VOLUME 3
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
ISSUE 1
Inside this issue Message from RG6/RG9
2
St. Barb’s Ball
3
Medic’s instruct JROTC Cadets
4
Phoenix Communication
6
Promotions and Re-up
12
The Rail Gunner Monthly Staff
Photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Richardson , 41st Fires Brigade PAO Command Sgt. Maj. Kelvin Hughes, command sergeant major for the 41st Fires Brigade, checks the Red Leg status of the newest lieutenants in the brigade during the annual St. Barbara’s Day Ball held at the Bell County Expo Center, Dec. 9. The 16 new lieutenants recited the lieutenants’ oath during the ceremony.
Commander COL William E. McRae Command Sgt. Maj. CSM Kelvin A. Hughes Rail Gunner PAO NCOIC SSG Kyle J. Richardson
41st Fires Brigade “Rail Gunners!!”
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Richardson 41st Fires Brigade, PAO
FORT HOOD, Texas—There were no horse-drawn carriages seen on this night. It was more plausible to say “Cinderella arrived at the ball on an M-270 Multiple Launch Rocket System.” For the Rail Gunners, these artillerymen started the night in
style. Cannons lined the walkway leading up to the Bell County Expo Center and ice sculptures decorated the foyer. The Soldiers, leaders and family members of the 41st Fires Brigade took part in the annual Saint Barbara’s Day Ball, Dec. 9. St. Barbara is the patron saint of the Field Artillery. The celebration is traditionally held during the first week of December. See BALL on Page 3
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
JANUARY 2012
Rail Gunner 6 & 9 Send
Colonel William E. McRae 41st Fires Brigade Dear Rail Gunner Family, Thank you for your outstanding contributions to our Army and our Nation throughout 2011. The 41st Fires Brigade team also continued to distinguish itself in both the Fort Hood and Central Texas community. Your continued pursuit of excellence will undoubtedly yield the same fantastic results in 2012. Now that we’ve safely through negotiated the traditional hazards associated with the holiday season, let’s take time to reflect on the lessons from 2011, and resolve to apply them in the upcoming year. Our leaders must stay proactively engaged with our formations and take care of our troops and their Families. Simply talking about this is not enough. As always, our actions speak louder than words, and our ability to meet 2012’s challenges is inex-
tricably tied to our Rail Gunner desire to be an “Elite” organization. We challenge every Soldier to strive to elevate their efforts to attain this goal. In the upcoming months, we’ll focus on our readiness to deploy anywhere, on a moment’s notice. While this is nothing new to our Army’s traditional rapid deployment forces, it is a new mission for the 41st Fires Brigade. We’re up to the challenge! While doing this, we’ll also take our sections and platoons to the field for individual and section qualification, and change the fundamental shape of our formation, moving both equipment and personnel with the brigade to transform ourselves to fight and win our nation’s future wars. This year will even busier than the last, so we’ll need to roll up our sleeves, and get after the business at hand. We’ve all seen the news recently, and make no mistake, our Army will become smaller and leaner. Our Soldiers must be ready, both mentally and physically, to make the competitive cut necessary to stay in our profession of arms. Finally, we’d like to congratulate our newest First Sergeants and Commanders. CPT Jessica Davilla assumed command of the 575th Forward Support Company from CPT Vanessa Hooper-Yan. CPT Ogden Nash took command of A26th FA from CPT Dash Ballarta. 1SG Christian Bellota assumed responsibility of A/2-20 FA from 1SG Antoine Reese, CPT Chris Burton passed the guidon for A/2-20 FA to CPT Jean Dragan, and CPT Carlos Ware changed command with CPT
Command Sergeant Major Kelvin Hughes 41st Fires Brigade CSM Cliff Pullig. Finally, 1SG David Udy passed responsibility of A/26 to 1SG Jeremy Hall. Our leaders are in place and eager to work with our Soldiers and Families. Thanks to those who’ve relinquished command, for all of your dedication and hard work. With 2012 already underway, CSM Hughes and I are proud of your efforts. Leaders, continue to stay engaged with your Soldiers. Soldiers, work your hardest to support your units and your teammates. To our Families, thank you for your many sacrifices as your loved ones to serve in the 41st Fires Brigade. I look forward to everyone’s future accomplishments. Let’s all work hard, and never relent in our pursuit of excellence. Rail Gunner Strong!
The “Rail Gunner Monthly” is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the “Rail Gunner Monthly” are not necessarily official views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 41st Fires Brigade. All editorial content of this publication is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office. If you have any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions contact the 41st Fires Brigade PAO office at 254-287-0739 or email kyle.richardson@conus.army.mil. Check out the unit’s Website at http://www.hood.army.mil/41stFires or on Facebook for additional information.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1 BALL cont. from Page 1
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
PAGE 3
“I didn’t know tired, the dance floor was open the senior leaderto the crowd. ship of the 41st “What I enjoyed the most Fires Bde. was so was seeing everyone as their talented,” said Lt. normal, everyday self,” said Spc. Gen. Donald Heriberto Valdespino, MLRS Campbell Jr., Comcrewmember, Headquarters and manding General Headquarters Battery, 41st Fires of III Corps. I’m Brigade. “Events like the St. Barglad to be here durbara’s Day Ball, gives us a ing this celebration chance to see other sides of our that honors the traleadership and build on our caditions and heritage maraderie outside of the briof Redlegs around gade. Seeing everyone here just the world, but most adds to the sense of pride that I importantly the fine have in the unit.” Soldiers with the 41st Fires Brigade assisted the Fort Hood Culinary Art Team in creating an M-270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems ice sculpture for Rail Gunthe annual St. Barbara’s Day. The Soldiers took more than 36 hours to create ners that stand Along with honoring the pahere before us.” tron saint of artillerymen everyAfter the grog, 23 where, the ball presented an opSoldiers were inportunity for Soldiers and family ducted into the Order members to bond in the tradiof Saint Barbara. To tions and heritage of the United receive the military States Army Field Artillery. honor, inductees must “I’m especially pleased to see demonstrate the highour young Soldiers out here toest standards of integnight,” said Col. William McRae, rity, moral character, Brigade Commander for the 41st and selflessly promote Fires Bde. “St. Barbara is a part the Field Artillery. of our history dating back to Andrya Rhodes, World War I. Our Soldiers Alicia Schwarz, Cary should be proud of what they’ve Burton, Shannon done and what they will continue Woods, Jessica Nato do as Redlegs.” carrato, and Ann One of the most anticipated Campbell were betraditions of the evening was the stowed the Honorable revered punch-bowl ceremony. Order of Molly Pitcher Select senior enlisted and for volunteering and officers mixed together various helping to improve the beverages to create a concocField Artillery. tion worthy enough for the As the night came strongest Redlegs. The most to an end, the Soljunior lieutenant within the bridiers were able to en- Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Brinton, command sergeant major for the 1st gade was chosen to drink first. joy an evening of tra- Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment, holds up the charge for the grog. For the final piece of the skit, the The charge is composed of last year’s grog and was buried at a training dition and fun. After lieutenant was carried away on area for safe keeping. the colors were rea litter.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
JANUARY 2012
Medics teach life-saving techniques Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Richardson 41st Fires Brigade, PAO
WACO, Texas—Six medics with the 41st Fires Brigade traveled to the A.J. Moore Academy in Waco, Texas to conduct medical training with the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets on Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-6. During the training, the cadets covered the Heimlich maneuver, first aid, and CPR. The classes were separated into two segments. The first segment was an instructional phase where the cadets covered the material in their textbooks. The second phase of training was mostly hands-on. Rail Gunner medics used videos and training manikins to help facilitate the medical training. The training provided an opportunity for the cadets to learn
Staff Sgt. Angela Spence shows some of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets the look, listen, and feel method. The cadets learn first aid in JROTC to help them to become better citizens.
life-saving techniques, ask practical questions to medical specialists, and interact with the younger medics. “The JROTC program teaches the cadets life skills that
Cadet 1st Sgt. Edith Perez looks on as Staff Sgt. Noel Hunter, aid station noncommissioned officer in charge for the 41st Fires Brigade, locates Cadet Pfc. Tammy Ortiz, xiphoid process during the first aid class.
will ultimately make our students better citizens,” said Command Sgt. Maj. (retired) Willie Jones, senior JROTC instructor for the A.J. Moore Academy. “The idea behind first aid is to build the confidence in the cadets so if something did happen they can take control of the situation and save a life or at least lend a hand.” Jones also said he requested a couple younger medics to come out because he wanted his cadets to see where they could be in two or three years. “First aid is a base skill that we learn before any other skill and it ties most of the other medical steps together,” said Pfc. Jacob Garlow, medical specialist with the 41st Fires Bde. It’s good to be able to come out here and teach the cadets the basics. It wasn’t that long ago that I was in high school. It feels good to know that the cadets will See MEDICS on Page 5
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1 MEDICS cont. from Page 4
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
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The Soldiers told the cadets personal experiences, and broke down various medical techniques using real-world and battlefield scenarios. “First aid is very important because you never know when you’re going to have to use it on someone or yourself,” said Cadet Pfc. Tammy Ortiz, a freshman at the A.J. Moore Academy. “I’m happy that the Soldiers came up to show us some life-saving steps. Staff Sgt. Angela Spence, a senior medic with the 41st Fires I feel confident that I Brigade, shows the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets an alternative way to open the airway while doing CPR. could save a life if I had Pfc. Jacob Garlow holds open Cadet Pvt. Carlos Pena’s airway too.” during the demonstration One cadet had an be a little more prepared to deal opportunity to share his Cadet 1st Sgt. Edith Perez, demonstrates the Heimlich maneuver with situations in society. story on the importance of on Cadet Pfc. Tammy Ortiz in the seated position. The Rail Gunner medics traveled to Waco during two different sessions, Nov. 28-29 The 41st Fires medics took first aid. and Dec. 5-6, to cover CPR, first aid, and the Heimlich maneuver. their time to ensure the cadets “First aid is the most grasped the concepts behind the important lesson that I’ve Maj. Robert Medina, a junior at different life-saving techniques. learned in JROTC,” said Cadet the A.J. Moore Academy. “Awhile back, I had to use the Heimlich maneuver on my grandmother. She was talking to me from the other room and then I heard her wheezing. I got up to see what happened and when I saw her she was grabbing her neck and that’s when I ran behind her. She helped to position my hands and after a few thrusts, she was breathing again.” As the final bell rung, the cadets were grateful that the Rail Gunner medics instructed their first aid class and left the class with the knowledge that could Staff Sgt. Angela Spence, a senior medic with the 41st Fires Brigade, supervises Cadet Pvt. Carlos Pena and save a life. Cadet Pvt. Guadalupe Lara, A.J. Moore Academy on how to perform CPR on an infant during the first aid training given by the Rail Gunner medics. The cadets cover the Heimlich maneuver, first aid, and CPR.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
JANUARY 2012
Phoenix Soldiers green on communication Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Richardson 41st Fires Brigade, PAO
FORT HOOD, Texas— Communication is essential to the basic every day operations and it is the key to every successful mission in the Army. Like all others functional skillsets, communication is a skill that requires constant training, upgrades, and evaluation. The Soldiers with the 324th Network Support Company, 41st Fires Brigade, participated in a mission readiness exercise providing communication support between the 17th Fires Brigade located at Fort Lewis, Wash. and the Rail Gunners on Fort Hood, Dec. 5-15. The Phoenix Soldiers trained up, established connectivity and monitored C4 systems throughout the exercise.
Sgt. Michael Norton and Cpl. Eric Cook with the 324th Network Switch Company, set up some communication equipment inside a communication truck connected to the Joint Network Node. The Phoenix Soldiers provided support for the Rail Gunners and the 17th Fires Brigade based out of Fort Lewis, Wash.
Soldiers with the 324th Network Support Company prepares the Joint Network Node for connectivity during the communication exercise.
C4 systems are vital computer systems and components used in establishing a connection between the two units. “It is always important to train,” said Capt. Eric Robertson, the commander for the 324th NSC. “As signal Soldiers, our main training events occur when we establish connectivity and setup our equipment. These training events provide repetition and develop proficiency within our specialties”. The main objective for the Phoenix Soldiers was to establish a communication connection between the two fires brigade through the use of a Joint Network Node and the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (AFATDS). “It’s important to have your communication setup quickly and correctly, especially in a fires brigade,” said Cpl. Eric Cook, a nodal network systems
operator maintainer, 324th NSC, 41st Fires Bde. “If your communication is down, then you can’t send out a fire mission.” The 324th NSC Soldiers successfully established a satellite link allowing the Rail Gunner Soldiers and Soldiers with the 17th Fires Bde. to communicate using the Command Post of the Future, AFATDS, as well as using classified and unclassified internet lines. “We have two battalions running fires mission in a tactical training environment right now,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kenn Jones, a network technician for the 41st Fires Bde. “Our training is essential to the success of the brigade. If we couldn’t do our job, then our artillery counterparts cannot conduct their missions. We have to stay proficient on current systems and new communication equipment.”
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THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
JANUARY 2012
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
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VOLUME 3
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
ISSUE 1
SPC Cox, Corey SPC Ferrell, Xavier SPC Girrard, Roy SPC Jones, Courtney SPC Monroigdiaz, Anthony SPC Monte, Hansen SPC Sukley, Matthew SGT Utley, Jonathan
TO PV2 PV2 Yanuchi, Michael TO PFC PFC Day, Shane PFC Delpena, Kevin PFC Elizardo, Ricardo PFC Hargrett, Freeman PFC Pana, Hezron PFC Houska, Travis PFC Kelly, Jeffery PFC Laborde, Ryan PFC Langarica, Gregory PFC Leggett, Candance PFC Mills, Jason PFC Moore, Benjamin PFC Smith, William
TO SPC SPC Brown, Eric SPC Clark, Nataliaarzetta SPC Davis, Ryan SPC Frauenfeld, Edwin SPC Hooten, Curtis SPC Lambert, Brenden SPC Minteer, John SPC Russell, Vance SPC Simpson, Matthew TO SGT SPC Navarette, Cesar TO SSG SSG Salazar, Jamie
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