Meet Your Military
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Air Force Lt. Col. Lisa Pike, right, contributed to standing up the first army officer candidate course for Afghan women during her recent deployment to Afghanistan. Courtesy photo[/caption] RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, Recent efforts by airmen and their coalition partners have led to opportunities for women in Afghanistan to serve as commissioned officers in the Afghan army.
Air Force Lt. Col. Lisa Pike, right, contributed to standing up the first army officer candidate course for Afghan women during her recent deployment to Afghanistan. Courtesy photo[/caption] RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, Recent efforts by airmen and their coalition partners have led to opportunities for women in Afghanistan to serve as commissioned officers in the Afghan army.Pike served as the chief of staff for the Combined Training Advisory Group Army, a subordinate command of NATO Training Mission Afghanistan and the U.S. military’s Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan. Her mission focused on helping to train, advise, coach and monitor the Afghanistan National Army Training Center in establishing a doctrine and education and training system capable of supporting the Afghan army’s development.Creating the first women’s officer candidate course included working with potential students to discuss the course and outline the commitments they’d have to make to participate."I counseled our Afghan counterparts on the program and met with women currently in the [Afghan army]," Pike said. "I discussed with them the fact that they are the first for all of these initiatives, and their success is very important not only to women in Afghanistan, but to the future of their country and its army." In addition to opportunities available through the officer candidate course, National Military Academy of Afghanistan officials noted that the academy admits 10 women per year. Women attending the academy make long-term commitments that involve studying at the academy for one year, attending medical school for six years and committing to the army for 20 years. "I am very proud of all these women for stepping forward and taking a chance on making a difference," Pike said. "I think it is important to have representation of an entire nation when building for the future, and it is essential for all people of a nation to be educated. Education is the key to success." Pike said she used these opportunities not only to tell Afghan women about the education and training programs available to them, but also to serve as a role model and to provide mentorship. "I, along with other coalition women, have provided a positive example of what women can contribute, when given the chance, to the leaders of the training center and army," she said. Pike's dedication and professionalism played a critical role in the Afghan army’s development, said British Brig. Gen. Simon Levey, Combined Training Advisory Group Army’s commanding general. "I have no doubt that it was due to her endeavors as a female role model that the commander of [the training center] decided to run the first female officer candidate course," Levey said. "She was his inspiration, as she was for the coalition staff." The creation of regional military training centers has doubled the training center's capacity, Pike said. During the majority of her tour, she added, the focus was on growing the army. That focus recently changed to developing the army. "With that comes the creation and implementation of branch-specific schools in order to train and educate a more balanced force for the future," she said. Pike said she learned a lot during her deployment and developed many relationships with her coalition co-workers and Afghan counterparts that were mutually beneficial to the success of their training mission and to the future of the Afghan people. "The relationships we have built with our Afghan counterparts and the work they and our team have done to increase both the quantity and quality of training for the Afghan National Army has been exceptional," she said. "I think I contributed to the senior [training center] leadership's ability to see that women can be professional and competent officers, and that women can participate in their army and in the development of their country." April 28, 2010: By Air Force Staff Sgt. Steve Grever- Air Force Personnel Center
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Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Chirstelle Byll, right, interprets a lecture on physical security planning to sailors and coast guardsmen from Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Equatorial Guinea during a port security class aboard the USS Gunston Hall, April 13, 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class John Stratton[/caption] DAKAR, Senegal A U.S. sailor born and raised in Togo has found herself back in Africa on a unique mission aboard USS Gunston Hall supporting Africa Partnership Station West.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Chirstelle Byll, right, interprets a lecture on physical security planning to sailors and coast guardsmen from Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Equatorial Guinea during a port security class aboard the USS Gunston Hall, April 13, 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class John Stratton[/caption] DAKAR, Senegal A U.S. sailor born and raised in Togo has found herself back in Africa on a unique mission aboard USS Gunston Hall supporting Africa Partnership Station West.Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Chirstelle Byll, an operations specialist, moved to Baltimore from her native Togo at age 19 and joined the Navy in December 2005. Currently assigned to USS Stout, she was selected to assist instructors from the Security Force Assistance Detachment of the Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Assistance Training Command, using her native French-speaking skills to interpret the course material for sailors from various French-speaking African nations."A friend recommended me," Byll said. "I jumped right on it, knowing it would be a great opportunity to come back to Africa and help out. I went through an instructor school before joining the team. I then had to familiarize myself with the course material that we would be teaching to the African sailors."Byll interpreted for the port-security and train-the-trainer classes taught by Navy Chief Petty Officer Jerry Mosley that included sailors and coast guardsmen from Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Equatorial Guinea. "Byll is a great asset to the team," Mosley said. "She brings with her an understanding of the African culture and can also relate to being a U.S. sailor." Byll agreed that her background is an asset. "I believe the African sailors relate to me a little more than the other instructors," she said. "They feel more comfortable asking me questions if they need help." Byll added that she hopes the students can take the training and apply it when they return home. Chief Petty Officer Joseph Ndiaye of the Senegalese navy said he was thrilled to have the African-born U.S. sailor interpret for him. "I was unaware at first that she was from Togo," he said. "This was a big surprise and a great opportunity, because she knows both cultures." Byll said she plans to make a career in the Navy, noting she eventually wants to obtain an officer’s commission. The training being conducted through Africa Partnership Station West is part of an international initiative developed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa that aims to improve maritime safety and security in Africa. It’s designed to enhance professional development and provide a valuable motivational and instructional experience to increase the awareness of maritime safety and security, officials said. April 27, 2010: By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class John Stratton- USS Guston Hall
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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska The commander of the 3rd Comptroller Squadron Financial Management Flight here has provided a $750 scholarship to the University of Alaska Anchorage's ROTC program.Air Force 1st Lt. Christina Geller presented her first check for the scholarship April 23 at the ROTC's leadership lab.The lieutenant said she wanted to give back to the school that had helped to kick off her career.An Anchorage native, Geller started UAA's ROTC program in May 2004. She graduated in 2006, and then was assigned here. She said she plans to continue the scholarship for 10 years. Nobody from her family had attended college, Geller said, so the odds were stacked against her. But she was able to attend college by receiving numerous scholarships. "Not having money to go to college should not be a reason," she said. "By providing a scholarship, it enables somebody to potentially to go to college and earn a degree and do something they are passionate about." Geller said the ROTC program did great things for her, allowing her to gain the self-confidence and leadership skills she needs as she pursues her Air Force career. The Air Force ROTC detachment commander at the University of Alaska Anchorage expressed gratitude for the scholarship. "This scholarship is great," said Air Force Lt. Col. Doug Smith. "It serves two purposes. First, it will help offset college expenses for a hard-working and deserving underclass cadet who is pursuing a commission in the Air Force. This will, in turn, allow our program at the university to retain high-quality candidates as future Air Force officers. Second, it helps fortify the efforts to maintain an active and involved … alumni association." Geller said she hopes the financial help will influence others to consider signing up for the ROTC program, and that they'll be up for the challenge. The scholarship’s first recipient will be chosen in time for the fall semester. April 26, 2010: By Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross- 3rd Wing
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Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David R. Brewer, a drill instructor at the recruit training center in San Diego, acquired a passion for fly-fishing from his grandfather while growing up in Colorado. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rebecca A. Lamont[/caption] MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO – He started learning the ins and outs of fly-fishing from his grandfather at age 7. Years later, he’d spend every day on the Gunnison River in Colorado.
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David R. Brewer, a drill instructor at the recruit training center in San Diego, acquired a passion for fly-fishing from his grandfather while growing up in Colorado. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rebecca A. Lamont[/caption] MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO – He started learning the ins and outs of fly-fishing from his grandfather at age 7. Years later, he’d spend every day on the Gunnison River in Colorado.“My grandfather taught me everything I know about fly-fishing,â€Â said Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David R. Brewer, a drill instructor with Platoon 3263, Company M.Fly-fishing differs from other forms of fishing because the individual stands in a river with waders and uses an artificial bug as bait, using an ancient angling method.“It gives me an adrenaline rush,â€Â Brewer said. “You don’t know when the fish will jump out, and then it becomes a fight.â€Â The Gunnison River is Brewer’s favorite place to fish because it’s in a canyon; the water is incredibly clear. It’s a very peaceful place and few people know about it. “I’d fish with my grandfather and usually my two younger brothers as well,â€Â Brewer said. “We are all best friends.â€Â Brewer’s grandfather once showed his grandsons how to catch trout using a cookie. “One day my brothers and I were making fun of my grandfather, telling him he wasn’t going to catch anything that day,â€Â Brewer recalled. “Well, then he put [a cookie] in his mouth and casted his fly 15 feet ahead.â€Â Within a minute, his grandfather reeled in an 11-pound brown trout -- a large-sized fish to catch in a river -- and his grandfather had the last laugh, Brewer said. More recently, Brewer’s grandfather celebrated his birthday with his son and Brewer on a deep-sea fishing charter boat in San Diego. Although he didn’t keep his catch, Brewer’s grandfather caught a 350-pound hammerhead shark. “He put him back. It’s all about the thrill,â€Â Brewer said. “Besides, what is someone going to do with 350 pounds of meat?â€Â Brewer had a fish story worthy of telling for years when he caught a 14-pound rainbow trout on the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, Colo. “My brother and I were fishing one day and I was standing on a rock in the center of the river,â€Â he said. A fish grabbed his fly and unraveled all the line off his reel. “I had to get off my rock and follow him,â€Â Brewer said. “He dragged me into a strong current, and the water was up to my neck, so I had to hop on another rock.â€Â But then he slipped. “All my gear went down river, and I had to swim at this point,â€Â he said. “But I never let go of that fishing pole.â€Â Two hours later, Brewer finally won the fight, but with a price. Although he lost all of his fishing gear, it was well worth catching that rainbow trout, he said. “I don’t eat fish; I just snap a picture and let it go,â€Â he said. “It’s just for the experience and the competition between my brothers on who can catch the biggest fish, that’s all.â€Â It’s also a good time on the river and nice bonding with family, he said. Brewer will be home on leave soon, fishing with his brothers. He and his grandfather plan to go fly-fishing in Alaska someday, he said, because they look forward to the challenging fight the 50-pound salmon there would bring. “I’m going to be catching big fish for the rest of my life. I guarantee it,â€Â Brewer said. March 16, 2010: By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rebecca A. Lamont-Special to American Forces Press Service (Lance Cpl. Rebecca A. Lamont serves at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.)
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Navy Seaman Vince Edward Chu Lo, a corpsman with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, gives medical treatment to a resident of Marja, Afghanistan, March 7, 2010. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Walter Marino[/caption] WASHINGTON– After an eight-hour post, Navy Seaman Vince Edward Chu Lo, a corpsman for 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, finally reached his long-awaited sleeping bag.
Navy Seaman Vince Edward Chu Lo, a corpsman with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, gives medical treatment to a resident of Marja, Afghanistan, March 7, 2010. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Walter Marino[/caption] WASHINGTON– After an eight-hour post, Navy Seaman Vince Edward Chu Lo, a corpsman for 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, finally reached his long-awaited sleeping bag.But moments after he sat down, someone shouted, “Doc Lo!â€Â and the corpsman knew it was back to business.When he answered the call, Lo was relieved to find that no Marines were injured. Two elderly residents of Marja, Afghanistan, had minor injuries and needed his help, which the corpsman was happy to provide.Lo said watching his mother, a nurse, give medical treatment to underprivileged people while he was growing up in Lawang City, Philippines, provided inspiration for his current job. "You always grow up wanting to be like your mom or dad. I’m a momma’s boy," Lo said. Through a translator, Lo discovered that the two Afghans were Abdoul Kayoom, 60, and Aji Mohamad Sharij, 58. Kayoom had knee injuries, and Sharij experienced complications with his vision. Lo inspected their injuries and concluded they would need inpatient treatment at a hospital. Meanwhile, he chose to help them with the limited tools he had. "As a combat corpsman, we don’t have the equipment for those problems,â€Â he explained. “But I just tried to help them with what I had. I grew up in a Third World country. For me, helping another person is a good thing." Grabbing a bandage from his medical bag, Lo began wrapping Kayoom’s knees, making a makeshift knee brace on both legs to reduce the pressure on the joints. For Sharij, Lo gave medicated drops to relieve his eye pain, and foot cream for what he suspected to be a case of athlete’s foot. After Lo’s work was done, the translator was not needed. The smiles and handshakes by Sharij and Kayoom said it all. "We are very thankful for what our new friend did for us," Sharij said. For Lo, just knowing he had helped others made his day. "When I helped them, it reminded me of what my mom used to do, and [it] made me happy, even if it was a simple thing,â€Â he said, adding that he plans to continue to learn all he can to be a better corpsman. Senior corpsmen in his battalion recognize his efforts. "He’s proficient in what he does, because he takes this seriously and tries to improve,â€Â said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Guerwin E. Weeks. “He’s willing to ask for advice and take advice to be a better corpsman. On my other two deployments, I would have loved to have him." March 15, 2010: By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Walter Marino- Special to American Forces Press Service (Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Walter Marino serves with the 1st Marine Division’s Regimental Combat Team 7 public affairs office.)