HHC, 62nd Medical Brigade Family Readiness Group

September 2013

HHC Commander: CPT Brenda Summer

I stated in July’s newsletter that this team hit the ground running

and the past two months have proved to be just as busy. Our deployed mission is an enormous responsibility for every HHC Soldier.

I am proud to share that even with the large volume of daily tasks, section due-outs and “adjust fire” operations, this team has managed to successfully conduct three Soldier/NCO of the month boards, with outstanding performances from our HHC Soldiers; as well as recognize two more Steadfast Soldiers for earning their “promotable” status with commendable board performances.

Since the July Newsletter, HHC has reenlisted three Soldiers with another five Soldiers reenlisting in the near future. Additionally, we proudly recognize and have congratulated six Soldiers for either being promoted and/or selection for promotion. I am proud of the level of team work rendered from every HHC Soldier who continues to contribute to the success of this mission. We have earned the reputation of stellar professionals over here and I am proud to lead this team.

HHC 1SG: 1SG Shaun Miles

I wanted to take this moment to reflect on the

many professional accomplishments of our forward Soldiers. In the short time we have been deployed it’s refreshing to be a part of the continuous growth and development of our Soldiers.

Proudly we attended the reenlistment of SPC Gamboa, SGT Joachin, and SSG Taylor; and looking forward to the reenlistment of SSG Ortiz, SSG Neal, SPC Washington, SPC Breznicki and SPC Donatelli, keeping quality Soldiers in the US Army .

We have witnessed the promotion and progression of two NCOSs, SSG Halona and MSG Champ. We have been involved in the process of SGT Kaneakalau and SPC Harrison obtaining their promotable status while deployed.

We have selected SPC Breznicki and SPC Harrison as Soldiers of the Month; selected SGT Kaneakalau and SGT Joachin as NCOs of the Month continuing to excel in an austere environment.

Upon returning from deployment SGT Joachin, SSG Neal, and SSG McPhee will be attending Non-Commissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) schools , continued their growth as leaders. We have also received notification that MAJ Arroyoortiz, CW3 Furr, 1LT Blau, and MSG Nettles have been board selected for promotion.

HHC Soldiers who completed the 9-11 Patriot’s Run

62nd MED BDE - Spotlight Soldier SPC Amanda Donatelli

As SPC Amanda Donatelli prepared for her upcoming deployment, she anticipated working in the S4 shop, the obvious course of action given her functional MOS, 61J, medical logistics specialist. Little did she know she’d be plucked out of the comforts of her med log realm, and tasked to work in the S1 shop, working, tracking, and managing NCOERs for an entire Task Force; something SPC Donatelli had never done before. And, if that didn’t create enough turbulence, she was notified she also be working as the only enlisted member of the Task Force

Public Affairs Team as a writer (which is why her name sounds so familiar to you!). SPC Donatelli, a North Carolina native graduated from Wingate University, earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology. She went on to further her education, and received a Masters degree in Anthropology from University of N.C. Ashville. SPC Donatelli enlisted in the Army in 2010 and attended the DoD Joint Service EOD Training program at Redstone Arsenal, where she received her first MOS, 89D, explosive ordnance disposal specialist. In order to pursue her dream of becoming a Commissioned Officer, SPC Donatelli left the EOD world and reclassed to a 61J, where she attended AIT at Fort Sam Houston. SPC Donatelli’s first assignment was with the 115th CSH out of Fort Polk, LA, where she competed for and earned the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge. SPC Donatelli PCS’d in July 2012 to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington where she was assigned to the 62nd Medical Brigade. Currently, SPC Donatelli is working towards completing her Officer Candidate School packet for selection. During this deployment, SPC Donatelli has proven herself Officer worthy, as her work ethic and actions already reflect that of an Officer. The members of the 62nd Medical Brigade are honored to serve with her and the Officer Corps will gain a fantastic Soldier! Thank you for everything you do SPC Donatelli, your efforts do not go unnoticed!!

Happy Birthday to ALL our September Babies!

FWD- SPC Washington– 4 September FWD– LTC Deatherage– 6 September

Rear- SGM Seitz– 6 September FWD- CPT Rangitsch– 12 September Rear- CPT Reynolds– 14 September FWD- SSG Halona– 18 September FWD- SFC Thomas– 19 September FWD- WO1 Metheny– 22 September

FWD- COL Stout– 27 September

HHC Olympics SPC Amanda J. Donatelli

We are all in our APFTs. It’s quite a scene actually. There are those few stretching on the sidelines gearing up for what will be an event-ful morning of camaraderie and physical exertion. Not to mention FUN! The TF Med-A Soldiers participated in an Organization Day to jumpstart the month of September. The events are wholeheartedly full of strategy and enthusiasm. There was a three legged race and a buddy carry, which to any meandering onlooker would appear to be foolhardy and full of childish zeal; they themselves would want to hop right on in! Since we are a medi-cal brigade, we had to incorporate the infamous litter carry. The Soldiers participated with gusto and friendly competition. My personal favorite was none other than the “whistle through the crackers” event. Quite a tough feat if I say so myself. We were split up into teams, relying on one another for physical strength, endurance, sight, and tactical planning. We were able to let loose and have some fun; mingle with one another outside of the usual office venue. The radiant sun, as always, was bright and cheerful. What a wonderful way to celebrate Labor Day!

Remembering 9-11 SPC Amanda J. Donatelli

As a Soldier in the United States Army, you

come to realize the significant impact of September 11th; even though it’s been 12 years. The pride, duty and honor felt to serve this great nation is engrained in every Soldier; especially in remembrance of such a solemn day.

The 62nd Medical Brigade, here in Afghani-stan, commemorated the day with two special events: a reenlistment and the special gift of the raising and lowering the American Flag. SSG Stephanie Taylor had her reenlistment! The location chosen was a mo-mentous one. Here on Bagram, we have a piece of the World Trade Towers encompassed by different nations’ flags. The memorial is simple yet beautiful. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made on that day and every day since. Not only was the occasion to remem-ber the day, but to celebrate a Soldier committing to the United States Army. Thank you SSG Taylor for being proud to serve this country and taking your oath to continue that service!

Also on September 11th , the 62nd MED BDE lowered and raised multiple American Flags not only as a token to commemorate the significant day, but to have a piece of this deployment as a reminder of the journey we have embarked upon. The flags were given as a gift from COL Mont. Thank you, Sir for the gift we will always remember. We are strong; we are the 62nd MED BDE, Proud and Steadfast.

Labor Day BBQ SPC Amanda J. Donatelli

With pep in our step from the morning festivities, TF MED-A was

full of vigor as we continued our Labor Day celebration. We were able to partake in physical exertion in the morning and worked up quite an appetite for the afternoon. For lunch we were greeted with a smorgasbord of barbe-qued cuisine. And, I’m not referring to the daily DFAC delight. We had grilled chicken, fresh hamburger, hot dogs, crisp fruit, and a zesty pasta salad. Not to mention quite a beautiful cake! Soldiers sat outside soaking up the hot sunshine while socializing with smiling faces. Laughter was in the air as team members reminisced of the litter carry earlier in the day. We were so grateful to have a meal that was out of the ordinary and be able to celebrate the fruits of our labor as a team on the holiday.

On Friday, 13 September 2013, all the Officers of HHC competed in a scavenger hunt. Broken down into teams of 4-6, we were given cryptic

clues to various locations around Bagram, with challenges to complete along the way and at each location. It was a race against time and each

other. Some of the events included: find someone with an epic beard and take a picture with him, collect 25 empty water bottles, throw darts, the infamous litter carry, and even a riddle. In the end, we all had fun, but there could only be one winner! Congratulations to Team “Ginger and Crew” CPT Goulet (the token ginger!), CPT Kwon, COL Wilkie, CPT

Blacknall, and MAJ Arroyo.