The Rolling Review 821st Transportation Battalion
233D TC
411th TC DET LSV-5
129th TC
1452nd TC “Rough Riders”
481st TC DET LCU 2018
824th TC DET LCU 2002
“SAIL ARMY”
“SAND DEVILS”
JAN
651st THOD
548th TC DET LSV 8
Local Reconnaissance: “Sight Seeing”
Story and Photos by SPC Leticia Samuels
From Dubai to Kuwait City, there are various places that have magnificent architecture that catch the eye at first glance. In Dubai, named after the UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the tower Burj Khalifa is the biggest attraction, which is said to be the tallest building in the world, and is also featured in the movie “Mission Impossible: 4”. This amazing 160 floor manmade skyscraper reaches heights of 2,273 feet and has 108 residential floors that sold out in less than 8 hours after its opening. There are also 37 floors of office spaces and business suites. This work of art also has a number of sky lobbies, the world highest nightclub on the 144th floor, indoor and outdoor swimming Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Photo by pools, a restau- SPC Leticia Samuels 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army. rant “At.moshpere”, an Armani Hotel (yes Armani has a hotel), and the world’s fastest elevators reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. To top off all of this exquisite eye candy, there is a fountain system, The Dubai Fountain, which dances to world music, classical, and contemporary Arabic music shooting water 150 feet into the air and displaying a colored array of lights keeping the crowd enter-
The Dubai Restaurants connected to the Dubai Mall that have an outside view of the Dubai Fountain. Photo by Spc Leticia Samuels, 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army
tained. A short walk from this tower is the Dubai Mall with over 440,000 feet of fashion in a short stroll; including an indoor three floor aquarium that tourist can swim in. There is also the Dubai Ice Rink, the Reel Cinemas, and the Sega Republic, which is like an amusement park inside the Mall. If you walk toward the back of the mall and across the street, you will run into the viewers set up where most people come to view the Dubai Fountain show.
Photo to the left if acritecture that tourists pass by entering Dubai. The photo to the right is a night shot of Burj Khalifa. Photo by SPC Leticia Samuels, 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army
Local Reconnaissance: “Sight Seeing Continued”
Story and Photos by SPC Leticia Samuels
In the opposite direction of Dubai is Kuwait, where you find various interesting tourist attractions, tourist can request a visit to the Kuwait National Museum. The museum displays facts about past history covering different eras such as the modern stone age, Al Ubeid Period, The Bronze Age and the Hellenistic Period just to name a few. There is also a display of lost artifacts recovered from various archeological sites: As-sabiyah area, Burqan Sulaibikhat Hill, and Bheita. Next is the Heritage Museum. Built to represent a small town in an ancient Kuwait, visitors can enact with the museum’s depiction of lifelike figures, home life and stores of the era like a “Souk” which loosely resembles a flea market and paints a vision of what it would be like to walk down the road in that era. After digesting a little history about this culture you get to digest some good stuff. The best part when visiting a different country, the food! Included in our trip, we dined at a restaurant named “The Seven Seas”. This restaurant is built right on the beach line and has an elegant aqua theme to it. There, they serve a menu of all the famous Arabic cuisines
The “Seven Seas” restaurant on the beach front in Kuwait City. Photo by SPC Leticia Samuels, 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army
with a splash of Pepsi or 7up. Lastly, we visited the Kuwait Aquarium that had numerous marine tanks that had a plethora of aquatic life: stingrays, clown fish, lion fish, sharks, and long fins are very common in this region of the world. You also rest your eyes on animals that are found in this region as well like desert lynx, Common Kestrel, Fennec Foxes, Diadem Snakes, and my favorite Yellow Pythons!
Another work of arictecture with Arabic design that tourists pass by on the way to the downtown area of Kuwait City. Photo by SPC Leticia Samuels, 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army
Local Reconnaissance : “Bataan Memorial Death March” In April 1942 resistance from U.S. Air Force and Filipino Soldiers began to falter to the Japanese Imperial Army, not only due to the three month long Battle of Bataan, but from having to defend themselves from disease and severe malnourishment as well. Their defenses, broken by the Japanese Army, led by Lieutenant General Masaharu Homma, forced the order by Major General Edward P. King for the American and Filipino forces to surrender. The Japanese didn’t anticipate the 76,000 disease carrying and malnourished Soldiers found after the surrender. Since the Japanese weren’t a vehicular mobile unit, the now captured Prisoners Of War were forced to march to a collection point in Balanga, 25 miles from Bataan, then another 31 miles to the town of San Fernando where they boarded a train that carried them to on to Capas. After disembarking the train the POWs marched yet another 9 miles to the military outpost known as Camp O’ Donnell. From the beginning of the march all the way to the end Soldier POWs had to endure numerous abuses and mistreatments. Known as the oriental sun treatment, the prisoners were forced to sit hours in the blazing sun. They were subject to being shot if they drank water without permission or cut the line in order to beat another to water. Often times they were forced to drink water containing maggots and other contaminates when there were clean water sources nearby. Soldiers attempting to help their weary or ill comrades on the “March of Death” ran the risk of being shot or bayoneted by Japanese Soldiers. In September 1945 LTG Homma was arrested and indicted for war crimes and was charged with 43 different counts of crimes against humanity. As his defense plea, he said that he remained “ignorant and unaware of the increasing death toll.” He was later sentenced to death and executed by firing squad on April 3, 1946. To remember these brave warriors and fallen comrades there are many events that take place every year to honor their courage, bravery and valor. In various places, including Camp Virginia, Kuwait, athletic events are held that have Soldiers partake in a 13.1 mile or 26.2 mile march with four categories for the 13.1 mile and six categories for the 26.2 mile march. Representing the 821st Transportation Corps Battalion was Capt. Jonathan Schneider, 1lt Bradley Taylor, Sgt 1st Class Carl Ellsworth, Staff Sgt Ian Gray, and Staff Sgt Brad Coates. They participated in the event, competing in the hardest of all ten categories, the 26.2 mile
Story and Photos by SPC Leticia Samuels march carrying a 35 lb Ruck sack. Coming in with a time of six hours and 15 minutes, they placed first in their category for this grueling event. During the competition our team had to endure some mistreatment of their own, having to battle the strong winds that kicked up fine sand all day long, compli-
From left to right : 1Lt Brad Taylor, Capt. Jonathan Schneider, SSG Brad Coates, SFC Carl Ellsworth, and SSG Ian Gray giving a “thumbs up” during the Bataan Run. Photo by SPC Leticia Samuels, 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army cating sight and breathing for their team. They also had to deal with the cold weather that kept taunting and slicing through their uniforms all day. From the early morning until after the award ceremony that day, just having to put up with a fraction of the obstacles that these Soldiers had to put up with during World War II, made everyone stop and think about what these guys really had to endure for the price of freedom. Capt Schneider, Commander of the 821st Battalion HHD, said “it was a team effort” and “The one thing I love about running is that you set a goal for yourself and then exceed it, shattering all barriers that you put up for yourself; That is a great feeling.” Sgt 1st Class Ellsworth also commented “We’re glad that we were able to compete, but were even more glad that it’s over” and “Its events like this that are important to compete in be-
cause we are keeping alive the memory of those who endured this tragic event.” . From left to right : Capt. Jonathan Schneider, SSG Brad Coates, SFC Carl Ellsworth, and SSG Ian Gray, 1Lt Bradley Taylor hold up their medals after winning first place in the Bataan Run. Photo by SPC Leticia Samuels, 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army
Local Reconnaissance: “Soldier of the board”
Pvt. 1st Class Travis Reiss,
SPC Brian Jackson, 651st THOD
Story and Photos by SPC Leticia Samuels
The Soldier of the Month Board is not only used to showcase a soldier’s military knowledge but is also used as a stepping stone for promotion. SGT Emmanuel Vasquez, a sponsor for lower enlisted Soldiers from the 651st Transportation Harbormaster Operations detachment said, “It’s good experience for these guys. Not only can they use this as a confidence builder in the military, but in the civilian world as well for things like job interviews.” On 14 MAR 12, Soldiers who have about a month to study using the Army study guide website, compete with each other answering a series of intricate questions. The Soldiers are given guidance by their sponsors, who are normally team or squad leaders. Sponsors also provide the panel with a brief summary of the Soldiers’ qualities, character and background information. Soldiers appear before a panel that consists of their company First Sergeants and the Command Sergeant Major of the Battalion. They are graded on a number of different categories such as reporting skills, appearance, and oral expression amongst other categories. There were 14 candidates that competed in the board this month and of the 14, two Soldiers from the 129th Transportation Company took the 1st place slots. For the lower enlisted category, SPC Linda Davis won 1st place and for the Non-commissioned Officers, SGT Darmeta Thomas was crowned. The two winners received a Battalion coin from the Command Sergeant Major and an Army Achievement Medal. Runners up received a Certificate of Achievement. Congrads to all the Contestants!! 1st Place Winners:
SPC Great Atandasalau, 651st THOD
SPC Lorenzo Soliz, 651st THOD
Runner’s Up:
SPC Rolando Foster, 651st THOD
SPC Yemisi Aladeselu, 651st THOD
SPC Linda Davis, 129th TC
Spc Sean Miller, 651st THOD SGT Jason Sherman, 129th TC
SPC Eduardo Lopez, 651st THOD
SGT Darmeta Thomas, 129th TC SSG Jeffrey Reeves, 129th TC
Local Reconnaissance: “St. Patrick’s day 1/2 Marathon”
Story by Spc Leticia Samuels Photos by Sgt Natasha Rice
A lot of people think that St. Patrick’s Day is another day to be off from work or an excuse to get pretty toasted but I’m here to say even though those are awesome reasons to celebrate this holiday, I want to enlighten you about the real significance of this holiday. Known also as “Feast Day”, meaning a patron such as St. Patrick was “birthed into heaven” on a specific day (March 17). This is why the Irish celebrate this holiday on 17 MAR every year. This green day was originally celebrated as a cultural and reliSPC Julian Frierson poses for gious holiday that recognized patrons like St. Patrick. the camera while running by. This day was also used to recognize the arrival of Christianity in Ireland led by this prestigious saint. After being captured and put into slavery for 6 years during his youth, St. Patrick escaped returning to Ireland and became a priest whose sole mission was to convert the pagan Irish into Christians. One of his SPC Leticia Samuels and SGT Veronica methods that worked the best was using the Zaragoza shows smles as they knock down shamrock as a symbol to explain the “Holy Trinity” the first few miles of the run. to the people. Once this took hold, people began to wear green to signify that they were wearing a shamrock on their clothing and to proclaim that they had accepted Christianity as their religion. Service members from the 821st Transportation Corps Battalion, along with soldiers from the 129th Transportation Company joined the soldiers and civilians at the Kuwait Navel Base to celebrate this commemorative holiday with a 13.1 mile half marathon run (fun huh). Some of the service members showed their support by wearing green as the color of choice. After completion of this awesome show of sportsmanship soldiers were rewarded with a green 5 kilometer t-shirt and a grey half marathon long sleeve t-shirt to say thanks for coming out. Even though soldiers were glad that the run was Female Soldiers shows her support finally over you could feel it in the air that Kuwaiti Naval Base Civilian also shows his apby sporting the infamous color green they were happy to have completed such a preciation for St. Patrick by wearing that awewhile running. some color!! task on a Saturday morning.
Left to Right: SGT Veronica Zaragoza, SFC Tammy Miller, SPC Leticia Samuels, SGT Katrina Clark, SPC Julian Frierson, and 1LT John Reich
1LT John Reich holds out his hands in excitement as he runs past the start line.
Left to Right: SGT Terrance Ardis, SPC Weir, and SGT Emmanuel Vasquez smile with exhaustion after the 1/2 marathon
PAO Adventures: MLK Day 5 K Run/Walk 821st Soldier Spotlight In Remembrance Soldier Spotlight from of Martin the 821st Luther HHD King Jr. SGT Natasha Rice Story By SPC Leticia Samuels
This month Sgt Natasha Rice holds the spotlight of the 821st Transportation Corps Battalion. Temporarily cross-leveled into the 821st Transportation Battalion to cover the NCOIC position of the S-6 or communication slot, Sgt Rice has risen to this task with ease, considering she knew nothing about communication upon arrival. She is from Seattle, WA and holds an 88M (Vehicle Operator) slot at the 1452nd Transportation Battalion from NC. As the S-6 NCOIC, her duties involve handling communication related issues from four of the Battalion’s down-trace units and four vessel units. While attending East Carolina University she saw an ad in the newspaper about educational benefits given out by the Army and decided to join. Now five and half years later Natasha plans to retire from the military. With Kuwait being her first deployment she said “this a very significant event in her life because I’ve had the opportunity to fly in a black hawk over Kuwait and go on a trip with one of the vessel units to Bahrain and Dubai.” On the civilian side of the house, Natasha has completed her Associate’s degree in Emergency Medical Science and currently attends Fayetteville Technical Community College pursing Nursing. She is employed as a paramedic in Robeson county working along with EMTs throughout the county to provide basic and emergency care en-route to selected hospitals. She is a single Mom to T’essence Ny’ree McGeachy and lives by the quote “Never make someone a priority in your life if to them you are only an option” She also enjoys reading books by her favorite author Zane, clubbing, going to the park with her daughter and traveling in her spare time. She says that best things that has happened in her life is the “birth of her mini me” and graduating with an associate’s degree but is making moves to advance her career up the ladder of medicine.
PAO Adventures: MLK Day 5 K Run/Walk In Remembrance Soldier Spotlight from of Martin the 821st Luther HHD King Jr. 821st Soldier Spotlight SPC Bradley Rice Story By SPC Leticia Samuels
Also taking the stage for 821st Transportation Battalion this month is SPC Bradley Rice. His home town is Wanego Kansas. His Military Occupational Specialty is a 92Y (Supply Sergeant). His duties entail keeping track of the unit property and try to supply the unit with the tools they need to complete there mission. Now at 8 years in service Brad’s motivation to join the army was his father being a 1 st sergeant along with a few others in his family, but isn’t sure what his plans for the military hold for him. In his Civilian life, Brad is a warehouse worker for Target Distribution Center. He loads merchandise into trailers to be shipped to other locations. Brad is also a expecting father to “Brooklyn” who is due in April. (Congradulations!!!!) In the spare time he will have left before his new bundle of joy gets here, Brad likes to play sports and video games and keeps the quote “Forgive your enemies but never forget their names” in the front of his head at all times..
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129th Transportation Company 129th TC Departs Story by Sgt Luther Hall
The journey for the 129th Transportation Company began back in February of 2011 in New Century, Kansas and is wrapping up here shortly in 2012. The Soldiers of the 129 th have come a long way and have sacrificed so much to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Operation New Dawn brought many challenges to the 129 th but with strong leadership and willing Soldiers, all missions was completed. A lot of different parts helped make up the 129 th TC. The unit had soldiers from Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska as well as Kansas. One of the bigger challenges for the company was having to come together in a short amount of time to form a tight nit unit that can carry out its military duties. The 129th was primarily stationed on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait while running missions all through Iraq and helping with the draw down from Iraq. The Soldiers of the 129 th have a lot to be proud of and will be going home with their heads held high for a job well done. With majority of the mission over, the 129th quickly turned to self improvement for its Soldiers. 129th helped Soldiers with getting into school, taking classes at the Arcent University, online classes/ trainings, financial classes and countless other opportunities to help Soldiers prepare for home. The unit is also proud of the Soldiers who took the time to re-enlist and continue their military career. Going home brings a great sense of excitement amongst the Soldiers that really can’t be described. The countless smiles, calls home, vacation planning and down time spending makes it all worthwhile for the 129th Transportation Company. So as the 129th prepares to return home a part of history for the United States and it’s Draw Down from Iraq, the Soldiers say “Thank You” to all that sent care packages, cards, snacks, pictures and anything that gave us a sense of home. See you soon.
Major Dwight Dickerson and 1SG Michael Brown receive a Bronze Star Medal and are congratulated by LTC Sell and CSM Ocasio. Photo by SPC Leticia Samuels, 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army
Soldiers from the 129th TC recite the re-enlistment oath with LTC Rodney Sell in front of their Aloc. Photo by SPC Leticia Samuels, 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army
129th Soldier Spotlight Story By SGT Luther Hall
SSG Anthony Rogers Staff Sergeant Anthony Rogers was born in Tallulah, Louisiana. SSG Rogers serves as the NCOIC for the 129th TC S-3 training section during this current deployment. SSG Rogers along with his soldiers has worked diligently is keeping up with all the training and soldier qualifications needed during Operation New Dawn. SSG Rogers has been and is a key part in everyday functions of the 129th TC. SSG Rogers is in charge of physical fitness test, online trainings, combative training, CLS (Combat Life Saver) recertification and countless other required training. SSG Rogers has been a proud member of the United States Army for a little over 8 years. SSG Rogers is currently on his second tour. SSG Rogers takes tremendous pride in his job and professionalism while striving to maintain the Army standard. SSG Rogers was also the NCOIC of the 129th TC remedial physical training program and has helped many soldiers pass the Army Physical Fitness Test. When not fulfilling his military duties SSG Rogers spends his time being with his family in Kansas City, Missouri. SSG Rogers enjoys running and working out to stay fit and mentally refreshed. In his civilian word SSG Rogers works as a maintenance technician for a commercial real estate company. Overall the men and women of the 129th TC can contribute a ton of its success to SSG Rogers and his fellow NCO’s of S-3 section. Soldiers have a great deal of gratitude for the tireless work they performed in keeping this operation moving. For his efforts and professionalism the 129th shines the spotlight on SSG Anthony Rogers.
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233D Transportation Company
Capt. Robin Wharton
The 233d Transportation Company has experienced an interesting couple of months. From mission transition to troop movements, there have definitely been no “slow” days for the Soldiers. Fortunately, the 233d is a group of hardworking individuals, ready to put forth their best efforts to accomplish all the missions they are given. I would like to recognize all of the Soldiers who have been sent home early; their hard work and dedication have become a standard within the Unit. Without them we would not have been able to accomplish the great feats over the last few months. Your return home is well deserved. Again, thank you for your dedicated and unrelenting service.
Capt. Robin Wharton shakes the hand of her Soldier and offers words of encouragement after pinning on his Army Achievement medal
“HEAVY TRUCK”
233D Transportation Company Busy, Busy, Busy Camp Arifjan, Kuwait – The Soldiers of the 233rd Transportation Company Camp Arifjan Detachment, 821st Transportation Battalion, have had an immensely busy month. With a majority of the unit forward deployed to Afghanistan, those remaining here have picked up the slack and ran with it. With the Responsible Drawdown of Iraq closed and the push to reduce troop presence within Southwest Asia, the 233rd’s new mission for Operation New Dawn is to prepare Camp Arifjan for the eventual transition into Kuwaiti hands. Typically units transitioning out of theater have a follow on unit to take over the equipment and the mission. During this transition period the former unit conducts a two week train with the new unit to ease them in to the mission as well as transfer the working equipment. With no follow on unit, the 233rd has been turning in their equipment back into theater property. The equipment is used to augment other units or sent back to the United States to be refitted and distributed. This process takes a significantly longer time and requires much more personnel to complete. Despite the challenge, the sustainers of the 233 rd have pressed on processing in excess of 1,000 pieces of equipment back to theater property, nearly clearing all of the property they inherited at the beginning of their rotation. SFC Tracy Turner, 233rd acting 1st Sgt. from Fort Knox, Ky., said “I am always amazed by how hard these guys will push themselves to get the job done” The transporters of the 233rd are also working towards another goal: going home. One of the main elements of the drawdown is the reduction of force and the remaining Camp Arifjan Detachment is one of those groups designated to end their tour early and return home. While many of the Soldiers are glad to go home, some wish they could stay or forward deploy to join the rest of their comrades. Spc. Nathaniel Clark, a heavy wheeled vehicle operator from Fort Knox, Ky., is one such Soldier “The idea of going home is awesome, but I also wish I could link up with my Platoon and serve out the rest of my deployment with the guys I came with” said Clark. Regardless of the future, the sustainers of the 233rd Transportation Company continue to push forward, accomplishing any and all missions that are put forth before them.
Soldiers from the 233rd Transportation Company unload a truck full of equipment into a container. In an effort to reduce the unit’s footprint within Camp Arifjan, the 233rd has been tirelessly packing equipment.
Pfc. Ramon Bounds (left), a wheeled vehicle mechanic from Fort Stewart, Ga., and Sgt. Alfred Blevins (right), a heavy wheeled vehicle operator from Fort Benning, Ga., load a container during a sandstorm.
“HEAVY TRUCK”
1452nd Transportation Company Major Teonnie Dotson
As the Convoy Expert Team departed for Afghanistan, I was reminded of what it felt like to leave home for this deployment. A part of my family (company) has been tasked to do bigger and better things in support of our country. I can’t express how proud I am of the 1452nd accomplishments during this deployment. I could not have served as Commander for a better company. I know that the CET team will represent us and the 821st BN well and look forward to their return at the end of their mission. As for the rest of the company, we began our preparation to possibly stand our maintenance section up again and anxiously wait to take on any task assigned to us in support of Operation NEW DAWN until it is time for our redeployment back to the states. I would like to congratulate the 1452nd Men’s Basketball team for winning First Place in the Camp Arifjan Season and Tournament. They also received Second Place in the ASG-KU Tournament which included the best teams from Buehring, Bahrain, and Camp Patriot. Master Sgt Michael Speed Another month has come and gone. It is hard to believe that the 1452nd has been on ground six months. We have been kept busy with a lot of tasking. The Soldiers have done a wonderful job completing each mission they were giving. I look forward to taking my Soldiers back home to their families. I want to wish all the Soldiers who have a birth day in March a happy Birthday.
“ROUGH RIDERS”
1452nd Transportation Company “On the road to Afghanistan” Story and Photos By Sgt Odaliska Almonte
Camp Arifjan Kuwait – On the were to take with them, while Solevening of Friday, 09 March, 50 Soldiers of the 1452nd Combat HET Transportation Company prepared to depart for their 90 daylong mission to Afghanistan. The orders came down in early March to have 50 of the Soldiers of the 1452nd to go to Afghanistan as security support and Heavy Equipment transport. While orders weren’t official until the beginning of March, our Soldiers have been preparing for Afghanistan in the eventuality of such a request coming down. Months before the official orders, our Soldiers went to Camp Buehring to train and familiarize themselves on the different equipment they may need to drive, preparing them for what was to come. On the weeks before leaving for Afghanistan the leadership pre-
diers pack the equipment they were instructed to take with them. Through the entire process Soldiers were in good spirits, even eager as the day approached for their departure. There were many of the Soldiers that were scheduled for Rest & Recuperation during the time of the mission but their sense of duty prevailed and placed their mission first before their time off. So they relinquished their R&R time to make sure they didn’t miss any of the mission and they were there to support their battle buddies on the mission. The day before the Soldiers were to leave they were instructed to withdraw weapons and on the day that was to be their last day in Arifjan, they drew their ammunition. The morning of 09 March the departing platoon had a formation to go over the last details before leaving that evening. During that formation 10 of their Soldiers where honored with a Certificate of Achievement from CSM Alma Ocasio for their participation in one of the most grueling ruck marches there is, the Bataan Memorial Death March.
James Grisby, SSG Steven Hare, SPC Daniel Lunsford, SPC Matthew Nixon, SGT Matthew Reece, SPC Joshua Roberts, SPC Jonathan Spurlin, SGT Jamie Walker and SSG Justin Wittmer - found time to be part of the time honored tradition of the Bataan Memorial Death March. At around 1800 hours on 09 March the 5 0 Soldiers had their last formation to which all the Commanders (Major Teonnie Dotson, LTC Rodney Sell, Colonel David Jones), Command Sergeant Majors (CSM Alma Ocasio and CSM William Gill) and First Sergeant of our company (MSG Michael Speed) attended to wish them well and say a few words of encouragement.
Before boarding the bus that would take them to the Ali Al Salem for their processing to Afghanistan, there was the traditional prayer before the mission was to begin with both the Chaplain from 821st Battalion and 113th Brigade. Those 50 Soldiers are in our Even throughout the whole hearts and prayers until their safe pared for their departure by ac- process of getting ready for the mis- return back to Arifjan in a 90 days’ counting for the equipment they sion, SPC Michael Fussell, SGT time.
651ST THOD Watercraft Commander’s Viewpoint Business is really picking up here in the KNB AOR. Vessels are currently turning and burning with very little down time. There are many missions ahead of to include new ports of call. At this rate, the 651st THOD and the four vessels here are looking to exceed all previous records in the amount of cargo hauled, miles traveled and ports visited. Not bad for the first ever Army Reserve Harbormaster and three Army Reserve Vessels. The personnel at the THOD, our Operations section and the VSO are all to be commended on the excellent job they are doing in keeping the vessels mission capable and preparing them to run their assigned missions. We at the 651st are beginning our downhill run with less than 90 days left here at KNB. We are working with our replacements to give them all necessary information so they can prepare for their arrival. It won’t be long before we’re packing and sending non- CW4 Charlene Winter essential items home. We’re already working on and submitting paperwork to our battalion back in the rear. So far, it’s been a great run and we hope to safely and successfully continue our mission right up until the last day we are on duty.
Lone Star Regulators - Getting the job done!! Sail Army!!! The First Sergeant’s Corner It’s March Madness down at KNB and the Transportation Harbormaster Operations Detachment. We have three vessels that are steadily in and out of KNB delivering cargo. The LSV 8 recently had two missions involving one of its heaviest loads since being in theater, transporting the very large and heavy concrete barriers. The LCU crews are running their vessels hard and utilizing their 88L (Watercraft Engineers) to the fullest by having them perform quick repairs on the vessels to turn them around from being Non-Mission Capable to Fully Mission Capable. The THOD has been helping each vessel out by supplying crew fill ins when the vessels have crew members that come off to attend medical appointments, emergency leave and training course attendance. Recently, the Soldiers from the THOD attended the Battalion Soldier of Month Board. For all of them it was a first time attending and for myself I felt like a Father watching his kids perform for the first time. I would say that I was very proud of their performance; they surprised me by doing better than I imagined as we had some Sgt 1st Class Darrell Bell challenging day and evening study sessions in order to prepare for the board. I knew they would do well, but they exceeded my expectations. The Soldiers are staying motivated, learning from each other and with the quick changes and requirements they are adjusting accordingly. Soon we will start to focus on our re-deployment and preparing for the arrival of our replacements. The goal going forward is to stay focused, finish everything safely, and leave on a positive note. Proud to be with the 651st THOD
SAIL ARMY!!!!
“SAIL ARMY”
651ST THOD Watercraft ARMY WATERCRAFT STAYING BUSY Story By Rolando Foster In the last three months of 2011 the four Army watercraft consisting of MG. Robert Small (LSV-08), MG Charles Gross (LSV-05), USAV Kennesaw Mountain (LCU-2002) and USAV Five Forks (LCU-2018) have transported well over 4300 tons of cargo. That is 740 pieces of equipment moved and 20,762 nautical miles sailed in just 117 days. That is 23,892 miles or about 32 trips to and from Baghdad. Now, a month and a half into 2012 the KNB Army vessels are on track to match the previous recorded numbers. Three out of the four vessels are constantly underway and are making a big impact. Missions are stacked up one after another for the foreseeable future and we down at the port wouldn’t want it any other way. The work horse of the fleet here is LSV-08 the MG Robert Smalls. The skipper of the LSV-08 is CW5 Hansen from Hawaii. His vessel is 314ft long and can reach 12 knots at full speed. If LSV-08 continues on her current pace she will pass the previous crew that manned her in tonnage and nautical miles traveled. The skip of the 8 boat was not available for comment due to cargo operations. Without a doubt the LSV-08’s two sister vessels the LCU-02 and LCU-18 are right behind them. Both are dedicated and eager to pass their previous counterparts in nautical miles and tonnage. And with the allotted missions set for the both of them in the coming months they will surely meet that goal. Crewman from the LCU 2002 help Third Country Nationals load ford trucks onto the lower deck of the 2002 vessel. Photo by SPC Leticia Samuels, 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army
Crewman on the LCU 2018 vessel anchor down cargo that was picked up in Dubai. Photo by SPC Leticia Samuels, 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army
Crewman from the LCU 2002 Vessel fish out their dummy named Oscar during a Man Over Board training exercise. Photo by SPC Leticia Samuels 821st TCBN, 113th SB, US Army
“SAIL ARMY”
Over the Edge th Stories From The High 411 Seas Soldier Spotlight
Story by SPC Rolando Foster
Soldier of the Month Story and photos by SPC Rolando Foster
Staff Sergeant Kenneth P. Schmidt is an Active Duty Soldier from Fairfax, VA. He has been married for eleven years to his wife Barbara J. Schmidt, and has one son, Cody. A few of his hobbies include playing the drums, fishing, and going to the hand gun range. He worked as a department manager for Lowes for fifteen years before joining the Army in 2003. SSG Schmidt graduated basic training from FT. Jackson, SC before attending 88L School (Water Craft Engineer) at FT. Eustis, VA. His first unit assignment was with the 558th Maintenance Company, where he provided general, and direct maintenance support for all vessels at 3 rd Port. After three years, he moved on to the 73rd Transportation Company working as a BD crane engineer. In September, 2007 SSG Schmidt was deployed to Kuwait with the 411th Transportation Detachment on the USAV James A. Loux LSV 6. In September 2008 he returned to FT. Eustis to work with the 1098 th Transportation Company as chief engineer aboard LCM 8541. Currently, SSG Schmidt is back in Kuwait serving as a crew member aboard the USAV MG Charles P. Gross LSV 5. SSG Schmidt’s awards include one ARCOM, three Good Conduct Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, The Global War on Terrorism Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, and an Over Seas Service Ribbon. He looks forward to being promoted to Sergeant First Class in the near future, and eventually hopes to retire from active duty as an enlisted soldier. SSG Schmidt is scheduled to return to The States November 2012.
The Funnies
THINGS TO DO Zone 1 Events 1 APR Credit Union 10 mile run - Fit. Ctr. 0600 6 APR Ol’ Skool Dominoes Tournament - Comm. Ctr. 1900 8 APR Easter Sunday Scavenger Hunt - Comm. Ctr. 1600 20 APR Ol’ Skool Spades Tournament - Comm. Ctr. 1900 23 APR Army Reserve B-Day 5K Run - Fit. Ctr. 0600 27-29 APR 72 Hour Marathon Fit. Ctr. 0100-2400
Zone 6 events 8 APR Easter Egg Hunt - MWR Stage 1500 22 APR “Flower Power” Power lifting Competition - Fit. Ctr. 1200 29 Functional Fitness 101 Pt 4 - Fit. Ctr. 1600
MWR Contact Info Zn 1 Pool 430-1300 / Open Swim 1000-1800 Fitness Ctr. 430-1302 / Open 24 Hrs Fitness Tent 430-4607 / Open 24 Hrs Library 430-1200 / 1000-2200 Comm. Ctr. 430-1205 / Open 24Hrs Zn 6 Fitness Ctr. 430-7475 / Open 24 Hrs Comm. Ctr. 430-7482 / Open 24 Hrs Internet Café Trailers 1 & 2 430-7482 / Open 24 Hrs - Also Company level Softball started 28 MAR and will continue until 14 June. - There will be Indoor Volleyball Tournaments at Zn 1 Fit. Ctr. 1800 every week
Open 0600/2000 Come enjoy a cup of coffee and have some snacks while you watch Sportscenter or a movie. Located right in the middle of Motorpool 23. Serving waffles every first and third Saturday.