There is no good way to create an RSS feed for those articles that I write for Yahoo! News. This link pulls most of them up, but they cannot be sorted by date. Curiously, Google seems to do a better job indexing these pieces than Yahoo.

In any event, here is some of the news reports I’ve written recently.

• The Famine Crisis in Somalia
• Is Weiner’s Congressional Seat Up for Grabs?
• Is America’s Military Body Armor Defective?
• Navy Goes Green
• Biofuel a Navy Priority
• Hurricane Irene: Military, Coast Guard Prepare
• Hurricane Irene: Flood Threat in Upstate New York
• Radiation Still a Concern at Fukushima
• Moving Out of Iraq Underway
• Historic Earthquake in D.C. Results in Historic Senate Session

Swift patrol boat 304 enters the port here Aug. 7. The Iraqi navy accepted control of Swift boats 304 and 306 Aug. 13.

The Iraqi navy accepted Swift-class Patrol boats 304 and 306 from the U.S. Navy during a handover ceremony Aug. 13 at Umm Qasr, Iraq.

Saturday’s ceremony was the culmination of months of effort for both the U.S. and Iraqi Navies.

“I’m extremely happy for the Iraqi navy,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kelvin Dixon, director of Iraq Training and Advising Mission-Navy and Marines from Rockaway, N.J. “The delivery of the U.S. built Swift Patrol Boats 304 and 306 increases the Iraqi navy’s capability to effectively patrol and defend their territorial waters and critical oil infrastructure.”

“The Iraqis have really done an outstanding job with the limited assets they had,” said Cmdr. Quintin “QB” Bell, commanding officer of the ITAM-N/M at Umm Qasr from Augusta, Ga. “The addition of these two very-capable patrol boats will greatly enhance their ability to carry out their assigned missions.”

Iraqi navy commander, Rear Adm. Ali, said that the delivery was an important day for the Iraqi navy, and he thanked everyone for making the day happen, according to Bell.

Construction began on 304 and 306 in mid-2010 in Morgan City, La. Upon completion, the 35-meter patrol boats began their journey to Iraq in June with a month-long voyage from Houston to Bahrain on the roll-on/roll-off ship MV Cape Trinity. The U.S. Navy offloaded the vessels in Bahrain and sailed them to Umm Qasr under the U.S. flag.

Swift Patrol Boats 304 and 306 arrived in Umm Qasr Aug. 7 and underwent final checks and sea trials facilitated by Naval Sea Systems Command and ITAM-N/M engineers. U.S. engineers and advisors validated the boats were seaworthy and the crews were qualified prior to the handover.

After U.S. and Iraqi navy leadership signed required documents, U.S. and Iraqi sailors lowered the U.S. flag and raised the Iraqi flag on the vessels to complete the handover.

The patrol boats provide capability for a variety of missions including maritime surveillance and reconnaissance as well as vessel boarding and search and seizure. The new vessels raise the Iraqi navy’s patrol boat force to five of 12 ordered. The remaining Swift boats are expected to arrive in Iraq before 2013.

The Iraqi navy is responsible for protecting off-shore oil infrastructure, territorial waters, Umm Qasr, and checkpoints in the surrounding area. Currently, the Iraqi fleet boasts 65 vessels, and more than 3,700 sailors and Marines, conducting more than 50 weekly patrols.

DVIDS
Story by Maj. Brandon Lingle

Iraqi navy sailors secure a Kuwaiti coast guard vessel during a joint exercise in the Persian Gulf, July 25. Photo by Pvt. Andrew Slovensky

On a warm morning over calm waters, the horizon is lined with small fishing boats. A Kuwaiti coast guard cutter discovers an Iraqi fisherman operating illegally in Kuwait’s territorial waters and the crew detains him. The Iraqi navy arrives to take custody of the apprehended fisherman and return him to friendlier seas.

That was the scenario played out by a joint training exercise of the Iraqi navy and Kuwaiti coast guard in the Persian Gulf, July 25.

This and other exercises conducted since 2008 are the legacy of the Khawr Abd Allah Protocol, an agreement signed between Kuwait and Iraq to ensure the security of territorial waters in the Gulf.

U.S. Navy sailors with Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Navy in Umm Qasr have been hard at work training their Iraqi navy counterparts to be seaworthy.

Until recently, the Iraqi training had been planned and coordinated by ITAM-N. This exercise was the first entirely orchestrated by Iraqi and Kuwaiti forces, while the U.S. Navy were merely observers, said Lt. Cmdr. Aaron Hoff, U.S. liaison to the Kuwaiti coast guard, who watched with ITAM-N operations officers from aboard the deck of an Iraqi patrol boat.

“We’re here for moral support or in case they have any questions,” said Hoff.

Hoff said exercises like this are the fruit of an effort by ITAM-N to prepare Iraqi sailors and promote cooperation across the sea and land with Kuwait. The exercise outlines a common problem with illegal fishing that faces Iraq and Kuwait, he added.

The exercise started with an officer exchange and planning meeting aboard the Iraqi patrol boat, called a swift boat. Defenders, small watercraft that accompany patrols, acted the part of the illegally fishing vessels to be apprehended by the Kuwaiti coast guard.

After the first arrest and subsequent surrender of the “fisherman” to the Iraqi navy, the two forces reversed roles. The Defenders surrounded a Kuwaiti vessel acting out the illicit fishing operation and delivered the culprits to the awaiting custody of the Kuwaiti coast guard.

Each year, the Iraqi and Kuwaiti forces plan to do more cooperative practice runs, including border meetings of officials from both nations, said Hoff.

“It’s the culmination of years of effort to encourage the Iraqi navy and Kuwaiti coast guard to improve their operability,” said Hoff. “It’s a victory.”

DVIDS
Story by Pvt. Andrew Slovensky

Sgt. James Quatro -left-, a military policeman assigned to 105th Military Police Company, guides Cpl. Patrick West during a demonstration of proper stance for firing an AK-47 rifle during training at the Provincial Directorate of Police Headquarters in Mosul, Iraq, June 29, 2011.

Sgt. James Quatro enlisted in the 105th Military Police Company, New York Army National Guard, to be a part of something greater than himself.

Answering the call of duty, the military policeman recently deployed to Iraq, attached to Task Force Shield, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in support of Operation New Dawn.

His mission involves advising and training Iraqi Security Forces in U.S. Division – North, helping to make the ISF a sustainable force for their country.

“Since I was little, I always wanted to be a soldier,” said Quatro, a native of Rochester, N.Y. “My grandfather served in Korea, and I wanted to honor him.”

Quatro trains his Iraqi counterparts on tactics to increase their overall proficiency as policemen, including counter-improvised explosive device procedures and rifle fundamentals.

“Weapons have always been my strong point, and I enjoy teaching,” said Quatro, who said he is knowledgeable on a wide variety of weapon systems.

Sgt. James Quatro -right-, a military policeman assigned to 105th Military Police Company, Task Force Shield, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, instructs Iraqi Police assigned to the 2nd and 4th Emergency Response Battalions, how to stand properly when firing their AK-47 rifles. Quatro, a native of Rochester, N.Y., also trained the policemen on how to assemble and disassemble the weapon, and basic rifle marksmanship. Photo by Spc. Angel Turner

Since arriving in Iraq, Quatro conducted two iterations of AK-47 training to help Iraqi emergency response battalions become proficient on their rifles.

“We build our relationship with ISF through this training,” said 1st Lt. Joshua Bode, a platoon leader assigned to 105th MP Company.

Serving as a team leader, Quatro is the primary instructor in his squad and is an asset to the squad and company, Bode added.

“Sgt. Quatro is an outstanding soldier and a well-disciplined [non-commissioned officer],” said Bode, a native of Buffalo, N.Y. “It’s great to be able to watch how well [Iraqi policemen] respond to his training, and you can see how well they implement what he trains when they conduct their range.”

DVIDS

Pamela L. Davis, an environmental manager with the environmental section, United States Forces-Iraq engineers, and Capt. William N. Muthiora, deputy mayor, East Camp Liberty, 116th Garrison Command, United States Division-Center, point out areas of environmental concern and discuss the results from the day’s surveys at Camp Liberty, May 16. Environmental managers work closely with the different base mayors’ offices in order to track the progress of the different sites located in their areas of responsibility. Photo by Sgt. TJ Moller

The task of surveying and clearing sites which were used by more than 160,000 U.S. service members during the height of the Iraq conflict, falls on the shoulders of 12 United States Forces-Iraq environmental managers.

Environmental managers conduct surveys to identify environmental areas of concern and ensure the environment is properly maintained as U.S. forces turn more bases over to the government of Iraq, the U.S. Department of State and Office of Security Cooperation – Iraq.

Surveying sites and ensuring that the U.S. military’s presence has minimal impact on the environment is one of the main goals of the mission, said Pamela L. Davis, an environmental manager with the environmental section, USF-I engineers.

“These professionals bridge the gap between the USF-I environmental section and the divisions and bases,” said Lt. Col. Bryce J. Taggart, deputy chief for basing, facilities and environment, USF-I engineers. “Without their expertise and presence at the divisions or bases we could not do the environmental assessments that lead to the clean closure of bases.”

As troop presence decreases, environmental base closure surveys are being conducted to ensure the designated environmental compliance officer of each site – military and civilian – is complying with the environmental policies established by USF-I and are taking steps to prepare for the turnover.

There are many areas addressed during the surveys, said James A. Terrell, an environmental manager assigned to support United States Division-Center. Areas such as fuel points and hazardous waste accumulation points are looked at closely due to the possibility of spills.

Along with conducting surveys, environmental managers also offer guidance to the environmental compliance officers on regulated waste turn-in procedures. They work closely with the base mayors offices in order to track cleanup progress at bases located in their area of responsibility.

Each site must undergo a minimum of three surveys before it can be cleared for release, said Davis. Initial, preliminary and final surveys are required and additional preliminary surveys are done if needed.

If deficiencies are found during a site survey, the environmental compliance officer and environmental manager must come up with a corrective action plan, said Davis. This plan will include a brief description of the work that needs to be done, an estimated schedule for the start and completion, the resources required and the cost associated with the project.

Documenting the condition of the environment and ensuring that environmental policies are being followed during military operations is a large task.

“It’s the responsible thing to do,” said Taggart. “Returning the bases and property used by U.S. forces to the government of Iraq in a clean and usable condition is our goal.”

“We are trying to hand over clean, safe facilities that the Iraqis can use,” said Terrell. “The bases are in good shape and there should not be any problems closing them.”

DVIDS
Story by Sgt. TJ Moller

An Iraqi girl sings a song to Lt. Col. Gregg Athey of 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, before a ceremony to open the Babil Museum Sunday. The museum was renovated as part of a project implemented under the U.S.-Iraqi Strategic Framework Agreement to bolster tourism in the region. The project was supported by the Babil Provincial Reconstruction team, as well as the 3rd ACR. Photo by Staff Sgt. Garrett Ralston

The Babil Provincial Reconstruction Team, with support from 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, officially opened the doors of the historic Babylon Museum Sunday.

The restoration of this historic landmark is a reflection of the U.S. Government’s commitment to implementing the Strategic Framework Agreement between the U.S. and Iraq, and these efforts will assist Iraq in preserving its heritage.

“I have been so privileged to participate in events such as these,” said Dr. Rick Roberts, of the Babil PRT. “This is the most important one of all to me. The city of Babylon is a treasure not just for the people of Iraq, but for the whole world.”

The newly renovated museum sits among the old Babylon ruins, a nearby palace, and other outbuildings that date back to the 3rd century B.C. Projects such as these are intended to preserve Iraq’s rich history and tradition for future generations.

The U.S. supported project cost nearly $300,000 and features a replica of the famous Ishtar Gate, several beautiful outdoor color murals, and architecturally appropriate front and side gates. The inside of the museum has many exhibits that bring the past to life. Some of these include a portion of a brick wall with the Lion of Babylon emblazoned on it, many backlit pictures of historical Babylon, and a model of the old layout of the city.

The efforts in Babil are intended to bolster a new basis for tourism and opportunities for the outside world to see firsthand the wonders of Iraq, both past and present.

Members of the 3rd ACR have worked with the PRT consistently to ensure the successful completion of this and many other local projects over several months.

Completion of the museum will bring new potential for Iraq’s history to reach new audiences and provide a way for its own citizens to access their heritage.

“A rehabilitated and protected Babylon site will create sustainable tourism development for the people of Babil province and ultimately, the world,” said Bob Wong, Public Diplomacy Officer for the Babil PRT.

DVIDS
Story by Staff Sgt. Garrett Ralston

Soldiers of Battery A, Task Force 2-11, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, converse with Iraqi army soldiers while maintaining security during T-wall removal in the city of Samarra, Salah ad Din province, Iraq. Lt. Col. Andy Preston, commander, Task Force 2-11, and Lt. Col. Ghayath, director of the Samarra Joint Coordination Center, led the planning team that developed the Samarra security project, which includes the removing T-walls on the streets leading to the mosque, revitalizing markets on those streets, and installing new security equipment to maintain security for pilgrims, Samarra citizens and the mosque itself. The removal of the security barriers signified vast improvements in security for a once embattled city. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Pete Cox

Two days before the fifth anniversary of the bombing of Al Askari “Golden” Mosque, the security barriers protecting one of the holiest Shia shrines in Iraq came down.

“This is a great day for Samarra, and a great day for all of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Andy Preston, commander, Task Force 2-11, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.

“I’m happy for the citizens of Samarra, who will finally see their city restored,” said Preston, who hails from Edmond, Okla.

Following the bombing of the Al Askari Mosque, Feb. 22, 2006, U.S. and Iraqi security forces implemented enhanced security measures to protect the mosque and the Shia pilgrims who visit each year.

U.S. forces, working with Iraqi security forces, blockaded large portions of the city with “T-walls,” tall expediently emplaced concrete barriers that have become a common site across Iraq.

After Iraqis rebuilt the mosque, the T-walls remained, blocking pilgrims from the once vibrant marketplaces which colored the streets leading to the holy site.

Iraqi security forces required visitors to be escorted through blockaded T-wall channels to and from the mosque, a process which drastically impaired the tourism-based economy of Samarra.

“We have been working so hard on this project for so long, it is hard to believe it is finally happening,” said Lt. Col. Ghayath, director of the Samarra Joint Coordination Center, a site designed to synchronize the security efforts of U.S. forces, Iraqi army, Iraqi police, federal police and the Sons of Iraq.

“The people of Samarra wanted this for a very long time, and the security forces made it possible,” said Ghayath, who serves as the primary liaison between U.S. forces and the Samarra Operations Center.

The Samarra Operations Center, the command that oversees all Iraqi security forces in Samarra and much of southern Salah ad Din, developed the plan to leave T-walls around the mosque in place until a new permanent protective structure is built, said Ghayath.

ISF will maintain the re-established security in Samarra using additional police, security cameras, X-ray machines and better control of the site, he said.

Although the combined planning team primarily focused on security for pilgrims, local citizens and the mosque, other issues played an important role.

“One of the biggest problems we faced in Samarra was the lack of available employment,” Preston said. “No matter where you are in the world, people with no money and no prospects are more likely to turn to crime and violence than those who have the ability to make a way for themselves legitimately. Re-opening these markets by taking down the T-walls will provide that legitimate opportunity.”
Preston and his task force are not the first to attempt restoration of Samarra to its potential.

Two battalion commanders who preceded Preston worked alongside the leadership of Samarra through partnered efforts aimed at repairing damaged sections of the city and providing small business grants to shopkeepers to help prepare their stores for the day when the T-walls would come down.

“I wish I could see the faces of [Lt. Col.] Sam Whitehurst and [Lt. Col.] Eric Timmerman when they hear the news,” Preston said of the commanders of the last two U.S. units in Samarra—both personal friends. “I know that they truly cared about the people of Samarra and that they would love to be able to celebrate with their old friends.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Berk Parsons, senior enlisted leader of Task Force 2-11, conveyed the significance of the T-wall removal as an indication of progress in Samarra in terms of security.

“The city of Samarra holds a significant place in the history of Iraq,” he said. “Unfortunately, what most know about the city’s role is its contemporary history, specifically concerning its connection to the sectarian violence.”

“The progress of the Samarra government and the Iraqi security forces set the conditions which allow the city to begin its return to its former prestige,” Parsons said. “The removal of the T-walls is a tangible symbol and a phenomenal progression towards the city’s restoration.”

DVIDS

Tech Sgt. Merry Hopkins, Intelligence Capacity Building Team non-commissioned officer in charge and advisor, reviews lessons learned from her last visit while advising female Iraqi intelligence analysts, Iraqi Intelligence Community, Baghdad, Iraq, Feb. 23. The 467th Expeditionary Intelligence Squadron joint expeditionary tasked airman started a program to advise female analysts to enhance Iraq's intelligence capability to keep the Iraqi population safe. Photo by Maj. Joseph Coslett

An airman set out as part of a joint team to advise the Iraqi intelligence community and started a female intelligence advisory program to increase their capability to share information to help keep Iraq secure.

Tech. Sgt. Merry Hopkins, Intelligence Capacity Building Team non-commissioned officer in charge and advisor, regularly goes outside the wire with Army Capt. David Salazar, ICBT officer in charge, and their interpreter to foster communication within the Directorate of General Intelligence and Security.

“We suggest ideas to them that might benefit them,” the joint expeditionary tasked airman said. “We don’t try and make them do it our way. Our goal is to help them do it their way better. We meet regularly with the other agency liaisons to see how we can better interact with each other to build the IIC to better support the Government of Iraq.”

According to Hopkins, a lot of the agencies don’t realize how they can work together. For example, the imagery and mapping directorate or IMD has a lot of maps and they are very quickly learning how to use technology to produce high-quality maps. A lot of other intelligence agencies had no idea what they were producing and how they could help them.

“We just help them communicate with one another and bring other agencies to IMD to show them what they do and how IMD can assist other agencies,” the Webberville, Mich., native explained. “All of the sudden requests start coming into IMD for different products.”

Now, when Hopkins first arrived, the farthest thing from her minds was helping shape one of the major intelligence directorates.

“A volunteer opportunity came up, they needed people in support of a unique mission and there wasn’t a lot in information given,” she emphasized. “I thought ‘what the heck, I’ll try it!’”

When she arrived with her new unit she was informed she would be a part of a liaison team working directly with Iraqis. She did not realize how she was going to help them right away.

“The biggest challenge with the mission was figuring out exactly…how…we were going to help the Iraqis,” said Hopkins, currently stationed with U.S. Central Command, Tampa, Fla. “Even though our leadership knew where they wanted us to be by the end of 2011, the way to get there was not as clearly defined. This was kind of uncharted territory.”

Her experience as an imagery analyst allowed her to start mapping the uncharted territory.

“She was uniquely able to give greatly needed guidance, mentorship, friendship and professional advice to her female counterparts in the imagery and mapping division at DGIS,” Cmdr. Helen Furbush, Intelligence Capacity Team officer in charge. “This wouldn’t have been possible for a male to do, and the female-to-female analyst program wouldn’t have developed if she didn’t have an imagery analysis background. She was the right person, in the right place, at the right time.”

Her attitude and experience was recognized when she was requested by section leadership.

“The director of IMD realized this and he asked if she could mentor the women,” Furbush said. “The female analysts are talented, but lack confidence in the Iraqi male-dominated workplace to step out with their ideas and insights. Hopkins made great strides in encouraging their progress and supporting their analytic capability.”

In the beginning, the females were very timid and they would hardly say hello. Then suddenly the breakthrough came in the form of regular conversations.

“I have noticed, over time, that they are quietly becoming the cornerstones of their sections,” said the 467th Intelligence Squadron imagery analyst. “They are always there and the section chiefs know that whatever jobs they give to them, they will get done quickly and well.”

Even though they are not always afforded the same training opportunities as men they manage to train themselves, she continued.

“She is very smart and knowledgeable in her imagery skills,” said an Iraqi analyst. “We would constantly test her and she was quick to respond. She was a happy and enjoyable person to be around.”

For the ICBT’s efforts, they were accepted as part of the family.

“The high point was interacting directly with the Iraqis and being accepted as a member of their family,” said the long time resident of. “They take very good care of our team and when they get a report of an attack against the base or the embassy, they are always happy to find out we are okay.”

She knows she is part of something special but it is hard for her to describe the experience.

“We have been privileged to have the opportunity to be in Iraq right now,” she said. “Now is the time to be a positive part of the history here. Just as many Iraqis believe in strong relationships in their everyday lives, we need to believe that we can help build a strong relationship between the U.S. and Iraq for the future.”

Salazar expressed his gratitude for Hopkins’ efforts and the lasting impression she is leaving in Iraq.

“I appreciate your hard work and dedication that you put into this tour,” he said. “I know it is difficult to be away from your family helping citizens of a country on the other side of the world. But they appreciate it and will remember you far after you have departed. You are a warm face that represented your military Service and your country with distinction and honor. I wish you the best in your career and future.”

DVIDS
Story by Maj. Joseph Coslett

First Lt. Matthew Dean from Richmond, Ohio, 1st Lt. Di’Anna Newton from Hallettsville, Texas, and 1st Lt. Theresa Ockrassa from Austin, Texas, explore the tomb of King Shulgi, the king of Ur who originally built the Ziggurat of Ur. The Ziggurat is one of Iraq’s many historical sites and is located just north of Camp Adder near Nasiriyah. All three soldiers are assigned to Company G, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. (Army photo/1st Lt. Theresa Ockrassa)

The soldiers of Maintenance Platoon, Company G, visit the historical Ziggurat of Ur. The Ziggurat is one of Iraq’s many historical sites and is located just north of Camp Adder near Nasiriyah. Company G is assigned to 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. (Army photo/1st Lt. Theresa Ockrassa)

The soldiers of Company G, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division took a break from their support operations to experience some of the culture and history of Iraq.

The Ziggurat of Ur stands proudly outside Camp Adder and is believed to be 4,000 years old. While originally a temple to the moon god, it has become a symbol of honor for Iraqi ingenuity and culture, as well as being the birth place of the prophet Abraham.

Over the course of three weeks, the entire Company ventured out to the Ziggurat and met with the local tour guide Dhiaf Mahsen, who willingly shared his knowledge of Iraq as well as the historical site. The trip started with a trek to the top of the Ziggurat where Dhiaf discussed the history of the people of Ur, the significance of the Ziggurat and the temple that used to stand on top of it.

“It was really cool to stand on top of the Ziggurat and see the whole area we have been working in for months. It gave me a new perspective,” said Pvt. Dante Tate, of St. Louis, Mo.

While learning about the historical city of Ur, as well as the structural specifications of the Ziggurat, Soldiers also learned a few interesting bits of trivia from Dhiaf. They learned that the city of Ur had the first written law under king Ur-namu and that it predated the Code of Hammurabi by almost 300 years. Dhiaf shared that the first wheel had been built in the area and that despite its lasting impact on human society and technology, it was originally designed as a child’s toy.

“The wealth of knowledge we got from our guide was amazing. This guy knows his history,” said Spc. Dorian Johnson of Stoudsburg, Pa.

After the view from the top of the Ziggurat, the Ghost Riders headed down into the ruins of the Ur-namu Shugli Palace near the base. Despite being over 4000 years old, the Ghost Riders were able to see the original foundations and got to walk into the excavated royal tombs.

Within the tombs, many of the ancient technology fascinated the Ghost Riders. The door hinges made of wood tied to a door in a stone base and the ancient written language of cuneiform were particular favorites.

“It was amazing to be around all the old artifacts and structures,” said Spc. Cody Bryan of Dayton, Ohio. “The most interesting part was the three original bricks still engraved with cuneiform.”

The Ziggurat stands by the remains of the biblical prophet Abraham’s birth home and many soldiers were excited to see this portion of religious history in person. The house had fallen to its foundations over time, but was rebuilt in 1999.

“Actually seeing Abraham’s house and knowing an actual prophet lived there was really awesome and a once in a lifetime experience,” said Spc. David Adkins of Harker Heights, Texas.

The time at the Ziggurat and the surrounding historical sites was beneficial for the Ghost Riders and helped them understand a portion of Iraq’s history in a way they had not understood before.

“It was interesting to see something from so long ago still standing and show the ingenuity and progress of mankind,” said Johnson. “The trip was enlightening.”

The soldiers returned from their adventures feeling inspired and more connected to the history of the country they have been working to support.

DVIDS
By 1st Lt. Theresa Ockrassa

A soldier from the 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., distributes equipment from the micro-grant program to a local Iraqi businessman who plans to expand his business. The micro-grants are expected to boost the local economy. Photo by Spc. Chastity Boykin

With the improvement of security, the business community is in a better position to grow. But in order to grow, some small businesses need some help.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, recently distributed micro-grants to 36 small business owners in Maysan province.

The micro-grant program is designed to stimulate the local economy by improving and expanding local businesses, said Maysan Provincial Reconstruction Team economic advisor, Donna Carter.

U.S. forces issue micro-grants in sums of up to $5,000 to Iraqi small business owners who are chosen after a deliberate application process. Approximately 30 days after the micro-grants are issued, U.S. troops will follow up to assess the business owners’ progress.

A micro-grant recipient and local car-repair shop owner said he plans on using the new equipment, a car jack, tools, and a generator, from the grant to improve his business and expand his shop.

According to Sgt. 1st Class William Riley, project manager for Maysan, with Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, assigned to 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt., business owners who wish to receive a grant must first provide a plan of action of how the grant will be used. Businesses are then screened according to how the grant will impact the individual business and the local economy.

“Many of these shops lack the essential equipment to efficiently conduct day-to-day operations. By providing tools to help make these shops viable economically, it provides an opportunity for them to grow and contribute to the overall economic health and stability of the province,” said Riley.

DVIDS
Story by Spc. Chastity Boykin

Pilgrims gather in Karbala, Iraq, at a previous commemoration of the Muslim holiday of Ashoura Jan. 19, 2008. The 10-day event commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the prophet Mohammad, near the city 1,300 years ago. As many as 4 million people participated in the December 2010 holiday, an event for which Iraqi Security Forces took the lead in the protection of participating pilgrims. Archived U.S. Army photo/Sgt. Nicole Dykstra

As Shiite pilgrims slowly filtered out of religious shrines in Karbala Dec. 17, the quiet passing of the Muslim religious holiday of Ashoura made a loud statement about the capabilities of Iraqi security forces in the area.

As many as 4 million pilgrims took part in the 2010 Ashoura, including 200,000 foreigners from 24 separate countries, according to Iraqi estimates. The security of Ashoura participants and the areas surrounding holy shrines in Karbala was the sole responsibility of Iraqi security forces, who assumed the security lead for the country as part of Operation New Dawn Sept. 1.

The Muslim holiday of Ashoura, translated “the tenth day,” commemorates the death of Imam Al-Hussein, the grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala in the seventh century. Ashoura is particularly significant to Shia Muslims, who make pilgrimages in order to congregate at holy shrines in Muslim holy cities like Karbala and Najaf. The influx of vast numbers of pilgrims into Iraq presents unique security challenges to the Iraqi security forces, specifically for the crowds of people who gather around the Imam Al-Hussein and Imam Al-Abbas shrines at Karbala.

In previous years the holiday has occasionally been marred by insurgent attempts to disrupt Ashoura gatherings and destabilize the country. In March 2004, two bombs in Baghdad and Karbala killed more than 170 people. Clashes between sectarian groups in January 2008 during Ashoura resulted in the deaths of 263 people in Karbala. No such violence could be seen on the streets of Karbala this year.

U.S. forces assumed a supporting role in the security for Ashoura, advising key ISF leaders and providing humanitarian assistance for participants during the commemorations.

“The 8th Iraqi Army executed a well-crafted plan to distribute food to pilgrims during Ashoura,” said U.S. Army Maj. Tad Gilbert, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment civil affairs officer. “Third ACR supported the ISF with additional food supplies to augment their distribution plan.”

While Ashoura was visibly marked by throngs of people honoring Muslim religious traditions in peace, the Iraqi military and police were busy behind the scenes responding to insurgent threats.

“Ashoura was a very successful operation,” said Lt. Gen. Othman Al Ghanimi, commander of the 8th Iraqi Army and charged as the lead in Karbala during the security operations surrounding the holiday. Eighty suspected insurgents were captured and numerous explosives were dismantled by members of Iraqi security forces in and around Karbala, said Othman.

The strength of Iraqi security forces has become paramount as Jan. 1 marks the last year of U.S. forces involvement under the existing security agreement in Iraq.

“The performance of Iraqi security forces, particularly during Ashoura, has been nothing less than impressive,” said Col. Reginald E. Allen, commander of 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, which has the responsibility of advising and assisting Iraqi military and police in Karbala and four other provinces across southern Iraq. “The ISF ability to secure such a large event with no attacks for the first time in seven years with little assistance from U.S. forces is clear evidence that the ISF is fully capable of securing the Iraqi people.”

As a significant Shiite Muslim religious holiday ended Dec. 18, it was not the tested crisis response of Iraqi security forces that marked its successful passing, but the lack of any crisis at all.

DVIDS
Story by Jason Billington

Spc. Meghann Simpkins decorates a tree for a company party this Christmas Eve on Camp Taji, Iraq. Simpkins is assigned to the headquarters company of the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Photo by Spc. Roland Hale

Over 2,000 troops deployed to Iraq with a Fort Riley, Kan., aviation brigade spent the Christmas holiday away from home this year.

Serving on 14 bases across Iraq, soldiers with the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, did their best in the weeks leading up to the holiday to turn the desert into a winter wonderland.

And they got pretty close on Christmas Day.

Wreaths, garland and tinsel replaced the usually austere scenery on Camp Taji, the unit’s headquarters. It was the first Christmas spent in Iraq for some soldiers, but for most it marked another holiday spent away from home.

Staff Sgt. Justin Puls, a native of Plantation, Fla., is one of the latter. Assigned to the Headquarters Support Company of the 601st Aviation Support Battalion, he is serving his second tour here.

He hopes this will be his last Christmas here, he said.

“This Christmas I’m thankful for the fact that Iraq has changed a lot,” said Puls. “Christmas is about giving, and we’re giving them their country back.”

“Operation New Dawn took effect in September and I look at that like an early Christmas present because it sets the tone for us leaving,” he said.

On a more personal note, Puls said that one of the things most important to him this Christmas is taking care of the younger troops.

“This is their first time away, their first Army experience, and it’s hard,” said Puls. “I know what it’s like, and anything I can do to make it better makes me happy.”

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of U.S. Division-South and the 1st Infantry Division, serves food on Camp Taji, Iraq, Christmas Day. In keeping with an Army tradition, Brooks and other senior leaders stepped behind the serving line to feed their troops during the holidays. Behind Brooks stands Col. Frank Muth, commander of the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Photo by Spc. Roland Hale

Pfc. Anthony Norah, a 21-year-old native of Dallas, Texas, is one of those soldiers. He hasn’t had a Christmas at home since he joined the Army two years ago.

“It’s almost like another day at work,” he said. “But there’s a lot of people that interact with us and keep up that holiday cheer, the holiday spirit.”

Norah is assigned to the brigade’s headquarters company, and spent his Christmas Day working as a radio operator in its tactical operations center.

“Nothing beats home, but it’s nice to make-do the best we can,” he said,

Norah and his friends got a chance to relax a little at a company party on Christmas Eve. Soldiers also enjoyed a traditional holiday meal of turkey, stuffing and other treats at their dining facility Christmas Day. On Camp Taji, the dining facility served over 5,000 people.

First-timers and veterans alike, some of the brigade’s personnel worked straight through the festivities.

Sgt. Jonathan Akhondi, a member of the 1st Infantry Division Band, sings a Christmas carol on Camp Taji, Iraq, this Christmas. Akhondi and other band members toured Iraq this Christmas to perform for soldiers of the 1st Inf. Div. On Camp Taji, the band performed for soldiers of the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Inf. Div. Photo by Spc. Roland HaleSmall RSS Icon

As the only aviation brigade in Iraq, the unit is pulling the weight of what used to be shared by four aviation brigades. Christmas Day for many of the brigade’s flight crews meant another day of flying. The brigade has flown over 100,000 hours, 200,000 passengers and 7 million pounds of cargo since this March.

Every hour, person and pound brings them closer to home though, as they are scheduled to return to Fort Riley this spring. It is likely the last Christmas the unit will spend in Iraq.

DVIDs
Story by Spc. Roland Hale

1st Lt. Janelle Jones, a quartermaster officer assigned to 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, places a present beneath the Christmas tree in the battalion headquarters at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, Dec. 15. Members of the battalion Family Readiness Groups sent holiday spirit in the form of fresh pine trees, decorations, ornaments and presents donated to soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn. To provide a touch of holiday spirit, battalion Family Readiness Groups mailed fresh pine trees, 6,235 miles from a tree nursery in Michigan to the Soldiers at FOB Warhorse deployed to U.S. Division-North in northern Iraq. Photo by Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch

A fresh, aromatic pine tree stands tall, its pine needles draped with garlands and Christmas ornaments, greeting soldiers entering the 225th Brigade Support Battalion Headquarters building at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq with holiday festivity and cheer.

A real Christmas tree, complete with holiday decorations, brought holiday cheer to soldiers of 225th BSB, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, deployed to the Diyala province of northern Iraq.

“The Christmas tree is a nice morale booster for soldiers,” said Staff Sgt. Carlo Principio, a generator mechanic assigned to Company B, 225th BSB, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div.

“It’s just amazing to see a real Christmas tree out here,” said Principio, a 24 year-old native of Jacksonville, Fla., serving his fourth deployment to Iraq, the third such during the holiday season. “It’s one of the last things you expect to see over in the desert; the pine smell of it alone reminds me of home.”

The battalion Family Readiness Groups mailed the fresh pine tree, 6,235 miles from a tree nursery in Michigan to the soldiers at FOB Warhorse deployed to U.S. Division-North in northern Iraq.

Tracey Murray, Family Readiness Group advisor and spouse to the deployed battalion commander, helped organize the effort to send Christmas trees to the troops of the brigade support battalion.

“One of our FRG leaders, Sherri De Silva, was here during the last deployment and remembered how they sent live Christmas trees to the troops downrange,” said Tracey, who works with the brigade’s FRG leaders in Hawaii. “We decided to do it again to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to our soldiers.”

To carry on the holiday tradition, the 225th BSB FRG’s contacted a tree nursery in McMillan, Mich., to begin the process of bringing the Christmas spirit to the troops.

The journey to bring the tree, and ten of its brothers to the desert was no simple feat, Tracey said, due to the fact the current deployment scattered the battalion across two provinces in Iraq, an area roughly the size of Pennsylvania.

“The coordination was a little trickier for this deployment,” she explained. “The brigade is responsible for a much larger area, and the BSB soldiers are literally everywhere.

“After we coordinated with Rear Detachment and our deployed soldiers, each of our FRG companies in Hawaii ‘adopted’ a FOB and sent a tree to the battalion point of contact there, regardless if it was ‘their’ soldier,” Tracey said.

Each company FRG leader also sent individual boxes of lights and decorations to their deployed company commanders and adopted bases, providing the trees Christmas flair for the holidays.

“While it is hard for our families to be without their soldier during the holidays, we know it must be even harder for the soldiers downrange,” Tracey said. “We hope this brings a little bit of Christmas cheer to every one of our soldiers.”

Lt. Col. Scott Murray, battalion commander, 225th BSB, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div., received the trees arriving at FOB Warhorse.

Murray, whose wife heads the battalion FRG, said he is touched to see the amazing effort of the families and friends of the battalion taking care of the soldiers during the holidays.

“It’s my view every soldier who is away from home always thinks about home,” Murray said. “Anything you can do that would remind them of that and what it feels like during Christmas is important because it lets them know people back home are thinking about them.”

Murray said seeing holiday decorations arriving from home is also a great morale booster for the troops, because it changes the mood and atmosphere around the workplace.

“A few days ago, I noticed one of my company commanders carrying a large duffel bag,” he said. “The flap was open and you could just make out the Christmas tree decorations inside. He was going to the flight line here on Warhorse and flying out to visit multiple remote sites. It’s great to see the soldiers’ spirits lifted in such a way by our families back home.”

Although far from home, soldiers of the 225th BSB received care and love from friends and family, little reminders provided by the unit’s FRGs. These little reminders served to bring a taste of home to the deployed soldiers during the holiday season.

DVIDS
Story by Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch

Staff Sgt. Joshua Horst, 29, of Port Richey, Fla., lowers his head in prayer during a holiday party put on by his unit on Camp Taji, Iraq, Dec. 19. Horst, an Apache attack helicopter mechanic, is spending his third Christmas in Iraq. Photo by Spc. Roland Hale

An aviation brigade from Fort Riley, Kan., hosted a holiday party in Iraq, Dec. 19, giving deployed service members a chance to celebrate the season despite being away from home.

The party, held on Camp Taji by the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, included live music, food and sporting events. Service members from several Army and Air Force units on the camp attended the party.

“Being away from home, especially during the holiday season, we thought it was important to spend some positive, fun time with those of us we have here,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Thomson, the brigade’s senior enlisted soldier, to the troops gathered for the party.

Breaking only for a prayer and a performance of “Silent Night” by one of the unit’s officers, attendees competed in events ranging from volleyball to a horse shoe toss.

Some of the troops are serving their first deployments, but for many attendees the party marked yet another holiday spent in Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Horst, 29, of Port Richey, Fla., is on his third deployment here. It doesn’t get any easier, he said.

“You have to deal with missing the special moments,” said Horst.

Horst, who works in the brigade as an Apache helicopter mechanic, said he will especially miss his newborn nephew. But he will spend this Christmas with his soldiers, he said.

“The relationships we develop are a big thing,” said Horst. “We come together to support each other and have fun.”

This year is the first Christmas away from home for 23-year-old Spc. Michael Randazzo. The helicopter repairer usually spends the holidays with his loved ones in New Jersey. While he does not envy his relatives who are braving New Jersey traffic, Randazzo said he misses everything else.

“Christmas is everything to us, almost like a reunion every year,” he said. “Everything is home made. You really can’t beat it. It’s nice to celebrate like this, but it’ll never be the same.”

Randazzo, Horst, and the rest of the unit’s troops will get a chance to make up for their time away from home soon, when their unit returns to Fort Riley this spring. The unit is serving a 12-month tour in support of Operation New Dawn.

DVIDS
Story by Spc. Roland Hale

Sgt. Brian Curd, of Woodstock, Ill., and Spc. Nicholas Boxley, of Norfolk, Va., both combat engineers, Company E, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., prepare the RQ-16A Tarantula Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle. Although the T-Hawk requires a great deal of maintenance, the capabilities it provides are well worth the time spent. Photo by 2nd Lt. Matthew Fumagalli

Thanks to improving technology, the soldiers of 1st Platoon, Company E, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, have made improvements in route clearance in Basra.

The soldiers in 1st Platoon are taking advantage of relatively new technology, such as the RQ-16A Tarantula Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle.

The T-Hawk has the ability to launch remotely from the back of a truck, with soldiers only having to dismount from their vehicle for a few minutes. The T-Hawk gives the platoon the ability to observe surrounding areas and parallel routes, and provides a bird’s-eye-view of the convoy while it’s on the move.

“The T-Hawk is very easy to fly and is extremely stable in the air,” said Spc. Nicholas Boxley, combat engineer and T-Hawk pilot from Norfolk, Va.

Unlike some other models of UAVs, the T-Hawk can take off and land vertically, which makes it useful in areas with obstructions like buildings or mountains where other UAVs cannot operate. The ability to land vertically also allows the operators to land the T-Hawk within 15 feet of their location, limiting their exposure while on patrol.

When using the T-Hawk, the platoon is able to see a greater distance in any direction than before. This is a tremendous capability in the marshlands of Basra province.

During the rainy months of winter, many areas will become impassible to military vehicles. The T-Hawk’s ability to fly in nearly any weather will help ensure these areas remain free from insurgent activity.

Although the T-Hawk is relatively new, the engineers of Company E have learned how to put it to good use during their patrols. The T-Hawk allows them to sit far enough away that they can observe the area without being seen.

The buzzing in the sky also serves as a reminder that Company E is always watching.

DVIDS
By 2nd Lt. Matthew Fumagalli