Keystone Light Engineering in Afghanistan A member of the Afghanistan National Army keeps a watch on the perimeter of Shalghamy, Afghanistan. Members of the 864th Army Engineering Battalion, which fall under Task Force Keystone, are building a Combat Operating Post there. Security is paramount due to the high visability of the area. The ANA is working closely with American forces to ensure mission success and ultimately to help rebuild the infastructure in Afghanistan. More photos on Page 8. Photo by MCC (SW) Terrina Weatherspoon
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Never forget the power of a kind word Our job in Afghanistan is to support our coalition forces by building roadways, forward operating bases, runways, and helicopter pads; and by providing general engineering support to the warfighter as they meet the insurgents on the battlefield daily. Together with the warfighter, we are striving to defeat Taliban and Al Qaida extremists who hold the lives of all of Afghanistan’s people in a constant state of terror. Since arriving, the men and women of 3NCR have excelled far beyond anyone’s expectations; but we are not doing this alone. I want to take a moment to recognize the special people who support us and who make it possible for us to do our jobs everyday—our families back home. Their influence touches everything we do and helps us endure the challenges we face and the sadness of lonely nights of separation. You can see, feel and literally taste this support in every office you
walk into. Sometimes this support is as subtle as a card on the wall; or a package that’s just arrived from home with candy, cookies, or treats; or it may be a collection of photos on a desk; or it may be art work from children stapled to a wall. Sometimes it can be seen and heard, as when you walk into an office to be greeted by a smiling face—its owner sharing a short story or comment from home that may have just been received the night before on Facebook, Skype, chat, or in an email. We have some wonderfully skilled people on staff but our true strength comes not from within but from the support we receive from our loved ones waiting for our safe return. Let’s never forget the power of kind words, care packages, our family’s pride in who we are, and prayers that keep us safe from harm. I would be amiss if I did not also recognize the kindness we receive from strangers we may never meet, strangers like the Girl Scout
CMDCM(SCW) Neal Beard Troop from Dillingham, Alaska or the American Greeting Card Company, and all the individuals and organizations who continue to send us care packages every day. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but together, with the support of our families in the rear, we’ll continue to show the world who 3NCR really is and what we can do as a team--a team of sailors, marines, families, and friends united.
COMMANDER
Capt. Donald Hedrick CHIEF STAFF OFFICER
Cmdr. Jeff Pierce COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
CMDCM (SCW) Neal Beard PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
MCC (SW) Terrina Weatherspoon ASSISTANT EDITOR
CM2 (SCW/FMF) Chris Gilmer
The Keystone Light publication is designed with the intent to inform family members of recent activities of their Seabees in Afghanistan. None of the material within should be used for any other purpose. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily the views of the U.S. Navy nor the Department of Defense.
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Chaplain’s Corner By Cmdr. Lewis Dolan, Chaplain, 3NCR
Many years ago I heard a story about two friends who epitomize the saying, “opposites attract.” They both grew up in the country with similiar backgrounds, they both owned farms, and they both enjoyed hunting. However, Bob was the “eternal optimist” while Phil could always find the downside to any and every situation. Bob would say, “The sunshine will help our plants grow, the crops will be outstanding. Isn’t God good?” Phil would respond, “Yeah, maybe, but if it shines too much it will scorch the crops and we’ll lose everything.” Later in the day Bob and Phil were again having a chat when Bob noticed some storm clouds moving in. He said, “Man, look at that rain heading our way. It’ll water our crops, we’ll have a great harvest – isn’t God good?” Again, Phil disagreed, “Yeah, maybe, but if it rains too much, it’ll flood the fields, wash away the crops and we’ll lose everything.” Bob would always look for the good but Phil would always see the downside to everything. One day, Bob decided it was time to give his friend an attitude change. They both loved to hunt ducks, and they really loved their hunting dogs. So Bob decided he would purchase the best birddog that money could buy and teach that dog to do things no other hunting dog had ever done anywhere, at anytime, in all of hunting history. The opening day of duck season came, and Bob’s dog was ready. The two friends were ready for the first ducks of the season, and seated in their boat behind the duck blind were their hunting dogs. When the first flock of ducks came into view the shotguns went up, a few shots rang out, some ducks hit the water, and Bob knew it was time. Bob turned his head slightly to the dog and said, “OK boy, go get ‘em.” At this, the dog stood up, came to the position of attention, saluted his master and jumped over the front of the boat. He trotted on top of the water, retrieved the ducks and marched back across the water.
Photo by MCC (SW) Terrina Weatherspoon
He did this several times. After the last duck had been retrieved, the dog then cleaned them and had them ready for cooking. He then washed his paws, saluted his master and sat down at the front of the boat to wait for further instructions. Bob was absolutely beside himself. He just knew that there was no way Phil could find error with this dog. “So Phil,” Bob asked. “What do you think? Have you ever seen anything like this in all your born days?” Phil thought for a moment and then finally said, “Can’t swim, can he?” Now we laugh at stories like this thinking, “How can he be so dense?” But how many of us are more like Phil than Bob? Attitude really is everything. During times, like this deployment, we can look at our lives and ask, “Can anything good come out of this?” Maybe we feel like we have been put through a lot, and we can’t see the silver lining. It is times like that we need to ask ourselves, “how can I make the transition to be more like Bob?” God’s Word reminds us that “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength,” (Philippians 4:13) When we realize that there are sources of strength and encouragement that are outside of ourselves, we find that we can be more like Bob and look to see what God is doing around and through us. Those sources of help can include our family, friends, MilitaryOneSource, Fleet and Family Service Centers, our community of faith, and our personal relationship with God. So, are you a Bob or a Phil? It’s your choice.
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By Andi Edwards, 3NCR Ombudsman I love my smartphone. I realize that this is a statement that almost all Americans make at one point or another, but for me, my phone is my ticket to keeping in touch with my Seabee. I’m able to take a photo, email it to him, post it to my personal blog and link it to his Facebook almost simultaneously. Sometimes, soon after I post the picture, he will call me via video chat and say he received my message and loved it. The kicker? My husband is in Afghanistan. Welcome to the world of the modern military family. When the Seabees were founded in 1942, communication was much slower. Veteran Seabee wives tell me that they often wrote letters every night. The highlight of their morning was walking that letter to the post office. They would stand at the counter and watch as the envelopes were stamped and sent on their way, knowing that they had just made a connection with their Seabee. It made them feel like they were a part of something important, something real. Fast-forward to 2010 and you will find that communication has increased in volume and velocity so much that hardly anyone writes letters by hand anymore. Emails, text messages, status updates, and Tweets have taken the place of morning walks to the post office for many of us. Does this mean that we are somehow a less stalwart group than these families of days gone by? Not necessarily. I have been working with the Seabee community as an Ombudsman for eight years. In that time, I have watched
during the day and update their status online to keep their extended family informed. Other families feel more comfortable sending care packages and receiving the occasional phone call. Both of these communication plans are wonderful because they are set in place to meet the needs of that specific family. In communication, keeping up with the Jones’ is not the way to go- the key is to keep up with each other. It is never easy to take the time and make the effort to stay in touch with our Seabees. It is even less convenient to do so with the other families in our commands. Nonetheless, discussion is a vital part of our survival in any deployment situation. No one understands your as new technology develops and allows frustration with deployment better than our families to stay instantly connected the families who are going through it with you. No one grasps how much you with our members out in the field, as well as with one another during deploy- miss having your entire family under the same roof more than your Seabee. Being ment periods. It is a valuable resource able to express those thoughts is a necin many ways, most importantly, in keeping our families well-informed and essary part of coping with the lifestyle changes deployment brings. working as a cohesive unit. Seabee families of the past were pilAt the same time, as our technology advances so do the pressures of the lars of strength in the face of challenge and we are called to that same greatness military lifestyle. We sometimes find ourselves struggling to keep up with the and grace, even in the age of informalatest tools or programs that ‘everyone tion. When we take the time to plan out a tailored means of communication with else’ is using. our Seabees, we honor some of our NaIn an effort to thrive in the age of vy’s greatest traditions. When we make information, I have found that the key is to develop a communication plan that the effort to connect to other families in meets the needs of your family and your our same situation, we pay homage to Seabee without regard to the actions of the thousands who came before us. Only others. For example, some families are by working together and communicatcomfortable using every available kind ing effectively, can we become a greater, of technology to stay connected. They stronger force for good. Now someone pass me my smartvideo chat as often as possible, use text phone, I need to get connected. messaging to leave one another notes
Note from the Ombudsman: Get and stay connected
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Petty Officer in the Keystone spotLight I am a single mother, a student at Ashford University, a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a Correctional Officer and a member of the USNR. Why did you join the Navy? I joined the navy in 2002 because I wanted to do something that makes my kids proud. The only regret I have with the military is that I didn’t join sooner. What are your hobbies? I love the outdoors. In my spare time I love to do yard work and mess with my flower beds. I like riding the four-wheelers, and I look forward to horseback riding in the summer. I have one more semester left in college, and then I will have my bachelor’s degree in Social and Criminal Justice. I then hope to get a job as a probation officer. What are your goals during deployment? My goals while I am deployed are to earn a Navy Commendation Medal and to get my SCWs Pin. What are your words to live by? “You can’t fix stupid.”
Photo provided by LS1 Geiger
LS1 Sharon Geiger Pritchett, who is now Chief Pritchett, has been a big influence in my career. He is straight forward, and doesn’t try to BS you; but will do everything in his power to get the job done. I started off in Lexington, KY and have been to several other NOSCs, but no one has been able to teach me the responsibilities of supply and instill in me the military pride that Chief Pritchett has.
If you could do anything else, what would it be? As far as doing anything else, I am doing exactly what I want Explain what your job entails during deployment? 1. to be doing. So why would I want to do anything else? I Container management, which consists of me monitoring do hope to do 20 years in the Navy, become a probation eight yards and approximately 265 containers. As stuff officer, marry the man of my dreams, and see my kids moves in and out of KAF by container I in-gate them and succeed in life. out-gate them. I push to get carrier containers out so that we are not billed for unnecessary use of the containers. 2. If you would like to see someone Non-CECE/TOA, I track tool kits that come to units and help supply units with the tools they need to complete featured in our spotlight section their mission. 3. I am the TPE property book signature of the newsletter, please let us officer. I maintain and track all equipment that is on our property book. I transfer equipment to units that need it, know. Write me at and receive equipment on the books if we need it. To whom do you owe your success and why? SK1
terrina.weatherspoon@afghan.swa.army.mil.
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Chief in the Keystone spotLight
Photo by MCC (SW) Terrina Weatherspoon
EOCS Frank Walther
impressive bonus of $2,000 dollars. I went to San Diego for Boot Camp and Port Hueneme for EO “A” School, then straight to NMCB 14 in May, where I spent 18 years. I have been married to my high school sweet heart Denice since June of 1991. We have a son, Frankie, who will graduate this year and a daughter, Hunter, who is a freshman in high school. What are your goals while deployed? At this point in time, one of my goals is to pass as much info as I can to the junior personnel so they can take my spot when I retire. The Navy has been great and rewarding and I would not change a thing. The Seabees are always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. I am proud to be a part of the team. My other goal is to make the 3M program the best in the NCF. I want to continue to learn and push through any hurdles that get in the way. I also hope that I don’t have nightmares when I get home about people not completing their Function Check, which is not the same thing as cleaning your weapon! What are your hobbies? My hobbies include deer hunting, deep sea fishing, football and anything you can do on a boat. I also love to watch my son and daughter Describe your job? I am the 3MC in charge of the maintenance program for the Seabees in our command and task force. To whom do you owe your success and why? I owe my success to my family. They didn’t sign on for all of these deployments. It is hard on them but they understand that it comes along with the job. I appreciate their support and their willingness to let the military have so much of my time. I also credit my father in law, if not for him I might not be here.
I am an Equipment Operator Senior Chief. I have my Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Pin and my Air Warfare pin. I came into the Military back in January of 1991 after six months in the delayed entry program. I joined the Navy while living in my home town of Tampa, Florida. My father in law, EO1 Jimmy Hallmark was in the Navy Reserves and forced me to join before If you could do anything else what would it be? I’m doing what I have always wanted to do. Serving my I could marry his daughter. Honestly, he pointed me country and contributing to something bigger than I am. in the direction of the Navy Reserves and got me an
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Officer in the Keystone spotLight I am just a farmer from New Jersey. I raise 250 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as a few acres of fresh market vegetables. I also teach agriculture and Iam the Future Farmers of America chapter advisor at the same high school I graduated from. My family has lived and farmed in the same area of South Jersey along the Delaware Bay for generations. I am married and have three children: Sara, Rachel, and Joseph. I am interested in politics, serve on our County Board of Agriculture, and aspire to one day be elected to serve as a United States Senator from New Jersey. I was always drawn to military service although I didn’t join the Navy Reserve until 1996. I served as an enlisted member with NAVELSG and have been fortunate to perform ATs literally around the world. In 2003 while I was mobilized as a SK2 I received a direction commission into the Supply Corps.
Photo by MCC (SW) Terrina Weatherspoon
Lt. Michael Griffith
Can you give me a brief description of what you What are your hobbies? My hobbies are reading and do? My job as R44, MLO officer, is to help ensure our subordinate units acquire the necessary building hunting, although my friends would tell you they’re obsessions. Where I am from waterfowl hunting is taken materials to complete projects. As part of the R4 Department I am also part of a great staff to help make seriously. We are right in the Mid Atlantic Flyway. this happen from funding through delivery. I am in Calling ducks in to a well placed set of decoys out on the water is the most relaxing and rewarding experience constant communication with the subordinate unit’s rd in the world. I also spend a lot of time hunting Canadian supply officers, MLO representatives, as well as the 43 geese in the fields. Of course, whitetail deer, turkey, and sustainment brigade who are the material managers for small game seasons go by fast as well, but when its duck the theater. season, the phone is turned off. To whom do you owe your success and why? Admiral What are your goals while deployed? My goals while Sharon Redpath has been a great mentor during my I am deployed are to do my part to make the Regiment Navy career. She showed by example how to take care of successful, earn my SCWs, and leave in better physical others first and to remember how important everyone is in accomplishing a goal. condition than when I arrived. What are your words to live by? “I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world” - George Washington
If you could have done anything else, what would it have been? I’m pretty happy but if all things were equal, I’d like to be able to make a living milking 40 cows, and farming 500 acres back home in Greenwich, New Jersey.
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Admin dept. in the Keystone spotLight Let’s be honest, everyone is aware of how important our Admin shop is to our overall mission. Most of us are thankful for R-1 for purely selfish reasons. They can help ME with my pay and they can help ME with my awards. But there is a lot going on behind the scenes. How many people are in your department? There are five people in the ADMIN shop: YN3 Christopher Collins, YN3 Christopher Bowman, YN2 Arlan Bryant, YNC Terri Kerr and Ens. Courtenay Nold. The members of R-1 posing with the painting done by LS2 Dyer. Administrative
Photo by MCC (SW) Terrina Weatherspoon
Warfare: We Write, We Type, We Fight. From L to R: YNC Terri Kerr, YN3 Christopher Collins, YN2 Arlan Bryant, YN3 Christopher Bowman and Ens. Courtenay Nold.
What is the goal/mission of your department? Our mission is to provide the best commands, and more specifically, administrative support possible to all our 3NCR Sailors. Task Force Keystone personnel during our deployment. What is the hardest thing your department deals with? What is the best thing about your Every challenge is worth it ... since it department? is all about taking care of our Sailors. The best thing about the department Probably, the most difficult thing we is the professionalism of the staff. deal with is personnel-related issues; Everyone in ADMIN is focused on since we have no Personnel Specialthe mission and has that unwavering ists on staff. However, as we said, “can do” attitude. That presents for every challenge is worth it .... and us a great atmosphere in which to the ADMIN staff is taking on this work. challenge too. How does your department benefit task force Keystone? We provide an essential communication and administrative link for all Task Force Keystone subordinate
How many different things are you responsible for? The ADMIN shop’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to): three PERSTAT reports (DTAS,
JPERSTAT and our Commodore’s PERSTAT), Area Release letters for all members of subordinate units, awards for 3NCR and all subordinate units, all command correspondence, personnel/pay issues; and various reports for the command and higher headquarters. There are also many other specialties that fall under R-1 including the Chaplain, Medical, Legal, and the Public Affairs Officer. So R-1 is responsible for a lot of external command visability. Is there anything you would like to add? The ADMIN Department is one of the hardest working shops in 3NCR! WE WRITE, WE TYPE, WE FIGHT!!! HOOYAH.
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Children line the streets as convoys role by carrying wood, food, mail, gear and other essentials to Seabees throughout Afghanistan. This picture was taken by Commodore Don Hedrick from the window of his MRAP.
Photo by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
Building Afghanistan
NMCB 18 is building a Combat Outpost in the city of Malajot, Afghanistan. They first must clear the road and the field before they can begin building. This requires a lot of interface with the local population. Photos by Capt. Don Hedrick, Commodore 3NCR.
HM2 (FMF) Chris Lutton, NMCB 18, and an ISAF soldier tend to a boy outside of COP Kandalay, Afghanistan. The boy and his brother had been badly burned when they attempted to fill a gas lamp while it was still lit.
Photo by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
Members from NMCB 18 and 40 worked together to build Combat Outpost Kandalay. In less than 20 days these Seabees built two SWA huts, four guard towers, 14 foot Hesco Walls, a security fence, a four-hole burnout, an Amunitions Holding Area, 20 tent decks and a burn pit. They also did all the electric for the entire camp. The Seabees are a vital part of the ongoing effort to push the fight closer to the enemy while also making a positive impact on the community. These two battalions in particular, 18 being a Reserve unit and 40 being an Active Duty unit, have worked very well together and have even gone as far as merging their numbers to form Det. 58. On the 18th day these Seabees packed up for their trip back to Forward Operating Base Wilson, where they would finally get a shower and a hot meal. “This is what we are meant to do,” said UT2 Darin Soutwick, NMCB 40. “I am building a place where a soldier can come in from the fight and rest his head. That means something.”
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Seabees lend hand to Wounded Warriors By MCC(SW) Terrina Weatherspoon
“My buddy went to jump over this two and a half foot wide ditch carrying a 60-pound pack,” said Army Staff Sgt. Brian R. Green. “He didn’t make it. So a couple of guys were helping him out of it. As soon as he lifted his left leg … BOOM! The blast threw me 20 feet and I took a lot of shrapnel to the face. My buddy lost his leg.” That’s how Green, a member of HHC 1/66 Armor Company out of Fort Carson, Colorado, and currently deployed to Arghanda, Afghanistan, ended up at the wounded warrior compound at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. He is one of many who will spend anywhere from a couple of days to weeks at the compound either recovering before an eventual return to the fight, or preparing for redeployment back to the states. The wounded warrior compound isn’t much. It is a couple of tents here and there, identified most times only by a heart on the door. There is usually one tent set up for berthing and another set up as a day room. Since the occupants of these tents continue to change on a weekly and sometimes daily basis, the amenities are scarce. Often times injured service members arrive with nothing more than the clothes on their back. Other times, depending on their inju-
Photo by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
Photo by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
ries, they don’t even arrive with that. So when Seabees from the Third Naval Construction Regiment heard that there wasn’t a plan in place to make these men and women more comfortable, they decided to take matters into their own hands, literally. It was actually Legalman Senior Chief Erin Meadows, United States Forces - Afghanistan (South) Staff Judge Advocate’s Office Paralegal, who brought it to our attention that the wounded warriors needed help from the Seabees, said Equipment Operator Senior Chief (SCW) Ed
Photo by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
Schoen, 3NCR Operations Department. “I first learned of their needs about a month ago when my Senior Enlisted Advisor, a Marine Corps sergeant major, brought the various wounded warrior groups to my attention,” said Meadows. “I knew I could get friends and family from home to send care packages and provide support. And I knew I could ask members from the Chief’s Mess, who also happened to be Seabees, to help out immediately.” Warrior, cont’d on page 19
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The guys behind the scenes: MLO Photos provided by LS1 Geiger
CM2 Miguel Sanchez pretending not to smile as he gets his picture taken. These guys spend all their time out in the elements, hats off to them.
LS1 Geiger ropes herself an MTVR.
The guys ... hard at work.
UT1 Dyer and CM2 Sanchez smiling for the camera.
Senior Irvin checks up on his guys!
UT1 Dyer never misses an opportunity to pose for the camera.
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“T ing not ply -Le
r is k “The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing and becomes nothing. He may avoid sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel ... grow and live.” -Leo Buscaglia
Photos of the month
Photos by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
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Photos of the month
Photos by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
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Letter to a Soldier He was very close to me. So I continued to look through the box and I noticed that some of the letters had the Boys and Thank you for risking your life for your Girls Club of America logo on them so country. When I’m 18 I will be Airborne I immediately contacted my wife who and my dad and pap were Airborne but works for the BGCA headquarters.” my pap died on Friday. Thank you. “He told me that when he grabbed one of the goody boxes he picked up -by Marcus three letters and two postcards from the Sarah Heinz House Keystone Club in This letter was among many at Pennsylvania,” said the bottom of a box in a building in Cristina Bermúdez, Kandahar, Afghanistan. Marcus had the Interim Director written that letter in February with for Education hopes that a service member would read Programs for the it. And one did, six months later. Boys & Girls When BU1 Armando Bermudez, Clubs operations department, Third Naval Construction Regiment, and currently stationed in Afghanistan, found Marcus’ note in a snack bag he felt compelled to write back. “I was just looking for a snack on the passageway shelf, which is where we keep snacks that have been sent from back home, and I grabbed some crackers in a zip lock bag,” said the San Juan native. “There was a note inside. Every time I grab snacks I try and answer the letter that accompanies it.” Only Bermudez didn’t know where of America. “Keystone is one of our to send his response. All there was at the programs for teens that encompass bottom of the letter was a name, Marcus. character development and community service. The teen president of the “The letter touched me,” said Keystone Club at that Boys & Girls Bermudez. “When I first read it I was saddened by the fact that his grandfather Club in Pennsylvania had written a died. It reminded me of my grandfather. letter letting soldiers know that their national service project was collecting By MCC(SW) Terrina Weatherspoon Dear Soldier,
letters from kids at the Club for soldiers. Of course, my husband was surprised because the odds of him picking up a letter written by kids served by the organization I work for were pretty slim. Needless to say, the cards were special to him and he wanted to thank the staff and kids at the Club for their care and concern.” “I wanted her to spread the word that the letters were being read by soldiers and that we appreciated it,” said Bermudez. “She was able to speak to the BGCA president and it did cause quite a stir in the office,” said Bermudez. “It also helped prove that the program was helping soldiers serving on foreign soil. The coordinators of the program were not sure if the letters and packages were getting to where they needed to go and they were thinking about terminating the project. As a result of my phone call to my wife, the BGCA is going to continue to support the care package program.” Although Bermudez didn’t have an address that allowed him to write directly to the children whose letters he had read, he did write to the high school student who started the project and his wife was able to speak to the owner of the Pennsylvania BGCA. “I forwarded his thank you email to all national staff at Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) headquarters
Soldier, cont’d on next page
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Memories of War Acclimate, hydrate, got into shape, Weather hot to say the least Continue doing whatever it takes, Into the belly of the beast We traveled forward into the past, Into a land where day is night Individuals joined and banded now, Learned to work one team one fight War on terror nine years long, Our turn in the sandbox please stand by A group of people away from home, Lean on each other and we’ll get by Mark the calendar, x the day, In country now come the leaders Changes coming on our watch, Watch and listen to news readers A job to do entails the many, When we leave a mark we’ve made
Soldier, cont’d from previous page thanking them for their work with our youth and we got in touch with the actual Club that sent the cards,” said Cristina. “They were very excited to hear that their efforts to reach soldiers and make a difference came to fruition.
CEC(SCW/SS) Pete Laabs
History unwritten but we’ll remember, As long as Seabees never fade Weather changes as do people, Desert dry then comes the rain “Can Do” mindset brought forward, Mission goals become attained Strangers meet worked together, Looking forward toward the end In a war zone miles from home, Leaving there as lifelong friends Photos record the many faces, Unspoken words still linger there Feelings that don’t always show, Memories that we only share
Book and Video, sight and sound, Not the taste, the smell the touch While we’re here we are family, And under God we are one For our country we came forward, Working until our job is done Cruise book shows we’ve returned, And some stories can be shared It also shows the many faces, places and for those we cared Loved ones at home and our mindset, Our focus was still our job
As you gaze upon the pictures, Hear the stories we have to tell
Life at home might feel empty, our memories there too are robbed
There are some that will stay silent, and for some it’s just as well
First words, first steps the everyday things you do
Sounds of war can be recorded, But the feelings not so much
While we’re over here missing them, you’re missing us, we’re missing you
We decided that my husband would have the the guys and girls at work sign some cards that he can bring home with him so that I can send them back to the Sarah Heinz Club and they can display them on their wall as the ‘Keystone cards that went around the world.’ It would mean the world to the youth at
the Club to know they made a difference and to actually see their cards signed by a soldier who fought in the war.” “I believe it is our responsibility to show our gratitude to the people that support us,” said Bermudez. “I keep the letter Marcus wrote on my desk, it reminds me of why I am here.”
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Digging for water at FOB Walton
Photos by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
Members of NMCB 18’s water well team dug 1,100 feet in four days. Their team is broken into three shifts and works around the clock. During the process the Mud Hog broke and parts needed to be replaced. The team took action immidiately so the work could continue. Within hours, the machine was fully operational and digging continued.
Around the Task Force
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Photo by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
...864th SRG... Above: Spc. Matthew Torres, personal security detachment platoon medic, provides security for the Battalion Commander during a recent trip to Shalghamy, Afghanistan. Members of the 864th, which fall under Task Force Keystone, are building a Combat Operating Post there. Security is paramount due to the high visability of the area.
Photo by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
Left: Sgt. Alvino Santana, team leader for 3rd Platoon, 585th Engineer Company, cuts wood needed to complete a Tactical Operations Center at Forward Operating Base Walton. Santana and his team have spent months at Walton buiilding up the area.
Around the Task Force
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...NMCB 5 -- Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan
Steel Worker 3rd Class Thomas Macdonald, a Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, welds steel on a K-SPAN building project at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.
Photo by MC2 (SCW) Ace Rheaume
Steel Worker Constructionman Robert Ribicki, a Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, uses a plasma cutter to cut a piece of steel on a K-SPAN building project at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 place steel picks to assemble a K-SPAN building at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.
Photo by MC2 (SCW) Ace Rheaume
Equipment Operator Constructionman Cristina Tommeraasen and Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, run a steel pick through an Ultimate Building Machine (UBM) on a K-SPAN building project at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.
Steel Worker Constructionman Guillory Bryant, a Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, helps run a steel pick through an Ultimate Building Machine (UBM) on a K-SPAN building project at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan
Around the Task Force
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Warrior, cont’d from page 10 “When we went around visiting the various wounded warrior groups we noticed right away that there were things we could build that would make their lives here easier,” said Schoen. “We decided the first thing we could build them was a covered deck. So we went to work to make it happen.” Schoen enlisted the help of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 18. Members of NMCB 18 were able to pre-fabricate a deck in their compound and then move it over to the wounded warrior unit. “I was surprised to see how easy everything came together and how many people showed up to help,” said Gunners Mate Chief (SCW) Jack Thompson, armory chief for the regiment. “It was a great opportunity for the Seabees to do what they do best, improve quality of life.” “After witnessing and helping with the building of the deck – appropriately on the weekend of 9/11 – we’ve proven that the Seabees and the Chief’s Mess are an invaluable resource and we’ve committed to the continued support of these great warriors,” said Meadows. To date, besides the deck, more than a dozen care packages have been sent for the wounded warrior groups on KAF. Additionally, a lot of items have been donated by various
Photo by MCC Terrina Weatherspoon
groups on KAF. Schoen even went and independently purchased a new Xbox system for one of the groups to enjoy. “I’ve already received feedback that the members absolutely love the system and games that were purchased with it,” said Meadows. “Recently I visited with one of the groups for the first time. I was speaking with a soldier and he was telling me about his battlefield injury as he was showing me his current living arrangements,” said Meadows. “I stopped, shook his hand and thanked him for his service. I was stunned by his experiences and did not know what else to say. In turn, he was shocked that I was thanking him. He said, ‘Senior Chief, you are serving also!’ I was dumbfounded that he would equate his service – in a direct combat role – to mine. I reminded him that I am here in a capacity to support our Soldiers on the battlefield and that my service was second to Soldiers such as himself. Needless to say, this warrior saw no difference between us, and I was incredibly
humbled.” Meadows and Schoen, along with the support of the chiefs mess and the Seabees plan to stop by the wounded warrior units often and see if there is anything they can do for them. “I realize there is a fine line between supporting their needs and becoming a burden on them by always stopping by,” said Meadows. “They are always welcome,” said Army Sgt. John Mazurek, the noncommissioned officer in charge of one of the wounded warrior units. “They are so willing to do anything for us and it is so appreciated. I haven’t met anyone out there so willing to go out of their way for any of us.” “We have already committed to building these warriors some much needed shelving units as well as completing deck projects in other wounded warrior units,” said Schoen. “We don’t just want to build them a few necessities,” said Logistics Specialist (SCW/EXW) Ernie Sierra, NMCB 18 supply chief. “We want to make them the envy of the base.” “I feel pretty lucky,” said Green. “Not only am I still alive and intact, but I also get to leave here with the knowledge that if someone else in my unit is injured, and ends up at KAF, they will be taken care of.”
Constructing Citizenship
Story and photos by: MCC Michael B. W. Watkins, NMCB 40 PAO US Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40, received citizenship during a ceremony Oct. 1 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Builder Constructionman Songlim Lee and Equipment Operator Constructionman Apprentice Morbien Tangonan both received their US citizenship . Lee, originally from Seoul, Korea immigrated to the United States October 30, 2008 to be with her husband, an American citizen, when he returned to the states for work. Lee had been working for the Korean Army as a civilian contractor and that peaked her interest in the military. “As a US citizen I can get a better job other than a cashier or waitress,” said Lee. “I want to be independent and build my EOCA Morbien Tangonan takes a break from his earth scraper to pose for a photo in recognition of his new US citizenship. Photo by MCC Michael Watkins own career.” Tangonan also came to the US in 2008 and literally fight for it,” Hirahara said. from the Philippines. He and three of his four sisters were originally Lee and Tangonan completed the entire naturalization process in just denied citizenship and lost more than $1,500 in fees, said Tangonan. more than one month according to Legalman First Class Chad Cahoy, “We were told we could apply again but we would still have to pay command immigration officer. the fees again. It was very frustrating,” said Tangonan. “So myself and three of my sisters all joined the military and we are now citizens,” he said. “I’ve seen the naturalization process take as long as six months to two years,” Cahoy said. “It’s great that they have an opportunity to speed up the “It did not cost us another dime.” process,” he said. Lee and Tangonan are quickly building their careers in the Seabees and Since the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, citizenship fees have been waived both credit the chain of command with their success. It would have been to members of active duty armed forces, said Cahoy. much more difficult to complete “It is a great opportunity that many are taking advantage of,” said without continued support, Lee Cahoy. said. A flag and certificate “We let them stay behind on of citizenship are proud mementos the delayed party to finish up given to those who obtain their citizensome of the paperwork,” Said ship. Photo by: MCC Michael Watkins Master Chief Constructionman Chris Hirahara. “It was an easy decision for us to make,” he said. “Most people that are born into citizenship take it for granted, here you have a person BUCN Lee poses for a photo with her certificate of citizenship and a small flag as a memento to her accomplishment. Photo by that wants to be a citizen so bad MCC Michael Watkins that they go out, join the military