Multi-National Division Baghdad First Team...Team First Friday, June 12, 2009 Vanguard transfers JSS Hurriyah II to IA By Sgt. Dustin Roberts 2nd HBCT PAO BAGHDAD U.S. forces under Multi-National Division Baghdad handed over another joint security station to Iraqi Security Forces in a ceremony as the out of the cities date of June 30 draws near. The 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment Vanguard, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, handed over Joint Security Station Hurriyah II to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, June 9, in the Kadamiyah district of northwest Baghdad. This is yet another step the sovereign state of Iraq has taken to provide for the security of the people of Baghdad and the progress that has been achieved together with the Iraqi Security Forces, said Col. Joseph Martin, a native of Dearborn, Mich., commander, 2nd HBCT. Iraq is now enjoying irreversible momentum toward a peaceful and prosperous future. Since October, elements of the Vanguard Battalion lived and worked with the Iraqi Soldiers in a joint effort to help secure the population of Kadamiyah s Hurriyah neighborhood. As the security in Iraq improved, the two governments decided it was time for the ISF to take more responsibility. The Security Agreement set up clear guidelines for the Coalition forces in Iraq and in concert with Iraqi Security Force partners, we will ensure that the future remains stable, said Martin. The security situation in Hurriyah is the best Photo by Sgt. Dustin Roberts, 2nd HBCT PAO Col. Joseph Martin, a native of Dearborn, Mich., commander, 2nd HBCT, 1st Inf. Div., MND-B, hands a ceremonial key to Samir Haddad, a representative of the Office of the Prime Minister of Iraq, at the transfer ceremony of JSS Hurriyah II. Photo by Sgt. Dustin Roberts, 2nd HBCT PAO Iraqi Soldiers serving with the 1st Bn., 22nd Bde., 6th IA Div. stand in formation among U.S. Soldiers serving with the 1st CAB ombined Arms Bn., 18th Inf. Regt., 2nd HBCT, 1st Inf. Div., MND-B at JSS Hurriyah II, June 9. that it has been in three years. That is due to the competence, confidence and professionalism of the Iraqi Army and all of the ISF who patrol the neighborhoods. Martin added that along with security gains, there are substantial infrastructure improvements and a better standard of living then several years ago. The transfer of JSS Hurriyah I, a week ago by the Vanguard Soldiers, also demonstrated the U.S. commitment to returning Baghdad to it s citizens. Right now Hurriyah is living in peace and security, said Maj. Hussein Adhab Salman al-qiussey, commander, 1st Bn., 22nd Bde., 6th I.A. Div. We do have stability even though over the years we have seen some violence. Hussein said that they do not want to lose any momentum and his Soldiers will step up to the task ahead of them. This represents a huge responsibility and we wanted to step up to it. I ask all of the local leaders in Hurriyah to assist with the progress of receiving Hurriyah II. This will be a good opportunity for the ISF and the Iraqi Army; The IA will be patrolling the streets. With Martin and a representative of the Iraqi Prime Minister s Office signing the official paperwork, the transfer became legitimate. This is a historic time for Hurriyah, said Martin. I salute the diligence of local leaders who support continued transition toward a future of safety, security and confidence provided by the ISF to the people of Hurriyah.
PAGE 2 June 12, 2009 Congressmen visit with Stryker Soldiers By Sgt. Doug Roles 56th SBCT PAO CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq Col. Marc Ferraro, commander of 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, updated four U.S. representatives from Pennsylvania on the work of Independence brigade Soldiers during the congressional delegation s visit here, June 7. U.S. Reps. Tim Holden (D-17th District), Bill Shuster (R-9th District), Charlie Dent (R-15th District) and Kathy Dahlkemper (D-3rd District) visit comes at the midpoint of the brigade s deployment in Iraq. We conduct full-spectrum operations, Ferraro told the delegation. Everything we do is through a partnership with the Iraqi Army. Ferraro reported the brigade has conducted over 3,000 patrols, with Soldiers finding 79 weapon caches. Additionally, 827 arrest warrants have been issued through cooperation with Iraqi Security Forces. Ferraro said that number is the highest within Multi-National Division Baghdad. The 56th s 1st Battalion, 108th Field Artillery has fired more rounds than any other division unit, Ferraro told the delegation. He reported that the brigade s engineers have conducted over 220 route clearance missions, covering 15,000 kilometers. He said the brigade has seen the completion of $4.3 million of projects to open schools and medical clinics and to provide micro grants to local business owners. He said $11 million of future projects has been approved. Ferraro explained to the delegation that missions for brigade units range from combat operations to civil affairs missions. The mission of the Photo by Sgt. Doug Roles, 56th SBCT PAO U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, (D-17th District), talks with Soldiers of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team during dinner at the Command Sgt. Major Cooke Dining Hall, here, June 7. brigade is to improve civil capacity and to improve security through teamwork with Iraqi leaders. He pointed out that the brigade partners with a 22-person embedded provincial reconstruction team, which plays a lead role in working with Iraqi civilian leaders. Ferraro said the brigade has begun a Law Enforcement Assistance Program in which battalion leaders identified Soldiers in their ranks who have law enforcement skills. Many of those Soldiers have been tasked with imparting their know-how to Iraqi Security Forces. We re using the civilian skill set of our Soldiers to assist the Iraqi police, Ferraro said. Ferraro explained that the June 30 effective date of the Security Agreement will not change the brigade s footprint, since the unit operates in a mostly rural area north of Baghdad. The Security Agreement calls for U.S. forces to withdraw from cities. Independence Soldiers serve at Camp Taji and from nine joint security stations in the surrounding area. Before we leave though, we will be closing four [Joint Security Stations], Ferraro said. Ferraro explained that his Stryker Soldiers are staying mission focused even as the level of violence in Iraq subsides. We have an offensive mindset, he said. We re not here to play defense. We play offense. Holden offered sympathies on behalf of the delegation for two 56th SBCT Soldiers killed in action since the brigade began operating in Iraq in late January. We also want to tell you how proud of you we are, Holden said. We are very proud of you. Dent echoed Holden s statement, saying: We re extraordinarily proud of your service and your sacrifice. Holden told the group of Soldiers that the Pennsylvania National Guard is the most-deployed Guard force because it s the best. The representatives said they have been told by corps level leaders about the good work the brigade has done. Members of the delegation also recognized the sacrifice made by those on the home front. As tough as it is on you being here, I know how tough it is on the families at home too, Shuster said. That s something we re all concerned about, your families, Dahlkemper said. Ferraro said mobilization of Pennsylvania s Stryker brigade the only Stryker force in the Guard or Army Reserves pulled Soldiers from Pennsylvania Army National Guard units outside of the 56th. Nearly 4,400 Soldiers serve with the brigade. We have touched every corner of Pennsylvania and probably taken Soldiers from every county in the commonwealth, Ferraro said. The 56th SBCT mobilized in September and trained at Camp Shelby, Miss. and Fort Polk, La. A delegation, including Holden, Dent and Shuster, met with Soldiers at those installations last fall. The brigade will be in Iraq through late summer.
PAGE 3 June 12, 2009 Paratroopers, IA assist in Nahia Wehda region 1st Lt. Andrew Osborn, of Savannah, Ga., a plt. leader assigned to Co. B, 1st Bn., 505th PIR, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., along with IA Soldiers speaks with residents of the Nahia Wehda region. The combined forces partner to address concerns and assess security in the region. Sgt. Daniel Winstead, of Meridian, Miss., a team leader assigned to Co. B, 1st Bn., 505th PIR, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., checks his sector during a combined foot patrol. Paratroopers partner with Iraqi Army Soldiers in order to assess security in the region. 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 # 87 was produced by SGT Erik Fardette, MND-B Public Affairs Office. The June 11 newscast includes the following stories: 1. A new gymnasium opens in Adhamiyah. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representative speaks in interview. Local National engineers and CF engineers were integral part of the process. Gymnasium has big, positive effect on community. Facility gives hope to Iraq so that it achieves a solid future. Essential services and places to come together as a community are extremely important. Another gymnasium is under construction as well in Adhamiyah. 2. A medical expo provides healthcare for needy Iraqis. Medics from the 56th Styker Bde. came to the event to Photos by Spc. Joshua Lowery, 3rd BCT PAO Iraqi Army Soldiers and Paratroopers assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion., 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, MND-B, provide security during a combined foot patrol, June 6, in the Nahia Wehda region, located on the outskirts of eastern Baghdad. The combined forces conduct patrols to hand out much needed water purification systems to area residents and assess security in the region. support Iraqi medical personnel. Event was to provide doses of medication and help Iraqi people seek free treatment. Medical needs aren t always available and 147 people came out to the Expo to make it a successful event. 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: www.cavcountry.net
PAGE 4 June 12, 2009 On This Day In Military History 1987 - In one of his most famous Cold War speeches, President Ronald Reagan challenges Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall. Two years later, deliriously happy East and West Germans did break down the infamous barrier between East and West Berlin. Reagan s challenge came during a visit to West Berlin. With the Berlin Wall as a backdrop, Reagan declared, There is one sign the Soviets REAGAN can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. He then called upon his Soviet counterpart: Secretary General Gorbachev, if you seek peace- -if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe--if you seek liberalization: come here, to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall. Addressing the West Berlin crowd, Reagan observed, Standing before the Brandenburg Gate, every man is a German, separated from his fellow men. Every man is a Berliner, forced to look upon a scar. It was also a reminder that despite the Soviet leader s public statements about a new relationship with the West, the United States wanted to see action taken to improve the Cold War tensions. Reagan, who had formed a personal closeness to Gorbachev during their previous meetings, obviously wanted to move those negotiations forward. In December 1987, the two met once again and signed the Intermediate- Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which eliminated an entire class of nuclear missiles from Europe. Famous Feats of Chuck Norris Did you know? While urinating, Chuck Norris is easily capable of welding titanium. Letterman s top 10 Ways GM can improve its image 10) Make cars so they re easier to push when they break down 9) Replace windshield wiper fluid with delicious gatorade 8) Change its name to Toyota 7) Create new V8 engine that actually runs on V8 6) Instead of Oldsmobiles, build Batmobiles! 5) Start making cars that exhaust only the rich and bold flavors of McCafe 4) Graciously accept demotion to Colonel Motors 3) Run over Bernie Madoff with a Hummer 2) Get a 10pm time slot 1) Land a Cadillac in the Hudson Here s an invitation to play Wordplay! Find words inside of words. Today s word is:communication Proper nouns do not count, nor does the word shown. Words should be at least letters long. Try to find 3 words. Good Luck! Iraq 3-Day Weather Report Last issue s wordplay: Development deplete, element, devotee, enveloped, develop, envelope Today 116 F 87 F Tomorrow 113 F 84 F Sunday 109 F 84 F
PAGE 5 June 12, 2009 Pvt. Murphy by Mark Baker Quote For Today He who knows best knows how little he knows. Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826 3rd 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, email the Editor at jon. soles@mnd-b.army.mil