The BattleCry: Christmas Edition

War II-Korea-Vietnam-Iraq-AfghaWorld War I-World War II-Korea-V

TheTHE OFFICIAL DEPLOYMENT MAGAZINE OF THE 172ND SEPARATE INFANTRY BRIGADE

CHRISTMAS

Battlecry

ASoldier’sChristmas

Korea-Vietnam-Iraq-Afghanistan-World War I-World War IIWorld War I-World War II-Korea-Vietnam-Iraq-Afghanistan

Christmas ASoldier’s

A BattleCry Special

Korea-Vietnam-Iraq-Afghanistan-World War I-World War IIWorld War I-World War II-Korea-Vietnam-Iraq-AfghanistanSoldier’s

A BattleCry Special

Christmas During War: A Photographic journey of Christmas during war from

WWI to the modern battlefields of Afghanistan

Then There Was Silence: A Christmas miracle on the battlefied

First Lady Offers Special Tribute: Military Families are the focus at the White House during

Holiday season

Giving as a Gift: How to give your Family the best gift you can while deployed

Blackhawk Christmas Greetings: Holiday Greetings from Blackhawk Families, friends & Soldiers

World War I

A Soldier’s Christmas

For the boys, it was the beginning of an exciting adventure.

The year was 1914 and the war to end all war was underway.

At age 18, Alfred Anderson answered the call to duty in a time of conflict, enlisting in the British Army. Excited by the oppor-tunity to fight the German war machine, he enticed his childhood friends to sign up to fight alongside him.

By December, Anderson had been fighting on the frontlines for months. Fatigued by combat, his perspective changed. The hissing, cracking, and whining of bul-lets flying overhead, the constant roar of machine gun fire, and the brutal winter weather turned his childish adventure into a hellacious fight for survival.

As the end of December approached, something inside Anderson collapsed, the

passion that once filled his eyes replaced with a vision of death.

On December 24th, Anderson and his comrades found themselves in a trench fight against a German battalion across the muddy fields of Flanders in present-day Belgium. A mere 60 yards of forsaken landmass separated the enemy combatants. As Anderson settled in for a back-and-forth duel, he became an unwitting witness to one of the strangest events in human history.

The late afternoon saw an unannounced break in the gunfire. First the German guns fell suddenly silent, then the Brit-ish. Flanders field itself seemed confused, overcome by fog and hauntingly beautiful quietude.

“Stille Nacht. Heilige Nacht. Alles Schlaft, einsam wacht.”

The sound of the German soldiers singing danced its way through the fog and into the ears of the stunned British soldiers. They listened to the carol they all knew.

They did not understand German, Ander-son recalled. However, there was no need to. The song was instantly recognizable as Silent Night.

Some of the British soldiers sang along, but most of them just listened, not know-ing how to feel or what to do.

After the song ended, a single German soldier courageously climbed out of his fighting position carrying a tiny decorated Christmas tree, apparently sent by land from Germany. The German Soldier’s flashlight cut through the fog as he took a step towards the British trenchline, his hands trembling.

“Merry Christmas,” The German soldier yelled out in tortured English. “We not shoot, you not shoot.”

The British soldiers were frozen with shock, unsure if this act was a gesture of holiday fellowship or some sort of bizarre ambush.

In the end, the Brits were too exhausted to care. They cautiously climbed out of their trenches, with all the Germans following suite.

They came face-to-face on Flanders field and shook hands. The Christmas spirit overtook the Soldiers and their faces that had been deprived of any joy for months were now filled with boyish smiles; for a moment on a field of battle, the Soldiers were young men again.

Then there was silenceStory by Spc. Robert J. Holland

A Christmas miracle on the battlefield.


They sang Christmas carols together, lit each other’s cigarettes and even played a friendly game of soccer.

Many of the Soldiers who the previous day had been exchang-ing bullets now exchanged mailing addresses hoping that one day, when the war was over, they could recon-nect.

The brief Christ-mas respite from war did not just happen in one iso-lated area, it spread like wildfire over 500 miles of the Western front.

Graham Williams, a British Soldier fighting with the 2nd Queen’s Regi-ment on the West-ern Front describes a scene similar to that of Flanders:

“I was gazing toward the German lines and thinking what a different sort of Christmas Eve this was from any I had experi-enced in the past when suddenly lights began to appear along the top of the Ger-man trenches - these were Christmas trees which were adorned with lighted candles burning steadily in the still, frosty air! Other guards had, of course, seen the same thing, and quickly awoke those asleep in the shelters, to ‘come and see this thing

which had come to pass.’ Then suddenly our opponents began to sing ‘Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht’ (Silent Night). They finished their carol and we thought that

we ought to retaliate in the same way, so we sang ‘The First Nowell,’ and when we finished they all began clapping. And so it went on. First the Germans would sing one of their carols and then we would sing one of ours, until we started up with ‘O

Come All Ye Faithful’ and the Germans immediately joined in singing the same hymn to the Latin words ‘Adeste Fideles.’ And I thought, well, this was really a most

extraordinary thing - our nations both singing the same carol in the middle of a war.”

The truce was short-lived and once the holiday passed, the killing continued. “There was a dead silence that morning, right across the land as far as you could see,” Anderson recounted. “The si-lence ended early in the afternoon, and the killing started again. It was a short peace in a terrible war.”

The incredible events that occurred 97 years ago be-came known as the Christmas Truce.

Anderson, the last-remaining soldier to witness the Christmas Truce first-hand died at the age 109 Nov. 21, 2005. He spent the rest of life his life trying to forget what he saw during the war that took 9 million lives.

“I’ll give Christmas Day 1914 a brief thought, as I do every year. I’ll think about all my friends who never made it home. But it is too sad to think too much about it,” He said. “Far too sad.”

SFC Charles J. Benintende,We Are Wishing You A Very Very Safe Happy Holiday That’s Filled With ALL The Love In The World!! We Miss You So Very Much But Knowing The Days Are Getting Closer, Helps Us All & Getting So Very EXCITED!! Praying & Thinking Of You ALWAYS & FOREVER!! We Appreciate You & EVERYTHING You Do For Us & Our Country!!

Love, Your Beloved Family

SFC Ronald Becker Jr, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and I can’t wait for R&R to hold you in my arms again.You are missed everyday. I can’t wait until Dixie sees you again! She is go-ing to give you tons of puppy kisses! We love you very much!

XOXO Your “wife” Brandy and your pup Dixie

PFC Brian Thompson, We can’t tell you how much we are going to miss our hero on Christmas. It’s just not going to be the same! Please be safe and try to stay warm! We all love you, miss you, and beam with pride at the thought of you!. We are counting down the days until your safe return home

We love you, Your proud family

SPC Coffey, I miss you and love you. Christmas won’t be the same this year without

you, but we’ll make up for it next year! You’re family misses you and can’t wait for you to return home! Have a Merry Christmas and see you soon!

Much Love, Your family

SPC Taylor Klausing,I can’t tell you enough how much I miss being near you. You’ve been an amazing husban through this dif-ficult time in our lives and I love you so very much. Your my world babe, don’t forget that. Keep safe always. I am anxiously waiting until the next time I am at the airport waiting for you to come home!

Love, Your Wife

SGT Andrew Pruitt,Your family back home would like to wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a Happy Birthday! We are so proud of you and will always stand behind you. There is not a day that goes by that you are not in our thoughts and prayers we love and miss you so much. Stay safe!

Love always and forever, Jessica, Trey, Cortez, and Miami

Able Company, Hope all of you are staying warm in your new home. Enjoy your Christ-mas as best u can. Mentzer we love and miss you. Big HUGS, Godspeed to all of you

Stay safe! Sarah, Tricia, Arvie, Vin and Mom

1LT Quincey Johnson, You are a wonderful father, husband, and soldier- we are so proud of what you do for us. We love you so much and can’t express that enough. Know that we are constantly thinking of you and can’t wait to see you on R&R. We miss you and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

XOXOXO, Jennifer, Keira, and Caleb

PFC Aidan Hammond, We all miss you very very much this holiday season! Stay save and strong in god’s everlasting protection!

Love, Mom, Jessy, Austin, Kyla, Alek, Autunn, and Avyn Rose.

SGT Kyle Blake,Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Bobo! We miss you tons and love you so much Kyle. We really proud of you! Can’t wait to hold you again!! Stay Safe!

XOXO, Bianca and Tara Lynn

SPC Anthony Cook,We will miss you this christmas but know that we are so proud of you and love you very much!!

Love, Your proud family in florida



MAJ Joseph BuccinoA Christmas wish to my Hero. This Christmas I wish you “ Peace on Earth and Many Blessings” Thank you for the wonderful person you are.Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love Always, Your Mom

PFC Matthew B. Thompson,May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! Stay safe and well!

Merry Christmas! Mom, Jim, Karli, Ashley, Andy,

Jimmy, Paige & Skyler

Marcus Haywood, Merry Christmas and a happy new year from your family here at Fort Campbell. We love and miss you!

Love, Tracy Katrina & Donte Haywood

PFC James T. Allen,Merry Christmas & Happy New Year son! We miss and love you! You are always in our hearts! Stay safe!

Love, Mom, Dad, Mary, Jenni & Maggie

MAJ Stuart JamesMerry Christmas and Happy New Year to my favorite son-in-law! M-Y-T-K

Love, Ron & Mel

Nick Lencioni, Your family is all warmer than you right now, but we’re praying for you and sending our love. The guitar is packed in Ramen; hopefully it makes it in one piece.

We love you Nickman, Barbara

Jake Cox, Merry Christmas, Jake! We are so proud of you and love you very much! Thank you for keeping us safe!

Love, The Ried Family

SPC Curtis Mathews, I would like to let my husband Curtis Matthews know that Olivia, Madison and Hannah love and miss him very much. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!

Love Olivia, Madison & Hannah

PFC Jonathan Martin, Merry Christmas and Happy Birth-day baby! I miss you more and more everyday, and I can’t wait until you’re home to celebrate both of these very special days! I love you very much and I think about you all day every-day.

Love, Morgan

MAJ Michael LaPorte, Merry Christmas And Happy New

Years. We miss you and are so proud of you.

Love, Mom & Tracy

Jake, The Jake! “You don’t get very far in life with-out having to be brave an awful lot. Because we all have our frightening moments and difficult trials and we don’t have much of a choice but to get through ‘em, and it takes a lot of bravery to do that. The most impor-tant thing about bravery is this — It’s not about not being scared — it’s about being scared and doing it anyway — that’s bravery.” ~Ysabella Brave We love you soo much and are always sending our hopes for tre-mendous adventure, endless amazing moments, and wisdom far beyond these years! We’ll see you soon, bud! Happy Holidays! Cheers~ to grand New Year!

Love, The Kali Kids

Pouesi Ricky, Another Christmas without you, just want to let you know that we are al-ways with you in spirit.You made my world a beautiful place to live in,& I want to thank you for coming into my life,For you are the most precious gift God has given to me, esp our babies, Ricky,Rosaline, &Richard..Be strong baby,you are always in our thoughts and our prayers. Come home safely.We will love u for now & forever. Happy Holidays darling!

Love always, Sandra


World War II

In a gesture of gratitude for their ser-vice and sacrifice, First Lady Michelle Obama this month invited military

families, including families of the military fallen, to be among the first to see the White House decked out for this year’s holiday season.

“I know for some of you this holiday season will be tough,” Obama said. “But hopefully it’s times like this that make you know that you live in a grateful nation, and that we are just so inspired by your sacrifice.”

This holiday season, she said, the White House is offering a special tribute to those who serve. Among the White House’s 37 Christmas trees scattered along the visitor tour route are two special Christmas trees intended to honor service members and their families.

The official White House Christmas tree, which is a towering 18-foot balsam fir in the Blue Room, is a salute to service members of all branches. The tree is decorated with holiday cards created by military children around the world; service medals, badges and patches; and military images adorned with pine cone frames and ribbons.

Some of those cards are inspiring, Obama said, sharing one of the written messages. Five children in Medical Lake, Wash., wrote, “No matter how many Christmases our dad misses, he makes every Christmas special and we love him.”

In another card is a more matter-of-fact message, the first lady noted. “Hey Dad, it’s cool you’re in Italy. So when are you coming back, because I already know what I want for Christmas.”

A Gold Star Christmas tree, bright with gold star ornaments and framed Purple Heart medals, graces the visitor’s entrance on the East Wing landing. The tree was decorated by families of military fallen and features photos of fallen heroes and messages from their loved ones.

A mom from Anchorage, Alaska, wrote this note to her son, Obama said: “I love and miss you, son. Thank you for all of the great memories we shared.”

The tree is surrounded with photos and stories from more than 800 Gold Star families, the first lady noted.

“Each one showcases the strength and resilience that characterizes our Gold Star families,” she said.

In the coming weeks, visitors to the White House will be able to write notes to ser-vice members to express their gratitude,

and Gold Star families will be invited to inscribe a ceramic gold star ornament with a personalized note.

These families deserve the gratitude of a thankful nation, the first lady said, particu-larly in light of the sacrifices they make each day. Spouses are raising kids alone while their loved ones are deployed and their children are taking on extra respon-sibilities to help. And she’s been inspired, she said, by the survivors of the fallen who continue to give back to their communi-ties.

Americans need to hear these stories, she said, and to understand what it’s like to be a military family.

The Joining Forces campaign is intended to do just that, she said. The first lady and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, started the initiative earlier this year to raise awareness of military families’ sacrifices and to rally Americans around them.

“We wanted to make sure that never again would someone have to ask the question: What is a Gold Star family and what does that sacrifice mean,” she said. “We all should know.”

Obama said that’s one of the reasons the troops and their families are highlighted at the White House this holiday season.

The first lady wrapped up with her own message of gratitude.

“I want to thank all of the Gold Star families for your enduring strength and commitment to this country,” she said. “And I want to thank all of the troops, all of our veterans, all of our military fami-

First Lady offers special tributeMilitary families are the focus during White House Holiday season


lies, whose service and sacrifice inspires us all.”

The first lady then invited the military children lining the front rows to decorate holiday cookies and ornaments with her in the State Dining Room. She iced cookies alongside them as she praised their festive creations.

The military families also toured holi-day decorations in several of the White House’s ornate rooms. A big attraction was the White House gingerbread house, which is made up of 400 pounds of gin-gerbread, white chocolate and marzipan. But Obama’s dog, Bo, upstaged even the gingerbread house. Scattered throughout the tour route are five Bo topiaries made of various materials such as felt, buttons,

pom-poms, candy, and even trash bags.

As the children did their crafts, they had the opportunity to compare the fake first dogs with the real deal when the first lady brought Bo to the State Dining Room for a visit.


SGT Morales,

Merry Christmas ! We miss you and love you very much!

Love, Shani, Shaki and Kael

To My Wonderful Husband,Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my wonderful husband Franklin McAnally. I love you and miss you so much and can’t wait for you to be back home with Arianna and I.

Always & Forever, Heather

PFC Corey Foster, Wishing you a blessed Christmas! You may be far away, but not in our hearts! We are so proud of you!

Love & Prayers Always, Mom, Dad, Nana, Caleb & Taylor

SGT Dylon L. Eaton,Hey honey! Bella and I would like to wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Your a bless-ing to us both and we want to say that your our HERO! We love you sweetie!

Forever & Always, Sabryna & Bella

PFC Dustin C. Berry,You are my hero, and I am so proud of everything that you are doing. I cannot wait until you are home again, we will all be waiting for you when you get back to the states! Stay safe and keep your brothers safe too so

that I can meet all of them one day! I am so glad that you are part of my life, I love you to the moon and back!

XOXO Tara Elise

SPC Michael Wasson, We miss you and can’t wait to “see you” soon! Stay safe!

Love and miss you! Mom, Dad, Kristen, Ryan, Zach and Rocky

PFC Christopher Peters, We are all so proud of you here at home. We miss you and can’t wait un-til you come home. All your birthday and christmas gifts will be waiting for you.

Love, Your big sis Becca

To our Son, Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years to Nicholas Wrazen. We Love and Miss You so Very Much. A Very Happy Holiday to All the troops serving. you are thought about each and everyday.

Much Love Nick! Dad, Laurie & Lilly too!

PFC Aaron P. Guenthner, We wish you Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Blessed New Year! We wish you were home but know you are doing your job helping keep us safe. The snow is waiting for you to hit the slopes on that snowboard son. We miss you so very much and love you even more!

Love, Mom, Dad, Andrew & Hunter

Jeremy Weyant, Merry Christmas Jeremy Weyant! We are so proud of you!

XOXO Cortney & Bella

PFC David Cassell We are so proud of you, volunteering to defend our country!! We love you very much!

Godspeed, Mom, Dad & Dylan

SGT Jason Murphy, Merry Christmas, babe! Missing you very much this holiday season! Stay safe and come home soon! I love you, forever!

XOXO Marisa Murphy

SGT Chris Rodgers, It’s just too darned cold to ride around in your Razor right now, but we’ll still decorate a tree on the moun-tain just for you (and the birds and the deer) Merry Christmas Bud!

Love, Mom, Dad & Zita

SPC Vernon Wilson, Merry Christmas, And A Happy New Year!! We Love and Miss you! Stay Safe and God Bless!

Love Always, Kim & Aiden

SSG Mercado, We think about you everyday we miss you, and are anxiously awaiting your safe return.. We love you, Evee Richie & Ryan Mercado

SPC James England, Merry christmas. I miss you and I Love you with all my heart.I’m so proud of you!Your daughter cant wait to meet her daddy. so come home safe and soon.

Love, Your wife, Natalie

PFC Robert Garner, We love you and miss you. But we are so very proud of you. I want to you we all wish you a Merry Christmas and let you know we will have Christmas when you come home.

Love you, Mom & Christin

Jake Cox, We wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas Jshaque!! Konnor told me to tell you, ‘you’re the best uncle EVER!’ It was so fun to see you on your leave. You are so much fun to be around and the kids absolutely adore and idolize you! Know we are praying for you daily and can’t wait till you are home safe! Keep doing the videos and songs!!! We love you so much! May the Lord bless you for your service and sacrifice!

Much Love, Kyle, karen, Kaylee, Konnor &Kase

PFC Quinton Ritter, Thank you for all you are doing! Hope this finds you in good spirit. We miss you and can’t wait until you’re home safely!

We love you, Mom, Steve, Jamie Lee, Grandpa & Grandma Clark

1LT Justin Cartmill,We love and miss you and your family is so proud of you! Here’s hoping the Mountaineers win the Orange Bowl and you get to see the game!

Lots and lots of love, Mom& Herb

PFC William H. Smith,Merry Christmas! We love you and are very proud of you!

Love, Dad, Sherri, Jon, Ashley & Whitney

PFC Jonathan MartinezMay you stay blessed during this holiday season. We love you and are extremely proud of you!! God Bless you and the 172 Infantry Brigade!! Love. Your proud Army Mom

Edison F. UrquizaJordana and I are always thinking about you. We hope and pray you stay safe at all times. We’re so proud of you.!! You mean the world to us. :)

Love. Faviola

Sean Wiggin,We would like to say Merry Christ-mas to our son Sean Wiggin! We love you and miss you son!

Love. Mom

Son,May you go out in joy & be led forth with peace; may the mountains & hills burst into song before you, & may all the trees of the field clap their hands. We Love & Miss You! Wishing you Happy Holidays. Your Love, Mama J, Herzer Daddie & the Puppies

PFC Christopher Peters,We are thinking of you every day. Have a Happy Birthday on 12/17 and a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy the cupcakes and Dad will have a beer to celebrate your 21st birthday. Cheers

I love & miss you very much, Mom

We can’t believe you are 21, hope you have a Happy Birthday somewhere, and also a Merry Christmas, wish you were here.

Much love, Nana & Bumbo

CW2 Shirron, Merry Christmas Dad “Our Hero”!! We are counting down the days for you to come home We love and miss you!!

Love always. Austin, Madison & Mom


KOREA


VIETNAM

December is the time of year that we focus on celebrat-ing important holidays.

With each of these holidays comes the sharing of presents and other special traditions. For the vast majority reading this, the holiday you are accustomed to celebrat-ing is Christmas. For others in our midst, the holiday or observance you celebrate is Hanukkah. Others still observe Kwanzaa or simply do not observe any holiday during this time of year. Nonetheless, for Americans, the end of December has a concrete emphasis on joy, celebration, family connection, togetherness and giving.

The roots of Christmas are known to most. The term literally means the Mass of Christ or a celebration of Christ. The word has its origin in the Old English and Middle English in which the term used

there was Christmasse. The term was first recorded in any preserved writing in 1038. Through the mod-ernization of the English language, it eventually became the word we now use, Christmas. Biblical and historical scholars are generally agreed that the date for the origi-nal Christmas was not December 25. That date did not become part of our modern calendar until an early Church Father named John Chrysostom preached a sermon at the church at Antioch in 386 A.D. in which he established Christmas as occurring on December 25.

Christmas for the Christian com-munity is the celebration of the birth of the Messiah, known in the ancient Greek as Christos, and transliterated into English as Christ. It is the date the Christian Church celebrates as the day the Savior of all mankind came into

the world in the form of a baby to free people from their burden of sin and to make the way possible for man to have eternal fellowship with God through the atoning work of Jesus. Christmas is the second most important event in the history of Christianity. Easter would be the most important.

Hanukkah, with its variant spell-ings of Hanukah, Chanukah, Chanukkah, or Chanuka, is a tradi-tional Jewish celebration which is sometimes known as the Festival of Lights. The celebration has its ori-gin dating back to the second cen-tury B.C. During the Maccabean Revolt the nation of Judah regained its independence after centuries of domination at the hands of the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Ptolemaic Kingdom. Following the Jewish revolt to reclaim their country and purge the Second

Giving as a gift


Story by Chaplain (Maj.) Kevin Forrester

Jewish Temple from the defile-ment of the pagan king, the victory was secured and the temple was cleansed. A new alter was built to replace the previously defiled one by the Se-leucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Hanuk-kah was established to celebrate the rededica-tion of the temple and the alter. The menorah was lit and required to stay burning for eight consecutive days. However, there was only enough sacred oil to burn for one day. Miraculously, the me-norah continued to burn for the full eight days and nights. This is how the celebration received the designation the Festival of Lights and the menorah lighting as a key part of the Hanu-kah celebration.

Whether focused on Christmas or on Ha-nukkah, a key com-ponent with each of the religious celebrations is the idea of giving. With Hanukkah, the gift giving and the idea of serving as a bless-ing to others is an eight-day affair. Christmas is a single-day period of exchanging gifts. If you are down range, the holiday season appears to be a month-long affair, sas I have been getting boxes of goodies for Soldiers for several weeks now.

The tradition behind the giving is

two-fold. For Hanukkah, the tradi-tion of giving is called Hanukah Gelt (Yiddish word for money). It dates back to the 17th century in

Poland. It began as a custom of giving coins to children when they visited during the eight days of the celebration. From there it has expanded to giving coins to oth-ers who may come and visit, and it some circles it has become a season of gift giving in general. Some chocolate makers have tried to take advantage of the holiday by creat-ing chocolate gelt to give during this time.

The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas time can be traced back to the legend of St. Nicholas who was the bishop of Myra (now

Demre in modern Turkey). The leg-end has him going to the house of a poor farmer who had three daughters and throw-ing a bag of money through the chimney into the house on the eve before each of the girls came of age. The reason for doing this was to provide the proper dowry for each of the girls and al-low them to marry. If they could not marry, the girls most likely would have become prostitutes since they had no other means to support themselves once they became of age without a husband to provide for them. From this came the ever expanding legend until the idea of gift

giving to children and then to all took over at Christmas.

So this certainly is the season for giving. For quite some times merchants, store owners, depart-ment stores, online vendors and marketing firms have been work-ing diligently and feverishly to get you and I to spend as much money as possible to satisfy the needs and perhaps more so the wants of other people in our lives during

this grossly over commercialized holiday season. I wonder some-times if we have not totally missed the point.

I really do like to give gifts. I give to people, to organizations and to causes that mean a great deal to me. But I have discovered that it is not the gift that makes the dif-ference in me. It is the spirit of the giver that makes the difference. Even the Lord is recorded to have said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” in the Bible. That is certainly true for me. So if we want to receive the real bless-ing of giving, we must examine the motive for which we do it. Do you give out of obli-gation or do you give out of the de-sire of your heart to bless another and do good things for him or her? Do you give so that you can get something I return or do you give to experience the satisfaction and enjoyment of seeing another’s face light up with a gift that has real meaning? These are the questions each must wrestle with during the holiday season, and I would hope, throughout the entire year.

Within your family, I think there is something far greater than simply giving a gift to a spouse or a child to celebrate a holiday or special

occasions. In the grand scheme of things I think giving of a gift ought to be an extension of giving of my-self. For example, I could give my son a football as a gift. How much better would it be if I gave him a football and then went out and spent time with him playing foot-ball? If a give my daughter a new doll house or a new doll, would her joy and thrill not be all the more higher if I then spent time play-ing dolls with her? When I play

football with my son or dolls with my daughter, I am communicating to them that I value them and the things that matter to them. I am re-ally giving of myself. As a spouse or a parent, that is the greatest gift that I can give.

Our consumer culture has largely presented the message that we can replace giving of ourselves with the giving of things. However, his-tory has time and again taught us that the giving of things can never replace the giving of relationships

and fellowship. If you would like to see a really good modern day parable that teaches this point rather brilliantly, I would highly suggest the movie Nanny McPhee Returns. The giving of things with-out the accompanying relational investments does not do much to meet the emotional needs of the gift recipient.

If it is indeed true that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and

I believe it is, then we must under-stand how that is true. I believe the Lord’s perspec-tive on this is that my giving ought to be a real reflec-tion of what is in my heart. When I give from the heart, the giving includes a real part of me that is followed up with the ongoing rela-tionship.

Even though the deployment makes the physical connection of gift giv-ing a real challenge, that does not mean that we cannot give from our hearts to the ones we love. That is really the greatest gift we can give. Rather than anything I could give, my family will always benefit most when I truly give of myself. Your family will absolutely do the same. The best gift of my giving is the gift of me. When I truly give of me, I give the best gift I have to give. It is giving as a gift.


A Wall of CardsChristmas cards fill an entire wall within the 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment tactical operational center. “Falcon First” Soldiers donated the cards they received from their friends and families.

SPC Bryan White,Merry Christmas babe! We are so proud of you and everything you are doing, especially for our family. You are an amazing husband and father and our hero. I am so thankful to spend the rest of my life with you. We miss you so much and we can’t wait to have you home with us. I love you to the moon and back! Don’t ever forget it! Love, Samantha, Zander, Izabel, Cooper & Kendrick

Samuel Tenney, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year’s. We miss you so much this holi-day season, wish you could be here with you. Have a safe Christmas. We Love you!

Love, Amber, Madison, Hannah & Jacob

Daddy, Merry Christmas Daddy! We miss you very much and hope to see you soon. Thank you my birthday pres-ents. I had a dance recital and did very good. James and john are being good for mommy (most of the time). Be safe!

Lots of love, Alana

CPL Einar Perez, We miss you very much, but dont you worry we will have all the celebra-tions in one when you return! We are always under the same stars, so look up and know that we are looking at the same thing! “It is Christmas in

the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~W.T. Ellis”. We love you so much in our hearts! Merry Christmas and Happy New Years Mi Amor LOVE your wife, son, Castrodad Family and Algarin Family! Stay Safe! See you soon! Thank you for all that you and your men do!

Much Love, Yaritza

SPC Christopher S. Delano,We are very proud of you, we miss you and we LOVE YOU! May your Christmas be special nd know that you are in our prayers, heart and souls. Merry Christmas Son!

Love your Family, Your Wife

SGT Andrew Pruitt,Your family back home would like to wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a Happy Birthday! We are so proud of you and will always stand behind you. There is not a day that goes by that you are not in our thoughts and prayers we love and miss you so much. Stay safe!

Love always and forever, Mom, Dad, Megan, Randy, Debbie, Kathryn, Zachary, Jimmy & Samantha

SSG James Farris, We miss you terribly. Hope your Christmas is filled with good food and relaxation. We cannot wait for R & R. Until we meet again, just know that you are always in our thoughts and we love you very much.

Love Always, Joanna, Breanna, Mira, and Eli

To Our Brother, Merry Christmas to our brother Spc. Christopher S. Delano. We miss and love you so very much!

Your Siblings, PFC James R. Delano, SPC Randall C. Delano & PVT Megan M. Delano

SFC Ronald Becker Jr, Merry Christmas! Your family loves you, we miss you, we support you. May God bless you, the 172nd and all of the men and women serving in our Armed Services - home and abroad. May God bless all of our Military Families. Love ya lots, Mom. Thank you Battle Cry staff for all that you do!

Love you lots, Mom

PFC Jake “Ginger” CoxMake sure you find a chicken noodle MRE and chocolate pudding for Christmas! We love you, miss you and are so proud of you. Merry Christmas!

All Love, Mom & Dad

SGT Keith Stevens,We miss you and love you. You are in our hearts. Have a blessed Christmas and stay safe!

Love, Love, Mom, Dad, Nick, Ryan, & Penny



PFC Matthew C Golik,

Here’s a great big hug across the miles to you, our brave young man. We sure love you and miss you, Matty! Hurry home to us so we can give you big hugs and kisses in person!!!

Love, Your family

SGT Morris,I know we cannot be together this XMAS but you are in MY HEART! Stay Strong! I love you!

Always thinking of you, Ursula

To my family back home, I would like to give shout out to the Statler and Cain Family back home enjoying the wonderful cold weather back home in Arkansas. I love you all and miss you all! I can’t wait to come home! Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year

Love & Prayers Always, PFC Michael L. Statler

SGT James Luckenbach,We love you and no matter how far away in distance you are, you will always be close to our hearts. Be safe out there my love and see you soon!

Love, Ashleigh

Matthew,Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Matthew! I want you to know

that I will love you forever, and I have never prayed in my life until I met you. I pray for your safety, our love, and our future together each and ev-ery day. You are my world, can’t wait to get to spend Christmas with you next year as husband and wife.

Love always, J

SSG Jeffrey Jaramillo, Words can’t express how much we love and miss you! We are always thinking about you and you make us so PROUD for all that you do for us and this country. Can’t wait for you to come home, these girls need their daddy!

Love, Barbara

Daddy, Merry Christmas Daddy!!! We miss you tons and tons, but love you WAY more!

Love, Isabella & Bryn

SPC Kyle Vincent, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Kyle! Your wife and daughter love and miss you! Stay Safe!

Love Savannah & Hailey

MAJ Jon DeLoach, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are sending warm wishes from Hawaii to my sweet husband, Major Jon DeLoach in Afghanistan. We are having a blue Christmas with-out you, but will make up for it when

you get home this summer. Thanks for being such a wonderful husband and father, we adore you!

Love & Aloha, Rebekah, Lexi, & Bella

SPC Erwin Villamil, All our love to you this holiday season. We are so grateful and proud of you! We can’t wait until you’re home. We love you!

Love, The Peralta Family

SPC Joshua Ryan Reid I hold you in my heart ALWAYS; I cannot wait to hold you in my arms once again~ MERRY CHRISTMAS SON! Stay safe, stay POSITIVE, and COME HOME SOON!! I love you so much and WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD of the WORK you are doing for OUR COUNTRY!!

Love, Mom

LT Wolfley, Your surprise homecoming was the greatest gift I could have asked for! Counting down the days until your safe return home. Merry Christmas!.

Love always, Danessa

SGT Pablo Dominguez We love and miss you so much! Al-though you won’t be home this time, we hope you enjoy your Christmas :) stay safe and keep warm! Can’t wait to see you soon!!! Go Venom!

Thinking of you always, Adrienne, Jermiah and Lina

IRAQ


IRAQ

PFC Nolan Kalkwarf, Merry CHRISTmas Nolan!! We are all SO very proud of you!! And, we love you SO very much! Can’t wait to see you during your R&R!! GOD BLESS YOU! Hugs, Mom, Dad, Kait, Chelsea, Ethan & Nanny

SPC Adam Smith, I’d like to wish every family a Warm and Happy Holiday! Thank you to all our families for the sacrifices they have made and a special Merry Chirstmas to my husband Spc. Adam Smith for being the strong soldier and amazing father that he is. We love you!

Love, Danielle and Morrigan

Wolfpack, We would like to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Andreas, Jeremy, Huff, Big Red, Cameron and all of the Soldiers in COP Yhosef Khel . Be Safe and we will see you all when you get back.

Lots of love, Brad, Simone, Kevin & Jeremy

Nick Lencioni, Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!I miss you so much and the kids do too.I love you. Im thinking about you everyday and counting down. Stay safe and we´ll stay strong.Thanks for being that amazing man, husband, dadd and Soldier that you are.

Much Love, Your wife, Hope, Mika & Lena

To my little girl SPC Steph-anie Rae Carr, I found this and hope it gets to you. I know being away from home is the worst time in any soldiers life! Being your dad has made me the proudest man alive. I know we have had such a hard time you and I, sometimes being a father is the hardest thing in the world at least for some me included! But! Always know, there was never a time I was not proud of you and your decisions. You were always the type to do and learn things your own way and was always determined that nothing could stop you! You are now a second generation Army follow-ing your mother and I! I remember when you were little jumping from our 34 ft towers and becoming a part of our Airborne Community with the 1/507th PIR Ft.Benning,Ga. You grew up a Army brat and then became Army! You dad and all us who know you are proud of you! I would like to tell you Merry Christmas Girlie and I your dad loves you and wishes you were home!

Always Watching, Your dad, SSG. Larry (Carr) Eagle bear, Air Delivery Services

SPC Robert Metz,Praying for a safe and merry Christ-mas season to you and the entire 172nd.

Get well and back in action soon, Dad, Mom & Cash

1LT Mike WeyHappy Anniversary & Merry Christ-mas! We can’t wait until next year to have you home to help pick out our

Charlie Brown tree, visit the markets, shovel the snow off our walkway, and celebrate our “best decision ever!” Congrats on your promotion too! We love you & miss you so much. You are always in our thoughts.

Love Always XOXO, Maryanne & the PuppyBeast

Ricky Higginbotham,Merry Christmas!We love you and we are very proud of you.

Please stay safe. Dina, Dwayne & Daron

PFC Joshua Mahan,We all love and miss you. You may be far away but you are in our hearts and thoughts every day. Words can not say how proud we are to be your parents. Merry Christmas!

Love. Mom & Dad

PFC O’Hala,We would like to wish all the troops a very merry christmas, especially our daughter. May God watch over you all and keep you safe. Love. Mom & Dad

1LT Sidney Talley,Merry Christmas Sidney! Blessings and God speed! Love. Dad, Mom & Ethan



SPC Christopher Mather,

I am honored to call you my son. Your family & friends are so proud of all that you have accomplished and will in the future. You are an inspira-tion to so many including your niece and nephew that love you so much. Ever plane that Liam hears, he always says there goes Uncle Chris. We will have a place set for you during the holidays & even though you aren’t physically with us, you are with us ev-ery minute of every day! We love you & continue to pray for you & your brothers in arms.

Love Always, Your Mom

SGT Timothy Deckard,Merry Christmas son, we miss you today as we do everyday but we know that you are doing what you always wanted to do growing up! You are such a special person and extraordi-nary father, husband and son! We look so forward to the next time we are all together, that will be Christmas no matter what day of the year it is! We love you and think of you always!

Love, Mom & Dad

SGT Mathew P. Steinhauer, Merry Chrismas soldier! It was great having you home for R&R, it was the best Christmas present a wife and son could ask for! I hope Christmas day brings you some joy even though you will be away from your family. We love you and miss you, stay safe and stay strong!

Love, Jenn & Jack

Destined to Serve, We are proud of the man and soldier you have become. Thank you for the sacrifice you and your comrades are making each and every day of the year; our gratitude and best wishes to everyone.

Christmas won’t be the same with-out you...hoping we’ll all be together again next Christmas. We look for-ward to seeing you in the coming year.

Sending you our love, The folks back home

SPC McPherson, From all your loved ones we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year -we miss and love you very much-take care and see you soon

Love, hdbsvbatmd

SPC Taylor Klausing, I can’t tell you enough how much I miss being near you. You’ve been an amazing husband through this dif-ficult time in our lives and I love you so much. You’re my world babe, don’t forget that. Keep safe always. Anx-iously waiting until the next time I’m at an airport waiting for you.

Love, Your Wife

SGT Larry WillismI can’t tell you enough how much I The real Heroes of this Country are the People who believe in it, Fight for it, defend it, and risk everything to protect it. You are our Hero. We love

and miss u a lot. We can’t wait to have u back home with us. Stay Safe.

Your Girls, Manuela & Anna-Lena

AFGHANISTAN


AFGHANISTAN

Editorial Team Maj. Joseph BuccinoEditor-In-ChiefTF Blackhawk Public Affairs Officer

Staff Sgt. Charles CrailWriter/Photographer TF Blackhawk Public Affairs NCOIC

Spc. Robert HollandLayout Editor/Writer/Photographer TF Blackhawk Public Affairs Specialist

Contributing EditorsSgt. Andrea MerrittWriter/Photographer7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Jacob KohrsPhotographer55th Combat Camera

BattlecryTheCHRISTMAS

Want a hardcopy? If you would like more information on how to purchase a har-

dcopy version of The Battlecry, at cost, go to:www.magcloud.com/browse/magazine/271544

Print service is provided by Hewlett-Packard and is neither funded nor hosted by the 172nd Infantry Brigade.

Connect Websitewww.172Battlecry.com

Online Editionwww.issuu.com/172battlecry

Facebookwww.facebook.com/172InfantryBrigade

[email protected]

Postal Address:Task Force Blackhawk Public Affairs OfficeFOB SharanaAPO, AE 09311

Another month has passed for Task Force Blackhawk here in Paktika Province and the Sol-

dier’s focus and morale has never been higher. After many months of daily operations against a persistent insur-gent force and continual partnering with our Afghan Partners, the fruits of our labor are being seen throughout the province. The Provincial Gover-nor, the Provincial Council, and the Afghan Security Forces are beginning to provide effective governance and take responsibility for their security. Progress is often slow and measured in inches, but I can say we are on the right track and the insurgents are on their heels, having faced numerous defeats throughout this past fighting

season.

While being deployed during the holi-days is never an easy task, I want to say that the Blackhawk Family is stronger and more resilient because of the chal-lenges that we have faced this past year. Our leaders at all levels, many with multiple deployments already behind them, have done a superb job wrap-ping their arms around their Soldiers and keeping them focused on the mis-sion at hand.

I would like to take this opportunity to again say “thank you” for the contin-ued support all of the families and friends of TF Blackhawk have shown to our deployed Soldiers. The end-

less supply of holiday treats is always welcome. To all that have their Soldier home for the holidays, enjoy the spe-cial time you have with you loved one, and to all that are separated from their loved one during this holiday, know that they are with their brothers and sisters of Task Force Blackhawk.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

BLACKHAWKS!!

THE BLACKHAWKMESSAGES FROM THE 172ND SEPARATE INFANTRY BRIGADE

COL Edward T. Bohnemann

Edward T. Bohnemann

MESSAGES FROM THE 172ND SEPARATE INFANTRY BRIGADE

We wish you all the best Christmas Season whether you are in Germany or the

States. We have many Soldiers who will be home on their mid-tour leave for the Holidays, but the vast majority will be in Afghanistan. They will not be alone but with their brothers and sisters on point for our Nation. We realize this will be a difficult time for many Families and Soldiers. However, this is our calling and what need to do. We do it to keep our Nation safe and we are here to ensure our enemies cannever re-group and attack the USA as they did on that September 11th, over 10 years ago.

We did not pick this fight or start it, but due to our Soldiers’ daily courage

and sacrifice, we will finish this mis-sion for the security of the American people. We will do our best to ensure your Soldier has the best Christmas here and hope all of our Families and friends have a very good Christmas wherever you are celebrating the season. It is very humbling to see what these Soldiers of our new greatest generation are doing everyday here. I know your all very proud of them as are their leaders.

They are the best of our Nation and exemplify Selfless Service duringthe Christmas season and everyday here.

God Bless our Soldiers, Families and friends and have a very Merry

Christmas from the Blackhawks in Paktika province, Afghanistan.

BRIEFSCSM Michael W. Boom

Michael W. Boom

Snow-Capped Mountains The first sign of winter in Paktika province this year was snow atop the mountains of Paktika. The Paktika mountain range normally presents a brown visage.

We Will Be Ready 1-2 Infantry Battalion, Black Scarves

BACK IN BLACK!!!! That’s right, folks, the Black Scarves are back

with the Blackhawk brigade and back as a Task Force Family. All of your Soldiers will now belong to the one and only Black 6!

As we continue to prepare to move to our new location, we want to thank you, our Families and supporters, for your incredible support throughout our journey. We hope that you have an awesome holiday season and that you keep us in your thoughts in prayers. We will be home soon and next year you will have

your Soldier back for the holidays!

Our battalion staff and company leaders are doing some heavy lifting getting the Black Scarves moved and settled in. Once we are set in position, we will send out our new mailing address. Please discontinue sending mail to your Black Scarves Soldier until we let you know that we are ready to receive

mail at our new spot.

We hope you are enjoying this great Battle Cry magazine. This is the greatest thing that we have ever read. It is not facetious to speak

of this magazine as defining the culture of the war in Afghanistan.

MAJ Joe Buccino, the editor of this publication, is a great guy, both charming and brilliant. He is handsome, smart, and funny.

Mrs. Chandani Buccino is one lucky lady! I mean, where has this guy been all my life! He is like a hip Dexter Filkins. Joe does a great job with this magazine and you should shake his hand when you see him back in Germany. If he ever runs for Congress, he definitely has our vote!

The entire Task Force 1-2 wishes you, our friends, supporters, and Families, a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Brian Woodall

Michael T. Whitney

LTC Earl B. Higgins Jr.1-2 Infantry

CSM Brian Woodall1-2 Infantry

Earl Higgins &

SCARVES

A Place to Sleep In qalats, on dirt, in freezing temperatures, Soldiers on days-long missions sleep when and where they can.

Apache Pride While the Spartans of Charlie company, 2-28 have become the center of international media attention, many consider Cpt. Jim Perkins, commander, Alpha company, 2-28 as the most consistent, effective and disciplined company commander in the brigade.

For Soldiers in the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment’s Scout Platoon, traversing the hellacious terrain in

Paktika is a daily requirement. At times climbing sharp, jagged rocks that form the highest mountains or trekking kilometers on end through villages can be physically and mentally taxing on the toughest of Soldiers.

For 43-year-old Spring, Texas native Spc. Tracie Stewart, it is exactly the challenge she was looking for when she enlisted in the U.S. Army last year. “I always wanted to join the military,” Stewart said with a slight southern drawl. “After my kids were old enough and [the military] raised the age limit, I told myself ‘I’m going to do it,’ and I haven’t regretted it since.”

Stewart, a former commercial truck driver by trade, is currently attached to the Task Force Black Knight scout platoon as a female engagement team (FET) member.

“It’s different with the scouts,” Stewart said. “Being a female, I had to learn to fit in with them. You can’t be a wimp. I’ve learned a lot from them.”

Standing less than 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing less than 115 pounds, this mother of two and grandmother is proving war is not just for young men.

Despite her age and small frame, Stewart is deceptively tough and has earned the respect of her leadership and peers. “There has never been a time when we had to

slow down or stop because Spc. Stewart couldn’t keep up,” said Lima, Ohio native U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Swinehart, scout platoon sergeant.

“She’s motivated and if there are times we don’t take her out on mission, she gets upset,” Swinehart said. “She’s atypical. She’s a 40-year-old woman and she can hang with the 19, 20 year old males.”

As a FET member, Stewart converses with the local female population and searches them during clearing operations, which is something her male counterparts can’t do without offending the local population. In Afghan society, females are forbid-den from interacting with males and the touching of females by unknown males

Grandma wears combat bootsShe’s not your typical 43-year old grandmother Story by Sgt. Andrea Merritt

is a disgrace. Thus, Stewart’s role as a FET member is crucial to maintaining a positive relationship with the community elders.

“Engagement with Afghan females is one area that my platoon leader and I don’t have to worry about,” Swinehart explained. “Sometimes the women will hide things on them. There are times when [Stewart] has found things of intelligence value.”

Although important, Stewart’s responsibil-ity on patrols can be demanding, espe-cially when she has to keep track of 20 to 30 women at a time, each with three or four children with them. While Stewart’s job has its difficulties, it is something she fully enjoys.

“I worked in a women’s clinic while I was

in Wazi Khwah and I loved it, working with the women and children,” Stewart said. “Now, when I go out with the scouts, I like to teach the kids how to play hop-scotch.”

Stewart’s cultural training prior to de-ployment prepared her to deal with local Afghan women while on mission and her role as a mother to two sons prepared her to deal with her role on a male-dominated team.

Many of the Soldiers in scout platoon are the same age as her sons, 25 and 20, which enhances the family dynamic within the platoon.

“She like the den mother to the scouts,” said San Antonio, Texas, native Spc. Chris Thorton, scout and all-source analyst with Scout Plt., who described Stewart as

tough, intelligent, and funny.

“Most guys don’t like to admit it, but she’s got that motherly love and everybody needs that,” Thorton said. “Even if she’s not going out on mission, she makes sure the guys have snacks and things like that. She loves her job and I’m proud to serve with her.”

While many service members her age are getting ready to retire, Stewart plans to continue her military career. She hopes to someday work as a FET member with the Special Forces.

“I love the whole idea of the military. It’s an elite group. Only a small part of the population is a part of it,” Stewart said. “I like what it stands for and I think I was meant for it.”

The Men of MargahHere at The BattleCry, we are in the business of making legends. Deshane Greaser’s Spartans at COP Margah make that job easy. Charlie company, Task Force 2-28, has been the focus of virtually every major media outlet, from Fox News and CNN to the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. This month, Spartan Soldier Spc. Michael Miller, 23, from Palm Bay, Florida was selected as the 2011 American Icon by Time Magazine. CNN program manager Nigel Walsh said of the spartans, “These guys would surely rather just focus on the mission, but they are a natural fit for television. They are doing some incredibily courageous work along the border and the American public needs to see this.”

Taking Over Max Seitz has been a Black Lion virtually his entire military career, waiting patiently for the opportunity to address his formation as a company commander. Finally, this month, as Cpt. Brad Vance relinquished command of Charlie Tank at FOB Tillman, Max has his opportunity to lead Soldiers in combat.

To all the families, friends and supporters of the Black Lions: greetings from Eastern Paktika Province, Afghanistan! Over the past month we have conducted operations

throughout our area of operations, and worked tirelessly to improve the capabilities of our Afghan partners.

November was our fifth month since taking over from our counterparts from the 2nd Battalion of the 506th Regiment. Over the past months we have increased our knowledge of local politics and conditions. While we may never completely understand all of the complex dynamics and tribal issues at work in the Afghan population, we are beginning to find ways to help the locals fix some of their problems. Tied to helping improve the lives of the local people is improving the security situation, and we have made strides in accomplishing this. As we build our Afghan Army and Police partners, the local population will increasingly trust them to keep the people safe.

Throughout my travels visiting our companies, I’m constantly impressed with the high morale and esprit de corps among our young Soldiers. Each of them volunteered to serve, each with their own unique reasons; yet they have coalesced into a cohesive formation dedicated to completing every mission with determination. Their combined efforts are the driving force behind our success here in Paktika Province.

It is an honor for me to command a formation of Soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Officers as disciplined, skilled, and determined as these Black Lions have proven themselves to be. Every Soldier, regardless of rank or MOS is contributing daily to the success of our mission. I couldn’t be any more proud of them, and I’m sure that you share in this pride with me.

Thank you for the continued support you provide your deployed Soldier. Keeping a solid connection with home is essential to maintaining morale, staying focused, and ensuring success. I am certain that your Soldier misses you, and you are all in our thoughts as we continue our mission in the next several months.

Love of Country Conquers!

Friends of the Black Lions, throughout December your Soldiers continued to operate at a hectic pace throughout East Paktika. With roughly one quarter of combat under their belts, their

confidence and skills are increasing daily. Our mission remains tough, but each of our Soldiers has risen to the occasion, and proven tougher. Each day the enemy is weakened, and our partnered Afghan National Security Forces continue to improve. We will continue to take the fight to the enemy.

Throughout our formation, our Non-Commissioned Officers are performing superbly. Their enforcement of standards, attention to detail, and dedication to training are paying dividends every day. Our

Soldiers are some of the most skilled, best trained, and lethal fighters thanks to their leaders’ efforts.

Today’s Black Lions are upholding the proud legacy of past warriors of the 28th Infantry Regiment. I hope you enjoy seeing and reading in this newsletter about some of the feats of arms that our Soldiers have accomplished. I am immensely proud of the way our Soldiers have conducted themselves to this point of our deployment, and have no doubt that they will continue to steadfastly hold the line through the remainder of our time here.

Love of Country Conquers!

Joseph Cornelison

John V. Meyer III

LTC John V. Meyer III

2-28 Infantry

A Proud Legacy 2-28 Infantry Battalion, Black Lions

CSM Joseph C Cornelison

2-28 Infantry

LIONS

No Pressure During a visit to the Blackhawk Soldiers at FOB Sharana Lt. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commanding general of United States Army Europe, observes a 1-77 Field Artillery Soldier during a Soldier of the Month board.

One Last Salute Cpt. Brad Vance gives one last salute to the colors of C Company 3-66, Task Force 2-28 before transfering command to the Cpt. Max Seitz.

A bright future for judicial law in Paktika ProvinceStory by Spc. Robert J. Holland

For citizens here a ribbon cutting ceremony signified a milestone in the modern

history of the most impovershed region in Afghanistan.

The official opening of the first provincial courthouse, Nov, 28, marked an end to a decade of law-lessness.

For a province of approximately 600,000 Afghans, the filled courtyard was a sign of vested interest in how this new building will shape the future of the province

“Mother Afghani-stan is calling. Islam is calling. Justice is calling. Today, we, the de-scendants of Geng-his Khan, have answered this call,” said Abdul Hakim, the provincial chief appellate judge “Today, on this snake bitten landmass, on this cursed piece of dirt, we defy our history and define our future.”

In attendance was US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ryan Crocker.

“Ten years ago the Taliban reduced this country to ruin,” Crocker said. “It is heartening to see progress like this in 2011.”

Hans G. Klemm, Coordinating Director of Rule of Law and Law Enforcement in Afghanistan, also made the trip from Kabul celebrate this momentous event.

“This courthouse will be used to bring those who would bring vio-lence to Paktika to justice,” Klemm said. “It must be filled with judges,

lawyers, and those seeking resolu-tion.”

The central government, in Kabul, responded to the progress made in Paktika by assigning 8 new judges to the province in order to fill the courthouse.

“Terrorist, beware! We no longer sleep in fear. Our eyes are open, we do not dread your gun,” Abdul Hakim, the provincial chief appel-late judge, said. “ Tonight we own Paktika and you shall fear my pen

of justice.”

The enthusiasm shown by Hakim and the audience present at the ceremony did not go unnoticed by Klemm.

“Be confident of the commitment of the United States to Paktika,” Klemm said, “ In particular to rule

of law.”

Paktika’s governor, Mohibullah Samim, who has worked side-by-side with the State Department and Task Force Blackhawk to improve the infra-structure, gover-nance, and security within the province, said that the situation currently faced by the people of Paktika is improving and that he sees a bright

future for the people of Paktika.

“Paktika is to Afghanistan what the mosque is to the diligent farmer: a lighthouse, a beacon, a symbol of the twin seedlings of hope and faith, a call to the community that we as Muslins place our gaze sky-ward, always looking up,” Samim said. “Paktika: Keep looking up!”

The Blackhawk Blackhawk helicopters play a huge role in everyday life for Soldiers in Paktika. The birds provide transportation through the rugged mountains as well as food, fuel, and security to even the most remote of combat outposts.

Making great strides

BLACK

We have surpassed the first 100 days of deployment, the most dangerous time period for a deployed unit, and the campaign season

is coming to an end. Even though the insurgency may be less active during the winter, expect the Soldiers in Task Force 3-66 AR to continue to bring the fight to the enemy. We plan to prepare and fully integrate the ANSF in the upcoming spring months to build capacity within our partners.

Our Afghan National Security Force partners have come a long way since we’ve started this fight. Our ANSF Academies focused on training the ANSF to be a more capable security force with the ability to defend Afghanistan after we redeploy. Our main goal is to train the ANSF so that Afghans will be protecting Afghans, providing for a brighter future for the entire country.

CPT Mark Gerasimas, after twelve months in command, will be leaving the Wolfpack. Although we all know commanders come and go it is still difficult to fathom. Mark and Katie will be missed. CPT Chad Kessling comes to us from Task Force 2-28 IN, and we welcome him as the new commander of A/1-2 IN. He will have a tough job filling CPT G’s shoes, but we are confident that he brings the right ingredients.Congratulations to John Kuterbach for his promotion to first lieutenant.

Mounted and Ready!

3-66 Armor Battalion, Black Knights

We are now wrapping up our fifth month of deployment, and the unit continues to make great strides towards a safer, secure

Afghanistan. Congratulate your Black Knights for their dedication to the mission. Their hard work is setting the country up for success as we prepare to leave the future of Afghanistan in the hands of the Afghan National Security Forces. We have started our ANSF Academies which will help make the ANSF into a better trained, more professional, and more lethal force that can bring

the fight to the Taliban.The weather is starting to cool as the Holiday Season comes upon us. The S4 shop is ordering Christmas supplies so that we’ll be able to have a festive holiday season. Before long, it will be snowing, and the Black Knights will be sniveling up as we operate in the winter. Don’t expect the hard work to stop; we’ll be taking full advantage of the weather and will continue to take the fight to the enemy. As the campaign season ends, we look forward to making significant achievements towards a more secure

Afghanistan. Congratulations to SGT Parker, NCO of the month.Congratulations to SPC Chavez, Soldier of the month.

Mounted and Ready!

Daniel V. Robbins

Curtis D. Taylor

LTC Curtis D. Taylor

3-66 ArmorCSM Daniel V. Robbins

3-66 Armor

BLACKKNIGHTS

A Prized PossessionCows, goats, and other livestock provide a stable source of income for the citizens of Paktika.

A Free Moment Drinking water,consuming carbs, replacing broken shoe laces, and resting. All are important tasks Soldiers must accomplish during free moments on patrol.

At once he knew this was a defining moment. Yar Mohamnad heard his name

and realized that, just like one of those people in one of those mov-ies, his life had instantly been given a purpose, altered forever in a small ceremony in an isolated village in eastern Paktika province. The end of something? Perhaps. The begin-ning of something else? Certainly.

As Mohamnad stepped forward he tried to contain his emotions, to quell the desire to break with rigid military formality, pump his fists, and let loose a sanguinary shout to those who wish his countrymen harm. It would, he realized, take all of the discipline he had developed in his three years as an Afghan

policemen to march forward, back straight, arms extended, with the type of bearing with which he was instructed.

For Mohamnad, receiving his certificate from Brigadier Gen-eral Dawlat Khan, commander of the AUP in Paktika province, as the honor graduate for the Police Combined Action Team (PCAT), this was a defining moment. For the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, this was but another small step in the trans-formation of a country haunted by international neglect, quarantined by unforgiving mountains, and defined by a snake bitten history of violence and poverty.

Mohmnad was the pride of the 31 Afghan Uniform Policemen from the districts of Zerok and Naka who graduated from the PCAT training in COP Zerok on 18 Nov. 11. The three-week course, run by the 172nd Infantry Brigade’s 554th Military Police Company, focused its students on the objectives of the NATO Training Mission-Afghan-istan (NTM-A): assess, protect, advice, assist, and improve police capabilities to secure the popula-tion at the local level. The PCAT program represented both an expansion on the funda-mentals taught at the basic AUP patrolmen’s course and an intro-duction to modernized policing techniques. The first two weeks were spent in a classroom environ-

Success and sacrificeGraduation highlights evolution of Afghan policingStory by Maj. Joseph Buccino

ment focused on principles for-eign to the remote reaches of the country, such as crime investiga-tion, evidence collection, and the constitutional rights of citizenry. In an effort to evolve the students’ understanding of human rights and ethics, the American instruc-tors developed practical exercises based on actual recent events. The final week was spent conducting partnered patrolling in the districts of Naka and Zerok, with a focus on local policing with an appropri-ate balance between violence and discretion.

“We knew how to patrol in this area,” said Mohamnad afterwards through a translator. “What we learned is how to treat the people and how to do our mission without embarrassing the villagers.”It is precisely this enlightenment, this increased level of awareness for the appropriate use of force and basic rights for their protected citizenry that the central govern-ment and NTM-A believe will hold areas such as Naka and Zerok after the withdrawal of US forces. Ac-cording to a July press release by NTM-A, “the ANSF is committed to doing something the Taliban is not prepared to do: upholding the international principles of human rights to the citizens of Afghani-stan.”

Dawhlat Khan, in his address to the graduating class, discussed the importance of treating the population with respect in order to abrogate a potential opening for

insurgents. “The terrorists are not Afghans. You are Afghans. Do not disturb your Afghan brothers or they may turn to the terrorists for security.”

Across the landscape of Af-ghanistan, there are countless Yar Mohmnads, men with an intensity of purpose and an understanding that there are things in this world worth dying for. They are Pashtun, they are fierce, and they are fight-ers. 2014 is fast approaching, and with it, the advantages of western power. They are the future. For Yar Mohmnad, the future is now.

Laughter: the best medicine During a visit to the Blackhawk Soldiers at FOB Sharana Lt. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commanding general of United States Army Europe, jokes around with a Blackhawk Soldier wounded by direct fire.

BLACK

Tidings of comfort

This month I thought I would liven up my typically dull column with a music theme. I tried to pick a tune that best describes each company’s activities

for past month. While it is a bit odd, I agree, it is at least different… and different in a deployed environment is usually good.

Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin” comes to mind for HHC. The Dragons announced this month that the Black Talons are the WORLD LEADERs in aerial delivery operations! No other unit in the world air drops more food, fuel, and construction materials than we do. Our US Air Force partners rig and drop the loads while HHC sets up the schedule with the USAF and the battle space owners and calculates the required commodity amounts for the drops.

Willie Nelson’s classic “On the Road Again” comes to mind for the A Co Assassins as they have spent over two-thirds of the month away from Sharana supporting Task Force Blackhawk. The Assassins’ combat logistics patrols have travelled to remote locations that have not seen convoys for many months to retrograde damaged and excess equipment. Choosing a country music song also lends a nod to NASCAR for the Assassins as they have changed over 50 tires in pit crew like fashion while transiting the rocky trails.

For Bravo Co I can’t go wrong with “All I need is a miracle” by Mike and the Mechanics. This is perfect for two reasons: first, CPT Mike Martin commands our great company of mechanics, and secondly, the Bandits have pulled off many a miracle this month keepings our fleet of vehicles rolling! Mr. Dervil and SFC Newman lead a tremendous team of professionals that “resurrect” many deadlined vehicles in time to go on the next mission.

And finally, for our great C Co Archangels I needed a little help from my kids who recommend “I Could Have Counted All Night,” by the Count from Sesame Street fame. After completing a very detailed change of command inventory in November, CPT George Goodwyn assumes command of C Co in early December. The Archangels said good bye to CPT Scott Anderson who will move to HHC and serve in the SPO shop. In between inventories this past month, the Archangels continued their outstanding health service

support to the province.

As we approach the holiday season, CSM B and I want to “Wish you a Merry Christmas” and a Happy New Year! I know all of us here in Sharana would love to be home to celebrate the holidays with our families; my hope is that we will all reach out to those near us and bring “glad tidings of comfort and joy.” Thanks for your continued prayers as we head into 2012!

God speed!Brad Eungard

LTC Brad Eungard

172 Support

172nd Support Battalion, Black Talons

BLACKTALONS

Father and SonAn Afghan boy snuggles with his father for warmth in the cold, winter air of Paktika province.

The plan was to go in heavy causing the insurgents to flee from the village into the

waiting muzzles of Polish Special Forces. What we found was some-thing totally unexpected.

I’ve been fascinated with Afghani-stan since my first visit back in 2008. On that visit I never left Bagram airbase. My only interac-tion with the Afghan people were with those who worked menial jobs on post or the privileged vendors in the base bazaar who were allowed to sell worthless trinkets.

On this tour, I’ve gotten out much more. From remote mountain vil-lages to farming communities and district centers, I’ve traveled the width and breadth of this province by air, by road and on foot.

The people continue to fascinate me, their traditions intrigue me, the sights and sounds of their villages shock my sense, their interactions make every patrol a personal dis-covery. The gap in cultures makes them stand out in relief.

I’ve met men and boys in packs in market places and along country roads. Womenremain hidden behind burkas and tucked away behind high com-pound walls. Reactions from the male children mix from abject fear to brazen attempts to swindle me for pens.

Never have I truly felt welcomed into a community, always simply tolerated.

That is, until this patrol.

Our plan to close with and destroy an elusive enemy collapsed almost immediately in a slippery wadi under a torrential downpour. The shadowy enemy had every advan-tage in the noisy, wet conditions. We nonetheless slogged on into the objective, a village that has been visited only twice by conventional forces. In 1988, the Russian Army marched in and were outgunned and outmanned over the course of a 6-hour gunfight. Two years ago, the 82nd Airborne patrolled these streets, only to retreat under signifi-

cant contact.

This time, with local police assis-tance, we began searching some compounds that held the distinct odor of the home-cooked explo-sives traditionally used by the in-surgency. We found only confused clusters of women and children and their livestock. Courtyards thick with mud and animal waste starkly contrasted against the color-ful clothing of Pashtun youth.

I had never before entered the enclosed compounds of the Afghan people, at least not in rural Afghan-istan. Behind the fortress-like outer walls, the inner sanctum of Afghan family life consisted of twisting corridors between elaborately built straw and clay structures. Small openings exploded into cluttered subterranean rooms overrun with sheep, cows and supplies. Off-kilter hand sculpted staircases climbed to rooftops littered with goat pellets. An inattentive guard dog yelped an alarm call when we woke her, then scampered to safety in the base-ment below.

Miltary operation turns childish

As we gathered back in the town square, the routine of interaction I typically experience continued. Kids clustered around while adults talked with the Soldiers. Boys came closer; girls remained in the dis-tance watching from little clusters of femininity.

Disappointed with the lack of kinetic action, I decided to try tak-ing a few photos of the kids. This is nothing new; they typically stand there stone-faced, much like the adult males do when being entered into the futuristic-looking biomet-ric system.

This cluster avoided my lens. The first boy I cornered for a surprise photo, unintentionally changed the tone for the entire day as he looked at me with a slightlyworried expression on his face.

I snapped the photo and then turned the camera to show the group the image.

Perhaps because of the festive mood for the recent Eid celebra-tion, or, more likely, because they

were kids, the boys erupted in laughter at the photo and the con-torted countenance of the subject.

What followed was a seemingly unending stream of children pos-ing for the camera and making the silliest faces they could think of. As I shared the photos with them, the crowd only grew larger. With the el-ders approval, even the girls began creeping closer.

I began playing games with them, teaching simple words like “me,” “you,” “them,” and “us.” The kids and I shook hands, did high fives and laughed together. I snuck candy into their hands. Instead of mobbing me, the group of fifty-plus childrenall waited their turn to see if they would be the next to receive a treat and a photo shoot.

Despite our different appearance, starkly contrasted cultures and language barrier, we bonded like any other well-meaning adult and children. They reactedto my animated facial expressions and clowning just as my own three

children and their friends do in America.

Here I was, in a remote poverty-stricken village, playing with a group of boisterous, yet amazingly well-behaved children. Despite my uniform, body armor and weapons,for a brief time these children helped me to forget I was a Soldier in an incredibly savage war. I hope for that brief moment, I was also able to help them forget the war that has been raging in their coun-try for longer than they have been alive.

As I’ve thought back on this event over the past few days, I continue to yearn for the chance to come back here after the U.S. role in this conflict is complete, to come back with my own children and bridge the gaps between our people by just playinglike a child.

Maybe someday I will.

Maybe someday I will be welcomed again.

Words and images by Staff Sgt. Charles Crail

History. Made.History was made on December 14th, 2011, as the Honorable Leon Panetta, United States Secretary of Defense and former CIA director, made his first visit to Afghanistan. The only unit chosen by the Secretary for this stunning unannounced trip was Task Force Blackhawk, the 172nd Infantry Brigade. Mr. Panetta, sixth in the presidential line of succession, has authority, direction, and control over all defense assets.

Purple HeartThe Purple Heart is the oldest American military decoration in present use and the first American award made available to the common Soldier. It was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by one of the world’s most famed and best loved heroes, General George Washington. The actual order includes the phrase, “let it be known that he who wears the military order of the Purple Heart has given of his blood in teh defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen.” The following Blackhawk Soldiers were presented with the Order of the Purple Heart by the United States Secretary of Defense:

CPT Udvaldo LopezSGT Corey TaylorSPC Jose PeraltaSPC Lews MarshallPFC Zachary DavisCPL Mitchell Williams SFC MIguel Ortiz-MercadoSSG Matthew GolebiewskiSPC Patrick ChaneySPC Kristopher MorderPFC Caleb StanleyPVT Trevor NicholsSGT Ruslan Khushenazarov

Keeping WarmU.S. and Afghan soldiers keep warm during a mission by huddling around a fire built by the ANSF soldiers.

In November, five of the bri-gade’s most capable non-commissioned officers were

accepted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. The club is a private U.S. Army organization for enlisted non-commissioned officers whose leadership achievements and per-formance merit special recognition. According to FORSCOM Reg. 600-8, paragraph 1, Members must “...exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development, and welfare of Soldiers and concern for families of Soldiers.”

Each battalion screened, evaluated, and selected NCO’s that met these requirements. The selected group then went in front of a rigorous board examination process lead by Command Sergeant Major Boom. In the end, five were awarded entry into the elite group, all from Task Force 2-28, Black Lions

The following individuals were accepted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club on December 3rd, 2011, and are authorized to wear the distinguished SAMC medallion.

Sergeant First Class James S. Mas-trodomenico, HHC, Task Force 2-28

Sergeant First Class Aaron L. Beck-man, Bravo, 9E, Task Force 2-28

Staff Sergeant Leonado May, HHC, Task Force 2-28

Staff Sergeant Matthew W. Carter, Charlie Company, Task Force 2-28

Staff Sergeant Aldus B. Coffee,

Charlie Tank, 3-66, Task Force 2-28

Legacy: leading from the front

Living LegendOver the last 30 days, Sergeant First Class James S. Mastrodomenico was selected for both the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and promotion to E-8. “Mastro” is widely recognized as one of the finest, most caring, most capable senior NCO’s serving our Army today.

Living Legend

Most DecoratedAudie L. Murphy was the most decorated American Soldier of World War II. During twenty-seven months in action in the European Theatre he received the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military’s highest award for valor, along with 32 additional U.S. and foreign awards including five awards from France and one from Belgium. Murphy’s heroism is legend in NCO circles. He has been the subject of popular music, movies, and books. Audie Murphy always led his Soldiers from the front. Now, five Blackhawk NCO’s fall in line with his incredible legacy.

GILAS

Greetings once again from West Paktika! Our Soldiers and Sappers can’t thank you all enough for the tremendous

support and generosity as we keep receiving care packages from families and nonprofit organizations in support of Task Force Gila.

Highlights from the past month of November included our Thanksgiving celebration across the Task Force as well as a series of successful combined action patrols by our Sappers and Military Policemen in support of our ANSF partners. Also, we had the opportunity to award and promote some well deserving Soldiers and Sappers across the TF Gila AO. Progress continues to be made as we continue to train our ANSF partners with patrolmen courses and basic first aid classes. Last but not least, route repairs are being conducted across Paktika in order to improve freedom of movement as well as to bring commerce and stability to the local areas.

Throughout our battlefield circulation in November, I am pleased to report that the morale of your Soldiers and Sappers remains high. The partnership between our Soldiers and our ANSF partners continues to develop, and the discipline of the unit remains sharp. From FOB Rushmore, FOB Sharana, COP Curry, and COP Dash Towp, our Soldiers continue to do the right thing and our leaders continue to set the example for our Soldiers. Deyra manana (thank you) everyone for your love and support. Your encouragement is a source of strength for all our Soldiers, Sappers, Signaleers, Analysts & Collectors, and Policemen. Please continue to remain positive as we continue with the transition of securing Afghanistan. On behalf of Task Force Gila we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. --First to Cross! Blackhawks!

Happy Holidays & Frohe Weihnachten! Trust this month’s newsletter finds everyone in good health, secure, and warm in their homes busily readying for the

Holidays. On behalf of Task Force Gila, we’d like to thank all the families and numerous FRG Volunteers for your herculean efforts to ship hundreds of Holiday Care Packages to Afghani-stan. They have not only brightened up some areas and filled a few bellies but most definitely warmed up many hearts.

Winter has descended upon us all. Your Soldiers continue to forge ahead developing our Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) counterparts. Over the past month, your Soldiers have enabled the successful and continued expan-sion of the Kabul Security Zone from Wardak to Ghazni Provinces, while enabling several combined arms operations that facilitated the opening of key and essential routes to position logistics for the winter. The Task Force and its Afghan Partners conducted over 287 patrols and assured the mobility along 12,283 Kms of roads and trails across Paktika since our transi-tion of authority this summer.

Every step of the way our ANSF partners grow stronger, more confident and capable. Only through our embedded and engaged part-nership efforts has the Task Force been able to accelerate ANSF Development. This winter, we see as a brilliant opportunity to strengthen their resolve, technical and tactical skills and set conditions to bring added “Hope and Faith” to the Afghan People with the ANSF in the lead in 2012.

Thanks to a combined leader, maintenance and operational focus, we’ve seen the Afghan National Army (ANA) Route Clearance Convoy (RCC) take the lead in Paktika and enable numerous unilateral tactical and logistical missions. Addition-ally, we launched our first Police Combined Action Training (PCAT) program in three vital districts within Paktika to further professionalize the AUP and build the people’s confidence in their security forces. Concurrently, we built more literate and able leaders with the assistance of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan (NTM-A) and look to graduate nearly 100 AUP NCOs just after the New Year. Lastly, the combined-joint team has further informed & educated, trained, and established Afghan sustainable systems with our partners to better control operations, account for logistics and reduce waste and corrup- Jason W. Stewart

Jayson C. Gilberti

LTC Jayson C. Gilberti

9th Engineers

9th Engineer Battalion, Gilas

CSM Jason W. Stewart

9th Engineerstion; a credit to the entire Task Force.

Be proud of your Soldier and all that the Task Force Gila Family have accomplished this year, whether it be back in Bavaria or here in Afghanistan alongside our ANSF Partners. We have much to be grateful and thankful for this year and look to a brighter future ahead in 2012, as we First to Cross! Blackhawks!

Thanking The Family

GILAS

Many Layers Afghan villagers wrap themselves in many layers in order to keep warm during a four-hour shura hosted by provincial governor of Paktika.

In an operation conducted Dec. 7-9 in Ghazni Province, U.S. and Afghan National Security

Forces disrupted a nest of Taliban fighters settled in Disi village.

The key objectives of the mission were to train ANSF to conduct intelligence-driven operations, identify how the enemy used the village and moved through the area, and to connect the people with their government, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Curtis Taylor, com-mander of Task Forc 3-66.

The focus of the operation quickly shifted from a fact-finding mission to a full tactical engagement when insurgents greeted the team with a hail of gunfire as soon as they

entered the village.

Since the area hadn’t seen a sus-tained presence from Coalition Forces in a number of years, insur-gents were able to build a strong-hold in the village and proved they weren’t going to give it up without a fight.

“Usually the enemy will lay down harassing fire which will allow them to withdraw,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Stuart Barnes, Greensburg, Ind. native and platoon leader .“It didn’t take long to realize they were willing to stick it out. It ended up being a four to six hour fire fight.”

As villagers ran for cover in their

homes, squads moved forward without hesitation to find out from where the shooting was coming.

While the Soldiers on the ground moved through the labyrinth of qalats, the unit’s snipers, who had eyes on the entire village from higher ground, worked to keep insurgent snipers off rooftops and even thwarted a rocket-propelled grenade attack.

“Once the haze lifted, we were able to identify who the Taliban were,” said Staff. Sgt. Michael Mayor, a Scout Platoon squad leader with 3rd Bn., 66th Armd. Regt. “We saw men with weapons moving between the mosque, qalats and al-leys and we were able to pin them

Black Knights on the hunt:Coalition Forces face off with insurgents in GhazniStory by Sgt. Andrea Merritt

down.”

During the exchange, two U.S. Soldiers were wounded; one shot in the chest, the other in the arm.

Since Soldiers were able to render aid in timely manner, the casual-ties survived their injuries and are currently recovering at a medical treatment facility in Germany.

“This fight was kind of like a knife fight in a phone booth because we were relatively close to the enemy,” Mayor said. “It was chaotic and tough, but everyone did a great job communicating and sending infor-mation up especially when we took casualties.”

After the firefight, the unit re-grouped with reinforcements from 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regi-ment were back in the village an hour later conducting search and clearance operations.

The unit swept through the village and searched the area until the sun set.

The following day, search and clearance efforts continued in the rest of the village, where ANSF and U.S. Forces discovered three IEDs and a weapons cache.

After the village was cleared, ANSF and Task Force 3-66. lead-ership conducted a shurah with village elders.

“In the shura, we learned the people had little to no exposure to Coalition Forces,” said Taylor, a Harker Heights, Texas native. “The only impressions they had were what the Taliban told them.”

Through their actions on the battle-field and positive interactions with villagers, the residents in Disi were able to see ANSF and U.S. Forces were not the myth described

to them by the Taliban – an anti-Islamic force that harmed women and children.

More importantly, Coalition Forces achieved the objectives originally set and in doing so, busted the big-gest myth of all – that insurgents were safe operating in the remote village of Disi.

“They thought we could not cross the Ghazni-Paktika border. They thought they were secure,” Taylor said. “We let them know we come anytime, we’re hunting for them and we will defeat them. We will own the ground.”

“The enemy cannot resist our force and if the people are given a choice, they will choose their gov-ernment over the Taliban,” Taylor said. “They just have to be given a realistic choice.”

Happy Holidays from PRT Paktika! We may only have about three months left until we pass the reigns over to the new Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktika, but that doesn’t mean

we’ll slow down our efforts in linking local governments and their people. If November’s successes are any indication, we’re primed to meet those goals in the first part of next year.

Our team out in Orgun, the eastern edge of the province, has coordinated programs from Zerok to Bermel. To put the length of those efforts into perspective, you need only look at geography. A straight line between Zerok in the northeastern-most edge of the province is about 54 kilometers, or more than 33 miles, away from Bermel in the far eastern edge of the province. At the same time, Bermel sits just 11 miles Pakistan. Anyone who’s travelled in these areas knows there’s no such thing as a ‘straight shot’ to a village or town in Paktika. The roads wind, often moving through mountains, avoiding flood waters or at this time of year, snow.

The team out east has done everything from meet with government officials in different cities to visit with the elders and even children of smaller villages. Most of the projects they work on include Afghans at the helm teaching them to expand their reach. One such effort will have success even when mountain snows prevent travel. With the majority of the employment involving agriculture and the popularity of radio, the team combined the two and worked with agriculture trainers to begin a radio show focusing on farming. The anchors and interviewees are Afghan, literally encouraging and spreading the idea that Afghans will lead and help each other for a better future; a major step needed for Coalition efforts to continue on the path for success in Afghanistan.

Speaking of success, we had one small step toward that occur in the

village of Sarobi, south of Orgun recently that comes to mind. A newly established Afghan Local Police (ALP) station was periodically being mortared by the Taliban, leaving unexploded bombs in farm areas between a village and the police station. When we visited the station, the police shared with the PRT that mortars were found in the area. A local family and their children came out to tell the ALP where the bombs were. We partnered with the police and ended up destroying the unexpended bombs, making the area safer for the families.

While seemingly a routine event, it shows the growth of the local’s trust and focus towards their local institutions, and marks a turn of events that would not have been witnessed until recently. When someone on our PRT asked two 7-year-old children what they do when they see the

bombs, the children pointed at the nearby police station and said, “We know we’re not going to touch it. We tell the police and they deal with it.” This is a small sign that we’re having success. The people didn’t try and sell or reuse the bombs against U.S. or Afghan forces and they came out of their homes to meet with us when we showed up, showing the trust they have in who we are and what we do. At the same time, it shows that the people trust their local police enough to go to them with their issues. In many turbulent areas of Paktika, they’re gravitating to the idea that “Afghans need to lead and help Afghans.” We see it more and more as our tour continues here.

Thus, we are thankful for even the smallest signs of progress we see each day. We are also thankful this holiday season for the enormous amount of support we receive from everyone at home. It truly makes a difference. And we are eternally thankful to those who have given so dearly for our freedoms.

Tim Young

Cmdr. Tim Young (USN)

Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktika

PRT

Provincial Reconstruction Team PaktikaSpeaking of Success

PRTPAKTIKA

FALCONSFALCONS

Over 200 rounds1-77 Field Artillery Battalion, Falcons First

in support of maneuver elements, Service Battery Soldiers on ECP or QRF duty protecting Soldiers and civilians alike, or supply and maintenance personnel who keep the platoons supported, I am so proud of the precision and professionalism of which out Soldiers have executed their duties.

As Christmas approaches and the fighting season comes to and end. We have to always remember to remain vigilant. That’s where the love and support of everyone back home comes into play. It cannot be overstated that we can’t do what we need to do here without everything you all do for us back in Schweinfurt. I can assure you that the Falcons First Battalion will continue to strive for the victory

we were sent here to achieve, so that we can all come home and be together again. The care packages, kind words and letters of encouragement are an integral part of what allows up to achieve our goals.

Falcons First!

The holiday season and the winter chill are upon us here in Paktika, but the Task force Falcon Soldiers are still going strong. Last month we had the opportunity to celebrate

Thanksgiving with a visit from Major General Allyn, the Division Commander, who took the time to sit down and share a meal with Soldiers. General Allyn could not emphasize enough how proud he was of not only the Soldiers who do the brunt of the fighting, but also the spouses and families who are our rock of support. As we all know, war doesn’t stop because of holidays. The platoons at FOB Orgun-E and FOB Tillman proved this by firing over 200 rounds in support of our maneuver brothers who were tiding the tough Afghan roads; also supported by the Battalion Ammunition section that prepared and moved over a hundred artillery rounds on no notice to support the fight.

As I look back over the last five months of operations I couldn’t be more proud of this battalion. Whether it’s the firing platoons shooting

Christopher Cardoni&

Jerome Sligh

LTC Christopher Cardoni

1-77 Field ArtilleryCSM Jerome S. Sligh

1-77 Field Artillery

FALCONSFIRST

FALCONSFIRST

Winds of Change As freezing temperatures visit Paktika, signaling the end of the fighting season, the brigade resets its company-level leadership for the spring 2012 offensive. C-Tank/2-28, A/9E, Service/1-77 FA, and A/1-2, Task Force 3-66 have all changed commands. Hungry Soldiers have been promoted into leadership positions and a few experienced master sergeants are now leading companies.

With Afghan National Security Forces sched-uled to take the reins on

operations this spring, the success of Operation Tolfan proved forces in Paktika are capable of protecting their own.

During the Afghan-led operation conducted Nov. 30, ANSF, with little assistance from U.S. military assets, uncovered a weapons cache, captured suspected insurgents and killed two terrorists operating in the area.

“Today, the people of Paktika can feel pride in their military and police force,” said U.S. Army Maj. Robert Gagnon, 3rd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment security transi-

tion team advisor to the Afghan National Army 6th Kandak.

“Today was a perfect example that ANSF are ready to take the lead this spring in operations,” said Gagnon, a Lincoln, R.I., native. “In this case, they demonstrated ANSF personnel are able to conduct a battalion-level operation with little to no U.S. support.”

After gathering intelligence that in-surgents were operating an IED cell in the province, ANA soldiers and Afghan Uniformed Police planned and executed cordon and search operations in two villages.

The only U.S. support requested for the mission was an air weapons

team. Soldiers from Scout Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Bn., 66th Armd. Regt. also accompanied ANSF on the mission in an advise and assist role.

Just before daybreak, Afghan forc-es searched a qalat near Qara Khel village and two men with weapons fled the scene.

The air weapons team spotted the men as they moved through the fields, ducking into empty river-beds called wadis as they tried to get away.

The air weapons team engaged and killed the two men. The men had AK-47s, ammunition, hand gre-

Afghan-led operation a successOperation Tolfan results in detainees, weapons cacheStory by Sgt. Andrea Merritt

nades and bomb making material in their posses-sion.

As U.S. personnel pro-cessed the scene, Afghan forces continued with their mission recovering a weapons cache con-taining rocket propelled grenades, ammunition, and IED materials.

As ANSF moved through the area, a group engaged them with small arms fire. The Afghans re-turned fire and eventually detained the suspects. There were no casualties from the exchange.

“I am very happy,” said Maj. Abdul Ghafar, the 6th Kandak operations officer, who planned the operation. “ANA and

AUP did a great job. They were able to surround the enemy and take their weapons.”

As the sun set, Operation Tolfan came to a close, but a new chapter was opened for Afghan forces. The success of the mission was another indication that the ANSF will soon be capable of providing for their nations security.

“It was an Afghan solution to an Afghan problem,” said Fort Mey-ers, Fla., native U.S. Army Capt. Sam Rosenberg, commander of HHC, 3rd Bn., 66th Armd. Regt. “They were able to take intel-driv-en, time-sensitive information and conduct a battalion-level opera-tion.”

“They were also able to conduct follow on missions that developed as they were going through the villages,” Meyers said. “They did extremely well.”

3 up, 3 downIn Late last month, the brigade was honored by the news that 14 of our finest non-commissioned officers were selected by the Department of the Army to serve as master seargeants. Congratulations to the following:

Christopher G. AlbanesAnnette M. AlbinoAaron L. Beckman

Marquise A. GoodwinShane A. Hutchins

David W. Jones Stacey L. Lamar

Scottied J. MagrumDaniel F. Martinez

James MastrodomenicoWayne K. NorrisDerrick E. OreaGus E. Reiley

Juan Vasquesjaquis

To Sergeant Congratulations to the following Task Force Blackhawk Soldiers promotoed this month to the rank of Sergeant:

Shannon A. WillinghamChristopher C. ParkerAnthony M. RobinsonJason S. Wolfington

Steven D. LundyChristopher S. Schultz

Jeremy D. TurnerFennis R. Rodriguez

Dorian T. StarksTavorris D. JonesAnthony A. MartinJonathan R. Smals

Lucas A. RochaOlanrewaju O.AlaraThomas F. Johnson

Lorna LawrenceDarrin J. Davis

Tianyi LiAdam I. Gibbs

Garrett T. PoeggelAustin B. PeifferEvgeny Sarychev

Salvador GuerreroesparzaCarlos I. Maldonado

Anthony M. Robinson

To Staff Sergeant Congratulations to the following Task Force Blackhawk Soldiers promotoed this month to the rank of Staff Sergeant:

John J. IvanovTaylor M. Hollingsworth

Jonathan D. AllenBarrett A. JonesTyrus E. Reddick

Christopher L. DyerCody C. Gull

Bradley J. TaylorAdam W. Sines

Michael MirandaChaquetta Q. Smith

Charles E. SiasGarrett E. PooleKevin T. Dillard

Dustin A. AndersonLewis R. SaisGarrett H. KileTravis Yazzie

Samuel S. TenneyKyle J. Wagner

Antwan D. DeligarJarred A. Jackson

Bryon.K. RushRaymond S. Soucy

To Sergeant First ClassCongratulations to the following Task Force Blackhawk Soldiers promotoed this month to the rank of Sergeant First Class:

Richard M. SnaderDerek E. Smith

Adam S. JacobsKevin P. Hastings

Best of the BestLast month Specialist Derick Hunter, 172 Support Battalion, and Private First Class Eric Benson, 1-77 FA, were selected as the brigade’s Soldiers of the Quarter. Benson and Hunter were selected by a panel of Command Sergeants Major over all other Soldiers in the brigade for their performance during combat operations. Meanwhile, Sergeant Audie Murphy Club selectee Staff Sergeant Leonado May of HHC, Task Force 2-28, was recognized as the brigade’s NCO of the quarter.

An Afghan Glance An Afgan villager watches as a crowd of Afghan children play behind a group who were listening to the Paktika provincial governor speak at a shura.

Date post:	08-Mar-2016
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The BattleCry: Christmas Edition

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