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ComplacencyChief Master Sgt. Lilley challenges Ali to battle complacency: Page 2Fighting the ‘funk’Lt. Col. Martin reveals how to keep your head in game: Page 3RAM squadFirefighters practice extrication in exercise: Pages 4-5Telephone serviceECS cuts telephone services over to new switch: Page 6Top in BlueHigh energy Airmen perform two shows: Page 7From the CPICThe latest news from around Iraq and the CPIC: Page 8AGEEOSS team keeps aerospace ground equipment running: Page 9Serving with dignityHonor Guard team honors flag, service members: Pages 10-11A glimpse of historyHistory of the Ziggurat of Ur: Pages 12-13Movies and moreEvent schedules: Pages 14-16 July 14, 2006 T T T T T able of contents
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Page 2 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 photo Front Page This funded newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services overseas. Contents of the Ali Times are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force. The content is edited, prepared and provided by the public affairs office of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group. All photographs are U.S. Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated. The Ali Times accepts stories, photographs and commentaries, which may be submitted to the public affairs staff—located in the group headquarters building—or can be sent directly to the newspaper at Ali.Times@tlab.centaf.af.mil Deadline for publication is 7 p.m. Thursday before the week of publication. For more information, call 445-2318, or e-mail the editor.Col.David L. Orr Commander, 407th AEG Lt. Col.Richard H. Converse Deputy Commander, 407th AEG Master Sgt.Andrew Gates Editor/Chief, Public Affairs Vol. 4, Issue 28 July 14, 2006 Airman 1st Class Andrew Moen, 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron aerospace ground equipment specialist, checks the valves on a Dash-86 diesel generator during a recent tune up. For more on the AGE team, please see Page 9. (Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Gates) Continued on page 3: Complacency By Chief Master Sgt. Walter Lilley 407th Air Expeditionary Group chief enlisted managerI want to take a moment to salute the accomplishments you all have made in the short time we have been here at Ali Base. You have moved mountains and will move a few more by the time we complete our rotation, I applaud your efforts and urge all to continue the excellent work you have started. I am concerned that complacency may be setting in. I have seen it too many times — folks are doing great things, but they decide enough is enough and simply stop making improvements. We can’t let that happen. Our work ethic and our output must continue to increase, and we must strive to make every facet of Ali Base better for those who will replace us in September. A few areas I would like you to watch out for complacency are our dress and appearance, customs and courtesies and adherence to the driving rules in Bedrock. I have noticed that our dress and appearance for some has become a secondary concern. For example, some of our male airmen have decided not to shave while wearing the physical training or desert camouflage uniforms. What concerns me more is the senior NCOs who see these folks and don’t immediately address the violation. We are in uniform around the clock at Ali; our standards have not changed. I have also noticed people appearing to avoid each other in Bedrock — going Be on alert for complacency around Ali By Col. David Orr 407th Air Expeditionary Group commanderHere we are Ali Warriors, in the middle of the Iraqi summer heat and at the midpoint for our AEF 1/2 rotation. It’s great to reflect on the past 60 day’s successes, but I would rather have us focus on attacking the mission with renewed vigor and sustaining our professional and personal relationships at a peak level. Consider the following old sayings to keep you spirited and energized: “If you want to run with the big dogs, you have to come down off the porch” — We have a very high quality force at Ali base; if you desire to match up, you have to give that extra. “It’s Better to Wear Out then to Rust Out” — Please know there is still room for creative ideas to better the 407th Air Expeditionary Group mission. Don’t get complacent in the day-to-day operation. Let’s sustain the paceCol. David Orr We signed-on for a 120+ day AEF rotation in a combat zone—that means 110 percent effort for the duration. “Don’t Walk By a Problem” —You have heard my “It’s all about trust” speech. Adherence and enforcement of Air Force standards should be a given, from day 1 through day 120/180. I count on the ‘buy-in’ from each of you to not slip in this endeavor and for supervisors at all levels to zealously attack deviations—please know that I notice. I’m grateful to know and serve with you and proud of what we have accomplished for the 407 AEG—let’s sustain the pace! Chief Master Sgt. Walter Lilly
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Page 3 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 Fighting the ‘funk’Lt. Col. Joe Martin By Lt. Col. Joe Martin 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron commanderI had a case of “the funk” the other day (actually it was the second case I’ve had since arriving). This time, we were fresh off the visit by Lt. Gen. Gary North when it dawned on me that my head was just not in the game that afternoon. I was tired — actually I was mentally exhausted — and it was hot, windy and dusty. As I looked at my calendar for the afternoon there was not much on it to get me pumped up. In a nutshell, my motivation was down and I just wasn’t all together there. Unfortunately, often times that sensation of “the funk” is the one you feel just before you do something stupid. Ever felt that way? In my case, I recognized my symptoms and was able to go get a double expresso, write an email to my wife and walk about the squadron seeKeeping your head in the game will prevent stupid actions ing the great things that my troops are doing in order to snap out of it. So, what if that’s not an option for you? Perhaps your funk leads you to skipping a step in your job such as not wearing a seatbelt, or not securing classified. Not buckling up could kill or injure you. The compromise of classified data could kill or injure your fellow warriors. What if your funk is compounded by troubles being separated from your loved ones? Separation from family can be very demanding on your emotional health. It’s important not to hold in these feelings that can add to the “funk.” Share it with friends, co-workers or seek help from the Shirt or Chaplain. Sometimes even a call home will help relieve the “funk.” What if you have struggled with “funk” issues for some time, and now it will just not seem to go away? You may genuinely be depressed, and depression is a treatable condition. Rest assured that your First Sergeant, Commander, Chaplain, and the local Army Mental Health professionals are here to help. But what if it’s not you? Does your co-worker feel that way…are they the one in a “funk?” Ask them. War is the most serious of all businesses, and every Airman is a key part of that team. It’s okay, and normal, to “funk” every once in a while. But look your buddy in the eye and ask them. Help them to snap out of it. Get them onto the basketball court or for a jog on Airport Road; go watch a movie with them; buy them a double expresso, talk to them. Do whatever it takes to ensure that no one does anything stupid. I am out of my funk, but if you ever see anyone with that “glazed donut” look, ask them how they’re doing? You’ll know right away if their head is still in the game. Complacency From page 2..........................................out of their way to avoid saluting some of our officers. Another area of concern is when the group commander and I are driving in his vehicle, most folks wave instead of salute. The appropriate greeting for the commander is a salute, not a wave. Remember, a salute is simply the military way of saying hello. Lastly, I would like to discuss the traffic in Bedrock. I have noticed more vehicular traffic through Bedrock, something we need to address for safety concerns. We all know that only those on official business should be operating a vehicle through Bedrock. More and more folks are using Bedrock as a thoroughfare and are driving their government owned or leased vehicles to run errands in Bedrock. This is a foul and is a result of complacency. We are here for four to six months, and we must stay at the top of our game the whole time. Supervisors and NCOs, I need you to keep a sharp eye out for these signs and any other evidence of complacency. We have done fantastic work through nearly half of our deployment, because we have worked together and supported each other. Let’s make sure we continue our efforts to complete a fantastic deployment and finish strong.
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Page 4 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 Firefighter RAM squad exercises capability to rescue coalition forces trapped in vehicles By Master Sgt. Andrew Gates 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public AffairsFirefighting, in and of itself, tends to be a strenuous and dangerous job, requiring its practitioners to place themselves in harm’s way to save lives and property. A team of 20 Air National Guard firefighters at Ali Base have volunteered to increase both the danger and the strenuousness of their job, working on the Rescue Air Mobility Squad. RAMS members are combat firefighters who travel “outside the wire” – outside the protection of the military base – to rapidly extricate victims from vehicles, said Senior Master Sgt. Roy Moore, 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter and one of two team leaders for the RAMS. This includes crashed vehicles or vehicles affected by an improvised explosive device. The 20 volunteers are split into two shifts. These two shifts are divided into three three-person squads each, with the two team leaders on each shift assigned to the RAMS mission to provide consistency. That means that each squad is ‘on-call’ every three weeks “Military firefighters normally work 24 hours on and 24 hours off,” he said. “Our volunteers for RAMS work their 24 hours as firefighters, and then are ‘on-call’ for RAMS during their next 24-hour period – and then go back to their firefighting duty. For the week they work RAMS, they are really working a week straight.” Efficiency and speed are two watchwords for the members of the squad – the only one of its type currently in Iraq. Each four-person RAMS team has to be able to respond quickly with all needed vehicle extrication equipment to any incident within an hour’s flight of Ali Base. “We can either convoy out to a site, or take a Blackhawk helicopter,” said Sergeant Moore. “In either event, when we go out on a mission, we must carry all our extrication and personal equipment with us including weapon, armor, Kevlar and communication devices. The extrication equipment isContinued on page 5: RAMSSergeant Kennedy assesses the situation and determines the appropriate extrication method on the vehicle at the Ali boneyard. Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Kennedy, right, and Staff Sgt. Patrick Peterson, center, 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Rescue Air Mobility Squad members, load the RAMS equipment on the helicopter during a recent exercise. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Rasheen Douglas)
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Page 5 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 normally packaged neatly in a 7 foot long by two foot wide titanium stokes basket on the back of a highly mobile multiwheeled vehicle, also known as a Humvee. When they get the call to go on a medevac helicopter, the team has to don their gear, grab weapons and proceed to the dustoff (the pad where the helicopter would be taking off) and expeditiously load the gear on to the helicopter. “Medical evacuation helicopters are supposed to be in the air within 15 minutes after they get a call,” Sergeant Moore said. “We need to be onboard and ready to go well before then.” One team recently was involved in an Army supported exercise to rescue a trapped victim, said Senior Airman Jason Bocek, 407th ECES firefighter. “In theater, we play every exercise as if it were real world,” Airman Bocek said. “We got the call during our morning roll call, so we had to drop what we were doing and scramble for the dust-off. We grabbed our gear, weapons and did a quick combat check before heading to the helicopter.” Once they loaded the helicopter, the squad was informed of the situation – there was a car accident with a coalition distinguished visitor trapped in the vehicle. “We had to get her out quickly, because the bird (helicopter) can’t stay on the ground very long,” Airman Bocek said. “Time is of the essence – we hit the ground, established our communication with ground forces, assessed the patient and vehicle condition then determined we were going to need to use our hydraulic tool to extricate the ‘victim’. We quickly removed her and packaged her for transport then loaded her on the helicopter.” Although there is a flight medic on the helicopter, the firefighters work with the medic to render any medical care until the victim is removed from the vehicle, said Sergeant Moore. “Once the patient is free, we turn him or her over to the medics,” he said. In this exercise, the squad was back in the air less than 10 minutes after getting on the ground. To prepare for their RAMS missions and coordinate smoothly with responding Army forces, the 20 volunteers went through an Army four week combat skills training class prior to deploying to the AOR, said Sergeant Moore. During that time, they went through convoy operations, marksmanship, land navRAMS From page 4.........................igation training, and other mission required training. The training was essential and not only prepared them for their combat mission, but for working with the Army and how they operate. “We learned what they would expect from us and what we could expect from them,” said Sergeant Moore. “When we arrived in-theater, we had to validate our combat skills at a range in Southeast Asia.” The team expects to use the various skills they learn to help in their jobs at home, as well. Airman Bocek is a volunteer fireman in Michigan, as well as an emergency medical technician. Sergeant Moore is a full-time firefighter. “The training definitely helps your career path as a firefighter,” Sergeant Moore said. “It also helps develop you more as a leader. The people who volunteered for this assignment – and who were selected by their fire chiefs at home – are grateful to have the opportunity to make a difference and experience a new and exciting mission.Though they have been selected for the squad, the volunteers are very down-toearth. “We’re firefighters first,” said Sergeant Moore. “It takes all the firefighters assigned to Ali fire department to make the RAMS mission a success. Being on the RAMS is an additional duty. All of us consider ourselves fortunate to be on the team – it’s a heck of an experience.” From left, Sergeant Peterson, Sergeant Kennedy and Senior Airman Adam Little cut into the vehicle frame, to open the door and remove the crash ‘victim.’
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Page 6 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 By Master Sgt. Andrew Gates 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public AffairsAli residents might notice their phones aren’t working for a short period of time over the next week. The outage is due to a major telephone cutover process by the 407th Expeditionary Communications Squadron “Reapers,” moving all the telephone lines to a new facility within the squadron. The cutover will provide a central location for all the telephone lines and should also reduce the response time communications experts need to respond to telephone outages, said Capt. Mark Dietrich, 407th ECS mission systems flight commander. “Our customers might notice their connectivity is out for an hour or two as we move their telephone line,” he said. “We are moving the lines in blocks of 100, about every other day.” The Reapers are moving the lines in the blocks of 100 to reduce confusion and to minimize the impact on customers, Captain Dietrich said. He explains that phone lines come in ‘runs’ of 100 phone lines – they replace one run each day of the cutover process. People with digital telephones should contact the mission systems flight prior to the cutover to ensure a smooth process. The team was planning on moving the phone lines earlier in the rotation, but discovered that they needed to do some preparatory underground work for the job. “As we went into the manholes to start the cutover, we discovered that we needed to pull some cables and do other preparatory work first,” he said. “That way, we could minimize the impact on our customers.” As of yesterday, the 8 person Reaper team has moved 500 lines – and are expecting to finish the process by July 22, the captain said. ECS centralizes Ali telephone services Coalition harmoniesThe Australian coalition force presented the band “Tour de Force 5” made up from members of the Australian contingent in a show in the Ali Big Top Sunday night. The band played a variety of music. The event also featured a comedian and the Australian version of “American Idol.” (Photo by Staff Sgt. Rasheen Douglas)
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Page 7 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 Tops in Blue visits AliHigh-energy Airmen put on two shows in Big TopAirman 1st Class Adam Combs, left, and Airman 1st Class Geoffrey Stirrup, slow the pace down a bit. The Tops in Blue team started off the show with a rapid montage of various songs, tied together by “Love Train” Senior Airman Adam Will demonstrates his musical skills. Lt. Col. Eric Carlson dances with Staff Sgt. Bethany Anderson-Burrs. Airman Kalert serenades Tech. Sgt. Contina Harmon with a ballad. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Rasheen Douglas) Senior Airman Robert Kalert sings to Staff Sgt. Michelle Stocker.
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Page 8 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 Air Force officials consolidate network opsFrom the CPIC:Briefs off the wire from the CENTCOM Combined Press Information Center by Capt. Carla Pampe Eighth Air Force Public Affairsunifies command of the Air Force computer network under one person, who serves as the Air Force component commander, and presents network operations forces to STRATCOM’s Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations,” said General Elder. “Previously, we had commands focused on air and space forces, but no command focused on operations in cyberspace. That’s what we’re going to provide here,” he said. “In addition increased effectiveness, AFNETOPS Command will also achieve significant efficiencies for network operations, providing personnel savings to help realize Air Force recapitalization.” Col. David Pistilli, 8th Air Force Detachment 1 commander, feels the command serves to support the new Air Force mission statement to deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests. “AFNETOPS Command provides the warfighting structure to fly and fight in cyberspace,” Colonel Pistilli said. “AFNETOPS Command will improve coherency, responsiveness, and agility of network defense against our increasingly numerous and sophisticated adversaries.” In addition to the formal recognition of the AFNETOPS command structure, Air Force officials also consolidated the Network Operations Security Centers, or NOSCs. Those responsibilities were previously decentralized among 10 Major Command NOSCs, as well as 8th Air Force, the Air Intelligence Agency, the Operational Standard Systems Group and the Air Force Communications Agency. BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFPN) — Air Force officials have formally consolidated the service’s network operations and created the Air Force Network Operations, or AFNETOPS, command structure at 8th Air Force here. The AFNETOPS, pronounced “AF Net Ops,” Command stood up in a ceremony July 5. The move is part of a larger Air Force reorganization of its network operations structure designed to better support the warfighter. It puts all Air Force units charged with network operations under the command of a single commander, Lt. Gen. Robert J. Elder Jr., 8th Air Force and AFNETOPS commander. “The biggest benefit of standing up a command structure for Air Force network operations is that itMND-B Soldiers find large weapons cache near MahmudiyahBAGHDAD – Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, located a large cache of bomb-making materials in a rural area outside Mahmudiyah Monday morning. The cache, buried in a plastic barrel, consisted of 1,800 7.62mm rounds, 14 82mm explosive charges, four 60mm mortar rounds, 27 grenades, eight rocketpropelled grenade launchers, 29 rocket-propelled grenades, 75 60mm mortar fuses, two pounds of TNT, 300 blasting caps and various bomb-making materials. An explosive ordnance team destroyed the munitions at the site.National Police free kidnap victimBAGHDAD – Policemen from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st National Police Division, arrested seven men caught at a checkpoint and freed an alleged kidnap victim Monday in east Baghdad. The men attempted to bypass checkpoints while driving four vehicles on a major route in east Baghdad; NP officers from 2nd Bn., 2nd Bde., 1st NP Div., stopped them with small-arms fire and a roadblock. One vehicle was determined to have been stolen from the victim by the kidnappers. The police apprehended all of the suspects and escorted them to a central location for questioning. Two of the alleged kidnappers received minor head injuries and were treated upon arrival for questioning. The NP confiscated five 9mm pistols, two AK-47 rifles and three vehicles. The incident is under investigation by Iraqi authorities.Coalition forces detain three terroristsBAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained three terrorists from a raid southwest of Baghdad near Yusifiyah 10 June. The forces were targeting an al-Qaida in Iraq cell leader specializing in vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED). Multiple suspects tried to flee the area when security forces were conducting the assault. Coalition forces engaged the suspected terrorists with small arms fire and supporting aircraft, wounding two. The injured received immediate medical treatment to stabilize their injuries, and were evacuated to a nearby military medical facility. A third terrorist was detained without further incident.
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Page 9 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 By Master Sgt. Andrew Gates 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public AffairsAn Air Force base would be fairly ineffective without aircraft – whether permanently assigned or, at a minimum, transiting the area bringing in supplies and personnel. Each of those aircraft requires special equipment to help maintain or support it, moving it into and out of the Air Force base quickly and smoothly. At Ali, a team of two people take care of more than 80 pieces of that equipment, also known as aerospace ground equipment, or AGE, said Staff Sergeant Jacquelin O’Neal, 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron AGE shop. Normally, the AGE shop falls under an aircraft maintenance squadron of some type, but at Ali, where there are no permanently assigned Air Force aircraft, the shop falls under operations, which maintains the flight line and takes care of aircraft transiting Ali Base. “We inspect, troubleshoot and repair more than 80 pieces of AGE daily,” said Sergeant O’Neal. “We also maintain the accounts to ensure tracking and accountability of all this equipment. We support all the transiting aircraft and maintenance equipment if an aircraft breaks at Ali.” The job here can be a hectic one for the two AGE technicians, said Airman 1st Class Andrew Moen, deployed here from Ramstein AB, Germany. At home, for instance, they have about 550 pieces of AGE and more than 50 people who maintain it. “Our equipment directly supports the aircraft,” he said. “So without us, ground maintenance of the aircraft would be impossible.” Aerospace Ground EquipmentTeam maintains tools to meet grounded airplane “special needs”Airman 1st Class Andrew Moen, 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, maintains a two-cycle engine from a portable heater. (Photos by Master Sgt. Andrew Gates) Airman Moen removes the valve cover from a Dash-86 diesel generator during a tune up. A standard day for the team involves inspecting any equipment which is due for preventive maintenance, said Sergeant O’Neal. They also troubleshoot and repair any broken equipment. Their equipment ranges from light carts, generators that provide power to aircraft electrical systems, air conditioners to keep avionics cool and hydraulic servicing carts to maintain hydraulics on any inbound fighter aircraft. The team also maintains a number of maintenance stands to reach the tail or wings of various aircraft, said Sergeant O’Neal. Although they mostly support transient aircraft, the team does help out with servicing or repairing other AGE belonging to other flying units at Ali, such as the Navy and the Army. “We help the Navy and Army a lot,” said Sergeant O’Neal. “We letContinued on page 13: AGE
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Page 10 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 By Master Sgt. Andrew Gates 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public AffairsSaturday evenings at Ali, a flight of Airmen stand in the center of the Air Force compound, at attention, the afternoon wind whipping the desert colored uniforms and the more colorful stars and stripes of the American flag at the top of a flagpole. As one, four other Airmen step in from the left and slowly march to the flagpole and untie the lanyard. As the flight behind them salute, the team slowly lowers the flag, folds it carefully, reports that the flag is secure and then slowly marches off. Although retreat is a common sight at many Air Force installations, at a southeast Asia base like Ali, the traditional ceremony often means a lot more to the people serving on the honor guard here, said Tech. Sgt. Dexter Laffin, 407th Expeditionary Services Squadron honor guard commander. “We are here to pay tribute and honor to the troops here, and to fallen service members,” said Sergeant Laffin. “We also handle the American flag in accordance with established traditions. We do that by posting the colors at ceremonies, performing retreat and, although we hope it never happens, honoring fallen Airmen.” The 30-person honor Service with dignityHonor guard dedicated to Air Force tradition guard encompasses practically all disciplines at Ali Base, Sergeant Laffin said. “Just about every squadron has someone in the honor guard,” he said. The reasons people join the honor guard are just as varied as the disciplines represented by the small round tan and black badge honor guard members wear over the right breast pocket of their desert camouflage uniforms. “My uncle is ‘missing in action’ from the Korean War,” said Staff Sgt. Aleena Corona, a services specialist deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. “My participation in the honor guard is my own way that I can show honor to him. I also love the honor, tradition and pride the honor guard instills in a person.” On the other hand, Airman 1st Class Kelly Ito, a force protection specialist from Vogelweh, Germany, wasn’t able to work the honor guard into her home station routine. “I was interested at home station, but never was able to join because of my work schedule,” Airman Ito said. “Since I work a schedule that allows me to attend practices here, I volunteered to join. I enjoy the different style of drill that the honor guard does. It means a lot to me in knowing that I am part of an organization that brings honor and pride to our country and our flag.” That desire to be a part of honoring tradition and the United States is common to the men and women who volunteer to be on the honor guard. “My favorite part of being in the honor guard is working with the team, and honoring those people who have sacrificed their lives in the past,” said Staff Sgt. Sherwin St. Pierre, from Eglin AFB, Fla. He not only participates in honor guard activities here, but he is on the Eglin team. “We represent the dedication to excellence of every serviceContinued on page 11: Honor GuardSenior Airman Luis Reyes and Staff Sgt. Waichung Liu lower the flag during a retreat ceremony at Ali.
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Page 11 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 Honor Guard From page 10........................................member through the discipline and perfection of our movements through every detail or ceremony.” The team practices once a week, said Sergeant Laffin, perfecting their movements for either retreat or posting the colors (placing the American and Air Force flags on stage) during various ceremonies. “Normally we start work on facing movements and the marching steps needed for our ceremonies for about 15 minutes of practice,” said Sergeant Laffin. “Then, we break into four person teams and practice retreat at the flag pole or posting the colors on the stage in the Big Top.” That not only requires precision and practice, but qualified people, like Sergeant St. Pierre and Staff Sgt. Michelle Stocker, to train the Airmen on those movements. “I enjoy helping train everyone to learn their part,” said Sergeant Stocker, who is also from Dyess. She has volunteered to join the honor guard during each of her three previous deployments. “About 90 percent of the honor guard members are ready to do any ceremony, at a moment’s notice.” As proud of the members of the honor guard are of the honoring the traditions and sacrifices previous service members have made, they are equally proud of their contributions to the Global War on Terrorism and giving Iraq the chance to choose a democratic society. “I am very proud of what we are doing ‘over here,’ said Sergeant Stocker, “to make our world a safer place to leave and to ensure that the citizens of Iraq will get the chance to celebrate their own independence.” Sergeant St. Pierre and Sergeant Corona agree. “Our nation is doing a great thing by helping the Iraqi people create a system of government that their people will be able to control as they see fit,” Sergeant St. Pierre said. “I would hope that if the tables were turned, another country would support us and help return the control of our government back to the people.” “Anything that is worth fighting for is probably the best thing someone could have,” said Sergeant Corona. “If the Iraqi people want their freedom and we have the capability to help them, then we should do so.” From left, Airman Edlord Posadas, Tech. Sgt. Charles Montgomery, Senior Airman Audrey Hernandez and Senior Airman Nathaniel Olguer post the colors during a ceremony. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Rasheen Douglas) From left, Airman Reyes, Master Sgt. Patrick Schipper, Sergeant Liu and Airman 1st Class Noah Perry check the fold of the flag after a recent retreat ceremony. Happy Birthday Staff Sgt. Jonathan Wyatt! I miss you and I Love You, Brandy
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Page 12 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 A glimpse of historyIraq roots run back 4,000 years, Ziggurat offers view of country’s pastThe 407th Expeditionary Services Squadron offers tours of the Ziggurat of Ur, a temple which dates back to about 2,000 B.C. Tours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday. (Photos by Master Sgt. Andrew Gates) By Capt. (Dr) Trevor Schar 407th Air Expeditionary GroupEditor’s note: Captain Schar is a history enthusiast and put together the following article. The land defined by present day Iraq has a rich and storied history. Often called the “cradle of civilization,” the land is the site of many Old Testament events. Since the days of Mesopotamia, the land has been ruled by various empires. In 3000 B.C. the first dominant empire, the Sumerian Empire, rose to power. Akkadians from the Arabian Peninsula would briefly conquer Sumeria, until the city of Ur revolted and reestablished Sumerian control. In 1700 B.C., the land was claimed by Babylon under King Hammurabi, of “Hammurabi’s code” fame. The land would subsequently change ownership between the Babylonian and Assyrian Empires. In the 800’s B.C. Chaldeans migrated into Babylon. They had a considerable influence on Babylonia, so much so that Babylon was also called Chaldea. The kings of Babylon would add significant territory to their empire, including Judea and Jerusalem. Following the decline of the Babylonian Empire, the land would change ownership many times. Notable rulers include Cyrus the Great and Alexander the Great. Starting in the 500’s B.C., and for the next millennium, a succession of Iranian empires controlled the land. Under Iranian control, the land was divided into four provinces, with much of current day Iraq part of the “khvarvaran province.” Iranian control finally ended in the 650’s A.D. with the migration of Arabic tribes into the land of present day Iraq. The Arabic tribes would occupy key cities including Babylon, Basrah, and Mosul, and would rename the former Iranian province of khvarvaran “Iraq.” Arabic control continued until the 1300’s when Turkish tribes conquered the land. The land passed between Turkish tribes and Iranian tribes until the 1500’s when the Ottoman Empire rose to power. Ottoman rule continued until World War I when British forces seized control. In November 1920 the “State of Iraq” was created by UN mandate and placed under British rule. In 1932, the mandate expired and an Iraqi monarchy assumed control of Iraq. However, in 1958 the military staged a coup, overthrew the monarchy, and established the “Republic of Iraq.” In 1968, the Ba’ath Party led by General Bakr took control of Iraq. Bakr resigned in 1979 and Suddam Hussein was chosen as his successor. In southern Iraq near An Nasiriyah lies the ancient city of Ur. Ur was originally a Sumerian City located near the original mouth of the Euphrates River. The city of Ur wasContinued on page 13: AGEMembers of a tour group go through the ruins of a palace in the city of Ur.
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Page 13 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 AGE From page 9..........................................the Navy borrow our equipment and we service their nitrogen bottles when they need it. We also service nitrogen bottles for the Army aeromedical evacuation missions.” Sometimes, the job doesn’t even involve aircraft. For instance, the team charged the base entrance gates with nitrogen to make them easier for the guards to open, said Sergeant O’Neal. Iraq’s hot dry climate plays havoc on some of the equipment, some of which is older than the two Airmen maintaining it, said Sergeant O’Neal. “The air filters get clogged quickly,” she said. “When we pull them out, the filters are covered with dust. We are also supposed to lubricate certain pieces of AGE regularly – the lubrication tends to attract a lot of dust.” Despite the wide variety of equipment and the difficulties posed by weather, the team finds the job enjoyable. “We put planes in the air for real wartime missions,” said Sergeant O’Neal. “It’s the real thing.” Airman Moen agrees. “My favorite part is knowing that what we do puts planes in the air,” he said. “We are helping keep the Air Force mission ready all the time.” He is also excited about the impact he has, by providing ground support for aircraft in theater, in helping the Iraqi people build a democratic government. “I think what U.S. troops are doing here is awesome,” Airman Moen said. “I can only hope that the Iraqi people will be able to experience some of the freedoms that our people take for granted every day.” Staff Sgt. Jacquelin O’Neal, 407th EOSS, solders a voltage regulator for a Dash-86 generator. Ziggurat From page 4.........................a key city in Sumeria and the kings of Ur eventually ruled Sumeria. In 2340 B.C. the Akkadians conquered the Sumerian Empire. Akkadian rule lasted until 2112 B.C. when King Ur-Nammu led a revolt and successfully restored Sumerian rule. Ur-Nammu is credited with constructing the Ziggurat of Ur for the patron moon deity of Ur, Nanna. The city flourished, and at its height, had as many as 65,000 residents. Unfortunately, in 1950 B.C., Ur was conquered by the Elamites. Over time, the Tigris and Euphrates shifted, Ur was abandoned, and the city was covered by sand. Ur is also mentioned throughout the Old Testament. In the 900’s B.C., a tribe known as the Chaldeans migrated into Ur and the city was known as Ur of the Chaldees. According to the Old Testament, Abraham was raised in Ur of the Chaldees. Construction on the Ziggurat of Ur started under Ur-Nammu in approximately 2000 B.C. The Ziggurat is constructed of mud and baked bricks in stepped platforms. The temple to Nanna was constructed atop the final terrace. Several sets of staircases ascended the Ziggurat and were likely used by temple officials. It is estimated that more than 7 million bricks stamped with Ur-Nammu’s name were used in the construction of the first stage alone. Subsequent expansions and restorations were conducted by various Babylonian kings including Nebuchadnezzar, as revealed in temple inscriptions. Even after the decline of Ur, the Ziggurat held considerable influence, with the surrounding lands a favored site for burial. In 1920 the Ziggurat and much of the surrounding city, including the royal tombs, smaller temples, and the residence of the king and high-priestess, were excavated. Artifacts from Ur may be viewed online through the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. The tour group steps down into the tomb of King Shulgi, who succeeded King Ur-Nammu, who is credited with the Ziggurat construction. (Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Gates)
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Page 14 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 Do you know what this is?Identify Identify Identify Identify Identify T T T T T his his his his his Airman 1st Class Haida Boyd Unit: 407th Air Expeditionary Group Duty title: Command post controller Home station: 509th Bomb Wing Why other warriors say she’s a warrior: “She is the example of what airman should aspire to be early in their careers. She places service before self, demonstrates integrity first and strives to achieve excellence in all she does. She has an insurmountable appetite to learn, thirst for responsibility and has enough energy and motivation to power Ali Base by herself. She is a professional airman.”Master Sgt. Joseph Hofmann, Command Post SuperintendentMost memorable Air Force experience: “Receiving my certification as a U.S. Strategic Command Emergency Action Controller by Brigadier General Miller, the 509th BW Commander.” Why I joined the Air Force: “ As a stepping stone in my career towards working for NASA and I wanted to be the first female in my Native American family to serve in the military.” Hobbies: “Skydiving, rock-climbing, running, camping, snowboarding, soccer, poetry writing, traveling and mentoring.” Information about her family: “Single.” If you can identify the object, e-mail the paper at Ali.Times@tlab.centaf.af.mil with “Identify This” in the subject block by noon Monday Be specific! The winner will receive their choice of a cheesy prize from the 407th AEG/PA prize box. Congratulations to Staff Sgt. Aleena Corona, who correctly identified the bug zapper -that was a pretty easy one, as there were 12 correct answers and no incorrect answers. Good luck with this week’s “Identify This.” The following information is taken verbatim from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 1, 2006, version of AEW Instruction 36-2903:2.5.7. Reflective Belts. All personnel will wear reflective belts from dusk to dawn when wearing the DCU, flight suit, individual body armor, or group commander approved conservative PT gear. Personnel are not required to wear the belt when wearing the Air Force official PT uniform. The belt will be securely fastened around the waist (not around the shoulder) providing 360 degree coverage. Only official unit marking or writing is authorized on the reflective belt. Exception: Reflective belts are not required for personnel performing perimeter or outside the wire duties. AEWI 36-2903 Tip of the Week
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Page 15 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 F F F F F r r r r r ida ida ida ida ida y y y y y 11 a.m., Catholic Confessions: Oasis1 p.m., Muslim prayer/ service: (TCN)6 p.m., Roman Catholic Mass: Oasis6:30 p.m., Jewish Service: ARAC7:30 p.m., Gospel Choir Rehearsal: APC 8 p.m. (first Friday of the month), Eucharistic Adoration and Rosary: Oasis Satur Satur Satur Satur Satur da da da da da y y y y y 5 p.m., Catholic Confessions: Oasis6 p.m., Roman Catholic Mass: Oasis Sunda Sunda Sunda Sunda Sunda y y y y y 8 a.m., Roman Catholic Mass: Oasis9:30 a.m., Traditional Protestant Service: Oasis10 a.m., Protestant Service: APC10 a.m., Latter Day Saints Service: ARAC11 a.m., Church of Christ: Oasis3:30 p.m. Church of Christ: APC7 p.m., Contemporary Worship Service: Oasis Monda Monda Monda Monda Monda y y y y y 6 p.m., Roman Catholic Mass: Oasis7:30 p.m., Back to the Basics Bible Study: Oasis8 p.m., Band of Brothers: Wild at Heart MenÂ’s Study: OA7:30 p.m., Gospel Choir Rehearsal: APC T T T T T uesda uesda uesda uesda uesda y y y y y 6 p.m., Roman Catholic Mass: Oasis7 p.m., Catholic Choir Practice: Oasis7:30 p.m., Word of Faith Bible Study: APC8 p.m. ,Purpose Driven Life Book Study: OA W W W W W ednesda ednesda ednesda ednesda ednesda y y y y y 6 p.m., Roman Catholic Mass: Oasis7 p.m., Spanish Bible Study: ARAC7 p.m., WomenÂ’s Bible Study: Army Hospital7:30 p.m., Protestant Worship Service/Bible Study: APC8 p.m., Catholics Seeking Christ Adult Faith Study: OA Thur Thur Thur Thur Thur sda sda sda sda sda y y y y y 6 p.m., Roman Catholic Mass: Oasis6:30 p.m., Ladies Bible Study: ARAC7:30 p.m., MenÂ’s Bible Study: APC8 p.m., Marriage on the Rock (Jesus) Video series: OA TodayÂ’s times and movie descriptions for the weekW orship is at the 407th Air Expeditionary Group Oasis of Peace chapel, and at the Army Post Chapel. The Oasis is open 24 hours a day for prayer and reflection. For details on worship opportunities, or directions to worship locations, please call 445-2006.SaturdayKingpin .......................1 a.m. Hellboy.......................3 a.m. Friday Night Lights .....5 a.m. King Kong..................7 a.m. Monster in Law ..........9 a.m. Freddy vs J ason...... 11 a.m. Date Movie.................1 p.m. Manchurian CandÂ’te..3 p.m. Brothers Grimm .........5 p.m. 12 Bucks....................7 p.m. Aeon Flux...... .............9 p.m. Cartoon Craze .........11 p.m.SundayBrothers Grimm .........1 a.m. Aeon Flux...... .............3 a.m. Cartoon Craze ...........5 a.m. Manchurian CandÂ’te..7 a.m. Freddy vs Jason ........9 a.m. Monster in Law ........11 a.m. Date Movie.................1 p.m. King Kong ..................3 p.m. Hellboy.......................5 p.m. Kingpin .......................7 p.m. Friday Night Lights .....9 p.m. 12 Bucks..................11 p.m.MondayKing Kong..................1 a.m. Freddy vs Jason ........3 a.m. Date Movie.................5 a.m. Cartoon Craze ...........7 a.m. 12 Bucks....................9 a.m. Friday Night Lights...11 a.m. Hellboy.......................1 p.m. Monster in Law ..........3 p.m. Aeon Flux...... .............5 p.m. Brothers Grimm ..........7 p.m Kingpin .......................9 p.m. Manchurian CandÂ’te11 p.m.TuesdayBrothers Grimm .........1 a.m. 12 Bucks ....................3 a.m. Manchurian CandÂ’te..5 a.m. Freddy vs J ason........ 7 a.m. Kingpin .......................9 a.m. King Kong ................11 a.m. Date Movie.................1 p.m. Hellboy........................3 p.m Friday Night Lights .....5 p.m. Cartoon Craze ...........7 p.m. Monster in Law ..........9 p.m. Aeon Flux .................11 p.m.WednesdayAeon Flux...... .............1 a.m. Hellboy .......................3 a.m. Cartoon Craz e........... 5 a.m. Friday Night Lights .....7 a.m. Monster in Law ..........9 a.m. Date Movie ...............11 a.m. Kingpin .......................1 p.m. Brothers Grimm .........3 p.m. 12 Bucks....................5 p.m. Freddy vs Jason ........7 p.m. King Kong ..................9 p.m. Manchurian CandÂ’te11 p.m.ThursdayBrothers Grimm .........1 a.m. King Kong ..................3 a.m. Freddy vs J ason........ 5 a.m. Manchurian CandÂ’te..7 a.m. Kingpin .......................9 a.m. Date Movie ...............11 a.m. Aeon Flux........ ...........1 p.m. Friday Night Lights .....3 p.m. Monster in Law ..........5 p.m. Cartoon Craze ...........7 p.m. Hellboy.......................9 p.m. 12 Bucks..................11 p.m.Oasis = Air Force Chapel/Bedrock OA = Oasis Annex ARAC = Army Religious Activity Center APC = Army Post Chapel TCN = Third Country Nationals living area by DFACAeon Flux (2005), 1 a.m., Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand, action/adventure; 12 Bucks (1998), 3 a.m., Sean Graham, Scott Waugh, drama; Cartoon Craze (2006), 5 a.m.,cartoon; Manchurian Candidate (2004), 7 a.m., Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, action/adventure, drama; Brothers Grimm (2005), 9 a.m., Matt Damon, Heath Ledger, comedy, fantasy; Date Movie (2006), 11 a.m., Alyson Hannigan, Adam Campbell, comedy, romance; Kingpin (1996), 1 p.m., Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, comedy, romance; Friday Night Lights (2004) 3 p.m., Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black, comedy, drama;Monster in Law (2005), 5 p.m., Jennifer Lopez, Jane Fonda,romance, comedy; Hellboy (2004), 7 p.m., Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, action/adventure, adaptation; Freddy vs Jason (2003), 9 p.m., Robert Englund, Ken Kirzinger, thriller, sequel; King Kong (2005), 11 p.m., Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, action/ adventure, remake;
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Page 16 Ali Times / July 14, 2006 Today 8 a.m., Morning Bingo : Big Top5 p.m., Abs Class : Muscle Beach (I)7 p.m., Dominoes : ACC7 p.m., Toning: HOP7:30 p.m., Intramural Volleyball : volleyball courts7:30 p.m., Bingo and Variety Music Night : Big Top7 p.m., Spinning: Muscle Beach (I)8 p.m., Spinning : Muscle Beach (I)8 p.m., Step Aerobics : HOP Saturday 6 a.m., Excel Class: Muscle Beach (I)8 a.m., Abs Class : Muscle Beach (I)10 a.m., Big Top Movies : Final Destination 312 p.m., Big Top Movies : Eight Below6 p.m., Combat Aerobics: Muscle Beach (I)6:30 p.m., Spinning : HOP7 p.m., Abs Class : Muscle Beach (I)7:30 p.m., Intramural Basketball : b-ball courts7:30 p.m., Table Tennis doubles: Hot Spot7:30 p.m., Hip Hop : ACC9 p.m., Karaoke : Big Top Sunday 10 a.m., Spinning : HOP1 p.m., Big Top Movies : Inside Man2 p.m., Spades: Hot Spot3 p.m., Big Top Movies : Stay Alive7 p.m., Doubles horseshoes : Horseshoe pits7 p.m., Spinning : HOP7 p.m., Tae Kwon Do : Muscle Beach (I)7 p.m., Darts : ACC7:30 p.m., Intramural Basketball : b-ball courts8 p.m., Big Top Movies : Basic Instinct 2 Monday 5 p.m., Abs Class: Muscle Beach (I)7 p.m., Spinning: Muscle Beach (I)7 p.m., Dodgeball : Big Top7 p.m., Toning : HOP7 p.m., Ping Pong : ACC8 p.m., 9-ball : Hot Spot8 p.m., Spinning : Muscle Beach (I)8 p.m., Step Aerobics : HOP Tuesday 4 p.m., Body Blast : Muscle Beach (I)5 p.m., Combat Aerobics : Muscle Beach (I)6 p.m., Strongest in the AOR competition: Muscle Beach6:30 p.m., Tae Bo : HOP7 p.m., Abs Class: Muscle Beach (I)7:30 p.m., Tae Kwon Do : HOP8 p.m., Tae Kwon Do : Muscle Beach (I)8 p.m., Texas Hold’em WSOP #4 : Big Top8:30 p.m., Salsa : ACC Wednesday 5 p.m., Abs Class : Muscle Beach (I)7 p.m., Spinning: Muscle Beach (I)7 p.m., Toning : HOP7 p.m., Spades : ACC7:30 p.m., Intramural Volleyball : volleyball courts8 p.m., Step Aerobics : HOP8 p.m., Spinning : Muscle Beach (I)8 p.m., 8-ball doubles : Hot Spot Thursday 5 p.m., Combat Aerobics : Muscle Beach (I)6:30 p.m., Tae Bo : HOP7 p.m., Three point shoot out : courts7 p.m., Abs Class : Muscle Beach (I)7 p.m., 8/9-Ball : ACC7:30 p.m., Tae Kwon Do : HOP8 p.m., Texas Hold’em WSOP #5 : Big Top8 p.m., Tae Kwon Do : Muscle Beach (I)8:30 p.m., Salsa : HOP Bedrock and beyond...activities to keep you fit, happy and hungry for more (I) —Instructor (DVD) — DVD TNY —Tournament HOP —House of Pain, Army Fitness Center ACC —Army Community CenterCall the 407th Expeditionary Services Squadron with ideas for activities at 445-2696; for information about the House of Pain, Army fitness center call 833-1709. For information about Army morale, welfare and recreation activities call 833-1745. The 407th ESVS also offers Ziggurat tours Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Check with the Hot Spot staff for details.
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