Becoming AWARE of the real Islam DV Desert August 2, 2006 Desert Voice Magazine Serving U.S. and Coalition Forces in Kuwait ASG Kuwait welcomes new CO Warfighters hone skills in virtual arena EST 2000 and the new reality in Soldiers marksmanship training Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division engage targets on the EST 2000 indoor markmanship facility at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
From the Top Stay Alert, Stay Alive Individual force protection, vigilance remains key to accomplishing mission A s we carry out our daily missions in support of OEF and OIF, we must remember the terrorist threat against us throughout the AOR remains high. The enemy uses violent and hostile acts to promote shock propaganda. Terrorists target facilities, convoys, operations, activities and even individuals with no respect for civilian casualties. Their tactics are rarely predictable and include bombings, shootings and kidnappings. With this in mind, it is imperative that every one of us throughout our Area of Operations remains diligent in vigilence with their individual protective measures and not become complacent just because nothing has happened lately. Diligence is paramount; no one should slack off in applying the proper protective measures. Defensive awareness and personal security regarding terrorism are the responsibilities of everyone assigned to our command. Constant awareness helps protect everyone. To achieve this end, I d like to remind everyone of a few basic concepts to keep in mind: OFF CAMP: Our current off post travel status remains FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS ONLY. For those of you traveling off bases, keep a low profile. Your dress, conduct and mannerisms should not attract attention. Make an effort to blend into the local environment. Stay Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb Third Army Commanding General away from congested areas and of course, civil disturbances and demonstrations. If your official business takes you off base frequently, be unpredictable and vary your routines. Review current force protection measures before heading out. If you think you are being followed, immediately report the incident to the camp security via your cell phone. ON CAMP: Always have a battle buddy. Be alert for anything suspicious or out of place. Be alert to strangers who are around for no apparent reason. Report all suspicious persons loitering near your office or in unauthorized areas; attempt to provide a complete description of the person and/or vehicle to police or security personnel. Most importantly, REMEMBER OPERATIONAL SECURITY/ OPSEC: Our success depends on protecting information, whether classified or not, so we can accomplish the mission more quickly and with less risk. Enemies of freedom want this information, and they are willing to do anything to get it, so let s not hand it to them on a thumb drive, disc, loose conversation or lost paper. If you see something out of the ordinary or are asked unusual questions REPORT IT! Lastly, I will remind you that Third Army continues to be a great success story. Every day, more than 11,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Department of Army Civilians and contractors (Soldiers in Slacks) are performing superbly to ensure that our forward forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are not constrained by resources. Let s continue this success by maintaining vigilance and staying strong, informed and determined in accomplishing the mission. Keep diligence in vigilance to ensure your and your buddy s safety and security. By practicing these techniques and proven security habits that I have outlined, the possibility of anyone becoming a target will be reduced. Patton s Own DV Desert Voice Magazine Volume 28, Issue 5 The Desert Voice is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Desert Voice are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Third Army Public Affairs Offi ce. This newspaper is published by Al-Qabandi United, a private fi rm, which is not affi liated with Third U.S. Army. All copy will be edited. The Desert Voice is produced weekly by the 40th Public Affairs Detachment. Find us online at www.arcent.army.mil Third Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb Third Army Command Sgt. Maj. Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe Third Army Public Affairs Offi cer Col. John B. Snyder Third Army Public Affairs Offi cer (Fwd) Lt. Col. Jay Shiffl er Questions? Comments? Email the editor at desertvoice@arifjan.arcent. army.mil 40th Public Affairs Detachment Commander Maj. April N. Olsen NCOIC Sgt. 1st Class Sharon G. McBride Desert Voice Editor Sgt. Thomas L. Day Desert Voice Assistant Editor Sgt. Patrick N. Moes Desert Voice Staff Writers Spc. Chris Jones Spc. Debrah A. Robertson 2 Desert Voice August 2, 2006
Southwest Asia Third Army Responds Third Army/Combined Forces Land Component Command provided more than 10 tons of food and other relief supplies last week for delivery in Southwest Asia. The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing fl ew the cargo in two missions to support American citizens leaving Lebanon. Among the fi ve pallets of supplies, that came from stocks in Kuwait, were MREs as well as blankets, bottled water, sundry items and other logistical supplies. (Right) Airman Caroline Stoddard, left, a loadmaster with the 737th Expedtionary Airlift Squadron, Air Force Staff Sgt. Duane Harris, a fl ying crew chief with the 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Tech. Sgt. Alex Garrett, left, a loadmaster with the 737th EAS, monitor the supplies as they are loaded onto a C-130 Hercules at Bahrain International Airport. Photos by Sgt. Brian Hansen, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Alexander takes over ASG-Kuwait Spc. Debrah Robertson Desert Voice Staff Writer Third Army Area Support Group- Kuwait received its new commander during a change of command ceremony July 25, as Col. John S. Alexander Jr. accepted the guidon from Col. Brick T. Miller. Alexander took command after serving as Director of the U.S. Army s Special Operations Agency and the Chief of the G3 Special Operations Division on Army Staff. The ceremony was held in the Zone 1 Fitness Center s gymnasium and was hosted by Maj. Steven Carozza, ASG- Kuwait s Support Operations Officer. After opening the ceremony with a detailed account of servicemembers mission here in Kuwait, Carozza introduced Miller and Alexander to the crowd of Kuwaiti and U.S. servicemembers and officials. During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, the Third Army Commanding General, thanked the servicemembers and civilians for their long work hours. ASG-Kuwait is making history by being a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom said Whitcomb. Colonel Alexander will take this organization to the next level. Miller gave his thanks to all the Soldiers who have served with him and told his Soldiers -- many of whom were standing in formation in front of him -- that he was proud of them. Having given both my sons to the Army family, said Miller, I hope they are blessed with (noncommissioned officers) like you. You are only bound by your imagination. Alexander, now officially the new commander of Third Army ASG- Kuwait, followed Miller s speech with many thanks to members of the command and his family. Camp Arifjan Photo by Spc. Debrah Robertson August 2, 2006 Desert Voice 3
Remembering the Fallen... 1-121st Field Artillery Battalion memorializes fallen Soldier Capt. Mike Wallace 377th TSC Public Affairs Officer Camp Navistar An empty pair of boots, a helmet, a rifle with a set of dog tags dangling from the barrel, and a photograph represented U.S. Army Specialist Stephen W. Castner, who died Monday, July 24, 2006, from an improvised explosive device while on a convoy mission in southern Iraq. More than 700 servicemembers braved the blistering sun to give honor to this fallen comrade during a memorial service Friday. Stephen was killed by an IED, but the IED isn t the enemy the enemy places the IEDs, said Capt. Matthew Beilfuss, Castner s company commander. Stephen understood that our enemy is not the shoeless children begging alongside the road. Our enemy wants us to back down and seeks to prevent us from improving the social conditions in this troubled region. He understood that we fight for justice and opportunity they fight for criminality and oppression. Following the ceremony, the commanding general for the unit s higher headquarters said he was grateful for Castner s service and echoed the unit s eagerness to continue with the mission. He understood that freedom has a price we fight to preserve our way of life, our families and our friends, said Maj. Gen. Thomas D. Robinson, the commanding general of the 377thTheater Sustainment Command. He will never be forgotten, and I m sure that he would want us all to remember him and that he wanted us all to press on with our important mission, Robinson said. During the memorial service, two of Castner s fellow Soldiers, spoke in eulogy of their friend. Stephen rebuffed those people encouraging him to get out of this deployment, said Spc. Gregory Weller, who was Castner s communications chief for two years before deployment. Every time someone tried to talk him out going on this deployment, he would explain to them by saying, you don t understand, I want to be deployed. Running missions deployed somewhere is exactly what Stephen wanted, said Weller. He refused many opportunities to avoid coming here. This is exactly where Photos by Capt. Mike Wallace (Top) Sgt. Ronald Batula plays Taps during the memorial ceremony. (Below) One Soldiers salutes Castner s boots, dog tags and his memory. he wanted to be, and what he wanted to be doing, with who he wanted to be doing it with. Chaplain (1st Lt.) Mark Brooks concurred. At the ultimate cost, he offered the ultimate gift a chance at freedom for a people who know little of it. We thank him, we admire him, we honor him and we will not forget. There ceremony concluded with the playing of Amazing Grace to bagpipe music. The memorial display was covered with general, colonel, and sergeants major coins, and every one of the hundreds of Soldiers paused gave a salute of honor and then continued on to the chapel to share in a memorial movie and memories of their friend at the unit s chapel. Speaking of his uniqueness to the unit was his friend Sgt. Michael Hermann. Although he may have had several contrasting personality traits, the qualities that stood without antonym were his intelligence and his willingness to help others. He was a great friend and brother to us all. 4 Desert Voice August 2, 2006
Establishing order: 377th prepares for logistical avalanche Capt. Mike Wallace 377th TSC Public Affairs Officer Leaders know what a rock drill is for and they know how to conduct one, but, how easy would it be to have the players of future operations be composed of not just one entity but four? The 377th Theater Sustainment Command oversaw this recent monumental task during the combined arms rehearsal of the unloading of ships that come into the Third Army area of operations. The subordinate unit, the 143 rd Transportation Command, is the unit that works its magic with the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force forces to ensure a successful unloading of supplies and materials that will be used in the ongoing fight against terrorism. According to FM 54-40, the field manual for an area support group, the unloading of the cargo vessel is important because it brings needed supplies to the theater of operations in this area of the world. Because of the size of the task, planning goes on for weeks to integrate unit s abilities to ensure a safe and successful unloading of the cargo ship. U.S. Army Capt. Derrick Charles is the battle captain for the operation. He is with the 189 th Terminal Transportation Brigade and the 595th Terminal Transportation Group, and has to oversee all operations during the unloading, staging and movement of all the materials during the process. He s confident that the planners have thought of any contingency, as he s done this type of operation before. A lot of detail goes into this inclement weather, or human interventions. U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Faith Posey is the logistics readiness officer is with the 424th Medium Truck Detachment under the 180th Transportation Battalion. She is the flight commander of convoy operations when the material is unloaded from the ship to the wheeled vehicles that will carry the equipment to the final destination. We met and planned for a month, now, Posey said of her first time in the planning process for this type of mission. This planning really put my logistician skills to the test and I loved every minute of it. Photo by Capt. Mike Wallace 1st Lt. Faith Posey and Cmdr. Murray Fink look over a model that was used during a Rock Drill combining the efforts of the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Murray Fink is with the Naval Coastal Warfare, Squadron 26, where he is the operations officer. His function is to make sure that security of the ship and docks while off-loading is at the highest level possible. We re the water-side of security, while the Army is the land-side of security, said Fink. This is the third time for me at this type of operation, and the planning is getting a little smoother each time, but there is a lot of detail in planning something like this each time. With each operation, though, there are new people involved, so a re-learning process happens, where the old hands mentor the newbies. All of this activity is worked hand-in-hand with the local government, and is also supervised by a host nation security officer, who is responsible for the landward security and facilities maintenance at the naval base, and assists in coordinating activities between the U.S. Forces and the host nation governmental and military agencies. This is a great way to work together, said Charles. We get a lot done, and we always learn from each other be they team members of our host nation, or some other branch of our services. Camp Arifjan August 2, 2006 Desert Voice 5
Camp Buehring Photos by Spc. Chris Jones More than just a video Spc. Chris Jones Desert Voice Staff Writer R ecently at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, the 82nd Airborne Division trained on the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 marksmanship system, getting some final essential, training before heading to Iraq. The skills they learn here, hopefully will help keep them 6 Desert Voice August 2, 2006 EST 2000 alive, said EST 2000 trainer Nick Caisse. We send them to war, so it s our job to bring them back. The Soldiers spent a day on the EST 2000, a computer-based marksmanship simulator which is constantly being modernized. The original model, essentially had takes reality to cartoons of bad guys running across the screen. The 82nd practiced on actual video clips of real-life scenarios, such as insurgents running through U.S. checkpoints and suicide bombers, currently occurring in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Stand and Deliver -- (Left) Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division engage targets on the EST 2000 indoor markmanship facility. (Above) Soldiers wait to be briefed before engaging the Engagement Skills Trainer. The simulator has undergone renovations recently, offering Soldiers the chance to train on real-life scenarios which are occuring in Iraq and Afghanistan. game a new level Everything is getting better on this training, said 1st Sgt. Randall Pierce, first sergeant for Troop A, 1st Battalion. The scenarios are more real, and it looks more accurate to the country where we will be. I think it s absolutely great What is EST 2000? It simulates weapon training events that lead to live-fi re individual or crew-served weapon qualifi cation and training events currently not resourced under Standards in Training Commission (STRAC), according to the EST 2000 owners manual. It can train Soldiers on nearly every weapon the Army has in its arsenal, including the M16A2 rifl e, M4 carbine, M9 pistol, MK19 grenade machine gun, M249 squad automatic weapon, M240 machine gun, M136 (AT4), M1200 shotgun, M2 machine gun and M203 grenade launcher. training, said Caisse. It helps them tweak their skills and for some, lets them know why they aren t doing as well as they think they should. At an outdoor range, Soldiers have little opportunity to find out what they are doing wrong when qualifying on their weapons. Are they shaking when firing the trigger? Are they firing while inhaling? It can be hard to tell, said Pierce. But on the EST 2000, Soldiers see a video replay of the shots they fired, so they can identify what may be going wrong. It s going to tell you the good, bad and ugly --- everything, said Pierce, including permanently eliminating the threats to the mission. Those (terrorists) want to die, Caisse said to the trainees. They re gonna try to take you with them. You ve got to send them away. Buy them, a first class ticket (home). Camp Buehring August 2, 2006 Desert Voice 7
Camp Arifjan Yaser Y. Abdel-Motey, a member of the Advocates for Western-Arab Relations, dresses an American Soldier for the occasion. This was just one of many cultural exchanges during the July 12 meeting. Photos by Sgt. Thomas L. Day Becoming AWARE Soldiers find the real Islam through Kuwaiti activist group Sgt. Thomas L. Day Desert Voice Editor Chaplain (Maj.) Erik Swindlehurst first began attending meetings of AWARE (Advocates for Western-Arab Relations) in the summer of 2005. He had just begun his year-long tour in Kuwait with the 143rd Transportation Command as the unit chaplain; his assignment was to establish a rapport with the organization and his unit. Swindlehurst was anxious and even a bit apprehensive as he walked through the front doors of the AWARE office in Kuwait City for his first meeting. He had watched enough television to have the common images of Muslim feelings 8 Desert Voice August 2, 2006 toward America etched in his memory. The native Texan was in a country that, in a February 2002 USA Today-Gallup survey, doubted with an 89 percent majority that any Arabs had been involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America. The intent of AWARE became clear during a slide-show presentation given as soon as Swindlehurst finished with introductions. Name one Muslim who has made a positive contribution to the world? the American delegation was asked. The Army Reserve chaplain was taken aback. He couldn t answer the question. Nor could anyone else. The only Muslims Swindlehurst could recall seeing on the 6:00 news usually accompanied news of a Homeland Security threat. So as the American Soldiers came to introduce themselves, it appeared AWARE too wanted to introduce a new image of Islam. This, for Swindlehurst, was the beginning of a year-long dialogue between AWARE and his U.S. delegation. He had come to Kuwait he acknowledged later still holding the Arab world responsible as a whole for 9/11. Swindlehurst was a part of a group of about a half-dozen Soldiers who, about once every two weeks, came to visit the AWARE office to have dinner and talk no
Camp Arifjan (Right) Chaplain (Maj.) Erik Swindlehurst (right) talks with an AWARE volunteer who he befriended during his year in Kuwait, working with the organization. (Bottom) A group of U.S. Soldiers, dressed in civilian clothes, enjoy the evening s catered dinner. Dinner was a strictly Arabic meal, a welcome departure for Soldiers who seldom have the chance to taste local food or any food outside of their compounds. politics, just talk. They even came dressed in civilian clothes. Swindlehurst s preconceived notions fleeted away quickly. He was soon introduced to Teresa Lescher, an American-born woman who married into a Kuwaiti family, converted to Islam and now lives with her husband in Kuwait City. As striking as what AWARE was was what it wasn t. All of the Muslims in the room spoke at least enough English to converse with the Americans. There was even an image of the city of Pittsburgh posted in the atrium wall. This was not the face of Islam he had seen on television. For Swindlehurst and the other American Soldiers visiting, AWARE was an opportunity to engage friendly Kuwaitis and build a base of support within their host nation. The cross-cultural exchange was total. The AWARE team answered the Americans questions on everything from Muslim doctrine to Arab food. With dialogue came understanding. With understanding came friendship. The purpose of the AWARE center is to learn about the real Islam, not what we read about in the newspapers, said Lescher, who met her husband at Clarion University in Pennsylvania. AWARE has hardly limited their efforts to just American Soldiers the American ambassador to Kuwait has appeared at the center, according to the AWARE team. The year-long effort and partnership between Swindlehurst s team and the AWARE team culminated on July 12 a changing of the guard, of sorts. A new team, with similar ideas that Swindlehurst held a year ago, came in to make their introductions. That night Lescher said goodbye to both Swindlehurst and Lt. Col. Gerald Paulus, a National Guard officer who also frequented the AWARE meetup during his year-long tour. They went downstairs and sat in what the Kuwaitis call a Diwaniah the equivalent of a lounge without alcohol served. Dinner was a catered Arabic meal, but the benedictions had to come first. Paulus gave his farewell speech as both he and Swindlehurst handed the baton to a new cycle of field diplomats, led by Maj. Gen. Thomas D. Robinson, the new 377th Theater Support Command commanding general. The seeds of our efforts here have to be cultivated. I know our nation is at war and this is a difficult time for all of us, but nothing is more important than personal relationships, Paulus told the party of about a dozen American Soldiers and an equal number of Kuwaitis. August 2, 2006 Desert Voice 9
Slovakian forces taking active role in Iraq munitions disposal That s 580 mothers who will get their sons back Spc. Debrah A. Robertson Desert Voice Staff Writer Camp Arifjan Slovakia fights the war on terrorism and boosts Operation Iraqi Freedom with their direct hit on the terrorists weapon of choice. Approximately 580 tons of explosives have been removed from Iraq by the Slovakian army, said Master Sgt. Stefan Corma, with the Slovak National Support Element Kuwait. For every ton of explosives they blow up, they save a life, said Maj. Timothy Zack, a country officer with Task Force Gator. That s 580 mothers who will get their sons back. They disposed of tons of explosives that will now not kill American and coalition soldiers, he said. Slovakian troops have a direct impact on saving lives while risking their own, said Capt. Pavol Kobik, the officer in charge of the Slovak National Element-Kuwait. This mission was the Slovakian army s first with America. This was not our first with the Polish, said Kobik. We worked with Polish soldiers in Kosovo and Bosnia. The U.S. Army and the Slovakian army both benefit from their working relationship with one another, said Zack. Why are we here? Kobik asked. We are here as volunteers because terrorism is not just a problem for the US. We need to go where the problem is and solve terrorism before it comes to our country. Ninety-five percent of the force here are Americans, the other five percent are all the other countries, estimated Kobik, but it doesn t matter if you see one Slovakian or a hundred Slovakians. It s good to see other soldiers, to see other countries flag on soldiers (sleeves), he said. To see another country s soldier and 10 Desert Voice August 2, 2006 Photo by Spc. Debrah Robertson First Secretary Tomas Felix, Deputy Head of Mission, presents Maj. Tim Zack, a country offi cer with Task Force Gator, an honorary Slovakian name tape in honor of the friendship of their countries. flag shows that you re not alone in the fight, that I m not the only one here for my family, my country, and my future, Kobik said. During this mission the Slovaks were the Quick Reaction Force for American convoys and they once volunteered to help an American convoy stuck in a daisy chain of Improvised Explosive Devices, said Zack. They drove to the site of the incident... to diffuse the IEDs, said Zack. The coalition acknowledges professionalism and building of bridges between armies and between soldiers, developing long-term professional relationships to ensure synchronization, said Zack. They learn about (the U.S. Army), and conversely we learn about them, he said of his Slovakian counterparts. We learn from their positive aspects, and it becomes a true partnership, a true coalition, he continued. The U.S. Army has recommended six Slovakian noncommissioned officers for their meritorious duty during their tour in Iraq demining more than 30 sq. km. of minefields, said Zack. American Soldiers have directly benefited from the hard work of the Slovakians, but they aren t the only ones benefiting from this relationship. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, observed Zack. The two countries work together to make the coalition stronger, he said. What the Slovakians learn here by putting their training to practical use, they can take back to Slovakia to implement into the training of future soldiers, said Kobik. We respect the coalition forces and their capabilities. We are willing to learn from them, said Zack on each of the coalitions unique attributions. We are all equal partners in the coalition, he said. You do your job and take care of these guys, and they ll take care of you.
PAO needs your mission-focused stories How you can contribute your own stories, photos to the Desert Voice The Third Army Public Affairs mission is to keep the American public and the military community in Kuwait informed by telling stories of servicemembers and civilians supporting the Third Army role in the Global War on Terror. Our current focus is on three key Third Army missions: RSO&I (stories and photos about the reception, staging, onward movement and integration of troops moving into the theater of operations) Sustainment (stories and photos about the continuing logistical support to troops in theater) TSC (stories and photos about Theater Security Cooperation missions which establish relationships with foreign militaries) While providing Command Information, our goal is to make the magazine an enjoyable read for our audience, filled with interesting pictures and stories highlighting your efforts and contributions. Send us your story ideas. The Public Affairs staff cannot cover all the great things the 15,000-plus troops and civilian workers here are doing in support of the Third Army mission. We are interested in your ideas. Think Public Affairs doesn t cover your unit/section or mission? Ever wish you could see more of something in the American media? Want to see less of something else? We re interested not only in your ideas to keep the entire community informed, but also your pictures. If you re interested in seeing your photos in the DV, follow these guidelines for submissions: Pictures must be digital format At least 300 dpi Submissions must include info about people in the picture (name, rank and section/unit/ organization) as will as general info about when, where and what s going on in the photo All story ideas and pictures can be submitted by e-mailing to desertvoice@arifjan.arcent.army. mil. Hometown Hero Sgt. Reshad Richardson CFLCC Special Troops Battalion Personnel Specialist Richardson serves as the STB S-1 NCO ensuring personnel files and administrative paperwork are in order. He is also the primary postal clerk for the CFLCC staff. Talks about his hometown Jacksonville, Fla. It gets hot, but it is usually followed by rain; being here in hot, dry Kuwait, I really, really miss rain. Just One Question... What food do you miss from home and why? I miss my wife s cooking..she makes the best pasta. Raymond Lillard Force Protection Officer (CFLCC) Killeen, Texas I miss BBQ rib pizza from NY Pizzeria (a.k.a. Frankies)...no one makes better pizza than the owner, Frank. Spc. Chris Beckwith, 1st Personel Command Military Police Edmeston, N.Y. The Beautiful Restaurant. It s the best soul food restaurant in Atlanta. Sgt. Deborah Ward Third Army CFLLC C8 Atlanta, Ga. I miss the comfort foods, foods I grew up with, such as my mother s sweet potato pie and my wife s pork roast. Master Sgt. John Elliott Third Army Equal Opportunity Advisor New Haven, Conn. Peach cobbler because my mama makes it for me and its all buttery and flakey. That s my comfort food Capt. Keeley Brown CFLCC C7 (Engineers) Denver, Colo. August 2, 2006 Desert Voice 11
Announcement Some Soldiers eligible for MGIB benefits transfer The Army announced the implementation of a pilot program allowing Soldiers in critical skills who reenlist the ability to transfer Montgomery GI Bill benefits to their spouse. -- Enlisted Soldiers who have completed at least six years of service and reenlist for a minimum of four years, qualify for a Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB). Qualifying Soldiers entitled to a Zone B or Zone C bonus will have the option to transfer up to 18 of 36 months of their MGIB entitlement. Soldiers can choose between a full SRB or a slightly reduced SRB plus the ability to transfer more than $18,000 in benefits. -- Soldiers who elected the Army College Fund (ACF) as an enlistment option and/or have enrolled and paid toward the $600 MGIB Additional Opportunity can include their expanded benefit (MGIB, ACF and MGIB Additional Opportunity) in the transferability program. -- For more information, call 430-5105/5632 Community happenings for August 2 through August 8 Ali Al Salim For information, call 442-2005 Arifjan Wednesday -- Mystery Prize Bingo, 7:00 p.m., Zone 6 Community Center Saturday -- Poetry re-visited, 7:00 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center Darts Tourney, 7:00 p.m., Zone 6 Community Center Sunday -- Poolside Cinema Anchorman, 7:00 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center Monday -- Karaoke, 7:00 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center Tuesday -- Bingo Night, 7:00 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center For information, call 430-1302 Buehring Wednesday -- 5k Fun Run, 6:30 p.m., Zone 1 Green Beans Thursday -- Brown Bag Bingo, 12:00 p.m., Oasis (Buehring cont.) Friday -- Gong Show, 8:00 p.m., MWR Stage Saturday -- Volleyball Tourney, 5:00 p.m., Volleyball Courts Sunday -- Ruff & Ready strength competition, 2:00 p.m., Gym V-Ball Tourney, 5:00 p.m., V-Ball Courts Monday -- Phase 10 Tourney, 7:30 p.m., Oasis For information, call 828-1202 Kuwaiti Naval Base Wednesday -- Chess Tourney, 7:00 p.m., Recreation Center Thursday -- Unit league Volleyball Coaches meet, 6:30 p.m., Gym Sports Lounge Friday -- Karaoke Freestyle, 8:00 p.m., Recreation Center Saturday -- Scrabble Tourney, 7:00 p.m., Recreation Center Sunday -- Body Building Competition, 7:00 p.m., MWR Stage LSA For information, call 844-1137 Navistar For information, call 859-1060 Virginia Wednesday -- Dominoes, 7:00 p.m., Community Center Thursday -- Basketball League, 7:00 p.m., Community Center Friday -- Bench Press Competition, 7:00 p.m., Fitness Center Saturday -- Ping Pong, 7:00 p.m., Community Center Basketball League, 7:00 p.m., Basketball Courts Sunday -- Basketball League, 7:00 p.m., Basketball Courts Monday -- UNO, 7:00 p.m., Community Center Tuesday -- Bingo, 7:00 p.m., Dusty Room 9-Ball Tourney, 7:30 p.m., Rec. Center 12 Desert Voice August 2, 2006 For information call 839-1082 For information, call 832-2544