Steel Warrior Issue 1
January 2012
Soldiers, Families and friends of the Steel Warrior Battalion, we hope you are enjoying a milder than usual winter and wish you a happy and healthy 2012! The first quarter of FY12 was very busy and as always the Steel Warriors met or exceeded every task put before them. For the second straight year, we participated in Operation Daring Warrior 2011, a joint and combined exercise with the Singapore Army and U.S. Marine Corps. This year’s two week exercise in October/November was a combined effort by Alpha and Bravo Batteries to provide rocket live fire as well as air load training at Henry Post Army Airfield. In November, members of 578 FSC participated in the 168 BSB sponsored “Best Logistics Competition” and as expected finished #1 among the Forward Support Companies in the Brigade. Well done, Phoenix! In December and January, we conducted the “Steel Warrior Best by Test” competition to identify the top launcher, ammo and FDC sections in the Battalion. Congrats to SSG Ziolkowski’s crew (Bravo Btry - best launcher), SGT Delorge’s crew (Alpha Btry – best FDC) and PFC Dicianno’s team (Bravo Btry – best ammo)! In January, we conducted a Change of Command Ceremony in H/26 TAB and welcomed CPT Nate Dunk and his wife, Elicia, to the Wolfpack team. MAJ Jason Kent will remain on the Steel Warrior team as we continue our train up for the Security Force Assistance Advisor Team (SFAAT) mission in the spring. The next three months will be another busy time for the Steel Warriors as we will split our training focus by executing our Artillery Table VI certifications at Fort Sill while personnel on the SFAAT mission participate in training at Fort Polk. At the end of February, select personnel will participate in Emerald Warrior 2012, a U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) sponsored exercise which will provide us with multiple iterations of air load and movement training. On March 16th we’ll conduct our annual Saint Barbara’s Day Ball to celebrate our patron saint and recognize those outstanding Redlegs and their spouses who have gone above the call of duty. Finally, on April 12th we will conduct a volunteer recognition ceremony to recognize those volunteers who have made an impact and contribution on the Lawton/Fort Sill community. As always, Kelly and I thank you for all that you do in support of the Steel Warrior Battalion. We are truly blessed to be part of such a great organization. Your countless hours of work, sacrifice, support, prayers, and everyday acts of kindness to our Soldiers is greatly appreciated and admired. Steel Warriors!! Robert G. Picht Jr. Lieutenant Colonel Commanding
FRSA NEWS
Events from post, and pictures from events the Soldiers are involved in are posted on the Battalion Face book page. Follow along and see promotions, what is going on in MWR, and community events. ( http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/1-14 -FAR/145701958783389) A Volunteer opportunity has arisen in the Battalion and the Brigade. If you would like to be a part of a CARE Team, a team that helps out Steel Warrior Families during any crisis, please think of joining. Brigade has a training on 23 February 2012 that shows what is involved for a member of a team. This is a separate entity from the Family Readiness Group, although the team may call on the FRG for additional help. The most recent team trained from Steel Warriors want to build their ranks, and have a large pool to request help from. If you would like to take the training just contact Mary at 580-442-2382 for enrollment. Speaking of Volunteers, be on the look out for the “official” invites for the Steel Warriors Volunteer Ceremony that will occur 12 April 12. Upcoming Events….. AFTB Level 1 8-9 February Brigade Food Handlers 10 February Post FRG leader training 22 February AFTB Level 2 22-24 February Brigade Care Team training 23 February
In This Issue:
Battalion Commander
Page 1
Battalion Command Sergeant Major
Page 3
Battalion Chaplain
Page 4
Headquarters Headquarter Battery
Page 5
Alpha Battery
Page 6
Bravo Battery
Page 7
578 Forward Support Company
Page 8
Hotel 26 Battery
Page 9
Warriors in Action
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Battalion Command Sergeant Major Happy New Year to the Soldiers, family, and friends of the Steel Warrior Battalion! I want to thank each and every one of you that helped make 2011 such a successful year for our battalion. We could not have accomplished all that we did without the countless hours of work, sacrifice, support and prayers from each of you. Liela and I want you all to know that we are truly grateful for all that you do on a continued basis. We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and had time to relax and take a breather from the every day hustle and bustle. With 2011 now behind us we can now focus on the great days ahead. Like most of you, I have made several New Year’s resolutions to help make 2012 a great year. However, we might want to really explore what a New Year’s Resolution truly is. According to Wikipedia, a New Year’s Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year’s Day and remain until fulfilled or abandoned. The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of the year. The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. He was always depicted with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back. Thus he could look backward and forward at the same time. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new. The Romans began a tradition of exchanging gifts on New Year’s Eve by giving one another branches from sacred trees for good fortune. Later, nuts or coins imprinted with the god Janus became more common New Year’s gifts. I don’t know how many of you out there still exchange branches from sacred trees, nuts, or coins but if you still do, your CSM prefers Pecans and Gold or Platinum Coins. All kidding aside, I challenge each of you to set and achieve your own personal New Year’s resolutions. Some of you may choose goals that are health related like quitting smoking or being more physically fit, while others may strive to spend more time with family or being more financially savvy. You might want to choose resolutions that are in line with your duties as a Noncommissioned Officer. Regardless of which resolutions you choose, I challenge each of you to work hard at fulfilling those resolutions. I am confident that you will be successful and will be able to proclaim 2012 and one of your best years ever. Once again, Liela and I wish a fantastic New Year to each and every one of you. Please say a prayer for all the Soldiers that are currently deployed and let us not forget that several members of the battalion will be deploying soon. Thank you so much for your continued support of the Steel Warrior Battalion. We could not accomplish all that we do without your efforts. Steel Warriors Lead the Way!!! Warrior 7 Out.
RECONNECT IN 2012 Spiritual fitness gets a boost through “REconnect” when the new mid-week religious education program begins Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. REconnect includes a free, simple fellowship meal, and many classes and groups for all ages. Although some are faith- group specific, many classes are supportive of all faiths. All troops, authorized civilians, and Their families will find a warm welcome. Childcare is available 5:30 p.m.--6 p.m. Frontier Chapel. Light meal and fellowship. 6 p.m.--7:30 p.m. Frontier Chapel. Catholic religious education for those preparing for confirmation. 6:15 p.m.--7:15 p.m. Graham Resiliency Training Center. Protestant and inter-faith classes. Protestant studies include children’s classes and electives for adults. Some classes are open to all regardless of religious preference; however, all classes affirm spiritual values and will support the faiths represented by the participants.
Chaplains Corner—-10% *All-Star Dads, led by Chaplain (Maj.) Glen Scheib and Floyd Smith, retired master sergeant. Men who are excited about being dads meet to discuss how to be the best father they can be. * Family Wholeness. Trained leaders guide this group through topics related to strong military families, including communication within the marriage, raising the military child, and thriving in the military culture, among others. *New Testament Survey. Chaplain (Capt.) Andrew Dressler provides an overview of the books of the New Testament. *Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, by Dr. Henry Blackaby. A small group study to help Christians experience the richness of God’s love.
Happy New Year everyone from the 1-14th UMT. I hope everyone enjoyed there holidays and I am glad to hear that everyone has made it back safe and sound. I have great expectation for 2012 and so should you. I believe that this year is a year of “Suddenlies”. What do you mean Chap? Well, the Bible speaks about how God used ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Scripture tells the reader that when God used people, “Suddenly the Glory fell upon them”, and through his power they accomplished mighty works (Judges 14:6). I believe if you position yourself to hear and receive what God wants to do in your life; you too will experience the “Suddenlies of God”. As I walk around the Battalion and converse with many of you, it warms my heart to hear how many of you have made a commitment to commit themselves and their families back to the relationship they once had with God. Though I applaud the thought, I can’t wait to experience the action. A thought is something contained in the head, but the action is that thought in motion. James 1:22 says “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” I challenge everyone to stick with commitments made to God because it will cause a dramatic turnaround in your life. As you look to the left of this newsletter, Ft Sill has established some great programs and teachings called “RECONNECT”. I encourage you and your family to participate in these programs to help you as you “reconnect” with God. My prayers go out to our deploying soldiers. May their safe travel there and back be made sure and complete by the one true God. As you begin your journey, my prayer is that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. I look forward to your return.
*Women of Faith, peer-led studies of strengthening topics such as Max Lucado’s, Making Room for Neighbors, and Beth Moore’s So Long, Insecurity CLASSES OFFERED Child Care: Catholic: CCD and RCIA are required Child care will be provided for class Great Expectations for 2012………Chap out. religious education for Catholics prepar- participants. Children must be registered with the Child Development Chirstopher.lynch.mil@mail.mil ing for confirmation. For information, contact the Catholic religious education Center. Parents must be at either Frontier Chapel or the Graham Resilcoordinator at 442-2875. iency Training Campus. Children should be taken to the “Kids on Site” Protestant: Protestant Youth of the room at the GRTC by 6:00 p.m. They Chapel: Chap. (Maj.) Sean Moore trains must be picked up by 7:30. A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding middle and high school teens in the up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who principles of the Christian faith. Kids YOUR WORTH. would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He Bible Clubs are for Pre-K through sixth NEW MIND SET FOR said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, graders. Classes feature Bible-based, 2012 let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the $20 dollar attention-holding curriculum. bill up. He then asked, "who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, "what if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground All faiths: These group leaders will and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. speak from their faith perspective but "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. support participants of other faiths. "My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson," he said, "no matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20." *Financial Peace University is taught Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we by a long-time resource manager. The make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no acclaimed radio host Dave Ramsey has matter what has happened, or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, a powerful approach to financial freecrumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless ... and especially to those who love you. The dom. Participants will better understand worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. "You are principles of financial management to special - Don't EVER forget it." Count your blessings, not your problems. Never be afraid to try gain peace of mind and a strong future something new.
Hellraisers H H B , 1 - 1 4
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Soldiers, families and friends of the Hellraisers battery. First of all I want to congratulate you in the new year 2012. I know we had a lot of fun during the Christmas party and will like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support provided. As I try to go back in time during my 17 months in command and think about all the time allocated towards the training executed in the Battery and only good memories come to my mind. I know for a fact that our Soldiers in HHB are one of the best Soldiers in this Battalion and without them our mission would had been impossible to accomplish. From the sweat spent on the softball fields here at Fort Sill all the way to the miles driven and the dust shared at Fort Bliss, these Soldiers had always been the best of the best on what they do and I’m proud to take my hat off to them. As one Commander departs another one arrives and I will like to welcome CPT Metoyer to the Battery as the new HHB Battery Commander. Please share your ideas and concerns with her in order to make this Battery, Soldiers and Family members better everyday that goes by. Myself and many other Soldiers within HHB are currently transitioning into training and preparation for a mission into Afghanistan. As we prepare and depart for combat operations I will like you to keep us in your prayers. There had been some long nights, a lot of research, meetings and decisions to make, but at the end it was all worth it. I couldn’t be more proud of these Soldiers and their families, they deserve all the credit in the world, I wish you well and a lot of blessings to go your way. Thank you, be proud and “Never Quit”. Hellraiser 6, signing out.
ASSASSINS A , 1 - 1 4
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Greetings, During the last quarter the Soldiers and Family members of Alpha Battery accomplished a lot. Alpha partnered with the Singapore Armed Forces, culminating in a bilateral live fire exercise that ended a month long training event called Daring Warrior. The Soldiers of Alpha Battery completed many things during the quarter but some of the highlights where air-load training with C17s at Altus Air force Base, the Urban Assault Course/ Live Fire Shoot House, a Leader Charity Run, and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle drivers training. Over the holidays we partnered with SFC Hill from AER to distribute over 400 boxes of food, personal hygiene items and toys to needy families. To Maggie, Rachel, Astrid, and SGT Grody - thank you - your hard work made Alpha’s Christmas party a huge success. And to the Fires Center of Excellence 2011 Family of the year finalist congratulations to the Masons' . Sheila, Jordan, Mara, and SSG Maxson represented the Steel Warriors with great pride, just like Mrs. White, Mrs. Maxson, and SGT Grody when they received the volunteer of the month award from MG Halverson during the last quarter. In closing I want to welcome CPT Grevious and his family as they prepare to join Alpha Battery. Captain Grevious will assume command of Alpha Battery in March. And without further a due, I want to thank everyone for their loyalty, inspiration and “TEAM” work; especially my battle 1SG Kevin P. White, his wife Rachel and their son AJ. Alpha Battery highlights for the 1st quarter include the following upcoming births- SGT Delorge and SGT Gallegos. Birthdays include- SGT Ausmus October 7, PFC Esloon October 10, SSG Heinen November 2, PV2 Bishop November 14, SPC Yager November 19, SPC Abell November 25, SGT Whigham December 20, PFC Betham December 21, SPC Fondren December 23, SSG Valtierra January 3, SGT Aguirre January 8, PFC Rice January 8, SPC Pellegrini January 13, SPC Wagner January 24, SSG King January 28, and SPC Rosa January 30. Alpha Battery wants to recognize PFC Benton, SGT Whigham, SGT Delorge, SPC Haase, SPC Dickson, SPC Holmes, PFC Rondell, and PFC Betham on their recent promotion, and welcome our newest members to the Battery, SSG King, SSG Norville, and PFC Whitaker. Assassins.
H. Gordon Selfridge " The boss drives people; the leader coaches them. The boss depends on authority; the leader on good will. The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm. The boss says I; The leader says WE. The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown. The boss says, GO; the leader says Lets GO! " .
PFC Betham and PFC Rodriguez show off their holiday spirit in the Holiday Door Decorating Contest.
BLACKHORSE B , 1 - 1 4
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The past few months have been very productive for the Soldiers of the Blackhorse Battery. In November, the battery participated in the Brigade Command Inspection and passed with impressive results. SGT Newsome’s NBC Section produced the best inspection that the Brigade Commander says he has ever seen and Bravo Battery’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be the benchmark for all future Brigade Command Inspections. SGT Schultz’s Supply Section was also pointed out as another outstanding area for the rest of the Brigade to look to as the example. Bravo Battery conducted a Reflexive Fire Range in November also. The purpose of the range was to take Soldiers from the mindset of being stationary, firing off of sandbags at targets and move them into a more realistic environment. Soldiers had to face in different directions from targets, orient their bodies in order to find the target, raise their weapon and engage different targets. This involved following a very precise set of instructions for safety purposes that almost everyone could follow. Those who were having a tough time were given some NCOs as help and safeties (See photos of LT Bracewell).
Bravo Battery has also seen some changes recently. SSG Vanston renamed his launcher to reflect his imposing stature and personality. We are proud to welcome new babies from SGT Martin, SPC Moriarty and SPC Davis. Congratulations to them and their families and best of luck! Bravo is also losing 1SG Dorman and CPT Smith. The Command Team is proud to have served Bravo Battery and has enjoyed their time in Bravo immensely. Top Dorman and I would like to welcome the new command team of SFC Jesse Morrin and CPT Brandon Martin. We wish them the best as we entrust our Soldiers to them and they carry on the proud Blackhorse legacy.
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PHOENIX 5 7 8 F S C , 1 - 1 4
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The last few months have been a great time for the 578th FSC as we said goodbye to 2011 and welcomed the new year. I hope that everyone enjoyed their block leave and had a chance to spend time with family and friends. 2012 has already brought many changes to the Phoenix Company starting with support for the battalions Security Force Advise & Assist Team mission. Nine Soldiers from our ranks will deploy to Afghanistan to support the SFAAT mission this spring. Our Soldiers are working diligently to provide much needed training and sustainment support to our SFAAT personnel running various ranges and issuing equipment. Our SFAAT Soldiers will deploy to the Joint Readiness Training Center for a training rotation this spring gaining valuable insight on advising foreign military units. As many of you may have heard our Off Post Training exercise to Ft. Chaffee was cancelled and we will continue to train here at Fort Sill. Spring 2012 brings lots of new challenges both in training and our FRG. We are currently looking for volunteer opportunities in the Lawton area and look forward to our next discussion during our 21 FEB 12 meeting at the Twin Oaks Bowling Center. I would like to introduce SFC Benjamin Logsdon and his wife Amanda the “Acting� First Sergeant who is filling-in for 1SG Jerry Smith as her prepares for deployment with the SFAAT. SFC Logsdon brings a wealth of knowledge to the 578 FSC and has hit the ground running . As I close in on my six month mark as the Commander, I am continually humbled by the sacrifices your Soldiers make daily in support of the 1-14 Field Artillery mission. Thank you for your support and keep up the good work. CPT Oliver Stolley PHOENIX 6
Promotions January 1LT Chapman, Dasha 1LT Schwen, Chris
Birthdays January CW3 Garner, Darrin SGT Albert, Jason SGT Brahms, Sean SGT Vargas, Joshua SPC Black, Jeremy SPC Greer, Nathan SPC Hardy, John SPC Mathews, Roosevelt SPC Lopez, Sharika PFC Ball, Solomon PFC Becker, John PFC Smith, Derrick
WOLFPACK H 2 6 , 1 - 1 4
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Wolfpack Family, 27 January 2012 I hope you have all had a good start to the New Year and are not too worn out from the holidays. Last year the battery successfully returned from Afghanistan and completed the reset and is now preparing for section certifications during February and March. The Holidays were a busy time for the battery with the Bowling party and the battery completing the change of command inventories which lead to a new command team, battery commander Captain Nathan Dunk and his wife Elicia and their three boys and First Sergeant Solis and his wife Mirtha and their two kids. Thank you to everyone who made our holiday party a success. We hope the kids and adults alike had a wonderful time. Our last quarter was busy as we welcomed 3 new baby Wolfpack members. Congratulations to the Daynard, Garrett and Partridge families on the additions to your families. I look forward to getting to know the soldiers and their families. My wife and I are excited to be a part of the team. I hope this New Year will bring happiness and prosperity to all. God bless, CPT Nate Dunk “Wolfpack 6�
Soldiers During the Fort Bliss Training
Corporal Clay training soldiers in the MET section.
Pictures A L P H A P R O M O T I O N S A N D C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E
Soldiers During the Fort Bliss Training
Pictures A L P H A S H O O T H O U S E , S I N G A P O R E S H O O T , A N D P I E I N F A C E F U N D R A I S E R
Soldiers During the Fort Bliss Training