4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion The Guns Attack Newsletter
V O LUME 2 , I SSUE 6
J UNE 2013
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, Proud to be a member of this TEAM! I say that because we have driven a year-long training plan that was anything but prescribed and we managed to identify training requirements and objectives, resource quality training events, identify and control hazards, and include our Families throughout—that is why I am honored to serve with you! As you read this newsletter, our organization (A, B, C, D, E, HHC) is continuously preparing and posturing for deployment. From several changes of command, JRTC, Gunnery, Fort Rucker Aviation Training Exercise, Personnel Recovery Lanes at North Fort Hood, Dunker Qualifications, Pilot Progressions, Overwater Emergency Extraction Training, Overwater Missions in Galveston to packing our equipment and containers for the port—we are ready! Continued on page 2
Bounty Hunters
5
Panthers
6
Diamondbacks
7
Snake Eyes
8
Unforgiven
9-10
Equalizers
11
Rear Detachment
12
Warrior Focus Article
13
SHARP
14
Chaplains Corner
15
FRG Corner
16-17
4-227th ARB Birthdays
18
Events Calendar
19
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P AGE 2
Gun 6 Notes LTC Hank Perry Critical training events throughout this past year enabled us to focus exactly where we needed to and many units across the Air Cavalry Brigade and 1st Cavalry Division provided assets that made it possible. Special thanks to our brothers in 2-227th “Lobos” for tremendous MEDEVAC and CH-47F support during two overwater exercises. The deployment is fast approaching and I encourage everyone to prepare themselves and Family for the separation. Ensure Family members have contact information for Command (RearDetachment OIC/NCOIC), emergency, ACS, and FRG. As we discussed during the Guns’ Town Hall meeting, communication is vital and I want all Family contact information updated and verified as well as identifying which Family members may speak another language or who do not want to be contacted (except in emergency situations). We will utilize the “GUNS ATTACK” Facebook page for posting many of the happenings from both the deployed Soldiers and the FRG at Fort Hood. I encourage everyone to get to know their Company FRG Leaders and volunteer to help coordinate within your respective unit…it takes a team effort. Volunteers within the companies make information flow more efficient as well as provide mutual support for one another. Less than two months before our first flight. I encourage everyone to take time off before deployment. Everyone needs to have some balance in their lives between work and Family. A strong and resilient Soldier performs his/her best when they know their Family is doing well and supports them from home! --Be on the lookout for deployment flight announcements as well as our “Colors Casing Ceremony” on the 1st Cavalry Division Parade Field (August 1st). Stay focused on our Mission, Family, Team, and overall preparedness as Soldiers. We have a few more training requirements before deployment and I definitely appreciate the professionals in our formation who take their responsibilities and their leadership to heart--Engaged Leadership is a must before, during, and after deployment for us to be successful. Thanks for all you do in support of our Army, your 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
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V O LUME 2 , I SSUE 6
Gun 9 Notes CSM Zach Hurst
Command Sergeant Major of 4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, CSM Zach Hurst.
GUNS!! Like I said in our first newsletter; “Let me begin by saying that I am thrilled with the opportunity to be part of the GUNS ATTACK Family. You all are, and have been, an incredible team that has endured and accomplished a lot in the past year. As the Command Sergeant Major, I can say that we, the Army, recognize your commitment and sincerely appreciate the hard work and sacrifices you and your Family make every day.” With that being said, we have accomplished a lot over the past almost year. Starting with the TOCEX for the staff, to the many culminating events; Gunnery, Aviation Training Exercise at Fort Rucker, Overwater Extraction, Overwater Mission Training in Galveston and all the individual company training exercises to make us a TEAM and set the conditions to take over the mission in Kuwait. Great job to all of GUNS ATTACK Soldiers and Families!!! The road is getting shorter, yes it is June already. We have less than 60 days before we depart. Containers are packed and being hauled off. Although we still have some individual training to complete and still receiving new Soldiers-we are ready to go… So take time and enjoy the Family, kids, spouse and/or significant other prior to us departing. Keep up the good work!!!
“GUNS ATTACK!”
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P AGE 4
Gun 10 Notes CW4 Sebastien Cosyns Guns Attack Family, On May 16th, we set out to begin our overwater familiarization flights in order to better prepare ourselves for the upcoming deployment to Kuwait. With a small package of soldiers, to include line company crew chiefs, D CO maintenance personnel, radio operators, life support specialist, along with five instructor pilots, we found ourselves in uncharted territory as we began the daily overwater flights. The flight route took the aviators 35 miles out from the shore, well into international waters as the instructor pilots shared techniques in order to increase proficiency. From the loss of horizon due to reduced visibility, the formation flying, the extra equipment each aviator wore, made us that much more aware of this demanding environment. The constantly changing coastal weather proved to be a challenge, yet one we began to understand as each day passed and made us more successful by the following day. The key to success was the outstanding performance by the maintenance personnel working hard after each day’s flights by rinsing the engines and washing the aircrafts preventing them from falling victim to corrosion. Overall, 52 aviators were able to participate in this initial overwater training which began with basic academics, an overwater simulator period and a live water extraction exercise. Outstanding work by the unit for self-starting this valuable training…one step closer to conducting deck landing qualifications for some. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
“GUNS ATTACK!”
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HHC
P AGE 5
Bounty Hunters
Commander: CPT David Lorange First Sergeant: 1SG Bryan Oser Bounty Hunters Family, As the new command team of CPT David Lorange and 1SG Bryan Oser, we would like to say Hello and extend a welcome to all new members of the Bounty Hunter Family. We have been going through quite a transition over the past couple of months. Both CPT Flores and 1SG Arceneaux have waved farewell to the Bounty Hunters as they move on to bigger and better things, CPT Flores to Ft. Knox where he will serve in the U.S. Army Recruiting Command and 1SG Arceneaux, who is departing to Ft. Bliss where he will attend the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. The S3 Shop deployed operations down to Galveston, near Houston, in order to facilitate the BN’s overwater familiarization training. They were assisted by the S6 and S4 shop, with the S1 shop coordinating all transportation between Ft. Hood and Galveston. This was preceded by the overwater Bounty Hunters hard at work egress training at BLORA, which was joint effort between the staff cells of HHC, the Flight Companies, and the MEDEVAC assets of 2-227 GSAB. A rousing success, this training gave our aircrews a realistic overwater extraction scenario with an actual hoist conducted by a trained rescue crew. For the Bounty Hunters, we have been working quite hard over the past month in preparation for our upcoming deployment. The Soldiers have been packing containers with all of our necessary equipment, as well as preparing their homes for their inevitable departures. We hope that you as the Families are preparing in your own right, and would like to invite everyone to attend an FRG Meeting. As comes with a new commander, the FRG leader has changed out also. We welcome Mrs. Amber Goodwin, wife of our S6 1LT Mike Goodwin, as our new FRG leader. If you have any questions, please send her an e-mail at amkgoodwin@gmail.com and she will be happy to fill you in with any information that you may need pertaining to the FRG. We have had a couple important Family member additions to the Bounty Hunters. Our Chaplains Assistant PV2 Worth and his wife recently welcomed twin girls to their family , and SPC Gilbert from the S6 shop was present to see his wife give birth to a baby boy. We wish them the best. Coming up, the Bounty Hunters are preparing to support an Aviation Gunnery operation which will ensure that all aircrews are prepared for the upcoming deployment, after which the unit starts its opportunity leave window along with the required pre-deployment training and its Soldier Readiness Checks. When all of this training is complete, the Bounty Hunters will be considered deployment ready, capable of being sent anywhere in the world to conduct any operation asked of the unit. Over the next month, enjoy the time that you have with your Soldier. We are working our hardest to ensure that they have the maximum amount of family time available, while still balancing the operations workload that we are required to carry.
“BOUNTY HUNTERS!”
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A CO
V O LUME 2 , I SSUE 6
Panthers
Commander: CPT Andrew Schwilk First Sergeant: 1SG Kenneth Witmer Family and Friends of the Panthers, The month of May brought Alpha Company many training opportunities and kept us busy everyday. We started with pilot classes in preparation for Operation Guns Rescue and Operation Warrior Focus. The pilots were instructed by the Coast Guard, ALSE and others on proper procedures and safety precautions for hoist operations and flying in an overwater environment. Operation Guns Rescue initially caused some feelings of apprehension due to the cold water, but the rotations went quickly and everyone came away with a smile. The training helped participants to become more familiar with a type of operation that is uncommon in Army Aviation. As the month continued Alpha Company conducted the M9 range for the battalion and participated in several other small arms ranges in order to get everyone qualified prior to deployment. In addition to meeting training requirements on the ground side Panther Crew Chiefs also continued maintenance support of many training flights and prepared aircraft and personnel to participate in Warrior Focus. The hard work and dedication of Alpha Company crew chiefs in the face of personnel shortages has been without equal. The days and nights have been long and difficult, but Alpha Company continues to meet its mission. In the third week of May we began sending pilots to Ellington Field near Houston Alpha Pilots prepare to jump into Lake Belton for hoist extraction by a to participate in Warrior Focus. The pilots were MedEvac Black Hawk able to conduct flights out over the ocean away from land in order to experience the difficulties and nuances of flying over water. Even as we engaged in multiple training operations the work continued on logistical preparation for the ever nearing deployment. It has taken much physical labor and coordination through out the month of May to pack the necessary equipment into shipping containers. Thanks to our excellent Unit Movement Officers, Mr. Tippie and Mr. Ruark, we are many steps closer to being ready for our deployment. We also extend many thanks to all Panthers who represented us in activities with Trimmier Elementary and to CW2 Vinson and CW2 Hoffman who spent the month in Ft Polk participating in JRTC with Bravo Company.
Warrior Focus at Ellington field gave us the opportunity to share the ramp with Coast Guard Dauphins, Air Force F-16s and even NASA’s 747 Space Shuttle carrier
“PANTHERS!”
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B Co
P AGE 7
Diamondbacks
Commander: CPT Travis Clonch First Sergeant: 1SG Bobby Lucas Diamondbacks Families and Friends, Let me be the first to say how excited we are to be back from our month long exercise at JRTC. The Diamondback Soldiers exceeded the standard in executing missions and we all grew professionally and personally during our absence. The Diamondbacks deployed to JRTC as part of Task Force Spearhead, 3-227 Assault Battalion. Upon arrival in JRTC at the beginning of May, Bravo Company set to work quickly to establish our Company areas on FOB Forge. The unit operated out of two buildings, one of which also served as the sleeping quarters for everyone. During the first 15 days, the Diamondbacks participated in a variety of Situational Training Exercises, or STX, in support of Soldiers from 2nd BCT out of Fort Hood. Pilots conducted convoy escorts, provided security for air assaults, and conducted attack operations at a live fire range. The maintainers worked tirelessly to ensure aircraft were ready to launch, not only conducting launch and recovery operations, but also performing unscheduled maintenance repairs to fix aircraft upon return from missions. Without their efforts, the pilots of Bravo would have not been able to provide the excellent support they did to the ground units. Upon completion of the STX missions, TF Spearhead was engaged with six days of what is known as Force on Force operations, during which there is a live opposition force attempting to conduct operations against the ground forces. The Diamondbacks were once again out front supporting multiple operations daily, including route and area reconnaissance, convoy security, troops in contact support and air assault security. We operated 24 hours each day, providing much needed support to a multitude of infantry units throughout the area of operations. At the end of JRTC, Bravo recognized SPC Angel Deleon and SGT Joshua Green as the Company’s Hero of the Battle and Warrior Ethos recipients for outstanding performance throughout the rotation. Their efforts directly impacted Bravo Company’s overwhelming success and the honor was well earned.
“DIAMONDBACKS!”
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C CO
V O LUME 2 , I SSUE 6
Snake Eyes
Commander: CPT Mark Warfield First Sergeant: 1SG Joseph Mungin fGreetings Snake Eyes! April and May have been very busy months of training for us. At the end of April we participated in Personnel Recovery Training Lanes at North Fort Hood. The exercise simulated a downed aircraft situation and was an event designed for the Aviators to become more familiar with their Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) Radio. At the beginning of May we participated in Operation Guns Rescue where we worked with 36th Engineer’s Boat Company and 2-227th ARB’s MEDEVAC UH-60’s. The engineers took the aviators out to the middle of Belton Lake on boats, where they then jumped in and waited to be extracted by an overhead UH-60 with a jungle force penetrator.
Operations Guns Rescue—Lake Belton, Texas On the 15th of May the Battalion began Overwater Flight Familiarization in Galveston, TX. The Snake Eyes aviators spent a few days in Galveston and got to experience flying in loss of visual horizon conditions to prepare for our mission in Kuwait. This month, CPT Warfield, CW3 Ward, CW2 Moyer, and CW2 Webster have been supporting Bravo Company at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, LA. On May 22, Charlie Company executed a range in which 24 firers from the battalion were qualified on the Mk19 weapon system. June will also be busy as we prepare for and conduct Aerial Gunnery prior to deployment and give everyone an opportunity to take some leave. The Snake Eyes have also been preparing for the change of command ceremony to be held the first week of June, when we will say goodbye to outgoing commander CPT Mark Warfield and welcome CPT Kyle Rogers as the newest leader of the Charlie Company team.
“SNAKE EYES!”
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D Co
P AGE 9
Unforgiven
Commander: CPT Greg Sterley First Sergeant: 1SG Joseph Corr UNFORGIVEN Family and Friends, As you all now know, we are deploying to Kuwait to support Operation Spartan Shield this summer. Since I took command a little over a month ago, we have been hard at work preparing our containers for load out and inspection all while maintaining the Guns fleet in three different locations (Hood Army Airfield, Ellington Field in Houston, TX and JRTC at Fort Polk, LA) and completing our required pre-deployment training and medical tasks. Our Soldiers have done a tremendous job at multi-tasking during this turbulent time and there is no doubt in my mind that this is because of our talented Non-commissioned officer corps. With all of this going on, one would expect that aircraft maintenance would suffer some delays, but due to the hard work and diligence of our leaders and Soldiers, Guns Attack has seen no decline in capability. 1SG Corr and I are extremely proud of the six Soldiers who have been promoted since our last newsletter. PFC Baier, SGT Momber rinsing an aircraft after a flight SPC Kernes, PFC Rutoh, SPC Patterson, SPC Archer and SPC overwater at Ellington Field in Houston, TX. Hanika met the requirements to wear a higher rank. We expect these Soldiers to step up to increased responsibility and continue on a path to becoming an Army leader. Nine Unforgiven Soldiers received their first ever flight in a helicopter during Operation Guns Rescue at Belton Lake and Overwater Training at Ellington Field in Houston, TX. Many thanks go out to 2-227th for allowing our Soldiers to fly with them. We will continue to use every training opportunity to ensure that everyone in the company flies on an Army helicopter. Operation Guns Rescue at Belton Lake was a tremendous success for the company. Twelve of our Soldiers volunteered for the training and had a blast doing it. We were also able to complete two downed aircraft recovery exercises (DART) that validated our capability to recover our aircraft in the event of a malfunction. A family day was also held in conjunction with the event at Belton Lake where our Delta Company Soldiers receiving families could watch the Blackhawk hoist our Soldiers out of the training on Hoist Operations in preparation for Operation Guns water. Please visit our face book page for additional photos and real Rescue. helmet footage from the event. Continued on page 10
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D Co
V O LUME 2 , I SSUE 6
Unforgiven
Our FRG held its first meeting since the Change of Command. I thank all of the Soldiers and Spouses who attended for taking some time out of their day to meet myself and my wife. I would like to especially thank the seven volunteers who will be joining the team as key callers. We will continue to do monthly meetings and our next meeting is planned for Jun 14th at Cedar Gap Park at the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area. We will have Financial Classes by Army Community Service representatives followed by a family day. I look forward to seeing everyone there. Lastly, I would like to welcome our newest leader to the Unforgiven Family. CW3 (P) Leipold and SPC Koff wait to be 1LT Brad Pearson and his wife Amanda recently hoisted from Belton Lake. joined the team and 1LT Pearson has taken over the Maintenance Platoon Leader position. 1LT Pearson and Amanda come to us from Pensacola, FL. This company continues to be the finest aviation maintenance company in our Army. Much of the reason why is due to the strength and resilience of our Unforgiven families. I look forward to working with all of you and overcoming our future challenge that faces us in Kuwait. Sincerely, CPT Greg Sterley Unforgiven 06
SPC Richardson and family enjoying Belton Lake on Family Day.
The DART Team hard at work preparing the aircraft for slingload
“UNFORGIVEN!�
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E CO
P AGE 11
Equalizers
Commander: CPT Omar Villafane First Sergeant: 1SG Jose Ventura Equalizers Families and Friends, The Equalizer team was proud to promote, award and reenlist several dedicated soldiers this month. Specialist Gabriel and Garretson renewed their oaths as part of their reenlistment ceremony which was held at outside the company building with all soldiers and leaders in attendance. During the ceremony, specialists Lu and Council received the good conduct medal. The Army Achievement Medal went to specialist Gabriel. Specialist Harper of distribution platoon became our newest non-commissioned officer as of 1 May 2013. SGT Harper has managed well with us during the company’s heaviest months for operations while playing Dad and furthering his education through online classes. The eighth of May marked a moment of respite from the ceaseless demands of the week. All soldiers were driven out to the rifle range to qualify and zero with their personal weapons. Among the many skills a soldier is required to perform in his or her job, maintaining and firing a weapon is the most essential. We met a high standard for marksmanship between the two days allotted, in which many enjoyed the pride and bragging rights that comes with achieving a standard for excellence. The commander bestowed a three day pass to each soldier that scored within the “expert” level, hitting at least thirty-six out of forty targets. Mandi Pfiel, our Family Readiness Group leader spoke the soldiers and families during our first meeting. During the meeting, individuals volunteered to serve roles such as key callers and facebook administrator to assist Mandi in communicating with family. Her earnestness and initiative toward building a well organized and sincere group has already shown through every email and phone call to soldiers and their spouses. We are truly grateful for her hard work and care. Thursday the twenty-third, one day before Memorial Day weekend, Echo Company held its organization day at the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreational Area. Soldiers and family gathered for a full day cookout under the pavilion beside the water, basketball court and jungle gym. After lunch was served, a brief class was given by representatives of Financial and Family Advocacy, where helpful resources and contact information were shared. A series of competitive games followed, where teams Headquarters, Distro, and Maintenance faced off in basketball, tug-o-war, egg toss, and horseshoes. The final result showed a clear victory for Maintenance Platoon, where supremacy was displayed in nearly every event. SSG Bedsole, SGT Burcham, and PV2 Butler in the shops section office. The day of fun concluded with a senior leadership pie-in-the-face fundraiser in which proceeds would go toward the next Equalizers organization day. One senior leader after the other stood in front of the company and bids were taken to give a soldier the opportunity to stuff a pie into the face of the platoon sergeants, platoon leaders, motor sergeant, commander or first sergeant. The event raised a considerable amount of funds.
“LEAD THE WAY!” “EQUALIZERS!”
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RD
V O LUME 2 , I SSUE 6
Rear Detachment
OIC: CW2 Michael Hughes NCOIC: SFC Luis Velazquez Hello Guns Team, As my first entry in the newsletter I’ll begin with a brief introduction. I enlisted in the Air Force in 1995 and transferred to the Army in 2008. After graduating flight school I reported to Fort Hood in March of 2010. I am accompanied by my wife of 18 years, Shannon, my daughter Autumn, and my son Luke.
This is the busiest time for the rear detachment. With inventories around the corner we will have our work cut out for us for the next month. My goal is to ensure 100% property accountability and to make the process as painless as possible for individual companies. Additionally, we will be providing the necessary support for our team once deployed. I will also be working closely with FRG to ensure information gets disseminated as I receive it. For those of you on Facebook, you can see what’s happening around the unit by checking out the Guns Attack Facebook page. I look forward to meeting everyone and will do my best to keep the team connected!
http://www.facebook.com/taskforce.guns
“GUNS!”
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P AGE 13
Operation Warrior Focus: Ellington Field, 15 May 2013– 30 May 2013 Written by: CPT Kelly Holleran
Guns Attack Family, On 15 May 2013, approximately 25 motivated Guns Attack Soldiers departed Fort Hood to occupy Ellington Field in support of Operation Warrior Focus. Ellington Field is a Joint Reserve Base located south of Houston, TX near Galveston. Ellington Field’s location served as the perfect backdrop to support overwater training in preparation for the Battalion’s mission in Kuwait. The purpose of Operation Warrior Focus was tri-fold: Aviators experienced the difficulties of flying over water, Maintainers adapted their work for the saltwater conditions, and the Tactical Operations Center
4-227th Area of Operations at Ellington Filed
(forward ) validated their systems and processes. This training exercise was a true collaboration between all Companies in the Battalion with additional help from 2-227th in the form of a Medevac chase aircraft for the duration of the training event. Further, the 149th graciously allowed us the use of their hangar space, wash racks, and parking spaces to conduct the training. The United States Coast Guard also provided Aviator Academics and search and rescue support. We cannot thank our AH 64 D Longbow Apaches and a UH 60 Blackhawk taking off from Ellington Field. SSG Bedsole, SGT Burcham, and PV2 Butler in the shops section office. fellow Aviators enough! Overall, the training was a success and a total of 52 Aviators from 4-227th ARB were able to complete overwater flight familiarization. Unfortunately, due to the weather, the Battalion was unable to complete overwater night familiarization. A special thank you is extended to CW4 Bill Miller, CW4 Sebastian Cosyns, CW4 Kyle Kittleson, and MAJ Brian Hummel for serving as the unit 4-227 Aviators and Maintainers trainers for this exercise. Without their help, this training would not have been possible. Additionally, SSG Svitak and SSG Maxwell from Delta Company led the maintenance team with professionalism and expertise. We would also like to thank SGT Griffin from the S4 shop for coordinating lodging and transportation.
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V O LUME 2 , I SSUE 6
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention BN SHARP: SSG(P) LaCresha Riddle BN SHARP ALT: SSG Sean Harris Guns Attack Family, SHARP is a very important program to the Army and the 4-227th ARB command. It is imperative that we not only conduct mandatory training to enhance our understanding of the program but also enforce it and encourage victims to come forward with making a report. As Soldiers, it is our responsibility to report any incident that is seen or heard within our formations. In doing so, you are taking care of your fellow battle buddy. One of many ways to reduce Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault is by changing the culture. Everyone as a whole must continue to do on the spot corrections when hearing or seeing inappropriate behaviors, gestures or comments. If you are not eliminating the problem then that makes you apart of the problem. Incidents like such are detrimental to our Soldiers and formations across the Army. Let’s continue to do our part as Soldiers and Leaders to make this command and the Army a safe, non-hostile environment where Soldiers can come to work and focus on doing their jobs and progress to be outstanding Leaders.
TITLE
Rank
First
Last
Cell 4-227
BN SHARP PRI
SFC
LaCresha
Riddle
(440)969-5017
lacresha.c.riddle.mil@mail.mil
BN SHARP ALT
SSG
Sean
Harris
(254)702-1509
sean.michael.harris@us.army.mil
HHC SHARP PRI
SSG
Yavel
Pereiradiez
(254)295-7364
yavel.pereiradiez.mil@mail.mil
HHC SHARP ALT
CPT
Whitney
Winchester
(407)538-4311
whitney.b.winchester3.mil@mail.mil
A Co SHARP PRI
1LT
Ward
Baker
(520)977-4734
Ward.e.baker.mil@mail.mil
A Co SHARP ALT
1LT
Jeremy
Adams
(254)383-4767
Jeremy.m.adams.mil@mail.mil
B Co SHARP PRI
CW2
James
Alteffer
(270)484-5599
james.altaffer1@us.army.mil
B Co SHARP ALT
SSG
Joseph
Smith
(928)830-5954
Joseph.r.smith167.mil@mail.mil
C Co SHARP PRI
CW2
Gregory
Kilpatrick
(269)599-5541
gregory.a.kilpatrick.mil@mail.mil
C Co SHARP ALT
SSG
Derek
Nelson
(254)423-2552
derek.a.nelson14.mil@mail.mil
D Co SHARP PRI
SSG
Ryan
Maxwell
(254)288-5791
ryan.anthony.maxwell@us.army.mil
D Co SHARP ALT
SSG
Sean
Harris
(254)702-1509
Sean,michael.harris@us.army.mil
E Co SHARP PRI
SSG
LaCresha
McDonald
(863)669-9537
lacresha.mcdonal@us.army.mil
E Co SHARP ALT
SSG
Eric
Moore
(940)736-0821
eric.c.moore@us.army.mil
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P AGE 15
Chaplains Corner Chaplain: CPT Robert Caruso Chaplains Assistant: PVT Dezmon Worth Friends and Families, Deployments can put a strain on any kind of relationship, especially marital ones. Preparation for such events is not merely a recommendation, but a necessary process to help couples become more spiritually and materially resilient before, during, and after the deployment period. This brief article will highlight the importance relationships, and provide some practical suggestions about how couples can strengthen their relationships during the deployment process. Often when attending deployment briefings and preparation workshops we hear the word separation: separations from our loved ones, planning for the deployment separation, recognize the stages of separation, etc. I believe language is powerful because it reflects, reinforces, and shapes our experiences and perceptions about relationships, events, and the world around us. We can use words that bring joy to the heart or fear in one’s being. The words we use to describe things and events can stir all kinds of emotions, so it is important to use words that fit one’s own beliefs and values. From my own Christian perspective as an Old Catholic priest I truly believe that words can indeed produce life and wholeness in the flesh; that is, in real and sustaining ways! I am becoming more and more uncomfortable using the word separation when trying to describe the strain couples endure during deployments. If one is separated from their spouse, friend, and/or parent it suggests an idea of division. The word separation is opposite of communion and wholeness; it is truly anti-relationship. Why then would we use this word to help couples and families become more resilient in their relationships? It makes no sense to tell couples they have to be “goal oriented” and that their relationship continues to exist “even when separated from each other.” This is indeed a contradiction of ideas that leaves one with a myriad of feelings of fear, loneliness, and confusion. I come from a faith tradition that values relationships so much so that we say it images the very being of who and what God is. God is nothing but relationship, communion, and wholeness. We even dare to claim that God made us into this image of relatedness from the beginning. Those of you who have spoken with me or attended a Strong Bonds retreat with me know that I believe we are not individuals but persons. We are relational by our very nature as persons: as people who believe they need to be in relationship with others in order to fully discover what it means to be human, to be the image of God (Latin: imago Dei). What binds our relationships together is nothing but the free gift of love that God gives to us and we, in turn, give to each other. Love is real, energetic, and eternal. It has no beginning or end because it is ultimately of God (1 John 4:8). When we are distant from those whom we love, for whatever reason and for however long a period of time, we are not separated from them because love can never be divided or diminished. Love is a quality not a quantity! Deployment is not a separation, but rather a stretch: an expanse of a couples love in geographical distance. I challenge couples to think of this pre-deployment period as preparation to be stretched from your spouse or family member for a long period of time. Love is elastic, and your love for each other (your relationship) does not end or become static just because you are geographically distant. Your love for one another is a real energy that I invite you to recognize, lean on, and use as a tool to keep your relationships resilient. Some may ask, “How does one accomplish this in a more practical way?” Here are some practical tips about how to use your love when facing deployment: 1. Be honest with each other about your fears and the problems that you may endure while you are stretched from each other. Be realistic, kind, and gentle to each other in your communication. Actively listen to every word each of you speak to each other!!! Ensure your spouse feels heard. 2. High and unrealistic expectations will lead to the destruction of any relationship. Try to be a support to each other and discover each other’s gifts for the benefit of your relationship. 3. Be open and honest with each other with your fears and anxieties. 4. If you feel like you’re arguing more than normal, recognize this is a reaction to your anxiety about the upcoming deployment. You will be able to better navigate these times if you recognize these mood swings as normal. Give each other space to breath and relax. 5. If you have children, do not minimize or ignore their fears. Communicate and reassure them that you love them and that your love remains with them. 6. Plan how you will stay connected. Plan now and have it in place before you are stretched from each other. 7. Lastly, recognize that your relationship is still changing and evolving even during the time you are stretched from each other. Plan things and set goals for when you are reunited! Your relationship is not divided nor is it static, so keep it moving forward!! Your love is going to be stretched during the deployment period. You are not divided, merely stretched. Fear not because love is capable of this. Love is simultaneously flexible and deeply rooted. I invite you to tap into the realness of what love truly is. I end this article with a quote from a great Christian spiritualist of our time Fr. Henri JM Nouwen. He invites us to understand the virtue of flexibility stating, 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. (Nouwen, Bread for the Journey) It is my continued prayer that you are flexible with one another in your planning and preparation for the upcoming deployment. Live in your love and be kind to each other. Shalom, CH (CPT) Fr. Robert W. Caruso
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
V O LUME 2 , I SSUE 6
FRG Corner
4-227 Pilots and Family Members at “Operation Gun Rescue” May 7 at Belton Lake Training Area Dubbed “Operation Gun Rescue,” the three-day event was spearheaded by the 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st ACB, and trained more than 100 “Warriors” on how to properly escape water by mounting a hoist dropped by a UH-60 Black Hawk. Family members were allowed to come out and observe the actual training. 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 mrsjuju1@earthlink.net. TITLE
First
Last
Spouse 4-227
Cell
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
Katie
Sprankles
CW2 Sprankles
760-830-1070
cometgurl1980@gmail.com
D COMPANY
Jessica
Sterley
CPT Sterley
716-830-1070
Unforgiven.frg@gmail.com
E COMPANY
Mandi
Pfeil
SPC Pfeil
901-277-1608
Mandi.pfeil@gmail.com
4 -2 2 7 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
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FRG Corner
WHO ARE YOU GOING TO CALL? FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANTS Charles Lyons (4-227 ARB) Charles.lyons2.civ@mail.mil Office: 254-553-7486 Cell: 254-290-0730 Bldg 87016 Rose Bud Melany Lofton (1ACB) Melany.a.lofton.civ@mail.mil Office: 254-630-6673 Bldg 87016 Rose Bud MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANT Billy Bob Cox Cell:254-317-3517 Bldg 87016 Rose Bud UNIT DUTY OFFICERS Brigade Staff Duty: 254-618-8559 Battalion Staff Duty: 254-553-7893
KEY CALLER CLASS On 30 May 2013, Mrs. Doris Arnett of Mobilization and Deployment Branch, ACS presented a Key Caller class to members of the 4-227 ARB Family Readiness Groups. Nine Family members volunteered to perform this very important FRG – related duty. Completing the course were Jennifer Maynard, Mandi Pfeil, Jessica Sterley, Amanda Pearson, Christine Kelley, Rochelle Chilcote, and Michelle Alfaro. These ladies will be responsible for maintaining a line of communication between the Commander, Family Readiness Group, and unit Family members.
FORT HOOD POOLS TO OPEN HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS Military Police 254-287-2176 Fort Hood Abuse Hotline 254-287-2273 Operator / Post Info 254-287-1110 Army Community Service 254-287-4227 Nurse Advice Hotline 254-287-7807 Darnall Appointments 254-288-8888 Family Assistance Center 254-286-5768 Family Advocacy Program 254-618-7582 New Parent Support 254-287-2286 HELPFUL WEBSITES Fort Hood www.hood.army.mil ArmyOneSource www.myarmyonesource.com
All outdoor pools are open for Summer Season, 24 May until 14 Oct . Beat the summer heat and jump into one of Ft. Hood's many outdoor recreational pools. The weather is hot and the pools are not! So, enjoy a dip and cool off when you can! It's the perfect refresher for your body. Bring the entire Family along for a fun swim at the pool. For more information on pool party reservations and scheduling, please call the aquatics office at (254) 2879430.
4 -2 2 7 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION
RANK
V O LUME 2 , I SSUE 6
LAST NAME
FIRST NAME
BIRTHDAY
PFC
DECAILLE
TIMOTHY
1-Jun
SPC
COUNCIL
ANTWON
1-Jun
SPC
FREEMAN
CHRISTOPHER
2-Jun
SGT
GOULART
MATTHEW
2-Jun
CW2
MITCHELL
ERIC
2-Jun
CW4
WYATT
TROY
5-Jun
PV2
WORTH
DEZMON
5-Jun
SPC
DELAROSA
ROMEO
7-Jun
PFC
PORTILLO
JUVENTINO
9-Jun
SPC
CONAWAY
ALEXANDER
9-Jun
1LT
KNISELY
ANDREW
10-Jun
SGT
SCHOONMAKER
KEVIN
10-Jun
PFC
JONES
MYCHAL
12-Jun
SPC
RAMIREZ
ARMANDO
12-Jun
MAJ
HUMMEL
BRIAN
12-Jun
SPC
CLINE
BROCK
13-Jun
PV2
BAIER
DOLTON
14-Jun
SGT
RAMOS
MOISES
15-Jun
SPC
EDMONDS
STEVEN
15-Jun
SPC
MARTINDURBIN
AMANDA
16-Jun
CW2
TIPPIE
CHARLES
17-Jun
SPC
ODELL
JONATHAN
17-Jun
SGT
JONES
BRANDON
17-Jun
PFC
SAVAGE
JAHLEAH
18-Jun
SPC
SANDERS
RICHARD
21-Jun
SGT
GUZMAN
MIGUEL
21-Jun
SGT
BROWN
SAMUEL
21-Jun
CW3
TAYLOR
MICHAEL
21-Jun
SGT
OBERHOLTZER
JEFFREY
23-Jun
SGT
VILLESCAS
JASON
23-Jun
SPC
RITCHEY
JONATHAN
23-Jun
CW2
ELDER
DAVID
24-Jun
SPC
PRADO
CHRISTIAN
25-Jun
SPC
STADELMAIER
ASHLEY
26-Jun
SPC
RICHARDSON
JOSHUA
27-Jun
SPC
BARNES
DALVIN
28-Jun
PFC
LEE
DANIEL
29-Jun
SFC
GRIFFIN
ROBERT
30-Jun
May 26
BLOCK LEAVE
20
Chisholm Trail Round-Up (Lockhart, TX)
13
30
24
25
26
7
31
Gruene Market Days (New Braunfels, TX) VegFest (Houston, TX) Old Blanco Market (Blanco, TX) 22
15
Goliad June Market Days (Goliad, TX) Czech Kolache-Klobase Festival (East Bernard, TX)
28
29
BLOCK LEAVE Kerr County Market Day (Kerrville, TX) Polski Dzien Festival Bay City Market Days (Bermond, TX) (Bay City, TX) Summer Music Fest (Bellville, TX) III Corps Training Holiday
21
Boerne Berges Fest (Boerne, TX) Aransas Pass Shrimporee (Aransas Pass, TX)
SINGLES RETREAT
14
Texas Folklife Festival (San Antonio, TX) Texas City Funfest (Texas City, TX)
8
June 1 Market Days On the Square (Bellville TX) Free Press Summer Fest (Houston, TX) First Saturday Arts Market (Houston, TX)
Saturday
LEADERSHIP STRONG BONDS
Friday
Luling Watermelon Thump TX Fallen Heroes Memorial Bandera Riverfest (Luling, TX) (Bandera, TX) Ride and Cook-Off Canton Summer Trade Flatonia Market Days and (Hitchcock, TX) Days Wing Fling Cook Off Georgetown Rodeo (Canton, TX) (Flatonia, TX) (Georgetown, TX)
27
19
12
Great American Scrapbook Convention (Arlington, TX)
6
30
23
18
11
5
29
Thursday
Harbor Hot Summer Nights (Rockwall, TX)
17
4
28
Wednesday
FRG Leader Course West Texas Western Swing Festival (Snyder, TX)
Tuesday
Fathers Day Juneteenth Family Day of Celebration (Houston, TX) Dallas Cedars Sunday (Dallas, TX)
16
Downtown Georgetown Spring Market Days (Georgetown, TX)
LEADERSHIP STRONG BONDS
10
9
27
3
Monday
2
Community Services – Blue FRG Information – Yellow Army Exercises – Red Miscellaneous – Orange Army happenings - Green
Sunday
June 13
4 -227 T H A T T AC K RE CON N AISS ANCE B AT T A LION P AGE 19