JVB: Behind the scenes

Photo By Sgt. Cassandra Groce | Iraq - Soldiers at the Joint Visitors Bureau here at Forward Operating Base Speicher work hard to organize events for the base.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

01.06.2006

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

PFC Cassandra Groce
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

TIKRIT, Iraq (January 4, 2006) -- When a general, Jessica Simpson or a US representative comes to visit, spectators often don't wonder, "Who organized this event?"

That is, in fact, the whole point of the Joint Visitors Bureau here at Forward Operating Base Speicher. They ensure that guests have a smooth, uneventful visit free of worry - because why would anyone ask "Who organized this event?" unless there was a problem.

"Most people don't realize we have a Joint Visitors Bureau on Speicher," said Capt. Josh Calmes, a JVB action officer from the 501st Support Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division.

The JVB is responsible for organizing all incoming VIPs" visits to the base. This can range from high ranking officers to congressmen or even Hollywood stars.

They average two to three visits a week, most of which are generals meeting with the command group on Speicher. With this many VIPs, each JVB officer is assigned an incoming VIP for whom they are responsible until they leave.

Organizing a visit includes arranging flights, itineraries, food, drivers and any special activities in which the VIP might wish to participate.

Catering is all handled by Sgt. Russ Sauers, who sets up refreshments typically gathered from the dining facility.

"We call him the Muffin Man," said Calmes.

It will typically take JVB three days to a week to plan a visit. During this time, changes are constantly being made to the schedules.

"We have to quickly adjust and coordinate accordingly," said Calmes. "That's what makes this job challenging."

The JVB is an important asset to the FOB. Without their aid, coordinating visits would fall to the command and staff, who are typically engaged elsewhere.

"What they [command staff] do is completely time consuming," said Calmes. "We take this burden off of them."

Despite the necessary time for a good plan, the JVB often handles
last- minute visits as well. This shifts their priorities.

"We first make sure they have a room and transportation," said Calmes. "We quickly facilitate any conferences they have."

Recently, the JVB handled a visit from U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee.

"It was good to arrange for her because she is from our home [Ft Campbell, split between Tennessee and Kentucky]," said Calmes.

For Blackburn, this included a memorial service for a fallen Rakkasan, a soldier from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and a visit with local Iraqi women to discuss progress in their home since the war.

The FOB Speicher JVB worked with the First Brigade Combat Team JVB organizing the meeting with the women per Blackburn's request. The women were part of a Kurdish women's group and were taken on post secretly for their safety.

The JVB will also handle visits from local Iraqi VIPs, including Iraqi Army generals who meet with the command group on Speicher.

When Iraqis come on the camp, JVB plans accordingly with Arabic name tapes created for everyone. They will also serve chai tea (a popular drink in Iraq) with the refreshments.

"We try to cater to their culture," said Sauers.

With the constant stream of officers, congressman and Iraqi military coming through the post, the JVB is kept on their toes.

"The JVB is a behind-the-scenes show," said Calmes. During any visit, "our office is responsible."

• Date Taken: 01.06.2006
• Date Posted: 01.06.2006 10:40
• Story ID: 4295
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ