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July 21, 2006 T T T T T able of contents American CourageCol. Orr addresses Airmen about the current situation at Ali. Page 2TrustChief Henson shares his motto for success. Page 3Defenders ReportCapt. Bush reports on the Airmen forward deployed to BIAP. Page 4Ziggurat Clean UpOne AirmanÂ’s desire to do the right things turns into a base project. Pages 5-6AFOSITheir mission, keeping Airmen safe. Pages 7-8ComradesAn Airman recalls his experience making friends in the AOR. Page 9Band of BrothersFamilies talk about their experience being deployed together at Ali. Pages 10-11Ali SportsTournament standings, upcoming events and more. Page 12From the CPICThe latest news from around Iraq and the CPIC. Page 13Movies and moreEvent schedules. Pages 14-16
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Page 2 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 Cover Photo 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.Ruby Zarzyczny Editor/Chief, Public Affairs Vol. 4, Issue 29 July 21, 2006 Col. David Orr Ali Warriors! We just faced our second terrorist attack in the last four days, and I continue to be impressed by your reactions when under duress and grateful for your unhindered resolve against this adversary of freedom. This attack was more of an eye-opener than others: a daytime attack involving multiple rockets from possibly multiple attack axes, and actual 407th Air Expeditionary Group Airmen injuries. We had a large number of Airmen outside who saw and heard it all! In talking with these Airmen and many others this evening, it got their attention and in some cases, potentially became a life-changing event. While we all acted instinctively based on being the world’s best trained military force, there is no doubt a gamut of emotions were flowing: anger, fear, curiosity, apprehension, bravery, euphoria,…! Make sure you talk about these emotions with your fellow Airmen, supervisors and commanders. We need to get it out in the open and then drive on with the 407th AEG mission. Let me try and update the situation in an unclassified format. Several terrorist factions in Iraq and Nasiriyah have publicly stated support for Lebanon and condemnation of Israel in the recent conflict. The Italian Joint Task Force, the “battlespace owner” for this province, has announced its withdrawal from the region this Fall. The Iraqi local population has observed our Army partners assuming the off-base patrol mission from our Desert Hunters. While we have no Intel reports that tell us any of these events are causing this escalation of aggression, the fact is that the Ali Base/LSA Adder environment is changing and we have to stay vigilant 24/7 during our AEF rotation! Please allow me to close with words of praise for your personal courage and to encourage your continued perseverance in this fight for freedom. You all remember how I described the Air Force in our recent wars…we are such a superior Air Combat force that the enemy does not even take the field (get airborne), they abandon their defense systems, and they try and camouflage their assets. Today, we are on Ali Base as a sustaining force against a non-traditional enemy. We do not enjoy an overwhelming advantage in equipment or weapons. But make no mistake, we will prevail because we individually and collectively possess an insurmountable force, that of the American Spirit! It’s a heritage of courage, heroism, and strength of character that is passed from one generation of American warriors to the next. I’m proud to serve with you as an Ali Warrior in this Long War for a democratic Iraq and to preserve freedom for America, for our families, and for future American generations! American Courage, Resolve, Preserverance—Iraqi Freedom By Col. David Orr 407th Air Expeditionary Group Commander Tech Sgt. David Johnson, a member of a centralized Engineer Installation Squadron replaces a hydraulic hose on a ditch witch, Jul 15. The ditch witch is used to dig trenches for communications cable. (Photo by Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny)
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Page 3 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 This system of inspection, calibration, and testing allows each operator to trust the equipment they are using will not fail them at a critical moment. Just like when I was getting ready to jump out of the plane, I had to trust my equipment…parachute and altimeter…would work properly because it was the best and had been properly inspected. Trust the people around you. I trusted my skydiving instructors implicitly for two reasons. First, they had been through the exact training I had been through. The best thing about the military is we all go through the same training and have a very systematic operation to train our replacements. Senior Noncommissioned Officers train NCOs, NCOs train Airmen, and senior officers train junior officers. Also, we have an outstanding dual-education process through professional military education and specific job knowledge that ensures we are the best Airmen in the world. Second, my instructors were competent and confident! The same is true for the Airmen you work with everyday. They haveChief Master Sgt. Bob Henson, 407th ESFS, Security Forces ManagerMore than 15 years ago when I was waiting to jump out of my first airplane at 14,500 feet, one of my skydiving instructors looked at me and could tell I was very nervous. He leaned over, smiled and above the loud noise of the engines said “trust your equipment, trust the people around you and trust your training.” This didn’t necessarily calm my nerves at the time but it was enough to motivate me to stand up, walk over to the door and jump out of the plane. The feeling of that first jump was overwhelming and my instructor’s motto has stuck with me for the rest of my life. It forced me to analyze life a bit more and now that motto is what I use to motivate people to help them accomplish their mission in life. Trust your equipment. The military spares no cost to ensure you have the best equipment available. In fact, the Air Force’s fiscal year budget for 2006 allocates $18.9 billion for procurement and $16.9 billion for research and development. This is a lot of money used to ensure our Air Force is the best equipped to fly and fight. Also, each squadron has its own operating budget which permits the purchase of individual and team equipment at the discretion of the commander. The commander seeks direct input from his Airmen which allows everyone to have buy-in for the purchase of the best equipment to get the job done. More importantly, is the maintenance program for our equipment. The Air Force has developed strict guidelines to ensure our equipment meets rigorous standards before it can be used. made a commitment to serve their country and fight for its freedom. This common bond and patriotic attitude creates a level of enthusiasm and expertise to help each other towards a common goal of excellence. This phenomenal process allows everyone to know the people they work with can be trusted to accomplish the mission. Trust your training. Training, whether formal or informal, is what makes us better people. Whether it’s sitting in the classroom or simply listening to your boss describe how to accomplish a task, training is what we all need to better understand how to do something. Renowned art critic and author, Bernard Berenson, said “genius is the capacity for productive reaction against one’s training.” His statement clearly defines that training is the foundation to how we will react in accomplishing our lives. But training isn’t just about attending and hearing but is more understanding and application. What we do with our training and how we practice it will instill an optimized reaction when performing our tasks. This training foundation will allow everyone to trust they can expertly, knowledgeably and proudly do their job. Again, during my descent and landing, I trusted my training would force me to react correctly to whatever situation arose. After hundreds and hundreds of jumps, I still share this motto with every new skydiver on the plane ride up to jumping altitude to help them feel a bit more at ease before their first jump. I hope this motto will help you conduct your mission a little bit easier knowing that you can “trust your equipment, trust the people around you and trust your training.” Trust; My Motto for SuccessChief Master Sgt. Bob Henson
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Page 4 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 Ali Defenders report from BIAP July 10th, almost 40 Defenders from the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron were scheduled to fly home to be with their families because their Air Expeditionary Force rotation was cut short due to a recent security mission changeover to the Army. Several of the Defenders had already made plans to go home and spend quality time with their family and friends on vacation. With their bags packed and days numbered, they received an official notification that they were to be forward deployed to Baghdad International Airport. This was not the news most of the Defenders were hoping to hear two days before they were to be reunited with their loved ones. After a day to prepare, they refocused and were ready to start their new mission. Baghdad International Airport needed to provide some additional security on the civilian side of the airport and still provide the same security on the military runway. The BIAP Security Forces Flight needed additional personnel to secure both areas. A request was submitted and approved by the CENTAF commander to forward deploy the Ali Defenders to BIAP. The Ali Defenders are doing well and have integrated quite nicely with their new flight personnel at Camp Sather. They are working in and around the flightline and making a big difference in the mission. Master Sgt. John Borowski, one of the senior noncommissioned officers sent to BIAP to lead the Defenders said, “the troops are all motivated and focused on the task at hand. They have been able to see some palaces and other sightseeing attractions their new unit leadership scheduled for them.”Capt. Kenneth Bush 407th ESFS, Operations Officer TELL YOUR STORY As a mililtary member, you have a great story to tell. And the military has many ways to tell those stories. First, you can fill out a Hometown News Release, a DD Form 2266 —just for deploying to Iraq and participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. However, you can also fill out a HTNR for other events as well —including promotion or recognition while in theater (including all the monthly awards). For events or situations which are a little more out of the ordinary —such as the story on the next page —let public affairs know. U.S. Air Forces, Central Command has a number of programs to market these stories back home —including radio and television stations. If you can tell a really good (true) story, you might even get on national or international media. For more information, call public affairs at 445-2318. Happy Birthday Staff Sgt. Justin Brant, 407th CES—July 23 Senior Master Sgt. Ronald Walker, 407th CS—July 24 Staff Sgt. Sebastian Manna, 407 CP—July 27 Members from the 407th ESFS, who are forward deployed to BIAP for an airfield security mission, pose for a photo after the morning guardmount, July 20. Courtesy Photo
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Page 5 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 Continued on page 6: Clean up Three times a week the 407th Expeditionary Services Squadron offers a tour to the Ziggurat of UR located in the confines of Ali Base. The Ziggurat is a 4000 year-old structure that was built by the end of the Sumerian Dynasty in 2095 B.C. by the Sumerian King URNAMMO. The city of UR, located near An Nasiriyah, Iraq is also known to be the birthplace of Abraham, and the cradle of civilization. A few weeks ago, some Airmen from the 407th Air Expeditionary Group Force Protection Flight took a tour to the Ziggurat of UR. Senior Airman Kevin Fordham, force protection specialist was one of the Airmen on the tour. While there, he noticed a lot of trash and debris on the ground and in the surrounding area. “The Ziggurat is a historical place for me, that is due respect. It bothered me to see the ancient sight in such a state,” Airman Fordham said. “It was obvious the trash came from the base, and I felt we needed to do our part to clean it up.” When Airman Fordham returned to the base, he talked to and the Ziggurat clean up became a base project. Staff Sgt. Michelle Messer, 407th ESVS organized the project by contacting all the professional organizations on the base. Within a week, she received more than 60 email requests from Airmen wanting to participate in the clean up project. Sixty Airmen with individual body armor and helmet in hand showed up at 6:30 a.m. his Chief about his idea to clean up the Ziggurat area. “My Force Protection Airmen are always thinking of ways to build morale and make the team stronger,” Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Robinson said. “With the hit and misses we’ve had lately, I thought this would be a great opportunity to demonstrate service before self and make the team stronger.” “We’re going to come up with ideas to build a stronger team and maintain our diligence,” he said. “It’s important to keep that kind of thinking and communication throughout the base, especially now when we’re at the half way point and thinking about going home.” Once Airman Fordham told his Chief about his idea, it expanded from there. Chief Robinson made a few phone calls Airmen from the base walked throughout the Ziggurat and surrounding area picking up trash. By Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs Idea turns into base projectAirmen Clean Ziggurat of URSenior Airman Kevin Fordham, 407th AEG Force Protection picks up trash at the Ziggurat, Jul 20. His desire to do the “right thing” launched a base project to pick up trash at the Ziggurat of UR. Photos by Staff Sgt. Rasheen Douglas
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Page 6 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 Clean up From page 5..........................................Thursday to load the waiting buses headed for the Ziggurat. “When I went to the Chief with the idea, I thought just myself and other Airmen from Force Protection who had the day off would go out and clean up,” Airman Fordham said. “I was very impressed with the turn out.” The Airmen pulled more than two heaping truck loads of trash from the area. “It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “If you see trash on the ground and walk past it thinking, ‘I should pick that up’, then just stop and pick it up.” “I’m sure there will be trash there again, but maybe what we did today will help people pay a little more attention about how they dispose of their trash in the future,” he added. The clean up team’s efforts did not go unrewarded today. The team found an unexploded grenade and more than 20 M-6 igniters that are used to launch rocket propelled grenades, rockets, and mortars. Disposing of these ordinance and picking up trash will help make the Ziggurat a nicer and safer place for people who visit there. (Editors note: Senior Airman Fordham is deployed from the 46th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.) Sixty Airmen from Ali base formed a team to clean up the Ziggurat of UR on Jul 20. The Airmen started from the parking lot an d then made a clean sweep of the surrounding area. These 60 Airmen from the 407th Air Expeditionary Group volunteered to pick up trash at the Ziggurat, Jul 20. Photo By Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny Photo By Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny Airman 1st Class Neal Smock, 407th ECS found an old bolt while picking up trash at the Ziggurat and holds it up like he would if he had found the “golden bolt” of a FOD walk on the flightline. Photo by Staff Sgt. Rasheen Douglas
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Page 7 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 AFOSI takes active role in keeping Airmen safe Continued on page 7: AFOSI By Master Sgt. Andrew Gates 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public AffairsIn combat, a good offense is the best defense – stopping enemy attacks before they happen is the best way to keep troops safe. To do that requires information – finding out what attacks might be on the horizon and providing advice or guidance to those people able to use it and stop any impending attack. That mission, at Ali, is almost exclusively carried out by Air Force Office of Special Investigation (AFOSI) agents deployed here. Although many people may associate the OSI with criminal investigations, they are also responsible for the Air Force’s counterintelligence mission, said the commander of the OSI detachment at Ali. They will investigate some crimes that touch the Air Force in theater, such as homicide or rape, but the majority of criminal cases are turned over to the Army, allowing OSI agents to focus on thwarting terrorist attacks. “We accomplish our mission by running operations to collect information on every aspect of our enemy,” said the commander. “We want to know who they are, how they operate, their financial and logistical backing, and the like. When we get enough intelligence on an individual or entity to take action, we provide information to one of the many responsible coalition forces so vastly different that the work never gets stale.”The OSI agents are among a such as special operations forces, in the area.” Doing their mission provides the agents with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. “Having a role in ensuring the safety of the base is very satisfying and an honor,” said an agent deployed to Ali Base. “Much of OSI’s information gathering is done, by necessity, “outside the wire,” or outside the confines of the military base,”the commander said. “When we are doing operations, we move in tactical teams, fully armored and loaded up, so we can simply stay alive,” he continued. “What we do in the deployed environment is dangerous, and we have lost a number of good agents here in Iraq.” “There is hardly a dull moment,” said another deployed agent, who is on his second deployment to Iraq. “Each location is so vastly different that the work never gets stale. An Office of Special Investigation agent hands candy to a Bedouin child. select few Airmen who get the opportunity to see what Iraq looks like outside of the ‘wire’ of Ali. They see a country that is quite unlike what many Americans are used to. “Right now, An Nasiriyah (a city about 12 kilometers away from Ali Base) looks and feels like many third-world, impoverished cities I have seen in other countries,” said the commander. “It is quite polluted and run-down, but the coalition currently has a number of large projects underway to change this. Surrounding the base is Bedouin territory – sheep and camel herding tribes live in tents or small hand-built structures that dot the countryside.” What OSI agents do in the deployed environment is similar to what they do at home – even though the targets are different, and the threats tend to be a little more aggressive here. “When you boil it down,
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Page 8 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 AFOSI From page 6......................... A special agent and linguist practice during an OSI training mission. (Courtesy photo) A special agent shakes the hand of a Bedouin child after giving her a piece of candy. (Courtesy photos) desperately needs it.” Another agent agrees. “I feel I am a part of history,” he said. “Not just living in historic times, but actually having an effect on history as it happens.” That is part of what keeps him motivated – he is encouraged by the knowledge that what he does directly supports the U.S. objectives in Iraq – agents are responsible for the identification and capture of insurgents, disrupting their plots and dismantling their infrastructure. “Futhermore, OSI is a tightknit family, and I love working with my fellow agents,” the commander said. “When you are doing a great mission with great people, how can you not love your job?” whether it is a criminal case at home, or a counterterrorism investigation or operation here, everything we do is about gathering information,” the commander said. “Therefore, we use many of the same skills across our diverse mission.” Because of operational security, the agents can’t talk much about the specifics of their missions, but they have had significant success, he continued. “Across Iraq – to include Ali – agents have been responsible for the identification and apprehension of terrorist cells, seizing and destroying weapons caches and thwarting attacks on our installations,” said the commander. Even though OSI seems to get the more exciting missions, the commander stresses his team couldn’t do its job without support from the Airmen at Ali. For instance, logisticians help keep the armored vehicles operating in peak condition and the communications experts make sure the OSI communications are working well. Besides working closely with Ali Airmen, the OSI team works closely with all coalition partners, sister services and several Iraqi entities, the commander said. “For instance, last week, we identified a weapons cache we wanted to take out,” he said. “Initially, we went to the Italian forces to see if they could support us – they couldn’t assist because they were working something else at the time. So, we turned to some of our trusted Iraqi counterparts and executed the operation with them. Who we work with depends on the mission at hand.” And though the mission may sound like it is all action, all the time, “that’s movie stuff,” said the commander. A typical day will depend upon which operations the agents are working. However, every operation requires prebriefs, debriefs and a lot of paperwork. The commander estimates that for every hour an agent spends executing a mission, they spend at least another hour typing up reports. “There is no simple checklist for what we do,” he said. “To get the job done, we have to remain flexible, while still being cautious.” Many of the agents are here for more than six months; a typical agent’s work day is 13-15 hours a day, with one day off every two weeks, the commander said. “You get tired and frustrated at times, but you can’t slack off,” he said. “People’s lives depend on what we do.” “I feel some sadness for this nation that has been hijacked by a handful of people, proportionally speaking, who are working to keep Iraq from progressing,” the commander said. “At the same time, I feel happy when I see the progress that is being made and the contributions the Airmen here are making to bring democracy to a part of the world that
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Page 9 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Schott 407th CES FirefighterWhile I have been here, I have made friends with some of our Italian comrades who fly and work on the Mongusta helicopter. I have eaten meals with them, played volleyball, and shared friendship with them on several occasions. Recently, we had lunch with them as we said goodbye to a special friend of mine, “Brocca” (roll the R’s and you have his name). “Brocca”, Mauricio Carlet, is a year younger than me at 48 yearsold and hails from the North of Italy. He is a career Italian Army member and Chief of Maintenance for the helicopters. Brocca has been our Chef during the meals we have shared with them in their hanger. And might I say, the meals we’ve shared beat anything I have ever experienced in any Italian restaurant in America. Anyway, Brocca is heading home, so we enjoyed our friendship one last time before he left. What a great guy. I will miss him and hope someday to travel to Italy to visit with him and his family. These friendships have made me think about how lucky a guy I am. Yes, I’m away from my family (whom I miss terribly), but how fortunate I have been to be exposed to the culture and great people while I have been here. And I considered the words from the Pledge of Allegiance – “One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all”. In our efforts here in Iraq, we are not just one nation under God, desiring liberty and justice for all, but many nations wanting the same thing, freedom from tyranny and oppression, freedom of education and choice, freedom to explore and enjoy other cultures and people. I think, my gosh, how fortunate I am. It also made me think of camaraderie. A word I’m afraid not everyone gets to know first hand. I looked it up and the definition is: a spirit of friendly good-fellowship. I am in Iraq with a group of guys and gals here in the fire house from seven different states. We are spending all our time together. We are in a hostile environment. We are doing without a lot of luxuries we are accustomed to. Yet, we are as close as if we had grown up together. We are striving for the same things, excellence, pride, honor, and taking care of each other. And by that, I don’t mean just taking care of us here in the fire compound, but everyone at Ali Base, our Army comrades, and all of our Coalition Forces, including Italy, Australia, Japan, Bosnia, and Britain. The pride and honor of these young men and women’s service is awe inspiring. I am so fortunate to be a part of this group. And so, I ask each of you to reflect on your life, your friends, your concern for the human race. And think of the word camaraderie – a spirit of friendly good-fellowship. Always remember, “It’s all about taking care of each other”. Comrades in the AORMaking friends at Ali BaseTech. Sgt. Kevin Schott (left) and Senior Airman Katie Maglia drink a freshly brewed cup of Italian coffee with their Italian friends. Airmen from the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron [Firefighters] Staff Sgt. Geroge Nesbitt (left) Tech. Sgt. Kevin Schott, Brocca (Italian Crew Chief ) and Senior Airman Katie Maglia pose for a photo.
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Page 10 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 Band of Brothers;Families deployed to Ali Continued on page 11:By Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public AffairsStaff Sgt. Patrick Peterson, 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter is deployed here along with his brothers Army 1st Lt. Paul Peterson, supply operations maintenance officer and Spc. Joel Peterson, maintenance parts specialists from the 1/34 Brigade Support Battalion. Sergeant Peterson, the youngest of the three brothers was originally scheduled to deploy to another location. “My unit was being deployed to two different places,” Sergeant Peterson said. “I jumped on the opportunity to go to the nicer place because I had already been here [ Ali Base].” “Then when I found out my unit was coming here where my brothers were being deployed, I jumped ship on the good deployment location to come here,” he said. “So I could be with my brothers.” Depending on the work schedule, the brothers spend a few hours or more a week together during their time off. “We meet up at the dining facility, throw the football around, watch movies together, steal each others video games, and reminisce about old times, said Sergeant Peterson. “After we all graduated, we left home and moved way throughout Minnesota [where the brothers are in the Air and Army National Guard]. We see each other during the holidays, so being here we’ve been able to spend more time together.” While the three brothers are spending more time together, back home all of Mr. and Mrs. Peterson’s children are deployed to the same place at the same time. “My Dad was in the Army, so he is cool with us being here, said Lieutenant Peterson. “I don’t think our Mom would have liked it if only one of us came here. But having all three of us deployed—she says takes some getting used to.” Whether here or at home station, the brothers all agree on one thing, deploying with your brothers makes the deployment much better. “It’s good to deploy with people who already know you,” Sergeant Peterson said. “It’s fun to meet new people, but it makes it more comfortable to deploy with people you know.” “The other day, I ran into one of my older brother’s friends from high school in the chow hall here,” he said. “He and my older brother [Joel] used to beat me up on a daily basis when I was a kid. It was pretty funny meeting up with him here.” “If my brothers weren’t here, I wouldn’t have lifting partners,” Lieutenant Peterson said. “It’s nice being here with your family because you have similar interests,” Specialist Peterson said. “We’d like to see the Vikings beat the Packers together, but we don’t know how much time we’ll have to watch football while we are here.” Sergeant Peterson’s brothers were already here when he arrived to Ali Base, and they will be here when he leaves. “One of the neatest things for me was being greeted at the [Ali Base] passenger terminal by my big brothers,” Sergeant Peterson said. “We had midnight chow together that night.” “But that also means they will be seeing me off at the PAX terminal,” he said. FamilesFrom the left, Staff Sgt. Patrick Peterson, Army 1st Lt. Paul Peterson, and Spc. Joel Peterson are Guardsmen, Vikings fans, and brothers deployed to Ali Base, Iraq. Photo by Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny
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Page 11 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 Families From page 10........................................While the three Peterson brothers try to spend as much time together as possible, a father and son are working together at the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Bowman, material control management supervisor and Senior Airman Jeffrey Bowman, pavement and equipment apprentice one of the “Dirt Boys” deployed here together from the 102nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass. Deploying with the Air National Guard is like deploying with family, said Sergeant Bowman. Many of the members of the unit deployed here have seen Airmen Bowman grow up around the unit, he said. Many of the Guardsmen and their families from the 102nd have worked together on and off duty for more than 20 years. “Our unit is like deploying with our cousins, and Jeffrey [Airman Bowman] and I are father and son,” Sergeant Bowman said. “Normally we have an agreement that when we have the uniform on we just have the same last name, and we’re father and son during our off duty time.” The Bowman’s work in their own areas and sometimes they get really busy and don’t see each other sometimes for up to a week. When they do have time to spend together, they watch movies, play horseshoes and then meet up at the dinning facility for dinner. The CE guys just keep on working. If they see something that needs to be done they just jump right in to get it done, said Sergeant Bowman. Two days after the Bowman’s arrived at the base, there was a rocket attack and the “Dirt Boys” jumped right in to assist the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team to dig out the unexploded ordinance. “I was one of the “Dirt Boys” digging up the UXO,” Airman Bowman said. “That’s my job. But while I was digging it out, I was thinking to myself, if this thing goes off, what is my Dad going to do?” “It’s a good thing his father has a good cardiac function,” said Sergeant Bowman. “Jeffrey is the kind of guy who doesn’t run from work, and I love that about him. He knows what his job is, and he’s not afraid to do it. I am very proud of him.” A couple weeks ago, Airman Bowman got hurt. It was the first time Sergeant Bowman really had second thoughts about his son being here. “I knew where my son was working,” Sergeant Bowman said. “When you hear a radio call man down in the same area where your son’s working, it really gets you going. Then when I found out it was Jeffrey, I had to stay calm.” “While at the combat surgical hospital, the first sergeant said to me “Boy, do you look calm,” Sergeant Bowman said. “I told her, you should see me on the inside.” While Sergeant Bowman was staying calm and heading to the CSH, Airman Bowman was thinking about his Dad. “I knew I wasn’t hurt that badly,” Airman Bowman said. “But I was worried about my Dad. I didn’t want him to get too upset.” However dangerous the job might be, having his son deploy with him has been a dream for Sergeant Bowman for almost 31 years. “I’ve deployed to a lot of places on this planet,” Sergeant Bowman said. “And I always wished my kids could see the places I’ve gone. Now Jeffrey is here. He has that chance to get outside the U.S. and see how the rest of the world is living.” “When he goes home, home will be different,” he added. “And, he’ll be able to appreciate it a lot more.” From the left, Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Bowman and Senior Airman Jeffrey Bowman assigned to the 407th ECES are father and son deployed to Ali Base. Photo by Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny
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Page 12 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 Ali SportsWho will be crowned Champions? Watch as teams battle out in the regular season for playoff position.Basketball Standings Army 3-0 ESFS 3-1 ELRS 2-2 ECES 1-2 EOSS 1-2 ECS 0-3 Dodgeball Standings ECES 3-0 ESVS 3-0 AEG 2-0 AUS 2-0 ELRS#2 2-1 ESFS 2-2 FP#1 1-2 EOSS 1-3 ECEF 0-1 ECEF 0-1 FP #3 0-2 ECS 0-3 ELRS 0-3 Volleyball STANDINGS ECS 4-1 PERSCO 3-0 ELRS 2-1 ECES 2-1 ECEF 1-1 EOSS 1-3 AEG 0-2 AUS 0-2 Tournaments and Competitions BLIND DOUBLES PING PONG TOURNAMENT, Saturday, 5:50 p.m, Big Top WIFFLE BALL TOURNAMENT, Sunday, 6 p.m., Big Top, sign up at noon. SPADES TOURNAMENT, Monday, 7:50 p.m., Hot Spot DEADLIFT COMPETITION Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Muscle Beach INDOOR TRIATHLON, Monday, 8:30 a.m., Muscle Beach FITNESS SURVIVOR Thursday, 6 p.m., Mucsle Beach For more information call 445-2136 “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball” according to a line in the movie Dodgeball. Here,the 407th ESFS team members dodge, duck and dive in order to win and move up in the dodgeball tournament standings. Opposing teams rush to the center of the dodge ball court. Photos by Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny Master Sgt. Randy Herauf, 407th ECS first sergeant, sizes up the opposing team and picks the next man he will try to eliminate from the game.
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Page 13 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 Two “Wizards of E&I”, Tech. Sgt. David Johnson, 210th Engineer Installation Squadron, Minn. Air National Guard and Tech. Sgt. From the CPIC: Gary Kerns, 215th Engineer Installation Squadron, Wash. Air National Guard, came to Ali this week to fix equipment used to install communications systems. The team known as the “Wizards of E&I” is centrally located at a base in Southwest Asia, and is made up of communications installation technicians and general purpose mechanics who travel around the AOR installing base information infrastructures [phone, cable, fiber optics, and antennas] and repairing the equipment [trenchers, cable roll trucks, cable rill trailers, and portable generators] needed to get the job done. The team provides service for approximately 80 vehicles throughout the AOR, and flies from base to base fixing and inspecting equipment. “We are the essential element for maintaining communications,” Sergeant Kerns said. “We’ve gone into spots that are hot with rockets and mortars flying, and spent hours in full battle rattle in bunkers. But I enjoy the traveling and getting my hands dirty to get the communication back up and running. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to get the project done and return communications to the base.” “Everyone appreciates us when we come to the base,” Sergeant Johnson said. “But, they are even happier when we leave because their email and telephones are working.” Tech. Sgt. David Johnson, (left) and Tech. Sgt. Gary Kern install an hydraulic hose on a ditch witch that is used to dig up the ground to install cable.Wizards visit Ali Base By Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs Coalition forces kill four terrorists BAGHDAD Iraq – Coalition forces killed four terrorists while conducting a raid southeast of Baghdad Wednesday. The raids targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists known for coordinating vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) and rocket attacks against Iraqi civilians. These individuals are reported to have significant links to several high level al–Qaeda in Iraq leaders. Upon arriving at the target, Coalition forces observed the terrorists throwing items out the vehicle. The security forces made multiple attempts to stop the terrorists’ vehicle, culminating in warning shots near the vehicle. The terrorists were non-compliant, refusing to stop, and as Coalition forces approached began to retrieve items from behind the seats Coalition forces then engaged and killed them.Coalition forces kill 1 terrorist, capture 5 BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and captured five others while detaining four believed terrorists during raids in Samarra July 20. Credible intelligence linked the targeted terrorists to numerous senior al-Qaida in Iraq leaders, including one who was captured June 19 and has since admitted to ordering hundreds of attacks against Iraqi citizens. The troops quickly secured the initial target and detained one suspect without incident. During the operation, the assault force found multiple weapons and fragmentary grenades on the targets. All ordnance was destroyed on site. Supporting aircraft destroyed one building with a kinetic strike after identifying it as a logistical support base for insurgents that contained food, medical supplies, firing ports and spider holes to support a defense of the site. Though numerous women and children were on site, none were harmed.Photo by Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny
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Page 14 Ali Times / July 21, 2006 Do you know what this is?Identify Identify Identify Identify Identify T T T T T his his his his his Senior Airman Jeana Pecukonis 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.”Tip of the Week Change to 332nd AEW Dress and Appearance Policy Members are authorized to wear black, brown, or sand colored t-shirts. Additionally, the long-sleeved black or brown turtleneck shirts or dickies and white, black, or brown thermal undershirts are authorized. The Under Armour tight-fitting t-shirt is not conservative. When wearing the Under Armour tight-fitting t-shirt as an undergarment, personnel will not remove their DCU blouse. Unit: 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Duty title: Intelligence Analyst Home station: 614th Space Intelligence Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, CA Why other warriors say she’s a warrior: Airman “Pec’s” has a level of skill and maturity not seen in many Technical Sergeants. She is articulate and maintains a constant professional composure, even while fielding the most demanding questions, during her briefs to senior officers. Unsurpassed dedication and support to Coalition Forces supporting operations in and around Ali AB; from the Defenders to the “Firedawgs”, Explosives Ordinance Disposal to the senior Group Leadership, Italian Air Force to the Japanese Self Defense Air Force ensuring the best possible situational awareness for “her” teams! Maj. Weaver, Senior Intelligence Officer Why I joined the Air Force: A deep sense of family tradition. I have had a family member in every conflict since WWII and I felt it was my responsibility to my family and country to defend the nation as they did in the past. What inspires you? Freedom. Making sure the right people get accurate and timely information to make the best decisions to take the fight to the enemy so that Americans are safe at home. Most memorable Air Force experience: My F-16 familiarization ride at Osan, AB Korea Hobbies: Movies, reading, cross-stitching, volleyball Information about her family: “Single.” Some things are worth repeating... over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over ... OPSEC opsec OPSEC opsec opsec OPSEC opsec OPSEC opsec OPSEC opsec opsec OPSEC opsec
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Page 15 Ali Times / July 21, 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.SaturdayNight of the Living Dead..1 a.m. Ladder 49 ..................3 a.m. The Ring 2 .................5 a.m. SheÂ’s All That .............7 a.m. Bring it On Agai n.......9 a.m. Confessions of a Teen11 a.m. Firewall .......................1 p.m. The Longest Yard .......3 p.m. Honey.........................5 p.m. 50 First Dates ............7 p.m. Dodgeball... ................9 p.m. The Ring 2 ...............11 p.m.SundayBring it On ..................1 a.m. Swim Fan... ................3 a.m. Bringing Down the H...5 a.m. Underclassman .........7 a.m. Night of the Living De..9 a.m. The Ring 2 ...............11 a.m. Ladder 49........ ...........1 p.m. Million Dollar Baby.....3 p.m. Dodgeball... ................5 p.m. Confessions of a Teen7 p.m. Bring it On Agai n.......9 p.m. Honey.......................11 p.m.MondayMillion Dollar Baby..... 1 a.m. Dodgeball... ................3 a.m. Confessions of a Teen5 a.m. 50 First Dates ............7 a.m. Bring it On Agai n.......9 a.m. SheÂ’s All That ...........11 a.m. The Longest Yard .......1 p.m. Firewall .......................3 p.m. Underclassman .........5 p.m. Night of the Living De..7 p.m The Ring 2 .................9 p.m. Bringing Down the H...11 p.m.TuesdayThe Longest Yard .......1 a.m. Swim Fan........ ...........3 a.m. Firewall .......................5 a.m. Bring it On Again....... 7 a.m. Dodgeball........ ...........9 a.m. The Ring 2 ...............11 a.m. Confessions of a Teen1 p.m. Ladder 49 ....................3 p.m Night of the Living De..5 p.m. SheÂ’s All That .............7 p.m. Bringing Down the H.9 p.m. 50 Frist Dates ..........11 p.m.WednesdayHoney .........................1 a.m. The Ring 2 .................3 a.m. SheÂ’s All That .............5 a.m. Underclassman .........7 a.m. Ladder ........................9 a.m. Swim Fan .................11 a.m. Night of the Living De..1 p.m. Firewall .......................3 p.m. 50 First Dates ............5 p.m. 50 First Dates ............7 p.m. The Longest Yard .......9 p.m. Million Dollar Baby...11 p.m.ThursdayNight of the Living De..1 a.m. Ladder 49........ ...........3 a.m. The Ring 2 .................5 a.m. SheÂ’s All That .............7 a.m. Bring it On Again....... 9 a.m. Confessions of a Teen.11 a.m. Firewall .......................1 p.m. The Longest Yard .......3 p.m. 50 First Dates ............5 p.m. Honey.........................7 p.m. Dodgeball........ ...........9 p.m. The Ring 2 ...............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 DFACNight of the Living Dead (1990), 1 a.m., Seven people are trapped in a farmhouse surrounded by flesh-eating zombies. Ladder 49 (2004), 3 a.m., Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, The Ring 2 (2005), 5 a.m., Suspense/Horror, Remake and Sequel, SheÂ’s All That (1999), 7 a.m., Freddie Prince Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook, romance/comedy, Bring it On Again (2005), 9 a.m., Fauna Chambers, Anne Judson Yager,comedy, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004), 11 a.m.,Lindsay Lohan, Adam Garcia, comedy, Firewall (2006), 1 p.m.,Harrison Ford, Paul Bettany, action/adventure, drama and thriller, The Longest Yard (2005) 3 p.m., Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, comedy, remake and sports, Honey (2003), 5 p.m., Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer, drama and musical/performing arts, 50 First Dates (2004), 7 p.m.,Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, comedy and romance, Dodgeball (2003), 9 p.m., Vince Vaughn, Christine Taylor, Ben Stiller, underdog comedy
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Page 16 Ali Times / July 21, 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 WOSP #6: 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 #7 : 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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