July 2011
HOME OF THE 1ST STRYKER BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION ―ARCTIC WOLVES‖ VOLUME 1
ISSUE 1
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Families and Friends of the Arctic Wolves: I want to start this letter by saying how proud I am of our soldiers who are serving here in Afghanistan and back at Ft. Wainwright, their professionalism and dedication has allowed us to deploy and assume this mission in Regional Command South (RC-S). Our soldiers are currently deployed across the entire area CTZ Commander doing everything from combat missions of providing security to local populaCol. Todd R. Wood tions, training the Afghan security forces, to assisting the village, District, and Provincial leadership in providing a stable environment. The Arctic Wolves are having a positive impact everywhere they are deployed, providing people opportunities they would have never had under Taliban rule. These opportunities include access to medical and education services, ability to travel safely around the country, the ability to conduct commerce trade, farming, and work. This is all due to the hard work and presence of our soldiers. We all mourn the loss of soldiers from the Brigade Troops Battalion (73rd Engineers), 1-24 IN, and 1-5 IN— and the many wounded we have evacuated back to hospitals. Our thoughts and prayers are with those families and friends that have been affected by these tragic events. The soldiers here in those units continue to honor our fallen by dedicating our daily service to their memory and our continued determination to accomplish the mission is our commitment to them and the legacy they leave behind. The Arctic Wolf Team has grown in many ways here in Afghanistan with the addition of a Romanian Brigade Headquarters with 2 Infantry Battalions, a Joint Provincial Reconstruction Team, multiple Special Operations Force elements, Battalions from 2 different Afghan National Army Brigades, and over 2,000 Afghan Police---all working together to improve the security and quality of life here in Zabul and Kandahar Provinces. We have been very busy in establishing ourselves on over 56 different Forward Operating Bases and Company/Platoon Operating Bases. We are reducing the IED threat levels, training newly recruited Afghans to take up policing in their villages, reducing the leadership of the enemy cells operating in the area, and maintaining our COIN and war fighting focus at every turn. Very proud of how hard everyone has worked and how successful we have been in a very short time. I want to give a ―special‖ thanks the Rear Detachment Command for performing very well in the load out, movement, reception, and operation supporting the families which have allowed us to focus on the mission in Afghanistan. I want to thank the many FRG Advisors and Leaders and countless volunteers who support the Arctic Wolf units and families on a daily basis. Further, I want to thank the greater Fairbanks Community and the local leaders who look after the welfare of our families while we‘re deployed. Deployments are truly a team effort and it is a great comfort to all of us deployed to know we have such great people at home supporting us so well. Thank you all so much for everything you do. We Continue Mission, Arctic Wolves!
COL Todd Wood
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To the 1/25 SBCT Family and Friends: Our first thirty-days here in Afghanistan, or even longer for some, have been very fast and furious. The Soldiers of the Arctic Wolf Brigade have been very busy providing peace and stability for the Afghanistan people with the help of CTZ Command Sgt. Maj. the Afghanistan government. Your Soldiers are performing their missions with CSM Bernard L. Knight very well with a high degree of discipline and morale. There has not been a task, order, or mission that has gone out where our Soldiers have not set the standards for others to follow and I am very proud to serve among them! The Arctic Wolves are currently spread out across two Afghan Provinces and twenty districts, we work long hard days and sometimes through the nights to accomplish the mission. This is a harsh and demanding environment that requires our Soldiers take care of themselves and each other. Most outposts provide a very good quality of life for our Soldiers. We do our best to ensure there is internet and phone service to stay connected to our families back home. The food is very good at some FOBs and just ok at others, but there is no shortage of food or water. I want to again thank each and every one of you for the outstanding support for our Soldiers. The outpouring of letters, care packages, e-mail, Skype sessions, and telephone calls that we receive never ceases to amaze me. This kind of support allows us all to perform at our peak thanks to added motivation. I have always said, ―A connected Soldier is a happy Soldier and a happy Soldier is a mission-effective Soldier!‖ Our mission has not come without a cost. It is with heavy hearts when we reflect on the losses of PFC Melton, Private Tucker, and Private Pressley of the 73rd Engineer Company, as well as SSG Self, of 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. We also continue to mourn the more recent losses of SSG Sherer of 1-24 Infantry and PFC Larson of 1-5 Infantry who taken from us after given their all in defense of our country and in the hope of bringing a brighter day to Afghanistan, its people and to the world. I also would like to add our heartfelt condolences to the families of two of our Romanian Army partners, CPLs Ionel and Laurentiu of the Romanian 26th Infantry Battalion ―Red Scorpions‖, who also paid the ultimate sacrifice in the short time we have been here. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of our Warriors and know they will never be forgotten in the Arctic Wolf Brigade. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Arctic Wolves‘ Community, please keep our Soldiers in your thoughts and prayers. They will keep the blanket of freedom strong for all Americans to sleep under tonight and every night! ARCTIC WOLVES! Command Sergeant Major Bernie Knight
US ARMY
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Arctic Wolves again provide relief to Dragoons Story and photos By: Spc. Thomas Duval 1/25 PAO
I N S I D E T HI S IS S UE :
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan –Two highly decorated Army units gathered in Zabul province to celebrate a momentous occasion May 18 as the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment “Dragoons” relinquished command of the Afghanistan province of Zabul, to the Arctic Wolves of 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division during a transfer-ofauthority ceremony.
1-24 IN TOA
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2-8FA TOA
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Operation Kenei
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K9 Story
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Father son Feature
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Running with the Pack
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Memorial Run
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During the ceremony the 2nd SCR colors where cased signaling the end of a yearlong deployment while the 1/25 SBCT unfurled theirs. This time honored tradition is used to signify the official transfer of authority among the two command groups.
Army mom is Army Strong
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RETENTION UPDATE
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2-8FA Operation
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Army Birthday
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5-1CAV Operation
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Human Resources
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On the Homefront On the Homefront
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Remembering our fallen
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Purple Heart Recipients
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U.S. Romanian Partnership
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Contact Information
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Maj. Gen. James L. Terry, commanding general of Regional Command South, 10th Mountain Division (LI), spoke on the significance of each unit’s sacrifices, as well as their past missions and future challenges. “Today, partnered patrols, new infrastructure, and an emerging Afghan base of governance and security solutions provide a framework that never previously existed,” Terry said. “Through it all the Dragoons have helped the district provincial government work with representatives to improve governance and development. With Afghan partners they
built a foundation for safer and stronger communities that will free them from insurgent influence. “Due to the Dragoons effort we start this next season in a much better place,” Terry said. “The Dragoons now hand the home field advantage to the Arctic Wolves.” After honoring the milestones set by the 2nd SCR, Terry turned his attention to the mission that lays ahead for the 1/25 SBCT Arctic Wolves.“The Arctic Wolves have a proud history reaching all the way back to World War II and coming up through Vietnam and most recently through a year of hard fighting in Iraq,” he continued in his remarks directed to the 1/25 SBCT leaders. “Welcome to the RC-South team. Colonel (Todd) Wood and Command Sergeant Major (Bernie) Knight, you are in command of one of the most versatile, powerful, and mobile fighting brigades
in the Army, you have a proven history, and have sustained a legacy of combat in the proud 25th Infantry Division, “Tropic Lightning”, and I know you will carry Task Force Dragoons mission forward through the pending fight.” After the Speech, Col. James Blackburn, 75th Regimental commander of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, expressed his admiration for his Afghan counterparts and welcomed his successor. “We are proud to share a common history with the 1/25 SBCT yet once again and we are privileged to serve with such heroes,” said Blackburn.“The 1st Stryker Brigade is committed to working with the government and leaders to assist the security forces to protect the people of Zabul province and to assist the province in its growth,” Wood said.
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Task Force Legion ready to launch operations in Afghanistan Story and Photos By: Spc. Thomas Duval 1/25 SBCT PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, opened a new chapter in the battalion‘s history during a transfer-of-authority ceremony held May 8 at Forward Operating Base Apache, Zabul province, Afghanistan. After a brief invocation, Lt. Col. Jeff Stewart, commander of Task Force Legion, participated in the time honored tradition of unfurling the unit‘s colors, signaling the formal transfer of authority for this sector of the 1-25th area of operations, to 1-24th Infantry and bringing to an end the deployment of the Germany-based 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. During the ceremony, Col. James Blackburn, the 75th commander of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, praised the success of 2/2 SCR and expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the Cougar soldiers and their tireless efforts during the regiment‘s 12-month deployment. ―The full-spectrum force of the Cougars did it all … whether it was killing and capturing the enemy or putting a pencil in a school child‘s hand,‖ said Blackburn. ―Thank you.‖ ―What you see in front of you is the epitome of full-spectrum warriors we expect on the counterinsurgency battlefield,‖ said Blackburn, referring to the formation of soldiers who stood with pride and with smiles emblazoned on their faces as testimonies to their accomplishments as they were recognized. Although much of Blackburn‘s speech focused on the accomplishments of 2/2 SCR he admitted that a heavy presence of International Security Assistance Forces is still needed throughout Zabul province, but said he is confident the 124th soldiers are up to the challenge. Zabul Provincial Governor Mohammad Ashraf Naseri, and many other key leaders have worked side-by-side with 2/2 SCR, including Maj. Gen. Jamaludin, commander of the Afghan National Army 2nd Brigade, 205th Corps, who was in attendance for the ceremony to honor and say farewell to Lt. Col. Omar Jones, 2/2 SCR commander and his soldiers and Stewart, who addressed the crowd entirely in Pashtu, the primary language of
Photo By: Spc. Thomas Duval
Photo By: Spc. Thomas Duval
southern Afghanistan and spoke of the possible challenges ahead for him and his ―Deuce-Four‖ soldiers. Stewart‘s speech was met with warm applause from the large crowd as he spoke of the future partnership between the 1-24th, the Afghan
National Police, and the ANA
welcome their new partners of Task Force Legion. Stewart said he is happy for the opportunity to work beside the ANA and ANP and he is looking forward to the continued relationship between ISAF and the Afghan forces.
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The „King of Battle‟ has arrived Story By: Spc. Thomas Duval
The 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, became the latest unit to begin combat operations in Afghanistan May 17. The unit led by Lt. Col. Sean Bateman, assumed command for the Daman district in Afghanistan during a transfer-ofauthority ceremony in Kandahar, Afghanistan. "We have some of the best trained Soldiers in the United States Army,‖ said 2 -8 FA Command Sgt. Maj. Alexis Shelton. ―They've trained hard for this mission and they're ready to do whatever is necessary to accomplish our goals." The 2-8FA takes over command from Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. The artillery regiment will support the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, in an effort to combat insurgents and will work with coalition forces to provide a more stable governance throughout the district, said Capt. Angela Chipman, the unit public affairs representative for the 2-8 FA.
The battalion, which started its deployment in mid April, is scheduled for a yearlong deployment and brings with it months of training and preparation for the upcoming challenges it will face, Chipman said.
During the deployment the 2-8FA and the 1/25 SBCT will work under Regional Command South and will partner with the local Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army to conduct daily operations.
Photy By: Capt. Angela Chipman 2/8 FA UPAR
Task Force Legion conducts Operation Kenai Story By: 1st Lt. Mathew Rogers FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan— The deployment of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, which is centered around fostering lasting solutions in southern Afghanistan, presented its first signs of success recently as the Alaska based unit partnered with the Afghan National Police (ANP) and the Afghan National Army to conduct their first major combined operation dubbed as Operation Kenai. While the Soldiers of the ―Arctic Legion‖ have conducted multiple patrols with their Afghan partners during the last few weeks since assuming operations in Zabul Province, this operation, marks the first major operation conducted together by all three organizations. ―During this operation we had our first opportunity to work with the ANA and
laid the foundation of a relationship that will allow us to conduct future combined operations,‖ said 2nd Lt. Sam Palmer, a platoon Leader for the 124IN. ―The ANA are a competent force capable of operating independent of [U.S. Forces],‖ Palmer praised. The success of the operation was found not just in the capabilities of the soldiers involved, both Afghan and American, but in the deep partnership that is already growing between them. All aspects of the operation were planned by both ―Arctic Legion‖ Soldiers as well as their Afghan counterparts and were rehearsed together as one team. Capt. Jeremy Medaris, Charlie Company‘s commander was satisfied the long hours of prepare Capt. Jeremy Medaris, Charlie Company‘s com
mander was satisfied the long hours of preparation and hard work had paid off during the mission. ―The U.S and Afghan partnership proved highly effective in bringing security to an area that sees minimal Coalition or Afghan presence and also proved a good opportunity for the Afghans to provide a beneficial government presence to an isolated populace,‖ Medaris said. As the Soldiers of 1-24 continue to make their presence known amongst local insurgent groups, they know that their partners of the Afghan National Security Forces become ever more capable of conducting operation to lead on their own. Shoulder-to-shoulder, this is Combined Team Zabul and it continues to strengthen the security and stability of Zabul Province every day.
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Story and Photos By: Spc. Thomas Duval 1/25 SBCT PAO
ZABUL, Afghanistan-- As the war in Afghanistan enters its tenth year; IED‘s remain a major threat to the thousands of men and women in the armed forces. The military continuously seeks to employ the latest technology to counteract this hazard with creations such as specialized vehicles including Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and innovations such as electronic countermeasures. While such technological advancements undoubtedly contribute to save the lives of many U.S. and coalition war fighters, soldiers stationed in at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Lagman, in Zabul, Afghanistan don‘t hesitate to put their faith and ultimately their lives in the hands, or more specifically, the paws of ‗man‘s best friend‘. Studies have shown that a dog‘s sensitivity to smell to be greater than 10 times that of a typical human, The U.S. military‘s current crop of the Canine (K9) corps can follow their noses to smell concentration levels 100 million times lower than the human nose which allows them to protect Soldiers in a way that no man-made equipment can. ―There isn‘t a piece of equipment that can do what a dog can do,‖ said Air Force Tech Sgt. Richard Duvall, a Tulsa, Okla., native and Kennel Master assigned to the United Kingdom based 48th Security Forces Squadron. According to Duvall, a dog‘s ability to interact with its handler and its ability to adjust to the surroundings puts them a ―paws and shoulders‖ above even the most advanced robots. Although there are a number of breeds of dogs that make the perfect pet, there are very few that can perform at the intense level the military requires. Some of the more popular breeds selected by the military for combat operations include the German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. K9‘s, or military working dogs (MWDs) can detect chemicals used to make IED‘s, narcotics, mines, and weapons caches better than any other
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animal, especially with the addition of their specialized training, Duvall said. An average military working dog spends more than a year training to detect such hazards before being assigned to a unit. From there the pups receive more advanced training to hone in on one of nine military specialties, many of which are highly guarded to maintain operational security. Once equipped with the right training and skills, Duvall said our four-legged allies can help change the outcome of any mission. Duvall recalls during a previous deployment to Iraq, one MWD whose mere presence was enough to strike fear in the hearts of insurgents who were known to refer to the all black German Shepherd as the ‗grim reaper‘. Despite being perceived as aggressive animals because of the nature of their job MWDs are also highly disciplined, something the military puts great emphasis on whether it comes to Soldiers or canine counterparts. ―Our dogs are very disciplined…we treat our dogs just like a new Airman or new Pvt. In the Army,‖ said Air Force Staff Sgt. April Lorah, a dog handler assigned to the 673rd Security Forces, stationed out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Alaska. ―The more they behave during our training and the longer we work with a dog the more we can release them without a leash and trust them with more responsibility. Kind of like an airman or Pvt. works to become a NCO,‖ She laughed. Together Duvall, Lorah, and the rest of their team mates have more than twenty years of experience handling dogs making Combined Team Zabul‘s K9 team one of the best. They have also managed to bring together almost every military service to include the Air force, Army and the Navy. Down through history, the K9 teams of the U.S. military have easily helped save the lives of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. However, the mission of freedom‘s forces far from home continue, so this is no time to celebrate and Lorah feels confident that the future is much brighter with the help of her com-
Photo By: Spc. Thomas Duval
Photo By: Spc. Thomas Duval
bat canine companion. Although MWDs have been receiving some long-overdue headlines September 11, 2001, the concept of using dogs in war is definitely not new. Many historians have pointed out that dogs have been used in combat as early as 628 years before Christ. Between 1525 and 1580, Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I sent more than 1,200 dogs to war. Fast forward to May 2, 2011 and another MWD, or perhaps more appropriately, a canine commando burst into the spotlight. U.S. Navy Seals, on that day of infamy, accompanied by a Belgian Malinois, by the name of Cairo, executed their now-worldrenowned raid to kill 9/11 mastermind, Osama Bin Laden, making Cairo the poster pup for a star-spangled success in the war on terror.
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Father-son team deploy to Afghanistan Story By: Spc. Thomas Duval 1/25 PAO FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan – For as long as there has been an Army there have been stories of triumph, stories of loss and often timeembellished stories told by a grandfather to his grandchildren or a father to a son or daughter who sat wide eyed hanging on every word. Many children will grow up to remember these stories for what they truly were, a faint memory embroidered with heroics and relived at family gatherings. But for the Crist family the stories told and memories cherished will be those of a deployment shared by a father and son. Like many children, Spc. Daren Crist followed in his father‘s footsteps making sure not to fall too far behind. ―I wanted to follow the same path as my dad,‖ he said. After enlisting in the Army in 2008, nearly 30 years after his dad Master Sgt. Brian Crist, the soon to be imagery analyst was shipped off to basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., followed by advanced individual training at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and then his first permanent duty station at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Daren‘s path was headed in a different direction than his father‘s, who had enlisted in 1987 to be a wheeled vehicle mechanic, but it wasn‘t long before the two paths would realign. As his original commitment to the Army entered its final two years, a window opened for Daren to serve next to his father. He jumped at the opportunity despite the fact that his dad‘s unit, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, was gearing up for a deployment to Afghanistan. ―It‘s not every day a Soldier gets the opportunity to deploy with (his) dad,‖ the 20 -year-old said. ―He left his cushy assignment at Fort Sam to re-enlist and come to the Stryker Brigade and deploy to Afghanistan,‖ the 24year Army veteran and senior career counselor for the 1/25 SBCT said. ―It makes me feel great.‖ Since deploying to southern Afghanistan in April the two have continued their commitment to one another, making sure to see each other every day. ―It‘s awesome,‖ said Daren, a Governor,
Master Sgt. Brian Crist and his son Darren Crist pose for a photo at Forward Operating Lagman. The two are currently deployed together. Photo By:
N.Y., native. ―I get to see my best friend every day.‖ ―If he was in another location and I didn‘t have eyes on him I would worry,‖ Brian said. ―Knowing that we have the ability to see each other every day makes it easier.‖ On June 1, Daren and his dad shared a once in a lifetime experience for them as the young specialist pinned his dad with the rank of master sergeant. ―It‘s the best feeling in the world to have your son promote you in a combat zone,‖ Brian said. The promotion not only symbolized a lifetime of dedication by Brian but also set the bar for Daren. ―Seeing how everyone in my dad‘s office respects him and how they view him is definitely motivating,‖ the imagery analyst said. ―(His promotion) definitely gives me something to work toward.‖ Although they both agree that the deployment together has strengthened their bond there are still times where the line between being a dad and a senior noncommissioned officer is tested. ―Growing up I would get the NCO talk and
then five minutes later I would get the dad talk,‖ Daren laughed. ―There are the normal things you see as a dad that you want to step in and help but I know I can‘t. I have to let him find his way,‖ Brian said. ―At the same time I haven‘t ever had to intervene because of his outstanding leaders.‖ No matter how gray or thin the line may get for the Crist battle-buddy team, the expectations from father to son are still clear. ―As a parent you want your child to do the best they can,‖ Brian said. ―As an enlisted Soldier I want him to be master of his craft, know what his (military occupational specialty) is and strive to be the best.‖ Just like every story, the Crist family deployment will have an end but it‘s a story they look forward to retelling in the years to come. ―To be able to sit down in 10 or 15 years and talk about our deployment is going to be an exciting experience,‖ Brian said.
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Stryker Soldiers remember fallen with Memorial run Story By: Spc. Thomas Duval 1/25 SBCT PAO FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan-Service members from all branches of the military gathered at Forward Operating Base Lagman in southern Afghanistan Sunday, May 29, to pay tribute to all the men and women who have paid the ultimately price for freedom, during a Memorial run. The distance each servicemember ran depended on the individual runner, with the longest being a 10K. ―We just wanted to have an Informal event to remember all our brothers and sister who have gone before and paid the ultimate sacrifice,‖ said Chief Warrant Officer 3 William Steele, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division targeting officer. ―The run has
allowed us to come together as a team and honor and remember those that we have lost.‖ ―We will never be able to fully repay those who have gone before us but we hope that by remembering their sacrifices and paying tribute to all the men and women we can help keep their legacy alive,‖ said Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Allen, fire support senior NCO , 1/25 SBCT. While many people will gather this day to remember and pay tribute to the men and women of the armed forces, the observance took on a greater level of importance for the 1/25 SBCT Soldiers, who lost three Soldiers to an IED earlier this month. ―They paid such a large price and we just want to try to do our smart part in thanking them and their families for their dedication,‖ Allen said.
Story By: Spc. Thomas Duval
Army Mom is Army Strong Story By: Pfc. Andreka Johnson 1/25 SBCT PAO
ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan Growing up in Las Cruces, N.M., Pfc. Bridget Cooper faced many challenges but never met one she couldn‘t overcome. But shortly after joining the Army in 2010 she was faced with a more difficult challenge: deployment. "After joining I could remember thinking about how much I had learned while going through training and the challenges I faced while trying to adjust to a new lifestyle,‖ said Cooper a supply clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team 25th Infantry Division. "With the leadership I had I was able to overcome that obstacle and by doing that they were able to mold me into the soldier I am today in which what prepared me for my first deployment." "I'm going to be honest,‖ said Cooper, "coming in as a new soldier I didn't know what to expect, but now I‘m starting to apply the skills that I have been taught and make the necessary adjustments that I need to make it through this deployment."Cooper turned to her bubbly personality having support the support of my family,
friends, and fellow soldiers are a really big help during times like these but having to be apart from my family and friends is also very hard," said the Las Cruces native. Another thing is that not only do I have to worry about myself but my husband as well who is also serving here in Afghanistan but in a different area of operation." Although deployment is new to Cooper, she has realized that a very important element to success during a deployment is taking it one day at a time and taking advantage of the little things that make her happy. "On my spare time I enjoy video chatting with my kids, and hanging out with the friends I have made here. Other than that I do my Job and work towards personal goals that I have," said Cooper. While planning to continue her education cooper also looks forward to another short term goal."I think that she is going to be just fine," said Staff Sgt. Stephanie Nye, a Greensburg, Pa., native and a supply sergeant with 1/25th SBCT. ―As her supervisor I am here to mentor her so that she can someday become a leader and I also look forward to her being promoted soon.‖
Pfc. Bridget Cooper looks at a picture of her four kids. Photo By: Pfc. Andreka Johnson
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Stryker Retention Update Eligible Parameters: Soldiers with an ETS prior to 30 Sept. 2012 are eligible to re-enlist during this current FY Over-strength MOSs: Soldier who chose to re-enlist and who currently possess one of the following as their PMOS will be required to re-class. All MOSs are in regards to SL 1 unless marked otherwise with a (2) 11B,12B,12K,12R,12T,12V,12W,13B,13D,13F,13M,13P, 13R, 13T,13T(2), 13T, 14S, 14T, 15B, 15D, 15F, 15G, 15H, 15J, 15N, 15P, 15R, 15S, 15 T, 15U, 15Y, 19K, 25B, 25C, 25F, 25 L, 25M, 25N, 25P, 25P(2), 25Q, 25Q(2), 25U, 25U2, 25W, 27D, 31B, 35G, 35M, 36B, 36B(2), 56M, 68A, 68E, 68G, 68H, 68J, 74D,74D(2), 88H, 88H(2), 88K, 88M, 88M(2), 88N, 91A, 91B, 91E, 91G, 91H, 91H(2), 91J, 91J(2), 91K, 91K(2), 91L, 91P, 91P(2), 92A, 92F, 92F(2), 92G, 92G(2), 92L, 92S, 92W, 92Y, 94A, 94D, 94E, 94E(2), 94F, 94F(2), 94H, 94M, 94P, 94T, 94X, 94 Y
Re-enlistments: Spc. Brett M. Schoellkopf Spc. Jerald R. Berry Spc. Zachary T Ivie Cpl. Ricardo E. Siqueiros Sgt. Dustin L. Miller SSG. Ryan A. Waldrop SFC. Douglas J. Shelby Sgt. Jorge C. Webb Sgt. Antwan L. Young Sgt. Dustin R. Hassler
Sgt. David K. Hunsperger Spc. Alexander T. Dreher Sgt. Ryan R. Shumate Spc. Nicholas A. Eilers Spc. Tsotonenome Djogbessi Spc. Isaac Carrillo Spc. Charles R. Mazzullo SSG. Damien D. Leslie Sgt. Joseph N. Page
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Task Force Automatic delivers hope to Daman district
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, deliver school supplies to a school in Daman District of Afghanistan. (U.S. Army Photo By: Capt. Angela Chipman 2-8FA UPAR
Story By: Spc. Thomas Duval & Capt. Angela Chipman FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan— Located in Eastern Kandahar, the Daman district is just one area suffering from the ravages of more than 30 years of war. Like most provinces in Afghanistan, local villagers focus much of their time tending to their farms, which often suffer from a lack of nourishment due to the lack of streams and the extremely dry land. For the people of Daman Province, a lack of schools and hospitals makes life difficult. During a recent mission Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and 25th Infantry Division came to the aid of the suffering district. While partnering with the local Af
ghan National Security Forces, Soldiers from ‗Task Force Automatic‘, assisted in the delivery of much needed schools supplies. Among the supplies delivered were pens, paper, books and book bags. ―It feels great to make a noticeable difference in the lives of the Afghan people,‖ Said Capt. Angela Chipman, 2-8FA unit public affairs representative. ―We aren‘t just donating and delivering school supplies to the children we are giving the children of the Daman province an opportunity to attend school and learn.‖ She continued, ―It‘s about building a lasting relationship between the U.S. Forces and the people of Afghanistan and providing them with long-term solutions to their problems.‖ The relationship between the 28FA, the Afghan people, and the
Afghan Security Forces has shown significant gains in recent weeks said Chipman. With support from their local Afghan counterparts the 2-8FA was able to confiscate more than 30 bags of s substance known to be key component in home-made explosives used in improvised explosive devices. 1st Lt. Theodore Leakas praised the efforts of the Afghan Border Police, stating that they have made a great deal of progress in closing down the trafficking of dangerous substances throughout their area. Sgt. Nathan Kaiser beamed with pride when the bags of potassium nitrate fertilizer were loaded into secure holding containers. ―Our guys have done great things to get this stuff off the streets and, in my opinion; I believe we‘ve saved a lot of lives.‖
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73rd Engineers lead the way during Army Birthday Story By: Joel B. Anderson 1/25 PAOFORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan – The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division celebrated the Army Birthday here, Tuesday. After 236 years, there is an old saying in the United States Army, ―the more things change, the more they stay the same.‖ Soldiers of 73rd Engineer Company, Brigade Troops Battalion, 1/25th SBCT took a moment on the Army‘s big day for a couple of things that have stayed the same in the throughout the Army‘s 236 years. Spc. Alex Dreher definitely did his part to make June 14 a day he and his fellow Sappers would be sure to remember. Not only did Dreher receive a much-deserved promotion from private first class to specialist, he also reaffirmed his commitment to the Army and to the Nation. Dreher reenlisted for five more years in exchange for a bonus and reassignment to Fort Knox, Ky.
According to Sgt. 1st Class Bradley Hallum, of Ishpeming, Mich., opportunities remain plentiful for high quality Soldiers considering reenlistment. ―We have heard that drawdown may be coming, but Soldiers can rest assured that retention will always be an option, especially for our first-term Soldiers,‖ said Hallum. Immediately after 1st Lt. Matthew Smith, platoon leader and an Ogden, Utah, native, administered Dreher the oath of office, Col. Todd Wood, 1/25 SBCT commander, addressed the Sappers of the 73rd Engineers. ―It can‘t get much better than this,‖ said Wood. ―Reenlisting and getting promoted, both on the Army Birthday, not to mention in a war zone, is just almost unheard of, so I am really proud to be here and I am very proud of all of you here in 73rd Engineers. God bless each and every one of you for all that you do every day and God bless all of your families and friends back home.
What motivates me...
―Valley Forge, Custer‘s ranks, San Juan Hill and Patton‘s tanks …‖ and now on to the mountain-tops of Afghanistan … The U.S. Army may now have been plunged headfirst into the 21st Century with all of its space-age technology, but the key ingredient on the battlefield from age-to-age, the spirit of the American Soldier, is what will really keep the Army rolling along for another 236 years.
During a Deployment Soldiers can be tested both mentally and physically but every Soldier finds there motivation in something different. Here‘ s what drives Spc. Maria Montano.
“My motivation is establishing a bright future and working towards my degree.” Tell us what motivates you!
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Afghan National Police assume command of Checkpoint 18 Story By: 2nd Lt. John Conard 5 -1 CAV UPAR FORWARD OPERATING BASE FRONTENAC, Afghanistan -- Fifth Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, officially transferred authority for Checkpoint 18 of Afghan National Highway Route 617 to the Afghan National Police (ANP) earlier this month. The checkpoint is a mission essential control point that monitors the Serband Bridge, a key entry point into the Shah Wali Kot district. The transfer of the checkpoint marks a major step forward for the Afghan National Secu rity Forces (ANSF) in Shah Wali Kot, evidence of how the ANP continues to get stronger by the day. Checkpoint 18 has been under
“It is time for us to stand on our own feet and take control.” ANP officer
the control of International Security Assistance Forces control since it was first created. It sits at a key intersection between Arghandab and Shah Wali Kot and monitors Route Bear, the only paved road connecting the two districts. the only paved road connecting the two districts. In the past, Route Bear has been used as a main avenue for Insurgents moving from Shah
Checkpoint 18 Commander Abdul Rahman (second from the right) with his ANP officers overlooking the Serband Bridge, the key entry point into Shah Wali Kot. (Photo By: Capt. Angela Chipman 2-8FA UPAR)
Wali Kot to conduct attacks in the Arghandab District and Kandahar City. It was ISAF‘s responsibility to try and curb Taliban movement. However, thanks to the creation of ANP checkpoints Route Bear is relatively safe and free of insurgent traffic with the last successful IED strike occurring December 31, 2010. ANSF now controls the security along the entire road. Abdul Rahman, an ANP officer now appointed to serve as Checkpoint 18 commander, believes the ANP are ready to take control of the security of Shah Wali Kot. Rahman recently stated confidently, ―We are ready to be responsible for the security of Shah Wali Kot….It is time for us [ANP] to stand on our feet and take control.‖ This historic turnover is yet another message to the Taliban that the ANSF are growing stronger and are ready to secure their country.
SPC Jorge Villanueva, HHSB 2-8th Field Artillery, keeps watch from the gunners turret at Checkpoint 507 in the Daman District. The unit had been conducting partnered operations with the Afghan Border Patrol in an effort to reduce illegal smuggling in their immediate area.
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Behind the Line with Human Resource Specialist Story By: Spc. Thomas Duval 1/25 ZABUL, Afghanistan-- There is an unsung group of heroes in our Army fighting an endless war. Their pictures are rarely, if ever seen on Army recruitment posters and they are seldom depicted in Hollywood movies. Nevertheless, they have dedicated their lives and make it their duty to battle the never -ending mounds of paperwork that seem to mark each milestone of a Soldier‘s career. The Soldiers, who embody this admirable work ethic, are the human resource specialists of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. Working around the clock, the HR Soldiers provide a valuable service that not just any Soldier can perform.
the most important part is taking care of the Soldiers whether that includes updating ERB‘s or writing a letter to the family members of Master Sgt. Paul Wayfield, senior our fallen Soldiers,‖ said Cpl. Samhuman resources noncommissioned uel Whaley, an Ogden, Utah, native officer of 1/25 SBCT, a Fort and the 1/25 SBCT strength manLauderdale, Fla., native, leads the S agement noncommissioned officer -1 shop, which is responsible for the in charge. staffing, personnel movement, and Whaley and Waythe administrative field both agree needs of more than their team accom4,000 ―Arctic plishes these diffiWolves‖ Soldiers cult tasks through a “Our work is our currently serving in term commonly Afghanistan in supused by Soldiers, biggest motivator…” port of Operation teamwork. Enduring Freedom. ―Respect is earned As the senior bri… and teamwork gade HR NCO, plays a very imporWayfield and his Soldiers provide tant role,‖ Wayfield said. ―Working all aspects of essential services and in an operational environment, leadsupport to Arctic Wolves and their ers have an excellent opportunity to families whether at home station or build teams and systems that can be in a deployed environment, he said. sustained long after operations tranThe HR team also shoulders the sition back to garrison. In this enviresponsibility of an almost endless ronment Soldiers share many things list of tasks most would consider that would otherwise not be possioverwhelming, such as identificable due to garrison battle rhythms.‖ tion cards, requests for leave and According to Wayfield the key to earnings statements, promotions, overcoming the demanding workreductions, and enlisted records load is to ensure that leaders at the updates. lowest level are involved in their ―We see many things in our job and
Soldiers‘ lives and that each Soldier gives their all everyday – something he said his Soldiers do very well. ―Knowing the Soldiers, their strengths and weaknesses helps all leaders ensure all Soldiers‘ needs are addressed no matter how big or small,‖ he continued. ―After 18 years, Soldiers never cease to amaze me, no matter the conditions Soldiers strive to do their best each day.‖ Wayfield and his Soldiers have mastered the ability to build a great team and their battle buddies have began to notice the importance of HR specialists. ―It‘s always easy for Soldiers to overlook the jobs that aren‘t necessarily combat arms MOS‘s (Military Occupational Specialties) but our S1 shop usually works just as hard as the men on the frontlines and you never find them complaining,‖ said Pvt. Cody Spradlin, a fire support specialist assigned to the Brigade Troops Battalion, 1/25 SBCT. ―They do everything to help our Soldiers.‖ ―Our work is our biggest motivator… for us to know that we actually helped someone further a Soldier‘s career or gave a family member closure makes all the long days
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REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN COMRADES
Spc. Bradley L. Melton
PFC Cheizray Pressley
SGT Jeffrey C. S. Sherer
: PVT. Lamorol J. Tucker
PV2 Ryan Larson
―For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack‖.
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PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS
The following Soldiers were awarded the Purple heart for there actions in combat during OEF 2011.
PFC. Thedford Fox JR. PFC. Tokailagi Semisi CPL. Keyan Brown PFC. Curtis Bartell PFC. Luke Wedgewort SSG. Joshua Ingram PFC. Fidel Bobadilla PFC Koontz Christopher PVT. Michael Dirisio SPC. Bradley Melton PFC. Cheizray Pressley PVT Lamorol J. Tucker
1st Battalion, 24th Infantry 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Brigade Troops Battalion Brigade Troops Battalion Brigade Troops Battalion Brigade Troops Battalion
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U.S. and Romanian Soldiers search for improvised explosive devices using K9‘s .
Story By: Spc. Thomas Duval 1/25 PAO FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan – ―Umār la umār!‖ is a Romanian phrase, which along with the Dari phrase, ―Shona ba Shona,‖ both translate in English to ―shoulder to shoulder‖ and for U.S. and Romanian Soldiers in Afghanistan, it has evolved into more than just a phrase. Instead ―shoulder to shoulder‖ is the way Romanian and U.S. forces operate daily since July 2003. This unique partnership could not be more apparent than in southern Afghanistan along Highway 1, one of the most dangerous stretches of road in all of Afghanistan. Here, the Arctic Wolves, Soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, work hand in hand with their Romanian counterparts from the 2nd Battalion ―Cālugreni‖ and 26th Infantry Battalion ―Red Scorpions,‖ both of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, to aggressively fight insurgents and help build the capacity of the Afghan government for the local populace. ―We have an extremely rare and strong bond with our Romanian brothers and sisters in arms – we have these two
“We share the hardships, accomplishments, joys and sorrows.”
Romanian battalions and their command and control staff here and I am constantly amazed by how well they integrate themselves into our operations,‖ said Col. Todd R. Wood, commander of 1/25th SBCT. ―I really want to be sure we get the word out to people on the home front … in Romania, but also in Alaska. I know the folks in Alaska would be intrigued by the way we come together in this challenging environment day after day up against the insurgents … it‘s a lot like life in the Last Frontier … Alaska. It‘s tough here, too … challenging and extreme.‖
Photo By: Sgt. Michael Blalack
The U.S.-Romanian team, also known as Combined Team Zabul conducts daily combat operations together to include route clearance, patrols and more recently have began joint training for military working dog searches. ―We share the hardships, accomplishments, joys and sorrows,‖ Wood said. Overall, the military partnership between the two nations is not new, but it is unknown to most Americans. ―We have been in Afghanistan with our U.S. partners since 2003 and we also stood with you in Iraq, as well as Kosovo. This is a long and fruitful partnership that we are very proud of,‖ said Col. Marius Harabagiu, Romanian brigade commander. The history between the two countries stretches back to 1880 when U.S. and Romania first began diplomatic relations and strengthened after 9/11 when the U.S. lobbied for Romanian acceptance into NATO. It was those actions that have since developed the working relationship into a true ―shoulder to shoulder‖ operational partnership.
ARCTIC WOLVES
STRYKER CREED "Strike First - Strike Hard!"
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Strike Fear in the enemy's hearts and minds; I am a lethal and skilled war fighter with unmatched intestinal fortitude. Being a disciplined, professional soldier, I live the army values.
1/25 SBCT PAO CONTACTS
Committed to my fellow soldiers, unit, and country, I am ready to answer my nation's
joel.b.anderson@us.army.mil
call - NOW!
michael.d.blalack@us.army.mil thomas.duval@us.army.mil andreka.johnson@us.army.mil Have photos to share or a story send us an email!
Tough, both physically and mentally, and instilled with the Warrior Spirit, I can accomplish any mission - anytime, anywhere! "ARCTIC WOLVES"
CONTRIBUTORS Battalion Public Affairs Representatives * 2-8FA Capt. Angela Chipman
MAJ. JOEL ANDERSON PAO OIC
* 1-24IN 1st Lt. Mathew Rogers *3-21IN Chad D. Wriglesworth *1-5IN 1st Lt. Mathew R. Burke
SGT. MICHAEL BLALACK PAO NCOIC
*5-1CAV 2 Lt. John Conard *BTB 2nd Lt. John Conway *BSB Stephen T. Leader 1LT
SPC. THOMAS DUVAL PRINT JOURNALIST PFC. ANDREKA JOHNSON PRINT JOURNALIST CAPT. ANGELA CHIPMAN 2-8FA UPAR 1ST LT. MATHEW ROGERS 1-24IN UPAR “FIRST WITH THE TRUTH”