The Ivy Leaf, volume I, issue 15

Volume 1, Issue 15 February 11, 2011

GWTC welcomes new Iraqi Army battalion

Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
LongKnife

Ironhorse
Devil
Fit for Any Test

Fit for Any Test
Ironhorse

Devil
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
U.S. Army Sgt. Kevin Murphy, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, instructs Iraqi sol-
diers on individual movement techniques during a class at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Feb. 2, 2011. Trainees from 2nd Battalion, 11th
Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, began their 25-day training cycle at GWTC in support of Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi Army initiative providing
individual and collective training to IA battalions as part of an effort to modernize Iraqi units’ ability to defend the nation.
LongKnife

Sgt. Shawn Miller Training Center as the two lective training for Iraqi Army fire team and squad move-
109th MPAD forces partnered for the second battalions. ments.
Steadfast and Loyal

USD-N Public Affairs training iteration in support of Staff Sgt. Kevin Murphy, an “It’s important because
Tadreeb al Shamil, Feb. 2. instructor at GWTC and cav- they’re the basics and fun-
GHUZLANI WARRIOR Iraqi Army soldiers of 2nd alry scout assigned to Troop damentals of everything that
TRAINING CENTER, Iraq ─ Battalion, 11th Brigade, kicked C, 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., we’re teaching them,” said
U.S. Soldiers of 1st Squadron, off the 25-day training cycle opened the first day of train- Murphy, an Odessa, Texas,
Warrior

9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Ad- with classes on movement ing with classes covering basic resident. “They’re going to
vise and Assist Brigade, 1st techniques as partnered forces individual movement tech- need to know the basics, be-
Cavalry Division, welcomed continue Tadreeb al Shamil, an niques, and then demonstrated cause it’s all inclusive in all the
another battalion of Iraqi sol- Iraqi-led initiative directed at
diers to Ghuzlani Warrior providing individual and col- See GWTC, pg. 3

The Ivy Leaf Valentine’s Day Issue February 11, 2011

through intense training and
experience.
Company C trains on basic
Soldier skills, such as sending
up 9-line MEDEVAC requests,
weekly to ensure core compe-
tencies remain second nature to
Initiative is essential to the location, number and sever- the Soldiers.
success of any military endeav- ity of wounded, and method of “Everybody in Company
or. In combat, a quick response evacuation. C knows their job and knows
combined with a large measure Sending up the 9-line what to do,” said Leach.
of competence, earned through MEDEVAC request, taking Moore serves as one of his
solid training, will save lives charge and doing the right thing platoon’s primary trainers,
and can make the difference without being asked, Moore sharing his experience with
between victory and defeat. showed skill and initiative, said other junior enlisted Soldiers.
Pvt. Brian Moore, an infan- Sgt. 1st Class Jose Quijas, pla- Moore’s initiative, training
tryman from Marion, N.C., as- toon sergeant, Company C, 1st and dedication to his unit aided
signed to Company C, 1st Bat- Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. in gaining his comrades expedi-
talion, 21st Infantry Regiment, Moore continued to update ent medical attention. His pro-
2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, headquarters during the pla- fessionalism, attention to detail
U.S. Army photo
Pvt. Brian Moore, infantryman,
25th Infantry Division, earned toon’s return to Contingency and commitment to the mission
Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st recognition as “Ironhorse Operating Base Warhorse, en- made Moore Ironhorse Strong
Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise Strong” Soldier of the Week for suring medical personnel were Soldier of the Week.
and Assist Brigade, 25th Infan- his quick response during an kept up to date on the status of
try Division, earned recognition
as the “Ironhorse Strong” Sol-
Improvised Explosive Device the injured Soldiers.
dier of the Week for his quick re- attack on his platoon Jan. 3. “Pvt. Moore stayed very
sponse when two comrades were During the attack, two calm about what was going
wounded during an Improvised of Moore’s comrades were on,” Quijas said. “He’s a hard
Explosive Device attack on his
platoon Jan. 3, 2011. The Marion,
wounded when the IED deto- charger, and you never have to
N.C., native immediately sent up nated on their vehicle. tell him to do something.”
a 9-line Medical Evacuation re- Moore responded immedi- Spc. Jeremy Leach, combat
quest, relaying to his command ately, submitting a 9-line medi- medic, Company C, 1st Bn.,
the platoon’s location, number
and severity of wounded, and the
cal evacuation request, relaying 21st Inf. Regt., said Moore
suggested method of evacuation. to his command the platoon’s displayed competence earned

Iraqi jinood zero weapons at ‘Wolfhound’ Soldiers, Iraqi Iraqi soldiers learn Troops enjoy Super Bowl
KMTB Army open school in Salah maintenance skills, keep weekend, Super Sunday Tour
ad Din province humvees rolling at COB Speicher
Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 9

THE Ivy Leaf Task Force Ironhorse
Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins
The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.
Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey
Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views
of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army
or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs
publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve Wollman
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, TF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial
content of The Ivy Leaf is prepared, edited, provided and approved
by the United States Division-North Public Affairs Office.
1st Advise and 2nd Advise and
Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions Assist Task Force Assist Brigade
from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at usdnpao@usdn4id.army. 1st Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division
mil. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected
for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or 4th Advise and
comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 318-849-0089. Assist Brigade
1st Cavalry Division

2


Continued from GWTC, pg 1

things we teach (during the 25-
day training cycle).”
Murphy and fellow “Long
Knife” Soldiers offered a brief
class, demonstrating the drills,
including the low crawl, high
crawl, and three-to-five second
rush.
Undeterred by mud from
recent rain, the students hit the
ground to practice their newly
learned skills.
Staff Sgt. Clifton Hunter, an
instructor and cavalry scout,
Troop C, noted the Iraqi sol-
diers seemed better prepared
for this iteration of training,
demonstrating proficiency in U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
An Iraqi soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, takes cover behind a
the basic infantry techniques burned out vehicle hull during individual movement drills at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Feb. 2, 2011.
quicker than anticipated. Iraqi battalions rotate through the GWTC attending a 25-day training rotation as part of Tadreeb al Shamil,
“If they’re motivated, Arabic for All Inclusive Training. During Tadreeb al Shamil, Iraqi soldiers learn to train as cohesive units,
they’ll train harder,” Hunter from individual and squad movements through battalion-level exercises. According to Iraqi Ground Forces
Command, 48 Iraqi Army battalions are scheduled to attend Tadreeb al Shamil at GWTC and Kirkush Mili-
said. “They’re willing to learn tary Training Base in northern Iraq by the end of 2011.
more.”
In an effort to move away talions to build a self-sustaining Sgt. Nathaniel Chance, also an and experience.
from the localized counter in- force capable of defending Iraq. instructor from Troop C. “They take what they know
surgency operations of recent Many of the Iraqi soldiers Chance explained experi- and what we teach them, and
years, IA and U.S. forces part- undergoing training are not new enced Iraqi soldiers contribute usually we’ll find a medium,”
nered to provide modernized to the military or inexperienced to the training by offering feed- he said. “We’re training the
military training for Iraqi bat- with infantry battle drills, said back on their own techniques conventional warfare aspect, so
that way, when we leave (Iraqi
soldiers) can defend their coun-
try as a whole.”
Murphy noted the first train-
ing iteration at GWTC, where
the first Iraqi battalion success-
fully graduated the collective
training after successfully com-
pleting several exercises which
culminated with the live-fire
exercise.
In the coming weeks, the
Iraqi soldiers will progress
from individual and small unit-
based skills to larger, more
complex exercises with their
companies, in preparation for
a battalion-level exercise at the
conclusion of their cycle.
According to Iraqi Ground
Forces Command, 48 Iraqi
Army battalions are scheduled
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO to attend Tadreeb al Shamil at
U.S. Army Sgt. Nathaniel Chance, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist GWTC and Kirkush Military
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, instructs Iraqi soldiers on squad movement formations at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Base in northern Iraq
Training Center, Feb. 2, 2011. The Iraqi soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, be- by the end of 2011.
gan their 25-day cycle at GWTC as part of the continuing partnership between U.S. and Iraqi forces to pro-
vide individual and collective training for IA units assuming responsibility for national defense operations.

3


of 512th MP Company accompanied IP
There’s a new sheriff in town units to advise, assist and mentor their Iraqi
counterparts through the process of collect-
‘Punisher’ hands KPOC Unit to the ‘Fighting Deuce’ ing evidence, gathering finger prints from
suspects, and calling in the appropriate unit
Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney ready existed in the Kirkuk Police force, to collect evidence at the scene of the crime
1st AATF Public Affairs consolidating a wide-range of personnel to help build the prosecutor’s case.
1st Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North and assets under one command to fight an “The KPOC-U program has shown a
increasingly organized criminal enterprise great success in decreasing the crime rate
CONTINGENCY OPERATING STA- within the province. in the city of Kirkuk,” said Cannon. “When
TION WARRIOR, Iraq – The “Punish- The program enabled Kirkuk Police we first started the program, we were going
ers” of 512th Military Police Company, teams to capture suspects, find and collect out on two missions or crime scenes a day
based out of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., said evidence, and use that evidence to convict to collect criminal evidence,” said Cannon.
goodbye to Kirkuk City police chiefs and suspects under the Iraqi Rule of Law. “Now we go on very few crime scene mis-
introduced their U.S. forces replacements, Cannon explained that much of the sions—only a few per week.
the “Fighting Deuce” Soldiers of 272nd KPOC-U’s experience derived from on- “I believe our mission here is complete
Military Police Company, from Fort Polk, the-job-training. on our end,” he said. “It feels great to hand
La., at the Kirkuk Police Headquarters in Before the unit was created, U.S. Army over the task to another unit to finish what
Kirkuk, Iraq, Feb. 2. Military Police, civilian police advisers, a we started.”
During the 512th MP Company’s criminal investigator from each of the eight Sgt. 1st Class Calvin Newman, platoon
12-month deployment to Kirkuk, Iraq, districts of Kirkuk, and two criminal inves- sergeant, 272nd MP Company, explained
Military Police Soldiers built a new law en- tigators from Kirkuk’s Anti-Crime Unit, at- how Iraq has changed for the better in the
forcement program, known as the Kirkuk tended a 30-day class led by Iraqi Police. past few years.
Provincial Organized Crime Unit. IPs conducted the training to help U.S. Newman, who hails from Clinton, La.,
“KPOC-U is a program we came up forces understand Iraqi Police procedures said he has seen a marked improvement in
with to advise and assist the investigating during criminal investigations, to include security from his first tours in support of
officers of Kirkuk to enhance their capa- DNA collection, forensic evidence identi- Operation Iraqi Freedom.
bilities to collect evidence to help the Iraqi fication, crime scene security and integrity, “We are excited to be here, and we want
Police in convicting criminals,” said Sgt. and Iraqi Law. to continue with the KPOC-U program, but
1st Class Robert Cannon, platoon sergeant, Members of the new KPOC-U began most of all, we want to keep the relation-
512th MP Company, a native of Jackson- their first mission and operation, June 15, ship 512th (MP Company) has built,” said
ville, Ill. 2010, two days after graduating the class. Newman.
KPOC-U combined resources that al- When Iraqis reported a crime, Soldiers

U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Cannon, a platoon sergeant from Jacksonville, Ill., assigned to 512th Military Police Company, introduces Kirkuk District
Police Chief Col. Ghazi Ali Rashid to Sgt. 1st Class Calvin Newman, platoon sergeant, 272nd Military Police Company, at the Kirkuk Police
Headquarters Feb. 2, 2011. Newman will assume responsibility for the U.S. advise and assist role in the Kirkuk Provincial Organized Crime Unit
during his deployment to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.

4


Iraqi jinood zero weapons at KMTB
Sgt. Coltin Heller
109th MPAD
USD-N Public Affairs

KIRKUSH MILITARY
TRAINING BASE, Iraq ─
“This is the proper way to fire
your weapon,” explained Spc.
Vincent Violi, demonstrating
how to hold an M16 rifle to
the small group of Iraqi jinood
gathered before him.
“Once you learn this, you
will be an effective rifleman,”
said the instructor and infantry
team leader from Drexel Hill,
Pa.
Iraqi jinood, Arabic for sol-
diers, assigned to 2nd Battal-
ion, 21st Regiment, 5th Iraqi
Army Division familiarized
and zeroed with M16 rifles dur- U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
ing marksmanship instruction Using sand bags to stabilize his weapon, an Iraqi jundi, Arabic for soldier, with 2nd Battalion, 21st Regi-
training at Kirkush Military ment, 5th Iraqi Army Division zeros his M16 rifle at Kirkush Military Training Base, Feb. 2, 2011. U.S Divi-
Training Base, Feb. 2. sion-North Soldiers assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, trained 5th IA soldiers on basic rifle marksmanship skills, instructing the
U.S. Soldiers of Company Iraqi soldiers to maintain proper sight picture, breathing control and trigger squeeze.
A, “Gators,” 1st Battalion, 21st
Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise U.S Soldiers taught firing po- KMTB, builds the capabilities training programs at the unit
and Assist Brigade, 25th Infan- sitions, proper sight picture, of Iraqi units, providing them level.
try Division trained Iraqi Army breathing control and trigger with means of training their During the training, Iraqi
units, familiarizing jinood on squeeze techniques, enhancing own units. jinood asked questions and
how to properly maintain, fire 5th IA Div. jinood’s knowledge “The Iraqi Army really helped one another, showing a
and engage targets with their of basic rife marksmanship. has no training management willingness to learn and partici-
assigned weapon. Iraqi jinood moved out cycle,” said 1st Lt. Christo- pate in training.
Jinood drilled on basic rifle to the range to practice tech- pher Thornton, platoon leader, “They seem very excited to
marksmanship and rehearsed niques, such as modified dime Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st do a range assignment, which is
assembling and disassembling and washer drills, and zero their Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise something they don’t see very
the M16 rifle, common training weapons, firing three rounds at and Assist Brigade, 25th Infan- often,” said Thornton, who
tasks signifying the beginning a 25-meter target, checking try Division. “Our goal here is hails from Conner, Texas. “It
of a 25-day training cycle as their shot groups and making to create a permanent cycle.” helps build camaraderie and
part of Tadreeb al Shamil, Ara- sight adjustments. U.S. Soldiers are leading the national pride. They are very
bic for All Inclusive Training. Sgt. 1st Class Emmanuel second iteration of training at receptive to (the training).”
Company A began the train- Nieves, a native of Springfield, KMTB in support of Tadreeb Explaining each task and
ing with weapon familiariza- Mass., and platoon sergeant, al Shamil, an Iraqi training ini- question in full detail, U.S. Sol-
tion, teaching Iraqi jinood to Company A, assisted in the tiative by Iraqi Ground Forces dier spirits matched those of the
disassemble their rifles, learn- training. Command to modernize Iraqi Iraqis, as they guided the 5th IA
ing each part and how to main- Nieves said even though the Army division capabilities Div. jinood during training.
tain it. training just started, the Iraqi ji- through collective unit-level Thornton said the Soldiers
Each Iraqi soldier practiced nood are improving at all levels training. of his platoon are developing
the task several times, under with each new day of training. Soldiers of Company A, their professionalism through
the guidance and mentorship “They grasp the training responsible for training Iraqi their experience, training and
of U.S. Soldiers who provided well, and it shows in their per- Army jinood, employ a “train mentoring Iraqi jinood.
tips to help the trainees develop formance,” said Nieves. the trainer” concept to prepare
proficiency with their weapons. Basic rifle marksmanship, IA leaders to build upon tacti-
Following rifle maintenance, like other training received at cal skills and develop their own

5


‘Wolfhound’ Soldiers, Iraqi Army open
school in Salah ad Din province
Sgt. David Strayer “This is the type
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment of project that will
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs pay dividends for the
people of this area for
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- located south of Tikrit, Iraq, generations to come,”
ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq Feb. 7. said Lt. Col. Donald
– “Wolfhound” Soldiers of 1st The newly opened, modern Brown, commander
Battalion, 27th Infantry Regi- school facility replaced a small- of 1st Bn., 27th Inf.
ment, 2nd Advise and Assist er two-room mud hut that had a Regt. “My mother was
Brigade, 25th Infantry Divi- 20-student capacity and would a teacher for 40 years;
sion, opened a school in the collapse during the area’s rainy, projects like this are
rural village area of al Noman, winter season. special to me. I know
the impact education
can have.”
The school open-
ing project is one of
21 education-related
projects completed by
the Wolfhounds since U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer
taking over in the First Lt. Lowell Garthwaite, Headquarters
Salah ad Din province and Headquarters Company, 1st Battal-
in August 2010. ion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise
and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division,
“The new school is plays soccer with a future student of the
a huge improvement newly opened al Noman School in a farm-
over the mud school ing village south of Tikrit, Feb. 7, 2011. Sol-
that the children were diers of 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt. distributed
school supplies and soccer balls to stu-
forced to go to in the dents following a ribbon cutting ceremony.
past,” said Muham-
mad Abraham, a contractor water purification and agricul-
who worked with U.S. forces tural projects all make an im-
and the local Iraqi government mediate impact, but will benefit
to facilitate the building of the the local areas the most over the
school. “This new school is go- long haul.”
ing to attract more families to The Wolfhound Battalion
the area, which will not only has worked with the local Iraqi
improve education, but will government to complete 49 dif-
draw more farmers and improve ferent projects related to trans-
agriculture in the area.” portation, water, electricity and
The Wolfhounds made an education, he said.
immediate positive impact in “At this point, we can look
the quality of life and local back at the work we have done
economies in the province, but so far and see the positive ef-
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO they understand the greatest fects of the efforts of our Sol-
Standing alongside Lt. Col. Donald Brown, commander of 1st Bat- benefits are not always seen diers,” said Wolfe, a native of
talion, 27th Infantry Regiment, “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Advise and Assist right away, said 1st Lt. Mat- Orlando, Fla.
Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, the commander of Salah ad Din Emer- thew Wolfe, civil affairs officer, “We understand that what
gency Response Unit, Col. Khalil cuts the ceremonial ribbon com-
memorating the opening of a new school in the rural village area of Headquarters and Headquarters we do now will have effects that
al Noman, south of Tikrit, Iraq, Feb. 7, 2011. The school opening was Company, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. last for years,” he said.
made possible due to the efforts of the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 27th Regt., 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div. Wolfe added these types of
Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Divi- “These projects are not just projects are the foundation for a
sion, who aided the local Iraqi government in Salah ad Din province,
opening 21 education facilities since taking responsibility for the area about numbers and immediate stable and self-sustaining gov-
in August 2010. results,” Wolfe said. “Schools, ernment.

6


Following a day of class-
Iraqi soldiers learn room instruction covering man-
uals and instructions, the stu-

maintenance skills, dents got their hands dirty with
a practical exercise, performing
maintenance on Iraqi Army ser-
keep humvees rolling vice vehicles.
“The class had good benefits
Sgt. Shawn Miller Iraqi partners at GWTC, near for us, and I learned a lot of
109th MPAD Mosul, Iraq, Feb. 3. things, especially when we got
USD-N Public Affairs U.S. Army Spc. Joshua our hands on the vehicles,” said
Pearman, an instructor from Sgt. Dafer Hussain, 2nd Bn.,
GHUZLANI WARRIOR the Combat Ready Team, 1st 11th Bde.
TRAINING CENTER, Iraq ─ Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., walked Pearman led Hussain and
Beyond the combat skills Iraqi Iraqi vehicle crews through the his crewmembers through the Photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller
soldiers learn at Ghuzlani War- step-by-step process of check- methodical process of checking Sgt. Dafer Hussain, 2nd Battal-
rior Training Center, troops of ing their humvees for daily fluids, belts, tires, seatbelts, and ion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army
Division, performs preventive
2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, mission readiness. other parts as the Iraqi soldiers maintenance, checks and servic-
3rd Iraqi Army Division, now “We’re teaching them how took notes, jotting down defi- es on an Iraqi Army humvee dur-
know how to keep their ve- to do ‘before, during, and after ciencies. ing a maintenance class led by
hicles, and consequently their checks’ on their humvees,” said “We’re teaching them how “Long Knife” cavalry troopers at
Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center,
missions, running smoothly. Pearman, a native of Bristol, to keep the problems small in- Feb. 3, 2011, during the second
U.S. Soldiers of 1st Squad- Tenn. stead of letting them get big- iteration of Tadreeb al Shamil.
ron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Checking even the simplest ger,” said Pearman, noting how
Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st components and keeping the even minor faults can place a U.S. Soldiers of 4th AAB,
Cavalry Division, led a class vehicle clean helps prevent mission in jeopardy. “It keeps 1st Cav. Div. are leading Iraqi
on preventive maintenance, most of the problems that crews the crew rolling; it keeps the units of 2nd Bn., 11th Bde.,
checks and services for their may encounter, he said. mission going safely.” through a 25-day training cycle
at GWTC as part of Tadreeb
al Shamil, Arabic for All In-
clusive Training, an Iraqi-led
initiative to train IA battalions
on collective unit skills as they
shift to national defense opera-
tions.
“It means a lot to me, be-
cause it’s very good skills and
experience,” Dafer said. “It’s
also very useful for civilian life
if I get out of the Army.”
Dafer said that he expects
to eventually become a trainer
himself, sharing the knowledge
learned at GWTC with fellow
Iraqi soldiers after U.S. forces
transition out of Iraq.
As other Iraqi units of 2nd
Bn., 11th Bde. participated in
squad battle drills throughout
GWTC, the maintenance crews
learned the skills necessary to
keep their combat arms person-
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Pearman, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st
nel on the move.
Cavalry Division, shows Sgt. Dafer Hussain, 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, proper
maintenance procedures for an Iraqi Army humvee during a vehicle maintenance class at Ghuzlani Warrior
Training Center, Feb 3, 2011. In addition to teaching combat skills, U.S. forces are training Iraqi soldiers at
GWTC for logistics and maintenance operations to keep Iraqi Army units running smoothly during the sec-
ond iteration of battalion-level training as part of Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi training program simultane-
ously building IA capabilities at the individual and small unit-level in an effort to modernize Iraq’s military.

7


‘Keystone’ State-native
assists in keystone
training event at KMTB
Maj. David Repyneck Jan. 28 in front of local, provincial, and
109th MPAD military officials at KMTB.
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs Thanks to the efforts of Butz and fellow
“Gator” Soldiers, the Iraqi jinood com-
KIRKUSH MILITARY TRAINING pleted the course’s training prerequisites,
BASE, Iraq ─ As the sun set on a late Jan- learning essential tasks for creating a self-
uary evening at Kirkush Military Train- sustaining training program, such as identi-
ing Base situated in the Diyala province of fying ammunition requirements necessary
Iraq, an Eagle Scout reflected on his contri- to conduct tactical exercises.
bution to a successful training event for the Soldiers of Company A are training IA U.S. Army photo by Maj. David Repyneck
Spc. Scott Butz, an infantryman assigned to
Iraqi Army. officers and noncommissioned officers to
Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regi-
Spc. Scott Butz, infantryman, Company plan and conduct their own training, while ment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th
A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, developing a mechanism for training that Infantry Division, and Mertztown, Pa. native,
2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infan- will sustain the Iraqi Army in the future. reviews show times and range assignments
for the next day’s training with an Iraqi inter-
try Division, explained his role in Tadreeb The advise and assist mission of Op-
preter, Feb. 3, 2011. One of Butz’s duties in-
al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Train- eration New Dawn differs from what U.S. volves coordination of the Iraqi interpreters
ing. forces were required to do during previous for support of daily training events during
“My job is to facilitate training,” said years, said Butz. the 25-day Tadreeb al Shamil training cycle at
Kirkush Military Training Base, Iraq.
Butz, who hails from Mertztown, Pa. Butz returned to Iraq in July 2010 for his
“I’m (an interpreter) coordinator and second deployment to Iraq with Company nation.
Mountain Trainer,” he said. “I am also one A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. “Spc. Butz is an example of the new
of the few certified ammunition handlers During his first deployment in support ‘greatest generation’ we have in America,”
here at KMTB. When the Iraqis have a of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09, Decem- said Hensinger. “I noticed his leadership
training exercise, I make sure the numbers ber 2007 through February 2009, Butz said abilities early on, and I am so very proud to
are right for small arms and mortar live-fire 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. conducted security have shared in his life. I have so many fond
training.” patrols and distributed microgrants, small memories of our experience on the trail to
Working in support of Tadreeb al monetary grants to assist local Iraqi busi- Eagle Scout.”
Shamil, U.S. forces provide oversight of nesses. “Command Sgt. Maj. Hensinger helped
Iraqi-led planning, coordination and ex- Butz said his unit arrived in country in a lot with my decision to join the Army,”
ecution of Iraqi-directed training for Iraqi 2007 facing different challenges at the tail Butz recalled. “Sgt. Maj. Hensinger stays
Army units. end of the “surge.” in touch with me and he has been a positive
Butz coordinated interpreter support for Security, at that time, remained the most role model for me.”
Company A trainers during the final phase pressing issue facing U.S. Soldiers and The Pennsylvania native said his Scout-
of the first training iteration at KMTB, one the people of Iraq and contributed to the ing experiences continue to benefit him
of two training facilities in northern Iraq extended length of the company’s tour, he and members of his team and keeps him
hosting the collective tactical training for explained. focused.
IA battalions. Butz said his patriotism and willing- “Being an Eagle Scout helped a lot,”
A certified Mountain Trainer, Butz also ness to serve his country resulted from his commented Butz. “I was able to enlist as an
instructed Iraqi soldiers on basic skills and Scouting experience with Troop 575, Hawk E-2 (Private)—things like learning how to
tactics for military operations in mountain- Mountain Council, and his Scoutmaster’s sharpen a knife the proper way, tying knots,
ous terrains. involvement in his life. camping, and hiking.”
Butz’s contribution and that of fellow Butz said his experience with the Boy His leadership abilities, nurtured in
Gator Soldiers led to the successful train- Scouts of America and his interaction with Scouting, contributed to his becoming a
ing of Iraqi jinood, Arabic for soldiers, as- his Scoutmaster, Command Sgt. Maj. Mat- team leader in his platoon, sharing the traits
signed to 3rd Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th thew Hensinger, command sergeant major, and skills developed as an Eagle Scout with
Iraqi Army Division, during Tadreeb al 154th Quartermaster Battalion, Pennsylva- his fellow Soldiers.
Shamil’s inaugural training cycle. nia Army National Guard, based in Phila- Once his Army career ends, Butz said
The first class of Iraqi jinood to success- delphia, provided the foundation for his he aspires to become a Pennsylvania State
fully complete their training, graduated decision to join the military and serve his police officer.

8


Troops enjoy Super Bowl weekend, Super
Sunday Tour at COB Speicher
By Spc. Andrew Ingram deployment and give Soldiers
USD-N Public Affairs something to do, said Spc.
Steve Heathman, an aerial sen-
CONTINGENCY ING BASE sor operator, Company B, Task
SPEICHER, Iraq – U.S. Sol- Force Observe, Detect, Iden-
diers in time zones across the tify, Neutralize.
world stayed up late or woke up “This is fantastic,” said
early to watch the Green Bay Heathman, a Titans fan from
Packers defeat the Pittsburgh Memphis, Tenn. “I think it’s
Steelers 31-25 in Super Bowl great getting to meet them, es-
XLV, Feb. 6 … or 7, depending pecially Drew. This is some-
on their geographical location. thing I would never have gotten
Many Soldiers spent to do back home.”
months anticipating Super While at COB Speicher,
Bowl Sunday, traditionally a Williams learned he was select-
day even service members de- ed as the Walter Payton Man of
ployed to combat zones can re- the Year via a video teleconfer-
lax for a few hours and bask in ence between U.S. Division- U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO
a truly American pastime. North Headquarters and an Master Sgt. William O’Connor, noncommissioned officer in charge,
Joint Operations Center, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North,
Soldiers deployed to Tikrit, award luncheon in Dallas. shakes hands with Daniel Graham, a tight end with the Denver Bron-
Iraq, received a taste of this Surrounded by Soldiers of cos, during the Super Sunday Tour at Contingency Operating Base
excitement early as the Super the 4th Infantry Division, Wil- Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 5, 2011. O’Connor said he appreciated the profes-
Sunday Tour visited Contin- liams officially thanked the sional football players and cheerleaders visiting Soldiers deployed in
support of Operation New Dawn. Graham said he enjoyed meeting the
gency Operating Base Speich- NFL for the honor and the other COB Speicher Soldiers and wished he could do more to show his ap-
er, Iraq, Feb. 4-5. nominees for their own human- preciation for their efforts to keep the people of the U.S. safe.
National Football League itarian contributions.
players, Madieu Williams, a “It is a tremendous honor leaders, and can look at the fet of hot wings and pizza; took
defensive back with the Minne- to win this award named after pictures from the tour after the part in energy drink guzzling
sota Vikings; Daniel Graham, a Walter Payton, one of the great- deployment, to remember good and hot wing eating contests;
tight end for the Denver Bron- est men to ever play in the Na- times in Iraq, said Sgt. Robert and played pool and ping-pong.
cos; Drew Bennett, a retired tional Football League,” Wil- Sterns, infantryman, Headquar- “This was a great night”
wide receiver who played for liams said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t ters Support Company, Divi- said Spc. Craig Perry, human
the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis be there to accept the award, but sion Special Troops Battalion, resources specialist, Company
Rams and Baltimore Ravens, it is an even greater honor to be 4th Inf. Div. B, Division Special Troops
joined Denver Broncos cheer- here with the 4th Infantry Divi- “It’s nice to see these stars Battalion, 4th Inf. Div. “I got to
leaders Krystal-Lynn and Tara, sion and Task force Ironhorse.” that you only see on TV come hang out with my friends and
to eat meals with Soldiers, sign Williams received the out and visit troops,” the Clack- watch my favorite quarterback,
autographs and tour the base to award for his philanthropic amas, Ore., native said. “This is Aaron Rodgers and the Packers
boost morale and thank service work in Maryland and his birth- an awesome experience. When win the Super Bowl!”
members for their dedication place, Sierra Leone. we look back on pictures from Hailing from Bonney Lake,
and sacrifices. Bennett said he felt honored this deployment, we will have Wash., Perry also celebrated
It is humbling to watch the and privileged to spend Super memories of meeting these his birthday Feb. 7 and said the
personal sacrifices each Soldier Bowl weekend in Iraq with his guys.” party was one of the highlights
makes to serve the country, nation’s troops. At midnight, Feb. 7, COB of his deployment so far.
Tara said. “All of this is really such a Speicher troops and civilians Whether watching from
“The troops are always in small gesture to come out here congregated at the dining facil- COB Speicher, Iraq, an aircraft
our hearts,” said Tara. “They and say thank you, and let the ity and Comprehensive Soldier carrier in the Pacific Ocean
are such a big part of our lives Soldiers know that back home Fitness Center to watch the or the safety of home station,
and it is important for us to everybody is thinking about Packers’ victory and for a brief troops cheered and yelled, and
come out and say thank you.” them,” he said. few hours revel in a very Amer- for a few hours, enjoyed cama-
Events like the Super Sun- Soldiers can tell their Fami- ican experience. raderie, food and fun.
day Tour are important because lies and friends at home about In addition to watching the
they break up the monotony of meeting the players and cheer- game, Soldiers enjoyed a buf-
9


‘Out of failure we learn our greatest lessons’
Vietnam War veteran Dave Roever shares life lessons with Task Force ‘Devil’
Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney Roever served with the U.S. “I needed to pull myself to- playing the guitar, he might
1st AATF PAO Navy in Vietnam as a river boat gether you know,” joked Ro- have never picked it up again.
1st Inf. Div., USD-N gunner. He survived a nearly ever as he finished telling of his Because he built resilience
fatal incident when a sniper’s experience. within himself, Roever said he
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- bullet went through the back of Finding as much strength as knew he was not going to just
ING STATION WARRIOR, his thumb and through his in- he could, Roever explained how play the guitar, but he was go-
Iraq – In the midst of a quiet, dex finger, as he was throwing he swam and climbed up on the ing to change people’s lives.
anticipating audience, a smile a white phosphorous grenade. river bank, saying to himself he Changing Soldiers’ lives is
came to the face of Dave Roev- The bullet hit the grenade, would make it through and live now Roever’s main focus. Not
er, a Vietnam veteran and mo- causing it to detonate on the another day to see his wife and only does he travel to posts
tivational speaker, as he looked right side of his face, immedi- play his guitar one more time. throughout the United States,
at the Soldiers, Airmen and ci- ately blinding his right eye and He then began strumming he also does tours in Iraq and
vilians who were in attendance burning off his right ear. More his guitar, playing a song he Afghanistan to give his motiva-
to hear him speak at Contin- than 70 percent of his body was and his wife performed as a tional speeches to Soldiers and
gency Operating Site Warrior, severely burned in the incident. duet when he first started doing civilians in harm’s way.
Kirkuk, Iraq, Feb. 1. Despite the gruesome facts speeches at churches. “God gave me these scars to
“My first and primary objec- of his story, Roever explained it “It’s out of failure we learn let Soldiers and people know
tive of being here is to tell you with humor to make the audi- our greatest lessons,” he said. they’re not alone, that he under-
thank you. I represent hundreds ence more comfortable. “I’m not afraid to fail, because stands what they went through,
of thousands of people who “When I realized I was on I’m resilient enough to bounce and they can make it through,”
would love to have the chance fire, I jumped into the river. (I back. Resilience isn’t to just said Roever.
to say thank you, so on their be- didn’t realize that) phospho- bounce back from something “His speech was sensation-
half I want to say thank you for rous is a chemical that burns in but to bounce back higher and al,” said Spc. Marliez Galiano,
what you do for our country,” water,” said Roever. “I burned better than you were before.” supply clerk, Headquarters and
said Roever, a native of Texas, in the water. My skin was ev- Roever continued to say, if Headquarters Company, 1st
who now resides in Colorado erywhere, and I was beside my- not for his wife standing by his Advise and Assist Task Force,
Springs, Colo. self.” side and pushing him to start 1st Infantry Division, from Fort
Riley, Kan. “How he can live
through something like that,
and live the life he has, brought
tears to my eyes. He’s really in-
spiring.”
Now, Roever has moved on
to another mission. He built
a lodge in Colorado Springs,
Colo., for wounded warriors
who are both physically and
mentally scarred from their ex-
periences in Iraq and Afghani-
stan.
Roever said he hopes that
the lodge will provide a respite
for wounded warriors to come
to terms with what they have
experienced in order to help
them make it through.
“Miracles take place in the
lives of these men, women, and
warriors,” said Roever. “We
U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N train them to be speakers, to
Vietnam Veteran Dave Roever played his guitar during a motivational speech at Contingency Operating share their story.”
Site Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Feb.1, 2011. Roever told the story of how he received the scars which mark his
face and more than 70 percent of his body. He explained to Soldiers, Airmen and civilians in attendance,
resilience is the key to not only bouncing back from situations, but also the key to moving past a difficult
or challenging situation to become a better person.

10


Chaplain’s Corner: A spiritual Valentines Day
Maj. Paul Foreman at the root of it. Some of them will say that of marriage is about more than just being
Family Life Chaplain they’re not just running from the person “happy,” it would require the transforma-
U.S. Division-North they’ve become disillusioned with, they’re tion of a person’s character and that takes
really running from themselves. They are time and lots of work.
Are you married or are you thinking so embarrassed at how they acted; they’re If we are serious about pursuing spiri-
of getting married some day? Before you ashamed of what they’ve said or done. tual growth through marriage, we must
walk down the aisle and say, “I do,” what is Rather than relooking at their view convince ourselves to stop asking the spiri-
your perception of married life? How you of the relationship or marriage, they are tually dangerous question, “Did I marry the
perceive something will tell you how you tempted to just run from it. ‘right’ person?”
treat it. “I want to start over with someone else Once we have exchanged vows, little
If you love football and someone gave … I want to be with somebody who has can be gained spiritually from ruminating
you a football that was used in last week’s never seen me act like that, who has never on this question. A far better alternative to
Super Bowl, you would be psyched and heard me talk like that … I think I married questioning one’s choice is to learn how to
treat it like gold. But, if the same football the wrong one … if I just had someone dif- live with one’s choice.
were given to a 2-year-old, he would have ferent, then maybe it would be easier.” I don’t know where you’re at in your
no qualms about throwing it in the mud. It’s It never occurs to them that their ideal- relationship or marriage right now. You
all in how you perceive it. ized notions of intimate relationships were might be in one of those difficult times
When I first got married, I was con- simply unrealistic. They never question where you’re just wondering if you can
fronted often with how immature I could their view of relationships. They only ques- hang on. You might be in one of those won-
be, and to be honest, I didn’t like it. There tion who they are in relationship with. derful seasons where you just seem to be
was something about this forced intimacy If the purpose of marriage is simply clicking and connecting with each other.
of marriage that was revealing a side of me to make us “happy,” then we would have Wherever you are at, it is my prayer that
that I didn’t even know existed, and it was to get a new marriage every two to three this Valentine’s Day will renew your heart,
a side of me I didn’t like that much. years—and some do. When people get renew your affection for your partner, and
There seemed to be a spiritual challenge married for a reason as trivial as a roman- even renew your heart for your God.
in marriage that nobody had tic high, they will probably end up getting
warned me about. My view of marriage divorced for something as trivial as the loss
was simply that I wanted to be “happy.” If of that romantic high. But, if the purpose
I wasn’t happy, something was
wrong, and that usually meant it
was my wife’s fault. I thought she
was the problem.
A friend told me once, “If you
are afraid to face your sin, don’t
get married; because marriage
will expose your sin like nothing
else.” Boy was he ever right.
Author Katherine Anne Porter
said, “Marriage is the merciless
revealer; the great white search-
light turned on the darkest places
of human nature.” Boy was she
ever right.
Even if I’ve never met you, I
know one thing that is true about
you and your significant other:
you’re both imperfect people.
Relationships force us to face
character issues we would never
have to face otherwise. And any
situation that calls us to confront
our selfishness has enormous U.S. Army photo
spiritual value. SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – Families and supporters in the 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade,
When couples break up, and 25th Infantry Division Family Readiness Group form a heart shape around the 25th Infantry Divi-
they’re really open and honest; sion taro leaf crest on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii in observance of Valentine’s Day.
it’s the spiritual challenge that is
11


Hey Doc: Prevent OCONUS leave woes
Capt. Nathaniel Teague visit the medical provider will
Preventive Medicine Officer discuss, among other things, 2. STD’s/HIV: 5. Sanitation:
U.S. Division-North the following:
“Close” physical en- Toilet paper is a rare
“Hey Doc: I’m travelling to counters demand pro- commodity in many
Kwaziland for mid-tour leave. 1. Traveler’s Diarrhea: tection. You know what places of the world. In-
Can I bring you back any- -Meat: If you didn’t I mean. cidentally, those same
thing?” – signed “Jet-set” cook it, put it on a plate places also tend to suf-
you washed yourself, fer from lack of soap
Dear “Jet-set,” and eat it with utensils and clean water. My
No thank you, there is noth- 3. Malaria: point─make sure you
you washed yourself,
ing I need or want from Kwa- it is suspect. If your medical pro- have toilet paper and
ziland. In truth, a lot of what vider recommends alcohol sanitation with
-Fruit/Vegetables: you whenever pos-
you could bring back with you medication to protect
Peel them and/or sible.
frightens me; gastrointestinal from Malaria, take it.
wash them thoroughly.
worms, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Period.
HIV, STD’s, etc. I prefer you - Salads: I can’t bear
leave these problems there. the thought of you eat-
I hope you have a good ing salads in Kwazi- 6. More Information:
time, but always keep in mind land. 4. Medications &
Other generalized
overseas travel from Iraq is a -Water: Tap water is a Applicants:
tips for traveling, along
privilege. “no go.” Bring your medica- with country-specific
Travel to locations outside - Talk to your provider tions. Apply sunscreen travel information can
the United States, Canada, about medication you or insect repellent be found on the World
Australia/New Zealand and can take to relieve di- when necessary – and Wide Web at http://ww-
Europe pose unique infectious arrhea symptoms. common sense. wnc.cdc.gov/travel/
disease risks that require you
to visit a medical provider pri-
or to travel in order to discuss There is a lot of fun to be had in this big, wide world. Enjoy yourself, Jet set. Be responsible,
proper precautions. During this and Task Force Ironhorse keep those questions coming!

Lt. Col. Keith Hayes, deputy information op-
erations officer, 4th Infantry Division and U.S.
Division-North, will host “Living Up to Your Po-
tential” in observance of African-American His-
tory Month during a special commemoration at
North-Morale Welfare and Recreation Center
on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, at
7 p.m., Feb. 26.

12

The Ivy Leaf, volume I, issue 15

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The Ivy Leaf, volume I, issue 15