THE EAGLE LIFT LEDGER
Third Edition June 2011 1LT Kelly Barton, Executive Editor
Commander’s Corner Greetings once again from southern Afghanistan. Since you’re receiving this letter in June, that means that most kids across the country are out of school and summer is in full swing. It’s definitely summer here in Afghanistan as well, with the month of May bringing our first days of 100 degree heat. Many of our Soldiers were in Bagram on the last deployment, where, due to being at a higher elevation, the summer temps were a bit more bearable. The highs here in southern Afghanistan average about 10 degrees warmer than Bagram, and we will peak in July with an average high of 105 degrees. Our leaders are staying busy keeping the Soldiers hydrated, and fortunately there is no shortage of bottled water. The water is packaged in cases of 16oz bottles, and it costs the government about $2.25 per bottle due to shipping/transportation costs, since it all has to be either flown in, or trucked in through Pakistan. Soldiers will consume 5-10 bottles per day, resulting in an average cost of $6,000 per Soldier just in water for the year. There is plenty in the news about the costs of this war; you can see that it adds up quickly. May was an extremely busy month for the Task Force, and for our crews from “Varsity” in particular. B Company teamed-up with an infantry battalion from the 101st to conduct a series of air assault operations to disrupt insurgent activity throughout southern Afghanistan. This was the last series of combat operations for the Soldiers of Task Force Falcon (2d Battalion, 502d Infantry), and they are now home at Ft. Campbell for some well-deserved block leave after a 12-month deployment. CW3 Ryan Dechent did a great job leading the Varsity team, as our infantry brothers gave us some challenging work night after night. Since we are transitioning into what is typically the “fighting season” for the Taliban/insurgents, we are hopeful that these operations have had a lasting effect. We were of course pleased to hear of the successful raid to get Bin Laden, and it was great to see the President visit Ft. Campbell and thank the conventional and special operations Soldiers and Families who have sacrificed so much over the past 10 years. In May we also held a change of command ceremony for E Company. CPT Brian Diercks passed command to CPT Blake Jenkins, who joins us from the 563d Support Battalion. Brian was selected for a second company command, and will take command of A Co, 563d later this month. Welcome to Blake, his wife Mica, and their eight month old daughter, Riley. We continue to receive tremendous support from those of you back home. A couple of weeks ago we distributed almost 50 boxes of food, games, toys, toiletries, books, cards, and DVDs that had been donated to the Task Force. I especially want to thank the Sumner County “Key to the City” Club, Operation Write Home, Frontline Kandahar, and Adopt-a-US-Soldier for their very generous donations; we are grateful and fortunate to have such supportive communities and organizations back home. I hope you’ll enjoy this third edition of The Ledger. Thanks again to all of you for all you do. Sincerely, Scott Gerblick Task Force Commander
The CSM’s Foxhole Hello from Kandahar! The Soldiers of the Task Force Eagle Lift have successfully completed another month of deployment. The dedication to mission accomplishment and work ethic between our Companies and other Task Forces has been outstanding! Everyday our Soldiers make me proud to be part of this great organization. May was a special month for three of our TF Eagle Lift Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company 1-52nd (MEDEVAC) out of Alaska. Let me give you a little bit of background on the Battlefield Promotion Program. In June 2008 the Army announced a program making Enlisted Soldiers in the grades of E-1 (PVT) through E-5 (SGT) eligible for battlefield promotions. The program allows the leadership the opportunity to recognize and promote Soldiers for extraordinary performance of duty while serving in combat or under combat conditions. Soldiers can only be considered for promotion while they a serving in a combat zone. The program waives time-in-service/time-in-grade requirements and promotion points for normal promotions and also postpones minimum military education requirements if a Soldier is considered for promotion to Staff Sergeant. The Battlefield Promotion at any level are by no means a give-me promotion. The process has to go through not only the Battalion Leadership for endorsement, but through the Brigade and then the Division. Each packet was reviewed and scrutinized before the Division Commanding General selected and approved them. On 5 May, without knowing why a formation was being held, PFC John Sparks and PFC Raymond Errthum were called out and posted in front of not only Charlie Company, but a news crew from Channel 5 News, Nashville, TN on assignment in Kandahar, Afghanistan. After a few quick words our two PFC’s became Specialist Sparks and Specialist Errthum. Both Soldiers were shocked, but gladly accepted the honor bestowed upon them with the understanding of their new increased responsibilities. PFC William Lane our third Soldier was on mission at one of the outlining FOB’s and received his Battlefield Promotion a couple days later becoming, Specialist Lane!
Improve your fighting position or leave it better then you found it has been echoed by just about every leader one time or another. Well, Task Force Soldiers are doing just that and more on a daily basis. Just a couple of weeks ago, a few Soldiers from our Task Force were asked to design and construct a new building to help with the growing need for office and work space. They start work after the sun goes down to beat the daily 100+ degree heat and have been dubbed “The Night-Time Nailers”. Though there have been many Soldiers that volunteered to help on several occasions, the primary team consist of SPC Joseph Socha, SPC Frankie Files, SPC Shane McCarrell, SPC Robert Kiplinger, SPC Derrick Shaw, and SSG Vincent Taman. In a very short period and using less than stellar supplies, they have constructed one of the largest wooden structures on Mustang Ramp. I have posted several pictures on the Battalion Facebook page of the progress and invite everyone to view them. Special thanks to all the Families, friends, and supporters……your generosity has been nothing less than amazing! JP Thomas Task Force CSM
CMD Group Photos
HHC — Fighting Griffins JUNE 2011
JUNE 2011
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
New Griffins and New Projects Shall we begin with the usual update on the Kandahar climate? Well, it’s hot. It’s so hot in fact, that I have not seen First Sergeant Ruebush in a fleece jacket for weeks now. Not sure what the threshold for that change was, but I’m sure it was approximately when temperatures consistently tipped over 100°F. It has also been quite dry, with the April showers well behind us now, and the occasional appearance of an unexpected dust storm. The heat has begun to play havoc on some of our generators. Not usually the military-grade generators we brought over with us, but the commercial models that are part of Kandahar. We are looking into getting this equipment upgraded before it heats up even more, but right now some of our Soldiers are learning how to swap power over to the back-up generators while they wait for the primaries to cool down. For HHC, this hasn’t affected our work areas much, but has hit our living areas this past week. Honestly, though, I’m not sure if it’s the heat affecting the power or the high demand from all the XBox’s and HD televisions! I’m not going to reveal whose room it is, but we do have three Griffins rooming together who have a combined total of over 96inches of television screen in their room. Impressive, most impressive. Carlos Sipin, a Griffin working in the S4 shop, was promoted to Private First Class
this month. Carlos does a lot of the “heavy lifting” for the supply and logistics section, picking up bulk goods and delivering much needed supplies to our Soldiers. He also has learned the business of handling ammunition, and has become a reliable source for bullets, smoke grenades, and flares for aircraft across the entire Task Force.
new Soldiers arrived. Griffins don’t wait for things to happen, they make things happen. With a deal worked out where our Soldiers would construct the buildings, and the contractors would come in every few days to “inspect” their handiwork, the team went to work. With CSM Thomas as the chief hammerswinger, HHC added SSG Jessie Mullins, CPL Robert Mahoney, SPC Robert Kiplinger, and SPC Joseph Carlos wasn’t the only Socha to the crew. Joseph Socha promotion enjoyed by the S4 is newly transferred to the Griffins section, however. On that same from our own D Company. On day, Bradley Cord was promoted paper, he is an aircraft maintainer, to the rank of Sergeant First Class but on Kandahar he is better by our Task Force Commander, known as the construction guru LTC Gerblick. Bradley is a recent behind the First Cup Coffee House addition to the Griffins, as he renovation. These five Griffins arrived at Fort Campbell after the have made amazing progress in bulk of HHC had deployed. After very short time, and there will ensuring his family was settled soon be a new office building on properly, he hopped on a flight to Mustang Ramp. join the team in Kandahar and has been a welcome addition. From the short time we have had to get Receiving the latest FRG to know him, this significant care package was a spectacular explosion of vibrant color. Our promotion seems well-deserved. Soldiers — myself included — did not expect a box full of bright, The Griffins aren’t the only plastic Easter eggs! We didn’t go ones welcoming newcomers to so far as to lay out an Easter Egg unit, as there is news of Task Hunt, but the package still brought Force Lift itself growing by leaps out many smiles to many faces. and bounds. To facilitate the Thank you! increase in personnel, the Griffins - CPT Gabe Morris have fielded a impromptu construction team to put up new Griffin 6 work areas for the inbound personnel. Normally, such projects would be handled by one Highlights: of the countless contractors hired Hot, Hot, Hot by the government, but the contractors on Kandahar are so Promotions busy the timeline they quoted would begin construction after the Griffin Construction Team
HHC — Fighting Griffins
Our Soldiers in Pictures Making us proud! SGT David Sanchez and SFC Julio Mejia after the Wounded Warrior 5K Run.
SPC Robert Kiplinger (above), SPC Joseph Socha, and CPL Robert Mahoney (right) working during the “cool” of night to build offices for our future neighbors.
The Army’s newest PFC, Carlos Sipin.
SFC Bradley Cord, completely ignoring the incoming handshake from CPT Mark Kinsey ...who happens to be his boss. Oops!
HHC’s “Yard of the Month” Winner!
The Doc, by special request. We’ll catch him by surprise next time, Mrs Nardi.
CPT Nikki Turner makes SGT Lauren Wade promise to stick around for a few more years. The smiles are almost convincing.
Get your Griffin Gear! Hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts are available for purchase online until 17 June 2011 at: http://www.donsademon.com/55.html Griffin Gear is priced for you, not for any profit. No individual or organization associated with HHC/7-101 GSAB receives proceeds from any purchase.
A CO Rude Dogs
JUNE 2011
VOLUME 1
Friends and Family, If you are like me, a fan of fractions, you noted a significant milestone recently crossed by the Rude Dogs. We are all over a quarter of the way through this deployment! Much like downing the first quart of milk during a dairy challenge, just keep drinking and the entire gallon will be gone in no time. In more somber news, the Rude Dogs look with a tearful eye as they send their beloved Platoon Leader, CPT Kaitlin Cooper off to D Company well she will serve as the Executive Officer. We will certainly miss her; however, she will not be far away. D Company is actually just next door. In exchange, we are receiving 1LT Tim Mendoza. We are not yet sure if the trade was fair, but will keep you posted as we monitor Tim’s performance. We are glad to have him and welcome both Tim and his wife Rhonda to the Rude Dog family. Speaking of new additions, we warmly welcomed 1LT James Bates to the company earlier this month. James is a recent flight school graduate and brings a wealth of experience to the team… Maybe not, but he does bring a positive attitude and has already been indoctrinated into the Rude Dog “Gun Club” (see Jim’s article). Thank you all again for the continued support from the home front. Your efforts truly make the difference. Best wishes, Ben Seipel Commander A/7-101 “Rude Dogs”
A CO Rude Dogs Photos
Rudedog Gun Club “Obsessed is a word, used by ways than one. As the shoulders grow and the bellies go, the weak, to describe the dedicated” muscle itself has become the dominant feature on these Mustang Ramp in Kandahar, Afghanistan has a western feel to it on most days, with rows of wooden struc- men; and while only at the three month mark of the deploytures aligning a single dirt road as people walk with gun upon ment, goals are already being readjusted as actual progress hip, to and from their place of business. As the sun sets on has outpaced the initial optimism which led to the Old goals. For example, one of our member’s original goals was to gain mustang ramp, a scene straight from an old Western film 15 pounds of solid muscle-- His new goal is to be the 2012 takes place as approximately 15 men (Rudedogs) cast silhouette shadows across the entire width of the road, on their Men’s Health Calendar Cover Guy. Another Old goal was to way to a reckoning. Only the reckoning in this instance is not “be able to take a shirt off in public with confidence”— The with a gun-slinging foe, but rather with themselves and the New goal is to retire to Florida as a Daytona Beach Life Guard…No big deal. Although these examples may be just a tad-bit exaggerated, it is plain to see when you lay eyes on this group of men, that whatever they are doing is clearly working.
goals they hold within of sculpting and mastering their own bodies into an image unique to each man….The Rudedog Gun Club--- is headed to the gym. What started with a few, has turned into many, and with a “more the merrier” attitude, this group of dedicated gym rats now known as the “Gun Club”, is growing by the week. Through good workouts, good conversation, and in the
Our message to those at home is a simple one. Get excited ladies! You will no longer have to paste your husband/ boyfriend’s face over that model on the cover of Muscle Fitness magazine! With nine months to go in this place, the Rudedog Gun Club has no plans of slowing down. In fact, we have already held discussions pertaining to a possible daily “lunch-time” gathering of the Guns upon our return. There have also been discussions of having T-shirts made, and even the possibility of a Rudedog Gun Club Calendar being produced before years end. With the potential for such items to be in ultra-high demand, we will make every attempt to take care of family and friends first…stay tuned. In the mean time, the Rudedog Gun Club will continue to Represent all associated with A Co. 7-101, in and out of the gym. In closing, we have included some of our Gun Club statistics: Current Members—17 Total combined Bench Press—4030 lbs. Total combined weight—3400 lbs.
willingness by all to wait on the last man before taking our nightly Western stroll, we have formed a family within the Rudedog family, if you will, and our family is growing in more
Bench/Body weight ratio—116% Total fat lost—1 truck load Total muscle gained—1 truck load
B 7-101 Varsity JUNE 2011
Varsity June update.
So Much To Be Proud About! Greetings to the Varsity Families, 1SG Bryan and I write to you with good news about our Company. We remain busy and working hard on a daily basis. Life here at Kandahar has finally begun to slow down, that, or we are finally used to the hectic pace. Days continue to roll on with planning, progressions, and the daily resupply. Night crews continue to be swamped with deliberate after deliberate operation. It is good to see them moving and flowing as a single unit. We are quickly becoming to Battalion ALL Star team, as once again Varsity proves to be the best. All of our crews continue to impress and make our company proud. Congratulations are in order to our newest Pilot-inCommand (PC) CW2 Cerveny. He now serves us on days as
one of our primary PC’s flying missions. CW2 Olson is now one of our newest Pilots, and CW2 Blomberg is not far behind. I am proud to say Varsity was selected to take on a mission set in RC-East. Two aircraft and crews have been relocated to a FOB for the duration of the deployment. They continue to set the standard and teach even the senior pilots there new and interesting techniques. The crews’ work is instrumental to the success of the campaign in Afghanistan. Their counterparts, two crews, remain here supporting the same missions only in a different operation location. All of our DSRW crews continue to mark excellence amongst the Task Force. I am also pleased to announce the anticipated promotion of Zachary McDowell. On 1 MAY he was promoted to CW3. I am also pleased to announce the arrival of three new members to Varsity, 1LT Cox, 1LT Neumann, and WO1 Schnaible.
They are our most junior members of Varsity, and we welcome them into our family.
All of Varsity would like to thank you for your continued support from home. Till we all meet again! CPT Paul Flanigen 1SG Joshua Bryan
Continue on page 2
The Eagle Lift Ledger
Awards
A place for everything, and everything in its place.
Pleased to announced that 8 Combat Action Badges were awarded Recipients are as follows: SPC Snedeker, SPC Gravel, CPT Perry, SSG Fajota, SPC Everett, CW3 Westerling, SGT McHugh, and CW2 Cerveny (not in picture).
Looking sexy! Top: Penn holding awards. Bottom: Rueda, Gerard, Snedeker, and Caldwell ~ Thank you for your continued love and support as Varsity continues on this deployment together~
Where we work!
Working hard and looking good doing it!
B Co. 7-101 Births Dinner Time!
Congratulations are in order for the Burdette family.
SSG Burdette welcomed a healthy baby into the world. Just another addition to junior Varsity!
JUNE 2011
C 4-101 Blackwidows VOLUME 1
Greetings to the Blackwidow families. Another great month has passed, which makes it that much closer to us reuniting with our loved ones. Even though these times while we are separated are difficult, please know that your Blackwidows are having a major impact on Afghanistan. Whether it is ensuring freedom of movement, securing casualties, or working with the Afghan security forces they are having a massive effect on the battlefield. This month we had two promotions. CW2 Eric Chain was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 3, PFC Major Lee was promoted to Specialist. It is a wonderful thing to watch these fine Soldiers apply themselves, and to see the Army promote them based on their great potential. No matter what their rank, and no matter what their job is, they are leaders. Everybody is better by following their example. Congratulations once again to our promoted Soldiers this month. This month you will also see some pictures of Blackwidows helping to train Afghan Soldiers. These relationships are the future of security for Afghanistan, and the Blackwidows are out in front helping with the effort. Based on the continued relationships and training being conducted the Afghans they will be able to assume the lead for security in the near future. Your Soldiers are full spectrum, able to assume whatever task is given to them and accomplishing it beyond expectation.
C 4-101 Blackwidows We are seeing some momentum in the internet installation in the housing area. This is an area of concern for many of you, and we keep an eye on it to ensure that we keep you abreast of developments as they happen. The last update we received was that it would be 100% complete by the 30th of June, but from the installation in progress now we are hoping they are ahead of schedule. Thank you again for your patience in the matter.
Mate and Kill! Blackwidow 6
Within the next month a new Commander will assume the title of Blackwidow 6. It has been an honor to serve with your Soldiers, and a true privilege to work with and support the families. This is a strong organization that is measured not only by its accomplishments, but by its culture. Its culture is maintained by the overwhelming support from home that allows them to be resilient, and focus at the task at hand. Thank you for your efforts, and your service to the nation.
D CO Dragons
JUNE 2011
Summer is coming! SGT Starks, SGT Sells, SFC Tapia, SGT Rivera, and SPC Shupe were able to make their way out here as late deployers. Their arrival is a welcomed sight as we are in full swing with R&R and their presence will greatly help with our mission as well as having a new set of motivated Soldiers out here with us all.
there will be a completion date for the internet.
many years and deployments. In an effort to replace Rob Devlin, we Some change in company level received CW3 Nate leadership occurred this month. Westerling from B Co, to fill We bid 1LT Mendoza a farewell in as the CH-47 MTP/ME as he went across the street to and he has done a good job A Co to take over as a Flight thus far. CW4 Sizelove will Platoon leader. We welcome be the new PC Officer once CPT Cooper into Delta Co to fill he is able to deploy after the role as both the Execute attending courses down at Officer and Shops Platoon Ft. Rucker. Leader. SPC Socha left the company As always, everyone within to move up to Battalion to CW4 Devlin, Production Control the company has been assist them with their special Officer in Charge is leaving the doing great work. The projects. His carpentry skills company as well. He will be company is supporting will definitely be put to the redeploying and PCSing after some heavy amount of test up at BN working directly being in the Battalion on and flying and continuing to for the Command Sergeant off over the last 14 years. His produce outstanding results. Major. next journey will bring him to Despite all the heat that has the Boeing plant where he will continued to pick up, as on The RLBs have slowly been continue to provide expert average we hit 100 degrees getting modified for future knowledge on all things daily, the work has internet capability. Although Chinook related. Thanks goes continued with little impact. not completed yet, hopefully out to CW4 Devlin for his Dragon 6 by the end of the month dedication and hard work over
Eagle Lift Ledger
Even the Dragon celebrates Easter.
Extreme Crossing Guards! Got to keep it safe.
~ Thank you for your continued love and support for our Dragon Soldiers ~
Where all the big plans are made.
Company Soldier of the Month Board BN and Company NCO of the Month goes to SGT Workman
A meeting of minds.
PFC Hutchinson won the Soldier of the month
and Awards
Congratulations to SPC Sansom, PFC Owens, and SPC McMains for being awarded with the Army Achievement Medal for their hard work in building a sustainment, work and rest area for the Soldiers within Delta Company.
JUNE 2011
The “No Worries” Update
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
Dear friends and family of Echo Company, As the newest addition to the Iron Dog team, I am excited, proud, and most notably, privileged to command such an impressive group of Soldiers. Although I haven’t been here long, I knew even before the passing of the Guidon that I was indeed inheriting a great company. Let me start off by expressing my appreciation to all the Iron Dog Soldiers and leadership for making the transition from a Staff Captain to a Company Commander seamless. Your Soldiers put in a lot of extra time and work to ensure the Change of Command went smoothly, and that effort speaks directly to the professionalism of the Iron Dog team.
“Outside the CP” 1LT Marcus Harold CPT Blake Jenkins 1SG Ronnie Simington
CONGRATULATIONS! BIRTHDAYS CPL Espinoza—26 May SPC Hadden—29 May PV2 Penoukou—24May
DIVISION COINS SPC Appleby SPC Strock IRON DOG COINS SGT Mapes SPC Smith SPC Masters PFC Chamberlain PFC Conti PFC Murphy
PROMOTIONS CPL Espinoza SPC Like PFC Yaw
SFC PROMOTION LIST SSG Page
As we approach our fourth month here on ground, your Soldiers continue to perform their given tasks without missing a beat; they fix, feed, and fuel on time, every time, and to the standard. Out here, the mission never ends, and never takes a break. Without your Soldiers’ dedication to duty, loyalty, and technical proficiency, we would not be able support the war fighters. You have much to be proud of. I would like to thank all of you at home for your incredible support. Your patience, fortitude, and selfsacrifice serve to inspire and motivate each of us on a daily basis. We cannot do our jobs without the love and support from family and friends. Again, on behalf of the Iron Dogs, thank you! I look forward to meeting each of you upon our return home. You can remain confident that our leadership will provide your Soldiers with purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission safely. In conclusion, I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this distinguished company. You can be certain that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of my office. I will ensure that mission accomplishment and Soldier care are the foundations of every decision made. Until next month, NO WORRIES - AIR ASSAULT IRON DOG 6
Distribution Platoon - Predators
Page 2
Hello POL Family! Well, as another month comes and goes, I am proud to say that your Soldiers are performing better than ever. Even in the daily 100 degree heat they continue to excel. In just three months the Soldiers issued nearly 700,000 gallons of fuel to over 1700 aircraft. During that time we continued to put in important features to the new Distribution HQ, such as air conditioning, shelving and a work area. In keeping with the theme of introductions SSG Fournier and I would like to make some introductions of our own. We introduce SPC Hornberger, SPC Thornton, and PFC Carter, all of whom joined us a few weeks ago, to Kandahar. All the Soldiers are glad you are with us and we hope you enjoy all the sights and smells as much as we have. I want to again take this opportunity to thank everyone at home for being with us through this war. Just as the fuel we provide is the life blood of the Task Force, so is your running the home, paying the bills, sending packages, and caring for our children the fuel of our hearts. Without you we could not do what we do. You are the true heroes of this generation. We love you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We look forward to coming home to you soon. -1LT Eyster and SSG Fournier
SPC Turley sitting on his throne
SPC Hornberger attacks the rollover training simulator with violence of action
SGT Torres congratulates SPC Like on his surprise promotion
SGT Dismukes surveys his squad’s performance with a bird’s eye view from atop the new Distribution HQ
Maintenance Platoon - PIRATES
Page 3
Hello to the Motor Pool Pirate Platoon friends and family back home! We have been very busy this month, working and completing 21 services on different types of equipment including M978s, M1051s, Gators, and Generators. We continue to set the standard for the Brigade by keeping the highest deployed readiness rate for 3 months running. Several times, we sent out contact teams to the outlying FOBs to service and repair ECUs and Generators in order to keep the flight companies operating. The Pirates continue to stay motivated and keep the Task Force ground equipment mission ready with as few reportable deficiencies as possible. We had one promotion, one birthday, and Pirate Inductions this month, all celebrated in true Pirate Platoon style! We are looking forward to the adventure and challenges in the upcoming month. YARR! 1LT Harold and SFC Reel
SGT Hamacher makes an onthe-spot correction
Inductees are read the history of the Pirate Platoon
PFC Thomas is brought to walk the plank!
PV2 Yaw becomes PFC Yaw!
Buccaneers “FOX NEWS”
JUNE 2011
JUNE 2011
Hale Buccaneer families, friends and loved Lift’s Combined Arms Room and office space ones, from the land of the setting sun. Each for a new addition to the task force team, and every Soldier here in Afghanistan sends B/1-52 AVN from Alaska. their love and that they miss you all very The Buccaneer Bunch with COL Royar during much. To their credit though, they haven’t his visit to the Company at FOB Wolverine. allowed their longing for home interfere with their performance or professionalism. Your Soldiers are doing great and working hard to improve themselves and the area around them.
This month we’ve made big improvements to how our facilities TF Wings Safety Award are set up: from SPC Lee the conSPC McEwen struction of the shade over the tower, to the establishment of commercial power to both facilities, to the completion of the “dog house” shade over the GCA sensor truck, and to the reorganization and improvement of the ATNAVICS layout. It is all thanks to the ingenuity, initiative and drive to “improve the foxhole” of your service members that has enabled us to improve our work environments, even with the shortage of supplies and tools. And let’s not forget about the guys in Kandahar, they have been key players in the improvement of the Task Force Thunder Resiliency Center, The First Cup, and the construction of Task Force Cert. of Achievement SGT Haines SPC McEwen
Our biggest achievement to date is that we are the first unit ever to implement digital terrain mapping onto our GCA radar screens. Giving our controllers a better picture of the surrounding terrain as they direct traffic into the airfield. A special thank you and good job go out to WO1 Sanchez and SSG Calhoun, along with the Field Service Rep., for all the hard work and long hours put into it. Time, while it seems to take forever, has flown by so far. The guys doing six months are already half way done and we are currently planning how to change them out with the Soldiers coming to replace them. As soon as we have a confirmed plan you will be notified of what to expect. We know everyone is anxious to find out, but please be patient and we’ll let you know as soon and as much as we can when we find out. Thank you for the love and support you give us, and for taking care of everything while we are away. It is your hard work and support that allows us to concentrate on our jobs over here. Without you, we would not be half as successful as we are today. You are missed greatly and we all look forward to the day that we are once again reunited. BUCCANEER 7
Buccaneers “FOX PHOTO’S”
BEFORE
They make stuff disappear.
AFTER
ARCTIC AIRMAIL Chronicles of a displaced MEDEVAC Company
Where April showers DON’T bring May flowers…
Welcome back for another edition of “Arctic Airmail” and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there spread around the globe taking care of our babies while we do our thing here in Afghanistan. The weather is getting hotter by the day (about 95ish) and it’s not even close to the normal midsummer highs of 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit! Of course, with the rising temperatures, the “poo pond” (sewer reservoir) is smelling wonderful, as always, and is a refreshing scent to wake up to when you first walk out of your room in the morning to go brush your teeth. Mmm Mmm Good. With the recent increase in smell, there has been much discussion about the poo pond and I have
Happy Mother’s Day Mama! CW4 Trudy Truax on the Norm McDonald Show
since discovered that the poo pond has it’s own Facebook page and is apparently quite popular with over 184 friends! I wonder how many people will this site now that I’ve mentioned it. It’s kind of sad when a sewage pond has more friends on Facebook than any of us. Maybe we’re doing something wrong? Enough about that crappy subject and on to more lighthearted things. Flight progression is The Poo Pond: Biohazard or “Brown Trout” Sanctuary? cruising along as always and while both 1LTs Nicholas Potter and Phillip Walker are fighting over who will finish first, CW2 Dusty Niu recently practiced his public speaking talent by completing half of the run-up procedure while transmitting everything he said on an outside radio frequency. In true Instructor Pilot fashion, CW4 Mike Kadar let him continue for awhile and then announced to the world, “Ladies and Gentleman...Dusty Niu! He’ll be here all night.” Knock ‘em dead Dusty! LEFT: (L to R) CW2s Dusty Niu and Collin Rowe. When Dusty isn’t announcing how to start a Blackhawk to the rest of the world, he likes to hang out with friends and drive around in the Polaris.
Last month we had a slew of promotions across the formation but this month marks a very special occasion within the enlisted ranks. Former SPC Andrew Herndon will now and forever forth be addressed as “Sergeant Herndon” thanks to his recent promotion and step forward into the Non-Commissioned Officer corps. In addition to this, out of all the Soldiers in our task force who were eligible, the Arctic Dustoff saw two of our own selected for a “Battlefield Promotion.” This is a very rare occurrence where the best and the brightest compete against each other for the coveted selection. A very well deserved congratulations goes out on behalf of the Dustoff family to the newly promoted Specialists Raymond Errthum and John Sparks. With this newly earned Recently promoted SPC Ray Errthum, rocking his newly earned rank. rank comes a greater level of responsibility and much higher expectations that both will embrace with ease. In our ever changing environment, staying in one place for too long just isn’t an option. We’ve just recently completed massive personnel swap-outs at both of our larger outlying Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). Some of the folks came back to Kandahar and others moved from one base to another without passing through Kandahar at all. With every place being completely different, the majority of our recent transplants are getting settled in nicely and figuring out the rhythm of living in a new place. Many conversations have been overheard about people setting out on a new adventure to find a certain place here on Kandahar which results in hours of being lost, walking incredible distances, and still coming home without ever Congratulations SGT Herndon! Pictured (L to R): having laid eyes on the intended destination. 1SG Jeffery Pinnell, SGT Andrew Herndon & 1LT Daniel Gazzano With all the new faces floating around, we’ve all had the pleasure of seeing firsthand “The Curious Case of Nicholas Quinn.” Seeing him for the first time in a long time, I thought he was messing with me when –hic– every – hic– few –hic– second-hic-s he’d –hic– hiccup. As it turns out, he had mysteriously come down with a case of Chronic Hiccups! According to Wikipedia (because the internet never lies) it is incredibly rare and the treatments are never guaranteed. He was miserable and An ominous looking and hiccup free CW2 Nick uncomfortable, and he has since gotten treatment that Quinn helping unload the aircraft at TK. worked. The hiccups are now gone, the moniker “Nickup Quinn” has been adopted, and his chance of making it into the Guinness
Big Happenings in MAY: Birthdays May 7th—CW2 Jon Edstrom May 7th—CW2 Dusty Niu May 16th—PFC Tony Touch May 17th—SPC Jettadia Bush May 18th—CPT Chris Morisoli May 22nd—SGT Daniel Sherwin May 23rd—SPC George Thompson
Anniversaries May 5th—Dedrick & Mikela Bellinger May 19th—Cody & Valeria Blair May 25th—Trudy & Mike Truax May 27th—Aaron & Magdalena Sawyer May 29th—Dusty & April Niu
Until next time…
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!! CW2 Matthew J. Grove DUSTOFF pilot and newsletter-writer-guy Too cool for his own good!
B CO 1-171 The Voyagers
JUNE 2011
“Aloha” Voyagers Family and Friends, We have rolled into May with a full head of steam here at KAF. The temperatures have risen sharply and spring has rapidly turned into summer. R & R leaves are almost all wrapped up. R & R usually represents reaching the mid-point of the tour of duty, but R & R for our soldiers had to be spread out over a period of seven months in order to maintain manpower levels. Our younger soldiers have become seasoned veterans and every one of them has excelled in their areas of expertise. The maintenance teams and flight crews have been working hard and the pace is feverish. Our mechanics attached to Delta Company have been leading the way in pumping out phase after phase with great skill and efficiency. Our Tech Supply soldiers are always visible and pro-active and it makes me proud to see them flourish. Our aircraft electricians and avionics technicians stay right on top of the issues and they keep the fleet going day after day. Our Technical Inspectors are providing a much needed boost of
technical skill and expertise to the Quality Control section of “Task Force Eagle Lift”. Our door gunners are hard working, smart and very proficient. SFC Alencastre supervises Delta Company night maintenance and he runs a very tight ship. He is truly gifted in the art of taking care of soldiers. The mechanics under his leadership and control have been the key to ensuring broken aircraft are fixed overnight and are ready for the next mission day. CW3 Yim keeps the continuity between the flight company and the maintenance company on an even keel and running smoothly. I am extremely proud of all of our soldiers stationed at every airfield, FOB and FARP across Afghanistan. Our “Voyagers” are doing incredible things and have established themselves as an elite group of aviation soldiers. I have heard many stories of 101st CAB and 10th CAB leaders asking our soldiers to join their ranks after our tour is complete. I call it “combat recruiting” and it says a lot about the respect that
the active component has for the reserve component and the positive working relationship that has been established. Our HIARNG aviation soldiers are the best in the business and they prove it each and every day. I am grateful for all of the support coming from back home in Hawaii. The FRG, along with the Rear Det command and all of the families, friends and loved ones that support our soldiers is incredible!! I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart.
CPT Johnny J. Wandasan “Voyager 06” 1SG James E. Burkhart “Voyager 07”
B CO 1-171 The Voyagers
C.Co. 1-214th Aviation Regiment
Boards, Promotions, and Re-Enlistments Military promotion and Soldier/NCO boards are part of our enlisted military tradition. Every NCO in the Army has at one time been before a board of senior NCO’s who challenge them with questions from topics such as military history, leadership and counseling, map reading and land navigation, and even current events, all while the Soldier is sitting at the position of attention, sweating profusely. Soldiers must also show their knowledge and mastery of Warrior Training Tasks and Battle drills. All their hard work pays off in the form of either promotion, or accolades from Command Sergeants Major. Charlie Company is no different. Recently, many of our Soldiers showed their stuff and made us all proud. Kudos go out to SGT Joshua Miller for his selection as the Brigade NCO of the Quarter for the 159th SPC James Ferguson during the Soldier of the Month board. Combat Aviation Brigade. He was selected over 6 other Non-Commissioned Officers from throughout Task Force Board members consisted of SFC Richard Jarrett, SFC AlEagle Lift. Also performing well at recent boards were SGT Raaya Lock, Charlie Company Soldier of the Month for March and selected for promotion to Sergeant on the 1st of April. Not to be outdone, SPC James Ferguson was selected as the Charlie Company Soldier of the Month for April and will appear before the Task Force 115th Combat Support Hospital’s promotion board in May. Appearing with him will be SPC Shawn Heinis and SPC Mark Depew. Good luck future NCOs!!
SPC Mark Depew during the Soldier of the Month board. Board members consisted of SGT Darrell McKinstry, SGT
CW3 Scott Forbes pinning SGT Raaya SGT Joshua Miller in flight for his Re-Enlistment Page 26
Dustoff News
Improving the Quality of Life We have come a long way in the deployment when it comes to making life a little easier and a lot more comfortable for ourselves. We haven’t quite made it out from all of us sleeping in the same tents, but we can credit ourselves with upgrading from cots to actual mattresses, and most get to enjoy our own living space with 27% more privacy.
The Old way of life at Delaram.
Force Provider Cots.
Real mattresses!!
We went from 15 people living together in one tent‌
‌to 15 people spreading
To all the Soldiers that made these individual rooms possible at the remote sites...it is more appreciated than you will ever know. Your willingness to spend your free time and energy will never go unnoticed, or unappreciated.
The old bathroom
The new and improved
at Edinburgh.
pooper, complete with magazine holder! Page 27
Dustoff News
Deployment Shirts - Order Now DEPLOYMENT SHIRTS Shirts are available for order from 10APR11 till 31JUN11 . ALL ORDERS WILL BE THRU CW2 ROGERS PLEASE EMAIL ORDERS TO joseph831@hotmail.com Or Call DWYER CP 359-2901 ALL ORDERS MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE YOUR ORDER WILL BE COMPLETED. Front Left View.
Back View
Back View
Short Sleeve T-Shirt : 100% Cotton (Flyers) – Available ONLY in Military Green
COST- $20.00ea
Short Sleeve T-Shirt: 50/50- Cotton/Poly Blend – Available in the following colors.
COST– 20.00ea
White - Sand - Maroon - Royal Blue – Deep Navy - Stonewash Green - Smoke Grey - Black Long Sleeve T-Shirt: 50/50- Cotton/Poly Blend – Available in the following colors.
COST- $25.00ea
White - Sand - Maroon - Royal Blue - Deep Navy - Black Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt: 50/50- Cotton/Poly Blend – Available in the following colors.
COST- $30.00ea
White - Maroon – Deep Navy - Black Page 28
Dustoff News
Birthdays and Announcements
My Lovely. Happy Anniversary. May the Lord continue to bless us. Ash, Thank you for all the double time taking care of Libby, Maddie, and the house while I’ve been gone! I love you! Aaron
Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband! It has been an amazing four years. I love you and miss you very much! I can’t wait for you to come home! Love, Cortney
C 1/214 would like to extend birthday wishes to the following: 4/01 - SFC Richard Jarrett
4/24 - SPC Matthew Good
4/10 - SFC Vincent Farrell
4/24 - CW2 Brian Curtis
4/21 - SPC Thomas Burns
4/30 - SGT Jaime Adame
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. “Special thanks to Rebecca Mitchell, Cortney and Joe Rogers, and Joshua Miller for your contributions to this month’s edition! Page 29
Brahmans Photos