Fall 2011 VOL VOL 2Issue Issue111 Fall 2011 VOL Fall 2011 22Issue
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3d U.S. Infantry Regiment The Old Guard Magazine Regimental Commander: Col. David Anders Regimental Command Sgt. Maj.: Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Stitzel Public Affairs Officer: Maj. John Miller Public Affairs NCOIC: Sgt. 1st Class Adora Gonzalez Editor: Spc. Klinton Smith
The Buff Strap is published by The Old Guard Public Affairs Office to provide information on the Soldiers and Families of The Old Guard. Views and opinions are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army. Send electronic submissions and correspondence to: tog.pao@conus.army.mil Digital photos should be at least 300 dpi. Stories should be in Microsoft Word format.
The Old Guard escorts the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Adams, 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during a dignified transfer on Sept. 15, at Dover Air Force Base, DE.
Story and Photos By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia The Old Guard Public Affairs Office Every time Cpt. Justin Anderson receives the call, he wonders if this time he’s bringing one of his own friends home to rest. As a member of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Anderson, executive officer, 1st Battalion, is among a brotherhood of Soldiers that participate in the dignified transfer of remains of servicemembers whom die overseas in combat. “The first thing that comes to mind is do I know this person,” said Anderson. “I have quite a few friends who are deployed to combat zones.” Sometimes carry teams may or may not receive names, but knowing who he’s escorting home never matters to Anderson as his thoughts are always with them. “I try to think about what happened to that person and I really appreciate what they’ve given for all of us,” said Anderson.
Although Old Guard Soldiers can never give back what those they accompany have given, Soldiers take this solemn duty seriously. They often stay at the Dover Air Force Base, DE terminal around the clock while awaiting dignified transfers; some which arrive as early as 4 a.m. It’s a small sacrifice Soldiers said does not compare. “For me to sacrifice those hours compared to what they’ve sacrificed is nothing,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Rogers, a Charlie Company squad leader. For Rogers, participating in this special welcome home offers closure to some of his own personal experiences in combat. “I’ve known people personally who were killed in action in Afghanistan, but to come back and do this closes the loop on what happens to them. I get to see this part of their journey home,” said Rogers. Unfortunately for carry teams, sometimes transfers aren’t just for one Soldier. The recent deadly crash of a Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan brought 30 fallen warriors home to Dover. Despite
Fall 2011 the vast amount of families and prominent government officials present, including the President of the United States, Old Guard Soldiers carried out the same level of professionalism. “We wanted to make sure we did it right, from every step to every movement, even the small things such as not letting the handles on the transfer case make noise when we let them down,” said Hotel
Company 1st Sgt. Scott Thomas. It’s this level of honor for fallen Soldiers and their families that speak volumes of the service of The Old Guard. “I am constantly and consistently impressed with the Old Guard Soldiers. It’s important to receive our fallen comrades with dignity and respect whether they are on a stretcher or deceased, and each time I see the Soldiers
Soldiers march through Arlington National Cemetary prior to the funeral service.
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do it, they are perfect. They make what is obviously a hard time on families a homecoming that families can be proud of,” said Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, director, Comprehensive Soldier Fitness. The Old Guard is the only Army unit to conduct dignified transfers of every Army Soldier killed in action in support of overseas contingency operations.
Officers and noncommissioned officers salute while a team of Soldiers removes the casket from the caisson.
Officers and noncommissioned officers stand by to present the Colors to family members of the fallen. Photos by Spc. Devin Kornaus
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Story and Photos By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia The Old Guard Public Affairs Office “We see the increased need for food during this time,” said Michelle Goodsman, Feds Feed Family program coordinator. “A lot of children are out of school during the summer months and aren’t receiving federal funded school meals. A lot of their parents are also out of work.” Soldiers from the 529th Regimental Support Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the Washington, D.C. National Guard, traveled around the nation’s capital, July 27, in support of the 3rd annual Feds Feed Family food drive. Unlike most food drives, which run throughout the year, Feds Feed Family focuses on the months of June through August for one primary reason, combating childhood hunger. For Pfc. Randall Frenchman, a truck driver for the 529th Regimental Support Company, being a part of the effort was personal. “I have three kids of my own. If something was to happen to me, it makes me feel pretty good knowing there are places out there that would take care of them,” he said. Spc. Sean Sill, a truck driver for the 529th Reg. Support Co., said he enjoys the opportunity to take care of people and has participated in the food drive three times. “To plan each route, we had to consider the load amounts and how close each location was. We also had to consider the height and width of the loading docks and alleyways when factoring in the
sizes of the trucks,” Sill said. “I was up until midnight preparing.” Likewise, as gratifying as it is for the Soldiers who pick up the food boxes, it’s just as satisfying for those who contribute. “We participate every year,” said Coann Mitchell-Nation, an employee with the Office of Health Affairs. “We believe in taking care of families.” Agreeing with his coworker, Michael Critchlow said he feels it’s one of OHA’s duties to feed families in need. Bradley Benjamin, a security officer for the Department of Labor, admits there was a bit of friendly rivalry between all of the participating agencies, but the worthiness of the cause rather than the competition is what ultimately pushed the department to be competitive in their food production. Old Guard Soldiers picked up boxes of non-perishable food items donated from more than 40 federal agencies ranging from the Department of Labor to the National Aeronautics and Space Center
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Headquarters. This year the program hopes to collect at least 2 million pounds of food. Old Guard Soldiers were willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to help meet this goal. “We don’t plan on eating lunch,” Sill said, knowing hitting each location at the destined time is important. “It’s a hot day for dragging these boxes around, but it’s comforting knowing we’re doing something good out here,” Frenchman said.
Spc. Sean Sill, a truck driver for the 529th Regimental Support Company drags a box of non-perishable food items onto a truck Food.
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Story and Photos By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia The Old Guard Public Affairs Office Webster’s dictionary defines perseverance as the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure or opposition; but this year’s theme of Spirit of America defines it as the unwavering commitment of the American Soldier. Spirit of America, a show filled with historical recollections, musical entertainment and military drill, celebrates the contributions of the U.S. Army from 1775 to the present day; starring cast members from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, (The Old Guard). Each year SOA focuses on a different central theme describing U.S. Soldiers. “It’s Soldiers’ perseverance that’s the corps of our Army,” said Harry Bagdasian, SOA staging director. “When Soldiers take an oath and join the United States Army, they mean it. They’re dedicated, focused, committed and courageous.” Since the month of July, Old Guard Soldiers have been rehearsing around the clock bringing to life historical accounts taken directly from Soldiers’ letters and diaries while also reenacting wars that have greatly shaped our nation. “There are a lot of late hours memorizing the script,” said Spc. Logan Sheriff, an Alpha Company Soldier who narrates pieces of SOA. “We not only have to learn our parts but understudy others as well.” Sgt. Michael Poindexter, a member of the U.S. Army Drill
Old Guard Soldiers await their part during Spirit of America rehearsals, 31 Aug., at the D.C. Armory.
Team, known for its precision in military drill, said the drill team has also worked vigorously on their piece in SOA. “We’ve put in a lot of practice time. The drill team are perfectionist,” said Poindexter. However, Poindexter hopes the audience doesn’t just take away an appreciation for the hard work put into preparing SOA, but a greater appreciation for the sacrifices of Soldiers in the U.S. Army. “Spirit of America is a way to showcase what the Army is about. I hope the audience gets a sense of what Soldiers have been through over the years and what it is we do to protect them,” said Poindexter. Poindexter isn’t alone in his anticipations of reaching the American public, Sheriff hopes for the same outcome. “Not a lot of people know what it’s like to be a Soldier in the Army. They see what’s on television and movies but that doesn’t give the real feeling of being a Soldier. I
want people to walk away and be proud to know there are Soldiers laying their lives on the line for them. I really hope that sinks in,” said Sheriff. Audiences will get the chance to experience SOA beginning Sept. 9 with performances in D.C., North Charleston, S.C., and Jacksonville, Fla. For more information on Spirit of America, check out the official website at http://www.soa.mdw. army.mil.
Soldiers reenact a Civil War battle during Spirit of America rehearsals, 31 Aug., at the Washington, D.C. Armory.
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The Continental Color Guard of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment posts the colors during a performance of Spirit of America.
Members of the U.S. Army Drill Team perform their signature move, the ‘Hat Band’, during Spirit of America.
A member of The United States Army Fife and Drum Corps signs an autograph for a young fan after a peformance of Spirit of America.
Members of the U.S. Army Drill Team perfrom during Spirit of America.
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Spc. Logan Sheriff, Alpha Company infantryman, narrates through a piece of Spirit of America at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. ( Photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus)
Story By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia The Old Guard Public Affairs Office He’s a long way from the world of an Army infantryman, but instead of the heavy combat equipment he often carries, Spc. Logan Sheriff, Alpha Company infantryman, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), is lightening his load with a cordless microphone. As one of four narrators in Spirit of America, a show filled with historical recollections and musical entertainment which celebrates the contributions of the U.S. Army from 1775 to the present day, Logan is not only living the Army’s story but telling it as well. “I don’t think everybody knows what it’s like to be a Soldier outside of what they see on T.V. or what
they are taught in school. Those are all opinions, but when they hear it from actual Soldiers, it sinks in a little more,” said Sheriff. Sheriff, a native of Chicago, Ill., said the versatility of the Army motivated him to join two years ago. “The option of joining the Army came up and I thought why not? You get to serve your country and do something different every day,” said Sheriff. However, even though Sheriff knew he would have various opportunities in the military, Sheriff admits he never thought as an infantryman he would find himself on the stage. “Spirit of America takes me completely out of my comfort zone,” said Sheriff. “I’ve never done drama or performed in front of people.” Sheriff continued to say as a narrator, he had to memorize a lot
more lines than his counterparts, but narrating through various events which have shaped our nation gave him a deeper appreciation for what it means to be a Soldier. “When you’re working every day, you really don’t think about all the sacrifices that were made, but when you’re telling it, you feel it,” said Sheriff. This year, SOA focused on the theme perseverance, a quality Sheriff said truly describes the American Soldier. “If you think about all the things the American Soldier has accomplished, like walking around in the Revolutionary war without shoes on while their toes were failing off, yet they still managed to gain our nation’s independence; I think that in itself explains how the American Soldier thrives on perseverance,” said Sheriff. “Everyone is driven from within.”
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Soldiers prepare sand bags before the arrival of Hurricane Irene, a category one hurricane. (Photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus)
The Caisson Platoon conducts a special demonstration during the Washington International Horse Show. (Photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus)
A lone Sentinel maintains his vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus)
Chief Warrant Officer Abernathy, briefs the 21st Secretary of the Army John McHugh (Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.)
Pfc. Ryan, U.S. Army Drill Team, holds his rifle at right shoulder arms during the drill team’s performance at Spirit of America. (Photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus)
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A firing party from Charlie Company fires a 3-round volley during a Full Honors Repatriation funeral service. (Photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus)
Lt. Col. Robbins, commander, 1st Battalion, leads Soldiers during a battalion run. (Photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus)
Chaplain Contact Info: 529th RSC and HHC Reg.: CH(MAJ) Jason Nobles, office 703.696.4850 Jason.k.nobles@us.army.mil SGT(P) Grant Dame, Grant.dame@us.army.mil CH (CPT) Mark Worrell, Mark.worrell@us.army.mil Office 703.696.8130 Cell 571.271.5191 SGT Steve Drefke 703.696.3019 CH (CPT) Brandon Denning, Frederick.b.denning@ us.army.mil Office 703.696.3579 703.969.1333 Maj. Gen. Donald P. Rutherford (left), U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains, Sgt. Maj. Stephen A. Stott (center), Chaplain Corps Regimental Sergeant Major and Spc. Brandon Waleszonia (left), Tomb sentinel, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, lay a wreath, July 29, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., commemorating the 236th anniversary of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps.
By: CH (Cpt.) Mark Worrell 1st Btn, 3rd US Inf. Reg. The Old Guard My hope is that this newsletter finds each of you doing well this holiday season and enjoying some much deserved quality time with family and friends. I plan to do the same with my family, but I have a confession to make. I am not a big fan of the winters here in Washington D.C. Quite honestly, as a Floridian, I am a wimp when it comes to surviving the cold. So as 2011 ends and 2012 begins, I am personally looking for any and every opportunity to wash away the winter blues. I know most of you feel the same way, so below several events that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and help all of us get a little break from the winter blues. If you want to take part in any of these opportunities,
simply contact your Battalion Chaplain to get signed up. Single Day Ski Retreats Every Soldier in the Regiment is invited to attend one of our four Wednesday Ski Trips. We will load up early in the morning, drive to Bryce Mountain Resort, for a day of Skiing and Spiritual Fitness Training. All meals and expenses will be covered except for ski rental equipment ($20). Spiritual Fitness Training will happen on the bus to maximize time on the slopes. Join us on: December 14th, January 11th, February 8th, March 7th. Strong Bonds Retreats Strong Bonds Retreats are a funded by the Chief of Chaplains and units to allow Soldiers (and their families) to enjoy some time away, learn a little, and relax. Child care is available for all couples and family retreats:
1-3 IN: 27-29 January Married Soldiers with Childcare near Liberty Mountain, PA 24-26 March: Single Soldier Retreat near Liberty Mountain, PA 4-3 IN: 3-5 March Family Retreat with Childcare 30 March- 1 April: Single Soldier Retreat 529th RSC and HHC Reg.: Are eligible to attend all the retreats for 1-3 and 4-3IN listed above Joshua Generation Thursdays, 1730 at the Community Center (Dinner is provided) Bible Study Wednesdays, 1130 at the 1/3 INF Conference Room (Lunch is provided)
November 16, 2011: Last day to sign up single Soldiers for the Potomac Thanksgiving Cruise. Sign up location is at the JBMHH Community Center. Names need to be in no later than 1700 today. The POC will be Spc Erika Williams. November 18, 2011: MCX Grand Opening at Henderson Hall. Grand opening will start at 1030 and include free T-shirts and hotdogs. There will be raffles for many prizes and Demos from different vendors. Marine SMP have challenged the Army BOSS program to TUG of War. Army single Soldiers needed that morning around 1000. November 19, 2011: The Chaplain’s Thanksgiving Dinner. Location will be at the JBMHH Community Center ballroom. Dinner will last from 1300 to 1600. November 22, 2011: Potomac Thanksgiving Cruise. Trans will leave from the JBMHH Community Center at 1030 am. The cruise will be from 1200 to 1400. December 2nd and December 3rd 2011: Children’s Christmas Party. BOSS council members and representatives will help setup assist and breakdown Booths, Props, and decorations for the children and spouses of Deployed service members. December 9, 2011: Armed Forces Appreciation Day/Christmas Party. This event is open to all service members. Start time will be Friday at 1100. Free chow will be served from 1100 to 1300. Raffles for prizes will occur every half hour. Tournaments will last from 1200 to 1500. A flyer will be produced soon. December 9th and December 30th 2011: S.O.M.E. (So Others May Eat). Meet up time is 0545 at Post Chapel across from the PX on McNair road. Departure time: 0610 to Washington, D.C. Time of return to Fort Myer at 0850. It’s a great volunteer opportunity and for soldiers to help feed and serve someone for the Holiday season. S.O.M.E. is a reoccurring event on the 2nd and 5th Friday.