Multi-National Division – Baghdad “First Team.....Team First” Monday, March 16, 2009

‘Hugs from Home’ brightens Dagger daysBy Spc. Dustin Roberts2nd HBCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div.

BAGHDAD — Thanks to a project back home in the states, Multi-National Di-vision-Baghdad Soldiers recently accepted a huge show of support and appreciation in the form of thousands of care packages.

A group of volunteers in Washington state, taking part in the “Hugs from Home” project, sent 7,000 gift boxes to Soldiers serving with the 2nd Heavy “Dagger” Bri-gade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, MND-B, which the troops received March 12 at Camp Liberty.

“This is an example of people taking time out of their schedule. You are talking about 7,000 boxes that people took time to pack and made sure every Dagger Soldier got a box,” said Greenville, S.C. native Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Battle, senior enlisted leader, 2nd HBCT. “When you look at things like that, you know there are people who are absolutely all about sup-porting our Soldiers.”

The Washington state participants in the project included ministers, university stu-dents and other regular everyday citizens, who took the time to label the boxes and fill them with candy, snacks, books, children’s drawings and support letters.

“This was great because we are about half-way through our deployment and I feel that this boosts Soldiers’ morale,” said Pfc. Joseph Jacques III, a supply special-ist working with the logistics section of the brigade who hails from Beaufort, S.C. “Not all Soldiers get packages or mail, so I know these packages are well appreciated. The boxes didn’t just have candy or snacks, but also letters or notes that can really give a piece of home to each Soldier.”

He added that the idea of the project showed just how much the American people care for the men and women in uniform.

“For every Soldier to have a care pack-

age from a group of people is amazing to me,” he said. “Just the thought of 7,000 Soldiers knowing that they are supported means so much to me.”

Because the boxes were shipped from Washington to Fort Riley, Kan., which is the home station of the Dagger Brigade, the shipping was funded by a variety of groups in Kansas.

The groups included the Junction City, Kan. Police Department, the Veterans of Foreign wars (Department of Kansas and National Headquarters) and the Kansas American Legion. The packages were then shipped from Fort Riley to Camp Liberty,

Iraq.“I appreciate the support from them

and all of the American people; this shows that they are really looking after us, ‘said Jacques. “They dedicated time to us be-cause they feel we dedicate our time to them.”

Battle also showed much appreciation due to the fact that he represents every war-rior in the brigade.

“This truly made a difference in our Sol-diers’ lives here,” he said. “You couldn’t ask for anything better to boost the morale.”

San Diego native Pfc. Jamie Mannion (right), 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team ‘Dagger,’ 1st Infantry Division, films Dagger Soldiers, to include Dear-born, Mich. native Col. Joseph Martin, commander, 2nd HBCT and Com-mand Sgt. Maj. Donald Battle, a native of Greenville, N.C., senior enlisted leader, 2nd HBCT, saying “thank you” to a group in the state of Washington for supporting the Soldiers with care-packages at Camp Liberty March 12.

By Spc. Dustin Roberts, 2nd HBCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div.

See HUGS Pictures Pg. 3

PAGE 2 March 16, 2009

ADO sustains deployed Soldiers

Spc. Laura JohnsonMND-B PAO

BAGHDAD — In a combat zone, Sol-dier’s uniforms are subject to more than the normal wear and tear. Due to the nature of Soldier’s missions, uniforms may become torn, the soles of boots worn down and pro-tective eyewear can break. To help Soldiers replace unserviceable uniforms, the Army has implemented a web-based program within the last four years specifically for Soldiers deployed to combat zones.

“This program is like direct exchang-ing over the web,” said Sgt. Maj. Roderick Taylor, supply and service sergeant major for Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. “It’s to sustain Soldiers in theater.”

The Army Direct Ordering program is for Soldiers serving in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom to exchange worn and ineffective pieces of Organizational Cloth-ing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) at no cost to Soldiers, said Taylor. The program was directed by the Army Chief of Staff

and put into effect on March 1, 2005.The program covers over 45 items of

OCIE. The most common items ordered are Army Combat Uniforms, T-shirts, belts, unit patches, nametapes, goggles, helmet covers and boots. It will not cover the Indi-vidual Physical Fitness Uniform until April 15, 2009.

According to Taylor, the program is funded by the Global War on Terrorism fund, where each unit is allocated $55 multiplied by the number of Soldiers for the duration of their deployment, except for the first and last months. Funds for the program do not roll over to the following month and are not retroactive. At the begin-ning of each month, funds for the unit will be replenished.

“I don’t believe a Soldier should have to pay for uniforms out of their own pocket,” said Staff Sgt. Dawn Coleman, supply ser-geant for Company A, DSTB, 1st Cav. Div. “This program helps, because it keeps Sol-diers in the proper uniform.”

Although funds are for each individual Soldier, it is at the unit commander’s dis-

cretion on the amount of money spent per Soldier for that month.

“Because a pair of boots costs more than $55, the unit commander can allot more money to an individual Soldier that month,” said Taylor. “It balances itself out.”

“Each unit may do it differently, but I choose to take care of the lower enlisted first, and then senior enlisted and commis-sioned officers,” said Coleman.

However, funding is only available to units after complete enrollment in the ADO program. According to Taylor, there are two ways to enroll.

An individual Soldier can enroll themselves via Army Knowledge Online through the Kentucky Logistics Opera-tional Center website, or units can des-ignate a unit representative to enroll the unit as a whole. If enrolled as a unit, the unit representative or point of contact can order for Soldiers due to limited internet access, said Taylor.

Though Soldiers can enroll and order through the program individually, all orders must be approved by the unit commander or POC. This is to prevent frivolous and fraud-ulent spending of funds, added Taylor.

Once the order is placed, KYLOC ships it directly to the Soldier within three days. It is mailed to the unit’s Army Post Office mailing address, continues Taylor.

It’s like receiving a box from home, said Taylor.

Taylor added, Soldiers should know that ADO is for sustainment only. It was not designed for initial entry, shortages or cata-strophic losses. Though there is no limit within the allocated budget to the amount spent each month, units should spend only as necessary.

Through ADO, deployed Soldiers are able to remain within standard regardless of mission or rank. With over 1,000 units already enrolled, the list grows as more units and Soldiers learn about the program. For Soldiers who have questions concern-ing the ADO program they should contact their unit supply sergeant or unit represen-tative.

Staff Sgt. Dawn Coleman, supply sergeant for Company A, Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, opens a shipment for a Soldier from the Army Direct Ordering program at Camp Liberty, March 13.

By Spc. Laura Johnson MND-B

march 16 edition oN nEWSSTANDS NOW. STAY INFORMED.

PAGE 3 March 16, 2009

Volunteers send 7,000 gift boxes to ‘Dagger’ Brigade Soldiers

BAGHDAD — Soldiers serving with the 2nd Heavy Bri-gade Combat Team ‘Dagger,’ 1st Infantry Division, un-load care-packages at Camp Liberty March 12. Volun-teers in Washington state from the “Hugs from Home” project donated about 7,000 packages, which contained candy, snacks and support letters to the Soldiers.

BAGHDAD — Col. Joseph Martin (right), commander, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team ‘Dagger,” 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division — Baghdad, who hails from Dearborn, Mich., hands a care-package to Beau-fort, S.C. native Pfc. Joseph Jacques III, supply special-ist, 2nd HBCT at Camp Liberty March 12.

By Spc. Dustin Roberts, 2nd HBCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div. By Spc. Dustin Roberts, 2nd HBCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div.

Mahmudiyah judges, Iraqi Police meet to discuss rule of lawSpc. Jamie Vernon2nd BCT PAO, 1st Armd. Div.

BAGHDAD — Iraqi judges from Mahmudiyah met with lo-cal Iraqi Police to learn proper investigative techniques in or-der to protect human rights and adhere to the rule of law at the Mahmudiyah public library in Mahmudiyah March 12.

Brig. Gen. Abed, Iraqi Po-lice Mahmudiyah District com-mander, and Brig. Gen. Talib, Iraqi Police Battalion Deputy Commander brought 40-50 Iraqi Police to the conference with judges from the Mahmudi-yah court house. The meeting was the first between the two groups.

“This was a historic event for Mahmudiyah, and a true sign of progress that the IP and [Iraqi judges] were talking to each other. Investigative train

Mahmudiyah Iraqi Police take notes while listening to Iraqi judges from their district during a training meeting held to teach the IP investigative techniques and the crimi-nal justice process in Mahmudiyah, March 12. The meeting was the first between the two groups.

Courtesy Photo, Capt. Jamie Rodriguez, 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div.

See LAW Pg. 4

HUGS, From Pg 1

PAGE 4 March 16, 2009

ing for the IPs has been con-ducted successfully in other provinces, but this is the first time that it has happened in Mahmudiyah and it shows what can happen when there are good security conditions in the Qada,” said Capt. Jamie Ro-driguez, of Tampa, Fla., Judge Advocate General attorney, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Ar-mored Division, Multi-National Division — Baghdad.

Another goal of the confer-ence was to start a dialogue be-tween the local Judges and the IPs in the Mahmudiyah area, with the desired effect of hav-ing more arrests and convic-tions based on good forensics and police investigation. The Iraqi Police currently has many

new recruits who may not un-derstand proper evidence col-lection techniques, and don’t communicate with the judges.

“It (the conference) was im-portant because it gets the po-lice talking to the judges and asking them questions to get their legal opinions,” said Pitts-burgh, Pa. native Lt. Col. Mat-thew McKenna, deputy com-manding officer, 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div. “It becomes even more important for the future of Iraq once the Iraqi Army starts to leave the urban areas and the police start taking over (pro-viding protection to the Iraqi people).”

During the conference, the judges and the IP leadership discussed crime scene inves-tigation and at the end of the meeting, several investigators

had the chance to ask the judg-es questions regarding specific fact scenarios. The judges ex-plained their reasoning for re-quiring certain evidence, mostly because of the strict process for both warrants and convictions under Iraqi law.

The IPs and Iraqi judges, working much more closely together, is a step in the right direction when it comes to making improvements in the investigation process, accord-ing to Rodriguez.

“The IP were able to see the judges and became aware that the judges are approachable and should be more involved in the police investigative process, whereas before the judges were removed from the process, lead-ing to poor police reports and insufficient evidence to convict

criminals,” said Rodriguez.The security situation in

Mahmudiyah has improved a great deal over the past year and allows Iraqis to have meet-ings such as this that were un-thinkable a year or two ago, ac-cording to Rodriguez.

The role of the IP is and will continue to be vital, as the Co-alition Forces leave Iraq and the Iraqi Army withdraw from the cities. MND-B Soldiers are providing the IP the tools to succeed in this mission as they take over local security.

“Today was the beginning of the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Judges working together and we hope for more events like this one in Mahmudiyah in the future,” said Brig. Gen. Abed, the Mahmudiyah District Com-mander.

LAW, From Pg 3Another goal was to start a dialogue between the local Judges and the IP

By Spc. Phillip TurnerMND-B PAO

BAGHDAD — The top U.S. and Iraqi commanders charged with security for the greater Baghdad area, along with their respective brigade command-ers, met March 12 during a Commander’s Conference to discuss the road ahead under the new Security Agreement.

Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger, Multi National Division — Baghdad commander, and Gen. Abbud Qanbar al-Maliki, the Baghdad Operations Center commander, assembled at the Baghdad Operation Center to draw out a common operat-ing picture for maintaining the security and stability of Iraq through combined Iraqi and U.S. operations.

The conference was another chance for the two generals to educate themselves on their op-erative roles under the princi-pals of the Security Agreement between Iraq and the United States. Bolger alluded to the

duty and bonds that Iraqi and American Soldiers have shared through “blood, sweat, and a determination to protect Iraq.”

This was the first opportu-nity that the senior command and staff officers of both U.S. and Iraqi forces had to meet as a group since Bolger and the 1st Cavalry Division assumed control of MND-B almost a month ago. One motivat-ing factor centered on a better comprehension of the roles and responsibilities for both Iraqi and American forces under the articles of the agreement.

The Security Agreement discussion outlined points of interest for both sides such as, locating and disposal of impro-vised explosive devices, opera-tions against al-Qaeda in Iraq and criminal gangs. Other high-lights of the conference includ-ed detainee operations, proper ways of obtaining evidence, and judicial processes.

“This Security Agreement tells us how to work together in

a sovereign Iraq,” said Bolger. “We must be vigilant, and we must maintain our strong part-nership built on trust. We must

continue to work together to make sure that this agreement helps us to secure Iraq and its citizens.”

Iraq Army Commander, Gen Abbud Qanbar al-Maliki, visits with his senior commanders following the Com-manders Conference held at the Baghdad Operations Center March 12.

By Spc. Phillip Adam Turner, MND-B PAO

IA, MND-B commanders discuss way forward

PAGE 5 March 16, 2009

David Letterman’s Top Ten Signs You Watching Too Television

10. Named your kids C-SPAN, C-SPAN 2 and The Weather Channel.9. You skipped your wedding for a “Yes, Dear” marathon.8. In difficult situations, you ask yourself, “What would Chachi do?”7. Your hair can best be described as “Trumpy.”6. The only thing wider than your television is your gigantic butt.5. You forget your anniversary, but you remember Regis and Joy’s anniversary.4. Three words: Lou Dobbs tattoo.3. Can tell which “Cheers” rerun it is by the way Ted Danson says, “Cheers’ was filmed before a live studio audience.”2. Can’t hear the phrase, “Deal Or No Deal?” without becoming aroused.1. Heck, you’re even watching Letterman.

On This Day In Military History On this day, March 16, in 1969, a Soldier’s courageous actions on the battlefield in Vietnam earned him the Medal of Honor. Cpt. Paul William Bucha was commander of Company D, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, while serving in Vietnam. Capt. Buch and his company were dropped by helicopter southwest of Phuoc Vinh, which was believed to be a North Vietnamese stronghold. From March 16 through March 19, Cpt. Bucha and his men cleared enemy positions with light resistance, but then stumbled upon a full North Vietnamese Army Battalion. The lead element of the Americans came under heavy fire and were pinned down. Cpt. Bucha crawled towards the enemy and destroyed an NVA bunker. He returned to the company perimeter and ordered a withdrawal to a more defensible position. Throughout the night, Cpt. Bucha encouraged his men, distributed ammunition, and directed artillery and helicopter gunship fire. At one point, Cpt. Bucha stood exposed and used a flashlight to direct helicopters which were evacuating the wounded and bringing supplies. The next morning, as the NVA forces withdrew, he led a party to rescue those Soldiers who had been cut off from the rest of the company. Cpt. Bucha was presented the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon. Cpt. Bucha later taught at West Point and was a foreign policy adviser to President Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign.

Iraq 3-Day

Weather Report Today

69° F | 48° FTomorrow 69° F | 48° F

Wednesday73° F | 57° F

Bucha

PAGE 6 March 16, 2009

Multi-National Division - BaghdadPublic Affairs Office

Commanding General:Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger

Public Affairs Officer:Lt. Col. Philip Smith

Public Affairs Chief:Master Sgt. Nicholas Conner

Editor:Spc. Jon Soles

Staff Writers:Sgt. 1st Class Ron Burke

Sgt. 1st Class Joel QuebecStaff Sgt. Mark BurrellStaff Sgt. Jon CuppStaff Sgt. Peter Ford Sgt. Joshua Risner

Spc. Howard AlperinSpc. Laura Johnson

Spc. Phillip Adam Turner

The Daily Charge is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of The Daily Charge are not official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of the Army, or the 1st Cavalry Division. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army, the 1st Cavalry, or The Daily Charge of the products and services advertised.

All editorial content of The Daily Charge is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs Office.

Do you have a story to share?The Daily Charge welcomes columns, commentaries,

articles, letters and photos from readers. Submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs NCOIC

nicholas.conner@mnd-b.army.mil and include author’s name, rank, unit and contact information. The Daily Charge reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the paper.

For further information on deadlines, questions, comments or a request to be on our distribution list, email the Editor at jon.soles@mnd-b.army.mil

Pvt. Murphy by Mark Baker

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“Where there is a will, there is a way is an old true saying. He who resolves upon doing a thing, by that very resolution often scales the barriers to it, and secures its achievement. To think we are able, is almost to be so — to determine upon attainment is frequently attainment itself.”

— Samuel Smiles 1812-1904Scottish Author

Quote For Today

Trigger’s TeasersThe objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. There are three very simple constraints to follow: Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

Every Sudoku game begins with a number of squares already filled in, and the difficulty of each game is largely a function of how many squares are filled in. The more squares that are known, the easier it is to figure out which numbers go in the open squares. As you fill in squares correctly, options for the remaining squares are narrowed and it becomes easier to fill them in.

Yesterday’s Answers