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The

GGrreeyy WWoollffhowl

INSIDE:Local Media Increases In Diyala Pg. 4

Hot Weather Awareness Pg. 5

Stryker Battalion Enters Baqubah Pg. 8

FA Soldiers Bring More Than Fire Power Pg. 9

BDE Surgeon Breaks Barriers Pg. 10

UAS Flies High, Saves Lives Pg. 11

CDR/Chaplain’s Corner Pg. 2CSM Cormer Pg.3Grey Wolf in Action Pg. 6-7FOB Photos Pg. 12

By Col. David W. Sutherland3BCT, 1CD Commander

We are beginning theseventh month of ourdeployment. It seemsnot so long ago whenwe began our right-seatand left-seat ride, how-ever, our accomplish-ments incredible. Our

Soldiers have conducted over 7,000 patrols;they have unearthed hundreds of weaponscaches, to include an EFP cache that con-tained materials to construct over 100 IEDs.We have also conducted 5 Brigade-leveloperations, and over 250 Battalion-andcompany-level operations—all in partner-ship with the Iraqi Security Forces. Theseoperations are focused on keeping the peo-ple of Diyala safe, by bringing to justice

those who exist only to hurt innocent peo-ple, and establishing an environment thatsupports economic growth and better serv-ices. Our Soldiers will continue doing anoutstanding job, as they understand the rea-son we are here…the people of Iraq.

I would like to welcome the Soldiers of5-20th (Strykers). They arrived in DiyalaMarch 13 and were able to hit the groundrunning. They have assumed control ofBaqubah and are doing a wonderful job athelping our Iraqi counterparts keep the cit-izens of Baqubah and Diyala safe. I cannotexpress how proud I am of their perform-ance, and the performance of each andevery Soldier assigned to the GreywolfBrigade. The people of Diyala, and espe-cially Baqubah, are gaining confidence inthe ISF and their ability to safeguard thepopulation, thanks to the combined efforts

of our Iraqi counterparts and our Soldiers.However, regardless of all our accomplish-ments since arriving in Diyala, we still havemore work ahead of us. I encourage everySoldier and leader in the “Greywolf”brigade to remain focused, maintain disci-pline and make a difference.

I would like to conclude this messageby thanking our families for the unwaveringsupport our Soldiers are continuously re-ceiving. We understand how difficult is tobe separated from our loved ones for suchan extended period of time. The strengththey continuously display keeps us strongand focused. May God continue blessingour families and Soldiers, as they are trulydeserving of all his blessings.

I will see you all on the high ground.

Greywolf 6

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Commander’s Column

Have you ever heard the adage, “Hope for the best, but brace for theworst?” What a tremendous truth. We try our best to be optimistic aboutlife. Being optimistic is better than being fatalistic. That is too true, butthe truth to the matter is that life is not always roses; there are thorns inour daily walk. Breaking bad news to people requires great empathyand skillfulness. Unfortunately, this important task is not always doneas well as it should be. Frequently, the setting is wrong and the commu-nication takes place in a hurried fashion. People frequently complain ofthe inadequacies of others when engaged in this important task. Under-standing this reality in which we live this article is intended to guideyou in what to do when receiving bad news.

The ReactionThe initial reaction people have to any bad news is being trapped

into a state of shock. The shocked reaction blocks them from clearly re-ceiving the total message being conveyed to them. People often describea scenario where they hear an important medical term, such as 'tumor'and then their mind goes blank. People often say that we should be op-timistic about things, and we should; but you also need to brace yourselffor the bad news.

When we confront those good/bad news dilemmas, we immedi-ately ask the following questions:

1. Could we live with it? 2. How will we deal with it? 3. What will we do next? Most of the time, we’ll have those questions answered — and al-

ways, we’re okay with whatever happens because we know we’ll moveon regardless of the outcome.

What to do? Avoid Being AloneIn the event of receiving bad news, what ever they may be, try to

surround yourself with family and friends. This often times minimizes

the stress levels and help to cope with the trauma that bad news maycause. Should you need to deal with other situations such as children orwork or if you were to having to make important decisions try all pos-sible to delegate such matters to family or friends. It makes little senseto be in a state of psychological overload before you even try to workwith the bad news.

Avoid alcoholIf you have difficulty sleeping the days after receiving bad news,

try to avoid consuming too much alcohol. A modest nightcap is perfectlyacceptable but too much alcohol can affect the nervous system and resultin you being a little edgy days after the initial shock. If sleep disturbanceis causing you distress, then your doctor may be able to prescribe sleep-ing pills for you.

Avoid Felling GuiltyAt times, when we receive bad news such as the loss of jobs, re-

jection, the brake of relationships or the death of a love one, we tend toblame ourselves for the situation at hand. Remember that you do nothave control of such events. Don’t second guess what you could havedone better to avoid the pain. Embrace life and those who surround youand love you. Remember, you are not alone.

Prayer, the Antidote for HopelessnessAs one who has received bad news many times, I have found

refuge in prayer and hope. I expect for the best outcome when I surroundmy hopelessness with the power of prayer and faith. Yes, I know thepain is real and is there to stay for at least a while, but prayer and faithare the ingredients to overcome anything.

Chaplain (Capt.) Jesus Perez 3BSTB Chaplain

Chaplain’s CornerDealing with Bad News

By Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Felt3BCT, 1CD CSM

Did I ever tell you…?Probably not this one.So, here it goes.

I want to share anArmy success storywith you – a story thatillustrates how a Sol-dier can use the Army

to improve their station in life and capi-talize on Army programs to provide fortheir families.

I talked to a young man on thebrigade staff the other day. I asked,“When are you taking leave?”

He said late May. “Why?” I asked. “To see my daughter graduate,” he

responded. “Graduate from where?” “High school,” he said. I was surprised he said high school; I

didn’t think he was old enough to have adaughter old enough to graduate highschool. But unlike certain people I know,he doesn’t look his age. Without tryingto pry, I asked leading questions to ascer-tain the facts. He proceeded to tell me aremarkable story – a story about how ayoung man made a life for himself and hisfamily.

You see, he and his sister grew up ina single-parent home in Missouri. Whenhe was 13, his mother moved them toFlorida to be with a boyfriend and hiswork. From the age of 13 to 16 heworked as a dish washer and a short-ordercook. Somewhere along the way, it wasdecided that it was better for the childrento return to Missouri, where extendedfamily could better care for them.

From 1989-1991, while still attend-ing school, he worked at night as a cookin order to rent a room from a friend. In1991, he received a DUI, dropped out ofschool and lived in the backroom at agarage where he worked during the day.During that same year, he managed to re-ceive a GED and in January of 1992, hereported to Fort Dix, NJ, when he enteredthe Missouri National Guard.

He was refused entrance into the ac-tive Army for the next two years, havingonly earned a GED. In January of 1995,he was granted a waiver for the GED andentered Active Federal Service in the U.S.Army as a specialist, 52C, with a wife andtwo children. His first duty assignmentwas Fort Stewart, Ga., with the 24th In-

fantry Division, where his daughterstarted kindergarten. The first thirteenmonths of active duty he was hounded byhis squad leader to start the Army corre-spondence program and enroll in collegeclasses.

After listening to his NCO for over ayear, he enrolled, ”Just to get him off myback.” At that time, the Army paid 75%of tuition and he qualified for Pell grantsfor the rest. Through hard work and ded-ication, he was promoted to sergeant inSeptember of 1996 with 960 + promotionpoints.

By attending night school, weekendclasses and through correspondence whiledeployed, he was awarded an associate’sdegree through St. Leo college in Novem-ber of 1997. After a 36-month tour filledwith field training, deployments andTDY, he PCS’d to Fort Carson, Colo. Hewas assigned as a commander’s groundmaintenance advisor in the 3rd ArmoredCavalry Regiment.

Having attained a promotable statusto staff sergeant, he found it nearly im-possible to get promoted because ofpoints. One day he talked to the retentionnon-commissioned officer who informedhim that he could re-enlist under theB.E.A.R. program and change his MOSto 74D, attend BNCOC, get promoted tostaff sergeant and receive a $16,000bonus. His only question was, “Where doI sign?”

After re-enlisting, he attendedBNCOC and was promoted to staff ser-geant. In March of 2000, he reported toFort Rucker, Ala., where he was assignedto a vertical engineer company, andserved as a platoon sergeant for 23months. During this 23-month tour, whiledeploying to the Joint Readiness TrainingCenter and Border Enforcement Mis-sions, he completed his bachelor’s de-gree.

In September 2001, after 6 ½ years ofhard work and dedication, he received hisdiploma. Shortly thereafter, he applied todrill sergeant school and officer candidateschool. He was accepted to both. Hechose OCS.

In the spring of 2002, he reported toFort Benning, Ga., graduated in May2002, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt.in the chemical corps. In November2002, he reported to Germany, were hewas assigned as a squadron staff officerand platoon leader during Operation IraqiFreedom I and II.

After a 16-month deployment to the

Iraq theatre of operations, he reported tothe captain’s career course. While attend-ing the captain’s career course, he signedup for a program that would earn him amaster’s degree if he would commit to 18months of service. After 10 years of mil-itary service, the commitment to anotheryear and a half was a “no brainier.”

In February of 2006, he reported tothe 3rd Greywolf Brigade, 1st CavalryDivision, Fort Hood, Texas. He deployedto the Joint Readiness Training Centerand Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 withthe Greywolves.

By his own omission, he has movedfrom a position where his net worth was(-) $852 and he paid $125 rent for a roomin a garage; to a net worth in excess of$300k and owner of a 4 bedroom house.If he retires at 20 years of service as amajor, his monthly income would be ap-proximately $3,500. If he serves until his24th year and achieves the rank of lieu-tenant colonel, his retirement checkwould be approximately $5,300 a month.That means that if he retires at the age of44 and lives 30 more years, he will collect$2.4 million in retirement.

Of course, all of this came at a price.It involved hard work and dedication.Many long hours were invested into a ca-reer plan that included institutional in-struction, self development and sacrifice.It involved educational pursuits in theevenings and on weekends. It includedinternet courses and lots of study. Thegood news is, it didn’t cost a dime. TheArmy provided all the recourses. By hisown admission, “If I were still a civilianand hadn’t enlisted, I would probably bean out of shape, aging, grocery store man-ager living in mid-America and prayingthat someone doesn’t come along andtake my job at a cheaper wage.”

This Soldier is respected by his peersand fellow officers for his hard-working,dedicated, responsible approach, and asan officer who has enormous potential.He is respected by me for his service tohis country and to his family.

I think it is a perfect example of theArmy’s old motto, “Be all you can be.”This young man has demonstrated theepitome of self improvement; throughservice to his country, both are much bet-ter off for his efforts.

He is “Army Strong!”

Live the legend,Greywolf 9

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‘Hooah’ Corner

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3rd BCT CommanderCol. David Sutherland

3rd BCT PAOMaj. Raul Marquez

raul.marquezhernandez@us.army.mil

3rd BCT PAO NCOIC/EditorSgt. Serena Hayden

serena.hayden@us.army.mil

3rd BCT PAO Staff WritersSpc. Ryan Stroud, Pfc. Ben Fox

The Grey Wolf Howl is published in the interest of theSoldiers, families and friends of the 3rd Brigade Com-bat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Contents of The GreyWolf Howl are not necessarily official views of, or en-dorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of De-fense, Department of the Army or the 1st CavalryDivision. All editorial content of The Grey Wolf Howl isprepared, edited, provided and approved by the 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Af-fairs Office.

On the cover ...Useful Iraqi PhrasesWhere is your family?

wein Ah-lek?

Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20thInfantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2ndInfantry Division, attached to the 3-1 Cav., conduct their first mission inDiyala province, engaging anti-Iraqiforces in Baqubah, Iraq, March 14.

Local Media Increases Throughout DiyalaMulti National Division-North

The Independent Radio and Television Net-work in Diyala is now transmitting broad-casts throughout the province, as well as toBaghdad, Fallujah, Tikrit, Al Kut, Balad andother areas throughout Iraq after virtuallyno local media in the area.

The network includes both radio andtelevision stations, which will broadcast amixture of popular music and TV program-ming, news, information and educationalprogramming, and religious discussion.

One of the premier new shows, “Com-mon Ground,” will feature four Iraqifriends, two Sunni and two Shia, one ofwhom is a woman, talking about the worldthey share. They will discuss common anddifferent customs, all within the context ofliving together in peace.

Additionally, the Balad Ruz and

Khanaqin radio stations continue to transmitdaily to their local populations, while an on-going project is underway to restart theprinting of the Al Parlaman newspaper.

“These changes represent positive stepstoward ending the culture of fear and rumorthat enables terrorists to intimidate the peo-ple,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Divi-sion commander and senior U.S. Army of-ficer in Diyala.

The availability of these networks isimportant, as the government of Diyala andthe Iraqi Security Forces are able to informtheir people of efforts and progress in theprovince.

According to Governor Ra’ad HameedAl-Mula Jowad Al-Tanimi, the ProvincialGovernor, he willprovide informa-tion and perspec-

tive to his people through interviews andstatements to these stations. Media that fo-cuses on Diyala is critical to a transparentand representative government and securityforce.

Ra’ad has already conducted severalmedia engagements discussing his plans forsecurity and support to the region.

“These stations are important becausethey allow the people to see their govern-ment at work. The Provincial Council willbe able to show the people of this provincetheir work on various issues such as theProvincial Budget and reconstruction proj-ects,” adds Sutherland. “These stations rep-resent a tremendous source of news andinformation for the people of Diyala, and away to end unwarranted hysterics.”

Rafed Araby Makh'moud, general manager for IRTN,speaks during the grand opening of the station inDiyala province, March 25.

As part of the grand opening of the Independent Radio andTelevision Network in Diyala province, the producer worksthe soundboard for a live newscast, March 25.

Photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3BCT Public Affairs

U.S.A.F. photo by Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall

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Soldier FOBon the

What is your favorite war-related movie?

Spc. Travis NealHHT, 3 BCT

“‘Apocalypse Now’ be-cause it shows the Sol-dier’s side of the war in

Vietnam.”

Staff Sgt. Maurice BrunerA Co., 2-82 FA

“‘We Were Soldiers’ be-cause of the camaraderie,brotherhood and becauseof the leader who standsby his Soldiers and leads

by example.”

Spc. Michael BelkB Co., 2-35, 25th ID

“‘Saving Private Ryan’because its got all the bestparts of the infantry in it.”

“‘300’ because of the loy-alty of his men [to the

main character,] the abil-ity to work as one and toconquer all against all

odds.”

Spc. Thomas CettaHHC, 5-20 IN

“‘Black Hawk Down’ be-cause it’s a real, true storythat depicts the truth of

the situation.”

Spc. Kisha Smith7th Finance Det.

By Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3BCT Public Affairs

U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center

Heat Injuries are a major threat in both training and combat. They kill or disableSoldiers every year.

Why? The human body is a small radiator that is easily overloaded by:Exercise/work (15 times more heat is produced).Hot/humid weatherToo little fluids Too few electrolytes (salts or minerals), which can be caused by too much water

Heat injuries kill or disable by “cooking” internal organs.

Human organs cannot be trained to tolerate heat (i.e. to not get cooked). When itoccurs, organ damage is permanent; it cannot be overcome by willpower or mo-tivation.

The best solution is PREVENTION!

Heat Injury Risk Management

1. Identify hazards2. Assess hazards to determine risk3. Develop controls and make risk decisions4. Implement controls5. Supervise and evaluate

Recognize Heat InjuriesHeat Cramps/Heat ExhaustionWeakness or inability to work; Muscle cramps; Dizziness; Headache; Clumsi-ness, unsteadiness, staggering gait; Irritability (grouchy);Involuntary bowelmovement

Heat StrokesConvulsions and chills; Vomiting; Confusion, mumbling (Does not know Who,When, Where); Combative; Passing out (unconscious)

What Decreases Heat Injury Risk?Drink cool water frequently (but no more than 1.5 qts/hr or 12 qts/day).

Eat food (vegetables, fruits, salty snacks, electrolyte-carb-protein beverages orgels* (every 4 hrs or less).

Consume sufficient electrolytes (salty snacks, salty soups, electrolyte beveragesor gels*).

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GGrreeyy WWoollff In Action

Above, Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, react to enemy fire in Baqubah, Iraq.

Below, Spc. Jaime Martinez, a medic with the 3-1 Cav. commander’s personal security detachment, pro-vides medical care to a local Iraqi citizen.

Above, Soldiers with Co. B, 5-20 Inf. Regt., and Sol-diers with the 5th IA Division cross a palm grove inBaqubah, Iraq.

Below, Soldiers from Co. A, 6-9 ARS, unload a truckfull of food and water in Shakarat, Iraq.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stacy L. PearsallPhoto by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3BCT Public Affairs

Photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th MPAD

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Grey Wolff IInn AAccttiioonn

Soldiers of 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team,out of Fort Lewis, Washington, pull security while on patrol in Baqubah, Iraq. The 5-20 Inf. Regt. was moved to Diyala to reinforce recent successes by the 3rd BrigadeCombat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, against anti-coalition forces in the province.

Photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th MPAD

Above, Soldiers with Co. B, 5-20 Inf. Regt., and Sol-diers with the 5th IA Division cross a palm grove inBaqubah, Iraq.

Below, Soldiers from Co. A, 6-9 ARS, unload a truckfull of food and water in Shakarat, Iraq.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall

Photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th MPAD

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3 BCT Senior Counselor Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Helmes3rd BSTB Staff Sgt. Luis Carter 1st-12th CAV Staff Sgt. Jason Folmar

Staff Sgt. Alegray Hamer215th BSB Staff Sgt. Annamarie Conklin

Staff Sgt. Margaret Smothers3rd-8th CAV Staff Sgt. Don Jewell6th-9th CAV Staff Sgt. Richard Erickson

Staff Sgt. Keston Dyer2nd-82nd FA Staff Sgt. Daniel Beltran

‘Grey Wolf’ Retention Team

Stryker Battalion Enters Fight in BaqubahBy Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico5th MPAD

Soldiers who arrived in Baqubah yester-day to bolster the effort to root out terrorists inthe Diyala province, wound up in several bat-tles against insurgents on their first day in thecity, March 14.

Those Soldiers, who are members ofthe 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rdStryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd InfantryDivision, from Fort Lewis, Wash., arrived theday before from Taji, which is located on theoutskirts of Baghdad.

They joined the 1-12 Combined ArmsBattalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav-alry Division, for a mission to get acquaintedwith Baqubah and speak to its residents.

“It basically turned into a fight,” said StaffSgt. Dewey Knapp, with 2nd Platoon, Com-pany B, 5-20th Inf. Regt. “We found a wholebunch of IEDs, got hit with an IED, and got hitwith small arms fire and (rocket propelledgrenade) fire.”

One Soldier from each battalion waskilled during the day’s fighting.

The 5-20th Inf. Regt. reported that Sol-diers from Company B and the 1-12 CAB’sCompany A, destroyed an enemy RPG teamwhich targeted them at the site of one of theroadside bombs.

The bomb was planted in front of a schoolin western Baqubah.

The cavalry Soldiers, who have been con-ducting military operations in Baqubah sincearriving from Fort Hood in November 2006,responded immediately to the Stryker vehicle,said Spc. Daniel Mendoza, from Company B,5-20th Inf. Regt.

“We stand together,” Mendoza said of hiscavalry counterparts, “We know they are rightby us. They have our backs, our front, and oursides.”

The bomb blast sparked an initial firefight, with the cavalry and Stryker Soldiers en-gaging insurgents for about 30 minutes. Spo-radic fire continued throughout the entire day.

Mendoza said he was expecting intensefighting in Baqubah, but didn’t think it wouldhappen on the first day.

“They are going to come at us with allthey have,” said Mendoza.

Spc. Alex Horton, also with Company B,feels that Baqubah has been infused by insur-gents who left Baghdad to escape the troopsurge in the Iraqi capital.

Although the Stryker Soldiers are tryingto cope with the death of two of their com-rades, one of whom was from their own battal-ion, Knapp said it won’t affect the job theSoldiers are here to do.

“We’ll go out tomorrow and do what wegot to do to try and eliminate the threat,” hesaid.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th MPAD

Photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th MPAD

Above, Stryker Soldiers from 5-20Inf. Regt., roll over a pontoon bridgeen route to Baqubah, Iraq, March 14.

Below, Soldiers from 5-20 Inf. Reg.prepare to enter a building inBaqubah, Iraq.

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In Memory Of....SGT Blake HarrisHHC, 1-12 CAB3BCT, 1CD

SFC Benjamin SebbanHHT, 5-73 CAV3BCT, 1CD

SPC Ryan RussellHHC, 1-12 CAB3BCT, 1CD

SPC Anthony Kaiser571st MP Co.3BCT, 1CD

PV2 Barry MayoHHC, 1-12 CAB3BCT, 1CD

FA Soldiers Bring More Than Fire Power to the FightBy Staff Sgt. Samantha M. Stryker5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

If any one knows what it means to adjust fire,it is the Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 82ndField Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,1st Cavalry Division. Instead of sendingrounds down range, these Fort Hood Soldiersserved as infantrymen, and even called forfire support during their previous deploy-ment to Iraq.

Those missions included security es-corts, presence patrols, and conducting raidsaimed at capturing suspected insurgents andconfiscating prohibited weapons and bomb-making material used against coalitionforces.

This time around, the Soldiers are doingthe job they know best; sending 155mmrounds down range in support of on-goingoperations in the Diyala Province for 3rdBCT.

“We have trained for years and finallywe get the opportunity to fire. We are ener-gized by that,” said 1st Lt. Sean O’Keefe, ABattery, 2nd platoon leader.

“We are here to support units with thetype of mission needed, whether its illumi-nation or high explosives, we will supportthem within minutes,” O’Keefe added.

Along with their mission to provide in-direct fire support for the brigade and at-tached units, O’Keefe said the 2-82 FA alsosupports fire missions requested by Iraqi Se-curity Forces working with Military Transi-tion Teams.

“Some MiTT teams have the capabilityto talk to the battery,” he said.

Fire Support Officer, 2nd Lt. Jeremy

Duplechin, B Company, 1st Battalion, 12thCombined Arms Battalion, stressed the im-portance of the experience by the 2-82 FASoldiers and how it has made them better.

The young artillery officer is attached toan infantry company as an artillery advisorto coordinate artillery support during anytype of mission.

“These artillery Soldiers have a newperspective on their mission and how for-ward operating units work in conjunctionwith indirect fire,” said Duplechin.

“I bet they have a better appreciationand understanding of how important their jobis after they have been on the ground,” headded.

Knowing what the Soldiers who are for-ward in the fight see and experience whenrounds strike their targets is valuable knowl-edge, but time and accuracy are even morecrucial. This is how artillery Soldiers provethemselves in battle.

“We learned more about both sides andhow each of them are needed and work to-gether to accomplish any mission,” said Spc.Efren Ordaz, A Battery, 2-82 FA, referringback to their last deployment.

“When patrols need artillery support, weunderstand firsthand…how fast they needit,” he said.

This unit is divided between two basesin the Diyala province, with each battery pro-viding indirect fire support for current andfuture operations.

Providing support for units forward inthe battle is not the only mission for these ar-tillerymen. They also provide protection forthe Soldiers on those bases.

“The less we shoot, the more we get

mortared,” said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Andersen,acting first sergeant for A Battery, 2-82 FA.

The battery’s top enlisted member, oftencalled ‘Smoke,’ offers this explanation forthe loud booming sounds of artillery leavingForward Operating Base Warhorse, leavingtrembling buildings in its wake.

“It is ‘piece of mind’ what service mem-bers hear as the roaring thunder of artilleryrounds leave the gun tube of a howitzer,” An-dersen said.

“Here is a reality check,” he said with agrin, “The artillery guys shoot at and removea positively identified target or threat that iseither firing at us or some one innocent.”

Photo by Staff Sgt. Samantha M. Stryker,5th MPAD

SPC Adam RosemaE FSC, 215th BSB

3BCT, 1CD

CPL Brian ChevalierCo. B, 5-20 IN3BCT, 1CD

SPC Stephen KowalczykTroop C, 6-9 ARS

3BCT, 1CD

SPC Jason NunezTroop A, 5-73 CAV

3BCT, 1CD

SPC Orlando GonzalezTroop A, 5-73 CAV

3BCT, 1CD

SPC Jason SwigerTroop A, 5-73 CAV

3BCT, 1CD

SPC Anthony WhiteTroop A, 5-73 CAV

3BCT, 1CD

Sgt. Albert Cook pulls a charge froma 155mm round canister to preparefor the gun crew’s next fire missionat FOB Warhorse.

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3rd BCT Surgeon Breaks Barriers with Local DoctorsBy Spc. Ryan Stroud3rd BCT Public Affairs

Henry Shih had one mission onhis mind – the delivery of med-ical books to Iraqi doctors inBaqubah, Iraq.

Even a night of rainfall,muddying up most of the roadsin Baqubah, making it difficultto travel in at times, would notstop him from achieving hisgoal. He gathered Soldiers tohelp him move almost 1,000medical books donated by aBoy Scouts of America troop,located in Fort Hood, Texas, todeliver to a group of doctors indesperate need for the material.

Shih, who is the brigadesurgeon for 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 1st Cavalry Division,was hoping these books couldachieve a goal he has beenworking on for almost sixmonths – share medical infor-mation and break down the bar-riers between the coalitionforces and the doctors of theDiyala province.

The idea for the missionstarted for Shih when he was fi-nally invited to a monthly con-ference between doctors inDiyala, a conference he has fre-quently requested to be a partof.

Shih gathered up the booksand made his way into the heartof Baqubah, ready to bring in-formation to a hospital that wasin desperate need of medicalmaterial.

“Today I went to the AlBatol Women’s and Children’sHospital to partake in a monthlyconference between local Iraqidoctors,” said Shih. “All thedoctors from [Diyala] will cometo this conference for continu-ing education.

“This was the first time Iwas invited to the conference,”Shih proudly continued. “I feltit was a privilege to be asked.After over five months, theyhave begun to trust me moreand that’s why they have invitedme to deal with them more di-rectly, become a part of theirphysician group and join theconference. Before, they haddenied me access to the [meet-ing], so I feel this is a big step

for us.”As Shih entered a room full

of local Iraqi doctors, he waswarmly greeted and a smilequickly ran across his face.This meeting was big for Shih,he said. He was even asked tospeak about the topic of the day– polio in Iraq.

“Today’s meeting was adiscussion on polio in Iraq,”said Shih. “One of the doctorswent to a conference in Jordan,discussing polio in the MiddleEast. He came back to share hisinformation with all the otherdoctors.”

“I brought a lecture on sev-eral types of [polio and paraly-sis] that I shared with the Iraqidoctors, discussing how we seeit and how we treat it in Amer-ica,” he said. “I wanted to com-pare and contrast whattreatments were available here[in Iraq] and how they diagnoseand perceive these diseases outhere.”

As Shih’s lecture came toan end, he spoke with Dr.Homm S. Malallah, the GeneralDirector of Health in Diyala,about other issues the coalitionforces c and 3rd BCT could helpout with.

“We talked about the needsof the hospitals in the area, aswell as security needs of thehospitals, but their biggest issueis Baqubah General Hospital,”said Shih. “That is the onlytrauma center in Diyala. All thecivilians, Iraqi Police, IraqiArmy have to go to BaqubahGeneral Hospital and thebiggest concern is security,which is preventing patientsfrom coming to Baqubah.

“[Security of the hospitals]is a major step to us helpingthem get back on their feet, andis making it to where their infostructure works without depend-ing on us too much,” he added.

Soon after Shih spoke withMalallah, the books arrived tothe great surprise and delight ofthe doctors.

“If you go to any of theIraqi hospitals, there is a greatneed for books and equip-ment…so I hope this helps,”Shih said. “That’s why we de-livered several hundred medical

books that were collected by theBoy Scouts at Fort Hood, fromlocal physicians in the local FortHood area. These books coverareas of all different specialtieswhich will greatly contribute totheir medical library.

“I think they were prettyhappy with [the books],” hesaid. “They all looked pretty in-terested in what we broughtthem and what they can use.”

Malallah went through thestacks of books with excitementand pride.

“This is so nice,” Malallahsaid. “The books will help fillthe shelves of our medical li-brary.”

The library, which is lo-cated across the hall from whereShih gave his lecture, is full ofbookshelves, but hardly anybooks.

“[Malallah] said he wasvery grateful for the books,”Shih said. “All the doctors hereare really bright, they are welleducated, they just don’t havethe equipment or the materialsto be able to practice to the levelthat they are capable of.”

Shih said he hopes thesebooks encourage the doctors tostay in Diyala and help theirpeople. Many doctors are flee-ing to safer areas due to threatsthey have received from dealingwith the coalition forces.

“A lot of doctors have leftIraq because of the threat tothem,” said Shih. “I think theyare afraid of dealing with thecoalition forces because if youare seen with Army Soldiers,

you become a target for the in-surgents.

“Many of the doctors havebeen killed here or have fled toother areas of the country be-cause of this,” he said. “It hastaken some time for them totrust me but I think they arecoming around. I want to helpthem as a doctor, not someonewho’s going to let them down.

“I think this is part of a re-building effort,” said Shih.“They are learning to work withus and let us help train them,and in turn, they also train us.This will help rebuild the healthcare system here. I know thiswill help them to become moreself sufficient; it will help thecitizens in the area, plus theother units who might come in[after us].”

As Shih was leaving thehospital, a group of doctorsgathered around him to thankhim for his time and efforts tohelp the hospital.

“I think this was a verypositive mission,” said Shih.“We went out there and accom-plished something, we coveredsome solid ground. We con-tributed great books to their li-brary, shared materials andinformation with them and Ihope this encourages other doc-tors to make an [extra effort tovisit] the local hospitals.

“It was a mission of sharinginformation and breaking downbarriers,” he said. “We [theU.S. Army and 3rd BCT] arehere to help them and that’swhat we’re going to do.”

Capt. Henry Shih and Dr. Homm S. Malallah exchangeinformation after they partook in a conference betweenlocal doctors in Diyala.

Photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3BCT Public Affairs

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UAS Flies High, Provides Support, Saves LivesBy Spc. Ryan Stroud3rd BCT Public Affairs

The skies were empty with no clouds insight as the Unmanned Aerial Systems teamfrom Company A, 3rd Brigade SpecialTroops Battalion, 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 1st Cavalry Division, loaded theirsmall plane, otherwise known as a “bird,”onto a launcher to be shot into the sky.

The bird’s job will be to scope out thesurrounding area of Forward OperatingBase Warhorse, located in Baqubah, Iraq,for surveillance purposes through the area.

The bird is a new tool the armed serv-ices have been using to help save the livesof the Soldiers supporting Operation IraqiFreedom 06-08.

Soldiers quietly and thoroughly inspectthe launcher and the bird, making sure allthe pre-flight checks are complete.

They then huddle on the opposite sideof the runway, headphones on to protecttheir ears, and wait for the launch.

Moments later, the bird launches with aspeed up to 80 miles per hour, off thelauncher and into the open sky, ready tobegin its mission of surveillance.

“This job is important because [thetroops] might not be able to see what’s be-yond a hill or what’s happening ahead ofthem,” said Spc. Renay Forney, Co. A, 3rdBSTB, “So we give the Soldiers an idea ofwhat’s going on around them so they canget a better feeling of their surroundings andfeel more comfortable [on the battle field.]”

Forney is one of the UAS operators,controlling the launch and monitoring the

progress of the flight untilthe bird reaches a higher al-titude.

Once the bird reaches acertain point, Forney willhand over control to theground-control station,which will monitor theflight, control the cameraand provide further informa-tion to the Soldier, she said.

“We do surveillance, re-connaissance and supportmissions to help the troopson the ground,” Forney said.

“A lot of our time isconsumed by looking for in-surgents.”

“We also assist units byhaving a bird in the air andgiving them a tail number,”said Spc. Sean Sowles, Co.A, 3rd BSTB.

“When they plug thenumber into their systems,they can see what we’re see-ing and that really helpsthem out. They can’t controlthe birds but they can re-quest us to go to an area thatmight help their unit withtheir current mission.”

Sowles is one of theteam’s UAS repair Soldiers,maintaining the birds, launcher and con-ducting pre-flight checks to secure a suc-cessful launch into the sky.

After flying for a maximum suggestedtime, the bird willland and the team willbegin its routinechecks and prepara-tions for its nextflight.

“I love this job,”said Sowles, a nativeof Madison, Ala.“There’s just so manycapabilities this birdcan do. It’s amazingto work with and it’svery exciting. Youget used to the systemand you learn newthings everyday.”

“I also love this,”added Forney, a na-

tive of Traverse City, Mich. “You do learnsomething new everyday. The guys teachme about their jobs and the maintenance ofthe bird. This is a unique experience andI’m glad to be a part of it.”

Though UAS, formally known as UAV,or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, is new to theservices, Forney believes it will become amajor asset to units in future deployments.

“I think this field is going to continueto progress,” she said.

“Right now we are spending a lot ofour time assisting the brigade and surround-ing battalions. They have noticed the differ-ence in their mission when the UAS is upin the air.

“They really appreciate it and ask forit,” Forney added.

“It’s a good feeling to be needed andappreciated like that. And it feels good toget to help.”

While inspecting the Unmanned Aerial System, Spc.Renay Forney, Company A, 3rd Brigade SpecialTroops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1stCavalry Division, takes a quick look at the “bird’s”propeller during her preflight checks before the birdtakes off into the sky.

The Unmanned Aerial System launches into the open skyto patrol the surrounding area, looking for improvised ex-plosive devices and other obstacles Soldiers might face.

Photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3BCT Public Affairs

Photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3BCT Public Affairs

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Photos From the FOB...

Got Photos?If you’d like to see your photo in The GreyWolf Howl, e-mail Sgt. Serena Hayden atserena.hayden@us.army.mil.Photo by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3BCT Public Affairs

A gospel choir sings praise and worshipduring the Good Friday Prayer Breakfast atForward Operating Base Warhorse inBaqubah, Iraq, April 6.

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