THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013

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THE IRONHORSEMAN 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

Mungadai - Company, troop and battery commanders go the distance

1 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013

1st Brigade Combat Team Inside this issue 1st Cavalry Division Fort Hood, Texas 3 - EIB The Ironhorse Brigade conducts Expert Infantryman Badge certification

Brigade Commander 11 - Ironhorse Mungadai Col. Steve Gilland Company, troop and battery commanders Brigade Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Mervyn Riley go the distance Editor/Public Affairs Officer Capt. Angel Jackson-Gillespie

Public Affairs NCOIC Sgt. Larry Carter 13 - Little superheroes stand behind our troops Public Affairs Journalists Warant Officer Yvonne Ralph Sgt. John Couffer Sgt. Bailey Kramer discusses the sacrifices the Pfc. Paige Pendleton military child Broadcast Specialist Spec. Joe Brown Spec. Jesse Barker

14 - Spouse Spur Ride combines teambuilding, training fun Spouses spend the day as Ironhorse Soldiers

The Ironhorseman is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of The Ironhorseman are not official views of or- en dorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army, or the 1st Cavalry Division.

All editorial content of The Ironhorseman is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office.

2 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Ironhorse Conducts EIB By Sgt. Bailey Kramer a PT test. The competition re- aren’t paying attention and we mission at all costs.” 1BCT, 1CD PAO quires 75 percent in each event rush somebody gets hurt.” The final event was a 12-mile to proceed to the next phase of Day two started with 101 ruck march, with all 32 remain- FORT HOOD, Texas - It began EIB. The land navigation por- Soldiers and the squad training Soldiers completing the EIB in 1944, the Army Chief of Staff tion required intense attention ing exercises which lasted three test. George C. Marshall initiated to detail and accountability. days and disqualified 69 more “The last mile felt the development of an award to Soldiers. awesome, because at about mile honor the infantryman of our nine, I started to feel cramps in U.S. Army: the Expert Infantry- my quadriceps,” said new EIB man Badge. holder, Sgt. Jonathon Morales, Soldiers from the 1st an infantryman also assigned “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat to Hammer Troop. “So, when I Team, 1st Cavalry Division finally got up to that last mile I helped the tradition live on by was like, ‘you know what, one conducting an EIB competition, mile. One mile is not that far.’ here, Feb. 25 to March 1. So I just jogged through it and The competition began with 412 got it done. I was very glad, very infantrymen and finished with relieved to finish it.” only 32 awardees. Because of the high After day one, consist- failure rate, when a Soldier ing of the PT test and night receives their badge it leaves in and day land navigation, there them a high sense of accom- was about a 90 percent drop in Photo by Spc. Fred Brown, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO plishment. participants, said Sgt. 1st Class A Soldier assigned to the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry “When you go down Jason Moore, a Soldier assigned Division plots his points during the day land navigation portion of the range, every (infantryman) to Headquarters and Head- Expert Infantryman Badge Competition, Feb. 25 at Fort Hood, Texas. The is awarded the opportunity quarters Troop “Hammer” of land navigation disqualified 120 Soldiers from the competition, ending day to earn the (combat infantry the Ironhorse Brigade, and the one with 101 Soldiers. badge), you aren’t really graded representative for the competi- “If they didn’t plot their grid The STX lanes consisted of on the skill or knowledge you tion. He added that such a drop properly or got the wrong grid, many different events, including: have,” Morales said. “The EIB is normal. if they lost any piece of equip- call-for-fire, first aid, function takes a lot of patience, a lot of “The significant drop ment, compass, protractor, score checks and assembling of weap- knowledge and skill to get tested is normal, we lost 191 on the PT card, the plastic bag it went into, ons, map reading and detaining and undergo the pressure and test and another 120 on the land the Soldier was disqualified,” prisoners. succeed. It means a lot to me navigation,” Moore said. stated Moore. “What it taught “This is a competition because not everyone has one.” The Army requires at them was attention to detail and that takes a lot of heart,” Moore b e on e .” least 60 percent in the push-up, accountability. That’s what (the said. “As an infantryman you sit-up and run events to pass EIB is) attention to detail. If we have to learn to accomplish the Dragons receive two unit awards

By Pfc. Paige Pendleton 1BCT, 1CD PAO

FORT HOOD, Texas - Lt. Col. Richard Ng (far left), Tampa, Fla. native and commander of the 1st “Dragon” Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Rosales (second from left), the command sergeant major for the Dragon Battalion and Fresno, Calif. native, attach award streamers to the Dragon colors at an award ceremony March 28 at Fort Hood, Texas. The Dragon Battalion received the Meritorious Unit Commendation for “exceptionally meritorious achievements” during Operation New Dawn and the Army Superior Unit Award “for outstanding meritorious service and outstanding performance” while stationed at Fort Hood, according to the award citations given by the Army. 3 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Fire in the hole: Centurions conduct demolition range

Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Galveston, Texas native, Sgt. Gustavo Gutierrez, a combat engineer Combat engineers assigned to Company C, 1st “Centurion” Brigade assigned to Company C, 1st “Centurion” Brigade Special Troops Special Troops Battalion, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, Battalion, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Divi- 1st Cavalry Division, assists in securing a C4-ribbon charge and sion, ties a knot in detonation cord in preparation of a C4-ribbon detonation cord on an I-beam during demolition training March charge during demolition training March 27 at the Curry Demoli- 27 at the Curry Demolition Range at Fort Hood, Texas. tion Range at Fort Hood, Texas.

Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Debris and shrapnel are sent flying as a C4-ribbon charge is detonated by combat engineers assigned to Company C, 1st “Centurion” Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, during demolition training March 27 at the Curry De- molition Range at Fort Hood, Texas. Combat engineers use various compositions of the ribbon charge to remove, neutralize or destroy steel and other metal structures or obstacles in training and combat.

Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Cresco, Pa. native Staff Sgt. Scott Campbell (left), a combat A combat engineer assigned to Company C, 1st “Centurion” engineer assigned to Company C, 1st “Centurion” Brigade Spe- Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat cial Troops Battalion, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Team, 1st Cavalry Division, places an initiating charge on top of Cavalry Division, gives instructions on how to tie a proper knot in a 15lb, composition B, shape charge during demolition training detonation cord during demolition training March 27 at the Curry March 27 at the Curry Demolition Range at Fort Hood, Texas. The Demolition Range at Fort Hood, Texas. Various types of knots are shape charge creates a whole in which a 40lb crater charge will be used when preparing detonation cord depending on the type and placed, wired and detonated. The resulting crater then acts as a set-up of explosives used. maneuver obstacle forcing an enemy’s vehicles or troops to halt, go 4 around or be bottle-necked thus making easy targets. THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Tanker Olympics: Lancer training in disguise By Pfc. Paige Pendleton 1BCT, 1CD PAO

FORT HOOD, Texas – During an overcast morning in a field scattered with tank parts, a fierce competition was conducted by Soldiers of C Company, 2nd “Lancers” Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Friday, here. The Tanker Olympics is a timed, 11-event, tanker-specific contest created in remembrance of Medal of Honor recipient, Murray, Ky. native, Pfc. Billy Lauffer, a Soldier formerly assigned to C “Crazyhorse” Co. of the Lancer Battalion, for actions during the Vietnam War. “Essentially, we wanted to commemorate his accomplishments so we put this event together,” said 2nd Lt. Matthew Broomell, a platoon leader assigned to Crazyhorse. The Tanker Olympics not only tested the teamwork, physical strength and endurance of the Soldiers, but also their ability to mentally perform under fatigue. Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Each platoon in Crazyhorse was broken down into three- or four- Soldiers assigned to C Company, 2nd “Lancers” Battalion, 5th Cavalry man teams and the stakes were high. The winning platoon earned the Lauffer Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Cup, and fastest crew within the platoon received a four-day weekend and carry a Soldier, mocking injury, to the finish line. bragging rights, said Spc. Steven Shives, a Crazyhorse machine gunner. The competition began with each team carrying a 350 lb. tow-bar holding tank parts on their shoulders. Once the weapon was reassembled the team members sprinted to the knowledge station. In order to proceed, the team had to answer vehicle identification and regiment specific questions in the push-up position. After correctly answering questions the team moved to the final event, the litter carry. Together they carried a Soldier on a stretcher to the finish line. “Morale usually picks up when this kind of thing happens,” Shives said with a voice so hoarse he was almost inaudible over the wind. “As you can see, we’re yelling and screaming for everybody.” Broomell explained the commander wanted to do something to bring Crazyhorse back to being true tankers, and wanted to make the events as challenging as possible by putting together a mix of cross-fit ideas as well as incorporating items found on tanks. In addition to integrating protective masks into their events, Shives said Soldiers would come in early and study to prepare for the competition. Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO “We’re all very excited to do this for the first time, to really build Soldiers assigned to C Company, 2nd “Lancers” Battalion, 5th Cavalry esprit de corps among ourselves and build camaraderie,” Broomell said. “It’s Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division flip really a good chance to become more and more of a team.” a large military vehicle tire while wearing protective masks. to a water can station and back. After they carried the tow-bar each team member carried two water cans to and from the next station. At the beginning of the three-to-five second buddy rush event, the grader instructed the team members to begin sprinting. Within three-to-five seconds, the grader yells, “down!” and the team low-crawls toward the ammo can press station until the grader signals to begin sprinting again. Next, each team of four had to lift an ammunition container over- head for 120 repetitions while each team of three did 90 repetitions. Upon completion the grader gave the command, “Gas! Gas! Gas!” signaling the Soldiers to don M40 protective masks. Wearing masks, the teams continued through the course doing forward-lunges to a cone, then ran to a military vehicle where they pushed the vehicle to the road wheel station. Still wearing protective masks, the team carried a 55 lb. Army road wheel, which is what Soldiers call a wheel on a tank, to and from the tire flip station, flipping a very large military vehicle tire to and from a cone. Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Next, the all clear command is given by the grader, allowing the Soldiers assigned to C Company, 2nd “Lancers” Battalion, 5th Cavalry Soldiers to remove and stow their protective masks for the next event. Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division One team member disassembles and reassembles an M240 ma- perform squat exercises while holding tank rods as another Soldier disas- chine gun as fast as possible while the remaining members do squat exercises sembles and reassembles an M240 machine gun. 5 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Ironhorse participates in division run

Photo by Sgt. Bailey Kramer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Charlotte, N.C. native, Lt. Col. Jason Hayes (center), commander of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, leads his battalion in the completion of a division run, March 22 at Fort Hood, Texas. Photo by Sgt. Bailey Kramer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Rock Island, Ill. native, Col. Steve Gilland (center), commander of the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, leads his troops in the completion of a division run, March 22 at Fort Hood, Texas. The 1st Cav. Div. conducts a run every six months to enhance teamwork and camaraderie.

Photo by Sgt. Bailey Kramer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO (above) Maj. Gen. Anthony Ierardi, commander of the 1st “First Team” Cavalry Division, personally congratulates a 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team on completing a division run, March 22 at Fort Hood, Texas. This was the first division run of 2013, the First Team conducts a division run every six months to promote camaraderie and teamwork.

(left) Maj. Gen. Anthony Ierardi (left), commander of the 1st “First Team” Cavalry Division encour- ages Soldiers from the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team at the finish line of a division run, March 22 at Fort Hood, Texas. The First Team conducts a run every six months to enhance teamwork Photo by Sgt. Bailey Kramer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO and camaraderie.

6 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Ironhorse Soldiers learn applicable leadership, mental skills By Sgt. John Couffer basis because it offers a better 1BCT, 1CD PAO understanding of the aspects of training other than the physical FORT HOOD, Texas – To im- ones. prove mental skills and perfor- The course is designed mance, mid-level leaders read for autonomy, meaning instead through informational packets, from having to follow a rigid observes presentations, interact set of steps in one-two-three in a working-group environ- order, any skill can be used at ment and conduct bio-feedback any point at any time, Abroms exercises. said. Noncommissioned “The uniqueness here officers and officers, assigned is this applies to any tasks that to the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade are measurable and virtually Combat Team, 1st Cavalry everything we do in the Army Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Division, participate in a Com- is a measurable task,” said prehensive Soldier Fitness and Nashville, Tenn. native, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Andriulli, a fire support special- Saledo, Texas native, retired Lt. Family Leadership Develop- ist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st “Ironhorse” Bri- Col. Carl Womack, the CSF2 gade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, tries various number combina- ment Course April 1 to 5 at the Site Manager for Fort Hood. CSF2 Training Facility here. tions to open a lock during the Mental Fitness Obstacle Course #2 portion of a Leadership Development Class April 4 near the Comprehensive Soldier Womack further The LDC utilizes the Fitness and Family Training Facility on Fort Hood, Texas. The CSF2-LDC explained that the skills can be Performance Enhancement obstacle course encouraged the students to use their newly taught skills to applied to just about every tac- Model and the Applied Perfor- complete various stations in which contain physical and cognitive tasks. tical and technical task in the mance Plan. The PEM is taken Some physical tasks are push-ups, box-jumps, and Fireman’s carry, and military from raising physical from the U.S. Military Acad- some cognitive tasks are thread-the-needle, spot the difference and a word fitness scores to tank gunner- emy’s Center for Enhanced search. ies and even promotion board Performance and teaches the because only the conditions the new skill in individual and preparation. six fundamentals: mental skills, change, not the task. group activities. During the Using the skills building confidence, attention Abroms used the activities, leaders work with learned as an individual is great control, energy management, example of the ability to over- one another in a sort of live- but being able to use the skills goal setting, and imagery. The come pressure. peer-feedback in order work to improve the organization PEM serves as the course foun- “So when you are out which skill is better used at and incorporate it in individual dation and the APP teaches about to perform; how do you any point during the planning leadership styles, to improve how to apply the six mental prevent choking? What we are process. things like current standard skills for better performance. doing is helping (the individ- One leader, who at- operating procedures and room The course is taught ual) gain more awareness and tended the course, said it aids clearing, is even better, Wom- to mid-level leaders so they can self-regulation,” Abroms said. him in self-awareness. ack said. add to leadership skills already Abroms stated the “It’s given me a lot of Laurel, Md. native, in use and have a better un- regulation includes thoughts, different techniques to ac- Sgt. 1st Class Rachel Werts, derstanding and appreciation emotions and physiological curately see where I am as far an intelligence NCO assigned for the mental skills taught, responses the body experi- as my leadership style,” said to the Military Intelligence said Daniel Abroms, the Lead ences prior to performance, or Christiansburg, Va. native, 1st. Company of the Centurion Bat- Master Resilience Performance pressure. The LDC teaches how Lt. Johnathon Horst, a quar- talion and LDC attendee, said Expert at the CSF2 facility. to use skills to control those re- termaster officer assigned to the class helped her improve He also said these sponses in order to put oneself Headquarters and Headquar- her overall Soldier skills, for skills are taught so the indi- in a position for success and ters Company, 1st “Centurion” instance; mental focus, train- vidual can enhance their ef- produce desired results. Brigade Special Troops Bat- ing focus, attention control and fectiveness as a leader and also When asked about talion of the Ironhorse Brigade. proper breathing techniques. be able to impact and enhance which skill was the most im- Horst said the energy Werts agrees with their unit’s effectiveness upon portant, Abroms said “although management and confidence Horst that the building completion of the 40-hour, five- we talk about these modules building classes were important confidence class is important day course. and these skills as individual to him because he said they are because it aids junior leaders Abroms explained the lessons, they all work simulta- pivotal in how someone reacts get the confidence they need or course stresses the use of six neously together.” given a situation. want for their current or next fundamental skills in PEM in Throughout the course Horst also said he level of leadership. order to successfully perform and after each block of instruc- would recommend this class Werts said she hopes a task regardless of conditions, tion, leaders will practice using to fellow leaders on a quarterly to be a better leader once she

7 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Kingsville, Texas native, Staff Sgt. Michael As far as implementing training Collier, a cannon crewmember assigned to for fellow and future leaders, Werts said Battery B, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artil- this type of training should be done annu- lery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, ally as a form of checks and balances. 1st Cavalry Division, completes a set of bar- It’s a way for you to check yourself jumps as part of a physical task during the as a leader and adjust your azimuth, Werts Mental Fitness Obstacle Course #2 portion stated. of a Leadership Development Class April 4 “As leaders, we’re getting this near the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness and training to re-engage the thought process, Family Training Facility on Fort Hood, Tex- we’re getting this training to step back as. The CSF2-LDC obstacle course encour- and actually visualize what we need to do aged the students to use their newly taught before we do it so we’re not jumping and skills to complete various stations in which making hasty decisions,” Werts said. contain physical and cognitive tasks. Some Abroms said he hopes the leaders physical tasks are push-ups, box-jumps, and come out of the class with a better appre- Fireman’s carry, and some cognitive tasks ciation for the incorporation of the PEM are thread-the-needle, spot the difference and APP skills in the individual, collective, and a word search. technical and tactical tasks. He said he also wants to leaders to know they can also completes the course because being a reach back to the CSF2 facility for further better leader makes Soldiers better leaders training and training aids. Photo by Sgt. Bailey Kramer, 1BCT, 1st Cav as well as productive members of society Div PAO upon leaving the military. Ironhorse Soldiers compete in shooting challenge

Big Spring, Texas native, Staff Sgt. Alfred Dickens (right), a Bradley Fighting Vehicle master gunner assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop “Hammer,” 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, gives firing instructions to the Excel- lence in Competition contestants as they wait for targets to be raised April 17 at Fort Hood, Texas. Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO

Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Willington, Conn. native, Pfc. Jared Nelson (left), a cavalry scout, and Rio Vista, Calif. native, Spc. John Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Wemple (right), an infantryman, both assigned to 2nd “Lancer” Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Concord N.H. native, Cpl. David Dwyer, Jr., a tank gunner assigned to 2nd “Stallion” “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, load magazines during the Excellence in Division retrieves his target during the Excellence in Competition marksmanship Competition marksmanship contest April 17 at Fort contest April 17 at Fort Hood, Texas. Hood, Texas. 8 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Ironhorse conducts Mission Command Systems Integration exercise By Sgt. John Couffer Torres said, for this 1BCT, 1CD PAO MCSI training event, he is the task leader responsible for mak- FORT HOOD, Texas – Leaders ing sure the unit has all the right and Soldiers of the 1st “Ironhorse” support it needs, like field support Brigade Combat Team, 1st Caval- representatives. Also during ry division conducted phases one MCSI, he ensures the majority and two of a Mission Command of the unit’s equipment is out of Systems Integration training reset. exercise at the Deployment Ready “I take you guys through Reaction Field’s Tactical Opera- the process from start to finish tions Center (TOC) Pad, Feb. 19 and right now we are almost at to 22, here. the finishing phase,” Torres said. MCSI is a “As a task leader, it is my respon- three phase model the Army uses sibility to make sure (I) get you for training said Caguas, Puerto Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO guys through all the three phases.” Rico native, Jose Torres, a senior St. Thomas, Virgin Islands native, Spc. Richard Gunter (right) and Las Ve- Systems In- analyst, with the government con- gas, Nev. native Taylor Sanders (left), both geospatial engineers assigned tegration is in the name of MCSI tractor Computer Sciences Corp., to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st and when it comes to the exercise, who aided the Ironhorse Brigade Cavalry Division, work at a Digital Topographic Support System terminal communications and capabilities during a Mission Command Systems Integration training exercise March with MCSI. must also be included in the plan- The purpose of this 5, at Fort Hood, Texas. The DTSS is a mobile platform that provides digital and hardcopy geospatial information that aids in mission planning ning phase. MCSI is to develop confidence and execution. “The signal guys, we in Ironhorse’s mission command have to know what their plan is, systems, and perform keys tasks process, broken, worn or missing that the users, senior section lead- how far the unit is going to be such as: establish a TOC, test components are replaced and the ers and staff members are trained stretched out across the battlefield power generation, ensure systems equipment is returned to the unit on the individual systems. He also to make sure we can commu- integration, train staff at battalion nicate, there are limitations,” and brigade levels, practice battle explained San Antonio, Texas drills and validate the TOC’s native, Maj. Nathan Schmutz, the Standard Operating Procedures senior communications officer of in preparation for future collective the Ironhorse Brigade. “If you are training events at the National planning on going down this val- Training Center and the Joint ley, where are you going to set up Multinational Readiness Center. your (retransmission) so we can communicate?” “Last week we set up the Schumtz explained that command post, which was phase it’s important that all the staff one,” Torres said. “This week sections, especially the commu- (phase two), we are learning how nications section, get together so to manage tactical information.” the commander can be advised Torres added that Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO on what can be done based on equipment used during these two Poca, W.V. native, Spc. Timothy Shamblin, an infantryman assigned to capabilities and limitations. phases is the same equipment the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st “My job is to bring all brigade recently received from Cavalry Division, replaces the fuel cap of a 60 kilowatt generator during the systems from the different reset. a Mission Command Systems Integration exercise, March 5, at Fort entities within the brigade, the Reset is the process Hood, Texas. The generator provides power to electronic systems used in different personnel that have a in which a unit’s equipment is the exercise. different type of function for the turned in to the appropriate mission command and make sure facilities, taken apart, cleaned for use in future operations. said understanding the equip- those systems and those sections and updated with the newest Torres further explained ment’s terminology is key in order can communicate,” said Schmutz. hardware or software upon return that in addition to validating to better manage critical informa- According to Schmutz from the last major exercise or the various systems used during tion the commander needs to the communications section did deployment. Also during the reset phase two, it is very important make informed decisions. a great job coming together to

9 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 ensure the brigade’s command, cal environment the brigade is control and communications sys- continuously planning while tems were successfully integrated. simultaneously conducting op- He added that systems like the erations and the current pace of Command Post of the Future, the MCSI is how the brigade fights. Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Weising stated this is Data System and Ventrilo, were the first major training exercise integrated and operational. the brigade has conducted since Schmutz explained his returning from the latest deploy- shop installed about two miles of ment and this MCSI exercise is internet cables for internal and not restricted to the brigade staff. external communications as well “This the first time that as established secure and non- all the battalions of the brigade secure telephone networks. have been interlocked and trying While conducting to exercise their systems,” Weising phases one and two of MCSI, said. Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Ironhorse simultaneously con- Col. Steve Gilland, the Jacksonville, Fla. native, Pfc. Tevin Nance, an infantryman assigned to ducted a planning exercise that commander of 1st Brigade Com- Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st included key staff-section leaders bat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Cavalry Division, secures cell phones of military and civilian personnel of the brigade. laid out his vision for the third who enter and exit Ironhorse’s tactical operations center during a Mis- “It’s a great opportunity phase of MCSI. sion Command Systems Integration training exercise, March 5, at Fort for us to conduct repetitions of “We have to get more Hood, Texas. Personnel who work in the TOC must surrender their cell phones at the entry control point and wear appropriate access badges as the military decision making mobile, more efficient in order to it is a secure area. process out in the field instead be more effective for the battal- of garrison environment,” said ions,” Gilland said. Findlay, Ohio native, Maj. David Gilland acknowledged for a certain amount of time for I’ve been doing this,” Torres said. Weising, an air defense officer the importance of being profi- contingency so we know how to “This brigade tends to do really and the Ironhorse Brigade plans cient on all command, control react and operate for daily busi- well with MCSI.” officer. and communications systems, ness.” Torres said he hopes As a plans officer, but also emphasized the signifi- Torres said he thinks this exercise gives Soldiers and Weising said he is responsible for cance of being able to capitalize the unit, as a whole, is doing leaders the confidence to establish coordinating all staff war-fighting on analogue systems as well. great. a TOC, operate their respec- functions in order to create a “The cyber threat is “It’s going marvelous. tive systems and manage critical single product that can be briefed building every day,” Gilland This has probably been one of the information the command team to the commander. explained. “(I want the Signal premiere set-ups that I’ve seen needs in peacetime or war. Weising said in a tacti- Officer) to shut us down digitally in the last five to six years that Lancers test gunnery skills (left) Staff Sgt. Michael McHugh (right), armor crewman and Greenville, N.Y. native with Company D, 2nd “Lancer” Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Divi- sion, instructs Pvt. DeSean Murphy, a Seattle native and armor crewman assigned to Company C, during Lancer’s gunnery skills testing April 24, at Fort Hood, Texas. The test evaluated Murphy’s performance of basic operations of the .50 caliber machine gun.

(right) Sgt. Chris Anderson, an Albuquerque, N.M. native and infantryman assigned to Company B, 2nd “Lancer” Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st “Iron- horse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, participates in Lancer’s gunnery skills testing in a Brad- ley Fighting Vehicle April 24, at Fort Hood, Texas.

Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO 10 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Ironhorse Mungadai: test of fitness, flexibility and solidarity

Photo by Spec. Fred Brown, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Nashua, N.H., native Capt. Michael Kiser (left), commander of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 7th “Garryowen” Cavalry Regiment of the Ironhorse, Brigade, Dallas, Texas, native Capt. Christopher Vanderburg (center), commander of Company B, 1st “Centurion” Brigade Special Troops Battalion of the Iron- horse Brigade, and Springfield, Ohio native Capt. Fred Martin, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd “Lancer” Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment of the Ironhorse Brigade establish communications with the platoon headquarters during the Ironhorse Mungadai April 9 at Fort Hood, Texas. By Capt. Angel Jackson-Gillespie Modeled after the B, 1st Squadron, 7th “Gar- Leadership positions changed 1BCT, 1CD PAO legendary Mongolian Cavalry ryowen” Cavalry Regiment of regularly, but they worked selection process, Mungadai is the Ironhorse Brigade. “This was together as one platoon. The FORT HOOD, Texas – The a team building event designed actually real world missions and three-day event began with a Ironhorse Brigade company, to test the adaptability of lead- ranges…very realistic to what 1.5-mile run, 200 team pull-ups, troop and battery commanders ers, and build esprit de corps we do.” a 1.5-mile, 150 lb litter carry completed the first Mungadai throughout the brigade. In addi- Kaness added the event and 150lb Skedco litter drag, all April 9 to 11 here. tion to being extremely chal- gave commanders a great learn- while wearing M40 protective “Our toughest fights, lenging, the commanders were ing aspect on knowing when to gas masks. our most challenging missions, not told what events Mungadai be in charge and when to take The platoon of com- should come on the training consisted of. orders. manders then immediately ground, not on the battlefield” “I’d heard of Mungadai “We’ve all had some went into isolation to conduct is only a fraction of the 1st before when I was in Hawaii level of leadership responsibil- mission analysis in order to plan “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat with the 25th Infantry Division ity,” said Kaness. “At some point their next move. The command- Team, 1st Cavalry Division so I thought the Mungadai was that’s taken away from you, so ers were dropped off at one Commander Col. Steve Gilland’s going to be more of a sports you just sit there and you face location, and used basic Soldier philosophy on training, and his based event,” said Holley, N.Y., out and you scan your sector.” skills like land navigation and Mungadai exercise was anything native Capt. Michael Kaness, The commanders were troop leading procedures to but short of challenging. future commander of Company broken down into four squads. navigate their way around Fort 11 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Hood training areas. Key leader engagements, reaction to contact, establishing an ambush and more than 17 miles of foot marching with a 55 lb rucksack were all incorporated into the training event. Mother Nature contributed her own elements by throwing severe rain and hail into the scenario on day two adding to the already challenging exercise. “On a scale of one to ten, [this exercise] was a 10,” said Co- lumbia, S.C., native Capt. Lekisa Dempsey, commander of Company B, 115th “Muleskinner” Brigade Support Battalion of the Ironhorse Brigade. It was very challenging…the terrain, working with different commanders and the weather was really, really bad on the second day. It was challenging for me.” Kaness said he too found the event tough. “We can do all individual tasks pretty regularly, but compil- ing them together at the rapid pace and turn around that we executed this mission was extremely challenging for us,” explained Kaness. Although Mungadai is a test of will and adaptability, the leaders received much more. They were able to establish bonds they may not have otherwise done without this team-building event. Photo by Capt. Angel Jackson-Gillespie, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO “I think there were commanders that would have never Holley, N.Y., native Capt. Michael Kaness (right), future commander of talked to each other…if this did not happen,” said Dempsey. “I think Company B, 1st Squadron, 7th “Garryowen” Cavalry Regiment of the Iron- so many olive branches were grown over this three-day period. I really horse Brigade participates in a foot march during the Ironhorse Mungadai do…I have some other comrades that I can lean on. I appreciate it.” April 11 at Fort Hood, Texas. Company, troop and battery commanders completed more than 17 miles of foot movement during the three-day event.

Photo by Spec. Fred Brown, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Photo by Spec. Fred Brown, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Rock Island, Ill., native Col. Steve Gilland (left), commander of the 1st Columbia, S.C. native Capt. Lekisa Dempsey (laying down), commander “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, speaks with of Company B, 1st “Muleskinner” Brigade Support Battalion and Wichita Hampton Roads, Va., native Capt. Michael Del Re, commander of Troop Falls, Texas, native Capt. Christopher Mayberry (center), commander of C, 1st Squadron, 7th “Garryowen” Cavalry Regiment during the Ironhorse Forward Support Troop D, 1st Squadron, 7th “Garryowen” Cavalry Regi- Mungadai April 9 at Fort Hood, Texas. ment both of the Ironhorse Brigade fire at targets during a stress shoot on day three of the Ironhorse Mungadai April 11 at Fort Hood, Texas.

Photo by Spec. Fred Brown, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Photo by Capt. Angel Jackson-Gillespie, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO Company, troop and battery commanders assigned to the Ironhorse Company, troop and battery commanders assigned to the Ironhorse Brigade dismount a UH-47 Chinook helicopter during the Ironhorse Brigade carry a 150 lb litter while on a 1.5-mile run during the Ironhorse Mungadai April 9 at Fort Hood, Texas. Mungadai April 9 at Fort Hood. 12 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Little superheroes stand behind our troops By Pfc. Paige Pendleton forced to miss a birthday due to 1BCT, 1CD PAO a deployment or training he is disappointed, but does not feel FORT HOOD, Texas – Super- bad because he knows it is for a heroes present themselves in all good cause. shapes and sizes, but sometimes “You help the family, you help a true hero is not the one fight- the house and keep everything ing for a cause, but the unseen together,” Garcia said to his person in the background. mother. April is the Month of Ralph said she believes the Military Child where chil- over the past year they have dren of our military are honored become closer. This opportunity and recognized for the unique was not available to them for challenges they face and sacri- the past four years because they fices they make as their parents have constantly been separated serve in the military. due to military schools or train- San Antonio natives, ing events. Isaiah Garcia, the son of War- “He’s getting older so rant Officer Yvonne Ralph, a he doesn’t really let me hold human resources technician his hand, but he let me hold his assigned to the 1st “Ironhorse” hand last weekend when we Brigade Combat Team, 1st went on a date to Red Lobster,” Cavalry Division, is a well-man- Ralph explained with a smile. nered 10 year-old boy whose Ralph said she has favorite color is blue, likes to eat become wiser as a parent since Hot Cheetos and enjoys playing joining the Army. basketball, kickball and soccer. “Not to say that before Garcia appears to I joined I didn’t care as much, be an average kid who wants but because you’re always gone a laser tag birthday party, but you tend to cherish the times instead has moved four times that you do spend with them,” in his mother’s seven and a half Ralph said. “I live for them.” years of service. He also spent15 months separated from his Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO mom during her deployment to San Antonio natives, Isaiah Garcia (left), and his mother, Warrant Officer Iraq at the age of five. Yvonne Ralph (right), a human resources technician assigned to the 1st “[Isaiah] said ‘you’re “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division share a hug April always leaving me mommy, 10, at Fort Hood, Texas. Ralph said that Month of the Military Child helps why can’t you stay?’” said Ralph, the community hear the voice of the military’s children. describing their goodbye at the airport when she left for Iraq. not always gotten along with Ralph also stated moving to “That was the hardest part. That children from non-military overseas assignments are espe- was the worst [plane ride] ever. I families due to their lack of cially hard on military children cried the whole time.” understanding why he is upset because they become separated When his mother is away Garcia or why he misses his mother. from extended family. does his best to assist his aunt, Garcia said he does After returning from her 15 San Antonio native, Misty not necessarily feel different month deployment to Camp Adams, with household chores from children in non-military Liberty, Iraq, Ralph and Garcia and the care of his three-year- families, but has different expe- moved to Vicenza, Italy. Ralph riences. said it was difficult for Garcia to Photo courtesy of Warrant Officer old special needs sister, Samiya Yvonne Ralph Ralph. They keep in contact Ralph said she thinks even with go from living with his grand- deployments drawing down that mother during the deployment San Antonio natives, Isaiah Garcia with Ralph via telephone, Skype, (left), and Samiya Ralph (right) the everyday life of a Soldier to living overseas away from her. and email during her absence children of Warrant Officer Yvonne for training and deployment. still affects children in military Though he has experienced Ralph (not pictured), a human Ralph explains that families. Since she is always many challenges, Garcia does resources technician assigned to 1st Garcia experiences difficulties busy, Monday was the first time have an appreciation of his “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, adjusting to new people and has she was able to have lunch with mother’s sacrifices. He also 1st Cavalry Division, in a fam- Garcia this school year. said that when his mother is ily portrait July 7, 2012 in Harker Heights, Texas. 13 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Spouse Spur Ride combines teambuilding, training, fun By Pfc. Paige Pendleton mates and Soldiers supervising the 1BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO event inspired them to rise to the challenge. FORT HOOD, Texas – Spouses of Vanessa said the tasks did Soldiers assigned to the 1st “Iron- not appear to be exceptionally chal- horse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st lenging for the participants. Although Cavalry Division had the opportunity the team members were not familiar to figuratively walk a mile in their with one another, they were able to Soldier’s boots at a Spouse Spur Ride get together and have a good time and March 22, here. likes that her husband had the chance Decked out in customized to meet other spouses as well as her t-shirts, bandanas, Army Combat chain of command. Uniform pants, boots and temporary The final event took place tattoos displaying the colors and at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, unit of their Soldier; these ladies and where the spouses were given 45 min- gentlemen completed a variety of utes to complete the Ironhorse history basic warrior tasks in the form of a challenge scavenger hunt. Participants friendly competition. Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO searched the museum for answers to “It gives them an opportu- Spouses of Soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th “Garryowen” questions about the unit’s history. nity to come participate and see what Cavalry Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Ariel Ross, a retail-asso- we do, not really on a daily basis but Division conduct physical readiness training during a Spouse Spur Ride ciate, said her husband, Pfc. Keith at least just get a taste of what we do,” March 22, at Fort Hood, Texas. Ross, a supply specialist assigned to said Sgt. 1st Class Vanessa Pelesasa- the Stallion Battalion of the Ironhorse Nunez, the sexual assault victim Brigade, was very excited for her to advocate representative assigned participate because it was a competi- to Headquarters and Headquarters tion he wanted her to win. Troop of the Ironhorse Brigade and She entered the spur ride native of American Samoa. to meet new people and to see what Vanessa said her husband, her husband does during the day. Killeen, Texas native Hector Nunez, Hector said he appreciates found out about the Spouse Spur Ride the efforts involved in coordinating and was excited to be a supporting the event so he could come out to spouse participating in the competi- support his wife and father, who is tion. retired from the military. The Ironhorse battalions “I’ve been on Fort Hood were broken into four groups and since 1989 and I just support my competed for a trophy in four graded phantom warriors,” Hector said. “I’m events: room clearing exercises, ready to do it again.” Engagement Skills Trainer, Ironhorse Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO After all of the events were history challenge scavenger hunt and complete and scores were tallied, the an obstacle course. Pfc. Kameron Randall (left), a tanker assigned to the 2nd “Stallion” Spouse Spur Ride wound down with In true Army style, the day Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, an awards ceremony and some chow. kicked off with a short Physical Train- 1st Cavalry Division, his wife Miranda Randall (center) a student and Each spur candidate was ing session. The spouses laughed as both natives of Pinehurst, N.C., and Laura Dooley (right), a homemaker given a certificate explaining the they learned the proper PT formation and Hollywood, Md. native, who is married to Sgt. Christopher Dooley, significance of the spur ride. The win- and some of the exercises their Sol- a tanker assigned to the Stallion Battalion, try their best on an obstacle ning team, consisting of spouses from diers perform daily. After the session at the Phantom Warrior Confidence Course during a Spouse Spur Ride the 1st Squadron, 7th “Garryowen” the groups rotated through the four March 22, at Fort Hood, Texas. Cavalry Regiment, and 115th events. tanker assigned to the 2nd “Stallion” “Muleskinner” Brigade Support Bat- The participants wore “It’s something we get to experience Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment of talion, both of the Ironhorse Brigade Army Combat Helmets and body- that we don’t normally do, so I get a the Ironhorse Brigade, explained she received the Spouse Spur Ride trophy. armor vests when using simulated better appreciation of what (Soldiers) found the EST difficult because she After presenting the weapons to complete a room clearing go through,“ Hector said. had to be precise. trophy, Soldiers and spouses feasted exercise. A rectangular area was Following the room clear- “When it’s real there’s no on hot dogs and hamburgers as they taped off on the floor creating a ‘glass ing exercise the spouses headed to the hesitation,” Miranda said. “You just cheerfully described their experiences house,’ representing the boundaries EST, a weapons simulator with M-4 have to get in and get done.” from the busy day. of a room. The spouses rehearsed the and M-16 rifles adapted for electronic At the Phantom War- Ariel said she found the room entry and clearing procedure use on a large projection screen. The rior Confidence Course the spouses event to be a perfect approach for before entering the house simulation participants were graded on accuracy navigated some of the obstacles used spouses to build teamwork and to get that Soldiers use to train. in a variety of scenarios projected on by Soldiers for training, getting a little to know each other. Hector said the room the screen. dirty in the process. “I think it gives them clearing was a lot of fun and his team Miranda Randall, a Although a few spouses confidence to be more supportive used good communication skills for student and Pinehurst, N.C. native, hesitantly approached the obstacles, spouses for us,” Vanessa said. the exercise. married to Pfc. Kameron Randall, a encouraging words from their team- 14 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Ironhorse leadership dines with junior Soldiers

Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO Command Sgt. Maj. Mervyn Ripley (far left), command sergeant Rock Island, Ill. native, Col. Steve Gilland (left), commander of the major of the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, dines Division, interacts with junior Soldiers during a command-team with junior Soldiers of the 2nd “Lancer” Battalion, 5th Cavalry sponsored breakfast, March 21, at the Blackjack Dining Facility Regiment of the Ironhorse Brigade during breakfast, March 21 at at Fort Hood. Ripley took the opportunity to address concerns the the Blackjack Dining Facility at Fort Hood. Ironhorse leadership Troopers may have as a Soldier and talk about current and upcom- hosted the breakfast where Gilland spoke with Soldiers on topics ing events taking place across the brigade and Army. such as illegal drugs, life as a Soldier and asked for feedback on current events happening across the brigade and Army.

Photo by Sgt. John Couffer, 1BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO Philadelphia native, Spc. Theophile Proper (left), a utilities equipment repairer assigned to Forward Support Company, 2nd “Lancer” Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Com- bat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, listens to the command team of the Ironhorse Brigade speak during breakfast, March 21, at the Blackjack Dining Facility at Fort Hood. The Ironhorse command team, Col. Steve Gilland and Command Sgt. Maj. Mervyn Ripley, spoke about the negative effects and possible consequences Soldiers may face if using illegal drugs. They also spoke about current and upcoming events across the brigade and the Army.

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15 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013 Dragons prepare for spring season A Soldier assigned to the 1st “Drag- ons” Battalion, 82nd Field Artil- lery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division serves a pitch during a kickball tournament of the battalions family festival day at the Belton Lake Outdoor Recre- ation Area, March 8. Activities included a kickball tournament, dunk booth, bounce house and cotton candy and snow cone stand.

Photo by Sgt. Bailey Kramer, 1BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO A Soldier assigned to the 1st “Dragons” Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Photo by Sgt. Bailey Kramer, 1BCT, 1st Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Divi- Cav. Div. PAO sion prepares cotton candy for the The daughter of a Soldier assigned battalions family festival day at to the 1st “Dragons” Battalion, 82nd the Belton Lake Outdoor Recre- Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade ation Area, March 8. Activities Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division included a kickball tournament, throws a ball at the dunk tank during dunk booth, bounce house and the battalions family festival day at the Photo by Sgt. Bailey Kramer, 1BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO cotton candy and snow cone stand. Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area, March 8. Ironhorse golf scramble

Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, Photo by Pfc. Paige Pendleton, 1BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO 1st Cav. Div. PAO San Francisco native, Lt. Col. Jay Miseli (left), Findley, Ohio native, Maj. David Weising (center Avon Park, Fla. native, Capt. commander of the 1st Squadron, 7th “Garryowen” left), Nashville, Tenn. native Capt. Greg Simp- Micah Chapman, the commander Cavalry Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat son (left), Loveland Colo. native Chief Warrant of B Company, 2nd “Lancer” Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and Slidell, La. na- Officer 2 Jordan Kness (center right), and Fresno, Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, tive, Command Sgt. Maj. William Burford (right), Calif. native Sgt. Maj. Steven Rosales (right), all 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Com- the senior noncommissioned officer of Garryowen, staff members of the 1st “Dragon” Battalion, 82nd bat Team, 1st Cavalry Divi- make their way to the next hole at the Ironhorse Golf Field Artillery Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade sion warms up with a practice Scramble April 3 at Fort Hood, Texas. Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, celebrate a swing during the Ironhorse Golf successful par at the Ironhorse Golf Scramble, April Scramble, April 3 at Fort Hood, 3, on Fort Hood, Texas. Texas.

16 THE IRONHORSEMAN April 2013

Your Brigade Equal Opportunity Team Ironhorse EO News 1BCT Equal Opportunity Advisor National Asian Pacific Heritage Month “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are a vast and diverse community, some native to the United States, hailing from Hawaii and our Pacific Island territories. Others trace their heritage to dozens of countries. All are treasured citizens who enrich our Nation in countless ways, and help fulfill the promise of the American dream which has drawn so many to our shores.” —President Barack Obama

The “Asian/Pacific American” designation encompasses over 50 ethnic or language groups including native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. There are now more Asian and Pacific Islander groups than in the past - with 28 Asian and 19 Pacific Island subgroups representing a vast array of languages and cultures.

According to the 2010 Census, the estimated number of U.S. residents of Asian descent was 17.3 million, comprising 5.6 percent of the population. SFC Robert Crow (254) 288-9553 According to the 2010 Census, the estimated BLDG 37013 number of U.S. residents who said they were Native [email protected] Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander was 1.2 million, comprising 0.4 percent of the total population. Monthly Observance Asian/Pacific American women first entered mili- Asian American and Pacific tary service during World War II. The Women’s Islander Heritage Month Army Corps (WAC) recruited 50 Japanese- Observance American and Chinese- American women to the Featuring guest speaker Dr. Military Intelligence Ser- vice Language School at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, for training as military Thomas Klincar translators.

22 May 2013 On January 21, 2009, former Army Chief of 1330 - 1430 Staff and now retired Army General Eric K. Club Hood Grande Ballroom Shinseki was sworn in as the Nation’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Born in 1942 on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, Shinseki graduated from the U.S. Military Visit any Fort Hood Dining Faciltiy Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1965. for lunch on May 22 for a taste of Asian and Pacific Island Cuisine The economic profile of Asian Indians has changed dramatically. While the first immigrants were agricul- tural and manual laborers, today, significant numbers of Asian Indians are engaged in professions such as medicine, accounting, and engineering. A recent study indicated that a higher percentage of Asian Indians SQDN/BN EOLs are engaged in managerial positions today than any other ethnic group in the U.S. HHT, 1BCT Maya Lin rose to fame in 1981. Just 21-years-old and an architectural student at Yale University, Lin won a SSG Clay / 287-6121 contest to design the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Her design beat out more than 1,400 1-7 CAV entries. The memorial’s 594-foot granite wall features the names of the more than 58,000 U.S. soldiers who SSG Buchannan / 618-7182 died during the Vietnam War. 1-9 CAV SSG Grant / 287-6491 The illustrator’s inspiration for this year’s poster 2-5 CAV In researching this year’s theme of “Building Leadership: Embracing Cultural Values and Inclusion,” released SSG Mouring / 288-1417 by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, my inspiration for this poster was actually very simple, said 2-8 CAV Mr. Robert Brown, illustrator for this year’s poster. I’ve long had an appreciation for the art of bonsai. I SFC Benavides / 288-6000 appreciate both the aesthetic and the discipline required to produce it. In considering this year’s theme, I real- 1-82 FA ized the skills and dedication required to produce masterful bonsai were equally reflected in building effective SSG Grabowski / 288-7851 leadership—patience, vision, understanding, commitment and the ability to direct with compassion to name 115th BSB but a few, he said. SFC McLeod / 287-6494 1 BSTB SOURCE: www.deomi.org (DEOMI Release 2013 Asian American / Pacific Islander Heritage Month) SSG Pinder / 288-2221

Maximizing Potential Through Leadership and Equality