Dauntless dispatch
HHC 4TH MEB, 193RD BSB, 92ND MP BN, 94TH EN BN, 5TH EN BN, 94TH SIGNAL COMPANY V O L U M E
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
988th Guidon Unfurling
Bravo Co. 193rd Change of Responsibility
13th MP Co. Deployment
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Note from the
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Command Encouraging
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Words from the Chaplain Army Family
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FRGs Soldier to per-
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form in Army Soldier Show Army Family
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Team Building
Newsletter Created by: Pvt. Alexis R. Koster, HHC 4th MEB
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5th Engineers take combatives to the next level By Pvt. Alexis R. Koster
Back in September, Sgt First Class Sean McGlensey, 515 th Sapper Company, offered a Level I Modern Army Combatives class for 5th Engineer Battalion Soldiers. The class had a great turn out with about 30 in attendance. McGlensey, a MAC level IV, decided to take the Soldiers to the next level by holding a skill Level II class for the 5 th Engineers and opening the invitation to some 94th Engineer Battalion Soldiers. “This class is 80 hours long and adds on another week of training. It shows basic and Level II ground work and other ways to get in and out of holds,” said McGlensey. “It‟s an advancement of level one.” The training focused on
Covenant The ABCs of
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the more difficult techniques which clarify why the basic techniques are performed as they are. The Soldiers grapple with each other, learn punches to the body and slaps to the face. They are taught about 50 different moves compared to 20 in Level I. The final task the Soldiers have to do, in order to pass the class, is a 2-on-1 drill which is a mandatory event. The drill has the Soldiers in full gear called blauer
gear and one is equipped with rubber a M-16 rifle. Soldiers reenact situations in which an assailant is neutralized utilizing various techniques specifically aimed at an aggressive individual. “It‟s really fun to grapple, it‟s good to learn for my job, and it‟s a good skill to have if you‟re in hand to hand combat,” said Spc. Ricardo Ortiz, 509 th Engineer Company.
Note from the Command This month the Dispatch focuses on our great Families, and rightfully so! Our Family Members are as important to combat readiness and mission accomplishment as our Soldiers and our equipment. Soldiers without the bedrock of a strong, resilient, and supportive Family have a hard time concentrating on the tough jobs and the challenging missions that we all face in the era of persistent conflict.
There is an old saying about there being a good woman behind every successful man. Well, in today's Army, behind every successful Soldier stands a good Family! Our strong Families run the spectrum from a spouse and children here at Fort Leonard Wood with their Soldier to a proud Mom or Dad back home, and many different combinations in-between.
commitment, for their understanding and determination, and for their unending love and support of our great Dauntless Soldiers!
Col. Rob Risberg Commander, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Wherever our Families reside and however their makeup, they are critical members of our larger Dauntless Family. We thank them for their sacrifice and
Encouraging Words from the Chaplain Raising the Standard Just recently I was approached by an elderly man who was very upset with the encounter he had with four Soldiers from Fort Leonard Wood (not necessarily from our unit). While standing in line to pay for his meal at a local restaurant, F . . . this; and F . . . that; came unrestrained out of their mouths. Showing respect for his wife standing next to him, and a female cashier behind the counter, he felt the need to address the issue. To further his disappointment, when he con-
fronted these Soldiers (Sergeants and above), he was met with resistance along with retaliation. Their first comment was, „Do you have a problem with us?‟ Another said, „I fought in Iraq!‟ Both failed to own their behavior, but instead tried to justify it. The situation almost ended up in a fight. Where is our honor? Have we lost something in our military? Does it begin with leadership? Today we have more educated Soldiers across the enlisted and officer ranks than ever before. Unfortunately, our standard has not increased with our education. If anything, it has been lowered. The use of proper language not only defines who we are, it also
determines the level of respect we have for others. Proverbs 12:18 says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." An average educated person knows about 20000 words and uses about 2000 words in a week. We can‟t change others, but we can change ourselves. Let us honorably reflect our God and the country we serve with the words we speak and the conduct we show. By His Grace, Chaplain Chris Morris, Chaplain, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
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Army Family Covenant The Army Family Covenant We recognize the commitment and increasing sacrifices that our families are making every day. We recognize the strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their Families. We are committed to providing Soldiers and Families a Quality of Life that is commensurate with their service. We are committed to providing our Families a strong, supportive environment where they
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can thrive. We are committed to building a partnership with Army families that enhances their strength and resilience. We are committed to improving Family readiness by: Standardizing and funding existing Family programs and services Increasing accessibility and quality of healthcare Improving Soldier and Family housing Ensuring excellence in schools, youth services, and child care Expanding education and employment opportunities for Family
members
What is an Army Family? The Army Family is broad-based, and includes:
Soldiers (Active Duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve)
Department of the Army Civilians
Retirees
Veterans
Families and their children.
And Survivors
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The ABCs of FRGs Managing and operating a Family Readiness Group (FRG) properly can be challenging for FRG volunteer leaders and Unit leadership. It requires full-time planning efforts as well as capable support from skilled staff. Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSAs) who work directly for the Commander and for the Rear Detachment Commander (RDC) during deployments, have become a vital asset to units.
and leadership. Operationally, the FRSA provides administrative and logistical support to Commanders, Rear Detachment Commanders and volunteer FRG leaders. Taking the administrative burden off volunteers allows FRG leaders to concentrate on performing outreach to Soldiers and their Families in the command, thus preserving stability on the home front, especially during periods of deployment. Overview of the Function and Role of the FRSA
The FRSA‟s main duty is to provide the Commander or RDC, the Family Readiness Liaison (FRL), and FRG leader with administrative assistance in support of Family readiness programs and activities. FRSAs also work closely with community resource agencies to provide appropriate referrals for the Commander, RDC, FRL, FRG leader, and Family members. The Mission of the FRSA is to maintain the continuity and stability of Family Readiness Groups as units undergo changes in volunteers
The Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSAs) are a vital link between the unit Commander, the Families assigned to the unit, and the community resources available to the Soldiers and their Families. The significance of a properly operated FRG is that it allows deployed Soldiers to remain mission focused while their Families‟ well-being is sustained. The strong commitment provided by the family readiness structure to Soldiers and their Families will be reflected in the success of the unit‟s mission, as it serves to provide a smooth transition during the full deployment
cycle, with emphasis on increased support during deployment and reintegration. Primary Functions of the FRSA • Know and understand the role of the FRG, and how community agencies can support Soldiers and their Families • Know how to access and navigate the programs offered by community service agencies The FRSA works under the general supervision of the Rear Detachment Commander or Commander who coordinates work assignments with the Family Readiness Group Leaders. Assignments are accompanied by general instructions concerning priorities, assignments, and deadlines.
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By Spc. Heather Denby
The podium was set and the flags were displayed as Spc. David A. Palmer, a truck driver assigned to Alpha Company, 193rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, marched up the stairs towards the seasoned stage. The audience stood silent as his voice echoed through the room, “Oh say can you see, by the dawn‟s early light…” Palmer was chosen to deliver the National Anthem during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance at Nutter Field House Thursday because of his recently discovered musical talent.
Speakers at the observance included retired Lt. Gen. Joe Ballard, a former commanding general of Fort Leonard Wood, and Maj. Gen. Greg Martin, the current commanding general of Ft. Leonard Wood who recently announced his reassignment to Kuwait. “I am proud to announce that the Soldier who just sang you the National Anthem has also been selected to perform with the Army Soldier Show,” said Martin. At the end of the observance, Martin presented Palmer with a coin to signify the command‟s appreciation for Palmer‟s contribution to the event and to wish him good luck as he prepares to depart for his next assignment. Palmer is scheduled to depart for Fort Belvoir, Virginia, next month and will be performing for 12 months before returning to Fort Leonard Wood. His departure will be bittersweet. “He was a good Soldier and he will be missed but I‟m glad to see him able to do what he loves,” said Sgt. 1st Class Trinity Bolden, the Alpha Company 193rd BSB truck master. “I‟m proud that he is representing 193rd BSB and the 4th MEB,” said Bolden. Palmer is a self-taught singer and musician. He plays guitar, piano and trumpet.
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Company Commander Cpt. Jeremy D. Prince and Company 1st Sgt. Tony Gifford unfurl the 988th guidon on January 22, 2010 at Nutter Field house. The company has just moved from Fort Benning, Georgia and has completed the 92nd MP battalion.
Photos by Pvt. Alexis Koster
Bravo Company 193rd Change of Responsibility
Photos by Pvt. Alexis Koster
Incoming 1st Sgt. Jason Williams takes over 193rd Brave Company from 1st Sgt. Cherry Sibert Jan. 8, 2010.
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Maj. Gen. Martin bid farewell to a 13th MP Co. personal security detail headed to support Operation Enduring Freedom January 23.
Photos by Spc. Heather Denby
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ARMY FAMILY TEAM BUILDING What is AFTB? Army Family Team Building (AFTB) is training for a way of life that prepares everyone in America‟s Army to function at the highest level, in any situation, with minimal outside support. Numerous studies indicate that soldier performance, readiness, and retention relate directly to family satisfaction with Army life. Lessons learned from recent deployments also recognize that Active and Reserve Component families must be trained together to support each other during contingency operations. Our training improves personal and family preparedness, which enhances overall Army readiness, and also helps America‟s Army adapt to a changing world (reduced resources, extended deployments, etc.).
Who is eligible to participate in AFTB? Anyone who is interested may participate; you do not need to be an ID card holder nor do you have to live on an active duty installation to be affected by the Army‟s mission. AFTB‟s goal is to lessen this impact.
Why should I attend AFTB classes?
Call today for more information and register for classes! 596-1481 or 596-0212
AFTB Class Dates Level _I 02 Feb 10 (0830-1630) 02 Mar 10 (0830-1630) 29-31 Mar 10 (1730-2000) 06 Apr 10 (0830-1630)
AFTB helps you to not just cope with, but enjoy the military lifestyle. Many of the courses can be applied toward college credit, resume/career building, and self-development. AFTB will provide you with the knowledge and self-confidence to take responsibility for yourself and your family when your sponsor is away. Also, all training is free and childcare is often available to students.
Level _II
What level should I attend?
Level _III
Level I, also called Army 101, is for family members who are new to the Army, those who want to know more about the military life, or those who want a refresher course.
23-25 Mar 10 (0900-1500)
Level II is for individuals who have an interest in gaining or enhancing their leadership skills. Level III is geared towards those interested in advanced leadership courses. We encourage you to take a look at all of our levels, regardless of your experience or years of association with the military.
How can I attend a class? Levels shown on the schedule are open to everyone as a block of classes. AFTB is also available to set up individual classes, overview briefings, or Levels for units or Family Readiness Groups.
How can I get involved? The Fort Leonard Wood AFTB Program is a dedicated and enthusiastic team of volunteers. There are numerous ways in which you can volunteer for this program and make a positive contribution to your community. Anyone can become a valued member of our office staff, and training is available to those who wish to become instructors. Benefits include paid childcare, professional development training, and the opportunity to meet new people!
09-11 Feb 10 (0900-1500) 08-11 Mar 10 (1730-2200) 13-15 Apr 10 (0900-1500) 16-18 Feb 10 (0900-1500) 19-22 Apr 10 (1730-2200)