Vol. II, Issue 62 Friday’s Online Edition August 22, 2008

victory timesonline

MNC-I commander speaks with the press

Story by 

Spc. Samuel J. Phillips

MNC-I PAO

During a Pentagon 

press briefing Aug. 18, 

Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, 

Multi-National Corps 

– Iraq commanding 

general, said the mission 

the Multi-National Corps 

– Iraq has not changed. 

“Our number one 

task remains protecting the Iraqi population,” he said.

Austin said MNC-I is 

focused on the development of a capable and 

professional Iraqi Security Force and building 

civil capacity. Austin 

said all efforts are moving forward in a positive 

and tangible manner.

“Our security gains 

continue to trend in a 

positive direction even 

with the redeployment 

of five brigade combat 

teams and the Georgian 

Brigade,” he said.

According to Austin, 

MNC-I is operating in 

more areas of Iraq with 

fewer troops and continues to achieve success. 

He said one of the reasons for MNC-I’s continued success is the increasingly effective ISF.

“The Iraqi Security 

Force is growing in both 

capability and confidence,” Austin said. “As 

a result, we have seen 

signs of hope and prosperity return to many 

parts of the country that 

were once previously 

threatened by criminals, 

terrorists and others who 

don’t want to see Iraq 

reach its full potential.”

Austin believes these 

positive trends are encouraging, but at the 

same time he realizes that 

threats to the population 

remain and there is still 

much more work to do.

“In the north, Al 

Qaeda is in disarray,” 

Austin said, “its capability to conduct well 

planned and coordinated 

attacks is limited, but 

they still pose a real 

threat to the population.”

This does not keep the 

Iraqi population from 

returning to normalcy. 

Austin said a couple of 

weeks ago he walked 

through a market that 

was five kilometers 

long and was overflowing with people.

“That is something 

that would not have been 

possible a couple of 

months ago,” Austin said. 

“It is a clear sign that we 

are making progress.”

Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general, Multi-National Corps - Iraq, gives a press brief to 

the Pentagon one the continued mission of MNC-I. Some of the key points included an update on 

the increasing stabilization of security throughout areas of operation brought about by the improved 

capabilities and professionalism of the Iraqi Security Forces.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason R. Krawzcyk, MNC-I PAO
Page 2 Victory Times August 22, 2008

Feature

 

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

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

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

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

Editor:Spc. Samuel J. Phillips

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

J. Martinez and Pfc. Eric J. Glassey

The Victory Times online welcomes columns, 

commentaries, articles and letters from our 

readers. Send submissions or comments to 

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

accuracy, propriety, policy, clarity and space.

The Victory Times Online is an authorized 

electronic publication for members of the 

Department of Defense. Contents of this 

electronic publication are not necessarily 

the official views of or endorsed by the 

U.S. Government or the Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Public Affairs 

Office of Multi-National Corps-Iraq.

Story and photo by 

Marine Cpl. Francis L. Goch

MNC-I PAO

Marine Corps commandant visits Victory

The Marine Corps’ senior officer and top enlisted advisor took the opportunity to speak Marines 

of Multi-National Forces – Iraq and Multi-National Corps – Iraq based out of Camp Victory during 

a visit to Al Faw Palace Aug. 15. 

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James 

T. Conway, and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent touched 

on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the 

CMC and the SMMC’s main objective was to 

give the nearly 100 Marines an opportunity to 

voice concerns and give input to problems that 

affect the Marines and their families. 

“We want input from the Marines to find out 

what needs to be fixed so we can go back and 

make it happen,” Kent said.

Marines used the opportunity to bring up a range 

of topics including dependant-parent medical care, 

civilian contracting and Individual Ready Reserve 

Marines’ ability to get back in the Corps. 

“I think it is great to have the top leaders of the 

Marine Corps to come out to speak to us, especially in a combat zone,” said Sgt. Derico Cooper, personal security detail agent, Multi-National Forces 

– West. “It really means a lot.” 

After getting “eyeball to eyeball” with the 

Marines, the CMC and the SMMC finished 

their visit to VBC and proceeded to the next 

stop on their tour of Iraq.

“We want Marines to know that we thank them 

for what they do and for the many sacrifices they 

make each and every day,” Kent said.

Gen. James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with 

Marines attached to Multi-National Force - Iraq and Multi-National Corps 

- Iraq in the Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Iraq Aug. 15. Conway’s chief 

objective was to give nearly 100 Marines a chance to voice concerns and 

give input on problems that effect all Marines and their families.
news

August 22, 2008 Victory Times Page 3

A vehicle registration program 

has been initiated to gain accountability of all vehicles operating on 

Victory Base Complex.

The registration covers all leased 

and GSA non-tactical vehicles including all-terrain non-tactical vehicles such as Gators, four-wheelers 

and golf carts. Registration must be 

completed before Oct. 31.

 “Registration was started to 

gain control and accountability of 

all NTVs on Victory Base Complex,” said Sgt. Maj. Bardrick 

McGuire, sergeant major, C-4, 

Multi-National Corps-Iraq.

Vehicles can be registered by 

commanders and command sergeant majors, major command G4s, fleet managers, unit S-4s and 

appointed serageants or above 

with a letter of approval.

Contractors can register their vehicles through their site mangers or 

appointed representatives.

“Privately leased vehicles must be 

registered as well,” McGuire said. 

“VBC-wide registration will ensure that all vehicles have a license 

plate, fuel sticker and are added to 

the military police’s data base.”

In order to complete registration, 

all that is required is proof of ownership such as a theater -provided 

hand receipt, a civilian contract 

or a valid lease agreement. In addition vehicles must have proof 

Vehicle registration ensures accountability

that they are safe in the form of 

a vehicle dispatch and safety inspection checklist.

“All agencies must understand 

that the registration is mandatory 

for even private and civilian contractors,” McGuire said “Don’t wait 

until the last minute so we can ensure that there were no mistakes in 

the process the first time.”

The VBC registration office is located at Motor Pool 7C next to the 

Stryker Dining Facility and is open 

Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Organizations with more than seven 

vehicles must make an appointment 

prior to visiting the office.

All required forms can be found 

at https://mnfi.intranet.iraq.centcom.mil/sites/CampVictory/MayorCell/default/aspx

Story and photo by 

Pfc. Eric J. Martinez

13th Public Affairs Detachment

New vehicle registration, expiration stickers last only a year and should be placed on the lower drivers side of the windshield.
Page 4 Victory Times Online

news

August 22, 2008

Victory Base Complex is full of musical opportunities, from jamming out with your buddies to 

playing in some form of organized band. This is the 

place to grow in talent and fellowship with other 

musicians.

A praise band was put together Chaplain Jeffery 

Houston during a previous deployment and have 

developed into Joyful Noiz which is floushing on 

Camp Victory today.

They’ve played with the group, “Third Day,” a 

popular Christian band, while they were on a USO 

tour here at Camp Victory.

During the past few years, they have completely 

changed out musicians, singers and audio and visual techs due to individuals redeploying however, 

they are never lacking support or talent.

“We always got folks who are leaving which creates a hole sometimes,” said Nate Lee, intelligence 

analyst, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. “God is faithful. As soon as someone is ready to leave to go home 

someone else would come to fill their spot.”

Like the people who serve here in Iraq the members are diverse.

“We have members from the Army, Air Force, 

the Royal Australian Air Force, civilians and even a 

representative from New Zealand in the band,” said 

Sgt. Shane Birdsong, chaplain’s assistant, MNC-I, 

“we are a band of brothers and sisters making some 

noise.”

Being a part of this joyful group is quite simple. 

“Just show up on a Sunday night,” Birdsong said. 

“If you can sing, play guitar, keyboard, drums, bass, 

lead guitar, can run pro-sound, or would like to be 

a slide master, just come and talk with the band. We 

are always looking for folks that can play music, 

sing and have a heart for ministry.”

Story and photo by 

Pfc. Eric J. Glassey

13th Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. Shane Birdsong, chaplain’s assistant, Multi-National Corps– 

Iraq’s Command Chaplains Office, plays the base guitar for Joyful 

Noiz, a local Christian band that plays on Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

Joyful Noiz plays music to spread praise

VBC band enhances 

worship through song