MONTHLY ISSUE
MAY 9, 2012
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BN Commander and Senior FRG Advisor Words BLACK DRAGON Family: Well, Spring is upon us (though it is starting to feel more like summer), and as you have noticed the training intensity has picked up just a bit with the Battalion going through Artillery and Artillery Support Certifications. Soldier and Leaders have worked very hard over the last several months to get their systems operational as well as training on their systems; so they can complete the prerequisite tasks required prior to going to the field. The Battalion deploys to the local training areas on 7 MAY and will stay out until 11 May, we plan to come in for the Mother’s Day Week-end and then head back out to the field from 14 – 18 May to complete our Section Level Certifications. However, Artillery Certifications are not the only thing that is going on during this time frame. The Battalion operations center is at the Operational Test Command Site establishing and utilizing all of our automated systems in a testing environment so we can effectively manage the Battalion in the field. The Radar and Meteorological Sections are also conducting their certifications along with new equipment training. Golf Company is not only charged with maintaining the Battalion in the field, but also keeping us on the road during our 60 KM road march. They are conducting their own certifications. All in all it is going to be a busy, but great couple of weeks. There is some information that I want to share with the families about training this summer. The Brigade has been notified that we will deploy to the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, LA for the month of August. The major issue with Fort Polk (besides being muggy that time of year) is that they don’t have the Paladin Artillery System down there for us to train on, so the Battalion is going to cross train on the two towed howitzers the M777 (155mm) and the M119 (105mm). Right now, the plan is for us to bring the weapon systems here so we can do all of our training here at Fort Hood. This training will keep the Battalion busy most of the summer up until we depart in August, but the intent is to train here so when we are not working, we get to spend time with our families. On that note, it does not look like the battalion or the Brigade will be able to take a block leave this summer, I know this is frustrating to many who enjoy vacationing in the summer when kids are out of school. While we cannot commit to a block leave period the Brigade and the Battalion will be conducting opportunity leave, which will provide some chance for folks to take leave when not training for our exercise in August. The Brigade is trying to fence sometime in the late summer or early fall to accommodate a Block Leave period and once we have details on that we will let everyone know.
The last thing I would like to address is the rumors about the possible deployment, and what that may mean to the Brigade and the Battalion. As of right now, there has been no deployment order given by our higher headquarters (Division or above), we have just been told to train. If we are given a deployment order, we are not sure at this time what our role/responsibility will be in support of the possible deployment. I, and the other leaders of the Battalion, remain committed to informing Soldiers and their Families as soon as we have directed information from our higher headquarters. We know how important it is to keep everyone informed. Regardless of what information is or is not provided, it is my intent to hold a Town Hall Meeting in the month of June to discuss possible deployment issues as well as address other concerns that may be on your mind. Stay connected with your Battery/Company FRG for details. Finally, mark your calendars during the third week of June we are planning on a family day where we bring all the families to our field site; show you all what we do on a daily basis in the field, and fire our howitzers in a direct fire mode – should be quite an event. Again thank you for what you do in 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-RegimentBlack-Dragons/288593261191191
Inside this issue: BN CSM
2
Chaplain’s Corner
2
HHB Hardcore
3
ALPHA Apaches
4
BRAVO Bulldogs
5
GOLF Ghostriders
6
Current Events and News
7-13
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BN CSM Words As the Battalion strengthens itself with better technology and a different command and control structure as well as the coordination of different views, the Battalion is excelling in all areas. The Battalion has stretched themselves thin during multiple missions without failure, to include the Radar section assisting 41 st Fires Brigade in targeting. As the Senior Enlisted Advisor in the Battalion, I am encouraging Soldiers to manage your time wisely. You should make some time for college and if you are an Officer Graduate, school should be in your mirror. As the promotion board procedures has so often changed, college, correspondence courses, weapons qualification and physical training is very imminent. Personnel, policies, procedures, facilities and equipment that integrate our day-to-day planning factors into a common organizational structure designed for the sole purpose of improving the Battalions efforts when called upon. Black Dragons you are performing at a level that is very complimenting to the United States Army 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 continues to set the pace! 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. The Basketball team won the Post Championships, just to emphasis the teamwork in the Battalion. SPC Taylor is the only Soldier in Division to make the culinary arts team and won 2 Silver medals at the Department of the Army level. 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. Special thanks for the Staff Officers and NCOs who make the unit operate under such smoothness. Black Dragons, whatever you do, make some time for your family or love ones/dependents! Black Dragons Can and Will, BD 9
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
“Finding the Perfect Mate”
I read an article recently that a panel of women debated on who they thought was the perfect man. You’d expect it might be a famous actor or wealthy tycoon. But the final conclusion of the panel was that the Perfect Man was actually….MR. POTATO HEAD! Their reasoning: He’s tan. He’s cute. He knows the importance of accessorizing. And, if he looks at another girl, you can rearrange his face. While it can be fun to dream and discuss “FINDING the right person,” I propose that as far as God is concerned, it’s better to focus on “BEING the right person.” An interesting passage of Scripture on this topic is found in the book of Proverbs where Solomon tells his young son, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, even his enemies live at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). One of the most shocking realities of being married is that people who have loved each other so deeply can become so angry that they seem more like enemies than loving partners. Consider this, if having our behavior and attitude be pleasing to God has the ability to create peace between enemies, wouldn’t it also work for a husband and wife? Remember Paul’s instruction to the people of Ephesus, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). The world teaches that the “key to a good marriage is FINDING the right person,” but God teaches, “the key to a good marriage is BEING the right person.” The key to being the “right person” is to make sure your behavior and attitude are “pleasing to the LORD.” CH (CPT) Robert Patterson 5-82FA Battalion Chaplain (254) 287-9574
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HHB Newsletter Written By: CPT Hastings
Volume 4
During the month of April HHB Soldiers invited our Adopt-A-School to join us for a run through the Fort Hood Air Assault Obstacle Course. Students from Cross Roads High School joined the Soldiers from HHB to tackle the obstacles. The students learned the value of team work and a few individuals even took the chance to face and conquer their fear of heights.
HARDCORE Battery Soldiers also focused on their individual marksmanship. HHB ran the M4 Qualification Range this month and as a result Soldiers are more comfortable with their weapon systems and their optics. Soldiers engaged popup targets from 50 meters out to 300 meters. During this last month of April, the Target Acquisition Platoon conducted numerous training events to include rehearsals for Section Certification and Individual training tasks. Both the Q36 and Q37 Radar sections supported 41st Fires, 1-21 MLRS in their certification and qualification of their Launchers on 18 April in OP Grove. During this time, the SURVEY/MET Section has supported every firing platoon in the Battalion in setting up survey control points and providing guidance to their Battery Commander. The Radar Platoon also continues to rigorously tests the equipment on a daily basis ensuring it remains fully mission capable.
Soldiers from HHB and students from Cross Roads High School encourage each other at the Fort Hood Air Assault Obstacle Course
SFC Huff giving a Range Safety Brief before taking the Soldiers to their firing points.
SGT Ramos emplacing the Q-36.
SSG Hawkins, SPC Clawson and SSG Armstrong conducting Radar Operations from the Q-37.
FRG Newsletter for HHB, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
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Apache Newsletter Written By: CPT Martin Piecuch
Volume 4
Since returning from the Easter Weekend, Apache Battery has spent endless hours conducting training in preparation for May’s Gunnery. The month kicked off with each Apache Soldier completing the Artillery Skills Proficiency Test (ASPT). The ASPT evaluates each13B and 13D competency on basic individual tasks that they must be able to execute prior to conducting a live fire exercise.
Apache Battery conducted field training in TA34 and TA48 in preparation for May’s Gunnery.
With the completion of ASPT, the next task for Apache Battery was the Gunner’s Test. The Gunner’s Test is a timed test that evaluates each gunners ability to fire the howitzer. It is mainly for gunner’s and section chiefs but open to anyone that would like to test their skills. Apache Battery dominated the Gunner’s Test with each Soldier passing and 11 Soldiers scoring “expert”; earning them the coveted Expert Gunner’s Badge. Apache Battery leadership proved their proficiency by completing the Leader’s Hands on test. The Leader’s Hands on test evaluates leaders on more advanced tasks that revolve around the laying of the howitzer.
All the hard training paid off as each Apache Soldier passed their Artillery Skills Proficiency Test!
Throughout the busy month, Apache Battery still managed to send Soldiers to M4, M249, M240, and M2A1 ranges. They also were giant contributors to III Corps and Fort Hood’s Spring Clean Up. GREAT JOB APACHES!! Upcoming Events -Table V (May 7-May 11) -Table VI -XII(May 14-May 18) -FRG Meeting (May 22) -FRG Run (May 30)
Apache Battery spent endless hours in the motor pool conducting digital sustainment training.
Welcome to the Newest Apache Soldiers! SGT Stover coming from Fort Campbell. SPC Pavlicek and his wife Olga coming from Fort Polk. SPC Graham coming from Germany. PFC Sheeley coming from Fort Sill. PV2 Gearhart and his wife April coming from Fort Sill. PVT Pristschet coming from Fort Sill.
FRG Newsletter for Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
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Bulldog Newsletter Volume 4
Written By: CPT Chad Fitzgerald Hello Bulldog Families!!!! The month of April saw the Bulldog Battery aggressively training toward Field Artillery live fire qualification!!! Not to mention, the tough physical training, outstanding schools, promotions, and awards accomplished by the Bulldog Battery. The month started with Bulldog Soldiers getting back to Convoy operations as they simulated live missions in Afghanistan using the Warrior Skills Simulator, where Soldiers were able to go on patrol using a live computer simulated Afghanistan environment.
BULLDOGS Soldiers drag a HUMVEE as part of Bulldog Stakes PT on 30 MAR
1LT Lopez and 2nd PLT conducts an AAR after a training iteration.
During the second week of April, Bulldog Soldiers conducted the Artillery Skills proficiency test completing all basic FA tasks to standard. Junior leaders of the Battery conducted gunner’s testing on tasks that are essential to the safe operations of the Field Artillery. Finally, senior leaders of the Battery conducted Leader’s Hands-On testing to set the stage for live fire cannon operations in the month of May. May started off with Bulldog Soldiers moving the field to get back on the guns to start training crew drills and occupations. This training increased the overall teamwork in the Battery as NCOs and Soldiers learned their specific Artillery jobs. After each iteration, leaders drove after action reviews to increase performance and maximize training. The Bulldogs did an outstanding job before moving out to the Battalion Field Problem in the second week of May. In addition to the outstanding Artillery Training, 2 new Bulldogs were inducted as newly promoted NCOs as part of the Battalion NCO induction ceremony. Training will become more challenging and rewarding during May as the Paladins conduct live fire operations for the first time since Iraq. Thanks to all the hard work displayed daily by the Bulldogs and endless support given by the families!!!!
SGT Troy Taylor accepts his certificate as part of the BN NCO induction ceremony
1LT Ball re-enlists SGT Vongbouenmy in front of the Battery HQ.
Welcome to the Newest Bulldog Soldiers! PVT David Campos PVT Angel Peralta
Congratulations to the Newest Bulldog NCOs! SGT Troy Taylor SGT Robert Stone
Congratulations to the Newest Bulldog Baby! Jaden Benjamin Bass was born at 1246 to parents SGT Benjamin Bass and wife Krista on April 9, 2012 (pictures to follow!!!!) UPCOMING EVENTS 7-11 MAY- BATTALION GUNNERY (FIELD) 14-18 MAY- BATTALION GUNNERY (FIELD) 25-28 MAY- MEMORIAL DAY FOUR DAY WEEKEND 1 JUNE-1st CAV TRAINING HOLIDAY 19-20 JUNE: PALADIN DIRECT FIRE RANGE & FAMILY DAY
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GOLF FSC, 5-82 FA
GHOSTRIDER’S NEWSLETTER VOLUME 5, ISSUE 7
MAY 9, 2012
Ghostrider 6 Ghostrider 9
Special points of interest:
Ghostrider 6’s Corner
Ghostrider Family - I hope everyone has a Happy Mother’s Day! The Ghostrider family day picnic on 19APR12, at Stillhouse Hollow Lake was an awesome event! We had great food, fun, games and music for everyone to enjoy. As we prepare for BD Gunnery, 07-11MAY12 and 1418MAY12, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for allowing Halana and I to be a part of this great organization for the past two years. It has been a humbling privilege. I wish everyone well and will rest easy knowing a great officer, CPT Juan Martinez will continue to make the unit better each day. Many thanks for your total support!!!
Greetings all – Another busy month for the Ghostrider Soldiers, but we made things happen and did it with ease! This past month, I would like to recognize SPC Taylor, Sharee for placing third in the Army Culinary Arts competition and being selected to serve as the III Corp Commanding General’s personnel chef. We also had eight Soldiers to get inducted into the prestigious Corp of NCO’s, along with three of those Soldiers getting promoted to the rank of sergeant. Along with the CDR, I will also be moving to BSTB to serve as a 1SG. Many Thanks!!!
Ghostrider 9’s Corner
Promotions
School Graduates
Baby Birth’s
Photos of Ghostrider’s Company BBQ and during 5-82 FA NCO
PROMOTIONS
GRADUATES
Congratulations to SGT Clark, SGT Robertson on their promotion on 01MAY12!
BABY BIRTH’S Congrats to SPC Speed and his fiancé’ Lisa on the birth of their son Sebastian on 11APR12 at 8lbs, 5oz!
Congratulations to the following soldiers for graduating from WLC: SPC Magana, SPC Prien and SGT Harris!
5TH BATTALION, 82ND FIELD ARTILLERY NINDUCTEES: NEWLY PROMOTED NCO’S: CPL BURRELL, SGT CLARK AND SGT ROBERSTON—WELL DONE!
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BLA
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Red Cross Youth Program Ages 14 and Up APPLICATION DEADLINE May 11, 2012 All Youth are required to attend a Red Cross New Volunteer Orientation The dates are as follows: Wednesday April 25 5:30-8:30pm Thursday April 26 5:30-8:30pm Wednesday May 2 5:30-8:30pm Tuesday May 8 5:30-8:30pm Saturday May 12 9:00-12:00pm Thursday May 17 5:30-8:30pm Saturday May 19 9:00-12:00pm
To obtain an application please email FortHood@RedCross.org Or call 254-287-0400
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2 Family Update May 2012
Copperas Cove Boys and Girls Club Summer Schedule
Membership is free to all active duty military! To find a Boys and Girls Club near you and to register for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas visit: http://www.bgctx.org
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Fort Hood Family and MWR Events Calendar May 11- Texas Hold „em Poker Tournament st place
prize - $175, 2nd placeprize - $75, 3rd place prize - $50 ved basis)
and spectators are welcome!
th Street
at Tank Destroyer Boulevard, near the east gate.
(Bldg. 194, 37th Street, inside of the Phantom Warrior Center) -532-5073.
May 13 - Mother‟s Day Brunch
– Adults – Children 5-12 – Children 4 & under
, red skinned mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, vegetable medley, Virginia baked ham , top round beef, assorted salads, desserts, mimosas and more! -532-5329 or 254-532-5073. th Street
at Tank Destroyer Blvd, near the East Gate.
May 18- 20 - Camp C.O.P.E. ked to make every day. -appropriate therapeutic interventions in small groups of their peers, who have had similar experiences. ope better emotionally. increased healthy relationships with others.
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Upcoming Events for the Exchange 12 May: Book Signing with the romance author Robyn Carr at the Clear Creek PX from 1100 -1300. She will be autographing copies of her latest books, “Sunrise Point” about a Marine returning home to the Virgin River.; “Redwood Bend” about a widow dealing with the death of her Green Beret husband in Afghanistan; and “Hidden Summit” #3 on the New York Times best selling list. These are the three latest titles in her Virgin River trilogy. 12 May: Direct from Puerto Rico, V&G Production brings you swing band KARIS, promoting their new production “The New Generation, The Power of Swing”, autograph signing and photo opportunity will be at the Clear Creek PX from 1400-1600. 14 May: Midnight Launch at the Clear Creek Game Stop. Be the first to purchase Diablo lll. Prelaunch is 2300-2400. Actual launch is 0001 until approximately 0100 on 15 May. 17 May: Book Signing with Marcus Luttrell at the Clear Creek PX from 1600-1800. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, author of the #1 bestseller “Lone Survivor”, tells his own extraordinary war stories-and those of others who have chosen to serve. In October 2006, after miraculously returning from his star-crossed mission in Afghanistan, Marcus Luttrell went back to war. In six months of high-intensity urban fighting in the most dangerous city in the world, Ramadi, Iraq, he was part of one of the greatest victories in the history of the SEAL teams. 19 May: Patriot Pet – Just say TREAT! – Photo Contest. In store pet contest will be held judging the pet photo submissions on the basis of creativity, uniqueness, quality, and effectiveness in conveying the loyalty and companionship of pets belonging to military members. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $250 Exchange gift card. 19 May: “Blood of Heroes” Book Signing with author James Donovan at the Clear Creek PX from 1100-1300. This is the story of the 13 day struggle for the Alamo and the sacrifice that forged a nation. 31 May: Book Signing with author Lisa Harris signing the latest installment of her “Finding My Way” series at the Clear Creek PX 1100-1300. 31 May – 2 June: Jazz guitarist Jeffery Smith will be performing and selling his CD’s at the Clear Creek PX 1100-1400 and 1600-1900.
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