DESERT LIGHTNING DESERT LIGHTNING News from the front for Soldiers, families, and friends of the 335th Signal Command (T)(P) November 2014 Issue “Ready Lightning!” Kandahar: Our 335th Signal Command (T)(P) Afghanistan Team at Kandahar Air Field made a significant impact in retrograde operations in Afghanistan by contributing to the colossal effort to close Kandahar Air Field. The Afghanistan Team, consisting of Lt. Col. Rick Martin, Sgt. 1st Class Will Tarrant, Maj. Gene Koo, Capt. Chris Tucker, Sgt. Maj. Charles Mathews, Sgt. 1st Class Amy Richards, Staff Sgt. Natanisha Hershberger and Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Maxfield worked in conjunction with Air Force Engineer and Install (E&I) teams, Kandahar Train, Advise and Assist Command – South, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and VT Milcom personnel to achieve this end. The considerable workload encompassed 30 E&I projects that included work with Persistent Threat Detection Systems, a Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment tower, SALVARE satellite communication equipment, and 12 projects in association with the infamous Taliban’s Last Stand building. In addition to providing critical strategic communications solutions and support, the Afghan Team managed projects consisting of joint force personnel and civilian contractors, carefully orchestrating multiple moving parts that culminated in the installation of 136,785 feet of fiber and the movement of 45 tons of equipment and supplies out of Kandahar Air Field in a matter of months. (Above) 335th Signal Command (T)(P) Soldiers, Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Mathews, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Crespo, Sgt. 1st Class William Tarrant, Lt. Col. Richard Martin and Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Maxfield, stand on the roof of the structure known as the Taliban’s Last Stand at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The scarred structure, known significantly as the last stronghold of the Taliban before coalition troops drove the terrorist group out in 2001, is also where the 335th Signal Command (T)(P) now makes its final footprint in Kandahar in 2014.
Transcript
DESERT LIGHTNINGDESERT LIGHTNING News from the front for Soldiers, families, and friends of the 335th Signal Command (T)(P)
November 2014 Issue
“Ready Lightning!”
Kandahar: Our 335th Signal Command (T)(P) Afghanistan Team at Kandahar Air Field made a significant impact in
retrograde operations in Afghanistan by contributing to the colossal effort to close Kandahar Air Field.
The Afghanistan Team, consisting of Lt. Col. Rick Martin, Sgt. 1st Class Will Tarrant, Maj. Gene Koo,
Capt. Chris Tucker, Sgt. Maj. Charles Mathews, Sgt. 1st Class Amy Richards, Staff Sgt. Natanisha
Hershberger and Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Maxfield worked in conjunction with Air Force Engineer and
Install (E&I) teams, Kandahar Train, Advise and Assist Command – South, Space and Naval Warfare
Systems Command and VT Milcom personnel to achieve this end. The considerable workload
encompassed 30 E&I projects that included work with Persistent Threat Detection Systems, a Rapid
Aerostat Initial Deployment tower, SALVARE satellite communication equipment, and 12 projects in
association with the infamous Taliban’s Last Stand building. In addition to providing critical strategic
communications solutions and support, the Afghan Team managed projects consisting of joint force
personnel and civilian contractors, carefully orchestrating multiple moving parts that culminated in the
installation of 136,785 feet of fiber and the movement of 45 tons of equipment and supplies out of
Kandahar Air Field in a matter of months.
(Above) 335th Signal Command (T)(P) Soldiers, Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Mathews, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Crespo, Sgt. 1st Class William Tarrant, Lt. Col.
Richard Martin and Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Maxfield, stand on the roof of the structure known as the Taliban’s Last Stand at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The
scarred structure, known significantly as the last stronghold of the Taliban before coalition troops drove the terrorist group out in 2001, is also where the 335th
Signal Command (T)(P) now makes its final footprint in Kandahar in 2014.
In This Issue:
Star Notes
HHC
Congratulations: Awards
Personnel
Finance
Safety Corner
A Signal View: Afghanistan
Soldier’s Corner: Staff Sgt. George Youabb
USARCENT Signal University
Resiliency
Sports & Leisure
Culture: National Native American Heritage Month
Hail & Farewell
SHARP
Parting Words
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 2
FEEDBACK WELCOME Thoughts, Questions or Comments on the Newsletter? Please send submissions and requests to:
335th Signal Command (T)(P) PAO — 1LT Rima Tonkunas at [email protected] or DSN: 308-430-4259
Like us on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/335thTheaterSignalCommandProvisional
This month:
November 2014 Issue
Star Notes
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 3
Greetings Team!
This month, the Army is recognizing the importance of the military family. We are all ready to get back to our loved ones. Although being away is stressful, our family members are also stressed. If this is your first deployment, your loved ones are especially anxious to have you back. Managing the family alone can be demanding. Just as Soldiers have resources to help them cope with deployment, there are resources available for our families.
A phone call or text message can provide peace of mind, but there are additional options. By visiting arfp.org, you can get more information about family outreach programs, financial readiness, youth programs, and community centers. These options can help mitigate the stress of deployment, prepare Soldiers for separation, and help Soldiers and families make a smooth transition when it is time to redeploy.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is also a valuable resource for Soldiers and their families. The program was created specifically for our Reserve Soldiers and their families to make sure they have access to programs, services, resources, and referrals to minimize stress during all phases of deployment.
With the end of our deployment on the horizon, it is imperative for each of us to finish strong. The Soldiers to your left and right depend on you to do your part. Stay focused. We have an obligation to accomplish the mission, and the fight requires our full attention up to the end. We have done a great job, up to this point. Succumbing to the stress will not solve problems. Maintaining your professional bearing, keeping our cool, and helping each other will go a long way. Let’s finish strong!
Commanding General:
Brig. Gen. Garrett Yee
November 2014 Issue
HHC
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 4
The Command Team:
1st Sgt. Karen L. Hinckson
HHC First Sergeant
November 2014 Issue
Greetings HHC Team,
Summer is behind us as we head into autumn with winter and spring following close behind. Redeployment is on the horizon. So, hang in there!
Outstanding job to everyone on completing and passing the annual APFT! We have close to a dozen Soldiers who have scored above 270 on the APFT with at least one Soldier earning a 300 score. Way to go team!
I would like to remind everyone on the importance of remaining focused on their mission throughout the next few remaining months of our deployment. Continue working diligently on the many important redeployment tasks that need completing before the arrival of the next detachment. Do you have your continuity books and SOPs developed and on SharePoint? Have you completed ACAP? Are you and your Soldiers’ evaluations and any award write-ups drafted, reviewed and ready for submission? These may seem like items
that can easily be knocked out in short order, but these tasks were among the most prevalent issues the preceding detachment experienced.
Maintaining your personal readiness is another important factor as we get closer to the end of our tour. Keeping a regular physical training routine, eating healthily, and using resiliency time to decompress will help you and your team sustain strength and stay focused. Staying connected to loved ones and friends is part of staying mentally resilient. Family and friends would surely appreciate a phone call or a card from a familiar Soldier. To make a free morale call, deployed Soldiers can call the DSN operator from any NIPRnet DSN phone. Simply dial (312) 445-3000 and tell the operator you would like to place a morale call to a number you will provide them.
On that note, the month of November is Military Family Appreciation Month. In observance of the commitment and sacrifice made by the families of our ation’s service members, the Commander-in-Chief made the following dec-laration: I commend everyone fortheir hard work. Continue to do the great things you are doing: maintaining your resiliency, watching your battle buddies, leaning forward in your efforts, and setting the stage for success for the inbound warrior who will soon take your place. Ready Lightning!
Cpt. Jonathan V. Cecilio
HHC Commander
Capt. Jonathan Cecilio
"Our nation owes each day of security and freedom that we enjoy to the members of our Armed Forces and their families. Behind our brave service men and women, there are family members and loved ones who share in their sacrifice and provide unending support." (I say Hooah!)
Congratulations
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 5
A round of applause to:
November 2014 Issue
Army Commendation Medal
Sgt. Michael Jackson
Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Reed
Army Achievement Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie Dunbar
Sgt. 1st Class Judas Dekle
Sgt. 1st Class Dwayne Allander
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Sgt. 1st Class Dwayne Allander
“Ready Lightning!”
Annual Leave Explained:
Personnel November 2014 Issue
Q: What is the difference between Annual Leave Carryover and Special Leave Accrual (SLA) Limits?
A: Annual leave carryover is the maximum amount of leave a Soldier may carryover from one fiscal year to another. Special Leave Accrual (SLA) protects leave a Soldier accumulates before and during deployment. It does not protect leave a Soldier earns after redeployment.
***From October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2015, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) temporarily increased annual leave accrual carryover from 60 to 75 days (without SLA) and from 90 to 120 days (with SLA). Soldiers will lose any accumulated leave in excess of 75 days at the end of those fiscal years unless SLA protects it.
Q: What does that mean for the 335th Signal Command (T)(P) Soldiers once they have redeployed?
A: On October 1, 2015 annual leave carryover reverts back to 60 days. Soldiers who do not reduce their leave balances to 60 days or less by September 30, 2015 will lose accrued leave over 60 days on October 1, 2015. However, Soldiers may keep days protected by SLA. The most leave SLA protects is 120 days. Soldiers deployed to hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay areas for at least 120 consecutive days may continue to carryover up to 120 leave days into succeeding fiscal years.
Q: Where can I find how much leave I have accrued and by when do I need to use them?
A: A Soldier's Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) shows SLA-protected days in the remarks section as “Combat Zone LV Carryover Balance.” It includes an expiration date. SLA protection ends on the expiration date or when the current leave balance drops below the maximum authorized without SLA. SLA is the only way to increase annual leave carryover. However, Soldiers should not request SLA unless their October LES reports days lost.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the policy?
A: SLA is by law; there are no exceptions to policy
Q: Where can I obtain more information about this?
Important information issued from the Defense Travel Management Office: On October 1, 2014 the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) merged into a
single set of regulations called the “Joint Travel Regulations.”
Many of the items defense travelers were able to expense in the past will be included in the daily incidental expense
rate, and will not be accepted as reimbursable expenses, effective Oct. 1, 2014. Soldiers must become aware of and
comply with the new changes to avoid delays in the processing of their Defense Travel vouchers.
For changes in Per Diem rates for long term TDY, please refer to the official policy change:
Having lived in Hawaii, I heard at least once a month about someone being attacked
by a shark. It must be obvious then—don’t go in the ocean.
Interestingly, in the United States, there are on average four deaths each year from
shark attacks. But ever since Jaws hit the theaters, it’s something people are
concerned about. I admit, sharks are scary creatures, and I get out of
the ocean when they are around. However, the truth is there is a lot
more we should focus our attention on when it comes to safety.
It’s the non-scary things that can harbor the biggest danger. Things
that don’t go bump in the night. Things nobody makes movies about.
But, these are the things that can hold the highest potential of danger
to Soldiers and their families alike!
“Ready Lightning!”
US FATAL STATISTICS:
Motor Vehicle Accidents……... 33,783
Falls…………………………… 27,483
Drowning…………….………… 3,556
Ebola…………………………... …… 1
US NON-FATAL FACTS:
40,000 Americans go to the emergency room
due to TV and furniture accidents.
Cuts, broken bones & trauma from vehicular
accidents sent 2.3 million American adults to
the emergency room.
Page 8
Staff Sgt. Harold Stoker
A Signal View
“Ready Lightning”
Page 9
Afghanistan:
June 2014 Issue
A Signal View November 2014 Issue
Lt. Col. Nathaniel Walton recognizes the critical support efforts of the lead
squad for the New Kabul Compound (NKC) Force Protection Bravo Team ,
presenting Private 1st Class Dominic Piper, Sgt. Jason Lotter, Private 1st Class
Jessey Young and Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Reed with the Army Achievement
Medal.
The New Kabul Compound Drive Teams conducted nearly 500 mounted and dismounted convoy operations, covered approximately 3,500 miles of terrain, and supported 16 organizations in heavy urban traffic conditions throughout the Greater Kabul Metropolitan Area during periods of hostile insurgent activity, inclement weather, and low visibility. Sgt. 1st Class Reed’s Bravo Team was consistently selected for the most high profile and arduous mission assignments, and was called upon over twenty times to provide force protection against threats of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, perimeter breaches, insider threats and various attacks. The near-daily, continuous and safe transportation of senior members of the 335th Signal Command (T)(P), United States Forces Afghanistan, U.S. Army Central Command and numerous contractor and interagency personnel was not the only accomplishment of this proficient team. They also contributed to the successful completion of 16 communications infrastructure projects in the Greater Kabul area by providing cargo transportation of materials to various project sites, and helping to expedite project timelines that made a significant cost impact on local and contract material transport. Additionally, NKC’s increased force protection condition levels presented Sgt. 1st Class Reed an opportunity to develop and implement NKC's first Force Pro Bravo tactical standard operating procedure (TACSOP).
Soldier’s Corner
Page 10
November 2014 Issue
“Ready Lightning!”
Staff Sgt. Gewargis (George) Youabb serves as a Military Intelligence Counterintelligence Sergeant for the South West Asia Cyber Center (SWACC). At the start of his tour in Kuwait, working with intelligence attributed to cyber threats was a new domain for him. Youabb embraced the challenge and excelled working within the cyber intelligence terrain. His proactive and forward-thinking nature motivated Youabb to stretch his skill sets to acquire the difficult-to-earn Security+ certification while in Theater. His performance exceeded the expectations of his leadership and peers.
Among his many responsibilities, Youabb filled the role of Safety Officer. His daily risk assessments for all personnel movements and dogged implementation of safety tasks ensured Detachment 55 was injury free and battle ready, ensuring that 100% of the detachment mobilized. Additionally, Youabb lent his creative talents designing a professional quality Detachment 55 banner, of which the design and mascot were also used as a model for the SWACC Bad News Cyber Bears softball jerseys.
Youabb’s enthusiasm, leadership, and competitive spirit remained in high gear throughout his deployment in Kuwait. He contributed to the strengthening of the U.S. military partnership with its host country when he was hand-picked to participate on the Camp Arifjan Soccer team. His participation in numerous goodwill matches with local Kuwaiti teams lead Youabb to assume the laudable position of coach for the Camp Arifjan Women’s Soccer Club, which played competitively with Kuwait National Teams. His inspiring and motivating coaching skills encouraged the 160th Theater Strategic Signal Brigade recreational soccer team to invite him to lead as their head coach. The talented team was undefeated the entire season and went on to win the Morale, Welfare and Recreation-hosted 2014 Camp Arifjan Soccer League Championships.
As the deployment draws to a close, Youabb has once again stepped up as Army Career and Alumni Program Liaison Officer to support the smooth transition of his team as they prepare to depart theater. Youabb’s achievements can be credited to his infectious positive attitude, ability to engage with all ranks, talent in encouraging professional and personal growth, and skill at building team cohesion. This has greatly contributed to his team’s success and impact on their mission in South West Asia and Operation Enduring Freedom.
SWACC Intelligence Operations Noncommissioned Officer Staff Sgt. George Youabb, on the
right, expertly controls the ball during a match against his opponent during a goodwill game on
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
USARCENT Signal U
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 11
Quarterly Schedule of Classes:
November 2014 Issue
LTC Wendy Hart
USARCENT University Commandant
USARCENT Signal University is in the process of moving locations. Classes are currently being held in the PX and Education Center classrooms. For courses in classrooms 114 and 44, the first two weeks of November are tentative based on instructor availability. Each student will receive an email with roll-call location and instructions prior to class start date. It is important that students thoroughly read through the class confirmation e-mail to ensure they are aware of the appropriate location and start time. The university is projected to move to Zone 6 at the end of November. Classes held in the new location will be communicated to students once the move to the location is confirmed.
Resiliency
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 12
Building Mental Strength:
November 2014 Issue
To maintain resiliency, we sometimes have to take ourselves out of our counterproductive thinking. We use
mental games to stop counterproductive thinking and bring to focus what needs to be done. The following
are examples of what we can do to bring ourselves back into focus.
These are little things that should only take a few minutes. Use these mental games when you feel particu-
larly stressed.
In addition, games like Sudoku , crossword puzzles, and word searches can help bring you into focus. The
intent is to allow the games to take your mind off of the immediate stressor and allow you to regroup your
thoughts.
Try some of these puzzles on the following page!
Solutions are provided on page 20.
Math games: Count back from 1,000 by 7s.
Alphabet games: Work your way through the alphabet, naming someone for each pair of initials.
Categories games: Name all the sports figures, war heroes, etc. you can in two minutes.
Army alphabet: Repeat it backwards.
Lyrics: Recite upbeat song lyrics.
Positive Imagery: Create a detailed positive image of a situation or memory that helps you to feel
calm, positive, or confident. Include as many details in the image as possible so that the image is vivid.
(Continued on next page)
Resiliency
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 13
Building Mental Strength:
November 2014 Issue
Sgt. 1st Class Jacqueline Morris
Master Resiliency Trainer
Sgt. 1st Class Jacqueline Morris and Sgt. 1st Class Pedro
Rios are 335th Signal Command (T)(P) certified Master
Resiliency Trainers.
Autumn
Find and circle all of the Autumn words that are hidden in the grid. The
remaining letters spell a secret message—an Albert Camus quotation.
(Continued from previous page)
A Signal View
Page 14
Army 10-Miler:
June 2014 Issue
Sports & Leisure November 2014 Issue
“Ready Lightning”
Tom Kaiser and Kevin Wyatt join Lt. Col. Rod Scott at the finish line for a photo-op.
335th Signal Command (T)(P), 160th Theater Strategic Signal Brigade and South West Asia Cyber Center
Soldiers proved their mettle on the grueling ten-mile Army tradition. (Below) Capt. Neville Rose, Chief
Warrant Officer Jason Ayers, Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Padron, Staff Sgt. George Youabb, Sgt. 1st Class Angel
Don Beck, Sgt. Manuel Argumedo, Chief Warrant Officer Raphael Whispell, Lt. Col. Michael Napolitano,
Chief Warrant Officer Michael Schrantz
Maj. Kendra Green
Warrant Officer Tasha Jones
Lt. Col. Wendy Hart
A Signal View
Page 15
“Ready Lightning”
November is Native American Heritage Month :
June 2014 Issue
Culture November 2014 Issue
National Native American Indian Heritage Month begins in November 1st celebrate and recognize the
accomplishments of this country's original inhabitants, explorers and settlers. Throughout our Army's
239-year history, American Indians have served valiantly and with distinction in times of peace and war, while
also fighting for the right to be an equal part of our nation. We recognize their rich heritage and honor their
spirit and true devotion to our country.
Here are some military historical facts:
Native Americans have served in the U.S. military in a variety of roles since the Revolutionary War, garnering
respect for their adaptability and fighting skill.
According to the Navy’s history website, an estimated 12,000 Native Americans served in World War I.
Approximately 600 were Choctaw and Cherokee assigned to the 142nd Infantry of the 36th Texas-Oklahoma
National Guard Division and courageously fought in France. Four men from the 142nd were awarded the Croix de
Guerre and others received the Church War Cross for heroic actions.
During World War II, more than 44,000 American Indians, out of a total Native American population of less than
350,000, served with distinction between 1941 and 1945 in both European and Pacific theaters of war.
Cpl. Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian and Marine, was one of the six men who raised the flag on the summit of Mt. Suribachi
after the battle of Iwo Jima, famously depicted by the Marine Corps War Memorial just outside of Arlington
National Cemetery in Virginia.
Also, during World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers, serving in six Marine divisions, gained historical notoriety for
their part in thwarting Japanese code breakers with an unbreakable code based on the Navajo language.
Despite the unpopularity of the Vietnam War, 90 percent of the 42,000 Native Americans who served volunteered
for service.
According to statistics provided from the U.S. Department of Defense, in 2010, 22,569 enlisted service members and
1,297 officers on active duty were of American Indian heritage.
To this day, 24 American Indians have earned the Medal of Honor for their courage and devotion to our nation.
For a closer look at the notable achievements, contributions and history of Native Americans serving in the U.S.
Military, check out these links:
www.history.navy.mil/
www.army.mil/americanindians
Hail & Farewell
Page 16
November 2014 Issue
“Ready Lightning!”
(Above and right) Sgt. 1st Class Judas
Dekle is presented the Meritorious
Service Medal and a plaque for his
exemplary work and inexhaustible
efforts in G33 Operations which
required constant flexing to meet the
needs of the 335th Signal Command
(T)(P) mission.
(Above and below) Capt. John Maham, Capt. Brian
Patterson, Sgt. 1st Class Sharon Lane and Sgt. Ishan
Gaither (not pictured) were welcomed into the
335th Signal Command (T)(P) fold.
Farewell!
Welcome!
Welcome!
(Continued on next page)
Hail & Farewell
Page 17
November 2014 Issue
“Ready Lightning!”
(Right) Brig. Gen. Garrett Yee presents Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie
Dunbar with the Meritorious Service Medal for his
contributions to the G35 Engineering missions in theater.
(Below) Sgt. Michael Jackson is presented the Army
Commendation Medal for his outstanding service support
as a Information Management Officer for the 335th Signal
Command (T)(P).
(Above) Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie Dunbar, in
character, accepts his farewell gift from
Maj. Stacy Godshall and his G35 Engineering
team.
(Right) Sgt. Richard Yamauchi
(AKA Gene Simmons) presents
Sgt. Michael Jackson a plaque in
appreciation of his diligent and
committed efforts in a very
demanding job supporting
desktop services for the entire
command.
Farewell!
Farewell!
(Continued on next page)
(Continued from previous page)
Hail & Farewell November 2014 Issue
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 18
Flashback to the 70s:
335th Signal Command (T)(P) Soldiers shared a far-out evening channeling their favorite 70s persona and getting their groove on to some hot tracks. (Above, left) Sgt. 1st Class
Amy Richards, Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie Dunbar and Sgt. Jessica Pfiffer are lookin’ good! (Above, middle) Sgt. 1st Class Dwayne Allander was trippin’ to Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro
Cuevas’ John Travolta. (Above, right) Hilliard Ladd is dyno-mite on roller-skates! (Below) Sgt. 1st Class Minerva Dunn, Sgt. Jonathan Hsu, 1st Sgt. Karen Hinckson, Sgt. Richard
Yamauchi, Sgt. Deborah Walters, Sgt. 1st Class Richards, Hilliard Ladd, Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Rios, Sgt. Jessica Pfiffer, Sgt. 1st Class Sharon Lane, Lt. Col. Wendy Hart, Maj. Kendra
Green and Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie Dunbar are Rockin’ the 70s vibe!
SHARP
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 19
November 2014 Issue
Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Kamm
Command SARC
SHARP 24/7 Hotline: DSN: 318-430-3454
Cell: 011-965-9983-9724
Camp Arifjan, Bldg. T-181 (Zone 1, near the TMC, behind the Education Center)
Just a reminder! The conclusion of our rotation is drawing near. Statistics show that the frequency of SHARP
incidents increase at the beginning and at the end of a deployment. Think before you speak and act! As
Professionals, we must be cognizant of inappropriate behavior and the repercussions that can bring a
rewarding military career to an end. Got questions? Call me!
Resiliency
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 20
Puzzle Solutions:
November 2014 Issue
Parting Words
“Ready Lightning!”
Page 21
Lightning Warriors,
The US Army is recognizing the sacrifices of our families. Fortunately for us, we have two families, the one back home and our brothers and sisters serving with us across the AOR. Some of us may find it difficult to see eye to eye with everyone, all the time. I have had my fair share of professional disagreements. As Service Members, we depend on each other in ways that outsiders cannot understand, that makes us family. Kuwait is no longer a combat deployment, but there are still many stressors. We are away from home, some of us for the first time, and everyone reacts to stress in a different way. We need to look out for each other. Keep your eyes open. Do what you can to include everyone in group activities. Purposely excluding your fellow Soldiers can cause stress-levels to rise. Noticing the signs of stress can let someone know you care. Let them know they are not alone and you are there for them. As Soldiers, we get thanked for our service by civilians, routinely. We do not say it enough to each other. Everyone has a role to play. Sometimes we discount our own service and effort. Up to this point, we have achieved everything we set out to do. That does not mean we can let up, but thank you for your contributions. As you should know by now, my pillars are protect the team, no complaining, no whining, no excuses, and be early. Whining is selfish and we are better than that. There are no excuses. Excuses do not produce results. Most importantly, we should always protect our team, protect our mission and protect our military family. Thank you for all you do and thank your families for me. Lightning 7 out.
