Dear Interested Reader,
Women Soldiers in the news: An exceptional NCO, Sgt 1st Class JennyAnne Bright; Maj Gina Sabric proud of WASP legacy; and Expeditionary Weapons-Loaders arm jets. CF Transfers over COP MAK. USS Scout visits UMM Qasr.
In Afghanistan, soldiers assess polling sites. Key Haqqani operator arrested in Logar prov. Indiana NG put finishing touches on COP Penich. Forces thwart outpost attack in Paktika prov.; destroy bomb-making facility in Helmand prov. TF Mtn Warrior keeps the troops rolling.
Joanna
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July 9, 2009
Special to American Forces Press Service
Face of Defense: ‘Practice What You Preach,’ NCO Tells Others
By Army Sgt. Keith Anderson
Army Sgt. 1st Class JennyAnne Bright re-enlists at Contingency Operating Site Marez-East. The former drill sgt and current Sgt Audie Murphy Club member holds herself and those around her to high standards.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ-EAST, Iraq, July 7, 2009 – Army Sgt. 1st Class JennyAnne Bright believes NCOs have to practice what they preach. "Soldiers look up to NCOs, because NCOs hold themselves and their soldiers to the highest standards," said Bright, shower, laundry and clothing repair NCO for HHC, 18th CSSB, 16th Sust Bde. "NCOs lead by example, take pride in the corps and are proud to be the backbone of the Army. An NCO is a trainer, mentor and a coach," Bright said. "They take care of soldiers, not by giving days off, but by teaching their soldiers everything they need to accomplish their mission, to survive in combat, and help them become successful in the Army."
She encouraged her husband -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Terence Bright, responsible officer at the Q-West bulk fuel farm, 574th Quartermaster Co, 30th CSSB, 16th Sust Bde -- to attend the Sgt Audie Murphy Club board, and studied with him over the phone and the Internet. He became a club member at the 3rd ESC's board, May 21.
"Being a drill sergeant was the best job I have held so far in the Army," she said. "It was very challenging, but in the end, it was a rewarding experience. It was the greatest job because I was able to train so many soldiers with different specialties to prepare them for the operational Army. This job enhanced my abilities to lead. It sharpened my skills as an NCO."
The versatile NCO has many additional duties in Iraq. She writes articles and takes pictures that are used in military and civilian publications, has served as the company’s equal opportunity leader, and is one of the company’s 3 small-arms marksmanship masters.
Bright, who entered the military in 1997 and is on her second deployment, said the thing she will remember most about service in the Army is the opportunity she's had to touch lives. "Throughout the years, you look back and think of all the soldiers you have trained and made an impact on. Training soldiers is the best job to have. Being an NCO enabled me to teach a soldier everything from marching, conducting personal hygiene, digging a fox hole, and disassembling weapons, to leading other soldiers."
The avid runner said she hopes someday to be a sgt maj in the Quartermaster Corps, and to become an elementary teacher after retirement.
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332nd Air Expeditionary Wing RSS
Female Pilot Proud of WASP Legacy
By Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala
Maj. Gina "Torch" Sabric, an F-16 fighter pilot and 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing flight-safety officer, sits on her aircraft after a flight. Sabric proudly attributes the progression of women in aviation to the Women AF Service Pilots (WASP). Pres. Obama presented the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest and most distinguished award Congress can award a civilian, July 1.
BALAD — At Joint Base Balad, a 21st-century "Fly Girl," Maj. Gina Sabric, an F-16 fighter pilot, couldn't be more pleased with the recognition. "They are definitely pioneers in aviation and an inspiration to those of us that fly now," she continued. "We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the work that they did before us. They paved the way and opened up doors for the rest of us."
"When I was a lieutenant, there weren't a lot of females ahead of us," said Sabric. "I was told a few times that I didn't belong, and it was a 'boy's club' and girls were not welcome, but you would just shrug it off and go on doing your job. You don't see that anymore; we're all equal. Gender is no longer an issue thanks to these women.
"As a female pilot, the women of the WASP are our heroes," said Sabric. "They're who we look up to. They're the pioneers. Looking back on what these women have accomplished, it's great to see them recognized. We are forever grateful."
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332nd Air Expeditionary Wing RSS
Expeditionary Weapons-loaders Arm Jets for the Fight
Story by Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
Staff Sgt. Michelle Torrey (right) and Staff Sgt. Carly Meckle (left), both 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Sqdrn weapons-loaders, check the connections after loading munitions onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon, June 29.
JOINT BASE BALAD — Combat missions occur around-the-clock here and weapons-loaders from the 332nd are on shift 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making sure every aircraft is armed properly and safely.
There are essentially 3 jobs weapons-loaders perform: loading of munitions, end-of-runway inspection, and armament maintenance. "In weapons-loading, we have one person, who is essentially the NCO, who has the checklist and informs their team of all the necessary info including safety requirements. They oversee everything, and, if anything goes wrong, the team goes to them," said Senior Airman Nadja Answorth, 332nd EAMXS weapons-loader. "The 'two' person is responsible for preparing the station we are about to load on to," Answorth continued. "The 'three' person, which is what I am, is responsible for making sure the munitions are safe and that they match mission requirements. I also drive an MJ-1, or a bomb lift, to lift the weapons up for the attachment to the aircraft." Weapons-loaders working EOR are responsible for getting that last good look-over to ensure nothing is wrong, and make sure the bombs are actually going to drop if needed, Airman Answorth added.
"Loaders pull the safety pins and perform final checks before the aircraft flies its mission," said Tech. Sgt. Brett Kitzman, 332nd EAMXS weapons-loader. Not all weapons-loaders are outside in the heat loading munitions; some work in the armament section performing maintenance and inspections.
"Loaders here in the armament backshop perform scheduled maintenance on anything that a bomb or missile touches," said Staff Sgt. Eduardo Sera, 332nd EAMXS weapons-loader and armament-systems journeyman. "Everything gets inspected, but we don't deal with the munitions themselves -- only equipment the munitions touch."
All equipment that is used to hold the bombs to the aircraft, mechanically or electrically, comes here for maintenance and inspections, Sera continued. There are 90-day, annual, bi-annual and 18-month inspections to maintain serviceability; it all depends on what type of suspension system the equipment has.
All in all, the weapons-loaders enjoy their job, particularly in a deployed environment. Answorth said she's been a weapons-loader for 3 years, and she loves it. "It gives you a sense of accomplishment, especially when you come down-range and actually get to see what you've been practicing for at home-station," she said. "When you hear the jet take off, there is a sense of pride. When you see that afterburner kick in, you know that jet is armed with your munitions, and it gives you a great feeling knowing you did your job right."
"Day in and day out, over the last year, we've flown approx. 26,000 combat missions, and we've about a 99% mission effectiveness, and that is great by anyone's methods," Oaks concluded. "We take a lot of pride in being able to provide safe, reliable weapons for the aircraft and the pilots flying the combat missions."
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Coalition Transfers Maysan Base to IA
By Juan Torres Jr., 1st Armored Division
FOB HUNTER — U.S. Army Soldiers and Iraqi dignitaries celebrate the transfer of COP MAK, commonly known is the Sugar Shack, June 30.
"This is a historic event for the citizens of the Maysan prov. and for all Soldiers operating in Iraq," said Lt. Col. William Walski, cmdr, 2nd Sqdrn, 13th Cav Regt. "We are proud of the relationships we have built with the ISF and are confident of their ability to protect the citizens of Maysan province."
The ceremony in southern Maysan, one of many National Sovereignty Day celebrations, was held at the Majaar Al Kabir sugar factory. More than 70 guests attended, including provincial govt leaders, U.S. State Dept Maysan Provincial Govt Team members, local shaykhs, ISF and U.S. Army leaders from the 4th Bde, 1st Armored Div "Highlanders."
"The type of training we're doing has advanced from marching and marksmanship to staff training, intel and ops synchronization, advanced live-fire, crime scene mgt and site exploitation training," said Maj. Lance Varney, bde ops officer, 4th Bde., 1st Armd. Div.
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U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs RSS
USS Scout Visits Umm Qasr
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Fromal
UMM QASR - Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Scout pulled into port in Umm Qasr, Iraq, June 30. This visit was the first made by a U.S. Navy ship since the port transitioned to Iraqi control, which marks a major step in the process of building a strong and independent Iraqi maritime force.
"Today was pretty significant," said Lt. Cmdr. Vic Sheldon, EO. "Just having an Iraqi patrol boat come alongside on our way into port and provide security was pretty amazing to see."
"Two Iraqi naval officers boarded Scout prior to our arrival and helped us navigate," said Sheldon. "This act alone show's Iraq's readiness to do what it takes to make things happen on their own."
After making port, Iraqi navy sailors visited Scout for a tour. Sailors from both countries also participated in sporting activities. "Today's bilateral exchange visit was to help the normalization of ties between the Iraqi Navy and the U.S. Navy," said Cmdr. Chip Wrye, EO, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission in Umm Qasr. "We believe this is another step in making Umm Qasr a port we routinely visit just like any other foreign port in the world. The ultimate goal for us and the Iraqi Navy, is for them to be able to complete their missions," said Wrye. "Whether that means protecting their ports, oil platforms, or territorial waters, or simply providing the hospitality they did today, we strive towards that end."
ITAM, which is an integral part of the Multi National Security Transition Command - Iraq, plays a key role in developing and mentoring the officers and sailors of the Iraq navy and marines. Team members work alongside their Iraqi counterparts on a daily basis and are responsible for ensuring that the Iraq Navy and Marines are in a position to provide security for Iraq's territorial waters, ports and 2 major offshore oil platforms, which generate approx. 80% of the country's gross domestic product.
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Special to American Forces Press Service
Soldiers Assess Afghan Polling Sites to Ensure Security
By Army Pfc. Elizabeth Raney
Army Sgt. 1st Class John Moyle gives a child a high-five while pulling security watch during polling-site assessments, July 1, 2009.
NANGARHAR PROVINCE – Soldiers from the 554th MP Co are assessing polling sites for next month’s Afghan elections. The soldiers pass along any security concerns raised by local residents to the PRT for action. The company is serving under TF Mtn Warrior.
Moyle said relationship building and identifying places where humanitarian assistance might be needed are byproducts of the security assessments. The assessments have kept the soldiers busy. “We had about 30 days to do them all,” Moyle said. “There are over 500 polling sites in Nangarhar prov. alone.” Moyle said the people in most villages have been friendly. His platoon has encountered only one village in all of its assessments that was suspected to be unfriendly to CF. “The thing that has to be determined is why it’s not friendly,” Moyle said. “Is it by choice? Is it the villagers themselves that are anti-CF, or is it because somebody pushed their way into the village and the village people are scared?”
Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Haskell, a squad leader in the plt, said the soldiers seek out village leaders during their assessments. “We need to know what they have around already for currently existing security measures,” he explained, “such as whether they have a wall around their compound or if they have any kind of wire, if they have guards or watchmen or anything to keep an eye on the place."
The soldiers also look for specific threats, Haskell said. “Usually, everyone seems to think they’re really safe where they’re at, but I try to find out if they think there’s any specific threat against their facility,” he said. Haskell expressed disappointment that a bomb was found in a polling place the day after its assessment. “Nonetheless,” he said, “assessing the polling sites for the upcoming election lets the enemy know that we're around, and lets the villagers know that we're here for them, to help.”
Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Haskell speaks with a village elder during polling-site assessments.
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Blackanthem Military News
By US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office
Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Key Haqqani Operator in Logar
KABUL - Afghan and CF assaulted a compound July 4 in Logar Prov., detaining a key Haqqani leader and his associate, in an effort to disrupt Haqqani-led IED attacks against CF.
The combined force targeted a walled-in compound in the rural Baraki Barak District, about 65 kms southwest of Kabul, after intel indicated recent militant activity. The force searched the compound without incident and detained 2 suspected militants, one of whom was subsequently identified as a key Haqqani operator working in Logar. This Haqqani operator is also involved in the recruitment of children as suicide bombers.
The Haqqani network remains one of the most lethal Taliban orgs operating out of Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Area. Haqqani leaders conduct ops in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network focuses ops against the GoA and ANSF, and seeks to expel coalition and NATO forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in eastern provinces.
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5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment RSS
Indiana National Guardsmen Put Finishing Touches on COP Penich
Story by Sgt. Matthew Moeller
Spc. Jacob Morris constructs a covering for COP Penich's new water pump, July 3, as construction at the 6-month-old base nears completion. Morris and fellow members of the Indiana NG's 1613th Engr Support Co arrived in Kunar prov. 8 weeks ago, assuming responsibilities from the 65th Eng. Co.
KUNAR PROVINCE – "Were going through and putting the finishing touches on everything," said 2nd Lt. Darric Appel. "We hope to have everything finished up in about a week or so."
After completing the outpost's tactical ops center, winterizing the living quarters, and repairing several roofs that suffered heavy wind damage, all that remains for the unit is completion of COP Penich's latrines and shower facilities. Soldiers have been using outhouses and bottled water for personal hygiene.
"We pretty much look like a bunch of ants just running around everywhere," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Robin Siems, plt sgt for 2nd Plt., while speaking of his unit's rapid pace of construction. The engrs' hard work has not gone unnoticed by the outpost's residents, Co A, 1st Bn, 32nd Inf Regt, 10th Mtn Div. "Once they started seeing the quality of our work, and how fast we were doing it, they were like, 'are you sure you can't stay,'" said Appel, grinning.
A Co. cmdr, Capt. Michael Harrison agrees. "They are very meticulous, very detail oriented," he said. "We're very impressed with the engrs overall."
In addition to normal base construction, the Indiana Guardsmen have taken on several projects, aimed at raising the COP's quality of life, such as constructing a deck and picnic tables around the dining facility. "I just hope that somehow we made their lives better, or at least their living conditions better," said Appel. "We're out here, and were staying until the job's done."
When finished at COP Penich, the Guardsmen will provide construction support to another military instillation in eastern Afghanistan. The six month old outpost is one of many being constructed throughout Afghanistan as additional troops pour into the country, providing increased security, training and humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
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Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs RSS
Forces Thwart Outpost Attack, Destroy Bomb-making Facility
(Compiled from Combined Joint TF 82 and U.S. Forces Afghan news releases)
WASHINGTON - Afghan soldiers and NATO ISAF servicemembers killed at least 10 militants and detained another after responding to an attack on a COP in Paktika prov., July 6. Insurgents attacked the outpost with indirect fire, including multiple rockets and mortars. The force responded with counter fire, close-air support and attack helicopters.
Elsewhere, in Helmand prov., ANP, assisted by CF, discovered a roadside-bomb-making compound during a security patrol in Nad Ali district. The force also discovered multiple roadside bombs and more than 100 pounds of explosive material. A perimeter was set around the compound, and the bombs were detonated in place.
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4th BCT, 4th ID Public Affairs RSS
Mechanics Keep the Troops Rolling
Story by Elizabeth K. Raney
Army Pfc. Jonathan Hall, a light-wheel vehicle mechanic with HHC, 4th Special Troops Bn, TF Mtn Warrior, works on a MRAP Vehicle at FOB Fenty, in Nangarhar prov., July 2.
NANGAHAR PROVINCE -- The terrain in Nangarhar prov. is demanding not only on TF Mtn Warrior Soldiers, but also on their equipment. The vast and expansive mountains, treacherous roads and sandy deserts take a toll on the vehicles that deliver troops to the fight. Keeping them running is essential to mission success.
That's the job of Army Pfc. Jonathan Hall, who said he was influenced by his father and love of his country to join the Army in Sept. 2007. Hall enjoys his job because he gets to fix vehicles, and feels that he has a great impact on the outcome of the mission. "We make vehicles mission-capable," Hall said proudly, speaking on behalf of the team he works with. "We can fix basically anything with wheels."
According to Hall, in addition to fixing the vehicles that are brought into his workstation, he also goes out and performs recovery missions, which occur when a vehicle needs a repair. "On a recovery mission, we drive out to the vehicle, find a way to hook up to it, and then bring it back to an FOB," Hall said. "I've been on 4 recovery missions since I've been here.
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