Issue #6
June
Inside: COL Reginald E. Allen and CSM Jonathan J. Hunt
Operation New Dawn Update Q&A Promotions Squadron Stories FRG Events MWR Events Feature Story Catch The Bug!
PFC Ryan Gaskins, a cavalry scout with Troop F, 2nd Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, tightens a laser adapter on the rifle of an Iraqi Soldier before training on the An Numaniyah Military Training Base.
SPC Cesar Nunez, an armored vehicle crewman with Maddog Company, 3rd Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment stands behind his M240B machine gun mounted atop a Caiman armored vehicle on Forward Operating Base Endeavor.
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The Story of Old Bill In 1898, the American artist Fredrick Remington was visiting the camp of the 3d U.S. Cavalry in Tampa, Florida, where the Regiment was preparing for the invasion of Cuba during the SpanishAmerican War. Remington was a close friend of Captain Francis Hardie who was the commander of Troop G. During his visit, Remington’s attention was drawn to one of the troop’s NCOs. Sergeant John Lannen struck the artist as the epitome of the cavalryman, and with Hardie’s approval, he made several rough sketches of Lannen in front of Hardie’s tent. From those rough sketches Remington later executed the now famous drawing portraying a trooper astride his 2
mount with a carbine cradled in his arm. At some point in the past the drawing became known as “Old Bill,” and today it is universally recognized as the symbol of mobile warfare in the United States Army. This drawing represents a Trooper, a unit, and a branch of service. As was the case with many American Soldiers in that conflict, Lannen contracted yellow fever and died in Santiago in 1898 after almost 30 years of faithful service. The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment points with pride to the fact that one of its Troopers has bequeathed such a rich legacy to his Regiment, the United States Cavalry, and the United States Army.
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Greetings from COL Allen I heard some news recently from the world of car racing that I think holds a lesson for us all. In the famous Indianapolis 500, rookie driver J.R. Hildebrand was having a head-turning day, blazing through turn after turn of the 500 lap race and ultimately gaining a commanding lead on the rest of the field of competitors. It wasn’t until the very last turn of the wheel when what seemed like certain victory collapsed into a lumbering mass of crumpled plastic and shattered dreams. With the checkered flag in sight, he lost the composure that had carried him successfully through the previous 499 ¾ laps and, along with it, the control of his finely-tuned speedster. Then I reflected back to a somewhat infamous sports name from our Texas home – Leon Lett. A two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, labeled “Big
projects that have made a positive impact on the lives of tens of thousands of Iraqis and conducted over 2,500 patrols ensuring the security of the five northern provinces of southern Iraq. In their daily efforts to support the people of Iraq, they have paid distinct honor to the Soldiers and Family members who have sacrificed so much since 2003, when the first troops crossed the Kuwait-Iraq border.
Cat” for his remarkable agility during his career with the Dallas Cowboys, his name is now counted among the headliners of sports blunder folklore. In Super Bowl XXVII against the Buffalo Bills, Lett recovered a fumble on the opposing 45-yard line and proceeded to run it back toward the Dallas end zone for a crowd-rousing touchdown. At the 10-yard line, he began his celebration a bit early, slowing down and holding the football at his side. He was too caught up in the moment to notice the much smaller 5foot-11-inch, 185-pound Bills wide receiver, Don Beebe, who slapped the ball out of Big Cat’s hands just before he crossed the goal line. These two anecdotes from sports history hold a lesson for the Brave Rifles today. The Regiment is in the final turn of our Operation New Dawn deployment. We’re approaching the final 10 yards before we touch down on Texas soil. With many laps and most of the field behind us, the Regiment has come a long way and achieved remarkable success. Our Troopers have trained over 7,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces, supported civil
This is not a sporting event, though. In the world of sports, though fans may rage and cry and celebrate as if their lives depend on the outcomes of the contests, failure is always an option. Lose a car race, and you can come back strong in the next one. Lose a Super Bowl, and there is always next year. As Soldiers, we don’t have that same luxury. Failure in combat is never an option because it can cost the lives of men and women and the pride of nations. I have no doubt in my mind that what this Regiment began in Iraq in 2003, we will finish with dignity and success in 2011. Over the course of four deployments here, the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen has distinguished itself as a flexible, adaptable combat force. When the mission called for an elite group of warriors, the Regiment has been there. That same tradition of success has been evident in Operation New Dawn as the Regiment has been at the forefront of the U.S. military mission here. We must finish strong. As the goal line approaches, we need to remember the critical stakes of this mission. Every last member of this team must look out for one another. Aggressively pursue mission success as each of you has since we arrived. Enforce safety and responsibility in every aspect of every day. Don’t lose sight of the goal line, and don’t compromise discipline for even a second. Though we are close to the finish line, we have much work left to do. And when our work is done, they will know the “Brave Rifles” by the legacy of excellence we leave behind.
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Greetings from CSM Hunt
Troopers and Families of the Regiment, as we begin the month of June and start to begin our last few months in Iraq we need to remember to be safe and be aware of our surroundings. This is the time when injuries can increase, and we need to make sure we adhere to all safety guidelines and rules. Also, make sure your Soldiers are drinking plenty of water. The temperature has started to rise, and we must make sure our troops are eating right and hydrating. Also, continue to inform your families about our return, but make sure not to violate OPSEC. The need of your family to know about your return shouldn’t come at the risk of other Soldiers. June marks the end of the fourth iteration of Eagles Rising. This is a significant point in the deployment because any additional Eagles Rising training will be led 4
completely by the Iraqi Army. We are meeting our intended goals to fulfill our obligations required to have U.S. Forces out of Iraq by the end of the year. Finally, I would like to congratulate the senior noncommissioned officers promoted this last month. Congratulations on your advancement in the NCO Corps.
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Operation New Dawn Update As April came to an end, the Regiment saw the end of the second round of “Eagles Rising” training as well as continued indirect fire and improvised explosive device attacks against U.S. Forces and Iraqi Security Forces in the operating area. Eagles Rising II officially ended on April 27 with the graduation of 529 Soldiers. Overall, the 8th Iraqi Division has shown great improvement in their abilities to conduct and execute company-level training. Our Stability Transition Team cadre began preparing for the third series of Eagles Rising. The focus of Eagle Rising III is to have 8th IA leadership take an even bigger role in the training and execution. During Eagles Rising III, the Iraqi Soldiers showed a high level of motivation and increased involvement of their leaders in their training. Eagles Rising III was successfully completed on May 29 and would be the last training event with the USF in a leading role. This iteration was a huge step in building an Iraqi force that is capable of building and sustaining itself. The increased effort of the Regiment to target insurgents was evident this past month when we saw the successful conclusion of the trial of a group of enemy extremists who were accused of planning attacks against the Regiment. They became known as the “Super Bowl Four,” because they were apprehended by Tiger Squadron and their Iraqi partners on Super Bowl night, back in February. After many delays to their trial, they were tried and sentenced May 4. They all received 15year sentences, showing the increasing resolve of the Iraqi judicial system in the area. This trial has been a major
focus of the Regiment, and it is reassuring to see that justice has been served. 3d ACR continues to monitor legal proceedings in our five provinces and we intend to do everything possible to ensure that all the criminals we capture are convicted. Sabre and Thunder Squadrons returned to their armored cavalry roots in May by conducting gunnery exercises with Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Abrams Tanks, mortars and artillery. Muleskinner Squadron provided outstanding logistical support throughout all of the gunneries, ensuring their success. This was both a sad and exciting event, as it would be the last time 3d ACR would conduct gunnery with its heavy armored vehicles. It was a great honor for the Regiment to be the last Armored Cavalry Regiment to conduct a traditional gunnery, especially while deployed in Iraq. The training event was a remarkable success, and it allowed those Troopers who will be leaving the Regiment upon our redeployment a chance to polish the skills they will be using in their next units. The gunnery
also provided the opportunity to hone critical combat skills the Regiment can use against those who would try to do us harm. On May 19th, the Regiment celebrated its 165th birthday at all of our bases. Col. Reginald E. Allen and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan J. Hunt departed on a tour of each base as weather permitted to celebrate the long, rich history of the Regiment with all of its deployed Troopers. Each base held different events and festivities, including barbecues and birthday cake cuttings. Troopers across the Regiment switched out their subdued 3d ACR patches on their Army Combat Uniforms for colored ones that are normally worn on the dress uniform. As May came to an end, Troopers across the Regiment prepared for the final two months of the deployment and worked hard to prepare our replacement unit, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, for success. The temperature rose dramatically, and Troopers did everything possible to stay cool. The end of May also meant the arrival of Memorial Day, a day usually filled with backyard barbecues and afternoons at the pool. Memorial Day in Iraq was spent in a different, but enjoyable, way. BG Les Smith, the 36th Infantry Division Assistant Division Commander for Operations, came and visited Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, where a service was held in front of the Regimental headquarters to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom and to celebrate our military heritage. Barbecues were held and a giant American Flag cake was served in the dining facility.
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Q&A What is the deal with the New Army PT Test? Excerpt from Army Times article by Staff Writer Lance M. Bacon
The changes — the first to the PT test since its inception in 1980 — stem from a nearly yearlong effort by Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, deputy commanding general for initial military training, and Frank Palkoska, director of the Army Physical Fitness School. He and a team of 16 fitness and nutrition experts have built a new test centered on five events: • 60-yard shuttle run • 1-minute rower • Standing long jump • 1-minute push-up • 1½-mile run Don’t think for a minute that “shorter” and “easier” are synonymous. “People look at events and say, ‘That’s easier!’ OK, go ahead and try it,” Hertling said in an exclusive interview with Army Times. “This test is much harder than it looks. I’ve done it, and it certainly stresses the different energy systems much more than you anticipate.” Evaluators will spend the next six months putting the test to the test at eight locations. Scoring scales will be finalized during the pilot program. Officials said times and repetitions needed for top scores will be harder to obtain. Age groups are reconfigured in five categories: Under 30, 30-39, 40-49, 5059 and 60 and older. Scoring scales will be the same for men and women. Hertling briefed the new test to Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey in
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early February. In the presentation, which he provided to Army Times, Hertling said the current test is not a strong predictor of successful physical performance on the battlefield or in full-spectrum operations because it “does not adequately measure components of strength, endurance or mobility.” It instead provides “only a snapshot” assessment of upper- and lower-body muscular endurance and fails to identify anaerobic capacity. Anaerobic exercises are high-intensity bursts in which oxygen is not used for energy. That’s why the run is being cut to 1½ miles, which Hertling calls the “gold standard.” “A 1.5-mile run tests a different energy system in the body,” said Hertling, a triathlete who has a master’s degree in exercise physiology. “The physiology of your body gives you about 12 minutes of a break-even point for your anaerobic system to kick into your aerobic system. If you know you’re going to go for more than 12 minutes, you have a tendency to start off slower. When running mile and a half, you’ll tend to run it faster.” The old test opted for a 2-mile run simply because it is easier to measure, Hertling said. The rowing and push-up events will be equally
tough to provide a more accurate muscular endurance assessment. For example, the new test cuts the push-up time by half, but there’s a catch: You can’t rest. As soon as you pause, you’re done. “You literally have to be cranking the entire one minute,” Hertling said. “What we found through research is the second minute of the 2-minute test is just kind of struggling through and doesn’t give a true measure of muscle failure.” The new “gender-neutral” test is designed to ensure Soldiers can’t train to the events. For three decades, Soldiers have pumped up push-ups and sit-ups, and trimmed run times for a better score. But this was at the expense of overall physical training that would enhance mission performance. The new test is also designed to reduce injuries. Roughly one-quarter of Soldiers’ injuries are a product of physical training, according to Army statistics. The high speed and repetition of pushups and sit-ups led to overuse injuries in the neck, shoulder and lower back, Hertling said in his brief to Casey. Repetitive, high-volume running increases risk of overuse injuries to hips, knees, ankles and feet. The test, which is aligned with American College of Sports Medicine and Cooper Institute, also eliminates nonload-bearing alternate aerobic events such as the cycle ergometer and swim. While the new test could become policy late this summer, Hertling said it is likely to happen in the next fiscal year, which begins in October. Though Casey will retire long before the test would become official, heir apparent Gen. Martin Dempsey, commander of Training and Doctrine Command, has already given the new test his support. Dempsey has been nominated to be the next chief of staff, pending Senate confirmation, which starts March 3.
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What Does Memorial Day Mean to You? “Remembering our Soldiers.” PFC Christina Rodriguez, B Co. 63rd
Promotions SFC Beran, Christopher SFC Luna, Jesse
“Gathering with friends and family.” SGT Michael Dinwiddie, RHHT
“Time of Reflection.” 1LT Rolona Brown, RHHT
“Honoring the veterans that have gone on before.” SSG Gregory Phelps, RHHT
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Tiger U.S. transfers Karbala base to Iraqi Army Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Garrett Ralston KARBALA, Iraq – Joint Security Station Hussayniyah was officially transferred to Iraqi government authority in a ceremony held May 14. The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, who has operated from the base since 2010, relinquished its responsibility to the 33rd Iraqi Army Brigade who will use it for its future operations. “With this transition ceremony, the security forces of this land assume an even larger part of its security and
stability,” said Lt. Col. Gregg Athey, commander of 1st Squadron, 3rd ACR. “My Troopers and myself are honored and humbled to be a small part of this significant act.” U.S. forces established JSS Hussayniyah in 2005 as a forward patrol base. Since that time, the purpose for the base shifted to that of a joint base for U.S. forces and Iraqi forces to work together and to support the Karbala Provincial Reconstruction team. In his speech to the Soldiers and guests present at the ceremony, Athey described details of the many successes in the region. “Truly great things have been achieved in Karbala, to include 1,126 civil capacity projects valued in excess of $198 million U.S. dollars,” he said. “In fact, more than $50 million dollars were spent on electricity distribution alone while $30 million dollars were
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spent on public water infrastructure, including the renovation of two sewage treatment plants.” New courthouses, schools, and roads now exist throughout Karbala province as a result of these same PRT projects. “The U.S. presence has definitely been beneficial to the people here in Karbala,” said Col. Reginald E. Allen, commander of the 3d ACR. “As I have said, I believe that the Iraqi security forces are fully capable of providing security to the mid-Euphrates area
and to Karbala.” Iraqi security forces assuming the base will find it equipped with containerized housing units, a complete dining facility, a covered equipment maintenance area and a sound suppressed, indoor shooting range for weapons training. “Today’s ceremony marks yet another step forward in the strategic partnership between Iraqi security forces and U.S. forces,” said Athey. “Make no mistake, the transition of this patrol base, from USF to ISF, is part of the planned and agreed upon drawdown of USF scheduled to be complete by December of 2011.”
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Sabre security was requested [by IA leadership],” said Hodgson. “Iraqi Soldiers face many dangers every day during their operations.” As the phases continue Iraqi cadre plan to add force protection training to the regular attack and defend exercises they are conducting now. “It has been a long time since my men have trained on Soldier tasks,” said Staff Brig. Gen. Majid Fadil Al Zohairi, commander of the 3rd Battalion. “We are now sharper on using terrain and our weapon systems. We are definitely ready to take our
A force growing stronger Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Garrett Ralston AN NUMANIYAH TRAINING BASE, Iraq – Members of the 3rd Battalion, 32nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division completed three weeks of training on southern Iraq’s An Numaniyah Training Base Apr. 27. The 3rd Battalion is the second Iraqi unit to complete training as a part of “Eagles Rising,” a comprehensive training program developed by the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment to enhance the combat capabilities of the Iraqi Soldiers. Since Eagles Rising began in March, members of the 3d ACR have worked closely with both the Iraqi training cadre and the Iraqi Soldiers to ensure they are prepared, not only to conduct their security mission, but also to maintain current internal training needs. “The original focus was simply to develop the Iraqi Army’s attack and defend operations,” said Lt. Col. Terry Hodgson, the Iraqi Security Forces cell chief with the 3d ACR Stability and Transition Team, and a native of Orangeburg, S.C. “For several years their focus has been on fixed site security. They haven’t spent much time on
traditional tactics.” During two training rotations the Iraqi cadre have worked with platoon and company level Soldiers on a wide variety of skill sets. The culmination of the most recent class was a large exercise that would test the Iraqi Soldiers on much of what they had learned. A force on force battle between Iraqis and 3d ACR Soldiers lasted nearly two hours. The Iraqi Soldiers defended their positions from the enemy Soldiers while artillery simulators, smoke grenades and star cluster flares provided extra effects. The Iraqi Soldiers prevailed, with only 13 casualties when the dust settled. The cadre also focused on training the Iraqi Soldiers on basic force protection exercises that will increase their resiliency in their daily operations. “During the second iteration, assistance on the Iraqi Army’s internal
positions and serve our country.” Zohairi believes with each new class, his men continue to take hold of the training and are leading from within their own ranks. “I think the center will now be better prepared to execute full spectrum operations training,” said Hodgson. “We have also instilled in the junior officers that some great training can be conducted right at their home stations without massive resourcing. That’s an important idea that I hope the Soldiers and leaders will take away from this training.”
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Thunder Keeping their guard up:
conversation with her. “Some Iraqi Police officers came to the scene when they saw us pull over,” said Emter. “They helped us in questioning the man.” From the result of some basic questioning, and the man’s nervous actions during that time, Emter said he decided to detain him. Soldiers further checked the man’s background using handheld identification equipment. The phone the man was using contained footage of the platoon’s vehicles. Other suspicions video footage was found in the phone’s memory, and the man had five extra memory cards for the phone. Nunez said information gathered this way can be used to plan attacks on American forces.
Vigilant Soldiers thwart enemy efforts Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Garrett Ralston DIWANIYAH, Iraq – A routine route security mission on May 3 turned out to be a success for members of Company M, 3rd Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment. “Maddog” Company’s 3rd Platoon, “Blue Pits,” were traveling near Forward Operating Base Endeavor when the suspicious actions of a distant bystander were identified by one of the platoon’s Soldiers. “This was supposed to be a regular route security patrol,” said 1st Lt. Riley Emter, 3rd Platoon leader, originally from Sheridan, Wyo. “We usually gather intelligence from local checkpoints and make a few stops to observe what’s going on in the area.” During the mission the platoon stopped their vehicles to watch the activity of local people and traffic passing along the road. One of the platoon’s Soldiers, serving as a gunner on his armored vehicle that day, focused his attention on a small group of men standing near the road. “There were three guys up ahead of us just standing there staring at our vehicles and sort of looking around, too,” said Spc. Cesar Nunez, an armored vehicle crewman with 3rd Platoon, and a native of Los Angeles
Nunez reported what he saw to the vehicle commander and was instructed to keep an eye on them. One of the men among the group continually ran from one side of the street back to the other, pausing a few seconds on each side. Nunez said at this point his suspicion of the man grew stronger. Shortly afterward, as the vehicles began to move forward along the route again, the man produced a small object from his pocket and held it up toward the passing trucks. “The man raised the object just as the convoy was at about 90 degrees to him,” said Nunez. “That’s when I said to my vehicle commander, ‘Hey, I think we’re being videotaped.’” Emter said when the information was reported to him, he immediately had the convoy swing around and encircle a small area around the suspicious man. When the Soldiers approached the man, he had stopped an old woman who was passing by and was acting as if he were merely standing there having a
“The whole platoon was pretty high spirited after the mission was over,” said Emter. “Sometimes it’s pretty frustrating. We get attacked, and we can’t always identify where it comes from. I think we felt a sense of accomplishment.” The Iraqi Police, along with 3rd platoon, brought the man back to the Najaf AntiTerror Unit, who took him into custody for further investigation. “The success of this mission was based on the consistent training we get and the leadership we have here in Maddog,” said Nunez. “Every day we’re reminded to watch our sectors and never drop our guard. Our company is never complacent, and we won’t let anyone hurt us because we will find them first."
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RSS Baron. “A patient that falls under category four means that they’ll need an exam in order for them to be in compliance with dental standards.” Baron stressed that since decay progresses slowly and may not cause pain until it is close to the pulp, patients should visit the dentist annually for checkups. “The fact is decay will continue even when a tooth is restored,” he said. “Decay is a delicate balance where acid attack is countered by saliva and plaque removal. When this balance is disturbed and no protection is provided the tooth will decay.” When asked what is the most rewarding part about being a dentist, Baron mentions the satisfaction of being able to cure a Soldier, which is not often
Biting off the fear Story by 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment BABIL, Iraq - Soldiers of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment will find themselves in category three and four of dental status upon redeployment to Fort Hood, Texas, at the completion of their deployment. Of the four thousand Soldiers redeploying back to Fort Hood, more than half will end up seeing a dentist, while others might wait until the pain in their jaws inspires them to see a dentist. “The most difficult patients have preconceived notions and fears, whether from word of mouth or past experiences,” said Capt. Aleksandr Baron, a dentist from Medical Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 3rd ACR, originally from Fort Stewart, Ga., with the 3rd Infantry Division Dental Activities Unit. “Many times the patients walk away with a better understanding of what was done and why.” Baron joined Medical Troop in late October of 2010. He was born in the Ukraine, attended one year of residency program in the Army and volunteered to deploy for the first time to Contingency Operating Site Kalsu in support of
Operation New Dawn. “My main mission here is to enhance the fighting strength by maintaining optimal oral health through restorative and preventative measures,” said Baron. The mandatory reverse Soldier Readiness Processing will eventually detect those Soldiers needing immediate care. The only challenge is getting patients to visit the dentist. “A patient that falls under category three will have a dental condition that will become serious or severe in less than six months and will need to see a dentist in order to get the issue fixed,” said
the case in their other medical encounters. “I am able to bring a Soldier out of pain in a short period of time with definitive treatment,” said Baron. For now, 3rd ACR Soldiers should know that Baron is working toward ensuring that the men and women serving the unit are getting the best dental care in the world while deployed in a hostile environment.
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Repair & Upkeep
The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment Repair and Upkeep (R&U) shop is responsible for executing projects to add a little “AI-EE-YAH” to the areas on COS Kalsu where we all live and work. Since the Brave Rifles arrived at Kalsu, the Soldiers in the R&U have produced hundreds of “Bugs” with expert precision and many other cavalry symbols that adorn walls and barriers everywhere. They have spent hours upon hours cutting, sanding, painting and hanging their crafts so that others can be reminded of our proud history…. and so everyone who finds themselves on Kalsu knows who’s running the show! The Soldiers of the R&U section have painstakingly added some of the only color to an otherwise drab looking base. Thanks R&U!!! 12
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FRG Roll Up Life has been busy as families are preparing for summer and have enjoyed an active Spring. The regimental spouses came together on the May 6 for a fun filled day in the life of their Troopers. Spouses were able to participate in an active PT program, tank and Bradley simulators, land navigation, weapons training, and a challenging obstacle course. Almost 100
spouses were able to earn their spurs and have a blast doing it! We want to thank all who participated and helped organize this exciting day. May 10, spouses had the opportunity to ask questions and find out about the upcoming events at the recent Town Hall. It was well attended and remotely viewed by over 200 families. We are looking forward to the final Town Hall July 13 at Club Hood. This will give everyone an opportunity to find out about the Welcome Home process and reintegration expectations. If you would like a question answered at the Town Hall, please submit it to Amanda.rosener@us.army.mil as soon as possible. As re-deployment slowly approaches us, we will begin to prepare our families by providing some wonderful information at our upcoming Regiment reintegration training on July 6, 7, and 9. Please contact your FRSA or FRG leader for more information and to sign up. This will be the spouses’ opportunity as well as the 4 and older children to get some much needed training about the reintegration processes. Call 286-6729 for more info. Tiger Here's what's been going on in Tiger Tiger ladies participated in the spur ride May 6 and had a terrific time! Thankfully, there were no injuries sustained by Tiger ladies, and they proved they can "hang tough" just like their spouses/significant others! May 12 was the rear
detachment family day at Stillhouse Lake. There was a great turnout and everyone thoroughly enjoyed BBQ'ing, playing games, and participating in the arts/crafts for the kids. Sunday, May 15, Tiger Squadron hosted a family skating party. This was back by popular demand, as this was the venue for our Christmas party as well. The kids skated, did the limbo on skates (!) and everyone had a lot of fun! Upcoming events in Tiger: June 18, we are hosting a post-wide women’s softball tournament. We are offering concessions and a dunking booth. Many of us in Tiger are brushing up on our pitching/hitting! We also continue to plan for our Tiger Soldiers' homecoming by getting things ready in the barracks and getting our "welcome home" signs ready! Sabre May has been a month filled with a great many activities for Sabre’s FRGs. It has also been filled with an exciting buzz of redeployment and planning for our Soldiers returning home! We kicked off the month with the Spouses Spur Ride on May 6th. The spouses came out and enjoyed a day filled with activities that mirrored some of the training their husbands/wives do as Soldiers of 3d ACR. We are also working a current fundraiser called “Operation Barracks Homecoming” to provide supplies for our single Soldiers returning to the barracks. We are accepting all donations to help stock the barracks for the Soldier when they redeploy. The families are excited about our upcoming “Movies on the Lawn” event where the USO will offer a free viewing of “Mega Mind.” For a donation, families can enjoy free food. “Movies on the Lawn” is set for June 2 on the Squadron lawn. This event will coincide with the end of school in most surrounding school districts. Sabre Squadron will also be conducting a fundraiser on June 3-4 in front of Clear Creek Commissary; all donations will go towards Operation Barracks Homecoming. The Squadron also has another potluck scheduled for June. Come and celebrate the start of summer with a Sabre Squadron skating party June 3, 5:30pm at the MWR Skating Center, Building 324 on 37th Street. An instructor will be there from 5-7pm to teach skaters how to skate. Then, it is open skating after that. Cost is $3.50 per person. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Sabre also wants to recognize our stellar volunteers and wants to send a special congratulations to our Eagle Troop FRG Leader, Mrs. Christy Paddock for being selected as a Fort Hood Volunteer of the Quarter. Thunder Thunder Squadron hosted a planning party for the Deployment Ceremony last week with a wonderful turnout of Family and friends of Thunder. They were able to discuss current issues that they are having. Thunder Senior Spouse and command team provided an update on the process of redeployment and reintegration training. May 21, 5-8pm, Thunder FRG is hosting a squadron FRG skate party on Fort Hood. Thunder FRG will be hosting reintegration training June 18 and 25. We would like to say thank you to all of Thunder volunteers and supporters.
Muleskinner Muleskinner Squadron recently recognized a few Volunteers of the Month recipients at the Regiment’s Volunteer of the Month Potluck April 28. The following Volunteer of the Month recipients were: HHT- Lori Williams, Medical Troop- Michele Hill and Kirk Noll, and S&T Troop- Julie Wall. Great volunteers are a regular occurrence in Muleskinner Squadron; therefore, we take every opportunity to recognize their outstanding commitment and dedication to our Squadron. May 6, the Regiment hosted a Spouses’ Spur Ride, which was a great success and Families were very motivated and had a great time! As for the upcoming events, Muleskinner will host their Squadron FRG meeting June 2 at 6pm in the Oveta Culp Soldier Hobby & Family Readiness Center. Stay informed and connected by contacting either your FRG Leader or FRSA, Tracie Mayshack at tracie.mayshack@us.army.mil . Remington Remington Troop has been busy with assisting our Family in need and wants to thank everyone that stepped up to provide meals and donations to reestablish their lives as they deal with the results of the recent fire. The amount of donations and kindness shown from all over Fort Hood and the surrounding communities has been amazing, and we are deeply grateful for everything offered and provided. This shows what an FRG is all about as we come together to assist this Family. The Families are looking forward to a summer filled with events and training opportunities. The upcoming Family Fun
day at Carl Levin Park in Harker Heights June 7 will be a wonderful chance to come together and have some fun and make welcome home banners for our soon to be returning Soldiers. School is almost out, and Families will be traveling around. We ask that you please shoot an email to the FRSA with your contact info so that we can contact you in case of emergency; it always pays to be prepared. Have a safe and happy summer, and don’t forget to have fun as we come into this last quarter of the deployment. Stay in contact with your FRGs. Opportunities will be there to assist with preparing the barracks for the welcome home process as well as banner making and hanging. Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers!
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June
Sappers set pace in Iraq Story by Staff Sgt. Mark Albright
BABIL PROVINCE, Iraq – Some units meet every requirement, everything asked of them by their command. The very best units set the standards that others aspire to achieve. Soldiers in 43rd Combat Engineer Company, “Sappers,” fall in the latter group. The “Sappers” have taken on their mission of route clearance in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment with relentless drive. Every aspect of their day-to-day operations is carefully examined and adjusted to ensure the safety of Soldiers on the roads. The unit has refined their route clearance actions, to include the identification of improvised explosive device emplacement as well as the suspected “trigger man.” Their successful techniques have been adopted by other units in 3d ACR and throughout Iraq. “They are one of the best route clearance units that I have seen as far as command emphasis, Soldier involvement,” said Sgt. Maj. Harold McVicker, Joint Improvised Explosives Defeat the Device Organization senior noncommissioned officer and native of Mannington, W. Va. “By far, they have the best route clearance package here in Iraq.”
McVicker travels throughout Iraq observing engineer unit’s practices and techniques. He then makes an evaluation of their performance and gives feedback on what to improve. “I go down to the unit and meet their leadership, I sit through their operations briefs and then go out on a route clearance mission with them,” said McVicker. “The 43rd Engineer’s leaders have taken the lessons learned in previous deployments and incorporated them into today’s fight.” The Sapper Soldiers work together to create a detailed checklist that prepares them to complete their challenging mission. The leaders hold pre-mission checks and briefs, making sure that the troops know their part. “We have specific and comprehensive checklists we follow that have been developed by our Soldiers and leaders,” said Capt. Brandon Harper, commander of the 43rd Combat Engineer Company and native of League City, Texas. The leaders strive to have a high impact on the
quality of each mission conducted. “The NCOs in this company have high standards,” said Sgt. Nicholas Coughlin, squad leader from Columbus, Oh. “We strive for perfection. We are professional Soldiers and conduct ourselves accordingly. If we don’t, someone gets hurt.” Professionalism is the main ingredient that makes the Sappers good at their job. Their special attention to even the smallest details of the mission makes all the difference. “We hold our responsibilities as NCOs and leaders near and dear to our heart,” said Coughlin. “The attention to detail just follows through with everything we do.”
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Issue #6
June
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