GUARDIAN the
The official magazine of Multinational Battle Group East
Volume XV Issue 5 May 2012
What’s Inside GUARDIAN the
The Guardian is produced for personnel of Multinational Battle Group - East, and is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense.
Readiness Exercise Develops KSF Skills Page 5
Contents of the publication are not necessarily the official views of the United Nations, U.S. government, the Department of the Army, Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, or MNBG E.
Warrior Leader Course at Bondsteel Page 6-7
Commanding Officer Col. Jeffrey J. Liethen
DynCorp Protects the Peacekeepers Page 8
Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley J. Shields Public Affairs Officer Capt. Joy Staab
Watch Out for Springtime Critters Page 9
172nd Public Affairs Detachment Editor/Layout & Design Sgt. 1st Class Jim Wagner Broadcast Journalists Staff Sgt. Jason Alvarez Spc. Nathan Rivard Print Journalist Spc. Joshua Barnett
Follow the Correct Steps To File Claim Page 12
Bondsteel Honors Bataan Memorial Page 14
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About the Cover Sgt. Rodney Cabezas from the North Dakota National Guard's 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, takes aim during Warrior Leader Course recently. See more photos and story on Page 6. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua Barnett) GUARDIAN the
From the Commander
What Can You Do With Time Remaining in Kosovo?
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think I can speak for the entire Battle Group when I say the warm spring weather is a welcome change compared to the long harsh winter conditions we experienced during the first half of our deployment.
mand’s resolve in enforcing the rules. Fortunately we are past that.
On the other hand, history also shows that non-compliant behavior hits a peak near the end of deployments as well. Again, maintain your As a result, I have witnessed the morale of the military bearing and Battle Group increase. Soldiers have broken out of discipline, and don’t be their routine of sitting in their rooms during their “that guy” who gets in Col. Jeffrey J. Liethen personal time, and are now enjoying the camaraderie trouble late in the game. MNBG E Commander of others while playing sports, sitting at the café and working out. I encourage you all to continue to do the It’s easy to look at activities that increase your morale, but remember the calendar and see only how many days we have to keep your head in the game… and by that I mean remaining until we go home. I encourage you to look keep focused on our mission. at it this way: “What can I do with the remaining time here to make a difference?” The warm weather also means an increase in our operational tempo. The frequent snow storms As each day passes, remind yourself that you only this winter minimized the frequency of missions have that number of days remaining to make a differwe could perform in order to fulfill our mission to ence here in Kosovo. Whether it’s out on a presence keep a safe and secure environment and freedom of patrol, meeting with Kosovo residents and leaders, movement for Kosovo residents.As we count down or planning a training exercise, always think about the days remaining on the deployment, I ask that you what you can do to make a difference with the time look at your days remaining in Kosovo with a clear you have remaining in Kosovo. perspective. The job you’ve done here to date has been supeDo not allow yourself to get complacent. Stay rior; keep up that level of performance to ensure aware of your surroundings and maintain military the gratitude of not just the people of Kosovo, but bearing. History shows that Soldiers get in trouble America as they see the results of your excellent early during deployments while testing the Comservice. The End
As we move into the second half of our deployment, not only do we move into warmer weather conditions, we also move into the downward slope of our time remaining in Kosovo.
MNBG E Leaders Visit Serbian Spiritual Seat
U.S. Army Col. Jeffrey J. Liethen, Multinational Battle Group East commander, center left; Bishop Jovan of Ulpiana, center; and U.S. Army Col. Richard T. Kumlien, Multinational Battle Group East deputy commander, center right, pose with a group in front of the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate of Pec on Orthodox Easter, April 15, 2012. The monastery, which dates to the 13th century, is the spiritual seat and mausoleum of Serbian archbishops and patriarchs. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua Barnett)
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GUARDIAN the
CSM Corner
Be Prepared, Ready, Trained at All Times to Respond
Train, Educate & develop. Instructing others, coaching and mentoring. We as NCOs need to conduct counseling focused on individual development, meeting the Army Standards and living the Army Values. Career direction on attaining those individual goals and necessary education are critical. Care for Soldiers and equipment. Knowing and understanding each of your Soldier’s personal challenges - to include family, legal and training challenges - will provide the framework to mentor and guide them to necessary resources. Equipment accountability and understanding the maintenance and operation of that equipment, will ensure their tactical proficiency and discipline to maintain.
Establish, Maintain & enforce standards. Have a clear understanding of the standards, and insist on adherence to those standards. By looking the other way, we are not only telling our Soldiers it’s okay, you are not meeting your responsibility as a leader. From our Army Values, integrity is simply doing the right thing when no one is looking. Set the standard, whether it’s the Army Physical Fitness Test, uniform wear and appearance, height and weight standards or personal conduct.
Lead. Leadership is a combination of the other core values. At the foundation of leadership are the Army Values, the NCO Creed, our professional and personal education, and experience. A successful leader will never compromise the Army Values and their core values. Every decision you make should reflect those values. For once comprised, at what point do we stop? We don’t have the option to pick
and chose what right looks like, we as NCO’s define what right looks like for our Soldiers. Making the difficult decisions and choices are our responsibility consistent with those values. Change and adjustment is constant, not only in the Army but in the civilian world. Your ability to adapt to change will define, in part, your sucCommand Sgt. Maj. cess. You are salesmen Bradley J. Shields of change to your suborMNBG E CSM dinates. The manner in which you present change will significantly impact your success and that of the organization. Adjust, adapt and drive on!
You are our leaders of the future, charged with carrying on a long tradition of excellence, shepherds of freedom and respect throughout the World.
We represent every man and woman who ever wore a uniform, and who gave their lives for our country. We are responsible for preserving and continuing the traditions, customs and courtesies that honor our Warriors, present and past, and the U.S Army.
I ask you to remember this - the world will always be a dangerous place, and as American Soldiers and the leaders of this great Army, we are charged with the duty to be prepared and ready at all times. So the next time you are enforcing the standards, inspecting your equipment or head to the range, give 110% to the mission and task, your country and Army.
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s our Non-Commissioned Officer Corps resets we will focus on four core competencies that every NCO must master to effectively lead Soldiers and execute the Army’s mission.
Your Soldiers depend on it!
flickr.com/photos/MNBG-E facebook.com/KFOR.MNBG.East
youtube.com/MNBGEast
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Joint readiness exercise develops ksf leader skills
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story & photos by Spc. Joshua Barnett
.S. Soldiers trained and supervised members of the Kosovo Security Force as they responded to and manage a simulated crisis during a readiness exercise April 3-5.
The exercise in Ferizaj tested the KSF’s ability to support municipal authorities and work with local emergency response personnel in an emergency situation, as well as provide valuable training and experience, especially for their corps of non-commissioned officers.
The exercise was organized by the KSF training and doctrine command, and included members of the KSF fire department as well as the explosive ordnance disposal, and the mountain and urban search and rescue teams.
U.S. soldiers from Multinational Battle Group East (MNBG E) and the Iowa National Guard, Kosovo’s state partner, provided oversight and training throughout the event.
“Their command requested us specifically for this mission because they trust us, they know that we can support them in any way,” said Sgt. 1st Class Danny L. Belisle, MNBG E plans NCO, who is deployed with 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment. “Our military has an NCO chain and an officer chain. Officers plan and NCOs perform, they wanted us to train their NCOs in our model, to make them stronger. “We were there to assist, and give input when necessary,” he added. “We were never there to tell them what to do. We were there to let them know what right looks like.”
“A challenge was the coordination with municipality and other agencies trying to help in the field,” added Ilazi. “These are all the elements we dealt with trying to return the situation to normal conditions, from an emergency or catastrophic situation to return it to normal. The focus of our units is how to return the situations to normal and to give it back to the municipality.”
“They came away from the exercise with a new level of self confidence, that they are fully capable of accomplishing any mission put before them,” said Belisle. “What I saw was teamwork. Often in a team, you have clashes with different personalities; they had no issues with that. They were highly motivated.” Importantly, the exercise didn’t serve just to test the current readiness of KSF troops, but was also a learning experience to improve future readiness, according to Ilazi.
“During training and observation we repeated some scenarios to make sure that our units are able to improve during training, I am very proud with the work done during this field exercise, Ilazi said.” Belisle agreed KSF has made improvements, “I think they performed very well. From the input we received from their chain of command, they have made major strides since just last year.
“The people of Kosovo should be really confident in the KSF,” he added. “They are there for the community. They are not a military force, they are there to help and they are fully capable.”
The training event consisted of a simulated train derailment, requiring KSF to secure the area, practice responding to hazardous materials and unexploded ordnance, fight fires and perform search and rescue operations.
“We have specialized units that know their procedures during incidents but in separate ways,” said KSF Brigadier General Imri Ilazi, chief of operations and training. “During a big incident we would have multiple complex situations; setting up priorities is very demanding, coordination and communication it is not easy, so I believe that during this exercise these things were tested.
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A Kosovo Security Force (KSF) mountain rescue team patrols a line during a search for simulated casualties
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Warrior Leader Course in kosovo
Soldiers from the Warrior Leader Course Class at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, participate in a situational training exercise.
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story & photos by Spc. Joshua Barnett
alf-way through their yearlong deployment, roughly 80 U.S. Army Soldiers have taken a major step in the advancement of their enlisted careers. These soldiers have taken time from their normal deployment duties to complete the Warrior Leader Course (WLC).
WLC is the first step in the Army’s Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES), providing basic leadership training that allows Soldiers the opportunity to acquire the leader skills, knowledge and experience needed to lead small units, and serves as the foundation for the advanced NCOES courses. Essentially, the course’s purpose is to teach soldiers how to be NCOs.
“WLC teaches all the core competencies of how to be a leader, and what the Army needs for leaders,” said Staff Sgt. Sean Scales, an instructor with the Army Reserve’s 7th Warrior Training Brigade based in Grafenwohr, Germany. “It teaches not only classroom and garrison leadership, but tactical leadership.”
“A lot of people haven’t done this stuff since basic training, and its basic soldiering that every soldier
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Spc. Asad Khaqan, a crew chief with D Co, 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion, lies in wait during a situational training continued on next Page exercise. the May 2012 GUARDIAN
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The course is built around an intense field training environment that involves hands-on, performanceoriented training.
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commercial satellite internet company to provide a distance learning environment for courses such as WLC and the officer-level Intermediate Level Education course. Now, however, they can tap into military’s existing network on post to provide internet access to 17 workstations in the computer lab.
needs to know,” said Spc. Mitch Hanson of DeForest, Wis., a horizontal construction engineer assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Company , 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
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“Coming in as a specialist is going to be a great That translates into 10’s of thousands of dollars in opportunity to get promoted to E-5, and coming into savings to the Army, potentially allowing for more E-5 I’ll be confident,” he added. “That’s what they courses to be made available at Camp Bondsteel. teach you is confidence, so you become a good leader.” Running the course in theatre The course is does come with challenges, but taught at Camp Jarvis said that hard work and Bondsteel by solpreparation before the WLC diers from the Army cadre arrived made for a smooth Reserve’s 7th WTB. implementation. Two cycles of the course have been “With all the planning and offered so far during preparation that we did, from this deployment, and the preparation of the buildleadership hopes to ings where the soldiers live to add a third this sumthe preparation of equipment; it mer. really paved the way for a seamless transition for me handing By bringing the the training complex over to cadre to Camp the WLC instructors,” he said. “I Bondsteel, and trainthink it led to a great, successful ing National Guard course” soldiers who are already on active Perhaps even more imporduty, the Army is tantly than the cost savings, able to save a sigoffering the course to deployed nificant amount of soldiers allows them to return money and free up home and combine their deployslots for other solment experience with their WLC diers, Scales said. training to become effective leaders. “Really, it all boils ABOVE: Soldiers from the Warrior Leader Course (WLC) Class 12-051 at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, participate in down to money “The opportunity to come here a situational training exercise. and availability,” and do it while I don’t have to he said. “With the take time away from my famNational Guard and Army Reservists already on ily, just get here and get it done, is a great deal to orders here, it’s a lot easier for the state and for the me,” said Hanson. “I’ll come back and be on top of federal government to send a mobile training team to these boards back at my unit.” them, instead of having to mobilize a whole bunch of soldiers at the same time to send them to school; now they can bring the school to them.” According to Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Jarvis, an operations sergeant serving as the 157th training NCO, each class held here saves an estimated $65,000 in pay and allowances for the soldiers over activating them for training. The overall cost savings are even greater now due to the newly-constructed training complex computer lab, built to accommodate the WLC students as well as other training courses offered at Camp Bondsteel.
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Before, a contract had to be arranged with a
Soldiers from the Warrior Leader Course Class 12050 at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, receive a class on requesting medical evacuations in the computer lab. the May 2012 GUARDIAN
the DynCorp: Protecting Peacekeepers story & photos by Spc. Joshua Barnett
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hile the responsibility of ensuring a safe and secure environment in Kosovo is in the hands of the multinational soldiers and Airmen of Kosovo Force (KFOR), the responsibility for ensuring the same kind of environment at Multinational Battle Group East’s (MNBG E) largest base in Kosovo falls to DynCorp International. The Virginiabased contractor has recently assumed responsibility for security at Camp Bondsteel.
“We provide force protection for Camp Bondsteel, and that is our one objective – the protection of U.S. government installations, materials, property and personnel,” said Tony Jamora, DynCorp project manager for Camp Bondsteel Force Protection. “We do this by ensuring the perimeter is not compromised and controlling access to the camp.”
enjoying. You get to see things from the other side,” said Craig.
“It’s nice to not be under the purview of the military anymore, that’s for certain,” said Daniel Brooks, a DynCorp tower supervisor. “It’s good, there’s a little more personal freedom, facial hair, civilian attire, the pay is better.” According to DynCorp officials, the civilian structure actually improves security at Camp Bondsteel. It allows them to focus exclusively on their specialty instead of other military duties.
It also allows for more continuity; while Army soldiers cycle in and out of deployment, DynCorp is able to retain people with specific experience and expertise on this location.
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Jamora said, “over 20% were former employees of the A DynCorp employee oversees the search of a previous security subcontracDynCorp personnel are on vehicle at a gate leading into Camp Bondsteel. tor, so there is a lot of force duty 24 hours a day patrolling, protection experience specific manning guard towers and monitoring electronic to Bondsteel here on the contract, including most of surveillance. They also staff all gates leading on and our supervisors.” off post, where they screen all personnel, vehicles and property entering the camp. He added that the majority of the supervisors brought over to DynCorp have been working at “It frees up the military, it allows them to do things Camp Bondsteel for over a year, and some of the more pertaining to the mission,” explained Clayton management staff have been in place for more than R. Craig, a DynCorp gate supervisor. “It’s an honor. It five years. feels good knowing that you have an opportunity to still serve in a way, to protect the people on base.” DynCorp has more than 160 employees at Camp Bondsteel, nearly all of whom are former military or law enforcement, said Jamora.
“We have a well-trained and motivated guard force who have met all qualifications as required by the Department of Defense,” he added.
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DynCorp employees said the experience of being deployed overseas as a civilian is certainly different from being in the military. “Being prior service, it’s definitely different, but it’s something I’m really
A DynCorp employee inspects items at a security checkpoint. the May 2012 GUARDIAN
Watch Out for Springtime Critters
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pring is upon us and we will soon be faced with a marked increase in vector exposure, creating a need for leaders to discuss and reinforce the Army’s game plan.
Rather than trying to make each soldier an expert in species identification of snakes, spiders, scorpions and the like, perhaps the best approach is simply to list out a few key “Do’s and Don’ts” that we need to be aware of while in theatre as well proper corresponding courses of action. Based on the current environment and my experience as a Preventative Medicine Officer, I advise you to please strongly consider the following list:
SNAKES: There are many species of snakes in the Balkan region, however only three of them are poisonous: Long-Nosed Viper, European Viper and Orsini’s Viper. There is really no point in knowing that, however, since we all should be doing the following:
Avoid all snakes! Despite the myths, most snakes if given a chance will avoid confrontation. They may however become aggressive if disturbed or cornered. Be aware of common areas snakes would hide out in.
Do not stick your hands blindly into heavy brush, under planks or wood piles, rock crevices, etc. If you’re in a tent or outdoors, shake out your clothes and boots prior to putting them on.
Keep an eye out for snakes when you are walking about outdoors. If you see one, make sure others in the area know it is there, but DO NOT disturb it, play with it, or attempt to stuff it into an old chew cup. IF you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately!
DOGS: As much as we would like to make friends with Scruffy, the dogs that enter our AO have a high probability of bringing with them a multitude of problems such as rabies, ticks, fleas, worms, etc… • •
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Do not play with dogs that enter our area of operations and certainly do not feed them
Keep trash sealed in cans or dumpsters to avoid attracting animals
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IF scratched or bitten, REPORT IMMEDIATELY and seek medical attention!
INSECTS/RODENTS: There are many vectorborne diseases from this group and the risk is much higher for these diseases from March-October. CrimeanCongo hemorrhagic fever, Tickborne encephalitis (TBE), Lyme’s disease, Leishmaniasis, Typhus, Hantavirus are all nasty diseases you would rather not have, so following a few simple do’s and don’ts here is important: Keep your living area clean, whether you live in a single room, barracks or tent, you are definitely going to invite bugs and rodents if you choose to live in complete squalor. Keep your clothes picked up and stored. Keep food items tightly sealed. Keep trash sealed and removed regularly. Keep the floors swept and pick up clutter.
If possible, avoid areas where ticks and other insects would normally be most prevalent such as tall grasses.Keep mosquito populations low by eliminating any source of standing water around your camps. (i.e. Old tires, drums, drainage ditches that hold water, etc.) Wear permethrin-treated uniforms and use DEET or other insect repellent when outdoors.
If you get bitten by a spider or tick: watch the area and report immediately/seek medical attention if the area becomes irritated (pain, swelling, discoloration, etc.) or if you experience any medical issues such as fever, headache, body aches, etc.
Remember the basic rules to keep yourself protected. Practice good personal hygiene at all times. Be aware of the environment you are in and use the resources you have available to better protect yourself. As always, watch out for each other. Speak up if you see something that doesn’t look right and seek medical attention if something doesn’t feel right. And as common sense would dictate: Do not attempt to cram poisonous snakes into spit bottles. Enjoy your time here in Kosovo and stay safe.
May 2012
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by Maj. Brett Geger Task Force MED Preventative Medicine
GUARDIAN the
From the IG
Take Responsibility to Save Costs
Current economic situations are resulting in shrinking budgets throughout the Army. This will require many difficult management decisions on where our funds will be prioritized. How can you help ensure we maintain the best force possible?
Although your influence on current budgets may relatively small, together we can make a significant difference. I challenge you to take individual responsibility to reduce costs where you may. Examples can be conserving energy by shutting lights, the heating/ air conditioning units, or water off when not in use.
Other examples might be to save on tire replacement or repair by picking up nails and sharp objects when discovered. You may also reduce fuel con-
sumption by walking to the dining facility or PX. I am sure you can also find many other ways we waste money throughout our organization.
These actions may not save large amounts of funds in themselves, but the collective effort in conserving scarce resources can result in great savings.
Maj. Daniel Hanson IG Officer
Funds and resources not wasted can be used for other competing requirements. I challenge you to be a good steward of tax payer funds and ensure we are an efficient force applying funds that best help us complete our mission.
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ne of the functions required of the Inspector General Office is to inquire into and report upon the discipline, efficiency, and economy of the unit.
Safety Roundup
Don't Let Complacency Take Root
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any Soldiers in Multi-National Battle Group East are at the mid-point in their time here in Kosovo. Historically the middle of a deployment sees a higher number of accidents and injuries due to complacency. Complacency can lead to damaged or lost equipment, lost work time, and even lost Soldiers.
You are no doubt familiar with the environment here in Kosovo and are becoming more comfortable with your mission. It is at this point that leaders must continue to enforce standards and keep safety foremost in mind. When you feel comfortable you become less aware of what’s going on around you, especially on the roads in Kosovo.
Below are six steps to avoid complacency that you can all use to keep safety foremost in your minds.
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Recognize it. If you are in denial that you are being complacent you need to take that as a big sign of the presence of complacency in yourself and others. First, admit that complacency exists. Second, identify what it is and where it is occurring. Complacency slowly creeps in and is not noticed as it grows.
What has changed in your approach? What is different in your actions? Are you taking little things for granted? Are you doing less of what lead to past successes?
Put it in context. Success at your mission or task often leads to complacency. Make sure you celebrate your success first, then Maj. Peter Kitzhaber Safety Officer challenge yourselves to build on that success. Connect with the feelings you felt with that success and strive to make constant continual improvement to maintain it. Set new goals. It can be easy to be complacent when you’ve reached the goals that you set out to
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continued from previous Page achieve at the beginning of your mission. Great leaders recognize the accomplishment of their goals and follow that up with new and more challenging goals. Have you accomplished all your goals? Have you set new goals? Are the new goals challenging and inspiring?
Keep purpose clear. Use the KISS principle, keep it simple. Now that you’ve set new goals, make sure everyone understands the “why” behind them. Include as many others as you can in the development of new goals. If it’s a team goal then work on it together. If it is an individual goal share it with others so they can challenge you to achieve it.
Remember history and human nature. Understand that complacency is a normal part of human nature. Recognizing this helps you deal with it personally and as a team or organization. However, when you feel it or see it, don’t resort to guilt or blame; rather, acknowledge it, and use all your mental and emotional energy to focus on overcoming it instead of worrying about its presence. Use these six steps to keep your focus on accomplishing your mission safely and successfully. Put these into practice and you will complete your rotation here in Kosovo and make it home safely to your families.
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Create healthy competition. We all love competition – whether it is on and individual or a team basis. Be creative and find new ways to help people exceed previous accomplishments. Inspire a healthy level of competition between individuals and teams.
State Leaders Visit Kosovo The governor and first lady of Wyoming, along with senior military officials from the states of North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming, visited Kosovo to witness first-hand the efforts National Guard Soldiers have been performing as part of their yearlong deployment in support of Operation Joint Eagle.
Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant general of Wisconsin, talks to Soldiers during his visit, April 19-23, 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Joy Staab)
Members of the North Dakota Army National pose for a picture with Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, the adjutant general of North Dakota, during his visit in March. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Joy Staab)
Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead and Maj. Gen Luke Reiner, adjutant general of Wyoming, visited Camp Bondsteel in April. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua Barnett)
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Legal Corner Steps to File Claim for Damaged Goods or at which time the loss or damage should have been discovered with due diligence. Although DD Form 1842 and 1844 must be used before a claims office can pay out a claim, any written demand for compensation is considered a claim under AR 27-20, Chapter 11.
The Personnel Claims Act (PCA) authorizes payment of claims for loss or damage of tangible personal property incident to service. Compensation for the loss or damage of intellectual property or consequential or incidental damages is generally not authorized. Also, please note that the PCA does not create an entitlement to payment. It merely permits the Secretary of each branch of service to specify rules and requirements for the potential payment of such claims.
Members of the Active component, Reserves/ National Guard performing inactive-duty training or active service, and various civilian employees of the DoD may file claims under the PCA. Thus, if you, as a U.S. service member or a DoD civilian employee, sustain damage to your personal property, you may be entitled to receive compensation if certain criteria are met. A strong personnel claim must exhibit the following:
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The claim must be substantiated. A claim is substantiated if the property damage can be validated. A claimant will need to provide evidence that the property is damaged or lost and provide proof of ownership. Possession of the property must be reasonable and useful under the circumstances. In determining reasonableness or utility of property, the claimant’s living conditions etc. will be considered. Deploying with a high-value personal camera, a gaming computer, or valuable jewelry would likely not be reasonable under the circumstances.
No part of the loss should be caused by any negligent or wrongful act of the claimant. Negligence is determined when an individual did not exercise the degree of care that a reasonable and prudent person would have under the same circumstances. For example, if I leave my window open in my Sea Hut and rain damages electronic equipment that I had sitting next to the window, my failure to exercise due care would likely invalidate any potential claim that I have. The claim must be filed in a timely fashion. The request for compensation and available evidence must be submitted to a U.S. military establishment or the office within a U.S. Embassy within two years after the damage or loss of personal property occurs
Staff Sgt. Amy Sydow Chief Legal NCO
Kosovo is a landlocked country, and as such has a continental climate. Continental climate is a climate characterized by important annual variation in temperature due to the lack of significant bodies of water nearby. Often, the winter temperature is cold enough to support a fixed period of snow each year, and relatively moderate precipitation occurring mostly in the summer. Throughout June, July, and August, there are often significant lightning storms. In the last few years, lightning storms have caused significant power surges at Camp Bondsteel, which resulted in damage to electronic equipment.
If lightning strikes and a service member’s electrical equipment is damaged, but due caution was not taken (i.e., surge protector), the Service member would likely not be eligible to receive compensation from the government. The service member would be left to replace their equipment out-of-pocket.
Another situation in which the PCA may apply to you is when your military tote gets shipped back home. If you have personal property that is damaged or lost in transit, you would likely be eligible to receive compensation under the PCA assuming the four conditions listed above are met. The moral of the story: Protect your equipment! It is better to prevent loss and damage than to wish that you had. Furthermore, even if the government does compensate you for the loss or damage to your personal property, you will be compensated at the depreciated value of the property.
If you have any questions regarding the PCA, please consult the Command Judge Advocate’s Office.
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Chaplain’s Corner
Military, Spiritual Standards of Living
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here are a host of factors that people use in selecting a home. If there is no pre-existing home built already, the potential homeowners will more than likely choose their new plot of land based on the land value and the neighborhood that they will be living in.
If there is an existing home already built, an entire litany of factors affect whether the home becomes a realistic option for purchase. The foundation and structure, size, layout, amenities, bonus features, landscaping, any pre-existing conditions, potential for growth, closet space, current wall painting, appliances, garage, neighborhood factors, and so on. All of these comprise what we call the living conditions.
Most of us, if not all of us, have a standard that we expect regarding our living conditions. We just wouldn’t accept anything nor would we be comfortable inviting others over into living conditions that appear subpar.
The same way that we have a standard for our living conditions, Jesus has a standard for His living conditions. Isn’t it amazing that nowhere in scriptures is it detailed “specifically” what happened between the time when Jesus was buried and the discovery of the stone being rolled away? I think it is amazing that God doesn’t provide those details and that could be an endless theological discussion, but I think that all of us who believe in the resurrection would agree that DEATH was a living condition that Jesus just couldn’t accept.
was clear on why He was sending His son as such a great sacrifice. John writes, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3: 17, NIV)
All of these, along with a host of other scriptures, paint a clear picture that Jesus was a magnet for life, living, light, and love. And He repelled death, darkness, and defeat.
Chap. (Capt.) Andy Shepherd MNBG E Chaplain
If he was a magnet for these things, we should be as well. Our spiritual, mental, and emotional living conditions should have this standard. It should be clear from our perspective, lifestyle, and mentality that we have adopted the same living standards as Jesus. Paul encourages us, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5, NIV)
As you pick your relationships, business deals, engage in meetings, run towards personal pursuits, spend your money, participate in talking and other communications, and set military goals, they should reflect your living standard. The same way that we wouldn’t put new, expensive furniture in a house that we’ve yet to live in that’s full of termites or bugs, we shouldn’t infect our spiritual houses with things that decay our spirits and destroy our minds. Your living conditions are reflected through what you do and how you do it. If Jesus cannot live there, you shouldn’t either.
Even from his life, he was clear that everything about him was allergic to death, darkness, and defeat. His entire life purpose repelled it. This was his message, his methods, and his mission. It was repeated over and over again throughout the Gospels. John 10:10 (NIV) he says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” He even went Scripture of the Day: “He is not here; he has risen, further and said, “For the Son of Man came to seek just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10, NIV). The Father - Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
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Camp Bondsteel 10-Mile Relay Race June 3, 2012 Teams consist of 10 members, co-ed teams must have at least one female. Sign-up deadline May 15 Contact MWR at DSN x3187 May 2012
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Bondsteel Honors Bataan Death March Victims, survivors More than 100 Soldiers from Camp Bondsteel’s Multinational Battle Group East honored the victims of the Bataan Death March by walking in their footsteps, as it were, in a memorial endurance event in Kosovo recently.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Hudson, a Wisconsin National Guard member assigned to Task Force Falcon, 32nd Military Police Company members (left to right) Staff Sgt. Joseph Curplayed a key role organizing the 13.1- rey, Staff Sgt. Andrew Harris, Capt. Craig. Keller, Spc. Anthony Collins, Sgt. Johnny Ferreira and Sgt. Alexander Henninger finished third in the heavy mile march at Camp Bondsteel on team category of a 13.1-mile Bataan Memorial Death March, held March 26 March 26, complete with gravel, paved at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. (Task Force Falcon courtesy photo) roads and large hills. He also took part who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the Philipin the heavy category which required pine Islands during World War II,” Hudson said. “All participants to carry at least 35 pounds on their backs. those who entered and took part did so out of sheer “Participating in the Bataan Memorial March was a fitting preservation and determination - not unlike the Solway to pay tribute to all the heroic service members diers who marched in the actual Bataan Death March.”
The original Bataan death march was a route that wound 80 miles through the Philippines. (Map courtesy of Wikipedia)
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Dozens of service members from Poland and Ukraine joined U.S. Soldiers to commemorate America’s legendary Bataan Death March, where captured U.S. Soldiers in World War II were forced at gunpoint to march 80 miles by Japanese soldiers under appalling conditions.
Both U.S. and multinational Soldiers from countries like Poland and the Ukraine participated in the Bataan Memorial March. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Joy Staab) May 2012
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PAO is looking for photos of your experiences in Kosovo for possible inclusion in The Guardian. Email your submissions to SFC Jim Wagner in Global or call x5204 along with the name & rank of the photographer and caption.
The sun begins to set over northern Kosovo. (Photo courtesy Army Spc. Leland White)
Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry, participate in a MEDEVAC exercise during a downpour in northern Kosovo recently. (Photo courtesy Army Spc. Leland White)
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