Soldier rejoins after 38-year service break

Jan 05
By Sgt. Whitney Houston

Photo credit Staff Sgt. Brock Jones
Army Maj. (Dr.) Robert Sexton, who rejoined the Army after a 38-year break in service, serves as a physician with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to the 4th Infantry Division in Baghdad.
BAGHDAD (Army News Service, Jan. 5, 2009) -- Young men and women frequently follow the footsteps of their parents and grandparents by joining the military. Army Maj. (Dr.) Robert Sexton reversed that role when he followed his two sons into the military after a 38-year-break from his previous service. Sexton was an unlikely candidate when he was commissioned in November 2007 in his mid-50s and assigned to serve as a physician with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to the 4th Infantry Division here. Sexton enlisted in the Army at 17 and left his native Cleveland in 1968 for Vietnam, where he would spend the next two years attached to the 101st Airborne Division, working with Korean troops on Army boats that provided transport, insertion and evacuation. Sexton was honorably discharged at 20 and returned home only to become disillusioned with the social upheaval happening in the United States. He and his wife decided to move to her native country of Guatemala. Sexton worked multiple jobs to support his family in Central America, but eventually decided to realize his desires and go to medical school in Guatemala. "I had always thought about medical school, but because we were just married and right out of the Army and we had two kids, I had to work two and three jobs all of the time - landscaping, painting houses. There just was no time for studies," Sexton said. "But it had always stuck in the back of my mind, and I don't know why, but we visited a medical school down in Guatemala, and they had an open-door policy." Sexton said he didn't think he would make it through that first year of medical school because of the language barrier. However, he said, because medical terminology is pretty much the same in every language, especially with the basic sciences, he passed even as his class of more than 1,200 first-year students was thinned to 120. Sexton finished medical school in Guatemala and gained his residency. He planned on staying there and starting a practice. However, when violence and turmoil spread there, he relocated his family back to the United States in 1981. Sexton regained his residency and was licensed to practice medicine in several states. Eventually, he ended up in Tucson, Ariz., where he practiced as a neonatologist, a doctor who works in intensive care for newborn babies, and started a private emergency medical practice with a close friend. Nearly two decades later, Sexton and his family began a transformation of sorts as two of his sons joined the Marine Corps, both at 17. Their decisions to join the Marines surprised and moved Sexton, he said, because they never talked about the military at home and he thought his children would get through high school and then go on to college. He began to feel the tug of inspiration. Sexton's third son, who had joined in 1997, was due to get out of the Marines in 2003, but chose to re-enlist. "He insisted on going to Iraq, so he extended himself and went into Iraq on the first wave," he said. "My two sons inspired me," he said. "Then, two years later, after reading what the Army had done over there, I got more and more inspired with everything I read." Concluding that the fight against terrorism would be a long one, and feeling he could still make a contribution, Sexton accepted a commission to the Army in November 2007 and has been serving as a doctor in Baghdad since October. "I figured we have less than 1 percent of the American people in the service, and some of those people are going to need a break sometime - and that's what I aim to do. I'm still physically fit. I thought I could make a contribution," Sexton said. Sexton's decision to rejoin the Army after a 38-year break in service leaves him little possibility of earning a military retirement because of his age. Still, he said, he derives satisfaction from making a contribution to a noble cause - working with Iraqi forces to bring medical care and training to needy areas in Baghdad. "He blows us away. He's pushing 60, and he's more physically fit than some of the younger guys here," said Army 1st Sgt. George Guerra, the battalion's senior enlisted leader. "We hardly ever see him because he's always gone doing these combined medical engagements. He's really into his work, and he loves it. He just wants to get out and do this work with the Iraqi people." Sexton said he finds great satisfaction helping Iraqis by providing them with needed medical care, and he expressed a desire when his tour is over to go to other places with the Army where he can continue his work. "I'll be going to Afghanistan next year with my old unit," Sexton said. "After Afghanistan, I would like to go to the Horn of Africa, because that's where I think civil affairs probably shines the most. I would like to do tours in Central and South America because of the language, and I wouldn't mind going to the Philippines."

(Sgt. Whitney Houston serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad public affairs office.)

Curtesy of Army.mil

Military working dogs give Soldiers run for their money

Aug 5, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Jason Douglas and Pfc. Justin Naylor, 2BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

1st Lt. John Reed, a Milton, Del., native and platoon leader with 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, attempts to evade Capka, a military working dog, during a demonstration at Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, Iraq, Aug. 1. The demonstration was to not only entertain Soldiers but to educate leaders on the capabilities of the military working dog.

KIRKUK, Iraq -- Four legs are better than two when trying to evade a military working dog. No matter how fast the dozen or so Soldiers from 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, ran, they couldn't outrun Buli and Capka, a pair of German Sheppard military working dogs, during a demonstration on Forward Operating Base Warrior, Aug. 1. Soldiers volunteered to don bite suits and were given a head start before the dogs were released. Spc. Corey Jones, a Baltimore, Md., native and a water purification specialist with 15th BSB, sprinted with all his might, and although he made it farther than most, his run ended with him in the dirt and the dog still tugging on his arm."It was pretty rough," said Jones. "That dog's got a little bit of power." "The suit helps neutralize it, but if you weren't wearing it [bite suit] that would be a wrap," he joked. "I was surprised by the amount of power," said Spc. Stephen Price, a Spokane, Wash., native and a petroleum supply specialist with 15th BSB who observed the demonstration. "They may look light," he said about the dogs. "But they will take you down."Although watching Soldiers getting taken out by the dogs was probably the most entertaining part, it was not the sole goal of the demonstration."The goal of these demonstrations is to inform commanders and leaders about the type of support military working dogs can provide," said Tech. Sgt. Matt Troiano, a Dublin, Calif., native and Buli's handler. Troiano is a military policeman assigned to 3rd BCT, 25th Infantry Division, and attached to FOB Warrior."We do lots of raids, locate weapons caches, track spotters, and find improvised explosive devices buried underground," Troiano said. "Their nose is what saves lives."The handlers started the demonstration by giving the Soldiers a class about the capabilities of the dogs, emphasizing their ability to find narcotics and explosives. The Soldiers then followed the dogs through an area where the handlers had hidden narcotics and explosives and watched as the dogs sniffed them out one by one. "We just hope to educate units, so when we go out with them they know what we can and can't do," said Sgt. Henry Rabs, a Mendon, Mass., native and Capka's handler. "It makes running missions with them a lot easier."Rabs is also a military policeman assigned 3rd BCT, 25th Inf. Div. and attached to FOB Warrior.According to Rabs, generally, the dogs are called on missions not for their ability to attack, but for their ability to safely identify hidden explosives. "To be able to say that a dog sniffed out an IED that could have killed 10 Soldiers is a great feeling," he said.Buli and Capka are just two of six military working dogs assigned to this specific team at FOB Warrior, and regularly assist the units here. "We go on quite an array of missions," said Rabs. According to Troiano, when they are not on missions, the dogs and their handlers train most of the week and give demonstrations to Soldiers around the FOB. "By educating leaders today on the capabilities of the dogs, they will be able to call on them for future deployments," said Troiano."The dogs love it; it's all a game to them," said Rabs.

Curtesy of: Army.mil

Air mobility Rodeo

07/19/2009 -
Participants in Air Mobility Rodeo 2009 run in a Fit to Fight event July 19, 2009, at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. Rodeo is an international combat skills and flying operations competition designed to enhance mobility operations among international partners. During the Fit to Fight event, units competed against each other in push-up and sit-up competitions and a 1.5-mile run.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joe Springfield/Released)

Mass jump, command change highlight Ranger Rendezvous

Aug 6, 2009

By USASOC

Photo credit USASOC

A mass airborne operation involving more than 1,000 Soldiers of the 75th Ranger Regiment begins the biennial Ranger Rendezvous Aug. 3, at Fort Benning, Ga.

FORT BENNING, Ga. (Army News Service, Aug. 6, 2009) -- More than 1,000 Rangers from the 75th Ranger Regiment soared above Fryar Drop Zone here, Monday in a mass tactical airborne operation officially beginning Ranger Rendezvous 2009.The culmination of the biennial rendezvous was a ceremony Thursday morning in which Col. Michael E. Kurilla assumed command of the 75th Ranger Regiment from Col. Richard D. Clarke. The ceremony was held on the National Infantry Museum field at Fort Benning.Every two years, since the first Ranger Rendezvous was held in 1987, the week-long event has begun with the jump, which is conducted in combat equipment in excess of 70 pounds. It provides an opportunity for the regiment to showcase some of its tactics and abilities to family members and Ranger veterans, who may not normally be able to witness such demonstrations."The key for this week, since it only happens every two years, is to bring in all the Rangers not currently forward and just enjoy the camaraderie," said Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Hardy, 75th Ranger Regiment command sergeant major. "It helps to build espirit de corps, and also allows us to showcase, for the veterans and distinguished visitors coming in, the regiment's capabilities and current state."Although all four of the regiment's battalions were represented in the jump, many of their Rangers could not be present as they are either preparing to deploy or are currently serving overseas."Not only is our Army and our nation at war, but most importantly this regiment is at war," said Col. Richard Clarke, 75th Ranger Regiment commanding officer.With more than half of the regiment currently deployed, Clarke said it would be a much larger event had all his Rangers been able to attend.Much coordination had to be in place as all four battalions prepared to jump from the C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. With battalions from Fort Lewis, Wash., and Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., linking up mid-flight with those from Fort Benning, safety and communication were crucial."Safety is key," said Clarke, who also acted as the airborne commander for the jump. "We don't get to do this often, so we really have to stress the importance of safety."For the family members present, the jump provided them a glimpse of how their Rangers operate. The regiment is highly trained in airborne insertions to seize key objectives, often hitting multiple targets in rapid succession."Movement to contact as soon as we hit the ground," Clarke said. "When you call the 75th Ranger Regiment in, no one can do it better. If you look at what Rangers are doing every single day in this conflict, and you look at the changes that have been made, how much we've developed as a regiment, you can't lose sight of that."Clarke said the Regiment is able to be so successful in its missions, not because of technological advantages, but because of the Rangers on the ground."It's because of what the Ranger squad leader, platoon sergeant and team leader has done," he said. "The flexibility and adaptability you all bring to the fight. Because of that, this regiment will stay out there after the relentless pursuit of the enemies of our country."The Ranger Rendezvous included several days of sporting events such as football, boxing and combatives, as well as a regimental barbeque.

(Information provided by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command News Service.)

Curtesty of: Army.mil

Army warns troops to avoid 'diploma mills'

From Fort Leavenworth Lamp

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The Army is warning Soldiers to avoid unaccredited colleges and universities that offer instant degrees supposedly based on military experience or training.
"The Army Human Resources Command is initiating an all-out campaign to warn Soldiers about these educational establishments and to work with Army educators and personnelists to ensure Soldiers are not enticed by unscrupulous vendors to purchase these fraudulent documents," said a message sent to all Army activities earlier this month.
"Soldiers who knowingly purchase one of these documents from a 'diploma mill' and attempt to have it placed in their official military personnel file for purposes of promotion (or) assignment consideration or other military reasons are perpetrating a crime, which may be punishable under the (Uniform Code of Military Justice)," the ALARACT message said.
"Diploma mills" are schools that offer certificates, degrees and diplomas for a fee. They are not accredited or recognized by the Department of Education, the message said.
Army tuition assistance is not approved for these schools, promotion points are not authorized and the credential will not be posted to official military records, the message added.The message also listed resources educators that personnel specialists and Soldiers can check to see if a school is accredited.
The web site www.goarmyed.com lists all accredited institutions used by Soldiers to obtain degrees. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation web site, www.chea.org, lists all colleges and universities that are nationally and regionally accredited. The American Council on Education also publishes a book and CD, "Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education." The Department of Education maintains a database of accredited postsecondary education institutions and programs at http://ope.ed .gov/accreditation/.For more information on accredited educational opportunities, Soldiers and Families may visit the Education Center on their installation.

Support Battalion provides amenities to Afghan Schools

By Pfc. Chris Baker

Task Force Spartan PAO Broadcast Journalist

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police from Pul-e-Alam supported by Soldiers of 710th Brigade Support Battalion, Task Force Spartan, delivered some 2,000 pounds of supplies June 2 to the Darwesh and Karzai Elementary Schools, near Pul-e-Alam .Notebooks, pens and soccer balls were handed out, along with many other items in an attempt to provide more amenities for Afghan students.

The most significant gift given during the day was work desks for the otherwise empty Darwesh Elementary."When we found this school, it had no furniture whatsoever. What we've done, using Commander's Emergency Relief Program funds, we've brought furniture for them in order for them to have a better learning experience," said Lt. Col. Eugene Shearer, 710th BSB commander."I've never been in school and tried to read and write while sitting on the floor. The desks will create a more organized classroom," said Capt. William Bennett, commander of A Company, 710th BSB.

Battalion leaders hope these basic supplies will help make the learning process easier for Afghan children, who are accustomed to having very little. As Afghan children ran around excitedly and asked Soldiers for pens, Bennett explained the progress his unit has made in Logar. "We've made great strides to build trust and relationships in this area. Today's a good day. We actually have furniture and supplies for the children who would otherwise be sitting on the ground," Bennett said. Bennett said one of the biggest requests from local leaders were the desks. With that request fulfilled, the battalion focus can shift towards other projects in the area, such as power, wells and building projects. According to Shearer, many more improvements are on the way."In our area of operations, we've planned projects for several schools, mosques and roads," he said. Shearer also mentioned the International Security Assistance Force's dedication to helping in Afghanistan."It's a long-term commitment. You can't get everything done right away. It takes time," he said.