A & 10th Mountain Publication

THE SUN NEVER SETS ON THE 10TH MOUNTAIN PATCH Winter 2019/2020

The Color Guard marches away at the conclusion of the Veterans Day ceremony, at Memorial Park on Fort Drum, N.Y, Nov. 7, 2019. OUR LEGACY JRTC ROTATION 20-01

Maj. Gen. Brian J. Mennes, (LI) commander, served as the guest speaker at the Fort Drum As- sociation of the Army Veterans Day Celebration breakfast Nov. 12, 2019, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Water- town, N.Y. Mennes was invited to address the audience at the event, which was held to honor and recognize all those who have served, and continue to serve.

“We celebrate Veterans Day and recognize all who have served, and continue to serve, our nation with honor and distinction,” said Mennes. “The Army’s people are its greatest strength, and taking care of them and ensuring they are ready to fight and win our nation’s wars is our top priority.”

The 10th Mountain Division has a very rich history, playing a significant role in WWII in the Italian . While de- ployed to , 10th Mountain Soldiers seized German positions on Riva Ridge and Mt. Belvedere, breaking through the German mountain defenses into the Po River Valley and reaching the northern end of by the war’s end.

During nearly five months of intense ground combat in Italy, the division was opposed by nearly 10,000 German troops, yet effectively destroyed five German divisions, unhinging the German defense in Italy and drawing German forces away from other theaters. The division sustained nearly 5,000 casualties during World War II, with 1,000 Soldiers killed in action.

The Association of the is a nonprofit educational and professional development organization serving America’s Army. AUSA provides a voice for the Army, supports Soldiers, and honors those who have served.

Michelle Capone, President of the Northern New York, Fort Drum Chapter of the AUSA, said it’s an honor to hold such an event.

“AUSA is a very service-oriented organization, and we feel it’s very important, especially on Veterans Day, to be able to recognize all of those people who have historically served our nation through all service branches.”

Capone also reflected upon the important role veterans play in the North Country communities.

“Being an Army community, we recognize the importance of service members even more,” said Capone. “In our back- yard, we have Fort Drum, and we know on a daily basis they are protecting our freedom. We recognize the importance of their service.” 1 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY JRTC ROTATION 20-01

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5 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY XVIII AIRBORNE VISIT

XVIII Airborne Corps staff joined the 10th Mountain Division command team for a 3-mile Snow Shoe March and Ahkio Sled Drag Relay, Dec. 3, 2019, at the Light Fight- er’s School on Fort Drum, N.Y.

READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY 6 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY Spc. Nathan Anguiana, a Soldier with A Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, acquires a target during simulated, ad- vanced, marksmanship training, Dec. 3, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y.

(left) Ice Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Bri- gade Combat Team, was awarded Army Maintenance Excellence Awards, Nov. 25, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y.

(right) 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Reg- iment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, spent PT doing performance testing with fitness coaches, Nov. 26, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y. The test will give the coaches, Sol- diers, and leadership a baseline of Soldier fitness levels and allows for individual growth focus, versus group growth focus.

7 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY Spc. Dany Briceno (left) and Spc. Sean Ragan (right), from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, fire a mortar round during a live mortar fire, Oct. 23, (below) Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y. 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Bri- gade Combat Team, participate in a test of endurance to earn their silver spurs, during a squadron Spur Ride, Nov. 20-21 at Fort Drum, N.Y. The Spur Ride is a time-honored tra- dition for cavalry troopers to join the Order of the Spur, aside from a wartime induction.

(below) Sgt. Benjamin Freitag (left) and Cpl. Damien King (right), from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regi- ment and 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, observe an objective during training, Nov. 19, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y.

(left) Staff Sgt. Justin Daniels, from H Company, 4th Battalion, 31st Infan- try Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, takes a kneeling position to aim downrange during an M4 car- bine qualification, Nov. 14, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y.

READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY 8 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, prepare to conduct a deliberate assault during a platoon live-fire training exercise, Nov. 14, 2019, at Fort Drum, N.Y. Mountain Sappers with the 41st Engineer Battalion breached a wire ob- stacle as Catamount Soldiers provided support by fire during the scenario.

Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, attach an M119A3 howitzer to a CH-47 Chinook heli- copter while incorporating sling load operations into battery level gunnery certification, Nov. 19, 2019, at Fort Drum, N.Y.

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 87th Infan- try Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, provide support by fire during a platoon live-fire training exercise, Nov. 14, 2019, at Fort Drum, N.Y. During the scenario, Catamount Soldiers en- gaged targets simulating enemy forces with direct fire, while Mountain Sap- pers with the 41st Engineer Battalion breached a wire obstacle between the platoon and its objective.

9 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY A Soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, keeps an eye out for simulated enemy forces during battery level gunnery certification, Nov. 19, 2019, at Fort Drum, N.Y. Allons Soldiers incorporated air assault sling load operations and simulated chem- ical attacks into the gunnery certifica- tion training, which will lead to battal- ion and brigade certification.

Soldiers assigned to the 41st Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, emplace a brazier charge while clear- ing a wire obstacle during a platoon live-fire training exercise, Nov. 14, 2019 at Fort Drum, N.Y. During the scenario, Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, en- gaged targets simulating enemy forces with direct fire, while Mountain Sap- pers breached a wire obstacle between the infantry platoon and its objective.

Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, treat a simulated casu- alty during a platoon live-fire training exercise, Nov. 14, 2019, at Fort Drum, N.Y. During the scenario, Catamount Soldiers engaged targets simulating enemy forces with direct fire, while Mountain Sappers with the 41st Engi- neer Battalion breached a wire obstacle between the platoon and its objective.

10 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY Command Sgt. Maj. Sean D. O’Brien assumes responsibility of the 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artil- lery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, from Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick B. Whitetree, Nov. 7, 2019, at , La.

5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, won the Patriot Brigade turkey bowl, Nov. 25, 2019, at Fort Polk, La.

Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Com- bat Team were welcomed home with a ceremony, Nov. 20, 2019, at the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Gym on Fort Polk, La. The Soldiers were returning home from a four-month operational deploy- ment.

11 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY Chief Warrant Officer 4 David Pratt assess- es targets during a Leadership Professional Development session on targeting, Dec. 4, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y. “There’s a series of leader professional development class- es that cover things such as fire support, targeting, and conducting rehearsals. We’re going to do this for each brigade combat team, prior to them going to their combat training center rotation,” he said.

Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division Artillery present the Capt. Travis Shaw, commanding officer of Headquarters colors at the Saint Barbara Military Ball, Dec. 7, 2019, at The Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Bat- Commons on Fort Drum, N.Y. The ball honors awardees talion, observes his Soldiers during a situational tactical with the Order of Saint Barbara and The Honorable Order exercise, Nov. 5, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y. of Molly Pitcher.

Pfc. Kevin Beeler, Spc. Aaron Drisdom, and Pfc. Kendall Richardson use a skedco to transport a casualty, Nov. 18, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y. HHBN conducted bun- ker live fires and response to casualties Nov. 18-19.

READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY 12 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY 10th Combat Aviation Bri- gade Soldiers received awards for their outstanding support during the initial pushout of the CAB’s deployment, Nov. 26, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2019, 10th Soldiers joined the ranks of all deployed 10th Mountain Division Soldiers who proudly wear their combat patches beneath their stars and stripes. It is no acci- dent that the 10th Mountain Division is the most deployed division in the Army.

The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade officially assumed control of the in Afghan- istan following a Transfer of Authority ceremony with the 1st Armored Division Com- bat Aviation Brigade, Nov. 2, 2019, at , Af- ghanistan. From this moment forward, U.S. Army conven- tional rotary-wing operations in are led by our expert Falcon team.

13 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY Soldiers from the 10th Headquar- ters and Special Troops Battalion, , respond to a casualty during a field train- ing exercise Nov. 15, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y.

A Soldier from the 10th Headquar- ters and Special Troops Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, defends his position during a field training exercise Nov. 15, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y.

10th Mountain Division Sustain- ment Brigade culinary specialists prepared a Thanksgiving Feast, Nov. 26, 2019, for the Soldiers and families of Fort Drum after days of hard work. The meal was served by the command teams of the 10th Sustainment Brigade, Headquar- ters and Headquarters Battalion, and the 91st Military Police Battal- ion.

14 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY Soldiers with Bravo Company, 572nd Brigade Engineer Bat- talion, 10th Mountain Divi- sion, practice medical evac- uations along with Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment (Air Ambulance), Nov. 2, 2019. Bravo Company, along with many other units in the Vermont Army Nation- al Guard, are preparing for a likely deployment in 2021.

(below) Capt. Joshua Labelle takes over as the new commander for Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, from the outgoing com- mander, Capt. Sean Connolly, Nov. 3, 2019 in Jericho, Vt.

(above) Spc. Fagan, a Soldier with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, won Soldier of the Year, Nov. 17, 2019 at Brockton, Mass. He will be moving on to the 2020 Massachu- setts Best Warrior Competition. 15 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY JFLCC COMMAND TEAM VISITS 3/10 SOLDIERS Sgt. Alexander Herakovich, an infantry team leader assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, briefs Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson, commanding of U.S. Army North, and Command Sgt. Maj. Alberto Delgado, the U.S. Army North senior enlisted advisor, on his roles and respon- sibilities at a mobile surveillance camera site near Tucson, Ariz., during their visit to service members serving along the U.S. southern border, Nov. 26, 2019. U.S. North- ern Command is providing military support to the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to secure the southern U.S. border.

Pfc. Jon Solano, an infantryman assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, gives Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson, command- ing general of U.S. Army North, a demonstra- tion on the operation of the mobile surveillance camera truck near Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 26, 2019, during a visit to service members working along the U.S. southern border.

Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson, command- ing general of U.S. Army North, and Command Sgt. Maj. Alberto Delgado, U.S. Army North senior enlisted advisor, recognize a group of Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Com- bat Team, for their hard work during their visit to service members working along the U.S. southern border, in Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 26, 2019.

16 READYREADY NOW, NOW, RELEVANT CLIMB TO TOMORROW GLORY MOUNTAIN SOLDIER DOMINATES IN THE RING

On Nov. 24, in Kissimmee Fl., Spc. William Pinkney, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and combat medic with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, stepped into the ring to compete in the Sugar Bert Boxing National Championship for the light-heavyweight class. When the bell rang, Pinkney knew the fight was his to win. “I’m always calm before the fight if I prepared the right way,” said Pinkney. “With all the hard work and training twice a day, there was no way I was going to lose.” Pinkney began boxing in May of 2018, shortly after he arrived at Fort Polk. The community he found within his unit and at Fort Polk made his victory possible. “My chain of command has all supported me,” said Pinkney. “When I first got here, I told them I wanted to try out for the Army Team and bring home a championship.” From the beginning, Pinkney had the championship on his mind. continued on next page

17 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY MOUNTAIN SOLDIER DOMINATES IN THE RING

“The first time he came in and saw a couple of from Task Force Four Ops Group, and one of fighters with belts, he decided that he was going Pinkney’s coaches. “It was that determination that to be a champion too,” said retired Sgt. 1st Class made him win Nationals by a long shot.” Sidney Russell, the owner of Ground Zero Boxing Gym and one of Pinkney’s coaches. That work ethic and resolve brought Pinkney to the National Championship with a clear head, Pinkney’s road to the national championship ran ready to bring home the belt. through three fights. In his second bout, he came up just short with a close loss. “He dominated the fight from beginning to end, his opponent only landed three or four punches “After that fight, I decided that each round,” said Cereceres. “He made the fight no one was going to outwork look easy.” me,” said Pinkney. “With enough After three rounds of keeping the pressure on his hard work, you can do anything, opponent, Pinkney was declared the victor by so I just had to work twice as unanimous decision. hard.” “I’m proud that I was able to bring home the belt His reinforced resolve after the loss was apparent and represent the Army,” said Pinkney. “And I to his coaches. know my all my guys are proud of me too, my mom even wears the belt around.” “He came back after the loss working harder and better,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Cereceres

18 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION

Soldiers and their families were rocking around the Christmas tree at Fort Drum, as hundreds gathered outside Hays Halls, Dec. 2, 2019, for the annual Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Upon arriving, attendees were greeted by horse-drawn carriages. While inside a heated tent, guests could snack on cookies, sip on some hot cocoa and watch a ‘Charles Dickens’ trunk show. Santa was also in attendance, handing out books to the children.

Although it was snowing and the weather was in the mid-twenties, it did not stop the celebration.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” said Jennifer Berry, Family and MWR special event coordinator. “You have colder temperatures and snow, but here in the North Country, people just come out.” continued on next page

19 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION

“The community here is fantastic with any event that we have,” Berry continued. “When you have Santa and carriage rides, and hot cocoa, it draws people, and that’s what we wanted.”

In fact, as the sun began to set and the temperature steadily dropped, lines continued forming for the carriage rides and children rolled around in the snow. Nothing was going to put a damper on this annual celebration.

“It’s awesome,” said 1st Lt. Spencer Zeyfang, a Soldier with 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “Last Christmas I wasn’t able to be here because of deployment, but it’s nice that we have these events where we can come together and be a family and get into the Christmas cheer.”

Zeyfang said that his favorite part was watching his little one interact with Santa, even though she was a little shy.

Finally, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived as Maj. Gen. Brian Mennes, commander of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, took his place at the podium and attendees began making their way outside.

While Mennes made his remarks, people continued to gather around the 39-foot tree.

“If you look closely, there’s a 10th Mountain patch in the middle of the star on top, representing our great Division,” said Mennes.

Jeff Fox, an illustrator with Fort Drum Public Works, who’s responsible for the stained glass 10th Mountain crest on the front of Hays Hall, also crafted the unique star atop the Christmas tree.

“I am impressed every day with the spirit you guys have, this community we have, and we’re so happy to be with you tonight and to celebrate that,” Mennes said.

After a rousing countdown, the tree was lit.

“We cannot be more thankful for the turnout and all the pieces falling into place,” said Berry. “We look forward to doing it again next year.” 20 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH

Maj. Gen. Brian Mennes, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum commander, and Col. Christopher Chomosh, representing the Oklahoma and 45th Infantry Division, unveil the plaque honoring retired Lt. Col. Ernest Childers during a ceremony, Nov. 20, 2019, at Fort Drum, N.Y. The LTC Childers Inclement Weather Training Facility honors the first American Indian recipient of the 20th century, who had trained here before deploying to Italy during World War II.

Soldiers and members of the community attend the Na- tional American Indian Heri- tage Month equal opportunity special observance, hosted by 2nd Brigade Combat Team, to share and celebrate the Army’s diversity, Nov. 20, 2019, at Fort Drum, N.Y. Guest speak- er, Ray Halbritter, the Oneida Indian Nation representative, discussed how military ser- vice provides opportunities, which counter challenges many American Indians face while seeking higher educa- tion.

21 READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION BAND

The 10th Mountain Division Band plays holiday carols at the Fort Drum Post Exchange, Dec. 12, 2019, on Fort Drum, N.Y.

Staff Sgt. Kollister Williams, a Soldier with the 10th Mountain Division Band, plays the saxophone during the Commu- nity Listening and Information Forum, Dec. 4, 2019, at the Commons on Fort Drum, N.Y.

Spc. Toney Williams, a Soldier with the 10th Mountain Division Band, plays the keys during the Communi- ty Listening and Information Forum, Dec. 4, 2019, at The Commons on Fort Drum, N.Y.

22 READYREADY NOW, NOW, RELEVANT CLIMB TO TOMORROW GLORY WWII SOLDIER BROUGHT HOME TO REST SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team’s 4th Bat- talion, 31st Infantry Regi- ment, 10th Mountain Divi- sion, honored one of their own, Oct. 23, 2019, during the repatriation ceremony for Sgt. Lawrence Hanscom in Augusta, Maine.

Hanscom served as a rifleman, driver, and squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 31st In- fantry Regiment, during World War II. After fight- ing on the Bataan Peninsu- la, he was captured by the Japanese and survived the Bataan Death March.

Hanscom is believed to have died from illness in Cabanatuan Prison, and he was buried in a mass grave with nine other Americans. Nearly 77 years later, DNA testing positively identified his remains, which were returned to his hometown for the burial service attended by family, friends, and invited guests.

The command team and honor guard from 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division participated in the ceremony at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

“When I think back on what must have been going on here in Augusta during the war, I imagine that his family knew something was amiss as the war in the Pacific wore on,” said Lt. Col. Steve Wallace, 4-31 commander, during the cere- mony. “The letters stopped, and the bad news from the Philippines dominated the headlines. I know when his memorial headstone was dedicated in the 1950s that some closure was achieved. But the Army never forgot. We kept looking, and now Sgt. Hanscom is home.”

Wallace and Command Sgt. Maj. Gavin Holmes, 4-31 Infantry senior enlisted advisor, presented Dave Erickson, Hanscom’s nephew, with his awards – the and Purple Heart – following the service. Holmes also placed a regimental unit coin in the casket before it was sealed.

Hanscom’s niece, Lisa Erickson, said it was difficult to express how honored their family was to have members of 4-31 Infantry travel from Fort Drum for the ceremony. She said it was especially poignant for the command team to present their uncle’s service medals to his nephew.

“We were grateful for the history of the 31st Infantry Regiment that Lt. Col. Wallace and Command Sgt. Maj. Holmes were able to share with us,” she said. “The dignity, care, respect, and honor these gentlemen showed our family and, more importantly, a Soldier who was lost 77 years ago, definitely demonstrates that they do not forget and they always take care of their own.” 23 READYREADY NOW, NOW, RELEVANT CLIMB TO TOMORROW GLORY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

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All photos, products and 10th Mountain Division “The Blizzard” were created, produced and published by 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs, 27th Public Affairs Detachment and Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs.

READY NOW, CLIMB TO GLORY Maj. Gen. Brian Mennes, com- mander of the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum, plac- es a wreath in Memorial Park Nov. 7 2019, at Fort Drum, N.Y., in honor of Veterans Day and to all who have given their lives in service to our nation.

Attendees for the Veterans Day ceremony pay their re- spects Nov. 7, 2019, at Fort Drum, N.Y.

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