Hellraisers HHB, 1-14 FA, OCTOBER 2013 Newsletter WARRIOR OF THE WEEK NOMINEES SPC Machuca SPC Baker SPC Esposito SPC Roderiques
PROMOTIONS SGT Black to SSG PV2 Harmon to PFC PFC Geisler to SPC PFC Haskin to SPC PFC Tanchyk to SPC
WLC No Soldiers in WLC
Soldiers of the Hellraiser Battery continue to display their professionalism and hard work despite heavy workloads and deBIRTHDAYS manding requirements. Soldiers like SPC Machuca, SPC Baker, SPC Esposito, and SPC Roderiques represented the battery by Octoberbeing nominated as the battery Steel Warriors of the Week. The success of our mission is due to the hard work and technical abili- SGT Osipov 10th ties of Soldiers like these. NovemberWe continue to remain very busy with training and life support activities. Over the last month, HHB participated in the PFC Thomas Harmon 2nd execution of the first ever joint Live Fire Exercise with the Emirati SSG Robert Jones 2nd 97th Heavy HIMARS Battalion. Soldiers were excited and moti- SGT David Woodward 6th vated as they performed their war time mission of firing HIMARS SPC Robert Weldon 10th SPC Joseph Haskin 12th rockets. The event enhanced our partnership with the Emirati HI- SFC Kirk Hazell 13th MARS Battalion and allowed the Steel Warriors to showcase our SFC Amy Larsen 13th ability to provide timely and accurate rocket fires. MAJ David Freeman 17th 1LT Christopher Smith 21st
The medical section continues to provide monthly combat SGT Matthew Mathis 22nd life saver (CLS) training and certification along with maintaining SGM Jason Mullennix 22nd the daily health and care of the Soldiers in the battalion. The com- SPC Joshua Abell 25th munications shop has performed an outstanding job maintaining and enhancing our ability to communicate across the CENTCOM theater. Finally, the battalion Fire Direction Center (FDC) maintains the ability to provide lethal fires in support of CENTCOM, should we be called upon. This month, Soldiers were given the opportunity to visit the Atlantis resort on the Palm Jumeria, which offers many amenities to its visitors. They also experienced some of the culture that Dubai has to offer during a cultural awareness trip led by the battalion Chaplain. These are truly fabulous trips that allow the Soldiers time to relax and experience some of the activities available in Dubai. The Family Readiness Group has been extremely busy, as usual this month, by supporting events like the Brigade Little Leaders Day and other fundraising events. We truly appreciate the outstanding volunteers that support our Families and Soldiers.
1SG Kevin Carter HELLRAISER 7
CPT Brandon McKean HELLRAISER 6
Hellraiser Photos H H B , 1 - 1 4 F A , O C T O B E R
1-14 FAR Soldiers dine while at the LFX site in UAE
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SPC Milzarski performing maintenance on communications equipment
HIMARS launchers firing at the Joint Live Fire Exercise Photo by: SPC Davila Leon (Bravo)
SPC Esposito emplaces a satellite antenna
SPC Machuca assisting in setting up at the Live Fire site
SPC Abell conducts preventative maintenance, checks, and services on his HMMWV
ASSASSINS A L P H A , 1 - 1 4 F A , O C T O B E R
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Alpha Battery Soldiers made history in October as the first ever HIMARS live fire took place in the southern desert of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Assassin Battery worked with members of the Emirati 97 th Heavy Artillery Regiment to, not only certify both units, but ensure a safe and fun live fire experience. Giant sand dunes, the size of mountains surrounded the live fire site; members of both the Emirati and American units took turns racing up the sides during free time. During the live fire, a large herd of camels stumbled across the Battery, temporarily halting operations. It was the first time that many of the Soldiers got “up-close” with the animals, which are the staple of the Emirati agriculture. In all, Alpha Battery fired 24 rockets safely, certifying all eight launchers and two fire direction centers. On Camp Redleg, Alpha Battery is busy shooting smaller munitions. Most recently, the Assassins conducted a Battalion M9 Pistol qualification range. This range granted 2LT Gina Knapp the opportunity of running her first range, since joining Alpha from HHB. After qualifying with M9s, Australian Navy Chief Petty Officer Nickolai Rofe arrived at the range with his Steyr AUG rifle and Browning High Power pistol. Several members of the Assassin Battery fired both Australian weapons. The Steyr AUG looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, but fires the same ammunition (.223 cal./5.56mm) as the M16 and M4’s that Alpha Soldiers use. It proved an interesting and fun demonstration of allied capabilities. In the coming weeks, Alpha Battery will begin its “TOP GUN” firing competition. The event will place the unit’s best marksmen in a competition designed to test accuracy with their assigned weapon and how well they can perform under pressure with time constraints. The winner will be declared in November. When not running ranges, Alpha Battery Soldiers are tasked for base defense. In October, the battery conducted its first base defense exercise. The exercise required the participation of the entire unit, and was a test of readiness as the unit transitions from a fires battery to a security unit. Alpha battery is also working to enhance the security measures on Camp Redleg, making the base safer for all Soldiers and civilians on the compound. Soldiers on this deployment have the opportunity to attend Warrior’s Leader Course in Kuwait. So far, Alpha Battery sent 12 Soldiers: SGT Chester Chapman, SPCs Andrew Campbell, Zachary Cowles, Noah Liebel, Joshua Holmes, Devin Townsend, William Trower, Quantavius Benton, Kevin Blieka, Jeremy Brandau, Ryan Syharath, and Sean Springs. SPC Springs earned a spot on the commandants list at his WLC class, placing in the top 20 percent of a class of 125 Soldiers from all over the Army. He also served as the class First Sergeant during the last week of the course. Big congratulations to all the Soldiers of Alpha Battery who attended the course! October will end with the second installment of Al-Minhad Airbase Adventure Race. 12 Alpha Battery Soldiers in four teams will compete against other American, Australian, British and Kiwi teams. 1SG Robert Terrill ASSASSIN 7
CPT Sean Grevious ASSASSIN 6
ASSASSINS A L P H A , 1 - 1 4 F A , O C T O B E R
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Alpha Soldiers loading rocket pods in preparation for the LFX
SGT Robinson and SPC Jordan posing with the camels
Perfect form!
On the firing line with an Alpha Platoon Sergeant, SSG Lund
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BLACKHORSE B R A V O , 1 - 1 4
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October offered no rest for the weary, as Bravo Battery immediately transitioned from the Live Fire Exercise, with our Emirati allies, into a busy month of training and improving the HIMARS mission which we transitioned to from Alpha Battery. 1st Platoon immediately went to work the first week of October, planning and executing the battalion’s fly away package; which also allowed 2LT Christopher Robbins his first experiences as a Firing Platoon Leader. While 1st Platoon was busy scrubbing manifests and checking packing lists, 2 nd Fires was simultaneously executing an ARCENT level mission ensuring they were prepared to accomplish any mission the Army may call on them for. When the dust cleared, the Blackhorse Battery came out on top, having flawlessly executed both missions above the standard set by Alpha Battery. The next week brought another flurry of activity within the Battery as both Firing Platoons trained for and completed their “Best-By-Tests”. These tests check the basic skills of the launcher crews and Fire Direction Centers (FDC) of each Firing Platoon and serve as a friendly competition between the Firing Batteries for bragging rights over their peers in the battalion. This week SPC Stephen Popek was awarded the prestigious Warrior of the Week award for his outstanding efforts in the 1st Fires FDC and for stepping up to brief an Operations Order for a battery training exercise. Finally, 1st Fires launcher B31 was selected to set up a static display for Major General Pittard, the ARCENT Deputy Commander. SSG Nunez and his crew, SGT Thornton and SPC Knish, opened their HIMARS up and gave the General a tour of its systems and briefed him on its capabilities during the Deputy Commander’s tour of Camp Redleg. MG Pittard awarded coins to the B31 crew for their professionalism and expertise following the presentation. MG Pittard also awarded SPC Popek a coin for his Warrior of the Week success. The Battery also is proud to say we have graduated two of our Soldiers from Warrior Leaders Course (WLC), SPC Sean Briethaupt and SPC Brian Daniel. Completing WLC is required to be eligible for promotion into the NCO ranks and has set these two excellent Soldiers up for success as they look to further their Army careers. Things have finally started to calm down as November approaches and everyone has settled into a good rhythm for operations training. With the “light at the end of the deployment tunnel” getting brighter all the time, the thought of getting back home to friends and Family has been a constant morale booster. Bravo now looks forward to participating in “Adventure Race: Part Two” on Halloween and keeping our momentum going through the month of November.
1SG Michael McLaughlin BLACKHORSE 7
1LT Jeffrey Wilson BLACKHORSE 6
BLACKHORSE B R A V O , 1 - 1 4 1st Fires Platoon poses after a job well done on the AMDEX ARCENT exercise
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Ammo Crew Members off loading pods for the AMDEX ARCENT Exercise
SGT Dickson during Modern Army Combatives
MG Pittard shakes hand of SSG Nunez and the crew of B31 for the static display
CPL Kerley briefs a Battery OPORD for a training exercise on a sand table
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PHOENIX 5 7 8
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Phoenix Warriors and Families,
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Six months of deployment completed this month! This is a great accomplishment that each and every one of you should be proud of. We are in the home stretch. Let’s keep up the positivity, hard work, and support from both the family members and the Soldiers. The FRG has been phenomenal! They have raised over $1,400 for 578th in the last six months! This money is used to fund FRG activities to include the “Welcome Home Barbecue” we will be having after our safe return from this deployment. "Thank you" doesn’t begin to display the gratitude our leadership has for all the hard work and effort that has been put forth for the benefit of all our Soldiers and their Families. November and December bring forth a number of emotions. Many are excited that the days that we have to be separated from our Soldiers are dwindling down. However, we will be spending the most family oriented holidays away from those nearest and dearest to our hearts. I encourage everyone to remain conscious of your mental health during these times. If you need to reach out to someone, there are a variety of options available: Military One Source, Military Family Life Consultants, the Chaplain, Primary Care Providers, Social Workers, and Army One Source. The FRG will continue planning activities and is able to assist in contacting any of these resources.
NOV 05, 2013FRG Meeting/ Creative Card Night at 1800 in the FRC at BLDG 3423 NOV 08, 2013 Last day to purchase Wonder Woman Ball tickets. They are $15 each NOV 14, 2013 BN FRG Meeting at 1800 in the FRC at BLDG 3423 & Redeployment/ Reintegration Class in the FRC at BLDG 3423 at 1000 or 1800
NOV 22, 2013 If you plan on traveling out of town for more than 24 hours during the holiWonder Woman Ball at Louise D. days, please do not forget to notify the FRG Leader. Stay safe and be prepared for McMahon Hall all weather conditions you may encounter. The Soldiers here continue to support (inside the Museum of Great the mission. They are just as eager to get home to their Families as you are. Plains, 601 NW Ferris Ave) Please continue to provide encouragement and support as we complete the last leg of our mission. DEC 2013 FRG Meeting/ TBD & Phoenix families please continue to be the “foundation” for your Soldier. We could not do what we do without you.
Christmas party/ TBD JAN 2014 FRG Meeting/ TBD
1SG Benjamin Logsdon PHOENIX 7
CPT Adrien Flonnory PHOENIX 6
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PHOENIX 5 7 8
F S C , 1 - 1 4 F A , O C T O B E R
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Phoenix Soldiers moving an ECU to help keep everyone cool
1LT Womack saluting MAJ Posey at his promotion to First Lieutenant
578 setting up tents for the battalion
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KUWAIT CELL LNO L N O , 1 - 1 4
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The LNO Outlaws continue moving equipment while sending and receiving Soldiers between Kuwait and UAE. Along with our primary logistics mission, the Outlaws have been busy assisting the Battalion in scheduling schools and various training events for the Steel Warrior Soldiers. The Outlaws supported nine Soldiers graduating the Warrior Leadership Course this month. The LNO Cell also facilitated the enrollment of four Soldiers in Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) training and four Soldiers in Signal University at Camp Arifjan. The Outlaws also supported four medics who flew up from Camp Redleg, UAE to participate in the Expert Field Medic Badge competition, which included over 130 Soldiers from units all across Kuwait. The Outlaws recently received nine Soldiers from UAE who are preparing to enter the Warrior Leadership Course at the end of the month. These Soldiers have been working diligently to prepare themselves for the course’s rigorous standards by doing Physical Training sessions twice a day. The Outlaws received the 1-94 Field Artillery Battalion Commander and Battalion Command Sergeant Major in Kuwait on reconnaissance for their upcoming deployment in January as the unit replacing 1-14 FAR. The Outlaws provided an outstanding presentation on the capabilities of the LNO Cell, along with the resources and assets available on Camp Buehring. The team from 1-94 FAR were thoroughly impressed by the Soldiers here at Camp Buehring, along with the Outlaws hard work and dedication to the Battalion’s mission over the past six months. The 1-14 Field Artillery Outlaw Soldiers continue to stand ready for all personnel and equipment movement down to Camp Red Leg and in and around Kuwait. The LNO Outlaws would like to congratulate the Families who welcomed new members into our Steel Warrior family, and thank the Family members back home for their selfless service and support to our Soldiers in both Kuwait and UAE. Soon to be WLC Soldiers conduct Physical Training for their class MSG Corey Powell CPT David Dens Outlaw 7 Outlaw 6
The LNO Outlaws painted an American Flag on our Gator, now called “Merica”, which is used throughout Camp Buehring
SGT Bass the Outlaw S6 attended Signal University at Camp Arifjan earlier this month
SSG Jones, Battalion Retention NCO, has written over forty reenlistment contracts since April
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chaplain 1 - 1 4
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WORDS FROM YOUR CHAPLAIN: The LORD is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy” (Psalm 28:7) I love the story of a tourist visiting the Grand Canyon. As he gazed in wonder at the sight before him, the tourist got too close to the edge, lost his footing and fell over the side. Just before he went out of sight, the man grabbed a scrubby bush and held on for dear life. Filled with terror, he called out toward heaven, “Is anyone up there?” A calm powerful voice came out of the sky, “Yes, there is.” The tourist pleaded, “Can you help me?” The calm voice replied, “I’m sure I can. What seems to be the problem?” The man explained, “I fell over the edge of the canyon and am now dangling in space, holding onto a bush that’s about to come loose. Please help me!” The voice said, “I will. Do you have faith?” The terrified man replied, “Yes! I have strong faith!” The voice said, “Then just let go. Everything will be fine.” There was a tense pause. The tourist then yelled, “Is there anyone else up there? The first time I heard that story, I laughed and thought, “How ridiculous!” My next thought was that I have more in common with the tourist than I care to admit. -How often do I edge my way toward a dangerous cliff of disobedience and find myself giving in to temptation? -How many times have I cried out to God to rescue me from some self-made pit into which I have fallen, but dictated how I wanted to be rescued? I can’t begin to count the number of times when I have foolishly chosen to follow my plan instead of God’s plan for my life. Now that’s ridiculous. God has a unique plan for each one of us that is beyond human understanding or expectation. It is called His will. God has been making His will known from the very beginning of time. In the Garden of Eden, God revealed to Adam and Eve His will (or plan) for their lives. It is important to note that with the revealed plan God also gave Adam and Eve the choice to follow that plan because He is a loving Father and a gracious God. Knowing that His way was right, God still allowed Adam and Eve to choose the wrong way. They made the wrong choice, but He still loved them and forgave them. He will do the same for you and for me. The Bible promises that God’s plan is the best plan; the one for which we were created. Psalm 32:8 “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.” God agrees to not only show us the plan, but He also promises to provide all of the strength and resources needed to carry out that plan. His sufficient and constant power is unleashed by our choice to accept and follow Him. We were created by the One who knows us best and loves us most. There are no accidents with God. He never has to say, “Oops!” Before we were ever conceived in the heart and mind of man, we were conceived in the heart and mind of God. Wanted, loved, and planned since before the world began. He had a plan in mind and lovingly, purposefully created us in response to that plan. I know that there are days when the will of God seems completely wrong and we simply do not understand. Every moment is pregnant with darkness and our hearts are numb, paralyzed by fear and doubt. We are treading water in the storm tossed sea of life, desperately longing to see Him walking on the treacherous waves toward us, rescue in His hand. It is in those shadowed moments that we must choose to trust the Plan Maker even though our faith is small, and we cannot understand the plan. His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. And one day, every one of our question marks will be yanked into exclamation points as we see that high plan as He sees it – perfect. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). Today, my friend set aside your meager agenda. Lay down your limited life arrangement and look for God to meet you at the point of surrender - power and victory in His hands. Now that is a great plan. Blessings, Chaplain Richard Hurst