks for holding body armor, helmets, and shelves used to store equipment in the maintenance yard. They even used steel drums to create a few barbecue grills. Currently they are building a rolling medical supply cart for the squadron aid station, and an extension for a communications tower designed to boost signal strength. You might say welding is in Henderson s blood. Both his father and a brother are welders. While growing up in Globe, Ariz. his father and an older friend introduced him to welding. He continued with the trade, taking high school and college classes, and earning a number of professional certifications. Henderson even worked as a welder for several businesses, including Phelps-Dodge Mining, before joining the Army. He has been welding for eighteen years now, seven of them as a Soldier. His experiences have taught him that you can learn from anyone. Experienced co-workers have taught him individual techniques and special tricks of the trade. However, his dad has been the greatest teacher. Henderson s assistant, Quebatay, never welded before leaving his hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii to join the Army. He learned through 15 weeks of classes and eighthour days in the workshop during his Advanced Individual Training at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. His experience since has earned him the respect and confidence of his supervisor and other leaders in the squadron. He comes up with some good designs, explained Henderson. The Squadron s battle rhythm has kept both men busy. It is fun, says Henderson. I really enjoy the work. It s always good if you can have fun on the clock. Photo by 2nd Lt. Josh Risher, 1st Brigade Combat Team PAO Sgt. Nathan Henderson, a welder, cuts warped steel away from a flat rack cargo frame in an effort to replace weak metal at Joint Security Station Istiqlaal, May 14. The flat racks were recently damaged during the transport of nine-ton concrete barriers.

3 PAGE 3 May 23, 2009 Running for fun and causes on VBC Photo by 1st Lt. Dwain Settles, 2nd HBCT PAO Soldiers prepare to start off the Year of the NCO run at Z-Lake on Victory Base Complex May 9. Soldiers from the 299th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division Baghdad hosted the event, which highlighted the accomplishments of NCO s in the U.S. Army s history. By Capt. Kevin Bentz 299th BSB, 2nd HBCT PAO BAGHDAD Cities across the United States host runs and walks to celebrate different cultures and to support multiple causes. This is no different for Multi-National Division Baghdad s 299th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav Round-Up radio newscast available MND-B PAO BAGHDAD The Cav Round-Up is a three-minute radio newscast from Baghdad covering military units and events across Multi-National Division Baghdad. Today s Cav Round-Up # 73 was produced by SGT Lisa Heise, MND-B Public Affairs Office. The May 22 newscast includes the following two stories: 1. A game of soccer brings U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi Police together as team Infantry Division, which has hosted several runs on Victory Base Complex on the outskirts of Baghdad. These runs are open to all branches of the military and to Department of Defense contractors within MND-B. The first run the battalion sponsored was in February in celebration of Black History Month - a five-kilometer run around Camp Liberty s Z Lake. The run began in the early morning with more than a hundred participants lined up to receive a free t-shirt as a thank you for supporting the event. It took months of planning, but I thought it would be good for us to work together, said Staff Sgt. Ericka Benjamin, from Ft. Riley, Kan., an equal opportunity leader for the 299th BSB and event planner for the run. It was a huge turnout [and] more than we expected. The motivation for the participants varied from some runners arriving with the hopes of winning first prize, while others just came out to show their support and have a fun morning run. I came out to support my battalion, but also to win, said 1st Lt. Andrea Bontrager, also a native of Fort Riley, Kan., 299th BSB. Bontrager, the 1st place winner for females, finished the run in 23 minutes. As the runners crossed the finish line they gathered back around the final stretch to cheer on the other runners in a show of camaraderie. Overall it was a huge success, said Command Sgt. mates, much like the team mates they ve become working side by side in pursuit of peace. Our role here is like the game of soccer. People of different backgrounds coming together for a common goal, winning. Soccer matches represent the country s changes. Iraqis have different backgrounds and the U.S. mentoring is helping them to build an environment of coming together. PFC Mitch Taylor, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Maj. Julia Kelly, senior enlisted advisor, 299th BSB. I am proud of everyone who helped or participated. After the conclusion of their first sponsored fun run, the 299th BSB leadership and Soldiers set out to start planning their next event. They quickly set their eyes on sponsoring the Year of The Noncommissioned Officer Run. This run, like the ones before, was part of the yearlong celebration of the NCO, the role that they have in today s Army and to celebrate the role they have played in the Army s history. The run also saw hundreds of participants show up the morning of May 9 to make the five kilometer run around Z- Lake. A week after the Year of the NCO run on May 16th, the 299th BSB hosted another run as part of MND-B s Asian Pacific Heritage Month Celebration. The month s celebration continued after the end of the run with a luau and a pig roast planned for MND-B Soldiers. The 299th BSB is looking ahead to their next run and there are many fun runs in planning for Soldiers still to come. Division, Baghdad. 2. An individual suspected of promoting sectarian violence is arrested with a warrant in the Kadhamiyah district of Baghdad. He was promoting sectarian violence. To hear the Cav Round-Up, click on the following links: NIPR LINK: Cav Round-Up SIPR LINK: Cav Round-Up Check out more news at the 1st Cavalry Division s homepage:

4 PAGE 4 May 23, 2009 On This Day In Military History 1900 Sergeant William Harvey Carney is awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery on July 18, 1863, while fighting for the Union cause as a member of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry. He was the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor, which is the nation s highest military honor. The 54th Massachusetts, formed in early CARNEY 1863, served as the prototype for African American regiments in the Union army. On July 16, 1863, the regiment saw its first action at James Island, South Carolina, performing admirably in a confrontation with experienced Confederate troops. Three days later, the 54th volunteered to lead the assault on Fort Wagner, a highly fortified outpost on Morris Island that was part of the Confederate defense of Charleston Harbor. Struggling against a lethal barrage of cannon and rifle fire, the regiment fought their way to the top of the fort s parapet over several hours. Sergeant William Harvey Carney was wounded there while planting the U.S. flag. The regiment s white commander, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, was killed, and his soldiers were overwhelmed by the fort s defenders and had to fall back. Despite his wound, Carney refused to retreat until he removed the flag, and though successful, he was shot again in the process. The 54th lost 281 of its 600 men in its brave attempt to take Fort Wagner, which throughout the war never fell by force of arms. The 54th went on to perform honorably in expeditions in Georgia and Florida, most notably at the Battle of Olustee. Carney eventually recovered and was discharged with disability on June 30, Famous Feats of Chuck Norris Did you know? When Chuck Norris was denied an Egg McMuffin because it was 10:35, he roundhouse kicked the store so hard it became a Wendy s. Letterman s top 10 Surprises in the new Star Trek movie 10) It s now the Starbucks Enterprise 9) Spock discovers other pointy body parts 8) Local Starship dealership declared bankruptcy 7) Donald Trump makes a cameo with a Tribble on his head 6) Spock s ears can pick up old Howard Stern radio shows 5) Chief security officer? Paul Blart, star cop 4) Enterprise s flight plans now arranged through Priceline 3) Entire Starfleet wiped out by Madoff 2) Role of Scotty played by Susan Boyle 1) William Shatner makes a cameo appearance as Jupiter Here s an invitation to play Wordplay! Find words inside of words. Today s word is: GUARDIAN Proper nouns do not count, nor does the word shown. Words should be at least 6 letters long. Try to find 3 words. Good Luck! Last issue s wordplay: Character charter, rather, crater Iraq 3-Day Weather Report Today 109 F 82 F Tomorrow 105 F 80 F Monday 100 F 78 F

5 PAGE 5 May 23, 2009 Pvt. Murphy by Mark Baker Quote For Today History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. Dwight Eisenhower, th President of the United States PEGASUS OASIS DFAC HOURS BREAKFAST 0530 TO 0830 LUNCH 1130 TO 1330 DINNER 1700 TO 2000 MIDNIGHT CHOW 2300 TO 0100 SUNDAY ONLY BRUNCH 0730 to 1330 DINNER 1700 to 2000 MIDNIGHT CHOW 2300 to 0100 Trigger s Teasers The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. There are three very simple constraints to follow: Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9. Every Sudoku game begins with a number of squares already filled in, and the difficulty of each game is largely a function of how many squares are filled in. The more squares that are known, the easier it is to figure out which numbers go in the open squares. As you fill in squares correctly, options for the remaining squares are narrowed and it becomes easier to fill them in. Yesterday s Answers Multi-National Division - Baghdad Public Affairs Office Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Philip Smith Public Affairs Chief: Master Sgt. Nicholas Conner Editor: Spc. Howard Alperin Staff Writers: Sgt. 1st Class Ron Burke Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp Staff Sgt. Peter Ford Sgt. Joshua Risner Sgt. Jon Soles Spc. Laura Johnson Spc. Phillip Adam Turner The Daily Charge is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of The Daily Charge are not official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of the Army, or the 1st Cavalry Division. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army, the 1st Cavalry, or The Daily Charge of the products and services advertised. All editorial content of The Daily Charge is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Multi-National Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office. Do you have a story to share? The Daily Charge welcomes columns, commentaries, articles, letters and photos from readers. Submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs NCOIC nicholas.conner@mnd-b.army.mil and include author s name, rank, unit and contact information. The Daily Charge reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions, comments or a request to be on our distribution list, the Editor at jon. soles@mnd-b.army.mil