Vol. II, Issue 50 Telling the Multi-National Corps - Iraq story July 7, 2008

Victory Times

Inappropriate 

relationships, Page 3

Ammunition safety, Page 6 Softball tournament, Page 8

Reenlistment,

See Pages 4-5

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason R. Krawczyk

Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Forces – Iraq, reenlisted 1,215 Soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen during 

a reenlistment ceremony held in the Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory, Iraq, July 4. 
Commentary

MNC-I Commanding General: Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III 

MNC-I Public Affairs Officer: Col. Billy J. Buckner 

MNC-I PA Sergeant Major: Sgt. Maj. Sharon Opeka

MNC-I Command Info Chief: Staff Sgt. Joy Pariante

Editor: Spc. Samuel J. Phillips

Staff: Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Crisp, Cpl. Frances L. Goch, Pfc. Eric 

J. Martinez and Pfc. Eric J. Glassey

The Victory Times welcomes columns, 

commentaries, articles and letters from our 

readers. Send submissionsor comments to 

joy.pariante@iraq.centcom.mil. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit for security, 

accuracy, propriety, policy, clarity and space.

The Victory Times is an authorized 

publication for members of the Department 

of Defense. Contents of this electronic 

publication are not necessarily the official 

views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Department of Defense. The 

editorial content of this publication is the 

responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of 

Multi-National Corps-Iraq.

Page 2 Victory Times July 7, 2008

Chaplain’s Corner

World desperately needs kindness

By Chaplain Stephen Pera

Garrison Chaplain

I’m not sure how many times I 

have heard this expression, “Why 

should I be kind to them after the 

way they’ve treated me? They 

don’t deserve it.” I’ve even said 

this myself. It’s second nature to be 

unkind to those who are unkind to 

us. Often times the thought is that 

kindness must be earned or appreciated before it is to be shared.

However, kindness is never 

earned but desperately needed. It is 

a deliberate and thought-out decision to choose to be compassionate 

regardless of what the other person 

has done. You see the way of the 

world is, “You better do unto others before they do unto you.” Yet, 

God’s way is the Golden Rule. He 

says, “Do unto others as you would 

have them do unto you.” What a 

difference between these two concepts. One way suggests to hurt 

before being hurt while the other 

says to help as you like to be helped.

The Apostle Paul reminds us of 

God’s undeserved kindness. He 

writes, “Once, we too, were foolish 

and disobedient. We were misled 

and became slaves to many lusts 

and pleasures. Our lives were full 

of evil and envy, and we hated each 

other. But when God our savior 

revealed His kindness and love, 

He saved us, not because of the 

righteous things we have done, 

but because of His mercy. He 

washed away our sins, giving us a 

new birth and new life through the 

Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:3-5 - NLT). 

See CHAPLAIN, Page 8

What do you have planned for your R&R?

“Drink beer and sit on 

the beach.” 

“Go to Italy or Greece. I 

want to travel.”

“Relax and enjoy some 

time off. Maybe do some 

sightseeing.” 

“Go see my family and 

definitely going snowboarding.”

Spc. Chad Hoffman, 

Logistics, 

MNC-I

Capt. Dominic Angiollo, 

staff attorney,

Task Force 134

Petty Officer 1st Class 

Adam Matthews, NCOIC current ops, MNC-I

Cpl. Jessica Ceders, 

radio operator, 

1st Marine Logistic 

Group

Victory Voices : 
July 7, 2008 Victory Times Page 3

news

Story courtesy of 

Inspector General Bulletin

MNC-I

Inspector general informs servicemembers

One of the most common personal 

conduct allegations reported in Iraq, especially against leaders, is an improper 

relationship.

Acceptable and unacceptable relationships are described in AR 600-20, 

Army Command, dated 18 March 2008. 

The regulation applies to different-gender and same-gender relationships.

The prohibitions outlined are not intended to preclude normal team building associations that occur in the context 

of activities such as community organizations, religious activities, Family 

gatherings, unit-based social functions, 

or athletic teams or events.

What is a relationship between Soldiers of different rank? Different rank 

refers to the various ranks within the 

U.S. Army, i.e., enlisted and enlisted; 

enlisted and officer; and officer and officer. The term “officer” refers to both 

commissioned and warrant officers, not 

non-commissioned officers. 

What relationships are prohibited 

between Soldiers of different ranks? 

Relationships between Soldiers of different rank are prohibited if they - (1) 

Compromise, or appear to compromise, 

the integrity of supervisory authority or 

the chain of command; (2) Cause actual 

or perceived partiality or unfairness; (3) 

Involve, or appear to involve, the improper use of rank or position for personal gain; (4) Are, or are perceived to 

be, exploitative or coercive in nature; (5) 

Create an actual or clearly predictable 

adverse impact on discipline, authority, 

morale, or the ability of the command to 

accomplish its mission.

What relationships are prohibited 

between officers and enlisted personnel? Certain types of personal relationships between officers and enlisted 

personnel are prohibited. Prohibited 

activities include borrowing or lending 

money, commercial solicitation, gambling, and any other type of ongoing 

financial or business relationship, excluding landlord/tenant relationships 

or to one-time transactions, e.g., sale of 

an automobile or house. In the case of 

Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve personnel, this prohibition does 

not apply to relationships that exist due 

to their civilian occupation or employment. 

Dating, shared living accommodations other than those directed by operational requirements, and intimate 

or sexual relationships between officers 

and enlisted personnel are prohibited, 

excluding marriages. However, when 

evidence of fraternization between an officer and enlisted member prior to their 

marriage exists, their marriage does not 

preclude appropriate command action 

based on the prior fraternization. 

How does this regulation impact 

National Guard or Army Reserve 

personnel? Personal relationships between members of the National Guard 

or Army Reserve are permitted, when 

the relationship primarily existed due 

to civilian acquaintanceships, unless the 

individuals are on active duty, on fulltime National Guard duty, or serving as 

a dual status military technician.

Who is responsible for ensuring relationships remain professional?

All military personnel share the responsibility for maintaining professional relationships. However, in any 

relationship between Soldiers of different grade or rank, the senior member is 

generally in the best position to terminate or limit the extent of the relationship. However, all members may be 

held accountable for relationships that 

violate this policy.

What are the Commanders responsibilities? Commanders should seek 

to prevent inappropriate or unprofessional relationships through proper 

training and leadership by example. 

Regarding National Guard and Army 

Reserve personnel, commanders will 

ensure that personal relationships that 

exist between Soldiers of different ranks 

emanating from their civilian careers 

will not influence training, readiness, or 

personnel actions.

What can happen if an inappropriate relationship occurs? Commanders 

have available a wide range of responses, including counseling, reprimand, 

order to cease, reassignment, or adverse 

action. Potential adverse action may include official reprimand, adverse evaluation reports, nonjudicial punishment, 

separation, bar to reenlistment, promotion denial, demotion, and courts-martial under Article 92, UCMJ, as a violation of a lawful general regulation, or 

Article 134, Fraternization. Generally, 

the commander should take the minimum action necessary to ensure that the 

needs of good order and discipline are 

satisfied. 

What about fraternization? Fraternization is covered under Article 134 

(Fraternization), UCMJ. Factors to be 

considered include whether the officer’s 

conduct had compromised the chain of 

command, resulted in the appearance 

of partiality, or otherwise undermined 

good order, discipline, authority, or morale. The acts and circumstances must 

lead a reasonable person to conclude 

that the good order and discipline of 

the armed forces had been prejudiced 

by the officer’s tendency to compromise 

the respect of enlisted persons for the 

professionalism, integrity, and obligations of an officer.

What is the IG’s role? After receiving a complaint alleging Soldiers are engaged in an inappropriate relationship, 

the IG verifies the allegation, locates 

the Soldier and sends a request for a 

Commander’s Inquiry to the appropriate commander. The completed CI, including findings and corrective actions 

taken by the Commander, is returned to 

the IG. The IG writes a report of investigative inquiry on the allegation. 

Want to learn more obtained information on this topic? Consult your SJA and 

review AR 600-20 dated 18 Mar 08, available on Internet at www.usapa.army.mil.
Page 4 Victory Times

Reenlistmen

1,215 servicemembers pledge to c

Story and photo by 

Marine Cpl. 

Francis L. Goch

MNC-I PAO

Servicemembers from 

all over Iraq gathered in 

the Al Faw Palace rotunda 

at Camp Victory, Baghdad, to reenlist and celebrate Independence Day.

All 1,215 servicemembers celebrated 

by raising their right 

hands and pledging to 

continue defending the 

“land of the free” in what 

is the largest reenlistment ceremony since 

the all-volunteer force 

began in 1973, according 

to Command Sgt. Maj. 

Marvin L. Hill, command 

sergeant major, MultiNational Forces – Iraq. 

“Volunteering to 

continue to serve our nation, while deployed – is 

both noble and inspiring,” said Gen. David 

Petraeus, commanding 

general, Multi-National 

Forces – Iraq. “It is, as 

award citations often 

state, in keeping with 

the finest traditions of 

our military services.”

Petraeus presided over 

the ceremony and led the 

airmen, Marines, sailors, 

and Soldiers in their oath 

to defend their country 

against all enemies both 

foreign and domestic 

on this day of celebration of America winning its independence.

“We recognize the 

sacrifices they make 

and the sacrifices their 

families and communities make as they serve in 

Iraq,” Hill said. “These 

servicemembers know 

the cost of war and they 

are still reenlisting.”

Accumulatively, 

servicemembers pledged 

more than 5,500 years 

of additional service 

to their country.

“It makes me feel 

proud to serve this great 

nation,” said Spc. Zackary 

Cunningham, mechanic, 

602nd Maintenance 

Battalion, Tactical Base 

Balad, who plans on making the Army a career.

The re-enlistees have 

every right to feel proud, 

according to Petraeus.

“You and your comrades here have been 

described as America’s 

new greatest generation, and, in my view, 

you have more than 

earned that description,” 

Petraeus said. “It is the 

greatest of honors to 

soldier here with you.”

An Army sergeant celebrates 

after reenlisting in the Al 

Faw Palace rotunda at Camp 

Victory, Baghdad, July 4. 

According to Command Sgt. 

Maj. Marvin L. Hill, command sergeant major, MultiNational Forces – Iraq, this 

is the largest reenlistment 

ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973.

Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Forces – Iraq, led 

servicemember understands the sacrifices that come along with raising the

and they chose to commit once again and that is most admirable, accordin
Page 5

nt ceremony 

July 7, 2008

continue defending their nation

d the servicemembers in the reenlistment oath. Each 

eir hands and stating an oath to defend their country 

ng to Petraeus. 

Spectators gather in the balconies of Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory, Baghdad, to join in 

the 4th of July celebration and reenlistment ceremony. The reenlistees are following the 

footsteps of Americans before them for 233 years and will carry on a tradition of sacrifice, 

commitment, professionalism and skill, said Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, 

Multi-National Forces – Iraq.
Page 6 Victory Times July 7, 2008

features

Interview and photo by 

Cpl. Frances L. Goch

MNC-I PAO

Spc. Jeremy Carroll

Unit: MNC-I

Job title: MNC-I 

command sergeant 

major’s administrative 

assisstant.

Age: 24

Time in Service: 2 years

Family: Joshua, 

Shay and Tan.

Hobbies: “Playing 

basketball, football, 

Madden and dominos.”

Person you most 

admire: “My mom.”

Why you joined: 

“To give my family 

a good life.”

If you weren’t in the 

military you would 

be: “Back in school 

or working 9-5.”

One thing you’d 

change about the 

Army: “Nothing.”

One thing you’d 

never change about 

the Army: “Being 

able to be airborne.”

Describe your job in 

one sentence: “This 

job is a Soldier’s dream 

if they want to go far 

in this business.”

Unusual fact about 

you: “I’m very shy.”

Goals: “To be not a good, 

but an outstanding officer.”

Something you wish 

everyone would do: 

“Take time to pray.”

Words of wisdom: 

“Don’t allow 

concealment to prevent 

you from recognizing 

your value.”

The best thing about 

being deployed: 

“The experience.”

Most exciting 

thing you’ve ever 

done: “Jumped out 

of an airplane.”

Best Basic Combat 

Training memory: 

“Graduation.”

By Jesse Martin

Corps Safety Office

Keep accountability of your ammo

SAFETY SECTOR SAFETY SECTOR SAFETY SECTOR SAFETY SECTOR

Get to know a Soldier...

Let’s face it, not many of you have 

read the exciting, page-turning, riveting 

publication called “The Ammunition 

Guide.” Its probably not the most popular and exciting read out there, but it 

should be. This is really very important 

to all of us. We cannot survive without 

our staple of “beans and bullets” in this 

theater of operations. But for this article, 

I am only talking about the bullets. 

It is of paramount importance that we 

strive for strict adherence to the regulations concerning ammunition. Without 

it, we could injure or kill someone. It 

could also fall into the wrong hands. 

Many of us will perform our jobs and 

work issues according to however our 

predecessor did it. But, was the way 

they did it, the right way? Did they 

circumvent the system, take short cuts 

and more importantly, was it in the safest way possible to get the job done.

Past lessons learned have taught us 

that long before our transfer of authority we may need to “tighten up the ship” 

and review what we are responsible for. 

A better idea is to start now. If you have 

signed for ammunition in your unit, 

know what you have and make sure it is 

serviceable and stored properly. There 

are experts available to help you. 

During your time here many other issues will surface and before you realize 

it, significant amount of time will have 

passed and now your replacement will 

be on the way. Will you hand over or 

pass on a continuous problem. 

We are all responsible for many different calibers or types of ammunition 

from small caliber ammunition to rockets and missiles. All leaders must ask 

the hard questions and then follow-up 

to ensure strict adherence to the regulations, polices and procedures of our 

precious munitions. 

Question concerning ammunition 

storage, accountability, and serviceability contact your mayor cell or 

Tom Sears, MNC-I Safety Office at 

318-822-2447.
Coalition Cafe

Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dinner 5 - 8 p.m.

Midnight Dining 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Sports Oasis

Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dinner 5 - 9 p.m.

Education Center

8 a.m.-midnight

Camp Liberty Post Exchange

8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fitness Center

Open 24 Hours

Victory Main Post Office

Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

MNC-I STB Mailroom

9 a.m. - noon

5 - 7 p.m.

Al Faw Palace Post Office

Wednesday and Sunday

1-6 p.m.

Golby Troop Medical Clinic

Sick Call

Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon

Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon

Dental Sick Call

Monday - Friday 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Saturday 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Mental Health Clinic

Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - noon

Post-Deployment Health Briefings

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1 p.m.

Pharmacy

Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon; 

1 - 4:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon

Legal Assistance/Claims

Saturday-Monday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Operating Hours

Victory Chapel (Bldg. 31)

Sunday

7 a.m.........................Collective Protestant

8:45 a.m....................Collective Protestant

10 a.m........................Catholic Confession

10:30 a.m............................ Catholic Mass

noon..............................Gospel Protestant

2 p.m.............................. Latter Day Saints

4 p.m...........................Episcopal/Lutheran

6:30 p.m............Contemporary Protestant

Saturday

11 a.m................... Seventh Day Adventist

8 p.m................................... Catholic Mass

Mini Chapel (Bldg. 24F)

Sunday

8:00 a.m................................Divine Liturgy

9:30 a.m........................Breaking of Bread

3 p.m................................Church of Christ

7:30 p.m......................... Latter Day Saints

7 p.m.........................Knights of Columbus

Tuesday-Friday

11:30 p.m................................. Daily Mass

Friday

6:30 p.m.............................Jewish Service

Warrior Chapel (Camp Liberty)

Friday

6:30 p.m.............Victory Base Open Circle

Worship Hours

Al Asad ...... 107.3

Ali Base ..... 107.3

Ar Ramadi.. 107.3

Baghdad .... 107.3

Balad ......... 107.3

Fallujah...... 105.1

Kirkuk......... 107.3

Kirkush....... 107.3

Mosul......... 105.1

Q-West ........ 93.3

Taji ............. 107.3

Tal Afar....... 107.3

Taqqadum.. 107.3

Tikrit........... 100.1

AFN 

Freedom Radio

All stations are FM

Do you have an announcement about an event of interest to the Camp Victory community? 

Contact Spc. Samuel J. Phillips at samuel.phillips1@iraq.centcom.mil with the information. 

Information for community announcements needs to submitted at least two weeks prior to the 

event to allow for timely publication.

Announcements

Camp Victory Bible Studies

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.

Women’s

Bible Study

7 p.m.

Bldg 24F

Smoke & Joe

Bible Study

12 p.m.

Victory

Chapel Porch

Young Adult

Bible Study

5:30 p.m.

Victory

Chapel

Men’s

Bible Study

6:30 p.m.

Bldg 24F

Foundations 

Bible Study, 

Mini Chapel 

6:30 p.m.

SeventhDay

Adventist

10 a.m.

Victory

Chapel

Men of the

Bible Study

5 p.m.

MLB Room,

Oasis DFAC

July 7, 2008 Victory Times Page 7

community

Navy Advancement Program

The Navy’s Combat Meritorious Advancement Program has been created to 

advance sailors in paygrades E1-E5 in recognition of uncommon valor and extraordinary deeds demonstrated while engaged in, 

or in direct support of combat operations. 

The Combat Meritorious Advancement 

Program is effective immediately. Recommendations for advancement under this 

program are submitted based on actual action/performance in combat. 

CISSP Exams offered

Posting of Certified Information System 

Security Professional (CISSP) Examination 

for interested military of civilian personnel. 

POC is Capt. Richard Y. Kofie, 822-5108. 

Story ideas for Victory Times

Do you know of a good story on Camp 

Victory that you think should be covered 

for the Victory Times? Please submit your 

ideas to Staff. Sgt. Joy Pariante at joy.pariante@iraq.centcom.mil. Please include any 

interesting facts about the topic and point of 

contact information.

Army Reserve Reenlistment

Reenlistment bonuses are excluded from 

federal taxes in theater. Building 123 located next to MWR 124 at Camp Victory 

is the Army Reserve Career Counselor’s 

office. Points of contact are Sgt. 1st Class 

Pedro Aleman Jr., 318-822-4622; Sgt. 1st 

Class Merle Swecker, 318-822-8453; Sgt. 

1st Class Jose Torres, 318-822-8464. If you 

have any questions call or e-mail your local 

career counselors.

The Corps Report

The Corps Report has been scheduled 

to its new regular time slots of Monday 

at 4:15 a.m. eastern, 11:15 a.m. Baghdad and Sunday at 1:15 p.m. eastern, 

8:15 p.m. Baghdad.

Servicemembers on Victory Base Complex are invited to participate in the 

Boilermaker 15k run held on Sather Air Force Base. This event will shadow the 

world’s largest 15k held in Utica, N.Y. Pre-registration is required to run in the 

event and must be completed and turned in by 5 p.m. July 11. For information or 

to register for the event contact Master Sgt. Jeffrey Conant at 446-2242 or jeffrey.

conant@bdab.afcent.af.mil.

Boilermaker 15k run
Page 8 Victory Times July 7, 2008

Sports

Primetime slugs their way to championship

Story by 

Pfc. Eric J. Martinez

13th Public Affairs 

Detachment

Nearly ten years ago, our son 

Sawyer had to have life-saving 

heart surgery in London. After 

one week, he was released from 

the hospital and we stopped at an 

Italian sandwich shop to get some 

lunch. An old man sitting at a table 

a few feet from ours became very 

agitated because of our son’s crying. He threatened to kill our baby 

because his meal was disturbed. I 

could feel my blood boil as my first 

thought was to hurt him if he even 

touched my wife or son. Naturally, 

kindness was not my first option. 

Yet, instead I chose to be kind to 

this man who was troubled with anger. As we were finishing, a worker 

in the shop told the old man that I 

paid for his meal. He came and stood 

over me and asked, “Why be so kind 

to me after I was so wicked to you?” 

I don’t recall my exact words, but I 

do know neither of us forgot that act 

of kindness. Sure, kindness is never 

deserved, but it’s most desperately 

needed in our hurting world today. 

CHAPLAIN From, Page 2

The Sam McQuade 

Charity Softball Tournament, Baghdad Division, championship 

game was played on 

Camp Victory June 29.

Sam McQuade Sr. 

founded the tournament 

in 1976 to help with 

the financial challenges 

faced by local charities 

that helped special needs 

children. The tournament has grown into 

the largest slow-pitch 

softball tournament 

in the United States.

Primetime were the 

champions of the tournament, beating Team 

MRAP, 22 to 11.

“We played really 

well this game considering three of our star 

players were not able to 

be here,” said Sgt. 1st 

Class Laboyd Spradley, 44th Expeditionary 

Signal Battalion. “We 

didn’t miss a beat.”

The Baghdad Division of the Sam McQuade Charity Softball 

Tournament, now in 

its second year, is held 

in conjunction with 

the tournament in Bismarck, N.D. and personnel throughout Victory 

Base Complex showed 

up to Castle Field in 

support of the event.

 Primetime was undefeated and, have won 

three of the last four 

softball tournaments in 

which they competed.

“We put up more runs 

during this game than 

we have in any other that 

Primetime has played 

in,” Spradley said.

Primetime is currently competing 

in the Firecracker 

Softball Tournament 

which started July 4.

Chief Warrant Officer Jennifer Collins, property book officer, 44th 

Expeditionary Battalion, up at bat during the Sam McQuade Charity 

Softball Tournament June 29. Her team, Primetime, has been undefeated for 3 of the 4 tournaments in which they participated.