THE EAGLE LIFT LEDGER
Seventh Edition October 2011 1LT Kelly Barton, Executive Editor
Commander‘s Corner It‘s already October, which means time for another issue of the Ledger. September was a good month for those of us in Afghanistan. All remain busy with our wide variety of mission sets, yet we were pleased to be conducting these missions in much cooler weather. Instead of the August high temperatures well over 100 degrees, by the end of September we were down to highs in the mid 80s, and I‘m starting to see a few jackets on at night; fall is definitely here. There are some other changes going on this fall in addition to the weather. Coalition forces over here are divided into geographic regional commands, so here in Kandahar we fall into Regional Command-South (RC-South). On October 1st, responsibility for RC-South transitioned from the Army‘s 10th Mountain Division from Ft. Drum, NY, to the Army‘s 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Bragg, NC. We are all proud to have supported the ―Climb to Glory‖ Division and look forward to supporting the ―All American‖ Division for the remainder of the deployment. We have had some changes at the higher levels as well. Most of you have probably seen the news about ―Don‘t Ask, Don‘t Tell,‖ a policy which was terminated on September 20th. We conducted some classes over the past few months to prepare for this change, which can be summarized with one easy piece of guidance…treat everyone with dignity and respect. This has always been a standard in Eagle Lift, so really no change here at the battalion level. Additionally, the Army just announced that it is changing our officer evaluation system for junior officers. Based on an expectation that the Army will gradually downsize over the years to come, the evaluations are being changed to make it easier for selection boards to pick the best qualified officers for promotion. This means that promotions rates will decrease slightly over the coming years, just like the warrant officers experienced on this year‘s boards. Our young officers see this as a ―new‖ policy, but in reality it‘s a return to the evaluation policy that was in place in the late 1990s. As with most things in the Army, evaluations and promotion rates go in cycles. When I traveled home and back last month on R&R I was pleased to see that there is still a significant level of support to our troops from the American public. Many folks in airports are still willing to stop and say, ―thanks.‖ So to all of you back home—Families, friends, and supporters…thanks for the continued support; we‘ll all be home soon. Sincerely, Scott Gerblick Task Force Commander
The CSM‘s Foxhole CSM‘s Foxhole, October is here and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting a little bit brighter! While the mission focus of the Task Force remains to support our ground brothers and sisters, a new focus is creeping in to the hearts and minds. As we start the first phase of redeployment, I would like to remind everyone that safety should be everyone‘s watchword. ―You can‘t have SAFETY without SA – situational awareness‖. 01 October will be a shining moment for 25 Soldiers, Families, and companies throughout the Task Force. Congratulations to the newest Sergeants in the Task Force: SGT Alop, Sam SGT Winn, Jacob SGT Emrich, Justin SGT Files, Frankie SGT Johnson, Robert SGT Kester, Shane SGT Minnicks, Tony SGT Lopez, Gabriel SGT Nelson, Michael SGT Okugic, Jasmin SGT Pierce, Robert SGT Pickett, Allen SGT Rugiero, Lucia SGT Pilkins, Sarah SGT Seymour, Chad SGT Valentino, Paul SGT Watson, Cory SGT Welsh, William SGT Bedgood, Rosemary Congratulations to the Task Forces new Staff Sergeants: SSG Fornal, John SSG Brotsch, Timothy SSG Lewis, Phillip SSG Teach, Nathan
SSG Curtis, John SSG Gorman, Christopher
Also would like to congratulate SSG Munsterman and SPC Krupitzer on their selection to attend Warrant Officers Candidate School and Flight School soon after we redeploy. Another shining moment for Eagle Lift and some outstanding Soldiers came last week when CW4 Baker, CW2 Yoder, SSG Davis, SGT Sumner, and SPC Bells received the Commander‘s Silver Commendation. All were recognized by the Australian Defense Force Joint Task Force 663 Commander for their skills and bravery during the rescue of Brahman 12 crew members after their CH-47 crashed during combat operations. The action of these heroes truly demonstrated the commitment to mission accomplishment that resonates throughout the entire Task Force. I want to personally thank every Family member, friend, and supporter for the continued support of our Soldiers. Again, you humble all of us with your caring and generosity! JP Thomas Task Force CSM
HHC — Fighting Griffins October 2011
October 2011
Cooling Off and Heating Up The temperature is dropping, and the noticeable change has brought with it an overall improvement in everyone's mood it seems. The cooler climate has more Soldiers hanging-out out of doors during the day, helicopter crews are putting their doors back on for flights, and more people are out running the roads all hours of the day. However, the biggest reason the cooler temperatures have raised spirits is that our Soldiers recognize it as "going home weather." Redeployment may still be a few months away, but the approaching winter season makes it feel that much closer.
range we would be running. We would be firing from the twenty-five meter line at paper targets designed to represent a target that is three hundred meters away, which means that it is barely a speck and requires fairly precise shooting to hit. SGT Shavonde Chase manned the ammunition point and handed-out magazines of ammo to the firers. On the twenty-five meter line, the firers lined up on their targets and began the methodical zeroing process to fine-tune their rifles as MSG Grant Potter, SSG Gajah Gower, and SGT David Sanchez prowled the line to ensure everyone was handling their weapon safely. The shooters would fire just three shots at a time, and then walk down to their targets as a group to see where their shots were hitting. If their shots were off of the target, they would go back and make slight adjustments to their rifle sights and try with another three shots. To me, this is the most important aspect of marksmanship and we spent the better part of three hours zeroing. The learning process is key, so instead of having the range safeties each of whom have years of experience - simply tell the Soldiers how to adjust their sights, they would ask and coach the Soldiers what adjustments needed to be made. Someday, these Griffins will be the ones using their years of experience to coach new Soldiers.
This month, the Griffins went to the range. By the nature of their jobs, most Soldiers in HHC rarely venture outside of Kandahar Air Field, and the few that do get that far do so in a helicopter flying from one secure Forward Operating Base to another. So, after what could be described as a fairly uneventful seven months for the Griffins, it was time to dust off our rifles and put some rounds downrange. Kandahar has a professional-quality range facility surrounded by a twenty-foot high earthen berm to prevent stray bullets or ricochets from endangering the surrounding countryside, and is further oriented toward the uninhabited open desert to the southwest of the base. Stadiumquality lighting allows the range to be Throughout the day, SPC used even at night, but we ran a Carlos Sipin and PFC Jeremy Le morning event from 0800 to about collected empty magazines and kept the firers continually supplied with noon. fresh ones full of ammo so the range continued smoothly. They also kept a 1SG Gary Ruebush - never continual supply of bottled water one to shy from an audience, available as the day warmed up, and especially when armed with an soon the firing range was littered with electronic bullhorn and an attention- empty water bottles. Although grabbing fluorescent safety vest Jeremy, who was also acting as the prepared all the firers with a safety medic for the range, said he was briefing and described the type of
hoping someone would fall-out from dehydration so he could stick them for an IV, he handed out enough water to make sure it didn't actually happen. As 1100 rolled around, it was time to switch from zeroing to qualifying. Instead of the slow, methodical three-shot sequence of before, each Soldier was handed forty rounds of ammunition. It is hard to describe the controlled chaos that erupts when the command to "fire when ready" is given, but it put a smile on my face. The Griffins fired approximately one thousand rounds in a matter of minutes and made a cloud of burnt gunpowder and dust that took several minutes to dissipate. Even in the midst of such an incredible sight, SPC Ashley Perrymon entertained us with a moment of humor‌well, most of us. Ashley had somehow positioned herself in such a way that the empty brass cartridges ejected from her rifle pelted her neighbor, SPC Amanda Hurst, with every shot. One of the range safeties used his safety paddle to shield Amanda so the hot brass wouldn't burn her and everyone finished firing without incident. Overall, it was a great event. The Griffins got to get out of their windowless offices, put some lead downrange, and work on their tans all at once. It was the kind of day that reminds me why I love being a Soldier. - CPT Gabe Morris Griffin 6
Highlights: It’s Cooling Off Griffins at the Range
HHC — Fighting Griffins
Our Soldiers in Pictures
HHC — Fighting Griffins
A CO Rude Dogs
October 2011
VOLUME 1
Dear Friends and Families, Exciting news to report this month. The Rude Dogs noted something different about the atmosphere here in Southern Afghanistan in September. It was a sudden indicator that the seasons are slowly beginning to change, a sign that we are over the treacherous hump of the scorching summer months. September brought clouds! It is amazing how the presence of visible moisture, thousands of feet up in the sky can have such meaning. Having just endured over three months of oppressive sunlight and ultraviolet radiation without so much as a hint of a cloud, a couple of overcast days and only double digit temperatures have had a tremendous affect on our morale. With only a week of summer to go, we are looking forward to the mercury‘s continued decline and with it, a wrap-up of 2011. Much like the changing seasons, my tenure as commander of Alpha Company is also soon drawing to close. It seems like such a short time ago that I received a phone call from COL Royar, informing me that I would be taking over Alpha Company. Thus began October of 2010, with the whirlwind of inventories, a trip to Ft. Bliss, loading containers, the ATX at Ft. Rucker, and flying to Florida for port operations. It seemed like I blinked and I was once again on a plane bound for Afghanistan. I have now blinked twice and my time with Alpha Company is just about over. Was this not such an amazing organization--the best I have ever worked with--I am sure the year would not have gone by quite as fast. For the first time in my Army career, I have woken up to each new day excited about going to the office and working with the positive, professional men and women of this company. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the Soldiers and family members of Alpha Company. You all welcomed Kate and I with open arms into the organization, and we hope to continue as a part of the unit‘s extended network of current and former Rude Dogs. Please extend the same warm welcome to Jason Birkle, his wife Amber, and their new son Spencer. I am sad to go, but at the same time excited for Jason, who brings seemingly limitless energy and a positive attitude that will fit right in with this company. I have no doubt that Alpha Company will continue to be the best company in the Brigade for years to come. Thank you again for continuing to support to this organization. Your sacrifices are what make our continued success possible Best wishes, Ben Seipel
A CO Rude Dogs Photos
B 7-101 Varsity October 2011
The Varsity October update.
VOLUME 1
9 September marks 210 days boots on the ground! To the Friends and Families of VARSITY, We are fast approaching the eight month mark this October. The Varsity team continues to meet the mission day in and day out. Whatever the mission may be: general ground support, night support, night air assaults, or direct support; we get the job done. With Fall just around the corner the days are indeed getting shorter and the nights are definitely cooler; much to our great relief. Things have stayed about the same for us this last month. And while that might seem to
be a bit monotonous, it also means that we have nothing bad to report. We have been staying very busy. Which means that time has been flying by for us, we all hope that time continues to march along just as quickly for everyone back home as well. We would also like to announce our newest PC, CW2 William Gerhardt. Congratulations!! As of late we have been working closely with our fellow “hookers� who have joined us and replaced
the Hawaiians. We have been flying with Semipro, a combined unit from the Colorado and Nebraska National Guard; who are known separately as Mile-high and Muleskinners respectively. Also, the Sugar Bears have arrived from Alaska to help bolster our numbers in theater. Their help is truly appreciated and we enjoy working with them on a daily basis. ~ As always, Varsity thanks you for all the Love and Support from back home. Thank You! ~ ~CPT Paul Flanigen V6
~1SG Josh Bryan V7
Varsity Photos Happy Birthday Ryan!!
Loading up the LCLA packages...
Then kickin’ them out the back.
Hey Buddy!
Taking them out to the drop-zone...
When Bobcats attack!!
October 2011
C 4-101 Blackwidows VOLUME 1
Greetings Blackwidow Families! Its hard to believe but we are already half way through September. The temperature here is starting to cool down which is definitely welcomed after several brutal months. No change in optempo as we are busier than ever. It was a welcome arrival to see the final PDSS team from 25th CAB arrival this month. All these signs combined show that we have definitely put a dent in this deployment. Also, football is in the air as the Blackwidows have established our own internal Fantasy Football league where much trash is talked. The guys and gals also enjoyed Outback Steakhouse and Carraba’s on September 11th, which definitely brought smiles.
As many of you know, CW2 Kevin Howey was wounded in combat in late August. After several medical procedures, Mr. Howey is currently recovering at home in Clarksville. The Soldiers of Blackwidows all chipped in and got Mr. Howey an Ipad to aid in his recovery. We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and prayers expressed for Mr. Howey and his family. Kevin is truly missed in the Blackwidow CP, and we honor him by trying to keep this place as clean as possible and ensure all the windows on the helicopters are immaculate.
CW2 Howey analyzing his Fantasy Football Stats with his son on his new Ipad.
The Howeys at Vanderbilt Hospital
C 4-101 Blackwidows A day in the life of a Blackwidow...
Blackwidows FRG held a t-shirt contest. There were 3 incredible designs submitted! The winner was Baylee Lackey. The Blackwidows very much appreciate the time and imagination that was put into each of the designs. We have plans to use all of the designs for future Blackwidow gear.
Above: Baylee Lackey’s winning design. Congratulations
Other GREAT designs submitted!
C 4-101 Blackwidows A day in the life of a Blackwidow...
SPC Stanzione, very serious as usual
MSG Sargent getting in touch with his Chi
SPC Johnson keeping it real
CW2 Warner… this guy don’t sleep. Workaholic!
The Warrant Officers finally let BW6 fly
C 4-101 Blackwidows A day in the life of a Blackwidow...
SPC Stanzione, very serious as usual
SGT Teach rockin that million dollar smile!
Two very distinguished gentlemen CW4 Adkins and CW4 Beck
The man, the myth, the legend‌ B-Lackey SPC Renfro looking very confused as usual
C 4-101 Blackwidows A day in the life of a Blackwidow...
CPT Patel honors the Mustang Ramp laundry facility for a job well done!
A “Serious Man”… CW3 Chain
D CO 7-101 Aviation Regiment To the Friends and Families of the Dragons, As always, the Dragons have been dedicated and are working as hard as ever to ensure that the Task Force’s whole fleet of aircraft always remain ready to support our mission here. We’re excited that there has been a noticeable drop in the daily temperatures, and I think we’re all awaiting the day that our fleece jackets once again become a necessity. Though our thermostats are still reading up to 99 degrees, we’re finally out of the three digit temperatures and they definitely won’t be missed. The Company is looking forward to our next Dragon BBQ. In addition to some great music and food that reminds us of back home, the event will be complete with an RC Derby where owners of RC airplanes, helicopters, trucks, cars, and motorcycles will get to display their skills for the rest of the Company to enjoy. Shops is proud to announce the promotion of SPC Edgardo Rivera-Estevez, and our winner of the Company NCO of the Month board, SGT Ricardo Serrano. Later this month, SGT Serrano will join SGT Darren Brooks in competing for the Battalion NCO of the Month board. Shops also welcomed four new Soldiers to the Company who have joined us from back at Fort Campbell: PFC Joseph Briones, PFC Jesse Cassidy, PFC Glenn Davis, and PFC Tori Holtschneider. They are all going to be great additions to the Avionics section and we’re excited to have them join us here in country. Thank you all for your continued support. -CPT Kaitlin Cooper Executive Officer/Shops Platoon Leader
D CO 7-101 Aviation Regiment UH-60 MAINTENANCE PLATOON Platoon Sergeant Corner Well September has arrived and the temperatures are heading South. We are over half way down and are starting to prepare for our return home. The mission isn't over yet and our Tangos are still working harder than ever. We are still sending Soldiers home for R&R and as our Aircraft keep flying we keep them going. We would like to send a welcome to our new member of the Tango family, PV2 Anguish, who just arrived and will be a great asset to the team. Once more we would like to say thank you to all the families back home and thank them personally for their continued support. Without your support it would be difficult for our Soldiers to stay focused on their mission. The Tangos are doing great and are eager to return. Congratulations to CPT Lacy for his promotion to Captain, well deserved. -SFC PRY
Welcome: PV2 Anguish Soldier of the Month: PFC Sansom
Promotions: CPT Lacy
D CO 7-101 Aviation Regiment CH-47 MAINTENANCE PLATOON This month the CH-47 Maintenance platoon underwent an immense amount of change. We welcomed the maintainers of D Co 1-52 from Alaska, and D Co 2-135 from the Nebraska and Colorado National Guard. We also bid farewell to our Hawaiian friends of 1-171 who we all wish a safe trip back to Hawaii. The addition of these two units has resulted in CH47 maintenance to almost double in size from 55 maintainers to 101, and 20 CH-47 Chinooks to 32. Our guys have been working extra hard to get all these additional aircraft and personnel integrated into Task Force Eagle Lift. Congratulations are in order for SPC Joseph Shupe our July Soldier of the Month Board winner. Also please congratulate newly promoted Bryce Van Schuyver and George Brady on their promotions from PV2 to PFC. Everyone here at Chinook Maintenance appreciates your continued support on the home front. -1LT Justin Chaudoin CH-47 Maintenance Platoon Leader
October 2011
The “No Worries” Update
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7
Greetings Iron Dog Friends and Family,
“Outside the CP” 1LT Marcus Harold CPT Blake Jenkins 1SG Ronnie Simington
This month‘s theme is aptly called ―Over the Hump!‖ We are indeed over the hump of this deployment and your Soldiers continue to persevere and support the war-fighters. Our mission is fairly steady-state in each area of our company, but is a tireless venture that our Soldiers have not and will not fail. Our POL platoon refuels TF Lift aircraft and generators 24 hours a day, on time, every time, regardless of weather or time of day. Our Headquarters section provides outstanding administrative support that, in my opinion, is unmatched in any other company. Headquarters provides meals to the aviators twice a day every day, which is a significant force multiplier and morale boost for our war-fighters. They also operate the TF Lift consolidated Arms room 24 hours a day. Finally, our maintenance platoon continues to excel in keeping the ground equipment of TF Lift operational, within the standard, and safe for everyday use. Your Soldiers are truly professionals and experts in their craft. Our time here is getting shorter as the days fly by. However, as I wrote about in last month‘s
CONGRATULATIONS! newsletter, our Soldiers must keep their ―head in the game‖ and focus on the mission until every Iron Reenlistment SSG Aulet
Army Achivement Medals SSG(P) Newman PFC Conti PFC Penoukou PFC Udas
Anniversarys SPC Strock & Penny (11 September) SPC Esqueda & Beatriz (13 September) SGT Torres & Lori (15 September)
Birthdays SPC Smith—5 SEP SGT Espinoza—9 SEP PFC Johnston—15 SEP SGT Chizmar—19 SEP SPC Jenkins—28 SEP
Dog is back at home in the comfort of your arms. The heat of summer has finally begun to subside and signs of fall are bringing cooler weather. We have all been looking forward to cooler weather and soon will be donning their ―snivel gear‖ to fight off the cold winter months! In conclusion, I would like to announce that we have a new Family Readiness Group leader, Mrs. Jayne Bayliss. Mrs. Bayliss is the wife of SGT Jeremiah Bayliss, a Section Sergeant in the POL platoon, and excited to serve the Iron Dog Family. I also wanted to recognize the dedicated efforts of Mrs. Renee Like as the previous FRG Leader, and publically thank her for her sacrifice and commitment to the Iron Dog Family. On a similar note, the Iron Dog FRG needs more volunteers! I not only encourage but implore you to contact Mrs. Bayliss to inquire about volunteer opportunities. I hope you enjoy the newsletter. Take care, God Bless, and until next month ―No Worries‖ ―Air Assault‖ IRON DOG 6
Headquarters - Prowlers
Page 2
Greetings once again from the Headquarters platoon! We‘re over the hump! Our Orderly Room has continued to successfully process our Company‘s administrative needs as well as our mail. SGT Espinoza and SPC Jenkins helped reinvigorate our Family Readiness Group‘s Social Roster. They helped bring us up to speed, increasing mission readiness by allowing our minds to be at rest, knowing that family back home was getting the information they needed about their Soldiers. Our Supply section is raising the bar for expectations, completing their mission set to standard. Through the efforts of the supply personnel, the Soldiers of E Co. have been able to maintain their uniforms, equipment, and vehicles. They‘ve done an excellent job of preparing the Company for redeployment! For the Gunslingers Section (the arms room), this month brought on an increase in business with the integration of new units to the task force and an increase in flight activity. The shifts have changed again, to allow Soldiers to rest up and see some of their buddies who were off-shift from them for a month now. SSG(P) Newman spreads the Peace as a Range Safety OIC
The cooks who were on mission at the Camp Brown Special Forces Compound received AAMs for their hard work and dedication to duty during their detail. Congratulations to SSG(P) Newman, PFC Conti, PFC Penoukou, and PFC Udas! The Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers of HQ Platoon would like to thank you for your care packages, cards, and prayers. Your support from the rear is vital to our mission success and greatly appreciated! No Worries! - 1LT Harold and SSG(P) Newman
“Head Space and Timing?”
SGT Mapes with theNewly Promoted SPC Richmond
“We get to shower after this? Right?!”
Distribution Platoon - Punishers Page 3 Hello Punisher family and friends! As 1LT Eyster and I sit here and write this letter, we are finally over the hump of this deployment. We continue to face challenges and difficult moments on a daily basis, but our Soldiers continue to come together as a team to get through it all. We have made huge accomplishments over the past six months of this deployment; we have pumped over 1,730,000 gallons of fuel. Congratulations to the new SGT Bayliss and his family on his Battlefield Promotion which was approved by the commander of all southern Afghanistan. The heat is gradually going away and the cold fronts are appearing sporadically and as always so are the occasional dust storms. We want to continue to share our heartfelt appreciation to all our families at home. We could not have accomplished all we have done without your kindness and support. More than ever, the strength of our unit, our soldiers, and our ability to operate as a team will carry us over the challenges we will face in the upcoming months. God bless you all! - 1LT Eyster and SSG Fournier
Though he is at home, we all miss SPC Buccilli and his consistent (all be it humorous) work ethic
Stay on Target! Stay on Target!
LT Beating up his Soldiers
PFC Savage showing off her skills as a sharpshooter
Maintenance Platoon - Pirates Page 4 A loud and thunderous ―Air Assault!‖ from E co. Motor pool ―Pirates‖ to everyone back at Fort Campbell! I am proud to say that we are now currently ‗over the hump‘ of the deployment with approximately four months left! Pirate Platoon remains motivated and looks forward to finishing this deployment out strong. This month we continued our steady pace of maintenance support operations, finishing 8 services along with repairs being made on a Scamp (mobile crane), Gators, MRAPs, Fuelers, and Generators. Highlights of the past month include Shop Foreman SSG Aulet‘s reenlistment (a hearty congratulation), an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), and a rifle range. Downtime has been great as it is now the best time of year, yes, football season! The Soldiers keep track of their respective teams whenever possible and rivalries are abundant. It has been a great month and we eagerly anticipate the challenges of the next and eventually our coming home! As the Platoon is on the downhill slope of the deployment, the sense of excitement and anticipation of returning home begins to rise; however we also remind ourselves to be vigilant. We have caught the first glimpse of the finish line, but we still have running left to do. Pirate Platoon‘s Soldiers are proud to be doing their part in protecting our nation; directly supporting an Aviation Battalion that is actively taking the fight to the enemy. Remember 9/11 and remember why we fight. God Bless! Yaw and Bishop being Yaw and Bishop
Guns up! Lets do this!
The Four Musketeers
SGT Hamacher ensuring the wrecker keeps wrecking!
–SFC Reel and 2LT Tellez
Buccaneers “FOX NEWS”
October 2011 Participants in the Run for the Cure MWR event at FOB Wolverine.
October 2011 Order of St. Michael recipient: SSG Calhoun
Pathfinder Challenge & Run for the Cure
Well Buccaneer Family and friends, September has been an interesting month for your Soldiers here in theater. Your Soldiers have represented themselves, the company, and you extremely well. In addition, we welcomed four Soldiers into theater and redeployed two Buccaneers home and are grateful for their contributions. We welcome SGT Sean Winkler, SPC Patricia Calabrese, SPC Brian Liberty and SPC Shane Kester into theater. SGT Winkler and SPC Calabrese are great additions to ATC operations at FOB Wolverine. On the other hand, SPC Kester and SPC Liberty have provided relief and continuity to tower operations at Lagman Tower. These four Soldiers have proven to be great additions to their respective facilities bringing their own knowledge and experience to the fight. We would like to say ―farewell for now‖ to SPC Brian Eaton and SPC Caysey Warren. Their contributions during the first six months of this deployment are what have made the Buccaneers the stellar company that it is. We hope that they both enjoy their time at home with friends and family, the deployed Buccaneers look forward to seeing them when we all return home.
Congratulation goes out to SSG Holious Calhoun who was awarded the Order of St. Michael. This award recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army aviation in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient‘s seniors, subordinates, and peers. Also, congratulations to SGT Jacob Haines, SGT Sean Winkler and SPC Christian McCray for being awarded the Combat Action Badge. Last, but not least, congratulations to the Buccaneers at FOB Wolverine for their participation in the Pathfinder Challenge and the Breast Cancer Awareness: Run for the Cure event. CW2 LeBron Elder Jr., SSG Holious Calhoun, SSG Quantrell Anderson, SGT Zachary Hight all gave a valiant effort during the Pathfinder Challenge and we would like to thank them for representing the Buccaneers.
For the ―Run for the Cure,‖ fourteen of the seventeen Buccaneers at FOB Wolverine participated in this event. The event was separated into three different competitions: Run, Ruck, and Walk. While all of the Buccaneers did an outstanding job, notable contributions go out to SGT Brandon Maloy and SGT Donny Wilson for tying second in the Ruck event and SPC John Richardson and SPC Cody Cates Operations in Kandahar, Wolverine for tying for first in the Walk event. SPC and Lagman have all been normal. Your Richardson and SPC Cates were awarded Soldiers‘ hard work has not gone unnothe Certificate of Achievement for placing ticed by the numerous command elements first in that event. that we support.
Buccaneers “FOX PHOTO’S”
Fischetti pushing it to the limit! 1SG observing Soldiers during the Soldier/NCO of the Month competition.
Kasper in the hunt. Wilson & Maloy ready to ruck.
Elder & Calhoun carry the load while Anderson & Hight take a break.
Winkler getting his 2nd wind. Cates & Richardson leisurely walking their way to 1st place.
Haines, don’t let the TF Commander pass you!
PL & PSG ready to compete!
Our Calabrese posing with the ladies of FOB Wolverine for Breast Cancer Awareness.
ARCTIC AIRMAIL Chronicles of a displaced MEDEVAC Company
October: Past the halfway mark, it’s all downhill from here, now all we need is some snow!
So here we are in the lovely month of October. The temps are getting cooler but we still hit the occasional 108 degrees Fahrenheit. There for awhile we had some pretty considerable cloud cover which would, by all normal reasoning, seem to make it cooler but instead did quite the contrary. Each day the clouds would blanket over us and keep us nice and toasty, holding in the billion degree heat. Here lately though, when we wake up, the skies are usually clear which allows all of that heat to escape and although the sun itself is more intense, we are not shrouded in a dusty, humid blast furnace. Trying on some homemade knit caps earlier this year...it was COLD! Within a few months, we’ll start seeing people walking around in jackets and a few months after that, the rain and wind will accompany the cold and make things just as miserable on the opposite end of the spectrum...we just can’t win. With weather cooling down, so have the missions, which is good by any standards. The fewer people get hurt, Doing what we do best: Saving lives with no the less we have to fly and we’ll all agree that it’s a good hesitation. Another typical day out here! thing. So far this year we’ve flown 4,448 hours on 1,926 missions to save 2,163 wounded people. Our numbers will continue to increase, without a doubt, but not in the staggering trend we saw this summer. Of course, we continue on with our training to maintain our high level of proficiency as well as getting the newest members of our unit integrated and trained in the way of doing business in the MEDEVAC. With everything calming down just a tad, we’ve also been able to effectively begin rotating people out to the forward sites and bringing people from the forward sites back to good ol’ KAF. The beneficial thing to this move versus the one earlier in the year is most people have spent at least a little bit of time here at KAF and know how things work for the most part. Four or five months ago people were wandering around looking for the chow hall or trying to find the right bus to get to work, now our recent transplants are confident enough to get around and it makes for a much less stressful transition. DUSTOFF...often misunderstood!
It wouldn’t be a normal month if we didn’t have promotions to mention. September only brought us one promotion but it was a big step up. With everyone fighting to get as many promotion points as possible, it’s a constant fight to ensure enough points are available to make the promotion points cut-off and this month one of our own made it. Yet another crewchief has crossed over from the realm of junior enlisted to the world of the Non-Commissioned Officer. Congratulations are due to former SPC George Thompson for earning his stripes and becoming SGT George Thompson. Another notable note in Army careers this month comes from SGT Orlando Rodriguez who has recently decided to stay on the Army team (congratulations) for another four years (ouch) by re-enlisting Little did SGT Orlando Rodriguez know for Hawaii (never mind on the ‘ouch’ part...you lucky dog you!) We before re-enlisting, the uniform in Hawaii is MUCH, MUCH different appreciate all that you gentlemen do and you have earned everythan the rest of the Army! thing you have gotten, Congratulations! Speaking of Hawaii, the R&R program continues to roll on and we’ve got a few months remaining to get the rest of our ‘unrested’ people rested. Many people have gone back to Alaska to see their Families and many more have gone various places around the other states to visit Family and friends. Some of our folks, however, have taken full advantage of the opportunity to go anywhere in the world with a plane ticket provided by the Army. Some of the more exotic locales visited by our DUSTOFF Family include: Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Mexico, and the Philippines. To the corners of the world and beyond, you just can’t get away from the DUSTOFF. Partnering with other countries seems to come easily to our organization and was no different when the opportunity arose to work with the German military here at Kandahar. SSG Kyle Clark put in many long hours planning and coordinating for “This is how the models do it!” - CW2 Alan Harty a joint firing range exercise allowing the German military to shoot our weapons and earn our qualification badges and affording us the same opportunity with their weapons earning their qualification badge called the Schützenschnur (pronounced “Shoots-en-sneer”.) It’s a nifty little cordlike rope encircling a medallion for your level of marksmanship (gold = highest, silver = middle, bronze = during the zombie apocalypse, don’t even waste your time trying to shoot because you’re terrible at it...just run!) All joking aside, it was an awesome opportunity and despite boiling out in the sun for the better por“See, if you don‟t hit the target, just throw it a mean tion of a day, everyone had a great time. „knife hand‟ like so...yup, that‟ll count for a hit!” CW2 Jared Tyler questions the block of instruction
September unfortunately marked a solemn anniversary for our country and that is the reason we are here in Afghanistan to begin with. It was ten years ago when a band of fundamentalists decided to bring the fight to our front door expecting to watch us crumble. Forgetting a crucial point, they did not factor in the tenacity of our military and now it is we who do the knocking. September 11th has now come and gone on the calendar but it will never be gone from our memory. Many people have forgotten the impact of The American flag inside a UH-60 Blackhawk, you that day and only will be hard pressed to find a better picture of fly flags to follow freedom! the current trend but we’ve recently been blessed with a surprise visit from some people who boldly appreciate the sacrifices our military has made over the past decade. On September 11th, the good folks from Outback Steakhouse took over the chow halls here on KAF and some of the forward sites and served some Outback favorites for us. The menu included grilled New York Strip steak, Bloomin’ Onion, Veggie Ravioli, Spinach fondutta, fresh bread with seasoned olive oil, and cheesecake. The meal was more than we could have ever wished for and for just a minute we were transported to a better place, enjoying a wonderful dinner among friends. With all that’s been going on the past couple months, it has been a flurry of activity. Between flying, maintenance, paperwork, An Outback Steakhouse cook hard at work preparing the best meal we‟ve had all year. running operations, and the constant comings and goings of peoWho would‟ve ever imagined steak is better grilled than boiled? ple cycling through for R&R, it’s seemingly nothing less than a miracle that everything has fallen into place and not one single thing has fallen by the wayside. Of course, it’s not a miracle, but simply the way we do things. It’s the dedication every person has to ensure the success of everyone around them. This seemingly macho-military opinion actually has much less to do with us here and much more to do with what’s going on back home. We are a very focused, efficient team because we are worry free about our loved ones and their wellbeing. To all of you taking care of the house, the car, the kids, the pets, the job, the [fill in the blank], thank you so very much for all that you do! Were it not for you and all the long hours you put in, we would be doomed for failure before we even began. For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. Another day closer...
Big Happenings in SEPTEMBER: Birthdays September 4th - SGT Will Burgdorf September 5th - PFC Trey Ressler September 12th - SPC Jonathan Wills September 18th - SPC Brad Cline September 19th - CPT Cody Blair September 19th - PFC Michael Merino September 21st - CW2 Matthew Grove
Anniversaries September 2nd - Gary & Georgina Garcialazo September 6th - Nicholas & Xiaona Quinn September 12th - William & Tammy Burgdorf
Until next time…
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!! CW2 Matthew J. Grove DUSTOFF pilot and newsletter-writer-guy
Dogs can’t see color but with the right glasses they CAN see 3D!
Brahmans Photos
Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment Assumes Charlie Company Soldiers Reflect on 9-11 Soldiers with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment gathered at Camp Dwyer on September 11, 2011 to reflect on the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Charlie Company‘s Commander Major Christopher Holland reminded the Soldiers that they are fighting a war that began on a Tuesday morning ten years ago. MAJ Holland noted that Al Qaeda launched its attack on America from Afghan soil, and that the war we fight today began in direct response to that attack. Like other Americans we Soldiers will never forget where we were and what we were doing ten years ago when we first heard that America was under attack. And like other Americans we have a mixture of emotions about September 11 , 2001. We take satisfaction in the fact that we are continuing to press the fight against the terrorists who wounded America so profoundly. Some of us were just school children in 2001. Others of us were adults with our own families far along in our military or civilian careers. Some joined the military because of September 11. Like all Americans we were deeply impacted by the events of that day and the weeks and months that followed. This article looks at September 11th from the perspective of Soldiers deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan on September 11, 2011. Staff Sergeant Jerry Moya is a Flight Medic in the New Mexico National Guard. He is also a school teacher from Los Lunas, New Mexico. On the morning of September 11, 2001 he was preparing to teach a 2 nd-period physical education class to a group of high school freshmen. He remembers that Mr. Tucker—the Assistant Principal and an Army veteran—called him aside. Tucker said gravely, ―Coach Moya, I need to talk to you for a minute.‖ The two men were both military reservists, and Moya recalls that they both expected to be called into service at any moment. Sergeant Moya says, ―A decade forward from ‗9/11‘ I find myself in preparation for another important event. I find myself preparing for ‗Dustoff‘ ops as a flight medic on 9-11-11. On 9-11-01 I knew at one point or another I would become involved in the ‗resolve mission‘ of 9/11. I feel very emotional and passionate about my job here. I feel I am a contributor to the resolution of 9/11. I am concerned for the safety of my family but consoled by the fact that I have 100% support from them. I look to the fact that we are making a tremendous impact here and that military and civilians alike have a great dependence on us to in fact provide the ‗9/11‘ service we have come to expect in the US.‖ Helicopter Crew Chief and Army Specialist Greg Yost was a 24-year-old Marine in September 2011. Stationed at Camp Pendleton, he was reaching the end of his enlistment and was in the process of separating from the Marine Corps. After the attacks occurred, he considered staying in. But his wife had a baby on the way, and he made the decision to go ahead and get out. Ever since then he has carried with him a desire to do his part here in Afghanistan. After separating from the Marine Corps in 2001, Yost went to work as a machinist in Arizona. But he kept up on news from Afghanistan, and he kept tabs on the Marines with whom he had served . He considered ways that he could do his part in the ongoing conflict. He even looked into coming to Afghanistan as a machinist-contractor. Then in 2009 he decided to re-join the military. His decision was influenced by newly-elected President Obama‘s campaign commitment to refocus the military effort from Iraq to Afghanistan. Specialist Yost joined the Arizona National Guard and completed helicopter mechanic training at the top of his class in the spring of 2010. When Specialist Yost arrived at his new unit in Phoenix he was somewhat disappointed to learn that it was slated for deployment to Iraq. However, a few months later the unit got a mission change to Afghanistan. But a few months after that another order came down directing that the unit‘s maintenance section—of which Yost was a member—would not deploy. Yost thought that his long effort to get into the fight in Afghanistan had been foiled once again. But then a Soldier in the MEDEVAC flight detachment got into trouble and came off the deployment list. Yost was in the right place at the right time, and he had impressed his chain of command as the right guy for the mission. On September 11, 2011, Specialist Yost was proud to be on Charlie Company‘s first-up ready crew at Camp Dwyer, Helmand Province. He flew on several combat MEDEVAC missions that day, and he took with him several American flags to give to friends and family back home. His decade-long effort to take care of unfinished business in Afghanistan had finally come to fruition. Charlie Company MEDEVAC pilot Lucas Amundson is from Albert Lea, Minnesota. He was in between stints in the military on September 11, 2001. He remembers, ―I found myself on a break in service and knew that a major change had occurred, and that our country was about to be stepping into combat. That morning I attended my young cousin‘s funeral service and burial, the tragedy of cancer taking a young life and the terrible attack makes 9-11 such an unforgettable day for me.‖ Two years later WO1 Amundson learned that his former unit in the Minnesota National Guard would be deploying. He recalls, ―At that point I began my re-enlistment process in the hopes to accompany my old unit into combat.‖ But he was unable to go with that unit because his reenlistment took longer than expected. He eventually was able to re-join his former unit as an infantryman, and he deployed with them to Kosovo. Then he went to Army flight school where he earned his pilot‘s wings.
Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment Assumes Warrant Officer Amundson gets great personal satisfaction from his present deployment to Afghanistan: ―Today I find myself flying the UH-60 in combat on the 10-year anniversary of 9-11, in the very place that harbored and trained the evil souls involved in that day. The tasks at hand here are difficult and at times dangerous, but always rewarding. I couldn‘t be happier to serve my country by providing MEDEVAC coverage to those who continue to bring the fight to the enemy every day.‖ Specialist Mark Erickson is another Minnesotan who gets personal satisfaction from doing his part to right the wrongs of September 11, 2001. He remembers that he was returning from a construction project in a remote area of Nebraska when he heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center. Because of the remoteness of the site, he and his co-workers didn‘t have radio reception. So they didn‘t learn about the attacks until several hours after they occurred. ―We sat in the motel all day watching it on the television. We were shaken up by it.‖ At the time he was 31 years old, and he had never been in the military. Specialist Erickson joined the Minnesota National Guard six years later, at the age of 37. He had considered joining before then, but he thought he was too old. He also had to get some personal issues in order before he was able to join up. It was a difficult process that took him several years. ―I fought to get here. And it feels good.‖ Today, Specialist Erickson works as a Flight Operations Specialist, manning the radios and communications systems in the MEDEVAC operations center. ―I‘m surprised we‘re still here in Afghanistan,‖ he remarks. ―But we need to be here. If we weren‘t, they would be able to re-group and recruit.‖ The events of September 11th were very close and personal for Specialist Brandon Jewell, a Charlie Company flight medic. He was in 9th Grade at Brandeis High School in mid-town Manhattan. He learned about the attacks on the twin towers when school administrators announced it over the public address system. ―Many of the kids had parents who worked in lower Manhattan. Transportation systems were shut down, and many people at the school were in a state of panic,‖ he remembers. Specialist Jewell‘s father worked in downtown Manhattan, and his father was unable to return home until two days later. Specialist Jewell didn‘t expect to be in the military in Afghanistan on the 10-year anniversary of September 11th. But he is proud to be here. Three of his friends lost parents in the attack. They were first responders in the New York Fire Department and the New York Police Department. Their sacrifice has been a source of inspiration to Specialist Jewell. He joined the Army National Guard to be a first responder himself. And his friends and family in Manhattan are proud of his service here.
B CO 1-52 SUGARBEARS There comes a time in every deployment when you find your routine. Finding your routine enables you to become very efficient and accomplish more than you would have ever thought possible. Most of our days are filled with missions and maintenance, but there is always time for a little fun. At Kandahar, we have named all the days of the week. Naming the days of the week enables time to pass quickly and keeps everyone on their toes. For instance, we have morale Monday and Wet Wednesday. I am not sure where Soldiers found water guns but they are out in full force and no one is safe. SPC Green recently went to the promotion board. SGT Franks was his sponsor and he did great. We will have several Soldiers attending next month’s board. PFC Prevost and PFC Yetman recently started their flight training. SFC Stephens came up with an interesting way to increase morale and foster the spirit of competition at Wolverine. He accomplished this through XBOX competitions. SFC Stephen’s room has transformed into the command center for all gaming. They compete against each other by themselves or in teams. SPC Gandaria recently competed and won the Wolverine perimeter run. Running there is interesting to say the least. Wolverine is about 6000 feet above sea level and the run was mostly uphill for about 4 miles. TK recently was introduced the game of Washers. It will not be long before we will start having competitions between each location. My money is on the KAF team. CW3 Williams is still playing millionaire city and is the next Donald Trump. There were several events and ceremonies held on September 11. One event was a two-day Cross Fit competition. 1LT Walker tested her skills in this completion and finished 1st overall in the woman’s division. She has been teaching Cross Fit to CW2 Weber and CW2 Taylor-Furman. They both seem to enjoy the work outs but they do not enjoy the soreness that comes afterward. Outback Steak House sponsored a steak dinner for the Soldiers in Afghanistan. It was a welcome change. We all enjoyed the Blooming Onions and the steaks. The Australians still claim that it was not real Australian food. I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend.
Sincerely, Travis Easterling
B CO 2-135 AVN
Greetings from the FNG‘s of Kandahar – the Mile High Muleskinners! The look of disbelief on my face when I was told it was time again to write some newsletter comments is a true testament to the fact that time is flying by for the Mile High Muleskinners! This past month was another busy one for us (especially our mechanics!) and helps to keep a good routine going. One of the big highlights was a trip to RC(E) for aircraft and crew swaps with the other half of our unit at FOB‘s Shank and Salerno. This gave us a great opportunity for two sets of brothers, a father/son combo and a set of cousins to see each other and spend some time together swapping war stories. The other major milestone this month was the much anticipated arrival of the college football season and we are happy to report that we got our AO wired for AFN just in time! The back seaters announced that the entire month of September was going to be dedicated to growing mustaches and sporting the shaved head look in honor of our fallen heroes CW4 Cart and SSG Hamburger. So far most of the mustaches look good and 1SG McBride is thoroughly impressed that the majority of them are actually within regulation! The month rounded off with the coveted Combat Patch ceremony, which was held on the 10th anniversary of September 11th, making an extra special event for our soldiers R&R season is upon us as we have a handful of Soldiers heading out the door today, just another sign of the progress we are making on this year long adventure! Thanks again for all of your support!
CPT Wilhelm – ‗Skinner 6 ‘
Father/Son – SGT‘s Cooley at FOB Salerno
1SG McBride – ‗Skinner 7
Brothers SSG and SPC Nicola at FOB Shank
B CO 2-135 AVN
Mr Groetzinger doing his Chinook maintenance magic
Patch ceremony on September 11th, 2011
SGT Ommert contemplates foregoing the ceremonial shaved head for the mohawk! CW4 Groetzinger supervising CW2 Adams (part monkey) as he wires the Company area for AFN, just in time for College Football season
Phase team doing what they do best – flexing some muscle! It‘s such a cute looking aircraft. Very functional and we are glad to have it on many of our missions to protect us, but they really don‘t even make a good sling load!