Volume 1, Issue 2 Special points of interest: Mr. Tom Boyles Memorial Ceremony p. 21 Squadron Family Events, p. 20 Family Resources, p. 20
Inside this issue: HHT
2
Arikara
4
Bear
6
Comanche
8
MICO
10
Chaplain
22
Family Readiness
20
Rear Detachment
19
ATTACHED UNITS Warhammer
12
Centurion
14
Eagle
16
Glacier
18
July 2012
BLACKHAWK COMMAND UPDATE Team Blackhawk On this Independence Day weekend, the Combined Task Force took a brief pause to award the 2nd Infantry Division Combat Patch for wartime service in a combat zone. The Combat Patch confirms a Soldier's status as a Combat Veteran. Officially called the 'Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Former Wartime Service" - also known as the 'Combat Patch' - it first began as a tradition under General George Washington. Then, Soldiers who had served in a combat zone during a period of active enemy engagement placed their unit patches on their right shoulder. This Independence Day weekend, we continued that tradition started during the birth of our Nation. We paused collectively to remember the significance of Independence Day, and to reflect on our losses and our contributions over the last 45 days. It was with immense pride that the Command Sergeant Major and I got an opportunity to watch young Squad Leaders and Team Leaders move the unit patch from one sleeve to the other and see the sense of accomplishment in every Troopers eye. From now on, on every Independence Day, our Troopers will remember the commitment to mission, the commitment to each other, and the Values we hold as Protectors who serve with Honor. They will quietly look to their right sleeve as fireworks blaze the skies of our nation. They will tell the story of their accomplishments to their sons and daughters. They will remember the blood, the sweat, the tears, and the sacrifice made on behalf of a grateful nation. Animo et Fide! Courageous and Faithful.
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LTC Patrick Michaelis HAWK 6
CSM Daniel Neary HAWK 7
HELL RIDER UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
HELL RIDER FAMILIES, Since the last newsletter, Team Hell Rider has been hard at work in Kandahar City. Team Hell Rider has Troopers at every piece of tactical infrastructure throughout the city supporting the troops and companies of the Task Force. The Blackhawk Squadron simply cannot function without the day to day efforts of our Troopers. As I am sure you are aware, insurgent forces have increased their attacks since we first arrived here. The 1SG and I are extremely proud of each one of our troopers in the way they have conducted themselves in the face of adversity. Our troopers have responded to every situation, from direct fire to injured civilians, with honor, courage, restraint, and compassion; you have every reason to be proud of your loved ones. 1SG Stewart and I have started a Troop face book page and will updates as often as possible with pictures of your loved ones. You can find the link below: http://www.facebook.com/#!/HellRiderTroop Thank you for your continued support! -Hell Rider 6 HELL FOLLOWS! FRG Corner Contact the FRG: hellriderfrg@gmail.com
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July 2012
CNS Patch Ceremony
More pictures on the SQDN FB Page at www.facebook.com/8SQDN1CAV
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ARIKARA UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
July 2012
Greetings from Afghanistan to the families of Arikara Troop and the Blackhawk Squadron! We hope this letter finds you all in good spirits and safe back at JBLM. Arikara Troop continues to make progress here in Malajat, Afghanistan. The troopers are partnering with four separate Afghan Uniform Police stations and conducting partnered patrols daily throughout our sub-district of responsibility. Red platoon under the leadership of 1LT Moeller and SFC Olcott continue to work with HHT and conduct missions throughout Kandahar City with success. White platoon under the leadership of 1LT Kuhn and SFC Packard have conducted numerous training events with their partners ensuring they are fully capable of conducting police patrols in the district. These training events have resulted in their partners having a better understanding of operations and increased knowledge. Blue platoon under the leadership of 1LT hart and SFC Olivas has continued to shape their police partners in to an independent force. Their recent medical classes and police training events have allowed their police sub-station to patrol with more confidence, and independently within the district. Headquarters platoon continues to work very hard maintaining the tactical operations center, intelligence support cell, maintenance, and logistics for the troop to function properly. We recently gave a farewell to 1LT Beckman as the executive officer of Arikara troop. He is now serving as the executive officer for HHT, 8-1 CAV and we wish him the best of luck in his new duty position. At the same time we welcomed in 1LT David Matoi who has taken over as the new troop executive officer. We are positive that he will do an excellent job and continue to hold Arikara troop to high standards. Again, all the troopers of Arikara thank you for your continued support and prayers that are sent our way. We thank our FRG for continuing to support us, and wish you the best of luck with the “Walk to Afghanistan” program. Thank you for all you do, and the sacrifices you have made in FRG Corner order to support us and our mission! Arikara 6 & 7 Contact the FRG: arikaratroopfrg@gmail.com Walk to Afghanistan Miles: 3,070
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Arikara Patch Ceremony
More pictures on the SQDN FB Page at www.facebook.com/8SQDN1CAV
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BEAR UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
Happy Independence Day from Kandahar! On this anniversary of our country's Declaration of Independence from tyranny, injustice, repression, and governance that does not serve its people, I am proud to be with the men and women of Team Bear continuing to fight for the inalienable rights of both the American and Afghan people here on the outskirts of Kandahar, just as our forbearers did at Lexington and Concord. Our company team continues to serve here honorably. Our area of responsibility recently transitioned to the formal control of the Afghan Uniformed Police we partner with, and I am proud to say that so far, so good. Each day, the Troopers of Team Bear continue to work to enable the Afghan police, communicate with our partners, and sustain ourselves. For the most part, our days go well, and we are pleased with strides our Afghan police brothers are making. Even more importantly, on days when things do not go well, the men and women of Team Bear find ways to change situations for the better. I am proud of this team and what it accomplishes every day here in Afghanistan. Our team was fortunate to welcome new Military Police soldiers from the 484th Military Police Company of the Montana National Guard. Our new "Marshall" element brings some refreshing new faces to our work here, as well as a wealth of military and civilian experiences in both law enforcement and beyond. We were also lucky to celebrate the reenlistments of Staff Sergeant William A. Faulconer, the Troop Operations NCO, and Staff Sergeant Chad Eddy, the senior Troop mechanic. Lastly, we bid farewell to a senior leader who completed his assignment in the Troop, Sergeant First Class Donald Mowrey, the Red Platoon Sergeant. Over the past year, Sergeant First Class Mowrey has shared immeasurable wisdom and devotion with his subordinates, peers, and superiors alike, and was always one of the most professional of Soldiers in the Troop. We are grateful for his service and sad to see him go. At the same time, we are glad to welcome Staff Sergeant Michael D. Cody as the new Red Platoon Sergeant. Staff Sergeant Cody joined the Squadron just before we deployed, and I believe will be an outstanding platoon sergeant and addition to this Troop. As we continue our work this summer, the Afghans will play progressively greater roles in operations here. They could not have better role models or back-up supports than the Troopers of Bear Troop, and we in Bear Troop could not have better supporters and motivators than our families back home. Thank you for your continued support. Bear 6
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July 2012
FRG Corner Contact the FRG: Beartroop81@gmail.com Bear Troop FaceBook: www.facebook.com/ bear.troop Adopt a Bear Program: An opportunity to support a Bear Troop soldier, selected at random, by writing letters and sending packages. For more information, see the Bear Troop FaceBook page (above), or contact the FRG. New Bears: SPC Joseph and Mrs. Maria Parnass welcomed Marily Conchita Parnass into this world, 2:23 on May 14th, 2012 3 lbs 10 oz PFC Robby and Mrs. Danetta Largmann welcomed Elana Elizabeth Betty Marie Largmann into this world, 12:41 AM on June 4th, 2012 7 lbs 8oz 19 1/2 in. long Walk to Afghanistan Miles: 3,578
Bear Patch Ceremony
More pictures on the SQDN FB Page at www.facebook.com/8SQDN1CAV
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COMANCHE UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
July 2012
I hope everyone is doing well. I thank you for your continued support to your Troopers and Comanche. Myself and the Family Readiness Group continue to strive to provide you the most timely and accurate information possible. Over the last month we have supported our police partners, the Afghan Uniform Police (AUP), in taking the fight to the enemy. Every mission we have conducted over the last few weeks have been planned and led by the AUP. The date is set for 1 July 2012 as the official “Afghans in the lead” day and we are by far exceeding that. We continue to do many of the same types of missions but instead of it being a plan made by us we are turning the reigns over to the Afghans to decide. We continue to conduct professionalization training with the AUP and positive results continue. Governance within the Comanche Troop area is also being led by the Afghan elected officials. Local leaders are now leading the Governance and Security Shuras as well as the meetings will be hosted by Afghan officials. All entities such as security commanders, Wahkeils, and Sub-District Manager are working across multiple lines of effort to make the area stability remain stable past our exit. Very soon the Troop will conduct its patch ceremony where all of our Troopers will receive the coveted 2ID combat patch. This is a very special day for all Soldiers but especially Soldiers on their first deployment. For those Soldiers it is a day that they will not forget. I still remember and hold close when I received my 101st combat patch from my former Commander in January 2006. We are looking forward to the day and will definitely have pictures of all of our platoons as they receive their patches. Comanche families stay strong through these summer months and be safe as accidents tend to increase during this time. We continue to strive for excellence and we take pride in the amount of care we have for our Soldiers. We are a family! I remind our Soldiers to call their families all the time. We ask again for continued prayers for the Troop. A big thank you to our FRG as well for helping host meetings and support the families of the Troop! Thanks again for your service to the Troop and Nation. One Step Ahead! Comanche 6
FRG Corner Contact the FRG: comanchetroopFRG@gmail.com Comanche FaceBook Page: www.facebook.com/ ComancheTroop8.1CAV “Like” our page to receive updates from the Commander and to view pictures of the Troop.
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Comanche Patch Ceremony
More pictures on the SQDN FB Page at www.facebook.com/8SQDN1CAV
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MOJAVE UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
July 2012
Soldiers, Families, and Friends of the 572nd Military Intelligence Company, Another month has gone by in Region Command South (RC-S) and morale still remains strong throughout the Company. Despite rising temperatures our Soldiers have acclimated well to the harsh conditions of Afghanistan and have settled in well for the months ahead. Although not without a few kinks along the way, we have been able to identify and address issues with mail, living conditions, communications, and overall Soldier care to the best of our ability. The leadership appreciates your patience and understanding during this time and we will continue to make gains in the days ahead. Several events are planned in the coming days to commemorate the 4 th of July holiday and welcome in a new month. We will be re-enlisting several Soldiers in the Company and promote several others on July 4. That same day, the company will take part in a time honored tradition known as the Patch Ceremony. During this time, Soldiers who have been in a combat zone passed a certain number of days will be allowed to wear the combat patch of the 2 nd Infantry Division. Those who have previously earned a combat patch in a past deployment will be allowed to wear this patch as well. This is an important moment in the deployment of the Company, the Squadron, and the Brigade. Your Soldiers will join the ranks of a unit that has a long legacy of service for this nation in such theaters as World War 2, Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In the last two months I have had the opportunity to visit most of the locations our Soldiers are currently based out of. During these visits 1SG and I have made every effort to check in on our Soldiers and make sure they have all of the capabilities available to accomplish the mission. Additionally, we are ensuring their living arrangements are satisfactory and that other needs are taken care of. It is clear that they FRG Corner have the support of loved ones back home as evident in the care packages sent to them and your continued words of encouragement. Morale Contact the FRG: mico572frg@gmail.com and teamwork are present everywhere we go and your Soldiers continue to drive on with the mission and overcome many obstacles along MICO FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ the way. As we enter July, I would again like to thank the continued sup- pages/572-MICOFRG/206715606061075 port and dedication of the Family, Friends, and Soldiers at home and Walk to Afghanistan abroad who continue to support the Company. Your Soldiers have Miles: 8,891 earned a reputation by those that know them as throughout the Squad- Total families participating: 21 ron, Brigade, and RC-S as consummate professionals dedicated to the Upcoming Events 21 June - details to come at a mission. This along with your love and support from home will carry later date them throughout the rest of our tour and bring everyone home to you safe. We wish you another great month and look forward to the upcoming 4th of July holiday as another milestone in our deployment. Mojave 6
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Mojave Patch Ceremony
More pictures on the SQDN FB Page at www.facebook.com/8SQDN1CAV
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WAR HAMMER UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
July 2012
The 303rd Warhammer MP Company is comprised of an awesome group of Soldiers who work hard to ensure that every mission is successful. We are proud to announce that last month we had ten Soldiers reenlist in the Army Reserve. While in Afghanistan our Soldiers have demonstrated that they care greatly about the freedom we are fighting for. We are all very proud to be serving in the Armed Forces. We had our combat patch ceremony on the 4th of July. For our first time deployed Soldiers, they will always remember the pride they felt with the addition of the combat patch.
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Warhammer Patch Ceremony
More pictures on the SQDN FB Page at www.facebook.com/8SQDN1CAV
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CENTURION UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
July 2012
The 287th MP Company has been conducting various types of operations throughout Kandahar city and the surrounding areas. In the last 6 months we have taken part in both partnered and un-partnered operations conducting cordon and search missions, Personal Escorts, equipment escorts, T.I. and local sub districts projects, Biometrics Enrollment to gather information on LN’s to ID known members of the watch list, convoy escorts and Police Mentorship. Two of our Platoons are embedded at some of the Police Sub Station. Our Soldiers work alongside Afghan National Police conducting partnered patrols such as check point assessments and other measures to ensure route security. Reaching the halfway point of our deployment, the 287th will now focus on a transition to mentorship, “ANSF in the lead”, for Afghan Uniform Police to be able to sustain operations independently of American force. We anticipate that our past and upcoming mentorship efforts will help ensure the future safety of the citizens of Afghanistan.
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Centurion Patch Ceremony
More pictures on the SQDN FB Page at www.facebook.com/8SQDN1CAV
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EAGLE UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
July 2012
Congrats on another month of successful operations in Kandahar City. We've helped our counterparts to maintain security inside the city, solve their logistics issues through their own system, and improve their connections with the Afghan criminal justice system. The Afghan people are more secure, due, in no small part, to your efforts. I'd like to pass along my appreciation of the Warhammers and their efforts in the first forty-five days. You've represented the Lancers and its Shared Vision, enabled Afghan leaders, supported ISAF partners, and improved every day. You should be proud of what you've accomplished, and the combat advisors and contractors of the Eagle Team are proud to have served with you. I'd also like to welcome SGT Leon Jordan and the Centurions joining us from 287th Military Police Company, Fort Riley, Kansas. You're a professional, well-trained, and well-led outfit, and I'm confident you will build on the success of the Warhammers and take the team to even new heights. I’d also like to welcome SGT Leon Jordan and the Centurions joining us from the 287 th Military Police Company. You’re a professional, well trained, and well let outfit, and I am confident you will build on the success of the Warhammers and take the team to even new heights. Eagle 6
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Eagle Patch Ceremony
More pictures on the SQDN FB Page at www.facebook.com/8SQDN1CAV
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GLACIER UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
July 2012
And the month of June has come and gone, and Glacier continues its mission of helping the Mayor and his staff of Kandahar City stand up to work for the citizens. We have seen a budget approved and its execution begin, and the hiring of additional staff to better serve the people. Meanwhile, back on Camp Nathan Smith….. When we are not roaming the streets of Kandahar, we continue to improve our skills for when we are. Whether its conducting maintenance to keep our wheels turning, or throwing lead to keep our shooting skills sharp, the team is committed to the strive for perfection that brings us to excellence. We have opportunities to relax as well. To stay connected with our loved ones, and to just get our minds off the outside world. We read, play cards, or try to catch the game on television. And we receive happy news now and again. Congratulations to SPC Madison for the addition to his family. The baby boy Nicolai was born on 9 June. You have many special memories ahead of you. We would also like to extend our appreciation to That Club and the Bears Den Club of Montana, for the care packages they have been sending for the team. We all appreciate that you take the time to think of us, and remind us that the people at home we are sworn to defend do support us in our endeavors. All of our prayers and love go to our families back home. Know that we are doing well, and look forward to returning to you. Glacier 7
1LT Dahl with Ambassador Hugo Liorens, DoS deputy Chief of Mission for Afghanistan.
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REDHAWK UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
July 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 Staff Duty (253) 966-8307* no longer answered 24/7, only regular business hours Brigade EOC: 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 hope this letter finds you well, and that you have celebrated a safe and happy Independence Day with your loved ones. Congratulations to all whose soldier is deployed and has moved our unit patch to their right shoulder, signifying that they have been deployed to a combat zone. The sacrifices that you are making for your soldier do not go overlooked. As we get further into the cool Washington summer, I just want to remind everyone to remain vigilant and take the proper safety precautions for whatever activity you’re enjoying. In addition, I would like to remind everyone of the two main emergency situations here on JBLM: earthquakes and fires. To be best prepared for either of these situations, please consider doing the following: Create a “go” bag that you can grab quickly if you need to exit the house; designate a meet up location for all family members; and stock water and non-perishable foods. It’s a dangerous situation to only think about our soldier’s safety and not our own. If you haven’t heard already, we have recently gained over 20 new soldiers who will be deploying in the coming weeks. If you are a relatively new to the military or having any trouble solving issues that arise, here are my recommendations to navigate the Army system: 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. As always, my door is always open if you would like to meet with me for any reason in person, or you may call or email. Thank you for supporting your soldier, and for asking for help when you need it. Stephen Schwartz 1LT, MI Commanding
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FAMILY READINESS UPDATE Volume 1, Issue 2
July 2012
8-1 Cav Events for July 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 Military Family Life Consultants: Mr. Rick Bata, Located at 8-1 Cav on Mondays, 14PM for walk-ins and appointments (253) 363-6973 Mrs. Alexandria Horton (253) 495-8427 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 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
1. July Spouse’s Ice Cream Social Thursday, July 12th, 1-3PM @ Clarkdale Community Center (Lewis Main) *Already Provided: Scoopers, bowls, napkins, spoons, and cups *Suggested items to bring: your favorite Ice Cream, Cone, Topping, or drink RSVP: http://www.luckypotluck.com/potluck/SpousesIceCr eamSocial Directions: -Enter Ft. Lewis Main Gate. Continue Straight. -Turn Right on Bitar St. -Turn Left on South 8th Street. -The community center will be on the left. -Arrive at 2503 S. 8th. St. 2. July Town Hall Meeting Monday, July 16th, 6-8PM @ N. Fort Chapel Reserve your child care with the FRSA at Laura.O.Meeks@us.army.mil or 253-967-1493. Please include: Your Name Your Cell phone number (for contact during meeting) Child's Name Child's Age Allergies, if any (All children must be CYSS registered. Call 253-967-CYSS for more information) 3. Play Group For questions or to join the group, please contact Mrs. Amanda McKellips, at AAM26@uw.edu
Staff Duty (253) 966-8307* no longer answered 24/7, only regular business hours CQ: 253-966-0638 (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
Spouse’s Potluck, June 7th
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Banner-Making at the T own Hall Meeting June 29th, 2012
Mr. Tom Boyle’s Memorial Ceremony Sunday, July 1, 2010 Excerpt From Tom Boyle’s Ceremony Speech
Death has a way of sneaking up and surprising all of us. It seems that we are always at a loss when it comes to loosing those we love and respect. Although we have lost Tom, his memory lives on with us. The great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote that when a great man dies, for years the light that he leaves behind lays the paths for men to follow. This is not truer than with the life of Tom Boyle. Even now, in what was to be the last of Tom’s tours overseas, he has influenced and inspired those around him. That was his gift to the world, his desire to make those around him better. His mission over here was simple. To take what he knew and pass it on not only to the Afghan National Police, but also the Soldiers within the Blackhawk family.
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CHAPPY’S CORNER Volume 1, Issue 2
July 2012
As this Independence Day comes and goes, I am reminded of the reason we are over here: freedom. We are here so we can defend the freedom of our loved ones back home. It is a freedom that comes at a price. I had the privilege of conducting Mr. Tom Boyle’s memorial ceremony a few days ago. Tom was a Vietnam War Vet who not only served in the Chicago PD for thirty years, but did multiple tours overseas as an advisor. We lost him earlier this month to a cowardly attack. You hear it said all the time that freedom isn’t free, it is paid for. I believe this statement is true. Tom’s example of a selfless act of heroism will never be forgotten. He will never be forgotten. He has a place within the Blackhawk family that will be honored. Yesterday I had the joy of visiting every piece of TI in our current battle space to conduct the Combat Patch Ceremony. I rode around with the Sco, CSM and their PSD (personal security detail). It was with a sense of great pride that I watched and participated in the ceremony. It reminded me as to why I joined the military, to work side by side with some of the bravest men and women in the world. There is a unique, unsaid bound between Soldiers who willing choose to leave their loved ones and country to go to war. The patch ceremony honors that choice, and I am honored to be their Chaplain. Happy Independence Day!
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