Volume I, Issue II
New smiles for Iraqi children
by Spc. Chastity R. Boykin
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
Children in Nasiriyah, Iraq were given
the chance to let their new smiles shine
through, when Smile Train Italia Onlus, a
worldwide medical charity that provides
free surgery to children born with facial
deformities, arrived for a week-long
medical mission June 20-27 at the Mittica
Medical Training Center.
In cooperation with its military
counterpart, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, the Dhi Qar Provincial
Reconstruction Team and the Iraqi
Ministry of Health worked to help the
children in Iraq with cleft lips and cleft
palates.
More than 150 children suffering with
cleft lips and cleft palates came to be
screened for reconstructive surgery as a
Bikes Over Baghdad comes to COB Adder
by Pfc Khori D. Johnson
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
Members of the COB Adder community
witnessed a showcase of aerial maneuvers
and extreme antics courtesy of the second
Bikes Over Baghdad Tour, which was
sponsored by the 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division, at the House
of Pain Gym June 21.
With about 200 servicemembers and
civilians in attendance, BMX riders Nate
Wessel, Chad Kagy, Ron Kimler, Brian
Kachinsky, and Jeremiah Smith, and skate
boarder, William Rohan put on a spectacle
that produced an incredible crowd
Inside This
Issue
Tracy JoPekar, Dhi Qar PRT healthcare director, talks with a patient and father after a successful
recovery from a lip repair surgery at the Mittica Medical Training Center in Nasiriyah, Iraq, June 23.
result of this mission.
The Iraq Ministry of Health sent Iraqi
doctors and nurses to work alongside the
volunteer Smile Train team to perform
reaction, said 1st Lt. Brett Hernandez,
personnel programs officer, 3rd BCT, 4th
Inf. Div.
According to Christian Schauf, the tour
manager, the Bikes Over Baghdad tour
was not created to be a normal meet and
greet.
“We came to put on a show,” he said.
Before its stop at COB Adder, the
tour performed shows at other military
locations within Iraq and Kuwait such as
Camp Arifjan, Camp Victory, Fob Falcon,
and Al Asad Airbase.
The process of preparing the show
was no simple task. In fact, it took many
Soldier and 3rd BCT
NCO of the gains
Quarter
Page 3
Basra
Page 4
June 30, 2010
Photo by Spc. Chastity Boykin
operations and receive hands-on training
with new surgical techniques they can use
in the future.
See “Smile” Page 6
different elements from many different
people to make the event possible.
Wessel, who is also a world-renowned
ramp builder, was the lead man on the
task of constructing the skatepark for the
event. With the help of Kimler, the two
were able to design and build a variety
of ramps that incorporated a few Army
vehicles, said Hernandez.
“We like taking an object that you guys
see every day and using in a way you never
would have thought,” said Yankush, who
was also a commentator for the show.
Two ramps were custom-fitted to
See “B.O.B.” Page 6
Stanley Visits
Dragoon
Platoon
Page 7
 Volume I, Issue II
Friends and Family of the Iron BCT,
I hope everyone is well and enjoying
the summer. As we celebrate the birth of
our nation on the 4th of July, I know you
are as proud as we are of the Army and
the Soldiers, past and present, who put
our great country on its feet and have kept
us free and safe ever since.
I know that holidays like this can be
difficult during deployment, as we are
separated from our loved ones at a time
usually marked by celebrating together. I
appreciate this and all the other sacrifices
our great Army Families are making.
You may have read in the news about
September 1, and the changes scheduled
at that time for the mission in Iraq as we
move Soldiers and equipment to get to
Iron Strong Soldiers, Families, and
friends –
This past month saw many great
accomplishments and success stories by
Iron Soldiers. As the temperature rose
over 120 degrees, so too did the pace of
operations throughout the Iron BCT. On
June 17, we officially took responsibility
for the Basra province from the 17th Fires
Brigade. Thunderbolt Soldiers did a lot
of great work in their 12 months. I wish
them all a safe trip back to Fort Lewis,
Wash. and the best of homecomings with
Family and friends.
Everyday the Commander and I
travel around the BCT, I’m completely
convinced that this is the best unit in the
Army. I say that not for any reason to do
with myself, but because of all the hard-
working, well-trained and disciplined
Soldiers and NCOs in the Iron BCT. I’ve
met motivated Pfcs working 15-hour days
just to prepare three hot meals for Soldiers
the mission required strength. As part of
this ongoing mission, 3rd BCT will send
some Soldiers back to Fort Carson, but
the number will be very small and the
impact will be minor.
The vast majority of our Soldiers – about
98 percent -- will continue to serve in Iraq
for the duration of our projected one-year
tour. We are still working through the exact
timing and details regarding redeployment
of the small group of Soldiers, but we will
make that information available through
the chain of command as soon as it is
finalized. I expect the impact of these
moves to be minimal, and we will release
the information as soon as possible.
I would ask everyone to remember to
take a little extra time to focus on safety
during the summer months, as many of
at remote locations. I’ve watched young
Sgts carry bags of ice and bottles of
water from guard tower to guard tower so
their Soldiers can stay hydrated while on
guard.
I continue to be amazed by the skills and
ingenuity displayed by Iron Soldiers. For
most, the ‘mission’ is only half of what
they do. After that patrol, guard shift,
or time rebuilding an MRAP engine, it’s
off to the woodshop or tool room. Iron
Soldiers have improved guard positions
by welding in bullet proof glass, framing
in the walls and doors, and putting in
air conditioning. These are valuable
measures that keep their teammates safer
and more comfortable in the heat. After
that, it’s off to build a deck and picnic
table, so they can relax and hang out with
friends.
One of the biggest things Iron Strong
Soldiers love is competition and winning!
And that we did. We should all be very
proud of Staff Sgt. Timothy S. Briggs of
June 30, 2010
Col. James E. Rainey
Commander
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
our traditional summer past times and the
added element of hot weather can have
disastrous results if we don’t take the
appropriate precautions.
Once again, thank you for your
continued sacrifice and your support of
our Soldiers and service to our nation.
Iron Strong!
CSM Miles S. Wilson
Brigade Command Sergeant Major
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Company A, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. and
Spc. Kyle M. Ouimet of Battery A, 3rd
Bn., 29th FA Reg., as they competed and
won the United States Division – South
Warriors of the Quarter for 3rd quarter,
FY 2010.
I wish everyone a happy 4th of July.
For our Family and friends, I wish you all
a safe holiday, and know that we all miss
being with you very much. For us here,
it is another reminder of why we do what
we do.
God bless the Iron BCT, the Army, and
America!
Iron Strong!
Page 2
 Volume I, Issue II
Iron Brigade takes Warriors of the Quarter
by Spc. Chastity R. Boykin
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
Every three months the 1st Infantry
Division holds a Warriors of the Quarter
Competition which determines the best
Soldier and noncommissioned officer in
the United States Division—South. This
quarter the 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division took home the title
of Soldier and NCO of the Quarter.
Spc. Kyle Ouimet, cannon crewmember,
Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field
Artillery Regiment and a South Bend,
Ind., native earned the honor of Soldier
of the Quarter.
Staff Sgt. Timothy Briggs, squad leader,
Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry
Regiment, and a Florence, Mont., native
earned the honor of NCO of the Quarter.
The competition had one slight
change to its usual format, when the
1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry
Division, invited Soldiers from the 8th
Iraqi Army Division to compete alongside
U.S. Forces. Events for the competition
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Preston visits JSS Minden
by Staff Sgt. Christopher H. Jelle
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
Soldiers of Troop B, 4th Squadron, 10th
Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division received a
special visit from the US Army’s senior
most enlisted person, Sgt. Maj. of the
Army Kenneth O. Preston, at Joint
Security Station Minden June 25.
Preston visited to speak with the senior
noncommissioned officers of Troop B
and recognize a few Soldiers for their
hard work and dedication to the people
of Iraq. The troops there are tasked with
two separate objectives. First, they fill an
advise and assist role for the Schalamshe
port of entry on the border between
Iraq and Iran, and train Iraqis on port
management, customs procedures, and
tourist processing.
Also, they are partnered with Iraq’s 9th
Division Border Enforcement Brigade,
where they assist in improving their
capabilities and capacities.
Photo by Sgt. Cody Harding
Spc. Kyle Ouimet demonstrates a weapons
function check for a M2 .50 caliber machine
gun, during an event for the Warrior of the
Quarter competition.
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston gives coins to a few Soldiers of 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div..
Preston spoke one-on-one with some
of the junior enlisted Soldiers over lunch,
getting to know them and sharing his own
advice.
“He was very humble and down-to-
June 30, 2010
challenged all competitors both physically
and technically, ranging from a physical
fitness test and appearing before a board.
“It was awesome to see our Iraqi
counterparts out there competing,” Briggs
said. “To see that they could do the same
warrior tasks and drills that the Americans
were able to do on our [U.S. Military]
equipment was impressive.”
Rucksacks in tow, competitors started
the day at 4:30 a.m. with an equipment
inspection before heading to the physical
training area. Soldiers and NCOs faced
an alternative PT challenge, including
24-inch box jumps, pull ups, stair climbs
with weights and a 180-pound litter drag.
The competitors then familiarized
themselves with a map of the base and
were required to find warrior task stations
across COB Echo. Each station tested
Soldiers, NCOs and Iraqis on weapons,
including the M2 .50 caliber machine gun
and the AK-47, which some Soldiers were
unfamiliar with.
The last point led them to the weapons
See “Winners” Page 8
Photo by Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Smith
earth. I really didn’t expect that. It was
awesome,” said Pfc. Raven Ayers, of
Richmond, Va., food service specialist,
Troop D, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.
See “Visit” Page 7
Page 3
 Volume I, Issue II
3rd BCT assumes responsibility of fourth
province: Basra
Story by Maj. Alan S. Brown
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, of Fort Carson, Colo.,
assumed the advise and assist mission
in Basra Province from the 17th Fires
Brigade June 17 during a transfer of
authority ceremony at COB Basra.
Assuming the mission in Basra will
be 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment,
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. After deploying in
March, the 1st Bn., 68th AR has worked
alongside the 17th FIB to learn its mission
and begin developing relationships with
Iraqi forces that will be necessary for the
advise and assist mission.
The 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “Iron
Brigade” now is responsible for providing
training and assistance to Iraqi Forces
throughout the provinces of Basra, Dhi
Qar, Maysan and Muthanna.
In his address during the ceremony, Maj.
Gen. Vincent Brooks, commander, United
States Division South, headquartered at
3rd BSTB provides care to Umm Qasr hospital
by Capt. Benjamin Dillon
3rd BSTB, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
The 3rd Special Troops Battalion,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division, Soldiers and Iraqi Advisor Task
Force conducts bi-monthly visits to the
Umm Qasr Hospital to assist in various
ways.
During a recent visit, the IQATF met
with the surgical ward administrator and
doctors in the radiology department to
advise them about fixing a broken X-Ray
machine that is vital to the care given at
the hospital, continuing to build a positive
relationship with the staff.
“The Coalition Forces and civilians are
helping the hospital, people of Umm Qasr
are more confident in the care they are
receiving and more people are using the
free clinic,” said a hospital administrator,
who asked not to be named.
This partnership began six months ago
when the IQATF established operations out
June 30, 2010
Photo by Spc. Maurice Galloway
Col. James Rainey, commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division speaks to the
audience during a transition of authority ceremony in Basra Province, Iraq, June 17.
COB Basra, noted the significance of the from three to two, and their roles are to
3rd BCT assuming responsibility for a advise and assist the Iraqis in achieving
fourth province. enduring stability,” said Brooks.
“This reduces the number of U.S. During the ceremony, Col. James
combat capable brigades in the south See “Basra” Page 7
of Camp Bucca. The hospital received The stability of Umm Qasr is better
medical equipment, staff training, and today because of the ongoing efforts
improvements to the buildings. to improve the local infrastructure and
The Red Cross is assisting with the services. These missions are crucial
completion of a new emergency room in providing stability to the area, said a
building and providing vehicles to be civilian contractor with the IQATF.
used as ambulances.
“I can see a vast improvement in
the care for the local people and I am
confident in the overall positive direction
of the city,” said an emergency room
nurse, who asked not to be named.
Outside the hospital, Soldiers of
Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Armor
Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry
Division and 3rd BSTB interacted with
local children and pedestrians treating
minor cuts and scrapes.
“Helping the children here at the
schools helps [Iraqis] to see us in a Photo by of Capt. Benjamin Dillon
Sgt. Dustin Wilkins, 418th Med. Logistics
positive light, that we are here to help,” Company, Iraqi Advisor Task Force,
said Spc. Jack Jackson, of Dearborn troubleshoots an X-Ray machine to determine
Heights, Mich., medic, 3rd BSTB. what parts need to be replaced.
Page 4
 Volume I, Issue II
Iron Soldiers conduct hands-on decon training
Story by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
Soldiers of various units assigned to
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division, practiced decontamination
techniques at the Mittica Training Center
June 5.
The exercise was a two-day
decontamination training course that
was available for Soldiers. The first day,
Soldiers were taught decontamination
techniques in a classroom setting.
The second day, they were evaluated
on everything that was taught in the
classroom in the field.
“They did an excellent job and
followed the procedures,” said Mike
Miller, decontamination training
instructor. “Soldiers learned to block
off a contaminated area with barriers,
determine the chemical used, and utilize
June 30, 2010
the most effective agent.”
Capt. Brian McCarroll, brigade
chemical officer, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.,
also participated in a few of the exercises
offered at the training site.
“I think it’s a great thing for Soldiers
to learn,” said McCarroll. “If there were
a chemical attack on this base, these
Soldiers would know what to do.”
Conducting decontamination training
is something that units do regardless of
whether or not they are deployed. There
is no specific threat of a chemical attack
in Iraq, he said.
Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
Sgt. Ashley Smith, Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade
Special Troops Battalion, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf.
Div., sprays foam out of a decontamination
hose at a building while Spc. Justin Bartee,
Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd
BSTB, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., assists her.
Page 5
 Volume I, Issue II
Smile: Pride in bringing smiles to Iraq
Continued from Page 1
“Not only are they providing an
immediate effect by treating the children,
but the lasting effect is gained by training
the Iraqi doctors to do the surgery
themselves,” said Lt. Col. Christopher
Engen, commander, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav.
Reg.
This is the third time Smile Train has
participated in a project with the PRT and
Ministry of Health. The first mission took
place April 2-14, 2005, and the second
mission occurred between Oct. 23 and
Nov. 3, 2008. The two missions saw a
combined total of 199 surgeries for local
children.
Mohamed Abd, an Iraqi medical
assistant, has helped in all three missions
together with the Italian doctors. Proud
that he can help his people, he hopes there
will be more opportunities like the Smile
B.O.B.: A custom-made experience for COB Adder
Continued from Page 1
the side of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle,
provided by the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. and
another ramp was fitted to a fuel tanker,
provided by the 64th Brigade Support
Battalion, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
The athletes perform each show during
the tour on a unique stage that incorporates
elements of Soldiers’ usual surroundings,
said Yankush.
“Just like with the Bradley, you guys
may see that thing every single day. But
you guys probably never thought in a
million years that you’d see someone do a
back flip over one,” he said.
Perhaps the most memorable moment
of the event, was Kagy performing a
back flip over Command Sgt. Maj. Miles
Wilson, brigade command sergeant
major, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., as he sat on
top of the Bradley. It was a high-energy
performance filled with amazing high-
flying maneuvers and smiling faces, said
Hernandez.
A mutual appreciation was shown that
night between the athletes and those
deployed in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
“We put in work, because you guys
deserve it,” Yankush said. “What you
June 30, 2010
Train, he said.
“The Italian doctors share their
experiences with surgery, and in turn we
share our experiences and Iraqi culture
with them,” said Mohamed. “We are
able to help our people and learn at the
same time.”
“We are very pleased with the surgery
and care from the doctors and nurses,
and grateful for this opportunity,” said
one parent whose child had a palate
surgery.
For a few children with complex
cases, there will be more surgeries to
follow. However, with the training,
these children will be in good hands, Photo by Spc. Chastity R. Boykin
Albaneen hides her face from the camera as
said Tracy JoPekar, Dhi Qar PRT
she waits in the recovery room after her lip
healthcare director. Having local doctors repair surgery at the Mittica Medical Training
that can provide the correct procedure is Center in Nasiriyah, Iraq, June 23.
a successful step forward for healthcare
in Iraq, she said.
guys do over here, directly affects me, when I came over here during my first
and I’m so appreciative of that. This is the tour, I didn’t see any negativity. All I saw
least that we can do.” was positive things: the lives that you guys
Yankush said he is constantly telling are changing, the buildings that are being
people about his experiences while on the built, schools, hospitals, bridges. Lives are
Bikes Over Baghdad tours. being changed, and you never see that on
“Most of the time when you hear about TV.”
Iraq, it’s negative news,” he said. “But
Photo by Maj. Rebekah Lust
Brian Kachinsky performs an x-up over a group of Soldiers on the top of a Bradley during the Bikes
Over Baghdad Tour’s stop at COB Adder.
Page 6
 Volume I, Issue II
Flat Stanley Visits Dragoon Troop
by 2nd Lt. Gregory Maull
4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Sometimes it can be difficult for
Soldiers and Families to cope with the
stress of a deployment. However, with
a little creativity, they can accomplish
the task of staying connected with one
another.
One example of this creativity is
displayed by the 2nd grade students of
Arthur Edward Elementary, New Bern,
N.C. school project called “Flat Stanley.”
Staff Sgt. Ronald Whitehead, of
Alexander, La., a bradley system
maintainer, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division received one such Flat
Stanley from his son Dalton.
“Students mailed Flat Stanley to
deployed Soldiers to give them some
company from a friend in America.
Soldiers who receive Flat Stanley are
asked to record Flat Stanley’s travels and
then mail him back to the student with
the details of where he has been,” said
Staff Sgt. Andrew Climovech, of Sauk
City, Wis., headquarters platoon sergeant,
Troop D, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.
The Soldiers of “Dragoon” Troop were
eager to participate in this assignment
and put forth great effort in showing
Flat Stanley around COB Adder, said
Climovech.
Flat Stanley has joined Whitehead at
the House of Pain Gym where he strives
to stay in shape.
Following a hard workout, Flat Stanley
Basra: Iraqis providing security, stability, and sovereignty
Continued from Page 4
Rainey, commander, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf.
Div., acknowledged the accomplishments
of the 17th FIB and pledged to continue to
build upon them.
“I promise you that the Soldiers of
the Iron Brigade will continue to work
hard in advising and assisting our great
partners of the Iraqi Security Forces, as
they provide security for the people,” he
said. “Much work remains, but success is
clearly attainable.”
Col. Steven Bullimore, commander,
grabbed a bite to eat at the Sandstorm
Express Grab N’ Go
“I am so grateful for all the Dragoon
Soldiers and the support they have shown
for my son’s project,” said Whitehead,
“Dalton will truly enjoy all their
support.”
The project proved to be both rewarding
to the Whitehead Family and the Soldiers
of Dragoon Troop, said Climovech.
Following this day in the life of a
Dragoon Soldier, Flat Stanley was
mailed back to Dalton. A few days later,
Whitehead received word from his son
that his class project was a rousing success
and well received by the whole class.
Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Ronald Whitehead
Dalton Whitehead holds Flat Stanley, a project
done by his 2nd grade class, sent to his father.
17th FIB, said during the ceremony
that the people of Basra have openly
embraced his unit in friendship.  He
added that Basra has made tremendous
progress with its security and economic
development.
“The world now comes here to do
business. The whole world watches Basra
to see how it adjusts to the attention and
to the challenge,” said Bullimore.
Rainey highlighted the fact that a
battalion is now able to do the mission
that used to be assigned to a brigade. This
June 30, 2010
Visit: inspiration for
junior enlisted
Continued from Page 3
For some Soldiers, meeting the
Sergeant Major of the Army was a bit of
an eye-opener, said Spc. Eugene Treft,
of Kingsville, Texas, petroleum supply
specialist, Troop B, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav.
Reg.
“It made me realize how much farther
I can go and what I can really achieve,”
he said.
Preston took the time to recognize
individual Soldiers for their
accomplishments during the current
deployment and awarded ten Soldiers
with the coveted Sergeant Major of the
Army coin.
“I think it’s good for Soldiers to see
there is a distinguished noncommissioned
officer leader that cares about them,”
said Command Sgt. Maj. Miles Wilson,
brigade command sergeant major, 3rd
BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “As NCOs, one of
the main things we do is take care of our
Soldiers.”
Photo by Sgt. James Kirlin
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston
receives a tour of JSS Minden from 1st Sgt.
Richard Shopp.
change is a direct reflection of the rapidly
growing capabilities and professionalism
of the Iraqi Security Forces, he said.
The people of Basra are entirely in the
lead providing for the security, stability
and sovereignty of their province, said
Rainey.
This is the 3rd BCT’s fourth deployment
to Iraq. The brigade last served in East
Baghdad for 15 months before returning
home to Fort Carson, where it spent 13
months refitting and retraining before
deploying to southern Iraq in March.
Page 7
 Volume I, Issue II
Field Sanitation Teams defend
against disease
by Maj. Michael Story
64th BSB, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
A small group of Soldiers from the
64th Brigade Support Battalion and 3rd
Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division, participated in field sanitation
team training June 5 at COB Adder.
The field sanitation teams learned how
to conduct medical base camp assessments
and implement techniques to mitigate
disease exposure and potential outbreaks.
“In a far-forward, resource-limited
environment, public health threats are
exacerbated exponentially. It is the
responsibility of the environmental
science and engineering officer and the
FSTs located forward, to mitigate any
disease threats,” said Maj. Mary Deighton,
I have visited our Soldiers in our
outlying smaller outposts called joint
security stations and it amazes me how
closely-knit the Soldiers are with one
another. They all come from different
walks of life and from different
backgrounds, but when they put on
that uniform, they become brothers and
sisters in arms.  away from our loved ones, we can look
This speaks highly of their unit’s
cohesion. It is that unity that helps
them overcome the “Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
various challenges of
deployment.
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
When I see the way
they help one another and embrace their
mission without any reservation, I am
grateful to serve our nation alongside our comfort aptly spoken can bring about
patriotic young men and women. They
express gratitude for the small things
and are thoughtful in their gestures and
demeanor. They are quick to laugh and
sincerely express concern.  nation depends on us to do our job here.
On one particular day, when I
wasn’t feeling very well due to a bit of
dehydration, a Soldier asked me if I was
of Hood River, Ore., brigade surgeon.
Field sanitation training is an important
skill for any deployed unit, she said.
“A brigade combat team is only
authorized one ESEO and a preventive
medicine non-commissioned officer. A
Soldier trained in field sanitation is an
extension of this team to support the whole
brigade,” said 2nd Lt. Dan Harrison, of
Alexandria, Va., environmental science
and engineering officer, Company C, 64th
BSB.
Harrison and his preventive medicine
technician frequently travel to outlying
base camps to make health-related
assessments of the living and working
conditions. They also conduct training
for unit-assigned FSTs.
See “Sanitation” Page 11
alright. When he asked me with genuine
concern in his voice, I sensed his kind
spirit. That brief exchange of words
meant a great deal to me.
We will have good days and not-so-
good days throughout our deployment.
Whether we have concerns in our minds,
or sadness in our hearts because we are
upon each other. Perhaps it only takes a
small act of kindness that will make a
-Proverbs 16:24
difference in another person’s day. 
Indeed words of encouragement and
a healing. I know all of us in Iraq wake
up every morning to carry out our tasks
at hand. Sure, there are days that we feel
tired and exhausted, but we know our
We would never shirk our responsibility
as we are all professional and take
tremendous pride in what we do.
June 30, 2010
Winners: Iron Brigade
prevails
Continued from Page 3
range, where the competitors demonstrated
weapons proficiency.
The next event tested the participants’
knowledge on how to evaluate and treat a
casualty followed by performing level-1
combatives.
The day ended with a board in front
of various sergeants major from USD-S,
answering a range of military questions.
Staff Sgt. Briggs said that he had little
time to prepare for the physical events
and ranges.
“Other than sharpening up on board
questions there was not a lot of time to
prepare between missions,” Briggs said.
“It was all stuff that I believe a well-
rounded NCO should know.”
Briggs and Ouimet each received The
Army Commendation Medal and a four-
day pass to Qatar.
“But there is a friend
who sticks closer
than a brother.”
-Proverbs 18:24
Maj. John Lim
Brigade Chaplain
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Page 8
 Volume I, Issue II
Soldiers take lead in supporting COS Garry Owen
Photo by Maj. Alan S. Brown
Sgt. 1st Class Michael Tanner, of Johnson City,
Tenn., and Staff Sgt Jason Staff, of Boulder,
Colo., carefully guide a 15,000-pound T-wall
barrier into place with the help of a 20,000-
pound crane.
Combat Infantryman Badge ceremony honors
Silver Lion Soldiers
by Staff Sgt. Chris Carney
for 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
Two Soldiers from the 1st Battalion,
68th Armor Regiment, were awarded the
Combat Infantryman Badge in a ceremony
on Contingency Operating Base Basra
June 27.
In recognition for their actions under
fire, Pfc. Chad Sippy and Spc. Patrick
Dettmer received the CIB in front of their
fellow 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division Soldiers.
Col. James E. Rainey, brigade
commander, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., and
Command Sgt. Maj. Miles S. Wilson,
brigade command sergeant major, 3rd
BCT, 4th Inf. Div., traveled from COB
Adder to present the badges to the two
Soldiers.
Rainey emphasized how special the
CIB is by pointing out how few people
have served in the military and then how
few people have served in combat. Less
than one percent of Americans can say
they have had that experience, he said.
by Maj. Alan S. Brown
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
During an age when contractors provide
a majority of support and sustainment
functions on bases throughout Iraq,
Soldiers seldom have to worry about
fixing the A/C in their living quarters,
ensuring the latrines are in working order
or making force protection improvements
around the base. However, at COS Garry
Owen in Maysan Province, Soldiers
power still reigns supreme.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 8th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division conduct the
daily missions that enable the rest of the
Soldiers and civilians at COS Garry Owen
to live and work in a safe and comfortable
environment.
The Soldiers of the Fighting Eagle
battalion are responsible for many critical
tasks and functions often handled by
Command Sgt. Maj. Miles S. Wilson congratulates Pfc. Chad Sippy on receiving the Combat
Infantryman Badge.
The infantry gets put in the hardest
of places. Whether it was this tour or
last tour, they get shot at by the enemy,
targeted by improvised explosive devices,
and are a daily presence on the streets of
June 30, 2010
civilian contractors at other bases in
Iraq, said Capt. Bob Stone, commander,
Headquarters Headquarters Company, 1st
Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.
Responsible for the Mayor’s cell for all
of COS Garry Owen, the Soldiers of HHC,
1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. are responsible for
everything from tent maintenance, air
conditioner repair and replacement,
plumbing and electrical maintenance, and
latrine upkeep.
Spc. Tim Goins, of Detroit, Mich.,
receives and processes maintenance work
orders, ensuring the right person gets
assigned to fix whatever problem may
arise, whether it is a broken A/C unit, a
plumbing glitch in a shower trailer or an
electrical problem in a living tent.
While he appreciates not getting
regularly shot at like his last tour in
Iraq, the infantryman said his desk job is
See “Fighting Eagles” Page 11
Photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Carney
Iraq, he said.
The CIB is awarded to Soldiers who are
present and under fire in a unit engaged in
active ground combat to close with and
See “Badge” Page 11
Page 9
 Volume I, Issue II
Pacesetters Tour the Great Ziggurat of Ur
Story by Capt. Andrew Huth
3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div
The “Saints” Patrol, Headquarters and
Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th
Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,
geared up for a new mission June 5,
visiting the historic Ziggurat of Ur outside
of Nasiriyah, Iraq.
The purpose of the trip was to learn about
the history of the area, and to help build
camaraderie among the detachment.
The Saints’ normal mission is
providing security for the Provincial
Reconstruction Team, which works to
rebuild the province’s infrastructure and
social services, while advising the local
government.
“Our normal mission is to assist the
Making a difference in Dhi Qar Province
by Capt. Tony Massari
HHT, 3rd BSTB, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
The “Mad Dog” Platoon, Battery B, 3rd
Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division experiences the reconstruction
of Iraq first hand as they work with the
Dhi Qar Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Attached to 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry
Regiment, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., they
are supervising the construction and
implementation of 20 civil projects,
including schools, courthouses, fish
hatcheries, and dairy factories.
Besides overseeing the construction of
the projects, the platoon works through
the Dhi Qar PRT, as it helps Iraqis develop
a plan to maximize the benefits of each
completed project.
“Working on the Provincial
Reconstruction Team is a job that I never
imagined I would have as a field artillery
officer. Our platoon works very hard in
conjunction with the Iraqi people to help
sustain and improve the Iraqi economy
and quality of life,” said 2nd Lt. Dustin
Kuhlman, of Norwalk, Ohio, platoon
leader, Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.
The Dhi Qar PRT makes
recommendations for projects after
local government get back on its feet
and help them provide for their citizens’
needs, but today we get a break from the
ordinary and experience a piece of Iraq’s
history,” said Staff Sgt. Clint Wilson,
of Jerusalem, Ark., detachment platoon
sergeant, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.
The Saints Soldiers met with Dhiaf
Mahsen, curator of the Ziggurat, to
receive a full guided tour.
The Ziggurat of Ur is a 4,000-year-old
temple that sits just outside the perimeter
of COB Adder. The Ziggurat grounds also
contain ruins of a house that is believed
to be the home of Abraham from the Old
Testament.
“Mahsen explained a little bit about the
builders of the Ziggurat, as well as the
time period and civilization from which
The Mad Dog Platoon escorts an agriculture specialist from the United States Agency for International
Development June 8 through the recently completed Date Factory in Dhi Qar Province.
they receive specific requests from the
Provincial government. The PRT includes
experts in agriculture, rule of law and
engineering from the United States, Italy,
Great Britain and Iraq.
“This extraordinary blend of
nationalities and talents yields tremendous
results. It’s a great way to get out into the
community and know you’re making a
difference,” said Kuhlman.
The PRT also has a team of bilingual
bicultural advisors, who are experts in
engineering and agriculture.
“The Bilingual Bicultural Advisors that
we work hand in hand with on the projects
really contribute to the understanding
June 30, 2010
it came. He then led us on a tour of the
excavated temple, palace, and tombs
which surround it,” said 2nd Lt. David
Langdon, of Philadelphia, Pa., detachment
executive officer, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.
“[The Soldiers] will never forget the
opportunity they had to see a major
historical site of an ancient civilization.
Most people will never get a chance to see
something like this,” said Langdon.
Photo by Capt. Andrew Huth
The Ziggurat of Ur which is located in the city
of Ur near Nasiriyah.
Photo courtesy of US Army
of the Iraqi people and the technical
knowledge required in creating successful
projects,” said Staff Sgt. Curtis Fuller,
of Richmond, Calif., platoon sergeant,
Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.
The platoon gets to experience projects
being built from the ground up and visit
each project at least once a month to
report on the progress, said Kuhlman.
“After four deployments to Iraq, all
in different duty positions, I am finally
able to work with the Iraqi people to
assist in rebuilding their country and see
the difference,” said Staff Sgt. Kenneth
Sargent, of Fountain, Colo., section chief
and project purchasing officer.
Page 10
 Volume I, Issue II
Sanitation: Soldiers protecting
themsleves and one another
Continued from Page 8
Unit-level FSTs are required at outlying
bases and are critical in identifying
potential health hazards such as the lack of
proper hand washing stations, poor latrine
conditions or conditions that encourage
pest and rodent infestation.
FST Soldiers are familiar with proper
food preparation, temperatures, and
serving techniques which help reduce
food-related illness. They also can test
bulk water sources for chlorine content,
specifically water used for latrines or
dining facilities, said Harrison.
“These Soldiers learn how to protect
themselves and their fellow Iron Brigade
Soldiers from disease threats such as
insects or rodents, water-borne threats, or
food-borne threats,” said Harrison.
FSTs also can play a key role throughout
Fighting Eagles: daily progress seen at COS Garry Owen
Continued from Page 9
certainly not what he’s used to. Instead of
going out on daily missions for a couple
hours each day, he is now consumed
with juggling the different demands of
supporting all of his fellow Soldiers.
Still, Stone says his Soldiers has
adapted very well to his new job and has
quickly become one of the catalysts for
making sure everything within the living
areas runs smoothly. moving pieces.
According to Sgt. 1st Class Michael
Tanner of Johnson City, Tenn., his
Soldiers enjoy their work because they
get to see tangible results every day, even
though much of what they do seldom gets
recognized.
“Most of them enjoy it. They like
getting out doing hands-on work. They
know they’re helping out their fellow
Soldiers,” he said.
Spc. Jason Staff, of Boulder, Colo., has
the task of supervising a team of Iraqis
that provide cleaning services across the
base. Despite the lack of glamour, Staff
said he likes his job and enjoys seeing the
daily progress.
“I thought I was going to be sitting
behind a desk [this tour]. This is a lot
better,” he said. “I have a good group of
the brigade, helping train Soldiers to
identify heat-related injuries and take
immediate treatment actions, he said.
“FST members take heat injury training
one step further to implement systems
such as a wet-bulb to monitor the heat
index and make recommendations to
commanders and leaders on mitigating
actions,” said Harrison.
FSTs who are actively involved in
their roles as advisors to commanders
and leaders help minimize any disease
threats for their fellow Soldiers, he said.
“As the theater moves to more of an
expeditionary medicine role, those FST
members will become more and more
of an asset for their fellow Soldiers
and commanders on forward operating
bases,” said Harrison.
guys, so that makes it a lot easier.”
Like many of the Soldiers in the
battalion, Tanner has always been assigned
to a line company and is used to going out
on patrols every day. Until this tour, he
said he never knew how much work and
coordination went into running a forward
operating base. Now, he appreciates
how challenging it can be with so many
“It’s been a learning experience for
me,” he said. “What should be easy can
turn into a monster.”
The battalion also has the responsibility
of making force protection upgrades
across its base. This task primarily
involves emplacing 15,000-pound,
concrete T-wall barriers and bunkers. The
process is ongoing, as COS Garry Owen
has received over 300 T-wall barriers on
flatbed trucks over the last six weeks. The
barriers and bunkers come in from other
bases that are in the process of closing.
Once the T-walls arrive, 1st Sgt. Henry
Chapman, of Augusta, Ga., supervises
their careful placement using a 20,000-
pound crane that he calls the workhorse
of the base. Soldiers must rig up each
barrier with chains so it can be lifted off
June 30, 2010
Badge: CIB awarded
Continued from Page 9
destroy the enemy with direct fire.
Dettmer, currently attached to
Headquarters, Headquarters Co., 1st Bn.,
68th AR, is on his second deployment
with the 4th Inf. Div. and is a native of
St. Louis, Mo. He came under fire from a
shaped charge.
Sippy, B Co., 1st Bn., 68th AR, and
native of Boise, Idaho, is on his first
tour. He helps run counter- indirect fire
missions, performs area reconnaissance
and area denial missions.
While rolling out of the gates on his
first mission during this tour, he came
under IED attack. Sippy is proud of how
his fellow Soldiers handled the contact.
“The situation wasn’t chaos. We checked
ourselves and reacted accordingly,” he
said.
the truck and into place.
“They go to the gym 12-hours a day, if
you think of it,” said Chapman. “They’ve
left their mark on COS Garry Owen.”
Recently, his team of about five Soldiers
worked for three straight days placing
over 120 T-wall barriers around the new
dining facility.
“We’ve done a lot of noticeable work
here on COS Garry Owen,” said Spc. Tim
Weber, of Gatesville, Texas.
Pfc. Richard Bales, from Nampa,
Idaho, enjoys the fact that he’s learned
how to drive several large construction
machines, something he never thought
he’d do in Iraq. He’s been licensed in
operating a bulldozer, front-end loader
and driving the 20,000-pound crane from
one work site to the next.
Chapman says that his team sees its job
as one huge enabler, allowing the rest of
the task force to execute its advise and
assist mission with Iraqi Security Forces.
“When it’s all said and done, they feel
like they’re members of a team,” he said.
“They know whatever they built today
is going to make life better for everyone
else.”
Page 11
Volume I, Issue II June 30, 2010

Distro Platoon:
the Soldier’s
lifeline
by Capt. Alan Fowler
1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

The Distribution Platoon, Forward

Support Company, 1st Battalion, 8th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division, provides the
logistics lifeline for the Soldiers of Task
Force Eagle in Maysan Province, Iraq.
Since arriving in Iraq, the “Distro”
Platoon has been working to provide all
manner of logistical support, enabling
Company A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry
Regiment, to advise and assist the Iraqi
Department of Border Enforcement at
Joint Security Station Al Tib.
“The Forward Support Company truly
is a life line for us. Whether it’s generator
parts or water, their dedication keeps us
focused on the mission,” said Capt. Neil
Johnson, commander, Company A, 4th
Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.
Prior to each mission, Distro Platoon
conducts all necessary planning and
coordination. The Soldiers then load the
supplies at COS Garry Owen before they
transport them 90 miles to JSS Al Tib.
The reoccurring trip begins with
assisting the mechanics with maintaining
the variety of vehicles and utility trucks
See “Supply” Page 11

Photo by Capt. Alan Fowler

Sgt. Terrance Morman (right), of Jennerett,
La., and Pfc. Eliud Mireles, of Houston, Texas,
Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 8th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division, prepare a Humvee for
backhaul June 11.
Page 12
 Volume I, Issue II June 30, 2010

Supply: a lifeline to
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Magazine Photo Contest
1. Each entry must be contestant’s own work.
Soldiers at remote
2. The entries must not be tinted or altered.
3. Entries must be emailed to the editor at chastity.boykin@us.army.mil
bases in Iraq
necessary for the mission. With trucks
4. Entries must be submitted by July 17, 2010.
constantly operating in temperatures
5.Winning photo will be published in the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Magazine
of over 100 degrees and in abrasive,
sandy conditions, mechanical failure can
quickly halt a mission, said Sgt. Danny
Woods, Distro Platoon driver, 1st Bn., 8th
Inf. Reg.
The day of the mission, Soldiers are
responsible for loading and securing
all the supplies onto their trucks. The
supplies must be packed, loaded, secured,
and protected from the elements. Once
the supplies are loaded, the Soldiers have
only a few hours to deliver them before
products begin to spoil, said Woods.
“The preparation time and the
experience of running supplies in the vast
openness of this province feels like the
ultimate road trip,” he said.
DBE, Iraqi Police, and the Iraqi Army
have assisted FSC Soldiers with their
mission by providing route clearance,
security, and local police escort. Sharing
the road is part of the overall goal of
returning the responsibility of security
and control to the Iraqis, said Johnson.
“So far in this deployment, Distro
Soldiers have done an outstanding
job keeping motivated, flexible, and
determined. Keeping each JSS equipped
to support the Iraqi Security Forces,
provides security to all of the Maysan
Photo courtesy of Associated Press
Province and southeastern Iraq,” said
In this June 1944 photo, Lt. Marty Lederhandler, serving as a U.S. Army Signal Corps Johnson.
photographer, stands in a town square in Normandy, France, about a week after the D-Day
invasion of France. Lederhandler, an AP photographer who captured on film every U.S.
president from Herbert Hoover to Bill Clinton, covered the D-Day landing in 1944 and climaxed
a 66-year career with an iconic shot of the 9/ll World Trade Center attacks.

Public Affairs Office The Iron Advisor is produced in the interest the 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
of the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Office.
Col. James E. Rainey Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Iron Advisor The Iron Advisor welcomes articles,
Commander is an Army-funded newsletter authorized under commentary, and photos from readers. The Iron
Command Sgt. Maj. Miles S. Wilson provision of AR 360-1. Advisor reserves the right to edit submissions
Command Sergeant Major Contents of the Iron Advisor are not selected for the publication.
Maj. Alan S. Brown necessarily the views of, nor endorsed by the All issues of the Iron Advisor can be viewed
Public Affairs Officer Staff Writers U.S. Government, Department of Defense, online from your home computer at www.
Spc. Chastity R. Boykin Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry facebook.com/3bct4id
Pfc. Khori D. Johnson Division. All editorial content of the Iron Advisor Submissions should be emailed to Spc.
Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells is prepared, edited, provided and approved by Boykin at chastity.boykin@us.army.mil.
Page 13