December 2008 3rd BCT, 1st ID Duke www.1id.army.mil www.dvidshub.net/units/3bct-1id Dispatch

Afghan National Army learns lifesaving techniques PAGE 5

December 2008 1 December 2008 2 Contents 10 Why I Serve Duke Spc. Adrienne Adams, a transportation specialist with Dispatch 1-26 IN. explains why she joined the Army. 3rd BCT, 1st ID Magazine 12 Gaining securiity stronghold Brigade Commander: The construction of a new combat outpost increases Col. John Spiszer security in Maywand district. Brigade Command Sgt. Maj: Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Orosz

Public Affairs Officer: Columns Maj. Chevelle Thomas

Public Affairs NCOIC: 6 Commanders column Staff Sgt. David Hopkins TF Duke operations are running smoothly as we ap- Editor: proach the winter months in . Staff Sgt. Adora Medina

Sgt. Major’s column Journalists: 8 Sgt. Charles Brice Complacency is not an option while deployed in sup- Spc. Casey Ware port of Operation Enduring Freedom. Spc. Brandon Sandefur Pfc. Charles Wolfe

Photo by Spc. Russell Gilchrest Konar Province Governor Sayed Fazlullah Wahidi speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the construction of a new prison near the city of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan, on Dec. 28.

Christmas eve donations Features 9 Duke Dispatch is published monthly by the Troops from Nangarhar PRT donate school supplies On the cover Public Affairs Office to provide information 3 Christmas in Afghanistan to an Afghan school on Christmas Eve. on Soldiers and Families of the 3rd BCT, 1st ID. Views and opinions are not necessarily Solidiers at Foward Operating Base Fenty, , those of the Department of the Army. Afghanistan celebrate the holiday season. 11 Overcoming muddy terrain Soldiers with 6-4 Cav are working around the weather Send submissions and coorespondence to: ANA medical training changes in Afghanistan. Public Affairs Office 5 3rd BCT, 1st ID, TF Duke 201st BSB trains the Afghan National Army on Tactical Jalalabad, FOB Fenty Combat Casualty Care. 13 December Reenlistments APO, AE 09310 A listing of all Task Force Duke Soldiers reenlisting for Soldiers from 1st Battal- Electronic submissions are preferred: the month of December. 7 Fiber optic communications ion, 6th Field Artillery, [email protected] expend a round in a 318-831-6028 Task Force Duke is working with the locals to install Foward Operating Base an international ring of communication that will span in the throughout Afghanistan and connect to its neighboring (Photo by Spc. Jean- Digital photos should be at least 300 dpi. countries. Paul Li) Stories should be in Word format.

December 2008 3 December 2008 4 appreciate it and it gives her the chance to interact with the Troops. Troops celebrate “Sometimes I [serve chow] when it’s not Christmas and sometimes I [serve] when chow is not extraordinary, it’s a good way to talk to Soldiers,” Lee Christmas in said. The Christmas luncheon continued on into Christmas dinner, to accommodate everyone’s sched- Afghanistan ules, so that all Soldiers could partake in the holiday chow while having the opportunity to attend company- 1st Lt. Michelle Cam- pos serves Christ- level activities and Christmas services. Story by Staff Sgt. Adora Medina mas lunch to TF Duke To give Soldiers from all walks of life a chance Soldiers at the FOB 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO for reflection and prayer, several services were held Fenty dining facility, throughout the Christmas day. During an early morn- Dec. 25. Officers and Photos By Staff Sgt. Adora Medina Spending the holidays in a warzone, miles ing service, a dance group, called the Women of noncommissioned officers volunteered Staff Sgt. Terrance Avila, 201st BSB, is served Christmas from home can be a challenge, but Task Force Duke Praise, performed a choreographed dance for those lunch at the FOB Fenty dining facility, Dec. 25. to serve Christmas Soldiers, currently deployed to Afghanistan, found a in attendance. lunch and dinner to way to bring the Christmas spirit to Forward Operating “I believe that we have reached people the troops on Christ- Base Fenty. through dance that may not have gotten to know mas day. To mark the beginning of the holiday season, God any other way,” Sgt. 1st Class Yolanda Williams, a tree lighting ceremony was held in the dining facility Women of Praise dancer and St. Louis, MO native, two days before Christmas, and as Christmas neared, said. “This just goes to show that even in time of war, many preparations took place to ensure a festive dancing in Afghanistan is a great testament to the experience for the troops at FOB Fenty, down to the power of praise.” holiday décor. As Christmas came to an end for Soldiers at “It is by far the best decorating I’ve seen in my FOB Fenty, the holiday season was just beginning for two combat tours, it was magical and reminded me their families back home in the states. And as Soldiers of what the holidays are like back home,” Staff Sgt. phoned their loved ones to wish them a happy holiday Mytsuko Diaz, TF Duke Soldier and El Paso, Texas they were able to share their holiday experience with native, said. For a second I had to remind myself that their family. I was still in Afghanistan.” “One of the big things about being out here The decorations included a life-size nativity is the moral issue. Everyone misses their family, (From left to right) Sgt. Jamaal Mitchell and Sgt. Patricia Wil- scene, numerous Christmas trees and ice sculptures. everyone misses their kids, but being able to spend liams, pose for a picture with Santa’s reindeer on Christmas There was even a live Santa Clause who greeted Christmas in a family oriented environment like this is day at the FOB Fenty dining facility. Spc. Dorothea Bunting Newburgh, NY native, dances with the troops as they left the holiday serving line with a tra- a great way to boost the moral,” Sgt. Felix Rios, 4th Women of Praise during a Christmas service at FOB Fenty. ditional Christmas feast to include turkey, ham, roast finance Management Detachment Soldier, and Bronx, Women of Praise is inspired by the women in the Bible who and all the trimmings. NY native, said. praised God through dance. “The traditional meal is important because it gives Soldiers something to talk about when it comes to their own traditional Christmas dinners. Cpt. Gen- nelle Lee, TF Duke Soldier and Detroit, Mi, native said. Lee explained how something as simple as a favorite Christmas dessert can spark conversation be- tween Soldiers and go on to build camaraderie within the unit. Officers and noncommissioned officers from TF Duke and TF Outfront volunteered to serve the troops as a way of boosting moral during the holiday Major General Jeffrey Schloesser, commander of the 101st Airborne and CJTF-101, interacts with TF Duke noncommis- season. Senior noncommissioned sioned officers as he goes through the holiday serving line at “I see good chow as a form of edible morale,” officers of TF Duke, 201st the FOB Fenty dining facility on Christmas day. Lee said. “Soldiers eat it and feel good.” Brigade Support Battalion, Lee, who was one of the volunteers, enjoys pose for a picture with Santa serving chow for the most part because Soldiers really at the dining facility at FOB Fenty, Afghanistan, Dec. 25.

December 2008 5 December 2008 6 Mission continues through winter season We also conducted several opera- the AO prior to and on Christmas Medics tions to disrupt and eliminate enemy so everyone could worship as they activity within our N2KL (Nangarhar, desired. In addition, SGM Wells Nuristan, Konar and Laghman) re- and I went out to COP Lowell in the gion in conjunction with CJTF-101’s , and spent Christ- teach Winter Campaign with our Afghan mas there with the troopers and National Security Force partners also pinned an ARCOM for Valor on to keep the pressure on the en- SSG Coderellis. emy and prevent his preparations Last but not least, I would like life-saving for the next fighting season. We to take this time to acknowledge the also conducted deliberate clearing great bravery and professional¬ism Photos by Spc. Brandon Sandefur operations through several of our of CPT Robert Yllescas, 6-4 CAV, ANA Soldiers learn how to properly perform a traction splint IED hotspots in order to safeguard who served his Soldiers and his during medical training with 201st BSB Soldiers. techniques movement throughout the AO. The country with outstanding passion Story By Pfc. Charles Wolfe Advanced Party for 1-32 IN arrived and skill but lost his life due to 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO from Fort Drum and they will be re- wounds sustained from an impro- inforcing the border of Konar and vised explosive device. He lost his Working with the Afghan National Army soldiers . fight on 1 December at Bethesda Col. John Spiszer 16 hours a week, the medics with 3rd Brigade Combat We also took some time to with his family around him. We Team, 1st Infantry Division, are providing instruction on 3rd BCT, 1st ID, Commander celebrate the Christmas Holiday. would also like to honor the follow- a multitude of crucial life-saving techniques. We had a tree lighting ceremony in ing troops who received the Bronze Spanning through first aide and beyond, the We brought in the win- the dining facility here at FOB Fenty Star Medal for Valor: 1LT Steven training seems difficult, but the Afghans’ enthusiasm ter season but we have really not prior to Christmas, put up several Benedetti, SPC Johnathan Call, helps the medics guide their students through its chal- showed down and have continued decorations including a life-size na- SSG Jacob Gradick, 1SG William lenges. our Counterinsurgency operations, tivity scene, numerous Christmas Stone from 1-26 IN. In addition, “We taught them Tactical Combat Casualty Care Voter Registration in Nangarhar trees and ice sculptures. There was the Army Commendation Medal for (TC3), what you might refer to as the ‘medic’s Bible,’” and Laghman, Operation Lionheart, even a live Santa Claus who greeted Valor was presented to: SGT Josiah said Sgt. Troy Galvan, a medic with the 201st Brigade Winter Operations Campaign, wel- troops as they left the holiday serv- Champion, SSG Charles Coderellis, Support Battalion. “We try to use that as a foundation coming a new Agribusiness-Devel- ing line with a traditional Christmas SGT Zackary Filip and SFC Shawn for these guys, because if they can do all the stuff in opment Team and the Advance par- feast to include turkey, ham, roast Tiarks from 6-4 CAV. Two Afghan National Army Soldiers practice the basic steps TC3 then they should be able to sustain life.” ty of 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry, as and all the trimmings. To give all Finally, thanks to all the of managing the airway of a trauma victim during a 30-day well as celebrating the Christmas Soldiers a chance for reflection and Families for their support of us here course on emergency first aid. The instruction parallels the Combat Lifesaver course every U.S. Soldier is required complete, but the Holidays. prayer, several services were held in Afghanistan. training medics are providing moves beyond the lim- The winter weather has throughout the Christmas day and No mission too difficult, no its of CLS, covering skill sets commonly found among come through at least a little and the Chaplains were busy traveling sacrifice too great. Duty First! Emergency Medical Technicians in the U.S. the snow peaked mountains of Af- “The training is exactly the same thing U.S. Sol- ghanistan are quite beautiful. As diers receive, but as medics we can go into the EMT we enjoy the scenic views, we are aspect of certain things. It consists of a lot of stuff … pushing forward to provide support anything you can think of that can happen out there, in whatever way feasible for Voter we’re teaching them,” Galvan said. “We can do a lot Registration in Nangarhar and more IV [Intravenous solution] therapy or traction Laghman, where the bulk of the splints, things you would never do in CLS.” population resides, (about 3 million By the end of the course, the ANA Soldiers will people) which started this month. We continued Operation Li- have learned an invaluable skill set: saving a life. After Snow the long days of training and strenuous lessons, Gal- onheart conducting complimentary peaked van says he has the utmost faith in his students’ ability operations and intelligence sharing mountains to perform. with Pakistani’s Military and their of Nuristan “I think we’re contributing a lot to the future of Frontier Corps, in order to prevent Province, Afghanistan. enemy activity along the border of Sgt. Troy Galvan, 3-1 medic and San Antonio, Texas native, Afghanistan,” Galvan said. “If I can do a little part in (Photo by shows an ANA Soldier how to care for a trauma patient’s training these guys, I’ll do that, and I’ll keep doing it the Federally Administrated Tribal Sgt. Charles breathing during a 30-day course on emergency first aid. until we leave here.” Area, or FATA, region of Pakistan. Brice)

December 2008 7 December 2008 8 Connecting Afghanistan with neighboring countries Complacency is not an option in our operations With the fiber ring set in place, US Forc- there will occasionally be a neg- Sgt. Major Jeffrey Wells es and its allies will be able to keep in touch ligent discharge, what has been with everyone within their area of opera- 3rd BCT, 1st ID, Ops SGM. unexpected and intolerable is the tions without a line of sight, while improving rate our task force has experienced on the existing technology set in place. We can not let complacency NDs. “Fiber Optics communication is one of take over our operation here in AO Negligent discharges are a the most reliable networks to depend on Duke. The success of our mission clear reflection of a unit’s training, while fighting the war in Iraq and Afghani- depends on a Soldier that is fit and discipline and its complacency. It stan,” Dillinger said. “My job is to keep the whose performance is not degrad- must become part of our unit’s cul- command group of Task Force Duke con- ed by complacency. ture to always be aware of one’s nected to higher up [headquarters] and to Dealing with complacency personal weapon. have a system that will carry the next gen- starts in the planning phase of ev- Weapons must always be eration through future battles.” ery mission both tactical and non- on safe, muzzle awareness must The way fiber-optic communication tactical, and continues throughout be constantly exercised, and Sol- works, is by sending information from one mission execution until our return diers must always be accountable habit of checking their weapon to place to another through pulses of light from home. This also includes negligent for their weapons. ensure it is on safe! an optical fiber. discharges. We need to get rid of com- Commanders and supervi- Photo courtesy of Maj. Patrick Dillinger “There are a lot of key players that came After working at the fiber optic connection point, the Afghan locals rest While it is expected that placency and get everyone in the sors will be sensitive and respon- near the Russian fighter jet from the previous war. The locals are taking an together on this project to make it happen, sive to the individuals to influence it’s not just US Forces that’s backing this interest in the project, because it will benefit them in the long run. “Dealing with complacency starts in the planning phase safe mission accomplishment. project,” Dillinger said. “Also, the locals are Ultimately, individuals are taking an interest in the national fiber ring, of every mission both tactical and non-tactical, and con- Story by Sgt. Charles Brice responsible for, and the best judge because they see what they can receive in the coming tinues throughout mission execution until our return of, their own physical and mental 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO future for communication.” home.” Sgt. Major Jeffrey Wells preparedness and complacency to 1st Sgt. Howard Charles, 3-1, Special Troops accomplish the mission success- TF Duke Operations Sgt. Major Times can be difficult in a generation torn with Battalion and a native of Alexandria, Va., threw himself fully and safely. war, and broken or non-existent communication in rural head first into the management of construction, be- warzones, like Afghanistan, makes things more chal- cause of the importance of the project. lenging. “The fiber ring will allow us to reach out to net- 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, works that are beyond our capability. I think it will bring KalaGush Shoedrive is working with the locals to install an international ring in the tool to help them [Afghan locals] see what is out Changing the future of Afghanistan of communication that will span throughout Afghanistan there,” Charles, senior communication noncommis- and connect to its neighboring countries. one small step at a time “With our satellites stretched to their limits, by fighting on two war fronts, “Fiber Optics communication is one of the most re- the fiber ring will completely overhaul the liable networks to depend on while fighting the war current communication system by allow- in Iraq and Afghanistan,” ing the new system to flow very fast and Maj. Patrick Dillinger efficient,” Maj. Patrick Dillinger, Wood- TF Duke Communication Officer bridge, Va. native and 3-1 communica- tion officer, said. This new system will bring a more efficient way of communicating to allied forces and build sioned officer, said. “This system is the first of its kind a foundation for the people by giving them the means in Afghanistan. This will make leaps and bounds for to communicate with the world at a much faster rate. ISAF and the government of Afghanistan.” “The fiber ring extends outward from Bagram Dillinger also agrees that installing this system Airfield [Afghanistan] coming across all the major ar- will make communicating better with the outside world eas of operations and will end back at BAF,” Dillinger and give US Forces the edge in communicating with said. “Then the fiber ring will extend its arms outward to our troops. its neighboring countries to expand the reach of com- “This is ground breaking work for a historical Photos by Spc. Casey Ware munication.” change in this country,” Dillinger said. Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team hands out shoes and socks to An Afghan boy tries on a new pair of shoes while the local children every Friday at Forward Operating Base Kalagush. recently visiting Forward Operating Base Kalagush.

December 2008 9 December 2008 10 Soldiers Donate school supplies on Christmas Eve Transportation specialist aims to further career “The education of this generation is very impor- tant for the future of the country,” he said. “The el- ders in every village I have visited have expressed this need.” If the project is approved for funding, the PRT “I’ve hopes to build more classroom facilities and a security wall for the existing school. Following the meeting, the teams donated sev- always eral boxes of school supplies, clothes and radios to the elders and school’s leadership. The troops also visited wanted to a few of the outdoor classes in session to personally hand out some of the supplies. serve my “These missions have a profound impact on the overall operation here,” Knoer said. “The people here are like parents anywhere in the world; they have one country.” priority and that is the needs of their children. When we show them that we care for their children, the same as we would our own, it means more to them than any other thing we could give them.” Spc. Adrienne M. Adams Knoer said that conducting this mission during the holiday season made it that much more special for 1-26 Inf. Transportation the teams. Specialist “There is an extra special feeling doing things Photos by Air Force Capt. Dustin Hart Reclassing is on hold right now because she is this time of year, because it’s the time of year we are Story By Spc. Brandon Sandefur Members of the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction deployed, but Adams has her goals in mind. suppose to be giving,” said Knoer, who spent last Christ- 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO Team and Chaparhar Police Mentor Team meet with “I plan to get an A in all my college classes I’m village elders at a school in Terelay Village, Chaparhar mas serving in Iraq. “I am sure that all of us here would taking right now and max out all my Army correspon- District, Dec. 24. rather be home with our families on Christmas. How- Many join the Army for the thrill of firing power- dence courses,” Adams said. “By my fifth year in the ever, when we look back at our lives in 20-30 years, ful weapons or to take in a large bonus. Spc. Adri- Army I want to get my M6 which is the Army’s version Story By Air Force Capt. Dustin Hart this will probably be the Christmas that will come to enne M. Adams, a native of Las Vegas, Nev., joined to of a licensed practical nurse.” 3rd BCT, 1st ID PAO, Nangarhar PRT mind before all others.” serve her country and further her medical career. Before she joined the Army Adams had a job The Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team Adams is an 88M, a transportation specialist, for F. in the medical field. She worked as a state certified While people around the world make their final is responsible for assisting the provincial, district and Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd nursing assistant at a nursing home, taking care of the Christmas preparations, members of the Nangarhar local governments in Nangarhar Province with their Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, however, elderly. Provincial Reconstruction Team, and Chaparhar Police governance, security and reconstruction efforts. The her duties in Afghanistan are different. Adams says she enjoyed the medical field and Mentor Team, visited a school in the Terelay Village, of team is currently working on approximately 60 projects Adams is the personnel administrative clerk joined the Army to further that career with the opportu- the , Nangarhar Province, Dec. 24. worth more than $75.3 million in the province. for F. Co. She processes and handles all the adminis- nities the Army offers. to distribute clothes and school supplies. tration, legal and training paperwork for the company She initially said she didn’t think she would like The teams first met with several elders from and works directly under the first sergeant, command- the Army, but now plans a long career in the service. the village allowing the elders to discuss the current er and company executive officer. “I want to make a career of the Army,” Adams conditions in Terelay, the surrounding villages and the Adams initially joined the Army to further her said. “I want to go as far as I can as an enlisted Sol- district. medical career. With the Army’s Mongomery GI Bill dier. [Making] Sergeant Major would be good.” “One of the PRT’s goals is to bolster education she would be able to complete school. She is cur- Her company first sergeant has been a big and healthcare within the Nangarhar province,” said rently taking medical classes and hopes to eventually part of why she enjoys doing what she does. Maj. Gary Knoer, Nangarhar PRT, Civil Affairs team reclass to a combat medic. “I want to thank 1st Sgt. Jose A. Rosario, a leader. “Our visit today helped us assess the village, “I joined the Army to further my medical ca- native of Puerto Rico, for everything he has done for school and the needs of the students. By building a reer through the GI Bill and being able [financially] to F Company,” Adams said. “He turned our company school facility that can accommodate the students in- take college classes. I’ve always wanted to serve my into a real family and prepared me to become a non- doors instead of their current outdoor classrooms, chil- country,” Adams said. commissioned officer and made me a better Soldier.” dren will be able to attend regardless of weather.” Knoer continued to say that improving the con- Children listen to teachers while attending an outdoor school ditions in which Afghan children receive a quality edu- in Terelay village in Chaparhar District. While the school has a few indoor classrooms, the majority of the students learn in cation is vital to the long-term stability of the area. front of chalkboards posted on the grounds outside.

December 2008 11 December 2008 12 Cavalry works through muddy conditions ISAF troops gain security stronghold in Maywand

Story by Spc. Charles Wolfe Soldiers of 2nd Platoon Company A., 2-2 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO Inf. conduct a meet-and-greet with the tribal leader for a local village near COP Terminator in the Maywand District, Kan- The Soldiers of the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry dahar Province. Construction began on Regiment are battling a drawback of the Winter season; COP Terminator earlier this month. The thick and murky, a deep coat of mud has blanketed the outpost will be used to house members terrain of the squadron’s area of operations. of the 2-2 INF while they conduct securi- ty operations in Maywand. (ISAF Photo) Seated at the foot of mountainous snow caps, the combat outposts of Task Force Raider are an easy for a few hours and then head back said in the first days of Terminator’s target for rain. As the weather worsens near the year’s Photos and Story courtesy of to Ramrod which is close to 60km construction earlier this month, a end, some areas of the respective posts are nearly im- ISAF Public Affairs Office from not only the people we want- tribal elder from a local village paid passable. A step in the wrong area can leave a Soldier ed to help, but also the people we a visit to the camp. standing in mud past his ankles, but clever, creative It’s been a long two weeks wanted to help us.” “He was in tears,” Kow- ideas have given them ways to continue operations for ISAF troops deployed as part Brawley explained that Ter- alewski recalled. “He said he was without getting stuck in the mud. Photos By Spc. Charles Wolfe of the U.S. Army’s Alpha Company minator’s location was selected be- just extremely happy that we were The cavalrymen are utilizing their resources A 6-4 Cav. Soldier drives a forklift through muddy terrain at a 2nd Brigade 2nd Infantry Regiment, cause of the advantage it would give here and that motivates us to do our to combat the tough terrain, using whatever they can Foward Operating Base in Konar province, Afghanistan. De- as they have been working harder ISAF forces in deterring insurgents jobs here as best we can. These spite the conditions the cavalrymen are utilizing their resourc- find around post to get around, or on top of, the trap- than ever to secure the southeastern from using the nearby Arghandab people are depending on us.” es to continue with standard operations. ping muck. Paths of wooden pallets serve as makeshift portion of the Maywand District of River as a means of transport. Be- Brawley said that although sidewalks, allowing Soldiers to move about post without Province in southern Af- fore the 2-2 security push, Brawley Terminator is more than 60 percent becoming stuck in the marsh. Track-wheeled vehicles ghanistan. For the past two weeks, noted that the region was heav- complete, he won’t increase the play a bigger role in everyday movement as their tough the 2-2 has maintained security ily used by insurgents for not only number of patrols by his troops until metal tread digs through the muck, replacing rubber without a roof to cover their heads movement from to construction is fully complete some- tires and their smoother, slicker surface, which have while members of Bravo Company the eastern portions of Kandahar by time in January.Brawley said, the more of a tendency to slide and sink in the mud, prov- of the U.S. Army’s 62nd Engineers way of the river, but also to trans- presence of 2-2 is reflected in the ing ineffective against the unforgiving conditions. Brigade constructed Combat Out- port weapons and drugs. moods and attitudes of the people Just as the mud is a nuisance to maneuvering, post Terminator. “With Terminator in place, in the local villages who were once it makes keeping the outposts clean a daunting task. As “We used to work out of we can now prevent these kinds too afraid to talk to us because we Soldiers move about post, their boots become cased in [Forward Operating Base] Ramrod,” of movements,” Brawley said. “Our weren’t able to maintain a constant mud, making long trails of dirt with each step. Living said Capt. Chris Brawley, Alpha next goal is to start working with presence. quarters are swept several times a day to keep a neat Company Commander of the 2-2 local Afghans to not only protect In order to succeed down appearance. Before the end of each day, everyone on which deployed out of Fort Hood, them, but also to gain their trust.” here, we need their help and they post participates in a large clean-up effort, making sure Texas, in July. “But this was to our Alpha Company First Ser- have already showed us they are walkways and halls are free of dirt and mud. As 6-4 Soldiers move about post their boots become cased disadvantage. We would patrol out geant, Christopher Kowalewski, more than willing to do that.” in mud, making long trails of dirt with each step. The muddy As the Winter season continues, the 6-4 Sol- terrain does not, however disrupt operations as Soldiers con- diers find more ways to work through the weather. tinue on with their day to day tasks. From wading ankle-deep through the sludge to walk- ing on wooden paths, the Soldiers’ resourceful thinking has become their most powerful weapon to combat the Winter’s wrath.

December 2008 13 December Reenlistments 1st Battalion 26th Infantry Reg. 2nd Battalion 2nd InfantryReg. 201st Brigade Support Battalion ABALAMA LANI NICK ARELLANO ADAM JAMES ADAMSWARD JENNIFER SUE BARAJAS CHRISTIAN G BAUGHMAN DAVID HUNTER AISPURO DAVID ALFREDO BISHOP BRANDON KEITH BESS CURTIS LEE BIRDSONG STEPHANIE LEE BOYD DANIEL RAY JR BURGETT BRANDON CLIFFORD BLUE JERRY WHITTLE JR CASBY JOSEPH CHARLES DUPLECHIEN AARON MICHAEL BROWN VERONICA LYNETTE CHANDLER CARLOS CANTRELL GRIFFIN BLAKELY PATRICK CABRERA EVGUENIA PETROVNA DUBOIS STEVEN ROBERT GRIFFIN GREGORY S CHEVALIER ANDRE EDWARD FAUCI CRAIG PAUL GRIMSLEY JOHN THOMAS CHEVALIER VICTORIA JEAN GONZALEZ ANTONIO TERELL HOWES CHARLES ROBERT III CLEMENTE JEFFERY MARK HALASE STEVEN ROBERT MARTIN SHANE DONAL COLLIER JONATHAN ANDREW IMPEY DANIEL WILLIAM MCCOY TRENTON BLAKE COSTON LARICA LORRAINE JENKINS NICHOLAS DON MCDONNELL JEFFREY DIANE FARLEY BARRETT CORNELL JENKINS SHAMAR WARDELL MILLER JACOB ANDREW GUY GERMAINE JULSAINT MARIE CLAIRE MURRAY ERIC JERMAIN KAYE RICHARD DOUGLAS LAOSCASTELLON OSCAR NORMAN WILLIAM ANDREW KINDZIERSKI PAUL EDWARD LLUVERA DAVID JOSEPH NUNEZ RAUL DAVID LEESE DAVID HARRY LOPEZ JUAN PUDVAH DALE JOSEPH LUCAS JOSEPH SCOTT MASSENBURG WAVERLY ELIJAH I REED SHAWN JOSEPH MANDERVILLE JODY ANN MAYO MONTRELL LAMARANDERSON REITZ ROBERT JOE II MARTINEZBAERGA MOISES MOSELEY VICTOR EMMANUEL TATE BRANDON ALLEN MCMATH SHANE THOMAS MULLINS DONALD GENE JR VARGAS ARTHUR ABRAHAM MEJIA ILIANA NELSON DONALD WESLEY WILSON JIBRIAKIL MURPHY SHANTILLIE EARLINE NETHERTON WILLIAM JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ CRUZ DANIELLE PACINIHARVEY TROY SCOTT JR 1st Battalion 6th Field Artillery SMITH MAHAGANI KENEISHA PARKISON DUSTIN DALE ALENDAL DANIEL PAUL STONER JOSEPH ILEY REID DERONTE EDWARD BOMAN CHRISTOPHER GLENN WALDEN DEREK DWAYNE RIVAS CELSO ROMMEL JR BRIDGES MARCUS JAMAYA YBARRA NANCY ROBLES JUAN JOE III FARROW KAREEM DEVON ZOLICOFFER DANTAYE SCHAFFER EDWARD CHARLES FONDREN CHRISTOPHER WARREN SLAPE JOSHUA MACKENZIE Special Troops Battalion GRAHAM WALTER SAMMUEL SLAVIN CASEY DON HERRIGES MITCHELL RAY ALONSO GABINO VALLEJOGAVINO JOSUE RUBEN KIRBY SHANE LEE BENNETT CHAD MICHAEL 6th Squadron4th Cavalry Reg. LORENZ BEVERLY JEAN BOARDMAN KERRY LYNN II MCLEOD ANTHONY MATTHEWS BROWN CHARLYNN MARIE AYALA DAMARIS MINKOS MATTHEW GEORGE CREAGER DONALD ROLAND BAST TIMOTHY WILLIAM MYERS DAVID ANTHONY DUPERTUIS CHRISTOPHER STEPHEN BAYANI ARNOLD RARAS NOAH JACKY LEE FITZGERALD WILLIAM GENE CRANE MATHEW ALLEN RUBINA BIENVENIDO JARAMIL J HANSON ROBIN PAIGE DOXEY ERIC CLIFFORD SANCHEZHERNANDEZ JOSE A HASSLER PATRICK JONATHAN GRAY RASHIDA LATRICE SCOTT RICK ANTHONY HENDERSON JOSEPH WADE MCCLELLAN DESMOND RONALD SHAVER NICHOLAS JAMES MEEKS JULIE ANN MCDUFF JUSTIN JAMES THOMAS JARED HUGH SMITH CHARLES EARL JR MILLER ANDREW RAY WILLIAMS RONELLE KERWYN THORMAN AARON JOSEPH OCHOA ERNEST JR SYKES NICKOLAS HAMP SEALS KRISTEN LATETIA RIDGWAY CHRISTOPHER DANIEL MCKANNEY JOHN OTIS III TALBOT JUSTIN RICHARD SILVESTRI MARC CHRISTOPHER STOVER DARNELL DEVON SOSINSKI MITCHELL ALLEN 3-1 HHC Bde. VILLESCAS JASON ALLEN FARLEY BARRET CORNELL WOODS JASON CHARLES MCMATH SHANE THOMAS MEIJA ILIANA MURPHY SHANTILLIE EARLINE YBARRA NANCY