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1 March 2012
WWolfpackolfpack Dispatch Vol 1, Issue 6
FOB Salerno,FOB Salerno,FOB Salerno,
Afghanistan Afghanistan Afghanistan
The Reenlistment EditionThe Reenlistment EditionThe Reenlistment Edition
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Dear Families and Friends of the Wolfpack,
We hope you enjoy the six edition of the Wolfpack Dispatch, our unit newsletter from Afghanistan.
The intent of this publication is to keep everyone on the home front up to date with the unit activities
at FOB Salerno.
Since this is the sixth edition of our newsletter it means we have reached an important milestone for
those of us from Fort Bragg, NC. We are mid-way through our yearlong deployment and everyone is
still doing great. We are also over half-way complete with R&R for most of the companies and we
can actually see a little bitty light at the end of the tunnel. But we have a long way to go and the
most challenging times are still ahead of us. We are doing our best remain focused and avoid
complacency. Support and motivation from the home front makes a positive difference so please
keep up the messages, cards and letters and care packages.
Spring has definitely arrived at FOB Salerno. The daytime highs are already in the 70s and will be
well above 80 very soon. Some afternoon thunderstorms are also in the area from time to time and
we keep a close eye on the weather to make sure we remain as safe as possible.
The month of March was the beginning of the latest reenlistment window and a total of 42 Troopers
took advantage of the opportunity while deployed. We held dozens of fantastic ceremonies on the
ground, in the air, and at locations all across FOB Salerno. Job very well done and everyone is
exceptionally proud of all those Troopers and their families who are remaining on the Army team.
This edition also contains an update from our newest Task Force Wolfpack teammates – the Titans
from the Ohio and Michigan Army National Guard. We are fortunate to have the CH47D crews and
maintainers stationed with us at FOB Salerno. The Chinooks bring the medium lift capability to the
Task Force which is always in very high demand in our area of operations.
Welcome Titans – Wolfpack for Life!
All the Way, Airborne!
V/r
LTC John M. Cyrulik
Commander, Task Force Wolfpack
Wolf 6
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The Promise I made to my wife
By U.S. Army Spc. Erin Dierschow
RC-East PAO
KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan- U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Hayes boards a fixed-wing aircraft headed home to Hope
Mills, N.C. on March 13 for rest and relaxation after serving six months of his first deployment at Forward Operating Base
Salerno since his wife’s passing on March 27, 2009. He is returning in time to commemorate his wife’s passing with his five
children who are currently in the care of his sister, Debbie Hayes, of Newport News, Va., while being deployed.
One early afternoon at Fort Bragg, N.C. on 27 March in 2009, Staff Sgt. Michael Hayes, a Newport News, Va. Native, finished
up some last minute packing with his Soldiers in the Task Force Wolfpack Motorpool two days prior to their deployment to
Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan when he received a series of phone calls.
“I just got off the phone with her,” said Hayes, “She asked me what I wanted for dinner, we said I love you, see you later, and
hung up the phone.” This was a call Hayes’ wife, of 15 years, Felicia Nicole Harris Hayes, of Wilson, N.C., made just prior to
picking up their kids from school.
Hayes phone rang a little while later. It was a phone call from the school informing him that his three eldest children, Michael
Jr., 7 years old, Courtney, 10 years old, and Emilee, 12 years old, did not get picked up from school. Their two youngest,
Precious, almost 2 years old, and Jaylen, almost 3 years old, stayed in the care of Hayes’ wife and were in the care of Hayes
neighbor at the time.
Hayes didn’t get the opportunity to call home to his wife. He then received one last phone call from his neighbor telling him
that he needed to come home.
That morning had started out like every other duty day for any Soldier in TF Wolfpack, 1-82 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion.
Soldiers in E Company would report for formation at 0630 to proudly salute the raising of the American flag, and immediately
following, would conduct Physical Training. PT ended at 0745 so the Soldiers could conduct personal hygiene, eat breakfast,
and report to their work call location no later than 0930. For Hayes, a Maintenance Platoon Shop Foreman and a Squad Leader
with E Company Motorpool, this meant to report by 0900.
“Hayes was an aggressive leader, but not a negative aggressive,” said Joe Russell of Franklin, Texas, who used to be a
Specialist in 2009 with the unit as well as one of Hayes soldiers. “You knew when he was around you were going to have to
work, but he made you want to.”
The Soldiers in the Motorpool packed up their equipment the rest of the morning and broke for lunch around 1130; reporting
back by 1300. It was not too long after lunch when Hayes received that disrupting phone call from his neighbor.
Hayes immediately got in his vehicle and headed home. While in the process he made a phone call back to the Motorpool
informing his Plt. Leader, 1st Lt. Michael Fager, of Gainesville, Virginia and Plt. Sgt., Sgt. 1st Class William Plachinski (also
called Sgt. 1st Class PJ) of the upsetting news. Fager and Plachinski rushed to meet Hayes at his house for support.
As Hayes walked in the house, the first thing he saw was the Paramedics shocking his wife to bring her back to life. Once she
was stable, they took her to Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina where they did an emergency surgery to
open up one of her main arteries.
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Fager, Plachinski, and family sat with Hayes in the waiting room until the doctor came out at about 1655 and told Hayes he
needed to go back there for the last time and say his goodbyes. “And I didn’t. Not right away, and you know….(pause)…I didn’t
want to do that…….go back there.” said Hayes shaking his head.
By the time Hayes made his way back there he saw the doctors trying to revive her again. They asked him if he wanted them to
keep trying to revive her. Hayes responded, “Yeah, Yeah, keep going!” as his sister stood next to him saying ‘it’s too late, she’s
gone’. Hayes responded with, “no she’s not, this can’t be……this can’t be happening.”
Felicia Nicole Harris Hayes was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1976 and passed away at the age of 32 on March 27,
2009 of a massive heart attack.
Just the night prior, Hayes and his wife sat down and drew out their plan for the future. Hayes wanted to complete the
deployment to TK and then get out of the military and start his own business and purchase an RV and an SUV. Hayes wife made
him think about his benefits and how his promotion was right around the corner. “She was like my counselor when I needed it.”
said Hayes.
“When all was said and done, I made a promise to my wife that I would stay in the Army for the full 20 years and retire, and she
wouldn’t have to hear another word about me getting out.”
Despite the tragedy of Hayes wife’s death, Hayes is able to experience the continued bond and support of one unit.
“I noticed an organization that provided support. I noticed people working together, going out of their way to help the Hayes
family. We were a family, The Wolfpack. You know you love, but hate your mom and your dad at times, you want to strangle
your brother or your sister, but as soon as something bad happens to your family, you are there in a heartbeat to be there for
them,” said Russell.
The Wolfpack went to the commissary and bought tons of food for Staff Sgt. Hayes and his kids to help them out.
“Our Chaplain gave me food vouchers since I had a wife and a baby girl. I gave those to Staff Sgt. Hayes to help,” said Russell,
who would soon suffer a tragic moment not six months into deployment just like Hayes.
Russell made it home after a red cross message was received at his unit in TK that his wife, of four years, Sarah, of Mathis,
Texas was very sick.
Two weeks of sleepless nights in the hospital with his wife on life support, Russell was faced with the decision of having to lay
her to rest.
As Russell lay sleeping in the chair, one of the nurses woke him up to inform him there was nothing else they could do for his
wife and that her body was failing.
Russell and Sarah’s family made the decision to terminate life support. Cause of death was Dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is
an uncommon disease marked by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash. Dermatomyositis muscle weakness eventually
leads to the complication called Aspiration pneumonia that helped take over her entire immune system.
Sarah Russell is survived by her husband Joe Russell, and her daughter Zoi Russell, who was born on 05 October 2007.
After Russell’s wife was laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Franklin, Texas, Russell reported back to the Wolfpack rear
detachment for a compassionate reassignment to Fort Hood, Texas so he could take care of their daughter, Zoi. Russell was
greeted at Fort Bragg by his squad leader, Staff Sgt. Hayes.
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“Hayes was always by my side making sure I was getting the treatment I needed, making sure I was okay, making sure I was
going to get home to my daughter,” said Russell.
Hayes received support himself from so many to include the Wolfpack, Rear D, and Family Advocacy, which is a part of Army
Community Service. They referred Hayes and his family to Military One Source to help them through their grieving stages with
a Master’s level, trained Therapist.
“I guess this is where I was messing up at,” said Hayes, “I didn’t want anyone around but just me and my kids. So we could deal
with it how we knew how to deal with it.”
Hayes broke down one day speaking to family advocacy and they started giving him more help through Army One Source.
“From there I slowly started progressing,” said Hayes. “Army One Source was able to provide us with extensive therapy that has
helped my family.
Hayes also assisted Russell and his family, recommending these same resources that were given to him. “Staff Sgt. Hayes took
me under his wing. He showed me it was ok to receive therapy,” said Russell gratefully. “He also took me to a place on post and
waited for me till I was done where they helped pay part of the funeral cost.”
Russell has since departed military service and continues to raise their beautiful daughter Zoi in College Station, Texas, where
they now reside.
Russell gives special thanks to the 82nd Airborne Division, their families, and the Lonewolves. “There were two things that got
me,” said Russell. “The one thing that got me was that the U.S. Army International Security Assistance Force Joint Commander,
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, who was the Commander of Regional Command East/ Division Commander at the time
in 2009, had sent me a letter telling me how sorry he was, how he felt bad about hearing about one of his Soldier’s wives’
passing away.” The other person that impacted Russell the most was Staff Sgt. Hayes. “To see someone go through such a trial
and still put his feelings aside to help others was amazing.”
As a non-commissioned officer and a leader of Soldiers, Hayes continues to lead the way for his subordinates.
Hayes’ Plt. Sgt., Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Crews of Carson City, Nev., states, “I have known Hayes since 2008. He is an aggressive
leader. He does nothing but hold up the standard. He tries to keep the best in the military and make the best Soldier for the
military. He has the leadership style to be a Sgt. 1st Class and I think he is really going to make it this time.”
Hayes in turn gives credit to the 82nd Airborne Division and the help he received from ACS and Military One Source. He leaves
a message for those missing a loved one:
“Don’t do like I did. You need to talk to somebody. No one is Superman or Superwoman. Even though we wear this uniform,
don’t allow that to let your pride get in the way,” said Hayes. “If it was not for my Leadership, Cpt. Fager, now the TF Wolfpack
1-82, HHC Commander, Cpt. Karensa Foxx, who is now a UCLA, ROTC Instructor, Sgt. 1st Class Brian Minix, who is now at
ALU at, Fort Lee,Va., Plachinski, who is now at ALU at Fort Lee, Va., and the late Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne A. Fausz, who
was the Command Sgt. Maj. For the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, I think I would not have been able to uphold that
promise I made to my wife 3 years ago. I think my military career would have ended.”
When asked, where are you at in your life, Hayes states, “I love my wife to death, but at some point in time, I know I have to
move on. She will always have that place in my heart, but I can’t stop living, my kids can’t stop living, at some point you have to
move on.”
Military One Source is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve (regardless
of activation status) and their families. Military One Source provides a variety of resources for grieving families, to learn
more or to get help visit the Military One Source website at: www.militaryonesource.mil or call: 1-800-342-9647. They
are available 24/7/365.
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NORTH CAROLINA, United States of America- The Hayes Family visits their mother, Felicia Nicole Harris Hayes, grave site at Rest Haven Cemetery in Wilson, N.C. prior to their father, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Hayes deployment to Forward Operating Base Salerno on August 12, 2011. (Photo taken by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hayes, Task Force
Wolfpack,)
NORTH CAROLINA, United States of America- U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hayes of Newport News, Va., and his family on March 03, 2009, just 25 days prior to his wife’s passing
on March 27, 2009.(Courtesy photo taken in Fayetteville, N.C.).
KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Hayes boards the Red Ball, headed home to Hope Mills, N.C. on March 13, 2012 for rest and relaxation after
serving six months of his first deployment at Forward Operating Base Salerno since his wife’s passing on March 27, 2009. He is returning in time to commemorate his wife’s
passing with his five children since being deployed.(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Erin Dierschow, Task Force Wolfpack Public Affairs).
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GREYWOLVES It is no secret that CPT Stahlberg is a fan of running. For several months, we have been conducting
one long run a week gradually building up mileage that culminated in the successful completion of a
full marathon (26.2 miles) by 7 people from across the Task Force (CW3 Jones, CW2 Hobson, CW2
Hoover, CPT Wagner, CH Shenton, CPT Stahlberg, and SGT Taylor) and 9 (1SG Mahaney, 1LT
Nelson, SFC Horn, SFC Ruiz, SSG Hohman, SSG Negron, SSG Nowakowski, SGT Martinez, and
SPC Rai), that completed a half marathon, a first for many. The weather was perfect for a long run
on both of the days that the marathon was ran (scheduling conflicts divided the group in two). At
around 8:30 am, everyone participating set out to run as far as they wanted. Everyone did an
awesome job and I couldn’t have been more proud to have my final run as Greywolf 06 be with so
many people that have come so far.
March was an exciting and busy month for re-enlistments in HHC. Five HHC Soldiers took their
oath of enlistment again to remain in Active Army Service. Each re-enlistment is a special
moment for a Soldier that is swearing to continue to serve their country especially during a time of
conflict. SSG Negron was read his oath of enlistment by Chaplain Shenton. SSG Negron chose to
have his re-enlistment ceremony take place in the chapel at FOB Salerno. SSG Hohman took his
oath of enlistment in the back of one the Titan’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters. His oath of enlistment
was read by the TF S-6, CPT Terry. It was a unique way to have a re-enlistment and we were
excited to be a part of it. SSG Nowakowski took his oath of enlistment again and had his ceremony
in a unique location as well. His oath was read to him by CPT Stahlberg on the roof of the TOC.
What better place to have it than overlooking our temporary home? The newly promoted SGT
Means took his oath of enlistment by the OH-58Ds on the flight line. 1LT Wright read his oath of
enlistment over the noise of the MEDEVAC UH-60s that were called to conduct a MEDEVAC
mission. Our final re-enlistment for March was SPC Mason from flight operations. CW2 Gore read
her oath of enlistment in flight operations on March 1st. We are very happy to have all of the
Soldiers that re-enlisted stay in the Army family for years to come.
SSG Nowakowski was promoted on March 7, 2012 to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He has officially
joined the ranks of the mighty E6 work horses! I know I speak for the company when I say that we
are all very proud of his hard work!
We were very happy to induct three NCOs into the NCO corps this month! Congratulations SGT
Means (92Y), SGT Kahng (27D), and SGT Taylor (25U)! They are shining examples of how hard
work and dedication to their mission pays dividends. We are very proud to have them as
Non-Commissioned Officers in our Company.
Well the 1SGs and senior NCOs have done it again!! On March 11th they gathered in between the
TOC and HHC to grill enough meat for over 400 people!! It was a long day for the 1SGs as they
started the grills up at 8:30am and grilled ALL DAY! They truly out did themselves and everyone
enjoyed the break from the chow hall!
After 20 months in command, it is time for me to step aside and for CPT Michael Fager to take
command of such a wonderful company. We have been through many ups and downs as a company
and I am proud to have served alongside each and every one of you.
Next month you will hear from the new Greywolf 06, CPT Michael Fager. I know that he will take
phenomenal care of all of the Soldiers as well as their families.
For the last time as Greywolf 06... take care of each other,
CPT Alicia Stahlberg– GW06
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Titans Hello from Afghanistan.
Thank you to all the family
members that have taken part of the
teleconference calls. I appreciate all
of your interest and support of our
unit, as I know all of your Soldiers
do. I know all of your packages that
are being sent make a great deal of
difference to the Soldiers here.
They definitely help keep the
morale high here in Afghanistan.
Thank You for all that you do.
We are beginning to settle
down into our new locations and
duties. As many of you have heard,
we have a very busy operational
tempo. Most of us are working
nights, with a small slice of crews
on a day schedule. These crews will
rotate occasionally as needed. It is
safe to say that the CH-47Ds in
country are a very sought after and
appreciated asset to the troops in
Afghanistan. Your Soldiers are
playing a key role in the war in
Afghanistan. The missions are
anything but routine operating in a
very austere and challenging
environment.
We have been informed, as
many of you may have heard by
now from your loved ones that we
will not be getting a mid-tour leave.
While this may be disappointing to
all of us, the key thing, is that we
are scheduled to come home
slightly earlier than expected,
which is the reason for not being
eligible for mid-tour leave. At this
time, I do not have a set date that
we will be redeploying. A time
window will be passed on as soon
as we receive it on this end.
It has been very nice working with
the 82nd Airborne Division at this
time. They have
welcomed and
integrated us into
their unit. We will
have a cookout on
the 11th to
celebrate 6
months of a
successful
mission thus far
for the 82nd. We
are also tracking a
patch ceremony
in the upcoming
weeks, which will be when all
Soldiers will be awarded and
authorized to wear the 82nd patch as
our combat patch. This will be a
very special time for both first time
deployers and veterans alike being
associated with a unit such as the
82nd with a long, prominent history,
rich with tradition.
I wish everyone a happy and
healthy Spring and I will talk to
y’all next month.
CPT Morrison
TITAN 06
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ROUGHNECKS Roughneck Friends and Family,
Another month down, as your brave and
gallant Cavalrymen continue to lead the way
here at FOB Salerno. This past month has
been especially busy, as the “Bam Bam
Boys” led Task Wolfpack in flight hours and
overall aircraft readiness, maintaining a
constant aviation presence over the skies of
Khost, Afghanistan. With our pilots
constantly in the air, our crew chiefs have
performed brilliantly to keep the largest
Kiowa Troop in country flying at a near
24-hour rate.
In response to their hard work, our troopers
have received some well deserved praise and
recognition during the month of March.
Tyler “Guns” Galloway, one of our most
savvy and smart armament dawgs in the
Troop, was recently promoted to the rank of
Specialist on 1 March. Eligible for re-
enlistment, SGT “Two Scoops” Sutton, SPC
“Gonzo”
Gonzalez, and SPC “Natasha” Trimakas all
raised their right hands and volunteered to
serve the Army for three more years. We are
all very proud of their selfless service and the
sacrifices that their families have made and
continue to make to allow them to serve.
Also, the Troop received special recognition
from the folks at “iPads for Soldiers,” who
donated three iPads to some of our troopers.
Sutton, Gonzalez, and SPC “How Much
Ya
Bench”
Finley all
received
iPads
courtesy
of
selfless
donations
from the
group
and its
sponsors.
In
addition, during a visit from the RC-East
Commanding General, MG Allyn, SGT
“Vick” Satram received a coin from the
General for performing expert maintenance
on the ten-bird fleet. Also, during the
General’s visit, MG Allyn flew on a
Roughneck bird with CW3 “Nutts” Hodnett,
who showcased the fine capabilities of our
scout aircraft. Jeff also received a coin from
the General.
As the troop received additional aircraft, so,
too, did we receive additional pilot support
from our Saber brothers stationed at
Jalalabad. CW3 Beau Axton, and CW2s
Sean Byard, Ronnie Smith, and Mike Spivey
all flew under the “Bam Bam” call sign this
month to help us sustain our additional
missions. Also, we warmly welcome SPC
Christian Gil, an extremely talented and
smart 15J from D/1-17, to our ranks. They
all have performed exceptionally well and we
are lucky to have their support.
As busy as your men have been, we still
manage to cut lose during the down time
thanks to the comedic relief of CW2s Chris
“Christina” Stockwell, Paul “Grumpy”
Bowman, and “The Weave.” Also, CW2s
Barrye “The Storyteller” Saylor and Jordan
“Mustachio” Hardin have kept us well
informed with their random trivia questions
and debates on which Matthew
McConaughey movie is the best. The verdict
is still out.
Many thanks to the near-continuous supply
of care packages that we continue to receive
from all the families and friends of our
Troop. Although we have received and
consumed more than our fair share of Girl
Scout Cookies, we have exhausted our
efforts in the gym to burn off the additional
calories. Fear not, we will be lookin’ good
for R&R. Thank you for the continued
support from the homefront.
It continues to
be a privilege
and honor to
work with these
heroic men on a
day-to-day
basis. I am
consistently
humbled at
their work ethic
and drive to
accomplish the
mission and
protect our American brothers on the ground.
Again, thank you for your support from the
States. Roughneck troop continues to be
such a fantastic organization thanks to the
encouragement and care we receive from our
family and friends. We look forward to a
fantastic return in the next few months.
Scotti Pfirrman
Roughneck 06
10
LONEWOLVES
Greetings from the Lonewolves!
The Troopers continue to
work hard and moral remains high.
The Company led the Task Force
with 18 Troopers reenlisting for the
month of March. I know with
dedicated Americans like these the
Army will remain strong for years
to come.
The Motorpool Platoon
continues to lead the Brigade with
a readiness rate at 98%, while at
the same time guarding FOB
Salerno both day and night.
Distribution Platoon had several
Troopers receive the Combat
Action Badge and one received the
Purple Heart Medal for a Rocket
attack that took place back in
November 2011 at the FARP. The
Troopers had the honor of receiving
their awards from MG Allyn the
future XVIII Airborne Corp
Commander. The Company lost
the services of XO 1LT Roberts for
a few months as he becomes the day
time Battle Captain for the Battalion
S3.
Also, this month the
Company hit the half way mark for
the deployment so we are half way
home. As always, to the families
back home thank you for all that
you do to support the Troopers of
Echo Company.
Until next month.
Airborne, All the Way!
CPT Simmons
Lonewolf 6
11
REDHAWKS
…..From the Redhawk CP …6
more months YAYYY!!!
As March comes to an end
we are happy to say we are past our
halfway mark for this deployment.
Needless to say “March Madness”
lived up to hype from all spectrums.
NCAA brackets were filled,
reenlistments were done, and
promotions were earned, and
missions were accomplished.
First and foremost , the
Redhawks continued the mission of
supporting the TF Spartan Ground
Commander, providing over 900
flight hours over this last month.
The Army and the
Redhawks are honored to have four
of our best Non-Rated Crew
members (NRCM), SGT Ramirez,
SGT Murdock, SPC Dishman, and
SPC Weaver, continue their Army
careers by reenlisting this month.
Thank you for your continued
service to the Army and to the
Redhawks. These soldiers play a
key role in conducting flight
missions and maintaining our
aircraft to conduct flight missions.
Forward progress with
personal goals and Army goals
keeps soldiers motivated to strive
for greatness through hard work.
The hard work and dedication of a
couple of our NRCMs has earned
them recognition to be promoted.
SSG Kerins, currently assigned to
Delta Company, but still part of the
Redhawk family, made the
Sergeant First Class (E-7) list, and
SPC Kealy, currently in BAF
working on Redhawk aircraft, has
earned enough points to make
Sergeant (E-5). We are proud of
their accomplishments and
congratulations to the both of them.
Last but not least , we also
would like to welcome the newest
member to the Redhawk family,
Keira Lindgren, born on February
16th 2012. CW3 Justin Lindgren,
one of the highly skilled Instructor
Pilots of the Redhawks, went home
on R&R late February to be with
his wife and newborn baby girl.
Congrats, Mr. Lindgren.
As we move forward
through the latter half of
deployment, let us continue to be
safe, and make it home to our
families. Be blessed ……ALL THE
WAY!
1LT Taj Williams
12
DEVIL RAY DUSTOFF Greetings Wolfpack and Devil
Ray Family and Friends,
It seems the winter has come and
gone, and the weather is finally
getting warmer. Unfortunately, as
change comes with the seasons, we
have found out that we will be
leaving the Wolfpack soon to join
the rest of our Company in the
West. I would like to extend my
deepest gratitude to everyone from
the top down in the Wolfpack
family, as we have thoroughly
enjoyed our time here, and the
support you have shown us has
been outstanding. The hard work
and dedication by all has allowed
us to really focus on our main job,
saving lives. In our short time here,
we flew over 400 hours, 90
missions, and 100 patients.
As we hit our halfway point in the
deployment, our Soldiers are finally
getting to take R & R, and spend
time with their family and friends
back in the States. I hope that our
families back home have
thoroughly enjoyed the time with
their Soldiers, and we appreciate
your continued support.
In closing, thanks again for the
hospitality Wolfpack. This has
been an upstanding Task Force to
work for, and we can't thank you
enough for keeping our job that
much easier. If anyone ever finds
themselves in the Tampa/
Clearwater/St. Pete area, feel free to
stop by, although if you'd rather be
on the beach, we completely
understand.
"When I Have Your Wounded"
CPT Josh Daneault
DUSTOFF 06
13
Timberwolves Dear Timberwolf Friends and
Families,
March has been a fast paced
month for Delta Company, TF
Wolfpack. It was a month of mixed
weather and reasonably
comfortable temperatures. By the
time you receive this newsletter
most of the Timberwolves would
have been deployed for over 190
days and are looking forward to
completing this tough deployment.
This month we welcomed
the arrival of Soldiers from D Co
3-238th of the Ohio National Guard.
They bring many years of
experience in CH-47 maintenance,
shops, and avionics repair to the
fight. Their skills are definitely
needed here and appreciated by all
of the supported units as well.
Keeping the big rigs in the air is a
huge combat multiplier.
Delta Company had a few
promotions this month. It is always
a good thing to see Troopers
advancing in their careers.
Congratulations to Jonathan
Andrzejewski who was promoted
from PFC to SPC and Crystal
Brown, Ryan Edgell, Daniel Ochs
and Sergey Vakhrushev who were
promoted from SPC to SGT. Also a
congratulation is in order for SGT
Lindsey Taylor who was accepted
to go and attend WOCS and then
flight school.
CPT Kirk Shands
Timberwolf 06
14
REDWOLVES Dear Redwolf Friends and
Families,
As March draws to a close, the
REDWOLVES continue to make
you all proud by setting the
standard for an Attack Helicopter
Company here in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom. It
has been a busy month full
accomplishments, but as always,
none of it was possible without the
love and support of you all back
home.
This month the REDWOLVES
distinguished themselves by having
two crew chiefs selected as
Maintainer of the Week. This
marks the fourth month in a row
that a member of the company has
been selected for this award. We
would like to congratulate SPC
Burgess and SPC Lueschner for
this achievement during the month
of March. Due to the tireless efforts
of these Troopers and their fellow
crew chiefs, the REDWOLVES
have maintained a record of never
canceling a mission due to
maintenance.
Congratulations to the newly
promoted SGT Preston Cruz. SGT
Cruz has been an invaluable asset
on the flight line and an example
for Troopers across the Task Force.
We are lucky to have a Squad
Leader like SGT Cruz and are
proud to call this new Non
Commissioned Officer a RED-
WOLF.
The REDWOLVES would like to
extend a warm welcome to the
newest members of our REDWOLF
Family. First, on February 25th,
SFC Riedel made it home for leave
just in time to join his wife
Kimberly and family to welcome
their new baby girl, Sophie Harper,
into the world. Unfortunately, SGT
Cain’s new baby boy was not as
patient. His wife Misty gave birth
to Colton Christopher just hours
before his SGT Cain made it home
for R&R on March 18th. Finally,
just three days later on March 21st,
SGT Franklin and his wife Heather
welcomed their new baby boy,
Waylon Lee, into their family. All
three babies are happy, healthy and,
along with the rest of their family,
looking forward to the safe and
speedy returns of their fathers.
As we cross over into the second
half of the deployment, the RED-
WOLVES would like to reiterate
the importance of the support we
receive from all of our Families,
Friends, and FRG members. It is
your uplifting letters, emails, and
care packages that help us through
the busy days and long flights.
Thank you again for your support.
CPT Robert Sickler
15
Congratulations!!! Listed below are the Troopers who were promoted, received an award,
or reenlisted. Below those, are our Troopers with recent Birthdays!
Promoted Awarded
Happy Birthday!!
SPC Parris Allen
SPC Jonathan Andrzejewski
SPC Jonathan Black
SPC Luke Blow
SPC Devin Kays
SPC Logan Long
SPC Joshua Martin
SPC Delwen Samuelson
SPC Bee Vang
SPC Louis Velasco
CPL Charles Thomas
SGT Jordon Besaw
SGT Chad Frits
SGT Jeremy Hopper
SGT David Hyatt
SPC Devin Kays
SPC Logan Long
SPC Joshua Martin
SPC Delwen Samuelson
SPC Bee Vang
SPC Louis Velasco
CPL Charles Thomas
SGT Jordon Besaw
SGT Chad Frits
SGT Jeremy Hopper
SGT David Hyatt
SSG Erik Andrews
SSG Selwyn James
SSG Matt Whitworth
SSG Gerald Regilus
SFC Valeria Green
SFC Raymond Laplant
CW2 Ian Davis
CW2 Alexander Hunter
CW2 Timothy McGuire
CW2 Case Wilson
CW3 Javier Ortiz
1LT Taj Williams
CPT Lincoln Lanier
PFC Willie Redick
SPC Jonathon Andrzejewski
SPC John Derosa
SPC Tyler Galloway
SPC Branden Glembusz
SPC Keith Neal
SGT Crystal Brown
SGT Preston Cruz
SGT Christopher Edgell
SGT Chris Khang
SGT Terrill Means
SGT Travis Morgan
SGT Lucas Murdock
SGT Daniel Ochs
SGT Breeana Taylor
SGT Sergey Vakhrushev
SSG John Nowakowski
MSG Ronald Stewart
Purple Heart
SPC Zachary Qualls
Air Medal
CSM Kirk Inniss
LTC John Cyrulik
Combat Action Badge
PFC Earnest Broome
SPC Brittany Butler
SPC Lee Younger
SGT Mia Ellington
SGT Frank Knox
SFC Cassandra Cox
CW2 Adam Saunders
1LT Brett Roberts
CPT Kyle Tomasino
Army Achievement Medal PFC Christopher Ellis
PFC Octavius Lewis
SPC Keith Burgess
SPC Darren Leonard
SPC Christopher Long
(Army Achievement Medal Continued)
SPC Russell Lueschner
SPC Edgardo Morales
SPC Tikam Rai
SPC Damian Sanders
SGT Chris Kahng
CW2 Patrick Kirk
CPT Jeremy Irvine
Commanding General Coin
SPC Lorenzo Chapa
SPC Damian Sanders
SGT Travis Morgan
SGT Lucas Murdock
SGT Venkata Satram
SSG Pia Thow
Task Force NCO Soldier of the
Quarter Board
SGT Heather Gibson
16
TF WOLFPACK RSTTF WOLFPACK RSTTF WOLFPACK RST
Grace and peace from the Wolfpack Religious
Support Team. Thanks be to God for his continued
blessing, provision and protection on us over the last month.
March has been another great month of ministry for the
Wolfpack RST. We have had the privilege of attending
many reenlistment, promotion and award ceremonies
recognizing the outstanding work being accomplished by
our troopers.
Our Chapel Services have led us through the
season of Lent and we are eagerly awaiting the Easter
celebration. In our Religious Education program we
continue reading our way through the Bible at the E100
Bible study. We have just started the Book of Jeremiah.
If you would like to read along with us go to
MilitaryE100.AmericanBible.org. We also finished the
“American Heritage Series.” The study has encouraged
us to get back to our moral and religious foundations of our
great country. Our mid-week prayer meetings have been a
powerful time of intercessory prayer. We consistently see
the hand of God working in our lives as we have seen many
answers to prayer. During our Faith-based movie night we
have seen several encouraging movies, to include “The
Grace Card” and “Ten Commandments.”
We continue to receive numerous care packages to
supply the Chapel Free-X store and to send out to our
brothers and sisters at outlying COPs. We greatly
appreciate all the encouragement and support that we
receive from all of you. We continually lift you up in our
prayers.
Many thanks and blessings,
Chaplain Shenton
17
Spotlight on Troopers
Every month each 1SG picks an outstanding Trooper to reperesent his Company/Troop
HHC/1-82, PFC Kyle Runkle
MOS: 42A- Human Resource Specialist
Hometown: Forreston, Illinois
PFC Runkle is single.
Q: What recreational activities do you participate in here on FOB Salerno?
A: Being a Soldier and making people smile.
Q: What do you like most about this deployment?
A: More laid back atmosphere.
Q: What is your opinion of FOB Salerno?
A: I think it’s great. There’s stuff to do here. There are defac’s, showers, and we have
beds.
Q: How does your MOS impact this deployment?
A: We make sure Soldiers get everything they need. My job boosts soldiers morale.
3 Goals for Deployment:
Educational -“Complete my Associate’s degree out here.”
Professional – “Get promoted to Specialist and continue to make people smile.”
Personal – “To make it home from deployment and take my family on vacation.”
B/2-328 GSAB, SPC Lucas Wark
MOS: 15U- CH-47 Helicopter Repairer
Hometown: Pinckney, Michigan
SPC Wark is Single.
Q: What recreational activities do you participate in here on FOB
Salerno?
A: I work out at the gym. I do photography and I work.
Q: What do you like most about this deployment?
A: I like flying the most.
Q: What is your opinion of FOB Salerno?
A: This is the best place in theater, considering.
Q: How does your MOS impact this deployment?
A: Enables us to fly. Learn more about the airframe. Help with
operations.
3 Goals for Deployment:
Educational -“Work towards my Master’s.
Professional – “More in depth knowledge of my MOS.”
Personal – “Learn how to play the Harmonica.”
18
A Troop/ 1-17 CAV, SPC Darius Neighbors
MOS: 15J-Aircraft Armament/Electronic/Avionic Systems
Hometown: Evansville, Indiana
SPC Neighbors is Single.
Q: What recreational activities do you participate in here on
FOB Salerno?
A: I play pool at the MWR. I work, watch movies with the crew
and gaming.
Q: What do you like most about this deployment?
A: Being in a different place. The work load is not as
demanding.
Q: What is your opinion of FOB Salerno?
A:This FOB is definitely better than Kandahar..
Q: How does your MOS impact this deployment?
A: I get a better opportunity to learn more about my job.
3 Goals for Deployment:
Educational -“I’d like to learn more about the Automotive
Servicing.”
Professional – “Become an Automotive Technician and run my
own shop.”
Personal – “Try to learn what I can here.”
A/1-82, SPC Christopher Bratton
MOS: 15R- Apache Repairer
Hometown: Bowling Green, Missouri
SPC Bratton is single.
Q: What recreational activities do you participate in here on FOB
Salerno?
A: I work. I like to go to the gym and play video games on both the PS3
and XBOX gaming systems.
Q: What do you like most about this deployment?
A: This is my first Tour. We stay busy working. I like that I have the
opportunity to learn the finer details of my job.
Q: What is your opinion of FOB Salerno?
A: It is a small, quiet place. I like that everything is in walking distance.
Q: How does your MOS impact this deployment?
A: We work hard as Apache Repairer’s so our Pilots can keep the ground
guys safe and be able to maintain that watchful eye while in the air.
3 Goals for Deployment:
Educational -“Enroll in college classes.”
Professional – “To get promoted to the rank of Sergeant.”
Personal – “Return to Fort Bragg more monetary sound than when we
first deployed.”
19
F/5-159th, SGT Ed Bader
MOS: 68W- Healthcare Specialist/Flight Medic
Hometown: Tampa, FL
SGT Bader is married and has one daughter
Q: What recreational activities do you participate in here on
FOB Salerno?
A: Shaking hands and kissing babies
Q: What do you like most about this deployment?
A: The banana French toast at the defac.
Q: What is your opinion of FOB Salerno?
A: It is pretty nice.
Q: How does your MOS impact this deployment?
A: I save lives.
3 Goals for Deployment:
Educational -“Stay current on medical and continue medical
education.”
Professional – “To do the best job I can.”
Personal – “Figure out how to use swa email.”
A/2-82, SPC Tommy Spikes
MOS: 91C- Utilities Equipment Repairer
Hometown: Killeem, Texas
SPC Spikes is married.
Q: What recreational activities do you participate in here on FOB
Salerno?
A: I play video games and workout at the gym.
Q: What do you like most about this deployment?
A: I like flying. It’s really fun.
Q: What is your opinion of FOB Salerno?
A: It is the best FOB in Afghanistan.
Q: How does your MOS impact this deployment?
A: Without the Air Taxi, nothing gets done.
3 Goals for Deployment:
Educational - “Keep working closer towards my degree.”
Professional – “Get promoted to the rank of Sergeant.”
Personal – “I would like to get a 300 on my PT test.”
20
D/1-82, SPC Joshua Guertin
MOS: 15B- Aircraft Power plant Repairer
Hometown: Sanford, Maine
SPC Guertin is married with one daughter.
Q: What recreational activities do you participate in here on
FOB Salerno?
A: I play XBOX and work.
Q: What do you like most about this deployment?
A: We live in hardened buildings.
Q: What is your opinion of FOB Salerno?
A: It’s nice. I like the RSOI tent defac.
Q: How does your MOS impact this deployment?
A: We keep the aircrafts flying.
3 Goals for Deployment:
Educational -“Keep working towards my degree.”
Professional – “Get promoted to the rank of Sergeant.”
Personal – “Keep doing my job to the best of my ability.”
E/1-82, SPC Denver Cristello
MOS: 92F- Petroleum Supply Specialist
Hometown: Dunnellon, Florida
SPC Cristello has one daughter
Q: What recreational activities do you participate in here on FOB
Salerno?
A: I work and I workout at the gym.
Q: What do you like most about this deployment?
A: I like how we all work together as a family to get the job done.
Q: What is your opinion of FOB Salerno?
A: This FOB is nice. It has everything you need. The living quarters are
nice.
Q: How does your MOS impact this deployment?
A: We provide the aircrafts with fuel and ammo so the pilots can
continue with their missions.
3 Goals for Deployment:
Educational -“Continue working towards my degree..”
Professional – “Keep learning more about my job to prepare me for
when I get out of the Army.”
Personal – “To make it home to my daughter and work on my resume. I
plan to work for Lockheed Martin when I get out.”
21
NCO INDUCTION CEREMONY
22
HHC Change of Command
23
REENLISTMENTS
24
REENLISTMENTS
25
HIGHLIGHTS
26
Below are the addresses for
Each of the Companies/Troop.
Feel free to send letters and
boxes to your Trooper.
GREYWOLVES
Rank, Last Name, First
HHC/1-82, TF Wolfpack
FOB SALERNO
APO, AE 09314
ROUGHNECKS
Rank, Last Name, First
A Troop/1-17, TF Wolfpack
FOB SALERNO
APO, AE 09314
REDHAWKS
Rank, Last Name, First
A/2-82, TF Wolfpack
FOB SALERNO
APO, AE 09314
TIMBERWOLVES
Rank, Last Name, First
D/1-82, TF Wolfpack
FOB SALERNO
APO, AE 09314
DEVIL RAY DUSTOFF
Rank, Last Name, First
F/5-159, TF Wolfpack
FOB SALERNO
APO, AE 09314
REDWOLVES
Rank, Last Name, First
A/1-82, TF Wolfpack
FOB SALERNO
APO, AE 09314
TITANS
Rank, Last Name, First
B/3-238, TF Wolfpack
FOB SALERNO
APO, AE 09314
LONEWOLVES
Rank, Last Name, First
E/1-82, TF Wolfpack
FOB SALERNO
APO, AE 09314