Volume 1, Issue 3 Special points of interest: Arikara Troop Transfer of Authority, p.5 Bear Troop Change of Command, p.7 Family Resources, p. 21
Inside this issue: HHT
3
Arikara
5
Bear
7
Comanche
9
Mohave
11
Redhawk
20
Family Readiness
21
Chaplain
22
ATTACHED UNITS War Hammer
13
Centurion
15
Eagle
17
Glacier
19
August 2012
BLACKHAWK COMMAND UPDATE Team July has been an incredible month for Combined Task Force BlackHawk. As we have moved into the Ramazan period, the Squadron has begun to shift its focus from enabling the Afghan Uniformed Police through training and mission support, to one of overwatch as they conduct their operations to secure Kandahar. There's an old metaphor that seems to highlight how we have approach the mission here in Afghanistan: "Give me a fish, and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish, and I eat for life." In the case of our Afghan partners, we have move from 'giving them the fish', to 'teaching them to fish', and now we are 'watching them fish'... gently guiding to make sure they don't starve. Our shift to overwatch, 'watching them fish', signifies the incredible progress made here in Kandahar. With that shift within the Task Force and the greater Lancer Brigade, the Squadron begins to assume a much more traditional role as an economy of force providing the Lancer Brigade with options. Continued on the next page.
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LTC Patrick Michaelis HAWK 6
CSM Daniel Neary HAWK 7
BLACKHAWK COMMAND UPDATE CONT. Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
Arikara Troop recently reported for duty to TF Steel, our Artillery Battalion. We will soon see Police Mentorship Training become the coin of the realm with our MP Companies under the watchful eye of our sister Battalion and teammate in Kandahar City,503rd MP Battalion (Ripcord). It will prove to be an exciting time and one that requires flawless execution. The CSM and I are proud to report we are ready, willing, and able. Since our last update we have had some significant leader changes within the Task Force. Captain Brett Gambacorta, commander of Team HellRider, created an incredible team of teams which provided truly unique capabilities to the Squadron and the Brigade. He will be replaced by the equally capable Captain Tyler Patterson out of 2-1 Infantry. Captain Paul Tanghe, the former commander of Bear Troop, responsible for a historically contentious seam within Kandahar City, gave the B Troop Guidon to Captain Terron Wharton. Everyone of these fine officers are examples of the Values which make our Army great. My congratulations to the families and the incredible work done on behalf of our FRG volunteers. We get incredible reports and good news stories of families taking advantage of the opportunities under the Family Covenant, and the social event volunteers working tirelessly to bring the BlackHawk family together. Thank you again for all that you do. You make us all very proud over here! v/r BlackHawk 6 and 7
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Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
HELL RIDER UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
HELL RIDER FAMILIES, Since the last newsletter, Team Hell Rider has gone through several major transitions. We have seen the departure of Captain Brett Gambacorta due to injury. The day before CPT Gambacorta flew out of country, the troop got the chance to express its appreciation and thanks for all the hard work he has done for Team Hell Rider in a very moving ceremony . The incoming commander, CPT Tyler Patterson has arrived and has begun to make the transition into the Squadron Family. He should be a good addition, arriving to us from a successful 18 month Arikara TroopCompany, recently reported for duty to as TFtransition Steel, ouroccurs Artillery Battalion. command of Alpha 2-1 Infantry. Even both within We will soon see Police Mentorship Training become the coin of the realm with our Hell Rider Troop and the Squadron, we remain battle ready and mission focused. MP Companies under the watchful eye of our sister Battalion and teammate in KanOur soldiers continue to support every piece of tactical infrastructure within the dahar City,503rd MP Battalion (Ripcord). It will prove to be an exciting time and one Task Force and 1SG and I have nothing but praise for the way our soldiers have carthat requires flawless execution. The CSM and I are proud to report we are ready, ried outand their duties. willing, able. The highlight of this past month was the patching ceremony. This ceremony, steepedSince in army involves thehad awarding the Unitleader Combat Patch to all task ourtradition, last update we have some of significant changes within force soldiers servingBrett theirGambacorta, nation deployed in a timeofofTeam war. HellRider, The ceremony bethe Task Force.for Captain commander created ganincredible at Camp Nathan LTCprovided Michaelis, CSM Neary,capabilities CPT Gambcorta 1SG an team ofSmith teamswith which truly unique to theand SquadStewart patching every the TaskbyForce situatedcapable on CNS.Captain This was followed ron and the Brigade. Hesoldier will bein replaced the equally Tyler Patterby whirlwind day of traveling theTanghe, commander and 1SG patched every soldier in sonaout of 2-1 Infantry. Captain as Paul the former commander of Bear Troop, Hellrider troop matter thecontentious size or distance the installation Campthe Nathan responsible for no a historically seamofwithin Kandahar from City, gave B th Troop Guidon to Captain Terron Everyone ofcoinciding these finewith officers examSmith. What made the day evenWharton. more special was its the are 4 of July ples of the Values which make our Army great.ways all over the Task Force area of opcelebrations that all bases celebrated in little erations. Myfight congratulations to the familiesasand incredible work doneand on Ramabehalf The remains tough, especially thethe temperatures increase of FRG volunteers. get incredible reports good news stories of families zanour (the Islamic month We of prayer) comes into full and swing. However, our troopers retaking advantage of the opportunities under the Family Covenant, and the social main dedicated to mission success and the long term goal of peace and security in event volunteers tirelessly tomorale bring the BlackHawk family Thank Kandahar City andworking Afghanistan. Our remains high, and wetogether. thank everyone you again for all that You make us all very proud over on the homefront foryou the do. prayers and well wishes you give us.here! The FaceBook page is continually updated by 1SG Stewart, the link is below: v/r http://www.facebook.com/HellRiderTroop BlackHawk 6 and 7 Thank you for your continued support! -Hell Rider 5 HELL FOLLOWS!
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HELL RIDER UPDATE
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ARIKARA UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
Greetings from Afghanistan to the families of Arikara Troop and the Blackhawk Squadron! We hope this newsletter finds you in good spirits and enjoying the summer festivities. The month of July has brought a number of changes and mission success to Arikara troop and the people of Malajat, Afghanistan. We have continued our partnership with our police sub-stations and their progression has been incredible. We find ourselves in a period of transition that has allowed our Afghan police force to take ownership of their district and provide capable security gains that do no rely solely on US forces. This has come with some degree of difficulty, but the soldiers of Arikara Troop have met this challenge head on and continue to strive for excellence. The troop is also in a period of transition, looking to relocate our headquarters and operate in the northern Kandahar area, away from the city. This area requires some much needed help for the local populace and we are looking forward to making a difference. We will also welcome in a new platoon to our formation coming from Bear troop under the leadership of 1LT John Kottlowski, and SFC Conrad Vasquez. They have been selected to join our ranks as we move north and assume responsibility of a new mission in Shah Wali Kot, Kandahar. This month also gives us the opportunity to learn about the Muslim holiday “Ramadan”, as our Afghan partners celebrate their religion. Ramadan is a month of fasting intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. This time also gives us a chance to better know and understand our partners, which will help to strengthen our working relationships. Again, I would like to thank you for your support as we strive for mission success, and end one chapter of our deployment as we open another. “Horns Up Front!” 1SG’s Corner To all the friends and family of Arikara Troop and the Blackhawk Squadron, your support is truly inspiring. The month of July has proven to be our busiest so far in the way of training and transition. We continue to gain a vast knowledge of systems and equipment that will help us accomplish our mission with great success. Our Soldiers have worked diligently and put forth tireless effort at learning and growing daily both as Soldiers, and as mentors to our Afghan partners. We conducted a “patch ceremony” on the 4th of July to place the 2nd Infantry Division combat patch on the right sleeve of our troopers, followed by a BBQ and plenty of cold “near” beer. SPC Hinojosa, SPC Klipp and SSG Rock re-enlisted for another tour of service with our great Army and their expertise will definitely be utilized and appreciated by our organization. Congratulations to all three Soldiers and to their families on their continued commitment to our nation. Thank you again for all your support and I hope this newsletter finds all of our friends and family in good health and high spirits. From all the soldiers of Arikara, thank you for your unwavering support and well wishes that are sent our way. We appreciate all you do, and the sacrifices you have made in order to support us and our mission! “HORNS UP FRONT!"
CPT Anthony L. Williams Arikara 6
1SG Rennes G. Weimer Arikara 7
FRG Corner Contact the FRG: arikaratroopfrg@gmail.com Walk to Afghanistan Miles: 3,070
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ARIKARA UPDATE
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BEAR TROOP UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
Greeting to the Bear Troop Family! It has been a busy month at Bear Troop, full of changes and transitions. On August 1 we said goodbye to CPT Paul Tanghe after 19 months of command and I took over as Bear 6. CPT Tanghe is heading to begin grad school at the University of Denver and then off to be a professor at West Point in the Social Sciences department. Paul, thank you for building and leading a team that we can be proud of, and thank you for all you taught me during our transition. We also had several of our Troopers make transitions of their own. SPC Mosher and SPC Smith have both transitioned to the roles and responsibilities of NCOs, with SPC Mosher being promoted to SGT and SPC Smith performing flawlessly at the promotion board and earning the rank of CPL until he makes SGT. The final promotion, was one of our medics, PFC Ramierez being promoted to the rank of SPC. Great job, gentlemen! In addition to a change of command and promotions, we also had several Troopers reenlist to stay in the fight, with SSG Benson, SGT Small, and SGT Guidice deciding to continue their commitment to serve their country. Finally, in addition to a new commander, we also got a new Executive Officer, 1LT Alex Saul, formerly a Platoon Leader in Comanche Troop. The final transition we had was the departure of White PLT, as 1LT Kottlowski, SF C Vasquez, and their men went to join Arikara Troop as Arikara moves up north to fall under 2-17 FA. Good luck and God Bless, gentlemen! Finally, before I go, I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is CPT Terron O. Wharton, and I've been with the SQDN since January 2011 where I was serving FRG Corner as the planner on staff. My previous experiences include two tours in Iraq with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. While in 1st CAV I served time as a Contact the FRG: tank platoon leader, tank company executive officer, and a battalion logistics offiBeartroop81@gmail.com cer. I am currently engaged to Ms. Jeniece Simmons, a Tacoma native and National Bear Troop FaceBook: Guardsman. Thank you for all of the love and support you continue to give our www.facebook.com/ bear.troop Troopers. Three months down and still going strong! v/r, Adopt a Bear Program: An opportunity to support a Terron Wharton Bear Troop soldier, selected at random, by writing letters and CPT, Commanding sending packages. For more Excerpt From CPT Tanghe’s Farewell Speech information, see the Bear Equally, to transfer my duties here to Captain Wharton, a most capable officer Troop FaceBook page (above), or contact the FRG. dedicated to continuing the excellence of Bear Troop, makes it easier to walk away. And most importantly, I can personally witness that where others see chalNew Bears: lenges, this is a team that seeks and realizes opportunities as protectors, defendSPC Joseph and Mrs. Maria ers, and men and women of honor. An American poet from the birthplace of our Parnass welcomed Marily Conchita Parnass Armor branch in Kentucky wrote, “True harvests no mere intent may reap.” I am into this world, filled with respect and gratitude for every man, woman, and family whose service 2:23 on May 14th, 2012 and sacrifices have reaped the true harvests of this Troop. Again, it has been the 3 lbs 10 oz greatest of honors to serve here, to witness the discipline and honor of these PFC Robby and Mrs. Danetta Troopers, and to know firsthand the skill and courage of all of you who constitute Largmann welcomed Elana Elizabeth Betty the Bear Troop community. On the eve of this deployment, that same poet wrote Marie Largmann into this to me that, “Truth keeps us though we do not know it.” These are my final moworld, 12:41 AM on June 4th, 2012 ments with this command. This Troop and her history will shortly become the care 7 lbs 8oz of another captain. To him and your posterity will we commit our future. You will 19 1/2 in. long continue the mission we have begun. May Truth and Providence keep this Troop, Walk to Afghanistan Miles: her men and her families, her partners, and the people they serve as you continue 3,578 this great endeavor to courageously and faithfully Seize the High Ground.
BEAR UPDATE
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COMANCHE UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
Comanche friends and families, we hope you’re enjoying the summer and doing well. We are going over ninety days in theater and your support for our Troopers has been invaluable. The FRG continues to strive to get all of our families the information they need during this tough time to make life easier at home. Since the 1 July 2012 “Afghans in the Lead” day, our AUP have maintained the gains that they have made and have created considerable positive momentum. We have also moved into the Muslim holy month of Ramadan where we have taken appropriate steps in order to respect the culture of the local people and our partnered police. Our police partners continue to make strides to protect the local populace and secure their neighborhoods. We see improvement in our daily interactions with our partners and our local communities where we patrol. Comanche Troop continues to make strides across all lines of effort and continues to work in the lead for the Blackhawk Squadron. Over the last month our Afghan partners led our local governance shura, security shura, and a shura to un-embed from one of our outposts, conducted on 28 June 2012. Comanche was the first Troop or Company size element within the Squadron to conduct this type of operation and continues to lead the way. Since the last newsletter, we held our patch ceremony. The troop has done an outstanding job since deployment and we have a lot to be proud of in our Troopers. We especially thank our Comanche families and FRG for being there for us in our time of need. The Soldiers appreciate any chance they can get to communicate with you and any letters or packages they receive. We are also FRG Corner blessed to have such an awesome support group. I encourage Contact the FRG: that if you have any questions please contact the FRG. If they comanchetroopFRG@gmail.com FaceBook Page: can’t answer your question they will certainly point you in the Comanche www.facebook.com/ ComancheTroop8.1CAV direction of someone who can. Thank you for your prayers “Like” our page to receive updates from the Commander and and support. One Step Ahead! to view pictures of the Troop.
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COMANCHE UPDATE
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MOJAVE UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
Soldiers, Families, and Friends of the 572nd Military Intelligence Company, As July comes to a close, it seems the time is going by faster for the soldiers of Mojave Company. While it seems like we only just left JBLM and took over the mission in Afghanistan, it is hard to believe we are nearly halfway through the deployment. Some are already over the hurdle and are on the downhill. The coming months will certainly be a busy one as we continue to support combat operations here in Kandahar Province and begin preparations for coming home. July was our busiest month yet. The month started off with 4th of July celebrations, which included several promotions and re-enlistments for the company. Also, the company took part in the Patch Ceremony here at Camp Nathan Smith and various other locations across Kandahar. The Squadron Command Group was able to make it to many of these locations to award Soldiers the Combat Patch of the 2nd Infantry Division. This is a symbolic event for many Soldiers, whether they have deployed before or not. Our wearing of the 2ID patch places us alongside units who have come before us, from the Korean War to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Your soldiers are now a part of history and will forever be associated with this legacy. The leadership continues to make its way to the various locations our soldiers are at. During our visits we check on the living and work conditions, make sure they have everything they need to complete their mission, and live as comfortable as possible. We have been able to visit all bases our Soldiers are at and can say that the units they work for have nothing but the best to say about their work ethic and contribution to the mission. They have singled out a number of our Soldiers on numerous occasions and view them as much a part of their team as their own soldiers. The many images of family and friends back home participating in FRG Corner FRG events continue to inspire everyone here. During these long deployments the value of family and friendships can never be understated. The Contact the FRG: FRG has been contributing countless hours towards the soldiers of Mojave mico572frg@gmail.com and member and nonmember alike back at JBLM. This is by far the strongest MICO FaceBook Page: and most dedicated FRG I have worked with throughout three deployments, https://www.facebook.com/ and I could never thank them enough for all of their hard work. pages/572-MICOFRG/206715606061075 As we enter August, the temperatures will finally begin to cool and we will be getting closer to our goal. This goal is to redeploy back to the Walk to Afghanistan Miles: 8,891 United States safely knowing we have taken part in a mission that has mainTotal families participating: 21 tained the freedom and security of our loved ones back home as well as for Upcoming Events the Afghan population. The amount of effort, hard work, and sacrifice which 21 June - details to come at a takes places on a daily basis can never be fully stated, but the results will later date speak for themselves as a safe and secured Afghanistan. Sincerely, JOSHUA M. BAL CPT, MI Commanding
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MOHAVE UPDATE
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WAR HAMMER UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
Hello again to all Blackhawk and War Hammer friends and family, As most of you already know, Team War Hammer has been geographically dispersed for the most part of the deployment. During this last month, we have been slowly reconsolidating and expect to all be back together in the near future. This transition will improve communications within the Company and afford us more opportunities to build esprit de corps within our ranks. It is reassuring to know that we will soon be back together as a Company “family” as we also get one month closer to coming home to you. Over the course of the last month we have also experienced great change within the Company: nine War Hammer Soldiers have been promoted. Congratulations to those Soldiers and their families, it was well deserved and keep up the good work. Our Facebook page has started to blossom as we continue to receive words of encouragement from families and loved ones. It has also provided a good platform for team War Hammer to provide you with some of our experiences from Afghanistan and share some of our pictures with you. I will be making a concerted effort over the course of the next month to consolidate photos and get them posted to the page. Please visit our page at http://www.facebook.com/groups/303rdmpco/ . With the 303D transition to TF Ripcord, I would like to take this opportunity to thank team Blackhawk for making the 303D MP Co feel part of the team. It has been a pleasure working with the Squadron and we look forward to a lasting relationship. SADDLE UP!!!! CPT Travis Gilbert Warhammer 6
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WARHAMMER UPDATE
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CENTURION UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
The 287th MP Company continues its partnered security/mentorship mission across a broad area of Eastern Kandahar city. As Afghan Uniformed Police continue to take on a larger role in the planning and execution of a greater number of missions, our maneuver elements are concentrating more on mentorship and ensuring that Afghan personnel in key leadership positions have a solid working knowledge of the training and logistical acquisition process. While a total of 3 Squads from the Company have been displaced to conduct SFAT missions, the remaining 4 Squads continue to conduct a wide range of operations throughout sub-districts 3, 5 and 10. This month we’ve conducted Base Defense Operations on 3 separate tactical Infrastructure, disruption patrols in support of the Tranche Ceremonies transferring authority of Kandahar City to ANSF control, heavy equipment escorts to assist with the rebuilding of the Provincial Reserve after recent insurgent attacks, culvert intrusion denial system integrity checks, numerous named operations and extensive mentorship training. 287th in partnership with the AUP have taken part in several named operations this month to disrupt insurgent activity, conduct checkpoint operations to stop the flow of arms, explosives and enemy combatants into the battle space, resulting in AUP detention of persons of interest, confiscation of weapons, explosives, illicit drugs and discovery of new enemy TTP’s, area recon to identify compounds and persons of interest, biometric enrollment and security of key tactical infrastructure providing a safer operational environment for our partnered security forces and the local national population. Atmospherics from local nationals have remained generally supportive towards ISAF throughout our area of operation. Some of the training conducted with the AUP this month has involved evidence based training dealing with crime scene security and preservation, care and handling of evidence and crime scenes. We have seen some improvement recently in ANSF logistics/supply. While the AUP are meeting some resistance from higher headquarters in regards to winterization equipment, their weapons, ammo and fuel requests have been addressed adequately which is an improvement from prior months. Our most recent development project is providing support For the Shen Ghazi Baba Shrine/wall renovation project. Apart from the actual renovation of the shrine itself they’re rebuilding the perimeter wall to provide seclusion and help preserve and secure the shrine. With the recent change in sub district managers the project has temporarily been placed on hold. Quality of life continues to improve on COP Shurandam. Along with other recent improvements, our dining facility has started serving midnight chow this month which benefits everyone, especially night shift workers and Soldiers returning late from missions. The extreme fitness room was also recently completed. New features include floor mats for combative training, a double end bag and heavy bag. The deck outside the extreme fitness room has a sunshade, additional picnic tables, and the most recent addition was a giant swamp cooler. The 287th MP Company Family Readiness Group continues to conduct monthly meetings to keep family and spouses informed of community activities in and around the Ft Riley area, including sporting events, fund raisers, Centurion T-shirt sales, ACS assistance and general support and team building activities.
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CENTURION UPDATE
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EAGLE UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
To the Eagle Soldiers, Contractors, and Families, This month marks the completion of our second month of the mission. In this past month, we have seen the Afghan National Security Forces formally accept the LTC Coffey lead for the security of its citizens, and we have witnessed our counterparts in the Garrison Headquarters demonstrate tangible leadership of subordinate police substations. Our combat advisors and police mentors, both military and civilian, have inspired the Afghans to perform their duties in a professional manner; I was privileged to learn that our counterpart Afghan commander uses our personal example to illustrate the values of commitment, bravery, and service to his patrolmen. I can think of no higher compliment of our team, that our example alone is inspiring the Afghans to achieve expectations previously considered unattainable by their security forces. Seize the High Ground! LTC Ross Coffey
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EAGLE UPDATE
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GLACIER UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
The month of July provided some interesting adventures for SFAT KC Mayor. Not only did we conduct our regular meetings with Municipal Staff at City Hall, we had opportunities to see many projects being conducted around the city. Schools, water projects, industrial projects, just to name a few. Progress is happening, quality of life is improving. Some of these missions proved to be challenge. We did get to visit the Sara Gundey School, recently refurbished, with the intent to ensure it was ready to reopen and provide the youth in Subdistrict 9 with a quality education, and a bright future. In an effort to build the capacity of our partners at City Hall, we have been working to improve the security situation as well. This has involved receiving 1000 prefilled sandbags, and emplacing them at guard points around the compound. And even more good news: It is with great pleasure that we congratulate SPC Osburn and his family on the latest addition. Alice Danielle was born on 15 July. Your adventure is just beginning. Unfortunately, the only constant that we are guaranteed at anytime is change. With the NATO-wide drawdown of forces, the Lancer Brigade area is expanding, and this means reorganizing units. To us, that means that the 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, 303rd MP Company will be released from their mission with SFAT KC Mayor. So to 1LT Sale, SSG Underwood and crew, we extend our thanks and appreciation. We are proud of what you have contributed, and wish you continued success. Our thoughts and prayers go with you.
Glacier 7
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REDHAWK UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
BlackHawk Family,
Rear Detachment 1LT Stephen Schwartz Rear Detachment Commander (651) 246-2095 Stephen.Schwartz1@ us.army.mil SFC Kirk Alcorn Rear Detachment First Sergeant Kirk.Alcorn@us.army.mil (360) 701-9723 8-1 Cav Staff Duty (253) 966-8307* no longer answered 24/7, only regular business hours Brigade Staff Duty: 253-967-6443 (answered 24/7) Emergencies Sexual Assault Reporting/Victim Advocates 253-966-SAFE (7233) National Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Army Emergency Relief (AER): 253-976-9852
I continue to be impressed by the dedication and joy of our families and FRG volunteers back home. For most of you, it has been 3-4 months since your soldier left, and you are doing an outstanding job of maintaining day to day life. Congratulations—you have all made it through at least one third of this deployment, and before you know it, you’ll be at the half way mark. To all who attended our last Town Hall meeting, thank you for coming out to spend an evening with myself, the other spouses, and our command team downrange. It was my pleasure to facilitate the meeting and get many of your questions answered. Going forward, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have more questions. In other news, a group of about 20 soldiers is deploying to join our down-range Troopers for the remainder of the deployment. To them and their families, thank you for your hard work and sacrifice over the coming months. You are greatly appreciated and highly valued as a part of the Blackhawk family. To all of our spouses and parents, please take the time to make sure you are connected to information through the FRGs and that you have all of the important numbers saved in your phone or in convenient location (left column of this page). Here are my recommendations to become better connected and educated. Please remember, you are your family’s best and strongest advocate. 1) Get connected with your Troop’s FRG. They are a great group of spouses ready to be a source of information and help. 2) Visit with the FRSA, Laura Meeks, either in person or over the phone. She is our full-time resource expert and can point you in the right direction, catch you on past deployment meetings, or give you some starting points for getting educated about the Army. 3) Visit Army Community Services and Waller Hall to learn about most of the family services. For directions, call ACS: 253-967-7166. 4) Attend a Newcomers Orientation or Family Welcome Brief. Call ACS for more information: 253-967-7166. Redhawk 6 Stephen Schwartz 1LT, MI Commanding
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FAMILY READINESS UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 3
August 2012
8-1 Cav Events for August 2012
Resource Roundup 8-1 Cav FaceBook Page www.facebook.com/8SQDN1CAV Out of Town Link http://www.emailmeform.com/ builder/form/0zt0Jf1ej80aapyD6Xc Virtual FRG (vFRG) www.armyfrg.org (For registration instructions, ask your FRG or the FRSA) Child and Youth Services www.jblmmwr.com/CYS 253-967-CYSS BDE Military Family Life Consultant Mrs. Alexandria Horton (253) 363-6973 2ndMFLC@gmail.com Madigan Child and Family Assistance Center (CAFAC) 253-968-4843 MAMC Annex, Bldg. 9923A Financial Readiness 253-967-1453 Rear Detachment Mrs. Laura Meeks Family Readiness Support Assistant M-F, 8:30-5, and by appointment (253) 967-1493 Laura.O.Meeks@us.army.mil Chaplain CPT Barry Malone 253-651-3069 Staff Duty (253) 966-8307* Only answered during regular business hours
1) 8-1 Cav Spouse’s Southern Tea Social Who: 8-1 Cav Spouses (no children unless nursing) What: Bring your favorite iced tea or finger food and dress for the occasion (sundress, hat, gloves, etc.) When: Friday, August 10th from 6-8 PM Where: Family Resource Center RSVP: http://new.evite.com/l/CEKOVU64RG CHILDCARE: Arrange your own CYS Hourly Care: 253-967-2977 *NO ALCOHOL OR PETS ALLOWED 2) Sumner/Puyallup Art & Rhubarb Festival, partners with 2nd Brigade When: Friday August 3rd 10am-8pm & Saturday August 4th 10am-7pm What: Music, Microbrew Tastings, Pet Parade, Kid’s Activities, Art, Dance Performances & more! 3) 2nd BSB Women’s August Self Defense Classes Who: Women, ages 13+ What: Self-defense tactics and techniques taught by nationally certified RAD instructors When: 4 Wednesdays—Aug. 8,15,22, & 29th from 5-8PM (12 hours total) Where: 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, Bldg # 11755 A Street (near A Street and 12th Street on North Fort). RSVP: Mrs. Norma Franco, 253-477-2430 or Norma.Franco@us.army.mil 4) Lancer Brigade Family Day When: Saturday, Sept. 8th, 3-6 PM What: Food, games, and activities Interested in volunteering? Contact Amber Anderson at mico572frg@gmail.com 5) Walk to Afghanistan Did you know you can earn miles by doing any kind of exercise, attending FRG events, getting good grades, sending care packages, and more? Ask your FRG leader or the FRSA if you would like a packet that explains the rules and helps you keep track of your miles. Miles are due to your Troop/Company’s WTA volunteer at the end of each month. 6,767 miles gets you to Afghanistan! Current totals: HHT: 7,270 Ice Cream Social Arikara: 8,179 July 12th, 2012 Bear: 8,378 Comanche: 4,649 MICO: 20,455
BDE Staff Duty: 253-967-6443 (answered 24/7) Emergencies Sexual Assault Reporting/Victim Advocates 253-966-SAFE (7233) National Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Army Emergency Relief (AER): 253-976-9852
“Saddle Up”
CHAPPY’S CORNER
Three months down, six to go. I have noticed that as of late that the newness of deployment has worn off. Now the Squadron is starting to settle into a rhythm and routine. This can be good as well as bad. We never want to become complacent. We never want to get to the place that things become so mundane that we lose perspective as to why we are here. That is where our incredible leadership has stepped in. I believe that we have the best of the best looking out for our Soldiers. I have seen it firsthand. I have witnessed it during patrols. I have observed it during AAR's. I have been a part of it during our Command and Staff meetings. In all instances our Soldiers have shown a degree of professionalism and integrity. Not only do we do it for the sake of victory, but we also do it for our loved ones back home. We fight for what's right. We fight for our country. We fight for you. We have all come to this place in our lives for various reasons, many paths have brought us here. I have been reflecting recently on my own personal journey that has led me here. God has allowed me to be in this place for such a time as this. I don't believe in coincidence. I think everything happens for a reason. I thank God daily that He has allowed me to be a part of this Squadron. I honestly think I have the best job in the Army. I get to go from place to place just to hang out with our Soldiers. It is during those trips that I get to see how much they not only miss you guys, but how much your support strengthens them. I know for myself that when I get a care package or a chance to talk to my wife back home, it makes my time out here that much more bearable. One thing that I would recommend to you back home is to come up with ways to break up the monotony of deployment. My wife and I have some ways we try to do this. One such way is that we do a book study together. We are reading the same book and working through a study together. We also try and have date nights. I have heard of other couples watching the same movie at the same time together. One creative soldier recently told me that he and his wife celebrated fifty days of deployment with the fifty things they would love to do with each other when they get home. Anything you can do to help make these days pass while strengthening your relationships with your loved ones will go a long way. Be blessed! For you have been a blessing to us!! Chappy
“Saddle Up”