‘Iraqi First’: Iraqi contractor to build flight line chapel aboard al-Asad

AL ASAD, Iraq (April 2, 2008) – A ground-breaking ceremony held today marked the beginning of construction for a new chapel on the south side of the base here.

The $280,000 contract, part of the ‘Iraqi First’ program, marked the first time an Iraqi construction company has performed work aboard al-Asad since the war began. The program started last year and has contracted dozens of projects aboard U.S. installations throughout Iraq.

“The U.S. government is reaching out and trying to help the Iraqi companies and people find more work and stimulate their economy,” said Navy Cmdr. Roland Mina, the public works officer for al-Asad.

The program has provided work for many Iraqi craftsmen across the country and has a far-reaching impact on the communities surrounding the bases.

“The program allows me to help my people,” said Ali Faris, the owner of al- Folatheya, the company contracted to build the chapel. “I have fulfilled 12 contracts on American bases and the work provides money for my workers and their families and also to the markets where I buy my material and machinery.”

The concept of building a chapel on the south side of base began as a request from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, according to Air Force Lt. Col. Tom Sadlo, a former operations officer of al-Asad.

“The request couldn’t be filled while 2nd MAW was here, but the Base Command Group made sure it wasn’t forgotten as they changed places with 3rd MAW,” Sadlo explained. “The BCG took on a lot of responsibility in order to help the two wings focus on their turnover.”

The turnover was the first of many hurdles to overcome before construction could begin.

“We were in uncharted water when this started,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Leininger, a contractor accountability assistant for the BCG. “Basically, we had to figure out how we were going to get all of these Iraqis and their equipment on base. In the end, we coordinated with the provost marshal’s office and developed a plan for moving the material and getting the appropriate security for the workers and the construction site.”

The provost marshal’s office performed background checks, issued badges to the workers and will inspect all equipment and material coming aboard the base, according to Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Paul Pritchard, anti-terrorism force protection officer, Marine Wing Support Group 37, and native of Dallas.

The combined efforts of the personnel who made the construction possible will benefit the morale of the flight line personnel, said Navy Lt. Frank Riley, a chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 16.

“Right now, we have a very small chapel for the flight line service members and some have to travel across base for their services,” explained Riley, an Orange, Calif. native. “The new chapel will really help them out.”

With the construction underway, the chapel will not only be a welcome improvement for the service members, but also strengthens the bond between the air base and the surrounding community outside the gates.

“As the owner of an Iraqi construction business, I look forward to building a reputation for quality work,” Faris added. “So that the U.S. will have greater trust in Iraqi companies and will do more business with them in the future.”

Backpacks full of hope: 3rd MAW (Fwd) opens Iraqi and American Friendship Project Logistics Center

AL-ASAD, Iraq (May 27, 2008) – Over 1,000 Iraqi children may soon have school supplies thanks to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) with the launch of the Human Unity Begins project and the grand opening of a logistics center at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron here May 19.

The Iraqi and American Friendship Project Logistics Center will serve as the supply warehouse for HUB, a humanitarian mission which provides backpacks and school supplies to children in need.

The HUB program, started by the 3rd MAW (Fwd.) chaplains, draws inspiration from Operation Backpack, an annual back-to-school program organized by Volunteers of America to provide backpacks and school supplies to children in need, according to Navy Lt. Frank Riley, a chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 16.

“We use the acronym HUB, which is also the Arabic word for love,” said Petty Officer First Class Lori Ihli, a religious programs specialist with MAG-16. “Through this program, we will be able to provide basic school supplies to Iraqi children. We will use the friendship center as an assembly line for the project.”


With the help of MAG-16 and various religious congregations in the U.S., the chaplains have collected enough supplies for 1,000 backpacks, which will be packed full of school supplies, such as paper, pencils and safety scissors, by volunteers from various commands aboard Al Asad Air Base.

“Our goal is to create a program that is sustainable and can be carried on for a long time,” said Riley, an Orange Calif. native. “We’re starting small, with the friendship center, in order to see what kind of need there is for school supplies in the local area. From there, we may open this project up to more sponsors and expand our efforts.”

Once the supplies are packed and ready for distribution, the organizers will pass the backpacks on to the local schools and to the Iraqi Police, who will then deliver them to the children.

“The idea is to help the people of Iraq strengthen their faith in their schools and their police,” Riley added. “The project is about empowering the children and the community as a whole.”

The initiative is also a chance for those Marines who may spend their deployment working on base, to make a difference in the lives of the Iraqi people, Riley said.

“The whole experience of being involved with the opening of the friendship center has been motivating and inspirational for me,” said Lance Cpl. Joshua Wynn, a HUB volunteer and supply clerk from MALS-16. “It feels great to be a part of something that will benefit so many people and it’s nice to really get this project rolling.”

The HUB volunteers hope to have the first 1,000 backpacks ready for distribution by the end of this summer.

Silver Eagles take MCMAP to the flight line

AL ASAD, Iraq (March 26, 2008) – Whether it be the dry midday heat, the unrelenting sandstorms or the nonstop maintenance schedule of a deployed squadron, nothing stops Marines from sharpening their combat skills.

Gunnery Sgt. Stephen Lutz, the squadron gunnery sergeant of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, the Silver Eagles, has taken it upon himself to train approximately 20 students of various belt levels in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

The students come from different workspaces within VMFA-115, as well as Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4, the Sea Hawks, and range from basic tan belt to the more experienced green belt.

“I started the classes to help the Marines push themselves further toward their goals in the MCMAP program,” Lutz, a black belt instructor, explained. “I opened the classes up for the other squadrons on the south side of base because I wanted to help their Marines as well. It doesn’t matter to me where a Marine comes from as long as they are serious about training, I will teach them.”
Assisting Lutz is Gunnery Sgt. John Dalton, the Powerline division chief of VMFA-115. Dalton is a black belt and has been involved in MCMAP for more than six years.

“It is the responsibility of everyone, especially black belts, to help out whenever MCMAP classes are given,” Dalton explained.

Lutz teaches the classes back-to-back from grey belt all the way to brown belt.

“I am training for my brown belt, but I try to go to all of the classes,” said Cpl. Raymond Bryant, a data networking specialist with the Silver Eagles. “It helps me prepare for the more challenging moves taught during the brown belt class.”


As the Marines progress through the techniques, they gain confidence in their ability, according to Lutz, an Elkader, Iowa native.

“We are learning some cool techniques,” said Sgt. Carlos Guitron, the Sea Hawks’ career retention specialist. “As we move through the classes, some of the techniques become very easy. I have noticed how quickly and without much effort, you can take your opponent to the ground.”

Though the training is tough and is normally stacked onto a long workday, it gives the Marines something to look forward to everyday besides taking a shower and going to sleep, Lutz said.

“This is what Marines do,” Dalton added. “We adapt to our environment and use it to our advantage while accomplishing our mission. Conducting MCMAP benefits the Marines by teaching them the disciplines of martial arts, instilling a sense of pride in accomplishing a new belt level and keeps them from sitting in their quarters getting homesick.”

No matter the clime or place, whether through close air support or lethal hand-to-hand combat skills, the Silver Eagles are training to be prepared for whatever comes their way.

Silver Eagles honor former CO during 65th anniversary

AL-ASAD, Iraq (July 3, 2007) – The Silver Eagles of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) celebrated their 65th anniversary here July 1.
The squadron was originally organized July 1, 1943 as Marine Fighter Squadron 115 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Major Joseph Foss, an ace who held the World War II Marine Corps record for shooting down 26 enemy aircraft, took command 16 days later.

Foss, who had recently received the Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, made an impression on the pilots of the newly formed squadron, who quickly decided that VMF-115 would be known as “Joe’s Jokers.”

Joe’s Jokers joined the Pacific campaign in May 1944 where the squadron distinguished itself during the battle of Leyte Gulf and in the Sulu Archipelago, where they provided close air support, fighter cover and deep air strikes against enemy positions despite adverse weather conditions.

Having flown more than 18,000 flight hours in 5,856 sorties, the Marines of VMF-115 contributed to the success of the American campaign in the Philippines, according to Capt. Owen Smith, the VMFA-115 historical officer.

In celebration of their squadron’s heritage and 65th anniversary, The Marines of VMFA-115 painted one of their aircraft with the Joe’s Jokers insignia. The insignia also adorns the squadron members’ coveralls and flight suits.
Walt Disney studios created the original insignia, a stack of playing cards with a cartoon F4U-1 Corsair smoking a cigar on the top card, in the late 1940’s to represent the squadron’s balance of aerial combat prowess and high spirits, Smith explained.

“During this time of combat operations, it is only fitting that we paint a jet to represent our proud and distinguished history,” said Maj. Michael Juenger, VMFA-115’s executive officer. “I think the aircraft is something our squadron can be proud of and represents the Marines and sailors of VMFA-115 who served together here and have worked so hard to ensure their fellow warriors on the ground had air support overhead.”

The Joe’s Jokers emblem now resides on the tail end, while Foss’ name and Medal of Honor are printed beside the cockpit. The Marines added a South Carolina flag to the speed brake to represent the squadron’s current home, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

“We put a lot of thought into how we would be able to keep the originality of the old logo, while adding a little twist to represent the current squadron,” said Staff Sgt. Waldemar Velazquez, the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of VMFA-115’s airframes division.

As the Joe’s Jokers jet took to the skies July 2 on its first combat mission since it was re-painted, it took part in the squadron’s historical deployment as the first single-seat forward air controller-airborne capable F/A-18 squadron deployed on Iraqi soil.

“The squadron honored its birthday as we have in every conflict we have fought in,” Juenger added. “That is by flying combat missions in support of the Coalition forces on the ground.”

Silver Eagles honor former CO during 65th anniversary

AL-ASAD, Iraq (July 3, 2007) – The Silver Eagles of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) celebrated their 65th anniversary here July 1.

The squadron was originally organized July 1, 1943 as Marine Fighter Squadron 115 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Major Joseph Foss, an ace who held the World War II Marine Corps record for shooting down 26 enemy aircraft, took command 16 days later.

Foss, who had recently received the Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, made an impression on the pilots of the newly formed squadron, who quickly decided that VMF-115 would be known as “Joe’s Jokers.”

Joe’s Jokers joined the Pacific campaign in May 1944 where the squadron distinguished itself during the battle of Leyte Gulf and in the Sulu Archipelago, where they provided close air support, fighter cover and deep air strikes against enemy positions despite adverse weather conditions.

Having flown more than 18,000 flight hours in 5,856 sorties, the Marines of VMF-115 contributed to the success of the American campaign in the Philippines, according to Capt. Owen Smith, the VMFA-115 historical officer.

In celebration of their squadron’s heritage and 65th anniversary, The Marines of VMFA-115 painted one of their aircraft with the Joe’s Jokers insignia. The insignia also adorns the squadron members’ coveralls and flight suits.

Walt Disney studios created the original insignia, a stack of playing cards with a cartoon F4U-1 Corsair smoking a cigar on the top card, in the late 1940’s to represent the squadron’s balance of aerial combat prowess and high spirits, Smith explained.

“During this time of combat operations, it is only fitting that we paint a jet to represent our proud and distinguished history,” said Maj. Michael Juenger, VMFA-115’s executive officer. “I think the aircraft is something our squadron can be proud of and represents the Marines and sailors of VMFA-115 who served together here and have worked so hard to ensure their fellow warriors on the ground had air support overhead.”

The Joe’s Jokers emblem now resides on the tail end, while Foss’ name and Medal of Honor are printed beside the cockpit. The Marines added a South Carolina flag to the speed brake to represent the squadron’s current home, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

“We put a lot of thought into how we would be able to keep the originality of the old logo, while adding a little twist to represent the current squadron,” said Staff Sgt. Waldemar Velazquez, the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of VMFA-115’s airframes division.

As the Joe’s Jokers jet took to the skies July 2 on its first combat mission since it was re-painted, it took part in the squadron’s historical deployment as the first single-seat forward air controller-airborne capable F/A-18 squadron deployed on Iraqi soil.

“The squadron honored its birthday as we have in every conflict we have fought in,” Juenger added. “That is by flying combat missions in support of the Coalition forces on the ground.”

Iraqi contractor to build flight line chapel aboard al Asad

Sgt. Lukas Atwell

AL ASAD, Iraq, (April 2, 2008) – A ground-breaking ceremony held today marked the beginning of construction for a new chapel on the south side of the base.

The $280,000 contract, part of the ‘Iraqi First’ program, marked the first time an Iraqi construction company has performed work aboard al Asad since the war began. The program started last year and has contracted dozens of projects aboard U.S. installations throughout Iraq.
“The U.S. government is reaching out and trying to help the Iraqi companies and people find more work and stimulate their economy,” said Navy Cmdr. Roland Mina, the public works officer for al Asad.

The program has provided work for many Iraqi craftsmen across the country and has a far-reaching impact on the communities surrounding the bases.

“The program allows me to help my people,” said Ali Faris, the owner of al Folatheya, the company contracted to build the chapel. “I have fulfilled 12 contracts on American bases and the work provides money for my workers and their families and also to the markets where I buy my material and machinery.”

The concept of building a chapel on the south side of base began as a request from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, according to Air Force Lt. Col. Tom Sadlo, the former operations officer of al Asad.

“The request couldn’t be filled while 2nd MAW was here, but the Base Command Group made sure it wasn’t forgotten as they changed places with 3rd MAW,” Sadlo explained. “The BCG took on a lot of responsibility in order to help the two wings focus on their turnover.”

The turnover was the first of many hurdles to overcome before construction could begin.

“We were in uncharted water when this started,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Leininger, a contractor accountability assistant for the BCG. “Basically, we had to figure out how we were going to get all of these Iraqis and their equipment on base. In the end, we coordinated with the provost marshal’s office and developed a plan for moving the material and getting the appropriate security for the workers and the construction site.”

The provost marshal’s office performed background checks, issued badges to the workers and will inspect all equipment and material coming aboard the base, according to Dallas native Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Paul Pritchard, the anti-terrorism force protection officer for Marine Wing Support Group 37.

The combined efforts of the personnel who made the construction possible will benefit the morale of the flight line personnel, said Navy Lt. Frank Riley, a chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 16.

“Right now, we have a very small chapel for the flight line service members and some have to travel across base for their services,” explained Riley, an Orange, Calif. native. “The new chapel will really help them out.”

With the construction underway, the chapel will not only be a welcome improvement for the service members, but also strengthens the bond between the air base and the surrounding community outside the gates.

“As the owner of an Iraqi construction business, I look forward to building a reputation for quality work,” Faris added. “So that the U.S. will have greater trust in Iraqi companies and will do more business with them in the future.”