Storm Issue One
Watch January 2018
This issue’s features:
The Vasquez Brothers & Master Sgt King
449th PAO Staff
Inside this issue:
Capt. Briana McFarland Staff Sgt Leticia Samuels Sgt Andrew Shipley PFC Jeremiah Richardson
29th CAB transfe
Col. Mark Beckler of th transferred authority of incoming Brigade Com
Don’t forget to follow us!!
@NC449THTAB
Brothers in Gree
The bond of family and strongest tie you can h person.
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!!
:
ers authority Pg. 14
he 29th Combat Aviation Brigade f Operation Inherent Resolve to mmander Lt. Col. Joseph Bishop
Soldier channels inner strength Pg. 16 Bits of chalk-dust fill the air after U.S. Army Master Sgt. Chastity King claps her hands together.
en Pg. 20
d blood are the have to another
248th ASB assumes authority Pg. 25
Soldiers from five states, making up the 248th Aviation Support Battalion, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, have arrived in the U.S. Army Central Command
LTC Timothy Cleighton, 244th AHB commander, unfurls their colors in front of a UH-60 Blackhawk at Camp Buehring Jan. 13, 2018.
LTC Joseph Bishop awards his Soldiers with their deployment patch at Camp Taji Dec. 25, 2017.
Soldiers with the 449th CAB participate in a Christmas 5K run to celebrate the holidays at Camp Buehring Dec 24, 2017
CIRCL
RUN CPT Kevin Rhodes,with the 449th CAB, lifts 365 lbs during a powerlifting contest at Camp Taji Dec. 25, 2017
Page 4
Soldiers assigned to the 449th CAB enjoy Christmas festivities Dec 24, 2017
LING
THE
NWAY
LTC Mark Pickett awards his Soldiers a with their deployment patch at Camp Buehring Dec. 25, 2017
Soldiers with the 449th CAB participate in a Christmas 5K run to celebrate the holidays at Camp Buehring Dec 24, 2017
Soldiers with the 248th ASB, proudly display Cyclone flags while deployed to the Middle East. Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Greetings from the middle east. After many months of pre-deployment preparation that included extensive planning, training, and packing, the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade has finally made it to the theater of operations! The company hit the ground running to complete the Relief-In-Place (RIP) with the outgoing unit and we are now in full control of the mission. Our Soldiers are doing a great job of working as a team to complete assigned tasks, improve work areas, and maintain a high state of CPT Kevin Heiderman readiness as the battlefield is constantly 449th HHC Commander evolving. Several Soldiers have made their first trip to a combat zone and we have had the honor of awarding them the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Former Wartime Service (SSI-FWTS), otherwise known as the “Right Shoulder Patch” or “Combat Patch”. We will continue to recognize individuals that earn this throughout the deployment. With the holiday season now behind us, we sincerely thank all of the friends, Families, churches, VFWs, and other organizations that have supported this team by generously sending letters and care packages. So far, the winter months have brought us moderate temperatures with cool nights and warm days allowing us to get settled in and explore our surroundings. It has been a stark contrast to reports of record lows and snowfall at home in North Carolina. We are thinking of you as we prepare for extreme highs in the coming months! I would like to take a moment to stress the importance of maintaining communication with loved ones while being apart. The current mission requires the unit to occupy several different locations and each location has a different level of amenities for the Soldier. Take the time to discuss a method and schedule to keep both parties up-to-date and remember to remain flexible and try to keep the conversations positive. To the Soldiers of HHC 449 CAB: Keep up the good work. Continuously look for ways to improve and take care of those to your left and right. To those at home: Thanks again for the continued support. We miss you! Sincerely, Captain Kevin Heiderman Commander “Cyclone 6” Page 8
To the families and Friends of HHC 449th CAB; Let me start with saying thank you for your support and prayers. We made it safely and things are going well over here. I’d like to extend a special thanks to our Soldiers and all the extremely hard work they have done to make the start of this mission a success. Also a thanks to our Unit Movement Section for making the transition from garrison to combat virtually seamless. Our handoff from the 29th CAB is complete and we have assumed control of the mission. Moral in the company is 1SG Andrew Connell high, and our Soldiers are working daily to 449th HHC First Sergeant continuously improve their operation areas. Families and Friends, please understand that everything you see on paper and television does not come close to what it really looks and feels like in comparison to those living in it every day. Please remember that it is you back home that make our jobs worthwhile. Lord Bless our Soldiers for their dedication and commitment they give freely day after day. Again, we are thankful for those who are at home supporting us and will keep you updated as much as possible on what is going on here. To my wife and children, “I love you all”, “kids, listen to your mother!” First Sergeant Andrew P. Connell “Cyclone 7” A special thanks to the Second Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC for all the Christmas cards for HHC 449th CAB.
Page 9
Soldiers assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade conduct Medical Evacuation operations at Fort Hood. The 449th Combat Aviation Brigade will provide avaition combined stragetic partnership training with regional military partners in order to conduct multinational training events. This training is part of the overall Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve building partner capacity mission which focuses on training and improving the capability of partnered forces fighting ISIS. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Leticia Samuels)
29th CAB transfers authority
to the 449th CAB
The 449 th Comb at Joseph Bishop a Aviation Brigade nd the 2 Comman Beckler a 9th CAB wait the Comman der Lt. Col. Combine Comman der Col. d Joint F de M orces La Military C r Maj. Gen. Rob nd Comp ark ert White omplex onent as he vis to of Opera its Camp tion Inhe acknowledge th Taji e transfe ren Photo by r of auth Staff Sgt t Resolve, Dec.1 ority . Isolda R 8, 2017. eyes) (U.S. Arm y
Story by Capt. Briana McFarland Photos by Staff Sgt. Isolda Reyes
CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – Col. Mark Beckler of the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade transferred authority of Operation Inherent Resolve to incoming Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Joseph Bishop and Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Shorter of the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade at Camp Taji Military Complex Army Airfield, Dec.18. The 449th CAB endured a year of rigorous training to prepare for the multifaceted operation. Training included several major events including two warfighters where the unit executed 74 medevac missions, 5,614 movement controls and 2,204 flight hours. The culminating event to prepare for Operation Inherent Resolve was a left and rightseat training held by the 29th CAB. Page 14
“We’re glad the 449th CAB is here with us and we know they’re going to do a great job,” said Beckler. The Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command Commander Maj. Gen. Robert White visited the Camp Taji Army Airfield to meet with Bishop to discuss the evolving mission and the importance of the unit to remain vigilant and flexible in the coming months. He recognized the hard work of the Coalition Forces to assist the Government of Iraq to gain its success over ISIS, but let the 449th CAB know there is more work to do and they must keep the momentum going. “I appreciate the support from the 29th CAB as they integrated 449th CAB Soldiers into
their operations,” said Bishop. “Now it’s our turn to take the lead and continue to build upon their legacy. OIR is complex; however, it’s a mission we’re prepared for. I’m confident in the capabilities of the Soldiers of the 449th CAB who can now be referred to as Task Force Hurricane.”
and sustainment operations across many countries as the only aviation asset.
“I appreciate the support from the
29th CAB as they integrated 449th CAB Soldiers into their operations,” said Bishop. “Now it’s our turn to TF Hurricane consists of Soldiers from take the lead and continue to build the National Guard, expanding more than upon their legacy. OIR is complex; 13 states, active U.S. Army as well as the however, it’s a mission we’re preU.S. Air Force. This total force is compared for. I’m confident in the capaprised of many air assets such as UH-60 Blackhawks, HH-60 Medevacs, CH-47 Chi- bilities of the Soldiers of the 449th CAB who can now be referred to as nooks, AH-64 Apaches, unmanned aerial systems and fixed-wing aircraft. Task Force Hurricane.” The CAB will conduct unified land operations and provide aviation support to U.S. Coalition Forces in support of OIR. In addition, the unit will provide maintenance
Soldier channels inner
Strength
Story and photos by Staff Sgt Leticia Samuels
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Bits of chalk-dust fill the air after U.S. Army Master Sgt. Chastity King claps her hands together. She sets herself in place underneath the 135-pound weight bar. The numbers “three, two, one” echo through the gym, signifying the first wave of the crossfit weight lifting competition at Camp Buehring Dec. 31, 2017. “I’m shocked and very humbled that I won,” said King, the nontactical vehicle fleet manager assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade. “It’s surprising to see how strong I have gotten through working very hard and doing my best to stay focused.” Page 16
Winning this competition is especially rewarding to the 26-year veteran from Morganton, North Carolina , because of her tough journey battling weight loss in the past. “I was a stay-at-home mom after having my last child,” said King. “I found comfort in food and also had low self-esteem and wasn’t very confident in myself. I saw a picture of myself at Thanksgiving and was shocked that I let myself go like that.” King explained that she weighed 280 pounds. The very next day she decided to change the way she ate and started working out more. “I wanted to be healthy for
my kids,” said King. “I didn’t want to be that parent that couldn’t get outside to play with their kids and be out of breath.” King starts her morning off early to incorporate her rigorous physical training regiment into her day. “I hit the gym at 4 a.m. until 6:30 a.m. seven days a week,” said King. “I work a different muscle group a day. I hit legs twice a week, and I do 30 minutes of cardio too. I also go back at lunch time and hit more on that muscle group I worked. But remember, it’s 80 percent diet and 20 percent gym.” King’s determination and hard
work had her weighing-in at 133 pounds for the cross-fit competition. Despite her incredible new weight transformation, King still felt a sliver of anxiety before the competition.
weight class.
my kids.”
“I just stuck to my training plan King emphasized how important it and focused more on my form is to believe in yourself and surfor the competition,” said King. “I round yourself with people that read the rules prior to the com- will hold you accountable. petition and made sure I was low enough and did my pauses on “I would say to never give up!” bench.” King exclaimed. “Set a goal and
“I’m very shy about lifting in front of people,” said King. “I’m good with being in the gym and working out, but when I’m in front of a King explained that reading and crowd I get very nervous.” research played a big part of her success, but family helped her Competitors had two minutes to the most when she started out. complete as many repetitions as possible in each of the three “My kids are my motivation; events to include the dead-lift, they are my heart,” said King. bench press and the back squat. “I also didn’t want to be that girl Competitors had to lift weights any more. I wanted to take conequivalent to their body weight trol of my life and be a stronger or more in their perspective woman; not just for me but for
go for it. Never let anybody say you can’t; you can. Be kind, be humble and just be you,” said King. “It doesn’t matter what age you are; you can change. It’s up to you. You have one body, and you need to take care of it. Why not see what your body can do?”
Page 17
Soldiers assigned to the 1-126th General Support Aviation Battalion, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, conduct a local area orientation flight that is used to orientate pilots to their area of operations in theater and ensure correct navigation to different locations at Camp Buehring Dec. 26, 2017.
Brothers in Green, Brothers in Arms, Brothers Bonded Story and photos by PFC Jeremiah Richardson
Fort Hood, Texas. – The bond of family and blood are the strongest tie you can have to another person. A warrant officer serving over ten years with his older brother, a combat-tested sergeant at his side, the bond is strengthened by camaraderie. For Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gustavo Vazquez, an aviation officer, and Sgt. Carlos Vazquez, a helicopter repairer, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, this deployment will be an experience they will never forget. “It feels great being on the same deployment to support each other and watch each other’s back,” said Gustavo. He also explained how proud their family is that they have each other during this deployment. “The Army is our lives, we love the Army and this is what we do.” Carlos was born in Medellin, Colombia and came to the U.S. when he was 12 years old in 1992, while Gustavo was born in Providence, Rhode Island. Despite the age difference, the Vasquez brothers eventually Page 20
joined the same military path. Carlos dove in first joining the Marine Corp and later transferring to the Army starting the trail blaze for his brother. “My brother served in the Marines right out of high school,” said Gustavo. “I remember his graduation at Paris Island like it was yesterday. Later in life when he was in the guard I was presented with the chance to join and haven’t looked back since.” Carlos said he had a small break in service but was motivated to re-enlist after learning his brother joined to carry on the family military history. “It was a new challenge and something positive to take on,” said Carlos. Gustavo joined the Army and has served for ten years and is currently preparing to deploy for the first time with the Aviation Regiment. With two deployments under Carlos’ belt, they have learned a lot from each other through hands-on experience. “We flew together to Austin, Texas to drop off an aircraft in preparation for
heading overseas,” said Gustavo. “Being a new crew chief my brother was very active in helping me with how to properly do my job from the back seat.” Carlos recently completed helicopter repairer school. This is a 16 week course where candidates learn all aspects of the maintenance of aircrafts that support hundreds of missions.
With the Vasquez team together, they are excited and humbled to serve.
“I know that we are blessed to be on the same deployment,” they both agreed. “The Army is a part of us.”
“This will be an equally new experience for the two of us [with this] being my first deployment overall, and his first deployment in an aviation unit,” said Carlos. Page 21
en- ocal G l h 26t uct a ntate 1 d 1 d e he n con to ori er an s t o t d at lio on ned Batta is use in the ocati rmy g i l ass ation that tions rent .S. A h s r t i t e a ldie ort Av fligh oper to diff . (U , 449 o 7 S pp n f ls u ntatio rea o ation , 201 mue S l a 6 g e a era a ori their navi ec. 2 icia S ade) t e c ar ts to rre ing D t. Let n Brig o r pilo ure c Bueh aff Sg viatio t s en amp by S bat A m at C hotos Co p
The 248th ASB assumes authority for OIR support Story and photos by Sgt. Andrew Shipley
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Soldiers from five states, making up the 248th Aviation Support Battalion, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, have arrived in the U.S. Army Central Command theater of operations to relieve the 449th Aviation Support Battalion, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, during a ceremony at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Dec. 23, 2017. The 248th ASB’s arrival to theater in early December began the relief-in-place process that consists of the outgoing unit training the incoming unit personnel in their respective duty positions, ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibility.
The ceremony included the tradition of casing the colors of the 449th ASB. During the ceremony an order is published signifying the 248th ASB taking over command. “The 449th ASB’s colors were furled today and the 248th ASB’s colors were unfurled to definitively show that the 449th ASB has ended their duty and the 248th ASB now owns that obligation,” said Doty. The 449th ASB will now begin preparation for movement to home station as the 248th takes over their duties.
“These two units have been working together for the past couple of weeks and our focus has been preparing our equipment and Soldiers to execute this mission,” said the 248th ASB Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Doty. Page 25
449TH CAB SHARPENS BO AND SKILL COA F
ONDS LS WITH ALITION FORCES
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Leticia Samuels CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE!! Flames burn in the midmorning as Coalition forces call out for help after a simulated gas bottle explosion during a mass casualty training exercise, Jan. 18, 2018. U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade and Coalition soldiers from New Zealand, Singapore and Australia work together to simulate a real-world training scenario. The exercise provides a hands-on experience in a combat situation if a flood of wounded patients came to the Camp Taji Role One Enhanced Medical Facility. “These exercises are made to stress the system with a larger number of patients than you would normally see, so you can iron out all the kinks when it’s practiced,” said Capt. Brian Morey, an aero-medical physician assistant assigned to the 1st Battalion, 126 Aviation Regiment., 449th CAB. The exercise begins with the simulation of the gas bottle explosion in a work location that injures numerous soldiers. Medical personnel on site start to render aid to wounded soldiers as they wait for the arrival of the medical evacuation team to transport the wounded to the nearest medical facility. “The point-of-injury care will occur wherever the injury happens” said Morey. “The event happens at an unknown, distant site. You have your buddy aid, your Combat Life Saver or if there are medics, they respond. That is your immediate life-saving measure.” Morey states the incident is called to the medical facility and wounded personnel are transported by a medical evacuation team to the nearest medical facility. After arriving at the medical facility, the wounded are met by a medical liaison. “You have your triage area or your patient receiving,” said Morey. “As they are being received, there is someone out here that is the triage officer actually looking at the patient, receiving the report from the medic that treated them at the site and depending on the level of severity will get triaged based on that.”
Page 28
The facility at Camp Taji is overseen by the Australian army and allows the integration of the various forces strengthening interoperability and a smooth administration of effective medical procedures despite the different backgrounds. “When it comes to a mass casualty we are all working together, but essentially we have a Singaporean team in charge of the recess (re-cessation bay) and the New Zealand team is in charge of the primary health care,” said Australian army Maj. Greg Button, the senior medical officer at the Taji Role One Medical Facility. “We also have the American Role One with us. They help manage the other recess bay in a mass casualty situation.” Camp Taji is one of five Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve building partner capacity locations dedicated to training partner forces and enhancing their effectiveness on the battlefield. Preplanning and cross-training is critical to ensuring they can support any medical situations that can arise. Morey said there aren’t any physicians assistants in the Australian army so the 449th CAB could help facilitate this need. “We wanted to be included, because it is very feasible that if there was a mass casualty we have providers and medics that are available to help,” said Morey. “We preplanned this with them well in advanced, because they are not only taking care of their own Soldiers but pretty much everybody here on base. In the weeks leading up to this we had them come down and see our equipment and aid stations and talked about our capabilities.” The 449th CAB provides aviation combined strategic partnership training with regional military partners in order to conduct multinational training events. Morey said medical personnel assigned to the 449th CAB trained 27 Coalition forces soldiers on patient loading operations on a UH-60 Blackhawk, which also tied into the training. “We did a walk-through of the danger areas of the aircraft, how to approach it and how the patients are loaded,” said Morey. “We showed them the inside and the capabilities of how to sustain a patient inside the aircraft. This was a culminating event that we added to the mass casualty exercise so they can actually load a patient on an aircraft at a real location and test their whole system.”
This training is part of the overall CJTF-OIR building partner capacity mission which focuses on training and improving the capability of partnered forces fighting ISIS.
“This gives the medics a chance to work with coalition/multi-national forces,” said Morey. “It really does a lot for building those experiences.”
The Comics
Page 30
Special Thanks to Second Baptist Church
Operation Gratitude
Operation North State
Troop Thanks
The
Behi Force
Storm
ind the
Always Ready, Always There!!