Hellraisers HHB, 1-14 FA, DECEMBER 2013 Newsletter WARRIOR OF THE WEEK NOMINEES SPC Carlos Machuca SGT Kaley Maben SPC Corey Raschella SGT Michael Baker
PROMOTIONS N/A
The month of December started off with our Soldiers participating in battalion and brigade digital sustainment training. The FDC section plays a critical role in organizing and coordinating the digital sustainment training that supports our wartime mission. We are truly honored to be given the opportunity to lead such a professional and capable group of Soldiers. Throughout the month, Soldiers continued to train and work hard, meeting suspenses and completing all training events in a timely manner. SGT Amezcua led the training and certification of another 48 Steel Warriors in combat lifesaving techniques during combat lifesaver certification. The S-3 shop organized and completed our final readiness exercise, validating our ability to conduct our mission here in UAE. The battery prepared and shipped off all of the unit’s organizational equipment to Ft. Sill, and successfully completed RIPTOA (relief in place transfer of authority) with Soldiers of 1-94th FA, ensuring that the incoming unit is prepared for success and ready to take over the mission. Hellraiser Soldiers competed in a competitive shoot here in UAE at the Australian range complex. Choosing from multiple firing positions and transitioning from an M9 pistol to an M16 rifle, Soldiers engaged targets and attempted to score the highest number of points possible in order to win. SSG Erickson won the event with a score of 289, followed closely by 1SG Carter with a score of 271. Concluding the month, HHB participated in the battalion Warrior Olympics held at Camp Redleg. Soldiers competed in multiple games and sports in which they displayed outstanding sportsmanship and espirit de corps within their teams. Celebrating the holidays, Soldiers enjoyed a wonderful Christmas dinner organized by our support company, 578 th FSC. The command teams served Soldiers of the Steel Warrior Battalion throughout the day and Soldiers enjoyed the day off by spending time with their Hellraiser Family as well as chatting with their Families back home. MWR trips this month included shopping at the malls of Dubai and enjoying the USO sponsored Sunset Safari where Soldiers loaded up in Toyota Land Cruisers while traveling across the red sand dunes. The evening finished with traditional Arab dance performers and a barbeque dinner featuring local cuisine. Throughout the month, the Sisters in Arms group participated in various trips ranging from dinner at the Hard Rock Café to shopping events at the local malls and souks. The events provide female Soldiers an opportunity to build relationships and espirit de corps. On December 14th, our Family Readiness Group displayed its support to Families of the battery by participating in a pot luck dinner. During the event, the Families prepared welcome home signs in preparation for our redeployment next month. To support our single Soldiers, the FRG prepared the Soldier’s living quarters so that they will have a touch of home when arriving back to Fort Sill. All in all, we look forward to returning home and spending time with our loved ones
1SG Kevin Carter HELLRAISER 7
CPT Brandon McKean HELLRAISER 6
BIRTHDAYS November— PFC Thomas Harmon 2nd SSG Robert Jones 2nd SGT David Woodward 6th SPC Robert Weldon, 10th SPC Joseph Haskin 12th SFC Kirk Hazell 13th SFC Amy Larsen 13th MAJ David Freeman 17th 1LT Christopher Smith 21st SGT Matthew Mathis 22nd SGM Jason Mullennix 22nd SPC Joshua Abell 25th
December— SPC Ian Roderiques 1st 1LT Caroline Bell 4th SPC Ronald Everly 4th SFC Jesse Morrin 5th SPC Donovan Waters 12th SGT Michael Baker 16th SPC Robbyn Atkins 17th SPC Jason Weber 19th SPC Mikel Tillman 20th SPC Albert Martell 23rd CPT Richard Hurst 24th SSG Pavlino Veracruz 27th SPC F. Vonbloedau 28th
January— CPT Brandon McKean 7th
Hellraiser Photos H H B , 1 - 1 4 F A , D E C E M B E R
SPC Machuca goes up for a block during HHB’s volleyball game at the Warrior Olympics (Photo by: SPC Smith, 578FSC)
SGT Livas zeros in on a 100m target during the HHB competition shoot (Photo by: 1LT Wilson)
HHB competes in the Tug-of-War match. HHB went on to win the event taking the 1st place spot (Photo by: SPC Alipio)
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HHB takes the field during kickball for the Warrior Olympics (Photo by: SPC Alipio)
HHB Soldiers engage targets during the HHB competition shoot (Photo by: 1LT Wilson)
SPC Atkins and SPC Harris sit and enjoy their Christmas Dinner (Photo by: SPC Smith, 578 FSC)
ASSASSINS A L P H A , 1 - 1 4 F A , D E C E M B E R
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December marks the last full month away from home for Alpha Battery and the 1-14 FAR, with Soldiers transitioning the mission at Camp Redleg to 1-94 FAR. Alpha is working diligently this December to prepare 1-94 FAR for their mission. The Assassin Battery works daily to prepare 1-94 FAR for the security mission, ensures vehicles work and are ready for use, and all equipment is serviceable. The transition will come to a head in the coming weeks, with sign-over of equipment, rehearsals and other mission accomplishments taking place. During this race to the end of the deployment, Soldiers are in high spirits, both for coming home and the holidays. Gifts poured in to the Battery during December. Every Soldier in Alpha Battery received several presents from the Galvin Foundation, based out of Fort Myers, Florida. The foundation donated Christmas gifts to the Soldiers when Sergeant Sean Springs’ mother, Paula, contacted the organization in her home town. The organization sent towels, candy, blankets, clothes and other gifts to Camp Redleg. The Battery also received care packages from First Lieutenants Steven Young and Gina Knapp’s families. 1LT Young’s mother, sent care packages of candy and cookies in honor of the Army-Navy game. 1LT Knapp’s family sent cookies, candy, and other seasonal snacks to the battery. A big thank you to Ms. Kempcke (1LT Young’s mother), the Knapp family, Mrs. Springs, and the Galvin Foundation for bringing holiday joy to our battery! In the spirit of the holiday season, in competition, and in honor of the upcoming Winter Olympics, 1-14th FAR held the first “Steel Warrior Olympics.” The competition pitted Alpha Battery against Bravo, Headquarters Battery and the Forward Support Company for bragging rights and a specially created Olympic-themed trophy. Events included ultimate football, volleyball, a tug-owar, horseshoes, a relay race and a Scrabble competition, among others. Alpha Battery took first place in the overall competition, winning the 1 st Annual Steel Warrior Olympics. The Assassin Battery placed first in volleyball, football, Scrabble, and horseshoes. Alpha came in second in many events, including narrowly a second place in tug-of-war to HHB, in a 10 minute display of strength and endurance that had participants and spectators alike drained after competition. Nearly every Soldier from Alpha Battery participated in the Olympics, making it truly a unit win.
1SG Robert Terrill ASSASSIN 7
CPT Sean Grevious ASSASSIN 6
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All photos by SPC Christopher Rondel
Alpha Battery playing volleyball against FSC during the Steel Warrior Olympics
Alpha Battery poses with the Steel Warrior Olympics Trophy following its win
SGT Andrew Campbell laterals the ball to SGT Scott Forgette during an ultimate football game against HHB
Alpha Battery poses with gifts received from the Galvin Foundation in early December
1LT Patrick McFarland at bat during the kickball event
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December is almost over and along with it, 1-14 FAR’s deployment to UAE is also coming to an end. Nearly nine months later, the Battalion and the Blackhorse Battery, have been busy finishing last minute projects and preparations before coming home. The last month of the year started off on the right foot, with the promotion of two Soldiers, and the induction of three more into the respected Non-Commissioned Officer Corps. PFC Kyle Kanehl is now SPC Kyle Kanehl, and SPC Rajeshwar Maurya is now SGT Rajeshwar Maurya. Both of these Soldiers have demonstrated the leadership skills and potential required to excel in the Army and we are proud to count them as evolving leaders among our Blackhorse family. Newly promoted SGT Maurya was accompanied by his fellow NCOs, SGTs Martinez and Kerley, to the second NCO Induction Ceremony of the deployment. SGT Martinez and SGT Kerley are also newly promoted members of the NCO Corps, having been promoted last month. Each of these newly minted SGTs were able to take part in the time honored NCO induction ceremony. This introduced them to the rich history of the NCO and the traditions of the “Backbone” of the Army. This is an opportunity some senior NCOs have not been afforded and is a ceremony that will surely be remembered over the duration of their military career. The Blackhorse Battery also saw the arrival of the new unit’s advance party. They arrived ahead of the main body flight to help get a jump start on their future duties and missions on Camp Redleg. They have just a few short weeks to absorb as much knowledge as possible before the Steel Warriors hand over the reins to the them and start the trek back home. The Battery has been busy making sure all the property and equipment is accounted for and is handed over properly; as well as demonstrating all the techniques, tactics, and procedures we have worked hard developing. Bravo also worked hard to complete another Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise this month, this time with 1st Fires taking the lead on the exercise. 1st Fires did well, practicing loading their equipment onto a C-130 transport aircraft and fine tuning their procedures for air load training. Several Soldiers in Bravo performed well above the standard during these tasks, and were directly responsible for two of the three Warriors of the Week awards coming to the Blackhorse family. SGT Joseph Swigart and SPC Edward Cowell were each named Warrior of the Week, for their outstanding efforts and work ethic. The Battalion also celebrated Christmas Eve with the first annual “Steel Warrior Olympics” in light of the upcoming winter games in February. To start the celebration, the Battalion played conducted teams for football, kickball, volleyball, tug of war, Scrabble, and a relay race. Individual events included Horseshoes and sand trap golf. The event lasted all day long, providing Soldiers with an outlet of fun where nearly everyone in the battalion could participate in the festivities. Bravo Battery won the Sand Trap golf competition and came in second to Alpha in the football competition. The year 2013 is almost over. With all its memories and experiences from the deployment in UAE, the Blackhorse Battery is looking forward to starting new memories back with our Families at home for 2014...in just a few short weeks.
1SG Michael McLaughlin BLACKHORSE 7
CPT David Dens BLACKHORSE 6
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SFC Priddy briefing 1st Fires in preparation for the Load/No Fly EDRE in December
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Bravo Battery playing Ultimate Football, SPC Daniel throwing a pass
SPC Julian brings the torch for the Steel Warrior Olympics
NCO Induction Ceremony with the newly promoted E-5's SGT Maurya, Kerley and Martinez
Photos taken by SPC Hernan Davila Leon
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PHOENIX 5 7 8
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Phoenix Warriors and Families,
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Upcoming Events
We have reached the light at the end of the tunnel. I am elated to relay this is not only the last newsletter of the year, but also the last one for this deployment.
DEC 27, 2013Bed Making Marathon starts at 0900. Meet at 1-14 FAR Staff Duty in BLDG 3421
During the month of December, we closed out our unit’s qualifications for the APFT and M-16 Marksmanship ranges. Soldiers have eagerly seized the time by conducting redeployment training, which will allow them the better adapt to the ever changing social life of our Families and the community of Lawton/ Fort Sill. We JAN 01, 2014 have also embraced 125th FSC, 1-94 Field Artillery Regiment as we begin our tranFRG Meeting and Welcome sition to ensure that they are “Ready to Fight!” Our DFAC has performed marvelHome Mesh Wreath Making at ously with a robust Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings. We are very proud of 1800 in the FRC at BLDG 3423 their efforts this holiday. I would like to thank each and every individual for the support you have proJAN 07, 2014 vided 578th during this deployment. Whether you provided support through the BriWelcome Home Bag Stuffing! gade, Battalion, Company, FRG, spouses, Soldiers or more specifically your SolTuesday at 1200 in 1-14 FAR dier, no small act is unappreciated. We look forward to our return home Conference Room in BLDG 3421 to the ones we love. It is vital that your contact information remain up to date with your Key JAN 30, 2014 Caller in the FRG in order to receive information about Homecoming. No informaBlock leave begins. Soldiers will tion will be disseminated via e-mail or placed on any social media website. Please have the opportunity to take leave do NOT post any information about Homecoming such as dates or times on any 30 JAN– 02 MAR if they choose social media website. We must follow OPSEC to ensure the safe return of each and every Soldier. Leaking this information puts your Soldier at risk and may also delay his or her return. FEB 2014 NO FRG activities scheduled 578th FSC Leadership would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays! Please be safe while traveling. We shall be with you all soon. MAR 05, 2014 FRG Meeting and Welcome Home BBQ Planning at 1800 in the FRC at BLDG 3423
1SG Benjamin Logsdon PHOENIX 7
CPT Adrien Flonnory PHOENIX 6
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SPC Sanders striding it out during the Warrior Olympics
Phoenix Soldiers enjoying Christmas dinner SPC Scarborough showing off an impressive slab of turkey
SFC Crockett, SGT Saunders, SPC Benavidez and others pose after a volleyball game
SPC Smith serving during the 578 volleyball game against HHB
KUWAIT CELL LNO
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The LNO Outlaws continued moving equipment, sending and receiving Soldiers between Kuwait and UAE. Along with our primary logistics mission, the Outlaws have been busy assisting the Battalion in redeployment planning and receiving our replacement unit, 1-94 Field Artillery, from Joint Base Lewis-McCord, WA. December has been another busy month for the LNO Outlaws as we continue to plan and prepare for redeployment. The Outlaws have worked diligently to complete all mandatory redeployment training along with continuing to provide logistics and movement support to the Steel Warriors in UAE. The Steel Warriors have kept the LNO Cell busy by sending multiple pieces of equipment to Kuwait for shipment back to Ft Sill, OK or for turn in at the various facilities in order to ensure that all unit property is staged for redeployment. The Outlaws have also been responsible for several different personnel movements. At the beginning of the month, the final early redeployers left Kuwait in order to return to Ft Sill for PCS or ETS. In December, the LNO Outlaws completed both the reception and redeployment of over twenty Soldiers as part of the 1-14th Advance Party, whose mission is to return to Ft Sill ahead of the rest of the unit to prepare the unit’s work areas. The Advanced Party included SGT Bass from the S6 Outlaw team, but the LNO Cell was fortunate enough to receive SGT Matthew Mathis to replace him in S6. He will continue working hard on our communications and network connectivity. The LNO Cell received the 1-94th Advance Party this month and assisted with their movement to UAE. Along with the th 1-94 Advanced Party, the LNO Cell has finalized training schedules, coordinated flights, the movement of personnel and equipment into Kuwait and then again into UAE. The Outlaws have also begun the transition process with the 1-94 LNO personnel on ground as they prepare to assume the mission in the coming weeks. The LNO Cell is preparing to receive over 300 Soldiers from 1-94 along with coordinating their movement around Kuwait and their flights to UAE. The LNO Cell would like to extend and very big congratulations to our own Outlaw, SGT Charles Bass and his family, on the birth of his beautiful daughter. The Outlaws would also like to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of our Families and friends. Even though it is hard being separated from loved ones during the holidays, your unwavering support and selfless service is greatly appreciated by all. We are all looking forward to finishing strong here in Kuwait and passing the mission on to 1-94 Field Artillery smoothly, with great professionalism, and then turning our eyes towards home. MSG Corey Powell Outlaw 7
CPT Justin Thorkildsen Outlaw 6
SGT Matthew Mathis inventorying equipment for turn-in at Camp Buehring, Kuwait
The Outlaw Team together at the Camp Buehring DFAC on Thanksgiving
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chaplain 1 - 1 4
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WORDS FROM YOUR CHAPLAIN:
WHAT CHRISTMAS IS REALLY ABOUT
Over the centuries, the celebration of Christmas has gathered so much extraneous material that it’s difficult for most of us to remember precisely what we’re celebrating. Take away Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, Santa Claus, and the elves. Put aside the Currier and Ives Christmas cards, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, and that little kid who wants the Red Ryder BB Gun. Let go of the gift-giving, the parties, the charities, and a White Christmas. Let’s even forget, for a moment, about our hopes for peace on Earth and good will toward all. What’s left, and what remains is the theological and spiritual core of Christmas, the Incarnation. It’s the reality that God has taken on human flesh, been born as one of us, like us in all things except sin. Christians believe that in Jesus Christ, the human and the divine are brought together, as simultaneous realities. It was a part of God’s plan and purpose that he should experience life as we experience it– being born as a child, living and growing as a human child, knowing all our wonders, fear, and joy. In the coming of Jesus into the world, our human nature could be redeemed, and his divine nature could be concretely accessible to us. The world was changed by Jesus coming into it, giving birth to our hopes for salvation. Through his birth, his life, his teaching, his death and resurrection, God Incarnate has made possible the Peace on Earth that we long for, and the love and reconciliation we still believe can reign. So, happy Feast of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Merry Christmas. May God continue to bless us with his healing love throughout the year.
Blessings, Chaplain Richard Hurst
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HOLIDAY TIPS 1 - 1 4
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As the Steel Warriors approach the end of the deployment and prepare to reintegrate with Family and friends it is important that we all approach the holiday season carefully. Assessing our surroundings, monitoring our daily habits, and being aware of possible security hazards is vital, yet overlooked, during the holiday season.
Read below for some easy advice to avoid exposing yourselves to a possible security incidents: 1) When purchasing merchandise online, think twice, do not make purchases directly through links in emails, and do not shop on public computers or Wi-Fi networks. 2) Approximately, 43 million Americans are planning to do some sort of traveling this month. Most will undoubtedly leave some of their electronics and/ or valuables behind. - Make sure you secure your data before you hit the road (or the air). It will be too easy to misplace this information while you are enjoying the company of Family and friends. - Be sure to have someone “house sit� for you or ensure that you alert your security provider if you will be away from your home for an extended amount of time. - Secure your valuables somehow so that they are not in plain sight for a possible intruder to see. - Place your valuables on some sort of insurance policy so that they are covered should anything happen to them while you are away (a common example is home owner’s insurance). You will be surprised how cheap it can be.
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Tips continued: 3) Computer security is overlooked by many people. Hackers love the holiday season and constantly look for vulnerabilities in your systems. Take a look at the tips below to help prevent possible security incidents. - Unpatched, out-of-date systems are a leading cause of security incidents. Take the time to ensure you have the most recent patches and updates installed. - Shoulder Surfing: A person who is standing near as you fill out a form, enter your PIN number, or punch in your calling card numbers may be doing more than just waiting their turn. To help prevent shoulder surfing, shield your paperwork from view using your body and/ or cup your hand over the keypad. - As a general rule, don't post anything you wouldn't want the world to see or know about. Think social media sites!
The symbol should look like this - Information you provide to online banking and shopping sites should be encrypted and the site's URL should begin with https. Some browsers have an icon representing a lock at the lower right of the browser window. - You will be tempted to create easy passwords for web sites. No matter how many web sites you create accounts with or shop on, be sure to NOT use the same password for each web site. If a hacker or a criminal gets a hold of your password, they'll have “the key that fits all of your doors�. Instead, create a strong "core" password. You can use unique variations of the password on each of your system or web site that you use. Reference the examples below. A strong password will look something like this... 5P0ky!3Z. A weak password will look something like this...HanksThomas1993army. Strong passwords contain 8 characters, a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, at least one number, one non -alphanumeric character or symbol, and no personally identifiable information (like your birthday, family info, etc).
Happy Holidays to you all!