Summer 2010 - STATES - The National Guard

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Massachusetts Guard Soldier Becomes U.S. Citizen By Maj. Allen D. Aldenberg 211th Military Police Battalion CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Spc. Dimitros A. Pastos, who is currently serving in Taji, Iraq, with the 211th Military Police Battalion, was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a United States citizen Feb. 15, 2010, in Baghdad, Iraq. The ceremony was overseen by the Deputy Commanding General for Operations, United States Forces – Iraq, and I Corps Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. Jacoby called on the newest American citizens to continue their faithful and honorable service to the United States, and he personally presented each Soldier with a Commander’s Coin for Excellence as well as an American flag. Pastos immigrated to the United States from Greece at the age of seven, and his family settled in Lynn, Mass., where he has lived and raised his own family ever since. Early on in the unit’s deployment, Pastos expressed his interest in becoming a United States citizen, knowing that it could be accomplished through the assistance of the United States military. 22 Minuteman Summer 2010 Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., Deputy Commanding General for Operations, United States Forces – Iraq, and I Corps Commanding General, left, congratulates Spc. Dimitros A. Pastos, of Headquarters Detachment, 211th Military Police Battalion, after Pastos became a U.S. citizen at a naturalization ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, Feb. 15, 2010 (U.S. Army photo). In October 2009, Pastos began the process of fulfilling his dream with the assistance of his section leader, Sgt. She’lagh R. Dunbar. After completing the often arduous process, his dream finally became reality along with another 106 Soldiers at the Al Faw Palace, one of Saddam Hussein’s former palaces in Baghdad. It was truly a great privilege for those in attendance to witness these Soldiers taking the oath of citizenship to the United States of America in a truly historic location. The significance of such an event was not lost on those present. To witness so many young men and women, who have all been serving their adopted country, finally have the privilege of calling themselves citizens of the United States, was a truly moving moment. Pastos was personally moved by the entire experience, and his pride and excitement was clearly visible on his face. When asked if he felt any different, he responded in his normal quiet manner, “I do feel different, but it is a good different.” Pastos was very appreciative of those who helped him through the process. In particular, he was extremely grateful to Dunbar, who assisted him in all aspects of the process including studying American history and civics as well as preparing him for his one-on-one interview. Pastos and the other members of the 211th Military Police Battalion continue to support the transition of facilities and operations at Camp Taji to the government of Iraq. The unit is scheduled to complete its deployment later in 2010. ✯
artners for Prosperity Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Daniel C. Maes 211th Military Police Battalion CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The job-skill training offered to detainees at the Taji Theater Internment Facility and Reconciliation Center got a boost with the addition of scores of new tools donated by the Sunni Endowment of Iraq, Jan. 15, 2010. Sheik Ahmed Adbul Khafour al-Samara’e, head of the endowment, and Sheik Mahmoud Ali Ahmed al-Falahi, director of the endowment’s human rights office, visited Camp Taji to present the tools to Rear Adm. Lothrop Little, special assistant to the deputy commanding general for detainee operations. Also on hand to receive the gifts were Col. John M. Huey, commander of the 89th Military Police Brigade and Task Force Griffin, and Lt. Col. Richard Johnson, commander of the 211th Military Police Battalion, which directly oversees the vocational and technical training provided to detainees at the Taji TIFRC. Taji warden Hassan Al-Mohammadawi of the Iraqi Corrections Service represented the government of Iraq at the event. “Thanks to Dr. Ahmed and the Sunni Endowment, their contribution of tools is going to allow the Ministry of Justice to train detainees for a better life in Iraq,” said Little. During the ceremony, al-Samara’e extolled the virtues of hard work and noted that the first step toward a better life for the detainees is to train Lt. Col. Richard Johnson (left), commander of the 211th Military Police Battalion, addresses the audience with the assistance of Bilingual-Bicultural Advisor Salah Al-Hindawy during a ceremony at the Taji Theater Internment Facility and Reconciliation Center, Jan. 15, 2010. The vocational and technical training program for detainees here, which is directly overseen by the 211th, received a donation of new tools from the Sunni Endowment of Iraq. (Left to right) Sheik Ahmed Adbul Khafour al-Samara’e, head of the Sunni Endowment of Iraq; Mr. Hassan Al-Mohammadawi, Taji Theater Internment Facility and Reconciliation Center warden; Sheik Mahmoud Ali Ahmed al-Falahi, director of the human rights office of the Sunni Endowment; and Rear Adm. Lothrup Little, special assistant to the deputy commanding general for detainee operations, Jan. 15, 2010. The Sunni Endowment donated new tools for the vocational training programs offered to detainees at the Taji TIFRC. Top photo: Warden Hassan Al-Mohammadawi (left) speaks with Sheik Ahmed Adbul Khafour al-Samara’e, head of the Sunni Endowment of Iraq, at the Taji Theater Internment Facility and Reconciliation Center, Jan. 15, 2010. and teach them job skills that they can use upon their release. He also pointed out that the vocational training provided here is an effective way to prevent many of the detainees from returning to violence. He said he believed many who are responsible for violence in Iraq have not been afforded the opportunity to learn peaceful and productive job skills. “Education and vocational training for detainees is a topic upon which there is total consensus among Americans and Iraqis, regardless of religious affiliation, politics, or ideology. Providing detainees with improved literacy, job skills and a positive self-image prior to release will enhance their prospects to successfully re-enter Iraqi society, support their families, support the rule of law and avoid a return to violence,” said Johnson. This is the second time in two months new tools have been donated to the TIFRC by the Sunni Endowment. The increased amount of tools, such as saws, hammers, rakes, shovels, drills, levels and screwdrivers, means more detainees will receive hands-on training in agriculture, carpentry, HVAC repair and masonry. The presentation ceremony, which drew Iraqis and Americans together in common cause, included displays focused on each of the subjects taught here, as well as finished products, including a full-size picnic table complete with a roof. The viable job skills imparted to the detainees through the vocational and technical programs offered at the Taji TIFRC are designed to help them successfully reintegrate into Iraqi society. The significant security gains made throughout the country will allow Iraqis to focus on economic development and become part of Iraq’s growing and prosperous future. The Soldiers of the 211th Military Police Battalion have worked earnestly to improve the job skills training programs here and ensure that they are running efficiently when the TIFRC is transferred to the government of Iraq in early spring of 2010. ✯ The Nation’s First 23
Page 3: On the Cover EAST FREETOWN, Mass. -
Page 6 and 7: Service Member Spotlight Army Spc.
Page 9 and 10: Massachusetts National Guard Gives
Page 11 and 12: Story and photos by Air Force Capt.
Page 14 and 15: 101st FA Medic Provides Care at Car
Page 16 and 17: NationalGuard Celebrates the 373rd
Page 18 and 19: In the Spirit of Giving By Sgt. 1st
Page 20 and 21: Friend of 102nd Continues Model Air
Page 23: Oldest FA Battalion Takes Charge at
Page 27 and 28: Celtics and Soldiers Host Black His
Page 29 and 30: Marksmanship Training with the Afgh

Summer 2010 - STATES - The National Guard

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