Storm Issue Two
This month's highlights:
Spc Thomas Fisher & 7-17 CAV Arrives
Watch February 2018
449th PAO Staff Capt. Briana McFarland Staff Sgt Leticia Samuels Sgt Andrew Shipley Spc Devin Fleming PFC Jeremiah Richardson
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Inside this issue:
Ground, air:
There are possible e injured and black s the 1st Battalion, 24 medical evacuation h
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@NC449THTAB
7-17TH CAV TA
The 7th Squadron, creates their footpri
https://www.flickr.com/ photos/449tab/ Every Soldier has a story!! Submit your stories, photos, and videos to 449tab.pao@gmail.com We encourage family photos too!! We want to hear from YOU!!
:
: Army Day
Pg. 14 enemy troops in the area, Soldiers are smoke signals mark the extraction site as 44th Aviation Regiment, helicopters approach
rmacy Manager to Soldier
Pg. 16 e swayed back and forth in anticipation as he waited for the general officer to come ask questions within his area
AKES THE REINS
Pg. 20
17th Cavalry Regiment int on Operation Inherent Resolve
Hot, cold load trainiing Pg. 25
The blades of a UH-60 Blackhawk start to swirl as Soldiers assigned to the 1-244th AHB prepare to train 60 Soldiers
CW5 Joedy Vanvelzen (right) orients Soldiers with the Spanish army to their location on a map during their inaugural visit Feb. 1, 2018
Soldiers with the 449th CAB participate in the Cupids Revenge circuit to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Camp Buehring Feb 14, 2018
CIRCL
RUN Soldiers with the 449th CAB participate in the Cupids Revenge circuit to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Camp Buehring Feb 14, 2018 LTC Joseph Bishop awards Sgt Antwon Sutton and Spc Jenna Staats with an Army Achievement Medal at Camp Taji Jan. 31, 2018. Page 4
Staff Sgt Jasmin Martin cheers on teammates in the Cupids Revenge circuit at Camp Buehring Feb 14, 2018
LING
Spc. Mike Niland, 248th ASB, installs an engine on a UH-60 Blackhawk at Camp Taji, Feb. 8, 2018
THE
NWAY
Cpl. Jeffery Martin, re-enlists in front of his peers on a UH-60 Blackhawk at Camp Buehring Feb 10, 2018
Master Sgt Chastity King (middle) won the bench press contest at Camp Buehring Feb 11, 2018 Page 5
Soldiers assigned to the 1-244th AHB recieved famaliarization training from Red, a Specialized Search Dog, and the 1st and 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, I & II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Buehring Jan. 18, 2018. This training familiarizes flight medics on proper transport and triage of a Military Working Dog.
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Birthday Celebrations!!
Soldiers assigned to the 449th CAB particpated in the Mardi Gras parade at Camp Buehring Feb 15, 2018. Master Sgt Linda Molesky won 1st place for her float. Page 7
MAJ John Mozingo 449th Brigade Chaplain
Hurricane Soldiers and Families, As February passes we were reminded of the love that we show each other (especially our spouses and significant others) on Valentine's Day. This Valentine's Day I, of course, was away from my significant other. As I opened presents sent from her to me, I was reminded of why Spiritual Fitness is so important.
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This year, Valentine's Day just happened to fall on Ash Wednesday, which starts the Christian Season of Lent. Many Christians typically conduct some sort of fast during these 40 days as a form of Spiritual Fitness. Some give up fast food, some alcohol....it just depends what is standing in your way of success in your spiritual life. What have you given up for Lent? Is this a new idea for you? As Soldiers and Military Families, we are at high risk for burnout and depression. I believe that we must become Intelligently Spiritually Fit (I call it iSpiritualFitness). In conducting iSpiritualFitness I suggest that you look at three areas of your life.....Resiliency, Relationships, and Relevance. What are you doing in these three areas to build a solid moat around yourself to protect you from outside influences and attacks? Maybe during this Season of Lent there is something you can give up or add to your life to help you become iSpirituallyFit. Maybe Valentine's Day was the start of a Spiritual Journey for you that will assist you in becoming iSpirituallyFit! If you want more information on how to become iSpirituallyFit feel free to contact me at john.c.mozingo.mil@mail.mil and I will be glad to assist you in your journey.
May God Bless Us All!
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CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Division wait for a medical evacuation pick-up by a UH-60 Blackhawk to simulate rescuing a wounded soldier during Army Day at Camp Buehring Feb 9, 2018. Army Day was the opening event for U.S. Central Command’s Component Commanders Conference that allowed U.S. Army Central to showcase the Army’s capabilities at the theater level. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Leticia Samuels, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade)
A formation of UH-60 Blackhawks assigned to the 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment (Assault), 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, approaches a beach to pick up distinguished visitors during Army Day at Kuwait Naval Base Feb. 9, 2018. (U.S. Army courtesy photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tim Brundage, 35th Infantry Division)
Ground, air forces work together with a bang
Story by Capt. Briana McFarland Photos by Staff Sgt. Leticia Samuels
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait –– There are possible enemy troops in the area, Soldiers are injured and black smoke signals mark the extraction site as the 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment (Assault), 449th Combat Aviation Brigade medical evacuation helicopters approach. This was the training scenario for those participating in the combined arms live fire exercise marking the end of U.S. Central Command Commander’s Conference Army Day at Udairi Range, Kuwait, Feb. 9, 2018. Army Day was comprised of CENTCOM key leaders, service component command teams and Kuwaiti counterparts in order to demonstrate to the CENTCOM commanders the complexity and depth of U.S. Army Central Command’s mission and responsibilities in theater.
“Being
able to prepare for an event of this size as well as maintain our existing operational tempo for day-to-day operations was certainly a challenge,” said Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Todd Hammett, UH-60 Black Hawk pilot. “Everyone pulled together and worked through obstacles, especially our maintainers."
Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general of Army Central Command. The CENTCOM commanders traveled from Ali Al-Salem airfield to various locations around Kuwait via rotary wing aircraft to observe the arrival, movement and maneuver of various teams supporting a unified training scenario.
Army Day encompassed numerous train- To ensure key leaders did not miss events, assets from A Company, 1st Battalion, ing events and was attended by multiple distinguished visitors to include U.S. Army 126th Aviation Regiment, 449th Combat Page 14
Aviation Brigade and A Company, 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion were tasked with providing air movement support. As the flight lead, Hammett was the primary planner for the event.The MEDEVAC operations were important because they simulated timely movement and en route care provided by medical personnel to wounded Soldiers being evacuated from the battlefield. “Extensive planning went into this,” said Hammett. “The 1-126th General Support
Aviation Battalion and the 244th AHB worked together to ensure we had a solid plan and the resources to back it up. We did several rehearsals leading up to the day of execution in order to validate our plan and refine our methods.” The culminating live fire event included infantry, armor, artillery and aviation to demonstrate the coalition operations as Task Force Spartan. Army Day allowed TF Spartan to demonstrate its lethality, flexibility and interoperability. Page 15
Pharmacy Manager tu
Story by Staff Sgt Leticia Samuels Photos by Staff Sgt Leticia Samuels and Spc Thomas
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – He swayed back and forth in anticipation as he waited for the general officer to come ask questions within his area.
sation clinic, which is one of the accomplishments he has completed in his newly established military career. His biggest is carrying on the military family tradition which steered his decision to join.
“I first got interested in health care after taking an anatomy and physiology class my senior year of high school,” said Fisher. “After that, I was sold on the idea of the health science field. Spc. Thomas Fisher, medic After a year of pre-med with the 248th Aviation Sup- “I had a great uncle who classes, my attention turned port Battalion, 449th Combat served in World War II as a Aviation Brigade, stood at medic and received a purple to shorter-duration health science programs. Pharparade rest and spoke with heart at the Battle of the macy was a good fit. I knew confidence as U.S. Army Bulge,” said Fisher. “Ala career in pharmacy would 35th Infantry Division Com- though I never got to meet be stable, challenging, remanding General Maj. Gen. him, it was a story I kept quire an immense amount of Victor Braden spoke to his with me growing up. Being lifelong learning, and opunit about the grand opening a medic in the Army is an of the tobacco cessation clin- honor, and largely influenced portunity to help, which I find brings job satisfaction.” ic started at Camp Buehring my decision.” Jan. 3, 2018. Fisher said that he worked The traditional Guardsman “It's not every day you have fulfills a dual role of a citizen- for Walgreens as a pharmacy manager but admitted it the honor to meet a two star soldier. The Iowa native general!” said Fisher. established a career in phar- wasn’t his true passion. This sparked his interest in commacy after attending a scipleting his post-graduate His anticipation built beence class which ultimately year residency, which armed cause he led the staff in started him on his military him with the skills he would opening the smoking cespath. Page 16
urned Soldier Medic
later need to institute a smoking cessation program, along with other skills. “Residency programs for pharmacists are optional but essential if one wants a more competitive job such as the hospital or more specialized type of jobs,” said Fisher. “My residency was at the Phoenix Veteran Affairs office and was specialized for ambulatory care. Ambulatory care refers to more chronic disease state management such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking cessation etc.” This decision, along with countless hours of hard work through his schooling, lead him to working with veterans at the hospital of Veterans Affairs in Iowa City. “I work with Veterans who develop blood clots or have
high risk factors for clots,” said Fisher. “We have certain medications that require extensive management such as overseeing frequent appointments, lab work and providing extensive education to prevent additional clots or other risks such as strokes or heart attacks.” Now enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard, Fisher found a new competitive circle to quench his thirst for knowledge. “Being a good medic requires an immense amount of continual training,” said Fisher. “A significant portion of our training and skill set is point of injury care or pre-hospital care. My background in pharmacy was very helpful in understanding the underlying physiological processes that occur
to the body during battlefield injuries, or routine illnesses. Having advanced classes in pathology and therapeutics definitely helps.” Fisher said that even though he has just started his military career he aspires to complete 20 years of service or more. “It’s very satisfying
putting on this uniform on a daily basis and helping to take care of ill or injured soldiers,” said Fisher. “The ability to help and care for Iowa Veterans is definitely the greatest reward on the pharmacy side. On the medic side, it’s a privilege to take care of Soldiers and helping to keep them in the fight." Page 17
Iowa leadership
visits 248th ASB Story and photos by Sgt Andrew Shipley
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Nearly two months into supporting Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, the Iowa National Guard’s 248th Aviation Support Battalion received a visit from a few of Iowa’s top officials, Feb. 1-8.
The Adjutant General Maj Gen. Timothy Orr and the State Command Sgt. Maj. Rachel Fails of the Iowa National Guard visited the many duty locations of the 248th ASB Soldiers. “We felt it was fitting to have the opportunity to visit the Army and Air National Guard personnel in both Kuwait and Iraq,” said Orr. “This has been the first time we have been able to visit since 2010-2011. It’s been the largest deployment of the Iowa National Guard since that time.” Orr praised the ASB’s command team for their role in preparing for their mission. “The proper plan and execution of the premobilization phase and the predeployment site survey prepared the unit to accommodate the issues they knew they’d face,” said Orr. “This command team is really focused on professionalism and empowering young noncommissioned officers and officers to do the right thing and learn from that. Because Page 20
of this, this organization will be solid for years to come.” The 248th ASB command team, Lt. Col Charles Lampe and Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Doty, escorted the state leadership team throughout their visit to the many functional areas that make up the ASB to include vehicle maintenance, aviation maintenance, fuel operations, medical aid and staff sections.
Fails mentioned that the briefs conducted in these areas were mainly conducted at the juniorleader level and that their experience doing so will carry back a legacy with them wherever they go across the Iowa National Guard.
all of their areas of operation established the right way.” The 248th ASB, who mobilized in September 2017, is scheduled to return late this summer.
“I’m completely blown away,” said Fails “They’ve put forth a great amount of work and effort in a short amount of time to get Page 21
NC TAG & Director of Joint Staff
visits 449th CAB
U.S. Army North Carolina National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk (left), salutes a Soldier assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade after landing at the 449th CAB area of operations Feb. 4, 2018. The 449th CAB provides aviation combined strategic partnership training with regional military partners as part of the overall Combined Joint Task ForceOperation Inherent Resolve building partner capacity mission which focuses on training and improving the capability of partnered forces fighting ISIS. CJTF-OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Leticia Samuels, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade)
Warming up Soldiers with hot, cold load
Story and photos by Staff Sgt Leticia Samuels
partnership training with regional military partners in order to conduct multinational training events. The 244th AHB supports this mission by facilitating training for Soldiers that haven’t been exposed to aviation assets by ensuring proper procedures are followed to mitigate risk and enforce safety.
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – The blades of a UH60 Blackhawk start to swirl as Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 244th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division prepare to train 60 Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Division on hot and cold loading procedures of a Blackhawk Feb. 10, 2018. The 449th CAB provides combined aviation strategic Page 24
“Our crew chiefs explain how to get in and out of the aircraft safely, how to use the restraints and how to get out of the aircraft if there is
an emergency,” said Capt. James Alexander, the assistant operations officer assigned to the 244th AHB. “Any time the aircraft is running, there is some inherent danger. We try to mitigate that risk as much as possible.” The day starts off with Soldiers receiving a brief from the flight crew on proper approach, entrance, loading and exit of the aircraft. “It’s easier to communicate,” said Alexander. “It’s not as busy, so they can hear our instructions clearly. We can direct them to make corrections if they need to.” Once Soldiers complete the brief, they walk through a dry run on the aircraft to familiarize them with proper procedures on how to safely enter and exit. They also receive direction on how
tary to jump on different platforms and experience different things,” said Nguyen. “It breaks the monotony.”
to properly use a four-point safety harness when sitting in the aircraft. The real challenge begins when Soldiers reach the run phase as they exercise all training procedures while the aircraft is running. “Talking about it is great but actually rehearsing and getting your hands on the equipment, is always more paramount than anything else,” said 2nd Lt. Michael Nguyen, the Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Division platoon leader. “It gives the Soldier the ability to see it one time, to do it right and then pass along the information.”
really wanted to do this. Going from a platform of tanks to helicopters is a different shift and to see the guys react to the different environment was great to see.” To top off the training, U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Division Armor Crewman Cpl. Jeffery Martin, re-enlisted upon the aircraft during their area flight.
This training is beneficial because it allows flight crews to strengthen their interoperability skills while allowing Soldiers to receive hands-on training for proper aviation operations. Maintaining this readiness posture directly falls in line with the Operation Spartan Shield’s mission to deter regional aggression and react to possible threats within the Middle East. “This is what we signed up to do,” said Alexander. “There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes for one aircraft to take off. To see all the training coming together while being done safely means a lot, not only for me, but for everyone that helps make this happen.”
“Everyone joined the mili-
After the flight crew is comfortable with the Soldiers’ familiarization, they receive a flight in the area. “All the guys were really motivated,” said Nguyen. “They Page 25
7-17TH CAVALRY REGIMENT TAKES THE REINS
Story and photos by Capt Briana McFarland
CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – The 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment creates their footprint on Operation Inherent Resolve as they unfurl their colors in a transfer of authority ceremony in Erbil, Iraq, Feb. 23, 2018. The unfurling of the colors signifies the command is operational in its new location and aligns with the total joint force concept integrating National Guard and Reserve units with their active Army components. “I have never served in a task force that was comprised of both active duty and National Guard Soldiers,” said the 7-17th CAV Commander Lt. Col. Chad Corrigan. “Our unit patches may be different, but all of our name tags say U.S. Army. They immediately proved to be skilled Soldiers and great teammates. There is no way we can do the mission without them, and it is just another example of how vital the National Guard is to us in this fight.” Corrigan assumed command of the cavalry regiment on Feb. 2, 2018 and immediately hit the ground running in preparation for their deployment to Iraq. Soon after entering into country, they
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had multiple engagements. “Everything moved very fast; however, it has been great,” said Corrigan. It is truly an honor and a privilege to join and lead such a high performing unit. The 7-17th CAV has trained very hard and is ready for the mission. It was immediately apparent to me that this squadron has great Soldiers and they were ready.” Prior to a deployment, units have to complete various tasks to include: individual Soldier readiness, premobilization training and equipment maintenance checks and services to be fully mission capable. In order to complete the transition, the 7-17th CAV, also known as Task Force Palehorse, had to complete a relief-in-place with the outgoing unit, the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment. “It was great to relieve 2-17th CAV. Both squadrons are great, historic units with storied combat records,” said Corrigan. “During the handoff, 2-17 CAV passed on to us everything they knew and also shared the lessons learned from previous cavalry regiments. I am thankful for the handoff; they made sure we were postured to continue to press the enemy.” The 7-17th CAV is assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, National Guard, headquartered out of North Carolina. The 449th CAB assumed command of aviation operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in December of 2017. “The 449th CAB immediately welcomed us,” said Corrigan. “Since they had been leading this fight for months, they had a firm grasp on the fight and systems in theater, which they leveraged to help us assume the mission. We’re ready to support the ground forces and our partners as we secure the defeat of ISIS.” The units were first introduced during the 449th CAB’s post mobilization training at Fort Hood, Texas. The culminating training exercise was a requirement to validate the unit for their upcoming deployment to ensure mission readiness. According to the 7-17th CAV Command Sergeant Major Brandon Perry, it was necessary for unit cohesion and success. “The training was good, but even more important was getting to know each other and building relationships among the command teams and staffs”, said Perry. “It helped when we got to Iraq because we already knew each other.” The same sentiments were felt by the 449th CAB Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Joseph Bishop who hosted the transfer of authority ceremony. “We’ve already built a strong foundation and now it’s time for the 7-17th CAV to take their place,” said Bishop. “Make sure that everyone knows that it’s you that creates your own legacy; take charge of that. The communication has been great thus far, and we want to make sure you’re successful. I know you guys can do this. I’m looking forward to it.” The 7-17th CAV was first organized under the provisions of the National Defense Act of 1916 at Fort Bliss, Texas. After multiple aviation restructuring initiatives, the TF Palehorse Squadron, continues its legacy as part of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
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The Comics
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Decipher the Decipher the cryptogram: WYG JZZV CPRG PN ZBG PBNTPQGV SE CZHG IBV JMPVGV SE FBZACGVJG. Here is your hint: P=I Answer on next page
Special Thanks to
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Answer: The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
TF Hurricanes