T
t a n i u n o V M i ew e h MAGAZINE
15 Nov 2010
Table Of Contents
american senators pay kandahar a visit - page 13
NEWs Transition Of Authority - Page 3
13 Regulars top shots - page 5 spotlight: soldier - page 9 Advice from the medics - page 9
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3 Doctors Wanted In kandahar - Page 7 Afghan recruits commit - Page 8
time to burn sudoku - page 11 latest lols - page 11 Columns CG and csm: command column - page 10 chaplain’s corner - page 9
THE Mountain View
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The Mountain View is an authorized publication for members of Coalition Forces. Contents of the Mountain View are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by Coalition governments. All editorial content of the Mountain View is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Regional Command South Public Affairs Office.
Regional Command South Public Affairs Office Commanding General - Maj. Gen. James L. Terry Command Sergeant Major - Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Greca Editorial Staff RC(S) PAO Lt. Col Web Wright OIC, Command Information Navy Lt. Tim Page NCOIC, Command Information Sgt. 1st Class Felix Figueroa Managing Editor Spc. Matthew Diaz Media queries please contact RC(S) Public Affairs at 10thmtnpao@gmail.com
Contributing Units TF Destiny TF Kandahar TF Lightning TF Raider TF Strike CT Uruzgan CT Zabul
10th Mountain Division takes command of RC(S) during TOA
Spc. Matthew Diaz Regional Command South Journalist
Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, outgoing commander
General Nick Carter and his headquarters – you and
of Regional Command South, handed over com-
your team have been invaluable in your support
mand to Maj. Gen. James L. Terry, 10th Mountain
these past eight months,” Terry said. “Through your
Division (LI), and new RC(S) commander, during a
tireless effort you have been true and proven friends
transition of authority ceremony Nov. 2 on Kandahar
for the people of Southern Afghanistan. In partner-
Airfield.
ship you have led the way toward greater hope of a
“My task here today is really to say thank you
better future. Every member of your team can and
to the many people who have made our tasks this
must take deep pride in your many accomplish-
year possible,” Carter said. “And to remember far too
ments.
many who have sacrificed their lives for this cause.”
Like many of our predecessors, the 10th Mountain
Carter spoke of the individuals with whom he
Division has returned often to Afghanistan – in fact
worked, and thanked them for the guidance and
this is our fourth deployment here,” he added. “Our
cooperation they provided during his tenure as com- history with Afghanistan is one of shared challenges. mander.
As Afghans say, ‘the friend appears at hard times, not
“All of you who’ve been our partners and are
at big dinners.’
our friends, thank you for your support,” he added.
Afghanistan faces many challenges brought on
“RC South draws its strength from the 20 or so na-
by violent insurgents. Selfish men who defy honor,
tions who have contributed to it. And it has been an
respect and humanity; who bully and kill innocent
honor to command so many nations’ troops.”
people, all in an effort to impose their will on others,”
“That’s my lot,” Carter said as he prepared to walk
Terry said. “Together we will counter those who wish
off the stage. “It just remains to wish 10th Mountain
harm on people.”
Division the best of luck – it’s been a pleasure to
After the speeches were completed, the 10th
hand over to such a great team of gentlemen. Good
Mountain Division (LI) colors were unfurled, officially
luck. Climb to Glory.”
ushering in the next chapter in Regional Command
Once Carter’s remarks were complete, Terry took
South’s history. The two commanders, incoming and
the podium to say a few words.
outgoing, shared a hug and the ceremony came to
“First, I would like to recognize and thank Major
an end.
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S T O H
P S O T
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“TOP SHOTS” ENTRIES ARE OPEN TO ALL READERS. ALL “TOP SHOTS” SUBMISSIONS MUST BE IN BY THE FRIDAY BEFORE PUBLICATION DATE. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO 10THMTNPAO@GMAIL.COM
Looking For A Few Good Doctors In Kandahar Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte USN NTM-A
CAMP HERO, Afghanistan –Kandahar Regional Military Hospital is looking for a few good men or women. Almost completely manned by Afghan physicians from Kabul, the hospital is hoping to bolster its ranks with local doctors using a recruitment campaign and special pay incentives. The Afghan National Army hospital, which is located on Camp Hero in Kandahar province, is recruiting much needed local doctors to ease the dependence on ANA doctors from northern parts of Afghanistan who are living away from their families for years at a time. Most of the doctors already manning the hospital come from the Kabul and Jalalabad area, which is home to two of Afghanistan’s major medical schools. While Kandahar does have a medical school of its own, the school has yet to regain its previous strength after experiencing the debilitating effects of Taliban rule. Convincing a doctor to uproot and move to Kandahar and leave the more medically developed parts of Afghanistan, family, home and an established practice behind, is a hard sell. “It’s simple to answer why they are not coming here,” said Col. Abdul Baseer Elaj, commander of KRMH. “Most doctors have private clinics. Doctors moving here don’t have one and it’s difficult to start one in an area that is not your home. The second reason is security.” Baseer, who has been a doctor of internal medicine for 26 years, has tried his best to bring doctors from Kabul with limited success and now hopes to hire doctors from the local region who prefer to stay in Kandahar. Currently to supplement the several Kabul doctors permanently assigned to KRMH, the Office of the Surgeon General sends doctors from the Dawood Kahn National Military Hospital for up to two months at a time during the busier times of the year. “If we can hire local doctors they will be close to their families and won’t have to take leave as often. They will be here to respond to mass casualties and emergencies,” said Baseer. “The hospital needs more doctors, and as the hospital expands we will need even more personnel.” Aside from incentive pay there are some advantages to working as a doctor for the Afghan National Army. Doctors can work in a modern facility with modern equipment at KRMH alongside Coalition partners whose sole purpose is to train and advise medical personnel. A grim twist due to the reality of war, the
Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte An Afghan doctor and Coalition medical adviser review an X-ray in Kandahar Regional Military Hospital located on Camp Hero, Afghanistan.
hospital is always busy with many types of patients needing a variety of treatments. Doctors will have the opportunity to become highly skilled veterans. “In Afghanistan, every kid you ask will tell you he wants to be a doctor. One because it’s a good job where you can help people and second because it’s a well paying job,” said Baseer, who has been in Kandahar for six years. “You can read and study books on surgery but unless you practice, it will just be useless knowledge. There is always a lot of practice here for doctors that can help them develop and become proficient.” Most importantly doctors at the clinic can make a difference in the lives of hundreds of Soldiers and civilians. During summer, the season when insurgents are most active, more than 280 trauma patients pour in each month. Most wounds are a result of IEDs, mines, fire fights and traffic accidents in Afghanistan’s crowded and perilous roads. During the more relaxed winter season, the hospital concentrates on humanitarian cases, treating locals and the families of Soldiers; keeping the doctors busy year round. Even with these advantages, most non-local doctors prefer to initially come to KRMH but spend the bulk of their career in Kabul. Baseer hopes to recruit local doctors who are interested in spending their careers in the Kandahar region due to local ties and a commitment to help their countrymen and neighbors. “Not everyone thinks this way though,” he admits. “Come in and save peoples’ lives! Come in, work and practice at the hospital. Some just want to help the people and that is enough but not everyone. Our doctors are very good and that is all we ask for. They take good care of patients and are proud to give them a new life.”
A R O U N D
Afghan Army Recruits Commit To Allah, Country, Duty battlefield. “When you become a soldier, they call you the bravest,” recruit Sardar Agha said upon taking the oath. “I KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - More want to serve my people and I have no worries from this than 1,400 Afghan National Army recruits renewed their point on. It feels really good to take the oath and I hope to vows to defend Afghanistan and its people by placing graduate so I can serve my people.” their hands on the Koran and swearing to be faithful to Every day, the ANA takes on more responsibility Allah and country on Oct. 14 during an oath ceremony at for security in Afghanistan, pitting fresh soldiers like Agha Regional Military Training Center - Kandahar. against hard line insurgents who favor standoff tactics The ceremony doesn’t just mark the halfway involving IEDs and complex ambushes. But Agha said the point in the recruits’ eight weeks of basic training, which training he has received at RMTC has given him the includes military drill, weapons familiarization, tactics, confidence to push on. physical fitness and literacy instruction, the ceremony “I don’t know what the future will be. I might die marks their commitment to Afghanistan as soldiers in the today or not,” said Agha. “I have no worries.” ANA. So in the heat of the day, 30 at a time and one “The oath ceremony is an Afghan military group after the other, all 1,400 recruits took the oath. After tradition. ANA officers, NCOs, Soldiers, recruits and basic training, these soldiers will head to the provinces of other personnel who join the military take the oath and Uruzgan, Helmand, Kandahar and Zabul. promise to serve the country, defend their land and protect “Today our soldiers demonstrated their freedom,” said Col. Haroon Momand, RMTC commander. commitment to the ANA and Afghanistan,” said ANA “Upon their graduation from training, they are Brig. Gen. Abdul Hamid, 205th Corps commander. assigned to ANA units for duty.” “I’m much honored to have witnessed this ceremony. Our In four more weeks these recruits will become soldiers, Army is improving every day and this is very good for the fighting alongside their Coalition partners on the people of this country.” Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte USN NTM-A
Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez In formation with recruits, instructors salute the Afghan national anthem during an Afghan National Army oath ceremony in Regional Military Training Center - Kandahar. More than 1,400 recruits renewed their vow to defend Afghanistan and its people by placing their hands over the Koran and swearing to be faithful to god and country.
“Pfc Alex Bui, although young at 19, has already proven himself as a valuable asset to the motorpool and the battalion. He always has a winning attitude and always maintains his military bearing. He is the Soldier to go to when you need to get something done the right way the first time. He finishes tasks assigned to him and is always willing to help fellow Soldiers. We are all lucky to have him in our battalion and I’m sure he will make the 10th Mountain proud.” ~Sgt. Brian Light, squad leader
It’s only been two weeks since we assumed leadership of Regional Command South, I am pleased with how well all members of our Coalition Team are melding together. I am sincerely enthusiastic about being back in Afghanistan among friends and partners. Thanks to all for the warm welcome you have extended to me personally; my Command Sergeant Major, Chris Greca; and all of the military and civilian personnel from the 17 countries that join the 10th Mountain Division as we lead RC(S) at this critical time in history. Like many of our predecessors, the 10th Mountain Division has returned often to Afghanistan. This is our fourth deployment here. Our history with Afghanistan is one of shared challenges among friends. As my Afghan friends say, “The friend appears at hard times, not at big dinners.” By working together we will continue to forge trust and respect … on the battlefield and in the village Shuras alike. We will continue to help Afghan leaders develop their security forces and government capacity so they can, over time, assume full responsibility for securing their country and seeing to the needs of their people.And, in performing these tasks, we must continue to relentlessly pursue violent insurgents. Afghanistan faces many challenges brought on by violent insurgents – selfish men who defy honor, respect and humanity – who bully and kill innocent people in an effort to impose their will on others. Together with our Afghan partners, we will counter those who wish harm on the Afghan people. We know that police and military forces alone cannot create a better future. For enduring security does not come from a Soldier with a gun, it comes when communities choose it. Community efforts to develop governance, rule of law, livelihoods, agriculture, and infrastructure are essential to success. Once again, I’m happy to be part of the RC(S) Family. I look forward to meeting all of you and wish you a rewarding tour with us as we “Climb to Glory!”
COMMAND COLUMN
Rank:Pfc Name:Alex Bui MOS:91C, Utilities Equipment Repairer Hometown:San Jose Ca. Time in service:10 Mo. Reason For Joining:”I was influenced by family, I had two uncles in the service.”
CH (Maj.) Herman Cheatham
Soldier In The Spotlight
My wife and I were visiting a couple at their house one night. It was our first visit so they gave us the grand tour of their residence. As we walked through their house the wife made sure to point out all of her little nick knacks that she had collected over the years of their marriage. Seeing that the wife had great pride in her knick knacks I inquired about them. She informed me that she was able to acquire her collection by saving and using loose change. I asked her where she found all of this loose change. She proudly told me that as she does her daily errands she sees loose change just lying on the ground at times. She said “Chaplain, it’s amazing how many people just walk over what I call un-wanted change. There was one month that I collected over forty dollars in change.” My jaw hit the ground. It’s amazing how much change we throw to the ground because we do not see much value in it. Don’t get me wrong, she was not totally obsessed with finding loose change. She was mindful of the things some would call “worthless” or “not worth the effort to pick up”. There is another form of un-wanted change I would like to address. That sometimes un-wanted change is a physical change, either in our location or in our bodies. When we can’t control these changes in our lives it could get scary real fast for some. Others seem to thrive on the uncertain changes. Sometimes it’s reassuring to remember that except for God, nothing stays the same forever. That’s good to know when you’re grieving, when you’re sick, or when you’re in some other miserable situation. It won’t last forever. Knowing that everything changes keeps us from being caught off-guard. A completely unexpected change may throw you for a short time, but you will soon recover because you know you can eventually adapt. Recognizing that everything eventually changes also provides some evenness to your life. You’re not riding an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows. You’re grateful for and appreciate the good times, but you don’t let the bad times drag you too far down. I’m reminded of a story in the Bible (Luke15:8-9) where a woman had lost some loose change, a piece of silver to be exact. She looked diligently until she had found that loose change. When she had found it she shared her excitement with everyone. I want to encourage you to look for the loose, sometimes un-wanted, change in your life. Un-wanted change can be a good thing. When it comes to the financial un-wanted loose change, if it is used wisely, you could save up and actually purchase something you want or need. When it comes to the physical un-wanted change we can learn to look at it with a different perspective. In doing this we can actually grow in wisdom by learning about ourselves and others during this time of change. How will you handle un-wanted change? Moan and gripe about it or learn and share your excitement?
COMMAND COLUMN
Take car
Everyone has heard “change your socks and drive on”, but there’s more to it than that. In our current environment; rocks, dust and heat, you need to keep a close eye on your feet. From rolling your ankle to athlete’s foot, these simple steps Spc. Don W. Ellen can help. You should always wear shower shoes to and from the shower. Athlete’s foot can be prevalent in such close quarters. Also, having a second pair of shower shoes to wear around your MOD or tent can only help. A few signs of athlete’s foot are peeling or cracking, especially in between the toes. Make sure you dry your feet well, and use some foot powder, let them air out at night, i.e. don’t wear socks to sleep. Blisters can also be a problem with all the walking we are doing over here. They are caused by your boots or running shoes rubbing against your feet. Make sure you are buying the proper size shoe or boot. If your blisters worsen stop by the Batallion Aid Station. Clipping your toenails regularly will prevent ingrown toenails. The best time is right after a shower, when the toenail is softer. You want to cut them straight across. Not at an angle or into the corner of the nail. If you think you have an issue, once again, stop in the BAS. Thank you so much for what you do and remember, take care of your feet!!!!!!
CHAPLAIN’S
“Un-Wanted Change” What do you do with it?
CORNER
The Don Sayse o...f your feet
WE HAVE BEGUN THE CLIMB!
Be proud, as I am. The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines and our Coalition partners have begun our Climb to Glory with the mighty Combined Joint Task Force-10 (CJTF-10), and the 10th Mountain Division. I am proud and honored to be alongside the brigades of this combined joint task force and the men and women who make up their, and our, organization. I’m inspired and awestruck by the team’s dedication, determination, and abilities that they have shown since our recent arrival into theater. With this, I also understand the sacrifice of not only them, but of our loved ones, the ones we all have left behind to create a safe and secure Afghanistan. Although not physically present, they are always in our thoughts and prayers. The “Climb to Glory” Division is about the climb. On our statue, it is the climb of the modern day Soldier to our legacy left by our World War II Veterans. Today this climb continues. It continues with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines and our NATO partners who make up this great team. Then it continues onto our civilian platform and the 10,000+ contractors and civilians who work hard for our team every day. This climb we are on is not easy and it will come at a cost. We have already lost members of this team, but believe me, they will never be forgotten. Afghanistan is a challenging mountain, but rest assured, this team will reach the top.
THIS JUST IN!
U.S. SENATORS AWARDS STRIKE SOLDIERS IN KANDAHAR ON VETERAN’S DAY
Sgt. Joe Padula 2nd BCT PAO, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
FROM THE INTERNET
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE WILSON, KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. senators awarded medals to Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), during a visit to Forward Operating Base Wilson, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Nov. 11. Arizona Senator John McCain, Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand pinned seven Purple Hearts on Combined Task Force Strike Soldiers who sustained injuries while operating in the Kandahar province. The Soldiers were delighted to receive their awards from the visiting senators. Being pinned the Purple Heart by a senator is something different and really special, said Sgt. Zane Cordingly, a native of Lexington, Ky., with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, who was awarded the Purple Heart by Senator Graham for wounds he received when a Remote Controlled Improvised Explosive Device was detonated in the Zharay district, Sept. 19. It was good to have the senators come all the way from the states to see the Soldiers here in Afghanistan, said Cordingly.
Sgt. Joe Padula New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand awards Sgt. Bethany Bayer, a Pittsford, N.Y., native with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), with a Purple Heart while visiting Forward Operating Base Wilson, Nov. 11. Bayer earned the Purple Hearrt for injuries sustained on Sept. 17 when a Rocket Propelled Grenade strike occurred to her convoy while traveling in the Zharay district.
The senators spoke about the efforts and accomplishments the Strike Soldiers have made during their deployment to southern Afghanistan. “Thank you for your service, you are doing great things,” said Senator Gillibrand following the award ceremony. “We’re doing a great job over here and we’re proud of every single one of you,” said Senator McCain. List of Awardees: Purple Heart Sgt. Jonathan Jackson, a Jacksonville, N.C., native with Company B, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment.
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Thornell, an Indianapolis native with HHC, 1st Btn., 502nd Inf. Regt. Spc. Robert Perkins, a native of Orofino, Idaho with HHT, 1st Sqd. 75th Cav. Regt. Spc. Kelly Doyle, an Oceanside, Calif., native with HHT, 1st Sqd. 75th Cav. Regt. Sgt. Zane Cordingly, a Lexington, Ky., native with HHT, 1st Sqd. 75th Cav. Regt. Sgt. David Coleman, a Richmond, Va., native with Co. A, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. Sgt. Bethany Bayer, a Pittsford, N.Y., native with HHC, 2nd BSTB.
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