On the cover

1st Infantry Division Commander:

MG John R.S. Batiste

1st Infantry Division CSM:

CSM John D. Fourhman

1st Infantry Division PAO:

MAJ William Coppernoll

1st Infantry Division PAO NCOIC:

MSG Cameron Porter

Editor:

SGT W. Wayne Marlow

Staff writers:

SPC Joe Alger

SPC Rebecca Sharpton

Broadcasters:

SGT David Wheeler

SPC Bryan Maude

SPC Jesse Granger

1st Infantry Division Public Affairs staff

BACK HOME BACK HOME BACK HOME

2

Photo by SPC Joe Alger

At the 1st Infantry Division welcome home

ceremony May 16 at Harvey Barracks, LTG

Ricardo Sanchez, V Corps commander,

presents Heidi Sims with the Silver Star Medal

that was awarded posthumously to her

husband, CPT Sean P. Sims. Joining Sanchez is

MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st Infantry Division

commander. To Sims’ right are two other Silver

Star recipients, SPC Larry Underwood and SGT

Christopher Rich.

A sea of 1st Infantry Division unit guidons and colors marches into place under the direction of 1st ID Commanding General MG John R.S. Bati

Airfield. The troops were reviewed by Secretary of the Army Honorable Francis J. Harvey, who was accompanied by V Corps Commander LT
 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 quarterly. Contributions are welcome and should be sent to 1st

Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office, ATTN: Editor, Unit 26222, APO, AE

09036. Telephone numbers are DSN 350-6408 or 350-6409, commercial

0931-889-6408 or 0931-889-6409, fax DSN 350-6591, commercial fax

0931-889-6591, or e-mail firstid.pao@us.army.mil, or visit Duty First online

at www.1id.army.mil.

SPC Joe Alger

In this issue In this issue

3

Silver Star awarded..8-9

Armor lieutenant recognized for bravery at Ba’qubah

Task Force Breakout II helps Soldiers get home

On the road back.......10

Veterans reunion........19

BRO combat officers gather in Washington, D.C.

ADCS moves on........22

Latest biological detection system tested at Harvey

Testing, testing ..........24

Air troops close shop after years of service to nation

End of the line .....20-21

WWII ceremony........25

Czechs remember liberation from Nazis by 1st ID

DCSM leaves 1 ID...6-7

CSM Cory McCarty assigned to Fort Leavenworth

Welcome home......14-15

1st ID Soldiers, family members celebrate redeployment

BG Stephen Mundt to be Army’s deputy chief of staff, G-8

Busy Signal................23

121st Signal Battalion reflects on Iraq, preps for future

iste during the welcome home ceremony May 16 at the Harvey Barracks

G Ricardo Sanchez. For full ceremony coverage, see pages 12-13.

Hero returns...............26

1st ID Medal of Honor recipient visits Leighton Barracks

New DCSM...............27

CSM John D. Fourhman takes over as division CSM
 4

New DCSM sends introductory message

Big Red One Soldiers, civilians and

families, it is my distinct pleasure to serve

the great Soldiers and families of the 1st Infantry Division as your 19th Command Sergeant Major. I bring to this position a clear

and focused mindset: “No mission too difficult – No sacrifice

too great –Duty

First!”

I am extremely

proud of the job well

done by each and every Soldier, civilian

and family member of

the Big Red One. You

have completed your

duties to the highest standards, and you

should take enormous pride in your accomplishments. My personal thanks and congratulations go out to each and every one

of you. Many of you deployed with little or

no combat experience and came back as

battle-toughened combat veterans. I

couldn’t be more proud of you. Thanks also

goes out to the great ASGs and BSBs for

the first class reception and reintegration

plan. The planning and execution was undoubtedly the best I have ever seen.

Your mission now is to take your experiences and first-hand knowledge and

share them with the newer, less seasoned

Soldiers. Training Soldiers is your mainstay.

Don’t ever forget it.

As we complete our reintegration processes, I want to remind everyone to stay

vigilant.

Be aware of your surroundings, think

safety first and obey all rules, regulations

and laws. Mistakes will be made but when

they are made because of carelessness or

recklessness, there is no excuse. We must

instill safety in everything we do.

Always use your wingman – teamwork

starts with the buddy system, and we must

lookout for each other at all times. Taking

care of our battle buddies to the left and right

is the cornerstone to our success. Looking

out for one and other, both on the battlefield

and off, is nonnegotiable.

The wingman also has a responsibility off duty and after duty hours. Know what

your buddy is doing and be available to talk

or help if necessary.

Please continue to stay active in, and

support our unit FRGs as they will continue

to play an important role in the weeks and

months ahead. The strength and support that

our FRGs and volunteers bring to the fight is

immeasurable.

We recently dedicated our memorial

monument to our fallen Soldiers. Thanks to

every Soldier that had a part in making the

monument possible. The hard work and donations will ensure that the memorial stands

in Victory Park for all to visit and remember

our fallen comrades and loved ones. I charge

each of you to stay in touch with, and keep

the families of our fallen Soldiers in your

thoughts and prayers.

Lastly, I ask that each Big Red One

Soldier, family member and civilian employee

remember to always treat all people with dignity and respect. The Army values aren’t

just a few words to memorize. They are the

basic building blocks of human dignity, respect and honor. Don’t allow yourself to fall

short.

Again, it is a great honor and privilege for Cindy and me to continue to serve

the Soldiers and families of the Big Red One.

I look forward to meeting with all of you in

the field, motor pool, or on the street.

Continue the mission. Continue doing the great things you do for our country

each and every day. America supports you.

America believes in you. Duty First!

 - CSM John D. Fourhman

Serving with 1st ID has been an honor

As we approach the Division change

of command on 20 June 2005, Michelle and

I count our many blessings. It has truly

been a privilege and honor to serve the Soldiers, family members,

and civilians of the Big

Red One through nearly

three years of incredible

accomplishments and

sacrifice. 

Through 14

months in Kosovo, to

three months in Turkey,

to the recent year-long mission in NorthCentral Iraq, the First Infantry Division’s

brand of full-spectrum operations set the

Army standard. Our Soldiers routinely took

the fight to the enemy and were described

in an insurgent signals intercept as being

“ferocious”. At the same time, they well understood the complexities of stability and

support operations to change attitudes and

give the people of Iraq alternatives to the

insurgency. There are no finer Soldiers anywhere. It all came together on 30 January

2005 when 64 percent of the registered Iraqi

voters in the Task Force Danger area of operations (1.6 million) defied the insurgency

and cast their ballots. Indeed, the people of

Iraq have achieved irreversible momentum

in their struggle to achieve freedom and representative government. 

Back in Germany and across the United

States, our rear detachments and family

members set a new standard in family readiness and self reliance. We have never seen

it done better and owe much to every Family

Readiness Group leader and senior advisor. 

Our incredible volunteers make a big difference, day in and day out. There are no finer

families and volunteers anywhere. Our garrison and rear detachment chains of command are the best in the business. Through

their hard work and teamwork, families were

linked to the chain of command and Soldiers

in Iraq were focused on the mission. It was

all seamless and very well done. 

All of this came at an enormous price. 

One hundred and ninety three Soldiers, Airmen, or Marines attached or assigned to either the 1st Brigade Combat Team during OIF1

or Task Force Danger during OIF2 gave their

full measure. Over 1,200 Purple Hearts were

awarded. We take comfort in knowing that

our fallen comrades and wounded are in

God’s hands. These great Americans will

forever be on the Honor Roll of the Big Red

One. Their families and friends are in our

prayers. We will never forget. 

We are also thankful for the steadfast

support of both the Society of the First Division and the Cantigny First Division Foundation. We are all part of an incredible team

of like-minded Americans and will always be

defined by our association with the First

Infantry Division. 

As Michelle and I depart the active

rolls of our great Division, we wish you all

God Speed. We know our paths will cross

again. 

Duty First!

- MG John R.S. Batiste
5

Welcome home DISCOM

The 1st Infantry Division Band adds a patriotic flare to the Division Support Command’s

welcome home ceremony at Harvey Barracks April 15.

In what COL Paul L. Wentz, Division

Support Command commander, called “a

significant milestone in the proud history

of the 1st Infantry Division,” family members and other well-wishers welcomed

home Soldiers from Division Support Command, 701st Main Support Battalion, 121st

Signal Battalion and 4th Battalion, 3rd Air

Defense Artillery during a ceremony at

Harvey Barracks April 15.

During his remarks, MG John R.S.

Batiste, 1st Infantry Division commander,

praised not only the redeploying Soldiers

but also the family members and rear detachment personnel.

“I’m proud of this great team before

us today,” Batiste said. “The 1st Infantry

Division and Task Force Danger couldn’t

have completed its mission without all of

you.”

While each returning unit had very

different jobs and responsibilities in Iraq,

Batiste said each one performed them at an

extremely high level.

Batiste said one of the more notable

accomplishments for the DISCOM Soldiers

during their deployment to Iraq was their

establishment of the largest electronic network in Army history. In addition, Batiste

also praised their work in accounting for

equipment.

The Soldiers from 701st MSB drove

over one million miles during the year to deliver equipment, fuel, mail and water, and the

unit lost no Soldiers.

In addition to providing the division with

real-time air pictures and security on Forward

Operating Base Danger in Tikrit, Iraq, 4-3 ADA

Soldiers were also responsible for starting

“Operation I Can,” a successful program of

donating toys and school supplies to Iraqi

children.

The 121st Signal Battalion provided Soldiers with communications and created the

largest command and control network in the

Iraqi theater.

Wentz said he feels an enormous

amount of pride for what the Soldiers and

family members from each of the units accomplished during the year-long deployment..

“This deployment shows that any

challenge can be overcome by a tight-knit

community,” Wentz added.

COL Paul L. Wentz, Division Support Command commander,

recognizes family members for their contributions during the

deployment at the DISCOM welcome home ceremony April 15

at Harvey Barracks.

MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st Infantry Division commander, welcomes

home the DISCOM Soldiers. Batiste also cited the contributions of

family members and Soldiers who served in DISCOM’s rear

detachment during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Story and photos by SPC Joe Alger

Staff writer, 1st ID PAO
6

Division CSM says goodbye

CSM Cory McCarty leaves after

serving five years with Big Red One

CSM Michael Gravens, USAREUR command sergeant major, discusses Soldier issues with outgoing 1st Infantry Division CSM Cory

McCarty prior to McCarty’s farewell ceremony April 7 at Victory Park on Leighton Barracks.

The 1st Infantry Divison’s outgoing command sergeant major

describes himself as “a man of few words.”

“A lot of times, sergeants major speak a lot,” CSM Cory

McCarty said. “I’ve always been the opposite. I’ve spent most of

my time listening. It’s always worked for me.”

But McCarty relented from his laconic nature long enough to

sit down and reminisce about his five years plus with the 1st Infantry

Division.

McCarty left the Big Red One April 7, after having served the

division first as 3rd Brigade command sergeant major, then moving

up to the division’s senior enlisted slot.

His new job will have him stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.,

where he will help reshape the Army’s NCOES program. The Big Red

One will no longer be on his upper left sleeve, but it will never be far

from his mind.

“The 1st Infantry Division is the greatest division in the United

States Army,” McCarty said. “It has an association involved with it,

a following of veterans that you just can’t believe. They expect high

standards out of us because this is their division, and they expect

you to continue the great legacy of this division.”

McCarty helped expand that legacy by serving with the division during four deployments.

“I got here in December of 1999 and about three days later

went straight to Kosovo,” he said. “The division went in there with

the same attitude, the same standard that we’ve had throughout

the years.

“After that, we had two more Kosovo rotations I got to be

division command sergeant major for, and they were absolutely

great rotations. Then Army Forces Turkey, and last year, combat in

Iraq. So those we’re definitely the highlights.”

McCarty joined the Army in the nation’s bicentennial year,

1976. “I didn’t really have any big plans of what I was going to do

in the Army,” he said. “I always liked the Army...and always wanted

to try it out. My dad was in the Army. My grandfather was in the

Army. My mother’s grandfather fought in World War I.”

Continuing the family tradition paid off for McCarty, who

rose through the ranks to platoon sergeant. It was then that he

began setting his sights on sergeant major.

“I started to see what the first sergeant and the sergeant

major did, and I started setting my goals to be like them,” he said.

With that accomplished, McCarty is now the one to be emuStory and photos by SGT W. Wayne Marlow

Editor, 1st ID PAO
7

lated, and he recommends that anyone who wants make sergeant

major continue with their education.

“Continue learning, take correspondence courses, anything

that’s available to you,” he said. “Get it, soak it in. The more knowledgeable you are, the more confident you are going to be. Being a

confident NCO makes it a lot easier for Soldiers to follow you.”

It also helps one gain a deeper understanding of the entire

Army, which McCarty cites as a requisite for being a good division

command sergeant major.

“You can’t just be a great warfighter and know everything there is to know about warfighting,” he said.

“You’ve got to be able to know the maintenance guys and how their jobs work.

You’ve got to be able to walk into

PAC or G1 and see how those

systems work ... and keep

them going in a straight direction.”

McCarty feels that

the division went to Iraq

already toughened, but

that it improved even more

when downrange.

“We went in at a good

level, 85-90 percent. It was a

challenge to raise the bar up a

little bit higher,” he said.

But everyone’s hard work paid off

in the end.

“You felt good when you went to bed at night knowing that you didn’t put any Soldiers at harm because you weren’t

upholding the standards,” McCarty said.

One of his most enduring memories from Operation Iraqi Freedom II was of young sergeants delivering at the most crucial times.

“One of the biggest complaints was that we were promoting

sergeants too early,” McCarty said. “And I will tell you, I watched

those sergeants make life and death decisions in combat everyday,

and they did magnificent, and I knew they would.”

One of McCarty’s favorite memories with the division is of

talking with Big Red One veterans who, like those in Iraq, proved

their mettle at a young age.

“I spent four days walking up and down the beach in

Normandy with seven guys who were in the initial wave on D-Day,”

McCarty said. “Listening to their preparation, what they

were thinking before the boat came up,

what happened as the ramp dropped,

and they started getting fired at

on the beach -- it was amazing.”

McCarty said it

was tough saying

goodbye to the division, but he’s looking

forward to the next

challenge.

“I’ve got a great

assignment coming up,”

he said. “I’m going to

work a little bit at NTC and

JRTC and help prepare Soldiers for their next deployment to

Iraq and Afghanistan.”

But wherever he goes, McCarty will

take great memories of the Big Red One with him.

“We’ve maintained the standards of this great division,”

McCarty said. “I’ve been in six divisions, and this is different than

all of them. It’s killing me to leave.”

Center: The color guard

marches into place during

CSM Cory McCarty’s farewell

ceremony April 7 at Victory

Park on Leighton Barracks.

Above: McCarty and his wife,

Bonnie, say their final

goodbyes following the

ceremony.

Right: McCarty says auf

wiedersehen to a

Bundeswehr Soldier.

7
Courage under fire rewarded

MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st Infantry Division commander, congratulates 1LT Neil Prakash, a tank platoon leader with the 2nd

Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, after presenting him with the Silver Star.

 FORWARD OPERATING BASE SCUNION, BA’QUBAH, Iraq

— After leading his platoon through a fierce onslaught, with enemy

fire pounding them from every direction, 1LT Neil Prakash went

back for more.

 First Infantry Division Commander MG John R.S. Batiste,

joined Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment at FOB

Scunion Jan. 14 to award this 24-year-old tank platoon leader one of

the military’s highest honors, the Silver Star.

“An incredible officer, his accomplishments on 24 June are

clearly heroic,” Batiste said. “He sets a very high standard for every

one of us. I guarantee veterans of the past are standing very tall

right now.”

Although born in India and maintaining strong ties to the

Indian community, Prakash was raised in Syracuse, N.Y., in what he

called a very patriotic American household.

A ROTC cadet at Johns Hopkins University, he planned to

follow in the footsteps of his mother, father and older brother -- all

doctors -- and attend medical school. But after attending a ROTC

branch orientation his senior year, he knew what he was meant to

do.

“There was this colonel. He was armored cav, so he had a

Stetson and spurs,” Prakash said. “He was standing on his tank and

he was like ‘all right listen up you if you want 72 tons of pure power

underneath you ...’ and he just went off.”

Prakash made up his mind on the spot and has never regretted

it since, he said.

And on the morning of June 24, he was ready.

After spending all night and morning patrolling and setting

up observation posts around the city, first platoon pulled into FOB

Scunion at about 10 a.m.

“CPT Fowler came sprinting over, all out of wind, and says

‘The whole company is going in to Ba’qubah,’” Prakash said. “I’ve

just been given the order. Ba’qubah is under siege -- the police

station, the (combined military operations center) -- all have been

attacked. We’regoing in.”

The company geared up, and by 10:45 a.m. it was maneuvering south into Ba’qubah with first platoon in the lead. The company

was tasked with seizing and securing a set of bridges and setting up

a blocking position to prevent the enemy from reinforcing.

As they advanced toward their objective, they began receiving reports of enemy activity in the city. Four-man RPG teams had

been spotted on rooftops, and there were dismounted enemy fighters in the alleyways. They were told to expect IED and RPG ambushes by a well-trained enemy who meant to stand and fight.

“This was the first time I even got a little bit nervous. I mean,

ever, since I got here,” Prakash said. “I just got this weird feeling.

8

Story and photo by SGT Kimberly Snow

Staff writer, 196th Mobile Public Aff. Det.
Everything was silent. There was no movement. And then all of the

sudden something blew up behind me.”

It took the crew about one hour to fight their way through the

next kilometer of road. Battle reports counted 23 IEDs and 20 - 25

RPG teams in that distance, as well as multiple machine-gun nests,

and enemy dismounts who came at them with with small arms and

hand grenades.

Because enemy dismounts were attempting to throw hand

grenades into the tank’s open hatches, Prakash ordered the tanks to

enter protected mode, leaving the hatches open only a crack.

As the lead vehicle, Prakash’s tank took the brunt of the attack, sustaining blasts from multiple IEDs and at least seven standard and armor piercing RPGs.

The enemy fired mainly at the lead tanks, aiming for the few

vulnerable spots. One round blew the navigation system completely

off of the vehicle, while another well-aimed blast disabled the turret.

Although unable to rotate the turret, Prakash continued in the

lead, navigating with a map and maneuvering his tank in order to

continue engaging the enemy with the main weapon system and his

.50 caliber machine gun.

He watched as men on rooftops sprayed down at his tank

with machine-guns and small arms.

“I just remember thinking, ‘I hope these bullets don’t go in

this one inch of space,’” said Prakash. “Looking out the hatch, I’m

spraying guys, and they’re just falling. They would just drop -- no

blood, no nothing. We just kept rolling, getting shot at from everywhere.”

The platoon was finally ordered to turn around and head back

north in order to maintain contact with the enemy and to establish a

defensive perimeter, allowing a recovery team to retrieve a downed

vehicle.

Prakash moved his tank back to FOB Scunion for repairs and

to provide escort for medical evacuations.

 After assisting with repairs, he and his crew immediately moved

back into position and requested to resume the lead.

Moving south back through the city, they encountered no

resistance.

Once they neared their objective, however, Prakash identified

and engaged an enemy re-supply truck , destroying the vehicle and

its contents.

“We blasted it with a main round from about 100 meters away.

The thing just blew to shreds,” he said. “You could see the tubes

from the launchers go flying in the air.”

The men encountered no further resistance as they moved to

the objective where they established a blocking position until they

were relieved the following morning.

By battle’s end, the platoon was responsible for 25 confirmed

destroyed enemy. Prakash was credited with the destruction of eight

enemy strong-points, one enemy re-supply vehicle, and multiple

enemy dismounts.

“He led the way,” said A Co. Commander CPT Paul Fowler.

“He’s a pleasure to command because he doesn’t require very much

direction. He uses his own judgment, and he’s simply an outstanding young lieutenant.”

Contributions of rear detachment recognized

Soldiers and civilians with the 1st Infantry

Division’s rear detachment were presented awards

for their hard work during Operation Iraqi Freedom II at a ceremony at Victory Park on Leighton

Barracks May 10.

During the ceremony 10 Soldiers were

awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and six

were awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

In addition, nine civilians were presented certificates of appreciation, and Rodolfo Rodriguez was

honored with the Civilian Service Award in recognition of his 30 years with the United States government.

MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st ID commander,

praised the awardees’ efforts in contributing to

the mission in Iraq.

“You set a new standard in rear detachment

operations, and the Soldiers in Iraq couldn’t have

accomplished their mission without you,” Batiste

said.

Batiste also complimented the Soldiers from

the rear detachment for linking the Family Readiness Groups to the chain of command, for starting events to improve morale of the family members, and for having a solid program of reintegration.

MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st Infantry Division commander, presents CPT

James Egan, Headquarters and Headquarters Co. rear detachment

commander, with an Army Commendation Medal during a Task Force

Victory awards ceremony in Victory Park on Leighton Barracks May 10. The

ceremony recognized the Soldiers and civilians who had served the

division on rear detachment during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

9

Story and photo by SPC Joe Alger

Staff writer, 1st ID PAO
10

DIVARTY Soldiers shift gears for redeployment

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait — For many

Soldiers, redeployment can never come soon

enough.

So what would it be like to be the

last in your division to redeploy from

Operation Iraqi Freedom II?

This is something that was required

from the Soldiers of Task Force Breakout II,

whose mission was essential to the

redeployment of the 1st Infantry Division and

those attached to the Big Red One.

Soldiers from the 1st Infantry

Division Artillery served as the division’s

command post in Kuwait for Task Force

Breakout II.

“We are the interface between the

units that are on their way home and the

units here that are pushing them out,” said

MAJ Michael R. Eastman, operations officer

for Task Force Breakout and a Soldier with

HHB, DIVARTY.

“Normally they are coordinating

fires, now they schedule the loading of ships

and air flights, while simultaneously

continuing operations in Iraq,” said COL

Richard C. Longo, 1st Infantry Division

Artillery Commander.

This is not the first time HHB,

DIVARTY has changed gears and adapted

to a new mission.

 It was tasked as a maneuver

headquarters in An Najaf and participated in

the first Task Force Breakout.

There is something special about

this unit right here and these Soldiers have

done many missions, but this is not solely a

DIVARTY mission, Longo said.

“We have representatives of almost

every unit down here working with us,”

Eastman said.

About 450 people were involved in

helping Soldiers process their equipment and

get home.

 With about 230 people taking care of

operations at the port, the rest were scattered

across different camps in Kuwait receiving

units.

“We’re happy to be here to help them

get on their way,” said Eastman.

“Everyone that comes down here is

ready to go home, is excited about it and

proud of what they’ve done,” he said.

Units took about two or three days to

convoy down to Navistar, Kuwait. At

Navistar the convoy linked up and was

escorted to Camp Victory to download

different classes of supply, such as spare

parts, fuel and extra food at the “Four

Corners” download site.

At this point the vehicles were ready to

be washed by their operators.

Wheeled-vehicles were sent to Camp

Doha, with track vehicles ending up at Camp

Arifjan.

Both washracks ended up as

bottlenecks due to the intense cleaning and

rigorous customs inspection that vehicles

must undergo.

“We do not want to bring any type of

disease or anything that might be present

in this area of the world,” said CPT Philip

M. Jorgensen, Camp Arifjan’s washrack and

sterile yard officer in charge and a Soldier

with Headquarters and Headquarters

Detachment, 701st Main Support Battalion.

Some vehicles, such as a M113 Armored

Personnel Carrier, have engines pulled in

order to clean away every bit of dirt that

may have ended up on the vehicle.

“They seem like they know what they

are doing,” said SSG Philip C. Smith, a

section sergeant with Headquarters and

Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 150th

Armor Regiment.

“Everything is organized. We came and

they gave a safety brief in the morning then

just bam, bam, bam they go down the line,”

Smith said.

After the customs inspection, the

vehicles are secured in a sterile yard until

they are ready for transportation to the

marshalling area at the port.

Once a ship was ready, the port detail

drove the vehicles onto the ship for a twoto-three week trip home, Eastman said.

Three weeks prior to Christmas, nearly

2,500 vehicles were processed, filling four

ships.

Eastman said, “No matter what shape it

comes here in, we’ll get it home.”

Above, Matthews awaits the results of a

vehicle inspection being conducted by

SFC Scott A. Davis, a motor sergeant.

DIVARTY Soldiers departed from their

normal jobs to help prepare almost 2,500

vehicles for shipping to the United States

and Europe as part of the redeployment

process.

Story and photos by SGT Roland Walters

Staff writer, 196th Mobile Public Aff. Det.

SSG Jerry W. Matthews of the 1st Battalion, 150th Armor Regiment uses a power washer

to clean a fuel truck prior to a customs inspection at Camp Doha, Kuwait.
1 1 

1st MP Company honored with Griffin Award

COL Brian Bocklage, United States Army, Europe provost marshal, congratulates Soldiers of the 1st Military Police Co. on winning the

Griffin Award during a ceremony May 13 at Victory Park on Leighton Barracks.

Story and photo by SGT W. Wayne Marlow

Editor, 1st ID PAO

The 1st Military Police Co. commander said he couldn’t be

prouder of his Soldiers, regardless of whether they won the Griffin

Award or not.

Not that CPT Tommy Kerr has any problem with his unit taking

home the honor, which is awarded annually to the top Military Police Company in United States Army, Europe and the 7th Army.

USAREUR Provost Marshal COL Brian Bocklage presented

the unit with the trophy it earned for Fiscal Year 2004 during a ceremony May 13 in Victory Park on Leighton Barracks.

“I want to congratulate you on an outstanding honor of winning the Griffin Award,” Bocklage told the 1st MP Soldiers who stood

before him. “It makes you part of a rare breed. You have been the

best MP Company in United States Army Europe, and the 7th Army.”

Bocklage said the unit has continually set and exceeded high

standards.

“The 1st MP Company’s obvious strengths are its leadership

and Soldier skills,” he said “All of the training led to demonstrated

excellence ... in real-world situations. You were ready to take on any

mission, anywhere.”

“They certainly deserve the recognition that they received here

today,” said LTC. Rodney Morris, 1st Infantry Division Provost

Marshal. “To be labeled as the very best military police company in

Europe is something that I am sure will remain with them the rest of

their lives.”

Kerr accepted the Griffin Award trophy from Bocklage before

reflecting on what had led to the moment.

“To the Soldiers and family members of the 1st MP Co., I want to

thank you for all your hard work and commitment to excellence over

the last year and a half,” Kerr said. “If not for all of your efforts, we

would not be standing here today to be recognized with the Griffin

Award.”

“I am reminded of the company gunnery and how cold it was as

the snow began to fall upon us,” Kerr continued. “I am also reminded of how proud I was when I stood at the motor pool gates to

salute you as you drove your vehicles and trailers to Kitzingen, and

how proud you made me as you escorted your BCTs and separate

battalions north as we advanced to Iraq.

“For all you patience with the detainees, for your bravery

during Samarra, and for all of the sweat, blood and tears that you

shed in Iraq, for giving your all as each of you answered your nation’s

call to defend freedom, I salute you.”

The unit worked with Iraqi police officers and helped handle

release missions from Abu Ghraib prison, while logging more than

430,000 miles driven and being part of almost 300 support missions.
1LT Rickey Torres shares a ride with his 4-year-old daughter, Carolina, who waves to

her mother, Ruth, at the Schweinfurt welcome home celebration May 6.

Kristen Chandler Toth

Alice Adler

SPC Joe Alger

The 1st Infantry Division Band executes “sound off” during the Bamberg community

welcome home ceremony April 28.

Communities

welcome back

Soldiers in style

Story by SPC Joe Alger

Staff writer, 1st ID PAO

1 2

The 1st Infantry Division welcomed home

its warriors with festivities and fun at

communitiy welcome home ceremonies in

Kitzingen, Bamberg, Katterbach, Vilseck and

Schweinfurt from April 15 to May 6.

During each ceremony, MG John R.S.

Batiste, 1st Infantry Division commanding general, thanked the Soldiers and family members

from the community for their hard work and

sacrifices before, during and after the deployment.

In addition, Soldiers from each community were welcomed home by the local officials

of each community, all of whom expressed happiness to have the 1st Infantry Division Soldiers returning to their community.

Following the ceremonies, Soldiers and

family members were treated to various entertainments, including rides, games, food and

music, including Travis Tritt, Chely Wright and

Lit.

The ceremony gave commanders a

chance to reflect on the accomplishments of

their units and praise them for a job well done.

Country music singer Travis Tritt plays

during Vilseck homecoming festivities

May 4 at Rose Barracks Army Airfield.
Soldiers of the 299th Forward Support Battalion march into place on the parade field

before the welcome home ceremony in Schweinfurt May 6.

Kristen Chandler Toth

1 3

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Curtis Sims enjoys

a bratwurst with his 3-year-old son,

Stephen, at Schweinfurt May 6.

Kristen Chandler Toth Below: The Color Guard lends pagentry and flavor to the Bamberg Community welcome

home ceremony April 28.

SPC Joe Alger
1 4

Wearing smiles and, for the final time

this year, Desert Camouflage Uniforms, Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division celebrated

their official homecoming from Iraq during a

ceremony May 16 at Harvey Barracks.

For one jam-packed day, the Harvey

airfield was transformed into a carnival and

parade ground, complete with marching

troops, weaving rides, fireworks and energetic music.

Soldiers representing every unit in the

division stood proudly on the parade field

for the inspection of troops by Secretary of

the Army Honorable Francis J. Harvey. Joining Harvey were LTG Ricardo Sanchez, V

Corps commander, and MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st ID commander.

A short time later, Sanchez presented

Silver Star Medals to nine 1st ID Soldiers:

LTC Peter A. Newell, MAJ Thomas A.

Johnson, CPT Paul A. Fowler, CPT Kirk A.

Mayfield, CPT Sean P. Sims (posthumous,

accepted by his wife, Heidi), 1LT Karl E. Gregory, 1SG Peter L. Smith, SGT Christopher G.

Rich, and SPC Larry R. Underwood.

Sanchez also presented the Presidential Unit Citation to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment. Another 13 units received

Valorous Unit Award and 35 more picked up

Meritorious Unit Commendations.

Following the award presentations,

Harvey reflected on the 1st ID’s accomplishments during its year in Iraq.

“Recently I had the honor of participating in a ceremony commemorating the 60th

anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and to

honor the veterans of the greatest generation,” Harvey said. “One of the other speakers there was Sen. Bob Dole, an Army veteran and hero of the Italian campaign. Sen.

Dole referred to today’s Soldiers as members of the new greatest generation, and I

can’t agree with him more.”

Harvey praised the division’s Soldiers

for their unwavering dedication to both their

mission and the Iraqi people.

“The Big Red One is known for its

fighting prowess, but the division also engaged in operations that greatly supported

our longer-term goals to defeat extremism and

foster democratic reform in the heart of the

Middle East. You changed the attitudes of

the Iraqi people and gave them alternatives to the insurgency.”

Turning to the subject of those who

gave their lives during the deployment,

Harvey cited the examples of SPC David

Mahlenbrock and PFC John Amos.

Mahlenbrock was killed Dec. 3,

2004, as the result of an attack with an

improvised explosive device.

“He died a warrior and proud member of Task Force Danger, but it’s important to remember that in addition to being

a Soldier, David was also a husband and

father,” Harvey said. “His wife, Melissa,

and newborn daughter, Kadence, were a

very special part of David’s life. David’s

story has been recounted many times

during the Global War on Terrorism. We

as a nation gain resolve from his sacrifice, and we will never forget him or the

family he left behind.”

Amos died on April 4, 2004, in

Kirkuk, when an IED detonated near his

vehicle.

“John Amos left us at the tender

age of 20, but he left us with words of

wisdom,” Harvey said. “At his funeral,

his team leader said that if PFC Amos were

with us today, he would insist that we

continue the mission and not focus on

the fact that he is gone. He would tell us

to keep our heads up and overcome any

obstacles that may come in our path

throughout life. Soldiers of Task Force

Danger, you continued the mission and

overcame many obstacles. I know PFC

Amos would be very pleased.”

Batiste reflected on what Operation

Iraqi Freedom II had meant to the division.

“The Soldiers of this great division

have once again carried on the legacy of

the historic 1st Infantry Division,” Batiste

said. “From intense combat operations...

to stability and support operations, you

did it all, and you did it in spades. Your

focus on discipline and standards at every level was apparent. Big Red One Soldiers were renowned for their warfighting

tenacity and, at the same time, just as proficient in the business of changing attitudes and giving the Iraqi people alternatives to the insurgency.”

Batiste also acknowledged the

division’s partners during the deployment, the

Iraqi people.

“Our successes over the past year were

not achieved alone. They were achieved by

establishing partnerships with the people of

Iraq, most notably with the Iraqi Security

Forces,” Batiste said. “Your mentorship, training and equipping empowered Iraqi Security

Forces, and it provided the foundation to help

them defeat the insurgency and provide a safe

and secure environment.

“Some of the most rewarding moments

over the last year were defined by the courage

and enthusiasm of the Iraqi people as they

served their country,” Batiste said.

Batiste noted the advances and improvements in education, health and public works

that were the result of the partnership between

the 1st ID and the Iraqis.

“You assisted Iraqi leaders in setting priorities for nearly 2,000 projects worth more than

$1 billion, creating jobs for thousands of IraStory by SGT W. Wayne Marlow

Editor, 1st ID PAO

1st Infantry Division Soldiers stand in formation durin

1st ID welcome home ceremo
13

redeVietnam, and it’s important to make sure the memories

of all the heroes who have served here are preserved,” McCurry

said.

McCurry also said it’s important for people living in

Germany to understand that the disbanding of the 1-4 Cav.

Aviation elements is part of the aviation transformation plan and

not the relocation of forces in Europe plan.

“Some people might think that this is the beginning of

that plan,” McCurry said. “It’s important for them to realize this

has nothing to do with that.”

The new plan has garnered mixed reactions from the 1-

4 Cav. Soldiers.

“I’ve been with the unit for about a year and a half,” said

Spc. Bryan McGoon, Armament Avionics Specialis, 1-4 Cav.

“They’re a great group of people who I’ve grown very close with

over the past year in Iraq, and it’s kind of sad we have to split up

right when we get back to Germany, but I can handle it.”

“There’s great camaraderie between the aviation and

ground troops in this unit,” McCurry said. “Anyone who’s ever

been with an air cavalry unit feels like this is the end of an era.

On the other hand, everybody realizes the need to go through this

change to make the Army a more effective fighting force in the

years to come.”

From Batiste on down, each 1st ID Soldier has memories of Iraq. SPC Christopher

Grabowski, an M240B machine gunner with

Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 1st Infantry Division, took part in more than 100

combat missions in Iraq and experienced

rocket-propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices and a squad-size ambush at

close range.

But it was the positive interaction with

Iraqis that he said he remembers most.

“I was attached to Alpha Co. (1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment) for a while and

we’d do a mounted or dismounted patrol,”

Grabowski said. “I had a lot of positive interaction with Iraqi people. Some of them would

even thank me.”

Grabowksi feels the efforts of the coalition forces could pay long-term dividends.

“When you look at other places we’ve

fought – Germany and Korea, for example –

those places are a lot better off,” he said.

qis,” Batiste said.

The greatest proof, the general said,

was that thanks in large part to the 1st ID,

Iraqis held successful elections Jan. 30.

“The Iraqi people demonstrated that

their future would not be held hostage,”

Batiste said. “I will never forget the images

of Iraqis celebrating and proudly displaying

their ink-stained fingers.”

Batiste paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the division’s quest to

bring self-sufficiency and democracy to Iraq.

“The division’s amazing success in

Iraq did not come without a cost,” Batiste

said. “We will never forget the 193 1st Infantry Division and Task Force Danger Soldiers

who gave their full measure during both OIF

I and II. On behalf of all the Soldiers of the 1st

Infantry Division and the people of our great

nation, I want, once more, to acknowledge

their service, sacrifice and the example they

set for all of us.”

“I’m not going to say it’s because of us or

not, but it seems Iraq could become a better

place because we’re there.”

PFC Jason McCoig said that he also

sensed the appreciation of the Iraqi people.

McCoig serves as a Stinger gunner for B Co.,

4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery.

“At the beginning, I was hesitant about

us going,” he said. “But once we got there I

realized we were helping a lot of people. We

made a big difference in the year we were down

there. We would get out with the public and

show them we were there to help them, such

as with electricity and water. I definitely saw a

change in their attitude toward us over the

year.”

The end of the formal welcome-home

ceremony was just the beginning of the fun.

The thousands of Soldiers and family members were treated to four bands, a comedian,

and all the hamburgers and chicken wings

they could eat.

1 5

ng the welcome home ceremony May 16 at Harvey Barracks. The troops were reviewed by Secretary of the Army Honorable Francis J. Harvey.

SPC Joe Alger

ony celebrates job well done
SPC Joe Alger

SMA Kenneth Preston greets Soldiers prior to the 1st Infantry Divison’s welcome

home ceremony May 16 at Harvey Barracks. Also attending the ceremony were V

Corps Commander, LTG Ricardo Sanchez, and Secretary of the Army Honorable

Francis J. Harvey.

SPC J oe Alger

MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st Infantry Division commanding general, thanks family members

for the volunteer work they did while their spouses were deployed, during the

Bamberg welcome home ceremony April 28.

1 6

Honors are rendered as the 1st Infantry

Division band plays the Star Spangled

Banner at Vilseck May 4.

SPC Joe Alger

SPC Joe Alger

COL Walter Golden, 4th Aviation Brigade

commander, gets fitted for a serving apron

prior to a ceremonial keg tapping at the

Katterbach welcome home cermony April

29.
1 7

The 1st Infantry Division retention

awards ceremony for fiscal year 2004 and the

first and second quarter of fiscal year 2005

was held at the Cantigny Club on Leighton

Barracks May 2.

During the ceremony, MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st ID commander, handed out awards

to units that exceeded their retention missions for the year.

According to SSG Scarlet King, the 1st

ID had the highest reenlistment and retention percentage in the United States Army

for 2004. King serves as career counselor for

Headquarters and Headquarters Company,

1st Infantry Division, and 1st Military Police

Company.

“We’ve got a great reenlistment program

because we’ve got great career counselors,”

Batiste said. “All the commanders, command

sergeants major and noncommissioned officers at each level have worked very hard at

making this happen.”

Each unit recognized achieved more

than 100 percent of its retention mission for

the year, which is important for several reasons, according to King,

“This division makes up a big

part of the Army, so keeping

the retention rate high is a

very big deal.”

- SSG Scarlet King

Career counselor, HHC 1st

ID and 1st MP Co.

“This division makes up a big part of

the Army, so keeping the retention rate high

is a very big deal because the end strength

of the Army depends on career counselors

completing their missions,” King said. “The

1st Infantry Division has exceeded its goal

tremendously and that helps not only

United States Army Europe, but the entire

Army.”

According to King, the division’s 162

percent retention rate for 2004 included 3,422

re-enlistees, 25 percent of whom chose to

stay in the division. The re-enlistees were

paid a total of over $24 million in bonuses.

The numbers are even more impressive

considering that most of the Soldiers were

deployed when they reenlisted, King said.

“Every individual Soldier is important,”

King said. “And when you look at the big

picture, with what’s going on in the world

today, we have to keep Soldiers in the military.”

While the 1st ID has helped set a new

Army standard for reenlistment and retention, SFC Carol Lehman, 1st ID Command Career Counselor said keeping Soldiers in the

Army is an ongoing mission.

“It’s a very high standard to meet for

our mission,” Lehman said, “but we take

great pride in keeping the good Soldiers of

the Big Red One in the Division.”

Story and photo by SPC Joe Alger

Staff writer, 1st ID PAO

1st ID tops Army in retention numbers

1st Infantry Divison career counselors stand with 1st ID Commanding General, MG John R.S. Batiste, at the retention awards ceremony

May 2 at the Cantigny Club on Leighton Barracks.
1 8

Soldiers pay tribute to Signal NCO

Soldiers who had served with SFC

Charles U. “Jay” Jones remembered him as a

positive, professional man during a memorial service May 12 at the Larson Barracks

Theatre. Jones served with the 121st Signal

Battalion.

He died May 7 after being struck by a

car as he crossed the street in front of Harvey

Barracks.

SFC Walter Branyan recalled how

Jones made an immediate impression on him

when they met two and a half years ago.

“He was squared away, with an impeccable appearance,” Branyan said “Jay

had a lot of pride.”

Branyan further described Jones as a

man who stayed upbeat. “Jay’s attitude toward life was always positive,” he said.

When Jones’ mother died, he went

home on emergency leave, but was soon the

same man his friends had always known.

“When he returned, in no time at all, the smile

was back,” Branyan said.

Branyan recalled that Jones loved talking about the Army and also had passions

for southern music and bowling.

“Jay --, you’re really loved, and you

will be missed but never forgotten,” Branyan

said.

1SG Robert Brown also had fond

memories of Jones.

“No amount of words can attest to

SFC Charles U. Jones was remembered as a dedicated husband, father and Soldier

during a memorial service May 12 at the Larson Barracks Theatre. Jones served with

the 121st Signal Battalion.

what kind of person and Soldier Jay was,”

Brown said. “He will be remembered as an

energetic, aggressive and caring leader who

always put Soldiers’ needs before his own.”

Brown then addressed the positive

legacy Jones leaves, saying “He not only

forever changed A Co., but he left his mark

on the world and left it a better place.”

Just for kicks

Above and right, Vilseck American boys’ soccer players in action during

their 1-0 victory May 5 in downtown Vilseck. The match was part of the

Vilseck Community Day.

SGT W. Wayne Marlow

SGT W. Wayne Marlow

Story and photo by SGT W. Wayne Marlow

Editor, 1st ID PAO
Chaplain (COL) Rodney Coleman, right, is headed back to Texas

after serving as the 1st ID rear detachment chaplain. Here he is

with Chaplain (COL) Kev Brown, V Corps chaplain, following a

changing of the stole ceremony with Chaplain (LTC) Michael

Lembke April 7 at the Cantigny Club on Leighton Barracks.

‘Changing of the stole’ highlights prayer breakfast

1st ID officer veterans reunite

Current and former officers who have served in war with the

1st Infantry Division gathered in Washington, D.C., April 2for their

86th annual reunion dinner.

“It’s a feeling of joy to see people here who you haven’t seen

for many years,” said retired COL Beason Walker, 26th Infantry Division Rifle Co. commander during World War II. “I saw a friend here

one year who had been captured during the war, and I didn’t know

if he was alive or dead.”

Though the reunion is a chance for veterans to re-kindle friendships, it also gives them the opportunity to meet with officers who

have served in other wars.

“There’s nothing that sets one war aside from another. We’ve

all had our own identity and experienced the same thing with a great

unit,” said retired LTC John Bahn, who served in Vietnam as commander of C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 33rd Field Artillery. “We’re all

combat buddies at this point, and it’s important to thank each other

for the work we’ve done.”

Retired LTC William Kelly said each veteran attending the

reunion is proud of the accomplishments of the 1st ID in Operation

Iraqi Freedom II. Kelly served in Vietnam as commander of C Co., 2nd

Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment.

“We’re hearing wonderful things about the Army now,” Kelly

said. “The level of training, motivation and readiness is extremely

high today, and we’re very proud of them.”

The retired officers hope 1st ID veterans continue to attend

the reunions.

“Camaraderie is a very important thing to continue with,”

Walker said. “The only thing that’s going to keep these things

going is if current officers join the organization.” -

Veterans who served as 1st ID officers during various wars

salute the color guard during a reunion April 2 in Washington, D.C.

19

Story and photos by SPC Joe Alger

Staff writer, 1st ID PAO

MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st Infantry Division commanding General,

speaks to attendees at the reunion April 2 in Washington, D.C.

Story and photo by SPC Rebecca Sharpton

Staff writer, 1st ID PAO

The 1st Infantry Division chaplain and rear detachment chaplain held a changing of the stole ceremony April 7 during the 1st ID

prayer breakfast at the Cantigny Club on Leighton Barracks.

Chaplain (LTC) Michael Lembke, division chaplain, resumed

his duties, while Chaplain (COL) Rodney Coleman, rear detachment

chaplain, said goodbye. Coleman is returning to his church in Texas.

Chaplain (COL) Ken Brown, V Corps chaplain, presided over

the ceremony and was also the guest speaker for the breakfast.

“Chaplain Coleman is a citizen Soldier. He took a leave of

absence from his church and he will be back with his family soon,”

Brown said.

“Chaplain Coleman has touched the lives of hundreds of Task

Force Victory families,” Brown continued. “He has been a great

strength and I believe that God put him here.”

“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your challenges

and joys, and ups and downs,” Coleman said.

In closing, he asked OIF Soldiers in the room to bring the

same sense of desire and determination they had in Iraq to their

families.
1-4 Cav air troops flying away

ELEMENTS OF 1ST Squadron, 4th U.S.

Cavalry Regiment will be inactivated now

that the unit has returned from the Iraqi theater of operations to the central region.

The Army has directed an initative to modularize its aviation

assets. As part of this plan, D, E, and F Troops of 1-4 Cavalry were

inactivated May 25.

According to MAJ Michael McCurry, deputy squadron commander of 1-4 Cavalry, the inactivation of the aviation elements is

part of the Army’s aviation transformation plan.

The plan, which was implemented by Army Chief of Staff GEN

Peter Schoomaker, is part of an Army campaign for transformation

that outlines 15 different focus areas.

 As a part of this Army initative, aviation units containing OH50D Kiowa Warriors will be returned to stations in the continental

United States, in order to enhance aviation unit modularization Armywide. Modularization of aviation assets creates units that are adapted

for missions and can also reduce the number of units needed for a

particular mission, McCurry said.

Because of this new plan, two air cavalry troops and one air

maintenance troop will be leaving the squadron.

There are three major areas that need to be focused on,

McCurry said, in order to make a smooth transition.

The first focus area for 1-4 Cavalry is personnel moves.

“Most of the people who have been reassigned as a result of

this new plan will have a permanent change of station within 120

days of our redeployment, and we have to make sure we take care of

all of them,” McCurry said. “The challenge after a yearlong deployment is to give people who are leaving the same support we would

give any Soldier returning from a deployment.”

The next focus area is the movement of equipment. The 1-4

Cavalry Soldiers started turning in their Kiowa Warrior helicopters

after leaving Iraq, followed by turn-in of their generic items, such as

CW3 Matt Fitter and CPT Luke Mercier of 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, prepare to fly a mission in their OH-58D Kiowa

Warrior helicopter at Forward Operating Base Mackenzie, Ad Duluiyah, Iraq, Jan. 12.

20

Story and photos by SPC Joe Alger

Staff writer, 1st ID PAO
trucks and tents, to units who are short on these

items.

The third focus area, according to

McCurry, is to capture the history and heritage

of the unit.

“There are Soldiers who have been with

this unit since Vietnam, and it’s important to make

sure the memories of all the heroes who have

served here are preserved,” McCurry said.

McCurry also said it’s important for

people living in Germany to understand that the

inactivation of the 1-4 Cavalry’s aviation elements is part of an Army-wide force development initiative and is not related to the current

Department of Defense Global Posturing Review

or the European Command Strategic Theater

Transformation.

 “Some people might think that this is

the beginning of that plan,” McCurry said. “It’s

important for them to realize this has nothing to

do with that.”

The deactivation has garnered mixed

reactions from the 1-4 Cavalry Soldiers.

“I’ve been with the unit for about a year

and a half,” said SPC Bryan McGoon, an armament avionics specialist with 1-4 Cavalry.

“They’re a great group of people who I’ve grown

very close with over the past year in Iraq, and

it’s kind of sad we have to split up right when we

get back to Germany, but I can handle it.”

“There’s great camaraderie between the

aviation and ground troops in this unit,”

McCurry said. “Anyone who’s ever been with

an air cavalry unit feels like this is the end of an

era. On the other hand, everybody realizes the

need to go through this change to make the Army

a more effective fighting force in the years to

come.”

One of the many 1-4 Cavalry helicopters that

has helped the unit achieve a rich legacy sits on

an airstrip in Iraq. The unit’s aviation elements

are inactivating.

“There are Soldiers who have

been with this unit since Vietnam,

and it’s important to make sure the

memories of all the heroes who have

served here are preserved.”

 - MAJ Michael McCurry

Deputy Squadron commander

1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavarly Regiment

21

CPT Luke Mercier of 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, prepares to fly another

mission in Iraq Jan. 12.
Farewell and thank you, BG Mundt

BG Stephen D. Mundt, outgoing 1st Infantry Division assistant division commander for support, receives a Bronze Star certificate

from MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st ID commanding general, prior to Mundt’s farewell ceremony March 29 at division headquarters.

“Brigadier General Mundt ensured the division

continually set high standards and inspired all

to achieve what others considered

impossible.”

 - MG John R.S. Batiste

1st Infantry Division commander A ceremony was held at Victory Park on Leighton Barracks

March 29 to honor the departing 1st Infantry Division assistant division commander for support.

BG Stephen D. Mundt, who has been the ADCS of the 1st ID

for 26 months, has had the longest ADCS tenure in Big Red One

history. His time in the 1st ID included deployments to Turkey, Kosovo

and Iraq.

During his remarks, MG John R.S. Batiste, 1st ID commanding general, praised Mundt’s work with the division, and wished him

luck in his new assignment. Mundt is moving up to the Office of the

Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, with duties as the Deputy Director for

Force Development.

“Brigadier General Mundt ensured the division continually

set high standards and inspired all to achieve what others considered impossible,” Batiste said. “The division’s loss is the Army’s

gain.”

Prior to Mundt’s farewell ceremony, Batiste presented him

with the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq during Operation Iraqi

Freedom II.

During his remarks, Mundt praised the Soldiers and family members of the division, and said they were responsible for

making Operation Iraqi Freedom II a success.

“I’m humbled and honored that all of you attended this

ceremony today,” Mundt said. “There has never been a finer group

of Soldiers assembled to do our nation’s business. This division

left a lasting legacy in Iraq. When the world said it couldn’t be

done, you did it.”

Mundt added he would not be able to do his job without

the support of his wife, Betsy, and he said the greatest gift he was

given was the chance to talk to her over an intercom during his

award ceremony.

Big Red One Soldiers say

goodbye to longest-serving

ADCS in history of the division

22

Story and photo by SPC Joe Alger

Staff writer, 1st ID PAO
Soldiers with the 121st Signal Battalion form the unit’s name and branch insignia April 11 at Larson Barracks in Kitzingen.

Signal battalion reflects on Iraq, looks ahead

With a successful year in Iraq completed,

Soldiers with the 121st Signal Battalion are now

switching gears.

According to the unit’s senior enlisted

Soldier, CSM George Butler, the battalion’s current mission is twofold: tying up loose ends from

Iraq and welcoming in new Soldiers.

“We’re getting the battalion back together

as a whole and accounting for the equipment

and testing it and getting ready for our next mission,” Butler said. “The second part is getting

new Soldiers on the ground and making sure

they’re up to speed ... so they can be part of

any future mission this battalion may have.”

Butler said he and his Soldiers learned a

lot while downrange.

“We had a lot of communication equipment added to our network. It was a challenge

to get that equipment into the system because

we didn’t have some of it before deploying,” he

said. “But I could not ask any more from my

Soldiers than what they did.”

A year downrange was sometimes taxing,

but Butler said his Soldiers delivered.

“Spending a year in Iraq was very

trying for a lot of these troops and it was

a very demanding job,” he said. “The

area we covered was about 7,200 square

miles, and it was very spread out. Soldiers within the battalion have not even

seen each other for a year.

“We were on the road five or six

days a week, all day. With all the roadside bombs, it keeps you on your toes. I

can surely say that. Most of my Soldiers,

they really stepped up to the plate. You

don’t know how they’re going to perform until they get to that point, and I

had Soldiers that simply did a tremendous job.”

One of Butler’s Soldiers, SGT

Brooklyn Grinage, said the early months

in Iraq were a bit unnerving. As the battalion commander’s driver, she was on

two to five convoys per week.

“After about three or four months,

I got use to it,” she said. “But the first

couple of months, every time I went out,

my heart started beating and I thought, ‘Today could be the day.’”

Friends in Iraq and back home helped

her make it through the deployment, she

said.

“My family and friends at home, and

also the people I was around all year, my

peers and co-workers, they helped a lot. Even

if it was people that I didn’t know, once we

got to Iraq, there was a strong bond,” Grinage

said.

Now that the 121st is back, the focus is

on more training.

“We’ve got a lot of training coming

up this summer on weapons and prepping

to go back because eventually this unit will,”

Grinage said.

1SG Robert Brown of C Co. said the

battalion’s planning is based on that premise.

“After we finish inventory, we’re focusing on individual training, then collective training, then its onto Grafenwoehr and

Hohenfels,” Brown said. “2005 is all about

rebuilding and restructuring in the event that

we have to go back downrange.”

23

Story and photo by SGT W. Wayne Marlow

Editor, 1st ID PAO
Testing,

 Testing ...

Chemical Soldiers are

among first in Army to try

out new detection system

The Army is always updating its technology and equipment to

stay with the times. And Soldiers with the 307th Chemical/Biological

Detachment had a chance to test the new Biological Integrated Detection System April 18-22 on Harvey Barracks.

“We received the BIDS systems on Monday, and the rest of the

week, we’ve been going through system start-up,” said 1LT David

Newhouse, fourth platoon leader. “Because the systems are so brand

new, we’re required to run them for about a week. We come out in the

mornings, start them up, let them run all day and shut them down in the

evening.”

Soldiers with the 307th Chemical/Biological Detachment test the

new Biological Integrated Detection System on Harvey Barracks

April 21.

24

Story and photos by SPC Joe Alger

Staff writer, 1st ID PAO

Soldiers with the 307th Chemical/Biological

Detachment gain familiarity with the system

during testing at Harvey Barracks April 21.

According to Newhouse, the system works by taking a sample

from the air, processing it, then

analyzing it for

chemical and biological agents. The

samples are then

sent back to a lab

in the United States

for further analysis.

If the sample

tests positive for

any banned agent,

the sample can be

used as evidence in

a world court

against whatever

party or nation released the agent,

Newhouse added.

While many

Soldiers may not be

familiar with the

new system because it is so new,

the Soldiers from

the 307th have had

no such problem.

The Biological Integrated Detection System gets tested at

Harvey Barracks on April 21. “Every Soldier in

the company is

aled

he

.”

BIDS qualified,” said SPC Nina Kazibwe, a BIDS specialist with

fourth platoon. “Once we finish basic and advanced individual

training, the top 10 percent of the Soldiers in the graduating

class are selected to attend a BIDS training course.”

Newhouse said because she and other fourth platoon

Soldiers graduated from the BIDS course just prior to arriving in

Germany, they already had a running start with regards to knowledge of the system and were learning how to run and operate

the systems very quickly.

Even so, Soldiers from third and fourth platoons were

required to conduct a week of refresher training.

“The instructors from Ft. Leonard Wood are here for the

net-refresher training,” Newhouse said. “Third platoon is doing the training this week while we run the new equipment. Next

week, we’ll be doing it.”

While the equipment had been tested for almost a week

straight, Newhouse said everything was running very smoothly.

“These are very complicated systems and so far we’ve

had no maintenance issues,” he said.

The Soldiers of third and fourth Platoon aren’t the only

ones testing out the new BIDS systems.

The first and second platoons from our company are Reserve platoons from Lodi, N.J., and they’re also testing the new

equipment,” Newhouse said.
Above: A Czech youngster checks out the

view from a motorcycle sidecar, one of

many pieces of World War II equipment on

display.

Right: Actors in World War II military outfits

add to the atmosphere.

Liberation from

Nazis remembered

in Czech Republic

SPC Kevin Tangney, 1st Infantry Division trumpet player, greets local residents in Cheb,

Czech Republic, during the town’s 60th anniversary celebration commemorating

liberation from the Nazis.

Story and photos by SGT W. Wayne Marlow

Editor, 1st ID PAO

CHEB, Czech Republic -- Soldiers with

the 1st Infantry Division were in Cheb April

28-30 to help this town celebrate the 60th anniversary of its liberation from the Nazis.

The 1st Infantry Division played an integral role in extricating the Germans from

the area during World War II, and modernday 1st ID Soldiers provided a color guard for

the festivities.

“We got to meet some of the veterans,” said SGT Wesley Jackson, with Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 1st Battalion,

63rd Armor Regiment. “They told us how

we’re doing a good job, and that they know

their legacy is continuing.”

The celebration included walking

tours, battle reenactments, displays of World

War II vehicles and actors in 1940s-era military uniforms.

There was also music, including a rendition of “Taps” by 1st ID trumpet player, SPC

Kevin Tangney.

Jackson said the anniversary celebration was memorable. “It’s nice to see people

want to shake our hands,” he said.

SGT William Greenwood of HHC, 1-

63, talked about what it meant to meet some

of the liberators.

25

“World War II veterans have come up

to us and thanked us for what we’ve done,”

he said. “We haven’t done anything compared to what they did.”
1st ID hero returns

Medal of Honor

recipient back

60 years after

end of WW II

A noted 1st Infantry Division veteran

returned to northern Bavaria in early May,

this time in a less contentious surrounding.

“I was right here when the war ended,”

Walter Ehlers said during a stop at the 1st

Infantry Division museum on Leighton Barracks May 3.

Ehlers and other veterans of the 1st

Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment toured the

museum as part of their activities during a

week-long reunion. While on tour, veterans

got to see profiles of 1st ID Medal of Honor

recipients, which included Ehlers.

Ehlers received the nation’s highest

military honor in World War II for fending

off an attack on his convoy and singlehandedly knocking out an entrenched enemy position. He then diverted most of the

remaining enemy fire to himself and carried a

wounded comrade to safety.

Ehlers also received a battlefield commission, which meant a lot more saluting than

before.

“I thought, ‘This must be the lowest

rank in the Army. When I was enlisted I didn’t

have to salute all those sergeants,’” he said.

Ehlers was in Belgium when he was

whisked away to receive his Medal of Honor.

“There were German troops behind our

lines, and they were wearing American uniforms,” Ehlers said. “They told me they

wanted to get me back to Paris so I could be

presented the Medal of Honor before I got

killed.”

But there was little time for Ehlers to

enjoy the moment. It was back to fighting,

including a memorable battle at Elguiton,

Tunisia.

“It was tougher than D-Day,” Ehlers

said. “We fought for eight straight hours.”

Besides seeing several Allied Soldiers

die, Ehlers also lost a brother during D-Day.

But Ehlers and his fellow Soldiers persevered, and he ended up near Schweinfurt

at war’s end.

“Those were our first barracks in

Germany,” he said.

He got the ultimate present when

the war in Europe ended on his birthday,

May 7, 1945.

“I have a lot of memories of the

war,” Ehlers said. “It’s like it happened

yesterday.”

Ehlers has seen several reenactments of D-Day, and he said they fail to

convey the full horror of the moment. He

concedes Saving Private Ryan was more

realistic than most, but even it was somewhat

off.

“It was a little bit Hollywoodish,” Ehlers

said. “There wasn’t any blood in the water.

When the waves would come in, it would wash

whatever blood was there right back out. And

we weren’t running around on the beach yelling at each other.”

With regard to the conflicts in Iraq and

Afghanistan, Ehlers has high praise for today’s

Soldiers.

“I don’t like that they have to be there,

but our troops are doing a magnificent job,” he

said. “I’m very proud of them. To do what

they’ve done is amazing.”

Walter Ehlers, a 1st Infantry Division Medal of Honor recipient, uses a map at the 1st ID

museum May 3 to explain the route his unit took to victory in World War II.

26

Story and photos by SGT W. Wayne Marlow

Editor, 1st ID PAO

Ehlers listens to the history of the 1st Infantry Division as told by SPC Frank Muniz, at the

1st ID museum May 3.
27

1st ID welcomes new CSM

The 1st Infantry Division is expected

to face transformation and realignment in the

next several months. But there will be one

constant, according to the 1st ID’s new senior enlisted Soldier.

“When the smoke clears, leaders of all

units will step up to the plate like they always have and accomplish the mission,”

CSM John D. Fourhman said at his welcome

ceremony May 13 in Victory Park on

Leighton Barracks. “The Big Red One will

come out of transformation ... ready to do

any mission, anywhere.”

Fourhman has already served with the

1st ID for almost four years, first as command

sergeant major for 1st Battalion, 77th Armor,

then in the same position for the 3rd Brigade

Combat Team.

Fourhman expressed his excitement

about staying with the division.

“It’s a great day to be a Big Red One

Soldier and an important day for the

Fourhman family,” he said. He also thanked

his wife, Cindy, whom he called “general

manager and coach of Team Fourhman.”

He acknowledged his predecessor and

talked about the challenges ahead.

“Several weeks ago on this field, we

said goodbye to CSM Cory McCarty. I would

be remiss if I did not thank him,” Fourhman

said. “He was a shining example of what a

division command sergeant major should be,

and he will be a tough act to follow.”

The welcome ceremony for Fourhman

came just three days before the division celebrated its homecoming from Iraq. Fourhman

touched on how the official ending of the

deployment phase will lead into new territory for the 1st ID.

“Even as this chapter ends ... the Army

has provided a glimpe of things to come,”

Fourhman said. “This is going to be an exciting, challenging, and rewarding time to be

a Big Red One Soldier. There will be opportunities for new experiences and professional

growth.”

Fourhman was welcomed to the division by 1st ID Commander, MG John R.S.

Batiste, who praised Fourhman as senior

NCO who led a disciplined, effective brigade

combat team at war.

“Becoming a division command sergeant major requires a thorough exam of

competence and character,” Batiste said. “His

record of services is an example of absolute

competence and selfless service. He never

asks Soldiers to do anything that he himself

would not do. He is the right command sergeant major to take the Big Red One in the

next chapter of our history.”

1st Infantry Division CSM John D. Fourhman greets well-wishers at his welcome

ceremony May 13 in Victory Park on Leighton Barracks. Fourhman is the 19th DCSM in

Big Red One history.

Story and photo by SGT W. Wayne Marlow

Editor, 1st ID PAO

Fourhman joined the Army in August,

1975.

He has previously served as a senior

drill sergeant, a first sergeant, and a

Mounted Maneuver Battlespace Lab Operations sergeant, among many other positions.
1st ID Medal of Honor recipient

PVT Sterling Morelock

Morelock led a small group past his company line and into enemy territory on Oct. 4, 1918 near Exermont, France. Battling incessant rifle, artillery, and

machine gun fire, Morelock and three other Soldiers neutralized five machine gun nests and took control of the fight from the Germans. Morelock rendered

first aid to the injured and led an evacuation of the area by employing prisoners to carry stretchers. While tending to his injured company commander,

Morelock received a serious wound to the hip, but his heroism had turned the tide of the battle.