MONTHLY ISSUE
FRIDAY 6 JULY 2012
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BN Commander and Senior Advisor Words BLACK DRAGON Family: I hope that everyone enjoyed their 4th of July Holiday and I am glad that we were able to take an extra day off on the 5th. For those who we able to make it out to the Family Day on June 19 or 20; thanks so much for coming out to support your Soldier! It was a great event where we demonstrated some of the hard work the Soldiers in the Battalion do everyday. For those of you who were not able to make it, stay in touch with our FRG Leader or follow us on Facebook as we have more events planned in the late summer and early fall. We continue to plan and prepare for our two major training events this summer; our Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana from August 1 - 30 and our M777 Howitzer Training at Fort Drum, New York from July 23 – August 16 (with select personnel leaving the week prior). The training at JRTC is scenario driven training that tests a unit’s ability to employ its Soldiers and systems properly in a complex simulated battle field environment. Good training for Soldiers and Leaders at all levels, as we continue to get better at our jobs. The training at Fort Drum focuses on the M777 Howitzer (Google for pictures and videos). This is the howitzer most commonly used in Afghanistan and though we don’t have an official deployment order, as of yet, we continue to train as we are deploying because there is a very strong possibility we will in the late fall. The M777 Howitzer is a relatively new howitzer in the Army and Marine inventory, so unlike other howitzers we require specialized training on this system to become certified to use it. Also since it is new, the Army has a limited number of training sets, which causes us to go to Fort Drum to train on the system versus the system coming to Fort Hood to let us train here at home. More details about what units are going where and some other specifics will be covered at the Town Hall Meeting on July 11 – details later in this letter. It is with mixed emotion that we say farewell to Command Sergeant Major Coler, while we are happy that he was selected to serve as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major, we are sad to see him leave the Battalion he has dedicated himself to for three years. CSM Coler, helped train the Battalion for combat, took the Battalion to combat, and brought the Soldiers back home. His focus has always been the Soldiers and Families of the Battalion and doing what is right by them and the Army. For the 7 months I have been in command he served as my primary advisor, sounding board, and friend – I cannot thank him enough for helping me transition into command. The Soldiers of the Brigade he is going to are lucky to have him as their CSM.
While we say good bye to CSM Coler we welcome CSM Maynard, who some of you all may remember previously served as the Alpha Battery First Sergeant before attending the Sergeant Major Academy. A recent graduate from the Academy we welcome him and his wife Teresa as they come back to the BLACK DRAGON team. The change of responsibility is currently scheduled for July 13; we will post specific time and location shortly. On July 11 at 6:00pm at Howze Theater, we are hosting a Battalion Town Hall meeting. This is a great opportunity for you to hear firsthand what the Battalion has done and what lies ahead (training, leave, and possible deployment). It is also a great chance for you to ask questions of the battalion leadership. All family members are welcome to attend, and while there is no childcare at the event all children are welcome to accompany their parents. We will do our best to answer all of your questions, if you have a question that you would like to ask in advance then please email it to: usarmy.hood.1cd.mbx.4bct-582fa-ops@mail.mil and we will ensure to include it at the beginning of the question and answer period. We have posted flyers around the Battery/ Company areas as well as posted on Facebook with all the details. Hope to see you there! As always, thank you for supporting your Soldier, we all realize that we could not do what we do without your support and understanding. Stay in touch with your FRGs and follow us on our Social Media sites to keep up with the latest information and opportunities. Will and Jessy Johnson FRG Facebook Group www.facebook.com/#!/ groups/582black.dragons/ Battalion Facebook Page www.facebook.com/#!/ pages/5th-Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-Black -Dragons/288593261191191 Twitter Account: @5th82fa
Inside this issue: BN CSM
2
Chaplain’s Corner
3
HHB Hardcore
4
ALPHA Apaches
5
BRAVO Bulldogs
6
GOLF Ghost riders
7
Battalion News
8
Current Events
9-16
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BN CSM Words
The Soldiers and Families of the 5-82 Field Artillery Black Dragons wish you success in your future! Thank you for all you have done!!
The Imagination of saying farewell to the Battalion is near for me. All I can do is reminisce about the fantastic times I seen or shadowed in the Unit. There is so many “Thank You” I can give, but I’m afraid it may take 582 pages. This is my second BN as a CSM and the only thing I can do is compare the two. 5 th BN 82nd FA is the best BN I have been associated with in my 27 years of service. As the Battalion has a drastic overturn with new a New Command Sergeant Major, First Sergeants, Commanders and systems with different ideas. The coordination of different views, the Battalion in which is rich with Tradition and Heritage, is maintaining a very great discipline rate. Personnel, policies, procedures, facilities and equipment that integrate our day-to-day planning factors into a common organizational structure have been designed for the sole purpose of improving the Battalion’s efforts when called upon. Black Dragons you are performing at a level that is very complimenting to the United States Army’s goals of excellence. Based upon the flexible responses, whether it’s a last minute funeral detail, gate guard, accountability of equipment, weapons training and physical training organization, the Battalion has proved with minimum guidance and management, that we as the Black Dragons can work together as we become more efficient. The NCOs drive to set and mandate a type of standard operating procedure is clearly defined as so many people are routinely drawn from numerous units to work together. This approach aims at reducing the potential for miscommunication and confusion during crisis response operations and allows the Black Dragons to become more proficient. Of course, each supervisor reports ultimately to the Commander who dictates guidance and analyzes information provided by the individual supervisors. The individual supervisors eliminate the potential for their subordinates to receive conflicting guidance. This ensures that accountability is kept, and that there is no free-lancing which improves information flow and helps with the coordination of operational efforts, ultimately enhancing operational safety. Several Soldiers has been awarded the title of “HERO of the Week. Congratulations to all the Soldiers whom were graduates of many career needed classes. A special thanks goes out to the Troopers that were placed on the commandants list or recognized as all these accolades exhibit the high discipline and motivation of the Black Dragons. Congratulations to all the Soldiers that were promoted to their next rank during this quarter and completed any military schools. My little friends are what makes the world go around (Davis the Dude, Big Bank Hank, Cranked up Christian, Cool Hand Luke, etc). Last, but not least I would like to give a special thanks to the Pattersons (Chaplin and Muffy) because I really don’t believe Soldiers see all the things you all have done for the BN and the families. So it’s farewell, but not goodbye!
Black Dragons Can and Will Hooah from Black Dragon 9 Battalion CSM
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
Chaplain's Corner—FRG Newsletter – July 2012 “Before You Get Married – Part 1 of 4” Summer is here, and with it comes “Wedding Season.” When you’re starry-eyed and in love, it’s easy to overlook some of the important questions to ask before you say, “I do.” The truth is marriage takes work. If you want to have a successful marriage, you need to take the time to put in some hard work up front. The Big FOUR — MONEY, RELIGION, KIDS & IN-LAWS Marriage counselors agree there are four main areas you need to discuss before you get married. Those areas are Money, Religion, Kids and In-Laws. To the extent you’re not in agreement in these areas the more your marriage will struggle. MONEY— The first area you must discuss before marriage in MONEY! Money problems are the biggest stressor in marriage, and therefore the biggest cause of divorce. It is important to sit down with your fiancé and have an open and honest discussion about your financial history, status, and plans for the future. Financial counselor and expert, Dave Ramsey, says the first thing to do is to put all the debt on the table, literally. Place all your credit cards face up on the table between you. No secrets!! Come completely clean and get in agreement about your situation and how you will go forward as a couple. This step will allow you both to learn a lot about each others money habits. Is your fiancé a spender or a saver? How does he or she handle money? Even before you are married, make a budget, decide if you will have joint or separate accounts, and have a plan to pay off your joint debt. If it’s a large amount, you might have a serious discussion about having a smaller, more affordable wedding. Also, consider taking some pre-marriage counseling classes, and give yourself at least six months as an engaged couple before getting married. Now you’re off to a great start! With these factors in the equation, the success rate for marriage rises from only 50% to a much better 90%+. CH (CPT) Robert D. Patterson Battalion Chaplain 5-82 FA, 4BCT, 1st Cavalry Division (254) 287-9574
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HHB Newsletter Written By: CPT Scott Hastings June was another outstanding month for the HARDCORE Battery. There was high speed training, field exercises, promotions, as well as new faces. I want to welcome our newest addition to the Battery, 1SG Michael Bloodworth who came to us from 4th Brigade HHC. We look forward to working with 1SG Bloodworth and having his leadership and guidance here in the Battery. The Soldiers of HHB were busy this month. Our S-1 shop supported the Black Dragon Battalion by updating over 40 Soldier’s ERB’s, 11 NCOER’s, 8 BAH packets, 6 promotions, numerous leave forms, and constantly tracking personnel actions. The S-2 shop worked on gathering intel for the upcoming deployment and JRTC rotation. Also, our S-2 shop will be saying farewell to SFC Mendez, as he will be headed to Alpha Battery to assume the position of 1SG. The S-3 shop has been extremely busy with the planning in preparation for JRTC in August, as well as the planning and coordination for training at Fort Drum, where Alpha Battery Soldiers will be training on the M777A2. The Soldiers, as always, worked hard to support the Battalion fire mission during field exercises. The S-4 Soldiers processed multiple FLIPL’s, supported Battery requests for the field exercises, and processed requests for latrines and wash racks for the upcoming JRTC training. The Radar section was busy with field exercises and they assisted 3 other Brigades with New Equipment Training, all while they continued to prep their equipment for JRTC. The Medic Platoon provided outstanding medical support for the Battalion by running Sick Call operations. The Medics also participated in the field training exercises and providing medical coverage during the Direct Live Fire exercises for the Black Dragon families. Our S-6 shop did a wonderful job by providing support for the re-trans site, supported Battalion commo needs during the field exercises, provided support for the WLC PT test as well as maintained the computers and commo in the Black Dragon footprint. The Battery Supply shop processed 2 FLIPL’s, 4 lateral transfers, completed monthly sensitive items inventories, inspection of Battery TA-50. I would also like to mention SPC Taylor (supply clerk) who is currently attending the Air Assault Course and is set to graduate on July 3rd. The Training Rooms has maintained Soldier data, processed over 30 personnel actions, accounted for HHB Soldiers daily, assisted in the Change of Responsibility Ceremony, and has provided assistance to all NCO’s as well as the 1SG and Commander. As always, your Soldiers have been doing great things and continue to impress me on a daily basis. I am truly fortunate to be blessed with the opportunity to lead such an outstanding group of young men and women. HARDCORE 6
Volume 6
PFC White and SSG Valdez doing tire flips as part of the Cross-Fit Training P.T. session
Just keep pushing and you will get there eventually
1SG Bloodworth shows the young guys how its done
FRG Newsletter for HHB, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
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Apache Newsletter Written By: CPT Martin Piecuch
Volume 6
The month of June has been a long and grueling one across the Black Dragon Battalion, but Soldiers in Apache Battery can hold their heads up high as they reflect on the hard work that they have accomplished. June saw the successful completion of Operation Dragon Fury, which deployed Alpha Battery off and on for three weeks to the Training Areas of Fort Hood. During this difficult training event, the Apaches live fired their Paladins, day and night, in order to maintain core artillery proficiency on a variety of mission sets. The culminating live fire event for Apache Battery was the Cold Springs Direct Fire Range. There, Soldiers were given the opportunity to showcase their Red Leg pride to their families while also conduct excellent nonstandard field artillery training. At the Direct Fire Range, the Paladins laid their sights on targets no more than 1200 meters away and fired 98lb high-explosive rounds at them. Families watched on from a safe distance and enjoyed the show. In addition, each family member had the opportunity to walk through various types of vehicles and have their Soldiers explain to them what they actually do.
As June concludes, the Soldiers stay busy conducting recovery and maintenance on their vehicles and equipment. July will bring the Soldiers their newest and most difficult challenge. In July, Apache Battery deploys to Fort Drum and receives training on the M777. In August, when the Soldiers return, they will be trained, proficient, and qualified on the M777 in preparation for future missions! GREAT JOB APACHES!
FRG Newsletter for Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
Apache Battery Crews had a “blast” conducting the Direct Fire Family Day Range!
At Family Day not only was there a viewing tent for family members to watch “steel on target”, but also a static display so family members can get an up close view of all the vehicles.
It’s not all fun and games. Second Platoon works hard and reassembles the broken track.
Alpha Battery fired over 200 rounds during the month of June!
Upcoming Events -July 3rd: 1SG Hemenway’s Change of Responsibility -July 4th : Training Holiday -July 9th: Battery FRG Meeting -July 15th: Battery Leadership and U6 report to Fort Drum -July 25th: Alpha Battery (Main Body) reports to Fort Drum -Aug16th: Alpha Battery returns to Fort Hood *All dates are tentative and subject to change
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Bulldog Newsletter Written By: CPT Chad Fitzgerald
Volume 6
Hello Bulldog families!!! Bulldog Soldiers are experts at their craft. They demonstrated their expertise throughout the month of June when Bravo Battery executed the modular artillery training plan. This is Army speak for short training periods during each week of June. During each weekly training period, the battery conducted more in depth artillery missions that replicate missions that the Battalion will conduct in Afghanistan. The Soldiers did an outstanding job! The highlight of the weekly training cycles was the Bulldog direct fire family day. The Bulldogs were extremely proud to demonstrate their craft to the family members that support us. The direct fire range consisted of guns shooting at targets directly to their front. SGT George and the crew of B17 received top marks after hitting all eight target with direct hits. Currently, the Battery is preparing for their upcoming mission to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, LA. A number of Bulldog Soldiers are also getting ready to travel to Fort Drum, New York this July to train on a new howitzer M777A2. This is important because some Bulldog Soldiers will deploy to this fall. The Bulldog Soldiers scheduled to deploy will deploy with Apache Battery. However, most Bravo Battery Soldiers moving to Alpha will stay in sections with Soldiers and NCOs that they are familiar with. The remaining Bravo Battery Soldiers will deploy to JRTC while Alpha Battery is at Fort Drum. Bravo Battery also welcomes former Apache Soldiers that have recently in processed and will deploy to JRTC. To be ready for JRTC, Bravo Battery will shoot qualification tables with the new team members. This will ensure our crews are certified and ready to pack our containers for JRTC. For all new Bravo Battery families that are reading this…WELCOME!!! Please contact the Bulldog FRG at FRGBRAVO@hotmail.com for information about what is going on in the Battery!!
The view from B18 as it engages the target with direct fire
Two Paladins silhouette the night sky as the prepare to fire illumination high angle
SGT Alvarado prepares for the .50 CAL engagement for direct fire
Families await direct fire engagements as part of the 5-82 family day
SGT Swain demonstrates the squat; PVT Carrow rock climbs, and PFC Alfafara conducts the ball throw box jump as part of resiliency day PT
UPCOMING EVENTS 9-10 JULY- Table V and Table VI Gunnery 11 July- BN Town Hall Meeting 12 July- BN Hail and Farewell (Pluckers) TBD- Bravo Battery Change of Command 18-22 JUNE- CYCLE 3 GUNNNERY (FIELD) 4 JULY- INDEPENDENCE DAY TNG HOLIDAY
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GOLF FSC, 5-82 FA
GHOSTRIDER’S NEWSLETTER VOLUME 5
FRIDAY 6 JULY 2012
Ghostrider 6 Ghostrider 9 Greetings from GhostRider 6. After my first 30 days in the seat, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this organization along the most hardworking and dedicate Soldiers on the brigade. The pride runs deep in this unit, Soldiers are constantly ready to provide support. This month, we provided logistical support in the form of fuel delivery, ammunitions transport, and maintenance support to the Black Dragon Team as the battalion conducted firing of their guns in a series of cycles that sharpen the talent of some of the finest artillerymen in the Army. The Black Dragon Battalion has been very busy training giving our company maximum opportunity to continue to improve.
Maintenance During the month of June Maintenance Platoon completed 27 services on all vehicle models within the battalion. Alpha and Bravo FMT spent two weeks in the field. And they supported the Battalion’s direct fire range/Family week.
Special points of interest:
Greetings, GhostRiders’ family and friends it comes to me with great pleasure to take over as the 1SG for G. FSC. I am no stranger to Ft. Hood, as I have transitioned from HHC 27th BSB. I look forward to training, mentoring and coaching the GhostRider Soldiers. During my first 3 weeks, the Soldiers have performed well. The maintenance section has ensured that the firing batteries were fully mission capable by performing mandatory services, distribution platoon has pushed thousands of gallons of fuel and rounds of ammunition, and HQ’s has provided field feeding during gunnery missions. As we look to the future, I look forward to meeting all family members. This is GhostRider 9 signing on the net!
Distribution Distro Dawgs traveled hundreds of miles delivering fuel and ammunition in support of the Black Dragon Field Exercise that included family day. We continue to work hard to ensure the success of the Battalion and prepare for the upcoming training events and JRTC with pride.
Ghostrider 6 Welcome
Ghostrider 9’s Corner
Gunnery Support
Training Calendar Events for July and August 2012
Gunnery Photo’s
Training Events:
Headquarters Headquarters Platoon continues to prepare Soldiers and Leaders for success, pushing through numerous promotion and awards packets, on a daily basis. Our DFAC section provided tremendous Class I support to the Battalion, during their Field Training Exercise.
July 2012 Select Soldiers will participate in the M777 training event occurring at Fort Drum
Ghostriders will deploy an enhanced platoon comprised of Distro Dawgs and Maintenance Wrench Heads in support of JRTC.
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SAVE THE DATE FORT HOOD’S SANTA’S WORKSHOP ANNUAL Christmas
in July FUNDRAISER
Enjoy a special selection of grilled favorites and Outback originals all made fresh every day. All food and service provided by Proprietor, Bill White, and his staff at the Killeen Outback Steakhouse. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit Fort Hood’s Santa’s Workshop. DATE: Wednesday, July 11th TIME: First Seating 11:00am - 12:15pm Second Seating 12:45pm - 2:15pm TICKETS: $15.00 each Available from any SWS Board Member/Unit Reps.
Santa’s Workshop is a non-profit 501-C3 organization managed strictly by volunteers and funded through generous donations to provide holiday gifts to children of military families experiencing financial difficulties during the holidays. Please contact Sonji Willingham at (678) 378-9470 with any questions.
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DISTRICT ENROLLMENT CENTER SCHOOL YEAR 2012-2013 Location: Manor Middle School (1700 W.S. Young Drive, Killeen) Phone: (254) 336-1349 or (254) 336-1718 Dates: July 23rd-August 2nd Time: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Purpose: Enroll new students in grades Pre-K to 12th grade Update address, immunization records Change registration information ELL/Bilingual screening Special Education placement Campus information-school supply lists, standard dress information Required Documents: Immunization records Current proof of residency within KISD (utility bill or lease contract) Birth Certificate (certified copy required for children under 11 years of age) Student’s Social Security Card Report card/records from previous school Drivers License of person enrolling the student Pre-K Eligibility: Military Dependent qualification criteria - Military ID, DEERS form or other reliable documentation is required to show that student is a dependent of a current military member or prior military member who was injured, killed or MIA while on active duty. Simply being a retired military member does NOT meet this Pre-K qualification criteria Income qualification criteria - Proof of Income (from prior month) for all household members
Notes: Additional documentation required for other custodial arrangements
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Fort Hood Family and MWR
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Community Services Council (CSC) Meeting July 2012 As a special service, Hood Happenings magazine is now delivered with the Fort Hood Sentinel newspaper on the second Thursday of each month, to Fort Hood residents. Want more Fort Hood Family and MWR content and information? Get up-to-date event and program information, pictures from events, exclusive videos and giveaways! -up for Hood Highlights weekly eNewsletter, via wilson.mathews@us.army.mil Now - July 31- $5,000 Cash Prize Giveaway - July 31 on HoodMWR.com
-532-5481 Outdoor Recreation Permits it prior to patronage designated ATV Area, horseback riding at Rod & Gun Club Loop off Murphy Road, 254-532-4552 RED to check-in at BLORA’s Admin Office prior -287-2523 June 4 - July 20 - Casey Memorial Library Summer Reading Program
-line at https://usarmy.evanced.info/casey/sr/homepage.asp -287-4921 Now - August 24 - Phantom Warrior Lanes Summer Special s to take advantage of the “Summer Special” – Friday from 8:30 am – 5 pm you can bowl for just $1.75 per game/per person
Now - August 24 - Super High Adventure Middle School Camp - August 24, Monday - Friday, from 9 am - 6 pm assist with setting up daily activities starting at 7 am - 9th grades will enter in the fall of the next school year
-287-5834
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Continued News Now - August 24 - School Age Care Summer Spectrum Super Kids Camp - 5th) to spend their summer vacation -H twist - August 24, Monday - Friday, from 5:30 am - 6 pm dividual talents and understand a healthy self-esteem ise and Get Fit oving care
-287-7950
July 14 - 3-person Scramble -Person Golf Scramble -7:45 am, with an 8 am shotgun start This 3-person scramble is a great value for a fun summer activity -workers for a game of friendly competition and lunch for $15 (greens/cart fees not included) -287-4130
July 25 - Military Spouse Emerging Leader Course teammate, communicator and networker ation, resources and skills necessary for being informed, involved, productive and proactive members of unit teams and company leaders) and the spouses of commissioned officers (platoon and company leaders) - 2:30 pm -288-2794 July 26 – Festival of the Arts: Attack of the Clones Variety Show
win great prizes -duty performers go on and join Family MWR’s premier entertainment events like the U.S. Army Soldier Show ary personnel participation is highly encouraged th Street,
-286-5342
Bldg. 5764
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Continued News Military Extension Internship Program rk experience in child development plus school-age and youth programs eir needs, and learning to manage child and youth centers -quality, accredited childcare and school-age/teen programs at all of their facilities -H Youth Development Program -H focuses on building better citizens and promotes understanding of social issues and how they can be addressed to strengthen communities staff with specific expertise in childcare and youth development PA of at least 2.75; have an educational background in child or youth development, education, Family science, or a related field; be able to pass a National Agency background (security) check, exhibit maturity, good judgment, and enjoy working with children, youth, and their Families The Resiliency Art Room S s, feathers, buttons, yarns, thread and all types of paper) for Soldiers to create whatever comes to mind nd/or create e the facility - Friday, from 10 am - 5 pm -287-0343 Army Community Service Weekly Events Monday Infant Massage Class 9:30 -10:30 am Contact 254-287-2286 or 254-287-2158 Tuesday Newcomers Employment Training Workshop (NETWORK) 8:15 - 9:30 am Contact 254-286-6684 or 254-288-2089 hood.dmwr.acs.erb.distro@conus.army.mil United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Information Session Third Tuesday Contact 254-287-4471 or 254-287-4485 Super Fun Tuesdays 9:30 - 11 am Contact 254-287-2286 Banking Contact 254-287-8979 Common Sense Parenting 9:30 -11:30 am Contact 254-618-7443 Resume & Application Development 9:30 - 11:45 am Contact 254-286-6684, 254-288-2089 or hood.dmwr.acs.erb.distro@conus.army.mil Newcomers Employment Training Workshop (NETWORK) 2:30 pm Contact 254-286-6684 or 254-288-2089 hood.dmwr.acs.erb.distro@conus.army.mil Budget/Debt Management Class Contact 254-287-8979
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