it’s not SCIENCE FICTION..

Below is an article about the J8, CJTF Troy.  MAJ Pat Stamm submitted this for the monthly newsletter or TF Troy; “The Defuse.”

BY MAJ PATRICK STAMM

Science and Technology. It’s a term that lends itself to raised eyebrows, puzzled frowns and, sometimes, a Star Trek reference. But the work we’re doing in the CJTF Troy J8 Science and Technology office isn’t far-off from the tricks and gimmicks you might see on the SciFi channel or read about in Popular Mechanics magazine. We work on the cutting edge of technology. Testing the latest gee-wiz tools of the battlefield, we’re always looking for ways to give the troops on the ground the edge against the insurgency and its weapon of choice: the Improvised Explosive Device (IED). It’s not quite science fiction but J8 has tested amazing pieces of equipment. Acquiring the latest and greatest – it’s our mission.

 The enemy learns new techniques and employs ever more clever devices every day. The charge to find and test new ways to counter and defeat those techniques and devices falls upon the competent hands of the J8 Science and Technology Team. Though I’ve been in theater for only a short while, I have full confidence that we are on track, finding new technologies and gaining the edge in an ever-advancing battlefield. We’ve got a team of assembled geniuses and I have to say, as a newcomer, I’m really excited to be working with the guys in the J8 as we move toward a smarter, more effective fighting force in the War on Terror. We said goodbye to Lieutenant Colonel Dorothy Huber and Sergeant First Class Gunderson as they rounded out their tour with Task Force Troy. Major Greg Holifield and Mr. David Thompson are still in the fight.

MAJ Greg Holifield (PhD) and Lt. Zenzen conduct field testing
 
They manage to make me feel intellectually inadequate on a daily basis. We’re still in the re-education process of exactly what we do and how we do it. There’s a shaping process that is integral to a team comprised of personnel with different skill sets. We are meshing well as a group which is important considering how lengthy a fifteen month deployment can seem when things are not going well at the workplace. I am delighted to be a part of this team. I am surrounded by the most innovative professionals who understand and are fully dedicated to the Task Force Troy J8 Science and Technology mission. In our short time together, we’ve figured out a few of each other’s quirks and personalities. David Thompson, for example, enjoys salsa. Major Holifield knows the lyrics to the ‘Milkshake’ song. As for me, my co-workers have been accusing me of being a little too preachy – not in a religious sort of way.

MAJ Pat Stamm and David Thompson (MS, EE)  making strategic decisions.
 
We are preparing to welcome another member to our team very soon. Mr. Rob Simmons comes to us with a wealth of knowledge. He will provide us with some much-needed assistance in the acquisition realm. The assets he will bring to the Troy J8 Science and Technology will be fully utilized and integrated into our mission here. Applying his knowledge to help Doc Holifield and David explore new technologies will certainly be a benefit in aiding our troops to secure the peace in Iraq. To our family and friends back home, we miss you all. We think of you often. Stay safe and keep us in your hearts and prayers as we keep you in ours. You can all be proud of the work we are all doing here at Task Force Troy.

In continuing the trend of recognizing a hero who has supported historic OIF efforts, below is a brief synopsis of Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffrey L. Chaney who was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., which is north of Seattle.

He and another sailor, Chief Petty Officer Patrick Wade of Key West, Fla., died during combat operations July 17, 2007 in Iraq’s Salah Ad Din province. Chaney graduated in 1990 from Bellevue West High School and was a 14-year-veteran of the Navy. His mother, Connie Chaney, said she talked to her son often and “never one time ever did he hang up without saying ‘I love you, Mom.’ ”

Jeffrey Chaney was the youngest of five children and the father of a 14-year-old girl, Brianna, who lives in Omaha. He was also survived by his father, Larry Chaney of Minneapolis; a sister; and two brothers. Her son grew up in “Air Force country” in and around Bellevue, home of Offutt Air Force Base, Connie Chaney said. “All his friends were Air Force people,” she told the Lincoln Journal Star. “He chose the Navy,” enlisting in 1993.  Jeff’s cousin said Jeff was committed to his mission in Iraq. “Jeff had the attitude that it was his job, he loved his job, and all he wanted to do was his job … even if it meant giving his life.”