The Battlecry OCT 2011
THE OFFICIAL DEPLOYMENT MAGAZINE OF THE 172ND SEPARATE INFANTRY BRIGADE
The Battlecry OCTOBER 2011
Editorial Team MAJ Joseph Buccino
Editor-In-Chief TF Blackhawk Public Affairs Officer
SPC Robert Holland
Layout Editor/Writer/Photographer TF Blackhawk Public Affairs Specialist
SSG Charles Crail
Editor/Writer/Photographer TF Blackhawk Public Affairs NCOIC
Contributing Editors 1LT Ryan DeCamp (Air Force)
Writer/Photographer Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team
SSG Makenzie Lang (Air Force) Photographer Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team
SSG Luke Graziani
Writer/Photographer 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
SPC George Hunt Photographer 55th Combat Camera
SPC Jakob Kohrs
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Photographer 55th Combat Camera
SPC William Begley
Writer/Photographer 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
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Writer/Photographer 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
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ON THE HORIZON A Task Force Blackhawk mortman scans the horzion for insurgent activity while out on a mission.
THE BLACKHAWK
MESSAGES FROM THE 172ND SEPARATE INFANTRY BRIGADE
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COL Edward T. Bohnemann
et another month has passed on this deployment to Afghanistan and there is much to be proud of. Your Soldiers have embraced both their Afghan partners and their assigned mission. Despite the existence of a persistent enemy that operates in the shadows, we continue to see positive gains across our area of operations. The Black Scarves continue to work for 3/25 Infantry Brigade in Nangarhar Province, striving to bring stability to a region of the country that has known little peace in the past several years. The Black Lions are doing a great job securing the borders of Paktika with their Afghan partners. The Black Knights have built a rock solid partnership with the Afghan Army in Western Paktika and continue to disrupt enemy activities. The Falcons continue to place steel on target throughout the province, continually disrupting enemy activities with precision fires. Gila continues to build Afghan capacity, while keeping our Soldiers safe, setting the standard across Afghanistan with their superb Afghan Police mentorship programs and their route clearance operations; building capacity, while keeping our Soldiers safe. The Black Talons continues to provide superb logistical support to all of our outlying COPs / FOBs, and observation posts, by ground, rotary and fixed wing operations.
We all have been busy this past month. Our operational tempo remains at the highest point since our deployment. Yet, due to the great leaders that we have in this Brigade Combat Team, our Soldiers continue to remain safe. Our noncommissioned officers are doing what they do best, leading from the front every day and every mission. I would also like to say “thank you” to our families back home who continue to do so much without their Soldier there to help them. We know that you are in the midst of another fall season of attending children’s soccer and football games, taking the kids to Cub
Scouts and Boy Scouts, working in and outside of the house, and for all that WE, THE BLACKHAWK SOLDIERS, thank you. We are all so grateful for the tremendous support we have received during our deployment. BLACKHAWKS!
Edward T. Bohnemann
BRIEFS CSM Michael W. Boom gear, lay in ambush positions all night long, drive down long routes for days clearing IEDs and all the while fear nothing—except for Mom!
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nother great month has passed for the Blackhawks who remain vigilant and on point. As the temperature drops our environmental morale leave program has started. Soldiers will be returning for 15 days to their families in Germany, the states or anywhere the Soldier chooses. The travel time to and from their destination does not count against the 15 days. A few of the single Soldiers and Officers go to places such as Sydney, Australia and other exotic locales. When I make the rounds and visit young Soldiers that were in high school a year or two ago, their leave plans consistently come up in conversation.
I ask these young single Soldiers who can go anywhere in the world with a round-trip ticket paid by Uncle Sam where they are going. The answers I get are places like Rocky Top, Tennessee, Midland, Texas and Beaverton, Oregon just to name a few! Bottom line, they tell me their hometowns. As their Senior Enlisted Advisor I feel compelled to tell them they can go to Maui, Hawaii to surf, go check out the Great Wall of China, or the ever exotic Sydney, Australia. The Soldiers invariably state, “Yes I know that CSM, but my Mom would kill me”! These young Warriors can repel the Taliban; climb mountains with over 100 pounds of combat
We all look forward to getting your sons and daughters home for their well deserved 15 days of leave. They have certainly earned it as they work very hard here 24/7. We thank all of the families and friends of the Blackhawk brigade for their constant support through emails, cards, and care packages throughout our deployment. Mail and news from back home really lifts the spirits of Soldiers who are in harm’s way daily. Nothing is easy in Afghanistan, but it is much more bearable due to the outpouring of support from back home whether that is Germany, the United States or both. Lastly, a shout out to the Moms! You raised your kids right when they choose their hometown over an adventure to Sydney, Australia.
Michael W. Boom
Keeping a vigilant eye SSG Luke Graziani
172 Support NCO brings hard work, tough love to Sharana
SSG Shannon Politte, a native of New Orleans and material management supervisor for Company A, 172nd Support Battalion, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Task Force Blackhawk, tracks inbound and outbound flights at the flight line Oct. 5, at Forward Operating Base Sharana. Politte is constantly busy as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the helicopter landing zone. The flight line is a 24/7 operation which is manned by Politte and her staff of 18 soldiers.
G
rowing up in New Orleans, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shannon Politte learned to be tough on her own but depended on her large tight-knit family for guidance and support. She was a tomboy, the only girl in a family of 10 children, with a very strong, independent personality. A child of two military members she was raised with firm military values, working for what she wanted and appreciating what she was
given.
ficer in the Army.
Her parents pushed her to seek greater things outside of her neighborhood in New Orleans and with their encouragement she attended college, but decided to pursue a military career.
“I had to struggle and work hard for what I wanted,” she recalled. Her parents didn’t give much, insiting that she earned the things she wanted.
Politte looks back on her childhood with pride because she was able to take those childhood values she learned and used them to become a successful noncommissioned of-
“My dad was Air Force and my mom was Army,” she explained, and with two military parents, they emphasized, “Duty and responsibility. It’s my duty to serve my country and do what I have to do.”
SSG Shannon Politte, a native of New Orleans and material management supervisor for Company A, 172nd Support Battalion, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Task Force Blackhawk, takes a moment to check paperwork Oct. 5, at Forward Operating Base Sharana. Politte, as the noncommissioned officer in charge, must evenly balance the operation of the helicopter landing zone and the needs of the soldiers assigned to her.
Politte spent three years as a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson, S.C.,before being assigned to Company A, 172nd Support Battalion, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Task Force Blackhawk. The time “on the trail”, instructing new recruits at basic training as a drill sergeant, taught her not only about training and leading Soldiers but also about who she was as a person and leader. She is now the NCO in-charge of the helicopter landing zone at Forward Operating Base Sharana and is responsible for operations at the HLZ and the 18 Soldiers assigned to her. “I knew this was going to be a chal-
lenging role,” she said. “I have three sections in one. I knew I had to stay on my toes.”
The HLZ is a 24/7 operation – there is always something going on, Be it flights coming in or equipment going out. “I knew it was going to be stressful,” she said. “Sometimes it can be very demanding. It’s a big responsibility and a big challenge.”
Managing stress is vital to maintaining not only her Soldiers’ mental health but her own as well. Politte keeps a vigilant eye on her troops, but is able to take time to decompress herself by keeping in touch with her family. “I center myself around my family.” She said. “I talk to them everyday or every other day. It makes my day much brighter.”
Politte and her soldiers take pride Pollitte said that with so much hap- in their jobs and their role in the pening all the time and with an area overall mission. She understands of operation large, it’s almost as if the importance of running things smoothly at the HLZ and getting she has to be at multiple places at once. equipment and supplies to the outlying outposts. “I can’t be everywhere at one time,” “It doesn’t matter if it’s clothes, she said. “But I have to know all food, water,” she said. “It makes things that go on here at the HLZ.”
me feel good that I’m supplying the war....Some of those (places) don’t have goat trails or roads to get there.” It’s not just mission-essential items that Politte and her team push out to the units. Sometimes, when the moment arises, she is able to get comfort items the outposts that would not otherwise have access to them. “Some of (them) don’t have hot meals”, she explains, she has been able to ship out barbeque pits and coals so the Soldiers at the outposts
can enjoy a little bit of home. Politte will be eligible for Sgt. 1st Class soon, but she is focused on taking care of her Soldiers. “I push promotion,” she said. “I push that knowledge. Not just what they study out of the books, but what they know. I push my soldiers so they can become greater than me...I push them hard.” As tough as she seems her care for Soldiers is readily apparent. “I give all the credit to my Soldiers,”
she said. “I feel that if my Soldiers are happy, I’m happy.” “An old Sgt. Maj. told me ‘you can’t give a Soldier everything they ask for, don’t spoil them,’” she recalled. “You have to show them tough love,” she said. “However, you have to make sure their basic necessities are taken care of.” “Tough love and make them happy with basic necessities - basic necessities and that Soldier will work for you all day long.”
Staff Sgt. Shannon Politte, a native of New Orleans and material management supervisor for Company A, 172nd Support Battalion, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Task Force Blackhawk, speaks with one of the many helicopter crewmen at the flight line Oct. 5, at Forward Operating Base Sharana. Politte, who is the noncommissioned officer in charge of the helicopter landing zone (HLZ), uses skills learned while as a drill sergeant to help her maintain the day-to-day operations and take care of 18 soldiers for whom she is responsible.
Postal Service sets holiday mail deadlines Nov. 26 for space-available mail, Dec. 3 for parcel airlift mail, Dec. 10 for priority mail and first-class mail, letters and cards; and Dec. 17 for express mail military service. The Military Postal Service Agency highly encourages customers to mail packages on or before the dates for the specific mail category in order to avoid unplanned transportation delays. Not all Military or State Department post offices are eligible for Express Mail Military Service. “Express Mail Military Service is not available for holiday packages and mail going to Iraq and Afghanistan,� said Faye Slater, the deputy director of the Military Postal Service Agency. The Military Postal Service provides mail service around the world to Department of Defense and most Department of State locations. Mail is moved on commercial and military aircraft and commercial sealift vessels to nearly 2,000 military post offices located in over 85 countries.
T
he United States Postal Service and Military Postal Service Agency have released deadlines to ensure packages arrive to Military and State Depart-
ment post offices overseas by Dec. 25, 2011. Deadlines to ensure arrival by Dec. 25 are Nov. 12 for parcel post mail,
For information on mailing deadlines and restrictions, email the Military Postal Service at: MPSA-TR@conus. army.mil .
A SPOTLIGHT ON
LAUNCHING FIRE A Task Force Blackhawk mortar section responds to a call for fire request in Paktika province. The brigade’s mortar crews provide deadly fires in support of their brothers on patrol.
Outfitting The Blackhawks How our Soldiers’ equipment is developed
S
cientists, engineers, textile technologists, clothing designers, military equipment specialists are hard at work at Warrior Equipment and Systems Division at Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center in Natick, Mass. They work daily to improve the functionality, durability and comfort of the equipment that the 172nd Separate Infantry Brigade, Task Force Blackhawk Soldiers wear and use everyday here in Paktika province.
They assist in the design of helmets and body armor, boots and gloves, uniforms and flame-resistant materials that help the Soldiers stay safe. If you can imagine the Blackhawks wearing it, these professionals are probably trying to improve upon it. “These are very passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable folks (who are) researching and developing items that our warfighters need to survive, but also will be comfortable wearing,” said Jay Connors, division leader, NSRDEC Support
Center. “They’re dedicated daily to doing that. It’s ingrained in them. “They are dedicated in this vein because they want to do the right thing by our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. They want our warfighters to have the best stuff.” The Blackhawk Soldiers, before deploying, were issued all-new equipment, most of which were the creation of the NSRDEC Support Center. Connors is quick to point out that
the people at NSRDEC support Program Executive Office Soldier in this quest. “As the life cycle manager, the uniform, from boot to helmet, belongs to PEO Soldier,” Connors said. “(These are) their items.”
If there’s a job that needs to be done by the Army, chances are the FPL has designed footwear to help Soldiers accomplish it. They’ve turned out boots that protect the foot from water, hot-weather, cold-weather, and blisters.
Connors, a former Marine Reservist, has traveled to Afghanistan three times as an Army civilian and knows firsthand what we are using to fight.
“I want the Soldiers to know that we’re here working to improve their systems so that they can do their job the absolute best,” Cooper said. “Everyone here is working extremely hard to make sure we can satisfy all their needs so that they (don’t
“I was issued quite a bit of gear, to include the (Improved Outer Tactical Vest) and an (Advanced Combat Helmet) for these trips,” Connors said. “I wore the gear completely confident that it’s the best stuff out there.” His NSRDEC colleagues, including Engineer Ben Cooper, share that confidence. Cooper spends a lot of time thinking about what’s best for Soldiers’ feet as the footwear project engineer in the Footwear Performance Laboratory. The biomechanical and physical analyses performed there have direct application into the development of footwear for Soldiers, special operators, Marines and Sailors. The FPL literally puts footwear through its paces, testing stiffness, heat insulation, impact, pressure, flexibility and slip resistance. If the shoe fits, it’s thanks to the crack FPL staff and a laboratory filled with testing equipment. “From our perspective here in the lab, we kind of look at the Soldier as a high-performance athlete,” said Cooper, himself a former college athlete. “We’re keeping that in mind whenever we’re working on things for them.”
have to) concentrate on whether or not their equipment’s going to fail, and they can concentrate on their mission. “We get feedback all the time from various Soldiers in the field. Whether it be questions about what boots they can use, what boots should they use, what’s available. We’re always hearing from the field.” That feedback went directly into development of the Army Moun-
with the mountain footwear. Next up is the Modular Boot System. “One of the things that we were working to improve is trying to come up with a single system that might be able to fulfill capability gaps that may exist,” Cooper said. “This is a three-component system. A Soldier would be issued all three components; two removable liners, an insulated gaiter, and base boot. The base boot would be a hotweather (flame-resistant) boot.” The system would be capable of operating in dry and wet temperate environments and extreme hot and cold temperatures. “Instead of carrying around a number of different boots, (Soldiers) could have a single system to fulfill their needs in multiple operating environments, and a wide temperature range (minus 65 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit),” said Cooper, adding that the goal is fielding by fiscal year 2013.
tain Combat Boot with Afghanistan in mind. “The terrain is pretty extreme and pretty rugged,” Cooper said. “Soldiers traversing mountains and very, very rugged terrain, the Army Combat Boot was not filling all of their needs. It became very apparent that they needed something to fill the capability gap that existed.” The result was a more rigid boot with increased ankle stability. “I think that the Soldiers have been very, very happy with this boot, especially for those (who) are actually
in that environment, operating in the mountainous terrain,” Cooper said. “We have then continued to try to improve this item.” More recently, the mountain boot lacing system has been modified for enhanced performance. “(Soldiers) wanted something that would lock their laces,” Cooper said. “So we added a lock lacing system by the comfort notch. This is actually specially designed so when you’re lacing the boots, it really locks in there.” Cooper and the FPL won’t stop
“I think that people are really chomping at the bit to get this, and we’re working very hard to get the items in the system so that Soldiers can take advantage of it. We’re putting a lot of effort into this program right now,” he said. All the recent footwear innovations have helped TF Blackhawk cut down on lower-leg injuries. “Across the board, all lower-leg injuries, especially for basic trainees, have come down due to the technology incorporated in the boots,” said Cooper, who noted between a 10-to-30 percent reductions in injuries. Change is just as much a con-
stant for the designers as it is for the Blackhawk Soldiers. And that change comes fast. “With operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, getting the right equipment to our military men and women is absolutely critical,” said Annette LaFleur, team leader for the Design, Pattern & Prototype Team. “The pace at which we design or improve an item and it gets to the field needs to be rapid.” LaFleur’s team tailors its work to the operational area. “The physical environment in Iraq and Afghanistan covers all extremes; extreme heat, cold, sand, wind and sun,” LaFleur said. “Some operating environments are known for fine sand and/or rugged mountain terrain, so to design with the focus on durability and repair-ability is key.” According to LaFleur, what the Soldier wears or carries must work as a system. “Therefore, integration is a critical part of the design process,” she said. “The goal is to design clothing that enhances the user’s ability to per-
form their mission, quality of life, and protection (and) survivability.” The place and mission, said LaFleur, make the clothes. “There has been an increased focus on incorporating protective flameresistant fabrics into clothing, consideration of venting or using breathable fabrics or design methods, ballistic and blast protection, and always thinking ‘light’ when designing or improving an item,” LaFleur added. Connors pointed out that LaFleur, Cooper and others at NSRDEC work together to turn out the best for Soldiers and Marines. “This division is all about collaboration,” said Connors, “and as a result, each of the services we support gains better knowledge, better data and the ability to make better decisions because of the synergy within the teams and the rest of the NSRDEC that we and the services have enabled here.” Ultimately, it comes down to getting the best products into the hands of the warfighter, a process in
which Connors and his colleagues obviously take satisfaction. “Seeing the uniforms and equipment being worn every day on the news and knowing that you’re part of the Army team responsible for the development and fielding of those items,” said Connors, “is pretty huge and personally rewarding.” With that in mind, the NSRDEC staff won’t let up in its efforts. Connors wants Blackhawk Soldiers and their Families to know that. “To the men and women in the field, you can believe there are people back here working to make sure you have the best stuff,” said Connors, “the right stuff to meet your mission requirements.” You can rest assured that the men and women of Task Force Blackhawk have been equipped with the best equipment designed to work flawlessly in the dangerous and difficult terrain they operate in here in Paktika.
IN MY SCOPE A Task Force Blackhawk Soldier uses his weapon’s scope to identify a suspicious item while on patrol in Paktika province.
SHAVING THE FACE A Task Force Blackhawk Soldier helps one of his battle buddies shave at a combat outpost in Paktika Province, Afghanistan.
A SPOTLIGHT ON
A SPOTLIGHT ON
SPC William R. Begley
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage month Soldiers at FOB Sharana share their experiences
F
orward Operating Base Sharana held a luncheon to celebrate Hispanic American Heritage Month at the Task Force Blackhawk dining facility October 7, 2011. Three speakers shared their own personal experiences as Hispanic Americans and their pride in their heritage. Leading the group was SGT Alex Torres-Rivera, a native of Caguas, Puerto Rico, a signal support specialist for the 172nd Infantry Brigade, 3-66 TF Blackhawk, Head-
quarters, headquarters company. “I’m proud of my country and where I’m from,” Torres-Rivera said. Following Torres-Rivera was SSG Maria Santiago, a native of the Dominican Republic. Santiago is the awards non-commissioned officer for the 172nd Infantry Brigade S-1 office. “I am proud to be Hispanic American and serving this great country,” Santiago said.
The final and special guest speaker, LTC Rafael A. Paredes, deputy commander Task Force Blackhawk, and a native of El Salvador, also expressed his gratitude. Paredes left El Salvador with his family in 1980 and moved to California to escape civil war in his home country. “It’s a privilege to be asked to come in and speak about our heritage, it allows me to show how proud I am to be an American,” said Paredes.
PREPARING THE VEHICLES A Task Force Blackhawk Soldier prepares his MineResistant Ambush Protected vehicle for a night mission in Paktika province.
BATTLEFIELD BRIEFS MESSAGES FROM THE BLACKHAWK BATTALIONS
LTC Curtis D. Taylor
3-66 Armor
W
e’ve been in Afghanistan for just over three months now and our Fall Campaign is in full swing. The Task Force Black Knights have done an amazing job taking over the fight and continuing to conduct successful partnered operations. Since we hit the ground we have conducted air assault, dismounted, and mounted patrols all over our area of responsibility and the enemy is now on the run. Our Afghan partners have welcomed us into their country and have shown a great desire to work together towards providing a safe and secure Afghanistan. They’ve been our partners on almost every patrol and operation we’ve conducted and are improving every day. Many of them are excellent fighters and care deeply about the future of their country. The progress we make together every day is continuing to build so that eventually US Forces can be confident in leaving the safety and security of Afghanistan to the Afghan Forces. We can win this thing. In addition to the partnered success between the Black Knights and its ANSF counterparts, I want to comment on the remarkable job your Soldiers have been doing. They’ve worked long days non-stop since we hit the ground and they haven’t slowed the pace. They have an incredible strength and are proud of their mission. They have significantly disrupted Taliban and insurgent operations throughout the AO and aren’t showing any signs of letting up. The Black Knights are a powerful force that will not be defeated. I want to give special congratulations to two Black Knights who have personified and greatly contributed to the success we’ve had so far in Afghanistan. We recently recognized SPC Bryan Wilson and SGT Tyler Russell of Apache Company as the Task Force Soldiers of the Month. They’ve done a tremendous job since we hit the ground and are role models for the entire Task Force to look to. We are fighting every day to accomplish the mission and get back home to our friends and families in Germany. We look to you for strength, motivation and love and you’ve done a tremendous job providing these for us. CSM Robbins and I could not be more proud of the Soldiers we have here and we know that their incredible passion and work ethic is supported by the ones they love back home. Thank you for everything you’ve done and we can’t wait to bring them all back to you soon!
Curtis D. Taylor
CSM Daniel V. Robbins
3-66 Armor
I
t has been a very busy time in the Black Knight formation. All of the hard work during the training for the deployment is paying off. I am truly amazed at what our Task Force has accomplished.
Our entire organization is completing the mission. As our area of operations is about the size of the state of Rhode Island, so it takes the entire Task Force together to do what we are trained to do. We have had our longest days with the loss of our two Fallen Hero’s SGT Harmon and CPL Vandreumel, I can assure you they are missed and will never be forgotten. The support of our families abroad and the citizens of American citizens is truly appreciated and felt by all of us serving here. I would be remissed if I didn’t welcome SGM Michael Martin and his wife Linda to the team. They are a great additions and have been very active in all facets of the Task Force. The support from all of the Family Readiness Groups is a critical function to any deployment and is greatly appreciated by our Families and Soldiers. I would also like to thank our rear detachment for their support. The unit is buzzing enviromental morale leave, and it is great for these eyes to see our Soldiers get some time off. I would also like to recognize a few of the many Black Knight Soldiers who are truly making a difference: Sgt. Carpio, Blackjack Company 3-66 AR, September NCO of the month, Spc. Craig, Blackjack Company 3-66 AR, September Soldier of the Month, Sgt. Russell, Apache Company 2-28 IN, TF 3-66 AR, October NCO of the month, and Spc. Wilson- Apache Company 2-28 IN, TF 3-66 AR, October Soldier of the month. Black Knights! Mounted and Ready!
Daniel V. Robbins
KNIGHTS
THE LOOKOUT A Task Force Blackhawk Soldier watches over the district of Sar Howza in Paktika province.
BLACKHAWKS HUNT INSURGENTS IN PAKTIKA Since the September edition of “Battle Cry,” the Blackhawks have been aggressively taking the fight to the insurgents in Paktika, conducting a dizzying torrent of offensive operations. The brigade cleared much of the province leaving nowhere for the insurgents to hide. The brigade has now provided the goverment and security forces breathing room to expand their reach as we head into the winter season. As cold weather envelopes eastern Afghanistan, the insurgents traditionally leave for Pakistan to wait out the snow. When they return next spring, they will find that they are denied the villages that normally provided them shelter. We have highlighted the brigade’s major operations in the following set of stories.
ert ob CR SP d, an oll J. H
Under
the
The hint of darkness came seeping into the western Paktika valley, the veiled sun’s dimmed rays revealing darkness, shadows depicted in fading light, the duality of meaning inescapable overhead.
Blanket
To the Pashtun farmers of Yaya Khel village, the day’s field work was done with the diminished visibility; it was now time to rest.
For the Soldiers of A Company “Wolf Pack”, Task Force Black Knight, the dropping sun signified the beginning of Operation Jena, a four-day mission into Yaya Khel District, the heart of the Sirajuddin Haqqani-lead insurgency in Paktika Province. The Wolf Pack was to serve as a supporting effort for a battalion-wide clearing operation across western Paktika.
of
The Soldiers were to disrupt insurgent activity in the area to allow the development of a new combat outpost (COP) for the Afghan National Army.
“We had a job to do,” SGT Jason Murphy, of Okeechobee, Fla., mortarman, HHC Company, TF Black Knight, reflected afterwards. “The insurgents felt safe [in Yaya Khel] and were using it as a resting ground.”
Darkness
There was an added emotional element for the Soldiers. The last time the Wolf Pack was in Yhaya Khel, improvised explosive devices (IED) struck their patrol killing two of their fellow Soldiers, SGT Matthew Harmon and CPL. Andrew Vandreumel.
On this day, the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the Soldiers left the safety of their forward operating base, beginning their journey to COP Yhaya Khel, a former American combat outpost at the Yhaya Khel District Center. The outpost would serve as the base of operations for Wolf Pack operations for the duration of Operation Jena.
The Soldiers avoided the main route and stuck to the fields and wadis to avoid IEDs. Navigating through rocky countryside in oversized mine-resistant vehicles has been a challenge for the coalition since initiation of combat operations in Afghanistan. This trip, which would have taken an hour by the main route, took the Soldiers close to seven to complete due to the difficult terrain, slow speed, and the extra measures taken to prevent damage to personal property. Within minutes of arriving, the route clearing personnel detected an IED just outside of the entrance of COP Yhaya Khel. The Task Force 3-66 route clearance patrol’s tasking during Operation Jena was the elimination of IED’s along movement corridors. The patrols engaged the insurgents frequently, initiating contact then pursuing, keeping the Haqqani fighters focused on survival and allowing the Afghan Army forces to continue to develop the new combat outpost.
An improvised explosive device is detonated by Task Force Blackhawk route clearance personnel Sept. 12 in Yhaya Khel district preventing injury to U.S. military personnel and Afgan civilians. U.S. Soldiers from A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight partnered with the ANA and Afghan Uniformed Police to disrupt and destroy insurgent activity while a new combat outpost was built for the Afghan National Army in Yhaya Khel district in western Paktika.
Fighter jets and AH-64 Apache helicopters provided air support, often disrupting the enemy fighters’ attacks through mere presence. “There are three things insurgents fear,” Murphy said. “Mortars, helicopters and fighter jets.” On the afternoon of Sept. 14th, with the district cleared and the mission complete, the Soldiers prepared for movement back to their forward operating base. The successful operation allowed the Afghan National Army to move into the newly established outpost. “You get amped,” Murphy said. “Especially when the end of a mission is in view, and all the hard work you put in has paid off.” After the mission, platoon leader 2LT John Tilley, A Co. 1-2, TF Black Knight proudly showed off a bullet hole in his right boot. U.S. Army PFC Kelvin Melvin, of Hamden, Conn., HHC Company, Task Force Black Knight observes the landscape surrounding an Afghan National Army combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District for suspicious activity Sept. 12. The Soldiers were on a mission to disrupt and destroy insurgent activity while a new COP was built for the ANA in the western Paktika district.
“I did not even realize my boot had been hit until after it had already happened,” Tilley said. “We found the round and it matches exactly with the hole, now that is pretty crazy.”
U.S. Army Soldiers from A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight, patrol a small village in Yhaya Khel district Sept. 14. The U.S. Soldiers were on a mission to disrupt and destroy insurgent activity while a new COP was built for the ANA in the western Paktika district.
A soldier from the Afghan National Amy observes U.S, Army PFC Christopher Burgess, of Dove Army combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District. The Soldiers were on a mission to disrupt and des (Top Left) U.S. Army LTC Curtis Taylor, commander, Task Force Black Knight discusses important issues with a local leader in Yhaya Khel District Sept. 13 before a shura with village elders. (Bottom Left) U.S. Army Soldiers from A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight, receive combat air support from fighter jets Sept. 12.
er, Maine, as he adjusts a mortar tube to the proper coordinates Sept. 12 at an Afghan National stroy insurgent activity while a new COP was built for the ANA in the western Paktika district. (Top Right) U.S. Army PFC Jhan Mesa, of Weehawken, N.J., Infantryman, A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight prepares the weapon system on a mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle at Super Forward Operating Base/KKC Sept. 11 before heading out on a mission to disrupt and destroy insurgent activity while a new combat outpost was built for the Afghan National Army in Yhaya Khel district in western Paktika. (Bottom Right) Afghan National Army Soldiers prepare their Humvee for a patrol with A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight at an ANA combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District Sept. 13.
(Top Left) U.S. Army SGT Jason Murphy, of Okeechobee, Fla., HHC Company, Task Force Black Knight jumps into a mortar pit, after taking indirect fire at an Afghan National Army combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District Sept. 12. (Bottom Far Left) U.S. Army SSG Matt Golebiewski, of North Branford, Conn., mortarman, HHC Company, Task Force Black Knight waits for authorization to engage an insurgent who was spotting for an enemy mortar team Sept. 12 at an Afghan National Army combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District. (Bottom Left) U.S. Army 1SG. Shawn Hodges, A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight, observes suspicious activity through his weapon’s scope Sept. 12. Hodges and his company of Soldiers were on a mission to disrupt and destroy insurgent activity while a new COP was built for the ANA in the western Paktika district. (Top Right) Policeman from the Afghan Uniformed Police rest between running patrols with ANA and A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight at an ANA combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District Sept. 13. (Bottom Right) Generations of sandbags protect the Soldiers of A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight from enemy fire at an Afghan National Army combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District Sept. 12.
(Top Left) U.S. Army Soldiers from A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight, leave a small village in Yhaya Khel district after searching the village for insurgents and weapon caches Sept. 14. (Bottom Left) An Afghan Uniformed Police truck moves into place for a joint patrol with ANA, Afghan Uniformed Police and A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight leaves an ANA combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District Sept. 13. (Top Right) U.S. Army SGT Jason Murphy, of Okeechobee, Fla., mortarman, HHC Company, Task Force Black Knight observes a member of the Afghan Uniformed Police pull security from the rooftop of their building at an Afghan National Army combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District Sept. 12 where Soldiers from A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight were on a mission to disrupt and destroy insurgent activity while a new COP was built for the ANA in the western Paktika district. (Top Far Right) U.S. Army LTC Curtis Taylor, commander, Task Force Black Knight discusses important issues with village elders in Yhaya Khel District Sept. 13 during a shura. (Bottom Right) U.S. Army Soldiers from A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight take a few seconds to sit down between patrols at an Afghan National Army combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District Sept. 13.
RAYS OF AFGHAN SUN The sun sets over an Afghan National Army combat outpost in Yhaya Khel District, Paktika on Sept. 12. Soldiers from A Company 1-2, Task Force Black Knight disrupted insurgent activity here, allowing members of the Afghan National Army to build a new combat outpost.
BUILDING & HOLDING In the month of September, Apache Company, 2-28 Infantry, Task Force Black Knights conducted Operation Dunkirk, an offensive operation at the Gul Raddin Pass, a historic Haqqani network stronghold in western Paktika. By targeting known terrorist cell leaders, clearing villages, and then establishing checkpoints in the area, the Black Knights seperated the inurgents from the population. Operation Dunkirk allowed the provincial government an opportunity to influence and maintain a governmental presence in key terrain long controlled by terrorist forces. The checkpoint is now permanently manned by the Afghan National Army.
Operation Sword SGT Charles Crail
Cutting through the insurgent heartland before the mission, “it is owned by them.” Charbaran, which is an unofficial district in eastern Paktika Province, Afghanistan, is nestled into a valley ringed by ten thousand foot mountain peaks. These mountains serve as a natural boundary sheltering the insurgency within.
Travelling there by road takes upwards of two days from the nearest Coalition base. Three days in one direction leads to A cache of enemy explosives in the Charbraran Valley, Paktika Province, Afghanithe Afghanistanstan is detonated during Operation Sword, the largest largest air assault ever conducted by 172nd Separate Infantry Brigade, involving two battalion sized task Pakistan border. forces. Three days in the The Charbaran Valley is a base of opposite direction leads to Highway operations for insurgent attacks and 1 and Kabul. shuttling fighters throughout the country. This natural remoteness and it’s central location to jump off points “This valley is not influenced by filtering out throughout the rest of the Taliban,” said SGT Matthew Afghanistan creates an ideal hiding Steinhaur, from Marlton, N.J., as place for planning and preparations he briefed the men of Troop E, 5th for the insurgency to infiltrate and Cavalry Regiment, Task Force 2-28, attack throughout the country.
“Prior to conducting the operation,” said CPT Katlyn Shagory from Natiok, Mass., intelligence officer for TF 2-28, “we knew that insurgent groups regularly transit this area while migrating from operational bases in the east to targets further west in Afghanistan.” “We also had significant intelligence indicators of on-going command and control from a headquarters located in the hills ringing the valley,” said Shagory. This is why on the night of Sept. 26, TF 2-28 loaded a mixed group of more than three hundred Afghan and U.S. Soldiers into helicopters for a lighting fast insertion under the cover of a moonless night onto the towering peaks overlooking the valley. “As I’ve told you since we began preparing for Afghanistan, we are coming here to do one thing,” said LTC John V. Meyer III from Maryland, commander of TF-2-28, as he briefed his company commanders before the operation. “We are here to win.” “We win every time the people of Afghanistan choose the Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan over the insurgency. We win every time a local citizen says to you, don’t walk down
that road, there is an IED.” As Coalition Forces watched from mountain ridges and traversed the valley floor from qalat to qalat, the picture of what the Afghan people face in Charbaran became increasingly clear.
The only showing from the insurgency, beyond what they left behind after fleeing, was the launching of a few inaccurate mortar rounds that nearly struck the local school.
“They said that ‘yes’, the insurgents pass through often, but they generally leave the locals alone. In turn, the locals are willing to support them with food and lodging for economic reasons,” Green said.
“Through the course of the operation we received additional confirmation of our intel on insurgent activity in the valley,” said Shagory. “While we did not directly encounter insurgents, evidence of their presence was uncovered.” “We found a small cache of PKM [machinegun] ammunition and a second cache containing explosive materials for the construction of IEDs hidden in the bazaar,” said Shagory. “Both caches were safely destroyed in place.”
land Ranch, Co., the military information support operations team leader who spoke with all of the locals encountered in the villages and bazaar.
The general consensus amongst the local people interviewed by Coalition Forces reflected desires for peace and economic stability. “The people here are very poor,” said SGT John Green from High-
“On that same note,” Green continued, “they said they would be happy for the government to have a larger presence in the valley because they know this would bring economic stability and prosperity.” According to a declassified State Department cable written in April of 2009, after the Charbaran district center was overrun by insurgents and destroyed, the economic stability of the area quickly began to
(top) CPT Nathan Gunter from Dallas, Texas, Task Force 2-28 fire support officer, refines graphical overlays after making first-hand observations of the planned target reference points. (bottom) SSG Aldus Coffee, fire support NCO from Brooksville, Fla., directs a UH-47 Chinook helicopter onto a hasty landing zone erected at dawn on a narrow mountainside to deliver the mortar systems in support of Operation Sword.
spiral out of control. In 2009 the insurgent presence forced the closing of the school built by the government where more than 200 hundred local children regularly attended classes. Today the building stands abandoned and in disrepair. The people of Charbaran have not yet made an overt choice between the government and the insurgency, and the future of the area is in dispute. The ANSF won over the populace by demonstrating appropiate restraint when searching the village and homes of their countrymen.
SSG Aldus Coffee, fire support NCO from Brooksville, Fla. directs AH-64 Apache attack helicopters onto a suspected insurgent position after receiving accurate enemy mortar fire moments before.
CPT Brad Vance from Stuart, Fla., surveys the valley below in the early dawn light as he positions his infantrymen into blocking positions during Operation Sword.
SPINA SHURA On Sept. 28, Task Force 3-66 brought key members of the Paktika provincial government to the village of Spina, west Paktika for a peace shura as part of Operation Sword. Shura is a traditional, consultative decisionmaking process mandated for Muslims in the Quran. The Black Knights, having cleared Spina of Taliban days earlier, now looked to connect the village with government services to provide an alternative to a return of the talibs. Spina is one of the most remote, desolate villages in all of eastern Afghanistan and 3-66 was only the third U.S. force to have entered the area. More than 300 villagers attended the shura, which extended Paktika governor Sameem’s reach into a notoriously neglected village.
MONSTER TRUCK FUN A Task Force Blackhawk Soldier launches a radiocontrolled monster truck off a pile of sandbags at a combat outpost in Paktika province Sept. 11. Soldiers find creative ways of eliminating stress at such austere posts.
THROUGH THE PAKTIKA DARKNESS THROUGH OF MY LIGHT THE LENS
IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES WE OFFER THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHS OF TASK FORCE BLACKHAWK FROM THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
ONE NAIL AT A TIME Captain Jim Perkins, commander, A company 2-28, Task Force Black Knights, hammers a nail into the support beams of a roof. In September, the Soldiers of Apache company built a new checkpoint in Paktika overlooking Sar Howza.
A SOLDIER’S SILHOUETTE Every since World War II, the image of American Soldiers in a combat zone silhouetted against a sunset sky has evoked pride and respect in the American public. Soldiers in combat have done so much to advance American society and received so little in return. The silhouette picture speaks to the Soldier’s work ethic: tireless, never resting until the mission is done, selflessly serving. In these images, the Soldiers of Task Force Blackhawk prepare their equipment for war fighting. Their outline against a graying sky tells us so much of their commitment.
TIME FOR BREAKFAST Afghan Uniform Policemen eat breakfast during a joint US-Afghan multi-day patrol in Paktika province. Long-durations patrols with Afghan forces in the lead are breaking the will of the Taliban in western Paktika.
BATTLEFIELD BRIEFS MESSAGES FROM THE BLACKHAWK BATTALIONS
MAJ Michael T. Whitney Able Co.,1-2 Infantry
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reetings from FOB Connolly! With the first month of our tour under our belts, the Black Scarves are hard at work. I am thoroughly impressed with the aptitude and maturity our companies display as they operate across Regional Command-East. Able Company is operating out of FOB Xio Hag in Laghman Province. Bravo Company operates as part of Task Force Storm at FOB Altimur in Logar Province. Charlie Company, while still part of TF 1-2, owns the area around Joint Comabt Outpost Comanche. Soldiers from headquarters company, Task Force 1-2 ensure the battalion is fully supported and capable to accomplish any mission assigned. Black Scarves Soldiers and leaders teach, coach, and mentor their Afghan counterparts everyday on patrol and inside the wire. We are partnering with Afghan National Security Forces at every level from the battalion to the squad in order to fully prepare the Afghans to defend their country on their own in 2014 and beyond. Our companies continue to exhibit a high degree of professionalism while operating in an extremely complex environment. Leaders at every level are quickly learning the intricacies of Afghan culture, politics, and tribal traditions. I am amazed at how fast our junior leaders have been able integrate themselves into their local communities to determine the causes of local instability. Our missions often require outside-the-box thinking to develop creative solutions; and I’m proud to say that the Black Scarves have yet to meet a problem they could not solve. Your support is the foundation on which our unit is built. Our Soldiers’ successes are a direct reflection of the sustainment networks provided by loved ones back home. I am grateful to each of you for that support, and I can testify to the fruits of your labor. Thank you.
Michael T. Whitney
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CSM Brian Woodall 1-2 Infantry
he transition from summer to fall in Afghanistan has seen the Black Scarves spread across RC-East. Our four companies are spread over three provinces, with no two at the same FOB. I’m confident that the Black Scarves are taking the fight to the enemy in more locations than almost any other battalion in Afghanistan. The first of the battalion’s Soldiers will begin to cycle home on Environment and Morale Leave (EML) beginning in October for some well-deserved R&R. For the families of Soldiers on their first deployment, EML is two weeks of non-chargeable leave granted to Soldiers during their deployment. In order to leave theater, your Soldiers must wait for several military connecting flights, with that in mind, please be flexible and patient, as the exact date of your Soldiers return is out of their and the unit’s control. On a lighter note, Black Scarves apparel is now available at www.militarydesign.com. Sweatshirts and t-shirts (long and short sleve) are available in mens, womens, and youth sizes. Orders will be accepted until November 2nd. Add TF 1-2 Black Scarves on Facebook to find out more information. Take care of each other, and stay safe. “Back in Black”
Brian Woodall
SCARVES
THE DEPLOYMENT CUT A Task Force Blackhawk Soldier shaves the head of one of his battle buddies at a combat outpost in Paktika province, Afghanistan. In order to maintain a professional appearance and proper hygiene standards, Soldiers must stay within grooming standards at all times.
KEEPING WATCH A lone farmer drives by an American combat outpost. Task Force Blackhawk Soldiers are constentlly monitoring civilian traffic outside of COP’s and FOB’s for enemy activity in Paktika province.
BATTLEFIELD BRIEFS MESSAGES FROM THE BLACKHAWK BATTALIONS
LTC John V. Meyer III
2-28 Infantry
CSM Joseph C Cornelison
2-28 Infantry
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All of our eight formations and over 1000 Soldiers are performing outstanding and we are proud of the positive impact they have on the lives of the Afghans in our area. The Soldiers and leaders of our formation have displayed the discipline, standards and skills that are representative of the quality of our Army and those who serve our Nation. Based upon their performance, we are confident in their ability to accomplish our goals and mission. The actions of our Soldiers continue to provide hope and faith for the people of Afghanistan.
Given the inherent danger of our profession and location, the Soldiers have been conducting themselves in the safest manner possible. From dismounted patrols in the mountains to every day life on the FOBs and COPs, their attention to detail and self-discipline has prevented senseless accidents present by this point in the deployment in most units of this size.
o all the families, friends and supporters of the Black Lions: greetings from Eastern Paktika Province, Afghanistan! Over the past month we have fully integrated with our partnered units of the Afghan National Security Forces and continued to conduct operations throughout our area of operations.
One of our major objectives is to professionalize and develop the Afghan Security Forces. We have seen some great signs of a growing and productive relationship with our partnered units over the last couple of months. The Afghan soldiers and police have responded well and show continued progress and improvement. There is no doubt that we will continue this success over the course of our deployment as we set the conditions for the local population to begin choosing their security forces and government over the insurgents. On a somber note, we recently conducted memorial ceremonies in Afghanistan and Germany to honor one of own who fell mortally wounded while leading his Soldiers. Staff Sergeant Daniel Quintana was a great Non-Commissioned Officer, an excellent Soldier, a devoted family man and an outstanding human being. Our Task Force is better because of the impact he had on this formation and the lives of the countless Soldiers he has touched. One of the hardest aspects of a deployment is dealing with the loss of a Soldier and each loss inevitably leaves emotional scars throughout the unit. However we are a family that has pulled together as a band of brothers to support each other. We would like to thank each and every one of you for the amazing support you have given to the Soldiers of our Task Force. We are all looking forward to completing our mission and returning home with honor. Love of Country Conquers!
John V. Meyer III
he Black Lions of Task Force 2-28 Infantry are living up to their historic reputation in taking the fight to the enemy. This reputation began in the Philippines in 1901, and carried through Cantigny France in World War I, Normandy in World War II, Vietnam and Iraq to today in Afghanistan.
R&R leave is beginning. Soon your Soldiers will begin returning home for much need rest and recuperation. I hope your will this time with your loved ones to the fullest extent. As I visit our units out around the area of operations, I am always filled with pride to see the high level of motivations displayed by our Black Lions. They may be dirty, tired and scuffed up from the rugged mountains we live in, but at the same time they are eager and aggressively attacking the missions assigned to them. When you return them to us after R&R, rest assured that we will continue to get after the bad guys, preventing them from achieving any sort of rest or recuperation over the winter months. Love of Country Conquers!
Joseph Cornelison
LIONS
AT THE RIVER An Afgan boy helps his elderly grandmother
navigate the rocks on the shore of a river in Paktika province, Afghanistan.
FILLING SANDBAGS Task Force Blackhawk Soldiers use sandbags to build defenses at combat outposts.
One road at a time Paktika road improves government reach 1LT Ryan DeCamp
U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Raymond Border and John Keys inspect two different layers of the Sharan to Zurmat Road in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, Sept. 12. Through August, almost 18 of the 35 kilometers of road have been paved with an underlying base layer, resembling what Border and Keys are standing on. This final layer of paving will include asphalt, pictured to Keys’ right. Border and Keys are engineers for Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktika.
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magine a state with few paved roads, little air transportation to reach smaller cities and no waterways for travel. What ideas would connect people or energize an economy to create jobs? In southeastern Afghanistan, one answer involves roads. The Sharan to Zurmat road project in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, began in June 2009 and runs through Mata Khan District. The district sits almost halfway between the provincial capital of Sharan and Paktia Province’s border. The road does more than affect the economy,
it brings safety and security to cities and villages along the road, Afghan Government officials said. “It has a lot of positive effects on the people because it used to be really hard for the people to drive from here to Sharan because they were scared of IEDs and things like that,” said Aziz Ullah, Mata Khan District Sub Governor. “Right now the road is paved and they’re not faced with those kinds of problems anymore.” The project is set to pave a total of 35 kilometers of road, or almost 22
miles. About 18 miles of that will go through northwestern Paktika while the rest will connect to Zurmat, the southwestern-most city in Paktia Province. The finished road will resemble a paved city street much like one in the U.S. The project is scheduled to finish in winter 2012. Almost ten kilometers of the road have been paved so far. A driver heading from Sharan and Mata Khan would have needed two hours to travel the roughly 12 kilometers, or almost seven and a
half miles, before that section of the road was paved. Now the drive takes just half an hour, said John Keys, a PRT Paktika engineer who began following the project for the PRT in April 2010. “The road was heavily rutted and it frequently washed out or was impassable during periods of high rain or spring runoff,” he said. “Breakdowns such as broken axles, flat tires or load falling off trucks were common.” Mata Khan’s residents had a reason to fear the dirt road, according to American improvised explosive device records. In 2009, U.S. forces found at least 19 IEDs on the road between Sharan and Mata Khan. The following year the total jumped to at least 22. Some of those IEDs included 30 pounds or more of homemade explosive, or HME. That much HME can tear a four-door sedan to pieces, said Chuck Graham, a PRT Paktika engineer. Motorcycles and sedans are two of most common vehicles used by Afghans in Paktika. Graham spent more than 18 years as a combat engineer which involved finding IEDs. While in the Army, he also deployed to Paktia Province as part of a team that clears roads and finds the bombs. “Gravel and dirt roads were prime locations for placing IEDs,” Graham said of his experiences in Paktia and Khost Provinces. “IEDs in hard surfaced roads are harder to hide. It takes more time to dig the hole for the bomb and wires running from the holes are easier to see because they’re not going through
dirt. Often they’re running on top of the road. “It also takes more people to do all that work and they would prefer just having one person dig the hole, place the bomb and leave; it’s harder to get caught that way,” he said. As deadly as the roadside bombs can be, some of the fear of IEDs has gone down due to the paving, according to Ullah. Statistics support the change in mindset. Construction of the paved road reached beyond Mata Khan in August. So far in 2011, none of the roadside bombs have been found by U.S. teams between there and the capital. Though the concern about IEDs may never go away altogether, the paved portion of the road will have a large impact economically and socially. According to PRT Paktika civil affairs and U.S. State Department representatives, it’s difficult to gather accurate data on official population totals or the economic impact of the two cities due to the number of people continually moving around the provinces. However, June statistics compiled by the World Bank’s Economic Policy and Poverty Sector show Paktika hosts a population of about 400,000 while Paktia, one of its two neighbors to the north, has about 500,000 people. Afghanistan’s total population is 24.5 million. Historically, those two provinces along with Paktika’s northeastern neighbor of Khost, are commonly referred to as “Loya Paktia,” or
“Greater Paktia” by local Afghans. Paktika and Paktia became separate provinces in 1964 and Khost became its own province in 1995. Many residents of the three areas still consider themselves living in the same province socially. Paktika’s PRT visited Sharan’s bazaar in the capital Aug. 25. They reported seeing well over 1,000 people buying and selling food, textiles and services like hair cutting and henna painting among others. The road would have been the shortest distance to travel for people and goods coming from the north. The Sharan to Zurmat road provides residents of neighboring provinces a safer way to connect to each other, whether that involves bringing goods to a market or uniting families, Ullah said. “This road was a very important thing for this district and our community,” he added. “It used to be that no one was willing to cooperate or come to the district center. … This is starting to change in part because of the road. People are willing to come and share their issues with us and we are doing what we can to help them out. People are more willing to cooperate with the Afghan Government and the trust is increasing between the two.” Ullah went on to say “the development of local roads has made the people happy. They feel more connected to outside areas like Paktia’s capital of Gardez, Khost and Ghazni Provinces, and even Kabul,” he added. PRT leadership said helping connect the people of Afghanistan
to their government and a better quality of life is the road’s true measure of success. According to Ullah, that is already happening in Paktika in part due to the road.
“The development of local roads has made the people happy. They feel more connected to outside areas like Paktia’s capital of Gardez, Khost and Ghazni Provinces, and even Kabul,” Ullah said.
WATCHING US An Afghan child watches Task Force Blackhawk Soldiers as they patrol through his village.
WHAT IS MINE... A Task Force Black Hawk Soldier shares candy with battle buddies in his platoon while they wait to head back to their combat outpost after a four-day mission in Paktika province. Soldiers in combat live the motto “what is mine is yours.� War makes young men old and acts as a forcing mechanism for bonding. These men, once young, aged by war, are forever brothers.
THIS IS MY RIFLE A Task Force Blackhawk Soldier cleans his weapon to prevent misfires and malfunctions while on patrol.
BATTLEFIELD BRIEFS MESSAGES FROM THE BLACKHAWK BATTALIONS
LTC Brad Eungard
172 Support
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he Black Talons are very glad to welcome the Fall and its cooler temperatures that enable increased airlift capacity for our fleet of contract helicopters. Talon Air can now haul more people and equipment to our forward locations – just in time for R&R and the upcoming tidal wave of holiday mail. The battalion hit full stride in September. Our Alpha Company “Assassins” literally led the way on five combat logistics patrols (CLPs) in the province delivering over 200,000 gallons of fuel and over 100 pieces (vehicles, supply packs, etc.). While the Assassins led the battalion CLPs on the ground, the HHC “Dragons” and the Assassin Helicopter Landing Zone team achieved huge results via the air; Talon Air flex over 2,500 people and moved 600,000 lbs of general cargo plus another 118,000 lbs of mail! Not to be outdone, while maintaining the brigade’s equipment, the great B Co “Bandits” designed, fabricated, and tested an incredible device to crush barrels. “Say What?” you may ask. Yes, a barrel crusher – the brigade has forward locations that receive nearly all their fuel from US Air Force airdrops that arrive in 55-gal barrels. After years of airdrops, these locations have stockpiles of empty barrels. The barrel crusher will ensure these barrels become unusable for undesirable purposes and will permit the forward units to sell the crushed barrels as scrap metal. The CJTF-1 Commanding General recently presented a coin to SGT Stringer, the lead Bandit creator of this amazing machine. Lastly, our beloved C Co “Archangels” continue to sustain life for the Blackhawks, tenant units on Sharana, and our Afghan National Security Force partners that are injured or wounded. The Archangels and our great Forward Surgical Team partners treated 77 trauma patients and over 1,000 routine patients through the treatment facility.
“But what about your partnership unit – the ANA’s 5th Combat Service Support Kandak (battalion)/2nd Brigade?” I’m glad you asked. The Dragons executed a tactical communication skills course for the kandak this month. The course graduates were so proud of their training certificates and were very thankful for the training they received from SFC Lee and SPC Balboa. The Bandits continue to champion maintenance management skills with the kandak and have partnered with them to inspect all their equipment and ensure its serviceability. CSM Burton and all our 1SGs have great Warrior Skills training planned for the kandak in the months ahead. We continue to put everything we can into growing the capacity of the kandak; we are investing in what we believe will be their long term success. October will be a great test for us; we will take part in a large brigade operation geared toward moving personnel and equipment from one location to another. I believe we will be doing similar missions later in the year as our leaders make changes to the battlefield and as the Afghan Army grows in its capacity to secure larger areas. In light of these changes, we continue to try to anticipate needs and be responsive in our support for the units in our area while becoming more efficient through synchronization of both ground and air resupply. Our battalion Facebook page is full of photo albums of recent events here. Additionally, our unit public affairs team has created a video site as well to share videos of recent ceremonies/promotions. Look for this site to grow in the months ahead. Thanks for your continued support.
Brad Eungard
TALONS
DEVELOPMENT OF THE AFGHAN NATIONAL SECURITY FORCES The brigade’s partners in the Afghan Army, Uniform Police, Local Police, and Border Police are becoming more proficient with every patrol. The brigade conducts only partnered missions. Despite challenges in logistics resupply and command and control, the Afghans are improving with an eye towards 2014.
AFGHAN GRAFFITI Graffiti found in an empty building by Task Force Blackhawk Soldiers showcases the drawings of Afghan children. Born in conflict, the youth of Afghanistan know nothing of peace.
SELF CARE, A GIFT TO OTHERS MAJ. (CH) KEVIN FORRESTER
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ask Force Blackhawk is fast approaching the three month mark in the deployment. Some have been here a little longer and some a little less, however, it has probably already been long enough for most. A consistent question on the part of families by this point is “Will I ever get in a routine that works for my children and I?” Well, maybe. Obviously I would never make much money on the motivational speaking circuit with an answer like that. It is certainly a worthy goal to find a routine that works and all family members
can feel good about. If you have little ones, one of the best things you can do for their peace and security is to develop a routine and be consistent with it. The majority of children under the age of seven or eight really respond well to a positive routine that offers them predictability. For children, predictability is safety. Now, if you are reading this and you feel like you are struggling
with a routine for you and your family, let me first put your mind at ease. You are certainly not alone in this. It is normal to struggle in the early phases of the deployment. Your neighbors who seem like they have it all together are either not being totally accurate in their descriptions or they are part of the minority who actually can get their lives organized and functioning early on in a deployment. Most struggle with this. When I talk to those who seem to be burdened with the pressures of time demands and who can’t seem to find a rhythm for their Families, I almost always feel compelled to ask the question, “What are you doing to prioritize your own self-care?” You would be amazed at what strange looks I get when I ask this question. What I have discovered in more than 20 years of working with individuals, couples and families is that the idea of self care is an abnormal idea. Many will even go so far as to feel guilty for even entertaining such a notion. Let me assure you that no one should ever feel guilty for taking care of themselves. It is absolutely one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and those we love. I have this saying that I have been sharing with people for years. I absolutely believe it is fundamentally sound and true
for all people. I call it one of my axioms of life. I frame it in the vernacular of my Southern heritage. It is this: You will never be worth a hoot to another until you are first worth a hoot to yourself. I believe the wisdom of this saying is incredibly sound. I do not say that to exalt myself, I simply believe this saying is accurate based on how we are made. We must be very dilligent to take care of our own needs (not wants) if we are going to invest ourselves in giving to others like we do with spouses and children. I cannot keep giving of myself to the troops out here unless I take some for myself. Otherwise
I will run out of the energy required to add value to the lives of others. In the same way, if you do not take the time to recharge yourself and even pamper yourself from time to time, you will find yourself to run down and stressed to care for those you love. This axiom of mine has its basis in one of the wisest and truest statements
recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible. The saying is found in the book of Leviticus. It says this, “But you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In the New Testament, Jesus lifted this verse up as the second greatest commandment ever recorded. We all know the value of loving our neighbor. We know
how to love our neighbor who happens to be our spouse. We know how to love our neighbors that
happen to be our children. Most people I know are basically pretty good at loving others. Where many people do less well comes in the area of loving self. However, look at what the saying in Leviticus says. I paraphrase it to say this: You shall genuinely love those around you in the very say way that you love yourself. The author of this verse fully understood that a prerequisite for me loving others is that I
must first make loving myself a regular part of my life. Now the question becomes, what does that mean? First let me address what it is not. Loving yourself does not mean that you suddenly become self-centered and place yourself above all others. There is nothing remotely loving about that. What it does mean is that you must take time for yourself or you will not have the ability to pour your life into another.
So the next question becomes, “how do you do that? Now this may sound like a foreign concept, but it is really pretty simple. What you must do is make time in your schedule to do something you really want to do. Every now and again, like maybe even once a month, you make time to really pamper yourself. If you are a parent with young children, you schedule a way to give yourself some “Mommy” time, and do something you want to do or do something with other adult company. It will be a good thing for you and the children. An old saying from my hometown goes like this, “If Mamma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” There really is some truth to that. Both parents, but especially the mother if she is the primary caregiver, set the emotional climate in the home. If mother is frustrated and irritable, those feelings are quickly passed off to the children. Suddenly you can have an emotionally volatile home. Nobody enjoys that. Now, let me relate all that I have been writing about to the title of this article. When you take care of yourself you
are really giving a gift to those you care about and those who count on you. I am a much better husband and father when my emotional, physical and spiritual pitcher is filled up. Likewise my wife is a much better wife and mother and friend when the same is true for her. When we are separated by deployment, just like we are now, it is a real blessing to me when I know she is taking care of herself. In the same way, I am concerned when she is not taking the time out she needs to sleep, exercise, spend time with friends, go to church and whatever else she needs to do to take care of herself. When she starts getting stressed out, it affects the children. Because I love my wife, I truly do not like it when she is not at her best. It is a ministry to me when I know she is taking care of herself. We just had our first Blackhawk Combat Resiliency Program where we brought Soldiers in
from the various locations in Paktika to help them build and maintain their resiliency while they are deployed. The Army has figured out that resiliency is not only good for the individual Soldier, but also for the rest of the unit. Everybody benefits from a resilient Soldier in the formation. In the same way, the entire family benefits from a resilient wife and mother. It even benefits the Dad and husband downrange.
If you want to give your Soldier a good gift during the
deployment, give him or her a spouse with a full pitcher. Give the gift of a happy you that has learned how to truly love yourself so that others will benefit from your love of self. Self care truly is a gift to others.
ROUGH CONVOYS Imagine driving up the roughest jeep trail in the Rocky
Mountains. Now imagine driving a tractor-trailer up the same trail..While getting shot at. Now you have some idea what challenges Soldiers face navigating the rocky terrain in Eastern Afghanistan. The dirt road from Forward Operating Base Orgun-E to Combat Outpost Zerok is 20 rough, rutted miles that would be a challenge for any four-wheel drive enthusiast back in the states. For the mounted Soldiers of Task Force 2-28, 172nd Brigade, Task Force Blackhawks, it’s just another obstacle to pilot with their huge armored vehicles which include tractor-trailers, bulldozers and dump trucks. The convoy, led by a long line of Afghan National Army humvees, rumbles out the gates of FOB Orgun-E like a heavy metal dragon that’s all heads and no tail. The convoy is preceded by a dust cloud that can be seen for miles. Crowds of children greet them in the small villages they pass through, waving and giving thumbs up as if the convoy were some apocalyptic version of a Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. The road worsens as the convoy powers up into the mountains. Drivers maneuver their tons of steel around hairpin curves, through river crossings, and along ruts and holes three feet deep. Inside one of the mine resistant ambush protected vehicles, U.S. Army SPC Chris Walkowiak of Dayton, Tenn., an weapons system operator, admires the road. “Man I’d love to go mud-boggin’ up some of these streambeds,” he said while glancing out at the terrain. He takes the rolling, bumpy ride in stride. Tucked into his position in the MRAP, electronics buzz and blink all around him, as if he he was sitting in a spaceship. Outside, the beefy wheels of his MRAP churn away one pitted mile after another. Six hours into the drive the interpreter riding with Walkowiak can not contain his motion sickness any longer and throws up. Walkowiak pats the man reassuringly on the back. “You’ll be alright,” he says. “It’s been a pretty rough ride.” An hour later the convoy rolls through the gates of COP Zerok like a wagon train rolling into a fort back in the old West. They will spend the night, unload their cargo, take possession of several more vehicles – including two bulldozers and a dump truck – and then make the return trip in the morning. This time Walkowiak might bring a bucket.
BATTLEFIELD BRIEFS MESSAGES FROM THE BLACKHAWK BATTALIONS
Cmdr. Tim Young (USN)
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Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktika elcome to Task Force Blackhawk’s Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). We are a unit within the 172nd Infantry Brigade here in Paktika Province and our main job is to help bring the local government and their residents together to ensure the province’s future involves freedom and opportunity as opposed to fear. We are a unique blend of service members, different from how many of Blackhawk’s units are made up. We are a joint, interagency command comprised of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Government Civilians. Since we began training together for our deployment in March, we have learned from the different organizations’ cultures, tactics, techniques, and procedures. We have grown together through the pre-deployment training and more than three months serving in Paktika. We are a prime example that working together through differences for a common goal can be the best way to find solutions to any challenges that come along. I am awed everyday by the ingenuity and spirit of the team I have the honor to lead. Likewise, I greatly appreciate the positive attitude of the Soldiers and leaders of Task Force Blackhawk. Our capacity building efforts are focused on facilitating responsive governance and sustainable development - something we are helping Paktika’s government leaders and 400,000 residents do everyday. This growth helps ensure peace, stability and a bright future for everyone here. It also serves as a stark alternative to the ideology and opportunities represented by the insurgency. As a PRT, we help the people grow beyond the fear those groups generate. When we meet with government officials or residents, we see the look in their eyes as connections are made that represent an open, free passage of ideas and governance, lead and carried on by Afghans.
Some of our missions include organizing training that help Afghan agricultural experts develop techniques they can pass on to farmers elsewhere in the province. Others include advising on road projects run and led by Afghans that reduce roadside bombs. Improved roads and agricultural awareness increase economic opportunity, create jobs and show the people there is a safe alternative to the negativity they have seen from insurgents in the past. As Americans, it can be difficult to imagine being afraid of the road you drive to work on. With one road project in particular, at least 22 roadside bombs were found on a specific stretch last year. So far in 2011, no roadside bombs have been found on that same stretch thanks to paving. Bazaars and businesses that the road serves are bustling with activity and growth. One of the best aspects about these projects are that Afghans are now leading them, developing capacity that will have positive effects on their country for years to come. At the same time, the projects are sustainable. All of the governance partnerships, development skills and projects we are involved with are ones Afghans can pass on, operate and lead in the future. It truly is us practicing the mindset that it is better to teach someone how to fish than simply handing them a fish. As a member of PRT Paktika, it is truly an honor and privilege to be serving with America’s finest and be part of the Blackhawk team. To our Families and friends, back home, thank you for all of your sacrifices and support. From the emails, phone calls, and care packages, to all the prayers and wishes for our safety and success, we could not do what we do without you. Thank you for being there for us!
Tim Young
PAKTIKA
UNDER THE BEAST While on patrol in western Paktika province, a Task Force Blackhawk Soldier crawls under a stuck Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle to attach a tow rope.
THE NEXT GENERATION The future of Afghanistan will be determined by the actions of these children of war and how the decade-long conflict has molded their perceptions of peace, violence, and the outside world.
BATTLEFIELD BRIEFS MESSAGES FROM THE BLACKHAWK BATTALIONS
LTC Jayson C. Gilberti
9th Engineers
T
o the Friends, Families, and Fans of Task Force Gila, Happy Halloween! Thank you for your continued support, letters and care packages. In this edition of the Blackhawk Brigade’s BATTLE CRY, we look forward to continuing to share the stories and pictures of your remarkable Soldiers, Sappers, Signaleers, Collectors & Analysts and Policemen. Trust our Facebook has also helped inform and educate everyone on how your Soldiers are doing in Afghanistan. They continue to astound as they build Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) capability and capacity through partnered efforts to bring stability and security to the Afghan people. I am pleased to report that the well-being of the Task Force remains high, the camaraderie between our Soldiers and our ANSF partners continues to develop, and the discipline that defines this great unit remains sharp. From Forward Operating Base Rushmore to FOB Sharana, Combat Outpost Curry to COP Dash Tope, our Soldiers continue to do the right thing. Our NCOs are leading from the front and taking care of Soldiers. Our planning and execution of operations is slow and deliberate. We’re proud of our team for their agility, adaptability and flexibility. Highlights from September included a series of successful combined, joint action patrols by our Sappers and Military Policemen in support of our Afghan National Security Forces partners bringing added security to the Sar Hawza, Sharana, Yousef Khel and Yaya Khel Districts in Paktika. Their missions ranged from checkpoint construction, culvert repair and route clearance to building the AUP’s confidence through the execution of mounted and dismounted presence patrols. Meanwhile, behind the scenes our Signaleers travelled across the province repairing American Forces Network systems and communications services - just in time so all Blackhawk Soldiers could enjoy post-season baseball and the NFL regular season. Lastly, our Collectors and Analysts combined with the Brigade Staff remained vigilant and focused in the development of plans to target insurgent forces while advancing governance, economic development and reconciliation across the province with great effect. To our amazing Friends, Families, FRG Volunteers and Fans, whether you’re in the States or Germany, thank you for your sustained silent service, sacrifice and tireless support of our Soldiers. First to Cross! Blackhawks!
Jayson C. Gilberti
CSM Jason W. Stewart
9th Engineers
A
ssalamu u alaikum (as-salam-u-alay-koom), peace be with you once again from Afghanistan. I greatly appreciate all the support provided to the Gila Soldiers from the Families and friends back home in Germany and the United States. During this month of September, your Soldiers have continued to impress me with their high morale and level of discipline as they continue coaching, mentoring, and partnering with our Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) partners throughout the Paktika Province. The relationship and trust that our Soldiers have towards the ANSF has assisted in finding many roadside bombs. Finding these bombs makes the roads and passages safer for everybody and provides security in the districts and villages of Paktika Province. During the month of September, our Soldiers have been the center of attention with visits from numerous Generals and Command Sergeants Major. These distinguished visitors praised the TF Gila Soldiers and recognized them for their actions. As we continue forward with our deployment, safety remains my primary concern for all Task Force Gila Soldiers and Families back home in Germany and Stateside. Our Leaders and NCOs continue to plan every mission thoroughly in order to minimize unnecessary risks. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank all the non-profit organizations and all the individual supporters from back home for their sincere and generous contribution to Soldiers of Task Force Gila. I would like to send a special thanks to the Bomber Girls, the Blue Star Moms, Adopt-a-Chaplain, US Troops Care Packages, and MC Mags for Military. It means so much to us here to receive a little taste of home every now and then. Lastly, I want to thank everyone for your continued support. It means a lot to our Soldiers, and I’m very proud of the way they are performing. They give 100% everyday, and I know that you are proud of them too. There are good days and bad days, and I know that your support helps them through some of the trying times. Keep up the great support! First to Cross! Blackhawks!
Jason W. Stewart
A MOMENT ALONE Deployed Soldiers have scant personal time. Soldiers live, work, and sleep surrounded by their battle buddies 24/7. Moments alone are fleeting and must be taken advantage of.
AIRBORNE SUPPLIES The impossible terrain in Paktika requires many
combat outposts to receive supplies through the air.
BATTLEFIELD BRIEFS MESSAGES FROM THE BLACKHAWK BATTALIONS
LTC Christopher Cardoni
1-77 Field Artillery
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It was just like any other day, the warm September sun illuminating the eastern Paktika horizon, the rugged outline of the mountains protruding into the deep blue sky. It was a great day to fly. The helicopter carrying Command Sgt. Maj. Sligh and myself, touched down and we quickly exited. We kept our heads down clearing the ever-moving blades and the helicopters lifted off disappearing just as fast as it had arrived. This scenario had played out just like this every other day of our tour in Paktika province and every other day we arrived at our destination without incident. Not today. A furious wind swept through the remote outpost. Before the dust could settle two enemy rockets landed near us. As soon as our Soldiers heard the distinct sound of incoming rockets, they ran to the guns. The fire direction center quickly analyzed the data captured by our counter fire radar team, and as Command Sgt. Maj. Sligh and I ran to the gun location, our Soldiers had already loaded their howitzers and began simply vomiting volleys of high-explosive rounds with methodical precision, standing firm in the face of enemy fire. Just before reaching the gunline, I looked up at the target location in the distance and to my enjoyment I saw a large fireball explosion; the accurate fires destroyed the last enemy rockets before they could be fired at the base. The platoon was once again successful in their mission of providing timely and accurate fires to protect their fellow Blackhawks. At the same time that our firing platoons are killing insurgents, Service and Headquarters Battery Soldiers conduct security missions and patrols on base and immediately outside to confuse and disrupt the enemy. Thousands of people and hundreds of vehicles are checked for threats each week, as Falcons First Soldiers stand between a determined enemy and the civilians and Soldiers counting on them for their protection. Headquarters Battery leaders are training and mentoring the next generation of Afghan Field Artillery leaders to provide their own timely and accurate fires in support of the ever-improving Afghan National Army. These ambitious young leaders will soon be able to protect their people from the forces that seek to destabilize Paktika and Afghanistan and prevent the emergence of a stable democracy. These missions and dozens of others are Task Force Falcon’s contribution to the ongoing mission of Task Force Blackhawks to bring stability and prosperity to Paktika Province. From providing deadly fire to supporting complex Brigade level missions Task Force Falcon Soldiers are leading the way!
Christopher Cardoni
CSM Jerome S. Sligh
3-66 Armor
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e are blessed with a great Battalion! I couldn’t have asked for a better group of Soldiers, NCOs, Officers, and Family members to lead. It is hard to believe we’ve been here almost three months. The battalion as a whole is highly motivated, and trying to make the best of the situation until we see the rest of the Falcons First team again. I see vast improvements in our operating bases. MWR activities were nonexistent on some of the FOBs when we arrived here in July. Thanks to the hard work of our headquarters battery, we now have an Internet café with 10 computers and five phones. In a few short weeks, FOB Sharana will have a new gym with over $5,000 of additional equipment on order for the Soldiers on the outlying COPs. We must not forget our Chaplain, Capt. Ferrell, who is in constant contact with churches and volunteer groups stateside in an effort to support the Falcons First Soldiers here in Afghanistan. His relentless work and dedication to the welfare of Soldiers has resulted in the battalion having PlayStations and AFN boxes donated. We have demonstrations of talent during chapel service here on FOB Sharana with many Soldiers from HHB and Service Battery serving on the gospel choir. In addition we have had a strong turn out to religious services and encourage Soldiers of all faiths to practice while here in Afghanistan. As your command sergeant major, I strive to help our 1-77 FA Soldiers in any way possible. I will continue to look for improvements in MWR activities, promotions, and the improvement of living conditions of our Soldiers. For the families back home, if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me. As the senior enlisted advisor, I not only serve Soldiers, I also serve you. CSM Sligh’s Monthly Advice: No matter what we’re going through over here, we will endure. Our success is partially dependent on you back there. Please continue to write your Soldiers, send email, cards, and goodies to constantly remind them of how much you support what they are doing. You are truly our motivation.
Jerome S. Sligh
FALCONS FIRST
Images of Paktika Despite crushing poverty, Paktika offers a brilliant display of colors, activity and emotion. Through our camera lens, we bring you there.
KEEPING WATCH A Task Force Blackhawk Soldier scans his area for suspected insurgent activity during a patrol in Paktika province.
October’s Blackhawk Shoutouts
To my Husband SFC Robert Rowland there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you..I hope you are doing well..I hope to see you soon....I want you to know how proud I am of you..I am so honored to call you my husband, best friend, confidant, lover & most important you are my HERO!!!! I love & miss you so very much..Your Wife Lisa Rowland Mark, we are keeping you and your fellow soldiers in our prayers. May God keep all of you forever safe in his hands!! God Bless you all!! Love- Mom and Dad Hello!!!! SSgt. Scott Finster !!!!!!!! We are thinking about you!!!!!!!!!!!! Take care of yourself !!! Be Safe !!!!! We love you, Mom&Dad Sgt. McPherson we are all so proud of you and miss and love you sooooooooooooo much. See you soon. H+B+D+Mom+Dad+S+V+B+baby girl Mentzer, so proud of you, we love and miss you. Sarah, Fuzz, Tricia. Vinnie, & Mom HUGS Ssg Steven Haesler, I FREAKING LOVE YOU and I’m more than proud to be your wife!Miss you my nuggle bum:) Hey Mr. Finster ,This shout out is for you!. We miss you guys. Be safe and come back to see us. xoxoxoxo ;-) Love ya. Hey Batman, I love and miss you very very much. Stay safe over there! Go Cowboys!!! Lots of love, hugs, and kisses, Carol & Taylor Gowin xoxoxoxoxoxxo PFC Dustin Berry, know that your family is proud of you, and your choice to fight to protect the freedoms we enjoy in our country. We love you, and pray that you and your brothers in arms stay safe, and return to those who wait for you at home. SPEC. ANTHONY COOK, WE MISS YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS, LOL. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, MOM AND THE REST OF YOUR FLORIDA FAMILY!! SSgt Scott Finster ~ Just want to say how much I love, respect, admire, adore, & miss you, so proud to be your partner in crime my hunnybunnyschnookems! Holdin down the fort, standing tall & standing proud ~ God Speed to you and all our Troops ~ With All my Love your Wife ~ Renee Spc Peyton, Hope you had a great birthday!!! Love & miss you bunches & bunches. Brig, T, Emma, Karlii, & Jacksyn PFC Adam Smith ! You are my hero and I am so proud of you ! Stay safe and hurry home! I miss you, Schatz !! To SFC Charles J. Benintende, HHC TF 1-2 IN...With Lots Of Love From Dana, Colt, Abbygail, Noah, Hunter, Beaux & Cami!! Love & Miss You MTL & Can’t Wait To Have You Back Home Safe & Sound!! We Are Thinking Of You Non-Stop & Saying Prayers For You Everyday & Night!! Stay Safe BB & Hurry Home!! Happy Anniversary Sgt. Shay Lomas!!! Thank you for some of the BEST years of my life. I Love You! Love always, Shauna SPC Kronschnabl, Brian I love you too the stars and the moon and back and as deep as the ocean and back! xoxo -your One & Only! To my hero, my daddy, SPC DAVID WALTERS, FOB Connolly, I love you and miss you to the moon! (((HUGS))) from AUSTIN SSgt Elliott~ You are loved and missed so very much. The kiddos and I love you to the moon and back! You make us so very proud! <3 Moe and your little monkeys Shoutin’ out to our son PFC. Brian Thompson. Keep yourself and your guys safe, we love you all and cant wait for you to come HOME. You are all making us sooo proud. Love Mom, Brian, Brad, Syd, Brianna and Timmy PFC Jonathan Martin, I love you so much sweetheart. You’re in my thoughts everyday and I’m counting down the days till I can see you again. I Love and miss you, Morgan This is Ryan Angell, former PFC Angell in 1-77 FA, I am giving a SHOUT OUT to SGT Major Sligh! Thank you for everything you have done and keep up the work your doing now and come back home safe. PS I been trying to send my info to you lately, its important. Thanks again SGT Major. HOOAH! Hi Chad... so proud of the work you are doing. We love you and miss you! Can’t wait til your home for good! Love, Laura and Annika PFC Jon Peters--We are so proud of you. Thinking and praying for you and those with you each and every day. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, loved ones all ask about you and are also proud of your service. McLovin, Buttons, and the Griffin are all fine. Mom and Dad and family. SPC Joshua Grether I want to let you know I miss you and love you with all my heart forever and ever until the end of time...come home safe my love! Love your wife Samantha Grether SPC Kronschnabl, Brian I Love You to the Stars and the Moon and Back and as Deep as the Ocean and Back! xoxo-Your Wife SGT MORRIS...lol...its me...JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW how MUCH i LOVE and miss you...ursy SGT Rogelio Claros, This home isn’t the same with out you hun cannot wait to see you and hold you once again. Just never forget what you mean to us we love you so very much and me and the kids miss you so much, We appreciate everything you do for us, and we are so proud of you and I am so proud to be your wifey :) You be safe and take care of yourself over there!!!! ~TTYL & MUAH~ Love Heidi and
the kiddo’s!!! I would love to send a shout out to my husband, 9E Sappers Company C, PFC David Lahr. My family, his family and especially myself miss him a great deal and cannot wait for him to come home. Love you David!! Can’t wait to have you home again! With lots of love, Danielle and the families :) To my amazing husband SSG Trevino: Simba & I miss you very much- can’t wait to see you soon and meet our baby-to-be! Major DeForest, YOU MAKE ME SO PROUD! See you next August Bud! Love from all of us, Andrea We love & miss you so much SSG Lintner! Keep up the amazing job & stay safe! Come home soon! Hard training, easy war! Love, Caitlin, Emma & Elliot. Logan Adams we miss and love you from your family. PFC DANNY HAYNES - I miss you so much and love you heaps! I can’t wait to see you again. Stay safe. Love always, your Australian girl, Elisa xoxo SHOUT OUT to Spc. ELIJAH NOTT of B co 2-28, Black Lions...From your mom: I’m So Proud of You, Son!! Keep the Faith ~ We’re Praying for You and We Love You!! From your sister: Hooah, Bro ~ and Stay Safe Out There!! From your grandfather Darrell: As a citizen, my thanks for your service. As your grandfather, my compliments for your achievements and my admiration for your courage!!
GUARDIAN ANGELS Sitting in a high perch overlooking COP Margah, every patrol is protected by a small band of vicious hunters. These men are the snipers of Company C., 2-28 Infantry. They watch. They listen. They wait for their prey to come into view. They are the guardian angels of Margahâ&#x20AC;Ś Or perhaps more aptlyâ&#x20AC;Ś the angels of death.
FROM THE AIR Task Force Blackhawk Soldiers recover supplies delivered through the air.
Mobilizing trash into treasure CPT Andrew Gibbons
Mayor cell reclaims over 3 million dollars worth of equipment
S
ince August Task Force Falcon Soldiers in the FOB Sharana Mayor Cell have been working tirelessly to improve the cleanliness and appearance of FOB Sharana. We are steadily removing a vast amount of construction debris, waste, and equipment that has accumulated on FOB Sharana over the years. During the relief-in-place process with 4-320th Field Artillery Regiment, Mobile Retrograde Team (MRT) stumbled into the Mayor Cell from Bagram. Although we did not know much about this MRT, we
quickly realized they were a valuable asset and coordinated assistance with the inventory of some containers that the previous Mayor Cell inherited. With the help of the MRT, the Mayor Cell was able to return over $45,000 worth of equipment to the Army supply system. We exchanged our information and coordinated the next MRT visit to FOB Sharana to assist the inventory of even more abandoned equipment and cargo identified throughout the FOB. Since our initial encounter in July,
the MRT has returned three additional times to assist our FOB beautification efforts. The MRT and Mayor Cell partnership has resulted in the turn-in of over 75 containers with various equipment worth over $3.3 million. The MRT will return for a fifth time this week to continue the inventoryand turn in of the hundreds of containers scattered throughout the FOB.
SOLDIERS SERVING SOLDIERS Secialist John Malabanan treats Sergeant Ivanisha Ray at the Forward Operating Base Sharana aid station. The Task Force Blackhawk medics treat their fellow Soldiers, ensuring that they are physically ready for the stresses of combat.
TF BLACKHAWK TREATS BRAIN INJURIES Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) has become the signature injury of the war in Afghanistan. Between 10 and 20 percent of Afghanistan veterans have suffered a brain injury. Though Invisible and sometimes seemingly minor, brain injury is complex. It can cause a range of problems either temporary or permanent. Over the decade-long war, the Department of Defense has vastly improved its ability to identify and treat brain injury. The brigade has an mTBI clinic that examines Soldiers who have undergone a combat event that may result in a brain injury. Through the mTBI clinic, the brigadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical community identifies and treats brain injury in its earliest stages.
SFC Paz instructs PFC Fernando Rodriguez on a cognitive exercise as part of his concussion treatment. Rodriguez had to tie a hunters bend knot during the exercise while being monitored to ensure he showed no signs of an existing concussion.
CPT Laurel Coffey takes a reading of PFC Fernando Rodriguezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart rate after an exertional test to ensure it is within 65-75% of his target heart rate. He is wearing his combat gear to simulate outside the wire duty tasks.
YOU’VE GOT MAIL Everyone has seen the images of WWII and Vietnam Soldiers lining up for mail call, eyes wide in anticipation for the words of support and love from home that were made all the more precious by the seemingly interminable amounts of time they had to wait to receive them. In this age of Facebook and cell phones it might be hard to believe that same scene still plays itself out every day at U.S. combat outposts and forward operating bases all across Afghanistan – but it most certainly does. There is still something special about getting old-fashioned snail mail. “It’s the first mail we’ve had in three weeks,” said SGT William Maner of Griffin, Ga., an infantry Soldier with the 172nd Infantry Brigade, who was helping sort through the containers that had been delivered to Combat Outpost Zerok by helicopter that morning. “We never know when we’ll get it, but man it’s good when we do.” The word had spread through the COP like fire that a mail delivery had finally arrived, bringing dozens of Soldiers swarming to the mail point like bees to honey. The feeling of morale shooting up was almost palpable. “I finally got the pair of boots I ordered from Amazon and it feels like Christmas!” hooted one Soldier as he rushed by with an armful of packages and letters. There’s definitely something special about good oldfashioned mail.
Proud to be American 1LT Ryan DeCamp (Air Force)
PRT Soldier earns citizenship
PFC Cardon Edwards says the oath of renunciation and allegiance during a naturalisation ceremony here, Sept. 28, 2011. Edwards is an infantryman and is currently deployed as part of Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktika. He is assigned stateside to the 2nd Battalion 113th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard.
When Cardon Edwards came to the United States with his mother from Jamaica, the 13-year-old couldn’t imagine he would fight for the country he was heading to. Seven years later, the now 20-yearold is doing much more than that. Not only is he a private first class in the U.S. Army, he now has a much greater title – American. PFC Cardon Edwards joined 44 other U.S. Soldiers and Marines from 25 countries in a naturalization ceremony to become American citizens on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 28.
“It’s a relief, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t,” Edwards said. “My parents are happy to see the steps I’ve taken and the road I’ve come down, in joining the Army and becoming a citizen.” His family knows what he’s going through. His mother earned her U.S. citizenship two years ago. He couldn’t go through the process as well because he had already turned 18, he said. The ceremony comes during Edwards’ first deployment. The infantryman from the 2nd Battalion 113th Infantry Regiment of the New Jersey Army National Guard,
is now deployed to Afghanistan as part of Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktika. The PRT’s main job is to help bring the different levels of government and the province’s 400,000 residents together. This way, their futures involve peaceful leadership and development, not insurgency under groups like the Taliban. Edwards and the rest of his security team from the New Jersey Army National Guard help make sure the meetings that help move the governance process can happen safely for coalition members and Afghans.
PFC Cardon Edwards receives his certificate of citizenship from Robert Daum, U.S. Department of Homeland Security deputy district director, Sept. 28, 2011. Edwards lived in Port More, Jamaica until he was 13 when he and his mother moved to the U.S. He now hails from East Orange, N.J.
“I have worked with Private 1st Class Edwards since August 2010 to train for this deployment and what I’ve seen is that though he’s a younger soldier, he has the maturity of a seasoned non-commissioned officer,” said 1st Lt. John Cossolini, 2-113 platoon leader. “He’s mentally strong and physically tough. He has unlimited potential and I see him becoming one of our steadfast NCOs very soon.”
it so far,” he said. Though there’s a significant difference between U.S. and Afghan cultures that this deployment is showing him, Edwards said he didn’t notice a huge difference between the U.S. and Jamaica. He said he will take advantage of some of the differences he has noticed between where he was born and the new country he’s now a citizen of.
Experience is a trait of many NCOs. Edwards said this deployment is helping him gain that, which is one of the reasons he joined the military.
“There’s more opportunities in the U.S. of course, with better jobs, schools and universities,” he said. “When the deployment is over I’ll head back to school using the G.I. Bill to continue working on an associates in accounting. Then I’ll move on to a bachelors degree.”
“This deployment hasn’t been that bad, I’ve gotten to experience the different cultures and people, I like
His platoon leader had nothing but good to say about one of his most junior soldiers, who was promoted to private first class just six months ago. “He has always displayed the motivation and dedication of an infantryman, I could not ask for more from this young troop – he constantly gives 100 percent effort,” Cossolini said. “I have never seen his motivation, his trust in his fellow soldiers or his will to fight for his country waiver.” If anyone had doubt before, that’s gone. America is Edwards’ country.
Private 1st Class Cardon Edwards receives a coin from Brig. Gen. Les J. Carroll, 4th Sustainment Command commander, as part of a naturalisation ceremony here, Sept. 28, 2011. Edwards was one of 45 Soldiers and Marines from 25 different countries who earned their U.S. citizenship during the event.
THE DESCENT Blackhawk Soldiers navigate the mountains of east Paktika carrying over 100 lbs of gear each.
TASK FORCE BLACKHAWK AT WAR
The brigade public affairs staff is dedicated to giving you what you want: more images of your Soldiers here in Afghanistan. Over the next 42 pages, that is exactly what we offer.
THE CORNER STORE Task Force Blackhawk Soldiers patrol a village in Paktika province.
USING THE LIGHT A Task Force Blackhawk Soldier, under the cover
of darkness, reads his KindleŠ reading device. Portable electronics play a crucial role in helping Soldiers alleviate stress while deployed.
NEXT EDITION: THANKSGIVING 2011
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