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FRONTLINEServing the Fort Stewa rt and Hunter Army Airfield comm unities (w ww.stewart.army.mil) July 19, 2007

PRSRT STD U.S. Postag e Pa idPermit no. 43,

Hinesville, Ga . 31314

Vol. 41, Issue 27

Children take tothe greens atHunter golf camp,see C

THE

Marne Avalanche follows Torch

Special to the Frontline

BAGHDAD – Task Force Marnebegan a full-scale offensive July 16 insouthern Baghdad to drive out anti-Iraqi forces.

Marne Avalanche is an offensiveoperation aimed at stopping southernBaghdad from being used as a safehaven and preventing the movementof weapons, munitions and insurgentsinto Baghdad. The operation’s intent isto improve security conditions in

southern Baghdad and reduce theinfluence of insurgents in the area.

Marne Avalanche will build on thesuccesses of Task Force Marne’s offen-sive operation, Marne Torch, whichbegan June 1 and is ongoing.

To date, operation Marne Torch hasresulted in 1,152 structures being cleared, 83 insurgents killed, 278 insur-gents detained, 51 caches found, 51boats destroyed and 872 citizensentered in a biometric identificationsystem.

3rd Infantry begins

follow-on operation

Soldier center dedicated to 3rd Inf Div’s Audie Murphy Pfc. Amanda McBride4th Brigade Public Affairs

The most highly decorated Soldier inthe United States Army’s history, AudieMurphy, showed bravery and courage when it was needed the most.

The Soldier Service Center wasrenamed the 2nd Lt. Audie Murphy Soldier Service Center July 11 to recog-nize a man who went above andbeyond the call of duty.

“How appropriate it is that today we will dedicate the Soldier Service Centerto an American and 3rd Infantry

Division war hero and legend,” said Col.Todd Buchs, Fort Stewart - Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander.

Buch said as a noncommissined offi-cer and later as an officer, AudieMurphy demonstrated the highestqualities of leadership, personalcourage, professionalism and regard forthe welfare of his Soldiers.

See AUDIE Page 12A

QRF steps up for actionSpc. Ricardo Branch1st BCT Public Affairs

walls to their left within easy reach.As two robots clash on the screen



2A Frontline July 19, 2007 3rd Infantry Division

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch3rd Inf. Div. commanding general

Operation Marne Avalanche is underway here in Iraq. Marne Avalanche, like MarneTorch, is intended to eliminate the safehavens that extremists have built for them-selves.

It will take time. It will be tough. But it isnecessary.

The terrorists have continued a cam-paign of violence here over the years and

they are influenced by foreign funds and anideology that the Iraqi people reject.Most Iraqis, like you and I, want an

opportunity to raise a family according totheir cultural norms, in peace. I have seenand heard this firsthand.

If I relied on the television news alone Imight believe this concept that there is anongoing civil war here. I can tell you that inour area, a stretch of ground that reachesfrom Saudi Arabia to Iran, which is largerthan the state of West Virginia, nothing could be further from the truth.

The most important institution in Iraqi

culture is the tribe, the fami-ly, and is often mixed Sunniand Shia. So, we do see thatthere is peace among thesects, intermarriage, andmixed communities. Thereare combined Sunni and Shiasecurity forces that take theirresponsibilities very serious-ly and serve on behalf of thecommon good of this nation’speople.

The leaders, the sheiks andgovernment officials alike,are coming forward and afterseeing the commitment that we are mak-ing, courageously telling al Qaeda that they are no longer welcome. With their elimina-tion comes investment, new job opportu-nities, and fresh hope for the people of Iraq.

It is exciting to see.In many cases the Iraqi people are pro-

viding tips, intelligence that leads us to key insurgent leaders, their caches of weapons,

ammunition, and propaganda. In other

instances, the Iraqi peoplethemselves are picking uptheir own weapons andturning on the terrorists andcleaning their own neigh-borhoods.

There is some internalfighting. In some areas thereis an absence of law andthere are men that vie forinfluence by means of intim-idation. These are the very

few. In time, after the Iraqisecurity forces are fully manned, trained, and

equipped, the lawlessness will disappear.Of this I am certain.The surge of Coalition Forces to Iraq,

among them our ver y own Marne Division,has given the Coalition Forces and Iraqisecurity forces the strength to clear theenemy, hold terrain, and build on our suc-cesses.

It’s true, and Operation Marne Avalancheis the latest operation made possible by the

surge. This is a fight that will take time and

it will not be easy.The fact of the matter is that the Iraqi

government, and its security forces havenot had the time and space to build a fullcapability to sustain and protect itself. Yetthe Iraqi people are expressing their intentto have freedom, peace, and the rule of law.

Marne Avalanche will stop the flow of material that perpetuates violence inBaghdad. It will eliminate, either by killing or capturing, the terrorists that are under-mining the process of reconciliation and

reconstruction. It will hasten the day thatall American forces return home with theirnoble mission accomplished.

As with all our operations, I haveinstructed our commanders to conductMarne Avalanche with safety and security as the centerpi ece. We can not, however,be risk averse.

The terrorists overplayed their cards.They expected that their acts of intimida-tion would be tolerated by the masses here.They were wrong.

Rock of the Marne!

Marne 6 Sends

Marne Avalanche rolls into action

The

Sgt. Natalie Rostek3rd HBCT Public Affairs

Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky2nd BCT Public Affairs

COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY, Iraq – Sgt.Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston visitedTask Force Marne Soldiers in their variousareas of operation in Iraq July 16 and clearedup rumors that can sometimes affectmorale.

Soldiers from Fort Drum, N.Y., FortRichardson, Alaska, and Georgia-basedtroops from Hunter Army Airfield, FortsStewart and Benning, were all included inhis one-day tour of the area.

Among the units Preston visited were 1st

Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rdHeavy Brigade Combat Team at CombatOutpost Cleary and the 1st Battalion, 30thInfantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat

even longer extension.Preston then opened the floor for ques-

tions and provided the opportunity for clar-ification of any rumors spreading through-out the unit. One Soldier brought up the pay issue on extended tours, and Prestonexplained each Soldier will be paid an extra$1,000 for every month deployed past 12.

Preston also spoke on military schoolopportunities after the deployment. He alsoincorporated recruiting and retention intohis motivating lecture.

He said he attributes the Army leadershipto retention success. He attributes retentionsuccess to the experience and appreciationthe Soldiers receive during the Global Waron Terrorism.

“Soldiers are out there doing a real world

mission,” Preston said.“You don’t really see the effects until you

work on the ground. It’s the Soldiers here onthe ground, interacting with the people,

Patrol Base Murray into a stronghold,Preston said the Army is currently adjusting itself to build itself up intoa stronger fighting force.

Since 2004, starting with 3rd Inf.Div., the Army has been working tocreate more brigade combat teams.

In January 2004, Preston said,there were only 33 BCTs in the Army.Through shifting forces, retentionand recruitment, the Army is cur-rently fielding 40 BCTs of the desired48.

Forty-two should be ready by theend of next year, he added.

Until the BCTs are ready though,Preston said Soldiers will continue todeploy for 15 months.

However, Preston said the deploy-ment schedule will bring stability and predictability to the Army'soperation tempo.

SMA: Tours not to be extended beyond 15 months

Staff Sgt. Tony Lindback

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston spends time talking with Soldiers of Task Force Marne at Patrol Base Murray July 16. After meeting with Task Force Marne Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L.

Andrews Jr. at Camp Victory, they both flew to Patrol Base Copper, PB Murray, then Combat Outpost Cleary -- all newly occupied and built up by Task Force Marne Soldiers in support of

R k f h M J l 7



Rock of the Marne Frontline 3A July 19, 2007 The

Spc. Ricardo Branch1st BCT Public Affairs

R AMADI, Iraq – Patrolman J.D. Stanley wanted tosupport the troops serving in Iraq in some man-ner from his home.

The 26-year-old Danville, Pa., native was given theinspiration when his uncle, 1st Brigade Combat Team

Command Sergeant Major Clarence Stanley, deployed toRamadi, Iraq, earlier this year.

“The 1st Brigade Combat Team was chosen because of the Family ties ” J D Stanley said “Command Sergeant

“Being a police officer in Danville, I am aware of thestrong community spirit and dedication our small townhas to servicemembers,” J.D. Stanley said. “By getting thecommunity involved, I knew that our town would comethrough and be able to show the Soldiers that we are stillsupporting them.”

A month-long drive in May was expected to bring in 100pounds. Instead, the community collected 372 pounds

worth of supplies for the Soldiers.“The community spirit of Danville really showed

through on this,” J.D. Stanley said. “By the time we wereready to ship (the packages), our break room was full of

Stanley to Soldiers at Combat Outpost Aggressor. “Just like you all, they put their lives on the line and appreciate all we do. They sent nearly 400 pounds worth of goodies, so you all can know that people back home care and appre-ciate all your hard work over here.”

With some of the combat outposts in Ramadi located inthe most desolate regions of the city, the troops wereappreciative of the care packages sent by the people of

Danville.“It’s great to get a package,” said Spc. Sheridan Puckett,

an infantryman with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 69thArmor Regiment.

Community supports deployed Soldiers

Photos by Spc. Ricardo Branch

Soldiers from A Co., 3/69 Armor, go through items sent by the Danville, Pa. community at Combat Outpost Pathfinder in Ramadi, Iraq.

d fA F lTh



3rd Infantry Division4A Frontline July 19, 2007 The

Special to the Frontline

FORT RUCKER, Ala. - Off-duty drowning accidents haveclaimed the lives of more Soldiers to date this fiscal yearthan they did for all of fiscal 2006.

The Army has lost nine Soldiers this fiscal year to drown-ing accidents. While there are risk factors involved with water-related activities, such as consumption of alcohol,adverse weather, nonuse of a personal floatation device orunpredictable undertows, there are many proven preventive

methods to mitigate these risks, which individuals can takein order to protect themselves, their Family members andfriends.

The Orange County California Fire Authority reports thata swimming pool is 14 times more likely, than a motor vehi-

cle, to be a contributing factor in the death of a child agefour and under. Isolation fences around pools and thesupervision of children, whenever they’re near water,decreases the opportunity of drowning. Bathtubs and five-gallon buckets also pose drowning hazards, especially forchildren.

“Drowning is preventable,” said Stephen J. Miller, FireCaptain for the Orange County California Fire Authority. “It’scalled the silent killer, because when a child is underwaterscreaming for help, you will not hear them. Even adults

should never swim alone.”This month, while swimming at a lake with several otherSoldiers, a Soldier accidentally drowned. As the group pre-pared to leave, they were unable to locate the Soldier. Localauthorities later discovered his body floating in the water.

Alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the acci-dent.

Boating Under the Influence is illegal in every state andthe U.S. Coast Guard enforces a federal law that prohibitsBUI. The USCG also raises awareness of the risks involved with boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In May, a Soldier died in a watercraft accident when hiskayak, he and another Soldier were using, overturned. When they became caught in a strong current, the secondSoldier was able to swim to shore. The victim was not wearing a personal floatation device.

Using the buddy system, heeding beach warning flags,not overestimating swimming abilities and swimming inapproved areas, preferably with lifeguards, are someexamples of how individuals can reduce their risk of becoming a drowning fatality.

“You can’t walk away from a boating accident,” said Jeff

Hoedt, chief of U.S. Coast Guard office of boating safety.“Just taking a basic boating course can minimize the chancebecoming a fatality.”

Each year, the U.S. Coast Guard collects data on reportedrecreational boating accidents and the most recent reportshows that fatalities are down six percent from the previous year. Of those fatalities, 87 percent of the victims were not wearing a personal floatation device. Additionally, approxi-mately 70 percent of all reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruc-

tion.The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United StatesPower Squadrons offer free vessel safety checks for all recre-ational boaters and personal watercraft users. In addition toensuring that onboard safety equipment is functional, VSCsalso verify that boater’s safety equipment is in compliance with state and federal regulations.

“Vessel safety checks are voluntary and do not have law enforcement implications,” said Hoedt.

Safety checks may help to prevent accidents. For example,a Soldier was fishing on an inflatable pontoon boat anddrowned when the pontoons on the boat separated, sub-merging the Soldier. He was not wearing a PFD.

“Drowning only takes a few seconds to occur and can takeplace in as little as two inches of water,” said Miller. StephenMiller is also a member of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and Swim for Life Foundation and onthe Drowning Prevention Network of Orange County SAFEKids.

For more information on drowning prevention, onlineboater’s safety course, and the 101 Critical Days of Summersafety campaign visit https://crc.army.mil.

101 Critical Days of Summer

Running through August 5 - no service on federal holidays A ll riders mustbe registered

and have complet-ed hold harmlessagreements filed with Child YouthServices.

Parents may register their

children for this ser-vice any evening at

Running through August 31 - no service on federal holidays

Teen Summer Transportation Schedule

Reduce risk of becoming a drowning fatality

Rock of the Marne F tli 5AJuly 19 2007 The




Sgt. Natalie Rostek3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATINGBASE HAMMER, Iraq – After several rockets hit FOBHammer July 11, the 3rdHeavy Brigade CombatTeam maneuvered to findthe source of the attack.

Early July 12, the 3rdHBCT’s unmanned aerialvehicle, controlled by Sgt.Kenneth Hay, UAV missioncommander, located 46rocket launchers in thenorthern section of Besmaya Range Complex aimed at FOB Hammer.Thirty-four of the launchers were armed with Iranian107mm rockets.

The Besmaya RangeComplex is adjacent to thecoalition force base.

Soldiers of the 789thExplosive Ordnance

Disposal team, currently

attached to the 3rd HBCT,immediately responded to

the site. According to Capt. JustinGerken, commander of the789th EOD team, 12 of the46 rockets had already beenused to attack FOB Hammerthe day prior. EOD Soldiers were able to determine thatthe rockets originated fromIran after analyzing theunexploded ordnance.

The 789th EOD team wassuccessful in neutralizing 33 of the 34 remaining rock-ets.

In the disarming process,one rocket was launchedand hit the base.

“Today was a success inthat we disarmed 33 rock-ets,” Gerken said.

“This allows for evidencecollection to find out who isresponsible for the indirectfire attacks on FOB

Hammer.”

Rockets aimed atFOB neutralized

Staff Sgt. Carlos J. Lazo

(fourth from left) Marine Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Medal of Honor recipient Barney Bardum, and Command Sgt. Maj.William J. Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stand with 42 Task Force Marne Soldiers during a re-enlistment ceremony at Camp Victory July 17.

Staff Sgt. Sean Riley3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER,Iraq — Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy BrigadeCombat Team’s 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, conducted a humanitarian mission

to bring medical care and assistance to Iraqicitizens in need in the city of Hollandia July 16.

Soldiers unloaded a truckload of medicalsupplies for the mission. The troopers, along with Iraqi security forces, patrolled city streets, set up five triage stations, and estab-lished dental, x-ray and pharmacy stations.

Army medics and civil affairs medical person-nel, Iraqi pharmacy technicians and threeIraqi doctors worked alongside Army doctorsfrom the 3rd HBCT to screen and treat injuriesand ailments of more than 180 Hollandia citi-zens.

“This is a good example of the local govern-

ment and American Soldiers working togetherto provide medical aid to the populace,” saidMaj. Dan Laseria, a civil affairs company com-mander.

“This provided a learning and sharing envi-ronment for medical professionals, whetherIraqi or American.”

3/1 Cavalry provides Iraqi citizens medical care

Soldiers stay Army Strong

6A Frontline July 19 2007 The 3rd Infantry Division



6A Frontline July 19, 2007 3rd Infantry Division

Fort Stewart /Hunter Army Airfield Briefs

The Army wants your suggestionsThe world keeps moving. Ideas help us stay ahead. Send

your ideas to https://ARMYSUGGESTIONS.ARMY.MIL. Formore information, contact Joyce Bailey at BaileyJM2@stew-

art.army.mil or 767-6300.

Go ‘Hog-Wild’ about booksFort Stewart - Hunter Army Airfield encourages community

members to join in the fun with the annual summer reading program at the installation branch libraries. The program isopen to all active duty, retired military and civil serviceemployees. All ages are welcome. A grand finale will end theprogram. The program runs now through mid-August. Formore information, call 767-2260 at Stewart or 315-2403 atHunter.

Kellogg’s Youth Challenge: Earn Your StripesFort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Youth are currently in first

place among all military installations worldwide in theKellogg’s Earn Your Stripes Challenge! The promotion runsthrough Sept. 5. If we win, the installation will receive $20,000for youth sports! Completed activity cards will be entered for adrawing to win an IPOD shuffle. Individual prizes are stillbeing given to those who turn in completed cards to MWR staff members. For more information, call 767-5113 or 767-5126.

Intramural Flag Football League sign-upRegistration for the intramural flag football league is open,

7:30 am. to 4 p.m., at the sports office until Aug. 1. The event isopen to active duty military, Family members who are 18 yearsand older, retired military and Department of the Army civil-ians. Games begin Aug. 6. For more information, call MichaelHughes at 315-4160 at Hunter or Randy Walker at Fort Stewartat 767-8238.

StewartInstallation BOSS meeting slated

Attention all brigade and battalion BOSS reps. A BOSSmeeting will be held 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., July 25 pat Rocky’s.

Send a Soldier a magazineStewart-Hunter is conducting a magazine drive for deployed

Soldiers. Drop-off boxes are at several locations including Army Community Services, the Family Readiness Center, the

Main PX, Southern Oaks Community Center and the GMHHousing Office. Request that the magazines be appropriate innature. All donations will be screened. For more information,call 767-0505.

Review the Army’s OCS opportunitiesThe next Department of the Army Officer Candidate School

selection board is Sept. 17-21. The local OCS board will be Aug.14 in bldg 253, room 1050. The deadline for packet submissionto the Mower Personnel Processing Center, bldg 208, is Aug. 7.For more information, call 767-8894.

Indoor skating and laser tag at CorkanMWR will soon provide year-round indoor skating and laser

tag in Corkan Gym for youth. As a result, the youth programshoused in Corkan Gym transitioned to Jordan Youth Gym.

Youth basketball league offeredChild and Youth Services is now hosting a free summer bas-

ketball league for middle school and high school youththrough July 31. For more information, call 767-4493.

Shop of the Marne closes for JulyShop of the Marne is closed for the month of July. It will

reopen in August with normal business hours, 10 a.m. to 1p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the first Saturday of themonth.

Register to ‘Walk to Iraq and Back’The Walk to Iraq and Back continues. Teams submit walked

miles monthly toward the new goal of 50,000 miles.Registration and forms are available at the Family ReadinessCenter. For more information, contact Amy Lambert at 320-5400.

Come to Teen Night at Rocky’s

Rocky’s will be closed to Soldiers and open to teenage Family members with military IDs from 5 to 11 p.m. every Thursday night through July 26. Teens, ages 13-18, can have fun in a pos-itive environment. For more information, call 368-2212.

Get Web site tech certifiedGet your Web site technician certificate in only seven

courses; Child Care Manager Certificate in only five cours-es; or Medical Transcription Certificate in only eightcourses. For more information call 408-2430; for financialaid information call 408-302; for child care information,call 408-3024.

Foreign Born Spouse Support Group Are you a Foreign born Spouse and interested in net-

working with other spouses from your cultural back-

ground? Meet other foreign born spouses who are familiar with the area and with Army life and have the opportunity to network and participate in activities such as games andcoffee club. Contact ACS at 767-5058/5059 for dates andtimes and to sign up.

Help turn cell phones into quality timeThe nonprofit group "Cell Phones for Soldiers" is col-

lecting used cell phones to buy phone cards for ourdeployed troops! Cell Phones for Soldiers helps use fundsfrom recycled phones to purchase more than 12-millionminutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed

overseas. If you have old cell phones that you would liketo donate you can do so at selected AT&T stores. For moreinformation, call 767-5113.

PWOC hold bridal workshopThe Protestant Women of the Chapel invite all women

to the fall kick-off program entitled “Prepare for theBridegroom.” Join us at the “Bridal Shop” where you’ll findeverything to prepare for your wedding. The event is 9:30a.m. to noon, Aug. 15 at Marne Chapel. Free child care forchildren up to 6 years who are registered at CYS. For moreinformation call Misty Raybon at 271-2557.

StewartBack pack raffle

Enter to win a new back pack full of school supplies so you’re ready for your first day back; July 23 - July 31 atSouthern Oaks and Liberty Woods Community Centers.

Hunter

Join the HuddlesShare ideas, issues or concerns with GMH 10:30 a.m., July

27 at New Gannam.

Join the shoot outShow your skills on the court from the free throw line and

the three - point line at 2:30 p.m., July 27 at New Savannah/Callaway Community Center.




Rock of the Marne Frontline 7A J y ,

Spc. Chris McCann2nd BCT, 10th Mountain Division

PATROL BASE BATAAN, Iraq – One of the many benefits of Gen. DavidPetraeus’ “hugging” strategy – living close to the Iraqi people – is that U.S. and

Iraqi troops can help care for the civiliansin their areas.

B Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rdInfantry Division and the 478th Civil Affairs Company aided Soldiers of 4thBattalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2ndBrigade Combat Team, 10th MountainDivision (Light Infantry) as they providedmedical treatment to more than 90 resi-dents of a small village outside PatrolBase Bataan, Iraq, July 11.

The combined medical engagementbrought many residents suffering fromailments ranging from gastrointestinal torespiratory problems.

About a third of the patients were mil-itary-aged males, said Capt. ChrisSanchez, the battalion’s civil-military

operations officer.The reason many residents reported

upset stomachs was probably related tothe water, medics said. The village is in avery rural area, where most peopledepend on irrigation canals for their water.

Sanchez said he hopes to be able tobring portable water filters into the vil-lage until water treatment facilities canbe repaired.

About half of the patients were chil-

dren, as parents brought them in to beseen for fevers, colds and other maladies.

Although many people have chronicillnesses that can’t be treated by the trav-eling clinics – which medics find frustrat-ing – they were able to significantly helpone elderly Iraqi man.

“We gave him a wheelchair,” saidSanchez. “Previously, he had to be car-ried almost everywhere. I think we madehis day with that.”

At the end of the operation Sanchezsaid the engagement was a success.

“Overall, it was a good day for theIraqis in need of basic medical care,”Sanchez said. “It was a smaller area, withno real access to health care. This com-bined medical engagement made a big impact.”

2nd Lt. James Bertolino

Young Iraqi children receive candy and toys from a 2/69 Armor Soldier at a combined medical operation July 11.

BSTB honors fallen heroSpc. Ben Hutto3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAM-MER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s Brigade SpecialTroops Battalion honored one of their fall-en Soldiers in a memorial service held July 15 at Forward Operating Base Hammer.

Sgt. Courtney T. Johnson was killed July 11 when a rocket exploded near him as he was warning his fellow Soldiers during arocket attack at FOB Hammer.

Johnson, 25, of Raleigh, N.C., wasassigned to BSTB in September 2006, aspart of the 3rd Heavy Brigade CombatTeam.

During his current deployment in sup-port of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Johnsonserved as a generator mechanic forHeadquarters Company, BSTB.

“(Johnson) was an exceptional person,”said Pfc. Joseph Black, a mechanic in

BSTB.“He was everyone’s big brother,” Black

continued.“He will always be missed.”Johnson had previously been deployed

to Iraq, where he served honorably, withthe United States Marine Corps inOperation Iraqi Freedom I.

“Sgt. Johnson was the type of Soldier who would go out of his way to take careof his friends needs before his own,” saidCapt. Thanh V. Le, the commander of Headquarters Company.

Lt. Col. Todd R. Ratliff, the commanderof BSTB, said that Johnson would serve asa shining example of the Army Values forfuture Soldiers of the BSTB.

Johnson is survived by his son, Camyze,his mother, Asondra Johnson, his sister,Rikkia Jordan and his brother, Trevor.

Spc. Ben Hutto

Soldiers from the 3rd HBCT their final respects to Sgt. Courtney T. Johnson during a memorial ceremony at FOB Hammer July 15.

Armor, Infantry join forces to treat patients

8A Frontline July 19, 2007 The 3rd Infantry Division



“It’s something new everyday,” said Pfc. Alberto Paldron, a driver with the QRF. “We’rea mix of different military occupation special-ties who act as the first responders for any sit-uation around Camp Ramadi.”

Paldron said he’s making the best of theopportunity on the QRF to remain tactically

proficient.“There are some 11 Bravos (Infantrymen)

who have tasks where they don’t leave camp,”he said. “Those on the QRF leave the wire andhave had to deal with car bombs, and gunfire -so, we’ve been kept combat ready.”

Their missions vary from day-to-day. OnJuly 11 the Soldiers escorted the uparmored“Rhino” bus around the city of Ramadi.

The convoy uses sirens to warn the hecticRamadi traffic of their approach. As the securi-ty convoy enters the Ramadi Municipal Civic

Center, the Soldiers catch a moment’s rest

while the Rhino unloads its passengers head-ing off to work.

“Out here, we run two separate shifts of Soldiers who have to be ready to roll out at any moment’s notice,” said Staff Sgt. MichaelSeaver, the platoon sergeant of the QRF. “They have to be able to be on site quickly after

receiving any call.”Seaver said that despite what many people

believe, the QRF does more than just the quick response to attacks on Camp Ramadi.

“There is a lot variety in our missions,”Paldron said. “It’s never a boring time on the job, and you’re kept on your toes with themany different missions we do.”

“We go out and do everything from crateranalysis, mass casualties, tracking peoplegoing to close to the wire, and any other thing we are called upon,” Seaver added.

Despite the many missions, long hours, and

tireless effort, the Soldiers serving as part of the QRF enjoy providing safety and peace of mind for their comrades operating in andaround Camp Ramadi.

“We’ve been doing this since January,” saidSgt. John Baxter, a shift leader with the QRF.“Many of us were hand picked or selected for

this mission. Many of us didn’t know we’d bedoing this type of work over here.”

Baxter said that the job has had its ups anddowns, but overall it’s an experience that many of them value.

“It’s been challenging, but fun,” he said.“We’ve all seen things that will be hard to for-get, but you have to push on because it comes with the job.”

The convoy moved out towards their nextdestination, Blue Diamond, a camp whereIraqi and Coalition Forces work side-by-side in

securing Ramadi.

“As things have improved so much here inRamadi, we’re seeing less hostile contact andhaving slower days,” Baxter said. “We’d love tosee action, but a boring day on QRF is a goodday. Slower days allow us to go out and inter-act with people more and give things out tothe kids. Some of us have kids of our own, and

by us being able to do that we’re sending amessage that we’re not killers and are here tohelp.”

As the day ends, and the Rhino bus returnsto Camp Ramadi, the Soldiers of the QRF goback to their small room, turn on the televi-sion and finish watching their movie.

J y , y

Spc. Ben Hutto3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER,Iraq – When Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Gan, the

platoon sergeant for E Company, 1stBattalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, deployedto Iraq in March with the 3rd Heavy BrigadeCombat Team his Family was prepared. Histwo younger brothers, Joshua and Jacob, wereall ready in country with their units.

“Josh and I were both in Iraq during OIF I(Operation Iraqi Freedom),” explained Gan.“It really wasn’t a big deal. My mom was a mil-itary brat. My father is a retired commandsergeant major. They both understood what Ihad to do. It is the same way now.”

Jacob Gan, a Blackhawk helicopter crew chief, has gone home, but not before the threebrothers got together on the phone.

“We all called one another on the DSN(Direct Satellite Network),” he said. “It wasgood to talk. We all haven’t been togethersince Thanksgiving 2006. We all have differentjobs. I’m an engineer, Josh is a mechanic andJacob is doing the helicopter thing.”

Gan explained that his wife understands hisas well.

“My wife is a military brat also,” he said.“She understands that I’ve never done the

easy jobs in my career. She doesn’t always likeit, but I know I have her support.”

It would be easy toassume that Gan wasdestined to be aSoldier, but he insiststhat he chose to pur-

sue a career in the Army on his own.

“I had a few offersto play college base-ball, but I knew I wasgoing to join the mili-tary,” he explained. “I wanted to go Infantry,but I wanted to beable to come back toFort Leonard Woodlater in my career.

Engineer was the way to go.”Gan admitted that

he is heavily influenced by his father, retiredCommand Sgt. Major Richard Gan, but insist-ed that he was never pushed into the military by him.

“I researched everything on my own,” heexplained. “I wanted it to be my decision. I was a recruiter’s dream. I walked in and knew exactly what I wanted and how I was going todo it.”

Regardless of whose decision it was, Gan

admits that he still gets advice from his father.“I talk with my dad all the time,” he

explained. “He counselsme weekly about whatI’m doing. He’s retired,but I don’t think he everreally got out of the mili-

tary. I’ve gotten all of my standards from my father.I’ve always tried to emu-late him as much as Icould.”

Those standards havemade him an importantpart of his company.

“His knowledge on theground is irreplaceable,”said Staff Sgt. Andrew Duley, a squad leader in E

Co. “He will not put any one of his Soldiers in dan-ger without being there

beside him.”Duley is one of many Soldiers in E Co., who

is grateful that Gan is there with them.“I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather go to

war with,” explained Spc. Andrew Camp,Gan’s driver. “He’s never led us wrong. Hetakes charge of situations and does what he’ssupposed to do.”

Camp explains that his unit has seen theirshare of action since arriving at FOB Hammer.

“We’ve been hit 14 times and Sgt. Gan hasbeen there every time,” he explained. “We’ve

been mortared, found IEDs (improvisedexplosive devices), taken small arms fire andbeen hit by IEDs. This truck alone has foundthree,” he says as he motions to his and Gan’svehicle.

Being an engineer has its dangers, but it’sthe job Gan has to do.

“Our job is very important,” Gan explained.“Bomb makers are constantly changing theirtactics, so it can be tough to stay to the left of the boom. Soldiers now days wish for anenemy they can see and fight man-to-man,but the reality is that isn’t happening. That is why our job is so important. We take out IEDsbefore they can take out our guys.”

Gan believes his Soldiers are perfect for the job, however.

“It takes someone special to do what wedo,” he said with a laugh. “When you see anIED go (off) right in front of you and laughabout it and move on, it says a lot about you.Most of them (Soldiers) are trying to kick off an adrenaline high so they can do their jobhalf the time, but it’s ok. I couldn’t ask for abetter group.”

His Soldiers respect him for his knowledgeand passion for the job.

“Sgt. Gan has taught us everything weknow,” explained Camp. “We came over hereprepared and ready to roll. You can’t ask more

of a NCO (noncommissioned officer) thanthat.”

Spc. Ben Hutto

Sgt.1st Class Jeremiah Gan, a combat engineer with E Co.,1/15 Inf.,briefs two

of his Soldiers before a mission July 10.

1/15 Soldier follows in Family’s boot prints

QRF from Page 1A




Troops, Spouses to Teachers rep visits StewartBill Kirkland, program manager for the Georgia Troops to

Teachers Program and Georgia Spouses to TeachersProgram will be available at 11 a.m., July 25. He will answerquestions regarding the Georgia Troops to TeachersProgram. It provides eligible servicemembers up to $10,000for becoming public school teachers. Under the Spouses toTeachers Programs, eligible military spouses may be reim-bursed for the cost of state required certification tests up toa total of $600. Call 1-800-745-0709 or 767-8331 for more

information.

$4500 tuition available for Soldiers All active duty members have $4500 per fiscal year for

education. This entitlement is separate from theMontgomery GI Bill benefits available from the Veteran’s Administration. Details are available at 1:30 p.m., Monday –Friday, during a one hour brief at the education center,

room 223. The www.goarmyed.com Web site provides 24-hours, 7-days-a-week virtual access for Soldiers. Our educa-tion counselors are available to assist in educational goal

setting and advising.

Georgia HOPE Grant offeredThe HOPE Grant is money given by the state of Georgia to

students with financial need to attend vocational/trade

schools. The grant covers certificate and diploma programs. Any Soldier or Family member of a Soldier who is stationedin Georgia may be eligible. If you are interested in attending a Georgia vocational or trade school, inquire with yourschool's financial advisor or visit the Army EducationCenter to speak with a counselor.

Spouses get more MGIB benefitsThe Secretary of the Army has approved the transfer of up

to 18 months of MGIB benefits to spouses as a pilot pro-gram. Eligible Soldiers must have enrolled in MGIB onDepartment of Defense Form 2366 upon entry to active

duty. If you cannot locate your DD Form 2366, check yourofficial Military Personnel File or go online to Army Knowledge Online for details. Please contact your unitretention career counselor for details.

Central Texas College offers scholarshipsThe Central Texas College Foundation office has more

than 100 scholarships available to students. These scholar-ships are not just for students at the Central Campus, butmany of these scholarships are available for studentsattending one of Central Texas College's World WideCampus. For more information, call the Sgt. 1st Class Paul R.

Smith Education Center at 767-8331.

College term dates announcedCentral Texas College, Aug. 13 - Oct. 6, 767-2070 at

Stewart, 315-4090 at Hunter. Columbia College, now - July 25, Aug. 13 - Oct. 6, 767-5336 at Stewart, 352-8635 at Hunter.Embry Riddle, Aug. 6 - Oct. 7, 767-3930 at Stewart, 352-5252at Hunter. Savannah Tech, now - Sept. 19, 408-2430 atStewart. Webster University , Aug. 13 - Oct. 11.

Take advantage of education programs Available programs at the Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith

Education Center and local institutions include Web site

Technician Certificate in only two courses; Child CareManager Certificate with only five courses; and MedicalTranscription Certificate with only eight courses. For moreinformation contact 408-2430.




Staff ReportLegal Assistance

Question. Hey Judge, I would like to know whether I need

to get permission to sell a p roduct

or service on post.

You are asking how to get per-mission to engage in commercialsolicitation on Fort Stewart andHunter Airfield.

Q .What is commercial solici-

tation?

The offering for sale and the saleof goods and services by private orcommercial businesses on theinstallation is regulated by Army Regulation 210-7 and Fort StewartRegulation 210-2.

Q . Does any business or indi-

vidual have the right to sell

or offer to sell any good or service

on Stewart-Hunter?

No. The regulations make it very clear that commercial solicitationon the installation is a privilege

and not a right. Failure to follow the regulations will result in theloss of the privilege. Solicitationmay not interfere with military activities and will not be conduct-ed during duty hours or at a placeof duty.

Q . Do the regulations govern

all sales or offers to sell on

Stewart-Hunter?

No. Fort Stewart Regulation 210-

2 does not apply to:1. Commercial companies thatfurnish services such as drivers,

repairmen, movers or their imme-diate supervisory personnel, whoenter the installation solely for the

purpose of delivering, returning orservicing products purchased by Soldiers or their Family members.

2. An individual who sells his orher personal property or privately-owned dwelling.

3. Family members who resideon post who desire to baby-sit, pet-sit wash cars or conduct yard sales.

However, before engaging inthese activities Family membersshould review their lease withGMH to make sure that such “odd-

jobs” do not violate their leases.4. Real estate agents, landlords

and others listing residences forrent, lease or sale with the Housing Rental Office while supplying orupdating listings to the Housing Rental Office.

Q . Are there any restrictions

on where and when solici-

tation can occur?

Yes. Solicitors will not conduct

solicitation activities of any type inunit areas to include billets, day-rooms, orderly rooms, or work sites during duty or non-duty hours.

Nor are solicitors authorized toconduct business in any work areas, including directorate offices,sub-offices, the commissary andpost exchange. Pamphlets, books,brochures and any form of adver-tising may only be distributed on

the installation to individualsbeing solicited through a pre-arranged appointment.

Q . May a solicitor distribute

advertising?

A solicitor may distribute books,pamphlets, brochures or otheradvertising literature to an individ-ual being solicited as the result of apre-existing appointment.

Q . May a solicitor use flyers,

advert i sements , appoint-

ments and other promotional

activities containing offers of free

benefits such as special benefits,

free goods, free services, monetary

benefits or free tax advice to obt ain

sales?

No. This includes listening to apresentation about one product with the understanding that thelistener would receive informationabout other products, or services

for which solicitation privilegeshave been granted.

Q . May a business or individ-

ual do door-to-door solici-

tation?

No. Door to door solicitation isdefined as a sales method whereby a sales person goes randomly orselectively from household tohousehold without a specificappointment or invitation.

This process includes door-to-door solicitation in billet areas,bachelor officer and enlisted quar-

ters, as well as on-post housing.Door-to-door solicitation is notpermitted on the installation.

Q . How does a business or

company get permission to

solicit on Stewart-Hunter?

A business must complete andsubmit an application for a permitto the Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

The application must be signedby an authorized official or thecompany.

In the case of insurance compa-nies, the application must be

signed by the company presidentor vice-president.

The application must identify the agent representing the compa-ny by name and give the agent’shome address and telephone num-ber, Georgia state business num-ber and expiration and length of employment with the company.

In its application, the company must accept full responsibility forthe agents’ compliance with Army

Regulation 210-7.If a military installation has sus-

pended the company’s solicitationprivileges, the company must dis-close this information.

The application must alsoinclude a detailed description of the product or services to beoffered for sale. The company isalso required a copy of its Georgiabusiness license with its applica-tion.

Q . How does an individual

get permission to solicit on

the installation?

An individual must submit a written application containing the

same information as a company.The individual must also read AR210-7 and FS Reg 210-2 in theDirectorate of Morale, Welfare andRecreation.

The individual must also submita letter of request from the com-mercial company, enterprise ororganization whose services orproducts he or she desires to sellon the installation. He or she mustsubmit two passport size passports with his or her application.

Q . If a solicitation applica-

tion is approved does the

comp any, its agents or individua ls

get some sort of license or identifi-

cation?

Yes. The solicitation controlissues a solicitation permit, whichmust be in the solicitor’s person tatall times while on the installation.

Q . May an individual use his or her retired or reserve

identification t o gain a ccess to and

solicit on the installation?

No. Only those who haveapplied for and been granted asolicit permit may solicit on theinstallation.

Q . What should I do if I

encounter someone who is

soliciting at a place or during an

authorized time? A. Report the individual to themilitary police.

Legal gives solicitation guidance




Without being told, Murphy put his own life on the line tohelp save the lives of the Soldiers he was in charge of.

“Second Lieutenant Audie Murphy was a Soldier in thetruest sense of the word,” said Col. Ronald B. Hill, Installationchaplain. “A man dedicated to his country, to the men he ledand to victory on the battlefield.”

The event that most people may recognize as the eventthat made Murphy a household name, was when he single

handedly fought off enemy fire and put his life on the line tosave others.“Audie Murphy’s story was one of bravery and sacrifice,”

said Buchs. “Audie Murphy was credited with destroying six German tanks, as well as killing 240 German soldiers, wound-ing and capturing countless others.”

Though the Marines and paratroopers would not allow Murphy to join, he showed he was capable of being a Soldierand with doing that he received all the awards a Soldier canreceive for valor, all before he turned the age of 21.

“After just three years of active-duty service, he already had

received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highestaward the military gives for valor and 32 other United Statesmedals; not to include the other five lofty medals that he hadreceived from France and Belgium,” said Buchs.

Although almost all Soldiers know of Murphy’s militaryawards and his movie career, many do not know that he also wrote many songs with his friend, Scott Turner.

“Together Audie Murphy and Mr. Turner wrote and pro-

duced over 80 country songs,” said Buchs.Turner presented the building with a gold record of theirhit song “Shutters and Boards,” which featured music by Turner and lyrics by Murphy, and he also presented the build-ing with a portrait of Murphy.

“I’d like to present this gold record of ‘Shutters andBoards,’” said Turner. “It is the second song that I wrote with Audie.”

The bravery and courage that Murphy contributed to theU.S. Army will never be forgotten and many Soldiers in thefuture may try to live up to the example he left.

Spc. Ben Hutto3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER,Iraq – Senior leadership of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team continues to look after the welfare of their Soldiers through theSledgehammer Care Team.

The care team was set up during Operation Iraqi Freedom III as a tool for the3rd HBCT commander to identify problemsand provide support for Soldiers and theirFamilies.

The care team’s main focus is to supportthe Families of fallen Soldiers and maintainweekly contact with Soldiers wounded inaction. It also helps to provide both groupswith any support they may need during and

after the deployment.

Col. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., 3rd HBCT com-mander, has made the care team one of histop priorities.

“Col. Grigsby has really taken the conceptof the team and ran with it,” said Capt. EwaGarner, the physician assistant for the 203rdBrigade Support Battalion. “He is very con-cerned about the Soldiers and constantly checks the care team book to see trends and what is going on with (Soldiers wounded inaction) and the Families of the (Soldierskilled in action).”

Chaplain (Maj.) Timothy Sowers, thebrigade chaplain, is a part of the team andlikes what it is doing to help the Families of fallen Soldiers. His job is to ensure that theteam tends to the needs of woundedSoldiers and their loved ones.

Garner and Capt. Joycelyn Constantino,

the brigade nurse, help the team track wounded 3rd HBCT Soldiers.

“We call and gather all the information asfar as how (the Soldiers) are doing, wherethey are, and their plan for rehabilitation,”Constantino said. “The phone call really helps us determine where they are in theirrecovery and how we can assist in thatprocess.”

Garner said she gets a great deal of per-sonal satisfaction from her duties.

“I want all of our WIAs to know that weappreciate their sacrifice,” she said. “Many of them have sacrificed so much and I feellike this is the least I can do for them.”

Another aspect of taking care of Soldiersinvolves seeing to their legal needs and theSoldiers’ general well-being.

Grigsby has used the information in the

care team’s book to send letters to theFamilies of every fallen 3rd HBCT Soldierfrom OIF III to the present deployment.

“I think it is great that the Soldiers hereknow that they are cared about from thebeginning of their deployment all the waypast the end of it,” Mobbs said.

Command Sgt. Maj. James M. Pearson, theenlisted advisor to Grigsby, is planning tovisit all of 3rd HBCT’s wounded Soldiers onthe East Coast while he is home for his two weeks of mid-tour rest and recovery.

“I just want to thank them for their ser-vice,” he said. “It is important to me that Ipersonally thank each and every one of them for their service to their country. I wantto let them know that as long as there is oxy-gen in my lungs, I will help them anyway I

can.”

3rd Brigade Combat Team takes care of Soldiers

AUDIE from Page 1A

Pfc.Amanda McBride

Left to right, Scott Turner and Grady Ring, present a gold record to Col. Todd Buchs, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield Commander Garrison Commander at the Audie Murphy Building Dedication July 11. Turner presented the gold record, which Murphy and Turner earned from their hit song “Shutters and Boards” for display at the newly named Audie Murphy building,formerly the Soldier Service Center.

Rock of the Marne



Rock of the Marne

Anyone having claims

against, or who is indebtedto the estate of Spc. Joe G.Charfauros, B Company , 1stBattalion, 64 ArmorRegiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.31314, contact Capt.

Amanda Carter, 26thBrigade Support Battalion,Fort Stewart Ga. at 659-3737.

Anyone having claimsagainst, or who is indebtedto the estate of Pfc. David J.Bentz III, B Company., 1/64 Armor Regiment, FortStewart, Ga. 31314, contactCapt. Amanda Carter, 26thBrigade Support Battalion,

Fort Stewart Ga. at 767-3737.

Anyone having claimsagainst, or who is indebtedto the estate of Pfc. Larry

Parks, D Co., 1st Battalion,

30th Infantry, Fort Stewart,Ga. 31314, contact Capt.Christopher Botterbusch,2nd Battalion, 3rd BrigadeTroops Battalion, reardetachment, Fort Stewart

Ga. at 767-5370.

Anyone having claimsagainst, or who is indebtedto the estate of Pfc. JoshuaModgling, E Company, 1/30Infantry, Fort Stewart, Ga.31314, contact Capt.Christopher Botterbusch,2/3 BTB rear detachment,Fort Stewart Ga. at 767-5370.

Anyone having claims

against, or who is indebtedto the estate of Sgt. ThomasMcGee, 546 Military PoliceCompany, 385th Military Police Battalion, FortStewart, Ga. 31314, contact

2nd Lt. Justin Stevens, 385th

MP Battalion, Fort StewartGa. 31314 at 767-9068.

Anyone having claimsagainst, or who is indebtedto the estate of Sgt. Gene L.

Lamie, A Troop, 3rdBattalion, 7th Cavalry, FortStewart, Ga. 31314, contactCapt. Kyle Hemminger, 3/7Cav. rear detachment com-mander, Fort Stewart Ga.31314 at 767-7328.

Anyone having claimsagainst, or who is indebtedto the estate of Pfc. LeRon A. Wilson, D Company, 26thForward Support Battalion,

Fort Stewart, Ga. 31314,contact Capt. KyleHemminger, 3/7 Cav. reardetachment commander,Fort Stewart Ga. 31314 at767-7328.

Legal Notices

us army: frontlineonline07-19-07news

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