Guardian East June by Valerie Palacios

VCP WITH C. COMPANY page 18 SERVING SOLDIERS page 11

tEACHER VISIT page 22

memorial day events page 16

GUARDIAN east June 2011, Vol. 19, Issue 10

The official magazine of Multinational Battle Group East

Contents 3 7 10 13 14 18 19

Meet C. Company C. Company has a lot of roles in Kosovo Forces. Get to know a few of its Soldiers.

Kosovo’s big smiles Camp Bondsteel and Pristina dentists work together to give a DoD civilian a new smile Camp Bondsteel medics train Medics stay current on their required tasks Spc. Terrie D. Charlie A Task Force Falcon Soldier who helps keep Camp Bondsteel running smoothly Swiss pilots airlift equipment The Swiss Air Force provides a solution to get equipment out of a hard-to-reach location Multinational Excellence Kosovo Forces soldiers come together to share their ranges and weapons Vehicle Control Point Operations C. Company performs smuggling deterrence Behind the scenes Find out what those S Shops do

Commanding Officer, MNBG E Col. Michael D. Schwartz

Faithfully Serving Soldiers The chaplains of Camp Bondsteel help soldiers through faith.

4 20 22 23 24 25 27

MNBG E Commander and CSM

A dynamite relationship U.S. and Kosovo explosive ordnance disposal teams work together Kacanik teachers visit Bondsteel Local teachers get to see the facilities and workers of Camp Bondsteel Scientist’s dream deployment Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Hirzel works on his master’s degree in entomology Kosovo assumes control of ABL See the last stretch of the administrative boundary line being turned over Combat weather team The weathermen of Camp Bondsteel Soldiers suit up for wrestling WWE stars come to entertain Soldiers

200th Public Affairs Detachment Commander 1st Lt. Casey Staheli Editor, Photojournalist Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

Command Sergeant Major, MNBG E Command Sgt. Maj. Abel Villesca

Layout, Photojournalist Spc. Evan Lane

Public Affairs Officer, MNBG E 1st Lt. Valerie Palacios

Front cover: 1st Lt. Walton lifts approximately 220 pounds during a strongman competition at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Sonia Wise) Back Cover: Capt. Wendy Shaw, an optometrist with the 75th Combat Support Hospital based in Atlanta, Georgia, performs an eye test on a student at the Nuhi Berushi School in Tugjec/Tudjeve. The test is to determine whether the child has amblyopia, a visual disorder, and Shaw is intstructing local teachers how to perform the tests on their students. (Released photograph by U.S. Army Specialist John A. Montoya)

flickr.com/photos/kfor-14

Fitness Legal Safety Chaplain

Photojournalist Spc. John A Montoya, Jr.

“ G u a rd ia n Eas t is p ro d u ce d fo r p erso n n el o f MNBG E, and is an authorized publication for members of the Depar tment of Defense. Contents of Guardian East are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of the Army, 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, or MNBG E.”

facebook.com/KFOR.MNBG.East

Broadcast Journalist Pfc. David Sherwood Photo Credits for editorials: Safety, Legal, Chaplain: Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

youtube.com/KFORPAO

tudents from the University of Pristina had a unique learning opportunity when U.S. Department of Defense civilian, Oscar Lara, received a complete new set of teeth. Lara requested the procedure and it would not have been possible without teamwork. Camp Bondsteel does not have a dental laboratory capable of producing dentures. The University of Pristina does not have an anesthetist to administer monitored anesthesia care for a full mouth extraction. When they combine their resources, both are able to accomplish a lot more. Maj. Joseph Mir, DDS, is the officer in charge of the Camp Bondsteel Dental Clinic. Mir studied and graduated from the University of Southern California. He says a full mouth extraction is only performed in severe cases. A full mouth extraction is a routine procedure performed in the United States. “Patients do not want to be walking around with no teeth,” said Mir.

Dr. Asim Islami, head of education at the University of Pristina Dentistry Clinical, was able to produce the prosthetic, or dentures, at his lab in Pristina. Mir performed the teeth extraction with an interested audience of nine fourth-year students from the School of Dentistry at the University of Pristina.

The University of Pristina and Camp Bondsteel’s Clinic have a history of collaborating whether for learning purposes or for resources. Personnel from either institution take turns presenting lectures and they maintain an open learning environment. This time, Mir and Islami combined assets to conduct this prosthetic surgery which

Oscar Lara chats with students from the University of Pristina prior to his oral surgery at Camp Bondsteel.

included a full mouth extraction and production and placement of a full set of dentures.

In Kosovo, Islami explains, this procedure is not so common as they would usually extract only a few teeth at a time due to only having access to local anesthetics. A student, Ilir Dragaj, adds, “Extracting all the teeth in series is a good thing for the patient because it is over in a day and repairing of the tissue will begin.” Both doctors described their experiences learning from each other and conversed about the possibility of forming an exchange residency program in the near future.

“There are some things that Professor Islami showed me the other day when I visited the University of Pristina Dental School which are not done in the United States and that is why I am trying to set up a program of exchange residency,” Mir said. “There’s no end to learning. You’re always learning new things. This is a new thing for them today and in a matter of time, this will be a very old thing. They should keep their minds open for new innovations and new things that come up; I learned that from my professor.

Don’t just limit yourself by what you study from the textbooks, instead go out and see what other things are being practiced,” he said. The collaboration between the University of Pristina and Camp Bondsteel offered Lara a single day of surgery as opposed to multiple surgeries. “It was a great pleasure because after they pulled all the teeth they were replaced with artificial teeth. And the total denture, upper and lower teeth, was made in our clinic,” said Fikrete Mani, a dental student. “It was a good feeling because we were able to help the patient with our resources.”

Islami will be realigning Lara’s new dentures for a better fit as well as provide a follow up to assess the healing of his sutures. This was a surgical and prosthetic procedure which Islami found to be a great and rare opportunity as he leads his students in prosthetic dentistry. Having a certified registered nurse anesthetist, rather than using local anesthetics, is what allowed this surgery to take place. Administering monitored anesthesia care to the patient and using a one-piece surgical suture technique provided worthwhile exposure for his students.

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Memorial Day Activities Camp Bondsteel enjoys a well-deserved break

story and photo by 1st Lt. Valerie Palacios

Kosovo’s big smiles

MNBG E Commander CSM

Key points from the Commander: • KFOR 14 now the veteran unit in Kosovo • anticipates increased workload over the summer • opportunities for R&R available • “I would again like to express my sincere thanks to all the Soldiers and family members who have made great personal and professional sacrifices to deploy...”

Key points from the CSM: • new challenges and opportunities • influx of people in Kosovo during summer months potentially making roads more dangerous • take measures to prevent heat-related injuries • avoid grassy areas to avoid ticks & mosquitoes • take advantage of R&R programs

he last month has brought Task Force Falcon a true sense of understanding our important mission here in Kosovo. We are now the veteran unit in Kosovo, in many respects, and have developed a real sense of understanding of our roles and missions in daily operations. We have also witnessed great variety and an increase in our operational tempo over the last month. I anticipate a continued uptick in our activity throughout the summer months with a gradual taper as autumn approaches.

We will continue to execute many of the same missions we have accomplished since arriving in Kosovo but will need to increasingly conduct operations in an intelligence driven manner in order to maximize our effects and economize efforts as our battle group roles and missions will likely expand in the coming months. In addition to the familiar synchronization and joint patrols, Camp Nothing Hill rotations, and garrison law and order missions, we will also begin providing support to the KFOR headquarters in their freedom of movement missions, engineering, KSF training, and other Kosovo wide operations. It should be a busy and productive summer. To ensure we stay focused and attentive, we will begin retraining on some of our core tasks such as surveillance, weapons handling, physical fitness, and staff training. We will also provide a respite from the daily routine by implementing several rest and recuperation focused programs.

Since we are entering the mid-point of our rotation, many of us are interested in taking a break from the daily activities and need to re-energize by taking advantage of some of the interesting R&R activities and events that are planned over the next several months. We have several Morale Welfare and Recreation programs on the weekends which provide a respite from the daily activities as well as our R&R leave program, which was cut by three to four days due to unavailability of airlift throughout our rotation. To compensate for the lost leave days, we are implementing a pass program designed to

Col. Michael D. Schwartz, commanding provide Soldiers with a short, but well deserved break. We are working the final details of this program now. Since the program is intended to make up for the shortened leave period, we will need to carefully manage this program to remain at acceptable operational manning levels. Soldiers who have already taken 13 to 15 days of leave are generally not eligible for this program. This will enable all Soldiers who have abbreviated leave schedules to take advantage of the same opportunity for time off.

Lastly, I would again like to express my sincere thanks to all the Soldiers and family members who have made great personal and professional sacrifices to deploy and contribute to this important ongoing mission in Kosovo. Your contributions to this mission are greatly appreciated by the KFOR commander, the U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) leadership and myself. I recently visited USAREUR headquarters and all the leaders and primary staff are very pleased with our progress. We are a well respected unit with nothing but praise from the leaders at the USAREUR headquarters. My only advice, at this point, is that we must remain focused on the NATO mission while being good stewards of the resources we are provided. To date, I believe we have accomplished both extremely well.

“Bata a n

Never

Broken”

The summer season brings an increased threat from tick and other vector borne diseases. Of particular concern for us is Crimean-Congo Hemune 21st was the Summer Solstice and the offi- orrhagic Fever (CCHF). CCHF in Kosovo is usually cial start of summer. The start of the summer transmitted by tick bites. We can mitigate or season brings us new challenges and opportu- eliminate this threat through the proper wearing of nities, as well as new or different hazards. So the FRACU-P (factory treated with Permethrin) or let’s take a moment to think about the challenges other uniforms that have been treated with Perand hazards. methrin kits. All Soldiers conducting operations or participating in MWR activities off of Camp BondAs we move forward into the vacation or “holisteel in rural, agricultural, grassy or forested areas day” season many people will be returning to in Kosovo are required to wear Permethrin treated summer homes in Kosovo, students will be out of uniforms and use insect repellant on exposed areas school locally and returning from university studies of skin to prevent bites from ticks and mosquitoes abroad. The influx of people will make the roads that may be carrying CCHF or other vector borne we use to conduct our daily duties more congested diseases. and drivers that are unfamiliar with or readjusting to the road conditions, traffic patterns and driving Along with these hazards the season also brings habits in Kosovo will add to the hazards we encoun- opportunities. Our R&R Leave Program is in full ter on a daily basis. Be diligent about conducting swing, MWR activities in Kosovo are increasing checks and inspections and ensuring that we are and our Pass Program is just kicking off. The Comdoing everything possible to mitigate the hazards mander and I encourage you to take advantage we face while driving in Kosovo. of these opportunities to reduce stress, increase resiliency and readiness and learn more about the The temperatures here will continue to rise and history and culture of the region in which we are we can expect the heat category to go up as well. unofficial ambassadors of the United States. The Take the time to review the procedures for treating Commander and I are grateful for your continued heat injuries and continue to look out for each other commitment and mission accomplishment and while conducting operational missions and when we will strive to continue making these programs off duty. available to you.

Command Sgt. Maj. Abel Villesca

“Bata a n

Never

Broken”

KFOR medical staff test kids’ vision, instruct teachers story by 1st Lt. Valerie Palacios & Spc. John A. Montoya

ecently, KFOR 14 Soldiers led by chief optometrist, Capt. Wendy Shaw, from the 75th Combat Support Hospital based in Atlanta, Ga., instructed six local teachers from the village of Tugjee/Tedjeve outside Kamenice, Kosovo on how to identify eye conditions. Capt. Wendy Shaw, an optometrist with the 75th Combat Support Hospital based in Atlanta, Ga., performs an eye test on a student at the Nuhi Berushi School in Tugjec/Tudjeve. The test is to determine whether the child has amblyopia, a visual disorder. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. John A. Montoya)

tinue after I leave,” said Shaw.

The medical faculty at Camp Bondsteel continues their strong relationship with the community and local medical institutions. As both of these medical cases prove, teamwork makes all the difference in the health and wellbeing “By teaching them how to of people, no matter where they perform these tests, they can con- are from.

Complete forecast Air National Guardsmen, with the 401st Air Expeditionary Weather Group, pictured here in front of some of the weather monitoring equipment, keep Camp Bondsteel up to date on all manner of weather phenomenon. They have to keep track of weather fronts, lightning occurances and even things like solar flares and moon position to ensure the weather is accurate and useful. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Evan V. Lane)

Medics remain proficient through continued training

story and photos by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

n order to occupy off duty time during a deployment, Soldiers stationed at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, have numerous options. Soldiers can exercise, join a softball league, hang out at the local coffee shop, or engage in continuing education. Many Soldiers choose the option of continuing education as a way to gain valuable skills and credit hours before returning home.

The medical personnel stationed here have a unique option of completing a biennial recertification required for Soldiers serving as U.S. Army Health Care Specialists. For about two hours each Sunday, 1st Sgt. James Lawrence, 75th Combat Support Hospital senior noncommissioned officer, teaches eight Soldiers the skills required by the National Registry Emergency Medical TechniciansBasic certification. Lawrence said there are eight tables of instruction which typically take 24 days of eight hours per day to complete. The health care specialists began the Sunday afternoon training in April and plan to continue through late fall in order to receive the required tables of instruction.

By setting aside two hours per week throughout the deployment to attend classes, the Soldiers are able to maintain their skill set identifier which allows them to continue as certified Army medics. This refresher course is also available at many sites throughout the U.S. but can require one month to more than six months to complete in addition to regular drill weekend requirements of reserve Soldiers.

Spc. Ben Snyder, 376th Aviation Battalion medic, said he has been an Army medic for just over two years. He said having the opportunity to earn continuing education credits while on a deployment is very valuable as is the continued hands-on instruction received through the course.

“Practicing skills like this is great,” Snyder said. “I draw a lot of blood, but don’t get to do a lot of IVs [intravenous], so it’s good training.” The skills learned during the Sunday classes are enhanced by the expertise of fellow students and instructors. Many of the Soldiers attending the class have combat medic experience, some are medical professionals in their civilian careers and some of the students are relatively new to the health care field.

This allows for robust conversation and shared experiences which add to the required lecture and hands-on materials. Lawrence said he has taught this course for more than a decade and enjoys imparting his knowledge on fellow health care professionals through teaching and discussions that arise during training.

Soldiers on deployments each tend to be sacrificing something in order to serve. The Soldiers attending the health care specialist recertification training sacrifice a couple hours each week to maintain a high level of proficiency; and gain additional knowledge in their field of expertise.

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“If someone needs my help learning the techniques, I’ll cooperate,” said Ardiana Sahit, an loss capable diseases and conelementary school teacher at Nahi ditions. When the teachers Berisha School. discover any of these conditions within their student population, She also said the class was they are encouraged to refer the delivered in an easy to understudent to a local optometrist or stand manner and found the ophthalmologist for treatment material very useful. before the case worsens. Amblyopia is just one disorder among other potential eyesight

Spc. Ben Snyder, 376th Aviation Battalion medic, left, is the recipient of an intravenous needle administered by Sgt. 1st Class William Rosado, Liaison Monitoring Team medic. Rosado is implementing training learned through classroom lectures and plenty of hands-on practice through the U.S. Army medic biennial recertification.

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This training left these teachers confident to identify a disorder called amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, among their elementary students.

1st Sgt. James Lawrence, 75th Combat Support Hospital senior noncommissioned officer and lead instructor of the sustainment training, left, assists Spc. James Ott, a student and member of the U.S. National Support Element at Camp Film City, Kosovo, with his IV. Ott travels each Sunday to Camp Bondsteel to receive fundamental medical training from Lawrence in order to maintain his medic credentials.

Meet C. Company russell comeaux Q: What’s the best part about being in C. Company? A: It’s great, being with all these guys and getting their experience to pass on to you, because I’m not technically infantry. My prior MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) isn’t infantry so I’m learning a lot from these guys.

story and feature photos by Spc. John A. Montoya

he infantry is the heart and soul of the U.S. Army. From day one of basic training we all learn the basic skills to be an infantry Soldier, but many non-infantry Soldiers rarely get the chance to use the skills they acquired during basic training. The infantry use their Soldier skills on a daily basis and they perform the most visible and often most dangerous operations.

“We’re pretty much the ground-pounders. We do everything, including stuff like QRF (Quick Reaction Forces),” said Sgt. Justin Butt, supply sergeant with C. Company’s Headquarters Platoon. “We’re like the Ghostbusters™. Who are you going to call when stuff goes down?”

C. Company has become a jack-of-all-trades unit. They can perform riot control with skill and confidence, they can run patrols along ABL (Administrative Boundary Line) or just perform guard duties where ever they are needed. C. Company stands ready to ensure a safe and secure environment for the people in Kosovo.

Q: How do you like the deployment so far?

christian logan Q: Why did you join the infantry? A: Originally I’m an 88M, truck driver, and I volunteered to come to Kosovo and they assigned me to the infantry. It’s interesting, it’s a different job and it’s something I’m not used to.

Q: What do you do for a living back home? A: I was working at UPS and for a while I was a truck driver and a mechanic. Q: What kind of hobbies do you find interesting?

A: Back home, I went to the gym a lot, working out, and I trained for a triathlon.

A: It’s great. I’m meeting new people and helping out the country’s economy.

Q: What do you do for a living back home? A: I’m a coach, a basketball coach.

Spc. John A. Montoya

Spc. Evan V. Lane

justin butt Q: Why did you join the infantry?

Spc. John A. Montoya

A: I came over here in 2008, on that mission (KFOR 10), and we came over here with the Bradley’s, so I had to go to infantry school and then come here. While I was here I applied for a job in AGR (Active Guard Reserve) and I got hired while I was here with KFOR 10, so I when I went back I was the unit training noncommissioned officer for C. Company. Q: How do you like the deployment so far? A: It’s good, like I said this is my second tour here. When I went to Iraq I was there for the initial invasion, so we had nothing. It was water cans to take a shower, MRE’s for six months, breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s kind of like an extended annual training here.

Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

Spc. John A. Montoya

Spc. Evan V. Lane

Soldier keeps systems running smoothly

any of the U.S. Army’s unsung heroes are those working in the background to keep everything running without a hitch. Some of these individuals fill roles of supply personnel, maintenance specialists, quality control clerks and a plethora of other professionals under the umbrella of logistics.

One of these Soldiers is Spc. Terrie D. Charlie, stationed at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, as part of Multinational Battle Group East Kosovo Forces 14 rotation for the peacekeeping mission here. Charlie is an integral part of the Material Management Cell here and hails from Coyote Canyon, N.M., and Tempe, Ariz.

NCOIC and as such offers direct support for all Standard Army Management Information Systems. These systems include multiple computer subsystems used in logistics.

Charlie is the local information technology guru on each of the subsystems and oftentimes performs troubleshooting tasks on the STAMIS computers throughout Camp Bondsteel. Charlie said one of the best aspects of her job is the opportunity to learn something new each day by being able to use her current knowledge to fix an issue on one of the systems.

time she has been apart from them but makes every effort to stay connected by talking to them almost daily and just recently video chatted with them over the Internet for the first time. Charlie mentioned that her youngest son, Sean, who is 4 years old, thought his mom was inside the computer during the video call.

Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Lindsay, chaplain for Multinational Battle Group East, left, and Chaplain (Capt.) Jeffrey Hicks, deputy chaplain, right, serve Camp Bondsteel and the community at large by providing religious services and support groups to the soldiers and civilians serving in Kosovo.

Faithfully Serving soldiers

story and photos by 1st Lt. Casey Staheli

heir work is often done with a heartfelt smile and warm words. When you come across them they take the time to ask, “How is your day going,” listen to what you have to say, share encouraging words, a few laughs and part with a blessing.

It’s the little things that keep Charlie going even though she misses her children. She recently received a care package from home that included a box of rainbow colored goldfish crackers. Charlie said the goldfish are Sean’s favorite snack and having them here offers a tie back home. Charlie said she misses her children but is planning to take them to Disneyland during her upcoming rest and recuperation.

“A lot of my job I’ve learned here; it’s never what I thought I’d be doing on deployment,” Charlie said. “Now I know where to Just like many Soldiers within look to troubleshoot the STAMIS logistics, Charlie performs more system. It’s like trying to put a than one job. She is the Standard huge puzzle together; you try and Focusing on the task at hand, Army Maintenance System clerk try to fit the pieces until one fits Charlie said it is nice to realize and Sustainment Automation perfectly.” she is an asset to the deployment Support Management Office nonand a vital part of the behindcommissioned officer in charge. Charlie said she enjoys staying the-scenes personnel who keep The SAMS2 is an automated sysbusy and learning on the job. the deployment wheel running tem used to conduct daily reports smoothly. She said it’s easy to both incoming from units within “It’s not a hard deployment,” see how each person’s role keeps the structure here and outgoing she said. “All you have to do is everything operating well. to the higher command. Some wake up and do your job. It’s not additional duties of the SAMS2 a stressful environment. I like According to Charlie, each day clerk include occasionally assist- staying busy. I think that’s what offers another opportunity to ing the fuel laboratory, producing makes it [the deployment] go. learn a new aspect of her duties military vehicle operator licenses, Staying busy keeps my mind off and responsibilities. She steadand controlling and securing keys of home.” fastly adheres to the desire to for the MMC section. continue to advance in her role Home is where Charlie’s two within logistics and is willing to Charlie is also the SASMO sons are. She said this is the first learn any new task set before her.

Chaplains Maj. Michael Lindsay and Capt. Jeffrey Hicks, along with their chaplain assistants Spc. Michael Aton and Spc. Heath Wragge, form the Unit Ministry Team here at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. Lindsay provides Roman Catholic religious services and support here. In fact, Lindsay was serving Soldiers before he ever joined the military, and as chance would have it, that is how the idea to enlist came about.

“I helped provide support for a veteran’s assistance workshop at the local armory, as a civilian pastor. After that I was asked to help counsel several Soldiers on personal issues and one of the Soldiers suggested I become a chaplain,” Lindsay said. Up to that point Lindsay had never considered being a National Guard chaplain.

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story and photo by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

Spc. Terrie D. Charlie, part of the Material Management Cell here at Camp Bondsteel, checks operational readings on a fuel truck entering Camp Bondsteel.

“After that was suggested, I thought wow, but I also thought I might be too old. I pondered it and became interested and it felt great that someone

thought I could help,” said Lindsay. “I then thought more about it and decided to do it.” Hicks provides Protestant worship services and other forms of support to the Soldiers of Multinational Battle Group East.

“Out of high school I wanted to join, but didn’t bite at the time and instead let doubt persuade me, but the urge didn’t get out of my system,” said Hicks. Years later, after Hicks got settled and had a congregation of his own, the desire to serve in the military rose again.

“I felt a godly nudge to join the military and walked over to the recruiter’s office and said, sign me up,” recalls Hicks. “At the time I had no idea what I was going to do, but then the recruiter asked what my civilian job was and I said I was a pastor and he said, great we need chaplains.”

When asked if that “godly nudge” was right, Hicks responds, “Absolutely right. I have the opportunity to serve Soldiers, God and country. I’m indebted to God Himself for working in and through me every day. I see His hand in daily events and the evidence of His power.” There are many gratifying parts of being a chaplain according to Lindsay, but one Service, P. 12

Swiss pilots airlift equipment Observation post removal facilitated by helicopter, manpower

Service “Helping these Soldiers get focused and reconnected with family and friends, is the most rewarding part,” said Lindsay.

Lindsay will have to wait another six months before he gets to return to his congregation. In the meantime he has found other satisfying ways to serve Soldiers, through leading worship services and teaching Bible study groups.

“Bible class is good,” said Sgt. 1st Class Rudy Sena, noncommissioned officer in charge of Liaison Monitoring Team 5. “You feel good while you are there and it helps get you through the days.”

he Swiss Air Force performed helicopter sling load operations to dismantle an old observation post overlooking the Arch Angel monastery near Prizren, Kosovo, May 31. The air lift mission was the final step of turning over monitoring responsibilities of the Arch Angel monastery to the Kosovo Police.

“I enjoy it a lot,” said Sherrer. “Rank doesn’t matter in the praise band, people come together and worship freely, which helps form more of a community.”

While both Lindsay and Hicks are here to serve and support their brothers and sisters in arms they also find Soldiers strengthening them.

“When I need to be lifted up, I find strength in prayer, in the Bible and in support from meeting together with fellow Soldiers,” Hicks said.

Getting through the days can be tough for Soldiers and chaplains alike.

“It’s just a wonderful thing that the Soldiers made Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mark Lauer, aviation happen,” said Hicks. “For them it was a labor of love. safety officer, agreed that prayers and service help The members come from all ranks and backgrounds close the distance between families. and they make awesome music.” The chaplains, who love serving and supporting 1st Lt. Eboni Sherrer, analyst control element Soldiers, encouraged all to take the time to stop by battle captain, was one of the Soldiers instrumental and say hi. They extended an open invitation to any in getting the praise band going. service or support groups.

Vehicle Control Point Operations A C. Company soldier directs motoroists into a vehicle control point during VCP operations on June 10. C. Company 1-200th Infantry Battalion was on rotation at Camp Nothing Hill, Kosovo.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Evan V. Lane)

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“Nothing can ever separate us from the love of For Hicks, the most rewarding part about serving God,” said Lindsay. in Kosovo is simply doing his job. Lindsay admitted that at times he too looks for, “I love taking care of the commander’s Soldiers and also needs encouragement and support from and bringing God to Soldiers and Soldiers to God,” the Holy Scriptures, fellow Soldiers as well as famHicks said. “As a chaplain, I strive to connect Solily and friends back home. diers to God whether it is through a Bible study, chapel service, prayer, MP3 Bible stick, DVD or a Besides the Scriptures, Lindsay often finds good conversation. To be able to share the Gospel encouragement in the supportive prayers of others. with Soldiers is a great privilege and is achieved through various means.” “When I feel like I’m facing tough times it is great to know that others back home are supporting us One of those means is a praise band. with the power of prayer,” said Lindsay.

live operation,” said Swiss Capt. Urs Bachmann, one of the two pilots present for the mission.

“The location presented some significant difficulties,” said Bachmann. “It is a very narrow valley; [the OP] was on a steep point with no references for hovering; and the loads were very heavy and not aerodynamic.”

The monastery once was Bachmann smiled and said he overwatched by a German-staffed enjoyed pushing the AS-332 Super observation post as part of Puma helicopter to its limits. Kosovo Force’s security mission. “One of the loads was estimated “The final step of handing this to weigh 2.5 tons, the absolute over is to dismantle our old posi- maximum for the Super Puma,” tion,” said Swiss Lt. Col. Stefan he said. “We had to remove the Christen, the national commander kevlar armoring in the belly of for the Swiss contingency. the aircraft so that it would be able to lift it.” Due to the position of the OP, which sits on top of a steep, Everyone in the small, sevenmountainous point, getting work- person unit pitched in to help ers up to the site would have been make the mission a success, said dangerous and getting them back Capt. Menetrey Gregoire, pilot for down, along with several tons of the Swiss Air Force and acting lumber and concrete, was even co-pilot for the mission. Gregoire less feasible. was also very positive about the mission. Because of this, Portuguese Brig. Gen. Jose Nunes de Fonseca, “I really enjoy the job that we commander of the Joint Logistics do,” he said. “It is very open. We Support Group, contacted Chriscan do sling loads, firefighting, or ten and 1st Lt. Evelyn Schneider, dignitary transport. The civilian the operations officer of the Swiss helicopter sector is very specialAir Force helicopter detachment ized, but in the military we get a located at Camp Bondsteel, to bit of everything.” help with the dismantling. Gergoire said the pilots had “We were extremely happy to a large amount of practice perget the chance to do this sort of forming sling load extractions

Swiss Capt. Urs Bachmann takes off with a daisy-chained load during air lift operations near Prizren, Kosovo.

due to the mountainous nature of Switzerland and knew how to take down the equipment.

A team of Swiss soldiers stationed at Camp Casablanca, Kosovo, under the direction of French Capt. Philippe Barber, of the JLSG, dismantled and packaged the OP into prepared loads. Once the loads were transported to the base of the mountain, they were removed from the site by road.

“I like seeing a mission work out this way,” said Bachmann afterward. “We had a clear plan of action, we worked together to accomplish that plan, we had some fun and most importantly no one was hurt. In my mind that’s a total success.”

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stands above the rest.

story and photos by Spc. Evan V. Lane

Far Left:

A Swiss Air Force load master connects one of the sling load lines to the AS-332 Super Puma.

Left:

The load master guides the pilots in by radio, while waiting for the guard shack frame to touch down. The observation post had to be brought down in several loads.

Multinational excellence Soldiers swap training, experiences

story by Spc. Evan Lane

ith U.S. forces making up only a portion of total Kosovo Forces, the hallmark of this deployment has been interoperability with multinational forces.

Soldiers attached to Multinational Battle Group East have shown this in both their operating methods and their willingness to include other nations in their training and events.

Several opportunities have been presented for U.S. Soldiers to learn from and train their counterparts in other nations’ armies.

German 1st Lt. Christopher Wagner, with the German contingency of KFOR 14, said this was the third time in his rotation that U.S. Soldiers have been able to join them in qualifying. “We’re shooting our standard qualification, with machine gun, pistols and assault rifles,” said Wagner.

“The Germans have pretty good weapons,” said Spc. Abraham Madrid, team member with C. Company. “I think they have a better pistol than we do; the trigger is better, and the weapon is a polymer build.”

Madrid qualified gold overall Soldiers attached to C. Comin the Schützenschnur, which pany 1-200th Infantry Brigade requires an expert qualification participated in the German Schüt- in each firing category. zenschnur rifle qualifications on May 26. To qualify, Wagner said all

soldiers had to meet the same standards: fire one small arm and one heavy weapon in both timed and untimed events.

“It’s a very fun possibility to learn about other cultures,” said Wagner. “We went to the Small Arms Virtual Trainer, and practiced with the M-4 [rifle].”

Sgt. Ryon Freemole, a New Mexico National Guardsman stationed at Camp Novo Selo as part of forward command post operations, agreed with Wagner.

“It’s been a great experience,” Freemole said. “It gives us a better view of how the other armies train, how they operate.”

The Polish contingency extended a friendly invite as well, during their recent rifle qualifications.

2nd Lt. Milena Onyszuo, the second platoon leader, said the training was a continuation of the six months of prepatory training the Polish contingency received prior to arriving in Kosovo.

Onyszuo led a block of instruction covering the construction, build specifications and assembly of their 9 mm pistol and submachine guns.

“All must pass the main tactical specification,” said Onyszuo. “We’re here to improve skills in realistic firing range training.”

U.S. Soldiers present at the Polish-led rifle qualification were trained in firing several weapon systems including pistols, assault rifles and the SWD Dragunov, a 7.62x54 mm sniper rifle. Most recently, Soldiers from the Combat Arms Training Company returned the range favor by qualifying several dozen soldiers of the Austrian contingency on the M-4 carbine.

The Polish range control officer, right, coaches a C. Co. Soldier in the use of the SWD Dragunov. The Dragunov is a 7.62x54 mm sniper rifle used by both the Polish infantry and many special forces units. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Evan V. Lane)

“We spent three weeks planning this with Master Sgt. John Barry and Master Sgt. Jesus Holguin,” said Lt. Col. Peter Steinmann, commander of the National Support Element.

“I’m very much in favor of this cross training,” said Steinmann. Steinmann, a soldier for over 37 years, had many positive things to say about the U.S. weapon system. “It’s battle proven and very lightweight. The main difference is our AUG Steyer bullpup has a built in 1.5x optical sight for quick acquisition of targets.”

As KFOR 14 continues, MNBG E soldiers of all nationalities can look forward to future chances to experience the training practices and cultures of their friends-inarms.

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The range control noncommissioned officer shows where rounds from the German machine gun landed during a recent Schützenschnur qualification range near Prizren. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. John A. Montoya)

Master Sgt. Jesus Holguin,left, pins a U.S. Army marksmanship badge onto an Austrian contingency soldier following an inter-army qualification event held at Camp Bondsteel’s smaill arms range. Many unit patches were exchanged at the multinational event, as seen by Holguin wearing a Swiss contingency badge. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Valerie Palacios)

Following the rounds of firing, the Austrian soldiers who passed were presented with their welldeserved qualification badges. Steinmann congratulated CAT-C for conducting a very smooth operation.

“It was very well organized,” he said. “The Americans are very nice in teaching people.”

Master Sgt. Jesus Holguin, right, pins a U.S. Army marksmanship badge onto Lt. Col. Peter Steinmann, commander of the National Support Element. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Valerie Palacios)

Memorial Day Festivities Soldiers relax and unwind throughout the Memorial Day weekend at Camp Bondsteel

The MWR office on Camp Bondsteel hosted a 13.1 mile march in honor of the Bataan Death March endured by hundreds of service members during WWII. Soldiers and civilians from the camp marched with or without 35 pound ruck sacks. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo)

A Swiss army soldier runs with his ruck sack during the Bataan Memorial Death March. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo)

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a U.S. holiday dedicated to honoring servicemembers who fought and died in the service of their country. This holiday has a special significance to currently-serving soldiers, and was celebrated in many ways in Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. Events ranging from team sports to musical performances to magic shows entertained soldiers of many nations during their muchdeserved days off.

The homegrown band “Danny and the Drivers” came together during the deployment and entertained the onlookers. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. John A. Montoya)

Special tribute was paid to the Soldiers of the New Mexico-based 200th and 515th Coastal Artillery by way of a memorial ruck march. This event commemorated those Soldiers’ forced march following the Battle of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II. Many nations participated in the event, including several dozen U.S. Soldiers from New Mexico.

Soldiers attached to Multinational Battle Group East participate in a softball game during the Memorial Day weekend celebrations at Camp Bondsteel May 31. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Casey Staheli)

Swiss Army Maj. Roland Meister, the Swiss Army Magician, performs for soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Evan V. Lane)

Those stationed on Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, were treated to the country-rock stylings of The Shawn and Hobby Band. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo)

A basketball game played as part of the festivities of the Memorial Weekend 2011 that pitted a team of officers, in blue jerseys, against a team of enlisted Soldiers, in white jerseys. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Casey Staheli)

The Memorial Weekend also hosted an officers verses enlisted sand volleyball game. The officers won the volleyball game, but the team of enlisted soldiers fought hard. (Released U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo)

Staff

Behind the scenes Ever wonder what those S Shops do, exactly? Here are a few answers from people in the know.

Master Sgt. Anna Spears, aide-de-camp to Col. Michael D. Schwartz

We in the personal staff section schedule appointments and coordinate travel arrangements.

We supervise the Personnel Security Detail, the commander’s driver, office staff and coordinate official functions hosted by Col. Michael D. Schwartz, commander of Multinational Battle Group East. We serve as the colonel’s administrative coordinator, establishing and monitoring deadlines. I work hand in hand with Capt. Tomas Benavidez, secretary of the general staff, and the Joint Visitor Bureau for VIPs. We as a team guarantee that the colonel is on time, and at the correct location, in the correct uniform and has a copy of his briefing. We make sure that his biography is up to date as well as his official picture. We ensure his files are organized, plaques for distinguished guests are available, certificates signed, and mail is properly distributed. We are responsible for all equipment in the command office.

C. Company Soldiers speak with a motorist during vehicle control point operations near Camp Nothing Hill, Kosovo, June 10. The VCPs are designed to deter smuggling efforts and increase the safety of routes into and out of Kosovo.

Soldiers check vehicles, deter smuggling

I have been working for the colonel and command sergeant major for the past four years. It is important that I maintain a good relationship with Col. Schwartz’s general staff sections. I try and keep a positive attitude and a good sense of humor because the days in the command section are always long and sometimes demanding.

story and photo by Spc. Evan Lane

Motorists, through the aid of a translator, were asked to stop and were informed of what was expected of them during the vehicle checkpoint.

Each motorist was asked to open all doors of their vehicle Soldiers from C. Company, which was then searched by 1-200th Infantry Battalion, set up multiple Soldiers, each using a vehicle control points near Camp hands-off, visual approach. Once Nothing Hill in northern Kosovo the Soldiers cleared a vehicle, the to ensure that the routes into and motorists were invited to return out of Kosovo are providing pasto their car and go about their sage for legal movement only. way. “We’re out here to keep people from smuggling things into Kosovo,” said Spc. Billy Wayne Kepford, a team member with 2nd squad, 4th platoon.

While not physically taxing, said Pfc. Alfredo Salazar, a team member with 2nd squad, the job can be difficult at times.

“They’re not always happy with Often, Kosovo Police are us pulling them over,” he contininvited to participate in the VCPs. ued. “We have to make sure to On this June 10 mission, the invi- remember that this is their countation was extended, but the KP try and be very respectful in the was already engaged elsewhere. way we search.”

The Soldiers of C. Company set The northern area of Kosovo, up their VCP operation in a man- near Mitrovica, is mainly an ethner that allowed them to keep nic Serbian region said Salazar. high security while maintaining a rapid search pace. “We’re not always welcome

here, but we have a job to do, and it helps everyone in the area– even the ones that are a bit worried about our presence,” he said. The C. Company Soldiers, currently conducting a rotation at Camp Nothing Hill, recently proved their efficacy when they confiscated several thousand Euro notes in illegal tender during one vehicle control point and discovered individuals trying to sneak across the Administrative Boundary Line between Serbia and Kosovo during another.

Operations is a concept and application of military science that involves planning the operations for the projected maneuvering force’s provisions, services, training, and administrative functionsto allow them to commence, insert, then egress from combat. The operations staff plays a major role in the projection of military forces in any wide spectrum of conflict; terrestrial, aerial, or naval warfare needed to achieve operational objectives in a theater of war.

The vehicle control points, part of Kosovo Forces’ mission as outlined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, are part of a deterrent presence intended to increase the difficulty of passing illegally into or out of Kosovo. Throughout the day, every C. Company Soldier worked with the other team members, including the translator, to make sure their job was completed quickly, thoroughly and respectfully.

Sgt. Maj. Thomas Howard, operations sergeant major

The operations office or S3 includes plans and training. The S3 plans and coordinates operations, and all things necessary to enable the formation to operate and accomplish its mission. In most units, the operations office is the largest of the staff sections and considered the most important. All aspects of sustaining the unit’s operations, planning future operations, and additionally planning and executing all unit training, fall under the responsibility of operations. The operations office is also tasked with keeping track of the weekly training schedules.

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n any given day, hundreds of individuals cross the borders and boundaries between Kosovo and its neighboring nations. Most of this is legal traffic, but sometimes it is not.

The S3 prepares courses of action and recommends actions or decisions to the regiment commander for the accomplishment of the mission.

A dynamite relationship

story and photos by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

Staff Sgt. Stephen Miller, front, Team 1 noncommissioned officer in charge, consults with Kosovo Security Forces explosive ordnance disposal specialist OR-6 Mustaf Kryeziu, center, on the findings of ordnance in the backyard of a local resident of Tica, Kosovo. The KSF and KFOR EOD teams work in conjunction to identify and properly dispose of found ordnance.

The peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, as part of NATO’s Kosovo Forces, is no different than a wartime mission when it comes to the identification and disposal of unexploded or expended ordnance. However, an additional skill set is added to the regular list of duties for EOD teams in other theaters of operation. According to Staff Sgt. Stephen Miller, Team 1 noncommissioned officer in charge of the 666 Explosive Ordnance Disposal based in Alabama, one of the additional tenets of the 666 EOD’s mission in Kosovo is to mentor and monitor the Kosovo Security Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams. As of May 29, 2011, the final KSF EOD team completed the required training becoming a fully qualified unit.

The 666 mission allows them to be present when all entities respond to calls placed to the local Kosovo Police from a concerned citizen. Oftentimes the citizens have unearthed or found what appears to be unexploded ordnance. The Kosovo Police are often on scene when the 666 EOD team arrives along with a team from the KSF EOD. Each element has expertise and experience to offer the others in terms of understanding how to engage with the local populace, cultural norms and acceptable interaction, types of ordnance generally found, and proper identification, disarming and/or disposal of any item found.

Like the experts of the 666 EOD, many members of the KSF EOD teams have served in the field of ordnance identification and disposal for many years. OR-6 Mustaf Kryeziu, KSF EOD specialist, said he has been working in the field of explosives for more than 10 years as armed forces in Kosovo Sgt. Stephen Rodgers, right, explosive ordnance disposal progressed through numerous formations. Kryeziu specialist, works with OR-6 Mustaf Kryeziu, of the Kosovo said the relationship with the 666 allows for an Security Forces, to identify and package up TNT found in exchange of tools, skills, experiences and best the backyard of a local resident.

Sgt. Stephen Rodgers and OR-6 Mustaf Kryeziu determine the scene safe and discuss the best method for transporting and disposal of the two small boxes of bulk explosives.

practices. He said that small changes taught by the U.S. forces identified quicker methods which translate to safer responses.

couple teams and are working well together,” said Miller.

While the KSF EOD is reaching goal after goal with the assistance of KFOR EOD teams, the future holds even more potential for them to be capable of taking over day to day operations. The exchange of tools and expertise is far from over however, with KFOR EOD being capable of offering a location for detonating larger items. In addition, Kryeziu said with his experience he feels it is good to use the KFOR equipment and knowledge. He said the colThe KSF EOD is currently the third responders laboration is important as the KSF do not yet have when unexploded ordnance is found by the local a method for explosive storage, thus it’s good for populace. Citizens generally call the Kosovo Police KFOR to be able to take control of unexploded ordand EULEX who in turn contact headquarters KFOR nance and dispose of it properly to ensure Kosovo who get the word to the closest EOD team. Together, remains safe for those living here. the entities link up near the site where the call generated from. The long history of U.S. military explosive ordnance disposal training has helped shape who they Since the KSF EOD is now fully trained, Miller are today. This history is being shared with the KSF said the 666 typically observe the KSF EOD team EOD, and as they continue to respond to calls from and are on scene to offer support, expertise and their fellow neighbors, the KSF builds their history guidance if needed. The KSF EOD is the lead eleand hones their skill sets. After each response to a ment during reaction to a call and as such is call, the KSF EOD has added another experience and responsible for securing the scene, identifying the possibly a new element of shared knowledge from cause for the call, and deciding on a course of action the KFOR EOD personnel to their toolbox. for disposal. The conversation and consultation that occurs between the 666 and KSF is done with Just as the U.S. EOD experts were originally the aid of an interpreter and through non-verbal taught and trained by their British counterparts, communication. The teams have been working the U.S. EOD is now sharing its decades of learned together long enough that they trust and underknowledge with the KSF EOD. According to the stand one another without the necessity of verbal 666, an EOD catchphrase is ‘initial success or total communication. failure.’ The training and expertise shared by the 666 EOD with the KSF EOD, ensures initial and “Mustaf [Kryeziu] knows what he’s doing; he’s continued success for the safety of those in Kosovo really calm. We’ve befriended and bonded with a for decades to come. In addition, the exchange of ideas led to a decrease in the number of team members and responders from the KSF. Eleven team members and three vehicles were used to respond to every call; it is now three person teams in one vehicle allowing for a much faster response time with the same level of capability.

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he history of U.S. military explosive ordnance disposal professionals dates back to the beginning of World War II. According to an essay written by retired Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Clifford, titled, “The Origins of U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal” the first ordnance disposal teams were taught by British bomb disposal experts. The U.S. officers and enlisted learned how to identify bombs, how to use existing disposal equipment, and how to excavate bombs. In addition, the U.S. military adopted British training materials in order to teach thousands of service members the art of ordnance disarming and disposal. The first year U.S. Army Soldiers were trained in explosive ordnance disposal tactics was 1947. Since then procedures and techniques have been honed to a razor sharp edge with experience in every major and minor conflict, and numerous peacekeeping missions.

A very agressive cicada wasp lays stunned prior to being placed, alive, in a wax paper envelope in Hirzel’s pocket.

Kacanik teachers pose for a group photo with members of Multinational Battle Group East and the Camp Bondsteel Fire Department at the Camp Bondsteel fire station.

Kacanik Teachers Visit Bondsteel

story and photos by Spc. John A. Montoya

The teachers appreciated their visit and were glad to see Camp Bondsteel. “What I liked the most was your hospitality,” said Shoppa.

The teachers’ visit was organized and led by the Liaison Monitoring Team based in Roswell, N.M. As part of the tour the teachers visited the Camp Bondsteel Fire Department, the aviation detachment, the Camp Bondsteel Hospital and the shopping area of Bondsteel, said Master Sgt. Joann Hacker, a monitoring team member.

“I think that was one of the things they commented on the most that they really liked because they don’t have a hospital like that in their vicinity,” said Hacker.

A fully online master’s program allows him to pursue his study while deployed. Kosovo is not the first theater that he has hunted bugs in, either.

In addition to visiting the hospital the visitors were able to purchase a few things at the Exchange such as sweets and toiletries which are not available outside the Exchange.

“I did this in Iraq, too,” he mentions. “It was quite a bit more restricted, though.”

The only things that seem to keep Hirzel from looking for bugs were mortar strikes in Iraq and lightning here in Kosovo.

“They were happy to get diapers, I don’t know if our diapers are different than their diapers, but that’s what they were excited to get,” said Hacker.

id you know there’s a very specific way to put a live wasp in your pocket? At least one Soldier on Camp Bondsteel does. Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Hirzel is currently acting as a medic with Task Force Medical, but in his off hours he learns as much as he can about bugs. While most Soldiers know a bit more about bugs than the average office worker (mainly which ones to avoid being bitten by during a field training exercise), Hirzel has turned his love of bugs into a long-term field of study.

He heads out every three days or so, depending on his work schedule, to record the movements of the small heath butterfly. Studying this specific butterfly, also known as a ringlet, is a practical choice for Hirzel.

“The ringlets are the only type I can keep up with, with my bad knees,” he said. “And conducting a behavioral study of slugs would be worse than watching paint dry.”

“I monitor the ringlets’ patterns,” said Hirzel. During his spare time, Hirzel goes hunting for Each behavioral session lasts about two hours, but butterflies, and along the way pockets a few beetles sometimes they are cut short. and bees for good measure. “The first ringlet I tracked was lost about 45 “I’m working on my master’s degree through Uni- minutes into the study,” he said. “It confused a little versity of Nebraska-Lincoln,” said Hirzel. yellow flower with a little yellow crab spider.”

The teachers were particularly impressed with Bondsteel’s medical and fire facilities.

Hanife Shoppa, the principal of Nazmi Osmani Elementary School in Elezaj, Kacanik, said she liked the fire department and the hospital. She commented on how much equipment was available in the facilities and how everything was neat and clean.

Scientist’s dream deployment story and photos by Spc. Evan Lane

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bout two dozen teachers from Kacanik municipality visited Camp Bondsteel on May 29. The tour was an opportunity for the people in Kosovo to see how Soldiers on Bondsteel live and the capabilities of the installation.

Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Hirzel, a medic with Task Force Medical, uses his butterfly net as a prybar to check for bugs in one of the less-trafficked areas on Camp Bondsteel. His primary subject of study is currently the ringlet butterfly.

A Kacanik instructor sits in one of the pilot’s seats of a UH-60 Blackhawk during her visit to Camp Bondsteel. Throughout the day the teachers were shown many of the facillities at Camp Bondsteel.

“You can’t be traipsing around with this during one of these Kosovo storms,” he mused, gesturing with an aluminum butterfly net.

Ironically, his butterfly net is not being used to catch butterflies. His current course requires him to conduct insect behavioral research.

On Bondsteel, he has to work hard to find his research subjects. The Area Support Team crews frequently mow the tall grass that the ringlets call home.

There are a few places that he can count on to be insect sanctuaries, though. Small oases of butterfly bushes near out-of-the-way treelines attract all manner of bugs. “I collect for the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville,” Hirzel mentioned as he put a cicada wasp into a wax paper envelope.

After trapping the wasp in his butterfly net, he acted quickly, compressing its abdomen between his fingernail and the metal rim of the net. Entomology, P. 24

Combat weather team Air National guard weathermen

Entomology This step is essential to pacifying insects, he noted. “A careless colleague of mine was stung by a tarantula wasp similar to this one; it hit bone.”

His samples will be sent back to the museum, run by the University of Florida for research and storage, accompanied by a customs form..

Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Hirzel inspects the underside of a railroad tie for insects. Hirzel, a medic with Task Force Medical, is a contributing entomologist with the Florida Museum of Natural History.

“I’m a bit too old to start on the officer track for Army entomology,” he said, “but there are some really nice civilian jobs out there in my field.”

Hirzel shows that no matter what a Soldier’s goal may be, he can accomplish it through planning and determination.

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Hirzel said he will continue to work toward his degree while here in Kosovo.

Kosovo Police assume control of FYROM border

The Air National Guard weather team keeps the pilots, ground crew and general populace of Camp Bondsteel informed about everything from lightning strikes and hail to heat categories and five-day forecasts. From left, they are Tech. Sgt. Jeremy McMaster, Tech. Sgt. Steven Maiers, Capt. Desmond Millner, and Tech. Sgt. Adam Wabrowetz.

story and photos by Spc. Evan V. Lane

very time lightning strikes, residents of Camp Bondsteel hear their voices over the loudspeakers, but what do the Camp Bondsteel weather team members do with the rest of their day?

In addition to simply controlling the border the Kosovo Police built strong ties with their counterparts in F.Y.R.O.M.

“We have a lot of cooperation with F.Y.R.O.M. to prevent smuggling and other illegal activity,” said Bajram Rexhepi, Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs.

Although KFOR is no longer in charge of this stretch of border it KFOR Commander German Maj. Gen. Erhard Buehler, left, and Bajram will still be engaging the Kosovo Rexhepi, Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, right, sign the documents Border and Boundary Police and handing over responsibility of the last section of border between the will continue to monitor and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Kosovo on June 18. advise them as well, said Joint story and photo by Spc. John A. Montoya Implementation Commission osovo Border and Bound- and commerce between F.Y.R.O.M. Deputy, Capt. Paul Lauritzen. ary Police assumed full and Kosovo. control from KFOR of the Lauritzen believes the Kosovo Kosovo side of the border, German Maj. Gen. Erhard Police are a capable force, but assuming sole responsibility of Buehler, KFOR Commander, said they can always improve. patrolling the border between this marks great progress for the “They’re more than ready, but the Former Yugoslav Republic Kosovo Police. they still have a lot to learn,” said of Macedonia and Kosovo. A Lauritzen. ceremony was held June 18 near The Kosovo Police not only Toplijana Mahala to mark the control their side of the F.Y.R.O.M. The Kosovo Police’s ability to transition. border, but they also control the handle the border is getting betborder with Albania and they are ter and they should be more than The handover of the last slated to take control of their side capable of taking on this new 48.883 kilometers of border of the border with Montenegro in responsibility. “Every day they means that the Kosovo Police will September as well. are much more efficient,” said be handling all the border traffic Rexhepi.

A whole lot.

The 401st Air Expeditionary Group, 2nd detachment weather team’s mission is to provide support and resource protection to aviation assets and the battle group at large.

For those aviation assets on Camp Bondsteel to function properly, the weather team has to provide pilots, air crew and ground crew with a single accurate and easy-to-use resource.

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“We have info coming in from multiple satellites, radar and base stations,” said Air Force Capt. Desmond Millner, commander of the weather team.

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“It’s my job to make sure we produce a weather product that is really valuable to the customers,” he continued.

To meet that goal, the three weather technicians reduce all the incoming data to a single daily weather sheet with a red/yellow/green system for flight risk assessment. “We’re a one-stop shop for pilots,” said Tech. Sgt. Steven Maiers.

“It’s not easy, though,” he continued. “I’ve never been on a base with such sparse data. We’re at a meeting point of different weather systems. The normal rules don’t totally apply here. It’s a challenge every day to get the most out of the least.”

The 401st has had to contend with old equiment and lightning strikes throughout their deployment. The radar tower they refurbished themselves was recently rendered inoperable by lightning, and many other instruments need daily tuning.

“You see that value?” asked Tech. Sgt. Jeremy McMaster, weather technician and noncommissioned officer in charge. “It says we received over 6,000 inches of snow since yesterday. It takes a human to realize that this data is corrupt. You need people to make all these readings into something intelligible.” Often the issue is not with data insufficiency, but with too much information.

“On the flip side of the coin,” said Maiers, “you can get lost in a sea of numbers. Weather science has a bit of an art to it. Deciding which interactions matter on a given day is not only difficult, it’s the most complex, difficult problem that computers can analyze. That’s where we come in, to make the final call.”

“We’re the only weather resource in this region of Kosovo, so we have to produce,” said Millner. weather, P. 26

Weather

The airmen said they appreciate working with the soldiers and civilians on Camp Bondsteel.

“I’ve done weather reporting in Iraq for class three aircraft like the A-10 [Warthog],” said Maiers. “In other deployments, I’ve literally had pilots

holding separate conversations while I give a mission weather briefing. It’s great working here. You can tell that the Blackhawk pilots respect and value what you do; the weather matters to them and their mission.”

taking time to support the troops. “It always helps to have people travel all this way to support us and show they care,” said Sample.

Like many speciality sections in the battle group, the 401st weighs in at only four members, so to keep the helicopters flying they have had to refine the techniques of past rotations.

At the same time, many of the WWE stars expressed their gratitude for the Soldiers.

“The four of us have been able to improve the process here, hands down,” said Wabrowetz. “The guys before us did the same thing, I’m sure.”

They hold the distinction of being the last Air National Guard unit slotted for that mission here in Kosovo, with subsequent support planned to come from active duty Air Force units.

Professional wrestler, Scotty 2 Hotty, left, stands by as a mediator while Soldiers challenge each other to sumo wrestling at a Morale, Welfare and Recreation event held at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, June 14. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Valerie Palacios)

story by 1st Lt. Casey Staheli

orld Wrestling Entertainment stars officiated and offered encouragement and coaching as Soldiers and civilians from Multinational Battle Group East donned Sumo wrestling costumes and grappled with one another in the South Town Fitness Center here at Camp Bondsteel, June 14.

Cross training

Foolin’ around

Sgt. Jason Kling, right, attached to Task Force Aviation, illustrates the use of an adjustable stabilizing collar to a French firefighter stationed at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo. Kling provided helicopter extradition training to the firefighters, who may be called upon in the unlikely case of a helicopter crash.

French Maj. Pomares, left, and 1st Lt. Michael Ramirez joke around during a break in their workday. Both are stationed at Camp Novo Selo, a multinational camp housing French, Moroccan, Belgian, Luxembourgian, Danish and American soldiers.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Evan V. Lane)

(Photo courtesy of Spc. Lauren Forbes)

“Freedom isn’t free. The only reason why I have that freedom is because of military members,” said Atlas, as he was addressing those in attendance. “We have brave men and women who fight not only for the U.S., but also for others around the world, and we’re grateful for all that you do. God bless each and every one of you and thank you for the opportunity to visit. It’s a privilege to be here.”

alternate communication security Scotty 2 Hotty was thrilled custodian, who put on the Sumo with his chance to intermingle costume and participated in a with the troops and hopes to do tag-team match, the yelling and it again. cheering was just background noise. “I did the 5k run this morning with some of the Soldiers and it “I was just focused on watching was awesome,” Hotty said. “I’d my partner’s back,” Chavez said. never have guessed I’d have the “And when I was on the mat, I was chance to be with Soldiers on the just looking to take them [her Army’s birthday, running and opponents] down.” celebrating with them; what a The event, sponsored by Army privilege.” Moral Welfare and Recreation, Besides being entertained had Soldiers hollering and hootby their peers, those gathered “When I was initially coning for friends and unit members had the chance to talk, get autotacted, I was very interested in as they struggled for dominance graphs, ask questions and take supporting the troops and getand prestige on the mat. photos with WWE stars Tony ting the chance to thank them in Atlas (Anthony White), Scotty 2 person,” said Tiffany. “It’s been a “Just go at it. Give it everything Hotty (Scott Garland), and WWE really humbling experience to be you’ve got!” yelled Sgt. Robert divas Tiffany (Taryn Terrell) and amongst them and I appreciate Sample, resource management Savannah (Angela Fong). the Soldiers so much.” officer. Many of the questions that Atlas took the time to share his Like many Soldiers, Sample Soldiers asked related to physical favorite part of the tour also. said he enjoyed the opportunity fitness and what Soldiers could to have some fun. do to maintain a better looking “To see the Soldiers, to know physique. they are safe and well cared for Soldiers need to get out of their and that they are able to keep usual routine and have some Keep changing up your worktheir spirits up under difficult excitement and laughter, and out routine, do fun things you circumstances is the best part,” this was a chance to do that, said enjoy and eat well, said Savannah. said Atlas. “They leave family, Sample. friends and make sacrifices and Many Soldiers expressed their it is an honor to support military For Staff Sgt. Donna Chavez, appreciation for the entertainers members.”

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Tech. Sgt. Adam Wabrowetz, weather technician, matches his work ethic, having spent his deployment working on courses to enable him to become a F-16 fighter pilot.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation brings WWE to Camp Bondsteel

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They produce, said Millner, because they love what they do. He sets the level of devotion of the group, having volunteered for a weather station assignment on St. George Island following this deployment. St. George is located in the middle of the Bering sea, hundreds of miles off the coast of Alaska.

Soldiers suit up for wrestling

Fitness

By Capt. Jason D. Barber

ore conditioning and abdominal conditioning have become synonymous in recent years but the abdominal muscles alone are over-rated when it comes to real core strength or conditioning. In reality, the abdominal muscles have very a limited and specific action. The “core” actually consists of many different muscles that stabilize both spine and pelvis and run the entire length of the torso. When they contract they create a solid foundation of support for the limbs to generate powerful movements. Think of as a crane; if it wasn’t anchored to the ground, it wouldn’t be able to have such a long arm to lift things up. Same principle applies with the body. If your core isn’t strong then you have a greater potential to be injured while lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying objects or producing force with your legs. The muscles of the core allow us to generate powerful movements of the extremities and make it possible to stand upright and move on two feet. These muscles help control movements, transfer energy, shift body weight and move in any direction. A strong core distributes the stresses of weight-bearing and protects the spine. Core conditioning exercise programs should try to target all these muscle groups to be effective.

Benefits of Good Core Strength

A Strong Core Reduces Back Pain Abdominals are thought of as the muscles that protect the back and tend to get all the credit for protecting the back as well as being the foundation of strength, but they are only a small part of what makes up the core. In fact, it is weak and unbalanced core muscles that are linked to low back pain. Weak core muscles result in a loss of the appropriate lumbar curve and a swayback posture. Stronger, balanced core muscles help maintain appropriate posture and reduce strain on the spine.

A Strong Core Improves Athletic Performance The muscles of the trunk and torso stabilize the spine from the pelvis to the neck and shoulders and therefore allow the transfer of power to the arms and legs. All powerful movements originate from the center of the body out, and never from the limbs alone. Before any powerful, rapid muscle contractions can occur in the extremities, the spine must be solid and stable and the more stable the core, the more powerfully the extremities can contract.

A Strong Core Improves Postural Imbalances Training the muscles of the core helps correct postural imbalances that can lead to injuries. The biggest benefit of core training is to develop functional fitness which is essential to daily living and regular activities.

How to Build Core Strength Core strengthening exercises are most effective when the torso works as a solid unit and both front and back muscles contract at the same time, multi joint movements are performed and stabilization of the spine is monitored. Abdominal bracing is a basic technique used during core exercise training. To correctly brace, you should attempt to pull your navel back in toward your spine. This action primarily recruits transverse abdominus. You should be able to breathe evenly while bracing and not hold your breath.

There are many exercises that will strengthen the core. A large number of core strengthening exercises can be done at home with no equipment while some require the use of equipment and gadgets. The core, after all is the foundation for nearly all movement. Our arms and legs need a strong base from which to move with power and grace, and a wimpy abdominal section makes all this movement less efficient. We have included various abdominal exercises for you to incorporate into your programs. Good Luck!

Exercise Key 1 Push up position 2 Plank 3 Side plank 4 Modified side plank 5 Back plank 6 Hyperextensions with exercise ball 7 Wood chopper 8 Standing twist with medicine ball

JAG

suspends judicial and administrative proceedings and transactions involving civil liabilities when military service materially affects the ability of a service member to meet or attend to civil matters.

These protections only come into play for obligations that were entered into before entry onto Capt. Donnial Hinds, active duty and there are certain legal assistance & claims officer steps that must be taken by a service member to enforce their Confused about the ServicememSCRA protections. Many service 1 A Soldier may terminate any bers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) 50 members believe that while they lease (including automobile are deployed no adverse informaU.S.C App. 501? (Article 1 of 2) leases) without penalty or tion can be entered onto their negative credit implication; here are many misconcredit report. This is inaccurate 2 Eviction proceedings must be stayed or postponed for up to 3 to say the least. The SCRA only ceptions about the SCRA. months; Service membersand provides that no adverse credit 3 Any interest charged in excess information can be entered many civilians do not of 6 percent must be forgiven; understand the protections and against a service member when 4 Civil court proceedings must limitations that the SCRA prohe is exercising his SCRA rights be stayed for at least a period of 90 days; vides. The purpose of SCRA is to (for example terminating a lease provide economic and procedural 5 There is an automatic extenor cell plan, reducing interest, sion of time to file taxes; they legal protections for service etc.). must be filed within 6 months members. of return from deployment. Any questions regarding I will discuss some of these The SCRA provides service the application of the SCRA or members with relief from certain protections in greater detail in USERRA should be addressed to civil obligations and temporarily coming months. Note that the your local Judge Advocate. The protections of the SCRA activate when a service member has been placed on active duty. The major protections SCRA gives service members are:

T I

n the summer of 2001 Korey Stringer, offensive lineman for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, died during training camp due to complications from heat stroke. Soldiers are also regularly exposed to the risk of heat injuries. In 2009 two Soldiers died during Basic Training at Fort Jackson, S.C., as a result of heat stroke. Three forms of heat injury are listed below in order from bad to worse:

in the heat injuries listed above. This can be prevented by drinking three - six quarts of water per day, consuming nutritious meals and avoiding dietary supplements.

Safety

Leaders should monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature heat index and • Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include dizziness, fa- observe the corresponding tigue, weakness, headache, nausea, rapid pulse and work-rest cycles.

shortness of breath. First-aid includes cooling down by moving to shade and loosening clothing, laying flat and elevating feet, pouring water on, and fanning Soldier. Place ice around neck, arm pits, groin and monitor status. • Heat Cramps: Symptoms include painful skeletal muscle cramps or spasms, mostly in arms and legs. First-aid includes replacing salts, cooling down in shade, massaging affected muscles. Soldiers should rehydrate and seek medical evaluation. • Heat Stroke: Symptoms include same as the above (but more severe), nausea, vomiting, altered mental status, elevated temperature (above 104° F), loss of consciousness and seizures. First-aid includes emergency medical evacuation, aggressive cooling measures with ice packs, starting an IV, and sips of cool water if Soldier is conscious.

Chaplain

SCRA does not provide reemployment rights, this is governed by a completely different statute, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act 1994 (USERRA).

Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Lindsay, MNBG E Chaplain

s we begin summer here in Kosovo, we are reminded of great memories of past summers with our families and friends. Make sure to take time to thank them for the fun times

and continue to affirm their great to ask them about their growth work and continued support. and accomplishments. Look for opportunities to affirm their I recently read of a father’s focus, dedication and hard work. pride as he watched his sons Share with them the wisdom compete in a high school track and stories of those who have and field competition. As he was inspired you through their great reminded of his own experience lives of courageous service, as a young athlete, he realized dedicated faith, strength and that his hard work, discipline commitment. and commitment were gifts he had passed on to his sons. His Discuss the personal and famgreat experiences and life lesily values that have made you sons became gifts to his sons. strong. Work with your family He did not do this on his own, back home to develop or update a but was guided by the grace and list of family values to help your wisdom of God seen in the lives family remain strong. Check out of others, like St. Paul. By God’s some of the websites that focus grace, St. Paul was able be strong on developing personal and famand accomplish great things. “I ily values. Include your church have fought the good fight, I have community values, helpful Bible finished the race, I have kept the quotes and favorite sacred pasfaith.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) The sages. If you are single, think accomplishments of life and the about the values you want to lessons learned in life are oppor- instill in your future family or tunities for us to help mentor and young people you may be given lead the next generation. the responsibility of leading or mentoring. How do we help mentor and guide the young to be strong, Stay connected. Share with wise and accomplished adults? your family and friends the blessIf you have children, continue ings of great a summer.

Novo Selo Strongmen Maj. Harvey Johnson, MNBG E safety officer

Prolonged exposure to the sun can also cause sunburn, which besides being painful can also result in a fever. This can be prevented by applying sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

Wearing restrictive clothing and practicing inadequate hygiene can result in heat rashes. This can be prevented by showering after excessive sweating and keeping affected areas dry.

As we head into the hot summer months everyone must remember to hydrate. Leaders must ensure that water and sunscreen are part of checks and Dehydration coupled with prolonged exposure to inspections. high temperatures and exertion is the driving factor Heat injuries are preventable!

A U.S. Army and French army mixed team competes in a tug of war at a strongman com petition at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo, June 5. Other activities included tractor tire rolling, concrete slab lifting and farmer lifts using five gallon water jugs.

(Photo courtesy of Sgt. Sonia Wise)

Never Broken From Bataan to the Balkans