April 2014 Speed & Power Post

COMMANDER’S CORNER

POWER 6 LTC ZAN HORNBUCKLE

Looking back over all of the things that we as a Battalion have accomplished in the last quarter is amazing. We came right out of the holiday break and started weapon ranges, FiST Certification, Squad training, live fire exercises, platoon training in the simulators, and our entire preparation task for gunnery. Our Soldiers’ efforts during gunnery were exceptional ending with platoon level live fire training.

The pace and level of proficiency at which we accomplished these task are a testament to the professionalism, discipline, and hard work of our Soldiers, Leaders, and Families that make this organization one of the best on Ft. Stewart. I am proud of our accomplishments, and I encourage everyone to keep up the hard work.

I have the upmost confidence in our lethality as an organization and I look forward to improving our war fighting capabilities during Raider Focus from the 28th of April to the

9th of May. I am excited about NTC that will take place around the end of July until the beginning of September and have the highest confidence in our ability to be successful while we are there.

For our Family members, please take note of the Company FRG Leaders listed within this newsletter, along with our face book and vFRG pages. If you need anything, from information about upcoming FRG events to information about resources available to you on post, please reach out to your FRG leader or our Battalion FRSA. They are wonderful resources and stand by ready to assist in any way.

Thank you for all that you and your Families do for our battalion and this nation.

Speed & Power, LTC Zan Hornbuckle

SERGEANT MAJOR’S ZONE Hello. My name is Richard Mulryan and I am the Battalion CSM as of this FEB. As I entered the battalion areas and started looking at the unit from an outsider's perspective I sought out the leaders. The strong formal leaders as well as the informal leaders. I was amazed to see just how many strong and competent leaders this battalion is fortunate to have. Of course, we are losing some key leadPOWER 7 ers in the immediate and near future, but I am confiCSM RICHARD MULRYAN dent that we will again grow our own leaders and continue our mission.

Speaking of our mission, the battalion is extremely busy wrapping up the learning E: INSIDE THIS ISSU lessons from our gunnery and Power Focus training exercise so we can use these lessons on ep Pr e an ric the next training event, Raider Focus. To sum ur H Page 2 s m ra up what I've seen over the last month, I can say og Pr ily Page 3- Fam that I am truly impressed with the honest effort ny pa Page 4 - Aztec Com and learning curve the leaders and Soldiers pany Page 5 - Battle Com have demonstrated. From our brand new Solpany diers to the more experienced Officers and SenPage 6 - Cobra Com hts ior NCOs there is shared learning applied. We Page 7 - Dark Knig are a strong unit, we are a learning unit, and s er rc fo En Page 8 we are committed to excellence. One of the cats Page 9 - HHC Hell lessons learned from the previous command ’s Corner Page 10 - Chaplain team that being addressed directly with

our current leaders is how to we involve, support, and inform the Families so that we can be a truly complete team. Several initiatives have been started. Some will succeed, some will not. It all depends on Family member and friend input. I ask each Family member and friend of the battalion to engage us, provide input or feedback so we can make our Family Support Group just as strong as each company is.

We are truly committed to you, try us and find out for yourself. My Family and I are truly blessed to be in such a great battalion. We look forward to working with you and helping each other out as Families do.

Speed and Power, CSM Richard Mulryan

Building 648, Warrior Road Fort Stewart, GA 31314 912.767.4595 ph www.facebook.com/369AR

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE 3-69 ARMOR REGIMENT

HURRICANE & EMERGENCY PREPARDNESS The summer months are approaching and before we know it the Battalion will be at NTC training. As you prepare for NTC and the summer months, it is important to remember that Hurricane Season is upon us. Although the typical season runs from 1 June through 30 November, a hurricane or other natural disaster could occur at anytime. Therefore it is always best to be prepared to execute an emergency plan at a moment’s notice.

The 2014 season is expected to be a normal year and is anticipated to bring a total of 9 or more named storms, 3 hurricanes, and at least 1 major storm. However, trying to predict exactly what the season will bring is difficult. It is also unknown how many of these storms will impact the Coastal Georgia area directly. Families will need to be prepared in advance in the event that they need to execute an evacuation plan– especially while their Soldier is away from station.

In a coastal community living at or below sea level, our greatest threat is storm surge - a rise in sea level above the usual tide level as a hurricane or other intense storm moves over water, causing flooding when the storm comes ashore. If a major storm is predicted to come ashore in our area, many areas will be asked to evacuate due to flood risk. It is crucial that if and when the call for evacuation comes that Speed & Power Families are prepared in advance and ready to leave.

During the event of an evacuation Families will need to be prepared to leave the area and head west. A kit with supplies for each Family member for at least three days or more is essential. Families could spend days on the road before reaching an evacuation shelter.

We are asking all 3-69 Armor Families to make the month of May “Hurricane/Emergency Preparedness” month in your home. Get informed, create a Family Plan and make your own Emergency Kit. Whether you live on- or off-post, locate your evacuation shelter and plan your evacuation route in advance. If you have children, be sure to educate them on your severe weather plan. Pet owners need to be sure to locate a shelter in advance that will allow animals as these shelters can be limited.

For more information on emergency preparedness or how to create your own emergency kit, please visit the 3ID Website at: http://www.stewart.army.mil/dptms/hurricane/default.asp for a host of useful information and downloadable materials; the Red Cross website at: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/ disaster or see our digital library of Emergency Preparedness materials located at www.issuu.com/369bnfrg/stacks.

BN FAMILY READINESS Statutory Volunteers are the glue that holds our FRGs together. Volunteering allows you to connect with other Soldiers and Families from within your Company and Battalion and make it a better place. However, what many often do not realize that volunteering is a two-way street and it can benefit you and your Family as much as your unit. Dedicating your time as a Volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

Volunteering helps you make new friends and contacts One of the best ways to meet people and make new friends and is get involved within your FRG or installation community. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

Volunteering increases your social and relationship skills While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.

Volunteering can help you get a paid job in the future Volunteer work can help Family members fill gaps in their resume, or for some, give them jobs to include on a resume if they have never worked outside the home. Volunteer work is considered the same as having a real job except you are working for no pay. Volunteers can include their volunteer position with job responsibilities and the number of total volunteer hours donated to the position on a resume.

Even small volunteer roles can show potential employers that you are responsible, that you can manage time, and for some roles you may supervise other volunteers in a leadership capacity or manage money.

Volunteer expenses are tax-deductible When volunteers donate their time and energy to an organization they sometimes incur expenses. Volunteers have to drive to the volunteering location and sometimes they put children in childcare while they volunteer. Volunteers can track the miles that they drive to, from, and during volunteer work and deduct those on their annual taxes – this mileage is considered an In-kind donation. Other expenses such as childcare, background checks, or if the volunteer had to purchase any items in order to volunteer such as a uniform can be deducted.

Volunteer work can lead to awards Much like a Soldier who excels at their job, dedicated volunteers who contribute a significant amount of time, effort, goods, or that contributed to overall improvement or wellness of the organization are often recognized with official awards. Awards vary from Company, Battalion, or Brigade Certificates of Achievement; Division level awards, and even official Army awards for Public Service. Although many volunteers do not do what they do to receive recognition, it is always great to know that you are appreciated for what you contribute to your community. Official awards also look great on a resume as well!

The Battalion and Companies are currently in need of a few good volunteers in various volunteer roles. We have immediate openings in the following areas: Battalion Treasurer Oversees the daily operation of the FRG Informal Fund Bank Account. Makes deposits, writes checks when needed, and completes a monthly report for the Commander. Since the FRG cannot maintain more than $10,000 in their account and do not spend money on a frequent basis, this position allows the volunteer to be involved in the unit without a huge time commitment.

BN Co-Treasurer Covers down for the Treasurer in the event that they are incapacitated or away from the installation for an extended period. Requires less time commitment than the Treasurer position, but it still an important part of the team.

Family Care Team Volunteers FCT Members help to assist other Family members and Soldiers in the event of a crisis situation such as a serious wounding or a death of their Soldier, Child, or Spouse.

Situations vary, but common tasks include arranging for meals, handling phone calls and visitors, arranging for childcare or transportation of children, and common household chores to assist the Family. Although it is a hard job, it is an extremely important one as we want to ensure that Speed & Power Families have a warm blanket of assistance when needed. Please consider this very important position. For more information on Care Teams click here.

Company Level Positions There are a variety of positions at the company level that our Leaders need assistance with such as Key Callers, Treasurers, Hospitality or Welcome Chairs, Fundraising, and more. For more information on how you can help please contact your FRG Leader for more information.

BN FAMILY PROGRAMS EMILY HARRISON & SGT GIBSON BUILDING 648 912-767-2350

AZTEC COMMANDER’S CORNER Aztec Soldiers & Families, I would first off like to thank all those who participated in the Company Organizational day on April 11, 2014. It was a great event filled with bowling, pizza, and team building. I know that some Soldiers did not have an opportunity to participate because of vehicle services. I am working with platoon leadership to schedule a platoon organizaAZTEC 6 tion day. Due to our green cycle CPT WILLIAM CORSON training it may not be possible to get a make-up org day; however, Battalion is planning an organization day for June 13th which I’m sure will be a great event.

Before we began bowling at the Org day I briefly covered the training schedule out to NTC. My main goal for this FRG is to provide the Families with information regarding their Soldier’s work schedule. I know that Julie pushed the Training Calendar out to the Families and I urge everyone to print out the calendar, read over it with your Soldier, and ask any questions you may have.

My second goal for this FRG is to ensure every Family member knows who to call when they have an issue. The way to accomplish this task is through platoon key callers. The company chain of command has worked hard to put together call out rosters. Julie and I will be getting this in-

AZTEC COMPANY, 3-69 AR BUILDING 649 CQ: 912-767-7220

formation out to our platoon key callers and we will conduct a call out before the end of Raider Focus. These calls will be brief and their main purpose is to ensure correct contact information.

The next FRG meeting will be during our after operations maintenance on May 14th. We will go over our training calendar during that meeting and we will be looking for feedback on the call-outs conducted during Raider Focus.

The meeting will be at 1800 and it will be held in the BDE Classroom.

I would like to close by saying how much I appreciate the support you have shown your Soldier throughout the last few months of training. There is much more training necessary as we prepare for NTC, and I ask for your continued support.

We would not be a strong organization without the backing of our loved ones.

Very Respectfully, CPT William Corson Jr.

NEXT AZTEC FRG MEETING: MAY 14, 2014 @ 6:00 PM, IN THE BDE CLASSROOM

BATTLE COMMANDER’S CORNER Battle Families!

Thank to all those who could come out to our last FRG meeting! To those who could not make it, our next meeting will be on 08MAY14 at 6:30pm. The location of the meeting will be finalized soon so watch your email inboxes! At the next meeting, our FRG Leader Mrs. Haily Green will be discussing the redeployment of our Soldiers from Raider Focus and the events in the month of May. While we will be hard at work in Raider Focus, I hope you come out to meet the rest of our Families and have some fun!

Respectfully,

BATTLE 6 CPT JONATHAN BATT

Battle 6

NEXT BATTLE FRG MEETING: MAY 8, 2014 @ 6:30 PM LOCATION TBD BATTLE COMPANY, 3-69 AR BUILDING 649 CQ: 912-767-5355

As we head into Raider Focus and then to training at the National Training Center (NTC), a Rear Detachment will be in place at the Battalion and Company level serving as a vital communications link between the deployed unit and Family Members. RDC’s and RDNCOICs work together to help Families solve their problems at the lowest level so that problems and anxieties do not overflow to the deployed Soldier or require the attention of the deployed Commander.

BN REAR D COMMANDER CPT GARBY RUIZ

BN REAR D NCOIC SFC SCOTT ROWLETTE

CPT Garby and SFC Rowlette will be here to assist you as the BN Rear -D. In the coming weeks we will release more information to Families about the Rear D Chain of Concern and to access assistance when you need it.

COBRA COMMANDER’S CORNER Friends & Family of Cobra Company and Speed & Power Battalion, Over the past couple of months the Soldiers of Cobra Company have performed exemplarily and want to take the time to highlight their accomplishments. The Soldiers as part of tank crews executed our first gunnery in almost two years and did so with the professionalism and ability of seasoned tank crews when the majority of our crews have never executed gunnery.

Gunnery consisted of: Gunnery Skills Test and Gun Table I: the individual prerequisites to include disassembly, assemble and functions check of the M240 and M2 machine guns and crew evacuation drills Gun Table II: execution is done without live rounds in order to hone the skills of the crew in execution of commands to include procedures when a round does not fire in any of the weapon systems.

Gun Table III-IV: the first live round gun table that the Soldiers shot where crews start to build a cohesive team as they work through malfunctions and issues that cannot be identified prior.

Gun Table V: the last practice live round table before qualification. Cobra Company also had a family day during this table which was a great success as the turnout was better than anyone initially expected which shows the great support our Cobra Company Families have for our Soldiers.

Gun Table VI: This is where the rubber meets the road and the Cobra Company Soldiers stepped up to the plate and performed how only Cobra Company can. Cobra Company was able to execute this range with zero

outside help from battalion or other companies. We had the fewest tank crews that failed to qualify on the first time through in the Battalion.

Gun Table XII: The platoons were able to conduct a live fire platoon exercise where they were able to maneuver down the lanes and conduct COBRA 6 platoon live fire as one unit.

The platoons and crews of CPT STEVE HARDWICK Cobra Company executed flawlessly throughout and showed the true ability of our Soldiers.

As much as you want to know what we have done, I am sure you want to know what we are going to do next. Cobra Company will be going to the field from 02-09 May as part of a Brigade Level exercise where we will be able to maneuver as a company for the first time in preparation for a deployment to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA. In June, Cobra Company will begin preparation of equipment and systems for NTC rotation to ensure our success. Also during June there will be an opportunity for Soldiers to take leave to be with their families before we ramp up for NTC.

Respectfully, CPT Steve Hardwick

COBRA COMPANY, 3-69 AR BUILDING 649 CQ: 912-767-7225

DARK KNIGHTS COMMANDER’S CORNER Dark Knight Soldiers and Families, There has been a lot of hard work in the Dark Knight Company recently. We came out of the field in early April after shooting a precision gunnery. Dark Knight Soldiers did outstanding! Every single Dark Knight contributed to the great training and became more proficient at their craft. As we look forward, we are excited to get after the maneuver training while at Raider Focus, our next field exercise. We will spend time working on our tanks and training for an austere environment.

From there, we continue to prepare for the National Training Center in California. These are exciting times to be a part of the Dark Knight Family and both the First Sergeant and I appreciate the dedication from our families. We couldn’t do this great training without you.

KNIGHT 6 CPT MICHAEL PULTUSKER

– Knight 6

FIRST SERGEANT’S ZONE As the First Sergeant of D Co, 3rd CAB, 69th AR, I would like to thank all of the Family and friends of Dark Knight for supporting family day activity March 2014 gunnery.

We had the largest turn out in the Battalion (67 family members and friends) which really shows the love and care the Family gives unselfishly to the Soldiers in this great unit. I would also like to welcome PFC Rankin, PFC Burling, PFC Davila, PVT Cearnel, PVT Crawford and their Families to the Dark Knight team. They arrived to the Company during gunnery and they are a great addition to the unit.

The Commander and I recognized we have a strong foundation to build on and with outstanding Soldiers like SSG Villegas who made the promotion list for Sergeant First Class, we are on track for greatness in Dark Knights! Upcoming events are Raider Focus in May and the National Training Center, Fort Irwin CA in August.

– Knight 7

KNIGHT 7 1SG BRYAN GREENLEE

DELTA COMPANY BUILDING 649 CQ: 912-767-3158

ENFORCERS COMMANDER’S CORNER Enforcers’ Soldiers and Families, Over the last few months Echo Company has expertly sustained 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th AR throughout gunnery and many other training exercises. The field maintenance teams went along with each of the maneuver companies to troubleshoot and diagnose vehicle faults. The maintenance platoon’s hard work and dedication ensured that the M1A2 Abrams and M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles were brought back into the fight. The distribution platoon has been running resupply missions almost constantly to ensure that the battalion’s vehicles are fueled, Soldiers are fed, and ample supplies are on hand. In support of gunnery, the logisticians of the distribution platoon successfully supplied over 79,000 gallons of fuel and over five short tons of ammunition.

The field feeding section provided first rate meals to the over 651 Soldiers that were deployed to the field.

Currently Enforcer Soldiers are diligently working to complete equipment services and multifunctional distribution support for small arms ranges. The tank and Bradley services are very intensive and require a lot of coordination, planning, and man-hours to complete.

The services for these systems include removing the engines from the hulls, changing over 50 gallons of oil, replacing air and oil filters, and cleaning the engine hull. These services are essential to preventing unnecessary wear to the engine and transmission while ensuring a long service life.

Echo Company is prepared to support the battalion during all upcoming missions to include the deployment to the National Training Center (NTC) at Ft. Irwin, CA. The Soldiers are also excited to take part in the upcoming brigade field training exercise known as Raider Focus. Enforcers are leading the way in sustainment operations and will complete the mission to keep 3-69 in the fight.

Respectfully,

ENFORCER 6 CPT BRIAN ORLINO

CPT Orlino

ECHO COMPANY BUILDING 647 CQ: 912-767-4850

HELLCAT COMMANDER’S CORNER Hellcat Soldiers & Families, HHC had an excellent turnout for the Family and Org Day on April 10th. I really appreciate the effort that the Soldiers and Families have put forth during this Train-up for NTC. Gunnery was an opportunity to stress our systems and become more proficient at our profession. Range operations for the entire battalion were coordinated and executed by members of HHC and that is no easy task.

The Scouts conducted Warpaint Focus with 5-7 CAV and well on their way at being experts in the business of reconnaissance. The mortars executed an entire train-up and certification in the past quarter and supported every single Bradley and Tank gunnery that 3-69 held. The medics became more proficient at providing care in an austere environment and will be more than ready to provide care on the battlefield.

HELLCAT 6 CPT RANDY SHED

As you all know we have both Raider Focus and NTC on the horizon. I look forward to these events as it will be an opportunity to excel and become masters of our craft. The FRG will be holding its next meeting the 21st of MAY at the Education Center. I look forward to seeing you all there.

HELLCATS! CPT Randy Shed

FIRST SERGEANT’S ZONE Mother Nature was not kind to the Mortars during their M2 range. Although it rained for the majority of the day and were forced to do a “check fire” they were still able to conduct some significant training running several companies through the range, qualifying several Soldiers in preparation for Raider Focus and their eagerly anticipated trip to the Mojave Desert. The Scouts are earning their money as they have just started their wheeled gunnery, reports from the front lines are saying 5-7 Cav doesn’t hold a candle to 3-69 Scouts… get r’ dun. The rest of the sections have been diligently working hard during recovery, cleaning, accounting for equipment and preparing for their next training exercise. The company is running at 66mph just trying to stay one step ahead, there have been bumps in the road but we have done a course correction and continue to move on without skipping a beat.

NEXT HELLCAT FRG MEETING: MAY 21, 2014, TIME TBA EDUCATION CENTER As you all know I am preparing to PCS to Ft. Benning to rejoin my Family, it has been a long 4 years away from them and I am anxious to get home. I would like to say to all the Soldiers of HHC 3-69 I enjoyed my time being your First Sergeant. You always kept me on my toes and made my job interesting. This is a great company with a lot of outstanding Soldiers in it and you will be successful at whatever task or mission you are faced with. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Hellcat 7 out

HHC, 3-69 AR BUILDING 650 CQ: 912-767-5277

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER It has been said that there is always something new in life around every corner and turn of the calendar. New things, in fact, are so much a part of our lives that we often take them for granted. We all have had new things– cars, clothes, homes, technology, and experiences.

As I write these words, I reflect on being new as well. As the new Chaplain to the Soldiers of the 3-69 means that for me all things are new! For others, however, all things are not new anymore and life may have seemed to settle into a series of daily duties and responsibilities that can seem old.

POWER 28 CPT CHRIS YEARGIN

If this is you, let me encourage you with the words of Revelation 21=5: Behold I make all things new.

God can make these days ahead and these everyday experiences new. The wonderful news of Revelation 21=5 is not only can God make your experiences new, but He will also make you new as well. Will you allow Him to do this for you today? This is my prayer for each of you as we go forward.

Blessings in all things, CH Yeargin

BN CHAPLAIN OFFICE BUILDING 650 912-767-3303