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January 2007 Vol. I, Issue V
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hia Muslims around the world and children. It is reported that their process through the streets chanting
observe Ashura on Jan. 28; the naked and beheaded bodies where left and praying aloud.
day commemorating the death of in the open as a reminder to others who Shias make pilgrimage to the Mash-
Husayn ibn Ali – Muhammad’s grand- may rebel. had al-Husayn shrine in Karbala,
son. Ashura is observed the 10th of Mu- The deaths of Husayn and his father which is believed to be Husayn’s tomb.
harram, the first month of the Islamic solidified the schism between Shia and There are re-enactments, speeches, and
year – Ashura literally means “tenth.” Sunni Muslims. Their deaths gave special prayers. The commemoration
Ashura is a major festival for Shia rise to a cult of martyrdom within of the Battle of Karbala is an eleven day
Muslims. Husayn, pronounced Hussein, Shia Islam with a sense of betrayal remembrance. The period of mourning
was the son of Imam Ali – Muhammad’s and struggle against oppression. For is ended with Arba’een, which means
cousin – and Fatima – Muhammad’s Shia, Ashura commemorates Husayn’s “fortieth day” – Mar. 9 to Mar. 18.
daughter. struggle against injustice, tyranny, and Saddam Hussein banned these events
After attempting to depose the oppression. during his reign because he believed the
ruling Umayyad Clan, Husayn fled Shia men display public expressions Shias would use Ashura to subvert and
to Karbala. Husayn and his follow- of mourning and grief by self-flagella- undermine his rule.
ers were besieged for their refusal to tion, beating their head, or cutting their Attacks against Shia mosques and
accept the Umayyad caliph, Yazid, as body. Such acts are intended to connect shrines during this period worsened the
the legitimate ruler of Islam. On Oct. them with Husayn’s suffering and death divide between Shias and Sunnis in Iraq,
10, 680, the Umayyad army killed all as an aid to salvation on the Day of as they did last year when terrorists
70 of Husayn’s group, including women Judgment. Women dress in black and destroyed the Golden Mosque.
-Contents- 3rd BCT Commander:
Col. Bryan Owens
School Supplies Donated to Iraqi Students, 3rd BCT CSM:
page 1 CSM Bryant Lambert
3rd BCT Public Affairs Officer:
Citizens Made Aware of Operations in Samarra, Capt. Aydin Mohtashamian
Page 1
3rd BCT PA NCOIC:
Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
First Iraqi NCO Academy Graduates 40, Page 2
3rd BCT PA Specialist:
Iraqi Soldiers Learn Train-the-Trainer Spc. Joshua R. Ford
Method, Page 3 3rd BCT PA Specialist:
Spc. Amanda Jackson
Iraqi Doctors Hold Medical Symposium, Page 4
Operations in Siniyah, page 5 the Statice Line wel-
comes columns, com-
Physical Therapy From the Front Lines, page 8 mentaries, articles, and
photographs from our
readers. Send submis-
sions to Staff Sgt.
The Static Line is an authorized monthly publication for members of the
Michael J. Carden at
Department of Defense. Contents of this monthly publication are not crdn.carden@us.army.mil.
necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the United States Government We reserve the right
or the Department of Defense. The editorial content of this monthly publication to edit for security, ac-
is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of the 3rd Brigade curacy, propriety, policy,
Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. clarity, and space.
Iraqi students receive school supplies
In September Wittmann designed a pro-
gram for Maplewood students and teachers
to donate supplies.
Once the Maplewood students and his-
tory teachers gathered the school supplies,
they were mailed from Menasha to Iraq at a
postage cost of around $250.
When Vollmer’s parents asked him what
he wanted for Christmas, he said all he
wanted was for them to cover the postage
costs for mailing the school supplies.
“Next year (Christmas) will be for me;
this year was for (the Iraqi children),” said
Vollmer.
Vollmer and Wittmann have been very
good friends since they were children grow-
ing up in Menasha and have supported each
other’s careers - Wittmann as a teacher and
Vollmer as a Paratrooper, but this is the first
time they have had the opportunity to work
Photo by Spc. Joshua R. Ford/ 82nd Abn Div PAO with one another, said Vollmer.
1st Sgt. Jeffery Vollmer, Battery A, 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, “I just wanted (the Iraqi children) to take
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, greets an Iraqi student with a hand
away that these school supplies weren’t
shake Dec. 26 at a school in a small village outside of Tikrit.
from the government, they weren’t from the
Spc. Joshua R. Ford Iraqi school children in the middle of class Army; they were from (American children)
3BCT, 82nd Abn Div PAO with the gifts. Each child received a bag con- – children just like them on the other side of
taining pencils, pens, markers, paper, folders the world,” said Vollmer.
TIKRIT, Iraq - Paratroopers from Bat- and numerous other types of school supplies. “Sooner or later, (American) children are
tery A, 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field School children from Menasha, Wis., going to be the ones to inherit our country,
Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat were the reason the Iraqi students received and (Iraqi children) are going to be the kids
Team, 82nd Airborne Division, distributed these supplies. to inherit this country,” added Vollmer. “I
hundreds of dollars worth of school sup- 1st Sgt. Jeffery Vollmer, Battery A, co- think the Iraqi children are seeing a lot of
plies to Iraqi school children Dec. 26 in the ordinated the project with a lot of help from changes in their country, and I think a whole
elementary schools of two small villages his good friend Troy Wittmann, an 8th grade lot of it’s probably not positive. So by doing
outside of Tikrit. teacher of United States History at Maple- this sends a positive message to the children
Paratroopers from Battery A surprised the wood Junior High School in Menasha. of Iraq.”
Troops inform citizens of operations in Samarra
Sgt. Michael Tuttle Robbins first made sure that the merchants understood the
5th MPAD need for his platoon to block off the street in front of their stores
while they spoke. He described the dangers of vehicle-borne
SAMARRA, Iraq - A group of 82nd Airborne Division improvised explosive devices and explained why local drivers
Paratroopers met with local merchants Dec. 29 at their storefronts must stop at cordons.
along Thar Thar Road outside the city to inform them about The area near the businesses on Thar Thar Road has been a
operations in the area. hot spot for insurgent activity; including five to eight IED attacks
The talks are part of efforts by Company A, 2nd Battalion, there per month, according to Robbins. The merchants were also
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, to counter rumors and informed of a large weapons cache uncovered recently in the
misinformation spread by insurgents to the local Iraqi public, said area.
Capt. Adisa King, the company’s commander. This exchange of information will hopefully build more trust
“It’s a chance to tell the public what we’re about,” said 1st Lt. and cooperation among the Soldiers and the locals.
Daniel Robbins, platoon leader. “We can give them information “We are trying to gather information and learn about them, as
directly so they understand what our purpose is and that we’re
fighting for their security.” see THAR THAR, page 2
page 1 the Static Line January 2007
Iraqi soldiers graduate first ever NCO Academy
Capt. Aydin Mohtashamian multiple written tests, and weapon’s and now they will teach these to their
3BCT, 82nd Abn Div PAO qualifications. soldiers,” said Harris.
The 9th SIB’s main mission is to “The training has greatly enhanced the
TIKRIT, Iraq - The first-ever class of provide infrastructure security in Salah ad 9th SIB capabilities, as they now have
the 9th Strategic Infrastructure Battalion’s Din Province; specifically the main power more NCOs to enforce the standards and
non-commissioned officer academy lines between Bayji and Baghdad, as well lead their soldiers on combat patrols to
graduated 40 newly promoted NCOs, Dec. as oil pipelines running throughout the guard the pipelines,” Harris noted.
7 after three weeks of hands-on training, province. The training culminated on graduation
The 9th SIB consists of three separate day when the NCOs tested their
companies and a battalion headquarters; marksmanship with their AK-47s. As
each of which sent 10 of their best soldiers a bonus, Battery A gave a class on the
to attend the academy. M240B, a fully automatic machinegun.
Paratroopers from Battery A, 1st “The range was probably one of the
Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery most well run ranges I’ve ever seen. It
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, had structure, and there was a command
82nd Airborne Division, partnered with issued for every movement and action,”
the leaders of the 9th SIB to advise them said Harris.
on how to develop the academy. After the range, the new NCOs were
“The (Iraqis) really led the effort congratulated by the 9th SIB Commander,
in creating the academy,” said Maj. Col. Hamid Mandal Zaher.
Joseph Harris, commander of Battery A. “Continue to train and mentor our fine
“With minimal assistance from us, they soldiers. You are our leaders and will
established their own training plan and ensure the soldiers’ needs are met,” said
concept to build and develop NCOs within Hamid.
their organization.” Noting the great improvement in his
Throughout the three week course, NCOs, Hamid stated he recently sent
the NCOs learned about first-aid classes, several of his NCOs to the 4th Iraqi Army
intelligence gathering, land navigation, Division-level-leadership training for
Photo by Capt. Kenneth Cosgriff/ TF Loyalty
Iraqi non-commissioned officers from the 9th
and other essential military skills. NCOs. His NCOs were selected as top
Strategic Infrastructure Battalion practice their “The main point of the class was to get graduates, and they were commended
marksmanship skills Dec. 7 during a three-week their NCOs ready to lead soldiers. The by the 4th IA commander for their
long NCO academy. class taught them many different skills, professionalism.
THAR THAR
well as make it clear why it’s important
for them to fight the insurgency,” said
Robbins.
Robbins handed out tip cards to
the merchants that included his unit’s
contact information in Arabic. He
offered to help them if their businesses
faced any type of threat.
“We will fight for you, but we need
you to help us out,” Robbins told a
group of merchants before moving on.
“You’re out here all the time. If you see
anything, give us a call.”
The tips cards have been an effective
way to continue communicating with
locals.
“We have gotten calls fairly
frequently,” Robbins said. “Sometimes
Photo by Sgt. Michael Tuttle/ 5th MPAD
they’re scared to give us information on Paratroopers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Air-
the street and feel safer talking on the borne Division, talk with merchants about security Dec. 29 in front of their produce store outside
phone.” of Samarra.
page 2 the Static Line January 2007
Iraqi troops learn U.S. Army’s training method
Task Force Panther Paratroopers teach week-long ‘Train-the-Trainer’ course
Sgt. Antonieta Rico Iraqi army’s NCO Corps, which is impressed by his student’s determination and
5th MPAD underdeveloped, said Lopez. core knowledge.
The impact of the training provided “There were some extremely
FOB Danger, Iraq - Senior non- by the train-the-trainer course can be knowledgeable NCOs in that group. They
commissioned officers from the Iraqi army’s extensive. Senior level Iraqi NCOs can were extremely eager to learn everything that
1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, mentor entry level Soldiers, laying the we could teach them,” he said.
graduated from a week-long professional groundwork for a stronger NCO Corps, and “It’s good to see that they are willing and
development course Dec. 7 during a
ceremony at Forward Operating Base
Danger. “Learn these lessons well; for the day will arrive when
In line with United States efforts to train you will have to fight the enemies of Iraq by yourself.”
the Iraqi army to the point of self-reliance,
Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division’s -Col. Bryan Owens, commander of
3rd Brigade Combat Team fielded the train- Task Force Panther in Iraq’s Salah ad Din Province
the-trainer course. The concept of the brand
new course is to teach Iraqi NCOs and some
warrant officers, core army skills they can in establishing a mentoring mentality within they want to step up, they want to learn, they
turn teach to their own soldiers. the Iraqi army, Lopez said. want that knowledge so that they can go back
“It will give them a foundation they “If we feed them the right knowledge and teach their soldiers,” Lopez added.
can use to develop soldiers… taking them and get them to experience the things that we Col. Bryan Owens, 3rd BCT commander,
from a private and bringing them into the know as NCOs, it will allow them to develop stressed at the ceremony the importance
NCO ranks,” said 1st Sgt. Richard Lopez, their NCO Corps which will make their army of applying the knowledge the Iraqi NCOs
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, a lot stronger,” Lopez said. gained during the course. He reminded the
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Course curriculum included basic rifle graduating NCOs of the gravity facing them.
Division, and one of the instructors for the marksmanship, maintenance, urban combat “Learn these lessons well; for the day
course. training, first aid and communications. will arrive when you will have to fight the
Through the pilot course the Airborne Lopez said he did not know what to enemies of Iraq by yourself,” Owens said.
Brigade is trying to strengthen the expect from the Iraqi NCOs, and was Foregoing the speaker’s podium during
the ceremony, 3rd BCT Command Sgt. Maj.
Bryant Lambert simply faced the graduating
students and spoke to them, from one senior
NCO to another.
“You and I are noncommissioned officers.
We lead by example. We lead our Soldiers
into combat without fear…” Lambert said.
“We use our initiative, our leadership, our
knowledge, and we accomplish the mission.”
Lambert drew from his own experience as
a senior NCO to advise the Iraqi NCOs.
“Everything that we teach our Soldiers
we must master ourselves, for if we do not
master the skills, how can we train our own
Soldiers?” he said.
Gen. Abdul Jabaar, 1st Brigade, 4th IA
Division commander, spoke to the graduating
NCOs, repeating to them an old Iraqi saying;
“sweat during training will minimize blood
in the battlefield.”
“All I hope from you is that you apply
Photo by Sgt. Antonieta Rico/ 5th MPAD
every single detail you learned here,” Gen.
From left: Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant Lambert and Col. Bryan Owens, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 82nd Airborne Division; the 4th Iraqi Army Division command sergeant major, and Gen. ‘AJ’ said to the NCOs. He asked them to take
Abdul Jabaar, commander of the 4th Iraqi Army Division, congratulate a non-commissioned officer the initiative and establish internal schools
with the 1st Brigade, 4th IA Dec. 7 at Forward Operating Base Danger upon complettion of the within their units to carry on the knowledge
week-long Train-the-Trainer Course. they gained.
page 3 the Static Line January 2007
Iraqi doctors take steps to improve healthcare
Spc. Amanda Jackson advancement of the world.” able to stay updated in their and combat lifesavers, their
3BCT, 82nd Abn Div PAO Mukhlis is originally from profession, Meko said. So non-commissioned officer
Tikrit. Though he has worked Army doctors are trying to corps and nurses.
TIKRIT, Iraq - The Canon in the U.S. for years and inform them of what they The largest hospital in
of Medicine was written by speaks fluent English with a have missed out on. the province only has three
ancient Islamic physician barely-intelligible accent, his The last symposium was nurses. The Salah ad Din
Ibn Sina circa 1022 b.c. conviction is derived from his focused on trauma. The Iraqi hospital managers recently
and became a reference for professional experiences in doctors gave presentations on opened up a nursing school,
European doctors throughout both nations. mass-casualty events, burns, which Meko is optimistic
the Middle Ages – a time Most of Mukhlis’ family and surgical procedures for about.
when Islam was among the “We’re trying to get
most advanced cultures in the involved in [training nurses]
field of medicine. because it’s a skill that’s
Western medicine still so vital to the way we do
credits Sina’s work to be business and a skill that’s
the most influential medical vital around the world,” he
reference book of ancient said.
history, according to The symposium will
Encyclopaedia Britannica. improve the most important
Despite twenty years of aspect of a doctor’s career:
regression the field suffered the patient-doctor bond,
during Saddam Hussein’s according to Dr. Mukhlis.
regime, individuals of “One way of improving
Islamic nations, such as Iraq, doctors’ relationships with
continue to follow in Sina’s Photo by Sgt. Michael Tuttle/ 5th MPAD
their patients is giving them
footsteps. An Iraqi doctor speaks about the Teachers Hospital during a medical the opportunity to learn of
Healthcare professionals in symposium Dec. 14 at the Salah ad Din Provincial Joint Coordination what has happened over
Iraq’s Salah ad Din Province Center in Tikrit. these twenty years. How
identified issues and steps has medicine changed?” Dr.
for improvements during a was killed by Saddam in the trauma. Each symposium Mukhlis said with a smile,
Medical Symposium Dec. 1990s. Since then, he has felt will have a different theme; “And it has!”
14 in Tikrit, which was held a moral obligation to Iraq and the next one will focus on The doctors are devising
to recollect the dark ages in has brought his “know-how” rehabilitation and medicine. ways to overcome the ever-
which they fell behind and to his Iraqi counterparts. The next; pain management challenging security issues.
muse over the progression of Mukhlis attended the and advances in physical Transportation of patients
medicine in Iraq. Medical Symposium along therapy, Meko continued. from villages to hospitals has
“The doctors were not with ten other doctors and “[The Iraqis] experience been increasingly difficult
only segregated but excluded five U.S. Army medical trauma on a daily basis, with bomb-infested roads.
from all the advancements corps officers. This was the unfortunately. They have In the Medical Symposium,
that happened over the second symposium since to know how to handle it, U.S. doctors discussed their
twenty years,” said Dr. the Gulf War in the early so they’ve been a very, very solutions for security and
Hatem Mukhlis, an ear doctor 1990s; the first one involving receptive audience,” Meko transportation of patients.
with more than twenty years only two Iraqi doctors and said. During the symposium,
experience as a general one U.S. Army doctor, The medical corps officers Dr. Mukhlis reminded his
surgeon in upstate New said Maj. Christian Meko, are offering several solutions colleagues the journey to
York. Now he is practicing brigade surgeon, 3rd Brigade for their Iraqi colleagues. a renaissance of medical
in Tikrit to help facilitate Combat Team, 82nd Airborne They are training doctors advancement will be step-by-
the improvement of Iraqi Division. across the Salah ad Din step.
healthcare. Hopefully, these types of Province in a continuing “We have to start
“The field improves and meetings between Iraqi and medical education program, somewhere,” Mukhlis said
changes by the month, if not U.S. doctors are going to be which is similar to the to his fellow healthcare
by the week,” said Mukhlis. held regularly every four to Medical Symposium, where providers. “A thousand-mile
“So we can imagine how six weeks, Meko added. the doctors lecture each other march starts with the first
far medicine was behind The Iraqi doctors are and have general discussions step. The task is so complex;
[all these] years from the dedicated and hard-working about the way ahead. They it’s not an easy task. But it’s
complete exclusion of the people, but have not been are also training their medics doable.”
page 4 the Static Line January 2007
Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden/ 3BCT, 82nd Abn Div PAO
A Paratrooper from the 618th Engineer Support Company (Airborne) walks across the dusty, desert terrain Dec. 9 pulling security on the outskirts of
Siniyah. The Paratroopers used bulldozers to construct a berm almost around the entire city to isolate terrorists who operate out of it.
Iraqi soldiers and U.S. Paratroopers
target terrorists in Siniyah
Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden 82nd Airborne Division. The increased violence in Siniyah
3BCT, 82nd Abn Div PAO Siniyah lies in northern Salah ad Din led to a city-wide cordon taking effect
Province and is the first city east of Nov. 29. Soldiers from the 4th Iraqi
SINIYAH, Iraq - Many terrorists the Syrian Desert’s northeastern edge. Army Division, and Paratroopers from
sought a haven here but are now Because of the city’s location, coalition 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry
confined to the cordoned city by a forces believe terrorists find harbor Regiment, established the city’s current
12-foot high berm that wraps eight there before filtering to other areas posture to prevent terrorist infiltration
miles around Siniyah in the shape of throughout Iraq, Harris continued. and escape, Harris said.
a horseshoe. Razor wire outlines the Security in Siniyah began showing Paratroopers from the 618th
tops of the berm amid surveillance and signs of weakening Oct. 24 when the Engineer Support Company (Airborne),
patrols by Iraqi and U.S. troops. police force of more than 100 quit due 20th Engineer Brigade, began
The only way in or out of the city to terrorist attacks and threats against constructing the berm. They worked
is through a single, paved road with them and their families. Security didn’t hand-in-hand with their Iraqi engineer
checkpoints manned by Iraqi army show any signs of improvement as the counterparts to reinforce the obstacle,
soldiers. The checkpoints have always police station was completely destroyed according to 1st Lt. Time Hassell, the
existed but were reinforced after only 13 days later. company’s executive officer.
numerous attacks on security forces “The insurgents had a very strong Only those who required urgent
and civilians in Siniyah, said Lt. Col. hold on the city,” Harris said. “The medical attention were allowed to leave
Scott Harris, commander, 1st Battalion, entire city council quit; even the mayor the city, and no one was allowed to
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, resigned.
see SINIYAH, page 6
page 5 the Static Line January 2007
SINIYAH
enter. Supply trucks carrying food, water, and heating oil were searched
and escorted to drop-off points on the edge of the city inside the cordon.
“People may endure discomfort, but isolating the terrorists is important
to the long-term success for security in the city,” Harris said. “There are
29,000 good people in Siniyah, and we just want to help them get a grip
back on their lives without fear of terrorism or violence.”
Two weeks passed before troops began clearing Siniyah. They began
with more than 500 Iraqi troops from eight different Iraqi army units and a
company-size element of Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute
Infantry Regiment, Dec. 13 in search for the isolated terrorists.
Initially, Iraqi and U.S. troops stayed in the city for more than 72
hours straight. They searched homes for weapons and terrorists with
hasty searches by day and nighttime raids.
Paratroopers from Company C’s 1st Platoon detained 17 suspected
terrorists during an early morning raid Dec. 15. The clearing
operation totaled more than 80.
During the two weeks of isolation inside the city, insurgent attacks
decreased by at least 300 percent. The city’s focus now is to establish
a police force to actively patrol, Harris said.
“If Siniyah doesn’t have an enduring security force in the city, it
invites wrong-doing,” Harris continued. “I don’t know if we’ll be able
to show the people a totally happy and secure population, but we’ve
Photos by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden/ 3BCT, 82nd Abn Div PAO
certainly set the conditions for success in the future.”
Staff Sgt. Brett Graves (center), infantryman, Company
Siniyah’s western boundary will remain permanently cordoned C, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment,
from the desert. Iraqi and coalition troops will continue to provide 82nd Airborne Division, and his squad prepare to breach
security to the outer limits of the city, while the enduring police force the entrance of a home during an early-morning raid Dec.
patrols the inner, Harris added. 15 in Siniyah.
Company commander, Capt. Tim Peterman (left), and Pfc. Bernabe Jimenez, medic, both from Company C, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infan-
try Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, place an ace bandage wrap and splint around the arm of an Iraqi boy with a broken arm Dec. 15 in Siniyah.
page 6 the Static Line January 2007
Photos by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden/ 3BCT, 82nd Abn Div PAO
Above photo: Iraqi police provide overwatch security Dec. 14 on the outskirts
of Siniayh. The city was under siege for nearly three weeks as coalition and
Iraqi forces searched Siniyah for terrorists and weapons.
Left photo: Spc. Alfonso Caldero, infantryman, Company C, 1st Battalion,
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, carries a mine
detector during a patrol Dec. 14 in Siniyah.
Below photo: A bulldozer operated by a Paratrooper from the 618th Engineer
Support Company (Airborne) builds a berm Dec. 9 around the outskirts of
Siniyah just north of Tikrit. The berm was constructed to isolate the city and
trap terrorists who operate out of it.
page 7 the Static Line January 2007
Paratroopers bring physical therapy to front lines
Spc. Joshua R. Ford
3BCT, 82nd Abn Div PAO
COB SPEICHER, Iraq - Day in and
day out, troops patrol the streets and
countryside of Iraq for hours at a time;
many carrying up to 100 pounds of gear.
Over time, this excessive wear on the
troops may lead to back or other injuries
later on in life.
Fortunately, physical therapy teams
are now permanent and internal to each
brigade combat team in the Army.
Capt. Andrew Contreras, brigade
physical therapist, and Staff Sgt.
Melinda Sanders, physical therapy non-
commissioned officer, both with Company
C, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division, make up the first brigade
physical therapy team in the 82nd Abn. Photo by Spc. Joshua R. Ford/ 82nd Abn Div PAO
Div. Staff Sgt. Melinda Sanders, physical therapist, Company C, 82nd Brigade Support Bat-
talion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, treats the ankle of Spc. Patrick
The two keep busy from constant travel
Wagner, infantryman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT, with an ice
to and from outlying forward operating pack Dec. 29 at Contingency Operations Base Speicher.
bases throughout 3BCT’s area of operation
in Salah ad Din Province. Contreras and to their patients by cracking necks, or running on uneven terrain; mounting
Sanders have treated more than 1,500 adjusting backs, and putting bodies and dismounting vehicles and conducting
patients – not including the Iraqis they back into alignment. The treatment is night operations where vision is limited,
have treated – since they first deployed in allowing patients to function in spite of according to the team.
August. the uncomfortable gear, according to the So far, the physical therapy duo has
Every time the team goes to outlying physical therapy team. treated more than 10 Paratroopers who
FOBs, they not only fulfill their obligation Since the team has been reaching out suffered from small arms fire wounds and
to their fellow Paratroopers, but they to Paratroopers, complaints about the has kept them all in-country; whereas
also treat Iraqi patients and teach them body armor have been minimal, said Maj. before, they would have to be flown to
different exercises they can do to help heal Christian Meko, brigade surgeon for the Germany for treatment.
their injuries. This has made it convenient 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. The Army’s traveling physical therapy
teams have been a fantastic addition to the
brigades, said Meko. When Paratroopers
“Before we got to the brigade, it would take (injured are injured, the medical team has been
troops) eight to nine weeks to get back to duty. With able to get them back to the fight a lot
quicker.
us here, it has gotten most patients back to duty with- “A lot of guys have been able to be
in three weeks.” treated here instead of having to be sent
home, keeping combat strength in the
-Capt. Andrew Contreras, physical therapist, battalions higher,” said Meko.
Task Force Panther, Salah ad Din Province, Iraq “Before we got to the brigade, it would
take (injured troops) eight to nine weeks
to get back to duty, but with us here, it has
for all of their patients, said Contreras. “The most common injuries we see gotten most patients back to duty within
“It is a lot easier for us to move around are back problems because of all the three weeks,” said Contreras.
than it is to move people to see me,” equipment we’re wearing, the amount of Contreras and Sanders said they will
said Contreras. “So rather than me sit on time people are working, and the guys’ continue to travel to the outlying bases to
Speicher, it’s easier to jump on a convoy living conditions [sleeping on cots],” said provide their convenient services to 82nd
or catch a flight.” Contreras. Airborne Division Paratroopers, who
The team spends around 20 days a Other common injuries include ankle have a renowned history of being fit and
month traveling. They provide relief and knee problems caused by walking combat-ready.
page 8 the Static Line January 2007
In honor of those who made
the ultimate sacrifice ...
Spc Kenneth Haines Pfc Troy Cooper
KIA, 3-8 CAV KIA, 3-8 cav
Balad, Iraq Balad, Iraq
May 7, 1981 - Dec 3, 2006 Jan 9, 1985 - Dec 3, 2006
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