CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – 1st Lt. Shelby Johnson, the executive officer of B Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, plays a game of chess with a friend on Contingency Operating Base Adder May 3. Johnson has played the game for 26 years and will participate in this year’s All Army Chess Championship. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Sharla Lewis, 3rd AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div.)

Ready to push back.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Policemen assigned to 3rd Federal Police Division, practice techniques for crowd control during a training course at Contingency Operating Site Marez, May 2, 2011. Throughout June, policemen from 3rd FP Div., are scheduled to join several other Iraqi Security Forces agencies during Operation Iron Lion, an ongoing series of exercises demonstrating interagency cooperation and capabilities.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Spc. Lawrence Shipman, a patient administrative specialist from Washington, D.C., and Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Zeke, a combat stress-relief dog from San Antonio, play catch outside the Contingency Operating Site Marez Combat Stress Control clinic, March 8, 2011. Shipman and Zeke, assigned to 85th Medical Combat Stress Control Detachment, were recently inducted into the Order of the Spur for their service providing combat stress relief to the Soldiers of 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn. The 85th Medical Combat Stress Control Soldiers are currently preparing to redeploy back to Fort Hood, Texas, after completing a 12-month overseas tour near Mosul, Iraq.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Specialist Jordan Mann, a combat engineer, Company C, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, gears up for his company’s route clearance mission outside of Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Sept. 8, 2011.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD – N PAO)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Sergeant Matthew Cogburn, senior information systems noncommissioned officer assigned to Company B, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, prepares a computer to test a Harris 7800W radio at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, July 21, 2011. Cogburn, a native of Round Rock, Texas, earned the title of “Long Knife Strong” Soldier of the Week for his technical proficiency and his mentorship of fellow Soldiers.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD – N)

Special Traffic Operations, Transportation and Traffic Management Plan Contingency Engineers during an operation of Los Angeles Chinatown Lunar New Year Golden Dragon Parade Special Event upon approaching grandstand seating parade judging broadcasting station and the end of the parade route at Chinatown Gateway Golden Dragon Overhead Arch Pagoda on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue located at Chinatown Los Angeles, California 90012.

Note: The new current G.D.P. route travelled Southbound Broadway and made a left turn at Eastbound West Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and ENDS at a right turn into Southbound Spring Street Olvera Street for parade floats disbanding zone since February 2007 to February 2012 but now this Golden Dragon Parade route on Southbound Broadway turns right to Westbound Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and ENDS at North Hill Street overpass bridge and North Grand Avenue for parade floats disbanding zone since February 2013 to present. The former G.D.P. route was on Northbound Broadway (ended here until 2000) from Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to Bernard Street and Southbound Hill Street at Ord Street took place here until 2006.

The former G.D.P. route was on Northbound Broadway (ended here until 2000) from Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to Bernard Street and Southbound Hill Street at Ord Street took place here until 2006.

金龍大遊行巡遊會洛杉磯中國城華埠北百老滙街同埋奥德街

#northbroadway #northbroadwayandordstreet #ordstreet #chinatownlosangeles #chinatownla #lachinatown #losangeleschinatown #lagoldendragonparade #goldendragonparade #wonwonminimarket #ordandbroadway #jiaapartments #chinatowngateway #losangelescityhall #lacityhall @lachinatown @chinatown_la @wonwon.minimarket @ordandbroadway @ordandbroadwayla @jiachinatownapts

ORLANDO, Fla. - In today’s complex and high tempo operational environment, America’s Army Reserve to rapidly deploy highly trained units to any corner of the world with the personnel and equipment they have on hand. With multiple contingencies and numerous potential threats capable of employing cutting-edge tactics with modern military equipment, the Army Reserve looks to its premiere sustainers such the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to lead, train and equip its 10,000-Soldier command.

In taking the first, major step toward achieving this vital mission, the 143d ESC conducted a Mission Training Brief Feb. 2-3, 2018, at the command’s headquarters in Orlando, Fla.

“An MTB promotes cohesion through collaboration,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Walter L. Flinn, commander, 332nd Transportation Terminal Battalion. “It offers a forum for commanders to share their successes and shortcomings while seeking and offering guidance among their fellow leaders.”

Led by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Deborah L. Kotulich, commanding general, 143d ESC, the MTB featured dozens of senior leaders from the company to the ESC level whose wealth of knowledge and experience offered solutions to a myriad of logistical challenges.

“The expectation of having several months to bring your Soldiers up to speed at a pre-mobilization station is coming to an end,” Kotulich announced to dozens of battalion and brigade commanders and command sergeants majors huddled in the conference room. “We must assume that we will mobilize at a moment’s notice, and it’s our responsibility that we physically and mentally prepare every Soldier for the rigors of combat through realistic training.”

Kotulich expects every downtrace unit to spend less time in classrooms and more time in the field. This focus on individual and collective readiness stems from the U.S. Army Reserve Command’s Ready Force X initiative.

“Ready Force X is the Army Reserve’s answer to the [U.S.] Army’s demand for properly equipped and highly trained Soldiers who can rapidly deploy into combat,” said U.S. Army Col. Wanda Williams, commander, 641st Regional Sustainment Group. “Almost half of the 143d ESC’s downtrace units must meet the strict criteria established by Ready Force X’s “Fight Fast” mentality. This MTB offers precious time for commanders to obtain timely information needed to properly execute the numerous requirements to maintain a constantly high state of readiness.”

While Kotulich entrusts her fellow officers to formulate plans and carry out the Army Reserve’s “Fight Fast” initiative, she relies on her command sergeants major to refine the tasks required to carry out their commanding general’s intent.

“There are 43 individual training requirements that every unit must complete before reporting to a pre-mobilization site,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos O. Lopes, command sergeant major, 143d ESC. “As NCOs, we are responsible for providing effective training that ensures every Soldier has mastered these fundamental skills that directly determine one’s survivability on the battlefield.”

“NCOs can only do this if they understand their commanders’ intent,” added Command Sgt. Maj. Kenyatta S. Stamps, command sergeant major, 787th Combat Support and Sustainment Battalion. “The MTB allows us to hear those intentions firsthand and develop effective techniques and tactics to achieve them.”

These techniques and tactics encompass a variety of tasks that enhance speed, agility and sustained readiness at the individual, team and unit level. From warrior drills to medical readiness, commanders must meticulously manage finite time and resources to crystallize the Army Reserve’s strategic vision and implement the 143d ESC’s operational mission.

“Ready Force X is about leadership, energy and execution,” said Flinn. “Commanders must own the responsibility for readiness. Establishing an open dialog among senior leaders remains paramount to understanding not only what we do but how we do it.”

With more than half of the 143d ESC falls under the Ready Force X umbrella, every unit and Soldier must face the challenges if they are to reap the awards of transforming America’s Army Reserve into the most lethal and capable federal reserve force in U.S. history.

“America demands highly trained and proficient Soldiers, and the Army Reserve is blessed to have motivated men and women ready to endure the hardships inherent in armed conflict,” said Williams. “That’s why I tell my Soldiers, ‘Don’t worry about the names. Just be ready. Be ready now!”

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

U.S. Air Force aerial porters from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group strap hundreds of cots to an aircraft cargo pallet at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 29, 2014. The cots are headed to Monrovia to support U.S. military forces engaged in Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to contain the Ebola virus outbreak. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Paint as Material Contingency

Exhibition in the Artlab by the Third Year Advanced Painting class (VAS 3310).

October 31 - November 14, 2014

Opening Reception: Thursday, November 6, 2014,

Participating student artists from VAS 3310

Sophie Bisnaire

Danielle Brideau

Michelle Bunton

Tabitha Chan

Christie Constantine

Cayley Cowan

Emilie Currie

Yara El Safi

Corry Faulkner

Angela Ferreira

Jacob Freeman

Brenda Fuhrman

Ella Gonzales

Karissa Hill

Alexandra Kalifer

Sophia Lloyd-Jones

Rowan McCormick

Jasmine Park

Faith Patrick

Andrea Polzer

Robin Scott

Abby Vincent

Daniel Welsh

Carina Wharton

By installing your artwork in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre, you agree to have it photographed and release all rights in and consent to the use of this photo for all legal purposes. Would you like to see your work properly captioned? vrlibrary@uwo.ca

© 2014; Department of Visual Arts; Western University

Words of encouragement.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Capt. Vivian Vanquoi-West, a native of Fernandina Beach, Fla., and chaplain of 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, speaks to servicemembers and civilians stationed at Contingency Operating Site Marez during a New Year’s Eve Watch Night service Dec. 31, 2010. The spiritual service provided service members deployed to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn to ring in the New Year while enjoying fellowship through interpretive dances, singing and readings from the Bible.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

‘Black Jack.’CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – The 21st Secretary of the Army, the Honorable John McHugh, leads Soldiers of 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in a “Black Jack” shout-out, during a brief visit at Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Sept. 14, 2011. During his third visit to Iraq as the 21st Secretary of the Army, McHugh spent time with U.S. Division – North Soldiers deployed to northern Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, and assured them that they have the Nation’s support as U.S. forces prepare to end operations in Iraq by the end of 2011.(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams, USD - N PAO)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Capt. Ghassam Hussain, an operations officer assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, reviews possible enemy courses of action during training at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, May 18, 2011. Lt. Col. Clint McWhorter, primary staff trainer assigned to Task Force Sword, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and a native of Overland Park, Kan., trains staff officers assigned to the 3rd IA Div., helping the officers properly plan operation orders.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Special Traffic Operations, Transportation and Traffic Management Plan Contingency Engineers during an operation of One Life Walk to Los Angeles State Historic Park Special Event and Los Angeles Chinatown Golden Dragon Parade upon approaching Chinatown Gateway Golden Dragon Overhead Arch Pagoda located at Chinatown Los Angeles, California 90012.

Note: The new current G.D.P. route travelled Southbound Broadway and made a left turn at Eastbound West Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and ENDS at a right turn into Southbound Spring Street Olvera Street for parade floats disbanding zone since February 2007 to February 2012 but now this Golden Dragon Parade route on Southbound Broadway turns right to Westbound Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and ENDS at North Hill Street overpass bridge and North Grand Avenue for parade floats disbanding zone since February 2013 to present. The former G.D.P. route was on Northbound Broadway (ended here until 2000) from Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to Bernard Street and Southbound Hill Street at Ord Street took place here until 2006.

The former G.D.P. route was on Northbound Broadway (ended here until 2000) from Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to Bernard Street and Southbound Hill Street at Ord Street took place here until 2006.

金龍大遊行巡遊會洛杉磯中國城華埠北百老滙街同埋奥德街

#northbroadway #northbroadwayandordstreet #ordstreet #chinatownlosangeles #chinatownla #lachinatown #losangeleschinatown #lagoldendragonparade #goldendragonparade #wonwonminimarket #ordandbroadway #jiaapartments #chinatowngateway #losangelescityhall #lacityhall @lachinatown @chinatown_la @wonwon.minimarket @ordandbroadway @ordandbroadwayla @jiachinatownapts

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Private First Class Tiffany Harris, food service specialist, Company G, 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, logs information from an incoming call over the radio at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 22, 2011. Harris, a St. Louis native, proved her competence and knowledge by winning her battalion’s Soldier of the Month board.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

Gift of Dance.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – From left, Sgt. Shakelia Fears, supply noncommissioned officer in charge, Company A, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force; Spc. Jamie Jones supply clerk, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st STB, 1st AATF; and Spc. Faith Johnson, military intelligence specialist, Company A, 1st STB, 1st AATF; the Freedom Chapel’s Praise Dancers perform during a Women’s History Month Observance at Contingency Operating Site Warrior Iraq, March 26, 2011.

(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div.)

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Fleet Adm. Cecil Haney, visited the U.S. Army Pacific Contingency Command Post to get a first-hand look at their operations and capabilities, on Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Nov. 7. CCP Soldiers illustrated some of these aspects to Haney via a mobile operations display at the CCP, consisting of a Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter (DRASH), vehicles, communications equipment and Soldiers, set up as they would be for a forward mission.

(U.S. Army photo by Maj. Edward Hooks, U.S. Army, Pacific Contingency Command Post Public Affairs Office)

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) based at Travis Air Force Base, CA, deploy to Central African Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support, on December 14, 2013. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews.

The 1988th Contingency Contracting Team, based out of Frankfort, Ky., held a small departure ceremony today at the Louisville International Airport-Standiford Field as they prepare for an overseas deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Stephen Martin)

Soldiers from the 181st Brigade Support Battalion, Washington Army National Guard, and contractors at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq, fabricated a U-shaped inlet pipe to stop debris from getting into the cistern at the Al-Qayarrah pump house at the Tigris River. The redesign was required because of the large amount of sand, gravel and debris being picked up off the river bottom and delivered to the cistern, which was then sucked into the delivery pumps. On average the base receives 16.7 million gallons a month of water from the pumphouse.

Teamwork.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Lt. Col. John Cushing, commander, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, discusses the training schedule with staff Col. Mohamed ‘Olwan, commander of 1st Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, at Al Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Dec. 30, 2010. Soldiers assigned to 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., train Iraqi Army soldiers on basic soldiering skills to build an enduring training capability for Iraqi Security Forces in northern Iraq, as part of Al Tadreeb Al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training, at the newly developed site located at Contingency Operating Site Marez.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Woman of influence.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Command Sgt. Maj. Tonia Walker, senior enlisted leader, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Manhattan, Kan., shares the history of women in the military, from the Women Nurses of the Union Army to today’s modern military women, where women command thousands of Soldiers, during a Women’s History Month Observance at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, March 26, 2011. During the ceremony, women deployed to Contingency Operating Site Warrior in support of Operation New Dawn shared their talents and gifts to commemorate the long road women traveled to reach equality.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO)

Air Force Senior Airman Courtnay Hester, a power production specialist with the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, sets up an electric generator to feed the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 5, 2014, in support of Operation United Assistance. Hester and more than 80 other Kentucky Air Guardsmen stood up an Intermediate Staging Base at the airport that will funnel humanitarian supplies and equipment into West Africa as part of the international effort to fight Ebola. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Soldiers and civilians of U.S. Army Africa's Contingency Command Post take part in a briefing during a deployment exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, recently.

(U.S. Army Africa photo by Sgt. 1st Class Will Patterson)

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Join the U.S. Army Africa conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmyAfrica

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Iraqi soldiers, Iraqi Police officers and Kurdish Regional Guard Brigade soldiers stand in formation before instructors combine the groups into integrated platoons to commence training as members of the Combined Security Forces “Golden Lions” at the Kirkuk Training Center, May 18, 2011. Golden Lions instructors collectively train recruits from each of the agencies as part of the collaborative force.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Staff Sergeant Freddy Valdez, an ammunition specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 27th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, checks ammunition safety messages at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, July 19, 2011. Valdez, a native of Matamoros, Mexico, issues and inventories ammunition to ensure everyone within the brigade remains current on supplies.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD – N)

Staff Sgt. Kennedy gives and introduction.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Vanessa Kennedy, medical logistics noncommissioned officer, Surgeon section, U.S. Division-North and 4th Infantry Division, introduces Lt. Col. Mary Krueger, noting the inspiration the senior leader has provided to female Soldiers throughout her military career, during a Women's History Month celebration at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, March 18, 2011. The U.S. Division-North and 4th Inf. Div. Surgeon, Krueger hailed Kennedy, a mother of three, as one of many heroines, past and present, who have served their county during the 220-year history of women in the military.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO)

Clearing a jam.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Jimmy Hernandez, training instructor assigned to a Mobile Training Team attached to 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, assists an Iraqi soldier of the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Iraqi Army Division on clearing a weapon malfunction as part of unit-tailored training at the Field Engineer Regiment compound, near Tikrit, Iraq, March 19, 2011. U.S. Soldiers also trained the ISR jinood, Arabic for soldiers, on proper intelligence gathering techniques in addition to basic rifle marksmanship and range operations during 10 days of training at an IA base near Tikrit.

(U.S Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Maj. Mohammad, executive officer of 1st Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division,, accepts responsibility for Joint Security Station Heider from Lt. Col. Robert Reynolds, commander, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during a transition ceremony April 1, 2011. After seven years of partnered operations with U.S. forces, the Iraqi Army assumed responsibility for the military installation located near the northwestern border to maintain border security for the nation of Iraq.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Salute.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Marion Jackson, billeting noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, salutes Gen. Lloyd Austin, commanding general, U.S. Forces-Iraq, before Austin presented her with a U.S. Forces-Iraq coin during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, May 21, 2011. Jackson, a native of Harriman, Tenn., responsible for issuing housing to all military and civilian personnel on COS Warrior, said she felt elated and honored to be recognized by her command group.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

ABC’s.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Children of Razada Primary School sing the “A,B,C’s” in English for 1st Lt. Michael Sexton Jr., platoon leader, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, and Sgt. 1st Class Muhammad Salah Ahmad, platoon sergeant, 1st Regional Guard Brigade, Kirkuk Combined Security Forces. Soldiers of 1st AATF partnered with the Kirkuk CSF during a community assistance mission March 17, 2011, to the Razada village in Kirkuk, Iraq.

(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, augmented by Airmen from the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard units in multiple states, download a mobile cell-phone tower truck from a U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the wake of Hurricane Maria Oct. 6, 2017. The truck will be used to help restore cell-phone service on the island. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Brian Leach (right) and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Thomas Kennedy, aerial porters from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, position pallets of arriving cargo outside the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 24, 2014. More than 70 Kentucky Air Guardsmen are operating an Aerial Port of Debarkation in Senegal to funnel humanitarian supplies and military support into West Africa as part of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to contain the Ebola virus outbreak. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Senior Master Sgt. Derek Whitmer with the 123rd Contingency Response Group walks with his family after arriving home in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 20, from a deployment to West Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Spc. Shane Darst, an armor crewmember serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, waves at a passing patrol near Contingency Operating Site Warrior, near Kirkuk, Iraq, April 3, 2011.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

Reviewing supplies.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Sergeant Lydia Davis, left, supply sergeant for Company C, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and Sgt. Corina Lopez, operations noncommissioned officer for Company C, review an order for an incoming shipment of supplies at the company headquarters at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, July 21, 2011. Davis, a native of Dallas, and Lopez, a native of Redlands, Calif., are currently deployed in support of Operation New Dawn.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Commanders meeting.CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE, Marez— Lt. Col. Kevin Henderson, Stability Team Transition Chief for Task Force Shield, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, meets with Lt. Col. Daham Hamed Bassam, the Iraqi Police training commander for Mosul, about the new IP recruits participating in the four-week basic recruit training course at the Mosul Police Services Academy Nov. 4. The Soldiers and civilian police advisors of Task Force Shield, trained the IP instructors at the academy, and provide support to the cadre during the course. Henderson and the Soldiers of Task Force Shield continue to assist with the development and operations of the Academy as part of their ongoing mission in support of U.S. Division-North and Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Soldier practices field artillery skill.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Sergeant 1st Class Bobby “Smoke” Brewster, field artillery platoon sergeant for 2nd Platoon, Battery B, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, demonstrates how to use an aiming circle during a training exercise at the Ghuzlani Eagle Training Site, July 19, 2011. Brewster, a native of San Diego, is currently on his seventh overseas tour and fourth to Iraq.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

COB (Contingency Operating Base) Speicher, Iraq, third stop for the Trace Adkins USO Tour 2010.

SGT Trey Williams (C), stationed in the war front of Iraq, surprises his father upon his arrival at the military airfield. Trey's father, John Williams, Jr "JW" (R), is Trace Adkins manager, and has just gotten off a C-130 flight from Bosra not expect to connect with his deployed son on this tour. Trace Adkins shares the moment with them both.

USO Photo by Dave Gatley

Air Force Lt. Col. Bruce Bancroft of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group talks to unit members about their role in Operation United Assistance during a briefing in the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 5, 2014. The Kentucky Air Guardsmen stood up an Intermediate Staging Base at the airport that will funnel humanitarian supplies and equipment into West Africa as part of the international effort to fight Ebola. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Annabeth Rosen: Contingency

Fleisher/Ollman Gallery

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Iraqi policemen march together during their graduation from the Mosul Public Service Academy in Mosul, Iraq, June 12, 2011. In a series of exhibitions as part of the graduation ceremony, the policemen demonstrated skills learned during the four-week basic recruit training course.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Staff Sgt. Brandon Smith, assigned to the 570th Global Mobility Readiness Squadron, prepares to install antennas atop a Hard Sided Expandable Light Air Mobile Shelter (HELAMS) for communications support to aircrews participating in the bi-annual Mobility Air Forces Exercise at Nellis and Creech Air Force bases. More than 40 Airman from the 615th Contingency Response Wing supported MAFEX with communications and airfield support. (US Air Force Photo/MSgt Stan Parker)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Colonel Michael Pappal, commander, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, presents a medal of the Order of St. George to Sgt. 1st Class Eric Cogdell, noncommissioned officer in charge of the 12th Iraqi Army Stability Transition Team, 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div., during Cogdell’s induction ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 4, 2011. Cogdell said he felt honored to receive the same recognition as NCOs in the armor community whom he strived to be like.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

General’s address.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Major General David Perkins, 4th Infantry Division and United States Division-North Commander, thanks Soldiers from the 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, for their outstanding contributions to Operation New Dawn during a farewell coin presentation at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Sept. 15, 2011. “As you prepare to withdraw from Warrior, it is important to remember the soldiers that have carried us this far,” said Perkins, addressing coin recipients. “Loyalty, trust, respect and concern for your fellow Soldiers are qualities that cannot be bought. They are the qualities that the people of Iraq will remember and wish to emulate most when you leave.”

(U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div. PAO, USD-N)

Take aim.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – Soldiers from 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, take aim at stationary targets during the 2010 “Warrior” of the Year competition Jan. 12, 2011, at Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, in the Diyala province of Iraq. Seven Soldiers represented their units to compete for the Warrior Brigade’s top honor awarded annually to the best noncommissioned officer and Soldier. The first day of the competition, Soldiers participated in a military board competition, and the next day a series of contests evaluating the competitors’ military knowledge, technical skills and abilities.

(U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N)

For me an important part of photography is to move out of my comfort zone and this series of images featuring the Janis Claxton Dancers certainly made me do that. The shoot was taken during a live performance at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. In contrast to my usual food and drink photography the subjects were moving (frequently fast and unpredictably), light levels were challenging to say the least and there were countless distractions in the background. This and the other 6 images in the group are the result. I hope that you like them.

For more information about the Janis Claxton Dancers please follow the link: www.janisclaxton.com/about/janis-claxton-dance

Lt. Cmdr. Bernard Auth, chief of contingency planning and force readiness at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, observes crane operations during the Hawaii Alternate Port Concept Full Scale Exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, June 5, 2015. The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the state, Navy, Coast Guard and industry response partners for their roles during a major catastrophic event that closes the Port of Honolulu and requires the activation of the Alternate Port in Pearl Harbor. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Tara Molle)

Soldier reviews PMCS sheet.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Spc. Alex Buchanan, a mechanic from Newnan, Ga., assigned to Troop D, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, reviews a equipment inspection and maintenance worksheet during a maintenance class at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, March 14, 2011. Buchanan, a native of Newnan, Ga., trained the Iraqi soldiers on how to properly PMCS tactical vehicles and document deficiencies noted on a PMCS worksheet. IA units are training with 4th AAB Soldiers to modernize the Iraqi Army’s tactical capabilities as part of Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for all inclusive training.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Air Force Staff Sgt. John May, left, and Air Force Senior Airman Alex Vincent of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group carry equipment into the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 5, 2014, in support of Operation United Assistance. More than 80 Kentucky Air Guardsmen stood up an Intermediate Staging Base at the airport that will funnel humanitarian supplies and equipment into West Africa as part of the international effort to fight Ebola. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)