Hellraisers HHB, 1-14 FA, AUGUST 2013 Newsletter WARRIOR OF THE WEEK NOMINEES SPC Milzarski SPC Harris SPC Waters BABY BIRTHS August 5th— Emery Sullivan, daughter of SPC Tyler and Elizabeth Sullivan August 15th— Prince Sewell, son of SSG Raymond and Tarae Sewell PROMOTIONS SPC Bryant to SGT PFC Burton to SPC PFC Luna to SPC
BIRTHDAYS As we near the mid point of our adventure in the United Arab Emirates, the calendar tells us we are nearing the end of summer. The temperature however, tells another story as the sun continues its relentless 100 degree days. While every Soldier plays a vital role in the success of our mission here at Al Minhad, Soldiers like SSG Foley, SGT Bass, SGT Amezcua, SGT Hernandez, SPC Harris, SPC Milzarski, and SPC Ayala displayed exceptional performance this month. They were recognized during an awards ceremony for their superior contributions to the Steel Warrior mission. HHB NCOs, SGT Livas, SGT Levy, SGT Hernandez, SGT Bryant, and SGT Balcinovic were inducted into the NCO Corps with an induction ceremony led by CSM Nolen and his professional team of NCOs. It was an amazing ceremony that instilled pride in every Soldier in attendance. Soldiers continue to stay busy with training and mission support activities as our training cycle continues in full swing. Leaders seize every opportunity to train Soldiers, increase their proficiency, and enhance our mission readiness. Our medical team continues to provide Combat Life Saver certification along with weekly health and wellness training. The communications crew began weekly Signal training in order to maintain our ability to communicate across the CENTCOM area and share knowledge across the battalion. It is truly amazing how creative and adaptive Soldiers can be. When Soldiers are not actively engaged in training, they are busy in a variety of extra curricular activities. Some choose to continue their self development through on-line college, while others elect to pursue the physical route through cross-fit or insanity workouts. CSM Nolen provides another source of entertainment with the Saturday night Karaoke program. Soldiers continue to explore the unique sites that the United Arab Emirates has to offer during MWR trips. This month, Soldiers were able to visit Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, where Ferrari World and a water park are located. Ferrari World allowed Soldiers to ride the fastest roller coaster in the world and explore the history behind Ferrari in a museum style setting. Closing out the summer fun and vacations for the Families back home, the children returned to school earlier this month eager to meet their new teachers and classmates. We would like to take a moment and thank Mrs. Mary Miller for the outstanding support she has provided to the Soldiers and the Families of HHB. You will truly be missed as part of our Family! 1SG Kevin Carter HELLRAISER 7
CPT Brandon McKean HELLRAISER 6
July—PFC Christopher Tanchyk 12th, SGT Dominique Livas 13th, CPT Nathan Tate 17th, SPC Nicholas Esposito 17th, CW2 Michael Carney 25th, PFC Andrea Burton 25th August— SPC Steven Bryant 5th, SSG Joshua Cope, 8th, SSG Justin Lowry 10th, SPC Quinton Ogletree 14th, SGT Kaley Maben 15th, SSG Jeremy Burns 16th, SPC Christopher Geisler 23rd, SPC David Perez 24th, 1LT Amanda Hassett 30th September—LTC JonPaul Maddaloni 5th, SPC Sonia ParraAceves 9th, SSG Jason Daigle 18th, SSG Matthew Dickson 18th, SPC James Bassett 21st, CPT James Guerrero 25th, SGT Duvina Segurabalcinovic 29th
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HHB Soldiers showing their gratitude for the care packages of Operation Gratitude
Newly promoted SPC Burton and SPC Luna receiving their hard earned rank
HHB FRG Leader, Jenny McKean, receiving volunteer recognition
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1SG Carter congratulates SGT Bryant for his promotion to Sergeant
HHB NCOs, SGT Livas, SGT Levy, SGT Hernandez, SGT Bryant, and SGT Balcinovic induction into the NCO Corps
Sunset at Camp Redleg
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The dog days of August are upon us, and the deployment has official met its halfway mark. The Soldiers of Alpha Battery continue their mission in the UAE, and are poised to begin the transition from a firing battery to a security force. Alpha and Bravo Batteries are set to switch responsibilities at Camp Redleg in the upcoming weeks. Within a month’s time, Alpha battery will become the security element on the camp. Other events on Redleg have included karaoke nights with horseshoe games, and an inter-battery sand flag football game between 2nd Fires and Headquarters Platoons; Headquarters squeaked by with the win after a hot and sandy game. The biggest event by far, however, was the battalion’s NCO Induction Ceremony. Alpha Battery had two of its newest Non-Commissioned Officers inducted into the ranks of the NCO Corps: SGT Brooks Robinson and SGT Chester Chapman. Both Sergeants were charged to provide the exemplary leadership to their Soldiers and to set the example for others to follow. In attendance at this event were NCOs of partner-nations the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand. The 75 th Fires Brigade, the supervising unit at Camp Redleg, was also in attendance. Now that Ramadan is over, the Assassins continue their training efforts with host-nation Emirati soldiers. Alpha Battery works with the Emiratis multiple times during the week, ensuring they are proficient in their crew drills. The Emiratis will also work with Bravo Battery as we help transition them to work closer with our UAE partners. Also since Ramadan ended, Alpha has gone on additional excursions into Dubai and the greater UAE. Recent trips include stops at the Dubai Mall, Ice Land Water Park, and Ferrari World Theme Park in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World boasts the world’s fastest roller coaster, topping out at a whopping speed of 150 mph. Upcoming events for Alpha Battery include the 1-14 Battalion’s Labor Day Run, a Battery dinner in Dubai, and a special Halloween-themed Adventure Race in October.
1SG Robert Terrill ASSASSIN 7
CPT Sean A Grevious ASSASSIN 6
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SGT Whigham providing a demonstration of HIMARS capabilities
SPC Rodriguez, SPC Harsvick, SPC Holmes, and SGT Dickson at Ferrari World
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SGT Robinson and SGT Chapman take their oath at the NCO Induction Ceremony
SSG Lund gives instructions before the Reload Competition
Award Ceremony for SPC Hoff
SPC Harsvick, SPC Holmes, 1LT Norman in front of the Sergent Major store at Dubai Mall
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As we near the half way mark in the deployment, the Soldiers, NCOs and Officers of Bravo Battery are preparing themselves for some significant changes. Throughout the month, training focus has slowly begun to shift from the Security Force (SECFOR) mission that we have been conducting to preparing to reassume the HIMARS mission that Alpha Battery is currently executing. This change in mission will mean a significant reorganization of Soldiers within the Platoons, training schedules, and training priorities. However, the Soldiers and NCOs are excited to be returning to their core MOS mission. As 13Ms and 13Ps, operating HIMARS launchers and FDC vehicles, processing fire missions and providing missile and rocket fires is why they joined the Army and everyone is excited to get back to it. Next month, in addition to the switch of missions between Bravo and Alpha Battery, the Bravo Battery will be conducting its required semi-annual HIMARS and FDC crew qualifications. Leading up to the qualifications, crews have been training extensively on all of their core competencies. They have been put to the test, both through written examinations and hands on skills tests. So far, Bravo Battery sections have performed superbly, consistently exceeding the standard and demonstrating that even though we have been executing a SECFOR mission primarily for the past 5 months, we are still more than ready and capable of assuming the HIMARS mission. Aside from the primary mission, Blackhorse Soldiers distinguish themselves in Battalion. LT Christopher Robbins along with SSG Joseph Clark planned, coordinated and executed two weapon qualification ranges for the entire Battalion. Their efforts, as well as the efforts of the rest of the Soldiers that helped with the ammo detail, supported the range as Range Safeties. They, additionally, participated in the range as shooters which helped to increase not only the Battery’s readiness, but helped improve the readiness and effectiveness of the Battalion as a whole. Another way that Bravo Battery has distinguished itself in the Battalion is by the continuing efforts of SSG Joseph Clark on the combatives mat. SSG Clark has set up and has been executing level one Army Combatives training for any Soldier interested from across the Battalion. So far he has certified about three dozen Soldiers and soon hopes to begin doing level two certifications. All the hard work that Soldiers have been putting out there, they have earned time off to relax a little too. Soldiers have been given the opportunity to explore some of the sights and attractions in and around the Dubai area, as long as they are in good standing and have met all the requirements. This past month, Soldiers visited some of the local beaches along the Jumeirah Beach strip, others visited Ferrari World, a theme park with the world’s fastest roller coaster, and the Dubai Mall to do some shopping and catch some of the newly released movies. Recognition of hard work doesn’t just come in the form of MWR trips though. This past month, William Kerley was laterally promoted from SPC to CPL after constantly demonstrating his ability to take on more responsibility and leadership. He sealed the deal when he graduated from the Warrior Leader’s Course at Camp Buehring, Kuwait on the Commandant’s List (the top 20%). SPC Shawn Cothran, SPC Shawn Fuller, and SPC Dalton Tambke were also presented the Army Good Conduct Medal for being outstanding Soldiers and setting the example for other Soldiers to follow by adhering to Army Standards and staying out of trouble. This month the Battery nominated SPC Robert Browder, SGT Jacob Goodall, and SSG Joseph Clark as ―Warriors of the Week‖ for their hard work and dedication. Lastly, the Blackhorse family was glad to reenlist SSG Alexander Cortes. SSG Cortes was reenlisted in Camp Buehring Kuwait by CPT Thorkildsen with both the current 75th Brigade Command Sergeant Major and the incoming 41st Brigade Command Sergeant Major in attendance. As always thank you to all the families back home for the support, the prayers, and the ongoing encouragement that helps us through each day. As we work, friends, family and loved ones are never far from our hearts and minds. As the Commander, I am always personally available to anyone and my email is available through the FRG. A special thank you to the FRG for their continuing support to both the Soldiers here and the families back home. I know that by working together, the Soldiers downrange and the families back home will become a stronger, more resilient unit and family. Blackhorse.
1SG Michael McLaughlin BLACKHORSE 7
CPT Justin Thorkildsen BLACKHORSE 6
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Bravo Soldiers posing for the camera
SPC Cowell relaxing after a volleyball
Bravo Soldiers during Combatives level one training with SSG Clark
The “Cross Collar Choke� is always a useful move
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PHOENIX 5 7 8
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Phoenix Warriors and Families,
Aug 31, 2013- ―Walk for 578th FSC‖ Kick Off on Saturday at 1000. Held at the 3 mile track on Ft. Sill. Sept 3, 2013-FRG Meeting/ Creative Card Night, Tuesday at 1800 in the FRC at Bldg 3423 We need continued cooperation from Soldiers and Families to maintain Operational Security (OPSEC). Please do NOT post anything on social media sites about Soldiers moving Sept 21, 2013– Phoenix around in theater. This places the Soldiers at risk. It also places your family at risk on the home Playdate, Saturday, Paintball!!! front. Sept 28, 2013– Post Individuals may try to target you because they know that your spouse is deployed. It is Wide Garage Sale Fundimperative that we all protect our Soldiers and our families from unnecessary dangers. This in- raiser. Post Wide Garage cludes any type of countdowns to re-deployment. Please use the FRG or the proper Red Cross Sale Fundraiser. Please donate any items including channels if there is an emergency or an important message that needs to be relayed. baked goods for this fundraiser! If you would like to The Soldiers have been training to support the Battalion and any contingency operations. We look forward to the desert heat dialing down as the seasons change. Your Soldiers are volunteer, please contact the also maintaining a high level of physical fitness. Some have had such a drastic change in physi- FRG Leader. cal fitness that you may not even recognize them! Their physical toughness reflects well on their Oct 01, 2013- Meet & mental toughness as we reach the midpoint of our deployment. Greet at Peachwave in Central Mall at 1800. With that being said, the FRG will start re-deployment training in October. This train- Oct 06, 2013- Spirit of ing will continue through the remainder of the deployment. Contact the FRG Leader with any Survival Walk. The BN is suggestions on redeployment classes/ seminars. Families please continue to support and take currently working to have care of each other. We are proud of you and all that you have accomplished at home! Keep up the Soldiers and Families the great work! members walk the same distance. Oct 15, 2013- FRG Meeting/Creative Card Night, Tuesday at 1800 in the FRC at BLDG 3423. Oct 25, 2013- Fall Festival from 1800-2000 in the FRC at BLDG 3423. Come out and enjoy a fun night for 1SG Benjamin Logsdon CPT Adrien Flonnory adults and children alike! PHOENIX 7 PHOENIX 6 We have completed our fourth month of deployment! We are half way there. This month, our families have sent their children off to school. Please let them know that we love and support them, and we expect wonderful things from them this fall semester. If you would like to send pictures of your child/children's activities and achievements throughout the school year to the FRG Leader, we would love to include those in the future newsletters.
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THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!!! They were recognized for their service at Sills Facts! This is a huge honor and award! The FRG could not run without our volunteers!!
Pictured Above: Mrs. Angela Murray. She is our FRG Treasurer! Pictured Left: Mrs. Jennifer Leaeno. She organized and ran the Spring 2013 Post Wide Garage Sale!
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The LNO Outlaws continue moving equipment while sending and receiving Soldiers between Kuwait and UAE. The Soldiers here at Camp Buehring have been taking advantage of all training assets available; training diligently and attending various schools offered here in Kuwait. Steel Warriors Soldiers from Camp Redleg are also sent to Kuwait to attend these courses. 75th Fires Brigade, which 1-14 Field Artillery has fallen under for the deployment thus far, is finishing up their final tasks here in Kuwait as they prepare to redeploy at the end of the month. 41 st Brigade will serve as the new higher headquarters. The LNO Cell has been working with members of 41 st Brigade, out of Fort Hood, as they join the fight both in Kuwait and UAE. The Outlaws’ leadership is looking forward to working with the new leadership in place, and wishes 75 th Fires Brigade a safe trip and smooth transition back to Fort Sill. The Soldiers under the LNO cell work hard in all their training events. The 1-14 Field Artillery Outlaw Soldiers have been training on the Engagement Skills Trainer, HMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer, and room clearing operations. The Outlaw Soldiers have also focused on staying mission ready by developing their HIMARs knowledge with multiple classes on the ammunitions used, basic functionality and operations, as well as Recon Survey Observe Position. The Outlaws had nine Soldiers graduate Warrior Leadership Course (WLC), with two Soldiers earning a spot on the Commandant’s list. The LNO cell has taken over planning all morale, welfare, and recreational trips in Kuwait. The Soldiers have already taken trips to The Avenues Mall in Kuwait City and a pool trip to Camp Arifjan. The trips received extremely positive feedback and the Outlaws are looking forward to planning more trips around Kuwait City in the future. In addition, the LNO cell coordinated a morale day, awarding Soldiers with a pizza and movie day. The Alpha Battery Soldiers celebrated the reenlistment of SPC Brandau; 578 FSC celebrated SPC Smith’s receipt of the Army Achievement Medal and SPC Boodt and SPC Patton’s receipt of Good Conduct Medals. The 1-14 Field Artillery Outlaw Soldiers continue to stand ready for movement down to Camp Red Leg, while conducting all training at Camp Buehring to the best of their abilities. The LNO Outlaws would like to congratulate the families who welcomed new members into our Steel Warrior family, and thank the family members back home for their selfless service and support to our Soldiers in both Kuwait and UAE.
MSG Corey Powell OUTLAW 7
CPT David Dens OUTLAW 6
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Outlaw Soldiers plot their points while conducting Land Navigation training on the WLC Course
Outlaw Soldiers conduct Combat Life Saver Training at Camp Buehring
Steel Warrior Soldiers teamed up with other units’ Soldiers to win the volleyball tournament
CPT Thorkildsen congratulates CPL Kerley on getting Commandants list at WLC graduation
SSG Yates shows off his expertise on the 9mm in the engagement skills trainer