4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion The Guns Attack Newsletter
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
AP R IL 2014
Gun 6 Notes LTC Hank Perry
I N S I D E T HI S IS S UE :
Commander of 4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, LTC Hank Perry
42ND CAB Commander’s Farewell
5
Bounty Hunters
6
Panthers
7
Diamondbacks
8
Snake Eyes
9
Unforgiven
10-11
Equalizers
12
Rear Detachment Guns Attack Team, As I wrote previously, “the difference between a “good” unit and a “great” unit SHARP is distinct and often discernible to others by how we respect one another, how much our Chaplains Corner Soldiers care about the unit’s success, our air and ground maintenance programs, teamwork throughout the battalion, tactical capability, and Family readiness/resilience.”
Since July, 2012 we have seen the Guns Attack TEAM return from combat operations in Afghanistan, reset Soldiers and equipment, and prepare for deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom-Kuwait (OEF-K). In August 2013, our formation deployed to Kuwait and began executing many traditional Attack, Reconnaissance, and Security missions, but added the unique responsibility of training for overwater operations. For the past nine months, Guns Attack Soldiers have successfully operated throughout the Middle East (Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Bahrain) representing ARCENT, the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), 42nd CAB, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, and the 1st Cavalry Division. Last August, I remember writing about our training and preparation for the Kuwait mission and each of our subordinate units’ efforts--companies participated in several field exercises, FARP and aerial gunnery, overwater flights, a JRTC rotation, and an Aviation Training Exercise at Fort Rucker, Alabama. We ultimately deployed in early August 2013 in support of OEF-KU. This deployment started off fast with Joint interoperability exercises and deck landing qualifications (DLQs) within days of arrival. Our Soldiers grabbed the mission and began making an impact. Whether it was partnering with Kuwait’s AH-64D squadrons, bi-lateral training with various partner militaries, Joint interoperability, or sustainment training and gunneries, we started with the right mission focus and mindset.
Retention Corner FRG Corner Birthdays
Throwback Pictures
13 14 15-16 17 18-19 20 21-22
GUNS Poster
23
Calendar
24
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Gun 6 Notes LTC Hank Perry We spent several missions flying over water and integrating in naval maneuver and qualifying our pilots to fly and the maintainers to work in the harsh maritime environment. Our professional pilots and staff recently codified their experiences in an overwater Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) document that was shared with many in the Army Aviation community in an attempt to move our maritime Joint-capability further. CSM Hurst, CW4 Cosyns, and I are extremely proud of our Team’s commitment to mission success and focus on taking care of Soldiers and Families throughout the deployment. To be specific, Charlie Company at Ali Al Salem Air Base not only executed every overwater and Joint Attack, Reconnaissance, and Security mission, but they led our partnership effort. I very much respect how Charlie Company made every effort to share lessons and best practices with the Kuwaiti pilots while attending weekly partnership breakfasts and meetings. They did it all with the appropriate positive attitude and commitment! Bravo Company task organized with 3-227th at Fort Hood prior to our deployment and maintained a ready posture to deploy. Whether it was days in the field at Fort Hood, supporting our adopted elementary school in Killeen, participating in both 3-227th’s and 4-227th’s Family Readiness Groups, or executing a Fort Irwin, CA National Training Center (NTC) rotation, Bravo company has made us extremely proud. We send a special thanks to 3-227th for taking great care of the Soldiers and Families and we look forward to this June as Bravo will re-join the battalion. Alpha Company established operations at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Alpha company Soldier performed magnificently in maintaining aircraft, supporting the abundance of staff aviators, deploying to UAE and Saudi Arabia, and ensuring each mission was planned and executed successfully. I take great pride in knowing Alpha Company was able to conduct split-based operations both on land and overwater. Our aviation maintenance unit, Delta Company, is a force to be reckoned with! When I think of D/4-227th, my first thoughts are of impeccable standards, strong leaders, and professional maintainers. We have all seen Delta company’s capability and capacity develop exponentially throughout the past year. Our Soldier’s produce fantastic results from each and every scheduled and unscheduled inspection. Army Aviation will definitely benefit from the maintenance experience gained on this deployment! Echo Company supports all logistics in this battalion! As the only Forward Support Company (FSC) in this CAB, much is expected of our Soldiers. Our Soldiers are perpetually ready to forward deploy on directed contingency missions. I have deep respect for the TEAM that Echo Company has become! From ammunition and fuel handling to vehicle maintenance and supply support, we are capable of accomplishing each and every mission. Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) provided vital support to our staff and command in order to plan, prepare, and execute our deployed missions. Our young primary staff officers worked extremely well with their NCOs in supporting Joint missions and bi-later partnered exercises. Great job keeping the battalion running efficiently! Rear-Detachment has been a source of constant support to our Soldiers and Families! CW2 Mike Hughes and SFC Velazquez have done an outstanding job integrating with 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, providing responsive support to our forward deployed units, and making every effort to provide care and concern for our Families. The strength of our Rear-D helped make this deployment a tremendous experience! We depended on you and everyone on the Rear-D Team performed tremendously! Our Transfer of Authority (TOA) is rapidly approaching! We will re-deploy from Kuwait in great shape—well -trained and ready for the next mission! In closing, I would be remise if I did not thank our Families and supporters from every corner of the country. Boxes of candy and cookies, Holiday cards, and posters from home helped put a smile on our faces. Thank You! We will remain focused and committed to finishing strong! We look forward to seeing those Welcome Home Banners on Cooper Field! Have a wonderful well-earned reintegration period and block leave in May. --Special welcome to our incoming Battalion Executive Officer, MAJ Mackie Brownell, Julie, and their three children! MAJ Brownell just redeployed with 2/1CD “Black Jack” as the BAO and is already a great asset to our TEAM! WELCOME! As always, it is an honor to serve as your commander. Take an active role in making the Army and this unit better every day!
GUNS ATTACK! LTC Hank Perry
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V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
Gun 9 Notes CSM Zach Hurst
Command Sergeant Major of 4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, CSM Zach Hurst
GUNS!! There’s one constant that lingers in the “Guns Attack Battalion”, TEAM WORK. March was a very busy month for the Battalion returning from Unit Arab Emirates and prepping/deploying a small contingent to Saudi Arabia. Soldiers from every company was involved in packing/unpacking containers, folding/unfolding blades, picking up/ dropping off ammo to coordinating transportation to and from the port and Ali, several times. And while all of this was taking place, Soldiers were moving out of their rooms and packing their bags to be loaded up for the trip home. Outstanding TEAM WORK!!! Congratulations to the 52 Troopers that completed the Battalion Spur ride. Spur rides are a test of a Soldier’s physical and mental ability to overcome obstacles over a period of time. Although the time and events vary from unit to unit, it tests each Trooper that is part of the pre-designated team, on their technical, tactical, physical, mental and leadership abilities under fatigue and stress. Every single Soldier that stood in front of LTC Perry and me at the last station was, “physically and mentally drained” and a little cold… Great Job!!! Also, a big thank you to 1LT Adams and SFC Daniel for the coordination, setup and execution of a very successful Spur Ride. Also a congratulations to SGT Johnson (D Co) and SPC Conaway (E Co) for winning the Battalion NCO/ Soldier of the Month Board for March. To the Families, friends and Soldiers around the country and back at Fort Hood, thank you for your continued support. CW2 Hughes and SFC Velazquez have done a phenomenal job supporting the Families and Soldiers as the Rear-D OIC & NCOIC. A strong Rear-D team makes the deployed Soldier and command team feel at ease, knowing their loves ones can call upon someone in time of need. Great job to the both of you and to your small team!! Overall, LTC Perry, CW4 Cosyns and I are very proud of every Soldier within the battalion. It was your efforts in upholding the standards, staying motivated and Team work, which made this mission and deployment a success!!! We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Cooper Field and folding the Diamondbacks and Rear-D back into the Guns Team..
“GUNS ATTACK!”
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P AGE 4
Gun 10 Notes CW4 Sebastien Cosyns
Battalion Senior Warrant Officer of 4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, CW4 Sebastien Cosyns
GUNS, This is it! As you read this month’s GUNS newsletter, less than 30 days are left before we go home. However said, we are not quite done. Soldiers and Officers across the Battalion are supporting a high visibility exercise with Saudi Arabia, Iron Hawk III, as the rest of us are focused on the Relief in Place with 3-159th ARB from Germany. During the RIP process, we will share lesson learned, Navy/US Coast Guard interoperability training, Joint Air Attack Team training, and we will also conduct Deck Landing Qualifications for the Instructor Pilots aboard the USS Mesa Verde. Most importantly, the Soldiers and Officers from 3-159th ARB need to capture how we have been conducting day-to-day operations at Camp Buehring and Ali Al Salem so they can in turn have a successful deployment. Let’s remember that it is still our mission until the Transfer of Authority, and not until then will we be able to relax and pat ourselves on the back for a job well done! Once complete and safely home, there will be plenty of well deserved time with Family and friends! That is motivation enough to give 100 percent and end our deployment strong.
“GUNS ATTACK!”
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V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
Eagle 6 Notes COL Albert Ricci
Brigade Commander of 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, COL Albert Ricci
4-227th ARB “Guns Attack” and Family Readiness Groups, Words cannot do justice to how proud I am to serve with the Guns Attack team. As the new Aviation Brigade Commander arriving in theater, I was experiencing the normal apprehension, anticipation and anxiety for which units the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade were scheduled to work with upon our arrival to Kuwait. I recognized very fast how the 4-227th ARB was a highly professional, motivated and unique unit. LTC Perry, CSM Hurst, staff members and company personnel all displayed the attitude and confidence of what the Army looks for in its forward deployed units. Guns Attack never let the command down, their effort was indefatigable and fantastic in obtaining all the goals they placed upon themselves. While Guns Attack was conducting dangerous missions in an austere environment, over water and during poor visibility, they surpassed all expectations from this Commander as well as the USARCENT’s Commanders. I am thankful that behind every one of our Soldiers there are great Americans supporting them; Family and friends. You too should be as proud of the effort and sacrifice provided by the Guns Attack Family Readiness Group and Rear Detachment personnel. It was very pleasing reading each month’s newsletter and the wonderful work from; cookie exchange, elementary school visits and meetings; only recognizes a fraction of your effort from the Rear Detachment and all the Family Readiness Groups. It’s time to say farewell from Kuwait to the Guns Attack Team or as us New Yorkers would say; farewell to a “friend of ours!” You have earned and deserve the time back with your Family and love ones. You all have solidified a gargantuan reputation as a professional unit who provided solutions. Be safe and thank you all!
“EAGLE” “RISE UP!”
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HHC
P AGE 6
Bounty Hunters
Commander: CPT David Lorange First Sergeant: 1SG Bryan Oser Bounty Hunters Family, I am pleased to say that this will be our last newsletter submission written from the sunny vistas of the Middle East. Its been a long ride, and we have accomplished a lot since getting here, but we are finally in the last month and as I write this we are looking at less than 40 days before all of the Bounty Hunters are all safely home with you again. However, just because we are in our last months here doesn't mean we have been able to slow down. We started off March with the US Army Department of Evaluation and Standardization visiting us out here in order to ensure that we are adhering to policies and procedures. While that was occurring, we conducted our initial reintegration training, focusing on issues that are likely to appear when you have been away for an extended period of time and are trying to re-integrate with your Families. We also participated in small arms ranges in order to maintain proficiency with our assigned weapons. At the end of that week, the Battalion conducted a Spur Ride, a traditional rite of passage for all cavalrymen (and women) to earn their acceptance into the order of the spur. We also conducted a Combatives level 1 training as well as a more advanced level 2 training. Throughout all of the training, the Soldiers were preparing personnel to attend an exercise in Saudi Arabia with aircraft flying out late in the month, as well as cleaning up operations at Camp Buehring by conducting inventories and packing equipment in order to re-deploy. Needless to say, this has been a busy month, but the Soldiers are happy to do it considering they look forward to going home. This month, we had SPC Becerra and SGT McRae both reenlist. They are the last reenlistments that the Bounty Hunters will have while in theater, and we are glad that they are staying in the Army. For Families, you should have been contacted by Mrs. Goodwin, our FRG leader, by the time you have read this letter. If she has been unable to get in contact with you, please contact her at amkgoodwin@gmail.com or (864) 328-6345 so that she can pass some information about our return back to Fort Hood as well as some resources if there are any issues with you and your Soldier during the re-integration period. Can’t wait to see everyone when we get back to Cooper Field. Until then, thank you for your support.
“BOUNTY HUNTERS!”
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A CO
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
Panthers
Commander: CPT Andrew Schwilk First Sergeant: 1SG Kenneth Witmer Family and Friends of the Panthers, Our nine month deployment is nearing its end and I am pleased to say that this will be our last newsletter while away from our friends and Families. Our Panther team has been relentless with our work ethic in our continuous training and mission execution here in Kuwait, along with nearly half the Company gearing up and departing for our next major multination partnership mission in Saudi Arabia. Once again on this extremely high visibility partnership mission our Panthers will act as ambassadors for United States Army Aviation training and executing missions side by side with our allies. Our Battalion held a true Calvary traditional Spur Ride this past month in which there were over 60 spur candidates, five representing Alpha Company. The Order of the Spur is a Cavalry tradition within the United States Army. Soldiers serving with Cavalry units (referred to as "Troopers") are inducted into the Order of the Spur after successfully completing a "Spur Ride" or for having served during combat as a member of or with a Cavalry unit. This grueling event was a day of tradition, physical and mental limits tested, and ultimately lasting memories. A special shout out to SPC West and all of the other senior Spur holders for orchestrating such an elaborate event, your hard work and diligence made the Spur ride a true challenge. Congratulations go out to CPT Schwilk, 1LT Baker, 1LT Pearson, SPC Hicks, and SPC Weaver on completing this challenge and becoming the Cav’s newest spur holders. Additionally, over the past two weeks all of our Soldiers have qualified with both their primary and alternate weapons, conducted property inventories in preparation to ship all equipment home and completed our semiannual PT test requirements to ease the reintegration process back home.
1LT Pearson and SPC Hicks congratulate each other on the last event of their successful Spur Ride.
1SG Witmer and I could not be more proud of how our team has adapted and overcame any obstacle, mission, or problem that we have encountered. On March 16th, we had the privilege of awarding Alpha Company Panthers their End of Tour awards for their hard work and efforts. The awards represent the tireless dedication and professionalism our Soldiers have put forth to fulfilling all mission requirements for the entire deployment. I want to stress to all Families and friends that all pertinent information regarding flights home and arrival times will go through the proper authority channels and be disseminated, however please do not post any of this on social media or allow for access of the public to this information; it is considered sensitive military information and does have a direct impact on the safety of all 4-227th ARB Soldiers returning home. We are extremely eager to meet and start working with our replacing The proud Soldiers that make one of America’s finest Apache Companies. counterparts in the upcoming weeks. We will be spending the next few weeks conducting inventories, ongoing maintenance and preparing the handover of our mission. I have the up most confidence that we will meet all mission requirements, conduct a successful introduction into country and complete the Relief in Place and Transfer of Authority processes with the highest levels of professionalism. A successful tour comes to an end as the Panthers prepare to return home.
CPT Andrew Schwilk “Panther 06”
“PANTHERS!”
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B Co
P AGE 8
Diamondbacks
Commander: CPT Travis Clonch First Sergeant: 1SG Bobby Lucas Diamondbacks Families and Friends, We are going to start off the newsletter by congratulating 1SG Lucas on his purchase of 1LT Kim’s Lotus Exige. Even though he could barely fit into the cockpit of the small, light and agile machine, he drove home with a big smile on his face to re-live his youth from back in 1930s. During our rotation at the National Training Center located in Ft. Irwin, California, the Diamondbacks successfully deployed to engage and destroy the Donovian forces in the Death Valley of the Californian desert. Many lives were lost due to the constant barrage of enemy indirect fires, chemical attacks, and surface-to-air threats. Despite the overwhelming challenges of eating MREs for weeks and having to operate in the mountainous terrain in addition to the severe dust conditions, Diamondbacks maneuvered the Apache to successfully destroy enemy infantry and armored threats in support of Task Force Iron Horse. Back home, Diamondbacks were immediately put to work to conduct aircraft recovery and a Brigade run in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. We continued to support the community by sending CW2 Chesworth to participate in Tyler Elementary School’s Career Day. We are already paving the road to recruit future aviators and crew chiefs to strengthen our ranks in the future to keep America safe.
Lastly, this week there is a TV crew from the Smithsonian Channel visiting our hangar. They are filming a documentary about the Apache and are filming and interviewing several members of the company as they get a better appreciation for what we do on a daily basis. We look forward to proudly represent the Air Cavalry Brigade and the Attack community as a whole.
“DIAMONDBACKS!”
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C CO
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
Snake Eyes
Commander: CPT Kyle Rogers First Sergeant: 1SG Joseph Mungin fAll the Snake Eyes are happy to report that this is the last newsletter we will lead off with “Greetings from Ali al Salem”! We are getting very close to the finish line and all of us are excited to come home to friends and Family. We are beginning to see boxes and things being packed up all around the barracks and the hangar—and it’s a welcome sight! The weather is warming up, the mosquitoes are starting to swarm, and we’re moving into tents, but our spirits are still high! This month we continued the training we’ve been executing with our sister services in the region. We spent multiple days providing air support to ground armored units conducting live-fire training on the range. It provided a great opportunity to train communications with the ground forces, and we were able to see their skills progress as they gained experience and moved through the exercise. We also continued to conduct our weekly missions with the Air Force JTACs and Predators to improve our interoperability. Our Air Force brothers have proven to be great partners throughout the deployment, and they threw a barbeque this month to celebrate and show their aircraft to many of our crew chiefs who hadn’t gotten to see them before. Ali al Salem also served as the staging base for Alpha Company going to Saudi Arabia, so we got good practice helping them load up their aircraft and supplies for the movement. All the while, we’ve continued to conduct our internal training and have been preparing to receive our replacements and set them up for success in their missions when they arrive. Finally, we held our awards ceremony to recognize the outstanding performance of all of our Soldiers and aviators during the deployment. LTC Perry, CSM Hurst and many other representatives from the 4-227th ARB and 42nd CAB came down to Ali to participate in the event. The emphasis of the ceremony was on congratulating everyone for their hard work and the successes we’ve had on our deployment, while remaining focused for the remainder of our time here so we can come home safely and give our replacements everything the need to be successful as they take LTC Perry presents 1SG Mungin with the Order of Saint Michael. over our mission. 1SG Mungin was also inducted into the prestigious Order of Saint Michael, and three members of the Snake Eyes team were given their spurs for having completed the battalion spur ride. LTC Perry and CSM Hurst present 1LT Hagan, SPC Deleon, and SPC Rodriguez with their spurs.
“SNAKE EYES!”
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D Co
P AGE 10
Unforgiven
Commander: CPT Greg Sterley First Sergeant: 1SG Joseph Corr Unforgiven Family and Friends, It feels like just yesterday that I wrote to you about how fast the month of February had gone by, and here I am now writing the March newsletter! Busy times it has been these last few months, but you would be hard pressed to find anyone who is complaining. We are so close to seeing you all, but there are still many tasks that we need to accomplish. On top of sending out our contingent of 10 Soldiers to Saudi Arabia we are also packing our containers, receiving our counterparts from Germany and down loading Apaches arriving on Air Force STRATAIR flights. With all of that work to do, these last 30 days will surely fly by. I will reiterate that we will be vigilant on safety and we will not rush to failure during this time. SFC Daniel leading several D Co Soldiers through the rigorous Spur Ride.
Last newsletter I brought up one of LTC Perry’s “big 4” items for the deployment; spiritual fitness. This month I will cover the last one; mental fitness. Throughout this nine month journey, myself and 1SG Corr have been determined to provide our Soldiers with the opportunity to educate themselves either through civilian education or through the Professional Military Education system. Several of our Soldiers have completed the Warrior Leaders Course and all junior enlisted Soldiers have completed Structured Self Development Level 1 training. I have also signed Tuition Assistance forms SSG Marks and SGT Fowler running the M4 Range. for everyone who is qualified. It is of the utmost priority that we continue to grown in our Profession of Arms as well as in our pursuit of a civilian education. I am extremely proud of our team for making the most of their time here in Kuwait in pursuit of their education goals. These lessons that we have all learned will only make us better, individually and as a team. I hope during this time all of you at home have taken it upon yourself to do much of the same.
Continued on page 10
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D Co
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
Unforgiven
Myself and 1SG Corr are extremely proud of the 91 Soldiers who received end of tour awards for their hard work and dedication to our mission. In total, the company was awarded 4 Meritorious Service Medals, 38 Army Commendation Medals and 58 Army Achievement Medals; truly amazing! I know the math doesn’t add up, but several of our Soldiers received two awards! We would also like to recognize SSG Rosenbaum for his acceptance into the honorable order of St. Michael. This award is given for significant contributions to the Aviation Branch. I couldn’t be more proud of the individual accomplishments of each of our fine troopers. When we bring all of those accomplishments together, it is amazing to think about what we have accomplished together as a Company.
The DART Team rigging the Apache up for a slingload.
Our FRG just completed a banner decorating party to proudly display a Welcome Home Banner on Cooper Field for our ADVON and Main Body Flights. As we near closer and closer to our arrival please make sure you are getting your information directly from the FRG and your key callers. The 1st Cavalry Division website and their facebook page also has timely and accurate information. Please remember OPSEC as well. We don’t need anything delaying our arrival.
Sincerely, CPT Greg Sterley Unforgiven 06
“UNFORGIVEN!”
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E CO
P AGE 12
Equalizers
Commander: CPT Omar Villafane First Sergeant: 1SG Jose Ventura Greetings Equalizers Families and Friends, Greetings again from your Echo Company Equalizers! This month your Soldiers are poised to head home, but not before we expand our partnership operations to Saudi Arabia and finish training for our Convoy Live Fire Exercise (CLFX). The ammo Soldiers of the FSC will be participating in operation Iron Hawk III in Saudi Arabia as part of the GSAB lead FARP operation. Your Equalizers will be partnering for three weeks creating a more agile and affective fighting force in the region. The FSC is proud to play its part in Task Force Iron Hawk. The FSC also got a chance to do some high quality convoy training during our three day CLFX. The Soldiers were put in a number of tactical scenarios testing their mettle, tactical competence and all around Soldering skills. This was an excellent event that helped build confidence within the company. Now the part you’ve all been waiting for (DRUM Roll)… Your Equalizers spent this month preparing for our return home! We’ve maximized this experience treating redeployment as a training tool for our Soldiers. Our team is preparing to give a strong handoff to our replacements 3-159th ARB, to ensure the momentum sustains. This month was also a good one for professional growth. In the month of March we got to see 2LT Despard get promoted to 1LT and SGT Roth is now a 91B-30 SSG in the US Army. This month SPC Conaway won the Soldier of the month board setting the standard on 89B10 knowledge base. We would like to say congratulations to all of these Soldiers and thank their Families for supporting them all the way. Our FRG continues to run forward with its events, “Battalion Walk to and From Kuwait,” which encourages all spouses to log all miles walked, ran, and/or biked over the entire deployment time frame. The event promotes health and fitness but focuses primarily on morale support to all deployed service members in the unit. The participants have logged over 1800 miles towards our overall goal of 7600 miles, which is the distance between Fort Hood and Kuwait. Again, I’d like to thank all of the Spouses, Family members and Equalizers supporters who are participating in this event and I welcome everyone else to join in on the fun. Without you all we couldn’t do what we do. If interested in participating please contact our FRG leader Mrs. Mandi Pfeil at Mandi.pfeil@gmail.com or myself at omar.villafane.mil@mail.mil.
“EQUALIZERS!”
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V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
Rear Detachment Commander: CW2 Michael Hughes First Sergeant: SFC Luis Velazquez Guns Detachment and FRG, We’re on the final stretch! Looking back we’ve accomplished a lot together and provided the needed support to our Families here at home and our brothers and sisters downrange so they could focus on the mission at hand. We will finish strong by providing the unit with a smooth and seamless reintegration process allowing them to get some well deserved R&R. During our preparations, we’ve also had some great and notable moments in the past month. Congratulations to our FRL, Sean Chilcote, who was promoted to SSG and our S1 clerk, Ferica Nealy, who was promoted to SPC. Both have been outstanding performers and well deserving of advancement. PFC Nealy’s promotion to Specialist (SPC). Additionally, I’d like to congratulate Beatrice Munoz, E Co FRG Leader, for recognition as “Volunteer of the Month” for 4-227th ARB. Thank you for your dedication to your company and the battalion. Our first field grade officer has also joined the rear detachment team. Welcome MAJ Mackie Brownell, who is coming to us from 2nd Brigade. MAJ Brownell is expected to be assigned as the battalion XO soon after the unit’s return. Finally, together with 41st Fires Brigade, 1 ACB hosted a St. Patrick’s Day run on the SGT Chilcote’s promotion to Staff Sergeant (SSG). airfield, encouraging Family and friends to attend a “Green” themed morning PT session. There were plenty of supporters wearing some very interesting green costumes. As my last newsletter submission, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my staff, the FRSA and MFLC, the FRG leaders and volunteers for all that you’ve done to make this time in the rear detachment a memorable one! It’s the team effort that has pulled us through. Now that April is here, it brings an end to this deployment, but opens a new chapter in the 4-227th ARB legacy. I look forward to continuing to work with those of you who will remain, wish Godspeed to those departing, and welcome to those joining the Family!
“GUNS!”
1 ACB Commander, COL Mendenhall addresses the St. Patrick’s Day run formation
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P AGE 14
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention BN SHARP: SFC LaCresha Riddle BN SHARP ALT: VACANT Guns Attack Family, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Please see below for upcoming events that are being offered at Camp Buehring. Changing Culture Requires Collective Change in Every Day Life SUNDAY
MONDAY
SCAVENGER HUNT-1030hrs SHARP BBQ-1200 hrs
6
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY
1
Show Your Support Wear Teal
2
9
8
Sports Week Basketball 1800 hrs
20
SHARP SAAM 550 Cord Bracelet Night - 1800 hrs
14
15
Sports Week Softball 1800 hrs
16
Sports Week Softball 1800 hrs
18
Sports Week Softball 1800 hrs
29
28
30
SHARP 550 Cord Bracelet -1800hr
Sports Week Volleyball 1800 hrs
24
23
22
21
17
Sports Week Softball 1800 hrs
Sports Week Basketball 1800 hrs
19
SHARP BINGO-1900 hrs
Sports Week Volleyball -1800 hrs
26
25
Camp Arifjan SCAVENGER HUNT 0800 hrs
27
12
11
10
TEE WALL PAINTING Self Defense – 1800hrs
13
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
SHARP 550 Cord 5 Bracelet -1800hr SHARP Combative SHARP Combative Self Defense Class Self Defense 1800 hrs 1800 hrs
4
SHARP Combative Self Defense Class – 1800 hrs
Chem Light Vigil – Blue Jean 1830 hrs
7
THURSDAY
3
I AM STRONG
SHARP SAAM 550 Cord Bracelet Night - 1800 hrs
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS
Throw Down (Crossfit) -1400 hrs
CHARACTER
SHARP - 5K Walk/Run - 0600 hrs Ribbon Flyover
OVER COMPETENCY
Sexual Assault Awareness Month CAMP BUEHRING EVENT CALENDAR
TITLE
RANK
FIRST
UNCLASSIFIED
LAST
LOCATION
4-227 BN SHARP PRI
SFC
LaCresha
Riddle
Camp Buehring
lacresha.c.riddle.mil@mail.mil
HHC SHARP PRI
SSG
Yavel
Pereiradiez
Camp Buehring
yavel.pereiradiez.mil@mail.mil
HHC SHARP ALT
1LT
Jeremy
Adams
Camp Buehring
Jeremy.m.adams.mil@mail.mil
A Co SHARP PRI
1LT
Ward
Baker
Camp Buehring
Ward.e.baker.mil@mail.mil
B Co SHARP PRI
CW2
James
Altaffer
Fort Hood
james.altaffer1@us.army.mil
B Co SHARP ALT
SFC
Joseph
Smith
Fort Hood
Joseph.r.smith167.mil@mail.mil
C Co SHARP PRI
CW2
Gregory
Kilpatrick
Ali Al Salem
gregory.a.kilpatrick.mil@mail.mil
C Co SHARP ALT
SFC
Derek
Nelson
Ali Al Salem
Derek.a.nelson14.mil@mail.mil
D Co SHARP PRI
CW2
Janoi
Cabrera
Camp Buehring
Janoi.cabrera.mil@mail.mil
E Co SHARP PRI
SFC
Eric
Moore
Camp Buehring
eric.c.moore.mil@mail.mil
E Co SHARP ALT
SSG
Shawn
Gore
Camp Buehring
Shawn.l.gore.mil@mail.mil
BN SHARP ALT
A Co SHARP ALT
D Co SHARP ALT
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
Chaplains Corner Chaplain: CPT Robert Caruso Chaplains Assistant: PFC Dezmon Worth Dear Friends,
The Virtue of Flexibility The last month of our deployment is upon us, and like many of you I am filled with a mixture of emotions. The feelings of excitement, hesitation, fear, indifference are just some of the emotions we might encounter or are already experiencing. When we reintegrate with our loved ones in the weeks ahead it is important that we don’t place unrealistic expectations on each other. Low expectations, taking things slowly, and a mutual flexibility centered in love and trust will assist you in the reintegration process with loved ones. A team of us in the unit presented reintegration briefs to all our Soldiers in 4-227th ARB. It was a lot of work, but much was learned by all involved.
The BN Medic SGT Caplinger presented the suicide awareness portion of the reintegration brief.
Chaplain Assistant PFC Worth presented the reintegration with Families and children portion of the brief.
SSG Andrew presented the resiliency portion of the reintegration brief.
BN Chaplain Caruso presented the Family reintegration portion of the brief.
I would like to end here with a poignant meditation about the virtue of flexibility from Fr. Henri JM Nouwen. I look forward to seeing all of you upon our return home. Please pray for us as we continue to pray for you.
Peace, CH Caruso
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
P AGE 16
Chaplains Corner
“Trees look strong compared with the wild reeds in the field. But when the storm comes the trees are uprooted, whereas the wild reeds, while moved back and forth by the wind, remain rooted and are standing up again when the storm has calmed down. Flexibility is a great virtue. When we cling to our own positions and are not willing to let our hearts be moved back and forth a little by the ideas or actions of others, we may easily be broken. Being like wild reeds does not mean being wishy-washy. It means moving a little with the winds of the time while remaining solidly anchored in the ground. A humorless, intense, opinionated rigidity about current issues might cause these issues to break our spirits and make us bitter people. Let's be flexible while being deeply rooted.� ~Fr. Henri JM Nouwen, Bread for the Journey
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
Retention Corner GUNS, As battalion operations come to a close and we prepare to come home Soldiers are still taking advantage of reenlisting in Kuwait to receive extra incentives. The battalion has reenlisted Soldiers for new assignments all over the world while staying on point for the nation. It’s been an outstanding deployment and I would like to thank the Soldiers and their Families for trusting myself and the command team with their Army careers, it’s been a true honor as we finish strong and return home. Please visit our Facebook page for more reenlistment photos. “Stay Guns”
SSG LeFaire
“STAY GUNS”
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
P AGE 18
FRG Corner
Delta Company Banner Event On Saturday, 22 March 14, Delta Company Family members got together to make Welcome Home banners for their “Heroes” return. All the Family members and children are looking forward to their safe return in the near future.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day in May May 9– Military Spouse Appreciation Day Luncheon Social Hour: 10:30 am– 11:30 am Luncheon: 11:30 am—1:30 pm Open to Active-Duty, Retiree and Surviving Spouses There will be a special performance by 1st Cavalry Jazz Band. Reservations will be taken April 1– May 2 or until all seats are reserved. Club Hood is located at Bldg. 5764, 24th Street and Tank Destroyer Boulevard. For more information, call 254-2866600 or 254-287-2327. Keynote Speaker is 1ACB’s own Chaplain Shabazz!
Military Spouse Appreciation Day in May At the monthly steering committee meeting, chaired by LTC Perry from Kuwait, CW2 Hughes presents Mrs. Beatrice Munoz, FRG Co-leader for Echo Company, the 1CD Commanding General’s Commander’s Award for excellence.
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
FRG Corner FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANT Charles Lyons (4-227 ARB) Charles.lyons2.civ@mail.mil Office: 254-553-7486 Cell: 254-290-0730 Bldg 87016 Rose Bud
MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANT Eddie Rayford Cell:254-317-3517 Bldg 87016 Rose Bud
FAMILY READINESS GROUP CONTACTS As always, continue to stay engaged with your company FRG Leaders on upcoming events and useful resources with the Battalion and local area. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your company FRG Leader or our Battalion Senior Advisor, Mrs. Julia Perry at mrsjuju11@earthlink.net TITLE
FIRST
LAST
SPOUSE
CELL
4-227th ARB BN SENIOR ADVISOR
Julia
Perry
LTC Perry
254-319-2448
mrsjuju11@earthlink.net
HHC
Amber
Goodwin
1LT Goodwin
864-328-6345
amkgoodwin@gmail.com
A COMPANY
Ashton
West
SPC Benjamin
817-791-0872
aco.4227.frg@gmail.com
B COMPANY
Kim
Clonch
CPT Clonch
615-481-4689
ktclonch@gmail.com
C COMPANY
Barbara
Wade
CW2 Wade
706-593-7862
bullardwade@hotmail.com
D COMPANY
Jessica
Sterley
CPT Sterley
716-830-1070
Unforgiven.frg@gmail.com
E COMPANY
Amanda
Pfeil
SPC Pfeil
901-277-1608
Mandi.pfeil@gmail.com
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
P AGE 20
4-227th ARB April Birthdays RANK
LAST NAME
FIRST NAME
BIRTHDAY
SFC
LOPEZTORRES
BIENVENIDO
1-Apr
PFC
GOMEZ
ADRIAN
2-Apr
PV2
ANDERSON
TYREE
2-Apr
PFC
MADRID
RUDY
3-Apr
SSG
BRYSON
MICHAEL
4-Apr
SPC
GONZALEZ
MARK
4-Apr
CW2
WEBSTER
DILLON
6-Apr
SSG
MORFORD
KEVIN
7-Apr
SPC
CRAVENS
TAYLOR
7-Apr
SPC
LANDENBERG
JESSE
8-Apr
SSG
MITCHELL
STEVIE
12-Apr
SPC
HOKE
SANTONIO
12-Apr
LTC
PERRY
HENRY
13-Apr
PFC
DEGOOD
ANTHONY
13-Apr
SPC
SPELCE
JAKE
15-Apr
CW2
ORTMAN
KYLE
16-Apr
SPC
YAEGER
JONATHAN
15-Apr
SGT
HOWARD
CHRISTOPHER
16-Apr
SPC
ZARATE
CHELLY
18-Apr
CPT
FERNANDEZ
JOSEPH
19-Apr
SGT
GREEN
JOSHUA
21-Apr
SGT
ONI
ADELANA
21-Apr
PFC
FRENCH
CHRISTOPHER
21-Apr
SSG
MOMBER
JOSHUA
23-Apr
SPC
WEAVER
ROBERT
23-Apr
CW3
RIVERA
MIGUEL
24-Apr
SPC
GOODMON
SHANTEL
24-Apr
CW2
DAVIS
WESLEY
29-Apr
SGT
DAVIS
ADAM
27-Apr
SPC
FORD
CASEY
27-Apr
1SG
OSER
BRYAN
29-Apr
SFC
RICKERT
ANGELO
29-Apr
PFC
PORE
DANIEL
28-Apr
PFC
ANDERSON
KYLE
30-Apr
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
Operation Enduring Freedom-Kuwait Throwbacks Headquarters and Headquarters Company
Alpha Company
Charlie Company
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
P AGE 22
Operation Enduring Freedom-Kuwait Throwbacks Delta Company
Echo Company
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4
GUNS Poster
4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion “Operation Enduring Freedom-Kuwait 13-14”
21
14
28
Tuesday April 1
Earth Day
Tax Day (Taxes Due)
29
22
15
8
Marburger Farm Spring Antique Show (Round Top, Texas)
Passover
Baytown Youth Fair (Baytown, Texas)
Training Holiday
World Health Day
7
Community Events – Blue FRG Information – Yellow Holidays – Orange Army happenings - Green
March 31
Monday
Administrative Professionals’ Day
Wednesday
30
23
16
9
2
10
3
24
May 1
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Training Holiday
Friday
18
25
5
12
26
Old Blanco Market Day (Blanco, Texas)
19
Downtown Georgetown Market Days (Georgetown, Texas)
Art City Austin Festival (Austin, Texas)
Salado Market Days (Salado, Texas)
Texas Vegfest (Austin, Texas)
Saturday 6
Orthodox Easter
Easter
Palm Sunday
27
20
13
Round Rock Market Day (Round Rock, Texas)
Sunday
2
3
4
Lone Star Crawfish Festival The Springtime Outdoor Swap and Flea (Austin, Texas) Burton Cotton Gin Festival (Dallas, Texas) Georgetown Red Poppy (Burton, Texas) Festival BBQ and Goat Cook-off (Georgetown, Texas) (Goldthwaite, Texas) Arbor Day
4
11
Austin Reggae Festival (Austin, Texas)
Passover
17
Old Settler’s Music Festival (Austin, Texas)
Premiere Market (Bryan, Texas)
Thursday
April 14
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 4