Forging Friendships orging Friendships

Train to Recovery rain to Recovery

Battle Readiness attle Readiness

World W

Highligh

June 2008www.1id.ar

Unofficial 1st Infantry Division Magazine of Soldiers and Families

June 2008www.1id.ar

Unofficial1stInfantry Division Magazine ofSoldiers and Families
Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

1

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 

fi ght on to any objective and accomplish the

mission 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 

fi rst-class training and living

high 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-con

fi dence, 

competitive spirit, intestinal fortitude and the desire to 

fi ght 

with all my heart.

U.S. Army Photo

1st Infantry Division Commander

Maj. Gen. Robert Durbin

1st Infantry Division CSM

Command Sgt. Maj.

James Champagne

1st Infantry Division PAO

Lt. Col. Christian Kubik

Editor

Sgt. 1st Class Pamella Voss

Assistant Editor

Laura Stroda

Staff Writer

Spc. Francisca Vega

Art Director

Floyd Hansford M/VISC

Duty First! uty First!

No Mission too Diffi cult. No Sacrifi ce too Great.

June 2008 www.1id.army.

The Duty First is an unoffi cial 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 Offi ce 

ATTN: Editor 

Bldg. 580

RM 135

Fort Riley, Kan. 66442. 

Telephone number 

785-239-8126 or 785-239-2402 

DSN 856-2402 or 856-3616 fax 

785-239-2592 

or visit Duty First online at 

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

If you glance at our war chart on page 12, you’ll see 

that the 1st Infantry Division is operating at full speed. We’re either training for deployment, deploying, or redeploying, but we are defi nitely not standing still. 

This high operating tempo causes stress and strain 

for all of us Soldiers and our Families – no doubt about it. That stress and strain can turn deadly seemingly at the drop of a dime. Soldiers kill themselves. Soldiers get angry at home and turn on the very Family that normally sustains them. 

As leaders or fellow Soldiers, we 

can say that we never saw it coming, that Specialist So-and-So never showed any indication that he was contemplating suicide or was suffering through bouts of depression or anger. But the truth is that we must assume all of us are susceptible to suicide and causing domestic abuse, because it’s true. 

Once we accept this, we can then 

focus on identifying our brothers and sisters who are struggling, and we can understand the importance of helping. Let me be clear: this is a Big Red One Soldier’s DUTY, and it is the most important Duty of all. Life is very diffi cult as it is, and when we ask our 

Soldiers and Families to also cope with repeated long deployments, some are going to be challenged beyond their personal capabilities. 

As leaders, we must know our Soldiers. We must 

understand that when a Soldier is not performing to standard, it could very well be a problem in his or her personal life. We must care about Soldiers’ personal lives. It is not being nosy or infringing on Soldiers’ privacy. It is Caring, with a capital C. 

As fellow Soldiers, we know our buddies better than 

anyone. We see the warning signs fi rst. We hear about 

the Dear John letter fi rst. We know that he or she has 

lost their appetite. And when we see these indicators, we must act. We cannot think the problem will pass on its own, because usually it doesn’t. Too many Soldiers die because someone saw an indicator but did not act quickly enough. Nobody wants to commit suicide or abuse their Family, but if they think nobody cares, then it happens. Be that person who heeds the call of Duty, takes the initiative and saves a life. 

3

Commanding General Danger 6

Know our Soldiers...

Maj. Gen. Robert Durbin

It is our Duty – all of us, leaders and fellow Soldiers 

alike – to be able to recognize the signs of stress and strain, and to know the resources we have available to help ourselves and each other. 

The fi rst resource is our own leadership. Nobody knows 

what you are experiencing like your own leaders who have likely walked the same paths of stress and strain before you. Our leaders can offer guidance and support that fi t the individual Soldier, because they know the Soldier 

well. 

Other resources include the unit 

Chaplain, who offers a private shoulder to lean on, a sympathetic ear, and knows of special resources available to Soldiers and Families. 

Some of the most important of those 

extra resources are: 

Military & Family Life Consultants:

Licensed clinical providers who assist with issues through the cycle of deployment – from separation to reintegration and beyond. 

Family Advocacy Program:

Strengthens Family functioning and self-suffi ciency of military Families, and specializes in assistance for domestic abuse situations.

Applied Suicide Intervention 

Skills Training (ASIST): Provides 

skills that help us identify those at risk of suicide and gives us tangible skills to truly help. 

For more information on any of these programs please 

call (785) 239-9435 at Fort Riley, (254) 286-6774 at Fort Hood, (580) 442-6458 at Fort Sill, and (502) 624-6291 at Fort Knox. If you are deployed, you have special resources available to you. If you are a Soldier or leader, learn what they are and help spread the word about their availability. You may save a life or lives. 

The Army has long prided itself on what we have 

always considered our Duty to “take care of our own.” We understand better than anyone those truly diffi cult challenges we face. We understand our Duty to prevent suicide and domestic abuse. 

As a member of the Big Red One Family, it is our most 

important Duty to take care of our brothers and sisters, to take care of our own. This is what should come to your mind every time you hear these two words: 

DUTY FIRST!

This is a great opportunity to e

in being selected as the 20tSergeant Major of the 1st Infantr

Since June 8, 1917 the stor

represented the American way Division on the battlefi eld. 

It is with great honor and prid

serve along side of every Soldier present and future – that has wBig Red One patch.

The 1st Infantry Division is d

its history and it continues to wrchapters’ everyday while serving Global War on Terrorism. 

The legacy of our great D

should never be forgotten. 

I challenge all Soldiers assig

the 1st Infantry Division to becomversed in its history. I’ll be check

Also, I ask that all units pla

fl ags and sing with gusto the 1st Division Song. Let those who familiar with the Big Red One knyour unit is in town. 

Comma

Division Command Sg

History 
5 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

ST BDE

FORT RILEY, Kan. – A cloud of smoke fi lls the air and a convoy 

of Transition Team members speeds up after an improvised explosive device detonates. Paintballs fl y at the vehicles and AK-47 fi re echoes through the area. Although the IED and the rounds weren’t real, the team’sreaction to the ambush was. 

 Transition Team training, conducted by the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry 

Division at Fort Riley, is a 60-day polishing of individual Soldier skills, teamwork skills and combat advisor skills.

 When the training is complete, the 11- to 16-Servicemember teams 

deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan to mentor and train host-nation security forces.

 How does 1st Bde ensure that teams keep their eyes open and 

their weapons ready throughout the training period? It gives them an “enemy.”

 Forward Operating Base Army Strong at Camp Funston is the 

Transition Teams’ headquarters. They drive assigned Humvees to conduct various missions on many other training areas on Fort Riley. 

 As soon as the teams gear up and leave FOB Army Strong, they are 

subject to attacks from opposing forces. 

 “The teams don’t just go out once. They go out many times and we 

hit them from different points with different scenarios,” said Sgt. Daniel Lehner, the 1st Bde OPFOR noncommissioned offi cer-in-charge. “We’ll set up complex ambushes to help them train for the roads in theater.” 

 The OPFOR team consists of nine Soldiers equipped with AK-47s, 

paintball guns and “slam kits,” or simulated IEDs fi lled with carbon 

dioxide and talcum powder.

 “We are out there to give them a sense of realism,” said Spc. Kent 

Johnson, an OPFOR Soldier. “They get the bang effect; the loud noise on the battlefi eld feeling.”

 When the fi ght is over the training stops and the Soldiers gather for a 

standard after-action review.

 The OPFOR tells the Soldiers what they did right and what they need 

to improve on, such as vehicle spacing, returning fi re and providing 

security, Lehner said. 

 “They learn to react to the different scenarios and it pretty much beats 

it into their brain on what they need to do and what they should sustain,” he said. “The AARs help a lot because critiquing them continuously is the best way to sustain their knowledge on attacks from the enemy.”

 The OPFOR sets up the mock-roadside bombs and waits in the 

bushes for a team to travel their way. 

“The element of surprise here is what 

gets them ready,” said Spc. Aaron Johnson, another OPFOR soldier. “When they drive around in theater they will never know what’s going to happen. Just that sudden shock of being attacked helps condition a quicker and thought-out response.”

The OPFOR Soldiers say they really enjoy 

pretending to be the enemy and helping Transition Teams maintain the skills needed for the real-world mission. 

“It’s actually a lot of fun and very rewarding 

to go out every day and shoot at stuff and contribute to giving these guys some training,” Johnson said. “Hopefully they’ll be a little more prepared for theater.”

Spc. Dustin Roberts1st BDE, PAO

tin Roberts

PAO

A Key Element Key Element

OPFOR 

Spc. Aaron Johnson, 1st Bde. OPFOR, seIED before a Transition Team ambush. 
7 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

Sgt. Brian Tierce2nd HBCT, PAO

FORT RILEY, Kan. – Recently, the 2nd Heavy Brigade 

Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, conducted its fi rst 

exercise under its new designation. The warfi ghter 

exercise was a test of the brigade’s battle readiness and tested the brigade and its subordinate battalions in a number of combat-critical areas. 

One of the critical elements of the exercise was the 

addition of a special guest to the brigade combat team. Retired Gen. William W. Crouch, former vice chief of staff of the Army, served as the senior mentor to Col. Norbert B. Jocz, commander, 2nd HBCT. Throughout the exercise Crouch not only observed the training, he also shared his knowledge with each part of the organization. 

“The brigade staff mirrors the same level of 

professionalism and cohesion that I have seen inside the command group,” said Crouch, “As long as you are a part of that type of an organization, you can do anything.” 

The exercise itself was a simulated invasion of a 

fi ctitious nation by another nation, similar to that of the 

Gulf War. The brigade then conducted an operation to free the overwhelmed nation from the invading forces. 

“The decisive operation was civil security; you all 

embraced that and ran with it,” said Brig. Gen Keith Walker, 1st Inf. Div. assistant division commander of operations. 

“Everything you did in terms of planning and preparation 

and execution, that was superb.” 

Some of the battle simulations that tested the skills 

and knowledge of the brigade, battalion and squadron leadership included a sand table simulation, casualty tracking, media interaction and fi re support. 

“You can mass power and effect on a decisive point, 

stay focused the way that you have been and you will be just fi ne,” said Crouch. 

Following the exercise, a fi nal review was conducted 

where each member of the brigade staff, as well as the battalion leadership, described the challenges they faced during the exercise. 

Each leader also descried 

what they think will be the key to helping the brigade commander see the whole battlefi eld during 

the upcoming National Training Center rotation and beyond. 

“The Army has provided you 

with the resources for two events. This is one of the two, the other is NTC,” said Walker. “You took full advantage of those resources. The brigade met all of its training objectives, so very well done on that.”

ND HBCT

Col. Norbert Jocz, former commander, 2nd HBCT, speaks to the battalion commanders of the brigade during a sand table exercise.

Battle

Readiness
Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

9

Staff Sgt. David Hopkins3rd IBCT, PAO

FORT BENNING, Ga. – Big Red One Soldiers 

competed in the 2008 All Army Small Arms Championships and showed off some of their battle skills earlier this spring at Fort Benning, Ga. 

Six Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division 3rd Infantry 

Brigade Combat Team’s 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, and 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, ran, crouched, crawled and shot for 12 days against competitors from around the country.

“Of the 34 teams that started, only 18 fi nished. The 

‘Duke’ Brigade Team fi nished in ninth place (in the novice category) and was fi rst among the three active duty units 

(3/1 ID, 3/25 ID, and 3-75 Ranger),” said Lt. Col. Brett Jenkinson, commander 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt.

The team consisting of Staff Sgt. Archie Rollins, Co 

B., 1-26; Sgt. Craig Tanner, Co. B;, 1-26; Sgt. Brandon Farley, Co. A, 1-26; Spc. Alexander Couret, Co. F, 1-26; Pfc. Lemine Dia, Co. F, 1-26; and Cpl. Richard Marshal, Trp. B, 6-4 Cav. competed in three different events during their time at Fort Benning. Each event challenged the Soldiers in different ways, but each event called upon all their skills with weapons.

“We competed against everyone from West Point, 

to Bradford University; it was a really big variety of shooters,” Rollins said.

One-hundred sixty participants, making up 34 teams, 

competed in the competition. They were divided into three levels by their experience. The novice class was for shooters who have never competed or haven’t competed in the past two years. The open class was for shooters who competed at some point in the past two years, but haven’t won a competition. The pro class was for shooters who competed and won in the past two years.

“The six representatives from 3/1 competed in the 

novice category, taking ninth place in this category,” Rollins said.

Adjusting to the level of competition was tough for some 

of the Soldiers in the beginning of the contest, but they adjusted as the days wound down and rounds were fi red.

“For the fi rst two days, the intimidation factor affected 

the younger guys; they were just nervous. You could tell by the way they were shooting...nerves,” Rollins said. “By the end of the match they weren’t intimidated anymore and even were taking tips and guidance on how to shoot better.” 

There were different phases the Soldiers competed in, 

each stage challenging different shooting skills and each one more diffi cult than the previous. They also had the additional challenge of fi ring two weapon systems, the 

M-4 carbine and a pistol.

For the next phase of the competition, the Commander’s 

Cup, only the top 18 teams were able to compete. This stage consisted of the competitors running 1.5 miles wearing full battle gear and then fi ring their weapons on a move-andshoot range. They had three 10-round magazines in this 

event and could fire from any body position, but Soldiers had to move quickly to be competitive.

The Soldiers did more than show off their shooting 

skills during their time at Fort Benning; they also learned some lessons and honed their skills, skills they can take with them and use in other competitions and on the battle fi eld.

“The thing I’ve learned the most is patience and 

confi dence. If you have confi dence in yourself and the weapons system you can shoot anything,” Rollins said. “There were a lot of things that were brought to light and they take those things and make it better next year.” 

RD IBCT

Marksmanship 

Competition

Sgt. Craig Tanner, Co. B 1-26, fi res his M-4 dArms Championships at Fort Benning, Ga. S1st Inf. Div., competed in the competition, wpistols at targets of various ranges and from 

A Soldier from 3rd IBCT, 1st Inf. Div., focuchecks to see where his rounds are hitting Small Arms Championships at Fort Bennfi nished 9th in the novice level of the compe
Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

11

Spc. Francisca Vega1st Inf. Div., PAO

FORT RILEY, Kan. – Many more Big Red One 

patches can be seen on the right sleeves of Soldiers stationed at Fort Riley.

Since the return of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st 

Infantry Division, “Dragon” Soldiers have been busy reintegrating with their Families and community. But with another deployment on the distant horizon, the resetting phase of post-deployment will serve to get the brigade back on mission’s track.

“Resetting is a time to make sure all your administrative 

ducks are in order and get back into the garrison groove,” said Capt. Kirk Olson, a newly-redeployed physician assistant with 1st Sqdn., 4th Cavalry Regt. 

Half-day schedules are common for newly-redeployed 

units so Soldiers have enough time to get individual issues, like medical and dental, taken care of.

“You don’t get the chance when you’re down there 

because you’re busy all the time,” said 1st Sgt. Ralph Miller, fi rst sergeant for Headquarter and Headquarters 

Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment. “So this helps everybody get their issues resolved if they have any.” 

After Soldiers have “taken care” of themselves, 

platoons and company-level units can start to benefi t 

from resetting.

“Company systems will start to be re-established,” said 

1st Sgt. John Williamson, fi rst sergeant for Special Troops 

Battalion, 4th BCT, 1st Inf. Div. “PT test, urinalysis, height and weight: it’s all a part of resetting and will all have to be re-established.”

Individual training is also highlighted during the reset 

phase. Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) training, along with leadership enhancing training and civilian education takes precedence during the reset phase.

Soldiers will have training in their specifi c MOS fi eld 

during the reset phase, added Williamson. 

Because resetting is for bringing not only unit personnel 

back to combat capabilities but also unit equipment up to standard, time is needed to ensure proper maintenance is performed.

“Without proper resetting we wouldn’t be able to train 

and be focused for our next mission,” said Capt. Chad Edlund, company commander for 4-1 STB. “Right now we are at 100 percent combat veterans, but a lot of our key personnel will be moving and we will get a lot of new Soldiers.”

The current time allotted for a standard reset phase is 

180 days, but daily operations don’t stop there. 

“At the end of six months we’ll be ready to train for 

deployment,” Williamson said.

TH IBCT

ega

n. – Many more Big Red One

th i ht l f S ldi

from resetting resetting.

“Company systems will start to be re-established,” said 

1st Sgt. John Williamson, fi rst sergeant for Special Troops B tt li 4th BCT 1 t I f Di “PT t t i l i h i ht

Reset

1st Inf

1sOin PrstPr

4th Infantry Brigade Combat TeRe-deployed from support of Operation IRecently completed combat and civil miliIraqi Army and Police in the Rashid Distrlong term peace and stability in that regio

3rd SuReturned Provide ing the ADeployed 

75th Fires Brigade, FIntegrates attached ground order functions as a maneufull spectrum operations.Separate battalions currenOperation Iraqi Freedom.

4th InfRIrlo

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Preparation for rotation to the National TraininFort Irwin, Calf., in early summer 2008.Scheduled to deploy in summer/fall 2008.

ing the ADeployed 

75th Fires Brigade, F

3rd SuReturned Provide 
Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

13 

History from the Society of the 1st Infantry Division webpage

WORLD WAR I – The First Expeditionary Division 

was constituted in May 1917 from Army units then in service on the Mexican border and at various Army posts throughout the United States. On June 8, 1917 it was offi cially organized in New York, N.Y. This date is the 1st Infantry Division’s offi cial birthday. The fi rst 

units sailed from New York and Hoboken, N.J., June 14, 1917. Throughout the remainder of the year, the rest of the Division followed, landing at St. Nazaire, France, and Liverpool, England. After a brief stay in rest camps, the troops in England proceeded to France, landing at Le Havre. The last unit arrived in St. Nazaire on Dec. 22. Upon arrival in France, the Division, less its artillery, was assembled in the First (Gondrecourt) training area, and the artillery was at Le Valdahon.

On the July 4th, the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 

paraded through the streets of Paris to bolster the sagging French spirits. At Lafayette’s tomb, one of General Pershing’s staff uttered the famous words, “Lafayette, we are here!” Two days later, July 6, the First Expeditionary Division was redesignated the 1st Infantry Division. On the morning of Oct. 23, the fi rst American shell of the war was sent screaming toward German lines by Battery C, 6th Field Artillery. Two days later, the 2nd Bn., 16th Inf., suffered the fi rst American casualties of the war.

By April 1918, the Germans had pushed to within 

40 miles of Paris. In reaction to this thrust, the Big Red One moved into the Picardy Sector to bolster the exhausted French First Army. To the Division’s front lay the small village of Cantigny, situated on 

the high ground overlooking a forested countryside. It was the 28th Infantry who attacked the town and within 45 minutes captured it, along with 250 German soldiers, thus earning the special designation “ Lions of Cantigny” for the regiment. The fi rst American 

victory of the war was a First Division victory.

The First Division took Soissons in July 1918. The 

Soissons victory was costly - more than 7,000 men were killed or wounded. The 1st Infantry Division then helped to clear the St. Mihiel salient by fi ghting continuously from Sept. 11-13, 1918. The last major World War I battle was fought in the Meuse-Argonne Forest. The Division advanced seven kilometers and defeated, in whole or part, eight German divisions. This action cost the First Division over 7,600 casualties. In October 1918, the Big Red One patch as it is now known was offi cially approved for wear by members of the Division.

The war was over when the Armistice was signed 

on Nov. 11, 1918. The Division was then located at Sedan, the farthest American penetration of the war. The Division was the fi rst to cross the Rhine into occupied Germany, where it remained until the peace treaty formally ending WW I was signed. It deployed back to the United States in August and September.

By the end of the war, the Division had suffered 

22,668 casualties and boasted fi ve Medal of Honor 

recipients. Its colors carry campaign streamers for: Montdidier-Noyon; Aisne-Marne; St. Mihiel; MeuseArgonne; Lorraine1917; Lorraine, 1918; Picardy, 1918.

DUTY FIRST

History of the Big Red One

MONTDIDIE

AISNE - 

Bringing in GPrisoners of 

LORAIN

LORAIN

PICARDY 

Fighting in the Argonne 
15 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

ST CAB

COB, SPEICHER, IRAQ – Chief Warrant Offi cer 

4 Ronald C. Porter may not be a millionaire, but he did happen to be the pilot to receive Contingency Operating Base Speicher’s millionth gallon of fuel, courtesy of the 601st Aviation Support Battalion’s dedicated Forward Arming and Refueling Point Soldiers. 

How did it feel to be the lucky pumper?“Pretty much a lot like pumping the fi rst one and every 

one after,” said Spc. Kristopher D. Pope, a fueler with Company E of the 601st ASB.

When troops on the ground need the help of attack 

helicopters, it is essential those aircraft spend as little time away from the fi ght as possible. For the aircraft of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, these “pit stops” to restock fuel and ammunition are made possible by the Soldiers of the COB Speicher FARP. 

The COB Speicher FARP is manned by the Soldiers 

of the 601st. In a best-case scenario, pilots call the FARP over the radio with their arrival time and detail the needs of their aircraft - which range from refueling and loading rockets to light maintenance such as unjamming a gun or de-arming an aircraft for test fl ights. However, the fuelers 

and armors don’t always receive that notice.

“We always have to be ready to go at a moment’s 

notice. In between missions, when all they need is fuel, we’ll have them in and out within two minutes. As soon as they are ready to land, they’ll call us up and let us know they’re coming. We’ll be out there waiting for them when they arrive and start fueling right away,” said Sgt. Gary A. Ruiz, a fueler at the COB Speicher FARP.

With no warning, time from touchdown to takeoff usually 

depends on the needs of the aircraft and its pilots. If the pilots only need fuel, the time is roughly three minutes. The fuelers achieve this speed by “hot-fueling,” or fueling the aircraft while its engines are still running. If they need rockets, missiles, or ammunition, the touchdown to takeoff timeline is about fi ve minutes, depending on what and how much they need. 

....these “pit-stops” to restock fuel and ammunition are made possible by the Soldiers of the COB Speicher FARP. 

Spc. Kristopher D. Pope, a fueler with Company B of the 601st Aviation Support Battalion, rearms an AH-64D Apache Longbow.

Spc. Michael Howard1st CAB, PAO

Michael Howard Michael Howard

AB, PAO

A Million Gallons lalliloonsn

 The armament section’s miss

on the aircraft outside of the stamission. Armament Soldiers can rearming, but either way, they worsystems. “They’ll arm different rockets. They do the headspace caliber (machine gun). Armamenand Kiowas. For the Black Hawdon’t come out,” said Spc. Martin Co. B, 601st ASB. 

When fueling, Soldiers attach 

to the helicopter to begin fuelingfrom escaping; this reduces the cout. 

While Soldiers are loading the 

fl ares, a fi re would be a calamity. 

potential, the FARP Soldiers umeasures to prevent disaster.

“The inherent danger brings ab

mostly safety and issues with v

Spc. Martin C. Berend, a fueler with Co. over Spc. Kristopher D. Pope, a fueler wBattalion, as he pumps COB Speicher’s 
Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

maintenance, distribution, medicwe share in our comparison roles

The meeting lasted more tha

already there are plans for more the two respective commanderin an effort to get the partneproducing results.

“The 1st Sustainment Brigade 

fresh air coming in here to help; you.’ They are partnering with thhere on Camp Taji. Everyone, commander to the specialist I’ve totally team-oriented,” stated Me

“The Iraqi Soldiers work with 

do a good job. They do their vetheir country,” stated Sabah. “It iArmy will be equipped to the samof the good Armies of the worldbe powerful enough to protect ocountry.”

Taji Base commander, Staff Brig. GenSabah, discusses his needs with the Sustainment Brigade. “I have so manfuel for power,” stated Sabah. “But I aforward to working with my counterpaBrigade.” 

1st Sustainment Brigade Iraqi Securcharge, Capt. Randall Weiser, along the senior advisor to the Logistics Mfor Coalition Army Assistance TrainSecurity Transition Command-Iraq is at the offi ce of Staff Brig. Gen. Sabah 

y q pp

f the 

good Armies of the world

e powerful enou

gh to protect o

ountry.”

aji Base co

mmander, Staff Brig. Gen

abah, discusses his needs with the ustainment Brigade. “I have so man

uel for power,” stated Sabah. “But I aorward to working with my counterpa

rigade.”

st Sustainment Brigade IraqiSecurharge, Capt. Randall Weiser,along

he senior a dvisor to the LogisticsMor Coalition Army AssistanceTrain

Security Transition Command-Iraqis 

t the offi ce of Staff Brig. Gen. Sabah 

17

Staff Sgt. Bryant Maude1st SB, PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Earlier this spring, it started with 

a handshake between the 1st Sustainment Brigade Commander, Col. Kevin O’Connell, a native of Clinton, Md., and the Taji Base Commander, Staff Brigadier General Abdul Mahady Sharaque Sabah, a native of Diyala, Iraq.

“Today was the fi rst meeting between the 1st 

Sustainment Brigade Commander and the Base Commander of Taji,” said Lt. Col. Mark Meyer, a native 

of Neillsville, Wis., and the senior advisor to the Logistics Military Assistance Team for Coalition Army Assistance Training Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, who was responsible for setting up the meeting. “It was important to put a face to the coalition side of Taji,” stated Meyer. 

The two leaders sat down in Brig. Gen. Sabah’s offi ce 

with some of their key staff and shared chai tea, discussed needs, and got to know one another. Sabah is a 27-year veteran of the Iraqi Army and was assigned to the role as Base Commander of Taji six months ago.

“We look forward to a partnership with General Sabah 

to improve the support he gives to his customers, the Iraqi units on Taji and in the surrounding area,” O’Connell said.

Taji is the largest Iraqi Army base in Iraq, with 

maintenance depots, supply depots, the 9th Division, and all their schools. General Sabah’s span of control and responsibility is huge, and his resources are scarce, O’Connell said. 

“I have so many challenges; water, ice, fuel for power,” 

Sabah said. “But I am hopeful. I am looking forward to working with my counterparts in the 1st Sustainment Brigade.” 

“We’re here in a partnership role to assist in teaching, 

coaching, and mentoring General Sabah’s staff in identifying their shortcomings, and then through training, to help develop a plan to improve their mission readiness posture,” O’Connell said. 

“We’re trying to synergistically use the resources 

that the Iraqi Army has inherent to what they are doing and what they’ve built up for themselves over the last fi ve years, and then linking Col. O’Connell and the 1st Sustainment Brigade’s Soldiers, resources, and expertise in an effort to marry these two groups up; again, with the goal of increasing General Sabah’s capabilities,” Meyers said.

“It’s a great team effort here; if only to help the base 

commander move forward with things that we can do to help with capabilities where we have expertise like supply, 

ST SB

1st Sustainment Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Cardoza, trades contact information with the Taji Base Command Sgt. Maj. Saleh.

photos by Staff Sgt. Bryant Maude, 1st Sus. Bde., PAO

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Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

19

Pvt. Amanda Tucker3rd ESC, PAO

FORT KNOX Ky. – Three college students stood for 

the fi rst time in front of the Army formation – but not as 

part of the unit.

University of Louisville students Leslie Hall, Elizabeth 

Dowell and Monet Duke stood outside Gaffey Hall and handed out packages to Soldiers of the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). 

The packages were fi lled with items such as socks, 

CDs, magazines, candy, lotion, Girl Scout cookies, and much more as part of the Almost Home Military Care Package Mission in which the students were participating.

Each of the three addressed the Soldiers about their 

project.

“Please enjoy these packages,” Hall said. “They may 

not be much, but they signify a lot more.”

“Each item in the package has been touched by 

many people, all of whom came together with unity and patriotism to support the 3rd ESC and all the men and women that work to protect the very life we live,” she added.

The students’ mission was announced on seven 

Louisville-area radio stations and as a result, donations for care packages came from fi ve counties.

“This project has been a wonderful experience for 

us to involve others in the community,” said Dowell. “By reaching out for help from different companies and organizations, we were able to spread the blessing received (by) serving others.

“We invited our communities to join our cause through 

appearances on WHAS-11 (TV) news, and interviews and public service announcements on 88.5WJIE and 104.3 WXBC (radio). Very soon, we had more support than we had ever imagined possible and donations began to pour in from various locations.”

River City Bank, Farmer’s Bank, and Commonwealth 

Machining agreed to serve as donation drop-off locations.

The donations allowed the trio to achieve their goal of 

assembling and distributing 200 packages.

“For me, this project has been a chance to give back 

to an outstanding group of Americans who are largely unappreciated for the work they do to maintain the values this country was built on,” said Dowell.

The small group received generous donations from 

several churches, local companies, and organizations, in addition to national companies who donated items such as 300 tubes of Chapstick, 56 pounds of taffy, and 150 boxes of Girl Scout cookies.

About $100 was left over from the cost of preparing the 

boxes and it will go to the Girl Scouts to purchase more cookies for the Soldiers.

Brig. Gen. Michael Lally, the 3rd ESC commander, 

awarded each of the students a 3rd ESC coin in recognition of and appreciation for their hard work.

“It made me feel great. I was so impressed with the 

effort that they put into it,” said Capt. Byron Kemp, the offi cer in charge of the 3rd ESC inspector general offi ce.

Almost Home Military Care Package Mission

RD ESC

Transition Teams mentor Iraqi SecuAfghan National ArTransition Teams to Coalition capasupport, artillery, and intelligence gaTransition Teams aof security responsAfghan governmenDedicating the Division Headquarof the Division’s to the Transitiomission demonstrcommitment by tArmy. The consolidation at Fort Riley providstandardization of quality training and resources.Transition Teams mentor Iraqi SecuAfghan National Ar
21 Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

Sgt 1st Class Kelly McCargo75th Fires, PAO

FORT SILL, Okla. – In a day and age when the 

military is experiencing increased deployments, the toll on the military family is a silent battle.

In an effort to put a professional ear to any silence, 

the 1-17 “Copperheads” Unit Ministry Team brought 72 spouses and their children to a Strong Bonds Training Event at Branson, Mo.

“I thought it was an awesome opportunity to get 

out of the town and spend some time with family and get some of the family wellness training,” said Amy McIsaac, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, Family readiness support assistant. “It’s important (to do this type of training) because sometimes there are people out there who may not be getting the help they need or questions answered.”

Strong Bonds is an Army program executed by 

Chaplains designed to provide life training to young Soldiers and Families. 

“This was really the brain child of my battalion 

commander,” said Chap. (Cpt.) Todd Cheney, 1st Bn., 17th FAR, unit minister. “He really feels that our Families are paying the toll for all of these inlieu of missions. Because of the turbulence and unpredictability of the different missions, he said, ‘Can you think of training for the wives and dependants do something that will train up the families on some good life skills?’ Me and ... Amy McIsaac talked it through.”

“(But) we also wanted to also give them some time 

to enjoy themselves too,” he said. “We planned a four-day Strong Bonds training event and we selected Branson because there are a lot of attractions there and it’s out of the Lawton/Fort Sill area—(the Families) 

were extremely receptive of it.” 

The event was 

fi nanced by the 

Army Strong Bonds Program, which was speci

fi cally designed for such 

events. It’s a way for the Army to say “thank you” for the sacri

fi ces 

military families make every day, according to the Strong Bonds website.

 During the mornings of the 

four-day training event, Cheney and McIsaac conducted 

fi ve family 

wellness seminars: Parents in a Healthy Family, Children in a Healthy Family, Adults in a Healthy Family, Change: in the Army Family, and Passing Family Values. 

“During a Change survey of the 

families, over half of them said they have already experienced two deployments; some have even seen three or four deployments,” said Cheney. 

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1st Bn., 17th FAR FRSG spouses pose for a quick photo during the Strong Bonds Army training event at Branson, Missouri

TH FIRES BDE

Children 11-years-old and 

childcare providers, but thwelcomed to participate in their parent.

“We had them do role-pla

mom and dad for things. We looking for and 

fi nding the p

in their kids by getting to knhad a lot of fun.”

I liked everything about 

me and my 12-year-old son haformed a better relationshsaid Crystal Abbott, 1st B17th FAR, spouse. 

Prior to the training, Abbo

eldest son had dif

fi cu

communicating his true feelinand seemed a little “distanshe said. 

“My sons had a great time, a

they still talk about it,” Abbsaid. “Branson was wonderand I recommend everyone gothere. I would de

fi nitely give 

‘10’ and we would do it again

During the afternoon, Famil

and their children took in sights of Branson, he said. 

“There are so many attractio

there, go carts and shows—many fun things for the familto get involved in—Branson wthe perfect location,” Chensaid. “At night, the Families toadvantage of the hotel pool.”

While all entertainm

during the trip was at their oexpense, some of the Familattended the Haygood Famshow, who provided specdiscounts to the military, as many Branson attractions.

A seven brother and o

sister act, the Haygood Famentertains audiences wmusical acts and acrobatiTheir family act has beperforming in Branson for ab16 years.

“We had a lot of fun going 

the Haygood Family show. Oof the ladies (in our group) wpulled on stage to perform the show!” McIsaac said. “Tfeedback we’ve been gett
Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

23

Lisa MedranoIACH, PAO

FORT RILEY, Kan. – Meet Sgt. 1st Class Roy Hahn 

and his Family...and his extended Family. Hahn is part of a growing population of Soldiers being recognized by the Army community for contributions by him and his Family. 

Hahn was on his fourth deployment to Iraq when he 

sustained serious injuries. His injuries have changed his life and that of his Family. 

In 2006, during his third tour, his wife Miriam, fearing 

and planning for the unknown, employed her Family’s strength to help during her husband’s absence. 

As the stars began to line up, Miriam’s 

parents decided to sell their property and move to Kansas to be near the Hahns. Aaron and Sylvia Greenawalt were originally from South-central Pennsylvania and ready to retire.

“We have three daughters, and 

sometimes during Roy’s deployments, I needed private time to cry and melt down. I did not always want the girls to see me at my weakest, so having my parents near has helped all of us,” said Miriam. 

As it worked out, Hahn fi nished the third 

tour and started another one. “It was during that tour, I learned my husband sustained three concussions and I began to notice his slurred and irregular speech.

Miriam begged Hahn to seek medical 

treatment, which he resisted, citing he had to take care of his Soldiers and lead missions. 

So, how did Hahn wind up as a medical evacuee to 

Germany and Brooke Army Medical Center? 

“I guess I fell down in front of the wrong people one 

too many times,” said Hahn. Since his arrival back at Fort Riley and reassignment to the Warrior Transition Battalion, Hahn and his Family now focus on his recovery.

Because of Hahn’s balance and equilibrium diffi culties, 

and frequent immobilizing migraines, Miriam quit her job to drive him to appointments. Hahn attends physical therapy three times each week and speech therapy twice a week. 

When Miriam and Hahn are gone, the Greenawalts 

keep the home running and provide stability for the girls. 

Hahn has noted the greatest improvements in his 

speech rehabilitation at Geary County Hospital. 

“When I fi rst got back to Fort Riley, I was a senior 

non-commissioned offi cer who was too embarrassed to 

speak,” said Hahn. “I slurred everything I tried to say, or 

I could not say the words that were in my head.” 

Hahn – soft spoken, but serious 

– now speaks with confi dence and determination. He is determined that his 14-year Army career will not end because of the temporary setback caused by his injuries. 

“We have too much time invested, 

but we also love the Army and it is our way of life,” said Miriam. 

In the WTB, Hahn now hosts weekly 

luncheons with his 24th Transportation Company members who are also in the WTB. “Even though we now have the Army Medical Action Plan and the onestop service center of the WTB and the Soldier and Family Assistance Center to help us, moving through medical boards, treatment plans and transitions is nothing less than daunting and intimidating,” said Hahn. 

Hahn holds the informal luncheons to help keep 

younger Soldiers focused and motivated throughout their medical proceedings. 

“It is easy to lose sight of the importance of a worthy 

and meaningful daily routine when you are sick or ill. That is where self-doubt and pity set in and I hope to encourage younger Soldiers to stay focused on their new job—getting well again.” 

Train To Recovery

He is determwill not end bcaused by h
Duty First www.1id.army.mil 

25

GearyCommunityHospital

Spc. Francisca Vega1st Inf. Div., PAO

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – White walls, white fl oors 

and white doors are not going to be what you see when you walk into Geary Community Hospital.

With its newly-renovated building and expanding 

addition designed with its patients’ mood in mind, GCH is taking an added interest in patient comfort. 

“The building wasn’t comforting,” said Cyndy Platt, 

director of Public Relations. It causes a lot of anxiety for the patients and their families, so the hospital is going with a more welcoming earth-tone design.

“We want the patients to feel like they are being 

pampered by a ritzy hotel when they come here,” Platt added.

But a nicer interior is not the only thing Soldiers will have 

to look forward to. For many Soldiers with high hospital bills, GCH is looking at solving any possible issues with fi nance up front with their “Point of Service” program, in which some fi nancial questions will be asked to determine the best available funding for the visit.

The fi nancial questions will be asked at the beginning of 

the visit instead of at the end, which is common, said Mary Austin, assistant administrator of Physician Services.

People are apprehensive about receiving charity care, 

or other such aid sometimes, Austin continued. “They want to pay, but sometimes it’s at the cost of other areas of their lives, or they don’t pay at all.” 

This will hopefully eliminate sending people to collections, 

or having to send them unpaid bills, Platt added.

There are a lot of Soldiers who need added help even 

with TRICARE, pointed out Austin. Sometimes Families will come in here and their kids will have TRICARE, Medicaid, and still need a little bit more, so this will help determine their fi nancial condition sooner rather then later.”

As if assisting the individual Soldier wasn’t enough, 

GCH also helps Irwin Army Community Hospital when they are in short supply of beds, medicine or doctors. 

“We’ve sent surgeons down to Irwin when they have 

been short of doctors and have needed help,” said Lynne Addair, registered nurse and chief of the Department of Nursing. “We’ve also given Irwin some beds when they needed extras.”

Geary Community Hospital also assists IACH with many 

services that simply cannot be done at Irwin because of limited facilities or personnel. Some of those services include speech therapy and sleep studies.

“JC and Riley grew up together,” Addair said. “We feel a 

responsibility to Soldiers”

Assisting Fort Riley
Find out what’s up in the Big R

go to

www.

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Photo by Peter Aiken Fort Riley M/VISC