Triple Nickel Tribune “Willing and Able!” NEWSLETTER OF THE 555 TH ENGINEER BRIGADE JOINT BASE LEWIS - M C CHORD, WASHINGTON Winter 2014 www.Facebook.com/555enbde Message from Changing of the Commander the Guard Colonel Timothy Holman, “Able 6”
Triple Nickel Team, At A Glance… TRIPLE NICKEL HQ AND 864TH Welcome to the winter edi- ENGINEER BN. RETURNED FROM tion of our Brigade newsletter, AFGHANISTAN IN OCTOBER where we honor the wonderful REMOTELY STATIONED BATTALIONS— accomplish- 1ST, 4TH AND 52ND ENGINEERS— ments of our NO LONGER ASSIGNED TO 555TH 555th Eng. Bde. Commander Col. Timothy Holman (left) returns a Soldiers and TRIPLE NICKEL NOW FALLS UNDER Families in the salute Nov. 25 as the brigade headquarters company marches past. COMMAND OF NEWLY ESTABLISHED 555th Engineer 7TH INFANTRY DIVISION Brigade. 555th welcomes new leaders, BRIGADE PREPARING FOR MAJOR My wife BJ and I are glad to CHANGES AS ARMY RESTRUCTURES be part of the team. In the three reflects on accomplishments AND REDUCES ENGINEER FORCES months since taking command, I have been impressed with the Story by Jake Dorsey Major General Stephen R. BRIGADE COMMANDS FOUR outstanding quality of our Sol- Northwest Guardian Lanza, 7th Infantry Division com- BATTALIONS AND ADDITIONAL diers and Families. BJ and I look mander, took time before the cere- ENGINEER DETACHMENTS AT JBLM forward to meeting Spouses and JBLM — Command authority mony to award Katers and Bryan Families at future FRG meetings. and senior enlisted advisory respon- each the Legion of Merit, praising The Triple Nickel also looks sibility for the 555th Engineer Bri- Katers for leading the 555th Engr. forward to a busy year ahead, as gade changed hands during a Nov. Bde. through its January deploy- Inside we work to reset units and pre- 25 ceremony here. ment. pare to deploy elements of the Colonel Nicho- “I’ve been impressed Katers will be this issue… 14th Engineers to Afghanistan las W. Katers and with this unit since I headed to Fort Bragg COMMAND SGT. MAJ.’S CORNER. 2 and elements of the 110th Command Sgt. Maj. arrived at JBLM, and to become the next Chemical and 3rd EOD Battalions Kevin W. Bryan U.S. Army Forces to the National Training Center. stepped down as the Soldiers continue to Command engineer. SOLDIERS SUPPORT SCIENCE FAIR 3 This year will be a time of Triple Nickel leaders show me why they’re one Lanza announced TRIPLE NICKEL RUCK MARCH BRINGS 4 many changes, as we prepare to after a two-year stint of the best engineer Bryan would stay on IN TOYS FOR HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE transform the Brigade. We will that included a nine- at the installation as TH JOINS WITH ITY OF OY brigades in the Army.” 555 C R 5 transfer the 14th Eng. Bn. to the month deployment the new JBLM com- TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS 2nd Stryker Brigade. Still other to Afghanistan. Colo- mand sergeant ma- -Col. Holman 14TH ENGINEER BATTALION PAGE 6 units will be transferred or even- nel Timothy W. jor. tually inactivated as the Army Holman and Command Sgt. Maj. In remarks to the battalions in 864TH ENGINEER BATTALION PAGE 7 restructures and resizes. Stanley D. Hood took charge as the formation and distinguished guests Our priority is keeping you new command team. (Continued on page 10) 3RD EOD BATTALION PAGE 8 informed throughout this time, so stay tuned for more information Need to 110TH CHEM. BATTALION PAGE 9 and a town hall meeting to dis- Changes coming BRIGADE HHC UPDATE 10 cuss these transitions and field Know: Active duty engineer units are being any questions you may have. ENGINEERS SUPPORT STRYKERS 11 Thank you Soldiers and reduced across the Army, and some are being transferred to Stryker Brigades. 12- Families for all you do. MEDICAL & CHAPLAIN NOTES Willing & Able! How it affects us: Page 2 13 - Col. Holman, ‘Able 6’ Page 1 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014 Command Sergeant Major’s Corner Command Sgt. Maj. Stanley Hood, “Able 7” 2014: A Year of Change
Triple Nickel Family, for the Triple Nickel
Eleecia and I are thankful to The Army is restructuring and reducing the overall “I thank you for the everyone in the brigade for such a size of the Active Duty force. This means big changes warm welcome. The Triple Nickel sacrifices you’ve already team has shown made and for your for many brigades, including our 555th Engineers. the Hood Family continued support to So what does it mean for our units, and for you? nothing but the your Soldier.” best and we are By U.S. Army Capt. Spencer Garrison The brigade’s 506th Fire Fight- grateful. We are 555th Eng. Bde. Public Affairs ing Detachment will inactivate excited about during this same period. serving with and JBLM, Wash. — The 555th The Pacemakers’ 617th Hori- being a part of the conscious decision to restruc- Engineer Brigade will see substan- zontal Const. Co. will inactivate the 555 EN BDE Family. ture the brigade, a process we are tial changes to its organization during this fall and winter, as well My battle buddy (COL working to make as smooth and during 2014, as the Army adjusts as the Brigade’s 84th Survey & Holman) and I realize the most simple as possible. and, in some cases, reduces the Design Detachment. important and valuable asset to Once again, I’m excited to join size of Active Duty brigades. The battalion’s 585th Vertical the brigade are the Soldiers and, the 555th team, and I look forward Current plans call for a num- and 28th Concrete Section will even more important, their Family to working with the senior and ber of changes within the Triple inactivate some time later, in the members which have served and junior Leaders to better develop Nickel, including the following. spring and summer of 2015. The are still serving in the 555th. Your and serve our great Soldiers who Construction companies 531st Explosive Hazards Team will great support to your Soldier is key make this the best Engineer Bri- within the 864th Engineer Battalion also inactivate during this time. to accomplishing our mission and gade serving our country. “Pacemakers” will eventually inac- Elements of 14th Engineer it’s too often taken for granted. I tivate, although the process will be Battalion will transform this sum- thank you for the sacrifices you’ve gradual. The first Pacemaker com- mer into a new Brigade Engineer already made and for your contin- Willing and Able, pany to inactivate will be the 557th Battalion for 2nd Stryker Brigade ued support to your Soldier. CSM Hood, ‘Able 7’ Horizontal Construction Company, Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Divi- We are an organization in which will occur over the course of son, also located on North Fort. transition, as the Army has made this summer. This will affect just the 14th’s Head- quarters and Headquarters Com- pany (HHC) and Forward Support Company (FSC). The combat engineer compa- nies within the 14th will become part of the 864th. Brigade leaders will keep This newsletter belongs to the Soldiers and Families fully informed WILLING AND ABLE members of in the lead-up to these changes and throughout the process, ac- the 555th Engineer Brigade… cording to Col. Timothy Holman, the brigade commander . The Triple Nickel Tribune is an authorized “Our priority is helping our newsletter for members of the 555th Engineer Brigade, a subordinate unit of 7th Send us photos, stories, and ideas for Soldiers and Families fully under- Infantry Division, I Corps. Contents are not stand and navigate these changes, necessarily endorsed by the Dept. of the future coverage, and see your unit’s and determine the way forward.” Army, DoD, or U.S. Government. Content is accomplishments highlighted on our Col. Holman said. reviewed, edited, and approved by the To help with this, the Brigade Brigade Public Affairs Officer. Facebook page and in future editions will arrange a town hall meeting in For questions, comments, or submissions, the spring; attendance will be open please contact the Brigade PAO. of the Triple Nickel Tribune! to all Soldiers and Families affected Public Affairs Officer: CPT Spencer Garrison by these changes. [email protected] Facebook.com/555enbde More information will also be available on the Brigade Facebook Email: [email protected] page and in the spring newsletter.
Page 2 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014 In the Community: Soldiers support science fair
By U.S. Army Spc. Leon Cook 20th Public Affairs Detachment
LAKEWOOD, Wash. — The basis of the scientific method is simply asking the question, “If I do this, what will happen?” Six years ago, when the science department of a local middle school asked themselves, “What will happen if we invite Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord Photo by U.S. Navy MC1 Daniel Garas, TF True Grit Public Affairs to judge our science fair?” they Seabees assigned to NMCB 15 work to expand an active runway in began an experiment that has eastern Afghanistan, even as coalition aircraft fly close overhead. continued ever since. Soldiers with the 555th Engineer Brigade spent the day judging science fair entries at Mann Middle School in Lake- wood, Wash. Jan. 15. Once a scientist has asked a question, he or she forms a hy- pothesis which is their best guess about how their experiment will 7th grader Mitchell Sattinger explains how he tested bridge strength for his science project. turn out. “My hypothesis was that if I entries. Judges learned how to really nice. After the first judge, I “I like how the Soldiers are brought in Soldiers, the kids evaluate projects based on how was more confident.” helping and showing their appre- would feel nervous talking to closely they followed the scien- “All the students were a ciation for the community,” Hag- them, but they’d become com- tific method, oral presentation, little nervous,” said Spc. Mon- gard said. “They had a lot of fortable over time and enjoy and the accuracy of the data in tana Kemmish, a petroleum sup- good advice and I’m excited to themselves,” said Rhonda Bos- their scientific journal. ply specialist with Forward Sup- work even harder next year.” tick, sixth-grade math and sci- “The students should know port Company, 14th Engineer After the science fair was ence teacher and head of their stuff, but they’ll be nerv- Battalion. “But after you joked over, Bostick analyzed the results Mann’s science department. ous,” Bostick said to the Soldiers. with them a little bit, they of her sixth test run in the To test her hypothesis, Bos- “Make sure to ask opened up and “Soldiers as science fair judges” tick has been inviting Soldiers to questions and pull “Everything went started to have experiment. help judge the school’s science their knowledge fun. You could “This year went really well,” fair for the past six years. This out.” smoothly and the kids really tell they got Bostick said. “Everything went year, more than 40 Soldiers vol- Once the bell enjoyed it. I even heard a lot out of their smoothly and the kids enjoyed it. unteered to evaluate the pro- rang, the judges some Soldiers in the projects, and I was I even heard some Soldiers in the jects performed by hundreds of squeezed into very impressed.” hallway talking about things they hallway talking about sixth, seventh and eighth-grade crowded class- The Soldiers were learned. If the kids learned students. rooms packed with things they learned.” also uneasy as they something and the Soldiers The students worked hard students and pres- evaluated their learned something, I think we the last two months applying the entation boards. Students nerv- first projects, but both Soldiers were successful.” scientific method by asking ques- ously explained to the towering and students got over their In science, no hypothesis is tions, forming hypotheses, test- and imposing judges how they nerves as time went by. ever confirmed; they are con- ing and retesting their hypothe- performed their projects, “It really means a lot to the stantly tested until they are dis- ses, and analyzing their results. whether their hypothesis was kids that Soldiers showed up to proved or improved. So far, the Finally, it was time for them to confirmed, and any other support them. 47 percent of our hypothesis Mann Middle School show what they learned. thoughts they had about their students have a mother, a fa- put forth six years ago has been The volunteer judges came projects. ther, or some relative in the correct in every test. It will be to the school shortly before class “I was a little nervous at military. You look just like the put to the test once more next and received a quick course in first,” said Ella Haggard, an 8th people they look up to,” said Rob year and hopefully for years to how to judge the hundreds of grader, “but the Soldiers seemed Banner, the school principal. come.
Page 3 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014 Giving Back: Brigade marches to donate toys
Story by Julie Smith Northwest Guardian (nwguardian.com)
Photos by J.M. Simpson The Ranger (northwestmilitary.com)
JBLM, WA – It was a cold and dark Physical training at 6 a.m. on a bitterly cold, dark No- vember morning is never a wel- come thing, unless it’s accompa- nied by “Jingle Bells,” candy canes and Soldiers draped in miniature light strings — all for a good cause. Members of the 555th “Triple Nickel” Engineer Brigade took part Nov. 21 in their annual brigadewide toy march to bene- fit Santa’s Castle, a Joint Base Lewis McChord nonprofit provid- ing holiday gifts to children of military Families in financial cri- sis. Col. Nicholas Katers (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Bryan, at the time the command team of the Santa’s Castle President Lisa 555th Eng. Bde., lead the brigade’s Santa’s Castle ruck march here, Nov. 21. Spec. Andrew Cuadrado car- Bennett said the need this year ries the brigade colors dressed as Santa. for toys is even greater than last year since the organization is helping almost twice as many “I also have a sportcoat in Clark Families. Griswold plaid.” “We’re serving between Each of the approximately 1,200 and 1,300 Families, and 1,000 Soldiers marching — some 3,700 kids,” Bennett said. “We experiencing their own financial had only about 2,000 kids last hardships — had purchased a year.” new toy to donate. Many, like The 3-mile walk from Able 1st Lt. Laura Oten, bought multi- Field behind the 555th Engr. Bde. ple gifts. She contributed two of headquarters wound her favorite child- through Lewis North The festive march hoold items •— a to the American Lake Hungry, Hungry Hip- Attired for the supports Santa’s Conference Center pos board game and Christmas Season, where trucks and Castle, an the Dr. Seuss book, Soldiers attached to the troops were sta- organization that “Green Eggs and 555th Engineer Brigade bought and contributed tioned to collect the provides gifts to Ham.” toys. Many Soldiers “Kids should have a variety of toys to military children. were dressed in fes- toys to open on Santa's Castle. tive attire, including Christmas,” Oten Santa Claus costumes and rein- said. “Anything helps.” service members, so we’re giving and pets, Katers said he was deer hats. The march marked the 15th back and paying it forward.” happy with the turnout. Sapper Company command- year of support for Santa’s Castle “It is one of the biggest “I love the fact that we’ve ers Capt. Nathan Foust and Capt. by Soldiers of the Triple Nickel, donations we get of the season,” got so many Families and dogs Jim Perkins wore their ugliest said Col. Nicholas Kater, brigade Bennett said. “They always come out here,” Katers said. “I appreci- Christmas sweaters. commander. through. We know we can al- ate everyone’s efforts.” “The funny thing is we did- “We’re usually the biggest ways count on them.” In all, the 555th Engr. Bde. n’t plan this,” laughed Foust, one day contribution,” Katers With Triple Nickel opening donated 1,942 toys worth who works closely with Perkins. said. “These are toys for kids of the march to Family members $15,286.
Page 4 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014 Triple Nickel celebrates holidays with City of Roy By U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Prows Engineer Brigade,” said Roy’s 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Mayor Karen Yates. “This tree is an annual symbol to the city that ROY, Wash.— Visit any the unit supports them.” town in Washington state and Four days prior, the mayor chances are you will see a festive met the engineer brigade on sparkling evergreen tree, lit up in JBLM to select a tree from a all its glory in front of city hall. forested area on post and assist For the city of Roy, the tra- in cutting it down. Yates gave dition of obtain- one good swing of ing their holiday an axe to the tree tree is slightly before the engi- different than neer brigade fin- neighboring com- ished it off with a munities, they chainsaw and turn to a group of delivered it the experts. following morn- S o l d i e r s ing. from 555th Engi- “It is our pleasure neer Brigade at to (donate a tree) Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Means, combat engineer, 555th Eng. Bde., uses Joint Base Lewis- and continue a a chainsaw to cut down the tree on base for the City of Roy, Dec. 2. McChord joined partnership with enlisted adviser, a native of began, the community gathered the townspeople the city,” said Col. Hampton, Va. said, “This is the around the tree in the brisk air of Roy singing Timothy Holman, season for sharing and giving with lit candles in hand to sing carols in front of Triple Nickel’s back to the local communities.” holiday carols. the city hall dur- commander, a Mayor Yates takes a swing The community came to- The tree remained lit in the ing a tree lighting native of Marks, of the ceremonial axe during gether in the local library before city hall garden until the new ceremony, Dec. 6. Miss. “We want to the tree-cutting ceremony. the lighting ceremony to enjoy a year. The Triple Nickel find ways to ex- cup of hot cocoa and mingle with Once the holiday season brigade donated an evergreen pand our partnership to the city the members of the Triple Nickel was over, the tree was taken tree to continue fostering its of Roy. We would be more than that came out to attend the down, chopped into firewood connection with the small town willing to send Soldiers out here event. and given back to the community located on the southeastern side to assist the community (in any “It’s great to interact with to help heat homes for the win- of JBLM. way possible).” the community,” added Hood. ter. “The city of Roy is very for- Command Sgt. Maj. Stanley As the lighting ceremony tunate to partner with the 555th Hood Sr., Triple Nickel’s senior
Command Sgt. Maj. Standley Hood, City of Roy Councilman Leon Gar- Soldiers and leaders of the 555th Eng. Bde. join with residents of the rison, Mayor Karen Yates, and Col. Timothy Holman pose at the holi- City of Roy to mark the annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony Dec. 6. day tree-cutting ceremony on base, Dec. 2.
Page 5 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014 14th Engineer Battalion Quarterly Update
scalable scenarios put together by our intelligence section, the headquarters and staff battle tracked and challenged the com- pany TOCs for speedy and accu- rate reporting, and the Forward Support Company provided on time ammunition and fuel, while also providing consistent and Greetings from the Rugged delicious meals in the dining Battalion! This past quarter has facility. A special thanks goes been jam packed with all kinds of out to all of the Soldiers for their great training for motivation and our Soldiers. Our dedication to main event oc- training our Sap- curred in October, A special thanks goes out per Companies when the battal- to all of the Soldiers for before they head ion traveled down their motivation and out the door. Soldiers from 14th Eng. Bn. conduct training at McGregor Range to Yakima Training After returning in January . Center to facilitate dedication to training our from Yakima Train- platoon certifica- Sapper Companies before ing Center, the tion for the 571st they head out the door. Sapper Companies Aerial Vehicle asset that will Bowl Trophy, traditionally pre- and 570th Sapper did not slow down. prove useful in Afghanistan. The sented to the loser, over to the Companies before The 570th com- 571st also sent Soldiers to PUMA NCOs for the first time in four their Mission Re- pleted a Change of training, as well as validated the years. In December, we had our hearsal Exercise (MRX) at Command in December, wel- C-IED lane for the JBLM based annual holiday party, where McGregor Range, Ft. Bliss in coming CPT Chris George and FORSCOM Asymmetric Warfare Soldiers and Families were able January. All companies pitched saying farewell to CPT Nate Counter-IED Cell. to relax and enjoy time with one in to make it a fantastic training Foust. In the midst of change of Our 22nd Engineer Clear- another. Santa arrived in fashion event. The 610th Engineer Sup- command inventories, the 570th ance Company arrived safely in on an Interim High-Mobility Engi- port Company put together a sent Soldiers to PUMA training Afghanistan and are doing great neer Excavator (IHMEE), gave viable and realistic OPFOR using here at JBLM, a vital Unmanned things in support of Regional out presents, and talked to chil- Command-East. Their unit Face dren. Overall, it was a fun, en- Book page is active and they joyable time. were recently featured in a USA Next quarter will prove Today story in December as well even busier for the battalion. as the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. The 570th and 571st will com- Other events during the plete the MRX at McGregor past quarter included a battalion Range in January, while 610th organizational day and the Offi- will send one platoon to NTC in cer versus NCO Football Game support of 3-2 SBCT, one platoon (Rugged Bowl). The organiza- to Yakima Training Center for tional day included a great troop construction, and one amount of food for our Soldiers platoon completing a prairie and their Families, as well as restoration project in support of multiple sporting events for the the JBLM Fish and Wildlife De- companies and activities for the partment. HHC and FSC will children. Taking the Com- continue to provide support and mander’s Cup for the second coordinate all training. The bat- straight year was the 610th Engi- talion’s primary focus will be neer Support Company. Con- supporting the sapper compa- gratulations Ghostriders! The nies in completing all remaining “Rugged” Soldiers conduct training during exercises at Yakima Rugged Officers defeated the pre-deployment training prior to Training Center, Wash. in October . NCOs 14-6, handing the Rugged their April departure dates.
Page 6 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014 864th Engineer Battalion Quarterly Update
The past Quarter the 864th ducted a joint uncasing cere- CSM Russell, the 864th EN BN EN ‘Pacemakers’ Battalion re- mony of the Battalion Colors launched into unit reset. Reset turned in October from another along with the 555th EN BDE, activities include everything from successful Deployment to Af- followed by a Battalion Change full inventories of all equipment ghanistan in support of Opera- of Command and Responsibility. and supplies, to receiving all tion Enduring Freedom! After a As we bid farewell to LTC returning deployed equipment, 9 month deployment to Regional Henderson and CSM Tipton, and to a changeover of almost all Command - East, the 864th con- welcomed LTC Sattinger and Battalion and Company leader- ship. The process has been and changes the Pacemakers have continues to be daunting and adapted and excelled, quickly time consuming. reassuming their role on Joint Both the 585th EN Company Base Lewis-McCord as the U.S. (Vertical) and the 617th EN Com- Army’s premier construction pany (Horizontal) engineer battalion. conducted their own We conducted our Changes of Com- Even through all Officer vs. NCO mand and Responsi- these changes the ‘Turkey Bowl’ foot- bility. The 557th EN Pacemakers have ball game in Novem- C o m p a n y ber, with the NCOs (Horizontal) also has adapted and excelled. ‘Setting the Pace’ had a Change of with their 3rd win in Responsibility, and a row. The Pacemakers donned our Forward Support Company their best clothing to celebrate conducted an Assumption of their return home from their Responsibility. tour in Afghanistan in November Even through all these Brigade and battalion leaders at the 864th change of command. as well, gathering at the Emerald Queen Casino to dine and dance the night away. The ceremony consisted of the traditional cus- toms, awards, speeches, and of course a grog bowl! Following the Battalion’s post-deployment and Holiday leave, the Pacemakers began the New Year with the arduous task of preparing for the Battalion’s reorganization, scheduled to take place over the next year. The unit started this process by standing down its Rear Detach- ment, and resumed maintenance of its many pieces of varied equipment. To make this hap- pen, the battalion had to start with a complete inventory of every item and the subsequent turn in of all excess sets and equipment. Long hours of check- ing and rechecking, scheduled to take through the end of February will undoubtedly see the Pace- makers continue to ‘Set the Soldiers and leaders of the 864th Eng. Bn. stand on Wilkins Field during the November uncasing cere- Pace’ and ‘R.I.S.E. to the Chal- mony which marked the battalion’s full return from its 2013 deployment Afghanistan. lenge’ this year!
Page 7 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014 Hands on: 3d EOD Soldiers study IED electronics
at home. Instead they work with precise tools, soldering irons, switch and relay assortments, and spools of multi-color wires. 1LT Greg McClendon ex- plains that “the class focuses on two of the five IED components, power sources and switches.” I learn the others also, initiators, By U.S. Army 1st Lt. Kurt Peterson enhancements, and the main 3rd EOD Bn. Public Affairs charge. His unit, the 707TH Ord- nance Company, completes their The 3D Ordnance Battalion course by the week’s end. (EOD) classroom hosts a special Soldering circuitry, trigger course through January 2014, building, and studying the com- with an ongoing plexity of modern buzz inside. The bomb making keep subject at hand is the students busy. IED Electronics, a 1LT McClendon gether is skilled. and switches occurs often, and The circuitry they build and EOD Soldiers are in high demand. five day class and In combat operations shows me two mandatory training different triggers discuss does appear formidable As a result the modern EOD Sol- the IED Electronics for units preparing the Soldiers cre- to an outsider. 1SG Jerod Hard- dier hones their problem solving for deployment. course has sharpened ated. From his ing says, “developing a working skills relentlessly. Whole Com- the talents of many. bag, a personnel grasp of IED Electronics takes 1LT McClendon says, “the panies of Bomb mobile radio days, but the Soldiers are enjoy- classroom training is an above Technicians, (Walky Talky) and ing themselves while learning average difficulty level. It gets equipped with household kitchen crucial lessons.” more difficult in the final days, their tool kits are timer retrofitted to He insists that teams famil- when we’re doing hands on packed in, eager to learn. Tests trigger bombs is iarize themselves to sophisti- training, wearing our bomb in the IED Electronics course revealed. Under further exami- cated trigger suits.” aren’t multiple choice and the nation it’s clear that the Bomb systems, al- Civilians instruct Soldiers leave pens and pencils Technician who put them to- though they are the course, all rarely encoun- prior EOD service The IED Electronics tered down- members, experi- range. They course goes beyond enced veterans know bomb mak- academics, stressing their turned teachers. ers typically students builds mental They apply extra avoid complex pressure in their discipline and grit. IEDs in favor of culminating train- less costly, tried- ing scenarios. and-true meth- For example, ods. They are running a quarter also less reliable when triggered, mile inside cumbersome bomb making the effort unattractive to suits is a prerequisite for those potential builders. Despite the attempting to disarm their IED rarity, analyzing all forms of switches. power sources and switches It shows the IED Electronics creates capable Bomb Techni- course goes beyond academics, cians. stressing their students builds In combat operations the mental discipline and grit. This IED Electronics course has sharp- added value serves the 707TH ened the talents of many. De- tremendously as they continue Soldiers assigned to 3rd EOD Bn. conduct training on IED electronics feating tangled wiring, relays, on their road to war. as part of deployment preparations.
Page 8 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014 110th Chemical Battalion Quarterly Update
What an awesome time it is IN Brigade Combat Team (BCT), SIBCRA teams well into the fu- to be a part of the 110th Chemi- and our Republic of Korea coun- ture. The 9th CM CO deployed cal Battalion (TE). At three terparts. to the Yakima (WA) Training months into the new fiscal year While the Battalion HQ was Center for weapons ranges and the Battalion has been training busy conducting the exercise in team training in support of 3-2 hard from the individual Soldier Korea, the companies remained BCT. Their efforts during the to team to Battalion level. I am busy in the U.S. conducting a range qualification resulted in so proud of our Soldiers, Leaders variety of training events. The the Company being awarded the and Iron Dragon Families for the 11th CM CO, sent a team to Dug- marksmanship streamer on 15 tunity to cross-train and will efforts of the past way Proving Grounds, November 2013 for having enable them to work more three months and am UT to train with a achieved a 42% Expert rating on closely with each other in future. looking forward to “I am so proud of Sampling and Identifi- individually assigned weapons. Additional company level train- the next three. our Soldiers, cation Chemical, Bio- At Fort Riley, KS., the 172d CM ing events in November included a number of deployment readi- October was a Leaders and Iron logical and Radiologi- CO achieved quite a feat of their busy month for the cal (SIBCRA) team own by earning the top gun, and ness exercises, driver’s training, Battalion with several Dragon Families from the U.K. Royal distinguished awards on the 1st and combatives training. Imme- events keeping the for the efforts of the Airforce. It was a Brigade Support Battalion, 1ID diately following the Thanksgiv- Soldiers busy. The past three months.” great event with Sol- Stryker NBCRV gunnery range as ing Holiday, the Battalion HQs Battalion HQ de- diers and Airmen well. deployed once again to the Re- ployed to Korea for from each country The Battalion continued to public of Korea for EXERCISE EXERCISE WARPATH II (along partnering and learning to- roll in November with a variety WARPATH III. with the 48th CM BDE and the gether. Upon completion, both of events conducted. The first big I would like to extend a 22d CM BN (TE)). Although this teams flew to JBLM, WA and event was the combined 172d special thank you to all of the was a tough exercise, the train- continued the combined training CM CO and 630th OD CO (EOD) Family readiness groups in the ing was great and provided us on a variety of different training field training exercise at Fort Battalion for all that you have the opportunities to gel as a scenarios; we look forward to Riley, KS. This event provided done in the past few months in team, work closely with the 2-2 continued partnership with the Soldiers of both units the oppor- taking care of our Families. While each FRG conducted a number of their own events ranging from routine meetings to an international food night party. The true highlight of the fall was the Battalion’s Fall Fest enjoyed at Schilter Farm just a couple of miles from JBLM. Over 200 Sol- diers and Family members en- joyed taking time out to visit the petting zoo, pumpkin patch, hay ride and just socializing away from the installation. This winter, please keep safety in mind. Take the extra time to winterize your vehicles. We absolutely need each mem- ber of our team whether Soldier or Family member ready and standing tall in this new year; it is shaping up to be a busy one!
UTMOST! All the Time! LTC Brant Hoskins Battalion Commander
A sign points the way to 110th Chem. Bn. headquarters during the unit’s recent blood drive.
Page 9 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014 Brigade Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC)
Greetings Families and friends of the Triple Nickel HHC!
The company Families of the Company and is finally set- we had one successful meeting tling into a last month. The next one is comfortable sure to be great also as it is rhythm here tied 3rd Annual company chili at JBLM. cook off. Since the last The company is currently newsletter, in reset but it continues to the company has redeployed maintain a furious pace as the from Afghanistan, enjoyed the Army is transitioning and the Holidays with company is reem- friends and Families phasizing the garri- and embraced and son systems. Now is New HHC 1st Sgt. Kerry Wiles inspects the NCO sword which he welcomed new “Let’s continue to the time to make received upon assuming his role as 1st Sergeant in November. members to the build the team and the company even (ACS), and Comprehensive to remain devoted to mission company and of- make this company better as we get the Soldier and Family Fitness success and committed to Fam- fered best wishes as chance to utilize all (CSF2) programs available. ily. Thank you for all the contin- great.” members left to do the systems in the Let’s continue to build the ued support! great and new Army to make the team and make this company things. The Family company great and great. I am looking forward to Strength in Numbers! Readiness Group is the Families better, like all the working with all of you and -Capt. Nathan Magee also in transition but we are MWR facilities, services of the having a great spring in the Commander, BDE HHC committed to supporting the Army Community Services Northwest and JBLM. We need
“the best sapper I ever met.” during Operation Iraqi Freedom New Triple Nickel leaders arrive Lanza called Holman, a recent from 2005 to 2007. Army War College graduate, a His military education in- (Continued from page 1) hospital and critical functions re- “proven combat leader” with ex- cludes the Combined Arms Ser- that included I Corps Commanding mained clear. perience in Iraq, Kuwait and Af- vices and Staff School, the Army General Lt. Gen. Robert B. Brown, “It took the rest of the com- ghanistan. Holman made brief Command and Staff College, the Lanza said Katers embodied the munity on the other side of JBLM a remarks, thanking key people and Airborne School, the Joint and most inspiring traits associated week to do what the Triple Nickel expressing humility at the opportu- Combined Warfighting School and with the profession of arms. did in 12 hours.” nity to command the brigade. the Army War College. “Leadership like yours, specifi- Katers lauded the charity “I’ve been impressed with this Holman has received the cally leadership in combat, rein- work of the 555th Engr. Bde., in- unit since I arrived at JBLM, and the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritori- forces the trust Soldiers have in cluding giving thou- Soldiers continue to ous Service Medal, the Joint Ser- their leaders, and it strengthens sands of toys to Santa’s Col. Katers show me why they’re vice Commendation Medal and the the nation’s trust in America’s Castle. He noted with one of the best engi- Airborne Badge. thanked his officers Army,” Lanza said. pride the brigade’s neer brigades in the Command Sergeant Major Katers said one of the proud- combined operations and commanders, Army,” he said. Hood last deployed during Opera- est moments in his first year of with the Afghan military and reserved Holman’s previous tion New Dawn in 2010-2011. He command was the large snow- during its 2013 tour, special thanks for post was deputy com- deployed to Kuwait during Opera- storm that blanketed the area in when the Triple Nickel mander of the 18th tion Positive Force in 1991, and his senior enlisted January 2012. helped field 27 new Engineer Brigade in twice to Operation Iraqi Freedom. “While the rest of JBLM Afghan army engineer adviser, CSM Germany. He com- His awards include the Bronze Star, stayed home, the (864th Engineer companies and four Bryan... manded the 54th Engi- the NCO Professional Development Battalion) Pacemakers sprang into new battalions. neer Battalion with the Ribbon, the Master-rated Para- action,” Katers said. “While the Katers thanked his officers brigade from 2009 to 2012 during chutist Badge, the Pathfinder snow still fell, 500 Pacemakers hit and commanders, and reserved Operation Enduring Freedom in Badge, Air Assault Badge, the the streets in heavy engineer special thanks for his senior Afghanistan, and was 130th Engi- Ranger Tab and the Combat Action equipment and ensured that the enlisted adviser Bryan, calling him neer Brigade operations officer Badge.
Page 10 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014
Sgt. Anthony Lockett, a native of where [headquarters personnel] Building something out of nothing: Hinesville, Ga., and the brigade’s can do what they can do in the Headquarters and Headquarters TOC and they don’t have to Engineers support Stryker brigade Company first sergeant. worry about the outside," Lockett added that before Lockett said. they establish the command Once the engineers have structures, the first thing they do established a secure perimeter, is establish security so that in- the rest of the personnel come in coming personnel and equip- and take up defensive positions, ment are protected. That job Lockett said. falls squarely on the shoulders of They then set about erect- the brigade's engineer company. ing the honeycomb of tents that "One of the most important will house the different sections parts of being in a construction of the brigade headquarters. company is the force protection "The process is all-hands on for our stake holders," said Sgt. deck to get the first two to three 1st Class David Jones, tents up," said Sgt. a Las Vegas native Maj. Linwood Bailey, Heavy equipment operators from 610th ESC build defensive barriers and a construction Once the engineers of Fayetteville, N.C., around a tactical assembly area at the National Training Center. project supervisor have established a the brigade's opera- with the 610th Engi- tions sergeant major. secure perimeter, Staff Sgt. Christopher McCullough These tents, designed to neer Support Com- "From there we have 3-2 SBCT Public Affairs house command and control pany, 14th Engineer the rest of the a small group of Sol- personnel on the battlefield, can Battalion, also out of personnel come in diers that move FORT IRWIN, Calif. – Setting up a be set up in even the most bar- JBLM. "It’s very im- and take up around and help tactical operations center under ren environments and torn down portant for us to build the rest of the harsh conditions versus using in a matter of hours. Their con- make sure they have defensive positions. tents. While they fixed facilities seen in Iraq and struction is the product of coor- defensibility, surviv- build the outside of Afghanistan is a lesson in getting dinated efforts between con- ability, and offensive capabili- it...the people who own that tent back to the basics. struction engineers, security ties." are inside setting up the tables, The 3-2 Stryker Brigade personnel, and headquarters Lockett added that one of the wires and the generators." Combat Team, 7th Infantry Divi- assets. the engineer's chief tasks is to The whole process, from sion, out of Joint Base Lewis- "It all happens simultane- build large dirt mounds, known rolling into the selected area, to McChord, Wash., is at the Na- ously and it has to because you as berms, around the perimeter setting security and establishing tional Training Center, Fort Irwin, have to assume control of the of the outpost. This provides the a working tactical operations Calif., where they are using tents battle from the tactical com- Arrowhead Brigade a level of center happens in a matter of and portable equipment to set mand post — which is the alter- security and survivability, he hours and enables the brigade’s up a bustling headquarters in the nate tactical operations center said. combat forces to be ready for all middle of the desert. — in only a few hours," said 1st "It gets us to the point to situations and threats.
Sales of artwork, $20, benefit the 555 Able Soldier and Family Fund The 555 Able Soldier & Family Fund helps support our Triple Nickel Soldiers and their Families during their times of greatest need, assisting those deployed and Families of our Fallen troops. The Able Fund recently commissioned world- renowned combat artist Patrick Haskett to create a print titled “Clear-Hold-Build.” This print, shown to the right, depicts the 864th Engineer Battalion constructing a combat outpost in Afghanistan. This print is being offered at $20, with proceeds going directly to the Able Fund. More information, including how to order, is available at 555Soldierfund.com.
Page 11 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014
PREVENTION 555th Medical Corner IS THE KEY!
Stay hydrated!
Wear several layers of Cold Weather Injuries loose clothing
“Oh the weather outside is frightful…” Avoid overheating
Wear gloves & inserts Luckily, the Pacific North physical condition, dehydra- Hypothermia, which is West’s encounter with this tion, fatigue, those with poor potentially fatal, is when the Keep moving to exer- year’s polar vortex was not as blood circulation, and a prior core body temperature falls cise major muscles bad compared to the Midwest, history of cold weather injury. below 95 degrees. Signs and Carry an extra pair of East Coast, and even some If you experience a cold symptoms of hypothermia socks, use foot powder Southern states! Washington weather –related injury, the change as the body tempera- to absorb moisture state weather has been getting first thing to do is to get out of ture falls. Initial signs are warmer, but the winter season the cold/environment and shivering and a decrease in Wear a hat and cover is still present until mid March. protect the exposed skin. Im- mental function: confusion, face and ears Responsibility lies both with merse the affected area in declined decision making the Command and individual, warm, not hot, water or warm ability, irritability, and slurred Change damp or wet and prevention is the key! the affected area using body speech. Severe symptoms are clothes immediately heat. Avoid heating pads, the desire to sleep or lie There are a variety of cold lamps, radiators, or fireplaces. down, heartbeat and breath- weather-related injuries to Affected areas are numb and ing are faint or undetectable, include chilblains, immersion can be easily burned. and unconsciousness. Treat- foot/trench foot, frostnip, ment is to prevent further frostbite, and hypothermia. Two of the more severe cold exposure, remove wet The most common areas of the cold weather injuries are frost- clothing, rewarm in dry cloth- body affected are the hands, bite and hypothermia. Frost- ing, blankets or a sleeping feet, face, and ears. Risk fac- bite is the freezing of body bag, and evacuate immedi- tors include cold temperature, tissues. The skin freezes ately to the closest medical altitude, and prolonged expo- around 28 degrees Fahrenheit facility. sure to any wet environment and the severity of frostbite cooler than body temperature. depends on temperature and Individual risk factors may in- duration of cold exposure. clude inadequate health, poor
SCMH Sick Call Hours: Recommendations for Supervisors: Watch for skin changes: *Pain, tenderness, hot or 0630-0700 *Ensure Soldiers are dressed appropri- itchy *Soldiers will check in and will be ately for the weather/task triaged accordingly *Numbness or tingling *Sick call hours are for any illnesses *Limit cold weather exposure with *Swollen red or darkened and injuries less than 72 hours frequent breaks if working outside *Bleeding or blistered *Ongoing medical issues/concerns *Gray, waxy feeling or *Provide adequate nutrition and hy- are not seen during sick call “wooden” to the touch dration. Have hot meals/beverages
available to keep warm *Do frequent spot checks of clothes, personal protection, feet, etc.
Page 12 Triple Nickel Tribune Winter 2014
Chaplain’s Closing, Capt. Kenneth May
Our Brigade’s Unit Ministry This model enables a person to Teams are committed to helping intervene when someone is all Willing and Able Soldiers face overcome with suicidal thoughts their personal and professional and help that person shift focus battles with Readiness and Resil- back to thoughts of life. We iency. We have several Strong have been tasked with training Bonds Events for both married all of the leadership in the Bri- couples and single Soldiers we gade. In the next several weeks, will be conducting over the com- 555 will become a safer place. ing months. At these events, Finally, remember your Army Families and Soldiers can personal resiliency. Resiliency learn and reinforce much needed comes from the deep, inner re- relationship skills and life skills to serves each of us carries. Prac- stay ready and resilient. ticing your personal expression Triple Nickel Soldier represents We are also conducting of faith fills those reserves like several ASIST training classes to nothing else will. Take time to FORSCOM at Best Warrior Competition train our leadership in being able read the Scriptures or Holy Writ- to respond proactively when ings of your faith group. Spend U.S. Army Sgt. Jacob R. Valderrama, assigned to 557th someone experiences suicidal time daily reflecting on the Engineer Company, 864th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer thoughts. ASIST stands for Ap- deeper truths you find there. Brigade, representing the U.S. Army Forces Command, plied Suicide Intervention Skills Take time to meet with others of participates in the M9 pistol range event as part of the 2013 Training. Participants go through your faith group on a regular Army Best Warrior Competition at Fort Lee, Va., Nov. 20, 2013. an intense two day course that basis. Your 555 Unit Ministry Valderrama was one of 24 competitors striving to earn the title teaches them the Suicide Inter- Teams are here to help you be- vention Model developed by come more ready and resilient of "Best Warrior." (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Steven Hitchcock) Canadian company LivingWorks. from the inside out.
In Memory of Those we have Recently Lost
SPC Matthew R. Mabrey
PV2 Reymon B. Tolentino
PFC Perry N. Eusebio
“...Yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.” - Daniel Webster .
Page 13 Questions or comments? Email Capt. Spencer Garrison Public Affairs Officer [email protected]
Facebook.com/JointTaskForceTripleNickel