Vol. II, Issue 69 Telling the Multi-National Corps - Iraq story September 8, 2008

Victory Times

VBC Bash,

Page 8

Seatbelt safety,

Page 6

Suicide prevention, 

Page 3

More than 190 servicemembers from across Iraq raised their right hands together Sept. 1, becoming 

U.S. citizens during a Multi-National Corps – Iraq United States Citizenship Ceremony at Al Faw Palace.

Photo by Spc. Christopher M. Gaylord, 13th Public Affairs Detachment

Naturalization,

See Pages 4-5
Commentary

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

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

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

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

Editor: Spc. Samuel J. Phillips

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

Christopher M. Gaylord Pfc. Eric J. Martinez and Pfc. Eric J. 

Glassey

The Victory Times 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 is an authorized 

publication for members of the Department 

of Defense. Contents of this electronic 

publication are not necessarily the official 

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

editorial content of this publication is the 

responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of 

Multi-National Corps-Iraq.

Page 2 Victory Times September 8, 2008

Chaplain’s Corner

Patriotism is feeling, idea, not just words 

By Chaplain Pat Hash

MNC-I Command Chaplain

See CHAPLAIN, Page 3

The Bronze Star has lost its way. 

Somewhere over the past few years, 

this highly regarded award has been 

reduced to nothing more than a shiny 

coin from the commanding general 

or a slap on the back. It is a sad day 

in the military when a mid-grade 

officer that sits in an air-conditioned 

office with his television tuned to 

AFN is being awarded the same 

medal for meritorious service as 

the 19-year-old who travels Iraq’s 

dangerous roads every day and 

has made the ultimate sacrifice.

A few weeks ago at the Phoenix 

Academy on Camp Taji, I noticed an 

entire wall of photos of Soldiers who 

have died in Iraq. Under each picture 

was a brief story about the Soldier and 

the date he was killed. Also included 

were the medals awarded posthumously. I was not surprised to see 

that every Soldier was given a Bronze 

Star. I am, however, surprised to 

see almost every senior noncommissioned officer and field grade officer 

receive the Bronze Star for spending 

an entire deployment behind a desk.

I am not saying that the only way 

Soldiers should be able to earn Bronze 

Stars is to die for their country, but I 

think it’s safe to say that the sacrifices 

and hardships endured working in Al 

Faw Palace are not the same as those 

outside the safety of Camp Victory. 

At first glance, it now appears that 

awards are given based on a Soldier’s 

rank and not his individual actions 

and service. Operating this way not 

only destroys the integrity of the 

awards system, but it has destroyed 

the reputation of certain medals. 

It is time for us to correct this problem. It’s probably not as hard to fix as 

you may think. It comes down to one 

of the seven Army Values: integrity. 

If you are being recommended for an 

award that you did not earn, speak up. 

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the intended purpose of 

the Bronze Star, it is to be awarded 

Bronze Star may be losing its way in Army

Story by Sgt. Michael J. Biermann

13th Public Affairs Detachment

See AWARD, Page 6

The American Heritage Dictionary defines patriotism as “love of 

and devotion to one’s country.” 

I see it as something more. 

I was sitting in a classroom at the 

U.S. Army War College located at 

Carlisle Barracks, Pa., when I first 

heard a plane crashed into the World 

Trade Center. I thought it had to be 

a hoax, and hoped it was, but on 

my first break from class, my fears 

were confirmed. Two planes had 

flown into the World Trade Center, 

one into the Pentagon and a fourth 

into a field in western Pennsylvania. My heart skipped a beat. Who 

would’ve guessed that on that September day, our lives would change 

forever? We were sent home early 

from classes, and as I watched the 

events unfold on television it all 

seemed so surreal, tragic and unreal. 

The news was tragic in the days 

that followed. In the ashes, more 

than 3,000 people were dead or 

missing. Two thousand children 

lost parents. A t one business at the 

World Trade Center, more than 50 

pregnant widows were left behind. 

Everyone was in a state of fear 

because we felt that nothing could 

happen on American soil. America 

was too great and too powerful for 

anything to happen, but the attack on 

our soil shook our sense of security 

at its core. Anger toward and hatred 

of those who harmed our great nation 

could be seen and felt everywhere. 

The 9/11 attacks caused me to 

ponder the meaning of patriotism. 
September 8, 2008 Victory Times Page 3

News

Week encourages suicide prevention among troops

Story by Spc. 

Samuel J. Phillips

MNC-I PAO

CHAPLAIN from, Page 2

The meaning I read in the dictionary didn’t seem to express it fully. I 

couldn’t quite put my finger on what 

it was, but I knew there was something more to it. The attacks were 

intended to bring down this idea of 

patriotism – this great devotion to 

one’s nation. In bringing down the 

buildings, the terrorists succeeded. 

However, in bringing down patriotism, they failed miserably, because 

after the initial shock of it all, Americans began the mourning process.

Once the mourning process began, the footage on 

television was inspiring. 

A white American mourning beside 

a Hispanic and a Middle Eastern 

American, an Asian American as well 

as an African American – all grieving together, coming together, united 

against future attackers. In one video 

clip, we saw brave firemen rushing 

into the collapsing buildings, risking 

their lives to save their fellow citizens, 

their neighbors, their brothers and sisters, regardless of color, race or creed. 

September 11 reminds us that 

patriotism cannot be described with 

words because patriotism is so much 

more than just words. It is an idea, a 

feeling, a way of life. Remembering 

the lives of the fallen year after year 

is patriotism. Coming together to support one another during a time of need 

and overcoming the wounds together 

is patriotism. You could say patriotism 

is a love of one’s country, but 9/11 

reminds us that patriotism is a love 

for one another. “Greater love has no 

man than this, that a man lay down 

his life for his friends” [John 15:13].

The Army remains committed to the safety and 

wellbeing of its Soldiers, 

civilians and families by 

joining the nation and the 

Department of Defense in 

observing National Suicide 

Prevention Week Sept. 7-

13, and the World Suicide 

Prevention Day Sept. 10. 

The Army’s theme this year 

is “Shoulder-to-shoulder, no 

Soldier stands alone.”

According to a message 

sent out by the Pentagon 

Telecommunications Center 

on behalf of the Department 

of the Army, this theme conveys the idea that Soldiers 

are stronger together. It reminds Soldiers that “sometimes the toughest moments 

are off the field, when the 

guns are quiet, but doubt 

still rings in their ears, when 

the rucksacks are set down, 

but they still feel the weight 

of the world.”

The theme also conveys 

the message that “when Soldiers are stumbling, on or 

off the field, others should 

reach out to share their 

strength as an Army family. 

Together, Soldiers will make 

it through.”

“Suicide prevention is a 

very, very important topic 

that continues to be at the 

top of the list for the military,” said Chaplain Lane 

Stockeland, Victory Chapel 

chaplain, Multi-National 

Corps – Iraq. “If something 

doesn’t smell right, feel right 

or sound right, it probably 

isn’t right. No matter what it 

could be we have to be able 

to intervene and ask enough 

questions.”

According to MNC-I C1, suicide rates among active duty Soldiers have risen 

from 87 in 2005 to 101 in 

2007. It is up to everyone, 

leaders and Soldiers, to ensure that those numbers 

come back down for 2008.

As part of National Suicide Prevention Week, leaders must plan, coordinate 

and execute suicide prevention education, awareness 

and training programs and 

continue them throughout 

the year. The DA challenges 

and empowers all leaders 

Photo illustration by Pfc. Eric J. Martinez, 13th Public Affairs Detachment

See PREVENTION, Page 6

to make their units, installations and communities 

suicide prevention-aware 

environments.

One of the local tools 

available for use is the 

MNC-I Suicide Prevention 

Program. “The program is 

designed to help servicemembers and their leaders 

by equipping them with 

the right tools to prevent, 
Page 4 Victory Times

NEW CI

Servicemembers receive 

Story and photos by Spc. Christopher M. Gaylord

13th Public Affairs Detachment

Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Allen, command sergeant major, MN

receiving his Certificate of Naturalization during an MNC-I United S

One-hundred ninety-two 

servicemembers from 54 

different countries became 

U.S. citizens Sept. 1 during 

a Multi-National Corps – 

Iraq United States Citizenship Ceremony at Al Faw 

Palace on Camp Victory, 

Baghdad.

Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin 

III, commanding general, 

MNC-I presided over the 

ceremony and, along with 

Lori Pietropaoli, Deputy 

District Director, United 

States Citizenship and Immigration services, presented a Certificate of Naturalization to each new citizen. 

This ceremony was the 

twelfth of its kind in Iraq.

“I am extremely honored 

to preside over such an important event for these great 

men and women,” Austin 

said. “Today, we have the 

opportunity to welcome 

192 of our fellow brothers 

and sisters in arms into our 

American family.”

Austin took time to individually recognize two 

troops, Marine Corps Sgt. 

Sidney King III and Spc. 

Alan Wyrwa, who both 

overcame numerous challenges to become U.S. citizens.

Wyrwa lived in communist-controlled East 

Germany until he and his 

mother risked their lives 

escaping to West Germany 

when he was 5 years old. 

Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general, Multi-National 

Corps – Iraq presents a Certificate of Naturalization to Private 1st 

Class Khalid Al Abaidi Sept.1 during an MNC-I United States Citizenship Ceremony at Al Faw Palace. 

King arrived to the United 

States in 1988 and spent 

his first five years separated from his parents. He 

worked tirelessly to obtain 

a visitor’s visa and later a 

green card to stay in the 

U.S. For the last nine years, 

he has served in the United 

States Marine Corps, working toward his citizenship. 

After 20 years, he is finally 

a citizen.

For many, the event was 

the highlight of a lifetime 

and the beginning of many 

new opportunities.

“I can’t describe my 

feelings,” said Spc. Steven Chol, interpreter, command sergeant major’s personal security detachment, 

MNC-I and originally from 

Sudan. “I’m so happy for 
Page 5

TIZENS

September 8, 2008

e U.S. citizenship in Iraq

C-I, presents a servicemember with an American flag Sept.1 just after 

tates Citizenship Ceremony at Al Faw Palace. 

what happened today, becoming a U.S. citizen.

“I’m proud to be an 

American,” said Spc. Dodji Kuwonu, cannon crewmember, 10th Mountain 

Division and originally 

from Togo. “I’ve got a lot 

of opportunities now. A lot 

of doors are open for me.”

“Each of you has opened 

a door of opportunity 

through your own hard 

work, and through the 

support of your families 

and loved ones,” Austin 

said. “Today, each of you 

has achieved a significant 

goal, and I know it wasn’t 

easy, but the great news is 

that you aren’t at the end 

of your journey – you are 

at the beginning of a new 

one.”

More than 192 servicemembers stand together Sept. 1 after receiving American citizenship during an MNC-I United States Citizenship Ceremony at Al Faw Palace. 

One-hundred ninety-two troops receive U.S. citizenship Sept. 1 during 

an MNC-I United States Citizenship Ceremony at Al Faw Palace. 
Page 6 Victory Times September 8, 2008

Features

By Jesse Martin

Corps Safety Office

Buckling up can save your life

The most painful part of my job 

as the director of Multi-National 

Corps - Iraq safety office is knowing a death or serious injury could 

have been prevented with the use 

of seatbelts or vehicle restraints. 

Seatbelts make a huge difference in all injuries suffered in car 

collisions. Unrestrained drivers 

and passengers often have a combination of very serious injuries to 

the head, face, neck, chest, abdomen, hips, knees and ankles. 

Most people do not consider any 

vehicle accident their fault, but not 

being at fault won’t keep you from 

being injured or killed in an accident.

In every motor vehicle accident 

there are two collisions. The first one 

happens when a car impacts another 

solid object. The second occurs when 

any unrestrained occupants continue 

to travel at their original speed of 

movement. After the vehicle comes to 

a stop, anyone not wearing a seatbelt 

slams into the steering wheel, windshield or other parts of the interior. 

In one particular case, a passenger 

made fun of his friend’s inexperience 

and jokingly put his seatbelt on saying “just in case.” As it happens, they 

crashed and the car caught fire. The 

passenger had minor injuries from flying glass. He looked over at his friend, 

who was unconscious. The passenger 

unbuckled his seatbelt, broke out the 

window on his side and pulled his 

friend to safety. The lesson is in order 

to survive a fire or a submersion, you 

need to be awake. If you hit your head 

in the crash and are unconscious or 

confused, you will die unless someone else is around to save you.

A collision at 30 mph is equivalent to falling from a three-story 

building. At 55 mph, a backseat 

passenger of average weight not 

wearing a seat belt will fly forward 

with a force of 3,000 pounds.

Troops at all levels must understand 

that everyone who doesn’t buckle up 

is putting themselves, those around 

them and the mission in danger.

to Soldiers who have distinguished 

themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in 

connection with military operations against an armed enemy.

Commanders can help by taking responsibility for their units’ 

awards program and taking the 

time to evaluate Soldiers and their 

actions so the proper medal can 

be awarded. We need to save the 

Bronze Star from becoming a 

cheap piece of cloth and metal. It’s 

not too late to ensure the Bronze 

Star is pinned on the chest of the 

right people: the Soldiers who 

make sure I sleep safely at night.

AWARD, from Page 2

PREVENTION, from Page 3

identify and assist in the treatment 

of behavioral issues experienced by 

their teammates,” said Maj. Steve 

Wright, C-1 plans and programs, 

MNC-I.

The message sent out by DA also 

gives commanders access to other 

tools that can help in the education 

servicemembers. One of these tools 

is the “ACE” (ask, care, escort) 

card, which can be ordered (GTA 

12-01-003 MAY 2008) for use during suicide prevention training and 

other awareness events throughout 

the year.

Another is the Army G1 Suicide 

Prevention Website (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/default.

asp). This site contains many helpful resources to include the “Commanders’ Toolkit,” which contains 

a prevention guide for installations 

and units, program checklists, 

awareness tip cards, training aids 

and posters to increase awareness 

and reduce the stigma of seeking 

mental health care.

The shame of seeking help is one 

of the major issues in suicide prevention. “We are trying to get rid of 

the stigma for someone who needs 

help,” Wright said. “Culturally, in 

the Army, it’s not something people feel comfortable doing.”

Help is available for Soldiers 

and it is the responsibility of their 

commanders to ensure that they 

know where to find it. The tools are 

there, all leaders have to do is utilize them. Knowledge is power and 

educating Soldiers on suicide prevention awareness can save lives.
September 8, 2008 Victory Times Page 7

Community

Coalition Cafe

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

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

Dinner 5 - 8 p.m.

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

Sports Oasis

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

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

Dinner 5 - 9 p.m.

Education Center

8 a.m.-midnight

Camp Liberty Post Exchange

8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fitness Center

Open 24 Hours

Victory Main Post Office

Monday-Sunday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

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

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

MNC-I STB Mailroom

9 a.m. - noon

5 - 7 p.m.

Al Faw Palace Post Office

Wednesday and Sunday

1-6 p.m.

Golby Troop Medical Clinic

Sick Call

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

Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon

Dental Sick Call

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

Saturday 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Mental Health Clinic

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

Saturday 9 a.m. - noon

Post-Deployment Health Briefings

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1 p.m.

Pharmacy

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

1 - 4:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon

Legal Assistance/Claims

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

Operating Hours

Victory Chapel (Bldg. 31)

Thursday

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

Friday

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

Saturday

11 a.m...Seventh Day Adventist Service

8 p.m. Catholic Mass

Sunday

7 a.m............. Liturgical Protestant Service

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

4 p.m............... Epicopal/Lutheran Service

Mini Chapel (Bldg. 24F)

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

7 p.m...............................Men’s Fellowship

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

11:30 p.m............... Roman Catholic Mass

Friday

1 p.m..................... Muslim Prayer Service

8 p.m......................... Women’s Fellowship

Sunday

8 a.m................ Eastern Orthodox Service

10 a.m.............. Protestant Sunday School

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

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

Hope Chapel (Bldg 24B)

Monday

12 p.m........... Charismatic Prayer Meeting

Sunday

8:30 a.m...... Collective Protestant Service

10 a.m.................... Roman Catholic Mass

12 p.m............................... Gospel Service

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

Service

Warrior Chapel (Camp Liberty)

Friday

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

Worship Hours

AFN 

Freedom Radio All stations are FM

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

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

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

event to allow for timely publication.

Announcements

Camp Victory Bible Studies

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

Women’s Bible 

Study 7 p.m.

Bldg 24F;

Gospel Protestant 

Bible Study

 7 p.m. Hope 

Chapel

Women’s Bible 

Study 7 p.m. Bldg 24F

7:30 p.m. 

Purpose Driven 

Life Bible Study 

(Victory Mayor’s 

Cell, Black Forge 

Conference Room)

Young Adult

Bible Study

5:30 p.m.

Hope

Chapel

Men’s Bible Study

7 p.m. Victory 

Chapel;

Spanish Bible 

Study 7 p.m. Bldg 

24F 

7:30 Book of Matthew Bible Study 

(Victory Mayor’s 

Cell, Black Forge 

Conference Room)

Foundations 

Bible Study, 

Mini Chapel 

6:30 p.m.

SeventhDay

Adventist

10 a.m.

Victory

Chapel

Legal Services

Cooley Law School is offering servicemembers free legal consultations via video-conference with an attorney regarding 

answers to civilian legal matters from 8-11 

p.m. the first Wednesday of each month. 

For more information contact Kathryn D. 

Hudacek at khudacek@freedomcalls.org or 

(973) 290-7886

Degree for logistics personnel

Logistics personnel can become certified 

in the field of Property and Asset Management from the National Property Management Association completely online and 

receive 10% off the tuition by being a member of the NPMA. Contact Monty A. Spicer, 

256-217-2291 for more information.

Story ideas for Victory Times

Do you know of a good story on Camp 

Victory that you think should be covered 

for the Victory Times? Please submit your 

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

interesting facts about the topic and point of 

contact information.

R&R Briefings

Reunion and Suicide Intervention Briefings are at the Victory Chapel, Monday at 

3 p.m., Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., Saturday 

at 3 p.m. All servicemembers who are going on leave or redeploying must attend this 

briefing.

Toastmasters

Improve your public speaking skills 

while having fun with creative – goal oriented people. No speaking experience necessary. Capt. Armin Reyes 318-822-7627 

Armin.reyes@iraq.centcom.mil.

The Corps Report

Al Asad ...... 107.3

Ali Base ..... 107.3

Ar Ramadi.. 107.3

Baghdad .... 107.3

Balad ......... 107.3

Fallujah...... 105.1

Kirkuk......... 107.3

Kirkush....... 107.3

Mosul......... 105.1

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

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

Tal Afar....... 107.3

Taqqadum.. 107.3

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

The “Corps Report” is a 15 minute monthly television newscast highlighting the stories and events 

happening in the Multi-National Corps-Iraq area of operations. The program airs Sunday at 8:15 pm and 

Monday at 11:15 a.m. on the Pentagon Channel here in Baghdad. The August edition of the newscast will 

feature stories on Hope Chapel at Camp Victory, Logistics Training Advisory Teams at Taji and the Guam 

Liberation Celebration Day at Camp Victory to name just a few. Be sure and catch the latest edition of 

“The Corps Report” and contact the broadcast team here at MNC-I if you have a story idea. (822-8719).

MNC-I Chaplain’s Office:

822-7358
Page 8 Victory Times September 8, 2008

Feature

Story and photo by 

Spc. Samuel J. Phillips

MNC-I PAO

VBC Bash hits Victory Stage full force

The Victory Base Complex Salsa Dance Team heats up the night during a performance on Victory Stage as part of the VBC Bash Aug. 31.

Servicemembers and civilians gathered from all 

over Victory Base Complex 

at Victory Stage Aug. 31 to 

cut loose and relax during 

the VBC Bash. 

The bash showcased 

local performers such as 

the 10th Mountain Division Band, the VBC Salsa 

Dance Team and many 

others.

Master Sgt. Isaac Alexis, 

noncommissioned officer 

in charge of Team Hunter, 

Task Force Vigilant, came 

up with the idea of showcasing local performers.

“There is a lot of local 

talent here, so we have 

decided to entertain ourselves,” Alexis said.

Seeing all the ability 

that was around him, Alexis decided to bring everyone together for one big 

performance. This would 

give the audience a variety 

of music and performances so everyone could find 

something to enjoy.

So working with the 

Mayor’s Cell, MWR, 10th 

Mtn. Div. Band and other 

performers, Alexis was 

able to breathe life into the 

first VBC Bash. 

With the lights blazing, 

the speakers buzzing and 

the crowd waiting in anticipation, it was time for the 

fun to begin.

To kick it off, Alexis 

himself gave the first performance, a rap about the 

hardships that servicemembers experience while deployed. 

With a vigorous round 

of applause from the crowd 

the bash had truly started.

As the night went on, the 

crowd fed off of the salsa 

heat, the electricity of the 

10th Mtn. Div. Band, the 

rhythmic beats of rappers 

and hip-hop artists and the 

soulful words of poets. 

With each performance the 

applause grew louder and 

more enthusiastic.

One of the more memorable performances of the 

night was given by Walt 

“Baby Love” Horton, a civilian contractor. Horton’s 

voice carried over the 

crowd as he dedicated his 

performance to all of the 

servicemembers serving 

here in Iraq.

“This song goes out to 

all the Soldiers on VBC especially the ones who find 

themselves on the other 

side of the wire on a daily 

basis,” Horton said.

Overall the bash was a 

tremendous success, Alexis 

said. More than 425 people 

came out to show their support. “I’m grateful for everyone that came out and 

supported our performers.” 

The 10th Mountain Division Band electrified the crowd as they 

rocked out on Victory Stage as part of the Victory Base Complex 

Bash Aug 31.