Friday, Sept. 8, 2006 www.hood.army.mil/1stcavdiv/ “Telling the First Team’s Story” Troops Arrive in Iraq, Take Over Support Operations TAJI, Iraq -- The 15th Sustainment Brigade's Special Troops Battalion uncased their battalion colors during an early morning ceremony on Sept. 3 at Camp Taji, a logistics hub located just north of Baghdad. The uncasing ceremony marked the battalion formally assuming the mission responsi- bility from the 4th Sustainment Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. Exactly 28 days from the last main body departure from Fort Hood, but after many months of preparations, the bat- talion became the first unit from the 1st Cavalry Division to relieve members of the 4th Infantry Division from their mission in Iraq. "The 4th BSTB provided us tremendous support during our transition," said Lt. Col. Victoriano Garcia, Jr., the bat- talion commander. "We will continue to maintain the excel- lent reputation for support, cus- tomer service and mission accomplishment that the 4th BTB developed during their deployment." The battalion now turns its sights to establishing opera- tions, building key relation- ships and improving the quality of life and living conditions for all of the Soldiers while assist- ing Iraqi Security Forces and providing base defense at their base camp. "We have a long year ahead of us, but our Soldiers are well trained to accomplish the mission," Garcia said. "Morale has been high since we left Fort Hood and our Soldiers are ready to get to work." (Photo by Maj. Robert Cain, 3rd BCT) Good-bye Grey Wolf! Sgt. Michael Perez, Company F, 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and other "Grey Wolf" Soldiers say good-bye to their loved ones Sept. 2, prior to deploying to Kuwait as part of the Port Support Activity group responsible for the move- ment, maintenance and security of the brigade's equipment in Kuwait. The group was the first 300 troops of Grey Wolf to depart. (See story on Page 3) (Courtesy Photo) Lt. Col. Victoriano Garcia, Jr., the 15th Sustainment Brigade's Special Troops Battalion commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Long, the battalion's top noncommissioned officer, uncase the battalion's colors during the ceremony at Camp Taji Sept. 3.
Transcript
Friday, Sept. 8, 2006www.hood.army.mil/1stcavdiv/ “Telling the First Team’s Story”
Sustainment Brigade's SpecialTroops Battalion uncased theirbattalion colors during an earlymorning ceremony on Sept. 3at Camp Taji, a logistics hublocated just north of Baghdad.
The uncasing ceremonymarked the battalion formallyassuming the mission responsi-bility from the 4th SustainmentBrigade Special TroopsBattalion, 4th InfantryDivision.
Exactly 28 days from thelast main body departure fromFort Hood, but after manymonths of preparations, the bat-talion became the first unitfrom the 1st Cavalry Divisionto relieve members of the 4th
Infantry Division from theirmission in Iraq.
"The 4th BSTB providedus tremendous support during
our transition," said Lt. Col.Victoriano Garcia, Jr., the bat-talion commander. "We willcontinue to maintain the excel-
lent reputation for support, cus-tomer service and missionaccomplishment that the 4thBTB developed during theirdeployment."
The battalion now turns itssights to establishing opera-tions, building key relation-ships and improving the qualityof life and living conditions forall of the Soldiers while assist-ing Iraqi Security Forces andproviding base defense at theirbase camp.
"We have a long yearahead of us, but our Soldiersare well trained to accomplishthe mission," Garcia said."Morale has been high since weleft Fort Hood and our Soldiersare ready to get to work."
(Photo by Maj. Robert Cain, 3rd BCT)
Good-byeGrey Wolf!Sgt. Michael Perez,Company F, 215th BrigadeSupport Battalion, 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 1stCavalry Division, andother "Grey Wolf"Soldiers say good-bye totheir loved ones Sept. 2,prior to deploying toKuwait as part of the PortSupport Activity groupresponsible for the move-ment, maintenance andsecurity of the brigade'sequipment in Kuwait. Thegroup was the first 300troops of Grey Wolf todepart.(See story on Page 3)
(Courtesy Photo)
Lt. Col. Victoriano Garcia, Jr., the 15th SustainmentBrigade's Special Troops Battalion commander, andCommand Sgt. Maj. Richard Long, the battalion's topnoncommissioned officer, uncase the battalion's colorsduring the ceremony at Camp Taji Sept. 3.
CommentaryPage 2 Sept. 8, 2006
Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil, Jr.Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Scott BleichwehlCommand Information Officer: Master Sgt. Dave LarsenEditor: Sgt. Nicole KojetinContributing Writers: Sgt. 1st Class Kap Kim, Sgt. Jon Cupp, Sgt.Robert Strain, Sgt. Cheryl Cox, Spc. Alexis Harrison, Spc. NathanHoskins, Spc. Sheena Reyes, Spc. Charlie Maib, Spc. Robert Yde, Spc.L.B. Edgar, Pfc. Ben Fox, Pfc. Ryan Stroud, Pfc. Jeffery Ledesma, Pfc.
Kate Hufff, Pvt. Tiffany MercerContact Crossed Sabers at 287-6162, 287-9400 or [email protected] Sabers is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents ofCrossed Sabers are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the First Cavalry Division. All editorialcontent of Crossed Sabers is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 1st CavalryDivision Public Affairs Office.
MMaann oonn tthhee SSttrreeeettHow do you feel about theprogress the U.S. has madetowards women’s equality?
“We've thrown manystereotypes out thedoor; we're no longerlimited to becomingnurses or secretaries.Now we have womandoctors operating andfemales joining the mil-itary. Being in theArmy myself, I can saywe're definitely headedtowards a better future."
"I think that we've madea lot of progress. Todaywe're in an era where awoman can run for presi-dent. Women are in lead-ership positions andmaking things happen.Our progress has allowedus to send women to themoon, watch women runhuge corporations andfight the fight on the bat-tlefield.
“I feel that women havetruly evolved into theirown self-proclaimedentity. Today's modernwoman is not afraid totake on the tasks themodern world provides.Women are still contin-uing to climb the 'cor-porate' ladders whilesustaining all the deci-sions they face.“
Capt. Dawn WilliamsFrom Charlotte, Va.Headquarters Co.,Division SpecialTroops Bn.
Sgt. 1st ClassCeletia Carroll From McGregor, TexasHeadquarters Co.,Division SpecialTroops Bn.
The First Team isin Iraq now. Whilemost of us go throughour final preparationsprior to deployment,Col. Aundre Piggeeand Command Sgt.Maj. Mark Joseph unfurled the unitcolors of the division's 15thSustainment Brigade at Camp Taji,marking the first unit to complete itsrelief in place of our brothers from the4th Infantry Division.
The 1st Air Cavalry Brigade and"Grey Wolf" troopers from the 3rdBrigade Combat Team are the nextSoldiers standing in the door.
Over the coming months, more andmore cavalry troopers will say good-bye to their loved ones and leave centralTexas behind. We're moving thousandsof troops and mountains of material aswe deploy. Let's do this safely.
The division's "Power Thought"has never held more importance, as wehead into harm's way.
I can save my own life.Leaders are responsible for mak-
ing risk assessments for all activities,but that one short sentence brings it allhome to each of us. We are responsi-ble to each other to do the right thing,but most of all, we owe it to ourselvesto make risk management our numberone priority.
Think safety … always. Many ofus are heading into a final block leaveperiod … a last chance to enjoy every-thing that being home has to offer. Besmart about it.
I am responsible for my own safe-ty, both on and off duty, on and off post.
Know the risk factors for every-thing you do, and mitigate the risk bytaking the proper precautions. Manyof you will drive great distances to seefamily and friends one last time. Plan
your trip wisely, andallow yourself ampletime to get whereyou're going and getback safely. Fatiguecan kill you. Fallingasleep behind the
wheel won't put you in the arms ofyour loved ones. It will put you in thehospital … or worse.
Wear your seat belts, always, andeverywhere you go. It's the law. Ifmotorcycles are your passion, wear ahelmet and the proper attire. It couldsave your life.
Slow down on the highways andbyways. A speeding ticket can be theleast of your worries if you're drivingtoo fast for road conditions. We'veactually seen some rain lately, andmany of us might have forgotten howto drive on a slick surface. Give your-self safe following distances, and don'tbe in a rush to get to where you'regoing. It's better to get there a littlelate, than not get there at all.
Lastly, go easy on the alcohol. Weall know that drugs are a no-go,already, but don't use your last days inthe states to see how much you canimbibe. You want to remember the funyou had. Take it easy on the bottle.
Why is this important?You are important. This division
needs every trooper it has to meet thechallenges ahead. Your nation isdepending on you.
This division will case its colorson Cooper Field Sept. 28, officiallymarking the division's departure fromcentral Texas. We won't unfurl itagain until we're in Baghdad.
Your leaders are counting on youto do the right things and return toyour unit re-energized, motivated andin one piece. You can save your ownlife, and it starts today.
(Photos by Pfc. Jeffrey Ledesma, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs)
GGrreeyy WWoollff LLeeaaddss tthhee PPaacckk……Troops Deploy to Prep for Brigade's Arrival
News Sept. 8, 2006Page 3
By Pfc. Ben Fox3rd BCT Public Affairs
Approximately 300Soldiers from the 1st CavalryDivision's "Grey Wolf" BrigadeCombat Team deployed toKuwait Sept. 2 to pave the wayfor the brigade's arrival there.
The Port Support Activity,or PSA, left from Fort Hood tosupport Grey Wolf's upcomingdeployment, said Maj. TimKarcher, the brigade's opera-tions officer and native ofHarker Heights, Texas.
The PSA's mission is todownload all of the brigade'sequipment in Kuwait andarrange for the movement andstaging of equipment inKuwait, Karcher said.
Of the Soldiers whodeployed, approximately 120Soldiers will remain in Kuwaituntil the brigade completes itsdeployment. Those Soldiers
will comprise the mission's sus-tainment and security element,and will be required to main-tain and secure the brigade'sequipment until the rest of the
Grey Wolf troops arrive incountry.
After the Soldiers of thePSA remove the equipment andvehicles from the ships and
relocate them to the stagingarea, the S&S element willarrange the equipment in unitassembly areas, said Karcher.The Soldiers will conductweekly maintenance checks onthe vehicles and repair any dis-abled vehicles, ensuring theequipment is combat ready andcombat efficient.
While in Kuwait, the lead-ership assigned to the S&S ele-ment will set conditions for theremainder of the brigade - eas-ing the transition of deploy-ment as the main body of thebrigade arrives and prepares toaccomplish its mission,Karcher said.
Besides helping to prepareequipment, Karcher said theleadership in Kuwait will beresponsible for arranging livingaccommodations and schedul-ing necessary ranges to furtheradvance the brigade's combateffectiveness.
(Photo by Spc. Charlie Maib, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs)
A Soldier from 3rd Brigade Combat Team consoles hiswife before departing for his journey to Kuwait Sept. 2The brigade sent about 300 Soldiers to pave the way forthe rest of Grey Wolf.
BBrriiggaaddee FFiirrsstt iinn CCaavv ttoo AAcchhiieevvee RReetteennttiioonn MMiissssiioonnBy Pfc. Ben Fox3rd BCT Public Affairs
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1stCavalry Division became the first brigadeto finish its annual retention mission.
Command Sgt. Maj. Donald R. Felt,the brigade's senior non commissionedofficer, said it is a significant achievementfor the brigade to be the first to achieve itsretention mission.
Felt said this achievement is a directreflection of the command climate, and themotivation and professionalism ofGreywolf Soldiers.
Felt said the focal point for the Armyis to retain trained soldiers, which thebrigade has attacked as any other criticalmission.
Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Helmes, the
brigade's career counselor said the brigadehad the largest retention mission in theentire division and was the first in the divi-sion to reach its annual retention goal.
"This shows me we have the best chainof command, career counselors and overallretention team in the division," said Helmes.
Without the chain of command'sinvolvement, the brigade would have notbeen the first to finish, he said.
The success of the mission shows thatthe leadership from the squad leaders to thebrigade commander, and especially thesenior non commissioned officers showeda general concern for the Soldiers and theirfamilies, said Helmes.
Helmes said Soldiers who re-enliststrengthen the brigade's combat readiness.
"You have Soldiers dedicated to thecause and want to be here," said Helmes.
The Soldiers also bring valuable expe-rience to the table, and the experiencedleaders will be able to pass their skills tothe younger Soldiers, making the brigade amore lethal force, he said.
The retention mission is importantbecause it manages the Army's strength,and if the mission is not met, the Army'sstrength is weakened, he said.
"This is the best job in the world tohave to take care of your family," he said,adding that the medical and dental benefitsalone can't be beat by any corporation inthe country.
No where else in the country can a per-son find a job that gives him 30 days ofpaid leave and 24 holidays a year, he said.
On top of that, Helmes said there is nobetter way to get cheap or free college tuitionfor a worker and his family members.
By Sgt. Nicole Kojetin1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
Republican Sen. JamesInhofe, a member of the SenateArmed Services Committee, madea brief stop at the 1st CavalryDivision headquarters MondayAug. 28 to receive a readinessbriefing from the command lead-ership.
"What he really wanted to geta feel for is what can be done andwhere are we, so that the Senate,for example, can focus severalyears ahead and try to help us
through the preparation for war ina different way than we had to gothrough this time," Brooks saidfollowing the visit.
The senator from Oklahomaspent approximately two hours atthe division headquarters, gaininginsight into the deploymentprocess for the First Team.
"We tried to give him somecandid feedback on where wethink we really are, in terms of ourreadiness for war, what it is we arepreparing for, and how wetrained," Brooks said. "He is goingto take it from there."
News Sept. 8, 2006Page 4
RReetteennttiioonn TTeeaamm UUnnvveeiillss NNeeww PPoosstteerrHHiigghhlliigghhttiinngg DDiivviissiioonn''ss RReettuurrnn ttoo IIrraaqqBy Master Sgt. Dave Larsen1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
Nothing says "Stay Cav"quite like a "Stay Cav" poster.At least that's what the folks atthe 1st Cavalry Division'sretention office believe.
The new poster will soongrace brigade and battalionheadquarter walls, focusing FirstTeam troops on retention and themission at hand, said Sgt. Maj.Derek Dahlke, the division'scommand career counselor.
"The new poster is targetingour next deployment - support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom,"Dahlke said. "When you look atthe poster, it represents the mod-ern Army, the Army of today.The cloud behind it representsour history … our tradition. It'salways with us."
The latest poster is actual-ly the third in a series started
when the division was in Iraqthe last time.
"Looking back over time,we've had great reenlistmentposters," Dahlke said. "We want-ed to continue that tradition."
The new design features amore modern look for the militaryvehicles, as they are drive ahead of
an electrical storm. The storm,Dahlke said, has a special meaning.
"What it signifies is thestorm coming, the storm that willtake place when the 1st Cav getsthere (in Iraq)," the Houstonnative said. "What it doesn'treflect is that calm after thestorm."The Operation Iraqi
(Photo by Sgt. Nicole Kojetin, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs)
Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks, the 1st CavalryDivision's deputy commanding general for sup-port, escorts Sen. James M. Inhofe, R-Ok., into thedivision headquarters at Fort Hood Aug. 28.According to Brooks, the senator visited to get arealistic view of operations at the division leveland get feedback from its leadership.
Freedom commemorative poster'sdesign will find its way to morethan unit day rooms. Dahlke saidcoffee mugs and other items willalso feature the new logo.
"We create what we call'reenlistment appreciationitems,' which are given out atthe time of reenlistment," hesaid. "These are also given tothe museum as historical itemsfor down the road, but for now,they're just appreciation itemsfor Soldiers."
The main message thecommand's career counselorwants to leave with divisiontroops is one of inspiration.
"The intent is, one, to pro-mote reenlistment and, two, tomaintain morale as we deploy,"Dahlke said. "We're producingposters that will inspire andmotivate Soldiers, making themknow that they're part of ateam.”
SSppeecciiaall DDeelliivveerryy::Surprise Birthday No Party for Proud Papa
News Sept. 8, 2006Page 5
By Master Sgt. Dave Larsen1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
Shania Jackson wasn'texpected to arrive until Aug.4. She not only came early.She came into this world in arush.
Staff Sgt. Carla Williams,a supply sergeant with the 4thInfantry Division's 204thSupport Battalion, startedhaving contractions at 2:45a.m. July 26.
She didn't want to wakeher husband, Ray Jackson,asleep in the upstairs bedroomof their home in theCommanche IV housing area,until it was time.
Carla started walkingaround downstairs.
"After about an hour, Ineeded to use the bathroom,"recalled the six-year Armyveteran from Blytheville,Ark., who had been workingfor her unit's rear detachmentduring her pregnancy. "WhenI got there, my water broke
and the baby's head poppedout."
Her husband was alreadyawake upstairs when he heardhis wife's frantic cry for helpfrom the downstairs bath-room.
Call it intuition, call itluck, but Ray was alreadywide awake and able to assistCarla in the rapid birth of theirsecond daughter.
"When I saw the baby'shead sticking out, I knew I hadto lay Carla down," said thenative of Pensacola, Fla. "Ibroke one telephone, droppingit, trying to call 9-1-1, butfinally reached an ambulanceusing my cell phone."
As he juggled his cellphone, Baby Shania didn'twant to wait until paramedics
got to the house. At 4:03a.m., Carla and Ray had ahealthy 6 lb., 10 oz., 19-inchbaby girl.
"I grabbed a towel off thebathroom rack and caught thebaby as she came out," Raysaid. "Once the baby wasborn, my next concern was mywife … keeping her warm andcomfortable because she wascold and shaking."
The ordeal of bringingtheir child into the worldthemselves was over quickly,and when the ambulancearrived at their home ten min-utes after the call, the para-medics let Ray do the honorsof cutting the umbilical cord.
Surprisingly, Carla saidShania's birth was easier thanthat of her two-year-old sister,
Shakeyvia."For me, knowing that
Ray was there made it all eas-ier," Carla said, even thoughshe delivered without the aidof any pain medication.
If Shania had come a fewdays later, Ray wouldn't havebeen there at all.
He had a temporary dutytrip to make for his job, work-ing as a contract employee forthe 1st Cavalry Division head-quarters' CommandMaintenance Equipment andEvaluation Team (COMET).Shania's birth nixed the TDYtrip.
The timing of his daugh-ter's birth, and his own premo-
(Courtesy photos from Ray Jackson)
Carla Williams cradles her newborn daughter, Shania, at Darnell Hospital July 26. Thebaby arrived ten days early and in less than ten minutes of labor at the family homeon Fort Hood. Carla's husband, Ray Jackson, assisted in the delivery in the familybathroom before paramedics could arrive.
See Stork Page 6
After a long morning,Shania Jackson (6 lbs., 10oz., 19-inches) can rest onher birthday at the DarnellMedical Center at FortHood July 26.
nition that something was wrong towake him up from a deep sleepbefore his wife went into full laborconvinced Ray that he had an angelon his shoulder that morning.
"I know that God was lookingout for us that morning," he said.
When the family arrived atFort Hood's Darnell MedicalCenter, Ray said he was praised bythe medical staff for his quick reac-tion and congratulated for helpingto bring his daughter into the world.
For himself, Ray was just
happy to be able to relax, knowinghis wife and daughter were fine andreceiving professional medicalcare.
As for him being some kind ofhero, Ray said he looks up to hiswife for all that she's been through.
"I think that she's my hero,"Ray said. "She went through allthat without any medication."
With the healthy delivery oftheir second daughter, both Ray andCarla said there won't be anotherchance for Ray to play doctoragain.
"I think we'll quit at two," Raysaid.
News Sept. 8, 2006Page 6
Hundreds Watch as Captain 'Pops the Question'FRISCO, Texas - Getting
engaged is an emotional event.For some guys, getting it justright takes a little extra effort.
One officer with the 1stCavalry Division's SpecialTroops Battalion found aunique way to pop the question
in front of hundreds of minorleague baseball fans Aug. 19.
division's DSTB, proposed tohis girlfriend, Kym, at a FriscoRoughriders AA baseballgame. The proposal came as acomplete surprise to Kym.
She thought he was just atthe game to throw out the firstpitch.
"My girlfriend (thought)that all of this is in recognitionof my service before I departlater on in the year,"Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman was deckedout in his dress blue uniformfor his minor league pitchingdebut, adding a nice touch forthe main event. After throwingout the first pitch, the captaintook his seat and waited for thestadium's "Kiss Cam" to cap-ture them during the game.
"They focus on couples,and they kiss when they seeeach other on the big screen,"Zimmerman said. InZimmerman's case, instead ofjust kissing, he dropped to oneknee and popped the question.
Hundreds watched as Kymsaid, "Yes!" and the coupleembraced.
(Courtesy Photo)
Capt. Brock Zimmerman proposes to his girlfriend, Kym, a Frisco Roughriders AAbaseball game Aug. 19 in Frisco, Texas. The assistant operations officer for the 1stCavalry Division's Special Troops Battalion said that Kym had no idea what he wasplanning until he dropped to his knee.
The Phantom Express Registration Centerwill be open on two Saturdays to accommodatefamily members who work during the week.
The center located in the 1st CavalryDivision Headquarters building 28000, room1125, will be open Sept. 9 and 23 from 10 p.m. to2 p.m.
In order to register, the family member needsto bring their military identification card, vehicleregistration, drivers license, insurance card, andDoD decal number and expiration date writtendown.
All family member that will be registeredneed to be present so their photo can be taken.
MMoorree TThhaann JJuusstt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn
FRG Aims to Create First Team Family
Readiness Sept. 8, 2006Page 7
By Sgt. Nicole Kojetin1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
Family is essential. In the Army, deployment is unavoidable. The two combined can be difficult to
balance, but there is help out there at yourFamily Readiness Group.
"(The FRG) is a section of the popula-tion that assists families, especially during adeployment," said Carol Livengood, the sitemanager for the U.S. Army ForcesCommand Family Readiness GroupDeployment Assistance Program for the 1stCavalry Division.
The group creates an informationalloop between family members and the com-mand. The spouse can find out how to get incontact with their troop, how to mail things,how to get assistance with a financial prob-lem, get good news stories about what theirSoldier is doing, and get just about any otherquestion they have answered.
"That is our sole purpose in life, toensure that family members -- to include
moms, dads, uncles, extended family mem-bers, not just spouses -- can get the informa-tion they need," said the Iuka, Miss. native.
Providing a Support NetworkFamilies can also use their FRG as a
support group during deployment. WendyFil, a senior FRG leader and the wife of thedivision's commanding general, Maj. Gen.Joseph F. Fil, Jr., swears that FRGs trulyhelp families in times of hardship.
This Tupelo, Miss. native will neverforget her own experience with her familyreadiness group in Germany. She was preg-nant with their first child, and her husbandwas deployed in support of Desert Storm.
"We were given the option to go hometo be with our family members, but therewas just no way that I was going to do that."Fil said. "I knew that as much as I loved myfamily, no one really understood me betterthan my Army family. The ladies that wentthrough this deployment with me were mysisters. We helped each other through. "
Instead of finding just a packet of infor-mation, Fil found an Army family, and shesaid that is what supporters will find in theirFRG, as well. Although, her experience wasmore than a decade ago, the Army familyshares the same goals today, to get the infor-mation as quickly as possible to families.
"I knew I would receive the most perti-nent information through my FRG," Fil said
Virtual InvolvementBut this program isn't just for spouses
and children of Soldiers any more. A newVirtual Family Readiness Group is on theInternet, allowing extended family membersto get involved, as well. Livengood said thevFRG alleviates stress all around.
"In the past, such as OIF II, I receivedmore phone calls from extended familymembers worried about their Soldier (thanany other calls)," Livengood said. "Now wehave the ability and capability to reach outto those family members who are distantgeographically."
That means that moms, dads, uncles,aunts, siblings, cousins, any family membercan all have access to this informationthrough the website www.armyfrg.org.
If FRGs are tight-knit, the network also
helps ease the mind of the troop deployed."It is also a force multiplier (increasing
the ability for a troop to fight), because if aSoldier is worrying about what is going on inhis or her home camp, it is impossible for themto focus on the mission," Livengood said.
Families can also visit the First Team'swebsite to get additional unit information.
"The family members now have a(rumor control) button that is on the Cavwebsite where they have an instant line tothe command here at the First Team,"Livengood said. "They can ask any ques-tions that they like (via e-mail) and thoserecurring questions are placed on the web-site with answers."
This new virtual face of the FRG helpsthe information flow a little smoother, shesaid. It isn't the only change that has beenimplemented within the FRG system.
Go TeamDuring a notification of a death of a
troop, there is now a new step between the
Carol Livengood is the site managerfor the U.S. Army Forces CommandFamily Readiness GroupDeployment Assistance Program forthe 1st Cavalry Division. She helpsfamilies connect with their FRGs.
(Photos by Sgt. Nicole Kojetin, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs)
Wendy Fil, the senior leader for 1stCavalry Division Family ReadinessGroup and the wife of the division'scommanding general, Maj. Gen.Joseph F. Fil, Jr., talks about howFRGs help Soldiers and their fami-lies during deployment. See Family Page 8
Readiness Sept. 8, 2006Page 8
Troops Need to Update Records for DeploymentBy Sgt. 1st Class Kap Kim2nd BCT Public Affairs
When Sgt. 1st Class LeoDavis, the Fire Support non-commissioned officer-in-charge, deployed to Iraq in2004, he was then a staff ser-geant, and among other things,he worried about making thelist for his next rank.
"I had one of my first ser-geants tell me once, 'It's yourcareer; they're your records;you make sure it's straight; it'snot on the Army.'"
He said he understoodthere might be all the servicesset up in place for Soldierswhile in Iraq. So, before hedeployed to Iraq, he made surehis Enlisted Records Brief,Official Military Personnel Fileand Department of the ArmyOfficial Photo were up to date.
According to Chief
Warrant Officer Jamie R.Alonso, 2nd BCT's MilitaryPersonnel Technician, duringSoldier Readiness Process,Soldiers go through the ForwardSupport Team and theirPersonnel section's stationupdating their ServicemembersGroup Life Insurance andDepartment of Defense Form 93
"Record of Emergency Data.""SRPs are important
because it ensures that Soldiers'family members are taken careof in case something happens tothem," said Alonso.
Alonso added that althoughthe SRP takes care of manyPersonnel-type issues, there areitems that SRPs are notequipped to do such as updatingEnlisted/Officer Records Briefsor OMPFs, making identifica-tion tags, DA photos and sever-al others.
Although this might notaffect most Soldiers, there arestill those items such asenrolling family members in theDefense Enrollment EligibilityReporting System and identifi-cation cards that sometimestend to get overlooked before adeployment, according to Sgt.Brandon Renfro, 2nd BCT'sForward Area Support Team
noncommissioned officer-in-charge.
"These might be some ofthe things you won't be able todo down range," Renfro said."From what I understand, wewill have full services [in Iraq],but Soldiers won't be able toupdate their OMPF."
Some other things Soldiersand family members shouldlook out for is the changes ofmarital status and additions ofnew family members to beenrolled into DEERS.Documents needed for theseupdates will be marriage certifi-cates, divorce decrees (signedby a judge) and child/children'sbirth certificates.
When it comes to theSRPs, Alonso said that the mostimportant part of updating theSGLI and DD 93 is to bringaccurate addresses for all bene-ficiaries and family members.
notification and the arrival of a "CareTeam." To help ensure that the family getseverything they need at this time of crisis,the FRG will send in a "Go Team" first.
"They go in with an initial assessment,to basically show that the 1st Cav. Div. caresand they look around the house and find outif they have kids, animals, anything theymight need help with, Livengood."
After getting the assessment from theGo Team, a Care Team actually works onthose needs, like getting meals, picking upfamily members from the airport or justanswering the phone.
Maintaining the virtual informationlines of communication and providing careduring a crisis are two large missions of theFRG.
The leaders also take time to find peo-ple to help families reintegrate after the their
Soldier's return."As the redeployment occurs, it is
important that they have the reunion train-ing to talk about the differences in theirSoldiers -- how you have changed and howyour Soldier has changed -- and helpfulhints to work through (being together again)
and resources available to assist them ifthere are issues," Livengood said.
Overall, Fil thinks that all the FRGpieces have come together and that they areprepared for the upcoming deployment.
"I think that our family readinessgroups are extremely prepared,"" she said."They have gone through countless hours oftraining and I think that we have a wonder-ful program on Fort Hood that we havepassed along from deployment to deploy-ment. We have a lot of things we havelearned from previous deployments with 4thID and 1st Cav. Div."
Fil said the FRG is great for all ranksand encourages family members to comeout and join the First Team family.
To contact your FRG leader, visit the1st Cavalry Division website athttp://www.hood.army.mil/1stcavdiv/ andclick on FRG on the menu bar. FRG infor-mation can also be obtained athttp://www.armyfrg.org or from the unit'scommander.
The Virtual Family Readiness Groupallows extended family members tostay connected with their Soldier'sunit during a deployment.
(Graphic by Sgt. Nicole Kojetin, 1st Cav. Public Affairs
With a 30-millimeter chain gun, 2.75-inch high-explosive rockets and plenty ofHellfire missiles, the AH-64D Apacheattack helicopter is an insurgent's worstnightmare.
Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 227thAviation Regiment, 1st Air CavalryBrigade, 1st Cavalry Division know thisbetter than anyone - they train with themday in and day out.
"First Attack," as they are more com-monly called, recently ended major train-ing events with a convoy live fire exercisealso known as Table XXII.
Table XXII is an advanced gunnerythat involves Apaches giving convoy secu-rity, while troops in the convoy learn howto communicate and control the air sup-port, said 1st Lt. Michael Hutson, a pilotand acting executive officer of CompanyB, 1-227th Aviation.
"This tactical exercise will exercise
both our air-to-ground and ground-to-airintegration skills ensuring that when weface any insurgent in Iraq, our combatskills will be instinctive and our judgmentrapid for executing lethal force …," saidLt. Col. Christopher Walach, First Attack'scommander.
"Generally, the convoy commandersand convoy personnel benefit from it aswell [as the pilots] because very few con-voys that we escort have had any dealingswith aircraft, never talked to the aircraft orcontrolled aircraft before," Hutson said.
Pfc. Ashley Transue, a logistical sup-ply specialist for Headquarters andHeadquarters Company, 1-227th, was thetruck commander for the lead vehicle inone exercise.
She had to employ skills learned at theJoint Readiness Training Center at FortPolk, La., while First Attack was there inMay.
Transue had to call in enemy locationsand activity to the convoy commander toensure the entire convoy was aware of their
environment, she said.While some touched up on their battle-
field communication skills, others honedtheir driving skills.
Pfc. Edward Alamenas, an aviationoperations specialist also with theHeadquarters and Headquarters Company,drove a Light Medium Tactical Vehicleduring the training and learned how tokeep distance while maintaining situation-al awareness of the convoy, he said.
Fifty-caliber machine gunners also hadan opportunity to sharpen their skills withpop-up targets. Some targets had whitesashes on them to signify them as innocentbystanders, said Pfc. Jerrica Maikranz, asupply clerk with the battalion.
The Apache pilots had their way withtargets also, engaging them with their 30-mm chain guns and rockets, said Hutson.
"This was a good refresher course forthe pilots who had been to Operation IraqiFreedom I and OIF II," Hutson said. "Itwas also very beneficial for the pilots rightout of flight school who haven't deployed."
(Photo by Spc. Nathan Hoskins, 1st ACB Public Affairs)
Pvt. Jerrica Maikranz, a unit supply clerk for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 1st AirCavalry Brigade, fired at "enemy" pop-up targets during a live-fire convoy training exercise recently.
Warrior Sept. 8, 2006Page 10
Pre-DDeployment Brief... For Kids?By Spc. Nathan Hoskins1st ACB Public Affairs
The lights were dimmed in a room atthe Phantom Warrior Center and the chil-dren were impatiently shuffling around intheir seats waiting for the guest speaker toappear.
Then it happened: Elmo, the famous,fury, red Sesame Street character, poppedinto view on a wide-screen monitor. Thiswas the opening for "Talk, Listen,Connect: Helping Families DuringMilitary Deployment," a video focused onchildren before, during and after deploy-ment.
This was the beginning of the pre-deployment briefing for the children ofSoldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade,1st Cavalry Division Aug. 24.
Heather Howse, a child and safetytrainer with Family Advocacy, in conjunc-tion with the brigade's Family ReadinessGroup leader, Jenny O'Rourke, put togeth-er three nights of briefings for the childrenwhile their parents were in another roomsitting through a pre-deployment briefingof their own.
"It's a different and fun way for kids tolearn about deployment and everything toexpect," said Howse.
O'Rourke, an Army spouse with threekids of her own explained that there havebeen a lot of studies showing that deploy-ments affect kids more than most assumeand that the kids have a tendency to holdtheir feelings in.
"It's a good chance for them to talk toother kids that are going through the samething and get some good coping skills forthe next year," she said.
The briefing consists of a video ofElmo going through what most kids gothrough when their mother or father goaway on a deployment, said Sgt. MartinIbarra, a volunteer with the program fromthe Headquarters and HeadquartersDetachment, 720th Military PoliceBattalion of the 89th Military PoliceBrigade.
After the video, the children got toindulge themselves with snacks and drinksprovided by the United Service
Organization.While enjoying her snacks, Imani,
daughter of Staff Sgt. Miguel Gonzales, aflight engineer from Company B, 2ndBattalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, talkedabout missing her father. She said she feels"a little bit sad and mad" about her fatherhaving to leave.
But while Imani's father is away, shesaid she plans to send him candy, letters
and her report cards. Gonzales said he was happy to hear
about this briefing for his kids."It is really nice," said the Oxnard,
Calif. native. "I've deployed before - I'vegone to Afghanistan and Korea - and thekids never really had a chance to under-
(Photo by Spc. Nathan Hoskins, 1st ACB Public Affairs)
McGruff the Crime Dog asks the children of the 1st Cavalry Division's 1stAir Cavalry Brigade their ages as they hang on to his every word ... andpaws. He made an appearance at the pre-deployment meeting set asideespecially for kids while their parents were in a separate room for their ownbriefing Aug. 24 at Fort Hood's Phantom Warrior Center.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas- It's 3 a.m. on Aug. 17, andeverything is quiet at HoodArmy Airfield on Fort Hood.However, things don't stay thatway for long as pilots and crewsfrom the 1st Cavalry Division's1st Air Cavalry Brigade preparetheir helicopters for takeoff.
By 5 a.m., a number of thebrigade's AH-64 ApacheLongbow helicopters have leftFort Hood, headed to CorpusChristi, Texas.
Once they arrive at the Portof Corpus Christi, the helicop-ters' rotor blades and antennaeare removed in a matter of min-utes, the first of many stepspreparing the birds for shipment
overseas according to Capt.Josh Baker, an ApacheLongbow pilot and the com-mander of Company C, 1stBattalion, 227th AviationRegiment.
After being disassembled,the helicopters will wait at theport to be loaded onto a largecontainer ship, and the pilotsand crew head back home toFort Hood.
Although the processsounds quick, the preparationsto get the helicopters ready to goto the port started several weeksago, Baker said.
"The maintenance, to getprepared to actually fly to theport, is pretty intensive, [the hel-icopters] have to be [fully mis-sion capable]," he said.
Baker explained that many
of the helicopters needed modi-fications and maintenancebefore it was rated as fully mis-sion capable, including preven-tative maintenance for the timethey would spend aboard theship.
He said the crew chiefs andmaintenance crews were thedriving force behind the needed
maintenance and modificationsto get the helicopters ready. Hesaid the equipment would nothave been ready without the"serious hours" put in by theSoldiers.
Helicopters aren't the onlyequipment being sent to theport, said Col. Daniel Shanahan,the commander of the 1st AirCavalry Brigade.
He explained that thebrigade is sending only aboutone-third of its helicopters andvehicles, as the brigade will betaking over equipment in use bythe 4th Infantry Divisionalready in Iraq.
The equipment left behindby the brigade will be invento-ried and redistributed as neededacross the Army, with themajority of it going to the 4thInfantry Division when theyreturn from Iraq, Shanahan said.The helicopters heading for Iraqwill take about a month to reachits first destination, in Kuwait.
Once the helicopters aretaken off the ship in Kuwait,they are reassembled and main-tenance checks that becameoverdue while aboard the shipare completed by the pilots andcrews before they can be flownnorth to their final destination,Baker said.
(Photos by Lt. Col. Greg Thompson, 1st ACB)
Sgt. Glen Morgan, a crew chief with Company C, 1st Battalion, 227th AviationRegiment of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, prepares the rotor blades for removal on anAH-64 Apache Longbow helicopter Aug. 19 at the Port of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Contractors at the Port of Corpus Christi remove rotorblades from an AH-64 Apache Longbow helicopter Aug.19.
Warrior Sept. 8, 2006Page 12
Guitar Giveaway Raises $1,400 for FRGBy Sgt. Robert Strain1st ACB Public Affairs
The 1st Battalion, 227thAviation Regiment's FamilyReadiness Group sponsored a
fundraiser in which a custom-made acoustic guitar was givenaway Aug. 26 at the ClearCreek Post Exchange.
Altogether the event raisedmore than $1,400 for the battal-
ion's FRG, according to 2nd Lt.Karra Perkins, a San Jose,Calif., native who ran thefundraiser.
The winner of the guitarwas Capt. Paul Daigle, the
assistant operations officer forthe 1-227th. He bought $50worth of tickets.
"I have played for about 12years now and have neverowned one quite this nice," saidthe four-year Army veteran andnative of Fort Pierce, Fla. "Itwas great that I was able to sup-port the FRG as well."
He built the instrument forme, and I donated it to theFRG," the Fayetteville, Ga.,native said.
It has a sunburst finish andcustom inlay, is crafted offlamed maple with a sprucetop. The guitar has been auto-graphed by Maj. Gen. JosephFil, Jr., the 1st CavalryDivision's commanding gener-al. It also includes a custom 1stCavalry Division pick guardand bridge constructed withBrazilian rosewood, he said.
"I started playing it the daythat I won it, and haven't reallyput it down," Daigle said. "Theaction is perfect for my playingstyle and sounds beautiful. Itblows my other acoustic guitarout of the water!"
(Photo by Sgt. Robert Strain, 1st ACB Public Affairs)
Capt. Josh Baker, the commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 227th AviationRegiment of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, plays a custom-madeacoustic guitar at Fort Hood's Clear Creek Post Exchange before choosing the gui-tar's new owner in fundraiser drawing Aug. 26.
stand. All they know is that I'mhere and then I'm gone. I can sitthere and talk with them asmuch as I can, but then I'mgone all of a sudden."
Once the snacks whereeaten, the kids participated ingames set up by Ibarra andHowse.
"What I do is I combinethe actual learning into theform of games," she said."Whenever we get to the
games, there are opportunitiesfor the kids to learn how toexpress their feelings."
The kids divide up intoteams and take on each other ina game of 'Child SafetyJeopardy' that touches on sub-jects like trust, internet safetyand more, Howse said.
With the briefing comingto a close, there was one finalguest to make an appearance -McGruff the Crime Dog.
With the children swarm-ing him, McGruff politely letthem pet him while he teasedand played with the kids.
O'Rourke has been an FRGleader since June 2004.
She said she has pushedfor more programs that focuson the children of deployedparents because the Army had-n't focused on that area of con-cern. She said the SesameStreet video helps start thatprocess of focusing on the chil-dren.
The video is availablethrough the MilitaryOneSource website, www.mili-taryonesource.com or throughthe Sesame Street Workshop'swebsite, www.sesamework-
shop.org/tlc, O'Rourke added.Gonzalez said most
deploying parents look at theyear-long separation the sameway.
"I just want to go overthere, do my job and then comeback to my family - for myselfand for all my Soldiers …hopefully [with] all ten fingers,all ten toes and we're good togo," he said.
His oldest daughter, Imani,understands the importance ofhaving her father around andwill miss him because "Hehelps us a lot … a lot," she said.
Deployment Brief Helps Kids Cope With EmotionsKidsFrom Page 10
Ironhorse Sept. 8, 2006Page 13
TTrraaiinniinngg PPrreeppss VVoolluunntteeeerrss ffoorr CCrriissiiss SSiittuuaattiioonnssBy Sgt. Jon Cupp1st BCT Public Affairs
More than 100 familymembers with the 1st CavalryDivision's 1st Brigade CombatTeam took part in care teamtraining sponsored by thebrigade's Family ReadinessGroup (FRG) Aug. 1 and 4 atthe Ironhorse Brigade chapel.
Care teams are designed toprovide immediate short-termsupport for the families ofdeceased or severely injuredSoldiers through the handlingof day to day tasks such aschildcare, preparing meals,grocery shopping and cleaning.
These teams are made up offamily members within thedeceased or severely injuredSoldier's unit and may be twoto three volunteers who assistthe family with immediatephysical needs. The type ofsupport care teams provide arethe things families may not feelup to doing while trying tocope with the grieving process,said Wendy Edwards, theIronhorse Brigade's FRGDeployment Assistant.
"We make sure that weshow the families that wecare," said Edwards to the careteam trainees. "We give thesefamilies the critical support
they need and give them some-one to lean on."
Not long after familieshave been notified of a loss,care teams go into action, butonly if the family has requestedcare team support.
Teams stay with familiesfor up to 72 hours or until thefamilies' support system suchas family members from out oftown or friends arrive.
"For some of these folks,they don't have outside fami-lies, and you're it." said CherieCain, a Fort Hood ArmyCommunity Service reardetachment liaison, to thefuture care team members.
"This is one of the hardestjobs you'll ever do, and it's def-initely the most important,"said Lori Carpenter, who hasserved as an activated careteam member and served as aspeaker during the sessions."You have to remember that asyou go out and do this, it's notwhat you want or need, it's allabout what the family wantsand needs."
Carpenter also explainedthat care teams are not just acti-vated during deployments butare also there, for example,when Soldiers are killed inautomobile accidents stateside
or when family members die."It's important knowing
that you guys have this all yearround," she added. "And we'vebeen contacted not just forSoldiers but for the deaths offamily members as well."
Edwards stressed to thoseattending the training that it isnot the job of care team mem-bers to offer advice on survivorbenefits or things such asfuneral arrangements, but theycan refer families to theCasualty Assistance Office onthese matters. They may alsobe referred to other services forguidance such as the types pro-vided by Army CommunityServices (ACS), the chaplain'soffice or through the Army 1Source website or hotline.
The five-hours of trainingfor the care team members con-sisted of presentations from anArmy Community Service rep-resentative, a CasualtyAssistance Office representa-tive, a former care team mem-ber sharing experiences andanswering questions and a ses-sion with a chaplain on thegrieving process.
Chaplain (Maj.) Kevin
(Photo by Sgt. Jon Cupp, 1st BCT Public Affairs)Chap. (Maj.) Kevin Doll, 1st Brigade Combat Team chap-lain, speaks Aug. 4 to future care team members for theIronhorse Brigade during care team training at theIronhorse Chapel on Fort Hood.
(Photo by Sgt. Cheryl Cox, 1st BCT Public Affars)
In Your Face!!Sgt. Michael Bell, Battery A, 1st Battalion, 82ndField Artillery Regiment, smashes a pie on thehead of 1st Sgt. Robert Spinks, the battery's firstsergeant during a Family Readiness Groupfundraising event Aug. 25. See Care Page 14
Ironhorse Sept. 8, 2006Page 14
By Sgt. Jon Cupp1st BCT Public Affairs
When Soldiers from Battery A, 1stBattalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regimentpicked up their new Army Combat UniformsAug. 23 from the Fort Hood Central IssueFacility, it was just another sign that theirdeployment to Iraq is looming closer.
Although their task was fitting the uni-forms and head gear and selecting variouspatches for the ACUs, they said their mindswere focused on the upcoming deployment.
"I'm a little anxious about it, but Iwouldn't want to go to war with any otherbattery or any other brigade," said Pfc.Michael Easter, an armored vehicle crewmember with Battery A, 1st Battalion,82nd Field Artillery Regiment. "For myfirst time, I don't feel like I'd be comfort-able going out there with anyone else.
"We've trained so much that I know it'sonly going to help me," added the Ararat,Va., native. "We've had so many physicalaspects to our training and so much disci-pline, that we'll be using our naturalinstincts in Iraq. So, I'll know what I haveto do when I have to do it."
Over the past few months, Easter'sunit, part of the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st"Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team, hasbeen working with the rest of their battal-ion to learn the new and ever-changingroles of artillerymen on the battlefield.
"I know our Soldiers are ready for thedeployment and are ready to roll," saidCapt. Marvin Ross, Battery A's command-er and a native of Channelview, Texas."We've done a lot of training that transi-tions us from being artillerymen to taking
on roles traditionally reserved for infantry-men."
Along with the regular paperwork andpreparation for deployment such as main-tenance on vehicles, medical readiness andother pre-deployment checks, the unit hasbeen engulfed in combat life saver training,convoy training, mounted patrols, quickreaction force training, Paladin trainingand anti-terrorism courses.
Spc. Robert Rawlings, who holds theposition as number one crewmember onBattery A's Paladin, loading and firingrounds, said the training has been the besthe's ever had.
"When I was in Korea, we went to the
Korean Training Center with Paladins on alittle patrol, but it wasn't nearly as realisticas the training we've received here," saidthe Woodlands, Texas native, who is facinghis third deployment. "The more realisticthe training, the more combat effectiveyou're going to be."
Easter echoed Rawlings' sentiments. "We've been doing a lot of cross train-
ing, learning to process and properly clearbuildings," said Easter. "It's really gottenus proficient at these necessary skills. It'salways a great opportunity when you cando good, realistic cross-training because asSoldiers you need to know how to tacklealmost any situation."
Field Artillerymen Don New Duds
(Photo by Sgt. Jon Cupp, 1st BCT Public Affairs)
Pfc. David Christian (left) and Pfc. Justin Burke, both with Battery A, 1stBattalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, try on new head gear as part oftheir new Army Combat Uniform issue Aug. 25 at Fort Hood's Central IssueFacility.
“Care Teams” Provide Support for Soldiers’ Families
Doll, Ironhorse Brigade chap-lain, also imparted advice to thecare team members.
"Don't preach, don't judgeand know your own limits,"
said Doll. "Know when to referthem (to outside sources), be agood listener and know thatbeing quiet is OK. Be yourself,don't tell your own story anddon't just send anyone to bewith the families."
Some of the attributes thatcare team members should dis-
play, according to Edwards are:maturity, emotional stability, anability to draw on a wealth oflife experiences and a willing-ness or ability to respond onshort notice.
He said just being avail-able to another Army family intime of crisis is critical.
CareFrom Page 13
"The two main things acare team can do is say ‘I'msorry for your loss and I'm hereto help,’ and that's really theirmain purpose," added Doll."What matters more than any-thing else (to them) is thatyou're there and that you're car-ing about them."
It takes six days to certify a fire sup-port team. On Aug. 21, fire support spe-cialists for 2nd Battalion, 5th CavalryRegiment's Headquarters Company gottheir annual "exam."
Soldiers were broken down into four-man teams and are given points, eitherindividually or as a team, depending on theexercise. The first day consisted of a writ-ten test where Soldiers displayed their indi-vidual knowledge of the fire support field.The test was broken down into three skilllevels and is given to Soldiers based ontheir rank.
"The certification is based on a pointsystem where Soldiers are graded on theirability and aggressiveness in approachingeach task," said Capt. Derek Baird the firesupport officer for HHC, 2-5 Cavalry. "Thecourse is designed to be very intense andstressful for Soldiers so that when they'recalled upon to do their job in Iraq it shouldnot be as difficult for them."
The next scenario required teams toset up their ground vehicle laser locatordesignator to observe a spot on ClearCreek Road where the "enemy" was sup-posedly positioning an improvised explo-sive device.
"What made this task kind of difficultwas that it was around four o'clock in the
afternoon and about 100 degrees outsidewhen we were given the scenario," saidSpc. Chris Hall, a fire support team spe-cialist preparing for his second deploymentto Iraq. "The equipment used to create thedismounted observation post weighsalmost 85 pounds which made this task themost physically challenging.”
Next, Soldiers were given a physicalfitness test, the standard Army timed two-mile run, two minutes of push-ups and twominutes of sit-ups. This was followed by avehicle identification test which gradedSoldiers on their individual ability to namerandom military vehicles. The followingday, teams were given five mapped pointsto start on their dismounted land naviga-tion course. The boundaries that teamswere given spanned miles, making pointsmore strenuous to reach while placing thecourse's locale on the streets of West FortHood.
Soldiers were then required to passpre-combat inspections by following thelayout criteria for all of their gear. Pointsare deducted from Soldiers who are miss-ing or had misplaced equipment. After this
inspection, Soldiers made their own "callfor fire" on an observer fire training simu-lator.
"The virtual call for fire tested mementally because there is a lot that youhave to do in a small amount of time," saidHall, a Trinidad, Texas native. "You'regiven 45 seconds to get everything set upand then actually call for fire. After prac-ticing a couple of times, 45 seconds isplenty of time. I noticed, at times, thingsseemed to be getting more and more stress-ful, but I learned that just taking a minuteto breathe makes everything a little better."
The event culminated with Soldiersbeing recognized for their efforts duringcertification, but Hall said he's not at allworried about winning, because he gainedsomething more important during his qual-ification.
"The success that I've had over thesepast couple of days during qualification Iowe to my team," he said. "I couldn't havebeen able to do it without them and if Icould entrust three people with my life,especially during this deployment, it woulddefinitely be my teammates."
(Photos by Spc. Sheena Reyes, 1st BCT Public Affairs)Spc. Coty Calviera, a fire support specialist for 2nd Battalion, 5th CavalryRegiment's Headquarters Company, completes preventive maintenancechecks and service on a radio Aug. 24 while being timed by 1st Lt.Randolph Fleming. Calviera was given two minutes to complete the taskduring the company's annual fire support team qualification.
A fire support officer for 2ndBattalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment'sHeadquarters Company, 2nd Lt.James Young, breaks down hisweapon Aug. 24 while being timedby Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Williams.
Ironhorse Sept. 8, 2006Page 16
SSoollddiieerrss EEnnjjooyy NNeeww DDiinniinngg FFaacciilliittyyBy Sgt. Jon Cupp1st BCT Public Affairs
Soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division's1st Brigade Combat Team (1st BCT) nowhave another option of where to eat onpost.
Since opening its doors July 17,Ironhorse Soldiers have experienced someof the unique features inherent in the facili-ty, said Chief Warrant Officer TiffanyAlexander, a 1st BCT food technician.
"We have a 'grab it and go' kiosk whichis separate from the main facility, wherethere are walk-in, fast food type items,"said Alexander. "This is very convenientbecause sometimes you may have Soldierswho have just come from physical trainingand they're sweaty or they don't have a lotof time and they want to pick up somethingquickly. The kiosk allows them the chanceto still get something to eat, but they don'thave to go into the main facility."
The facility also boasts a pizza oven,similar to the type found in major restau-
rant chains, where pizza that has been pre-pared by the dining facility with freshdough and toppings is then cooked.
"A lot of it has to do with the qualityof the food and ideas for different items tofeature," said Alexander, explaining theuniqueness of the Ironhorse DiningFacility.
Along with pizza and other items, thefacility will feature specialty sandwichesand carved meats every day. "Most facili-ties aren't doing that," added Alexander.
Another unique aspect of the new din-ing facility involves its being a test bed forvendors to try out their wares.
"Because we're new, we've beentagged as one that will test out new prod-ucts to see how Soldiers like them," saidAlexander.
One of the examples cited byAlexander is a cappuccino vendor who willsoon be offering the dining facility 12 dif-ferent flavors of cappuccino, lattes andother types of coffee-type drinks similar towhat chain coffee houses offer.
(Photos by Sgt. Jon Cupp, 1st BCT Public Affairs)
Pfc. Jason Schilling (left), a food service specialist for the 1st CavalryDivision's, 1st Brigade Combat Team, takes lessons from Sgt. MichaelDissmeyer, also a 1st BCT food service specialist, July 28 on the fine art ofcarving a turkey at the carving station in the newly opened IronhorseBrigade Dining Facility.
"We're doing a lot of different thingsthat you just won't see other dining facili-ties doing because we're trying to be incompetition with the other places whereSoldiers eat on post," said Alexander. "Wewant Soldiers who don't get separaterations to come here and eat."
The Ironhorse Dining Facility offerstwo soup and salad bars, two main lineswhich feature regular hot meals with achoice of vegetables and various meatdishes, two grab and go lines which offerhamburgers, hotdogs, French fries andother fare; a wide-variety of deserts toinclude soft serve ice cream and two largedining rooms.
"Having a new facility with newequipment helps you serve the Soldiersbetter," said Alexander. "When you're in astate of the art facility, it makes you feelgood and you can do the best job possibleand we have some very dedicated foodservice specialists and senior staff here."
"When you see how they work to dotheir best, and we've already received goodcomments about what we're doing, itreflects well on them," she added. "That'simportant, because we can make or break aSoldier's day. When Soldiers feel they'vegotten a good meal and good service,they'll leave with a smile on their face. Butif something's missing, like you run out ofmilk, it can ruin a Soldiers day."
Ironhorse Soldiers said they were quitepleased with the new facility.
"Thank God we have one that's a lotcloser than the old one, we used to have towalk halfway across post to get to the otherone," said Pvt. Ryan Roberts, a fieldartillery automated tactical data systemsspecialist for Company A, 1st Battalion,82nd Field Artillery Regiment. "This isdefinitely better than anything I've ever hadbefore."
The hours for the facility are Mon.-Fri. for breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. withlunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinnerfrom 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Weekend hoursare: brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. anddinner from 5 p.m. to 6: 30 p.m.
For non-meal card holders, meals cost$1.95 for breakfast and $3.55 for lunch anddinner.
KILLEEN, Texas - The Texas sun did-n't stop eight-month-old Dalton Barrettfrom keeping cool and splashing in thewater at the Killeen YMCA "Spray andPlay Park" Aug.9 during a function held forSoldiers and family members of the 2ndBattalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment.
He spent his afternoon with mom anddad, who were equally appreciative of theFamily Readiness Group-sponsored event.
"I think events like this are greatbecause they allow family members tomeet each other before a deployment," saidSpc. Nick Barrett a fuel handler fromCompany F, 2nd Battalion, 5th CavalryRegiment. "That way, if they may needhelp or want to get together after thedeployment it won't seem so awkward."
The Killeen YMCA has adopted the unitand has been active in their functions for quitea while. They've been involved in events suchas the battalion's military ball, their Christmasparty and have also lent the battalion theirfacility for couple's counseling.
"We try to do anything and everything
that we can to help Soldiers," said PaulBritton the senior program director for theYMCA. "There are some Americans whodon't support the war, but they don't realizethe Soldiers and family members who aretrying their best to protect our freedom."
Andrew Bayer, an 18-year-old staffmember at the park, said he also realizesthe value of helping Soldiers.
"Knowing that, through this event, Ican reach out and help someone that hasbeen protecting me and my rights feelsgood," he said.
"Soldiers should always have supportespecially from the people they are help-ing," he added.
Karol Pinkerton, an FRG leader withthe battalion, explained the importance offamilies getting to know each other beforea unit's deployment.
"It's hard for families to be separatedfrom their Soldier," she said. "It is nevereasy and sometimes family members feellike they are alone but that's not the casebecause we're all in this together. So, thebest way to help each other is through con-tact either in events like this or just afriendly 'Hello' over the phone.”
(Photo by Spc. Sheena Reyes, 1st BCT Public Affairs)
Eight-month-old, Dalton, enjoysplaying in the water with his father,Spc. Nick Barrett, a fuel handler withCompany F, 2nd Battalion, 5thCavalry Regiment, during an after-noon of fun Aug. 9 at the YMCA"Spray and Play Park" in Killeen.
Spc. Kanga Ndeto mightnot sound like a familiar namenow, but one day it may be grac-ing the credits of the big screen.Ndeto, an infantry mortarmanfrom 1st Brigade's HeadquartersTroop and a former film student,has lived a life that may be wor-thy of its own major motion pic-ture epic.
Born in Nairobi, Kenya,Ndeto spent many of his earlyyears reading adventure storiesthat took him as far as his imag-ination would allow.
It would be many years,however, before he woulddecide to make his own adven-
ture by joining and then travel-ing the world with the U.S.
Army, he said. "As a child I remember
reading about different coun-tries and I would take my mindto those places through litera-ture," said Ndeto, who eventual-ly wants to create his own sto-ries through the medium of film.
Though his thirst for travelcontinued to be his first passionin life, his main focus was onstudying which he was forced todo in some of Kenya's strictboarding schools.
"I came to live in Americawhen I was 13-years-old to fur-ther my education," said Ndeto."Philadelphia is very differentfrom Nairobi. In Nairobi a childcan be physically reprimandedwhich was hard to handle at
such a young age. This was notthe case in Philadelphia, butwhat was equally challengingwas the fact that I have alwaysknown English, even as a child,but no one could understandme," he said with a smile.
Ndeto had finished highschool and started collegebefore he decided to join theArmy.
"I did not have enoughmoney to finish my degree, so Idecided to join the Army torepay my debts and travel likeI've always wanted," saidNdeto. "I was very luckybecause my first assignment
(Photo by Spc. Sheena Reyes, 1st BCT)
Spc. Kanga Ndeto joinedthe Army to travel, see theworld and gain experiencebefore attempting tobecome a filmmaker.
See Ndeto Page 19
Ironhorse Sept. 8, 2006Page 18
TTaannkkeerrss FFiirree NNeeww CCaanniisstteerr RRoouunnddBy Sgt. Jon Cupp1st BCT Public Affairs
Soldiers with the 1stCavalry Division's 1st BrigadeCombat Team will soon beadding a new tool to their arse-nal of weapons - a tool whichthey may have to use in supportof Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In preparation for deploy-ment to Iraq later this year,tankers of the IronhorseBrigade's 2nd Battalion, 5thCavalry Regiment test fired thenew M1028 canister round dur-ing gunnery Aug. 4 on FortHood.
The round is a 120-mil-limeter shell, fired from the tur-ret of an M1A2 Abrams tank,which causes a shotgun buck-shot effect by dispersingapproximately 1,100 three-eighth inch tungsten steel balls,very similar to the effect of aclaymore mine.
The shell can create alethal barrage of pellets at closerange, traveling at nearly 1,400meters per second.
Ironhorse Brigade Soldierssaid they can definitely see theadvantage of having a shell in
Iraq which can be used to breakup enemy dismounted troopformations, ambush sites, cleardefiles, stop infantry attacksand counter-attacks as well asproviding fire in support offriendly infantry assaults.
"This really is an excellentopportunity for the Soldiers toshoot the round and become
familiarized with it before weever get over there," said Capt.Robert Nevins, commander of2-5 Cav's Company D. "Thesewill be very effective on thebattlefield. We can use these toclear any enemy formationsand then follow up with .50 cal-iber (machine gun) fire."
"This is pretty exciting,"said Sgt. Sergio Estrella, anassistant tank commander for2-5's Headquarters Company."I had heard about the newround and read a little about it,but finally getting to shoot itwill be a great opportunity. Iwish I had had something likethis the last time I was in Iraq.It's going to make a big differ-ence in winning battles andsaving the lives of our troops."
Estrella added that anotheradvantage with the shell is thatit doesn't have a high-explosivecharge, which will cut down oncollateral damage.
Yet even if they did nothave access to the new round,
the Ironhorse troopers said theyjust enjoy doing their jobs astankers and look forward todeploying with their fellowSoldiers.
"I really feel confident thatour unit knows what it's doing,and I have a lot of faith in theguys here," said Cpl. KennethVetch, a gunner with Co, D,who will be going to Iraq forthe first time. "There's a lot ofexperience in this battalion soI'm not scared at all aboutgoing over there with them. Toshoot these live rounds and todo what a tanker does, gives usa sense of pride. I could neversee myself doing anythingelse."
"This is a great unit whichhas already proven itself in bat-tle," said Spc. AdamBunkhorst, a loader inHeadquarters Co., who willalso be serving for the first timein Iraq later this year. "We'vetrained enough and I fully trustthis unit.”
(Photos by Sgt. Jon Cupp, 1st BCT Public Affairs)An M1A2 Abrams Tank from the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Battalion, 5th CavalryRegiment gets enshrouded in a cloud of dust after firing a round from its 105-millime-ter turret Aug. 4 on Fort Hood.
Sgt. Sergio Estrella (left), an assistant M1A2 Abrams tankcommander for Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion,5th Cavalry Regiment, assists his loader, Spc. AdamBunkhorst, as they set up their M240 machine gunmount during a gunnery exercise Aug. 4 on Fort Hood.
Ironhorse Sept. 8, 2006Page 19
CLS: Learning to Stick It to YouBy Sgt Cheryl Cox1st BCT Public Affairs
Beginning with a written test and pro-gressing to basic combat medic tasks,Soldiers sit in a classroom absorbing eventhe smallest details knowing that one thingmissed could cost them their buddy's lifeon the battlefield.
As far back as basic training in everySoldier's career, basic first aid techniqueshave been taught. But what happens if afallen Soldier needs more than basic firstaid before a combat medic can arrive onthe scene? That is where Combat LifeSaver training comes in.
As 1st Brigade Combat Team of 1stCavalry Division prepares for their upcom-ing deployment to Iraq, more and moreSoldiers are receiving CLS training.
Every week, several battalions withinthe brigade are training Soldiers not onlyfrom their battalions, but any Soldier in thebrigade that needs the training. Withbetween 20 and 40 Soldiers trained eachweek.
"The purpose of the CLS class is totrain non-medical personnel to provideemergency first aid to Soldiers injured incombat until medical assets arrive," saidSpc. Jason Lincoln, a medic withHeadquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 82ndField Artillery Regiment. "More likelythan not, a CLS-qualified Soldier will becloser to the injured Soldier than themedic, giving them a better reaction time."
CLS is a bridge between basic first aidtaught to Soldiers during basic training andthe training given to combat medics. Beingable to provide immediate medical care to
a wounded Soldier could be the differencebetween living and dying on the battlefield.
During the 40-hour course, Soldiersare taught everything from basic casualtyevaluation to how to clear or create an air-way to how to properly initiate an IV.
While many can say, 'That's whatmedics are for,' or 'That's their job, notmine," there is only so much a medic cando.
"Generally speaking there won't be amedic in every vehicle during a patrol, andsometimes there won't be a medic at all,"
said Lincoln, a Monroe, Mo. native. "It cantake several minutes for a combat medic toarrive, especially if there is a situation thatinvolves many injured Soldiers or themedic is in a different location."
"Medics can only do so much. Theycan't treat everyone at once," said Spc.Darren Joiner, Battery A, 1-82, a native ofRutherfordton, N.C. "If more than oneSoldier is injured and in need of immediatecare, a CLS trained Soldier can assist themedics in caring for them until they areevacuated to a hospital."
Pfc. Jeremy Sewell, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment,grimaces while he gets stuck in the arm by Pfc. Jeremy McGinzie, also ofBattery B, during a Combat Life Saver Course practice session Aug. 23.Pfc. Keith Spiker, a medic with Headquarters Battery, 1-82, assists McGinziewith holding pressure on the IV catheter until the fluid line is attached.
(Photo by Sgt. Cheryl Cox, 1st BCT Public Affairs)
was to Germany and then to Iraq."Ndeto was content with his job selec-
tion as an infantry mortarman because of hisown dreams about infantry Soldiers of thepast and their wartime missions.
NdetoFrom Page 17
SSoollddiieerr HHaass AAmmbbiittiioonnss ffoorr tthhee BBiigg SSccrreeeenn"When I was just a kid I would read
books about World War II and it fascinatedme," said Ndeto. "I wished that I could'veexperienced it for myself instead of justreading the accounts on paper."
Ndeto plans on furthering his studies infilm while serving out his time in the Army.He hopes to leave the military to pursue hisdreams further and, hopefully, create some
box office hits. But until then, he will con-tinue to explore the world.
"Every three-day weekend I drive to anew city," Ndeto said. "The smell, the peo-ple, the food and customs is what I enjoyabout traveling. I'm going to see as much ofthe world as I can so I can tell my grandchil-dren that there are things to experiencebeyond the horizon."
Ironhorse Sept. 8, 2006Page 20
Troops Know the Meaning of BrotherhoodBy Spc. Sheena Reyes1st BCT Public Affairs
Remembering home is notgoing to be hard for 1st Sgt.Allen Mouton, the top noncom-missioned officer in CompanyA, 1st Squadron, 7th CavalryRegiment.
While he is deployed withthe Ironhorse Brigade, he'll stillbe able to enjoy the companyof his two brothers who aredeploying along with him.
The three Mouton brothersgrew up in Houston.
1st Sgt. Michael Mouton,the eldest, is the first sergeantfor Company D, 1st Squadron,7th Cavalry Regiment.
The youngest, Sgt.Reginald Mouton works as amedic for 2nd Battalion, 8thCavalry Regiment'sHeadquarters Company.
"When you look at it,being the youngest has itsadvantages," said Reginald."When I was little they used toout perform me, but I guess it'sfair to say that the tables haveturned a little. Besides thatthey've always been there forme and have offered me greatadvice."
This is not the first deploy-ment to Iraq for any of thebrothers, but all agree that hav-ing family along for the ridewill certainly make the processeasier.
"We're all very close that'swhy there's nothing like havingyour family with you. Theseare my two best friends," saidAllen.
"These guys will have youlaughing the whole time," saidMichael, with a grin.
Allen's company will befocused on creating traffic con-trol points and conductingsearches for the mission in Iraq,while Michael's company will
be supporting missions by sup-plying ammunition, fuel andwater for the battalion.
Reginald will be workingat his battalion aid station tak-ing care of casualties that aresent to the forward operatingbase.
Though things may get alittle busy while they aredeployed, all three plan onspending as much time togetheras they can.
"We're going to try to eatlunch together or at least workout at the gym together," saidReginald.
Those workouts can bringout some sibling rivalry.
The latest controversy isthe question of who can do themost push-ups.
Reginald has the title, or so
he thought."I'll give him that. If any-
thing, I'll let him have that, fornow," said Allen with a laugh.
Their fire for competitionextends far beyond any siblingrivalry.
They all share a love fortheir jobs as well.
"I wanted to be in the med-ical field because I had alreadybeen going to nursing school,"said Reginald. "I enjoy helpingpeople because nothing feelsbetter than having one of yourpatients come back and thankyou for all your hard work."
Allen, who recruitedReginald into the Army, is atanker who enjoys the spon-taneity of his field.
"There are always chal-lenges, which is something that
I like about my job and also thefact that there's always some-thing new happening every-day," said Allen. "I love my jobbecause I love taking care ofSoldiers. It all comes down tocamaraderie and the Army isthe only place that can reallygive you that."
Michael's passion for auto-mobiles is what made himchoose to be a mechanic.
"Fixing up and racing carsis one of my passions," saidMichael. "I was really into carswhen I was younger, but nowI'm leaning more to motorcy-cles."
With 53 years of militaryservice between them, all threeMoutons plan on continuingtheir careers in the Army untilretirement.
(Photo by Spc. Sheena Reyes, 1st BCT Public Affairs)
[Left to right] 1st Sgt. Michael Mouton, Company D, 1st Squadron, 7th CavalryRegiment, Sgt. Reginald Mouton, a medic with 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment'sHeadquarters Company and 1st Sgt. Allen Mouton, Company A, 1st Squadron, 7thCavalry Regiment all serve together on Fort Hood in the same brigade-the 1st CavalryDivision's 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team. The Houston natives said they lookforward to the opportunity of seeing each other while they are deployed later this year.
Ironhorse Sept. 8, 2006Page 21
Cav Receives Upgrades for FOX VehiclesBy Sgt. Jon Cupp andSgt. Cheryl Cox1st BCT Public Affairs
In preparation for theirdeployment to Iraq later thisyear, Soldiers with the 1stCavalry Division received newupgrades for their M93A1P1FOX vehicles changing thevehicles from ground andamphibious to strictly groundvehicles.
Personnel from the JointProgram Manager for NBCContamination Avoidance atAberdeen Proving Grounds,Md. and Anniston Army Depot,Ala. provided the upgradesalong with FOX driver traininglast week at Fort Hood toSoldiers from each of 1st Cav.Division's four Brigade SpecialTroops Battalions.
The FOX vehicle is usedfor nuclear, biological andchemical (NBC) reconnais-
sance missions in whichSoldiers use it to detect andwarn of chemical and nucleardangers in theaters of opera-tion.
The vehicle comes withvarious NBC systems toinclude biological samplingequipment, and is a high-mobility armored carrier.
Some upgrades for thevehicles include Slat armor toincrease rocket propelledgrenade (RPG) and improvisedexplosive device (IED) protec-tion, and ballistic glass in frontof the drivers to increase frag-mentation protection.
Within the next two weeks,the FOXs will also receivemore fire power in the form ofthe Common RemoteOperations Weapon System(CROWS) which will replacethe FOX's M240 machine gunthat fires 7.62mm rounds with aremote controlled .50 caliber
machine gun. The CROWSwill be mounted to the top ofthe FOX and can allow a gun-ner to remain seated inside thevehicle, using a joy-stick tooperate the aiming mechanismfor the weapon, instead of get-ting out to aim and fire - possi-bly put his life at risk.
"We actually saw the needfor this a couple of years ago,and now we can provideSoldiers who work with theFOXs more survivability andfire power," said Maj. RodneyFaust, assistant product manag-er, NBC ReconnaissanceSystems with Joint ProjectManager NBC ContaminationAvoidance. "The first of thesefielded are going to the 1stCavalry Division, and thisweek we're training Soldiershow to put the cage armor onthe vehicle and giving SoldiersFOX drivers training.
"After putting on the Slat
armor, the vehicle drives a lotdifferent than other FOXs outthere, because the 12-foot widecage adds about 6 to 7,000pounds more armor so the vehi-cle sits (about four inches)higher and handles differently,so it may take a while for driv-ers to get used to it," he contin-ued. "This is the first timeSoldiers have actually placedarmor on the vehicles them-selves. Prior to this, it was alldone by Anniston Army Depotpersonnel."
Cav Soldiers said theylooked forward to the upgrades.
"Anything that gives theSoldiers more protection inIraq, we definitely supportthat," said Sgt. 1st ClassWatson Fluellen, a chemicaloperations non-commissionedofficer for HeadquartersCompany, 1st Brigade SpecialTroops Battalion, whose FOXvehicles received the re-fit."The training and upgrades thisweek give our Soldiers achance to get hands on with thevehicles and become morecomfortable on the new equip-ment that everyone will beworking with in Iraq."
"This is great stuff andgreat training," said Pfc.Ronald Riva, a chemical opera-tions specialist for the 4thBrigade Special TroopsBattalion. "We really need tolearn how to put the armor onby ourselves, so this is a greatopportunity to learn how to dothat. Now that we have theadded weight too, it will begood to take them out for a spinand see what kinds of differ-ences there are in the way theyhandle. I'm really looking for-ward to that."
"The FOX is a tough vehi-cle, and (the upgrades) justmake it tougher," said Faust.
(Courtesy photo from 1st BCT)
Sgt. David Minter (left) a chemical operations specialist for the 1st Cavalry Division'sHeadquarters Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion and Sgt. BaltazarLopez, also a chemical operations specialist with HHC, 1st BSTB, place slat armor onthe M93A1P1 NBC reconnaissance vehicle July 25 at Fort Hood.
Black Jack Sept. 8, 2006Page 22
Leadership Stressed at Cav Training Event By Spc. Robert Yde2nd BCT Public Affairs
"One day I'm going to goon R & R and you'll have to dothis," Spc. Aaron Gonzalez toldhis team members during abreak in training at Fort Hood'sSt. Elijah Military Operationsin Urban Terrain site Aug. 10.
Gonzalez, a team leaderwith 3rd Platoon, Headquartersand Headquarters Company,1st Battalion, 8th CavalryRegiment, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 1st CavalryDivision, was using this last-minute training opportunity toget his junior Soldiers sometime honing their leadershipskills.
"Today, we are working onmaneuvers and building newleaders," Mantz said.
After arriving at theMOUT site, the Soldiers brokeinto their teams and spread outaround the city. Each ofGonzalez's Soldiers rotated outof the team leader role, whileGonzalez provided the scenarioand observed their actions.
They practiced room clearingprocedures, providing first aidand calling for a medical evac-uation and street patrols.
"I want to get them readyfor what they are going to
experience over there,"Gonzalez said.
While he has already spentone year in Iraq, Gonzalez saidthe next deployment to Iraqwill not only be a new one forhis Soldiers, but for himself, aswell.
"The last time I was just a'Joe,' and was only responsiblefor myself," he said. "Now, I'llbe responsible for otherSoldiers."
Part of that responsibilityis to ensure that each one histeam members knows how toperform each other's job, toinclude his own.
"I think we're ready," Spc.Joel Billeaud said of theirupcoming deployment. "We allknow everyone's position fromthe lowest up."
Billeaud said that he isgrowing more confident per-forming in a leadership posi-tion, and during his rotation asa team leader, he said he was
operating on "just adrenalineand instinct" as he calmly han-dled every curve ball thatGonzalez threw at him.
"It's getting to the pointwhere I just know they've gotit," Gonzalez said. "Even if Idon't tell them what to do,they're doing it."
After watching several ofGonzalez's Soldiers go throughtheir iteration as team leader,Mantz agreed with his assess-ment.
"There are two Soldiers inthere ready to be team leaders,if not squad leaders right now,"Mantz said.
That is exactly where hewants his Soldiers to be as theyprepare to go into combatGonzalez explained.
"The way I see it, theseguys are just on loan from theirfamilies," Gonzalez said. "Iwant to them to return to theirfamilies the same way theyleft."
(Photos by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd BCT Public Affairs)
Pfc. Jesse Sanchez, an infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company,1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, leads his team up a flight of stairs at Fort Hood'sSt. Elijah Military Operations in Urban Terrain site Aug. 10.
Spc. Jody Bernard, an infantryman with Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th CavalryRegiment, receives advice while administering first aidduring a training event at Fort Hood's St. Elijah MilitaryOperations in Urban Terrain site Aug. 10.
For an 18-year old fresh outof high school, transitioning tolife as a cadet at the U.S.Military Academy at WestPoint, N.Y., is no easy task.
"It was a wake up call," 2ndLt. Corey Sherk said of hisarrival to West Point. "A lot ofpeople struggle in their firstyear."
With stringent academicstandards and little free time,life as a cadet is tough enough;however, life for a cadet-athletecan become the ultimate test intime management.
"It's tough, every night,coming back at 8:30, and you'vegot to study until midnight andget up at six for somethingelse," Sherk said.
Sherk, the fire support offi-cer for 1st Battalion, 8thCavalry Regiment, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 1st CavalryDivision, played quarterbackand tight end for West Pointfrom 2001 to 2004.
During high school in ForkUnion, Va., Sherk said that henever gave a career in the mili-tary much thought. However,after being recruited by WestPoint, he said he realized he wasbeing offered the opportunity ofa lifetime.
"If I had turned it down, I'dregret it the rest of my life,"Sherk said.
By making the decision toplay for the Black Knights,Sherk joined an exclusive frater-nity, one that only two otherofficers from his brigade canclaim membership.
Along with Sherk, Maj.Corey Mitchell and Capt. Gene
Palka share the experience ofbeing an Army football player.
Mitchell, the brigade's firesupport officer, was a defensivetackle from 1988 to 1991, andduring his first season the BlackKnights were invited to the SunBowl in El Paso, Texas.
Although Army came intothe game with an 8-3 record,Mitchell said their opponent,Alabama, was heavily favored.
Throughout the game, theBlack Knights kept pace withthe Crimson Tide, eventuallylosing by just one point.
"We surprised a lot of peopleduring that game," Mitchell said.
After finishing his highschool career in Cincinnati,Mitchell was recruited by sever-al programs.
"A lot of Mid-Americanconference teams as well assome Big Ten teams like
Indiana and Ohio State (showedinterest)," Mitchell said.
However, after visiting theWest Point campus and seeingwhat it could offer him, not onlyas a football player, Mitchellsaid his decision was easy.
"They cared about you, notjust because you played foot-ball, but as a person and a stu-dent," he recalled.
Mitchell said that whileWest Point does not attract topprospects, it does draw well-rounded athletes.
Palka agreed, saying it isthe school's academic reputationthat drew him to West Point.
"It's easily one of the topten schools in the country," saidPalka, a nose guard on the teamfrom 1998 to 2002. "When yousay, 'You went to West Point,'that's something that people allaround the world will recog-
nize."A self described "Amy
brat," Palka, the fire supportofficer for 4th Squadron, 9thCavalry Regiment, grew up atFort Campbell, Ky. He saidbeing around the Army all of hislife, attending West Point andbecoming a commissioned offi-cer seemed like the naturalchoice.
While all three officersplayed for Army at differenttimes and under different coach-es, they can all agree that theexperience of being a cadet-football player is a unique expe-rience.
"Being a football playerwas extra special," Palka said."It required something a little bitextra, that the average cadetmaybe did not have to gothrough."
Along with the hours ofpractice during the season andoff-season weight training andconditioning, players must main-tain their grades and fulfill theirduties as cadets. Being a cadetfirst required a lot of sacrifice,but according to Palka the bene-fits outweighed those sacrifices.
"It's the mental and physi-cal toughness that you gain fromthat," Palka explained. "It'smuch more than the averageblue-chip athlete has to gothrough."
Those shared sacrificesinevitably fosters a very close-knit group.
"It's a brotherhood, and it'sa network," Palka said. "Thepast players will stay in touch,and then we also mentor theyoung ones as they come into
(Courtesy photo)
Corey Sherk drops back during passing drills at a WestPoint practice. Sherk played quarterback and tight endfor the Black Knights from 2001-2004 and is now a 2ndLieutenant and fire support officer for Company D, 1stBattalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment of the 2nd “Black Jack”Brigade Combat Team.
See Football Page 24
the Army."Palka admits that over the
past few years, keeping in touchand following the program hasbeen more difficult.
However, all three BlackJack officers said from whatthey have seen and heard, theylike the direction that Armyfootball is headed. For this, theycredit head coach Bobby Ross.
"Bobby Ross is the perfectguy for the job," Mitchell said.
"He understands the military.He's a VMI grad and served as acaptain in the Army. He defi-nitely understands the chal-lenges of not just a militaryacademy, but of the careers ofhis players afterward."
Ross not only brings hisfamiliarity with the military tothe Army football team, but alsoa stellar coaching career, havingwon a national championshipwith Georgia Tech in 1990 andleading the San Diego Chargersto their first and only SuperBowl appearance in 1995.
Sherk, had the opportunity
to play for Ross during his sen-ior season and considers it thehighlight of his career.
"From the first day heintroduced himself to us, theattitude just changed instantly,"Sherk said of Ross. "He's prob-ably the best leader that I'veever worked with - military,sports, anything."
Soldiers from Fort Hoodand fans of Army football willhave two chances in Septemberto see Ross lead the BlackKnights into Texas. Army willplay Texas A & M Sept. 16 inSan Antonio and the following
week, Sept. 23, Army will finditself in Waco taking on BaylorUniversity.
Having recently leftConference USA, Army is nowan independent with no confer-ence obligations.
According to Sherk thiswill free up Army's ability toschedule different opponentswho they may not have normal-ly played in the past.
Sherk added that this alsoallows Army to schedule gamesnear Army installations, some-thing he expects to see more ofin future season.
FootballFrom Page 23
Black Jack Sept. 8, 2006Page 24
EExxeerrcciissee VVaalliiddaatteess CCoommmmuunniiccaattiioonn EEqquuiippmmeenntt By Spc. Robert Yde2nd BCT Public Affairs
Exercising command and control in acombat zone requires good communica-tion. A communication exercise gave the2nd "Black Jack" Brigade Combat Teamone final chance to ensure that all of theirequipment was in working order beforepacking it up for shipment to Iraq.
The brigade headquarters' staff andtheir battalion counterparts took part in theexercise, which was run out of the brigadeheadquarters' motor pool.
"We're attempting to test the electricalsystems - computer to computer, satelliteto satellite and LOS (line-of-sight) toLOS," explained Maj. Darell Robinson, thebrigade's signal officer.
Just a couple of days into the exercisethey were well on their way to accomplish-ing this goal.
"So far there haven't been any majorproblems," said Sgt. Jose Diaz, a data inte-grator with the Black Jack Brigade. TheColumbia, S.C. native said that connectiv-ity between the brigade and the battalionswas established quickly.
Several Soldiers cited the brigade'srecent rotation to the National TrainingCenter as one of the reasons the exercisewent so smoothly.
"We did all this at NTC and figured
out most of the problems there," explainedPfc. Tremayne Holloway, a signal supportsystems specialist with the 15th BrigadeSupport Battalion.
"We're just validating all of the equip-ment, so when we get to Iraq we won'thave any problems," said the Atlantic City,N.J. native.
The exercise not only allowed Soldiersa final chance to test their equipment, italso provided some time to further famil-iarize themselves with newer equipmentsuch as the Command Post Platform.
The CPP is a system that gives thecommanders the ability to direct operationsand control forces from one central loca-tion by consolidating communicationsequipment, explained Al Cotton, a digitalsystem engineer.
Cotton was just one of several civil-ians contractors on-hand to provide assis-tance and troubleshooting expertise asneeded.
Some of these civilians, like JohnBurgin, a field service representative fromGeneral Dynamics, will deploy with thebrigade later this year.
Burgin, who provides assistance withthe Joint Network Node, described it as acommunication system that the division isnow using to replace its mobile subscriberequipment.
"It's just moving along with technolo-
gy and this is the next step," Burgin said."As technology improves, the Armyimproves with it."
With the new technology in place andall of their communication equipmentfunctioning properly, Black Jack Soldiersshould have no worries about keeping intouch on the battlefield, no matter where amission might take them.
(Photo by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd BCT Public Affairs)
Sgt. Jose Diaz, a data integrator withthe 1st Cavalry Division's 2ndBrigade Combat Team, checks thecommand post platform during thebrigade's communication exercise.
KILLEEN, Texas - Ahandful of ambitious troopsfrom Company C, 1stBattalion, 5th CavalryRegiment, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 1st CavalryDivision, helped out Habitat forHumanity at one of the organi-zation's construction sites hereAug. 26.
The all-volunteer forcemet up early to go to the sitewhere Barbara Bennett and herfamily will soon live.
Habitat for Humanity is aChristian-based housing min-istry that builds homes for low-income families.
While the family still paysthe mortgage for the house, it'sdone with no interest on theprincipal loan.
Families like the Bennett'smust put in 300 hours on some-one else's home before they canbegin their own.
Pfc. James McDonald, anarmor crewman from Neenah,Wis., said the housing project is
a great way to help."Soldiers should be more
aware of [projects]," he said."You can either sit in the bar-racks or come help out."
1st Lt. Xeon Simpsonadded that it's almost second
nature for Soldiers to volunteer,being as it is an all-volunteerArmy.
"Everybody has free time,"the New York city native said."Use that time to get out andhelp."
That help didn't go unap-preciated.
"I thank God for all thevolunteers that come out tohelp," Bennett said.
With most of the initialframework up, there was noshortage of work to be done.
Black Jack Soldiers sharedtime with the other volunteerson site putting up new sidingand scaling the roof to putdown tar paper and shingles.
Gene Bauer, the executivedirector of the Fort HoodHabitat for Humanity chapter,said some military units are aperfect fit for the program.
"We have engineer unitscome out sometimes forsergeant's time training," Bauer
said. He added that while noteveryone has experience inconstruction, it can be a greatopportunity to learn a new skill.
To help offset the organi-zation's cost on the home proj-ects, Habitat for Humanity notonly purchases materials butreceives many donationstoward on-going projects fromlocal businesses and privatedonators.
Bauer said volunteers likethe troops from 1-5 Cavalrymake the biggest differencewhen trying to save as muchmoney as possible.
"The most expensive partof building a house is thelabor," he said.
Bauer said that they've hadseveral units out to help onprojects. He said good peopleare what you find at work siteslike the Bennett's. With helpfrom Soldiers, Bennett expectsto be settled into her new homeby the end of September.
(Photos by Pfc. Kate Huff, 2nd BCT Public Affairs)
Barbara Bennett, the future homeowner, smiles at the worksite of her Habitat forHumanity home in Killeen, Texas Aug. 26. Bennett said with the help of Soldiers,she'll enjoy her new home when it's finished in late September.
Staff Sgt. D.J. Saxton hammers in a nail at a Habitat forHumanity home construction work site in Killeen, TexasAug. 26. Saxton and other members of the 1stBattalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment volunteered to assistwith the program.
Black Jack Sept. 8, 2006Page 26
Austin City Managers Provide Training For TroopsBy Spc. Robert Yde2nd BCT Public Affairs
AUSTIN - In 2004, as the Army's mis-sion in Iraq began to focus more on human-itarian and reconstruction efforts, the lead-ership at Fort Hood approached city offi-cials here with one request: show us whatright looks like.
Two years later as one of Fort Hood'sdivisions, the 4th Infantry Division, is cur-rently in Iraq, and the other, the 1st CavalryDivision, is preparing to return, the city ofAustin is continuing to offer guidance incity management to deploying units.
"It is a labor of love," Austin city man-ager Toby Hammett Futrell, said of the col-laboration between the Army's largest postand Texas' capital city.
Selected Soldiers attend seminars con-ducted by city officials which examine thevarious aspects of local government.
Futrell estimates that the city has con-ducted 10 such seminars with the mostrecent taking place Aug. 8 at Austin'sPalmer Events Center.
The idea behind the seminars, whichare always evolving to meet the currentconcerns of deploying units, is to provide alook at local government when it is func-tioning properly, according to Futrell.
"The training overall is just hugelybeneficial," said Maj. James Adams, theexecutive officer with the 1st Cav. Div.'s,2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion,"just from the prospective of looking atcivilian communities from a wholly differ-ent prospective on how things operate,what are some of the dynamics that occurin a city government and how people com-municate on a political level."
Adams was one of 45 division and IIICorps Soldiers who attended the Aug. 8seminar, which focused on public adminis-tration, policing in conflicted communitiesand information operations.
Futrell explained the basic concepts suchas the forms of local government and how tofinance a local government through tax rev-enue and fee-based services. The importanceof building the citizens' trust in governmentwas stressed throughout seminar.
Implementing an open governmentwill encourage public involvement,
explained Futrell, adding that if the peoplecan engage in their government, they willthen have a chance to support and believein their government.
"Local government is so close to thepeople that you have to create access to it,"added Laura Huffman, an assistant citymanager.
Futrell also warned against makingassumptions about what the top prioritiesare for residents. Performing surveys andjust simply talking to average citizens arecrucial in providing the public with what itexpects, she explained.
While Futrell and other city officialswere able to provide a framework for localgovernment and how they operate in theUnited States, she was quick to acknowl-edge that some of these theories and proce-dures may not work in Iraq.
"The challenge is to try to see whatwill translate," she said. "Evolution of pol-itics in Iraq is obviously very different thanwhere we are today."
After the seminar, the Soldiers visitedthe Green Water Treatment Plant and thecity's Materials Recovery Facility Landfill
for a first-hand look at how two differentcity municipal services operate.
"We've taken away not only conceptsoverall that we can use to help guide us andthe Iraqi government, but also specificthings that we can use on a day-to-daybasis on a Soldier level," said Capt. EvansHanson, the fire support officer for 1stBattalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2ndBrigade Combat Team.
This unique partnership between thecity and the Soldiers of Fort Hood contin-ues even after a unit has deployed.
"With the 4th ID, we've been doingmonthly VTCs - video conferences fromBaghdad," explained Futrell. "We pick atopic, something that's happening therethey want more information on. For exam-ple, we recently did fire service."
Futrell calls this reach-back technolo-gy, and said that this or something similarwill continue with the 1st Cav. Div. once itreaches Iraq. By continuing to provideguidance from city officials, Futrell saidshe hopes to help bring stabilization in Iraqwhich will, hopefully, allow troops tocome home.
(Photo by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd BCT Public Affairs)
A city official escorts Soldiers from Fort Hood around the Green WaterTreatment Plant in Austin Aug. 8 as part of a city management seminar con-ducted for deploying units.
Even as their time left incentral Texas is running out,the Soldiers of Company B, 1stBattalion, 8th CavalryRegiment, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 1st CavalryDivision, took their time withtraining they said is veryimportant for their upcomingmission to Iraq.
In SWAT fashion, differentteams would enter a "shoothouse," moving from room-to-room identifying and eliminat-ing any hostile targets duringclose-quarter combat trainingat North Fort Hood Aug. 4.
"This training is veryimportant for a combination offactors," said Capt. Jeff Morris,Company B's commander."This will be more for our mis-sion [in Iraq], so the more prac-tice we can get down here withlive ammunition, the better."
"You gotta face it; it'swhat's going on in Iraq rightnow," added Sgt. KimblePatterson, a Bradley gunner.
In a common themethroughout the brigade, formany of its members new tothe unit, this training is alsoimportant for team building,added Sgt. Ryan Green, a teamleader. As an added bonus, theSoldiers also received anopportunity and a lot of ammu-nition to practice reflexive fire:something they say causes"muscle memory."
According to 2nd Lt.Joshua Mantz, 3rd Platoon'splatoon leader, it takes a lot ofpractice to get to the pointwhere your muscles and eyeknow how to take a weapon ina safe, downward position and
to then very quickly bring it upto a position where they havetheir scope on their target,shoot, and bring it back downagain and repeat if necessary.
For Pvt. Adam Henderson,one of the newest members ofthe company, the training wasthe most "crucial" trainingevent he's experienced thus far.
The teams practiced enter-ing the building in stacks with-in "glass" houses which wasnothing more than three-footwalls. In the heat and with alltheir gear on, the practiceseemed slow to Henderson andhis team. Yet, that deliberateapproach was by designaccording to Mantz.
"Initially, you have to tradespeed for accuracy, and youkeep doing it, you'll get better,"Mantz said.
According to Henderson,
his team started off like a"snail" while they were in theglass house practicing. One ofhis teammates, Spc. PedroGarcia, said the old saying thatslow is smooth and smooth isfast makes a lot of sense in dur-ing training like this.
"You don't want to speedthrough there because youmight miss something," Garciasaid.
When they were confidentenough to enter the shoothouse, which has rubber-padded walls, they locked andloaded. The team would slowlyapproach the building's doorand send its number three manto kick open the door.
After that, the lead manquickly stormed in the buildingas the rest of the team followedclosely. The team membersentered room-to-room taking
out the hostile target and yelleda report. All in all, the teamscleared the three rooms in lessthan three minutes.
"I feel confident with myguys right now,” Mantz said.“They are getting to the pointwhere they are really good.They are pretty much there.They just have to fine tune itnow."
Mantz added that the unitmembers have been back intheir company area practicingreflexive fire drills and enteringbuildings and that actuallygoing out to a range and shoot-ing live rounds is somethingthey've been "begging" to dofor a long time.
"I can do this everyday andbe content," said Spc. GabrielMatt, a team leader. "It's fun,and I think it's incrediblyimportant for safety."
(Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kap Kim, 2nd BCT Public Affairs)
A team of Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment prepares to enter a"shoot house" during close-quarter combat training Aug. 4 at North Fort Hood.
Black Jack Sept. 8, 2006Page 28
Brigade Support Soldiers Ready for IraqBy Spc. Robert Yde2nd BCT Public Affairs
"When I was combat arms,I never honestly respected sup-porters because I never sawwhat they did," Staff Sgt.Courtney Crawford said,explaining a perspective that heacknowledged is commonamong combat arms Soldiers.
However, after reclassify-ing from a fire support special-ist to become a truck driver in2003, the Rollling Fork, Miss.
native said his opinion quicklychanged.
"Now I've got so muchrespect for these guys becausethey're the ones pushing con-voys, they're the ones bringingme my beans and my bulletsevery night," said Crawford,now a transportation platoon ser-geant with the 15th BrigadeSupport Battalion, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 1st CavalryDivision. "When I was combatarms, I didn't see that. I didn'tcare about that. That was not my
mission. Now I see what they doand I respect what they do."
As Crawford prepares toreturn to Iraq with the BlackJack Brigade, he will beresponsible for a platoon of 34,mostly brand new troops.These young Soldiers willspend the majority of their timeon the road performing the cru-cial mission of keeping thebrigade supplied.
"One of the unique differ-ences that our battalion facesover a lot of the other battalionswith in the brigade is that weare versatile - we support thebrigade and logistics, and yet,in order to do that we have tobe trained on the road to makesure we know how to maneuverand defend ourselves,"explained Capt. Erin Gilliamthe battalion's plans and opera-tions officer.
Along with delivering sup-plies in a timely manner,Gilliam, a native of EatonTown, N.J., said that the task ofproviding security for the sup-plies also falls upon the supportSoldiers.
"We don't have any scoutsand we don't have any 11Bs(infantrymen)," explainedGilliam, "We take what wehave and form them into whatwe call a gun-truck platoon,and that platoon secures theclips that we go on."
Training in all the variousaspects of combat logisticspatrols has been a priority forthe battalion over the course ofthe past year, Gilliam said, andAug. 22 marked what shedescribed as "the culminatingexercise for the battalion."
The exercise, a two-hourconvoy lane training event thattook place at night, and it tiedin nearly every situation thatthese Soldiers have trained for.
(Photo by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd BCT Public Affair)
Soldiers from 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2ndBrigade Combat Team, use their vehicles for cover asthey scan the side of the road during a training exerciseat Fort Hood Aug. 22.
"We've set up differentevents throughout the lanes sothat Soldiers will be forced tothink about everything thatthey've learned," Gilliamexplained. "They're going toget hit with just about everyevent and every scenario thatwe've really focused on."
During the lane, Soldiersencountered improvised explo-sive devices, small-arms fire,suspicious vehicles on the roadand a group of protestors. TheSoldiers successfully navigatedevery obstacle they came uponwithout taking any casualties.
"I think these guys did agreat job," said platoon leaderand convoy commander, 1st Lt.Bradley Page. "I couldn't askfor a more responsive team."
Page, originally fromPurcell, Okla., said she wasespecially impressed with howwell her new Soldiers, like Pfc.Joseph Davis, handled them-selves during the exercise. Afueler from Madison County,Fla., Davis said that this washis first experience riding on acombat logistics patrol.
Just three months removedfrom advanced individual train-ing, Davis said with the train-ing he has received, he has noworries about deploying.
"I think this training thatwe did tonight is going prepareus for what's over there," Davissaid. "I think my team will per-form very nicely out there."
This level of confidence issomething Crawford says hewants his Soldiers to take withthem as they head into combat,most of them for the first time.
"I know that were preparedto do the job," Crawford said."If we do the job the way thatwe train, we'll leave togetherand we'll all come hometogether."
Though it was hot, dusty and dry,troops from the 1st Battalion, 8th CavalryRegiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team,mounted their Bradley Fighting Vehiclesand went to Fort Hood's Sugarloaf Multi-Use Range to perform their final gunneryAug 17, part of the brigade's final push intraining for deployment.
"We're going to Iraq very soon," saidSgt. Christopher Place, a combat engineerwith Company E, 1-8 Cav. "This was ourlast opportunity to come out here and makesure we're ready."
The Bradley crews took their places toget ready for the gunnery. There was a mul-titude of tasks that they had to accomplishthroughout the day like zeroing the weapon
systems, identifying targets and of course,annihilating their "enemies."
After getting through the initial safetybriefs, crews rolled out to practice maneu-vering, firing and many other skills essen-tial to the fighting vehicles they rode.
The engineer's first bore-sighted their25-mm cannons, and the M-240 "Charlies"before zeroing the weapons. Bore-sightingis a way of pre-zeroing a weapon to ensureeven further accuracy. After zeroing, thecrews waited until their turn to show theirstuff.
Finally, Place and his crew got theorder and began tactfully moving throughthe range.
"Once we got done zeroing, we gotinto a scenario-based exercise," Pfc.Richard Chacon said. "This was where welearned how to fight defensively and offen-
sively."Chacon added that while it was his
fourth gunnery, he and his crew are con-stantly learning and improving techniquesto become better fighters.
"These exercises are good for buildingcrew coordination, target identification andsometimes bragging rights," Place said.
Place's team successfully completedthe course and returned to the staging areato hold an after-action review and start dis-mantling the cannon for cleaning.
Place said for the relatively new crewhe's working with, they did well but there'salways room for improvement.
"Even though it's hot and you have towait, it's all worthwhile," Place said. "Fora lot of the Soldiers who've never done thisbefore, it can be a big rush to feel the turretshake for the first time."
(Photo by Spc. Alexis Harrison, 2nd BCT Public Affairs)
A Bradley crew rolls off the firing line to execute a gunnery iteration at the Sugarloaf Multi-Use Range on Fort HoodAug. 17. This was the company's final gunnery before they deploy to Iraq.
Black Jack Sept. 8, 2006Page 30
TTrrooooppss GGeett FFaammiilliiaarriizzeedd wwiitthh FFoorreeiiggnn WWeeaappoonnssBy Spc. Robert Yde2nd BCT Public Affairs
A mobile training team from theNational Ground Intelligence Center was atFort Hood Aug. 16 to brief Soldiers from the2nd "Black Jack" Brigade Combat Team,1st Cavalry Division on some of the weaponsystems they may encounter in Iraq.
"This is a great training activity for theSoldiers," said Capt. Jason Thomas, theassistant intelligence officer for the brigade."It gives them an idea of the weapons theywill be facing and the tactics, techniquesand procedures of the enemy forces."
The NGIC, which is located inCharlottesville, Va., is the Army's intelli-gence analysis organization, and providescontinuous intelligence on foreign groundforces to both war fighters and decision andpolicy makers.
Since the beginning of the Global Waron Terrorism, the NGIC has been sendingthese mobile training teams around thecountry to meet with units that are sched-uled to deploy.
According to Michael Knapp, aDepartment of the Army civilian with theNGIC, each of these briefings is tailoredspecifically to the unit. He said an onlinecatalogue explains the various briefings that
the NGIC can provide, and units choosetheir own briefings based upon their needs.
The Black Jack briefing included bothan unclassified and classified portion.During the unclassified briefing, representa-tives from NGIC discussed small arms fireand the various types of rocket propelledgrenades that the Soldiers may see.
Soldiers were also given the opportuni-ty to handle some of the more common for-eign weapons, such as the AK-47, which arebeing used by insurgents in Iraq.
"Having the weapons here to actually
look at really helps," said Pfc CharlesSchuknecht, an intelligence analyst withHeadquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8thCavalry Regiment "It's stuff you don't seeevery day."
Like many of the Soldiers, Schuknechtsaid that he has not had much experiencewith foreign weapon systems, however, dur-ing his presentation on small arms, DanielDobrowolski said that this lack of experi-ence should not be a problem for a typicalSoldier.
Dobrowolski, a retired Army major andscientific and technical analyst with NGIC,suggested that if a Soldier must handle anunfamiliar weapon, he should take two min-utes to calm down and examine the weapon.
"The ergonomics of the weapon willtell you how to safe that weapon," explainedDobrowolski.
Soldiers were also shown photos ofrecently recovered modified weapons, andDobrowolski stressed the importance ofSoldiers reporting such things to their chain-of-command.
Thomas said he knows the informationprovided by the NGIC will help the Soldiersin their preparations for their upcomingdeployment, and recommends that otherunits take advantage of what NGIC canoffer.
(Photo by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd BCT Public Affairs)Two Black Jack officers examinerifles that are commonly used byIraqi insurgents during a pre-deployment briefing by representa-tives from the National GroundIntelligence Center Aug. 16.
RReeaarr DDeett.. PPuuttss OOuutt FFiirreess …… AAmmoonngg OOtthheerr TThhiinnggssBy Sgt. 1st Class Kap Kim2nd BCT Public Affairs
Ever leave the house beforea trip and think the stove wasleft on? Or the door was leftunlocked? It happens, luckilyfor deploying commanders, theyhave someone on the left behindto take care of some of thosethings left undone.
As more and more FortHood units begin to deploy toIraq, something referred to asthe "rear detachment" is begin-ning to form up to take care ofmany different issues on thehome front.
The rear detachment is a
small portion of a unit, usuallyhand-picked, that does notdeploy with the bulk of the unit.It remains at home station toperform key functions in sup-port of the deployed unit.
According to Maj. GregoryDavidson, the rear detachmentcommander for the 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 1st CavalryDivision, on the average a bat-talion of 900 Soldiers canexpect to leave back a cadre ofabout six troops and another 30,or so, who are non-deployablefor various reasons.
"It's not glamorous, it's notpretty and it's not necessarilywhat we are trained to do," the
Lompoc, Calif. native admitted."I'm an Infantryman. I wastrained to fight. Now, I'll befighting legal and medicalissues."
Davidson, who has had theexperience of running a reardetachment before, said the taskof running the remainingbrigade element will be some-what of a "challenge" due tomany different reasons.
First, the rear detachmentsupervises the Soldiers whocannot deploy due to medical,legal, personal, or other issues.The rear detachment gets theseSoldiers the proper care theyneed to remedy their issues. In
some cases, that means puttingthe Soldiers out of the Armywhile others may require med-ical care for a certain length oftime before they deploy and linkup with their unit in Iraq. Stillothers require medical care thatmay result in reclassification orreassignment.
Second, the rear detach-ment will receive new Soldiersinto the unit, train them onrequired pre-deployment tasks,and then deploy them to jointheir unit.
Third, the rear detachment
See Rear Page 31
Black Jack Sept. 8, 2006Page 31
(Photo by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd BCT Public Affairs)
Hungry yet?Soldiers of the 2nd "Black Jack" Brigade Combat Team maketheir way down Fort Hood's Battalion Avenue, led by theircommander Col. Bryan Roberts, right past an eating establish-ment during a brigade run Aug. 18.
may receive injured Soldiers from Iraq whose med-ical care precludes them from remaining in the com-bat zone. These Soldiers usually come from one ofthe major Army medical facilities for outpatient care.Once again the unit ensure they receive the necessarycare.
Fourth, in conjunction with the FamilyReadiness Groups, the rear detachment takes care ofthe families that remain behind, providing them infor-mation on what is happening to their family membersin theater and coordinating family events.
It also serves as a key part in the casualty notifi-cation and assistance process when Soldiers areinjured or killed while deployed. The rear detachmentworks closely with the FRGs to provide families withsupport during these times.
According to Capt. Marc E. Weber, the reardetachment commander for 3rd Battalion, 82nd FieldArtillery, the rear detachment is "serious business"when it comes to taking care of the families leftbehind.
"First and foremost, it's about taking care of fam-ilies," the Hopatcong, N.J. native said. "If we can'thelp them, then we'll point them in the right direc-tion."
He added that the bottom line is that the familieshave to be taken care of so the deployed Soldiers canfocus on their mission and not have to worry anymore than they already do about what's happening onthe home front.Finally, the rear detachment takes careof the equipment that the deployed element does nottake with them when they go.
There is a certain amount of equipment that willbe provided once the unit arrives in theater; therefore,the unit does not need to take all of its own. The reardetachment maintains that equipment and keeps itready for the unit's return.
Weber said the rear detachment maintains con-stant contact with the forward deployed unit througha variety of communications, including mail, e-mailand telephone.
According to Davidson, due to the nine-hourtime difference between Iraq and Fort Hood, e-mailwill be the normal means of communication, and justin case the stove was left on, both the deployed unitand the rear detachment maintain 24-hour operationsto put out those possible fires.
(Photo by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd BCT Public Affairs)
One Step CloserSpc. Alexander Woodard, a cargo specialist fromCanandaigue, N.Y., moves a container Aug. 28 with help fromhis ground guide, Sgt. Sabino Cano of San Antonio, outsideof 4th Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment's headquarters at FortHood. The unit is preparing for deplyment to Iraq.
Grey Wolf Sept. 8, 2006Page 32
BBrriiggaaddee TTrrooooppeerrss SSpprroouutt WWiinnggssBy Pfc. Ben Fox3rd BCT Public Affairs
After a tedious morningfilled with safety briefs andpatient waiting, Soldiers fromCompany B, 1st Battalion, 12thCavalry Regiment of the 1stCavalry Division's 3rd BrigadeCombat Team finally boardedthree CH-47 Chinook helicop-ters and strapped themselves in.
A few of the Soldiers
looked nervous in the first heli-copter, maybe due to their firstsergeant yelling, "Make 'empuke!" to the pilots and crew,hoping for some crazy mid-airstunts.
Other Soldiers were excit-ed because it was their firsttime flying in a helicopter.This began helicopter familiar-ization training for the"Charger" troops Aug. 10.
When the company is
deployed, they will need to beflexible with how they get tothe battlefield, said Capt. PeteChapman, the company com-mander.
The training helped theSoldiers become familiar withhow to load and unload aChinook helicopter, as well asbecome familiar with the safetyand emergency procedures, headded.
The engine started aftereveryone took their seats. Itseemed to take forever for theenormous blades on top tofinally start moving. Anothereternity passed for the troopsbefore the Chinook finally tookoff from the tarmac.
In the air, a hole in thefloor, a door on the front rightside and the back ramp of thehelicopter were the only portalsprovided to observe the outsideworld.
Some of the Soldiers'expressions changed. Somewere now nauseous, others stillexcited, and some had evenfallen asleep, having ridden in aChinook before.
The Chinooks landed in a
field of dry grass and theSoldiers exited at combatspeed. Before the helicoptercould take off, the Soldiers hadalready created a 360-degreedefensive perimeter.
The helicopters took off,leaving the three teams on thedesolate plain. The leadersquickly discussed with theirSoldiers how they were goingto reload the helicopters oncethey landed.
The helicopters returned afew minutes later and theblades created a gust of windthat hit the Soldiers with a blastof air, dirt and grass.
The Soldiers formed a sin-gle-file line and entered theChinooks the same way theyexited -- at combat speed.
"I think every Soldiershould have to go throughthat," said Pvt. Ted Birdsall. Healso said the training will helpwhen he has to go up in a heli-copter again.
"You know what to doright then," he said. Birdsalladded that the training alsohelped him conquer his fear ofheights.
(Photos by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3rd BCT Public Affairs)
A CH-47 Chinook helicopter flies overhead as Soldiersfrom Company B, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regimentform a 360-degree defensive perimeter during helicop-ter familiarization training Aug. 10. The Soldiers trainedon the safety and emergency procedures of the aircraft.
Troops from Company B, 1st Battalion, 12th CavalryRegiment enter a CH-47 Chinook helicopter after creat-ing a defensive perimeter during helicopter familiariza-tion training Aug. 10.
Grey Wolf Sept. 8, 2006Page 33
Cav Soldier Gives Life-SSaving DonationBy Pfc. Ryan Stroud3rd BCT Public Affairs
A 3rd "Grey Wolf" BrigadeCombat Team Soldier left cen-tral Texas Aug. 31 forBaltimore, Md., to save anotherperson's life.
Pfc. Gary Campion, aSoldier with Company F, 215thBrigade Support Battalion, anda native Champlin, Minn.,began his adventure with a tripto a blood drive sponsored bythe Better Opportunities forSingle Soldiers and his brigade.
"I went in to give blood ata blood drive here on post,"said Campion. "While I wassitting in the waiting room, fill-ing out paperwork, a guy camearound and said he was withthe Department of DefenseBlood Marrow program. Hewas looking for volunteers todonate an extra vile of blood tobe tested for a possible stemcell match."
Campion agreed to donatethe extra vile and went abouthis business. About four dayslater, he received a call to comein for a second blood test and
evaluation.Campion learned he was a
perfect match for a 25-year-oldwoman with leukemia. He wasflown out to Baltimore for hisfirst of two donations.
When Campion got toBaltimore, he was taken to theDepartment of Defense BoneMarrow Clinic, where he wasinjected with a drug to make
his stem cell count double. "It's kind of like donating
plasma," he said. "The doctorsrun your blood through amachine that separates yourplasma, your platelets, andyour stem cells from one anoth-er. The machine takes the stemcells and put everything elseback into your arm. The wholeprocess takes about five hoursto complete."
If Campion had a reactionto the process, then the doctorswould have taken bone marrowfrom his hip, a much morepainful process, he said.
"The best part is, with thenew procedure, I won't have togo to sick call or miss any daysat work and I will still bedeployable," he said
The Aug. 31 trip toBaltimore, was the second andlast trip Campion had to make,but he said he will be willing togo back if any other stem celldonations are needed from him.
Though Campion will gothrough yearly check-ups tomake sure he will not have anyreactions to the treatment andhe will receive information
about the progress of thewoman he is helping, he willnot be able to have any contactwith her or her family for atleast a year.
She will also not knowwho made the donation to helpsave her life.
"The people at the clinicwill give me monthly updateson the woman and how she isprogressing through her treat-ment, but I would actually liketo talk to her, ask her questionsabout what it was like to havecancer and how long she hadbeen waiting for a blood trans-fer," Campion said.
The process of doublinghis stem cell count for thedonation and the actual dona-tion process took a toll forCampion.
It leaves Campion weakand tired, but this process issomething he is willing to gothrough to help another.
"It feels good to help,everyone should do it," he said."All you have to do is give a lit-tle more blood to be tested tosee if you are a match for some-one."
(Photo by Pfc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd BCT)
Pfc. Gary Campion,Company F, 215th BrigadeSupport Battalion, 3rdBrigade Combat Team,Made two donations at theDepartment of DefenseBlood Marrow Clinic.
DDFFAACC TTooppss iinn AArrmmyy''ss SSoouutthhwweesstt RReeggiioonnBy Pfc. Ben Fox3rd BCT Public Affairs
The 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade CombatTeam's Operation Iraqi Freedom DiningFacility here won the Southwest RegionalPhillip A. Connelly Award July 13.
Sgt. 1st Class Jesus Seary, the DFAC'snoncommissioned officer in charge, said hisfacility won, not by his work, but the workof his Soldiers.
"They did it all," he said. "I just gavethem guidance."
Seary said he sets the standards high forhis facility, because the higher he sets thestandards, the higher the NCOs under him
set theirs. Winning this competition shows the
cooks at the DFAC perform at their highestlevel daily, Seary said, from the lowest pri-vate to the leadership, because there is noneed for a change of standards when thecompetition rolls around.
In the next level of competition, Army-wide, the OIF DFAC will be competingagainst at least seven other dining facilitiesfrom all over the world.
Seary said he is confident his DFACwill perform well in the upcoming Army-wide competition due to the cooks who runit and he said he is proud of every Soldierwho works in the building.
(Photo by Pfc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd BCT Public Affairs)
Sgt. 1st Class Jesus Seary receivesthe trophy for the SouthwestRegional Phillip A. Connelly AwardAug. 23 at Fort Hood from Brig.Gen. Vincent Brooks, the 1stCavalry Division's deputy com-manding general for support.
Grey Wolf Sept. 8, 2006Page 34
FRG Prepares Families for DeploymentBy Pfc. Ben Fox3rd BCT Public Affairs
A Soldier never goes into battle alone.A Soldier operates as part of a unit and hasfriends around him ready to watch hisback. While a Soldier is deployed, his fam-ily doesn't have to go through the deploy-ment alone, either.
The Family Readiness Group helps toprepare Soldiers' families for deploymentby getting them in touch with other fami-lies who are going through the same expe-riences, said Col. David Sutherland, com-mander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team,1st Cavalry Division.
The FRG is meant to "…provideinformation and assist family members tobe self-sustaining," said Sutherland, anative of Aledo, Ohio.
"It is good to know there are other
people going through what we are goingthrough," said Tamatha Chainey, a nativeof Payette, Idaho, and spouse of a 3rdBrigade Soldier. "Everyone in the FRG is
there to help support you."Families who have been through pre-
vious deployments can help newer familiesdeal with the situation through their expe-rience, said Lori Carpenter, the 3rd BrigadeCombat Team, 1st Cavalry Division FRGDeployment Assistant, and a native ofBennington, Vt.
Families can gather informationthrough meetings, newsletters and trainingsessions the FRG has, Carpenter said. Shenoted that training sessions can include careteam training, operational security trainingand Iraqi cultural awareness training.
Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Felt, thebrigade's senior noncommissioned officerand said the FRG has become more impor-tant now than in the past, because units arebeing deployed for longer periods of time.
Felt, a native of Monroeville, Pa., alsosaid the bond between families during a
deployment is similar to the bondSoldiers have in combat as far as tak-ing care of others they don't know well.
Sutherland said it is important forfamilies to try not to leave the immedi-ate area for extended periods of time sothe FRG can keep in contact withthem.Chainey said the FRG has helpedher in the past by keeping her busywith social events. She was alsoinvolved in the program, often helpingwith the information flow betweenfamilies.She said she was excitedabout the new website for the FRG,www.armyfrg.org, and was going toenroll in it soon.
The website will include picturesand current updates so the families willbe able to know what is going on withthe Soldiers during the deployment,Carpenter said. She added that it isimportant for the Soldiers down rangeto know their families will pull togeth-er while they are gone.
"We want our families to know weare here for them," Carpenter said. TheBrigade FRG will have an open housein early September so families canbecome familiar with their new loca-tion, she said.The 3rd BCT's FRG is co-located with the brigade's rear detachment inBuilding 43018.
(Photo by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3rd BCT Public Affairs)
Soldiers and their families fromHeadquarters Company, 3rd BrigadeCombat Team, 1st Cavalry Division,load up their plates with food duringone of the company's FamilyReadiness Group meetings.
(Photo by Pfc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd BCT Public Affairs)
Congressman Visits OIF DFACStaff Sgt. James Davis, a native of Kokomo, Ind., talks with CongressmanDavid Morrison of the House Appropriations Committee about issueswithin the Army Aug. 28 at the 3rd Brigade Combat Team's OperationIraqi Freedom Dining Facility at Fort Hood. Morrison talked with Soldiersabout training, readiness, morale and social issues.
Grey Wolf Sept. 8, 2006Page 35
CCoommpplliiccaattiioonnss WWoonn''tt KKiillll TTrroooopp CCoonnffiiddeenncceeBy Pfc. Ryan Stroud3rd BCT Public Affairs
Soldiers from 3rdBattalion, 8th CavalryRegiment, 3rd "Greywolf"Brigade Combat Team, 1stCavalry Division, showed up toSugarloaf Multi-Use RangeAug. 8, prepared to take theirBradley's down a course of dif-ferent targets and obstacles inhopes to qualify on their equip-ment before their deploymentlater in the year.
This challenge was impor-tant to the Soldiers and theirleadership. It would be the firsttime to qualify for a few ofthem.
Though the Soldiers werepumped, excited and ready togo, their day at the range justwasn't meant to be.
Heat and the dryness of theground and surrounding plantshas been a major factor in star-ing fires on the ranges, saidGreg Simpson, OperationsOfficer for Ranger Control.
"We haven't had that muchrain in two months, thus mak-ing the grass and brush dry," hesaid. "When a Bradley comesto fire at a range, they fire onetracer round every five rounds.I feel it is the tracer rounds thatare starting the fires in theranges."
Simpson said fires arebeing fought everyday, puttingthe brakes on some live-firetraining events.
The troops from 3-8 Cavcame out to qualify on theBradley Table VII and VIII,said Sgt. First Class DavidTherrell, a platoon sergeantwith Company A.
"We wanted to bring outthe crews who have had recentchanges to their team and givethem a chance to qualify
together," he said. "We have 28crews here to qualify; weexpect all 28 to do just that."
The range can be a chal-lenging one, Therrell said. TheSoldiers never know what theymight face.
The crews have to face tar-gets of all kinds. While goingthrough the course, the Soldierswill fire upon moving targets,pop-up targets, stationary tar-gets and many others.
"At times, the qualificationcan be strenuous because youhave no idea what you might befacing," Therrell said.
He said different scenariosadd to the excitement. Forexample, Therrell said while acrew is out on the range, theycould get hit by any scenariolike a chemical attack or arocket propelled grenadeattack.
"You never know what youmight be up against," he said.
Though there are obstaclesthe Soldiers must overcome,this live fire range is strictlycrew qualification only, headded. There will be no dis-mounted attacks for theSoldiers.
But complications with therange kept this confident groupof mechanized infantrySoldiers on the side lines,unable to fire.
With their chances of fir-ing fading away, their attitudesstayed strong and confident.
"We are training prettyregularly and our training isreally good," said Sgt DavidHolda, Headquarters andHeadquarters Company. "Thetraining keeps us up to date andhelps improve us even more."
Holda said because of thetraining he and his crew havereceived, he was sure theywould have no problems with
the range."I'm confident about being
out here," he added. "Thecourse is a challenge, but it'snothing that I don't think wecan't handle. Our guys aregood."
(Photo by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3rd BCT Public Affairs)
A Soldier with, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division guides aBradley Fighting Vehicle through the town of "Takira"during a cordon and search operation at the JointReadiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La.
Though the wait can be afrustrating situation for theSoldiers, Therrell said having aqualified crew is important outthere in the battlefield. It meansthey're dependable and knowtheir job to its fullest.
Grey Wolf Sept. 8, 2006Page 36
Trooper Stands Alone at the TopBy Pfc. Ryan Stroud3rd BCT Public Affairs
When the 3rd "Grey Wolf"Brigade Combat Team, 1stCavalry Division, returned fromconducting a Mission ReadinessExercise at the Joint ReadinessTraining Center at Fort Polk,La., in May, the last thing onSpc. Corey Lehman's mind wasto head right back there formore training.
Lehman, a Soldier with thebrigade's Headquarters andHeadquarters Company and anative of Stevens, Pa., did justthat. He left Fort Hood for FortPolk to participate in the 30-dayWarrior Leaders Course, train-ing to become a noncommis-sioned officer.
"I went to WLC at FortPolk to train to become the bestNCO I could be," Lehman said,"and I finished first in the classout of 90 Soldiers from all [mil-itary occupation specialty]fields."
Lehman, who attended thecourse with other First Teamtroops and Soldiers from otherunits and posts, said he didn'tknow what to expect whenheading out on his journey. Allhe knew was he had to give hisall and push himself to the max,he added.
"The first three weeks ofthe course was spent in garri-son," Lehman said. "We spenttime in a classroom, going overArmy regulations, drill and cer-emony, and learning the NCOCreed. They were teaching ushow to be NCOs and how tohandle ourselves in a propermilitary fashion."
WLC teaches up and com-ing NCOs how to be leaders,and to guide them in the rightdirection, Lehman said.
"Everyone who attended
WLC had to be a leader, act as aleader, and lead those aroundthem," he noted. "We wereplaced in squads where some-one was the squad leader, anoth-er was a team leader, and we all,at one time, had to lead [physi-cal training].
"The squad leaders had 11other Soldiers to look after," hecontinued. "The team leaderswere under the squad leader andthey had to work as a group toachieve the mission we werefacing. That was one of theways that we were graded: byhow well we lead those around
us."But leading was not the
only task that was being gradedby the staff. The Soldiers weregraded on everything they did,said Lehman.
"We were graded on PT,graded on how we gave presen-tations, we were graded oneverything," said Lehman.
"We then went out to thefield for 10 days where weapplied what we had learned theprevious days in garrison," hesaid. "It was especially a goodsituation for Soldiers like me,who are typically in garrison,
because it gave us a chance toget out there and lead in the bat-tlefield."
The Soldiers attendingWLC were faced with anotherchallenge while heading to thefield. Already tired, the Soldierspacked their equipment androad marched out to their simu-lated forward operating base,where they would spend thenext 10 days, Lehman said.What they didn't know wasthere were opposing forceswaiting for them, providingsome sticky situations.
"When we were in the field,we had civilians in the battle-field that challenged us and pro-vided a better obstacle to face,"said Lehman. "They were outthere to provide reality to uswhile we were clearing roomsand executing maneuvers on thebattlefield.
"There were even OPFORthat challenged us while wewere maneuvering through ourlanes and drills," he added.
The 30-day Fort Polk WLCprovided troops with more real-istic, in-depth training, Lehmansaid.
"When I was a squadleader, I had to receive orders,design a plan of attack, report tomy Soldiers and lead themthrough Squad movements andmaneuvers," he said. "It reallytaught me to be a leader."
When all was said anddone, this paralegal specialist,who also finished first in hisadvanced individual training,received an ArmyCommendation Medal for beingthe WLC distinguished honorgraduate.
Through all of his achieve-ments in the Army as a special-ist, Lehman said he is ready tobecome an NCO for the GreyWolf Brigade.
(Photo by Pfc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd BCT Public Affairs)
Spc. Corey Lehman, Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st CavalryDivision, was named the honor graduate of his WarriorLeaders Course class at Fort Polk, La. Lehman placedfirst out of 90 other Soldiers in attendance.
The Army life isn't for everyone. Forthose who take on the call of military serv-ice, there is often a driving force behindtheir decision to serve.
For Lt. Col. Holly O'Grady-Cook, thestaff judge advocate for 1st CavalryDivision, it's a sense of family, both in andout of the division's staff judge advocateoffice, which keeps her in uniform.
O'Grady-Cook, a Deer Park, N.Y.native, grew up in an Irish-Catholic house-hold with her father, mother, two olderbrothers and a younger sister.
"We didn't have a lot growingup," she said. "My traditions, my workethic, my beliefs, and my sense of helpingothers are all things I grew up with."
She said she owes a great deal ofthat to her family.
"My dad was the type of person thatwould give you the shirt off his back, if hethought you needed it more than he did,"she said. "And my mother was alwaysstanding right behind him making sure itwasn't his very last shirt."
The division's top legal officersaid if she was to choose one woman whoshe admired growing up it would be hermother for being a strong, conservative,smart, hard-working woman.
"(She is) the type of woman whoknew how to save for a rainy day," shesaid. "So, when the rainy days came, shewas always fine."
The strength she gained during herupbringing and from watching her momhelped in making her decision to go to lawschool. However, because they were such aclose-knit family it was hard for her fatherto watch her leave for college.
She walked into her freshman orienta-tion and met her future husband, Col. AlanCook, then a third year law student with aReserve Officer Training Corps scholar-ship. They grew closer that first year atUnion University's Albany Law Schooland ended up engaged. About a year latershe became Mrs. Holly O'Grady Cook.They have been married for 20 years now.
After she graduated in 1987, the hus-
band and wife team relocated to Maryland.For the next two years, she worked as ajudicial law clerk representing big busi-nesses in Baltimore.
Suddenly, her husband was reassignedto Fort Huachuca, Ariz., to teach at the mil-itary intelligence school.
She had a choice to make: take the barexam at every new state they might be sta-tioned, or join the Army.
"My mom said if that's what I wantedto do, that's what I had to do," she said."When it comes down to it, I joinedbecause I didn't want to take the ArizonaBar Exam, thinking I'd do my two years. Iended up staying in because of all the peo-ple I've come across, the people I workedwith and the clients we worked for.
"It feels good to be able to help," shesaid. "Whether we're helping a youngSoldier who has a lease issue or telling a
young Soldier, 17 or 18 years old, that hehas 900 dollars from his tax return, havingthem look at you and say 'Thank you' is thesilver lining at the end of the day."
And the Soldiers' hard work in the SJAsection makes this possible.
"There are about 20 captains that havebeen in less than two and a half years whoare so enthusiastic about the journey theyhave just begun to embark on, and theenlisted Soldiers in my section are dedicat-ed, they work hard, and they keep thisplace running," she said. "They all makemy job easier."
Although she never really thought ofherself as a high-ranking female in theArmy, O'Grady-Cook is, in fact, the high-est ranking woman on the division's pri-mary staff.
But she said over her 17-year mil-itary career, she didn't get to her currentposition alone.
"In the military, there is no one thatcomes up through the ranks alone," shesaid. "I was very lucky to have gotten a lotof help from my senior officers and theirwives throughout my career."
When she first came in, O'Grady-Cook remembers in-processing and com-ing across a sign that said "colonel."
"Although I knew very little about theArmy, I knew that a colonel outranked alieutenant, so I saluted," Cook said. "It wasindoors, and the Soldiers there were niceenough to salute back and they took meunder their wings."
Her husband has also been there forher from the start of this journey in theArmy.
While still a very green militarylawyer, one night the phone rang andsomeone asked her a legal question thatshe wasn't sure about. She replied "Canyou hold on a second? I have to look it upin my manual."
Then she turned to her husband andsaid, "I have no idea what he's talkingabout. What do I do?"
Alan came through for her that night,just as he's been there for her over the past
(Photo by Pfc. Jeffery Ledesma, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs)
Lt. Col. Holly O'Grady-Cook, is the1st Cavalry Division's staff judgeadvocate and only female Soldier onthe division's primary staff. Shecredits her strong family ties andupbringing for a successful 17-yearArmy career.
See Cook Page 14
two decades."He gives me balance," O-Grady-
Cook said. "Where I am organized, mak-ing lists of things to be done, he is sponta-neous, fun, smart."
Although being a dual-military familycan be tough, she doesn't regret a second of it.
"The military given us opportunities totravel to places I didn't think I would evergo," she said. "When we were stationed inKorea, I got to see Hong Kong, Thailandand Hawaii. When (we were) in Germany,I traveled to Belgium, Austria, Australia,Prague, and Switzerland."
With her family firmly settled in centralTexas with their three-year-old son, Andrei,O-Grady-Cook said she couldn't be happier.Going at 100 miles per hour all day, Andreison is Holly and Alan's pride and joy.
"He's a quick smile, a very happy littleboy with boundless energy, and we couldn'tbe any luckier," she said. "The highlight ofmy day is watching 'Justice League,' a car-
toon show, or reading a book with my son." What started off as a two-year plan in
1989, transformed into a 17-year career. "I don't think my family could be any
prouder," she said. "I have been lucky, theyknow I am happy and I couldn't pick a bet-ter family."
O'Grady-Cook said having her family
behind her every step of the way during herArmy career had made all the difference,even as she prepares for her seconddeployment later this year.
"(Deploying's) part of my job," shesaid. "I am looking forward to leaving, soI can start looking forward to cominghome."
People Sept. 8, 2006Page 38
MMoottiivvaattiioonn SSppuurrss TTrroooopp''ss DDrriivvee ttoo bbee aa SSoollddiieerrBy Sgt. Nicole Kojetin1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
In the Army, units work toensure that tactical teams workwell together, that everyone hasa comfortable work environ-ment and that Soldiers knowthat their leadership willalways be prepared to help.
Seldom do troops thinkabout a person's gender, beforeknowing that a Soldier is justthat… a Soldier.
If it was once thought thatthe Army is a man's world, onetroop would stand up and shoutotherwise.
Spc. Maria Harrell, hasbeen striving to get into theArmy for the past two years.She battled medical problems -
broken hips and nearly losing afinger. Nothing would stop her.
She originally planned on
joining the Army Reserve as aFrench horn player as she fin-ished degree in musical per-formance, but when Harrellheard that she could goactive, she jumped at thechance.
Even after only being ather first duty station for fivedays, the Columbus, Ohionative cannot imagine beinganywhere else.
"I love it," Harrell said. "Ilove every minute of it becauseI get to play for a living. Plus,while I am doing it, I get to rep-resent and defend our country. Ican't see a better way to be amusician."
Music has been on herplate since high school, and sheplans on sticking with it for her
next 30 years in the military.Eventually, she will put in awarrant officer candidate pack-et, so she can be a band com-mander.
Harrell does not think thather gender will stop her plans.
"I haven't really run intoany discrimination, in regardsto me being a female," Harrellsaid. "There was a little bit atAIT (advanced individualtraining) for physical fitness,because they thought that themales would be better or theyexpected the slowest runner tobe female. If anything, it mademe work harder."
But as far as she was con-cerned, it didn't matter.
"We all do the same jobs,"she said. "We are all Soldiers."
(Photo by Sgt. Nicole Kojetin, 1st Cav. Div.)Spc. Maria Harrell, aFrench horn player with the1st Cavalry Division Band,plays a few notes Aug. 21.
many Soldiers strive for. Itsignifies a devotion to theArmy and a desire to make themilitary not just a job, but away of life. But not only
Soldiers retire from the mili-tary; many dedicated civiliansdo the same.
In a ceremony held on the1st Cavalry Division's paradefield, Suzanna Wood bidfarewell to the Army after 25years of service.
Wood, the senior budgetanalyst for the division for thepast six years, was honored inthe Distinguished Service andWelcome Ceremony Aug. 29.
The Morganfield,Kentucky native grew up anArmy brat and later became amilitary spouse.
"I have been aroundSoldiers all of my life," thesmall-statured woman said inher quiet tone. "I could havedone my job outside of the mil-itary and made the sameamount of money with lesswork.
Working in the Army wasa way to support the war fight-er and support the troops."
At the end of a 25-yearcareer, she said she feels agreater sense of accomplish-ment.
She began her career in1981 at Fort Sheridan, Ill.Relocation happened a fewtimes throughout her career,due to the Army moving herhusband from place to place.
In 1987, Wood arrived atFort Hood where she served asa secretary in the III CorpsDirectorate of ResourceManagement's Budget Office.Three years later, she trans-ferred to III Corps' BudgetOffice in the OperationsDivision. She stayed there for10 years.
In 2000, she made her
final move, joining the FirstTeam.
She was responsible for allmatters concerning the divi-sion's budget, which includedadvising commanders and staffmembers on all matters con-cerning resource management.
The division's deputycommanding general for sup-port, Brig. Gen. VincentBrooks, spoke of Wood's serv-ice to the Army at the ceremo-ny.
He said Wood reminds us,once again, that the Army ismade up of not only Soldiers,but civilians, too.
"These civilians answerthe call of duty in a unique andspecial way," he added.
Wood made a significantcontribution; saving manySoldiers from money prob-lems, Brooks said with asmile.
Wood thought it was fit-ting that the final six years ofher career had been spent with1st Cav. Div.
When her husband was inVietnam, some division troopspulled his unit out of trouble,possibly saving his life, shesaid.
"He might not be heretoday if not for them," Woodsaid, holding back tears.
The Woods have beenmarried for 40 years.
So what does a womanwho's been so busy her wholelife plan on doing in retire-ment?
"Anything I want to do,"Wood said with a gentle laugh.She plans on resettling withher husband, Ken, inKentucky.
(Photo by Pvt. Tiffany Mercer, 14th Public Affairs Detachment)
Suzanna Wood laughs with Col. Daniel Shanahan, com-mander of the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Air CavalryBrigade, after her retirement ceremony on the division'sparade field Aug. 29. Wood, who served as the divi-sion's senior budget analyst for six years, completed 25years of federal service.
Sports Sept. 8, 2006Page 40
Long-LLost Sports Columnist Returns to Cav CountryThe last time I wrote a col-
umn for a 1st Cavalry Divisionpublication was Feb. 5, 2005,the last field newspaper pro-duced in Baghdad by the FirstTeam and about a month beforeI set foot on American soilagain.
I gave my prediction forthe Super Bowl - erroneouslytaking the Philadelphia Eaglesby a field goal over the NewEngland Patriots (who I didn'teven predict would make theplay-offs, but that was anothercolumn) - in that final column.Since then, the public affairsoffice established a bigger andbetter website and created thisnew, electronic publication"Crossed Sabers."
Still, "Trigger Pull" wassilent. But no more!
Later this year, I'll be head-ed back to Iraq with the rest ofthe division, so I decided towrite a column before I left -sort of a tryout for the new pub-lic affairs team and the futureeditors of the next divisionfield newspaper, which willalso be called "CrossedSabers."
If it doesn't thoroughlyreek in the eyes (and nostrils)of my editors, I may get to talksmack over in Iraq, again.
For those readers whoremember me from the lastrotation, you'll recall that I'm aborn-and-bred Wisconsinitefrom Milwaukee. A Brewersfan since 1970 (yeah, I know,I'm old!) and a Green BayPackers fan from birth. I havelots of opinions about sports,and I still work in publicaffairs, making me uniquelyqualified to write a sports col-umn.
At least, that's what I'mhoping.
As I write this column, theNational Football League is
preparing to begin its regularseason schedule, after morethan a month of watchinggarbage-time players and hang-ers-on get their last shot tomake a ball club. The NFL,ever the intelligent industrialicon, even charges fans fullprice to see watered-down tal-ent in the pre-season. Brilliant!
But like hundreds of otherfootball publications, this is myshot at picking the divisionwinners in the NFL and prog-nosticate into the playoffs …and beyond.
Here goes:NFC East: 1. Dallas. 2.
N.Y. Giants. 3. Washington.4. Philadelphia. Getting TerrellOwens into the fold, as long ashe's not trying to imitate LanceArmstrong on a stationary bike,puts the Dallas Cowboys as thefavorite in this division.
The New York Giants willfinish a close second and prob-ably make the playoffs, as longas Tiki Barber has anything leftin the tank.
The Washington Redskins,a playoff team from 2005, fin-ishes above .500, but out of thepost-season. So do thePhiladelphia Eagles. This isthe toughest division in profes-sional football.
NFC North: 1. Chicago.2. Green Bay. 3. Minnesota.4. Detroit. How the mightyhave fallen! The Packers wentfrom first to worst last year,while the Chicago Bearswalked away with the divisiontitle (and choked at home in theplayoffs). The Bears will winagain, even with a mediocreoffense featuring only one
good wideout and so-so quar-terbacking.
The Detroit Lions,Minnesota Vikings and thePackers all have new headcoaches this year. None ofthem will crack the .500-markthis season, though the Packand Vikes will get close (8-8)and tie for runner-up honors ina weak division. And theLions? Last place.
NFC South: 1. TampaBay. 2. Carolina. 3. NewOrleans. 4. Atlanta. TheCarolina Panthers rode SteveSmith's small frame all the wayto the Super Bowl last year.The Panthers will be goodagain, and in the playoffs, butwill fall to second place to JonGruden's Tampa BayBuccaneers. Chris Simmsdoesn't need to look over hisshoulder this season, andshould be in for a breakoutyear. The Saints will beimproved, but not play-offbound. The Atlanta Falconswon't make the playoffs(again), and will cost theircoach his job.
NFC West: 1. Seatttle. 2.Arizona. 3. St. Louis. 4. SanFrancisco. In probably theweakest division in football,the Seahawks will again reignsupreme. Nobody else gets inthe post-season dance, thoughthe Cardinals (Why didn't theychance their mascot when theymoved to the desert?) will getclose. San Francisco battles theLions for the worst record inthe conference.
AFC East: 1. Miami. 2.New England. 3. Buffalo. 4.N.Y. Jets. The addition ofDaunte Culpepper puts ChrisChambers in the Pro Bowl andthe Dolphins in the playoffs.New England falls short thisyear. The Bills and Jets vie forthe worst record in the confer-
ence. AFC North: 1.
Cincinnati. 2. Baltimore. 3.Pittsburgh. 4. Cleveland.Carson Palmer has made amiraculous (and speedy) recov-ery from knee surgery. He'lllead the Bengals into the play-offs and, possibly, to a confer-ence title. The Ravens, withSteve McNair at the helm, willtake a wild card spot in thepost-season while the Steelerstry to eek into a play-off slot.Cleveland?
Forget about it (thoughthey'll score more points thisyear!)
AFC South: 1.Indianapolis. 2. Jacksonville.3. Houston. 4. Tennessee. It'llbe close at the top two spots,and close at the bottom. This isstill a division of have's andhave not's. The Jaguars have ashot at a wild card berth.
AFC West: 1. Oakland.2. Kansas City. 3. Denver. 4.San Diego. This is my "upsetspecial." Art Shell is back andhe'll bring back old-schoolRaider football, too.
I expect Oakland to winthe division in a tight race, andlead the league in penalties,too. The Chiefs and theBroncos fall short, while theChargers learn that PhillipRivers is not their quarterbackof the future.
That's it - a Cheesehead'slook into the football future.After listening for weeks to the"experts" pick their waythrough the upcoming season, Ijust had to take a shot. If youagree … great. If not, e-mailyour predictions [email protected] they might just be high-lighted in our first edition of"Crossed Sabers" in Iraq.
