Volume I, Issue VII February 28, 2011

Phoenix Battalion prepares for reintegration

by Sgt. Danielle Sweet-Reyes and
2nd Lt. Greg Godfrey
3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

February marks the beginning of the end

of a long deployment for the 3rd Special
Troops Battalion, 3rd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers
in Iraq. The Soldiers of this brigade are
no doubt looking forward to trading
places with the new unit and completing
a successful transfer of authority.
With the end of the deployment drawing
near, there is much to consider and plan
for.
For many, the end of the deployment
means reuniting with family, being able
to relax, and getting reacquainted with
the forgotten concept of time off. There
is housing to be found, unpacking to
contend with, and plenty of shopping to
be done. The excitement can be felt more
profoundly with each day crossed off the
calendar. So what is everyone going to be
doing when we finally touch ground on
more familiar soil?
Pfc. Konnie Noorda, a signal support
specialist with Headquarters and
Headquarters Troop, is excited to see her
See “Home” Page 4

Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson

Spc. Justin Bartee, from Pleasant Hope, Mo., holds a
photo of his three-year-old son, Jonathan, who is kissing
his month-old sister, Teannah. Upon redeployment, Bartee
will meet his newborn daughter for the first time. Bartee is
deployed with HHT, 3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

Audie Iraqis Phoenix Holds

Inside This Murphy Run M-16 NCO Induction
Issue Honors
Page 3
Range
Page 10
Ceremony
Page 15
Volume I, Issue VII February 28, 2011

Page 2
Volume I, Issue VII February 28, 2011

Audie Murphy
Club Induction
When Soldiers hear the name
Audie Murphy, most think in terms
of the values: honor, duty, courage,
leadership and selfless service.
To be compared with Murphy is
an honor many noncommissioned
officers of the Army aspire to, but
few achieve. Six NCOs within
3rd Advise and Assist Brigade,
4th Infantry Division received the
honor Feb. 14.
The NCOs received the Sergeant
Audie Murphy Award and were
subsequently inducted into the 3rd
AAB’s Sergeant Audie Murphy
Club at Memorial Hall on Camp
Adder:
-- Sgt. 1st Class Roberto C. Ayala,
of Santurce, Puerto Rico, assigned
to Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th
Infantry Regiment.
-- Sgt. 1st Class Manuel
Chazaliaza, of Lima, Peru, assigned
to Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 29th
Field Artillery Regiment.
-- Staff Sgt. Jerome K. Anderson,
of St. Ann, Jamaica, assigned to
Company E, 1st Battalion, 68th
Armor Regiment.
-- Staff Sgt. Christopther J.
Farrington, of Hogansburg, N.Y.,
assigned to Company B, 64th
Brigade Support Battalion.
-- Staff Sgt. Walter J. Mack Jr.,
of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands,
assigned to Company G, 3rd Bn.,
29th FA Reg.
-- Staff Sgt. Charles H. Martin
Jr., of Little Rock, Ark., Company
C, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry
Regiment.

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 Volume I, Issue VII
Home: 3rd STB looks forward to first times, good times
Continued from Page 1
family who is making the trip to
Colorado Springs, Colo., from
Lyman, Wyo., to visit her for the
four-day weekend.
Capt. Ryan Purdy, of Mattoon,
Ill., plans to celebrate his seventh
wedding anniversary with his
wife. “I joke with my wife that
this is really our fourth wedding
anniversary, because I’ve been
deployed for the other three,” he
said.
Many, like Purdy, are planning
long-awaited excursions to Europe
during block leave. Others are
looking forward to going back
home and simply hanging out with
family members.
Spc. Justin Bartee, an
infantryman with HHT, who is
going home to Pleasant Hope, Mo.,
said, “My daughter is a month old,
and I’m going to meet her for the
first time.”
1st Lt. Todd Geszvain and Staff
Sgt. Lee Bellows from Company
B, are also new fathers who can’t
wait to get home and reunite with
family.
“I am really excited to get home
and spend time with my family. My
daughter will be seven months old
and crawling all over the place,”
said Geszvain of Burlington, Wis.
Planning has already begun for
successful reintegration. Leave
dates are being chosen, family
visits are being planned, and
vacations are in the works. Some
Soldiers have their eyes set on far-
off, exotic lands, while others wish
to look no further than that first
cold beer and their own couch.
“I can’t wait to go to a hockey
game and watch a boxing match
break out!” said Sgt. William
Oelsner of McDonough, Ga.,
about his plans to see the Colorado
Avalanche play.
The Fort Carson Morale, Welfare
and Recreation staff organizes a
number of events and has plenty
of information about all the great
things going on around Fort
Carson.
In the midst of all of the
excitement with redeployment,
the safety of the Phoenix Soldiers
is always a top priority. Traffic
safety, alcohol awareness, family
cohesion, financial management
and stress management are a few
issues that are kept in mind while
Soldiers reintegrate stateside.
After an initial four-day pass,
the brigade will undergo a several-
week long reintegration period,
February 28, 2011
which incorporates a myriad of
classes and briefings. This may all
sound significantly less interesting
than a cold beer or a trip to Europe,
but it is important nonetheless.
“The reintegration period is
important because it’s all about
having a system in place to
take care of soldiers. After this
deployment, we know each other
so well that we’ll be able to spot
potential problems with our battle
buddies,” said Sgt. 1st Class
Jeremy Venuti, of Flagstaff, Ariz.,
who is a platoon sergeant with
Company A.
Photo by Angela Geszvain
1st Lt. Todd Geszvain, from Burlington, Wis.,
holds his new daughter. He was able to be there
for her birth while he was on leave from Iraq.
Geszvain is assigned to Company B, 3rd STB.
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 Volume I, Issue VII
As our deployment comes to an
end, I imagine we are all excited
about going home and spending
quality time with our loved ones
who have been eagerly waiting for
our return. What a wonderful time
of reunion this will be! Our hearts
are soaring with great anticipation.
As I look around and see the
Soldiers whose steps seem a bit
lighter with brighter countenance,
now that we see our counterpart
Soldiers appearing in large
numbers, I know I share everyone’s
excitement. I look upon all the
Soldiers and civilians who came
with us as faithful heroes who
responded to our nation’s call.
As I see familiar faces every
day, I am simply amazed at how
dutifully and faithfully they have
been carrying out their work in the
midst of various challenges. We
have lived through the scorching
days in the desert and now through
the cold nights of Iraqi winter.
The Iron Brigade warriors have
done a remarkable job throughout
this deployment. Everyone who is
redeploying should be recognized
and commended for the great
work done in service to our nation.
Every deployment experience is
unique, and we come away with
renewed sense of commitment and
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to
prosper you and not harm you, plans to give hope and a future.”
make sacrifices associated with
our time away from our families.
Although we do not enjoy
the separation aspect of the
deployment, we gain something
intangible. We’ve learned to rely
on our fellow Soldiers who were
there for us when we needed them.
We have learned to share our lives
with our battle buddies and we
know how much we care for one
another.
Friendships have been forged,
and memories have been seared
in our minds. We’ve learned to
trust our leaders to care for us in
the ways we would never have
experienced. We are better men
and women because of what we’ve
gone through collectively. I know
we will be more mature spouses to
our loved ones back home, more
mature parents to our children, and
more mature children to our parents
who love us unconditionally.
As we reintegrate with our
families back home, we want to
remember to be soft, gentle, patient
and understanding throughout this
process. Everything takes time
and patience. Overlooking others’
mistakes or faults goes a long way
in building solid relationships.
We want to be as gentle with our
loved ones, as we try to adjust to
-Jeremiah 29:11
February 28, 2011
Maj. John Lim
Brigade Chaplain
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
our life back in the states. We’ve
done well while we were out here,
and now it is a great time for us to
show that we’ve matured.
Even as we interact with our
loved ones, remember to be
thoughtful, and considerate. We
will be amazed how our families
and friends will appreciate our
effort. Let’s take away positive
gains from this experience so that
we may continue to serve with a
sense of pride and commitment.
We should be proud to wear the
Stars and Stripes on our right
shoulder, as we leave Iraq and
return home.
God bless all the proud brothers
and sisters of Iron Brigade and the
families represented from now and
forever more!
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 Volume I, Issue VII February 28, 2011

3rd AAB strengthens Soldiers beyond physical training

by Pvt. Chastity R. Boykin
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs
A few years ago, a deployed
Soldier looking for help on an
emotional level had few resources
outside of a behavioral health
provider. And too often, seeing
a behavioral health professional
came with an unwanted side effect:
the negative stigma and perceived
weakness associated with asking
for help.
Over the last two years, the
Army’s continuing efforts to help
Soldiers deal with the pressures
of deployment have expanded to
a variety of resources at home and
overseas designed to help Soldiers
balance issues with emotional
health, family relationships,
combat-related stress and self
confidence—all the while reducing
the stigma.
In its own effort to help Soldiers
help themselves, the 3rd Advise
and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry
Division, opened the Iron
Stronghold Resiliency Center on
Camp Adder November 2010,
where Soldiers can seek support in
the five pillars of Comprehensive
Soldier Fitness: Physical,
Emotional, Spiritual, Family, and
Social.
The new program is designed
to bring the emotional, social,
spiritual and Family aspects
of fitness to the same level of
importance and cultural acceptance
as physical fitness.
Aside from games, computers
and movies, which allow them to
relax from the various stressors
of a deployment and connect with
friends and family, Soldiers may
seek help from the chaplain, a
nutritionist or the equal opportunity
representative.
Sgt. Blake Pittman goes to the
center almost every evening after
work, exercising the social aspect
of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness.
He has also begun volunteering
during the evenings, when the
center is busy, helping out at the
front desk.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in the
movie room. A couple of my
coworkers and I had a semi-
regular movie night for awhile.
Depending on who’s with me, I
might also play some Xbox or
ping pong,” said Pittman, assigned
to the 110th Combat Sustained
Support Battalion out of Tifton,
Ga.
Pittman, who is originally from
Douglasville, Ga., also encourages
his friends to use the center.
“Now that the Resiliency Center
is open, it’s become a home away
See “Health” Page 7

Photo by Pvt. Chastity R. Boykin

Sgt. Blake Pittman, an intelligence analyst from the 110th Combat Sustained Support Battalion out
of Tifton, Ga., relaxes by playing a video game after work. Pittman comes to the Resiliency Center
almost every evening after work, exercising the social aspect of the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier
Fitness program on Camp Adder.
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 Volume I, Issue VII
Health: The Iron Brigade uses Comphrehensive Soldier
Fitness to take care of its veterans and build better Soldiers
Continued from Page 6
from home, another place to
unwind,” he said.
In addition to spiritual and
nutritional guidance, Soldiers
can take classes in yoga,
communication techniques, anger
management, and relaxation
methods.
The Iron Stronghold was built
by 3rd AAB Soldiers for use by
every Soldier on Camp Adder and
its outlying bases. Soldiers run the
center to keep it open 24/7.
“The center helps Soldiers deal
with their problems by showing
them better ways to think about
situations, what is really causing
them to feel a certain way, how
to be optimistic about situations,
how to control their emotions,
and lastly it helps them realize
that it’s okay to ask for help,” said
Staff Sgt. Sebastian Zarasua, of
Crawford, Neb., and the center’s
noncommissioned officer in
charge, assigned to 3rd Battalion,
29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd
AAB.
Pittman believes that the
Comprehensive Soldier Fitness
program, which is guiding units
to create resources like the Iron
Stronghold, is vital to the Army
and to Soldiers.
“I have some military background
with my family, and hearing
Photo by Spc. Khori Johnson
Spc. Jeremiah Juhlin, of Cottonwood, Ariz.,
concentrates while he takes his next shot in a
game of pool at the Iron Stronghold.
February 28, 2011
stories from them, I get a feeling
that things are much better now,”
he said. “Think about the clichéd
image of the homeless vet begging
for alms on the street corner. That
it’s become a stereotype of sorts is
a travesty. We need to take care
of our veterans, and I believe [the
resiliency center] helps because it
builds better Soldiers.”
The center has seen more than
6,000 people come through the
doors in the last few month,
and with reoccurring events and
innovative ways to reach Soldiers,
the Soldiers who run the center
hope to attract a whole lot more.
“Everyone’s friendly, and I
feel more comfortable talking to
them. Going to [the clinic] seems
daunting because it’s a clinical
setting, and that atmosphere just
isn’t present here,” said Pittman.
“Taking the stigma away from
seeking help is a huge step in the
right direction.”
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 Volume I, Issue VII February 28, 2011

Bulldogs prepare to end fourth tour in support of Iraq

by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs
Dawn, Battery B conducted The Bulldog Battery is one of
operations at Joint Security Station the key elements in the battalion’s
Since the initial moments of Jenkins as a quick reaction force, effort, said Battery Commander,
Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, where they were required to be Capt. Wyatt Brown.
the world has been watching ready at a moment’s notice to “We cover thousands of
Iraq’s story unfold. While most respond to a variety of situations kilometers a week,” he said.
are familiar with Iraq’s journey, or threats. They also partnered According to Collins, the
Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 29th with nearby Iraqi security forces to Bulldog’s have cleared more than
Field Artillery Regiment, has been assist in maintaining security and 40,000 kilometers of roadways
trudging across its landscape from stability. since assuming the mission.
its liberation to rebirth.
As the Bulldog Battery
approaches the end of its fourth
deployment to Iraq, it has become
apparent to them how much hard
work and dedication they have
put into the advancement of this
country.
During OIF I, which was a
high-intensity combat situation,
the Battery B Bulldogs provided
cannon fire to support Soldiers on
the ground, according to 1st Sgt.
Craig Collins, who has been with Photo by 1st Sgt. Craig Collins
Field artillery Soldiers establish a line of protection during a security operation near Nasiriyah, Iraq.
the unit since 2004. Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., conducts route-clearing and maneuvering
These operations included operations in southern Iraq.

illumination missions that could
bring sunlight during twilight,
smoke missions that could provide
concealment to an entire platoon,
and fire missions that could
eliminate or suppress any threat.
After arriving in Iraq to support
OIF 10-11 and Operation New
Following the closure of JSS
Jenkins, the Bulldogs moved
operations to Camp Adder, where
they assumed the route clearance
and maneuver missions, ensuring
safe travel on the roadways
for Iraqi citizens and military
personnel.
They’ve also worked closely
with the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi
Highway Patrol to keep the roads
safe.
Along with route clearance, the
battery conducts missions to
See “Progress” Page 9

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 Volume I, Issue VII
Progress: Bulldog Soldiers gain motivation with solid statistics
Continued from Page 8
prevent indirect fire and improvised
explosive devices against Iraqi and
U.S. forces.
“Our Soldiers have had a huge
impact on this area,” said Collins.
“Sometimes it’s transparent, and
you don’t see how much good
you are doing because nothing
happens. But our actions have
prevented a lot of things from
happening. We’ve prevented these
insurgent elements from having
freedom of movement and getting
to do whatever they want to do.”
Although patrolling roads
can be a monotonous task, the
Bulldog leadership prevents any
potential complacency by keeping
the Soldiers well rested and well
informed.
“We’re the working horse of
the battalion,” said Sgt. Mitchell
Marks, of Tiffin, Ohio, a cannon
crew member. “Our chain of
command usually tries to schedule
our missions so that we get
maximum rest. They know how
important that is.”
During mission briefs, the
Bulldog leadership gives their
Soldiers up-to-date statistics,
charts, and graphs, so they can see
first-hand the results of their hard
work.
Able to see the fruits of their
labor, they continue to stay
motivated during their day-to-
day operations, said Spc. Joshua
Peters, a cannon crew member
from Lincoln, Neb.
Since the Bulldogs spend so
much time outside the wire, they
have forged positive relationships
with both the security forces and the
people of Iraq. Such relationships
are critical to the synchronization
of the security effort.
“Relationships are a pacing
item,” said Brown, referring to the
Army’s term for a mission-critical
piece of equipment. “We cannot
afford to lose a good relationship,
not only with our ISF partners, but
with the local populace as well. We
always make sure to respect them
and their culture in everything we
do when we are in their area.”
Recently, a citizen within the
Bulldog’s area of responsibility
witnessed insurgents emplacing
an IED with the intent to harm
U.S. forces. Due to the strong
bond that the Bulldogs have with
February 28, 2011
the people in the area, the witness
reported it to the Iraqi army, who
was then able to catch the culprits
and prevent anyone from being
harmed.
“That’s one point for the good
guys,” said Collins. “Every one
of our guys is an ambassador for
the United States, and they act
accordingly. We don’t do anything
that would be disrespectful to the
Iraqis, because it’s unprofessional
and goes against the very grain of
what we’re trying to accomplish in
this country.”
Be it dropping shells in OIF I or
clearing the roadways in Operation
New Dawn, the Bulldogs are
invested in working toward a
brighter future for Iraq’s next
generation.
“I hope that once we finally
complete our mission here, we
leave this country in a better
condition than that of the Saddam
era. And I think we’ve really
planted the seeds for that,” said
Collins. “Back in 2003, during the
course of my patrols in Baghdad, I
knew an elderly gentleman that had
three or four small children. My
goal is that I want those children to
have a free society to grow up in.”
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 Volume I, Issue VII
Iraqi army unit conducts first solo rifle range
by Sgt. Christopher H. Jelle
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs
The explosive bangs of firing
rifles and the whiz of the bullets
echo off the massive berm at the
far end of the firing range. The
unit’s second day of marksmanship
training on the M-16 rifle is as
typical as any basic training can
be. Half-way through the day, the
first U.S. Army Soldiers show up
to pay a visit and see how their
Iraqi counterparts are doing, now
that they are training on their own.
The company of Iraqi soldiers
in the 38th Iraqi Army Brigade
assigned to the 10th Iraqi Army
Division, are learning to be
proficient with the M-16 rifles
provided by U.S. Forces after
switching from the AK-47.
Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Advise
and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry
Division, has helped the Iraqi
army division in Maysan make
the switch to the new weapons
with training that began in July.
Left: Spc. Joshua Felts, an infantryman from Hemphill, Texas and assigned to Company D, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., competes with
an Iraqi soldier of the 38th IA Bde., 10th IA Div., during an M-16 range in Maysan, Iraq, Feb. 9. Right: Iraqi soldiers of the 38th IA Bde., 10th IA Div., score
their target during an M-16 firing range in Maysan, Iraq, Feb. 9.
Company D trained the Iraqi
leaders on everything from care and
maintenance of the new weapons
to basic rifle marksmanship.
As the 3rd AAB prepares to
redeploy back home to Fort
Carson, Colo., in March, the visit
to this range shows exactly what
they came to southern Iraq to do.
Sgt. 1st Class Ernest Ramirez, an
armor crewmember in Company
D, known as the “Dark Knights,”
was one of the instructors for the
Iraqi Army on the M-16 and was
happy to see how the range was
going during his visit.
“I think it’s a great event,
seeing the Iraqis train up their own
soldiers,” said Ramirez, a native
of San Antonio, Texas. “It’s a great
feeling seeing the progress that we
have made with these soldiers and
see how far they’ve come since
we first deployed out here to now,
towards the end of our deployment
here.”
To celebrate their partnership,
the U.S. and Iraqi forces arranged
February 28, 2011
a friendly shooting competition.
After a quick practice round and
a few small sight adjustments,
one of the Iraqi soldiers and Spc.
Joshua Felts, an infantryman from
Hemphill, Texas, fired ten rounds
at a target 200 meters down-range.
The perfect 10 out of 10 from both
competitors underscores the level
of proficiency that these Soldiers
adhere to.
“This is the second time we shoot
here,” said the Iraqi company
commander who was enthusiastic
about seeing better scores from his
soldiers this time, compared to the
last. “I’m sure the more experience
they get with training, the higher
marks they will attain.”
One of the Iraqi soldiers
expressed great appreciation for
all the hard work and training from
the American Soldiers who worked
to ensure their training was done
right and able to be passed on to
the future Iraqi soldiers.
Photos by Sgt. Christopher H. Jelle
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Volume I, Issue VII February 28, 2011

by Pvt. Chastity R. Boykin motorcyclist training. Regulations be evaluated on the skills they have
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs mandate the use of helmets, safety developed the previous year.
gear, training, and other measures Soldiers who ride sport or touring
regardless of state law. Violators can bikes must complete the Military
While there have been far fewer
be punished under the Uniform Code Sports Bike Riders Course in lieu of
combat-related deaths than in previous
of Military Justice. the Experienced Riders Course, in
years, motorcycle accidents have been on
Additionally, unit mentorship order to learn skills specific to the
the rise.
programs will go into effect at brigade, sports bikes.
In fiscal year 2010, the Army reported
battalion, and company levels. Soldiers who have completed all
115 privately owned vehicle fatalities, 40
Unit mentors must have five years of training, but have been deployed for
of which were on motorcycles.
experience as a licensed motorcyclist more than six months, must complete
In fiscal year 2011, motorcycle crashes
and must have completed all required the Motorcycle Refresher Course
made up 50 percent of POV fatalities.
training. The unit mentor will be upon returning to Fort Carson before
Now is the time of a traditional “spring
responsible for advising Soldiers on riding.
spike” or high risk period for Soldiers.
all safety requirements, purchasing Soldiers are also responsible for
The risk is even greater for Soldiers who
and maintaining safe motorcycles and wearing and maintaining the proper
are just returning home from deployment.
personal protective equipment, and personal protective equipment.
For the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade,
promoting unit safety standards. Also, Helmets must meet DOT standards
4th Infantry Division, the loss of a life for
mentors are responsible for organizing and safety glasses or goggles must
any reason is unacceptable, and leaders at
unit riding events that promote safety. meet or exceed ANSI Safety Code
all levels will emphasis motorcycle safety
Soldiers must complete all required Z87.1. PPE also includes long sleeved
for all returning Soldiers.
training before riding motorcycles or shirts or jacket, long pants and gloves.
According to the 4th Infantry Division’s
even being allowed to register their Additionally, motorcyclists must wear
Command Motorcycle Safety Policy,
motorcycle on Fort Carson. a highly visible jacket or vest in the
preventative measures include mandatory
The Basic Rider Course is the daytime and reflective vest at night.
training, leader mentorship, and the
reinforcement of a Soldier’s personal initial step for all new riders. In this
course, Soldiers learn basic riding For more information contact
responsibility to keep safe.
skills and steps for licensing. One year Carlos Ortiz, brigade tactical safety
Military leaders have extra leverage
after completion of the basic course, specialist at:
in changing behavior, and they are
quickly adapting what they know about Soldiers must take the Experienced
Riders Course to learn new skills and carlos.a.ortizsierra@us.army.mil
risk management and applying it to

Page 11
 Volume I, Issue VII
Photo by Capt. Mark Nettles
Members of Company F, 1st Bn., 68th Armor
Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., inspect sheet metal
designs of the battalion crest. Sgt. Ricki French,
a welder, from Louisville, Ill., made these plaques
of the battalion’s crest.
Blackfoot Soldiers train Department
Enforcement at JSS Minden
by Spc. Joshua McBride
4th Sqdn., 10th Cavalry Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
The Soldiers from Troop B, 4th
Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment,
recently hosted a training course
at JSS Minden for the 9th
Brigade, Department of Border
Enforcement.
Attached to the 1st Battalion,
68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Advise
and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry
Division, the cavalry troopers
invested a tremendous amount of
time, hard work and dedication,
which all came together during the
first day of training at JSS Minden.
The training was designed
specifically to increase the
Iron Soldiers find useful hobbies
during their deployment
by Capt. Mark Nettles
1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
While being deployed for the last
11 months, Soldiers of Company
F, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor
Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division,
have discovered hobbies and skills
that have benefited the unit, fellow
Soldiers and families back home.
Many Soldiers spend their time
off in the gym or in front of a
game console, but the Soldiers
of Company F have found some
constructive ways to spend the
deployment.
After deploying last March, Pvt.
Benjamin D. Corson, an armament
repair specialist, was assigned as
the repair and utilities specialist,
capabilities of the DBE in the
eastern most point of the Basra
Province.
“Training the Iraqis in our own
backyard allows us to go into
detail and spend time on topics
that would be difficult to teach
[elsewhere],” said Spc. Eduardo
Zamora from Denver, Colo.
The instruction included first
aid, map reading, patrolling, and
vehicle and personnel searches.
The “Blackfoot” troopers
integrated real-life scenarios
into training which allowed for
a deeper understanding of the
material. The cavalry troopers
tested their DBE counterparts with
practical exercises at the end of
February 28, 2011
building, repairing and maintaining
the battalion’s working and living
areas.
This position has allowed him
to pass his first deployment very
quickly. “I get in the zone and
the hours quickly disappear,”
said Corson about carpentry, his
favorite hobby.
The 25-year-old has built many
things for the unit to include a
morale, welfare and recreation
theater that seats 45, a fully-
functioning wood shop, wooden
sniper shades for the company’s
vehicles, display cases, covered
walkways, and a podium. Corson
is most proud of an Iraqi weapons
See “Hobbies” Page 13
of Border
each training day.
“The Department of Border
Enforcement handles personnel
and vehicular traffic on a daily
See “Training” Page 14
Photo by Pfc. Jesse Vint
Sgt. Carlos Murray teaches members of the 9th
Bde, 4th DBE Region how to read a map. Murray
is assigned to Troop B, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav.
Reg., which is currently attached to 1st Bn., 68th
Armor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
Page 12
 Volume I, Issue VII
Hobbies: Special skills being used for the Army and Family
Continued from Page 12
display case in the battalion
headquarters.
“I made something professional
out of plywood and wood glue,” he
said. “I was always taught quality
first, even if it takes extra time.”
The Land-O-Lakes, Fla., native
loves carpentry and began his
trade at age nine under the tutelage
of his father. Even though his job
as the battalion carpenter is ending
soon, Corson looks forward to
expanding his carpentry skills after
returning to Fort Carson, Colo.
“I’m working on getting a
contractor license for Colorado
and do construction business on
the weekends,” said Corson. “My
dream is to one day own a custom
furniture business.”
Corson isn’t the only Soldier
who is using this deployment to
fulfill a dream. Sgt. Ricki French,
a Bradley Fighting Vehicle system
maintainer, wants to change his
military occupational specialty
more to his liking.
When the company’s MOS-
trained welder was transferred,
French became the welder by
default and has enjoyed the job.
The native of Louisville, Ill., has
been fixing equipment and welding
since he was 14, working on his
neighbor’s corn and soybean farm.
French finds value in being able to
weld and create things with metal.
“Stuff costs too much to let
someone else fix it. I get to make
something out of nothing,” he said
with a grin.
The 27-year-old is usually
found in the battalion motor pool
fabrication shop, a facility he
helped build, bent over a piece
of metal in a pair of soot-stained
coveralls. His work for the
battalion is needed most when the
project is either too expensive or
unique to buy.
While in Iraq, French has built
flagpoles, security doors, gates,
equipment racks, fences, BBQ
grills, and repaired dozens of
damaged vehicles and containers.
But French’s real skill as a welder
really shines through in some of
his more unusual projects.
The welder made 12-inch-
high copies of the Silver Lion’s
Battalion crest out of plate steel.
The crests were used for a variety
of purposes around the battalion’s
area of operation.
“I am most proud of the unit
crests,” said French. “I want people
to look at them and appreciate how
difficult they were to build.“
While some Soldiers were honing
February 28, 2011
skills as a part of their deployed
duties, others were spending
their down time developing other
unique hobbies.
Spc. Adam Rivera, a petroleum
specialist, did not mean to develop
a new hobby when he was
teleconferencing with his 3-year-
old son A.J. a few months ago.
“My son likes superheroes,”
said the Union City, N.J. native,
“Superman and Wolverine.”
Rivera drew his son a picture
of a superhero with an M4 rifle.
His son promptly asked his father
for that superhero for Christmas.
The idea was planted and Rivera
went to work transforming the
drawing into workable blueprints.
According the Rivera, it took many
hours of his free time to design on
his computer.
Rivera sent the computer
renderings to a company in New
York City and had a six-inch
plastic action figure with movable
arms and legs built. The entire
project cost $35 to mold, cast and
paint the action figure.
A.J. opened the present on
Christmas Day and received
“daddy’s toy.” “He forgot about
the rest of his toys,” said Rivera.
“My son has a toy nobody else
has.”
Page 13
 Volume I, Issue VII
Iron Soldiers gain resilience through Training: Ensuring
the help of Iron Strong Program
by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs
The 3rd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
recently initiated the Iron Strong
Program, a program operated out
of the Iron Stronghold Resiliency
Center on Camp Adder which
demonstrates the brigade’s
dedication to the Army-wide
Comprehensive Soldier Fitness
campaign. executing a dismounted patrol to
The Iron Strong Program is an
initiative which brings Soldiers
from every battalion to Camp
Adder to have a break from their
daily mission and participate in
activities designed to enhance
Soldiers’ resiliency.
“The whole concept of the
program is to have Soldiers come
and take a knee,” said Staff Sgt.
Sebastian Zarasua, the resiliency
center noncommissioned officer
in charge, from Crawford,
Neb., assigned to Headquarters
and Headquarters Battery, 3rd
Battalion, 29th Field Artillery
Regiment. Program, which is an initiative forged by the
“We aim to give them some
time off, create a very relaxed
environment, and while they’re
here away from their units, give
them some good classes based on
the five pillars of Comprehensive
Soldier Fitness.”
Throughout the program,
Soldiers are exposed to the five
pillars of Comprehensive Soldier
Fitness: Physical, Emotional,
Spiritual, Family, and Social. Each
pillar is represented by resiliency
center staff members, like the
a safer enviroment
brigade chaplain for the spiritual
pillar and a nutritionist for the
physical pillar.
One of the benefits of assembling
a mixture of Soldiers from all over
the brigade lies in the fact that they
get to meet and get to know a wide
range of Soldiers and military
Photo courtesy of 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.
3rd AAB Soldiers listen intently during one of
many class sessions during the Iron Strong
leadership of the 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div..
occupational specialties.
Once they break the ice, the
mixed group of Soldiers makes
for a very positive and supportive
environment, said Spc. Justin
Howell, an infantryman from
Fort Collins, Colo., assigned to
Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th
Infantry Regiment.
While the Soldiers learn how to
manage stress and become more
See “Training” Page 14
February 28, 2011
for all Iraqis
Continued from Page 12
basis. Instructing them on how
to search for contraband in
uncommon locations allows for a
more secure border and ultimately
a safer Iraq,” said Pfc. Sterling
Murphy from Fredericksburg, Va.
The training event concluded
with the trainees planning and
establish an overnight observation
post near the Shat al Arab
Waterway. The trainees exercised
troop leading procedures, map
reading techniques, and the
fundamentals of patrolling to
complete their mission.
Spc. Joshua Forbes, from Casey,
Ill., said he was excited to see the
DBE troops take such initiative
and apply everything they learned
during the final mission of the
training course.
Photo by Pfc. Jesse Vint
Spc. Jared Diaz, Spc. Eduardo Zamora, and
Spc. Josh McBride instruct critical life saving
skills during a first aid class for the 9th Bde, 4th
DBE Region. All three Soldiers are assigned to
Troop B, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., which is
currently attached to 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg.,
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
Page 14
 Volume I, Issue VII
Break: Soldiers take a knee, recharge
their batteries to accomplish the mission
Continued from Page 12
resilient, they also get the chance
to kick back and enjoy a little time
off through barbecues, karaoke,
and other fun activities.
With the program recently
finishing its second iteration, there
has been a very positive response
by participating Soldiers.
“It was a really nice break.
Also, seeing some new faces was
really helpful,” said Spc. Shannon
Nastold, an Arabic linguist from
Cincinnati, Ohio, assigned to
Company A, 3rd Special Troops
Battalion.
Phoenix Battalion holds NCO Induction Ceremony
by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs
The 3rd Special Troops
Battalion recently welcomed 23
noncommissioned officers into the
NCO Corps during an induction
ceremony at Memorial Hall on
Camp Adder Feb. 4.
The inductees were Sgt. Clifford
Arend, Sgt. Jared Boss, Sgt.
Kevin Broderick, Sgt. Samuel
Brown, Sgt. Matthew Murr, Sgt.
Nicolai Rosario, and Sgt. Gilberto
Salinas, all with Headquarters
and Headquarters Troop; Sgt.
Crystalynn Johnson, Sgt. Anthony
Palumba, Sgt. Shaun Phillips, Sgt.
Steven Thorsen, and Sgt. Denise
Wilkie, all from Headquarters and
Headquarters Company.
Also inducted were Sgt. Jeffrey
Collins, Sgt. Jeremy Klingler, Sgt.
Amon Santiago, Sgt. Christopher
Szuhay, and Sgt. Mark Wangerien,
February 28, 2011
Photo courtesy of 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.
Staff members of the Iron Stronghold Resiliency
Center and other 3rd AAB Soldiers, who are
taking part in the Iron Strong Program, enjoy a
good time with a little karaoke.
all from Company A; Sgt. Aleksey I’ve learned that integrity is an
Kolyushin, Sgt. Steve McGloin, important quality to have. You
Sgt. Robert McHugh, Sgt. Matthew have to lead by example.”
Perry, Sgt. Corey Trammell, and See “Break” Page 16
Sgt. James Williams, all from
Company B; and Sgt. Mackey
Issac with the 422nd Military
Police Company.
The ceremony placed specific
emphasis on what makes a good
leader and several portions of the
ceremony, such as the recitation
of the NCO Creed, brought light
to what is expected of the newly-
inducted NCOs who are all
assigned to 3rd STB, 3rd Advise
and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry
Division.
“I’ve been around a lot of
great NCOs who I have learned
from,” said Arend, a fire support Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
Sgt. Clifford Arend, a fire support specialist from
specialist from San Diego, Calif. San Diego, Calif., takes his first steps as an
“I’ve learned to have loyalty to accepted member of the NCO Corps during 3rd
STB’s NCO Induction Ceremony at Memorial
my Soldiers through them. Also, Hall at Camp Adder Feb. 4.
Page 15
 Volume I, Issue VII February 28, 2011

Leaders: Joining
the NCO Corps
Continued from Page 15
Command Sgt. Maj. Leida
Anderson, the battalion sergeant
major, hopes the ceremony instills
a level of confidence and pride
in the inductees that will drive
them to do well in their careers as
leaders.
“This makes NCOs step up and
fully understand their responsibility
of when they accepted the rank of
sergeant,” she said.
“Every NCO has taken the
necessary steps to make sure that
they are successful in their jobs,”
Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
said Anderson. “I hope that when 1st Sgt. Shawn Carns, with HHT, leads a formation of 23 newly-inducted NCOs in the Charge of the
we transition back to garrison, we Noncommissioned Officer during the 3rd STB’s NCO Induction Ceremony at Memorial Hall at Camp
Adder Feb. 4.
put forth that effort to ensure that
we are as successful in garrison as
we have been [in Iraq].”

Public Affairs Office
Col. James E. Rainey
Commander
Command Sgt. Maj. Miles S. Wilson
Command Sergeant Major
Maj. Alan S. Brown
Public Affairs Officer
Staff Sgt. Nathaniel G. Johnson
Public Affairs Noncommissioned Officer
Staff Writers
Sgt. Christopher H. Jelle
Spc. Khori D. Johnson
Pvt. Chastity R. Boykin
The Iron Advisor is produced in the interest
of the Soldiers of the 3rd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. The Iron Advisor
is an Army-funded newsletter authorized under
provision of AR 360-1.
Contents of the Iron Advisor are not
necessarily the views of, nor endorsed by the
U.S. Government, Department of Defense,
Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry
Division. All editorial content of the Iron Advisor
is prepared, edited, provided and approved by
the 3rd AAB Public Affairs Office.
The Iron Advisor welcomes articles,
commentary, and photos from readers. The Iron
Advisor reserves the right to edit submissions
selected for the publication.
All issues of the Iron Advisor can be viewed
online from your home computer at:
www.facebook.com/3bct4id
Submissions should be emailed to
Staff Sgt. Nathaniel G. Johnson at:
nathaniel.g.johnson1@3bct4id.army.mil
Page 16