Hellraisers HHB, 1-14 FA – JULY 2013 Newsletter WARRIOR OF THE WEEK NOMINEES SPC Bryant SGT Hernandez PFC Tanchyk SGT Amezcua CELEBRATIONS July 4th Independence Day PROMOTIONS 2LT Stogner to 1LT SGT Foley to SSG PFC Atkins to SPC PFC Machuca to SPC
The Steel Warrior Adventure Race was an amazing way to open the month of July. In celebration of our Independence, Soldiers along with Coalition partners participated in a grueling mental and physical event that promoted teamwork and esprit de corps. After nearly three hours of negotiating the course in 100 degree temperatures, Soldiers were rewarded with an outstanding barbeque provided by the cooks of the 578th Forward Support Company. As our host nation observes Ramadan, we were invited to participate in an Emirati led Sports Carnival which included events such as soccer, volleyball, relay and sprint races, tug-of-war, and an endurance test. All the events were hosted at night and included all of our coalition partners; Emiratis, Australians, and British forces. Hellraiser Soldiers were determined to display their agility and physical abilities by advancing to the finals with the Steel Warrior soccer team. Not a month passes without a VIP visit and July is no different with a visit from the Consul General to Dubai, Mr. Rob Waller. Hellraisers along with the rest of the Steel Warrior battalion displayed that we are truly the best trained and most ready HIMARS battalion in the world. Whether it’s during missions or contributing to the quality of life at Camp Redleg, the Hellraisers are continuing to make great contribution to the battalion’s success. Soldiers continue to work hard and grow each day through their rigorous training and development. Fifteen Soldiers were able to showcase their pistol skills with the qualification range at the Australian range complex. Despite being away from home and their loved ones the Hellraisers’ spirits are high. We continue to drive on with our mission and continue to utilize this opportunity to demonstrate all the hard work we have put into this deployment. Between their training, mission support, and life support activities Soldiers are able to enjoy some of the special attractions Dubai has to offer by relaxing at the Wild Wadi Water Park and resort. Other Soldiers decided to visit the Dubai Hard Rock café and enjoy a meal and shopping at the nearby shopping center. Many of our Families enjoyed a summer break with family members outside the Lawton/ Ft Sill area. We wish you safe travels and enjoyable visit with your loved ones. Family members that remained at Ft Sill enjoyed a night of Family fun with bowling at Twin Oaks Bowling Center on July 18th. Thank you for the continued support and dedication to your deployed Soldiers, we are forever indebted to you for your service!
1SG Kevin Carter HELLRAISER 7
CPT Brandon McKean HELLRAISER 6
BIRTHDAYS June – 1SG Kevin Carter 1st, SPC Christopher Alipio 2nd, SGT Charles Bass 7th, CSM Dan Nolen 16th, SFC Leandrew McDonald 17th, SPC Eric Milzarski 24th, SFC Sean Dillon 26th, PFC William Huber 30th. 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.
d
Hellraisers Photos HHB, 1-14 FA – JULY 2013 Newsletter Sports Carnival Soccer team posing for a photo after a recent win
LT Stogner, CPT Guerrero, and CPT McKean after his newly earned promotion to 1LT
Newly promoted SPC Atkins and SPC Machuca receiving their hard earned rank
Soldiers conducting a combat litter carry during Combat Lifesaver Certification
2LT Knapp, SPC Weldon, SGT Osipov, and SGT Hernandez carry a generator during the Adventure Race
SFC Barriga places Staff Sergeant on SSG Foley’s headgear during her promotion
ASSASSINS A ,1 - 14
F A
J U L Y
2 0 1 3
July has been a very active month for Alpha Battery and 1-14 FA, with numerous battalion events, charity events, holidays, and other activities taking place over the course of the month. We kicked the month off with a 4th of July BN led event called the ―Adventure Race‖ on Al Minhad Air Base. 20 teams were created from Battalion, our Host Nation, and Coalition Partners to complete a series of 12 mental and physical challenges across Al Minhad Air Base. Alpha Battery fielded four teams for the race with First Platoon’s team, consisting of 2LT Patrick McFarland, SSG Nick Norville, SGT Cody Dickson, and SPC Andrew Campbell, placing second overall and the top American team in the competition. The winners of the race were from the British Royal Engineers, taking the 1-14 FAR Cross Cannon Trophy as their first place prize. Our Australian partners received the last place prize—a set of gold spray-painted toilet seats, which they wore around their necks with pride at the end of the race. In the end, the Adventure Race received great feedback. ―The race was hard, but a lot of fun,‖ SSG Jonathan Moore said. ―I wish more Soldiers could have volunteered to compete‖. It was a great competition overall, and the Soldiers look forward to competing in it again in October. Following the event, the British, Australians, and New Zealanders joined the Soldiers for a barbecue feast which comprised of seafood, steak, fried chicken, and other hearty American style foods. Our Second Platoon and Ammo Platoon finished off their Fourth of July with a trip to the Dubai Mall and a tour up to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. ―The view was amazing,‖ SPC Christopher Rondel said. The cost to go up in the tower is about $30 per person; however, 1LT Norman treated his Soldiers by covering everyone’s cost. ―The view was worth a lot more than the ticket. The skyline of Dubai was spectacular‖. We also accomplished some of our unit’s goals during the month. So far, our work with the Emiratis has been beneficial for both parties because it is always great to share experiences with different cultures. One of the cultural differences that affects the majority of the people in this country is Ramadan, an Islamic month of fasting that normally begins on or around 8 July and ends on or about 7 August. Our unit respectfully doubled down on their efforts to ensure the Emiratis were able to observe their holiday by completing all of their crew certification before the holiday began. Even though there might a month long break between some of partnership, our Soldiers remain excited to continue work with them when the holiday ends in early August. ―I can’t wait to head back to their base,‖ SSG Jonathan Nunez said. ―It’s a great opportunity to work with the Emiratis. It’s great to see them gain proficiency and establish themselves as a good unit‖. The Emiratis look good and that is a testament of everyone’s hard work. Ramadan does not mean a total standstill with the Emiratis and Coalition Forces. Sunday, July 14 marked the beginning of the Ramadan Sport’s Carnival at Al Minhad Airbase. Events for the carnival include volleyball, sprinting, a 5k run, relay races, tug-of-war and soccer. The day started with a ―Beat the Sapper‖ competition, with several members of Alpha Battery participating. Beat the Sapper was a charity event set up by the British for a girl with cancer in the United Kingdom. It consisted of a friendly competition between the British, Australians, and the U.S. Soldiers at the British Compound. The five events were excellent team building exercises. Again, the British came out on top. Participants from Alpha Battery included CPT Sean Grevious, SGT Cody Dickson and SSG Adam Pierce. ―One event had us fill 15 sandbags. These sandbags are at least twice as big as the ones the U.S. uses,‖ SSG Adam Pierce said. ―They were heavy, and weighed at least 75 pounds. It was tough‖! Alpha Battery also had key players on several battalion teams, notably on the volleyball and soccer team. The volleyball and soccer teams were victorious on July 14, with the former winning over the British and the latter defeating an Emirati team 2-1. ―I’m enjoying this competition,‖ SPC Zachary Cowles said. Every team is bringing their A-game. The Emiratis have recruited across the country just to beat us‖. The other members representing the Battalion from Alpha Battery include 1LT Brian Norman (Soccer), SGT Charles Spaulding (Volleyball), SSG Johnathan Moore (Volleyball), SSG Jason Lund (Volleyball), SGT Brandon Neitzel (Volleyball), and CPT Sean Grevious (Volleyball). Both the teams will play their next round matches against Emirati teams, making for great drama between Soldiers and the host nation. Lastly, I want to thank everyone for supporting me during the Relay for Life. We conducted a 6 mile ruck march around Camp Redleg. Thanks again for all the support for the Assassin Battery and others. 1SG Robert Terrill ASSASSIN 7
CPT Sean A Grevious ASSASSIN 6
ASSASSINS A ,1 - 14
F A
J U L Y
2 0 1 3
A view from the base of the world’s tallest man made structure, the Burj Khalifa
CPT Grevious, SSG Pierce, and SGT Dickson from Alpha battery
BLACKHORSE B ,1 - 14
F A
J U L Y
2 0 1 3
July started out with a bang, not the usual 4th of July kind, but rather the kind that everyone is sure to remember, sweating in the hot sun and carrying lots of heavy stuff around, all for time against other teams. Of course I am talking about the 4 th of July Adventure race that included not only teams from every Battery, but also teams from the British, Australian, and Kiwi forces here on Al Minhad AB. The event was a great success, the four teams that the Battery put together all performed exceptionally and represented the Battery well. Events for the Adventure Race included litter carries, tire carries, generator carries (see a pattern?), tire flips, a road sign memorization challenge, a weighted sled drag, a puzzle to move the team across an area without touching the ground using limited supplies, and a couple other events usually involving carrying or lifting heavy objects. Overall though, it was a great team building event that is still being talked about at the end of the month. With Soldiers still arriving from Camp Buehring, Kuwait, the Battery was finally able to reorganize ourselves from 3 platoons to 4 platoons. This new structure is allowing Soldiers much more time off and giving Platoon Leaders and Platoon Sergeants greater flexibility in their training and time management. As a Battery, we have begun to not only train the newly arrived personnel on the SECFOR tasks that we have become so familiar with, but we are also able to now continue training in our primary MOSs in the HIMARS and FDC vehicles. Both launcher and FDC crews are preparing themselves for an upcoming ―Best-By-Test‖ that will evaluate them on all of their skills and compare their performance to the rest of the Battalion in order to determine who the best sections are. This past week 2LT Robbins and SSG Schwander ran a weapons range, this one with the 9mm M9 pistol, in support of 1-14FAR readiness. The M9 pistol is a 9mm handgun that is usually only assigned to certain medics and primary staff. However, we had the opportunity to have a larger number of Officers and Soldiers participate in the training. For the Soldiers that helped run the range, they are being given the opportunity next week to participate in an Australian training range where they will be able to familiarize themselves and fire several of the Australian weapon systems that we do not have. Other activities with the Australian and British forces still include the weekly volleyball competition. Bravo Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers have continued to perform well and we have retained the trophy all but one week this past month. The Emirates are also hosting a series of sports competitions involving all of the Coalition Forces here on Al Minhad Air Base as part of their Ramadan this year. Ramadan is the Muslim holy month in which personnel fast from sun up to sun down for 30 days and focus on being more holy and pure. In the evenings, after breaking their fast, the Emirate Forces are running soccer, volleyball, tug of war and running competitions. So far, BN combined teams, including our own LTs Rossi and Custer, have made it to the finals which will be held later this month. The past month has seen a couple Soldiers recognized for their hard work and unfailing motivation by the Blackhorse Battery. SGT Matthew Adams, SSG Christopher Robinson SPC Mitchell Jones, and PFC Kyle Kanehl were selected as Bravo Battery ―Warrior of the Week‖ by their peers and Chain of Command. As always, the Blackhorse Soldiers recognize the families, both immediate and extended, back home that support us each and every day. Thank you for what you do, and it is appreciated more than you will ever know.
1SG Michael McLaughlin BLACKHORSE 7
CPT Justin Thorkildsen BLACKHORSE 6
BLACKHORSE B ,1 - 14
F A
J U L Y
2 0 1 3
SSG Robinson and 1LT Wilson slap hands (with 1LT Custer over looking the excitement) after a job well done for the first annual Steel Warrior Adventure Race
Bravo Soldiers resting after the Adventure Race
Bravo Soldiers exhibiting their morale and enthusiasm after the Adventure Race
The tire carry was a thought provoking and physical event. With the right strategy and team work, this event was very feasible
d
PHOENIX 5 7 8 F S C ,1 - 14
F A
J U L Y
2 0 1 3 Upcoming Events
July 25, 2013 FRG Meeting, Thursday at 1800 in We have reached the completion of our third month! This month has been filled with a variety of FRC at BLDG 3423. Operaactivities for our family members and your Soldiers. The first activity was the 4th of July Adventure Race. tion Homefront will be our It consisted of a series of difficult physical and mental challenges strategically placed throughout the camp. guest speaker. Chick-Fil-A The second activity was the ―Beat the Sapper‖ competition. This was put on by the British. It consisted of and drinks will be provided. 4 events that they specialized in or that utilized tools that they were familiar with. It was also a physical and Aug 6, 2013 FRG Meeting/ slightly mental competition that consisted of 5 overall teams. The last significant events were Ramadan and Creative Card Night, Tuesthe Sports Carnival. The traditional Emiratis fast during the daytime. They do not drink or eat during this day at 1800 in the FRC at time and pray toward the end of daylight hours. They host and play all games during the late night hours 2200-0001: Volleyball, soccer, tug-a-war, relay races, and an endurance competition. Sprinkles of the entire BLDG 3423. This meeting will be a Pot Luck!!! battalion personnel were involved. Aug 10, 2013 Rosie the The efforts of those that participated in the July 4th Adventure Races, Beat the Sapper Competi- Riveter pictures, Saturday at tion, and those participating in the Ramadan Sports Carnival hosted by the Emiratis were commendable and 1000. Come out and get admirable. Your Soldiers are good ambassadors of our country and the American people. Not only are your your picture taken like Soldiers hard working, they are competitive with the Coalition Forces. I continue to be amazed at their Rosie! Please contact FRG abilities and resiliency in the eyes of adversity, and I am proud to continue our mission with this group of Leader for location details. Soldiers. Aug 31, 2013 ―Walk for The Families had a 4th of July BBQ with an exceptional turn out. The participation in the FRG 578th FSC‖ Kick-Off, Saturcontinues to grow with each event. Thank you so much for your continued support, and we love seeing the day at 1000. It will be held pictures of our loved ones doing well on the home front. Phoenix Families continue to enjoy your summer at the 3 mile track on Fort Sill. vacation. Be safe and prepare our children to head back to school in the fall. Have fun for us! Sept 3, 2013 FRG Meeting/ Creative Card Night, Tuesday at 1800 in the FRC at BLDG 3423. Sept 21, 2013 Phoenix Playdate, Saturday at TBD. Paintball!!!! Sept 28, 2013 Post Wide Garage Sale Fundraiser. Please donate any items including baked goods for this fundraiser! If you would like to volunteer, please contact FRG Leader. Oct 6, 2013 Spirit of Survival Walk. The BN is currently working to have the 1SG Benjamin Logsdon CPT Adrien Flonnory soldiers and families memPHOENIX 7 PHOENIX 6 bers walk the same distance. Phoenix Warriors and Families,
d
PHOENIX 5 7 8 F S C ,1 - 14
F A
J U L Y
2 0 1 3
d
PHOENIX 5 7 8 F S C ,1 - 14
F A
J U L Y
2 0 1 3
d
KUWAIT CELL LNO L N O
J U L Y
2 0 1 3
The LNO cell continues to provide supplies and Soldiers for the mission down at Camp Redleg, including receiving personnel back in Kuwait to attend various schools and training opportunities. The Soldiers awaiting their Visas to join their fellow Steel Warriors in UAE have been hard at work with their daily training sessions. Kuwait continues to be a valuable asset, acting as an important hub for the Steel Warrior Soldiers at Camp Red Leg and Camp Buehring. The Alpha 2-20 Renegades have recently conducted their redeployment awards ceremony. The ceremony focused on the units accomplishments during their training in Jordan for Golden Lances III and recognized the individuals who exercised outstanding performance throughout the entire deployment. The Renegades are packing up, knowing that they will soon be in the arms of their loved ones. The Steel Warriors family wishes them all a safe return and the best on their transition home. The Outlaw Soldiers falling under the LNO cell continue their training here at Camp Buehring, working hard. The 1-14 Field Artillery Soldiers have utilized all the available assets here in Kuwait, such as the Call for Fire Trainers, WLC Land Navigation Course, and Engagement Skills Trainer. The Outlaw Soldiers also had a chance to conduct a week of Master Resiliency Training, teaching Soldiers numerous ways to handle stress and react to adverse situations with a positive outlook. The Morale, Welfare, and Recreational (MWR) trips here at Camp Buehring, Kuwait have come to halt, as Ramadan has commenced. However, even with trips off post on hold, the Soldiers continue to stay motivated with the 4th of July celebration, numerous volleyball and dodge ball tournaments, and new movie Mondays hosted by the USO. The Steel Warriors also got to take part on the promotion of multiple Soldiers, with many joining the elite NCO Corps. The Bravo battery Soldiers also celebrated the reenlistment of SPC Popek in the MWR gym. The 1-14 Field Artillery Outlaw Soldiers continue to move forward and keep focused at accomplishing the mission at hand. The support from family and friends back home does not go unseen as it is constantly spoken of by our Steel Warriors. Thank you to everyone who continues to send love from the home front, as the Outlaws continue fulfilling the Steel Warrior task of ―TEAMWORK ALWAYS.‖
SPC Popek’s reenlistment with 2LT Bell at the Camp Buehring gym.
MSG Corey Powell OUTLAW 7
CPT David Dens OUTLAW 6
d
KUWAIT CELL LNO L N O
J U L Y
2 0 1 3
SPC Shepperd takes part of the activities offered at the Camp Buehring 4th of July event
1-14th Field Artillery Soldiers take part in meditation during Master Resiliency Training
A/2-20 Soldiers stand tall as they receive awards at the Renegades redeployment ceremony
Steel Warrior Soldiers take part in the Camp Buehring volleyball tournament
d
CHAPLAIN H H B /
1 - 14
F A R
Greetings, in the name of our Lord! Fix Your Eyes on GOD, And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of the rock?" Numbers 20:10 It is easy to see why Moses became frustrated with the Hebrew people. They were so hard-hearted and weak in their faith that Moses lost his patience and became angry with them. Yet every time Moses shifted his focus away from God, it cost him. When he sought to help his people by taking matters into his own hands, he spent the next forty years herding sheep in the wilderness (Exod. 2:11-15) This time his impetuous behavior cost him the opportunity to enter the Promise Land (Num. 20:12). In his frustration at the peoples' irreverence, Moses committed the very same sin, blatantly disobeying God's instructions. How did this happen? Moses allowed his attention to shift to the behavior of others rather than focusing on the activity of God. This could happen to you as well. God has put people around you who need your ministry to them. You will never be able to properly help them, however, unless your primary focus is on God. If you concentrate on people, their weaknesses, their disobedience, their lack of faith, and their stubbornness they will quickly frustrate you. You may, like Moses, commit the very same sins you are condemning. If, however, your eyes are fixed on holy God, you will become more like Him-gracious, forgiving, long-suffering, and righteous. When a friend’s behavior disappoints you, go immediately to the Lord. Seek to discern what God is wanting to do in your friend's life rather than concentrating on your friend's sin. Then you will have the strength, wisdom, and patience you need to help your friend in the way God desires.
Chaplain Richard Hurst 1-14th FAR BN Chaplain "Steel Warriors"
SFC Dillon sporting a thrifty outfit and posing for the camera! “America”!