Hellraisers HHB, 1-14 FA, SEPTEMBER 2013 Newsletter WARRIOR OF THE WEEK NOMINEES SPC Bassett SPC Abell SPC Milzarski SPC Waters
BABY BIRTHS August 29th: Mehki Tillman, son of SPC Mikel and Toni Tillman.
PROMOTIONS SPC Bryant to SGT PFC Burton to SPC PFC Luna to SPC
As we cross the mid-point of our deployment, we would BIRTHDAYS like to extend our gratitude and thank those who have supported the unit and continue to support us as we proudly serve our August: country. It is truly amazing to see the tremendous amount of support we receive from the Friends and Families of the Hellraiser SPC Steven Bryant Battery. 5th, SSG Joshua Cope, 8th, SSG Soldiers have remained very busy with training and life Justin Lowry 10th, support activities. Over the last month, HHB has participated in SPC Quinton Oglethe planning and preparation for the first ever joint live fire exer- tree 14th, SGT Kaley cise with the Emirati 97th Heavy HIMARS Battalion. As you read Maben 15th, SSG this newsletter, the Soldiers from HHB will be partnering with our Jeremy Burns 16th, coalition hosts in this exciting live fire training event. We are look- SPC Christopher ing forward to a successful event that expands our partnership Geisler 23rd, SPC with our host nation partners. David Perez 24th, 1LT Amanda Hassett Hellraisers participated in several crew served weapons 30th ranges held at the Australian Range Complex this month. Soldiers demonstrated their marksmanship skills by qualifying on the M240B and M249 machine guns. The S-6 section continues to provide valuable communications training and maintenance on September: our communications equipment, enabling us to communicate across theater. The medical section continues to provide the LTC Jon-Paul Madmonthly combat lifesaver training and certification along with daloni 5th, SPC maintaining the daily health and care of the Soldiers in the battal- Sonia Parra-Aceves ion. 9th, SSG Jason Daigle 18th, SSG Soldiers spend their well deserved time off by exploring the Matthew Dickson city of Dubai and all the awesome attractions it has to offer. The 18th, SPC James Hard Rock CafĂŠ of Dubai was visited frequently by the Soldiers Bassett 21st, CPT this month. The Dubai Mall continues to be one of the Soldiers James Guerrero favorite sites as it offers a variety of cuisine and shopping loca- 25th, SGT Duvina tions. Even on Camp Redleg, Soldiers find time to enjoy their Segurabalcinovic time off. Every Saturday evening Soldiers and coalition partners 29th join together at the karaoke stage to enjoy the camaraderie, horseshoes, and even Badminton. October: Thank you again for your incredible support from the home SGT Osipov 10th front. Without all of you, our friends and Family, our mission could not be the success that it is. We sincerely appreciate everything that you do! 1SG Kevin Carter HELLRAISER 7
CPT Brandon McKean HELLRAISER 6
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Hellraisers Photos H H B , 1 - 1 4 F A , S E P T E M B E R
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SSG Lowry (S6) and CPT Tate (FDC) doing a bit of pre-planning for the battalion Live Fire Exercise
SPC Powders (S6) and SFC Morrin (S3) saluting the flag during the battalion Patriots’ Day Ceremony
SPC Milzarski (S6), Chief Carney (S2), and SGM Mullennix (OPS S3)
LTC Maddaloni speaking during Patriots’ Day Ceremony
ASSASSINS A L P H A , 1 - 1 4 F A , S E P T E M B E R
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September marked the month of transition for Alpha Battery. As new weather came in, so did new responsibilities. The month consisted of a mild climate change of lower temperatures, higher humidity, a shamal, and a few rain drops. In addition, Alpha Battery welcomed the transition to Security Force (SECFOR), where we will be able to provide a fresh set of ideas and attitude to operations. Although the temperatures at Camp Redleg, UAE still remain in the 100s in the afternoon, the gradually drop in temperature shows the changing of seasons. Soldiers have benefited from the changes in temperature and humidity, especially in the morning. The cooler temperatures and lower humidity have allowed Soldiers to conduct their physical training without dealing with the stresses from the heat and the feeling of running through a swimming pool in the morning. Even so, the weather will reach high temperatures during midday with the evening air filled with high humidity. Lastly, UAE welcomed us during the month of September with a shamal, a northwesterly wind blowing over Iraq and the Persian Gulf states resulting in the wind causing a large sandstorm. The incident occurred during Battalion fire mission processing and reduced the capabilities of other units. Our unit was immediately called into action to assist with fire mission processing. Several Soldiers quickly sprung into action to ensure that our fire plan remains on schedule with Higher Headquarters. The team effort was led by the actions of SSG Lund, SSG Moore, SPC Jordan, and SPC Blieka. The group was able to quickly notify the appropriate personnel and immediately begin their crew drills to ensure that our unit was able to stay on schedule for fire mission processing. Their actions were deserving of recognition with SSG Moore and SPC Blieka receiving command coins. The shamal did not get the best of us, but it did knock around a few things on our Camp; Canopies, tents, and antennas felt the brunt of the storm. The Soldiers of this battalion quickly came together to fix a deficiencies around the Camp. A part of Camp security is working with our partner-nation security forces at Minhad Airbase and building international partnerships. Alpha Battery leadership meets with Emirati and other coalition nations frequently to discuss security status on the base, possible training events and coordinate resources. The partnership building is not limited to just the leadership and formal meetings. Each week Soldiers of the Assassin Battery head over to the nearby Australian compound for an international meet and greet. Service members from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand all participate in the weekly event. The event includes an interCamp volleyball competition. The winner gets bragging rights and lays claim to a trophy signifying the champion for the week. Each event runs in conjunction with the Coalition cookout, where the Australians cook an assortment of food for the Camp. Recent events on Camp Redleg included a September 11th memorial service. 1-14 FAR Soldiers were in attendance, with LTC Maddaloni presiding. In Camp Buehring, Kuwait, 11 Soldiers from Alpha Battery ran in the Camp’s 9/11 memorial 5k. Both events gave an opportunity to reflect, with many personnel talking about where they were 12 years ago. Another event is crew certifications. Every six months, our HIMARS, Fire Direction Center, and Ammunition crews must pass a comprehensive written exam, followed by an observed, hands-on safety certification. These events test the crews’ knowledge, skills, and familiarity with their personnel and equipment to ensure that we execute tasks safely and effectively. These tasks come in the wake of our UAE Live Fire Exercise, with our host nation partners, and the Battalion Best-By tests. The Best-By tests is a competition to see which crew is the best overall in the unit. The unit continues to be an effective force in UAE. The Soldiers apart of this unit are professional and have proven themselves with their knowledge and skill. Thank you for your continual support.
1SG Robert Terrill ASSASSIN 7
CPT Sean Grevious ASSASSIN 6
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Assassin Soldiers observing a moment of silence on SEP 11th during Patriots’ Day
The sun setting on a cloudy day at Camp Redleg
Assassin Soldiers as they salute our nation’s colors
BLACKHORSE B R A V O , 1 - 1 4
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September has been an exciting and busy month so far. As planned, the Soldiers of Bravo Battery have successfully transitioned from the Security Force back to providing HIMARS Launcher support. The hard work and dedication of the Soldiers and NCOs of the Battery has been impressive. There have been times this month where the Battery has been responsible for not only operating the Entry Control Point (ECP) and providing the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) but also providing Launcher crews to participate in the Digital Sustainment Training with both the Battalion and Brigade. For several weeks Bravo conducted both missions with limited resources and personnel; however the Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers never complained. They quickly determined the best way to execute the mission and drove on. The beginning of the month had all of the Launcher, FDC, and Ammo crews conducting their final written tests for their semi-annual qualifications. As soon as they were complete with the written tests, the Battalion evaluated each crew on a series of hands on tasks in order to evaluate not only their knowledge of their equipment and systems, but also their physical ability to perform to standard. Every crew performed without exception impressively and well exceeded the Battalion standard. The month hasn’t only been about the ECP and Launchers though, 2LT Williams-Whiteside and SSG Mizhquiri planned, coordinated and executed the final two ranges that Bravo will be responsible for leading up to the transfer of that task to Alpha. The ranges provided the opportunity for Soldiers from across the Battalion to familiarize themselves and qualify on the M240B Machine gun and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). The ranges were a great success and allowed 35 firers to participate on the 240B range and 30 firers on the M249 range. Because of the efforts of 2LT Williams-Whiteside and SSG Mizhquiri, as well as all the hard work from the Bravo Soldiers who ran the ammo details, the range set-up and clean-up details, the Battalion has some of the highest qualification numbers ever on every weapon system that we have here in country. Blackhorse Soldiers have been doing a lot this past month outside of the normal Battery operations. The Battery had three Soldiers graduate from the Combat Life Saver Course (CLS), SPC Breihaupt is attending and almost complete with the Warrior Leader’s Course (WLC) at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. SPC Popek has put in some hard work on the Battery logo on one of the concrete t-walls here on Camp Redleg. We have began to incorporate the new artwork into some of the Battery products, so you may begin seeing it on the Battery FaceBook page. We have been doing some extensive changes within the FRG and as a Battery. We are very excited about all of the upcoming events. The Battery thanks the FRG and the families back home for the continuing support. We will be home before you know it.
1SG Michael McLaughlin BLACKHORSE 7
CPT Justin Thorkildsen BLACKHORSE 6
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SGT Sterbonic during the HIMARS Hands On Certification Test
SPC Popek’s Blackhorse Artwork
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1LT Custer giving a Range Safety Brief at the Australian 100m Range
Ammo Section Soldiers from B Battery Conducting training
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PHOENIX 5 7 8
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Phoenix Warriors and Families,
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Upcoming Events
We had a busy and exciting month for our Soldiers. Many Soldiers received recognition this month. 1SG Logsdon and I are proud to be their leaders and watch SEP 28, 2013them continue to grow. These are wonderful accomplishments and achievements in Post Wide Garage Sale the Phoenix Families. This month we supported the camp by providing 27,000 meals, Fundraiser pushed over 9,400 gallons of fuel, and transported 20,000 pounds of mail to Camp Redleg. Our mechanics continue to ensure the 200+ vehicle fleet is able to roll by reOCT 01, 2013pairing any down vehicles, with parts on hand, in a timely manner. They are also Meet & Greet at Peachwave in ahead of the service schedule on services for the month. The Mayor Cell is frequently Central Mall at 1800 fixing showers, latrines, and environmental control units (ECU/ Air Conditioners) to ensure the camp's comfort level doesn't dwindle into a state of unrest. The Mayor Cell OCT 03, 2013continues to have a rotation of the battalion’s finest Soldiers that are able to work outLast day to turn in money and side their primary job in order to show team work, flexibility, and ingenuity. orders for t-shirts We also participated in the Battalion's partnership/ certification live fire exercise, by providing a 22 man team to provide sustainment in a remote location of UAE, OCT 06, 2013to ensure logistics isn't a worry in the efforts of those that need to remain focused on Spirit of Survival Walk their mission at hand. With month five officially completed, we are now in our sixth month. The exOCT 10, 2013citement of being past the “hump” of the deployment has surely set in for the Families. Welcome Home BN planning I know that it has for the Soldiers. meeting at 1700 in the FRC at Reintegration training will begin soon for the Families. I encourage you to atBLDG 3423 tend. This is a wonderful and educational opportunity to take advantage of. The information put out will assist in a smooth transition not only on the Families end, but the OCT 15, 2013Soldiers end as well. FRG Meeting/ Creative Card With the holidays coming up, there will be a lot of traveling. Please remember to be safe and plan accordingly. During this time, some Families may also start experiNight at 1800 in the FRC at encing a variety of emotions that could resemble a roller coaster ride. Please know BLDG 3423 that if you need to speak with someone, there are a lot of resources at your disposal. The Military Family Life Consultant is a great resource! OCT 25, 2013Please remember to funnel all issues through the proper channels. If you have Fall Festival from 1800-2200 in questions about your Soldier or there is an issue concerning a Soldier, you must conthe FRC at BLDG 3423. tact the Rear D commander. If you have a family issue, please contact the FRG Come out and enjoy a fun night Leader. If you are not sure, either contact will refer you to the correct resource. for adults and children alike On the home front, our FRG has been very busy. The company “car wash” was done on 12 Sept and we raised a grand total of $343.25!!! This money will go toNOV 05, 2013ward welcome home items and activities. A special “thank you” to all of our volunteers FRG Meeting/ Creative Card that are working so hard for the Soldiers and their Families; your hard work does not Night at 1800 in the FRC at go unnoticed or unappreciated. We are all grateful for the time, effort, and support that BLDG 3423 you give freely on top of taking care of all your family obligations. You all are doing so well!!! 1SG Benjamin Logsdon PHOENIX 7
CPT Adrien Flonnory PHOENIX 6
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PHOENIX 5 7 8
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SPC Vanoss (578 FSC) giving a convoy brief on fueling
SPC Thompson and SPC Sheppard being recognized as Soldiers of the Month
CPT Flonnory and 2LT Grantham watching as Phoenix Soldiers brief in support of the Live Fire Exercise
SFC Sutton listening attentively as his Soldiers brief
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KUWAIT CELL LNO L N O , 1 - 1 4
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The LNO Outlaws continue moving equipment, 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, along with fellow Steel Warrior Soldiers sent up from Camp Red Leg. The Soldiers under the LNO cell work hard in all their training events. The 1-14 Field Artillery Soldiers have been increasing their medical skills through MEDEVAC and burn treatment training. The Outlaws have also focused on staying mission ready by training on chemical agent prevention, room clearing procedures, and entry control point operations. The Soldiers have continued to work diligently to maintain their HIMARS proficiency through manual safety classes and practical exercises. The Outlaw Soldiers also participated in the Camp Buehring 9/11 Remembrance Day, which included a 5K memorial run. The Outlaws have been working to improve their writing and briefing skills through military writing classes and weekly Soldier presentations. In addition, the LNO cell coordinated a morale day, awarding Soldiers with a pizza and movie day. The Outlaws had 19 Soldiers graduate Warrior Leadership Course this month. The Outlaw Soldiers celebrated the reenlistment of SSG Erickson (HHB), SSG Lowry (HHB), and SPC Crooks (Alpha), along with the promotions of SGT Martinez (Bravo) and SPC Danson (578 FSC). SGT Berlin was recognized by the battalion as the “Steel Warrior” of the week and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal. The 1-14 Field Artillery Outlaw Soldiers continue to stand ready for movement down to Camp Redleg, 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. SGT Berlin aka “Johnny Football” demonstrates his athletic abilities, which helped the LNO flag football place third overall in the Camp Buehring tournament
CPL Kerley instructs a class on personal hygiene as part of the BN Safety Stand-Down MSG Corey Powell OUTLAW 7
CPT David Dens OUTLAW 6
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chaplain L N O , 1 - 1 4
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WORDS FROM YOUR CHAPLAIN: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) I like the phrase "God breathed," which is an acceptable understanding of the word translated inspiration. Scripture, then, becomes the life breath of God. Even as the Lord breathed into Adam the gift of life (Gen. 2:7), so too the Lord breathes life into every person who is a new creation in Him through His Word. Have you ever tried not breathing for a whole day? I've never heard of anyone fasting breathing, giving it up for Lent, or even wearing a patch so they could quit! As silly and absurd as that is, so too is trying to live a new life in Christ without the whole counsel of God. We need to know the doctrines of the Word of God so we can be reproved when needed, corrected when necessary, and instructed when ignorant so that we can carry out every good work. Does it not then stand to reason that if we cut and paste Bible passages as to which portions we deem relevant, we will not be ready to carry out every good work? In today's information age, we are bombarded with a constant stream of information. We are even fed information from pump-top TV at many gas stations, which feeds our minds and in turn our hearts with definitions of acceptance and success that may be in direct conflict with the Word of God. But how will we know the full counsel of God if we read only Psalms, Proverbs, and Jesus' words in red? How will we know the life-changing truths of the Word if our minds shut off whenever we read something we don't understand or, as is the case with many today, don't agree with? But as I have told my congregation many times, if your opinion does not line up with the Word of God, you need to get a new opinion! Let the Word, not the world, form your beliefs and opinions. Then, if the whole world holds an opinion contrary to the Word of God, you can stand in confidence against the whole world. But if you don't know what's in God's book, you won't recognize the opinions that conflict with it. The useless and even harmful information assaulting our minds today must be combated with a steady stream of God-breathed doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction. Only in that way will we be equipped for everything that comes our way each day.
Chaplain Hurst and SPC Tilman posing with some Chaplains from our neighboring coalition forces Blessings, Chaplain Richard Hurst