4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion The Guns Attack Newsletter
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 3
M AR 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
Guns Attack Team, We continue to accomplish great things together as a TEAM! Our mission in the United Arab Emirates went extremely well because of the dedication and hard work of the entire formation. I say the entire formation because it took tremendous effort on behalf of our logisticians and maintainers to support operations in three locations. It made me extremely proud to see our professional Soldiers conduct air and ground “partnered” operations with the Emirates and Kuwait AH-64D squadrons throughout the month. We executed aggressively and safely while taking care of one another—well done! With less than two months remaining in the deployment, I cannot stress enough how important risk mitigation and fighting complacency is for each Soldier in our unit. Understanding that Complacency, Over Confidence, and Lack of Supervision (Leadership) are key to acknowledge at the end of a deployment.
Continued on page 2
Bounty Hunters
5
Panthers
6
Diamondbacks
7
Snake Eyes
8
Unforgiven
9-10
Equalizers
11
Rear Detachment
12
SHARP
13
Chaplains Corner
14-15
Retention Corner
16
FRG Corner
17-18
Birthdays
19
GUNS Poster
20
Re-Deployment Brief
21
Calendar
22
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
P AGE 2
Gun 6 Notes LTC Hank Perry I ask that every leader and Soldier make a concerted effort to evaluate their daily missions to ensure we are not missing critical steps to mitigate risk and properly execute responsibilities. This becomes even more important as we plan to hand off our missions to the next unit! Stay vigilant and stay focused! For our Families back home, I want to reiterate times for our upcoming redeployment briefings (voluntary of course, but highly encouraged). These briefings are meant to emphasize and facilitate how to reintegrate with loved ones after extended separations. Areas covered will be Post-deployment Finance/ Budgeting, Reuniting and Relationship Building, MFLC Counseling, Re-deployment Timeline, PTSD, etc. Please contact your respective Company FRG leader to RSVP. The four briefing times are: March 20 at 9:30–11:15 and 6:00–7:45 pm March 27 at 9:30–11:15 and 6:00–7:45 pm For the remaining months of our deployment, I encourage everyone to STAY FOCUSSED, STAY ENGAGED, and FINISH STRONG! Enjoy this month’s edition of the Guns Attack Newsletter! The companies are doing a great job sharing information about our Soldiers and showcasing their efforts while deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom— Kuwait. Thanks to our Families for all they do in support of our Army, their Soldier, and this Battalion! 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
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 3
Gun 9 Notes CSM Zach Hurst
Command Sergeant Major of 4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, CSM Zach Hurst
GUNS!! Can everyone say the month of February has flown by? It was a busy month in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and in Kuwait for Guns Attack Team. The momentum was high for the staff, aircrews, maintainers and sustainers while conducting and coordinating operations and maintenance both in Kuwait and UAE. Teamwork from everyone in the battalion made our partnered operations extremely successful for the month of February. Job well done!! With less than two months left for our return home, we will begin our reintegration and re-deployment classes for our deployed Soldiers. Whether it is your first deployment or fifth, resiliency and reintegration training will assist the Soldier and Family member on the approaching homecoming. We highly encourage Family members to attend the Guns Attack Re-deployment briefing scheduled in late March there at Fort Hood. Thanks again to all the Families, loved ones and supporters of the Guns Attack Battalion.
“GUNS ATTACK!�
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
P AGE 4
Gun 10 Notes CW4 Sebastien Cosyns
Battalion Senior Warrant Officer of 4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, CW4 Sebastien Cosyns
GUNS, As we find ourselves rapidly approaching the end of the deployment, we must remember not to rush tasks at hands or cut corners. What we must not become is complacent as individuals. Just because we have been conducting day to day operations for the past seven months does not mean we will not make mistakes. Over time, we developed routines and settled in our ways, comfortable with how we go about the day. We may not realize it, but repetition can lead to bad habits and eventually mishaps, if not corrected in time. We had a successful exercise in the United Arab Emirates, so let’s continue to do the right thing and check each other, even more now as we get closer and closer to returning home. It starts with each one of us, as professionals to do the right thing when no one is watching. Let’s not ruin the excitement of going home by having an accident that could have been easily avoided by doing the right thing.
“GUNS ATTACK!”
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HHC
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 3
Bounty Hunters
Commander: CPT David Lorange First Sergeant: 1SG Bryan Oser Bounty Hunters Family, February was a short month, not only because it is 28 days, but also because the Bounty Hunters were extremely busy both in Kuwait and in the United Arab Emirates. From late January to the first day of February, the Bounty Hunters were moving 140 personnel from Camp Buehring to Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates to conduct Operation Desert Talon II, a ten day joint exercise between American and Emirati aviation forces. The Task Force, led by Guns Attack Commander LTC Perry, partnered with the Emirate 10th Aviation Group and conducted joint operations. These included overwater attack operations, air assault operations and even involved a forward arming and refueling point provided by the Emirates CH-47 assets. This major exercise concluded with a large gunnery operation where the American and Emirate forces worked together to attack multiple targets. Throughout this entire timeframe, the Bounty Hunters were conducting and coordinating operations in two separate countries. While in the United Arab Emirates, we had all staff functions operating between 3 different bases in order to provide the required support for the operation. In Kuwait, our main purpose was to continue daily training and partnering operations in Kuwait, while in the UAE the Bounty Hunters were based with the TAC and deployed ALOC and Aid Station providing forward support, with a administrative and logistics node located at the main port of entry in order to expedite parts and personnel forward. Over 10 days, this was kept up on a 24 hour basis with zero loss of capability to our overall mission for ARCENT, an incredible achievement that showcases the abilities developed by each of the Soldiers here in the Guns Attack team. Prior to departing to UAE, LTC Perry and CSM Hurst had the incredible opportunity to promote SSG Parsons to SFC, which he has been waiting on for 8 months. The personnel who didn’t deploy to UAE still had the opportunity to experience some excellent events, to include a Valentines Day 5K Chocolate Run thrown by the USO (complete with Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompa’s). The Soldiers also had a Combatives Level 1 certification course that started on 17 February. We have been busy here in multiple countries, and are only gaining speed as we head to our imminent departure. With less than 2 Months to go, we are anxious to come home and see you all. If you haven’t yet, please get onto the Guns Attack Facebook page for FRG updates, or you can contact the HHC FRG leader Mrs. Amber Goodwin at amkgoodwin@gmail.com.
“BOUNTY HUNTERS!”
P AGE 6
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
A CO
Panthers
Commander: CPT Andrew Schwilk First Sergeant: 1SG Kenneth Witmer Family and Friends of the Panthers, Time has been flying by as the month of February has nearly passed. The Panthers have been extremely busy with our bilateral partnership mission Operation Desert Talon II in the United Arab Emirates, while others were challenged with continuous training and mission execution back here in Kuwait. Operations could not have gone better and also would not have been possible without the tireless work ethic and professionalism of the entire Panther Team. First Sergeant Witmer and I could not be more proud of the crew chiefs and pilots as they acted as ambassadors of not only our Unit, but also as representatives of the United Sates Army Aviation. For the majority of us, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Meanwhile the team in Kuwait led by SSG Lankford maintained a very high operational readiness rate and the aviators led by CW4 Kittelson flew 100 hours. This includes Alpha Company’s participation in February’s Joint Air Attack Team (JAAT) with Kuwait and United States Air Force F-18s, Air Force MQ-1 Predators, JTACs, US Navy MH-60s and US Army Field Artillery. This final phase has begun as Soldiers, aircraft and equipment have returned from UAE. CPT Schwilk promotes both PFC Pore and PFC Cloyed to Specialist. The mission set has changed and a large group Congratulations! from Alpha Company is staging for the next PFC Cloyed and SPC Perez partnership with Saudi Arabia. The remainder of getting ready for their first UH-60 the team will begin the process of transition to the new incoming unit and Black Hawk ride while at UAE. performing the preparation for redeployment. Multiple Panthers earned promotions to higher rank and responsibility levels in our formation this month: CW2 Keith Ortman promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Three on 01 FEB 2014 SGT Lankford promoted to Staff Sergeant on 01 FEB 2014 PFC Robert Cloyed promoted to Specialist on 21 FEB 2014 PFC Daniel Pore promoted to Specialist on 21 FEB 2014 We are continuing our countdown of days until our arrival back at Fort Hood, which will be here before we know it. Redeployment information will be passed through the appropriate channels and I will ensure that every Soldier has the most accurate dates and times to pass on to everybody for these upcoming exciting events. CPT Andrew Schwilk “Panther 06”
“PANTHERS!”
Apaches are always ready thanks to the dedication and hard work of all the Panthers!
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
B Co
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 3
Diamondbacks
Commander: CPT Travis Clonch First Sergeant: 1SG Bobby Lucas Diamondbacks Families and Friends, The beginning of February has been a busy time of preparation and packing for deployment to the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California. Containers were packed, sealed and delivered to the railhead for shipment to NTC. Also one aircraft was designated for a STRAT AIR piece to go by C-5 to Edwards Air Force Base north of NTC. A handful of Soldiers led by MTP CW3 Ryan Inbody were busy learning and then executing blade folding tasks for the AH-64D to fit into the aircraft. Diamondbacks aviators conducted pre-mission planning for the trek across the southwest for the selfdeployment of seven AH-64D’s being flown out to NTC. They sat through countless briefs on all levels to ensure mission accomplishment. Massive cold-fronts blew through the Ft. Hood region, which delayed the flights from taking off on the given deployment dates, resulting in happiness and more time spent with the Families. The Diamondback aviators unfortunately have been met with weather and maintenance issues along the route that have slowed the progress of making it to Fort Irwin, California together and on time. Through relentless efforts of leadership, the task force eventually arrived at the National Training Center and had set up camp at Ft. Irwin. Their living conditions are not quite what the Soldiers are used to but they are adjusting nicely. The crew chiefs of Bravo Company hit the ground running receiving the aircraft and prepared them for MILES gear battle, installing all TESS and other needed equipment. The aviators with the help of brigade assets began training in dust landing qualifications and local area orientations. Also in a less frequent event Bravo Company was afforded the rare opportunity of conducting Hellfire shoots while out at NTC. On 15 Feb 14, the Diamondbacks are poised to invade the box in support of 1 BCT 1st Cavalry Division linear operations to battle the waiting OPFOR.
“DIAMONDBACKS!”
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
C CO
P AGE 8
Snake Eyes
Commander: CPT Kyle Rogers First Sergeant: 1SG Joseph Mungin fSnake Eyes Family and Friends, While most of the 4-227th Battalion was adventuring across the Middle East this month, Charlie Company held down the fort here in Kuwait. The weather has begun to warm back up, but we hope to be back at home in Texas before it rises back up to the face melting temperatures we encountered when we got here. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter and we are all excited to come home! At the same time, we are all focused on finishing strong over here with successful training and remaining ready for any missions we get assigned. We participated in several partnership flights and engagements with our Kuwaiti partners this month. One highlight in the partnership was a trip taken by CPT Rogers, 1SG Mungin swears he 1SG Mungin and 1LT Hagan to a local farm owned by a wasn’t intimidated by the Kuwaiti military Colonel. The tour included traditional mean mug he received from this camel. Kuwaiti food, dozens of interesting animals and a up close look at the traditional Kuwaiti lifestyle. Not surprisingly, all three of them spent most of the day trying to take the perfect selfie with one of the many camels roaming the grounds. Another highlight of February at Ali al 1LT Hagan looking remarkably dapper only miles from the Salem was the Open House Air Show. After much Iraqi border. planning and preparation, the base was opened up to thousands of Kuwaiti civilians and diplomats to come look at, take pictures and ask questions about our fixed-wing, rotary-wing and UAS platforms. Dozens of different airframes were on display, and the event even included military working dog demonstrations and dancing horses! One of the most important events of the month was the re-enlistment and promotion of one of Charlie Company’s best and most loyal soldiers, SGT Reed! Congrats on the promotion! It is well deserved!
“SNAKE EYES!” SGT Reed with the CDR and 1SG after his promotion.
1LT Hagan and SPC Deleon await visitors at the open house.
Charlie Company forms up on the flight line for SGT Reed’s promotion.
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
D Co
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 3
Unforgiven
Commander: CPT Greg Sterley First Sergeant: 1SG Joseph Corr Unforgiven Family and Friends, The month of February went by the fastest in recent memory. Great news considering we are now down to our last two months away from home. Our exercise in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Desert Talon II, was a resounding success! The 26 Soldiers who represented D Co on the exercise performed with distinction and professionalism. We all learned a great deal and are better maintainers after experiencing the complexities of STRATAIR, overwater flights and partnership. We are now focused on our redeployment, re-integration back at Fort Hood and the reception of our replacements from Germany. There is much to do in our last few months here and the excitement of seeing our loved ones and finishing our mission strong will surely drive us to completion. During this time we will be extremely vigilant on safety. We are all human, and a common tendency on the last leg of a deployment is to “rush to failure.” Myself and 1SG Corr along with our NCOs will take a hard look at all of our operations and remind everyone to slow down. I ask you all to do the same at home. Please don’t rush to the point of being unsafe.
Unforgiven Soldiers load our aircraft on a C-17 destined for UAE.
Last newsletter I brought up one of LTC Perry’s “big 4” items for the deployment; physical fitness. This month and until this deployment is complete I will focus on the rest. While I am by no means a saint, I still have my faith and count my blessings every day. Whatever your faith/denomination may be, I would ask that you remain focused on your spiritual well being as we get closer to reintegration. Our Chaplain does a tremendous amount of work with our Soldiers and no one in this formation needs to fear reprisal for going to see him. It is a good thing to seek counsel. Bottling up problems and not talking about them is a volatile undertaking which in most circumstances ends in some bad decisions. Continued on page 10
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D Co
P AGE 10
Unforgiven
So, during out last 60 days away from Ft. Hood I ask that we all take a look at our issues, attempt to resolve them, seek counsel from your spiritual advisors and resolve them so that we can all focus on the important things; reuniting with our Families! Myself and 1SG Corr are extremely proud of five Unforgiven Soldiers for their recent promotions and re-enlistments. SSG Marks and SGT Fowler were both promoted to a higher rank and SGT Whitaker, SGT Cardona and SPC Gonzalez all re-enlisted this month. We look forward to these Soldiers continued leadership and continued service to our nation. Our FRG is gearing up for our reunion. We are currently putting together care Unforgiven Soldiers observing overwater packages for our single Soldiers gunnery on the coast of UAE and the Persian moving back into the barracks. gulf. Simple items such as shampoo, soap, deodorant and toothpaste is all that is needed. If interested in donating, contact your key caller or FRG Leader. The FRG is also putting together a decorating party to put a banner together to proudly be displayed on Cooper Field when we reunite with you all. Our company mascot, SGT Barry, will be sending out his seventh letter to The maintenance and Shops team preparing to the Unforgiven children at the end of the month. He has been hard at install a new engine in UAE. work with the Headquarters Platoon. Please inquire with my wife & FRG Leader, Jessica, or your key caller to get your child added to SGT Barry’s mailing list if they are not on there. Thank you all for your sacrifice and unwavering patience. Two more newsletters to go and we will once again be reunited. Sincerely, CPT Greg Sterley Unforgiven 06
The ARMT team representing in the UAE.
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
E CO
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 3
Equalizers
Commander: CPT Omar Villafane First Sergeant: 1SG Jose Ventura Equalizers Families and Friends, Greetings again from your Echo Company Equalizers! This month your Soldiers conducted joint operations in United Arab Emirates (UAE) support of Operation Desert Talon II. The Soldiers of the FSC conducted 24hr FARP operations in support of numerous joint training missions between our Unit and the 10th Army Aviation Group, collectively named Task Force Desert Talon. Our Soldiers were culturally immersed, to include eating local foods and interacting with their UAE counterparts. There was a large amount of information learned on FARP operations; deploy/redeploy operations, ammo and safety training throughout the partnership mission. Overwhelmingly, this exercise was a tremendous opportunity for many of our Soldiers to experience a new culture and develop both military and personal relationships with the Soldiers from the 10th AAG. Needless to say, the FSC is proud of the role it played in Task Force Dessert Talon II. This month while half the company was in UAE, the remaining Echo Company Soldiers conducted convoy training as well as starting our “Throwback Thursday Picture Day”, so send in your favorite Soldiers’ most “Unique younger photos”. 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 1650 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!”
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
P AGE 12
Rear Detachment Commander: CW2 Michael Hughes First Sergeant: SFC Luis Velazquez Guns Team, Another month for the history books. As we continue preparations for the unit’s return, the rear detachment has kept business running as usual. The month of February started with SGT Munoz, Rear Detachment Supply NCO, assisting Trimmier Elementary with their picture day. He helped the school faculty with student placement for group pictures and ensured timelines for each class were met. In addition, February has brought a new member to our Guns Attack team. Congratulations to SSG Richard Trimmier Elementary School Picture Day Hillenbrand and his wife Kim on their baby boy who came into this world on 10 February 2014 at 8:50PM. He was 9 lbs 5oz and 21.5 inches. SSG Hillenbrand serves as the 4-227th Rear Detachment Operations NCO as well as many other positions critical to our successful mission accomplishment. We also wish CPT Kelly Holleran farewell and good luck as she leaves Fort Hood, Texas and begins the Captain’s Career Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Yet another FRG steering committee meeting has come and gone. During the meeting I had the pleasure of presenting volunteer awards to FRG Leaders, Ashton West from Alpha Company and Amber Goodwin from HHC. Thank you both for the time you’ve devoted to your companies and the battalion. It’s volunteers like you that make the FRG such a success. Finally, as we prepare for upcoming inspections, I would like to extend my thanks to all the Soldiers of the rear detachment for staying focused and your continued dedication in support of our mission, our Families and our community.
“GUNS!”
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 3
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention BN SHARP: SFC LaCresha Riddle BN SHARP ALT: VACANT Guns Attack Family, The 4-227th ARB Guns team now has a newest SHARP member that has joined us. Congratulations to CW2 Cabrera, who graduated from the 80 hour SHARP class on 21 February 2014. CW2 Cabrera is a very energetic leader that will bring great ideas and add to the program for the better. Prior to attending the class he was already getting involved with training and ensuring the message was getting out to our formation about the program and what it represents. It’s great to have leadership that not only speaks their support but shows it through their actions and daily routine. At the graduation, COL McRae spoke about getting involved and being proactive instead of reactive. He stated that he is passionate about this program and it defiantly showed while he spoke about his role as the BDE commander and his actions in supporting the program within his formation. It is good to have Leaders like CW2 Cabrera, COL McRae, our Sharps and the command that physically show and put forth the effort to support the program and the Soldiers. If anyone is involved in a incident or has knowledge of one, this includes dependence. You can be sure the command and it’s leadership are ready to support.
TITLE
RANK
FIRST
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
Alteffer
Fort Hood
james.altaffer1@us.army.mil
B Co SHARP ALT
SSG
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
SSG
Derek
Nelson
Ali Al Salem
Derek.a.nelson14.mil@mail.mil
SSG
Eric
Moore
Camp Buehring
eric.c.moore.mil@mail.mil
BN SHARP ALT
A Co SHARP ALT
D Co SHARP PRI D Co SHARP ALT E Co SHARP PRI E Co SHARP ALT
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
P AGE 14
Chaplains Corner Chaplain: CPT Robert Caruso Chaplains Assistant: PFC Dezmon Worth Dear Friends, I am happy to acknowledge that we are close to returning home after a long nine-month deployment; we can now glimpse the light at the end of tunnel. March is a month of preparation for our redeployment back to Fort Hood, TX. I would like to take this time to reflect on some of the unique challenges and dynamics Soldiers and their Families will face after redeployment
REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD! When Soldiers reunite with their spouses and/or other family members there is typically a euphoric feeling of love and togetherness. You are finally reunited and everything in the world seems whole, perfect, and unfettered. These utopian feelings last but a short time, and the reality of “things have changed” hits couples square in-between the eyes. They must, in a sense, learn how to create a “new normal” because the old roles and responsibilities within the household have been reoriented apart from each other’s presence. Soldiers really need to foster patience with their spouses, children, and other loved ones. Remember that life back home did not remain static just because we left. Change and adaptation is inevitable, and people learn to cope with living apart from each other in varying ways. That is, family systems change and different support networks are created. Household roles and responsibilities become restructured. Soldiers, be patient! Spouses will seem more independent because they have assumed many different responsibilities in your absence. They will need time and space to readjust to your presence. Listen, sit back, and observe the day-to-day activities of the household. Once you have observed the new landscape of your household surroundings, slowly begin to “fit” yourself back into the picture. Spouses, like you, your Soldier has changed too. Soldiers learn to be independent, and even create support networks apart from you. Again, this is a natural human occurrence. We are relational beings and when separated from our regular environment for long periods of time we are forced to adapt. When one’s support network is ripped away, other networks are formed to ease feelings of isolation, melancholy, loneliness, complacency, and quiet (sometimes severe) agita. It is important that you respect one another’s space and new found independence while rediscovering and redefining interdependence within the relationship. Mutual selfless love is essential to any kind of relationship, especially in a marriage. When care and concern for the Other feels one-sided, resentment inevitably rears its ugly head and conflict ensues. Love is not about “clinginess”—the allencompassing suffocation of the Other through one’s own insecurities—rather it is about the adventure of getting to know that wonderful, mysterious, and unique person you committed your life to all over again.
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
16 V O LUME 3 ,PIAGE SSUE 3
Your Soldier may not be comfortable around large crowds, and may feel overwhelmed by the confusion and noise within and outside the household. Remember, deployment (whether in combat or not) is isolating and no fun! Imagine continuous 12-15 hour work days, no concept of weekends or holidays, limited freedom of mobility, living and eating with your co-workers 24/7, and so on. The Soldier has been living in a small geographical area for nine months, and time needs to be afforded to her/him when readjusting to life as you know it back home. I urge spouses to provide care, patience, and selfless love to their Soldier by helping her/him adjust to different sleep patterns, intimacy and sex, verbal and non-verbal communication, and day-to-day household roles and responsibilities. Be gentle with your Soldier as she/he learns how to re-insert themselves back into the household and world around them.
GOD BLESS THE CHILD! Soldiers who have children are eager to see them, embrace them, and crave for that love and intimacy they knew before deployment. Again, Soldiers, it is time to create your “new normal” with your children as well as with your spouses. It is a good idea to have low expectations about how your child (children) will react to your presence in the household again. Low expectations protects against feelings of disappointment and frustration when your child doesn’t react the way you want her/him to. Babies (1 year old or less) may cry when you hold them (your gender matters not—remember you’ve been absent from the baby’s life for nine months…it is only natural for them not to immediately recognize you), so give it time. Children are more malleable than we adults give them credit for, and they will adjust to your loving presence sooner than you think. If it seems like the child is rejecting you, remember that you’re dealing with a child (versus an adult), and what we adults perceive as rejection is merely a child’s way of processing and readjusting to change. School aged children (6-12 year old) will express an array of emotions from demanding more time with you to feelings of resentment for “deserting” him or her. Teenagers will be teenagers; meaning, they may give the impression of indifference, but what looks like indifference on the surface is merely a processing of their own insecurities and longings for you. Give them time to readjust to your presence. Teenager indifference will change into warm-hearted attentiveness sooner than you think. Having low expectations as well as practicing good communication (verbal and non-verbal) of love, care, and concern to children and spouses will make redeployment integration that much more fluid. May God continue to bless you and keep you as we prepare to come home! CH Caruso
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P AGE 16
Retention Corner GUNS, The battalion has been doing great things regarding retention and has been retaining Americans finest Soldiers. The Army will be introducing precision retention which means Commanders will be applying the “Whole Person” concept when Soldiers decided to reenlist. This will only help better the Army and our readiness for the American people. Soldiers who chose to ETS still can now begin the ACAP process 12 months before they separate and join the Army National Guard or Reverse at the Fort Hood Copeland Center. Once again, the command would like to thank friends and Families of 4-227th ARB for supporting your Soldier. Please visit our Facebook page to view more reenlistment pictures. “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
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 3
FRG Corner
Ashton West
Amber Goodwin
P AGE 18
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
V O LUME 3 , I SSUE 3
4-227th ARB March Birthdays RANK
LAST NAME
FIRST NAME
BIRTHDAY
SGT
CANTAVE
RENEL
1 MAR
CW2
HUGHES
MICHAEL
2 MAR
SGT
McNEIL
HANNAH
4 MAR
SPC
GARRETSON
AUSTIN
4 MAR
1LT
GOODWIN
ROBERT
5 MAR
PFC
HOPKINS
LUKE
5 MAR
PFC
SIAEA
FAATALI
6 MAR
CW2
GARCIA
JOSE
7 MAR
CW2
WINTERMUTE
ZACHARIAH
12 MAR
CW3
JONES
TERRANCE
13 MAR
SPC
SMITH
JUSTIN
16 MAR
CW3
BRECHWALD
DANIEL
17 MAR
SFC
LARSON
JOSE
21 MAR
SGT
RECORD
JOHN
21 MAR
1SG
VENTURA
JOSE
22 MAR
SPC
SMITH
LORENZA
22 MAR
SFC
RIDDLE
LACRESHA
23 MAR
SPC
WILLIS
MALIK
23 MAR
PFC
ARMSTRONG
RYAN
24 MAR
1LT
PAYNE
CORRINE
27 MAR
SPC
KOFF
ALEXANDER
27 MAR
1LT
CARINO
ARIES
28 MAR
1LT
BROWN
CHASE
29 MAR
SPC
KERNES
JOHN
30 MAR
1SG
CORR
JOSEPH
31 MAR
P AGE 20
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
GUNS Poster
4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion “Operation Enduring Freedom-Kuwait 13-14”
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 3
4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion Re-Deployment Brief
St. Patrick’s Day
31
24
17
25
18
Heart of Texas RockFest (Austin, Texas)
11
10
25
4
Tuesday
3
Community Events – Blue FRG Information – Yellow Holidays – Orange Army happenings - Green
February 24
Monday
Wednesday
26
19
12
5
26
27
28
Salado Wildflower Art and Craft Festival (Salado, Texas)
Tejas Fine Arts and Book Festival (Rockdale, Texas)
Wildflower Art Fair (Salado, Texas)
21
20
Trade Days (Fredericksburg, Texas)
Austin March Market (Austin, Texas)
14
7
28
Training Holiday
13
6
27
Friday
Training Holiday
Thursday
March 14
8
29
2
30
23
Rings and Things Austin Bead Show (Austin, Texas)
16
9
Zilker Park Kite Festival (Austin, Texas)
Sunday
Texas Wine and Rogue Art Austin Quinceaneras Fest Magazine and Prom Expo (Salado, Texas) (Austin, Texas)
Troy Farmers Market (Troy, Texas)
22
Old Blanco Spring Market (Blanco, Texas)
15
2nd Saturday Market Days (Georgetown, Texas)
Salado Market Days (Salado, Texas)
Rodeo Austin (Austin, Texas)
March 1
Saturday
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 3