March 2012 Buffstrap by Old Guard

March 2012

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March 2012

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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: Pfc. Cameron Southhall

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.

Courtesy photo

SP4 Fred Moore, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), stands vigilant at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetary, Va. Moore because the first African-American Tomb Sentinel during a time in which the nation was battling the issue of civil rights.

Story By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia The Old Guard Public Affairs Office When Fred Moore entered the United States Army in 1959, it was an unsettling feeling. It wasn’t because Moore was drafted. It wasn’t because Moore didn’t have a desire to serve his country. It wasn’t even the tension rising in Vietnam. Moore was an African-American Soldier entering the service during the Civil Rights Movement. “I had three older brothers who had been in the service, and the advice they gave me before I left was to keep my mouth shut and don’t volunteer for anything,” Moore said jokingly. But Moore, determined to find his own way, volunteered for service in the 3d U.S. Infantry Regi-

ment (The Old Guard), a decision which catapulted Moore into history. Moore admits he wasn’t very familiar with The Old Guard, but a series of good scores on the Army entry test, or more so his stature, made Moore a good candidate. “The officer [at the reception station] said you’re 6 foot 1, 185 pounds [and] you’re the right size for what they’re looking for,” recalled Moore. Before Moore could give it a moment’s thought, he agreed to join The Old Guard. “I was in Honor Guard Company assigned to the 3rd platoon,” said Moore. “We performed most of the burials at Arlington National Cemetery. We did parades and different ceremonies in Washington, Fredericksburg and all around Maryland. We were the number one firing team.” Moore acknowledges he was a well known Soldier in the regiment not so much for the notoriety his team was receiving around the region, but for his distinct differences. “I was obvious wherever I went,” said Moore. “I was the only black on a military firing party. The officers would come up and they would tell me we see you [and] you’re doing a good a job.” This statistic would prove to be in Moore’s favor in the form of a visit from President Kennedy and a Ghanaian president.

March 2012 “When [President Kwame] Nkrumah came from Africa and he and Kennedy were laying a wreath at the tomb, he asked Kennedy why he didn’t see anyone of color,” said Moore. Shortly after, Moore was directed to report to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for training. Moore distinctively remembers the brotherhood he established right away with his counterparts. Despite being the only African-American there, no one ever treated him differently. “They all treated me very very fairly,” said Moore.”You can’t make it as an individual; it’s got to be teamwork. You always need somebody to help you put your uniform on and make sure it’s straight in the back, patting it down for lint and stuff like that.” However, on a crisp autumn morning in March of 1961, as Moore stepped onto the marble floor to perform his first walk as an official Tomb Guard, his brothers in arms kept a important secret from him. “I didn’t know at the time that I was breaking the color line. They didn’t tell me that until after, which I think was a good idea,” said Moore. “It was enough pressure just being a Tomb Guard. They thought it was best if I didn’t know until after it happened. Looking back, Moore admits it was never about making history as the first African-American Tomb Sentinel, but fulfilling the mission. “It was a job that I was given, and I just considered it a great honor” said Moore. “I was always of the mindset that if I was given something to do, I was going to do it to the best of my ability.” Today, Moore’s humility remains his central point, although

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Courtesy photo SP4 Fred Moore, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), walks his tour in humble reverence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Moore became the first African-American Tomb Sentinel in March of 1961. Members of the Old Guard have guarded the Tomb every second, of every day regardless of weather or holidays since April 6, 1948.

for sentinels who have served after him, he is a celebrity in his own right. “I was really surprised the first time I went back for the Tomb Guard reunion. I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. They knew me but I didn’t know them,” said Moore, referring to the attention he received from Soldiers currently serving at the Tomb. Moore was shocked to learn what all the commotion was about. “They said you’re an answer to a question on the test of who is the first African-American to serve at the Tomb,” said Moore. Sentinels must take a detailed 100 question test, in addition to other tasks, in order to earn a Tomb Guard badge.

“I think it’s a little much,” laughed Moore. “When young guys talk to me about being the first, I tell them I just took the opportunity that was afforded to me, but you guys are taking it to another level so I am more proud of you all then I am of myself.” Moore’s greatest wish, however, is that Soldiers today not dwell on his monumental accomplishment but find an inner drive in themselves. “I hope it gives them the confidence that they can do anything they set their mind to do,” said Moore. “I’m not anything special. Certainly if I can do certain things, they are capable of doing even greater.”

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“He would have made a very good noncommissioned officer because he was a person who led by example. He would figure out the job, how to do it well and then added something to it,” said “He was my roommate for almost a year here and one of my Caspers. “He always wanted best friends in the platoon,” said stuff done right. He was alSgt. Jason Caspers. “He not only ways willing to do the work.” Caspers laughed before taught me a lot about getting the saying if anyone was doing job done, but also doing the job something wrong, he would right. As a Soldier, he always pushed and strived to keep tradi- be the first one to call it out in a heartbeat. tion and standards.” Accomplishing the misCaspers, infantryman, Consion was certainly important tinental Color Guard, 3d U.S. to Wildrick, but equally as Infantry Regiment (The Old important was living to the Guard), distinctly remembers the last time he spoke to his best fullest. “He had such a zest for life. friend, Spc. Ronald Wildrick. Sometimes we called him Wild“I talked to him the Thursman Wildrick because of his day before he was killed,” said personality. If he walked into a Caspers soberly. “I was here at work when I got a random phone room full of people, by the end of the night everyone would number on my phone. It was Ron’s voice on the other end. He know him,” said Spc. Daniel was saying no matter how tough Bono, infantryman, CCG. “Ron didn’t sit still because he was alit was out there, he was getting ways doing something and going the job done.” Wildrick, who served in CCG somewhere.” Bono said Wildrick’s enthuprior to being assigned to 3rd siasm for life stemmed from his Brigade Combat Team, 25th strong belief in family. Infantry Division in Hawaii late “He would talk about his July 2011, was killed in action children, his niece and nephew from wounds suffered when his constantly,” said Bono. “Whenvehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Kunar Prov- ever he had time off he would ince, Afghanistan, Dec, 11, 2011. go see [them] in New Jersey. He Story By Sgt. Luisito Brooks The Old Guard Public Affairs Office

Graphic by Staff Sgt. Alexander Croteau

was very family oriented.” Staying true to his philosophy, Wildrick’s brothers-in-arms of the Continental Color Guard, will dawn honorary colors during his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Jan. 13. “Our hearts will be very heavy during the ceremony because this amazing Soldier is no longer with us,” said Caspers, pausing for a moment to collect himself. “I know he would want us to stay strong through this and to remember all the good times.”

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the task force dedicated numerous hours to cover the more than 259,000 sites spread across 624 developed acres of the cemetery. “Our unit walked over every inch of the cemetery taking pictures of the front and back of every tombstone. We also tagged every site with a GPS locater with its section and grave number,” said Spc. Al Carney, infantryman, Delta Co. It was evident for Carney the importance of the completion of this task. “What we are doing here is for the families of the fallen because it helps pay respect and U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luisito Brooks Pfc. Brent Benbow, infantryman, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), keeps track of where they lay,” kneels close to photograph the front and rear of a tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Dec. 15. Benbow is a part of Task Force Christman, after Pvt. William Christman, who was the first Soldier buried said Carney. in the cemetery. Task Force Christman’s mission is to photograph and document every tombstone, grave Like Carney, the demeanor marker and cremation site in the cemetery. The detailed information will go into a large electronic database. of every Soldier involved in the documentation process was very liam Christman, who was the first focused and solemn. Story By Soldier buried here,” said Maj. “This mission is taken very seSgt. Luisito Brooks Nate Peterson, commander, Delta riously by the Army,” said PeterThe Old Guard Company. “The primary purpose son. “How we conduct ourselves Public Affairs Office of this process is to establish an as professionals in the military is accountability of all remains in the same attitude we carry here Day or night; rain or shine, Arlington National Cemetery. taking pictures.” these men had a mission to comThe cemetery dates back to 1874 With the process now over, plete. when the cemetery was run by Peterson said he is proud to have Delta Company, 1st Battalion, Union Soldiers who just had bad honored our nation’s heroes in 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The record keeping practices over such an exceptional way. Old Guard) Soldiers, finished the years. What we are doing is “This is an unprecedented photographing and documenting verifying what’s on record and mission because it has never every tombstone, grave marker correcting anything that’s not.” been done before and it probably and cremation site in Arlington Peterson added the detailed will never be done again,” said National Cemetery, Va., Dec. 23. information will be housed in a Peterson. “What we are doing is “We are calling ourselves Task large electronic database. paying tribute to our fallen comForce Christman, after Pvt. WilOver a period of a few months, rades.”

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Story By Sgt. Luisito Brooks The Old Guard Public Affairs Office Staff Sgts. Andrew and Tim Payne, the youngest of four boys from Buffalo, N.Y., have always been close, and a horrible circumstance brought them even closer. “It was a normal 4th of July weekend for me. I was about to head over to my dad’s house for the holiday when he called me,” said Andrew, infantryman, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). “My dad said Tim stepped on an IED, lost both his legs, but was alive in a medical facility getting

treatment.” Andrew said for the next week his thought process was shot and in disarray. “I really could not focus on anything,” said Andrew. “My older brother, who I looked up to, was hurt and there was nothing I could do until he got stateside.” Once Tim was transported to the United States, Andrew rushed to his side. “My wife and I were one of the first to see my brother at Walter Reed when he arrived,” said Andrew. “While he was laying there sleeping, I stood in disbelief of what happened to my big brother.” As Tim slept, Andrew said he would whisper in Tim’s ear that he was safe and loved.

Courtesy photo Staff Sgt. Andrew Payne (left), infantryman, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Staff Sgt. Tim Payne (center), infantryman, and Elisa Payne (right), Tim’s wife, gather in a foyer at the Walter Reed National Military Center in Bethesda, Md. After Tim suffered a tragic injury in Afghanistan, Andrew was the first to be by his brother’s side.

“I have been [there for] my brother my whole life,” said Andrew. “There was no way I was going to leave him because he would do the same for me.” Tim, worn out and exhausted, woke up from a heavy sedation after three weeks of being in the hospital. “It was like he was my angel standing there,” said Tim. “He was the first person I saw and I was glad to see him.” Through high school, the two were almost inseparable until Tim decided to join the Army. “Joining the Army was the best thing for me,” said Tim. “It gave me a chance to travel and see the world.” Andrew, the younger of the two, said he always admired Tim’s dedication to serve his country. “I can honestly credit my brother for my decision to join the Army,” said Andrew. “He believed that I could do great things in the Army and he was right.” Smiling, Andrew added he was his brother’s first recruit. Throughout their Army careers, their individual jobs took them different places; never knowing Tim’s injury would bring them together again. Tim has since been reassigned from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, to the Warrior Transition Team in Bethesda, Md. and continues to make a strong recovery from his extensive injuries with Andrew by his side every step of the way.

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Story By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia The Old Guard Public Affairs Office

Their objectives are set and their ambitions are thriving for The Old Guard competitors of this year’s Best Ranger Competition; this time it’s all or nothing. “Last year, our goals were to finish and hopefully have a good placement,” said Staff Sgt. Sean McAlpine, infantryman, Delta Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). “This year, a placement is just not going to be able to satisfy us now. We want to win.” The team will make its fourth appearance at the competition, April 13-16, in Fort Benning, Ga. Despite the grueling physical and mental requirements of the competition, McAlpine and his teammates are confident they are doing everything they can to prepare. “This is largely the focus of what we’re coming to work to do,” said Cpt. Eric Hanft, Delta Company platoon leader. “Six days a week, it’s all programmed out. This unit has a very deliberate approach to make the team successful.” Agreeing with Hanft, McAlpine said the team began assessments and training preparation in October 2011. “We’ve been doing strength

workouts in the gym. We’ve done bench, pull ups, push-ups, squats, dead lifts, dips. You name it, we’ve been doing it,” said McAlpine. Outside of the gym, the team runs extensively; running anywhere from four to 10 miles a day. Although strenuous to some, McAlpine sees this process as a mere stepping stone to the finish line. “ This is an endurance competition for 60 hours straight, so in order to meet the requirements of being able to complete a 60 hour competition that’s not only physically but mentally challenging,

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you have to challenge your body during the train-up and almost surpass what the competition is going to be,” said McAlpine. McAlpine knows his team must focus on more than just the physical aspects of the competition and remains optimistic of what’s in store. “When it comes down to it, it’s a big guessing game what they’re going to be putting into it,” said McAlpine. “We learned a lot from our mistakes we made last year. It’s just better to be proficient at everything.”

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia Cpt. Erik Edstrom, executive officer, Honor Guard Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), inserts an intravenous catheter into the arm of Staff Sgt. Sean McAlpine, infantryman, Delta Company, during medical training, Jan. 12, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, in preparation for the Best Ranger Competition. The Best Ranger Competition, a 3-day event consisting of physical and mental tasks undertaken with very little rest, takes place, April 13-16, in Fort Benning, Ga.

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U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luisito Brooks The U.S. Army Drill Team, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), prepares to walk onto the field, Jan. 28, during pratice for the 2012 National Football League Pro-Bowl at Aloha Stadium, Hawaii. The drill team concentrates on precise marching and crisp rifle drills throughthe use of bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles.

Story By Sgt. Luisito Brooks The Old Guard Public Affairs Office A stadium of more than 45,000 football fans applauding different military branches on the field went still as one small group of Soldiers displayed precise marching and crisp rifle drills using bayonettipped 1903 Springfield rifles. The U.S. Army Drill Team, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), showcased their skills during the National Football League

Pro Bowl halftime show, Jan. 29, at Aloha Stadium, Hawaii. Sgt. Julio Ortiz, a drill team member since October 2008, has experienced performing many events, but rates the halftime show as one of the best. “At first it was quite nerve racking, but I just began to enjoy the opportunity to showcase the Army to all the fans at the Pro Bowl,” said Ortiz. “I have performed around 200 different events, but this experience is at the top of my list.” Ortiz hopes that trips like this

will encourage other Soldiers to step up to the challenge of becoming a part of the drill team. “Yeah, we performed in front of a stadium full of people in Hawaii, but we also maintained our composer because of the pride we have in ourselves and the Army,” said Ortiz. “I won’t be able to go on these trips forever, so I am encouraging those who want to experience the best of the Army to give drilling a try.” Ortiz shared he wasn’t an experienced driller prior to the Army. He didn’t learn how to drill in high

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Courtesy photo The U.S. Army Drill Team, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), take centerfield during the “Salute to Service” halftime show, Jan. 29, during the 2012 National Football League Pro-Bowl at Aloha Stadium, Hawaii.

school or college, but was willing to learn and give it a try. “I didn’t even know the Army had a drill team,” said Ortiz. “It wasn’t until I arrived at The Old Guard when I realized that there was this team that did this sort of thing.” He added he was blown away when he saw a group of drillers practicing one day in a parking lot on post. “They were so smooth and crisp that I had to try out. It wasn’t easy to make the team, but the next thing I know I was traveling with them for a mission,” said Ortiz. “My time at The Old Guard has really flown by since then.” Ortiz went on to explain this would be his last great performance with the drill team before his reassignment to Fort Stewart, Ga. in the spring. “I think I have the best job in the Army, and it is performing at events such as this that make it all worth it. I am got paid to come to Hawaii and do something kind of special. I report to my new unit in May, but this event was a good way to finish my time here on the team,” Ortiz said soberly. “We ef-

fect so many people by what we do out there.” This dedicated team leaves a lasting impression where ever they go, but Ortiz says none of it would be possible without the support of family. “My family fully supported me joining the Army and they were more excited when they found out that I was on the Army Drill Team. They said that they have even seen me on TV,” said Ortiz. “Now that I am leaving [the drill team], it is definitely a sweet sorrow mostly because of all the memories from

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all over the world.” Spc. Alejandro Canto, a new member on the drill team, is glad he has taken the opportunity Ortiz speaks so highly of. Performing during the show wasn’t only Canto’s mission but also a dream come true. “I love playing sports in high school, especially football. I understand the game and know what it means for players to earn the right to play in the Pro Bowl. I have watched the Pro Bowl my whole life and now to be part of it was amazing,” said Canto. “This was only my second time performing with the team. The first time we were in London and now we are here. I am just enjoying all these great experiences.” Canto added the feeling he had being out on the field with his team is a memory that he will never forget. “We practice eight hours a day together and to share in the success of the event was great, but nothing prepared me for the amount of energy that was in the stadium,” Canto said grippingly. “You could hear the whole stadium yelling ‘USA!’”

Courtesy photo The U.S. Army Drill Team, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), performs an overhead rifel toss during the National Football League Pro-Bowl, Jan.29, at the Aloha Stadium, Hawaii. The drill team participated in the salute to service members half-time show to honor service members past and present.

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U.S. Army photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus

Spc. Todd Alexander, Delta Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), fires a round at the 200 meter target during M-4 qualification range at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., Jan. 18, 2012. Old Guard Soldiers are qualifying on their assigned weapons as part of the Expert Infantryman Badge test.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus