Unofficial 1st Infantry Division Magazine of Soldiers and Families Dece

www

16th Infantry Regiment Historic artwork provided by U.S. Cavalry Mu
1 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

Creed

TEAMWORK is the foundation of the Big Red One. I shall

never fail my team, for I maintain the standard. My conduct and self-discipline sets the example for others to follow.

HONOR is what I stand for-an American Soldier on duty

for my country. My loyality is intense. I display care formy fellow Soldiers and my chain-of-command through courage, respect, integrity and compassion.I have learned to ENDURE, to thrive in adversity. 

The harsh reality of combat gives me the enthusiam forrealistic training. I am physically and mentally strong tomeet the demanding situations my unit encounters.We are one in the Big Red One. Our BROTHERHOOD

gives us strength to fight on to any objective and accomplish themission as our veterans have done before us. I live the legacy ofmy division.READINESS is my priority. To be ready for any mission,

anytime, anywhere. My business is first-class training and livinghigh standards of care and equipment, weaponry and tacticaland technical competence.My ORGANIZATION is my strength. The 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.

No Mission too Difficult. No Sacrifice too Great.

December2008 www.1id.army.mil

Duty First!

The Duty First is an unofficial publication produced under the provisions of AR 360-1, published by Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division. Editorial views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Defense, the Army or the 1st Infantry Division. All photos are Army photos unless otherwise noted. Circulation is 6,000 per issue, printed monthly. Story and photos submissions are welcome and should be sent to: 

1st Infantry Division

Public Affairs Office 

ATTN: Editor 

Bldg. 580

RM 317

Fort Riley, Kan. 66442. 

Telephone number

COM 239-8857 

 DSN 856-2257 

or visit Duty First online at 

www.1id.army.mil.

1st Infantry Division Commander

Brig. Gen. Perry Wiggins

1st Infantry Division CSM

Command Sgt. Maj. Jim 

Champagne

1st Infantry Division PAO 

Lt. Col. Matt Hackathorn

 Editor

Gary Skidmore

Staff Writers

Ty Abney

Anna Staatz

Illustrator

Tammy Dinger

F

       

 

        

  
Duty First www.1id. 

3 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

Commanding General Danger 6

 Holidays...

Brig. Gen. Perry Wiggins

With the holidays upon us, it’s easy to get caught up in the 

hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It seems like once November rolls around, before you know it, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas have blown past, we’ve celebrated a new year, and then we’re back to work. 

As you’re rushing around from store to store trying to find 

the right gift, running to the supermarket to get that missing ingredient, cooking that delicious meal, or spending hours on the road driving home – don’t forget to take a moment and reflect on the true reason for the holiday season - spending time with those we love and being thankful for all that we have.

As Americans, as Soldiers, as Army 

Families and civilians, we have much to be thankful for. Sometimes, we forget just how blessed we are. We take for granted the freedoms we enjoy, the safety of our loved ones, or the company of Family. 

Our Army is approaching its eighth 

year at war and yet our Soldiers and

Families press on. As a U.S. Army Soldier or Army Family, time with one’s Family or with the Soldier is at a premium. 

With our line of work, you cannot always assume that 

you will be around for the holidays, so take advantage of the opportunity this holiday season, cherish the family time you do have. So, if you were thinking about avoiding the trip back home, I ask you to reconsider. And while home, don’t forget to 

turn away from the game for a moment to 

catch up with a loved one or for a quick game of catch outside. Linger around the table after everyone is done eating, talk about anything under the sun. Maybe even help your in-laws with the dishes!

Annette and I want to wish everyone 

a happy holiday season and I hope you enjoy the well-deserved break with those you love. Whatever it is you do, make sure you do it together. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to be Army Family Strong.

Duty First! 

Staff Sgt. Thomas Koelder, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and his wife Erica celebrate Christmas.

C

o

m

m

a

Division Command Sg

Educat

Your education says a lot about y

a leader, especially in today’s Army

Every commander all the way up 

it is for Soldiers to stay in school. 

What amazes me is the numbe

Soldiers who manage to completdegree programs despite deploymenduty days and recurring field exerci

Demonstrating this type of initi

hard. 

 If you are not in a position of lead

you soon will be, and I expect you to the same valuable discipline and tramake you a success. We need you to other Big Red One Soldiers and cartradition of excellence that reaches binto the history of our division.

One of our Army’s greatest leade

one of our former 1st Inf. Div. commGen. Gordon Sullivan, once said, “Wbe men and women of courage; mwomen of integrity. We must do twe can, we must believe in the futuin each other, and we must make deand move resolutely ahead.” 

I believe that applies to bo

Soldier and the ones who suppSoldier, whether it is a Family memcommander or commanding generbelieve in the future and in each oth

Your military training, civilian 

you brought to the Big Red One hchallenges that lie ahead. But donthere. Remember, also, it has beeeducation is not knowledge, but aceducation and knowledge and be prolearn.

Ninety percent of Soldiers enter 

educational benefits. However, onltheir educational benefits. Here are why you should seriously consider cPeople with high school diplomas ha
Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

for bleeding and then ran the saline lock on the IV. Other events were geared toward physically pushing Soldiers to their limits. The week - long competition featured a physical fitness test and a six kilometer run in full combat gear with ammunition – on the same day. 

“We had a PT test at 4 a.m., and then right behind that we have 

a 6K combat run with full battle rattle... it’s kind of a gut check; it lets you find who you really are,” said Sgt. Anthony Dozart, who represented the 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment at the competition. “We all think we’re tough. We all think we’re the best Soldier, but when the rubber meets the road, you find out firsthand whether you’re as tough as you imagine yourself. “It’s a good thing. You’re going to come out of it better and stronger,” .

One aspect of the MND-N Warrior Competition that 

distinguished it from similar competitions is that it takes place in a deployed environment. With the Soldiers and NCOs studying for it already shouldering a heavy workload, preparation for the competition was even more challenging than it normally would be.

“I found out I was going to be in this competition six months 

ago, and even then I rushed to prepare. To prepare, we did physical training everyday, and we studied with our NCOIC whenever we had downtime. It’s a tough competition. It’s a lot to prepare for,” said Sgt. Marvin Terlaje.

One unexpected benefit of the warrior competition is the 

positive stress it puts on units to keep their training rigorous. “The main way these competitions pay off is to give us a chance to evaluate our Soldiers, see where they’re at on training, and go back and step up our training. I also enjoy just being here for the Soldiers, helping them out, motivating them in any way I can,” said Staff Sgt. David Miller, a sponsor in the competition assigned to 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment.

More important than winning, Terlaje and Dozart both 

agree, is the sense of camaraderie developed during the competition, and the feeling that they are more of a team than a group of individual competitors. “What happens at the warrior competition is you get the cream of the crop, you get the people who are best at what they do, and we all get together and share stories and experiences,” said Terlaje. “I think it’s a good opportunity. It’s a chance to foster camaraderie through the spirit of competition.” 

1st CAB/Vasquez

By Anna StaatzDuty First! Magazine

FORT RILEY – About 2,000 So

Division’s Combat Aviation Brigadto Fort Riley following a 15-month 

The “Demon” brigade’s advance 

on Oct. 18. Most of the brigade’s Riley throughout November.

“I never thought I would see 

welcomed ‘demons’ to Fort RilBrig. Gen. Perry Wiggins, commgeneral of the 1st Infantry Division Fort Riley, during a redeploymeceremony Oct. 18. “But Demonswelcome home. Thank you for standing point for our nation.”

Soldiers in the CAB deployed 

from Fort Riley in September 2007. The brigade’s units operated from six separate forward operating bases in northern Iraq. 

Soldiers supported 

ground troops and operations; guarded convoys, performed medical evacuations and conducted reconnaissance operations, all part of a larger effort to assist the Iraqi government in improving internal security, fostering economic growth and improving infrastructure development. During its deployment, the brigade oversaw the operation and maintenance of 200 manned and unmanned aircraft. The brigade’s Soldiers conductenearly 18,000 missions, identifyand engaging enemy targets 300 CAB Soldiers were also responsibdiscovery or defeat of 56 improvidevices and the destruction of more vehicles and structures. In addition, for transporting more than 91,04,000 tons of cargo around Multi

S

5

forblee

di

ng and the

n ran the saline lock on the I

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Otherevents

were geared toward physically pushing Soldiers to theirlimits.The week - lon

g competitio

n featured a physical fit

ness testand

a si

x kilo

meterru

n in full combat gear with ammunition– on

the sa

me day.

“Weha

d a PT test at 4 a.m., and thenrightbehi

nd t

hatwe have 

a 6K combat runwith full battle rattle... it’skind of a gut chec

k;

it letsyou 

find

who you really are,” sai

d Sgt. A

nt

hony Dozart,

who representedthe1st Squadron, 6th 

CavalryRe

giment at the 

competition. “Weall thin

k we’re tough. We all think we’re

thebest Soldier,but when the r

ubber meets theroad,yo

u find

outfirstha

nd whether you’re as tough as yo

u imagineyourself.

“It’sa good thing. You’regoingto comeoutof itbetter andstronger,” .

One aspect ofthe MN

D-NWarriorCompetitionthat

distinguis

hed it fro

m similarcompetitio

ns isthat ittakesplacein

a deployed environment. Wit

h the Soldiers and NCOsstudying

for it already shouldering a heavy workload, preparation for thecompetitionwaseven morechallengin

g than itnormally would

be.

“I fou

nd out I was going to be inthis competition six months

ago, and e

venthen I rushed to prepare. Toprepare, we di

d 

physical trainingeveryday,an

d we stu

died withour NCOIC

whenever we haddowntime. It’sa tough competition. It’s a lotto prepare for,” saidSgt. Marvin Terlaje.

One unexpected benefit of the warrior competition isthe 

positive stressit p

utson units to

keep their trainin

g rigorous.

“The mainwaythese competitions pay off is to give us a chanceto evaluateourSoldiers, seewherethey’re at ontraining,andgo bac

k andstep upour training. I alsoenjoyjust being here

for theSoldiers,helpin

g them out,motivating themin any way I

can,” said Staff Sgt.DavidMiller, a sponsor in the competitionassi

gned to 2nd General SupportAviation Battalion, 1st Aviation

Regiment.

More important tha

n winnin

g, Terlaje and Dozartboth

agree, isthesenseof camaraderie developed duringthecompetition, and the feeling that they are more of a teamthan agroup of individual competitors. “Whathappens at t

he warrior

competition is you get the cream of the crop,yo

u get the people

who are best at what t

heydo,andwe all get together andshare 

storiesand experiences,” said Terlaje. “Ithink it’s a goodopportunit

y. It’s a chanceto fostercamaraderie throughthe

spirit ofcompetitio

n.” 

1st CAB/Vasquez

By Sgt. Michael Howard1st CAB PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – A supply specialist from 3rd Assault 

Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment excelled at MultiNational Division-North’s Warrior Competition at COB Speicher. Spc. Gavin MacKenzie tied for third in the Soldier category. He was one of 54 competitors from across Task Force Iron. 

The event featured significant changes from years past to 

better reflect the Army’s current state of training and its war on terror mission.

According to Sgt. Maj. Allen Ashton, the 1st Armored 

Division tactical operations sergeant major, the competition places a heavy emphasis on “the smaller building blocks that the Soldiers use for providing the tactical security and operational security for the units operating in MND-North.” 

The MND-N Warrior Competition brought together 

warriors from the ranks of private to staff sergeant who have excelled and proven themselves at the company and battalion levels. 

The Soldiers faced a selection board chaired by Sgt. 

Maj. Darryl M. Jannone, the 1st Armored Division provost marshal sergeant major. The rest of the board was comprised of sergeants major from throughout Task Force Iron. They evaluated each warrior’s appearance, military bearing and knowledge in key military areas.

This year’s event consisted of several traditional events such 

as the Army Physical Fitness Test and weapons qualification, but it added new twists to others. 

In addition to standard first-aid exercises, Soldiers had 

to test their proficiency in starting an intravenous drip – a common task in the Combat Life Saver Course, which became a part of basic combat training in 2007. 

Every effort was made to give the Warrior Task Training 

stations maximum realism, said 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Operations Sgt. Maj. Tonia Walker. 

Audio clips from movies like “Black Hawk Down” were 

played at some stations and events were often combined into one station to increase the stress involved in completing the tasks. At the “treat severed extremity” station, the Soldiers evaluated the casualty, treated the severed limbSpc. Jessica Medina of Company E, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment rushes during the react to direct fire event.

Best Warrior
Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

Sgt. Franshun Beard reports on the 1st Sustainment Brigade Update, a weekly roll-up of news from within the un

7

Spc. Andrea Merritt1st SB PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers are trained to 

be highly proficient in their jobs, but sometimes, unexpected opportunities come along and they are able to showcase other gifts and talents.

Sgt. Franshun Beard, a human resources 

noncommissioned officer for the 1st Sustainment Brigade, has used her deployment as a time to focus on advancing in her military career. While trying to better herself, she showed her versatility and landed another role.

“Deployments are hard for everyone,” Beard 

said. You’re away from family, you’re away from friends, and you’re away from the normality of everyday life. While I’m over here, I try to be positive and optimistic.

“You want to surround yourself with positive 

people and engage in positive activities. I miss my son a lot, but to take my mind off of missing special occasions I study for the boards and take college classes to help get me promoted,” she explained.

During the deployment, Beard has won two 

Soldier of the Month boards and the Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sust. Bde., NCO of the Quarter board.

While videotaping a speech for the Brigade 

NCO of the Quarter board, it was discovered that Beard had a knack for the camera.

Staff Sgt. Bryant Maude, the noncommissioned 

officer in charge of the brigade’s public affairs office, asked her to be the new personality for the 1st Sustainment Brigade Update, a weekly roll-up of news from within the brigade.

“She came to our office to record a message 

for Brigade NCO of the Quarter, and the minute I heard her speak I knew she would be great. She has a very natural presence on camera and a very pleasant look,” said Maude.

Beard, who revealed she attended a performing arts school 

as a child and once had dreams of becoming a news broadcaster, accepted the offer. After six weeks of filming the update Beard has really grown into the anchor position and has added a little of her own flair.

Beard, who revealed she attended a performing arts school 

hild d h dd f b i b d t

“This has been a wonderful ex

learning experience. The deploymegood to have an outlet. I can come fun doing something that I enjoy do

“This has been a wonderful ex

1st SB PAO
9 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

By Anna StaatzDuty First! Magazine

The holiday season, when Families and friends traditionally 

gather together, can often be an emotional time for military Families, especially when their service member is deployed.

With Soldiers in the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 

1st Infantry Division, almost through their third month of a 12-month deployment, their Families will celebrate Christmas ... minus one. But traditions and treats will wind up in boxes just the same, ready to be shipped to Iraq.

Erica Koelder found a way to send her Family’s Christmas 

tradition all the way to her husband, Staff Sgt. Thomas Koelder, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, in Iraq. Erica’s father passed away on Dec. 17, 2003, an event that dampens the Christmas holiday for her every year. The couple was originally slated to fill a recruiting tour before coming to Fort Riley, but was placed on hold at the last minute before Christmas 2007. After finding out they wouldn’t be spending the holidays packing, the couple bought a small Christmas tree and started referring to it as their Charlie Brown tree. The name stuck. They decorated it with one red bulb and put a blue blanket underneath. On Dec. 17, Thomas had Erica open some very small “Charlie Brown” presents so the anniversary of her father’s death would have a happy memory as well. 

“After that, he was like, ‘we’re going to do this every year 

on Dec. 17,” Erica said.

When the couple arrived at Fort Riley, Thomas was 

supposed to report to 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regt., 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Instead, he was sent to the 2nd HBCT and deployed less than 60 days after arriving on post.

.

“It’s the Army, we just had to roll with it,” Erica said.Erica found a licensed Charlie Brown tree while shopping 

one day and wasted no time picking it up to send to her husband. She also packed a few other decorations, a stocking of goodies and some small presents.

“His big present will have to wait until he gets back either on 

R and R or for good,” she said. “It’s nothing he could use over there, anyway.”

Erica plans to spend Christmas with her Family in 

Minneapolis, Minn. 

“Everything I will do is the same thing we’ve done before 

for Christmas, he just won’t be here with me,” Erica said. “The one tradition we’ve made for our Family, I found a way to make it work.”

For Christiana Esterline, planning Christmas without her 

husband, Staff Sgt. Curtis Esterline, involves making sure four children have a day to remember. For the Esterline Family, Curtis’ deployment with Special Troops Battalion, 2nd HBCT, is the third rotation they’ve been through.

For the first time, though, Curtis will not be home anytime 

close to the Christmas holiday. In previous deployments, he redeployed right before the holiday or he made it back to the states on rest and recuperation leave in early December and the Family celebrated Christmas during his time home.

Christiana said she and 

her children, Hannahlee, Megan, Briar and Willow, will most likely head “home” to Missouri to visit her parents and extended Family for a few days over Christmas.

“I hate to be this close to 

home and not go home for Christmas,” she said. She is quick to admit, though, that the emotions of a deployment can make you want to stay where you are and not go anywhere.

“Deployments have such 

a life of their own as far as your emotions go and how you feel,” she said.

Willow, Hannahlee, Briar and Megan Esterline gather around the Christmas tree in 2007.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Koelder and wife, Erica, in Minneapolis for Christmas.

my, we just hadto rollwith it,”Erica said.

alicensed Charlie Brown treewhile shop

ping

sted notime picking itup to send to herhusban

d.

dafewotherdecorations, a stocking of goodies

presents.

sent will have to wait until hegets backeither on

goo

d,”shesaid. “It’s nothinghe could use over

“Yeah, I’d hate to not go see my F

this is the closest I can be to him wh

Christiana and her Family teame

and her children, Christian and boxes to their Soldiers. Curtis and roommates in Iraq. 

“Our Families were good friend

them being roommates worked out g

So the box was sent, with a sm

Christmas music, cookies and prese

“We’ll tell him not to open the pr

I don’t think he’ll be able to wait,” kind of guy that says ‘what’d you get big is it?’”

Hannahlee smiled and shook 

her head. “He won’t wait,” she said.For Jennifer Cady and her sons, Jaden and Janzen, the Christmas holiday will involve a trip to Chicago. The deployment is the second for the Family. Second Lt. Jason Cady has been in the Army six years, starting out as an enlisted Soldier before being commissioned as an officer. He is currently assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regt. During Jason’s first deployment, he waserving as a medic in Afghanistawas gone over Christmas as well.

“The first time around, I tried 

Jennifer said. “We took lots of tripChristmas time, I found out my moso we made sure we went back hom

Jennifer and her sons packed up a 

that first deployment, including his fa

2nd Lt. Jason Cady says goodHeavy Brigade Combat Team. 

“Yeah, I’d hate to not go see my F

this is the closest Ican be tohim wh

Christiana and her Family teame

andher chil

dren, Christianan

d 

boxesto their Soldiers. Curtisand roommates in Iraq.

“Our Familieswere goo

d friend

them

being roommates

worke

d out g
11 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

By Staff Sgt. Adora Medina3rd IBCT PAO

KONAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – At a small outpost in 

the Konar province of Afghanistan, a team of Soldiers with Able Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, are living up to their company name, with the ability to continually seek and destroy the enemy without even leaving the perimeter.

The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, 

Soldiers are part of a mortar team.

The teams’ pride lies in their ability to protect their 

comrades on the ground and put a stop to insurgent activity in and around their location.

“We react by providing timely and accurate indirect fires 

for not just Company A, but anyone that comes through our area of operations,” said Cpl. Donald Robertson, combat main mortar team section sergeant. 

From within the confines of their mortar pit, the team fights 

an enemy miles from their position. Despite the distance, they’ve been triumphant in fending off enemy attacks with deadly accuracy, giving the insurgents in their area a reason to be apprehensive. 

“We know that [the Taliban terrorists are] scared,” Robertson 

said. “They know as soon as we fire we’re going to hit them.”

When the call for fire comes through, the mortar teams 

react immediately, lobbing round after round into the barrel and sending the rockets out into suspected enemy terrain. 

The mortar team’s capacity to counterattack and prevail in 

the fight against opposing militant forces doesn’t get rest until the job is done.

The mortarmen recall many early mornings and 

late nights in which they’ve had to endure in pursuit of the enemy. 

However, when the kinetic activity in their area dies down, 

as it infrequently does, the mortar team takes full advantage of the down time by refortifying their positions and building up new mortar pits throughout the outpost to prepare for expected insurgent attacks.

Regardless of the labor ahead, or the many more long 

days to come, the mortarmen find 

gratification watching as 

the mortars disappear 

into the nearby 

mountainside.

Soldiers with Co. A, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt., scan the perimeter from their mortar pit after taking indirect fire from insurgents on Oct. 4.

Soldiers of Co. A, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt., scan the area surrounding their outpost after completing a test fire of their weapons on Oct. 4.

3rd IBCT/Media

na

FORT R

F

PERSONS 
13 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

 By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins3rd IBCT PAO

JALALABAD AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – At times of 

international conflict and war, cultures are brought together for a common cause - to restore peace. This is apparent everywhere in Afghanistan: International Security Assistance Forces are working with Afghan National Security Forces, blending experiences and completing the joint mission.

In the mountains of the Konar province of northeastern 

Afghanistan, American troops with ISAF are working sideby-side with members of the Afghan National Army to complete the mission of bringing stability and democracy to the country. 

From guarding the outpost walls to combined patrols 

through remote villages and providing medical assistance, the joint effort is a success.

“We have ANA working with our guys at many of our 

outposts and they really are working well together,” said Lt. Col. Brett Jenkinson, commander 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

One such situation where 

this joint effort is working is at the gate of Camp Blessing. American Soldiers are combining efforts with ANA to keep the installation safe from enemy threat.

There are language barriers, 

but through the assistance of interpreters the Soldiers are able to work together in many tasks, building bonds and sharing cultural experiences. 

“I like working with them,” 

said Pvt. Michael Ramirez, infantryman, Co. C, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt., said about working with ANA at the gate. “They are all hard workers, really hard workers.” 

Together the Americans and ANA search vehicles and 

personnel who wish to enter the post. It’s important that they work well together in such a violent region. If they miss anything it could mean mission failure and the loss of lives. The key to this mission’s success is trust. There must be trust among the guards in order for them to work as a team, checking every possible option to keep danger away from the installation. 

“It took me a couple weeks to gain their trust,” Ramirez said. 

“Now I trust them 100 percent. I trust them like I trust my 3rd Platoon buddies and that makes it possible to work together as a team.”

The trust between the Soldiers grows everyday on the gates, 

but they are learning more than trust; they are learning to speak each other’s language. 

“I’ve learned a lot of Pashto since I’ve been here. A lot of the 

ANA speak pretty good English from working with Americans, too,” Ramirez said. “When we have slow times, we teach each other words. It builds the relationships and helps us work better together.” 

There are cultural differences involving religious practices, 

the different ways Americans 

and Afghans view interpersonal relationships and various other differences, but they work through the obstacles and gain respect for each other’s cultures, enjoying the bond they share.

“It is a good time for me, and we 

have a good relationship,” Tajwali Shirzai, ANA gate guard, said with the help of an interpreter. “They are our guests here, and we always welcome them. We have growing respect and this helps us to do our jobs better.” 

The American and Afghan Soldiers 

have developed a trust and connection that helps them fight for what they believe in, and they will continue to do the job they are tasked with, guarding the base, while building international bonds.

“We’ll be out here searching people 

and guarding the gate together as long as it takes,” Ramirez said. “We enjoy each other’s company and work hard everyday.” 

Merging Cultures

Tajwali Shirzai, a soldier with the Afghan National Army, searches a local national worker.

Get A Kit: Yoboth your hoMake A Plan: emergency arehearsed.Be Informed: Post emergereference.Learn more bwww.riley.arm
15 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

Spc. Henry Milford, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt., Chap. (Maj.) Karen Meeker, Deputy 101st Chaplain, and Chap. (Capt.) Charles Marmor, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt., together in Iraq.

Chap. (Lt.Col.) David Waters p

By Anna StaatzDuty First! Magazine

Since the days of the 

Revolutionary War, Army chaplains have shouldered the task of helping maintain the spiritual preparedness and morale of Soldiers in some of the most intense moments of life.

Uniforms have changed, 

wars have come and gone, but the task of a chaplain is still as daunting today as it was in 1776. The first official record of a chaplain is from 1791, when George Washington recommended the establishment of four Army regiments, and included a chaplain to be assigned to each regiment. From then on, chaplains have accompanied America’s Soldiers to the front lines of all our nation’s conflicts.

A chaplain’s duties have 

always included conducting spiritual services, counseling Soldiers and attending to the mental and spiritual needs of the wounded and dying. Today’s chaplains also help advise leaders on the religious beliefs of whatever area a unit may be sent to, conduct Family and marriage counseling and brief Soldiers before and after deployments.

During the Civil War, an estimated 3,000 chaplains were 

appointed to the Union forces. Records are slim regarding chaplains serving with the Confederate Army, but it is estimated the South had about 1,000 chaplains. The Civil War also saw a large number of Roman Catholic chaplains and the first Jewish and black chaplains. Since America’s earliest wars, the conflicts have grown in size and strength. Throughout both World Wars, the Korean conflict and then Vietnam, chaplains had to be inventive – vehicle hoods and ammunition crates became altars, services were 

short and often conducted in the open with congregations of dirty, tired Soldiers. Often, chaplains saw the worst of combat as well, holding the dying, praying with the wounded and counseling those who would fight the next day’s battle.

Retired Col. Wes Geary served 

with two brigades in the 1st Infantry Division during Vietnam. Geary, a Texas native, joined the Army after learning there was a shortage of Christian Methodist Episcopal chaplains. 

“I went in, and I liked it, so I 

stayed in,” Geary said.

Geary served the 1st Inf. Div.’s 

2nd Brigade in Vietnam and was later sent to 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, the “Black Lions.”

When Geary remembers 

Vietnam, he is quick to talk about the wet jungles and the mud that was everywhere. He also remembers 

holding field services during 

search-and-destroy operations and counseling Soldiers. There were no lines separating warfare and his ministry.

“It was all one thing,” Geary 

said. “My ministry consisted of serving troops. Sometimes it was a formal service, others it was just one or two Soldiers. Really, what I liked was just being with the Soldiers and having those times of reaching out to them. They knew I was a Soldier, just like them, and suffered through some of the same things.”

In today’s wars, the services of chaplains are still essential 

to maintaining a ready force. The first chaplains sent to Afghanistan in 2001 were with Special Forces units, supporting covert operations, according to the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School. 

Because chaplains often enter the Army after they have 

already attended college and seminary, they are sometimes older than their peers. One former 1st Inf. Div. chaplain was 48 when he joined the Army. Chaplain (Capt.) Vincent Manuel was a

Catholic priest for 20 years before beHe chose to join after Sept. 11, 2001in Iraq with Soldiers, something thhim.

“Being with the Soldiers in Iraq 

really loved,” he said. “That year wme.”

His deployment experiences gui

returned to Fort Riley, where workigave him a new perspective on Soldier.

“I have always appreciated the 

in uniform that were deployed, and realize there are so many more heroManuel said. “There are Family mchildren. There’s a lot of stress thtrying to keep the home front.”

Currently, the 1st Inf. Div. has ab

serving its Soldiers.
17 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

1st Infantry Division at War

1st Infantry DivisionOldest continuously serving division in the United States Army. Over 8,000 Soldiers in three brigades and multiple subordinate units deployed.Primarily located in Fort Riley, Kan.; training responsibility extends to three other states: Kentucky, Oklahoma and Texas.The Division modularized in fall 2008.

1st Brigade, Fort Riley

Trains transition teams. So far more than 8,000 servicemembers have trained and 

deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and more than 1,200 have redeployed.

Transition Teams live and work with Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and the Afghan National 

Army (ANA).

Scheduled to modularize FY09.

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Fort Riley

Currently resetting at Fort Riley, Kan., the brigade is training for a second 

deployment to Iraq. The Department of Defense recently issued deployment 

orders for 2009.

1st Sustainment Brigade, Iraq

Recently provided 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-National Division-Central.

The brigade is scheduled to re-deploy to Fort Riley, Kan., in late 2008.

1st Combat Aviation Brigade Combat Team, Iraq

Nearing the end of a 15 month deployment to Iraq, the brigades 2,800

Soldiers will re-deploy to Fort Riley, Kan., by early December 2008.

75th Fires Brigade, Fort Sill

Integrates attached ground and air maneuver forces and on 

order functions as a maneuver headquarters in support of 

full spectrum operations. Separate battalions currently 

deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 

Afghanistan

One of the Army’s newest brigades, its Soldiers deployed in support of Operation Enduring 

Freedom in June 2008. The deployment is scheduled to last 12 months, during which 

Soldiers will conduct counterinsurgency and stability operations.

4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood

The MEB is a new concept in area operations and stability operations. The 4th MEB unique 

staff is composd of engineer, military police, chemical, cells and organically has a brigade 

support battalion and a signal company.

The brigade was activated at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., in October 2008.

3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Iraq

Provide theater logistics command and control for the theater commander 

supporting the Army Forces (ARFOR) and Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) 

mission. Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom May 2008.

e Combat Team, Fort Riley

Kan., the brigade is training for a second 

ment of Defense recently issued deployment

ers for 2009.

1st Sustainment Brigade, Iraq

Recently provided 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-National Division-Central.

The brigade is scheduled to re-deploy to Fort Riley, Kan., in late 2008.

ombat Aviation Brigade Combat Team, Iraq

Nearing the end of a 15 month deployment to Iraq, the brigades 2,800

Soldiers will re-deploy to Fort Riley, Kan., by early December 2008.

ires Brigade, Fort Sill

ground and air maneuver forces and on

 maneuver headquarters in support of

ations. Separate battalions currently 

pport of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

s

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team,

Afghanistan

One of the Army’s newest brigades, its Soldiers deployed in support of Operation Enduring

Freedom in June 2008. The deployment is scheduled to last 12 months, during which 

Soldiers will conduct counterinsurgency and stability operations.

1st C

4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood

The MEB is a new concept in area operations and stability operations. The 4th MEB unique 

staff is composd of engineer, military police, chemical, cells and organically has a brigade 

support battalion and a signal company

3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Iraq

Provide theater logistics command and control for the theater commander 

pporting the Army Forces (ARFOR) and Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF)

mission. Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom May 2008.

2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Iraq

The brigade departed Fort Riley, Kan,. in October 2008 on a 

scheduled 12 month deployment in support of Operation 

Iraqi Freedom.

By Tyler AbneyDuty First! Magazine

Skies were cloudy and the Au

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd reacted quickly as orders for a firiradio. The weather may have been round down range make up for it. and a shell is loaded into the gun. Wis well organized. Aim is adjusted The section chief gives the order t105-millimeter Howitzer, delivers a

“Proud American” Soldiers par

Oct. 20 - 24, an exercise which took missions they were designed to delivto Iraq in February 2007, their martillery unit to an infantry unit beaction taking place. Now that they’vback to firing the big guns – sometnearly two years. 

“The mindset is a lot different,” 

section chief of 2nd Section, Batteryou have to be a lot more aggressive it’s more about patience and doing t

Steele said the unit, equipped 

firing the 35-pound shells at a rankilometers (four miles). The weapoof more than 14 kilometers. While 1seem large, they are lighter rounds the Army has. Steele said because tshell, they are generally used agaiand buildings and anti-personnel mi

Steele also said the M119 A2 is th

of artillery the Army has to offer. 

“You can bring us any way you w

helicopters or airborne, you can drocloser to where they need us, rathearound.”

The sections can fire at a rate o

minutes while remaining safe and eis key in terms of safety for other Solsaid the sections are provided infobserver who relays grid coordincenter, who then relays the data to thand his men go to work. 
19 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

1st ID PAO/Smith

Combatives competition

By Anna StaatzDuty First! Magazine

When it comes to dealing with combat and deployments, it is 

important for a Soldier to be both physically and mentally tough. Some experience in Army combatives can go a long way toward strengthening both the mind and the body.

Army combatives combines skills from the hand-to-hand methods of 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, Judo, and Muay Thai to help Soldiers both 

train for combatives competitions and for combat.

“Combatives training is not going to win a major conflict,” 

said Matheau Smith, head combatives instructor at Fort Riley. 

“But the training we do breeds the ethics and the will to 

win that will win the Army’s conflicts, regardless of a 

Soldier’s job or MOS.”

Smith said the training hones a Soldier’s skills to 

close with the enemy and control their own fear.

“Everyone is going to have a fearful moment, 

no matter what your job is and especially if you’re 

deployed,” Smith said. “It’s that choice you make 

to go to your job and aggressively do it.”

Soldiers can enroll in the Fort Riley 

combatives academy by going through their unit’s schools noncommissioned officer, completing Fort Riley Form 28 and sending it 

to the Fort Riley Troop School.

The Level I combatives course is one week 

long. The second level of training is two weeks 

in length. Up to 36 Soldiers can enroll in each 

class. Classes are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday 

through Friday at Building 77670. Smith said about 

four hours of the day is hands-on training and the 

remainder of the day is instruction and video review.

“It’s a tremendous workout,” Smith said. “When they 

come, they should be in great shape.”

The Fort Riley Combatives Academy reopened on Aug. 

18, after being in limbo for awhile. Smith taught combatives at Fort 

Campbell, Ky., and Fort Knox, Ky., before coming to Fort Riley. He has two assistant instructors, Al Mildren and Sean Roberts. Since the reopening of the academy, about 32 Soldiers have participated in classes at the academy, a number Smith hopes to see grow.

“I think a lot of people may not know about the courses, since it was 

kind of offline for awhile, so hopefully, once people know more about it, there will be more interest,” he said.

Information on all courses offered through the Fort Riley Troop 

School can be obtained at www.riley.army.mil. Troop School is located in building 7305. Anyone interested in learning more about signing up for the combatives academy may email gerald.busing@conus.army.mil.

Courtesy Photo

B

Repre

Annua

By Gary SkidmoreDuty First!Magazine

This year’s Association of the U

meeting in Washington D.C. Oct. 61st Infantry Division all over it.

Fort Riley’s women’s team pla

women’s category of the Army Forward Support Battalion Mixed in the largest 10-mile race in Amrunners registered for the race.

Fort Riley also garnered one 

partnership awards. The awards wethe second of three family forums, “Families Through Community Partn

The award culminated efforts ach

a result of the Army Family CovenAction Plan. 

“These two programs reflect 

to provide Soldiers and their Famcommensurate with their service to of the Army Pete Geren.

Fort Riley won its award for establ

Partnership Conferences between lethe surrounding Flint Hills region. Twere established to bring together pin the region in order to leverage resorelated to Soldier and Family qualicare, recreation, education and emp

Another big winner at the ann

Class Lonnie Powell, a platoon Transition Battalion. Powell won the Educational Leadership Award.

The award is given annually to a 

who best exemplifies the Army’s viin shaping future leaders while practof the nation’s most precious resourc

According to Division Command 

Powell assumed the position of 4th Team educational advisor in Septem

“Sgt. 1st Class Powell worked wi

dialoguing on educational importanChampagne.

“Online databases, libraries and 

concept of his vision to provide for evthe catalyst for future success in rea
21 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

Staff Report 1st Inf. Div. PAO 

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat 

Team

 JALALABAD AIR FIELD, Afghanistan 

– The 24th Army 10-miler took place in Washington D.C. Oct. 10; however, 7,000 miles away in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 121 members of Task Force Duke, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, participated in the Fenty Army 10-miler shadow run.

The top three finishers for each gender 

were recognized with bronze, silver and gold medals. For the men, first place went to Maj. Keith E. Matiskella, from Killeen, Texas, with a time of 58 minutes 14 seconds; second place went to Richard Mangongo from Kisii, Kenya, with a time of 66:00 and third place went to David Claassen from Fredericksburg, Va., with a time of 66:05. 

For the women, first place went to Sgt. 

Kristal Reszler from Roslyn, Wash., with a time of 79:36; second place went to 1st Lt. Jean Archer from Champaign, Ill., with a time of 86:60, and third place went to Staff Sgt. Karina Diaz from Pomona, Calif., with a time of 87:23.

The event kicked off with registration starting at 5 

a.m., followed by opening remarks by Col. John Spiszer, commander, 3rd IBCT.,1st Inf. Div. Just before the run kick off at 6:30 a.m., he welcomed everyone and expressed his appreciation for their participation in the day’s event.

“Thank you for coming out. Thank you for what you are 

doing for the Army. Take care of your buddy and good luck to everyone and have a good time,” Spiszer said. 

Many of the participants trained up for the run in a variety 

of ways.

Matiskella, an avid runner, whose wife, Maj. Paty Hinshaw 

ran in the D.C. race emphasized the importance of preparation and setting a good pace for the run. He spoke of the many late nights running on the treadmill while listening to audio books on his iPod. “It is my way of relaxing after a days work. Running is more of a hobby than it is work for me. Over the years, I have experienced many runs and if you start off too hard, too slow or make a wrong turn it can be very challenging to complete 

the race,” Matiskella, said. “My biggest 

challenge was that the gravel was very hard to 

run on at times. So, I have to get the entire 

route paved,” the engineer jokingly said.

Reszler who participated in the shadow run 

at Camp Liberty, Iraq, two years ago said, “My 

time was better here then at Liberty, because 

I ran 7 miles every other day, both outside 

and on the treadmill and I ran shorter speed 

workouts on the off days,” Rezler said. 

2nd Heavy Brigade 

Combat Team

Kuwait - The Army 10-Miler conducted 

each year during the annual Association of 

the United States Army annual meeting is a big draw for runners from all over the 

armed forces. But what do you do if you 

are not able to make the trip to Washington, 

DC., due to deployment? You find a shadow 

race. 

For a small group of “Dagger” Soldiers, 

the chance to participate in a shadow 10- 

miler race was a nice break from their busy 

schedules in the Kuwait desert. 

“I just want to build a little camaraderie with 

the Soldiers that are here from all the different 

units,” said Maj. Bryce Pringle, executive officer, 

299th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade 

Combat Team, “And what better way is there to start 

the deployment than to run the Army 10-Miler?” 

The race, which was held on Camp Buehring, attracted 

service members from not just different branches of the U.S. armed forces, but there were also participants from such nations as Great Britain and Australia. 

“I was definitely motivated seeing all the different services 

and nations represented,” said Spc. James Holbrook, a driver with 299th BSB from Peoria, Ill. “I’m kind of competitive.” 

The race got off to an early start to help the Soldiers avoid 

the sweltering heat which can be a problem at Camp Buehring. After two laps around the camp, the participants had the chance to soak in the moment and reflect on what they had accomplished and what it meant to run in unison with their fellow service members in the states. 

“I think it’s cool how this event ties in with the event in 

Washington, DC. It is a great event there and it was a great event here,” said Capt. Steven Veves, Assistant S-3, 2nd HBCT. 

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Connelly placed in the top one percent of runners at the Army 10-mile race

1st Inf. Div. PAO/Smith

Fort Riley 

ARLINGTON, Va.- About 26

in this year’s 24th Annual ArmPentagon. 

The Fort Riley women’s 10-m

of 40 teams in their category. A Forward Support Battalion placed Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Connelly Patrick Frank (510 overall) of the the top two percent of all runners 1:06:18, respectively.

“The Army 10-Miler represents 

the Army’s race,” said Jim Vanda pretty large trophy that goes to female teams, and with those com

“It’s the best you can do,” said 

largest 10-mile race in the world, a26,000 other runners.” 

Connelly, who has run the cours

he runs the course, it gets better alike it,” he said.

Runners came from all 50 sta

There was also a foreign presence countries including Brazil, Canadto race officials, 31 percent of tmilitary. 

“I’m ready to run it again,” sa

done with the race, it’s almost like for next year.”

Connelly said it’s not all about c

although he said he does like doimore like leaving the Big Red Onrace.”

“We’re the Big Red One,” said 

One was in front of thousands of r10-mile race in the world. That’s to run the race. 

It took more than 30 minutes 

runners to cross the starting line. Bfor the last five races was Orlando 

“I get a whole different perspe

Gomez, who works as a civilian in never going to win the race, and have always been the last one acrowhat I do.”

Maj. Chevelle Thomas, Sgt. Brian contributed to this story.

Army 10-Mile Race 

BRO Soldiers Compete W
Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

23

By Sgt. Nathaniel Smith1st Inf. Div. PAO

Soldiers often form bonds with each other through shared 

experiences in the face of adversity, but rarely is the opportunity presented for those same bonds to be formed between the senior leaders and the junior troops.

From Oct. 13-15, a group of leaders with upwards of 20 

years experience in the Army and Soldiers with as few as two years in the service fostered relationships through a Strong Bonds Retreat to the Ringneck Ranch in Tipton, Kan.

Over the course of the three-day retreat, the 1st Infantry 

Division Soldiers went hunting and fishing together in a relaxed environment away from the everyday stresses of being a Soldier.

Spc. Brady Johnson, said the trip had a significant impact 

on him.

“The retreat was probably one of the most exciting and 

influential trips that the military has ever provided for me; it gave us a chance to see how the senior NCOs and officers open 

up and really bond with the lower enlisted Soldiers,” Johnson said. “For me, it showed how a senior noncommissioned officer can still be professional but hang out like one of the guys.” 

Hanging out as more of a group of friends instead of senior 

leaders and junior Soldiers was made easier thanks to the environment created by the staff at Ringneck Ranch, where the troops were treated to high quality lodging and meals on a beautiful ranch in north central Kansas.

Lisa Hake, a hostess at the Blue Hills Lodge on the ranch, 

said it was her pleasure to work with the troops of the Big Red One.

 “What a privilege and honor it was to have our servicemen 

join us for a few days here at our lodge,” Hake said. “Their commitment, care and concern for our country was constantly on display for us to see.

“It was truly a joy to serve them, and we look forward to 

more opportunities.”

Debra Houghton, one of the owners of Ringneck Ranch, said 

hosting the service members was a way for her to give back.

Cpl. Tamer Kazan, an operations specialist with the 1st Infantry Division, shows off a few of his and his battle buddies’ birds.

1st Inf. Div. PAO/Smith

“My family, especially my gra

as children a real sense of patrioappreciation for our military’s sacrfreedom and liberty,” Houghton saI can express my gratitude to those families, I feel blessed and honored 

In addition to the good time mad

facility, Sgt. 1st Class Roger Mattwith the 1st Inf. Div. Headquarterslearning opportunities for the leade

“The event was very beneficial no

but also for the senior enlisted,” Matalk with the junior enlisted on a mtheir issues and concerns in a more 

“I was able to teach, coach and m

cases be taught, coached, and mento

Col. Donnie Walker, the 1st In

Staff for Commander’s Initiatives, perfect for the leaders to help the youtdoors.

“The Ringneck Ranch experie

setting for Soldiers of all ranks from a common interest and to build camWalker said. “The senior mentors w

Ten members of the 1st Infantry Ranch. Senior leaders and junior 

“My family,especially my gra

as childrenareal sense of patrioappreciation for our military’s sacrfreedomand liberty,” Houghton saI canexpress my gratitude to those families, I feel blessed and honored 

In addition to the good time mad

facility,Sgt. 1st Class Roger Mattwith the 1st Inf. Div. Headquarterslearning opportunities for the leade

“The event was very beneficial no
25 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

By Spc. Richard Colletta4 IBCT Public Affairs

FORT RILEY, Kan. – Veterans of the 16th Infantry 

Regiment had the opportunity to revisit life in the military during a week-long visit to Fort Riley in late October.

Veterans, spouses and friends of the regiment kicked off the 

week with a ceremony to present awards to the newly inducted distinguished members of the regiment.

“Who are these guys in the blue jackets?,” asked retired Col. 

Sydney Baker. “They do a lot of good things for a lot of people. The guys in blue coats are all members of this regiment. Most of them have served in combat. A large number of them are highly decorated veterans of more than one war. They have all gone on past their Army careers to be leaders in their

communities. They have stayed loyal and involved in what happens to this regiment and have become loyal to the Soldiers who serve with the regiment today.”

During the course of the week, the group participated in a 

number of activities. They piled into Humvees and embarked on a mounted combat patrol and engaged an insurgent ambush at Fort Riley’s Combat Simulator Center. The group saw demonstrations in room clearing and close-quarters marksmanship by an infantry squad and a military transition team. During a trip to the field, visitors were surprised when a demonstrator called out and snipers suddenly stood up a mere 15 feet away from the group. Previously unseen, the snipers’ ghillie suits blended in with the grass and brush. The group also saw a mortar team employ the M252 mortar system.

Janeen Thompson, wife of a 16th Inf. Regt. veteran, who had 

Ron “Mack” Mackendanz, a veteran who served with the Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment takes aim as he and other members of the 16th Regiment Association get a chance to fire weapons on a shooting range on Fort Riley.

1st Inf. Div. PAO/Coffey

just been awarded the title of honorarsaid she was impressed with what sh

“The most important thing for m

concentration of young men and wand the technology they have,” Thwonderful feeling. I wish more Amthis.”

Afterward the guests attended a g

for them to showcase weapons curArmy and also some foreign weainsurgents. Later, they had the oppoweapons themselves.

The group toured the 1st Infantr

building and Victory Park. That stofor retired Maj. Moses Scheinfeld, Honor was the centerpiece for a div

“My father Rabbi David Schei

auction for sale and felt that it wasn’t floating around, so he bought it for “It later came out in the New York that originally made the medals had 

Newly inducted Distinguished at a ceremony at Camp FunstoCostich, Moses Scheinfeld. (B

16th Infantry Regim

Veterans Visit 
27 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

Operation Toy 

Fun Run

By Sgt. Nathaniel Smith1st Inf. Div. PAO

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and senior 

noncommissioned officers all over Fort Riley have already started leading from the front with Christmas spirit.

On Nov. 12, sergeants major from across post took part in 

“Operation Toy Fun Run” setting feet to pavement from the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters to Bldg. 261 on Main Post, where Operation Santa Claus is taking place.

Operation Santa Claus is an annual toy drive to help not 

only Soldiers and their families at Christmas, but families through out the Flint Hills region as well.

Sgt. Maj. J.B. Thomas, the 1st Inf. Div. G-6 sergeant major, 

said Operation Santa Claus is a good way for Soldiers to take care of not only their fellow Soldiers, but the families as well.

“This is not just for Fort Riley but for all our Soldiers and 

their dependents as well. It gives the Soldiers, especially the needy Soldiers, a place to go to get gifts for their Families,” Thomas said. “Not all Soldiers come in the Army with 20 years in service and make a lot of money; a lot of Families who come into the Army already have three kids but they’re E-1s, so 

their budget’s kind of tight. “We want their children to have a joyous Christmas.”

The sergeants major ran to raise awareness of the cause, 

which kicked off Nov. 5, and Thomas encouraged anyone who wanted to donate to do so throughout the holiday season.

“I wouldn’t worry about the cutoff date, I would donate all 

the way until the time it closes,” he said. “If it’s Dec. 24, it doesn’t matter. The biggest thing is just donating.”

Anyone wishing to donate toys to Operations Santa Claus 

can do so at Building 261, 1st and 4th Brigade headquarters, Garrison Headquarters, the Post Exchange, the Fort Riley National Bank, Credit Union 1 of Kansas, Irwin Army Community Hospital and Wal-Mart in Junction City and Manhattan. Command Sgt. Maj. Ian Mann, garrison command sergeant major, can be contacted for boxes for individual units.

Thomas stressed that even though the younger Soldiers’ 

budgets may be tighter, everybody benefits from donating, and it gets back to the core value of taking care of one another.

“The number one thing is the Army takes care of Families, 

and we’re one big family,” he said. “We want to make sure not just the junior enlisted Soldiers but everybody is given the opportunity to feel the love from the Santa Claus house.”

Sergeants major of the 1st Infantry Division are a blur as they depart the division’s headquarters on Operation Toy Fun Run Nov. 12. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at Building 261 on Main Post, the Commissary or the Post Exchange. 

1st Inf. Div. PAO/Smith

By Dena O’DellFort Riley Post 

For several 

members of the 1st Infantry Division G-2 staff, the recent opening of a language lab and cultural center on Custer Hill marked the moment they had been working toward for the past year, an accomplishment Brig. Gen. Perry Wiggins, 1st Inf. Div. commanding general, said would pay big dividends for U.S. Soldiers natio

With the assistance of G-2 office

others instrumental in the facility’s oversized pair of scissors to cut a rethe grand opening of the 1st Infantrand Cultural Awareness Center in B

“First and foremost, it’s an honor 

today to represent the division and that’s going to pay big dividends, standing on the front lines, but ouworld,” Wiggins said.

The decision to establish a centr

Fort Riley came on the heels of the acBrigade Combat Team and the retuFort Riley, said Dan Matthews, G-2 

The center offers a wide range of 

all Fort Riley Soldiers including langArabic/Iraqi dialect and cultural linbased training; Tactical Iraqi video language survival kits; Headstart 80-hself study programs; live language teChinese and Spanish; as well as iPod

As a member of the joint staff, W

throughout the world and found words in a common language goetrust and credibility. “Sometimes you cannot win through the bayolearn through dialogue,” he said. for our Soldiers who are deploying nation on the Global War on Terrora few key phrases and learn a 

Dena

O’Dell 

Langu

Brig. Gegets somInf. Div. 
29 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

By Sgt. Nathaniel Smith1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs

Under blustery conditions, an armada of boats took to 

Milford Lake Nov. 6 and 8, all with one goal in mind: catch more fish than the next guy.

At first glance, one may have thought there were nothing 

but crazy people on the largest lake in Kansas, but upon further review it was the B.A.S.S. Federation Fishing Tournament with 55 amateur anglers from around the world competing for their shot at the professional tour.

What was supposed to be a three-day event was shortened 

to two days due to potentially dangerous winds that reached up to 40 miles per hour.

Despite having to cancel practice on Nov. 4 and postponing 

the tournament twice on Nov. 5 and 7, the tournament was finally completed on Nov. 8.

Outside of the tough weather conditions, the tournament 

was unique for another reason: Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division, all volunteers despite the bad weather, were employed as observers, ensuring that fish caught were of the proper 

species and size for the event’s specifications, and drivers,backing boats into the water. Sgt. Christopher Slepekis, a fire support noncommissioned officer who worked as a driver, said he enjoyed the opportunity to help with the tournament.

“I got to hang out with the guys, get out of the office and talk 

with somebody who has a different profession than me,” Slepekis said. “They were very professional; definitely disappointed but they were just waiting for a better chance to catch some fish.”

Staff Sgt. David Andrews, an operations NCO with the 1st 

Inf. Div.’s headquarters who helped out as an observer, said despite the weather, he relished the opportunity to get tips from semi-professional anglers.

“I enjoy fishing and any time you get the chance to fish with 

someone better than yourself, it’s a good learning experience,” Andrews said. “The weather wasn’t great, but I learned a lot.”

Andrews, who rode with Jeff Friedman, an amateur angler 

representing Virginia, added some of the things he learned were what gear to use and the best kinds and colors of lures to use under certain conditions.

Despite frustration for all the anglers involved, Slepekis said 

he was impressed with the professionalism of the fishermen.

Matthew Simone of Connecticut replaces a broken rod as Pvt. Kevin Brady, an infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment observes. Of 55 anglers competing, only 17 actually caught anything on a day many said had the most challenging conditions they had ever competed under.

1st Inf. Div. PAO/Smith

species and size for the event’s specifications and drivers

B.A.S.S. Fis

Tourname

“They were very cordial and lo

to help with the competition,” Slepfriendship we struck up.

Bryan Schmidt of Olney, Texas, t

boat package valued at over $64,000will be competing on the profession

The Commanding General’s Mounte
Yes, It Is Cold Outside 

But You Can Still Get Inform

About The Big Red One On Y

Computer At

www.

1id.army.mil