DRAGOON Magazine March 2013 Vol. 1, Issue 4

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CTF 4-2 Commander Col. Michael Getchell Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Oscar Vinson Public Affairs Maj. Edzel Butac

Public Affairs NCOIC CTF 4-2 S6 communicate through art on Masum Ghar Staff Sgt. Tiffany Monnett Photojournalist Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth Broadcast Journalist Sgt. Kyle Burns

For more on the brigade please visit:

http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/4SBCT-2ID

http://www.facebook.com/4SBCT2ID

http://www.lewis-mcchord.army.mil/4SBCT2ID

Any story suggestions or questions can be sent to the PAO at [email protected] or the PAO NCOIC at [email protected]

This publication is an authorized publication for mem- bers of the Department of Defense. Contents of this pub- lication are not necessarily the official views of, or en- dorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, 2nd Division, or the 4th Brigade Combat Team. Editorial content is prepared, edited, and provided by the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.

2 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 Commander comments 4 Command Sergeant Major comments 5 1/205 Security Force Assistance Team 6 Sapper father promotes sapper son 8 CTF 4-2 NCO receives fourth deployed promotion 9 Manchu 10 CTF 4-2 S6 Soldiers communicate through art on Masum Ghar 12 Rosser 14 Soldiers take fitness to limit in Dragoon Games 16 Tomahawk 18 Operation Southern Fist III 20 Viking 22 Field artillerymen learn infantry skills in squad live-fire exercise 24 Fort Lewis Stryker brigade Soldiers return to basics, reset small arms weapons in theater 25 Blackhawk 26 NFL players visit Soldiers of Masum Ghar 28 Forge 30 Keeping left of the bang 32 Mobile RPAT eases redeployment stresses for CTF 4-2 33 Chaplain’s Corner 35 Road construction PANJWA’I DISTRICT, Afghanistan Memorial Page U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth First Lt. Tomm Hickey, a platoon leader with 229th Engineer , attached to Com- bined Task Force 4-2 (4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division) ex- plains an aspect of laying down gravel for a road being constructed in the Panjwa’i Dis- trict of Afghanistan March 28.

March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 3 DRAGOON 6 Col. Michael Getchell

It’s springtime in Southern Kanda- of the enemy in this region, stands har, Afghanistan, and by the sounds in stark contrast to past years’ mark- of the weather reports back home, ing of the new year. The legacy of it’s springtime there too! We are those units –United States, Cana- excited to hear of the unseasonably dian, Romanian, British, and Alba- warm temperatures that are being nian – whose commitment to get- enjoyed across the Pacific North- ting the mission to this point, will west. Hopefully, it made for a joy- never be forgotten by our team of ous, enjoyable Easter holiday. teams. Likewise, the sacrifices of Yet another busy month is in the these nations most certainly will books, and with the advent of spring, not be forgotten by the Afghans that the pace only quickens here. While can now relish and enjoy the start of the warmer seasons here perenni- a new year that promises to be bet- ally mean more enemy activity, the ter than their last. Afghan Security Forces have dem- The seasonal change also means onstrated that they are fully ready to that we’ll be doing some “spring take an independent stance toward cleaning” ourselves. We continue months to come. securing their country. All around to turn in vast amounts of property We look forward to a fruitful month us our partners are increasing their and material from across the forma- of April and the many changes that operational tempo, the effective- tion. We are reducing, and in some it brings. Units are repositioning, ness of their patrols, and most im- cases closing, several of our tactical Soldiers are acclimating to the ris- portantly, their own confidence and bases. Our first 40 Raiders returned ing temperatures, and morale seems competence. It’s encouraging to be home at the start of March. Our next to be higher than usual with the real- a part of this. The degree of pride group of Soliders, Company C, 2nd ization that we are starting our sixth that our Soldiers take in watching Battalion, 23rd Infantry , month of this deployment. Our men their Afghan counterparts rise to the will join them at Joint Base Lewis- and women serving this team are re- occasion is indicative of our suc- McChord, Wash. in just a few short silient and they are bolstered more cessful execution of the “follow and weeks. While this redeployment of and more by the strength provided support” role that we are assigned. our first unit-sized element does not to them from our network of fam- The Afghan new year, known as signal the Raider Brigade’s whole- ily, friends and community partners Nowruz, and celebrated during the sale return, it does indicate that we that provide us with unparalleled spring equinox, recently occurred. are taking proactive steps to align support. Happy Easter, once again, This holiday, forbidden under Tali- our posture to meet the requirement and Happy New Year too. ban rule, was in full effect this year of a lessening ISAF and U.S. forc- in Kandahar City itself, and also es presence in this country. Again, across many of the smaller farming we’ll utilize our command struc- communities that dot our area of op- ture in the Raider Ready Reserve To the Objective- erations. The tangible sign of prog- at JBLM to keep everyone apprised ress and the diminishing influence of redeployment windows in the Dragoon 6

4 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 DRAGOON 7 Command Sgt. Maj. Oscar Vinson

Family and friends of the Raider Brigade, Spring is now in full swing here but also surpass what is expected of in Afghanistan. Your Soldiers con- them. tinue to push through the heat and As our retrograde processes con- work toward a more thoroughly tinue we ask for your patience, un- trained Afghan National Security derstanding, and as always your Force. Time is moving quickly for continued support. There may be the Raider Brigade as we are also longer lapses in between phone beginning the planning process for calls home as your Soldiers move our redeployment home. across our area of operations, there We have crested the hill of this are many moving pieces to this pro- deployment and have officially cess and it must be accomplished reached the halfway point. Sol- with purpose, focus and dedication. diers of the Raider Brigade are dem- Throughout this process the Sol- onstrating a drive and initiative that diers of the Raider Brigade have continues to impress myself and continued on with their mission new challenges to Task Force 4-2, Raider 6 as we visit throughout our of assisting the Afghan National there is still much work to be done formations. Security Forces in becoming self and time is moving fast but I am The transfer of several combat sufficient. Security in the area is confident in their abilities, they are outposts and forward operating bas- progressing and we are continually the best and brightest the Army has es has been challenging, working impressed with the changes being to offer. out the logistical aspects and ensur- made on a daily basis. It is clear Thank you for your continued ing Soldiers needs are taken care of that the ANSF are progressing ev- support, keep up the hard work on is of the highest priority. They are ery day. Each achievement made the home front. working hard and the achievements is a testament to not only the ANSF reached are a testament to their de- but to the Soldiers of the Raider Bri- termination and drive to not only gade. To the Objective- accomplish their missions and tasks The next few months will bring Dragoon 7

March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 5 1/205 Security Force Assistance Team

“What’s the sound of the artil- scheduled to take part during a support. As we enter the 2013 fight- lery….” are lyrics from a popular major clearance operation in the ing season, the men of 1st Kandak U.S. Army cadence. In this case, it Horn of Panjwa’i. The artillerymen are well trained, professional, and was the Afghan National Army ar- showcased their ability to provide confident in their abilities. tillery creating the boom. The artil- firepower in support of Afghan ma- The 2/1/205th ANA SFAT coordi- lerymen from 4th Kandak, 1st Bri- neuver forces. A total of 33 high nated a counter-IED train the trainer gade, 205th ANA Corps and their explosive (HE) rounds were fired course in preparation for upcom- Security Force Assistance Team with twelve of the HE rounds fired ing operations during the fighting were conducting their first live in rapid succession during a fire season. This course gave the ANA fire exercise. The live fire exercise for effect mission. In addition to the ability to conduct its own train- 1st Kandak, 205th ANA Corps Security Force Assistance Team showcased their new capabilities the training value, the live fire was ing in the future, without relying and progress toward independence. used as a show of force in support of on U.S. forces. The culmination Until now, the ANA had been ANA infantrymen clearing villages was successfully graduating all 15 dependent upon Coalition Forces of Taliban. 2/1/205th ANA soldiers with a cer- for all fire support. Artillerymen At the conclusion of the training, emony attended by all senior lead- were untrained and equipment was the artillerymen had demonstrated ers of the Manchu family, 2/1/205th not operational. With the coming their abilities to provide vitally ANA SFAT, and 2/1/205th ANA. withdrawal of Coalition Forces, needed support. For their achieve- This month 3/1/205th SFAT pro- the ANA will have to provide its ment, they were given an Afghan moted its team medic, Pfc. Jessie own fire support while it continues flag by the brigade leadership. The Mitchell, to specialist. Our focus to fight against the Taliban. To this artillerymen proudly and confident- has been on developing our Afghan end, 1/205th Brigade, with support ly flew the Afghan flag over their partners in preparation for provid- from artillerymen from 2nd Battal- howitzers at the conclusion of the ing security for the Afghan New ion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, live fire. The success of the mission Year, celebrated on March 21. We conducted an artillery training event is a testament to their skill and na- are seeing great accomplishments culminating in a live fire exercise. tional pride and is another success- from our partners and feel confident The train up consisted of several ful step towards their independence. that following our departure from weeks of classroom and practical They have earned their right to be Afghanistan, they will continue to instruction on their D-30 howitzers. called the “King of Battle”. provide security in the Arghandab http://www.facebook.com/#!/4SBCT2IDSFAAT The ANA artillerymen had to learn SFAT 1/1/205 spent the last month River Valley. how to manually calculate their bal- conducting an intense training pro- Advisors to 5/1/205th recently listic data, fire control procedures, gram for Soldiers of 1st Kandak concluded two training events: map maintenance, and crew drills. In ad- covering counter-improvised explo- reading and basic ambulance opera- dition to this, equipment had to be sive device techniques, reconnais- tions. Both training programs were assembled and tested. In the end, sance, mortar operations, running a intended as supplemental training despite complications (Afghan ar- Tactical Operations Center, and the for Operation Strong Borders II. tillerymen being trained on Russian use of Intelligence in guiding mis- Twenty-four ANA officers attended howitzers by American Soldiers), sion planning. These training cours- the map reading classes. Of note, the artillerymen were certified. es will aid 1st Kandak in sustaining senior ANA officers stepped up to The final test for the ANA artil- operations after they lose Interna- lead the class, demonstrating that lerymen was a live fire exercise, tional Security Assistance Force the ANA is capable of conducting

6 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 its own training. Ambulance train- ing, planned and conducted combat Mortar Platoon. ing focused on basic preventive operations as culminating events. The 205th Corps Military Po- maintenance checks and services of The 3rd Tolay was successful in lice Company advisors continued the vehicle medical equipment, and planning and executing company training their Afghan counterparts. pre-mission checklists. Thirty-one level operations and successfully Training consisted of convoy op- students attended from 5 different cleared several villages and de- erations training, M16 training, Kandaks. The five-day training in- stroyed 29 IEDs. Throughout the and vehicle searches. Sgt. 1st Class cluded two days of classroom, two training, instructors were impressed Mendez, the team NCOIC, initially days of hands on instruction, and with the knowledge and profession- led the training until the company’s one day of practical exercise. alism of the noncommissioned of- NCOs took over. The Soldiers were The 6/1/205th SFAT continued ficers, who stepped in as assistant deeply involved in the M16 weap- to conduct its ANA Light Fight- instructors throughout the course. ons training, which will continue ers Course modeled after the U.S. The 6/1/205th SFAT with HHC, for the next couple of weeks. In the Army’s Light Fighters Course. The 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regi- next few months, the MP Company 3rd Tolay completed two weeks of ment established the ANA Mortar will be trained in checkpoint and infantry , team, squad and Leaders Course. At the end of the traffic control point operations, fur- platoon training tasks. The 3rd To- course, the 6th Kandak will have ther moving the ANA toward inde- lay, with 6/1/205th SFAT’s mentor- certified forward observers and pendence.

March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 7 Sapper father promotes sapper son

Story and photo by Sgt. Kim Hackbarth CTF 4-2 Public Af- fairs Office

FORWARD OP- ERATING BASE MASUM GHAR, Afghanistan – When Spc. Daniel Kelch, Jr. walked across the stage to receive his branch insignia as a com- bat engineer dur- ing his Advanced Individual Training graduation, his fa- ther, a sergeant ma- jor who was serv- ing at Fort Leonard Sgt. Maj. Daniel Kelch Sr. (left), promotes his son, Daniel Kelch Jr., to specialist, Feb. 27 on FOB Masum Ghar in the Panjwa’i District of Afghanistan. Kelch Sr., the incoming operations sergeant major for 555th Engineer Brigade and Wood, Mo., at the Kelch Jr., a combat engineer with 38th Engineer Company, Combined Task Force 4-2 (4th Stryker Brigade Combat time, surprised him Team, 2nd Infantry Division), are both deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. by stepping out at the last minute to gineer like he is, I wanted to be able combat engineers are different. pin the insignia onto the lapel of his to give him his first promotion,” Kelch Jr. said he likes the excite- son’s dress uniform. said Kelch Sr. ment of looking for improvised Nearly a year and a half later, it The two men agreed that the ex- explosive devices, while his father was no surprise to Sgt. Maj. Daniel perience of Kelch Sr. being able to said he loves building things and Kelch Sr.’s son that he was travel- promote Kelch Jr. in a deployed en- blowing things up. ing from northeastern Afghanistan vironment would bring them closer, Even though the two simply spent to promote Kelch Jr. to specialist, not only because of the father and the day walking around the FOB Feb. 27 at FOB Masum Ghar in the son bond, but also the military tie. and hanging out, Kelch Jr. said he Panjwa’i district of Afghanistan. “He’s one of the inspirations I had was glad to have some time with his The father and son are both de- to join the Army, so … him being father. ployed to Afghanistan in support of here is very important to me,” said “I miss him as my dad,” he said. Operation Enduring Freedom. Kelch Jr. “So, it was good to see family.” Kelch Jr. is a combat engineer with When he decided to join the mili- Should his son choose to stay in 38th Engineer Company, Combined tary, Kelch Jr. followed his father’s the military, Kelch Sr. had some Task Force 4-2 (4th Stryker Brigade footsteps after seeing how much his poignant words of advice for him. Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Divi- father enjoyed being a combat en- “Remember where he came from; sion). Kelch Sr. is the operations gineer. we were all privates once,” he said. sergeant major for 555th Engineer “I have the same mindset as my Kelch Jr. said he does not know Brigade. Both units are based out of dad,” he explained. if he will make a career out of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Even with their similar mindsets, Army like his father did, but he is “Being I was in theatre and an en- their reasons why they enjoy being going to take it one day at a time.

8 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 CTF 4-2 NCO receives fourth deployed promotion

Story by Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth The sponsor from his unit who Being a platoon sergeant and lead- CTF 4-2 Public Affairs Office picked him up from reception told ing soldiers has been his favorite FORWARD OPERATING BASE him that their unit was scheduled to part of being a noncommissioned MASUM GHAR, Afghanistan – deploy in two months. officer, he said. When Staff Sgt. Luis Santos found “I reported in September 2004 His enthusiasm and dedication to out he made the sergeant first class and two months later I was on an soldiers is something that Santos’ list in March of 2012, he jokingly airplane getting ready to go to Ku- wife, Yanira, said she could see. bet his wife that he would get pro- wait on my first deployment,” said “I know how hard he’s been work- moted during his unit’s deployment Santos. ing to reach all his goals,” said Ya- to Afghanistan and that she would On his first deployment, Santos nira via telephone. “The kids prob- miss his fourth promotion in a row. was promoted to specialist. ably don’t understand, but for me, I The half-hearted joke became re- During his second six-month de- know how hard it’s been for him and ality when Santos was promoted to ployment to Kuwait, he was pro- everything that he has done.” sergeant first class March 1, on For- moted to sergeant and on his year- Not being able to have his fam- ward Operating Base Masum Ghar, long tour to Iraq in 2009, he was ily attend any of his promotions has Afghanistan. been hard for Santos, he With the strong support of said. his wife and two kids and a “It’s very sad because true love for his job, Santos usually when you get pro- earned the promotion. moted, you get the opportu- “Sergeant first class is a nity to be with your family very important rank,” said and unfortunately I wasn’t Santos, a Ponce, Puerto able to have that opportu- Rico, native. “It means a lot nity,” said Santos. … not only me, but for all Though the newly pro- of us that are sergeants first moted senior NCO has been class because it takes a lot of in the Army less than 10 sacrifices … to be here.” Photo by Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth, CTF 4-2 PAO years and has been on five One of those sacrifices is Staff Sgt. Luis Santos, the Afghan National Security Force Devel- deployments, he doesn’t being constantly separated opment Cell operations noncommissioned officer, is promoted to regret the career path he sergeant first class by Lt. Col. Bruce Moses, the ANSF Develop- from his family and never ment Cell team chief, during a promotion ceremony Mar. 1 on For- chose. having them attend any of ward Operating Base Masum Ghar, Afghanistan. Santos said he considers his promotion ceremonies his promotion to sergeant because every promotion Santos has promoted to staff sergeant. first class to be his biggest accom- had has been while deployed. Earning the rank of staff sergeant plishment in his career. For Santos, that specific sacrifice wasn’t easy, said Santos. “The most important thing to me started after he graduated Advanced At the time, in order to get pro- is to educate soldiers, and to lead Individual Training to be an auto- moted to staff sergeant, Santos had them to be good leaders because the mated logistics specialist. to achieve the highest score possible reality is …we need to make sure After graduating AIT, Santos went on his Army Physical Fitness Test we create good leaders so when we to Korea for a year. and qualify as expert on his assigned leave, our Army is going to be in When he returned to the states, he weapon along with other arduous good hands,” he said. said he thought he finally would get tasks. Santos said he credits previous to be with his family. When he became a platoon ser- military leaders who helped him and However, he received some sur- geant, the successes of his soldiers taught him how to be a leader and prising news when he reported to his reflected his motivation and love for his supportive family for making it next duty station, Fort Hood, . his job and training soldiers. as far as he has in his career.

March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 9 MANCHU 6 Lt. Col. James Dooghan

milestones. set the example by supporting the Our Manchu Family, In March, CTF 4-9 focused the Raider Brigade with uninterrupted We have continued to witness in- majority of efforts in assisting the signal support. credible progress in the Horn of Afghan National Security Forces “Peacemakers” significantly in- Panjwa’i since our February up- improve their abilities to protect creased the capabilities of the ANA date, and the men and women of the Horn of Panjwa’i as the con- kandak staff to a level never before Combined Task Force 4-9 have ditions change with force realign- seen, and it has directly contrib- demonstrated why our task force ment across Afghanistan. “Able” uted to an increase in security and has remained the designated main and “Torch” Companies devoted readiness of forces in the Horn of effort for this brigade. a significant amount of their daily Panjwa’i. With the onset of spring (in ac- activities this month towards the Our “Ligers” continued to be the tuality summer in most countries!), reconstruction of their Combat vital link between FOB Zangabad the desert landscape has rapidly Outposts (COP) in preparation for and all thing sustainment outside of transformed with the growth of its eventual transfer to the Afghan AO Manchu. various vegetation that accompa- National Army (ANA) later this Soldiers report spikes in morale nies the season. year. “Comanche” Company con- with every care package, with every Mid-March marks the halfway tinued to closely partner with the communication with loved ones, point for the majority of our de- ANA Company at Forward Operat- and positive news from JBLM con- ployed Manchus and we acknowl- ing Base (FOB) Zangabad. tinues to keep our spirits high. edge this time as a significant transi- C Co. also hosted an exceptional- We continue to encourage every- tion period for many of the families ly professional change of command one to stay in close contact with and friends who anxiously track for Capt. Logan Cole and Capt. your Soldiers, monitor our Man- every day until our return. We are Daniel Mitchell. We bid farewell chu Facebook page for the latest already developing the framework to Logan, Kelly, and Grant, but in “releasable” photos, and support for our redeployment to Joint Base only with the reminder that “once a the exceptional FRG teams back at Lewis-McChord, Wash. and the Manchu, always a Manchu”. JBLM. companies are diligently working “Havoc” Company continued to Command Sgt. Maj. Young and on the retrograde of excess equip- maintain a high operation tempo by I are extremely proud of every ment to facilitate our return. We executing several Scout reconnais- Manchu Soldier who is serving ask for your continued patience and sance missions, mortar registra- this great nation and for those Sol- commitment and please maintain tions, and oversight of current and diers who have recently committed contact with your Family Readi- future operations. to continue their service when our ness Groups for the latest in specif- The Soldiers of 472nd Signal nation continues to call us to serve ic dates for noteworthy events and Company “Dawg” continued to abroad.

Keep Up The Support, Keep Up The Prayers, Lt. Col. James K. Dooghan Manchu 6 Combined Task Force 4-9

10 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 11 CTF 4-2 S6 soldiers communicate through art on Masum Ghar

Story and photos by Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth CTF 4-2 Public Affairs Office

Spc. Sarah Stimpson (left), an information technology specialist, and Spc. Michelle Delgadillo (right), a signal support systems specialist, both with Combined Task 4-2 (4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division), paint a rock inside the dining facility Feb. 22 on Forward Operating Base Masum Ghar in the Panjwa’i District of Afghanistan. Delgadillo, a Miami native, and Stimpson, a Stafford, N.H., native, continue their interest in art while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

12 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 or colors that corresponds with the theme, Stimpson said. Once the idea is set, they use acrylic paints and other art supplies, both brought from home and sent to them, and create art on old, wooden boards or particle boards, or in some cases, rocks. Each project is tailored to the re- cipient and requires approximately five to eight hours, said Stimpson. Stimpson said she did not mind using her own personal time to work on the art. “I’d be painting regardless,” said Stimpson. “I like the fact that I’m able to give them something to bring home that they’ll really enjoy.” Stimpson said creating artwork for others brings her joy; however, try- FORWARD OPERATING BASE MASUM GHAR, Afghanistan – Spc. Sarah Stimpson, an infor- mation technology specialist with Combined Task 4-2 (4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd ing to choose which project is her Infantry Division), paints a “thank you” collage for the workers of the dining facility Mar.19 on favorite is impossible. Forward Operating Base Masum Ghar in the Panjwa’i District of Afghanistan. “They’re all my favorite,” Stimp- ORWARD OPERATING so she grew up with art, she said. son insists. “It’s kind of like having BASE MASUM GHAR, “There was really not a time I little children, little babies, each Afghanistan – When Spc. can’t remember not having art sup- time.” Michelle Delgadillo was plies around,” Stimpson said. When creating art for herself, St- Fyounger, she went through a phase While she said she enjoys writ- impson said the inspiration comes where she drew horses everywhere, ing and reading cookbooks, art con- from her own background. she said. Now, the signal support sumes the majority of her personal “I like drawing from my life expe- systems specialist with Combined time here. rience or wherever I am at a particu- Task 4-2 (4th Stryker Brigade Com- “I like making things pretty wher- lar time and creating pieces around bat Team, 2nd Infantry Division) ever I go,” said Stimpson, who grew that,” Stimpson said. draws infantrymen and . up in Strafford, N.H. Her main motivating factor for her “It gives me something to do when “I used to farm, so it’s kind of art out here is so she has physical the day’s really slow … [or] when along the same lines as seeing a things to show her kids when she I need something to keep my mind barren field and then putting pretty returns, she said. busy from what’s going on around plants and vegetables and things “I have pieces at home from when us,” said the Miami native. and making it better.” Stimpson ex- I was little all the way up ‘til now,” She and another Soldier painted plained. said Stimpson. “It’s nice for me to the brigade’s deployed crest on two The most requested artwork she be able to show my kids and I think of the T-walls of her base, Forward and Delgadillo receive are com- they get a better understanding Operating Base Masum Ghar in the memorative deployment plaques of where I’ve been and what I’ve Panjwa’i district of Afghanistan, made from recycled resources. done.” and she frequently collaborates with The two artists get a general theme Delgadillo and Stimpson’s unit her coworker and fellow artist, Spc. or idea from whomever is requesting is slated to redeploy to Joint Base Sarah Stimpson. the work. Then they create a concept Lewis-McChord, Wash., later this Stimpson’s mother was a painter, and choose any photographs, quotes summer.

March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 13 ROSSER 6 Lt. Col. Chad Sundem

To all the Rock Family for all. of this formation remained humbled This month we say goodbye to with the honor of serving our na- and Friends, our executive officer, Maj. Mike tion during this difficult and com- Condon, as he moves to brigade to plex chapter in her history, and are There is not a moment wasted by become the new operations officer. grateful for the bedrock of support your Soldiers, as they continue to While change is always difficult, it the families and friends back home show courage, compassion, brav- is a deserving moment for him in graciously offer us. ery, and brotherhood. The season recognition of his selfless service to Today, we stand humble and proud here in Afghanistan may be chang- the Rock. With that, we welcome as the Rock of the Marne. ing, with the increased temperatures Maj. Stephen Dobbins as the new and colors of spring, but the dogged executive officer. Already on the Tomorrow, Let ‘Em Come! determination of Task Force Rosser ground and running, we are excited continues on their remarkable jour- to bring him onto the team. Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bartlett ney to make Panjwa’i a better place Know that the men and women and Lt. Col. Chad Sundem

Happy St. Patrick’s Day the Battalion S2 to prepare for op- curity forces here in Afghanistan. erations over the next few months. His tenacity, discipline, and quiet Fierce Company Family In early March, both Capt. Ben Po- patience are qualities we try and in- and Friends. rath and 1st Sgt. Richard Deguzman still in the here every single were out for three days conducting day. March has arrived and is nearly an over watch with 1st and 2nd Pla- Second Platoon has spent a lot gone, this deployment is moving toon. They didn’t get a lot of sleep, of time with the Afghan National along faster than we had expected. but their watchful eye kept the two Army in the last few months. They The thermostat is turning up in Kan- platoons safe for the three days they assisted them in clearance opera- dahar, each day either brings winds, were out. tions, training, and providing secu- rain, heat, or a combination of all First Platoon has exciting news: rity while they clear their areas of three. While the weather is a wel- Spc. Justin Williams is the proud operation. In doing so, 2nd Platoon come change from Joint Base Lew- father of his first child, a healthy has proved invaluable to the Afghan is-McChord, Wash., rest assured we baby girl, Makenzie Rose Wil- Army. While they are different than think about our families throughout liams, weighing 7 lbs. 11 oz. and the police, they present their own our day to day operations. 18 ¾” long. In regards to missions, set of challenges. 2nd Platoon has Headquarters has been working 1st Platoon has busied themselves bit off as much as they can chew, diligently to provide quality intel- partnering mostly with the police. have spit out results and are asking ligence to the platoons throughout They have established Traffic Con- for more. their operational life cycle. Second trol Points, helping the police con- Lt. Robinson and Staff Sgt. Mitch- trol their area of operations and to FORTIS ET CERTIS ell provide an intel update before become a more professional force. every patrol that is informed and Your Fierce Company Soldier is an applicable to their mission. They excellent example of leadership and Capt. Ben Porath and have been working tirelessly with professionalism for the Afghan Se- 1st Sgt. Richard Deguzman

14 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 15 Soldiers take fitness to limit in Dragoon Games

Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Tynes inches.” 102nd MPAD The contestants struggled through KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Af- six grueling events in 12 hours un- ghanistan – Ten contestants from der the broiling Afghanistan sun. throughout Regional Command – Contestants had one hour to rest South (RC-S) tested their physical between events. Events were timed limits through a fitness challenge in and points were scaled based on the Combined Task Force 4-2 (4th placement. The first place finisher Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry for each event received 10 points Division)’s Dragoon Games here with last place receiving four. March 24. The day began at 6 a.m. with a Contestants for the fitness chal- 4.1-mile run. Contestants were told lenge were given an exercise plan the length of the run and did not Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Tynes, 102nd MPAD Capt. Erich Roberts, with the Headquarters six weeks prior to the competition know the course until lining up for and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th to become familiar with the exercis- the race. Field Artillery Regiment, strains to pull a truck tire across the finish line during the Dragoon es and prepare for the games. Sev- “That’s part of the gamesmanship Games hosted by Combined Task Force 4-2 eral events were held at locations – pacing yourself for the competi- (4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infan- throughout RC-S to narrow down tion,” said Capt. Tristan Manning, try Division) at Kandahar Airfield in Ka the field to ten contestants, the top commander of Company C, 702nd five males and females in the bri- Brigade Support Battalion, CTF Sgt. Nicholas Wohlers, of C Co., gade. 4-2, which hosted the competi- 702nd BSB, agreed that it was an “Getting here was an achieve- tion. “They don’t know what’s next extremely demanding day, but he ment in itself because they defeated or what’s going to be required of was proud to have been a part of it. or beat out 13 other females and them.” “The competitors today were so 70-something males to get here,” The next event featured five rounds fun to work with,” the Sheridan, said brigade Command Sgt. Maj. of several repetitions of the Turkish Wyo., native said. “It made this an Oscar Vinson. get-up, kettlebell swings and toes- incredible day and I’m really glad Task Force Angry Vikings (2nd to-bar. I had the opportunity to meet and Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regi- The third event was a round-rob- compete with every one of these ment) ruled the day with both the in of push-press lifts of 75 lbs. for gentlemen.” male and female winners coming males and 55 lbs. for females, the Lt. Col. Scot Doboszenski, com- from their ranks. rower, wall ball, high-pull lifts at mander of 702nd BSB, said he was Capt. Erich Roberts of Pine Moun- the same weight and box jumps. proud of all the competitors across tain, Ga., posted a perfect score of Other events featured a dead lift; the brigade who competed to be a 60 points to be named the “Fittest round-robin of burpees to pull- part of the Dragoon Games. Male Dragoon” while 1st Lt. Chris- ups, kettlebell snatches and several “I think it’s been a phenomenal tina Rath of Easton, Pa., led the farmer’s carries down a 70-meter success,” he said. “I’m really glad women with 54 points for the “Fit- lane and ended with an event that we were able to pull this off because test Female Dragoon” title. included tire pulls, tire flips and this does so much for soldiers. It “I placed first in the preliminar- burpees. keeps them physically fit because ies, but we had some very strong “It was pretty tough,” Rath said. they are working up to the program; athletes who brought their A game,” “We didn’t really know what to ex- and it’s affected so many folks Roberts said. “It was a matter of pect next.” across the formation.”

16 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Tynes, 102nd MPAD Soldiers assigned to Combined Task Force 4-2 (4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division) compete in a round-robin event during the Dragoon Games at Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, March 24. The daylong, six-event fitness challenge was designed as a test of physical endurance.

Sgt. Nia Demarco, a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Combined Task Force 4-2 (4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division), flips a truck tire during an event at the Dragoon Games hosted by CTF 4-2 at Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, March 24.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Tynes, 102nd MPAD Sgt. Nicholas Wohlers strains to set a new weight goal in the sumo deadlift event during the Dragoon Games hosted by Com- bined Task Force 4-2 (4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division), at Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar Province, Afghani- stan, March 24. Wohlers, with Company C, 702nd Brigade Sup- port Battalion, CTF 4-2, lifted 435 pounds to place second in the event.

Photo by Spc. Nathan Fanton, C Co., 702nd BSB

March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 17 TOMAHAWK 6 Lt. Col. Thomas Feltey

ever for a family with a deployed Greetings Tomahawk families and friends! Soldier; I emphasize now more than It has been about a month since my execute the operation with support ever the importance of the buddy last update to you, so I wanted to fill from us fully showed the positive system, as we strive to maintain mo- you in on what we’ve been up to. effect our partnership has had on rale until our soldiers return home. It has been a very busy month, and ANSF leadership. Now is the time The mission on the homefront is there has been a lot going on in our for them to go on the offensive, and critical to accomplishment of our Task Force. First, we successfully I am confident as we draw down mission in Afghanistan. And while transferred Crazyhorse Company’s our numbers, they will continue to that time is approaching, we must home away from home, Combat take the lead. The Tomahawks have be reminded that our mission is not Outpost Lakaray, to our Afghan Na- also been able to get some excellent yet complete, and we must carry on tional Security Force partners and coverage in the media, with sever- until the day we come home with brought Crazyhorse back to For- al photos of Tomahawk personnel our heads held high, and our mis-

“ I am fully confident that when that time comes, we will return home ... knowing that through all our ef- forts we have made a major contribution to the safe- ty and security of the people of Afghanistan.” -Lt. Col. Thomas Feltey 2nd Bn., 23rd Inf. Regt. commander

ward Operating Base Spin Boldak. from the operation being picked up sion accomplished. The transfer has been a massive in major media sources, including I am fully confident that when that effort for both Crazyhorse and the TIME Magazine. Nevertheless our time comes, we will return home to Task Force as a whole, but we are hard work continues, and we are Joint Base Lewis-McChord know- glad to see our ANSF partners take as firmly committed as ever to our ing that through all our efforts we the lead in that area. The first phase mission here. have made a major contribution to of Operation Southern Fist III was On the homefront, the Tomahawk the safety and security of the people also executed early this month, and Ready Reserve and the Family of Afghanistan. overall has been a huge success; in Readiness Group remain steadfast this operation and others like it, we supporters of the Battalion’s de- Tomahawks Win!! are making major gains. In particu- ployed personnel. As we are now lar, seeing our ANSF counterparts past the halfway point in our de- take the initiative and independently ployment, it is as difficult a time as Tomahawk 6 and 7

18 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 19 Operation Southern Fist III

Story by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann ANSF and ISAF leaders speak to 102nd MPAD and answer questions from the vil- lagers. FORWARD OPERATING BASE The shura was important because it SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan – sent a message to the local Afghans Afghan National Security Forces that they can talk to the ANSF to assisted by International Security help them get rid of the Taliban in Assistance Forces began Operation their area, said U.S. Army Cpt. Der- Southern Fist III March 3, in the ek C. Knapp, the executive officer district of Spin Boldak, Kandahar of Security Force Assistance Team province, Afghanistan. 10 comprised of members of the The operation was designed to Texas Army National Guard. eliminate an insurgent infiltration To further connect with the local route, known locally as the “Jun- villages, the ANSF allowed the vil- gle”, that is suspected of being used lagers to enter the area of operations as a stop over and materials collec- to collect wood and brush as it was Photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann, 102nd MPAD tion point to gain access to Kanda- uprooted to use as fuel for cooking Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment provide over watch security for Af- har province. and heating. ghan National Army engineers as they reduce Southern Fist III was the idea of “Almost immediately when the brush in the area known as the “Jungle” dur- ing Operation Southern Fist III March 4, in the the Spin Boldak district Afghan bulldozers started to clear the jungle district of Spin Boldak, Kandahar province, Border Police Quick Reaction Force they were already starting to pile the Afghanistan. Insurgents use the jungle dur- ing the summer fighting season as an infiltra- commander, Lt. Col. Haji Janan, brush over to one side,” said Knapp. tion route and cache site. said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kenneth “The locals could take that brush, W, Scheidt, a mentor and adviser use it for firewood or sell to other Karim Daad, the 205th CEK execu- known as an Afghan Hand who Afghans.” tive officer. partners with Janan. The remaining days of the opera- “Changes were made,” said “He’s quite convinced that that tion were centered on the work of Scheidt. “ They did adapt to them. area had been used as sort of a lay- the bulldozers of the Afghan Na- They had coordination meetings.” over for Taliban affiliated elements tional Army, 205th Corps Engineer- “Major operations, especially to move further into the Kanda- ing Kandak, who were formed and with complex equipment over long har province,” said Scheidt. “He is began training for this mission only distances, do require a level of co- looking at this as being a way of six months ago. ordination and understanding of the mitigating the overall fighting sea- “This is their first major opera- overall environment,” said Scheidt. son of the Taliban.” tion,” said U.S. Army Cpt. Fabian Coordinating with each other and The operation consisted of several J. Barrera, an engineer adviser with understanding the unique capabili- events that lasted for 10 days and SFAT 4A, of the Texas Army Na- ties that each had to offer, the ANSF began when ANSF and ISAF forces tional Guard. “This is a fast move in Kandahar province accomplished linked-up on the first day to search for them with the little training they much more than destroying an in- pre-designated areas for potential received to actually being out here surgent safe haven. They have dem- weapons and home made explo- doing a combat operation.” onstrated their ability to execute a sives caches. The engineers were not able see major operation. The second day started with ANA the area before the mission but they Operation Southern Fist III showed engineers using bulldozers to re- were able to adapt to the environ- that with Afghan forces working to- move the trees and brush in the jun- ment and changes on the ground in gether they can make an impact in gle while shuras, or meetings, were order to make the mission a success, their area of operations that mitigate held at a nearby villages to allow said Afghan National Army Maj. the dangers of the fighting season.

20 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 Afghan National Security Force and International Secu- rity Assistance Force members meet to dis- cuss the day’s events in the area known as the “jungle” during Operation Southern Fist III March 5, in the district of Spin Boldak, Kandahar province, Afghani- stan. Insurgents use the jungle during the summer fighting sea- son as an infiltration route and cache site and the operation eliminated conceal- ment.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann, 102nd MPAD

Australian army Cpl. Andrew Guyer, with 7th Battalion, Royal Austra- lian Regiment and an Afghan National Army soldier provide security in the area known as the “jungle” as key leaders inspect the area during Operation Southern Fist III March 5, in the district of Spin Boldak, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Insurgents use the jungle during the summer fight- ing season as an infiltra- tion route and cache site and the operation elimi- nated concealment. Photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann, 102nd MPAD

Afghan National Army engineers begin clearing the area known as the “Jungle” to eliminate an insurgent infiltra- tion and cache site March 4, in the district of Spin Boldak, Kandahar prov- ince, Afghani- stan. In the sum- mer fighting season the area has thick veg- etation used for concealment. Photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann, 102nd MPAD

March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 21 VIKING 6 Lt. Col. William Downing

To the Soldiers, families, and friends of Task Force Viking, mors, and some information that is disseminated will likely confuse the We are almost at the half way point less patrols, and too many hours to situation, but if you check with your in our deployment and the weather count spent conducting combined Soldiers’ chain of command before is starting to heat up. The recent operations with our Afghan Police getting concerned (or excited), we rains provided the moisture needed counterparts. Coordination with will be able to confirm the informa- and farmers across the country are the unit replacing us has started and tion for you. in full swing. The brown, winter we are now planning for their pre- One date I can confirm for you is landscape has given way to green ag- deployment site survey later this Sept. 26, 2013…the Task Force Vi- ricultural fields and sprouting grape spring in preparation for our relief king Redeployment and Saint Bar- rows; a good sign that the clock is in place (RIP) in the summer. It is bara’s Day Ball at the Red Lion Hotel steadily ticking on our deployment. exciting (and easy) to think about in Olympia. This ball will be open Examples of the resiliency of our redeployment but we must remain to all ranks, so start planning for it Task Force (here and at home) con- focused on the “inches” that will now. More details will follow as we tinue to amaze me on a daily basis. make us successful during the up- get closer, but you can rest assured Babies born over Skype, a faded coming fighting season. the Anger level at this event will be family picture in the windshield As senior leaders develop and re- borderline dangerous… on patrol, handwritten letters from fine United States strategy on how I leave you with a quote that makes our young ones, and care packages the military will continue drawn me proud to be a Soldier every time filled with items only an Army fam- down in Afghanistan, you can ex- I read it: “We sleep safely at night ily would know to send, constantly pect to see Soldiers from the Raider because rough men stand ready to remind me of the uniqueness of our Brigade return home earlier than visit violence on those who would profession and the accompanying expected. harm us.” You can sleep safely to- hardship that only those who are While this is exciting for the fami- night knowing that your rough men, part of it can truly understand. We lies affected, it can be hard for the your Angry Vikings, stand ready to ask for no sympathy and we take families of those Soldiers who re- accomplish the mission at hand, re- care of our own – every player, ev- main in theater through their full main focused on the inches needed, ery play. deployment. For Task Force Vi- and will, without hesitation, visit The Task Force remains active with king, expect us to remain for the violence on anyone who would at- the successful transfer of two bases entire deployment unless you are tempt to harm our great country. back to Afghan control, a change of told otherwise by your Soldiers’ May God bless Task Force Viking, command in Charlie Battery, hun- company, battery, or chain of its families, and the United States of dreds of miles traveled on count- command. There will always be ru- America.

Stay Angry,

Lt. Col. Will Downing Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Kerns (the original Angry Viking)

22 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 23 train with infantry.” Field artillerymen learn infantry The Soldiers began their train- skills in squad live-fire exercise ing early March 5 with a nine-mile foot march to Range 50. Soldiers brought only what they could hump on their backs or stuff into their cargo pockets. Once there, they en- gaged in three days and three nights of training. They conducted day and night squad live-fire exercises focusing on the react-to-contact battle drill, practiced using a mine detector to locate improvised explosive devic- Story and photos by Spc. Loren Cook es, and learned some of the tactics, 20th PAD techniques, and procedures in use by the enemy in Afghanistan. JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, reinforce its parent brigade in Af- “This training is one of the cul- Wash. - At Range 50, deep in the ghanistan. minating training events for us,” impact area and miles from the can- The Soldiers of Co. G, 52nd Inf. said Co. G, 52nd Inf. Regt. 1st tonment area or even a paved road, Regt., most of them straight out of Sgt. Shayne Charlesworth. “It will squads from the 4th Stryker Brigade advanced individual training, must test all of the skill level 1 tasks our Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Divi- build and maintain proficiency in soldiers should know, from load- sion’s rear detachment trained for infantry tasks and drills in prepa- ing, firing, and handling stoppages war in a three-night field exercise ration for a deployment that could of their weapons, all the way up to last week. Going on field exercises come at any time. It’s an imperative moving as a member of a team and is hardly business as usual for most task, especially since a great deal of maneuvering as a squad.” rear-detachments, but then again, the infantry company’s new soldiers “I learned some of this stuff at this rear-d is far from usual. are not infantrymen. basic training, but some of it is The brigade has a fairly new “I was originally a cannon crew brand new, especially with me be- approach to handling its rear de- member with 2nd Battalion, 12th ing a new team leader,” Carter said. tachment. Rather than each bat- Field Artillery Regiment,” said Pfc. “How to maneuver a fire team, how talion maintaining its own to make sure everyone is set up in a rear-detachment stateside, the position to optimize their fire- brigade has a Raider Ready power – these aren’t the sorts Reserve (R3) acting as a col- of thing I would have learned lective rear-d. in the artillery world. It’s a lot R3 handles normal rear-d of new stuff on my plate at activities, such as handling the same time, but it’s a really Soldier, family, training, and good learning experience.” equipment readiness. In ad- Some soldiers from R3 have dition, the R3 also counts the already deployed to reinforce soldiers of G Company, 52nd their parent brigade in Afghan- Infantry Regiment in its mem- istan. As the soldiers of Co. G, bership. 52nd Inf. Regt. train and main- Co. G, 52nd Inf. Regt. is the “re- Cory Carter, now a fire team leader tain readiness to deploy at a mo- serve” in Raider Ready Reserve. On with Co. G, 52nd Inf. Regt. “Seven ment’s notice, they learn a valuable order, the company can send an ele- of us (junior enlisted) and three non- lesson: Some may be infantrymen ment as small as a single fire team commissioned officers were pulled and some may be artillerymen, but or as large as the entire company to from 2-12 to come down here and all of them are Soldiers.

24 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 Fort Lewis Stryker brigade Soldiers return to basics, reset small arms weapons in theater Story by Sharonda Pearson own SARET- KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Af- type reset of ghanistan -- For nearly a decade the the unit’s small Army Materiel Command’s (AMC) arms. Small Arms Readiness Evaluation Chief Warrant Teams, or SARET, have traveled to Officer 2 Bran- units to inspect and repair weapons, don Parrett, optics, lasers, and mortars for the 702nd Brigade Warfighter. Support Bat- Due to sequestration--which will talion acting last 10 years and cut approximately armament tech- $500 billion from the defense bud- nician, believes get--things have changed. the small arms “Traditionally when the unit de- and artillery ploys and then redeploys back to repair Soldiers CONUS, they use a SARET to reset are prepared Courtesy photo small arms equipment,” said Chief for the task. “Having the Soldiers do the reset Warrant Officer 5 Miguel Gomez, “The brigade commander, Col. accomplishes two things,” he said. AMC’s Brigade Logistics Support Michael A. Getchell, has decided “First, it saves the Army, Army Ma- Team Chief supporting 4th Brigade, that the 91-Foxes, which are the teriel Command and the unit mon- 2nd Infantry Division. “However, experts, should do the reset here in ey. AMC will save on equipment because of budget cuts, SARET theater,” Parrett said. “Throughout transportation and labor costs, plus funding has been cut off as of March the deployment they are the ones the intangible benefit of going back 2013.” supporting the weapons system--re- to basics and allowing Soldiers to Foreseeing the future, the unit de- pairing them, gauging them--doing hone their skills by performing the cided to be proactive should fund- all the same things required as part work themselves,” he said. ing for a SARET be unavailable of a reset.” The Soldiers welcome the addi- during their redeployment. “The brigade decided to take care tional training. “We had a good feeling that that of the reset here in theater due to fis- “I think its good practice for our SARET wasn’t going to be an op- cal constraints and the large quanti- craft.” It will make me and my team tion because of funding, so we ties of weapons that need to be re- more proficient. It’s important that started planning a month and a half set,” Parrett added. “Here we have we all hone our skills,” said Sgt. ago,” Gomez said. “It made sense the equipment needed to do the re- Kasim Kennerly, the non commis- that we do the reset here in theater set; that might not be the case when sioned officer in charge. “I’ve only and get the Soldiers trained and we return home.” served in the Army two years, so I have the Tank-automotive and Ar- While Soldiers downrange will be always welcome any opportunity to maments Command (TACOM) Ar- fully supported, and most base sup- improve my craft.” mament Logistics Assistance Rep- port functions will continue in the Gomez agrees. resentatives provide any necessary near term, military readiness, base “This is what they do. They get assistance.” facility maintenance, and modern- to work on what they love and they The solution was to tap the Soldier ization will likely erode as a result know they are saving the Army skills already resident in the unit by of sequestration. money,” he said. “After 11 years of having the small arms/artillery re- Gomez believes that the financial war, we definitely need to get back pairer Soldiers in the 91F military uncertainties will force the Army to to the basics. That’s what’s going to occupation specialty complete their return to the basics. move us forward.”

March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 25 BLACKHAWK 6 Lt. Col. Charles Lombardo

that the is still set to re- Greetings Blackhawk nation, turn as scheduled. Any date prior to our scheduled return is a welcome The winter weather is fading away ment of out Afghan Army partners. surprise. Please be rest assured that and spring is upon us here in Zabul I am pleased to say that our Afghan I will formally notify the squadron, Province. Since we last spoke, your partners are continuing to grow in family, and friends when any offi- troopers have continued to make us their capabilities and reach. We cial information is published. Any all proud. I am inspired daily by have conducted several partnered other redeployment information is their diligence, attention to detail, missions over the last few weeks a rumor and should not be counted and sense of duty. A few weeks with very promising success. It is on. ago, our first wave of Soldiers, the great to see a young force have such I would like to personally thanks Chemical, Biological Radiological a positive impact on its community those who support us back at home. and Nuclear Platoon, departed For- while providing for its security and Your efforts and thoughts play a ward Operating Base Apache and prosperity. I have met numerous critical role in the success of this returned home to Joint Base Lewis- solid Afghan leaders and Soldiers squadron and its troopers and is al-

“I am pleased to say that our Afghan partners are continuing to grow in their capabilities and reach. ” -Lt. Col. Charles Lombardo 2nd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Regt. commander

McChord, Wash. I cannot express and I am confident they will contin- ways greatly appreciated. One of how proud I am of the Soldiers and ue to succeed. I credit a lot of their the key strengths of this squadron noncommissioned officers in our success to the thorough and patient is the strength and fortitude of the CBRN Platoon. They were given mentorship provided by your troop- Blackhawk nation. Please continue a challenging mission in one of ers. Almost everyday the Soldiers your hard work and dedication in the least comfortable places in the of the Blackhawk Squadron roll up support the of the squadron and its province and they performed mag- their sleeves with Afghan Soldiers mission. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!! nificently. and train on a variety tasks and tac- During the past month, we have tics. been incredibly busy preparing It is no surprise that the squadron’s Blackhawks! Animo Et Fide. equipment and personnel for move- return is not far away. However, I ment back to FOB Apache as well ask that the families and friends of Lt. Col. Charles T. Lombardo as combined training and develop- the Blackhawk nation remember “Blackhawk 6”

26 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 27 NFL players visit Soldiers of Masum Ghar

Story and photos by Texans Defensive End, J.J. Watt. women who risk their lives and the 2nd Lt. Jennifer Frazer “Visiting Soldiers, seeing what bravery they show each and every 102nd MPAD they do on a daily basis,” said Mill- day.” er, “it really puts it into perspective, Following Engineer Hill, the NFL FORWARD OPERATING BASE it makes you appreciate what you players made it to the highest point MASUM GHAR, Afghanistan – have stateside. It’s a once-in-a-life- surrounding Masum Ghar and were Players from the National Football time experience. I am truly blessed given an opportunity to view the League visited the soldiers of Ma- and grateful to be here.” surrounding area. sum Ghar for a motivational United The players arrived in the early Lastly, the players spent quality Service Organization (USO) tour morning and ventured up to Engi- time with the Soldiers in the dining on March 18 in Kandahar Province, neer Hill where they were able to facility (DFAC). J.J. Watt played Afghanistan. meet a Tactical Explosive Detec- catch with some of the dining facil- The NFL players included Den- tion Dog (TEDD) and given a dem- ity workers while the others signed ver Broncos Cornerback, Champ onstration of the dogs’ capabilities. autographs and posed for photos. Bailey, Cleveland Browns Line- Afterward, they met with the 38th “I felt like a 40 year old woman backer, D’Qwell Jackson, Tampa Engineers of Combined Task Force waiting for “Twilight” to come out,” Bay Buccaneers Guard, Davin Jo- (CTF) 4-2. said Broncos fan Staff Sgt. Jeremiah seph, Denver Broncos Linebacker, “This is a chance of a life time,” Hochstedler, a Spectrum Manager Von Miller, Carolina Panthers Wide said Jackson, “to show our appre- with, Headquarters, Headquarters Receiver, Steve Smith, and Houston ciation for the uniform, the men and Co., CTF 4-2, “It was amazing.”

28 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 29 FORGE 6 Lt. Col. Scot Doboszenski

countless mission changes and op- To the Forge Families, Friends, and Soldiers, erations. This battalion has the best We have finally reached our half- Bravo Company made some well group of leaders the command ser- way point! It seems as though time crafted trophies to present to the geant major and I could not have is flying by when there is just so winners of each event. Also, this picked any better. much to do. Our mission has change month the battalion will be holding A lot of what we do here is influ- a few times but overall we are still the NCO and Soldier of the Quarter enced by the families and friends’ focusing on developing our partner- where Soldiers from different com- support back at Joint Base Lewis- ship with the ANA and the people of panies can compete for bragging McChord, Wash. As we begin to see this country. Our Soldiers are con- rights in the 3rd Quarter, FY 13. It’ll Soldiers go home, we must continue stantly hard at work and this month be a tough decision because every to stay Forge Strong and focused to was no exception. We have begun Soldier we have out here is the best accomplish our mission and bring “We have come a long way since the first group of Forge Soldiers left back in October.” -Lt. Col. Scot Doboszenski 702nd BSB commander closing down some of the outlying the command sergeant major and I everyone home. The command ser- forward operating bases throughout have seen. geant major and I wish for you all the region we have been working We have come a long way since to continue the support you give on. We have also been moving a lot the first group of Forge Soldiers left us back at home. Again thank you of equipment back and personnel back in October. But the command all for everything you do and I can have been reorganized so they can sergeant major and I cannot be more promise you that every single letter, start going home. proud of where we came from and package, or phone call that is sent or The month of March signified what we have accomplished since made has a huge positive impact on our halfway point for this deploy- then. It is an honor for the both of the Soldiers. ment and to celebrate, our chaplain, use to have this opportunity to lead Chaplain Chang, scheduled an Or- the best Soldiers not only in the bri- ganization Celebration Day for the gade but the whole Army. We have Soldiers to have a friendly competi- not seen a finer group of men and tion of various events ranging from women who are willing to put so pull-ups, horseshoe, basketball, and much hard work and efforts into Forge 6 and Forge 7 volleyball. It was a great morale supporting this country and their booster for the well deserved Sol- people. The leadership has also diers as they begin to see the end been doing great things with plan- “Mend the Broken of this deployment. Our very own ning, coordinating, and executing ”

30 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 31 Keeping left of the BANG

Story and photo by Pfc. Reese Von Rogatsz 4th SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Af- fairs Office

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, survivability during military opera- thinking and problem-solving skills Wash. – Soldiers from 4th Stryker tions on urban terrain. in order to anticipate an event be- Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry “The [soldiers] are being trained fore it happens. Division’s Raider Ready Reserve to utilize a proactive mindset,” said “In the classroom, we learned to (R3) recently completed five days Sgt. 1st Class Elias Munoz, 4th predict a catastrophic event. Out of training, enhancing their abil- SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div., R3 operations here on the range, we’re running ity to identify indicators of insur- noncommissioned officer in charge. through what we learned in the gent activity in Afghanistan, where According to Munoz, the nature of classroom and applying it to prac- the brigade is currently deployed the things soldiers do when some- tical field exercises,” said Spc. Na- in support of Operation Enduring thing happens is reactive. Spot- than Taylor, an infantryman with Freedom. ting indicators as they occur – and 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regi- The Advanced Situational Aware- avoiding, preventing or stopping an ment, 4th SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. ness Training, conducted Feb. 25 adverse event – is a proactive ap- In the field training simulation, through March 1, took place in both proach. a local village requested help from the classroom and the field. Geared This concept is known as “staying coalition partners as a result of toward improving the ability to de- left of the bang.” mounting tensions with a neighbor- tect, observe and engage adversar- Instruction in human behavior ing settlement. The Afghan resi- ies and their networks, it taught sol- pattern recognition and analysis dents and police were role-played diers tactical skills to improve their prepared soldiers to apply critical See BANG pg. 33...

32 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 ...BANG from pg. 32 line for the number of pre-event tify the indicators leading up to an cues which lead from observation event?” were posed. by brigade soldiers, who underwent to action. “I myself have not been deployed, Keeping an additional two days of training in Simulated sniper fire rang out but going through the class I don’t order to stage realistic scenarios. during a soccer game. An impro- see how one could be deployed The soldiers set up observation vised explosive device detonated without the training. I think it’s very posts, known as OPs, and a tactical as a shipment of relief supplies was valuable,” said Pfc. Adam Warren, operation center, also called a TOC. hijacked. A vehicle borne impro- an infantryman with 4th Battalion, They observed the communities to vised explosive device exploded 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th SBCT, establish a baseline, a rhythm and at a checkpoint. There were com- 2nd Inf. Div. pattern to life there. Information plex interactions between the social The Raider Ready Reserve is or- from the OPs was relayed to the groups. ganized, equipped and trained to TOC, recorded and tracked. Depar- After-action reviews were held execute Rear Detachment Opera- ture from normal routine was ana- at the conclusion of each scenario, tions focused on maintaining sol- lyzed. where questions such as “what hap- dier, family, training and equipment “Three anomalies and you make a pened and how did it happen?” and readiness that instill confidence in decision,” said Taylor. It is a guide- “did the soldiers successfully iden- forward deployed commanders.

Mobile RPAT eases redeployment stresses for CTF 4-2

Story by Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth customer, if you will, we have more Mobile RPATs brief units on what is CTF 4-2 Public Affairs Office people out here that we can dedicate required in order for the team to go FORWARD OPERATING BASE to laying property out, to turning to the base. ZANGABAD, Afghanistan – As in,” said Timme, an Avon, Conn., The Mobile RPAT checks back with soldiers of 4th Battalion, 9th In- native. “Basically, we are their only the unit 90 days out to make sure fantry Regiment, Combined Task customer out here, so we get their everything is on track to be turned Force 4-2 (4th Stryker Brigade sole attention and their focus.” in. Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Divi- The battalion is turning in approx- The PAAT arrives approximately sion) reached the halfway point in imately 438 items, to include 10 a week before the Mobile RPAT to their deployment, they realized they pieces of rolling stock such as mine ensure that soldiers have all of their had equipment on their base that resistant ambush protected vehicles, equipment turn-in paperwork filled they were not using and could turn according to Timme. out correctly. According to McIvers, in. “It runs a gamut from smaller items PAATs developed last year in Re- The normal process of returning up to the size of an MRAP, but just gional Command-South, Afghani- retrograde or unused items is to excess equipment that we don’t use stan. The Mobile RPATs follow take them back to the Redistribu- on a regular basis but it’s all on our behind the PAATs and conduct lay- tion Property Assistance Team yard [property] books,” said Timme. outs of all equipment being turned on Kandahar Airfield. Curtis McIver, the master supply in by the unit and then sign for the However, thanks to Mobile RPATs technician for the mobile RPAT, equipment. The unit then moves the and Package Acceptance Assis- from Rockingham, N.C., said the items to Kandahar Airfield and is tance Teams, the process of turning mobile RPATs are just a mirror im- fully relieved of responsibility for equipment in is easier for units on age of what is done at the RPAT the equipment. remote bases, such as 4th Battalion, yard on Kandahar Airfield. After weeks of preparation, the 9th Infantry Regiment’s Capt. Reed “We just go out to remote FOBs to 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regi- Timme, the logistics officer for 4th relieve units of accountability,” he ment soldiers turned in their extra Bn., 9th Inf. Regt., is in charge of said. equipment and signed it over to the monitoring everything turned in by Planning starts 120 days out from Mobile RPAT. They can now focus the unit. when the unit wants to turn in its more on their mission in support of See BANG pg. 33... “By them coming out here to the excess items, said McIvers. The Operation Enduring Freedom.

March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 33 34 Dragoon Magazine March 2013 Chaplain’s Corner Chap. (Maj.) Jim Combs “A Bad Conversation” Whether on Facebook, during a phone call, or even in a letter or e-mail – it is very common that we will eventu- ally have a bad conversation with loved ones during the deployment. When we receive these negative communi- cations, either in Afghanistan or at home, it is important to keep everything in context and not allow ourselves to tailspin into hopelessness. Rainer M. Rilke wrote, “A person isn’t who they were during the last conversation you had with them, they’re who they’ve been throughout your whole relationship.” For example, if I have a bad con- versation with my wife last night, we should not assume the worse of one another and write off over twenty years of marriage. Rather, we can choose to examine the conversation in the light of the many challenges of separation and the positive context of our overall time together throughout the years. For we all know that there are days when we aren’t in the best mood to communicate with our loved ones. Ironically, out of love, we go ahead and make the call or Facebook them anyway and may ultimately do more harm than good! And these bad moments, if held in isolation, can be devastating. But when held in the light of the many great memories we have of spending time with our loved one, we can truly understand and benefit from Rilke’s encouragement: “A person isn’t who they were during the last conversation you had with them, they’re who they’ve been throughout your whole relationship.” So, if you’re tired, hungry, just came in from a mission, or recently disciplined the kids…maybe it would be better to get some rest and make that contact later. Or, at least, just send a reminder that you love them and you will make contact soon. We are all in this together and our desire for one another is like our motto during the deployment, to see every relationship grow “Stronger Together!” God Bless…

Chap. (Maj.) Jim Combs FOB Masum Ghar Afghanistan

“A person isn’t who they were dur- ing the last conversation you had with them, they’re who they’ve been throughout your whole relationship.” -Rainer M. Rilke Poet and novelist

March 2013 Dragoon Magazine 35 operation enduring freedom 2012-2013

Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle, Jr. Staff Sgt. Wesley Williams Nov. 13, 2012 Dec. 10, 2012 38th Eng. Co. B Co., 1-38 IN

Pfc. Markie Sims Sgt. David Chambers Dec. 29, 2012 Jan. 16, 2013 38th Eng. Co. B Co., 1-38 IN