Est. 1919 Vol 2, Issue 7
Div. HQ (Fwd), Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Wash.
Arrowhead 6 Sends S
oldiers of the 36th Infantry Division, greetings and welcome to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Much has changed since the last time I wrote for this newsletter. In addition to PMT, a CPX, mobilization, and the move to JBLM, our numbers have grown to include many personnel who are new to the “Fighting 36th.” If you haven’t already, please join me in welcoming each and every one of them, and help ensure that they are integrated into our Arrowhead Team as warmly and seamlessly as possible. As many of you know from past experience or have learned in the past few weeks, the beginning stages of a mobilization can be frustrating and difficult for any Soldier, no matter what age or rank. In addition to the heartache of separation from home and family, we have a lot of training and prepping to do for our deployment, and a limited time in which to do it. The most important thing you can do to help make the experience better for yourself and others is to be flexible and adaptable, maintain a positive attitude and remember
the proud tradition of excellence embodied in the T-patch. One of the most poignant anecdotes of World War II came from a survivor of the Normandy landing. He recalled that at some point during the carnage of Omaha
October 2010
terror was not a recipe for success and probably meant certain death. While our mission in Iraq could not possibly be more different than the Normandy landing, the essential truth remains that the quickest and surest way home is to tackle our mission with courage, dedication, and perseverance, never letting any new obstacle slow us down for long. The two readiness exercises we are conducting will each have their share of small obstacles and frustrations; it’s a natural part of the process. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in the performance of your duties. Learn from them, and learn from your successes as well. Make the most of the training and your time here, and it will make our transition to full authority in Southern Iraq that much more effective. From what I have seen so far of the men and women of this Division, I have no doubt that we Beach, pinned down by German will excel. Best of luck, and keep up the gunfire with nothing left of unit integrity and no option of retreat, he good work. and the Soldiers around him came to realize that the quickest way Arrowhead! home was up the hill and through the German defenses. Wallowing Maj. Gen. Spurgin on the beach in confusion, anger, or