ON POINT!

ISSUE 5 2012 Personnel Shop Keeps Administration on Point

Story and photos by Sgt. Matt Young a human resource specialist with infantry badge, combat action 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment the 3rd Brigade, 2nd badge and combat medic badges, CONTENTS The personnel shop, better known Infantry Division. we are well over 500 badges and as S1, is a jack-of-all-trades. Pay, would anticipate to be somewhere awards, promotions, personnel Although finances are always near 3,000 by the time we go status, casualty operations, high on a Soldiers priority list, the home,” said Ibe. anything and everything there is shop has many other equally high to keep a Soldier mission ready at responsibilities. We try to maintain a close working all times whether in garrison or relationship with the Soldiers on Healing the Wounded...... Page 4 COVER deployed. “Another big piece while being the other forward operating bases RedPersonnel Lions TrainShop...... Page ANA...... Page 36 deployed is casualty operations, to see if there is anything we can Soldiers of Battle Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, Task “We are here to provide support being able to support the families, help with and make sure there Force 1st Squadron, 14th Regiment pull security as they patrol a small village in Shinkai District, southern , May 2012. and services to all of our Soldier’s Soldiers, loved ones and the chain are not any problems, explained PhotoA Stroke Page of Genius...... Page...... Page 10 7 (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher McCullough, Combined Task within Combined Task Force of command for processing those Green. Force Arrowhead Public Affairs) Side-by-Side...... PageHuntington Beach fights in OEF...... Page 12 8 Arrowhead,” said Major Shaun types of actions,” Ibe said. Ibe, personnel officer in charge, theKeeping foundation track for of the the necessary Soldiers biggestwith the things 3rd here Stryker in Afghanistan Brigade, The personnel office processes and their duty status serves as Walking the Lonely Walk...... Page 14 2nd Infantry Division. “One of the casualty operations reports, that are being made daily here in Photo page...... Page 16 BACK COVER records, and accounts for Afghanistan.and critical battlefield decisions Soldiers Flush Out Taliban...... Page 18 is making sure Soldiers are casualties promptly and efficiently Wolfpack keeps supplies rolling...... Page 20 (Photos by Capt. Marius Dinita, Staff Sgt. Joshua S. Brandenburg and receiving the correct pay, whether needed.while also being able to provide Sgt. Christopher McCullough, Combined Task Force Arrowhead Public hazardous duty pay, hazardous support where and to whom it is Chaplain’s Corner...... Page 21 Affairs) (Illustration by Spc. Mark Neace) Arrowhead Remembers...... Page 22 fire pay, or family separation pay.” Major Ibe and Sgt. Green both recommendations for agree that their S1 shop is able getThe to S1their shop money makes by coordinating sure the The S1 shop also receives to provide the best customer Soldiers downrange are able to support in the world to the best decorations and awards with “Beingcustomers here in in the theatre world. and being finance visits to their forward written statements. They then operating bases and conducting process those recommendations what is called a finance rodeo. This and forward them to higher this close to the Soldiers allows us 3-2 SBCT Commander The ON POINT! is a command information maga- event allows Soldiers to collect headquarters. to provide that customer service Col. Charles Webster Jr. zine authorized for members of the U.S. Army and muchcash or needed put money items onfrom their the Eagle base and personal touch to service the the 3-2 SBCT community. Contents of the ON POINT Cash cards, so they may purchase “Since November we have Soldiers as we need to throughout 3-2 SBCT Command Sgt. Maj. - consistently awarded the combat the battle space,” said Ibe. are not necessarily the official views of , or en stores such as soap, toothpaste, Command Sgt. Maj. Samuel G. Murphy dorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of “Wesocks, are and here the occasionalto ensure thatsnacks. the Defense or Department of the Army. The editorial content of the magazine is the responsibility of the Staff Sgt. Joshua3-2 S. SBCTBrandenburg...... NCOIC/Photo Public Affairs Office Journalist/ Capt Troy Frey...... Public Affairs Officer 3-2 SBCT [email protected] Affairs Office. Any story or photo Soldiers don’t have to worry about submission should be forwarded to the editor at Layout and Design pay, promotions, and awards. Sgt. Christopher G. McCullough...... Photo Journalist That’s our job on a day-to-day Sgt. Nathaniel D. Phillips...... BroadcastContributors Journalist care of them because they are Spc. Mark E. Neace...... Illustrator basis to make sure we are taking

Chaplain (Maj.) Edward I. Choi, canthe reduceones out their there focus in combat,and hinder so Capt. Marius Dinita, Staff Sgt. Nazly Confesor, Sgt. Mark Jachlewski, Sgt. Marc Loi, if they are worrying about that, it Sgt. Daniel Young, Spc. Ashley Curtis 2 Soldiers of the Third Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Second Infantry Division S1 shop pose for a quick 3 the mission,” said Sgt. Jaron Green picture on Forward Operating Base Masum Ghar, May 23, 2012. StoryHealing and Photos by Sgt. Marc the Loi wounded: how a combat medic team contributes to OEF meaning in a combat zone because it means he gets mentor, being a medic holds an especially important home safe.” 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment healthy. Everyone coming home safely not only depends on More seasoned and with more combat deployments th th a chance to help his fellow Soldiers get back to being how slow the day goes, but also the competence of under his belt, Dean said while he understands the Come to the tiny, crowded first-aid station here and the medics. Understanding that fully, the Soldiers attachment medics feel for their patients, he’s also you will see Soldiers from the 5 Battalion, 20 not only depend on each other for technical support found ways to cope with the possibility of losing a Infantry Regiment getting treated for the scrapes “My personal love for this job is dealing with the – constantly training and re-training for real-world daypatient in combat. – or worse, treating a Soldier back to health and bruises they have sustained. You will also see Soldiers, helping them when they’re sick or injured situations, but also rely on each other for emotional only to see that Soldier get injured or killed the next them being greeted with a smile courtesy of a small – just knowing that I can help them so they can support when they need it, Olson said. team of Joint Base Lewis McChord Soldiers deployed go home and be safe and normal and go back to here in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. their families,” said Dean, currently on his fourth “Being a medic, you’ve got to have mental toughness,” “You just got to hope that you do the best job and deployment. Dean said. “As a medic, you sometimes get attached patch them up and send them out -- do the best you In the infantry, where injuries are sometimes hidden to the guys you treat – but when something happens can at every moment, and really hope that you can and concealed based on bravado and a desire to Despite this love for taking care of fellow Soldiers and and you need to treat them, you’ve also got to be able take care of them so they don’t have to come back continue the fight, two medics are making it easier treating the wounded and the fact that “downtime” to disassociate yourself from the person or you’re again,” he said. asfor their the injuredcommitment and wounded to the job. to seek the care they gettingcan be monotonous,hurt and no theone Soldiers needs tosaid be they treated cherish for not going to be able to do your job.” need, partly because of their friendly nature as well injuries.this time the most because it means Soldiers aren’t To help with the mental resilience, especially after the day is finished, the medics say they rely on each Spc. Heidi Olson is on her first deployment as a other – often having “family dinners” at the dining combat medic. As one of the two junior enlisted “Chilling at the aid station with nothing to do facility here. “Physical fitness training is also a time Soldiers currently working to help her fellow Soldiers – that’s my idea of a perfect day,” Olson said in in which to decompress and catch up with one combatget better, zone her is days one areof her a mixture dreams of – long something hours and, she between answering phone calls and sending out another, checking to make sure each is able to cope at times, tedium. Still, Olson says being a medic in a mission-essential emails. “It’s not that I don’t with the harsh reality of the job,” Olson said. want to do my job – it’s just that we’re proficient embraces with gusto because of what the job means. in a skill we hope to God we never have to use.” “We spend a lot of spare time with each other and know we’ve got each other’s back,” she said. “It’s “It’s been a thrill,” said Olson. “It’s my lifeblood.” This especially hit home for Olson when she was on a very understanding situation that we’re there a combat mission with infantry Soldiers. Although for each other, and luckily, Dean has a lot more healOlson the said body. she Shehas majoredalways loved in history the human and minored body – she lives for those types of missions, Olson said, experience than I do, so he walks me through it. the anatomy, how each body part works and how to during the entire ordeal, she hoped that there did not come a time when she had to treat the injured. “Just like the other day, he had to treat a casualty, in political science at George Fox University, which and afterward, it was me checking to so see how he’s is located in Oregon, where academia helped her “When we go on missions, you just hope you don’t doing, if he’s doing okay.” anatomydevelop a and love the and limited interest selection for the military.for combat Coupled roles hear a ‘boom,’ because it means someone just with her already-growing interest in the human stepped on an IED,” Olson said. “You hear gunfire medicThe reason to understand for this, Olson the challenges said, is that a medic a medic’s Soldier job and wonder if you’re needed.” is goingoften through.not understood, and it often takes a fellow available to women, becoming a combat medic made sense, she said. Dean shares the same sentiments, citing that although quiet days tend to drag out, they are often “I would have joined the infantry if I could,” said the best days, as he knows none of the Soldiers he “Only a medic understands other medics,” she said. Olson, who ultimately chose to be a combat lives and works with are injured. “You feel a sense of responsibility – I am a baby Deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Spc. Charles Dean and- medic over being a military policewoman. “As medic, so I haven’t been through a lot, but I know Spc. Heidi Olson, currently assigned to 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., are just two of the hundreds of medics cur a combat medic, I get to return fire and when “I hate boredom, yet at the same time, I also love it,” that when I lose my first [patient], it’s going to be asrently a member serving of inthe clinics female and engagement battlefields team. to ensure their fellow Soldiers are anyone gets injured, I also get to treat them.” he said. “I learned very quickly [from my previous tough – I am going to nitpick and go over what I did given the medical care they need. Along with being a medic, Olson also serves deployments] that slow days are good – I am fine right and what I did wrong. It’s going to be a hard 4 For Spc. Charles Dean, Olson’s fellow medic and with slow days because it means everyone is coming pill to swallow.” 5 Red Lions prepared to train ANA partners on D30 howitzers Story by Sgt. Chris McCullough

CTF Arrowhead Public Affairs A Stroke of Genius Story and photos by Sgt. Matt Young It hasn’t been a full month yet, but already the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, from 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., are preparing themselves for what promises to be a busy nine month deployment. Here at Forward Operating Base Masum Ghar, like most of the other The ‘Red Lions’ of 1-37 FA deployed to Afghanistan last month after their brigade headquarters needed FOBs in Afghanistan there are artillerytheir skills mobile as expert training artillerymen team. to train the in southern Afghanistan, notably the two primary colors we Soldiers 2nd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 205th Corps. The 1-205 recently completed basic indirect fire training with an see on a daily basis, brown and gray. Brown from the desert and themountainous numerous terrainamounts as of wellbarrier as “What they’ve been trained on somewhat, prior to this MTT, was how to use their D30s in (what is called) the dust filled air and gray from direct fire mode,” said 1-37 FA’s Commander, Lt. Col. Rory Crooks. “(In that mode) it’s like a big recoilless the bases. - rifle, except it has recoil.” walls put up to protect and fortify Spc. Butkos stands by her work. She spent a few days here at FOB Masum Ghar, Afghanistan painting mu rals on some of the walls, May 20, 2012. In view of that, the Red Lions expect to train their ANA partners on advanced indirect fire techniques which will enable the ANA to provide lethal and accurate indirect fire support. The ability of the ANA to use their Army Specialist Cassandra chapel. went down and it was too dark to D30 howitzers is one of the keys to transitioning security responsibility over to the Afghans. Butkos, chaplain assistant for paint. After three days of painting 296th Brigade Support Battalion, “On a regular day I’m going out her work here was complete. “We’re going to…train them as a battery how to employ their systems indirectly,” said Crooks. “The goal is 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat visiting Soldiers with the chaplain that we get them firing indirect (fire) safely in support of their ANA elements.” Team, 2nd Infantry Division has and or doing administrative work “I really love painting; you never painted many of the barrier walls for him,” said Butkos. think that coming to Afghanistan, Training the Afghans to operate their D30 howitzers in indirect fire mode will be no easy task, as their guns on Kandahar, and now here at FOB you’re going to get to do something are different from what U.S. forces use. However, Maj. Matthew Dennis, 1-37 FA’s executive officer, explains Masum Ghar the Soldiers have a becameOnce word a gotlittle out more she knew colorful. how that you love to do,” said Butkos. that basic howitzer skills are the same no matter what the gun system may be. To that effect, the Red Lions bit of color in their day-to-day lives to paint, her day-to-day routine have spent ample time training with their M777 howitzer in degraded mode which has prepared them to as well thanks to Spc. Butkos and She says it usually takes her a train the ANA on the D30 howitzers. In degraded mode, the mechanics of the M777 howitzer are slightly her talent. She painted unit crests Butkos was flown out here on a couple hours a day for a few days different, Dennis said, however the fundamentals are virtually identical. and patches on some of the first mission from the Brigade Chaplain to finish a mural. Butkos says it walls you see when you land on (Maj.) Edward Choi to come help also depends on the materials she “There are some changes in how a breach operates or where particular levers are located, but the actual the FOB. She has also painted the shespruce hit upthe theground FOB running. by adding She a has to work with, and if it is oil or fundamentals of howitzer crew drill and gunnery are the same,” said Dennis. “So as far as transferring patch and crest on the entrance to little color. As soon as she landed, water based paints to determine our core competencies from us to the Afghans, it should not be much of a challenge beyond the language the Tactical Operations Center as tohow use. many coats she must apply barrier.” well as above the doorway to the would only stop once the sun and what type of brushes she has

The Red Lions prepared themselves to deal with this challenge by instructing their Soldiers how to train their ANA partners through interpreters. So if you happen to be walking around Kandahar Airfield or “Most of our guys have not done that before…(but) we’re going to get them prepared for that mission the Masum Ghar and see one of the best we can and we’ll work through it,” Dennis stated. many murals painted on the walls there’s a good chance that those Crooks spoke optimistically about their mission and the challenges it presents to his Soldiers. were the strokes of Spc. Butkos, Soldier, chaplain assistant and “I really think that our Soldiers that do that mission of training (the ANA) on the D30s, they’ll come out painter. much better themselves professionally in their fundamental understanding of…any indirect fire howitzer “It’s a good hobby and I’m glad weapon system,” said Crooks. “I think it will just ground them that much better and set them up for their - future careers to be able to accomplish this task. We’re pretty excited about it.” it has followed me everywhere,” 6 Spc. Butkos paints the Indian head on the Combined Task Force Arrowhead crest outside of the base Tacti 7 cal Operations Center, Forward Operating Base Masum Ghar, Afghanistan, May 20, 2012. Butkos said. Fueled by history, passion for service, Huntington Beach fights in OEF Story and Photos by Sgt. Marc Loi

I joined.” Yet another reason –one deeply tied with reward is a tiny, wooden living quarters that seems 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment his experiences as the son of immigrants, is the to shake each time the wind blows. Despite this Sitting in a makeshift wooden living area on a dusty realization that comforts and luxuries Americans Spartan life, Chen said he is thankful for his living military base in southern Afghanistan, 2nd Lt. are afforded aren’t automatic, and that at times, conditions and stays focused on the mission – partly Darius Chen begins rattling off things for which he have to be fought for. “Thebecause military of what taught he learned me to from be gratefulthe military. for things is thankful. “The world is a chaotic place,” Chen said. “The There is the blanket with the imprints of California’s comfort that we enjoy in the first world isn’t that truly matter,” he said. “I’ve been out here two landmarks sitting on the twin-size bed in which necessarily something everyone else in the world months – I started out sleeping on a cot – now I have he sleeps. There is the university education he enjoys – it has to be fought for.” a mattress to sleep on, a place and food to eat – I can received from the University of San Francisco and work all day.” the experiences with classmates Chen said helped For this reason, Chen believes service – whether to him become the person he is today. Then, there are country or community, as part of an organization or “Work and a sense of gratefulness,” said Chen, “has the historical perspectives few other sameas an individual,time. is the crux of the human experience been a source of pride for his parents” – who reacted Army officers can claim they are thankful for; Chen – both as a way to better oneself and the world at the ambitions.begrudgingly upon news of his becoming a Soldier, is a first-generation Asian-American whose parents but have since relented and now support his career and thengrandparents again to America uprooted in their search homes of a betterin China life. to Deployed to southern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, move to Taiwan during the Communists’ takeover, 22-year-old 2nd Lt. Darius Chen currently serves as a medical officer with 5th “The beauty is we don’t have to if we don’t want to,” Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Chen said. “It doesn’t have to be military service – “My mom holds her head high knowing that I am but some kind of service – adding to the pot. It not doing meaningful, relevant work,” Chen said. “She These experiences, along with being part of one of “My parents raised me to love this country – they only builds character, but also exposes one to a has no doubts of my reasons for being here.” the smallest demographics of people serving in the taught me a sense of pride and ownership of different way of life.” U.S. military – Asian-Americans comprise about 2.5 America,” Chen said. “Joining the Army seemed to Another reason, according to Chen, he and his mom percent of the military’s population – make Chen, a be the most practical and beneficial [choice] when In southern Afghanistan, Chen’s service consists of are proud of the career he now has is because as medical platoon leader with the 5th Battalion, 20th I went to college.” thoseensuring from the NATO team countries of medics and he local oversees to Afghanistan is ready one of few Asian-Americans in the military, he also Infantry Regiment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, to provide care for injured Soldiers and civilians – serves as a role model for other youths of Asian- Wash., not only thankful for the life he now has, but Along with these experiences, another reason college graduate just ten months into his military American descent to look up to. Islanderalso a story Heritage worthy Month to highlight in May. as the United States that propelled the 22-year-old to become the first – each time they are injured. For Chen, a young military get ready to celebrate Asian and Pacific person in his immediate family to join the Army was “A lot of people will ridicule the Army, but here’s the one that came about not as a young child when he enlistment, this service is especially meaningful bottom line: if you don’t get involved, nothing will often dreamed of being a soldier, but later in life, because it helps positively affect the lives of others, change. If you don’t join, you’ll just stand back and “My grandparents left China during the Communist disdainon the sprawling– an action campus Chen said of he UCSF, did notwhere understand. he often something Chen said he strives to do. It’s also a ridicule a system you are too afraid to be a part of.” takeover,” Chen said. “My parents were first- saw fellow students speak about the military with type of service that always works better when it is generationsgeneration of Taiwanese their families – I because am first-generation they did not approached from a personal perspective. “I am proud to be an Asian-American serving in the American. Through their stories of uprooting military,” he added. “As a leader, I stop sexism and “It certainly wasn’t the conventional college “My medics are the guys doing the work, I just have racism where I see it – I am not one to stand back have a home, I am extremely grateful for the beautiful experience, but it helped me experience every the privilege of taking charge of the platoon,” he and ridicule a system.” upbringing I had.” perspective on hand – and that’s what college should said. “I am the one who plans the medical concept be about,” he said. “I was in ROTC, going to school with of support and each time, regardless of who they While he has enjoyed his military service and That upbringing, along with his parents’ commitment a bunch of young college hippies – and back in 2007 are, I always picture the person on the ground, I deployment to Afghanistan, Chen also misses to teach him to be thankful for America, eventually and 2008, there was a lot of skepticism and ridicule always picture the person carrying their buddy to California – and particularly Orange County – the brought the Huntington Beach, Calif., native to the about the military – being in the military was taboo.” the helicopter landing zone.“ melting pot just south of Los Angeles where he grew University of San Francisco, where he ultimately up and occasionally returns. decided to join the ROTC program to become a “I remember thinking that it wasn’t right to be Such service might bring one prestige back in medical officer. ridiculing people who were representing our the states. However, in Afghanistan, where each “Orange County is an interesting place,” he said. “You 8 country,” he added. “That’s one of the other reasons Soldier wears the same uniform and operates under don’t fully appreciate it until you’re away from it. 9 anonymity, Chen works seven days a week and his Every time I return, it’s like I am on vacation.” made it a point to call me into Division Command Sergeant right,” added Troxell. “He’s his office on a daily basis,” said InfantryMajor. HeRegiment left just asCommand Murphy exactly the kind of guy we need, Murphy. “For some reason he saw became the 1st Battalion, 38th because it’s those fundamentals, potential in me back then, that I those basic disciplines that keep didn’t even see myself. He tried to Sergeant Major in the 4th Stryker Soldiers alive on the battlefield.” push me to go above and beyond.” Brigade Combat Team, 2nd U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matt Young U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher McCullough Infantry Division. The welfare of Soldiers is one “Murphy was a young, energetic of the basic responsibilities of a sergeant that was full of energy,” “We’ve never deployed together Non-Commissioned Officer and added Troxell. “He was very but we’ve seen each other standards.both, Troxell and Murphy, believe impressive to me as a young NCO. throughout the 15 years that I that a good NCO will enforce the He was one of the best NCOs in his have known him,” said Troxell. platoon.” According to Murphy, Command “I think he’s exactly what we Mentorships in the Army happen Sgt. Maj. Troxell is hard but fair need for a corps sergeant major,” all the time and are not always with unyielding standards of said Murphy. “Someone who will U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher McCullough welcomed in the beginning. discipline, which Murphy has continue to push the Corps in the However, they bring out the best adopted. While Command Sgt. “Ifright a commanddirection.” sergeant major is in the individual being mentored Major Murphy would not say he and looking back they are thankful ofmolded the same himself traits. after He Troxell has no he for the experience. has definitely picked up many passionate about making Soldiers do the right thing, and it comes “The way he interacted with me problem talking to Soldiers, and with a butt chewing, that is at that time was exactly what I if they are out of line, he will put motivation and an act of love,” said needed”, added Murphy. them back in line. Troxell. “If the command sergeant major didn’t love that Soldier When they departed the 82nd “After 10 years of combat, we as like he loved his own children, U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher McCullough Airborne Division, they went their an Army have become a little bit he would let the Soldier walk separate ways and would never too over compassionate and a around with whatever standard ROU Army photo by Capt. Marius Dinita serve directly with each other oflittle command bit too sergeant undisciplined,” major saidthat that Soldier wants. It could come again, but were always close by. Troxell. “Sam Murphy is the kind back to hauntU.S. that Army photo Soldier by Sgt. Christopher outside McCullough Murphy’s career always seemed the wire if they’re not doing what to follow Troxell’s in some way. puts that back into balance, that they are supposed to be doing.” good balance of discipline and “Our deployments have kind of compassion.” Troxell wanted the Soldiers of been off cycle,” said Troxell. athe command Arrowhead sergeant Brigade major to know that sergeantBoth believe major that the Army the otherneeds. is and understand that they have Troxell deployed with 3-2 SBCT exactly the type of command to in 2003-04, with Murphy’s genuinely loves and cares for unit (the 172nd Stryker Brigade “He genuinely cares about every every one of them and that’s Combat Team) replacing Troxell’s. one of them (his Soldiers), that’s why he’s going to stay in their The next deployment for Troxell why he’s so hard on wearing backsides. 15 U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matt Young was as the 4th Stryker Brigade your uniform right, wearing your U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matt Young 10 ROU Army photo by Capt. Marius Dinita 11 Combat Team, 2nd Infantry personal protective equipment Cavalry Regiment, ANP work side-by-side to build trust among the local population Staff Sgt. Nazly Confesor Story and photos by ANP with the local population Jason D. Hasby, a platoon sergeant the Afghan people will in turn basic skills from the 1-14th CAV. work with the five checkpoints mentoring efforts throughout 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and give legitimacy to the ANP,” in Alpha Troop, 1-14th CAV. treat ANP. It’s all about trust and “We have seen them produce a within the valley and extend their said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Steven J. respect,” he said. lot of the skills we’ve taught them In addition to outreaching and By showing presence within Haley, a platoon leader in Alpha During the village patrol such as tactical patience, tactical their deployment. the community, the Afghan Troop, 1-14th CAV, based out of assessment, Lt. Haley and the formations, sustainment and National Police (ANP) is building Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. patrol commander, Abdul Ghafor, establishing trust, the 1-14th CAV logistics, first aid and policing,” “The difference I’ve seen within an effective bond of trust and spoke with the locals of insurgent have trained the ANP on basic said Haley. “As we patrol, they the last four months we have cooperation. For the past four months, the activities, the upcoming harvest policing tactics. have started working on those been here has been extraordinary. 1-14th CAV has been mentoring and their relationship with the skills,” he said. Having great commanders on is to guide ANP into becoming Haley indicated that many of The ANP went on a recent foot and providing support for five ANP. Haley emphasized to the The overall mission of 1-14th CAV these checkpoints makes all the the ANP. patrol with members of the 1st ANP checkpoints within the locals that they could depend on difference,” said Haley. Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, Darafshan Valley. an independent entity through the checkpoints do joint patrols, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat mentorship. which emphasized the confidence By emphasizing trust between Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Haley said the 1-14th Cavalry’s Haley and Ghafor also handed out of the ANP conducting their own ANP and local nationals, the to continue building trust and children. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., primary focus is to push out the crayons and high-fives to the local The ANP have been trained on patrols. ANP can emerge as a structured, trust and reach out to the locals. ANP into the villages to foster first aid, sustainment, tactics, proficient, independent force. security with their neighbors. search and seizure, and other The 1-14th CAV will continue to “We are seeing progress as “We go out with the ANP to do joint “We want the locals to trust and we realize the importance of patrols so that we can provide count on the ANP when they need interacting with ANP and the mentorship, try to integrate the help,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class locals,” said Hasby.

According to Hasby, mutual the U.S. forces has been a major respect between the ANP and

component to developing cohesiveness. He stressed the among the Soldiers mentoring the importance of mutual respect ANP.

“We tell our Soldiers to treat the

treated. When the ANP see us ANP as they would like to be

now, they get excited and wave - - to us. That means we’ve made an 11 Members of Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, conduct a joint foot patrol with their Af Army 2nd Lt. Steven J. Haley, a platoon leader in Alpha Troop, 1-14th CAV, sits and enjoys a cup of chai with a local Afghan family during a village assessment 12ghan National Police partners. For the past four months, the 1-14th CAV has been mentoring and provid impact,” said Hasby. “Hopefully, patrol. The goal of the patrol was to push out the ANP into the village to foster trust and reach out to the locals. 13 ing support for five ANP checkpoints within the Darafshan Valley. the way they treat us is the way Story by WalkingSgt. Chris McCullough the “lonely walk.” Who is EOD? Staff Sgt. Joshua S. Brandenburg Story and photos by I wanted to know, what is it really own sweat,” says Conard. “There’s dangerous, but for an EOD tech Combined Team Zabul Public Affairs saidthere Command I was assigned Sgt. Maj. to theSamuel 3rd most correcting.” PartCTF Arrowhead 3 of 3 Public Affairs like?Battalion Airborne 73rd Armor,” no airflow in it. You have some the most dangerous part of their Just the thought of doing as much airflow“The boysgoing would through be your half mask in the mission is not what they can see “I get a little jittery sometimes, to keep it from fogging up, but but rather, as Conard describes it, The people -and Approach places the an military IED. G. Murphy, Command Sergeant bag, playing hockey and things but you just have to go,” Conard (for) the rest of your body, there’s “not seeing what’s out there; the introduces servicemembers to Major of the 3rd Stryker Brigade like that,” said Command Sgt. Maj. explains. “Many times I’ve low- no airflow in it.” unknown.” is can enough at times to send seem shivers quite down small. Combat Team, 2nd Infantry John Wayne Troxell, Command crawled up to something like that, evenFor the every bravest deployment Soldier’s to a spine, remote Division. “The free world’s only Sergeant Major of 1st Corps, but sometimes that is just what looked over the berm and there Given Conard’s description of the The unknown variable Conard do.SoldiersForward run Operating into an Base, old friend there airborne armor battalion.” Joint Base Lewis McChord. “I the Soldiers of 787 EOD have to was a 155 (mm artillery round) bomb suit, I had to wonder, how alludes to is the secondary IED. A orare colleague. multiple occasionsCommand whenSgts. would have to put the thump on staringCommand me in the Sgt. face. Maj. You pucker Murphy doeshim an and EOD the technician other NCOs disarm (Non- an secondary IED is often a hidden uparrived and then at 3-73 your Armor training and just was IEDCommissioned with such a Officers).” bulky, confining explosive attached to the primary takes over. You get in there, you suit on? IED and is designed to detonate “If Maj.my teamSamuel member G. Murphy can’t getand the John assigned to the mortar platoon in robot down there, or the robot do immediate action drills on it, whenever an EOD tech attempts Wayne Troxell are no different; sergeant.Alpha Company, where Command This was more than 15 years breaks down, or it goes off a cliff you take care of it, and then when “That’s what we’re trained to do,” to disarm the primary explosive. beforetheir careertheir pathsrecent beganmeeting to Sgt. Maj. Troxell was the first ago, before either realized that into the water or something, I Theyou’re scenario done…you Conard do it again.”describes Conard said. “Sometimes if you’re incrisscross southern at Ft.Afghanistan. Bragg, NC yearsThis their careers would mirror one Staff Sgt. Andrew Elo, 787th Ordnance Company, 3rd Ordnance Battalion, walks Russian anti-personnel have to put that bomb suit on and outanother there forand hours a mentorship and hours, would you “If you can’t see it, that’s the most mines down to a wadi for disposal by detonation at Forward Operating Base Wolverine, Feb. 26, 2012. go down there,” says Conard. “It’s take a 5 (minute break). You get hazardous part,” Conard says. The 787th received six Russian anti-personnel mines that were X-rayed and found to be too unstable for “I first ran into him one Saturday aevolve. command Neither sergeant of them major thought for a safe keeping. was done in an 80 lb., oversized, in the truck, take off your helmet, “What you can see is easy, but whatmeeting they callallowed the ‘lonely the two walk.’ senior afternoon, when I was upstairs –at that time- that one would be There’s no one else out there. It’s Kevlar bomb suit with ballistic get some air, put the helmet back with all the other things your non-commissioned officers the being a typical young sergeant sergeant major for a subordinate plates that is confining and, in on (and get back to the job).” mind is focused on, you can’t focus the equipment stuff is there, but and Afghan forces alike at risk of Thejustchance you.”“lonely to walk” look back on their with the Soldiers in the barracks,” “Youcorps just and do the it” other a command summertime, very hot to wear. on the little thing. That’s where it a lot of it is make-believe. If my injury or death. But with so many friendship. Murphy said with a grin. “He came guys ran that way, I’d be digging IEDs throughout the country, I upstairs, ‘cause we were making brigade, but Troxell saw plenty of gets the most dangerous, because “In the summertime, when it’s they’re out to kill us because in their backside on a continuous had to wonder whether EOD is “When I was a sergeant I a lot of noise, and corrected us. potential in his young sergeant. 120ºF, I’ll come out of (the suit) Ask any EOD specialist where their we’re stopping them from killing basis. That’s not how we operate. really making a difference here Thereenlisted Hollywood to movie go to the the “Hurt 82nd I happened to be the highest soaked from head to toe with my confidence comes from, almost other people.” But people in the states will see in Afghanistan, which Marvin Locker”Airborne glamorized Division, the and walk, when but I got ranking one there so I got the “After he knew who I was, he “The Hurt Locker” every one of them would attribute that and be like ‘that’s how it is immediately seized upon. it to the training they do. It is what over there?’ No, that’s not how it EOD specialists do when they are Conardis.” goes on to clarify that “We are making a difference not disabling IEDs or unexploded So with everything Marvin and with every IED or explosive we ordnance. That is because when Conard explained to me about the dispose of or render safe, because the time comes to put on the world of an Explosive Ordnance if anyone wants a history of that one IED could have killed suit and walk the “lonely walk,” Technician, I had to know what EOD is really like, that they an American, an Afghan civilian, as Conard describes, he or she what they thought of the 2010 should watch the BBC production a NATO partner,” said Marvin. “I doesn’t have time to think. Hollywood blockbuster, “The Hurt “Danger: UXB.” According to believe our partnership (with the Locker,” and whether it accurately Conard, it is a series on British Afghan National Army) is making EOD that he describes as “the best a difference. The more that we can could“You just be dodialing it,” said the Conard. code “It’s to depicted what the real EOD is like. instantaneous. (An insurgent) Conard was quick to point out show that I’ve seen on EOD in the empower our ANA EOD teams, the that their job is not at all like what past.” He notes, however, that the better they’ll be able to handle the detonate it (the IED) on you, or was portrayed. IED world is “a whole different situation when we leave, because has the command wire and is “I watched 5 minutes of that thing.” we are leaving eventually. The ready to hook a battery to it. You movie…and they completely best thing that we can do is to don’t have time to think; you just Hollywoodized it,” Conard said. The US and its allies have been train them up to do the job with StaffCommand Sgt. Andrew Sgt. Elo, Maj. 787th Samuel Ordnance G. Murphy Company, (left), Command 3rd Ordnance Sergeant Battalion, Major preparesof 3rd Stryker a detonator Brigade for Combat use at Team, have 2nd Infantry to react Division and and do Command it.” Sgt. Maj. John “I didn’t like it. Same thing with in Afghanistan over a decade confidence and competence.” ForwardWayne Operating Troxell, Command Base Wolverine, Sergeant Feb. Major 26, 2012. of 1st The Corps, detonator Joint Base will Lewisbe used McChord to destroy pose six for Russian a picture anti- in , Afghanistan Jan. 12. (U.S. Army Photo during which time the IEDs have 14personneltaken by mines Staff thatSgt Joshuawere X-rayed White) and found to be too unstable for safe keeping. that (TV show) ‘Bomb Patrol: 15 Disarming an IED is intrinsically Afghanistan.’ The concept is there, proliferated, putting coalition U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mark Jachlewski U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher McCullough

ROU Army photo by Capt. Marius Dinita ROU Army photo by Capt. Marius Dinita

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua S. Brandenburg U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua S. Brandenburg

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mark Jachlewski U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher McCullough U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher McCullough 16 17 StoryAfghan and Photos by Sgt. Marc National Loi Security Forces, American Soldiers, help flush out Taliban is through the Afghan-led efforts operation, and the Taliban had such a relationship, Figer said, 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment of listening to the needs and gradually flowed into that area. Locals from a small village in It’s important to not allow [them] shuras. Traditionally held by southern Afghanistan will see to have these security pockets.” Afghanconcerns leaders of villagers to gauge through the more opportunities and Afghan National Security Forces and less In doing so, the Soldiers not only recentlyimprovised conducted explosive by devices members and cleared the area of IEDs, but also needs and concerns of locals, Taliban thanks to a joint operation established a relationship with the shura held was comprised villagers that will prove beneficial of more than 100 villagers, of the Afghan National Civil Suchin the establishments long run, Figer of said.a including prominent elders who Order Police and Soldiers of 5th advertised the event in advance. Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. presence and taking the fight to announced“It’s a model the we’ve shura been from striving his Taliban fighters are important not for,” Figer said. “The local mullah The two-day mission began in only from a tactical perspective Americanthe early morningSoldiers hoursconducting with because it renders the town safer mosque’s loud speaker while more than 60 ANCOP officers and to navigate, but also from an [ANSF personnel] conducted operational perspective in that local patrols to invite people to it. foot patrols in the village of Didar safer roads means ANSF personnel and ended two days later. In those will be better able to connect with Such“This wasAfghan-led a situation efforts of Afghans are two days, the Soldiers flushed village locals to establish the leading Afghans,” he added. the area of Taliban as well as policies the government of the of a stronger Afghanistan because Islamic Republic of Afghanistan particularly salient in the building cleared the mostly-rural village Soldiers from B Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., patrol a poppy of improvised explosive devices. sets forth, Figer added. field during Operation Eagle Mountain in Didar, southern Afghanistan, recently. The operation’s purpose was to clear the town of improvised explosive devices The operation ended with a the voices and concerns of villages and bring U.S. and Afghan presence in the town, thereby providing local Afghans with security. shura, an Afghan-led and inspired One of the ways to establish often went unheard under meeting with village elders, and the Taliban, one villager said. “The government is now are not Taliban themselves,” Figer the delivery of humanitarian aid. listening to the people,” he said. said. “This is a promising sign AhmadA self-proclaimed Allah came to the community shura to “These [shuras] are good for my for future projects within Didar. clearDubbed the Operation area of Taliban Eagle Mountainmembers organizer 23-year-old Gulah country and my people, because room they need so they can V, the operation’s purpose was to it helps them understand what “It gives ANSF the breathing that the commander of Bronco deliver messages for elders who we need and what we want.” and bring stability to the town otherwere toocommitments. ill to attend Although and those he bring services and security to who couldn’t make it because of By listening to villagers’ concerns, Didar,” he continued.” It allows Troop, the unit largely responsible Ahmad Allah said he remembers a ANSF and coalition forces not only us to focus on projects like for Didar, said had gone too was only 13 when the Taliban fell, gain trust, but also forge an alliance schools, clinics, water ways and long without the presence that will, in the end, ensure they roads, as opposed to fighting.” of ANSF and coalition forces. time when the concerns of Afghans win over Afghans – something mostly untouched by International went unnoticed. In fact, speaking Figer said was evident in that The operation was the fifth for “Didar is an area that has been up might have rendered one a the operation took place without the battalion since its arrival in target for punishment, he said. major incidents, other than a few Afghanistan late December. Security Assistance Force and gunshots heard and IEDs found. the ANSF for the last two years,” - The new Afghan government, Soldiers from Task Force 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., look on said B Troop’s commander Capt. as children walk past them toward a well to fetch water for the evening meal during the Soldiers’ partici with a concerted effort to Taliban.“It shows They that may the be people threatened who Michael Figer. “It’s a seam between pation in Operation Eagle Mountain in Didar, southern Afghanistan, recently. The operation’s purpose was listen to Afghans’ concerns, actually live in Didar are not truly 18 to clear the town of improvised explosive devices and bring U.S. and Afghan presence in the town, thereby 19 two of our battalion’s areas of providing local Afghans with security. is taking a step in the right direction, Ahmad Allah added. or influenced by Taliban, but they Wolfpack keeps Regional Command (South) supplies rolling - - Story and photos by Spc. Ashley Curtis Chaplain’s Corner Pfc. Joseph Clements, Arizona na 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment tive and gunner for one of the con Before the sun begins to break voy’s armored security vehicles. over the horizon, they are dressed “It’s time consuming but someone in full battle gear, checking their has to do it.” equipment and practicing tactical - procedures. They call themselves- Sgt. Jesse Webber, Montana native the “Wolfpack” and work with and assistant convoy command the precision of a highly choreo er and squad leader of Clements graphed team. duringand his these fellow missions. Soldiers, carries a heavy amount of responsibility BattalionThe Soldiers are ofabout 2nd Squad,to go out Bravo on - Company, 296th Brigade Support- “I’m in charge of emplacing se Spc. Dustin Downing, a Mine Resistant Ambush a routine supply mission to pro curity in certain situations, I’m Protected vehicle driver for Bravo Company, 296th- Brigade Support Battalion, loads the gunner’s vide vital supplies to the Regional also in charge of making sure the crew-served machine gun before a resupply mis Command (South) area, May 11. [distribution] trucks are properly sion in Kandahar, May 11, 2012. - loaded prior to roll-out, along - couldOne of not my at favoriteany age be quotes content is byto fence, doesn’t it? Just remember let those take over, rather than After completing a laundry list of with making sure that all of my “We’ve spent so much time train Eleanor Roosevelt, she said, “I you still have to cut the grass. changelistening the to current the still dynamic. voice But of pre-mission checks, the Soldiers- Soldiers are taken care of and are- ing and preparing for this that ev Many of us are quick to pursue God. We rush to make a move, to make their way throughout RC(S) doing their jobs properly. So that- erybody within the team is ready, take my place in a corner by the the next big, great opportunity. to deliver supplies to several for ber.way, we can assure that every so even if there is a potential fireside and simply look on. Life God is looking for a few good men, ward operating bases. The days body gets home safely,” said Web threat out there, we will be able was meant to be lived. You must The life of a Soldier has its ups women, and children who will dig can be long, but the Soldiers of the to take the appropriate actions do the thing you think you cannot and downs and there are times in where they’re planted and be 296th BSB understand why they and his Soldiers maintain con- to assure the safety of everybody do.” thewhen chain we of arecommand recognized or from with the consistent. He wants the faithful, are important. Safety is clearly a priority as he within the convoy, added Webber. awards and appreciation from not the flashy. He wants someone mission. “I feel very good about my team. Let me ask you a question: if who is sold out, not a sell-out. He “Supplies run low. You’re going to stant vigilance throughout the I think they’re the best team that you could have one incredible people of America. However, most wants someone who is persistent, have to refill them somehow,” said Thewe’ve 296th got out BSB here.” has only been year, packed full of recognition of the time it’s about going about not prosperous. Patient, not and awards, or a lifetime filled our business and doing work that popular. - with good, solid, consistent most people do not understand or you if you commit to staying here a couple months, but these- performances, what would have any idea about the things we It’s amazing how God can use Soldiers are already working to you choose? How you answer do on a daily basis. We just “Dig gether seamlessly to deal with un- that question reveals just how in” and get the job done! put. Consistency is extremely expected logistical issues threats, you’re wired. Are you the type important. You’ll grow where such as clearing a possible impro of person who looks for the next Many people say they want to be God plants you…if you give it vised explosive device. - big opportunity, or someone who used by God, but they never take time. That kind of consistency is digs in right where you are and time to develop relationships or to important to reaping the harvest. At the end of the mission, nudg accomplishes what needs to be dig into the powerful community So here’s my challenge to you: ing closer and closer towards done? of believers that God wants to give Commit for the long haul. Don’t the 24-hour mark, the weary but them. Instead, they switch jobs, bail. Be faithful. Be consistent. Dig ever-watchful Wolfpack Soldiers- singingIn today’s stars world, change authors recording jump cities, and schools before they in and make - a difference. Then get return to Kandahar with supplies from publisher to publisher, even ask God, “Is there something ready for God’s surprises. Chaplain (Maj.) Edward I. delivered, Soldiers safe and mis you want me to be doing right Choi, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, sion complete. companies, and fathers leave here?” greenertheir families on the to other pursue side younger of the 2nd Infantry Division 20 A Soldier from Bravo Company, 296th Brigade Support Battalion and an Afghan maintenance worker help women. The grass always looks We all have our own personal 21 unload a supply truck at Forward Operating Base Lagman during a resupply mission, May 11, 2012. agendas, and sometimes we Arrowhead Remembers

Sgt. Nicholas Dickhut 2nd Lt. Travis A. Morgado - Sgt. Nicholas M. Dickhut was include the Bronze Star, Purple 2LT Travis A. Morgado was vice Medal, Global War on Minnesota.born on 31 December 1988 Heart, Army Achievement bornAfter onjoining 27 March the Army 1987. on 23 Terrorism Service Medal, Af- and raised in Rochester, Medal, Army Good Conduct - ghanistan Campaign Medal, After joining the Army on 23 Medal, National Defense gado attended Infantry Basic Army Service Ribbon, Over- September 2008, 2LT Mor Service Medal, Global War istseas Badge Service and Ribbon,Combat Infan NATO- attended Basic Training at on Terrorism Service Medal, - trymanMedal, Ranger Badge. Tab, Parachut September 2008, SGT Dickhut Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Officer’s Leaders Course at Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Fort Benning, Georgia. Fol 2LT Morgado died on 23 May lowing IN BOLC, 2LT Morgado Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri andService Combat Ribbon, Action Badge. Overseas 20th Infantry Regiment at and Advanced Individual Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, was assigned to 5th Battalion - Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 2012 in the village of Haji Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Rhamuddin in Zharay Dis 20thFollowing Infantry AIT, Regiment SGT Dickhut at 2012 at Siah Choy in the - was assigned to 5th Battalion SGT Dickhut died on 30 April nyWashington as a Platoon and Leader. served in trict from wounds suffered 3rd Platoon, Charlie Compa forces.by an improvised explosive Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Zharay District. device while engaging enemy and served in 2nd 2LT Morgado’s military his father Jose Morgado and Platoon, Able Company as a SGT Dickhut is survived by his awards include the Bronze- mother2LT Morgado Andrea is Kessler. survived by Fire Support Sergeant. mother Jacqueline Carson and Star Medal, Purple Heart Step-Father Randal Carson. Medal, National Defense Ser SGT Dickhut’s military awards

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