Thunder Times A Bi-Monthly Chronicle of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team Volume 2
THIS ISSUE From the Top Current News
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Frontline Frames
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Play It Safe
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Chappy’s Chat
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From the Front
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Pay Issues
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Parting Shot
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155th ABCT FAMILY READINESS 24 HOUR HOTLINE 601-313-0155
Issue 5
March 1, 2019
FROM THE TOP Gunslingers of the 1-98th Cav Squadron remain engaged in a highly decentralized operation spanning m u l t i p l e countries. The missions include providing Lt. Col. Christopher Jurney security forces, Commander, 1-98 CAV quick reaction forces, partner force advisement/training, APS-5 turnin, and personal security operations for government and military VIPs. To say the squadron, along with the rest of the brigade, is busy would be an understatement. However, as operations come to a close we must prepare ourselves for the transition home, and how this will affect Soldiers along these three fronts: the mental, spiritual and physical fronts. Upon arrival home the honeymoon period will last approximately two to three weeks, and then the true realization of being absent from the constant presence of your green suit peers will hit you. The absence of constant human interaction may bring an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Reach out to your battle buddies. Never be afraid to reach out for
help. I’ve experienced the loss of past Soldiers to suicide, and that reality stings deeply. Nothing is so bad as to require taking your own life. Stay in touch with one another. You’re valued and have much to offer. Stay spiritually connected once you arrive home. For me, I will remain engaged in church and with a small group, who provide encouragement and emotional support. This front is usually the most neglected….don’t let it be. Understanding your spiritual calling helps in maintaining resilience against self-harm. This provides purpose to your life. Find your purpose, and dedicate yourself to it. The mission required physical exertion and nearly constant movement. The DFAC provided healthy food options if you took advantage. Going home will present challenges in maintaining a healthy diet and structured physical fitness regime. Be deliberate in your planning to remain physically capable in meeting your military requirements and remain healthy. You’re the Army’s greatest asset, take care of yourself so you can protect this great nation and its freedoms. I’ll see you back home on the high ground. Southern Steel! “Southern Steel!” Gunslinger 6
CURRENT NEWS Soldiers with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team arrive at Fort Bliss, Texas and prepare to begin the demobilization process. The unit has begun returning from a deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jean Whaley)
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FRONTLINE FRAMES
A Soldier with 155th ABCT conducts rappel tower training during an Air Assault course at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. (Photo by Spc. Jovi Prevot)
Spc. Kylan Harris, 1-98 CAV, fires the HK G36 rifle during a German Marksmanship competition at Camp Taji, Iraq. (Photo Courtesy of 1-98 CAV)
S A F E T Y
155th ABCT Soldiers participate in a ruck march as part of an Air Assault course at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Williams)
Capt. Kevin Long administers the oath of reenlistment to Spc. Robie Moore, C/ 1-98 CAV, in a CH-46 Chinook over Iraq. (Photo by Spc. Madelyn Sanchez)
REDEPLOYMENT TIPS • Expect it will take a little time to become re-acquainted with your spouse and family. • Take time to understand how your family may have changed during the separation. • Resist the temptation to go on a spending spree to celebrate your return.
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CHAPPY’S CHAT
Almost done! In a matter of weeks, we will head back home to our families, jobs and communities and get back into the swing of life - wherever home is for you. While we have all had different deployment experiences, good or bad, one thing is for sure: we will all be opening a new chapter in our lives when we come home. Some soldiers will be going back Capt. Jeff Triesch to changes in their relationships, Chaplain, 1-18 CAV jobs, living situations, and some have new children who were born while deployed. With a year or more of being away, there will undoubtedly be changes. For a lot of us, especially in the Army, we are good at planning and running through possible courses of
action and likely outcomes. However, there is a point where planning can become diluted with worry. Do not confuse the two! Matthew 6:25 says, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear...Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Worry is our attempt to mentally control what is actually out of our control. Put your trust in God for your needs, even in the midst of change. He knows what tomorrow will bring. Plan for your future, but trust and rely on God for your needs rather than worry. Blessings to all my Mississippi brothers and sisters!
Ch. Triesch
ARCENT Soldiers Complete Air Assault Course in Kuwait Story and Photo by Sgt. Christopher Lindborg CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – “Air assault!” shouted air assault students during the first half of a cool February morning at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. “Air assault!” 191 Service Members serving in U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility earned the right to wear the Air Assault Badge on Feb. 15, 2019. Air Assault’s Class 301-19 began with 240 students on day zero of the 10 day school. Service Members pre-qualified to attend the first air assault course offered in Kuwait since 2017. “You’re setting a Soldier up to be successful in a combat environment,” said Staff Sgt. William Ramos, an air assault instructor with the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, Georgia. Service Members were offered an opportunity to attend the rigorous school to develop additional skills, including moving equipment and rappelling, while deployed in a combat environment. “Sling loading has been the hardest part,” said Pfc. Clarence Allen, a patriot launching station enhanced operator, 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment. “I can now confront issues with my unit while I’m deployed, especially with sling loading in a forward operating environment.” Students also developed skills in cooperation and leadership through the school. “You encounter so many people,” said Cpl. Adam Johnson, a patriot fire control enhanced operator assigned 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Briagde. “You have to work together in cohesion.” Several students were assigned to leadership positions at the school. Sergeant Eric Irizarry, a machinist welder assigned to the 1109th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group, Connecticut Army National Guard, was assigned the student first sergeant at the school. He was responsible for ensuring students were on time and prepared for the day’s training. “It’s been awhile since I’ve done anything like basic training,” said Irizarry. “So the yelling, the screaming, physical training, waking up very early; it’s all been challenging.” Irizarry said the most difficult part of the school was doing the right thing all the time. “I don’t want to get cut, let go or sent home,” said Irizarry. Leadership skills gained at the school are advantageous down the road according to Ramos.
“In the future, if they go into leadership positions, they’ll know how to react better,” said Ramos. In addition to leadership skills, the school is also beneficial for career development. “This course will help me become a better leader,” said Allen, the youngest student in the class. “Someday I want to be sergeant major. I look up to Soldiers who’ve done Air Assault.” Service Members learned about the rare opportunity of attending the school down range. Requesting a spot at the school was more competitive than many thought. Allen said when he was a fuzz ball, also known as an E-1, he asked leadership if he could attend the school. They told him they’d reserve a spot if he could do 72 push-ups within two minutes. Allen achieved that goal and was given a spot at the school. When the school began, he said he found it mentally challenging. “I would say I came here physically prepared, but mentally it was a lot harder than I thought,” said Allen. “Mentally you have to tell yourself not to quit.” Even though the school was challenging, many students found enjoyment in it. “The training has been very rigorous but super fun and a great time,” said Spc. Nathan Maxey, an infantryman assigned to the Alabama Army National Guard. “We learned about sling loads, rappelling, jumping from an aircraft and cargo loads. I really loved it.” Instructors travelled to Kuwait from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center out of Fort Benning, Georgia, and were key to developing service members. “The instructors communicate very well,” said Irizarry. “They understand this is our first time and they answer every question.” “They could definitely see things how we saw them,” said Maxey. “They were hands on with you.” “They really motivated us,” said Allen. “On the ruck march, they kept telling us don’t fall out, don’t fall out.” Ramos said if a service member is interested in Air Assault School they should take advantage of it. Soldiers have the opportunity to learn useful skills including rigging equipment, overcoming fear of heights, jumping out of a helicopter, rappelling from a tower and developing camaraderie. “Some of the best things you’re going to learn probably come from air assault,” said Ramos. “It tests you physically, mentally and you’re going to push yourself.”
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PAY ISSUES! • • • • • •
Check your LES for any debts acquired while overseas. Remember to get your CMS case number through your chain of command if you have a pay issue that is already being worked. Remember to submit your travel voucher to DFAS NLT 5 days after your leave stops. Check your LES to make sure your Hardship Duty Pay STOPS when you report to Ft. Bliss. Soldiers are encouraged to USE their leave and NOT sell it at Ft. Bliss. Contact the USPFO for any issues when you report back to your home state.
Helpful Links: • Financial Management Regulation: https://comptroller.defense.gov/portals/45/documents/fmr/volume 07a.pdf
• BAH questions: https://militarybenefits.info/bah-calculator/
• 2019 military pay rates: https://www.militaryrates.com/military-pay-charts
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PARTING SHOT
Check out our Homepage IMPORTANT NUMBERS DEERS Enrollment 1-800-538-9552 Military One Source 1-800-342-9647 155th FRG Hotline 601-313-0155 (Available 24/7)
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PUBLISHED BY THE 155TH ABCT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE PAO - 1st Lt. Terry Hill II The families of Sgt. Baron Carwyle, of Pontotoc, and Staff Sgt. Mike Chism, of Corinth, welcome home their Soldier in Jackson, Mississippi. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Tynes)
PAO NCOIC - Staff Sgt. Michael Williams PA SPECIALIST - Spc. Jovi Prevot
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