THE EAGLE LIFT LEDGER
First Edition April 1, 2011 “Can you find your Soldier?” 1LT Kelly Barton, Executive Editor
Commander’s Corner Hello to all of the Families and friends of Task Force Lift. The last couple of months were extremely busy for us, with our first Soldiers deploying in mid January and our last main body of Soldiers arriving in the middle of February. Throughout this period the team had to reassemble all of our aircraft as they arrived, unpack shipping containers full of equipment, receive equipment from the departing unit, and gradually assume the mission. These tasks were completed by the 25th of February, which was highlighted by our Transfer of Authority (TOA) Ceremony. I want to thank Lieutenant Colonel Brad Ninness and all of Task Force Shadow for facilitating a smooth transition to our team. Task Force Shadow is now back at Ft. Campbell enjoying some well deserved vacation after their year-long deployment. The formation of our Task Force was completed upon our arrival in Afghanistan. We are pleased to welcome B Company, 1-171st Aviation from the Hawaii National Guard; C Company, 1-214th Aviation from Germany; C Company, 1-52nd Aviation from Alaska, and last but certainly not least, Rotary Wing Task Group 633.7 from the Australian Army. This is a truly amazing aviation task force comprised of over 70 aircraft and over 800 Soldiers. March sure has gone by quickly for those of us who are deployed. Our capabilities remain in high demand across southern Afghanistan, but most here agree that it’s better to be busy than bored. We have already transitioned from a cold, wet, and muddy start of the deployment; to the hot, dry, and dusty environment for which this area is known. I hope you’ll enjoy this first edition of The Eagle Lift Ledger. The theme of this month’s edition is, “Can you find your Soldier?” Although we were unable to include a picture of all 800 Soldiers in the Task Force, we have attempted to capture almost everyone. If your Soldier is not in this edition, stay tuned. Thanks to all of you for the daily sacrifices you make in support of your Soldier, this Task Force, and our Nations. Sincerely, Scott Gerblick Task Force Commander
The CSM’s Foxhole First off I would like to thank every Family member, friend, and supporter of our Task Force Lift Soldiers. From the first Soldiers we deployed in January to present day, the support, dedication and pride everyone has displayed has been awesome! In a few short weeks TF Lift has made a huge impact on operations across Afghanistan, FOB Kandahar, and Mustang Ramp. The center of gravity on Mustang Ramp is the coffee house 6th Battalion built shortly before our TOA ceremony last month called “The First Cup”. We have taken their vision and continued to improve the facilities to better support our Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Coalition Partners, and Civilian Contractors. In just a few short days, we will open the second floor which will allow access to computers, phones, video games, and a library for everyone working on Mustang Ramp. The support and donations received for the “First Cup”/MWR facilities are greatly appreciated and will help keep all families, friends and loved ones in contact with their Soldiers! Since 1945 the intent behind the wear of the combat patch, known as the "shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service," was to recognize Soldiers' participation in combat operations. In the last month every company in Task Force Lift recognized Soldiers who have deployed for the first time with their own patch ceremony. Each one of these ceremonies marks another “rendezvous with destiny” in the 101st Airborne Division’s great history. We are very proud of our nation’s newest combat veterans and equally as proud of all those who have served numerous deployments. Once again, we would like to thank each and every Family member for the terrific job that they are doing each and every day to support their Soldier and the mission of the Task Force. It is due to your support and strength that our Soldiers are able to accomplish their mission, each and every day….Air Assault! V/R JP Thomas Task Force Command Sergeant Major
CMD Group Photos
HHC — Fighting Griffins APRIL 2011
APRIL 2011
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Taking the Reins Special points of interest: Preparing for the Rendezvous A Wet Reception Assuming the Mission FRG Opportunities Volunteer Recognition
The new HHC stencil, voted in by the Griffins!
Family and friends of the Griffins, I want to start this humble letter by offering my heart-felt thanks for everything you have done to start this deployment off so smoothly. Since at least October, our Soldiers and their Families have sacrificed long, hard hours to ensure that every member of the team, every section of headquarters, and every piece of equipment was trained and ready for this latest rendezvous with destiny. Some families saw their Griffin off as early as midJanuary, as those few chosen to pave the way for the rest of the unit departed in small groups without much fanfare. Let me assure you, those Soldiers wasted no time and the efforts they made set a successful tone for the rest of us. Kandahar welcomed our Griffins with torrential downpours, swampy pools of mud, and roads turned to rivers. Personally, this was not what I had expected. A troublesome transportation situation be ca me eve n more complicated as vehicles bogged down and became stuck. Our Soldiers
experimented with turning joining in on the less vans into boats, but I‟m f o r m a l events our thankful everyone stayed volunteers plan. In safe. addition to the traditional, information-focused It was quite impressive to meetings, where child watch, over the course of a care, dinner, and care few short days, HHC Soldiers adapt to their new packages dominate the surroundings, absorb the agenda, they also plan a finer points of their roles, monthly outing without the and take the reins. All the kids for a game or movie training paid off as the night. Our Soldiers very Griffins were able to m u c h enjoyed the relieve their counterparts Valentine-themed bags you from the Iron Eagles – HHC, Task Force Shadow. made last month, and we It filled me with pride to all look forward to the next look our Task Force surprise. commander in the eye, our wonderful and assure him that HHC T o was ready to assume the volunteers, I know the mission. Your Soldiers work you do for us comes allowed me to say that, from the heart, but please because they were ready. make sure you keep a record of the long hours. I I am very pleased to hear want to make sure all, that the Griffin FRG has home and abroad, receive been busy getting to know recognition for their each other. The time you service to our great invest in coming together, country. This is a two-front sharing stories, and war, and I know our brainstorming c a r e Griffins are able to focus package ideas results in and sleep better knowing creative ways to keep that volunteers like you are connection between your taking good care of their Soldiers and their families. loved ones. The mission of the Griffin FRG is not to just survive Thank you. this deployment, but to - CPT Gabe Morris thrive! One way to Griffin 6 accomplish this is by
HHC — Fighting Griffins
Commo
Safety and Stands
S3
S1
Commo
Chaplain/First Cup
S4
S3 Orderly Room
A CO Rude Dogs
APRIL 2011
Friends and families,
called the “poo-pond.” After picking up our luggage Greetings from Kandahar Airfield! We from the unavoidable mud are over one month in and the Rude puddle that engulfed 75% of Dogs are finally finding their groove. walkable ground, we trudged up to our new living quarters, Spirits in the company remain high; the RLBs. Although no one is this may be partially due to our first quite sure what the acronym few days of consistent sunshine… stands for, we all know that Most likely, the uplifting esprit de living there is somewhat corps is the result of the many positive attitudes in the company and cramped. the unwavering support from our loved ones. Let me be the first to Perhaps the most complained thank each and every one of you about aspect of Kandahar back home for being the backbone of living are the roads. And by the organization and fighting the roads, we mean strips of dirt most difficult fight this year. The consisting of a large pothole sacrifices made and burdens carried network, with craters so large do not go unrecognized. and so numerous that avoiding them is nearly Our “home away from home” seems impossible. The only course of action is generally to hold to be warming up to the average on for the ride and try not to Rude Dog, although the initial lose your lunch. impression will take a lot to overcome. The bus ride from the Kandahar Passenger terminal the Despite many challenges, the first day traversed what seemed like Rude Dogs remain upbeat a dark god-forsaken maze of metal and continually adaptive. storage containers, poorly Contrary to the gloomy constructed plywood and sheet metal outward appearances, almost buildings, and a large cesspool aptly everyone agrees that the
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facilities are very clean and accommodating on the inside. Whether you are going for some morning cardio in the “two-shoes” NATO Gym, grabbing a coffee and delicious donut from the “Tim Horton‟s,” or joining a pick-up game of hockey with the Canadians, Kandahar has something for just about everyone. We all greatly appreciate your continued support. The Rude Dogs have already accomplished many great things since our arrival and will undoubtedly continue to be relied upon as a go-to company. We are all looking forward to accomplishing all of our missions over the coming months and returning home soon. Best regards, Ben Seipel Commander A/7-101 “Rude Dogs”
A CO Rude Dogs Photos
La Policia: One Company, One Van, One Year! As the Alpha Company Rude Dogs set foot on the ground in KAF, AFG 2011 they were welcomed by a horrible flood season and worst of all a myriad of vehicles literally on their last leg. However, one stands head and shoulders above the rest; La Policia! A van with a name, what more needs to be said? Only seeing this monstrosity in person can do it justice. Its complete with a retro black and white police car paint job, red interior lighting, an external intercom system, and room for 15, plus or minus 10, Soldiers. The Rude Dog family welcomes La Policia into our aviation community and its maintenance is now tracked alongside of our helicopters. In the short time we have been in Kandahar La Policia has been Red X‟d…twice, trapped in flood waters and, when running, proudly displayed around the FOB, all the time playing La Cucaracha, Dixie, or quacking like a duck. The sound effects installed in the intercom system were an instant morale boost for A Co when they were discovered. I guess you have to learn to enjoy the little things. La Policia is quickly becoming an iconic symbol of A Co and dare I say may become a key factor in winning this war. La Policia will be patrolling the streets of Kandahar Airfield for the next year looking for any wrongdoers or suspicious activity with the Rude Dogs at the helm. So if you hear the “Quack” of La Policia, its already too late. Viva La Policia! -1LT Wes Emery
B 7-101 Varsity APRIL 2011
Varsity April update.
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1 April11 Marks The start of Month 3 in Afghanistan! Greetings to the Varsity Families, SFC Walters and myself write to you with good news about our Company. Our soldiers are hard at work in three different areas flying day in and day out. We currently consist of day general support, night time air assaults, and a small crew is working for direct support rotary wing (DSRW). Over the last two months we have been hard at work enjoying the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. First our day general support teams have been moving many supplies to the surrounding FOBs. This has been essential food, medical supplies, and simple pleasures to our fellow Soldiers. This past March two crews were even responsible for flying the SEC DEF; the
crew members received praise and SEC DEF coins after the flight. Second our Assault Team has been hard at work during the night. They have worked very closely with the infantry in ensuring they reach their destination. Much has been recovered and destroyed for the good of Afghanistan during these missions. Finally our DSRW crews have been flying like crazy to support their missions. With many diverse missions to be completed by DSRW, they have been performing at a higher level. All of our crews have been tirelessly taking care of not only their fellow Soldiers but the care of our aircraft as well. They continue to set the standard that all aircrews should
Varsity makes immediate impact. emulate. In both maintenance and missions alike, our company continues to excel past any expectations given to us. All of Varsity would like to thank you for your continued support from home. Till we all meet again! CPT Perry, Thomas S. SFC Walters, Eric
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The Eagle Lift Ledger
Promotion
Planning our missions.
Gerard being promoted from PFC to SPC on 01MAR11 . Training the new crews.
Maintenance ~ Thank you for your continued love and support as Varsity embarks on this deployment together~
Where we work!
Whether itâ€&#x;s internal/external loads, cleaning weapons, or transporting troops Varsity steps up to the challenge and completes the mission!
Helping each other out.
B Co. 7-101 Births Congratulations are in order for the Garcia family.
Kelvin Garcia welcomed a healthy baby boy into the world on 22FEB11. He was 20.5inches and weighed 7.6 pounds.
C 4-101 Blackwidows APRIL 2011
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Greetings Blackwidow Families from Afghanistan, We are up and running here in Kandahar, and you should be extremely proud of the work that your Soldiers are doing. Everyday they undertake one of the most difficult mission sets in Army Aviation, and they are doing it with distinction. Whether it is ensuring freedom of maneuver, assaulting the enemy in his “safe” areas, or working with coalition and multi-national partners they are demonstrating that they are more than up to the task. They continue to set high standards, and you allow them to do it. Attached this month you will see some familiar faces. We will continue to take as many pictures as possible, and we will get them on Facebook in the coming week. This will be a continuous process, and we will continue to keep you updated with pictures of your loved ones, the Blackwidows. I will take a second to request patience when it comes to the internet situation. We expect that by early April the Soldiers will have the ability to have internet in their rooms, but this is based on the contractor‟s ability to meet their obligations. As the deployment continues we will keep pushing to open up new access to communicating with our most important assets, our Families. Our Blackwidows are focused on the mission at hand because of what the Families are doing in the rear. You allow us to rest assured that all is well, and if there are any issues,
know that the Company and the FRG will do what we can to assist you. Blackwidows are resilient because of the team effort that you guys are putting forth every day.
D CO Dragons
APRIL 2011
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We made it!
After the long journey, as a result of a few delayed stops enroute, the Dragons are now in Kandahar. Each member within D Co integrated into the flow that D/6-101st established over their year in combat. During this time period the Dragons demonstrated their commitment, as the days were long and conditions less than ideal. Despite the adjustments that everyone made because of the time zone changes, the new “food” and the duty day requirements, the first few days were the toughest. Each Soldier was able to push through these difficulties and finally establish their own routine. The weather over this first month was interesting to say the least. One day we saw every form of weather possible. It was sunny, and
then it began to rain and hail, with slight snow fall, followed by lightning and thunder. I believe the only weather phenomenon remaining, which luckily we didn‟t encounter, was a tornado. Unfortunately, the rain has continued at a higher rate than the seasonal average, creating some interesting days and adventures on how to make it into work. Roads and bridges flooded and alternate routes to work were created. Outside of the normal mission load that we do, there was quite a bit of housekeeping and construction going on in order to improve our work areas. Many people were involved with building benches, tables, racks, and a few 8‟x13‟ sheds with which to work. SGT Brooks, SPC Socha, PFC Sansom, PFC Owens, SPC McMains, and SGT Taman all contributed immensely to these special mission projects,
as well as working outside of the company and directly for the battalion Command Sergeant Major (CSM) for a new and upcoming Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facility across the street from our work area. Hard work on behalf of the whole company established the proper footing which will enable us to succeed over the next year. The work shifts and routines have synchronized with our operational tempo allowing us to build up a good rhythm for the upcoming summer months. The Dragons are set up to excel throughout our year here in Afghanistan and look forward to the challenges in store.
Eagle Lift Ledger
Promotions
Promoted Soldiers include: Tool box inventories for COC
SPC Booth SPC St. Clair PFC Hutchinson PFC Hollman PFC Reilly
Working hard and having fun.
The Crew!
~ Thank you for your continued love and support for our Dragon Soldiers ~
Taking care of business, no matter what time it is.
Reenlistments SSG Wilson SSG Kincaid Shops, making sure it gets done.
SSG Hessell SSG Leon SPC Irish
New Little Dragon SGT Rivera had a baby boy on 8 MAR11
D CO Dragons Photos
APRIL 2011
“Outside the CP” 1SG Ronnie Simington CPT Brian D. Diercks 1LT Mark L. Kinsey
CONGRATULATIONS! ANNIVERSARIES SGT Alexander-25 FEB (9yrs) SGT Johnson-8MAR (9yrs) SSG Page-24 MAR (15yrs) BIRTHDAYS 18 FEB-PV2 Penoukou 25 FEB-SPC Bishop 11 MAR-SGT Mapes 24 MAR-SPC Johnson 29 MAR-PV2 Davis
The “NO Worries” Update
Greetings to the Iron dog families. First and foremost, I want to thank everyone back home for watching the kids, our homes, and loved ones. You truly have the most difficult job during deployment and we‟re very appreciative of the commitment and support you‟ve given your Soldier from home, allowing us to complete the wartime mission here. We all hit the ground running, assuming our mission within 15 days and haven‟t slowed down yet. The Distribution Platoon, fuelers and truck drivers, are conducting 24 hour operations, providing round-the-clock responsive cold-refuel support to Task Force Lift‟s aviation and ground assets. During this first month, they‟ve issued more than 220,000 gallons of aviation fuel to more than 625 aircraft; an incredible feat! The Maintenance Platoon keeps the task force rolling along through the countless job orders and maintenance services conducted on all the wheeled vehicles, gators, forklifts, and generators. Given all the rain and flooding this month, they‟ve even conducted a few vehicle recovery missions. These guys have a thankless mission, but tackle it with pride and perform it flawlessly. The Headquarters Platoon is responsible for all of the company‟s administrative requirements as well as managing a consolidated armsroom, ordering and delivering hot meals in support of the Medical Evacuation Helicopter pilots, and preparing meals in a dining facility in support of Special Forces units. I‟m very happy to report that your Iron Dog Soldiers are doing an excellent job and have reinforced their impeccable reputation for providing responsive logistics everywhere they are on the battlefield, I couldn‟t expect anything better! I want to take this opportunity to thank Jessi McCann and family for the dedication, commitment, and support given to the Iron dog families as the Echo Company FRG leader. We wish you and your family continued success. I also want to welcome Renee Like who has volunteered to become the new FRG leader. If anyone would like to assist Renee with supporting our families or would like to get involved in the FRG, please contact her. Renee‟s contact information is located in the lower left margin of this newsletter. Next month marks the beginning of Rest and Recuperation leave (R&R). We asked each Soldier to submit their top three choices for R&R leave dates, the schedule has been solidified and I‟m happy to say that everyone got one of their top two choices. Exciting times ahead, soon your Soldier will return to spend a well deserved 15 days at home! Enjoy the newsletter, we‟ve tried to include as many pictures as possible…Can you spot your Soldier?- CPT Brian Diercks and 1SG Ronnie Simington. Left:: 1SG Simington reinforces standards and gives a pat-on-the-back for a great week while CPT Diercks nods in approval.
AWARDS-AAM
Right: SPC Jenkins, Espinoza, and PFC Love demonstrate the push-up position while explaining a request for rip-its.
SGT Hamacher SPC Whitsel CENTCOM COIN-CSM GRIPPE
SPC Buccilli PFC Udas PROMOTIONS SPC Conatser SPC McCray FRG LEADER Mrs. Renee Like Email: rlike87@yahoo.com
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Right: PFC Eguizabal pours coffee while volunteering at the “First Cup”. Below-HQ platoon “posing” before formation. Below center– The Arms room crew doing whatever it is they do.
Below: SPC Esqueda and PFC Love load ammo for issue.
Distribution Platoon Left: SPC Appleby provides responsive support to a CH-47, Chinook in support of TF Lift‟s cold-refuel mission. Right: PFC Chamberlin on top of the M978A4, 2500 gal, fuel tanker as he prepares to gauge the new fuel he is receiving. 1LT Eyster and other members of Distribution Platoon listen intently to the 1SG.
Below: SPC Turley “dressed for success” as he prepares for a night cold-refuel mission.
SPC Like…”I‟ve got mail”
SPC Buccilli is ready for some refueling action. SF doesn‟t have anything on us...
SSG Fournier and SPC Like listen to guidance from 1SG Simington.
Above: The day shift strikes a pose at their Distribution refuel operations center. Left: SPC Patno in control of the pump in support of a cold-refuel mission. Right: SPC Baker getting her “pose” on. ”Okay, I‟m ready for my close up”.
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Maintenance Platoon
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Left: SGT Hamacher receives and AAM for his efforts supporting the battalions as a member of the color guard. Right: PFC Ivy showing off his chest muscles Below: Pirates! 1LT Harold “leading from the front”...of the 10K.
Below: SGT Foley “working” on his tan!
SPC Johnson and Shaw discuss the finer points of a PMCS
Below: Clearing an area of the motor pool by disposing of scrap wood
SPC Aldridge wanting an energy drink while shuttling parts on the Gator
Above: Masters working on the generator.
Equipment being downloaded and staged.
Left: SPC Johnson, Smith and PFC Ivy work on a vehicle
F CO Buccaneers
APRIL 2011
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Hello Buccaneer families, greetings from Southern Afghanistan and all your loved ones. We have all now safely arrived and are situated in our respective locations. The vast majority of the company is located at FOB Wolverine nestled in the bowl of numerous snow capped mountains. The rest of us are still here in Kandahar enjoying the wonderful smells and other niceties that accompany the airfield. Our relief in place (RIP) with 6-101 is now complete and we have taken over all facilities that they were supporting in Southern Afghanistan. Our Soldiers at Wolverine hit the ground running and very quickly showed their worth by assisting a helicopter, that had flown into the clouds, land safely. Your Soldiersâ€&#x; training and preparation prepared them well and
when the time came they executed without error. The chain of command and I could not be more proud of what they are doing and the differences they make on a daily basis. The Soldiers in Kandahar continue to make a difference as well by assisting in the Battalion Tactical Operation Center (TOC), VIP missions, and the overall maintenance and supply support for the rest of the company. It will soon be easier to reach your Soldiers in Kandahar, as the new internet company is supposed to be finished by the middle of April. I know many of you look forward to being able to video chat with your loved ones as I do. Despite all the rumors youâ€&#x;ve heard we are still planning on most of the Soldiers only serving for six months here in country. Please understand that this
may all change tomorrow but for right now everything remains the same. Things are going well and we continue to move forward. Your loved ones appreciate the mail and conversations that mean so much to them. Thank you for your continued support and all the work this places upon you at home. We truly understand that this requires so much more out of you than for us. Thank you for your sacrifice as well and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Buccaneer 6
F CO Buccaneers Photos
B CO 1-171 The Voyagers
APRIL 2011
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“Aloha” Voyagers Family and Friends,
Birthdays 1LT MANRIQUEZ SGT BUENO SSG ALVAREZ SGT SAPOLU CW2 TAKENAKA SGT LANIAS SSG MANUEL SGT KAOHU CW3 KERR SSG RANIS CW2 BEEDE SPC BAILEYMANOI SPC TUAOLO SPC TAYLOR
Reenlistments SPC Justin Crane SGT Samuel Fong SGT Joshua Pastor
It was great to personally interact with you at the FRG Yellow-Ribbon MidDeployment Event at the Marriott in Waikiki. While I was home on R&R, CPT Cadiz and 1SG Burkhart did an outstanding job of holding down the command post for me and when I returned here, I was pleased to see that the machine was even more well-oiled than before I left. The transition that occurred between TF Shadow to TF Eagle Lift, our new “„ohana” or family, has been a smooth one. Speaking of family, we have flown a number of missions with our Varsity teammates and we‟ve been able to exchange lessons learned to maximize the safe and effective execution of our missions. We were also happy to receive 1LT Sarah Walker, CH-47D pilot from TF Eagle Lift, who has taken the initiative to integrate
with our mission planning cell, and has been taken under the wing of our Instructor Pilot, CW3 Bagay, who has been conducting her training flights with the goal of having her support our daily mission requirements. The weather here has started to improve and – yes I‟m going to say this – it reminds me of the weather back home. Granted, the dust factor and the air quality is something that needs to be witnessed firsthand to understand the Kandahar Airfield experience. Nonetheless, everyone continues to be in good spirits and the afterglow of those soldiers who have recently returned from R&R still continues to beam in our halls. While some are beginning to count down the months until redeployment, all are leaning forward in tandem
to support the fight and make a difference for those soldiers out on the frontlines at the outlying Forward Operating Bases, who really are the reason why we do what we do, and why we strive to support them as best as possible. Thank you for your continued support of our FRG program and for being there for each other when we can‟t be. Be strong, stay safe, and “malama pono” (take good care) always. Warm regards, CPT Johnny J. Wandasan “Voyager 06” 1SG James E. Burkhart “Voyager 07”
B CO 1-171 The Voyagers
ARCTIC AIRMAIL Chronicles of a displaced MEDEVAC Company
The First 60 Days‌
We made it safe and sound! thanks to the Air Force for their great transportation out of Eielson AFB and all the frequent flyer miles! We had a total of six aircraft transporting helicopters, storage containers, and personnel, over a 7-day period. Travel included various layovers, each flight being different from the last. Some stopped in Delaware enroute to Germany, while others conducted in-flight refueling and flew straight to Germany before proceeding to Afghanistan. The Commander’s flight spent a total of six days in Germany for maintenance. Aww, darn! That must have been tough! Ambien, a sleep aid effective for about 12 hours, is issued to each soldier when traveling around the From L: On board a C-17 with Edstrom, Page, Collins and more.
world in order to get his or her sleep cycle calibrated with the destination, and to help alleviate any transportation-related anxieties that may show themselves. After takeoff from Germany, CW2 Collin Rowe took his Ambien and settled down for the flight. 45 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft turned back to Ramstein AFB due to maintenance issues. By the time they landed, CW2 Rowe was oblivious to the
The XO, CPT Chris Morisoli
world and was practically carried back to the terminal by his fellow passengers to await further guidance. More than one person has commented on his entertaining behavior, though exactly what transpired has not been divulged.
A typical view from our MEDEVAC helos.
Arrival at Kandahar Air Field (KAF) was uneventful and anticlimactic, which is a good thing in a combat zone. We were met at the terminal by 1SG Jeffery Pinnell, who arrived in late January with the advanced party, then bussed to our “ReLocatable Buildings” (RLBs)- a two-story collection of 20-foot Matson shipping containers that have been modified with a few creature comforts to create a hospitable habitat for 1SG Jeffery Pinnell deployed Soldiers. Due to the surge of troops being sent to Afghanistan, there are three persons per RLB, which is quite cramped for a year-long tour. However, with the rotational requirements we have to man two additional sites at Tarin Kowt and FOB Wolverine near Qalat, we are frequently able to reduce it to two persons per RLB, which is quite tolerable. The RLBs are located on the SW corner of KAF. Mustang Ramp, the flight line we operate from, is in the NE corner of KAF. The bus ride is 45 minutes one way. We have managed to secure a van to transport duty crews and their overnight gear, which shortened the trip and alleviated much strife during crew change-outs. SSG Brendan Jackson arrived on the first C-17 after Team 3! Need we say more? a two day delay for maintenance in Dover, Delaware. Upon arrival he attended RSOI classes for two days, being oriented to the Army’s way of life in Afghanistan. He took over the Operations section of the Company and, within a mere three days, got the Operations team up and running quickly and successfully, with minimal guidance. Great job SSG Jackson! CPT Kyle Vandingstee arrived here from Germany on 12 FEB. He has flown four missions with the most memorable being a MASCAL at another Forward Operating Base (FOB). CPT V, with the capable crew of SGT Robert Dorris (medic), CW2 Travis Call (Pilot in Command), and SSG Drexel Miller (crewchief), successfully evacuated the patients in minimal time. When asked why he chose to serve in the MEDEVAC he responded,
CPT Kyle Vandingstee
“…for the rewarding experience of helping soldiers, and the camaraderie amongst the crews” -a very common conviction shared within the MEDEVAC community. Additionally, we are all thankful that there are no significant “politics” in MEDEVAC – we just help soldiers. In the near future, CPT Vandingstee and his German cohort will be changing out with Team 3 at FOB Wolverine and gaining some high altitude proficiency. March MEDEVAC Moustache Madness (M4) is the Company morale booster for March. A number of crewmembers have embraced the manly competition of seeing who can grow the fullest moustache within the 31 days of the month. Tom Selleck has set the standard and several of the troops are CW4 Truax, Senior Instructor Pilot getting close. Even CW4 Trudy Truax has given a few young’uns a run for their money! Additional MWR activities include getting together for cigars, poker games, movies, highly philosophical conversation (yea, right!), and various church activities. PFC Touch and SPC Verron catch some shut-eye.
The highly motivated 2LT David Keppler,
Several soldiers have been promoted since we arrived incountry. Congrats to the “new” SSG Noaks, SPC Braddy, and PFC Stokes!
CW2 Jared Tyler is still awaiting his UH-60 in-country progression in order to pull MEDEVAC duty, but is ceaseless in contributing to the Company. In our first six weeks here he has headed up the construction of an “observation post” on top of the Company’s bunker, and has contributed more physical labor to the project than any other individual. Personnel are already embracing the out-of-the-way calm of an evening out on the Company’s “front porch”. Aside from a few fast-paced and challenging missions punctuating the routine, the daily pace is calm. But, along with the 100+ degrees of daily highs, the busy season will soon be upon us- and should it really surprise us?- This heat makes us grumpy too! No worries though- Arctic Dustoff stands willing, able, and ready to accomplish any and all MEDEVAC missions, 24/7! Thank you for your support!
C Co’s porch, patio, lanai, etc.
From all of us at C Co 1-52 AV, Laters/Peace out/See ya! - CPT Matt Ardaiz
Dustoff ! SGT Daniel Sherwin, flight medic extraordinaire.
Dustoff News
214th Shenanigans
12 cans of Vienna Sausages, 1/2 can of chopped jalapeños, and 1 Dr.Pepper each. 1 Door Gunner, 1 Flight Medic… ...1 man left standing.
When stilts go right.
When stilts go wrong. 2.5 lbs of tuna in 15 minutes.
Real men tuck their shirts into their underpants.
Freedom haircuts. Rockin out.
Pookie’s Combat Patch ceremony.
Some things are out of place.
Dustoff will go!
A Street Jim preflight.
Equal Opportunity pee tubes.
Ready for surgery.
Sending out an S.O.S.
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Dustoff News
Birthdays and Announcements
Happy 8th Anniversary (even though it feels like 50+). I am very lucky to have you in my life. Love and miss you lots. -Priscilla
Happy Birthday, Honey! Don’t worry! As always, we’ll celebrate & you’ll get your birthday cake when you’re back! Your present is on its way! I’m thinking of you & I can’t wait until you’re home! I love you! -Melanie
Chris, Happy 12th Anniversary! If I knew then what I know now, I would have married you on the spot 14 years ago the moment we met! I love you. Forever your English Rose. XX
To my best friend and lifelong love: 8 glorious years of fun and happiness; aren’t we lucky? May we live the rest of our lives together in such harmony! Love you, babe. Happy Anniversary!!!! See you soon. -Ronnie Happy Anniversary, Baby! It’s been 5 years and I still can’t believe you said ‘yes.’ Miss you.
Ashley, Libby, and Maddie, I love you girls! Happy St.Patrick’s Day!
-Kyle
-Aaron
C 1/214 would like to extend birthday wishes to the following: 3/6 - SPC Miller, M.
3/19 - SPC Bright
3/24 - SGT Mika
3/6 - CPT Walton
3/20 - MAJ Zenk
3/29 - SPC Bryant
3/11 - SPC Ferguson
3/22 - CPT Sinclair
3/30 - SPC Cato
We are keeping everyone in our thoughts and raising a glass to each of you!
Interested in getting your event or message out? All input for Newsletters due no later than the 20th of every month. Send to salem.stjames@us.army.mil
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“Special thanks to Karen Meece, Priscilla Rivas, Melanie Eitel, Darrell McKinstry, Justin Goldman for all your help on this month’s Newsletter. It is appreciated.
Brahmans Photos