Issue 70 Sept. 17, 2011
Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Commemorating 9/11 through art Story by Maj. Kevin Toner 2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO
T
he 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division memorialized the 10-year anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11 through art. The 2nd STB chain of command provided Staff Sgt. John Reyes the time and resources to paint a sculpture memorializing the attack. Reyes, a squad leader in 2nd STB, spent
about two weeks painting two wooden towers. “I took three years of art in high school,” said Reyes of Eagle Pass, Texas. “My art teacher, Mr. Escobar, inspired me and let me use my imagination.” He added, “I’ve always enjoyed drawing, and I design tattoos as a hobby.” The sculpture is of two towers, one wrapped in an American flag, and an angel enveloping the other. Above the angel is a scroll with, “United We Stand.” “I chose the angel silhouette because it represents the fallen Soldiers and because the angel is watching over us,” said Reyes. Since joining the Army, Reyes has regularly used his artistic skills. He has designed posters, paintings and logos for the other units he’s been assigned to. The towers are actually the product of two units. The 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers built the wooden towers in Sept. 2010. The battalion left the towers behind when 2nd STB replaced them in July 2011. “I joined the Army to serve,” said Reyes. “Inspiration to paint the towers left here just came to me.”
Remember the fallen
September 11 Remembrance Ceremony Sculpture
Photos by Spc. April York
Sgt. Robert White, a machinist with Company B, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, finishes the detail work on a sculpture to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, at Forward Operating Base Walton, Sept. 9. The sculpture, took three weeks and roughly 100 hours to build, and is three individual pieces mounted on a triangular plate. The sculpture pays tribute to the Soldiers, fire fighters and police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice by placing their lives in danger and saving others on and since Sept. 11, 2001.
Commander’s Column Lt. Col. Thomas Munsey
3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment Commander
Greetings from Qual ye Nal in Badghis. Rolling Thunder is moving into our third month of executing security force assistance alongside our Afghan National Security Force partners from the army, police
and border police. Additionally in Regional Command West, we operate alongside coalition forces from the Spanish and Italian armies, and a contingent from Slovenia. This week everyone in RC West reflected on the events of 9/11 as we honored those who served and are still serving our Nation. Several Rolling Thunder Soldiers were inspired to join our Army after the horrendous attacks. Everyone should be thankful we have a nation of committed patriots. Rolling Thunder is equally committed to training and helping transition the
ANSF so Afghanistan can stand shoulder to shoulder with the international community. Hardrock Battery has experienced the greatest transition as the unit moved from the capital of Badghis Province to Qadis District to begin the first-ever partnership between U. S. Army forces and the ANSF in that area. Automatic Battery continued their partnership with ANSF in northern Herat assisting their efforts to control the critical link between Herat City and Turkmenistan. Bulldog Battery continued to
partner with ANSF and Italian forces in the Bala Murgab District and contributed to expand of the “security bubble” that provides the population with an increased sense of security and stability. Cherokee Company maintains partnerships with ANSF and local government leaders in the Muqor District and has been consistently successful in helping partners work, collaborate, and provide better security. Continued on page 2
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Warhorse Pride
Issue 70 Sept. 17, 2011
9/11 signifies new milestone Warhorse in combat for 100 days Photo by Sgt. Ruth Pagan
During a combat patch ceremony held at Camp Nathan Smith, Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Veneklasen and Soldiers salute the flag during the playing of the National Anthem, Sept. 11.
Story by Sgt. Ruth Pagan 2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO
S
oldiers wear a patch on the right shoulder to signify having served in a combat zone, which is defined as being overseas in a ground combat operation against hostile forces and being exposed to the threat of enemy action or fire, either directly or indirectly. Officially known as the shoulder sleeve insignia, former wartime service, Soldiers simply call it the combat patch. The tradition of wearing a combat patch first began during the Revolutionary War under Gen. George Washington. Today, the Army is the only military service that authorizes members to wear the unit patch of a wartime element on the uniform.
Photo by 1st Lt. Daniel Porris
During a combat patch ceremony held at the Afghan National Civil Order Police Brigade Headquarters, Soldiers receive their combat patch from Lt. Col. David Hardy and a congratulatory handshake from Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Alvarado, Sept. 11.
In a ceremony held to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Warhorse Brigade officially honored Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division’s patch for having completed 100 days in a combat zone. “Be they the victims of 9/11 or our fallen comrades, the combat patch you now wear should serve as a reminder of the sacrifice of war,” said Lt. Col. John Cook, the commander of 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. For some Soldiers this is their first deployment to a combat zone and to have the ceremony on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 had
“Thank you for supporting us, without you we couldn’t make this happen.” -Spc. Charlotte Lockhart, HHC
“Thank you for supporting the troops. We can’t do this alone.” -Cpl. Kristian Smith, HHC “Keep up the hopes and prayers and keep our homeland safe, thank you.” -Spc. Samuel Watson, A Co. “Thank you; I appreciate your support.” -Command Sgt. Maj. Troy Tuten, 204th BSB “You are the backbone of our Soliders. Thanks.” -Sgt. 1st Class Michael Johnson, HHC “Thank you, God bless. We appreciate all your support.” -Capt. Joel Payne, 204th BSB Chaplain
Col. John S. Kolasheski...................2nd BCT Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Delosa..............2nd BCT CSM Maj. Kevin Toner................................................2nd BCT PAO Sgt. Seth Barham..................................................PAO NCOIC Sgt. Ruth Pagan......................................Layout and Design Spc. April York.........................................Layout and Design
even more meaning. “I joined the Army partially because of 9/11 and so it means a lot that on the 10th year anniversary I am here in Afghanistan serving my country,” said Capt. Heather Jantsch, the executive officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. While addressing his Soldiers after the patch ceremony Capt. Richard Ferrell, the commander of HHT, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. said, “Think about the last 10 years every time you put on this uniform.”
Commander’s Column
204th BSB shouts out to America
Warhorse Pride
Photo by Capt. Bonnie Hutchinson
During a combat patch ceremony, 2nd Special Troops Battalion receives their combat patch from Lt. Col. Patrick Stevenson, Sept. 11.
The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Warhorse Pide is an Army-funded newsletter authorized under provision of AR 360-1. Contents of the Warhorse Pride are not necessarily the view of, nor endorsed by the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content of The Warhorse Pride is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public
Continued from page 1 Gladiator Company has an impressive record of re-supplying and sustaining the task force over an area about the size of southeast Colorado. The Soldiers, partnered with ANSF supply and maintenance units, execute everything from long haul re-supply missions, to daily maintenance functions to keep our Soldiers well fed, supplied and equipped. I’d like to thank our Families and friends back home for their unconditional support. As we go into our fourth month of the deployment, I encourage you to continue to care for one another and stay safe.
Affairs Office. The Warhorse Pride welcomes articles, commentary and photos from readers. The Warhorse Pride reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the publication. All issues of The Warhorse Pride can be viewed online from your home computer at www.facebook. com/2bct4id Submissions should be e-mailed to the editor: seth.barham@afghan.swa.army.mil