Duke Dispatch Is Published Monthly by the Public Affairs Offi Ce to Provide Information on the Cover on Soldiers and Families of the 3Rd BCT, 1St ID

May 2009 3rd BCT, 1st ID Duke www.1id.army.mil www.dvidshub.net/units/3bct-1id Dispatch

Secretary Gates expresses gratitude to 2-2 Inf. Soldiers PAGE 3

May 2009 1 Contents

Photo by Army Staff Sgt. David Hopkins Staff Sgt. Jean-Francois Frenette, noncommissioned officer in charge of the a team from the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion, 351st Civil Affairs Command, San Diego, Calif., pulls security in a mountain village in northeastern Afghanistan. Frenette, from San Di- ego, Calif., and his team were in the village to meet with elders and school officials about damages to the school roof. The team organizes contracting services and provides funding for the building and repairs of schools, roads and bridges in the area.

Features 11 Water purification 201st BSB Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Fen- 3 Secretary Gates visits 2-2 Inf. ty are responsible for providing clean water to thou- Secretary of Defense Robert Gates visits Forward sands of Soldiers throughout northeastern Afghani- Operating Base Ramrod, the only battalion-sized U.S. stan. unit operating in the Kandahar Province, 13 Patrolling unexplored areas 5 ADT arrives to Laghman For the first time since the start of Operation Endur- ing Freedom, American Soldiers crossed a portion The Kansas Agri-business Development Team unfurled of the Kunar River during a dismounted patrol. its colors in Laghman province, Afghanistan, May 3. 15 May Reenlistments 9 Laghman air assault mission A listing of all Task Force Duke Soldiers reenlisting for Soldiers from the 527th MP company and 3rd BCT, the month of May. 1st ID’s Special Troops Battalion train Afghan Na- tional Police on key medical techniques.

May 2009 2 4 1-6: Why I Serve Duke Spc. Jonathan Goodwin, 1-6 FA Supply specialist and father of seven explains why he chose to serve his Dispatch country. 3rd BCT, 1st ID Magazine 12 Chosin establishes base Brigade Commander: 1-32 Inf.Soldiers establish a new Vehicle Patrol Base Col. John Spiszer in the valley and in the districts of Narang, Chowkay and Nurgal. Brigade Command Sgt. Maj: Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Orosz

14 New school in rural village Public Affairs Offi cer: The Nangarhar PRT joined provincial government Maj. Chevelle T. Stokes offi cials and the people of a rural village in Dara-Noor District to celebrate the completion of a school. Public Affairs NCOIC: Staff Sgt. Adora Medina

Editor: Columns Staff Sgt. Adora Medina

6 Commander’s column Journalists: Duke Soldiers complete fi nal operations in Afghani- Staff Sgt. David Hopkins stan. Spc. Brandon Sandefur Pfc. Charles Wolfe 8 CSM’s column Finishing strong as we return home with dignity.

10 Chaplain’s column Remembering the signifi cant events in our lives.

Duke Dispatch is published monthly by the Public Affairs Offi ce to provide information On the cover on Soldiers and Families of the 3rd BCT, 1st ID. Views and opinions are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army. A Soldier with 6th Squadron, 4th Cav- alry Regiment, pulls Send submissions and coorespondence to: security outside a Public Affairs Offi ce new boys school, in 3rd BCT, 1st ID, TF Duke the Kunar province of northeastern Afghani- Jalalabad, FOB Fenty stan, while a team APO, AE 09310 of Soldiers from the 416th Civil Affairs Bat- Electronic submissions are preferred: talion, 351st Civil Af- [email protected] fairs Command, San Diego, Calif., inspects 318-831-6028/6410 the structure. (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Digital photos should be at least 300 dpi. David Hopkins) Stories should be in Word format.

May 2009 3 Secretary of Defense visits fi rst American Base in Kandahar

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates addresses 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Ram- rod during a recent trip to Afghani- stan. Secre- tary Gates thanked the troops for their service. (Photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Jill LaVoie) are clearly making a huge difference,” he added. By Tech. Sgt. Jill LaVoie He also assured Soldiers he was working hard 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO for their safety. “I just want you to know that I feel personally responsible for each and every one of you. I have During a trip to Afghanistan, Secretary of De- been doing what I can to get you what you need to be fense Robert Gates visited Forward Operating Base successful in your mission and for you to come home Ramrod, the only battalion-sized U.S. unit operating in safe,” said Gates as he fondly noted the number of the Kandahar Province, approximately 80 miles west Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles on the of Kandahar City. base. Secretary Gates spent about an hour at the His work to speed the appropriation process FOB, during which he awarded six valorous medals to for much needed MRAPs was mentioned by Army Lt. Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regi- Col. Daniel Hurlbut, 2-2 Inf., commander from Killeen, ment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Texas. Soldiers. “Though [Secretary Gates] was only able to “Having [Secretary Gates] award these medals stay for a short time, it was a good opportunity to means a lot,” said Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Roszko, talk with him,” Hurlbut said. “I used the opportunity Charlie Company Squad Leader, from Bronx, New to thank him for his help with procuring the MRAPs York, who earned a Bronze Star with Valor during an we use every day. His efforts have saved countless Improvised Explosive Device attack. “It shows some- Soldiers’ lives.” one knows what we are doing out here. Our achieve- Before leaving, Secretary Gates took time to ment is appreciated more than we realized.” personally thank and present each of the 253 Soldiers After awarding the medals, Secretary Gates and Airmen with a coin. took a moment to talk to the Soldiers and Airmen. He The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd started by thanking them for their service as the only Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division assists U.S. military unit that falls under Canadian command. NATO in providing a permanent presence in southern “Thank you for what you have done to help the Afghanistan. In their year in Kandahar Province, they Canadians, I know they have taken a lot of hits. Your have reduced Taliban movement of supplies through being down here has been very important to them,” he the area, decreased IEDs on the major highway and said. “I want to thank you above all for volunteering to built rapport with the local Afghanistan population serve our country and volunteering to serve here. You through constant interaction.

May 2009 4 Father of seven serves his country in Afghanistan serve wasn’t made on the hope of By Pfc. Charles Wolfe one meal; Goodwin had recently 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO received his fi rst child and knew the military could help provide Spc. Jonathan Goodwin comfortable stability for his new is a lot of different things. He’s a family. husband and a father of seven chil- “I knew it was going to be a dren. He’s a playful jokester, the struggle to work, go to school and kind of person who can light up a raise my child,” Goodwin said. “It room with his sense of humor, but made sense to help my family.” before he was any of these things, As years passed, Good- he became a Soldier, signing on win’s family grew, and with time, for his fi rst enlistment in May of was able to sustain itself without 1992. his military paycheck. Goodwin The decision to serve ended his fi rst tenure with the Army wasn’t a hard one for Goodwin to to return to life as a private citizen. make. However, six children and In 1992, Goodwin was an aspiring 13 years after being sworn in, fate Chemical Engineering major study- found Goodwin again, calling him ing in his native state at the North back to duty for a second time. Photo by Army Pfc. Charles Wolfe Carolina Agricultural and Techni- “My brother, a Marine colo- Spc. Jonathan Goodwin sits in his “Ga- cal University. He was living the nel, died in Iraq in 2005,” Goodwin tor,” a motorized working vehicle he stereotypical college student’s life. said. “That was my main motiva- often uses to move his unit’s supplies from one place to the next. Goodwin, He had a small apartment, three tion for ending my break in service from North Carolina, is a Supply Special- roommates, and a full-time job; and returning to the Army.” ist with the 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artil- however, the costs of education That same year, Goodwin lery. He will return home to his wife and and housing outstretched Good- served his fi rst deployment in the seven children in June. win’s meager salary and, eventu- same country where his brother ally, hunger began to set in. passed. Now in his second combat away from his wife and children “I looked in the refrigera- tour, Goodwin has much more to would seem diffi cult, but the family tor one day and we didn’t have look after than just his unit’s sup- makes for a very large, very en- anything but ice and eggs. I didn’t plies. couraging support group. know how we were go- “The kids are all very proud ing to make it,” Goodwin to have a dad in the said. “I’m the king of my castle, and everyone Army,” Goodwin said. Then, fate made loves the king.” “They’re proud of me and a very pointed interven- I’m proud of them. I’m tion. An Army recruiter Army Spc. Jonathan Goodwin really happy with the way was visiting residents Supply Specialist, 1-6 FA they handle things back of Goodwin’s apartment at home while I’m gone.” complex. When he saw All seven of Good- the young student sitting outside “I have a large family,” win’s children made their school’s his door, he made an offer Good- Goodwin said. honor rolls this year. Their efforts win couldn’t refuse. With seven children be- in the classroom seem to inspire “He said he would take me tween the ages of six and 15, the Goodwin to return to his academ- out to eat if I just listened to him Goodwins are more than double ics as well. about joining the military,” Goodwin the size of the platonic family. “I still really want to get that said. “Everything he said to me “They love me and I love degree,” Goodwin said. seemed to make sense.” them,” Goodwin said. “I’m the king With plans to re-enlist, it A dinner later, Goodwin of my castle, and everyone loves seems Goodwin can take himself joined the Army’s ranks as a Sup- the king.” as far as his own motivation will ply Specialist. The decision to Spending a second year allow.

May 2009 5 Kansas Agri-business Team arrives to Afghanistan

Photos by Army Sgt. Luke Atherton A ceremony to mark the arrival of the Kansas Agri-business Development Team took place in Mehtar Lam, Laghman province, Afghanistan, May 3. Prior to their arrival northeastern Afghanistan was comprised of only one ADT. The additional assets will signifi cantly help improve the lives of the Afghan people and economy. said. By Staff. Sgt. Adora Medina The Kansas ADT is comprised of Army and 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO Air Force volunteers from across the Kansas National Guard whom are equally skilled in both military and civilian experience. The Kansas Agri-business Development Team Key areas of knowledge include infantry tac- unfurled its colors in Laghman province, Afghanistan, tics, engineering, security operations and a multitude May 3. of civilian expertise, which was sought out from all over Prior to the unit’s arrival into northeastern Af- Kansas, Texas, and Washington to form a truly cohe- ghanistan, The Missouri Agri-business Development sive melting pot of farmers and Agri-business profes- Team was the only ADT team operating in the Nuristan, sionals. Nangarhar, Konar and “Our team is focused on Laghman provinces also four major agribusiness known as the N2KL region. infrastructure areas: pro- With additional assets the duction, storage, pro- two ADTs will be able to fo- cessing and education cus in on specifi c areas of and we have projects development. and program proposals “Each area of Af- in those areas that we ghanistan has a unique set are discussing with our of agricultural challenges Afghan Government, and advantages that re- Provincial Reconstruc- quire tailored approaches to tion Team and interagen- resolve. The more focused cy partners.” Peck said. we are on the strengths and As the team settles into challenges for a specifi c lo- Army Col. Eric Peck, Kansas Agri-business commander, Afghanistan they await cality the greater chance we stands beside Task Force Duke Commander, Army Col. John the challenges ahead have to succeed in improv- Spiszer, as the Kansas ADT attends a ceremony to mark their and work to pave the arrival into northeastern Afghanistan, May 3. ing the quantity, quality and way for several rotations safety of agricultural prod- of teams to follow in bol- ucts for the consumers,” Kansas Agri-business com- stering the Afghan food market and assisting in eco- mander Army Col. Eric Peck from Manhattan Kansas, nomic development.

May 2009 6 Duke Soldiers complete fi nal operations in Afghanistan proximately 50 enemy fi ghters were Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl killed during the operations, which Eikenberry visited with members ended successfully May 7, with all of TF Duke and the Kunar Gover- 12 Afghans recovered and a split nor May 16, to discuss the current between enemy forces and the lo- situation near the Pakistan bor- cal elders of that area. der and visit the Konar Construc- The Kansas Agri-business tion Center and under construction Development Team unfurled its Marawara Bridges. The German colors in Laghman province, Af- General Egon Ramms Commander ghanistan, May 3, and we began to for NATO Joint Forces Command welcome new troops into the area in Brunssum also visited and was from the 759th Military Police Bat- briefed on current operations and talion and the 4th Brigade Combat the progress of Team Nangarhar on Team, 4th Infantry Division, our re- May 18. Gen David Petraeus, com- placements both from Fort Carson, mander Central Command, which Colorado. covers all US forces in the Middle In addition, we hosted three East visited Torkham gate. distinguished visitors in the region. Members of the 1st Battal- Col. John Spiszer The Secretary of Defense Robert ion, 178th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd BCT, 1st ID, Commander Gates visited Forward Operating Illinois National Guard, Laghman This was a busy month in Base Ramrod, the only U.S. mili- Provincial Reconstruction Team, the Duke area of operation. We tary unit that falls under Canadian Kansas Agri-Business Development continued counterinsurgency oper- command operating in the Kanda- Team, Marine Embedded Train- ations throughout the provinces of har Province and awarded six val- ing Team, and the Afghan National Nangarhar, Nuristan, Konar, Lagh- orous medals to Charlie Company Army conducted Operation Long- man and Kandahar. Highlights for Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd bow III, which was a key leader en- this month have been: Operations Infantry Regiment and presented gagement to provide humanitarian in the Gehaziabad district of Kunar; all the other troops with a SECDEF assistance in Laghman Province, welcomed new troops in the area; coin on May 6. Newly arrived US Afghanistan May 24, 2008. This hosted a few distinguished visitors; [COL continued on Page 7] continued operations to build Af- ghan relationships and governance with Operation Longbow III, and a Memorial Day celebration. There was an enemy attack on May 1, 2009, where three members of the Duke family, two Latvian Army, four Afghan National Security Force soldiers, and one Afghan interpreter were killed in action. We immediately engaged the enemy forces with suppressive fi re, while calling in additional combat air support. Nevertheless, even members of the ANA and one interpreter were taken captive. TF Duke conducted Operation King’s Ransom in the Helgal Valley for fi ve days in con- junction with Afghan National Se- Photos by Army Pfc. Charles Wolfe curity Forces and Coalition Forces German NATO General, Egon Ramms, listens to a brief during a visit to Forward to recover the detained and to pun- Operating Base Fenty in Nangarhar province Afghanistan, May 18. ish the enemy for their attack. Ap-

May 2009 7 Acknowledging bravery and professionalism of Duke Soldiers [COL continued from Page 6] his image and brief description of the ARCOM/V all from Chosin; SFC his military career and accomplish- Lucas Young received the Silver ments was placed on the exterior of Star, SGT Brian Cline, PFC Michael the entrance. He was the fi rst 3/1 Malecki, SFC Michael Pacheco, Soldier to die in Operation Enduring SGT Ryan Staback, SGT Jeremy Freedom IX. Delany, SGT Adam Goodson, PFC I would like to take this time Michael Neighbours, SSG Edward to acknowledge the great bravery Schaffer, and SGT John Puls re- and professionalism of the follow- ceived the BSM/V, and SPC Cecil

Photos by Army Staff Sgt. Adora Medina ing Soldiers who received awards Montgomery, PFC John Greeno, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, CJTF-101 during the month: CPT Dashiell PFC Jose Cruzzavala, CPT James commander awards 6-4 Cavalry Scouts Ballarta received the BSM/V and Howell, 1LT Steven Benedetti, CPL with Army Commedation Medals with SSG Robert Evans received an Jason Meeks, SGT Christopher Vo- Valor, at Forward Operating Base Bo- ARCOM/V from Centaur; SSG gel, PFC Travis Kegler, PFC Austin stick, Afghanistan. Anthony Roszko, SPC Kevin Tib- Westerman, SPC Juan Herrera, was the third time that the unit had bett, SSG Mollahassani Berntsson PFC William Carr, PV2 Timothy conducted a tactical air assault into received BSM/V, and CPL Aaron Burton, SPC Sean Bedingfi eld, SPC the Garmunay village of the Galuch Barrett, 1LT Timothy Boucher, CPT Eric Martin, PV2 Philip Wiersema, valley in the Mehtar Lam District in Christopher Brawley, 1LT Samuel SGT Eugeny Tilvaldiev, SPC Zol- order to build and maintain a re- Brown, SGT Callan Bryand, PFC tan Noe, PFC Justen McKay, SPC lationship with the people in that Ryan Hetherington, 1SG Chris- Enrique Trevino, PFC Christopher area. topher Kowalewski, PFC Robert Weis, SPC Jose Velez, SPC Ste- In recognition of Memorial Patterson, Jared Wagner received phen Butler, SPC Jonathan Alaniz, Day, May 25, 2009, Forward Op- ARCOM/V all from Ramrod; SPC SPC Michael Farrell, SGT Martin erating Base Fenty Dining Facility Adam Medina, received a BSM/V, Moreno, SPC Jose Rodriguez, PFC was dedicated and named in honor SPC Anthony Carlye, SGT Isaac Juan Rodriguez, SGT Jearvin Basa, Sergeant Douglas John Bull, who Garcia, SPCJared Mcdermet re- SFC Gerry Allen, PFC Emmanuel paid the ultimate sacrifi ce when ceived ARCOM/V, all from Nuristan Wreh, SPC Bradley Nelson received he died in action on July 8, 2008, PRT; PFC Christopher Albrecht, an ARCOM/V all from Spader; SPC while on a route clearance mission 1LT Phillip Malamma, SPC John Clifton Crandall, PFC Bryon Norris, in Kunar province. A plaque with Molenda, SGT Justin Hall, received CPT Jay Bessey, CPT Bill Evans, SSG Jean-Francios Frenett, SSG Thad Harvey, SSG Lemuel Leach, PFC Luke Murphy, SPC Michael Smith, SPC James Moore, SSG Samuel Alter, MAJ Matthew McCol- lumn received ARCOM/V all from Raider, and SPC Dean Gannon received an ARCOM/V from Valiant. Last but not least, I would like to take this time to acknowledge the great bravery and professional¬ism of SGT James Pirtle and SPC Ryan King both from B/Special Troops Battalion who lost their life during operations with the enemy in Geha- ziabad. Please keep their Family in your prayers. Finally, thanks to all the Families for their support of us here in Afghanistan. Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, CJTF-101 commander, presents 1st Lt. Loren Crowe, No mission too diffi cult, no 1-26 Inf. Reg., the Silver Star at Forward Operating Base Blessing, Afghanistan. sacrifi ce too great. Duty First!

May 2009 7 May 2009 8 Finishing strong as we return home with dignity fi ghting from his foxhole with the low instructions and are taken care current clothes on his back. of. Drinking alcohol to the point of On the other hand, return- puking is not the way for Soldiers ing to garrison, Soldiers will be re- to conduct themselves. Soldiers will quired to wear the uniform correctly use restraint in garrison, the same and represent the Army well, no ex- as you did during the deployment. cuses. The uniform is exactly that, All the great deeds you did during a uniform for all Soldiers to wear the deployment can be wiped away and exactly the same. No sleeves in one night or one day if Soldiers rolled and a clean and serviceable don’t recuperate responsibly. uniform is required and not option- Duke Soldiers, I want you to fi nish al. Noncommissioned offi cers will strong as we close out the deploy- be required to conduct morning in- ment. Don’t let down until you are spections to ensure Soldiers have on an airplane heading for home. the tools expected of Soldiers to Set the incoming unit up for suc- complete the daily mission. The III cess by telling them everything you Corps Standards book is required know. No trickery, just the facts, tac- Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Orosz for all Soldiers as well as pen and tics and techniques to continue the 3rd BCT, 1st ID CSM paper, identifi cation tags, identifi - mission. Maintain the standards as cation card, drivers’ license, etc. you close out the deployment. Non- Task Force Duke is heading All these items will be inspected commissioned offi cers will inspect home soon, very soon. This will be to ensure Soldiers can complete all Soldiers to ensure they are clear a key time for leaders to take care reintegration without delay. Some of all ammunition and in the correct of Soldiers through reintegration of the items such as the III Corps uniform for the return trip home. and getting Soldiers the help they Standards will be issued as soon as Take care of you Soldiers now and need to ensure a safe and enjoy- Soldiers arrive at Fort Hood, Texas. take care of them when we get able rest and recuperation. During Read the standards book and com- home. This is an important duty of the deployment Soldiers lived and prehend it. Violations are consid- the noncommissioned offi cer. fought from very austere forward ered punitive. operating bases and combat out- I’ve heard some Soldiers posts. The same base that protects complain about living the garrison Soldiers is the same base you eat life and returning to garrison as if and sleep in so the uniforms can be this were a lesser degree of a Sol- interesting at times, such as PFC diers duty. Be proud of your service Boyd from B/1-26 Infantry and the in Afghanistan and be proud to wear now famous red “I Love NY” boxer the medals and badges you have shorts. Many bases throughout the earned. Wear your uniform like the Task Force Duke battle-space are professional Soldiers you are. Be frequently attacked and the last careful not to brag of your service thing on most Soldiers minds is get- and be a quiet professional. No one ting dressed. The Soldiers instinc- likes a Soldier that brags about his tively dawn their fi ghting gear and antics from a deployment. Be proud react to contact. They have prac- and be professional about your ticed this battle-drill over and over military service. All units in the 3rd for the last year. I have to admit my BCT, 1st Infantry Division and Task expectation for uniform standards Force Duke performed extremely is ingrained in my head because of well and all made a contribution in the standards required by my posi- bringing security to Afghanistan. Photo by Army Staff Sgt. David Hopkins tion. During this deployment I also Noncommissioned offi cers, I am Soldiers with C. Troop, 6-4 Cav., climb a holding you personally accountable rugged mountain slope in Kunar prov- learned it isn’t the end of the world ince during a joint patrol with Afghan if a Soldier is wearing the Army uni- for the conduct of your Soldiers. We National Army soldiers, to search for form to gain a bit of comfort or is must take care that our Soldiers fol- caves and enemy passages.

May 2009 9 Task Force Bayonet conducts air assault in Laghman

ANA Recon 4/2/201st Kandak Command- er, Mohammed Jan hands HA goods to welcoming villagers during Longbow III in the village of Garmunay, Laghman Province, Afghanistan.

Photos by Army Spc. Jason Dorsey plained to the people how his unit 1st 178th Infantry Regiment of the Illinois National Guard delivers two humanitarian works and how they were there aid loads to the village of Garmunay in Laghman Province Afghanistan on May 23 to work in close coordination with 2009. Four kicker box loads were ﬂ own in by a CH-47 Chinook. The purpose of this Afghan Forces to assist the Afghan mission was to conduct a Key leader Engagement and deliver HA to the locals of the government to be successful to village as a means of building a stronger relationship to help fi ght the insurgency. the point when the assistance is By Spc. Jason Dorsey was held with local government no longer needed and ISAF forces offi cials to include Murtaza Hedayt can go home. 1-178 IN, 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO Qalandarzai, Deputy Governor After a handful of issues of Laghman Province and Col were covered and discussed, a Members of the 1st 178th Mohammed Jan, 201st Afghan closing prayer was held by the Infantry Regiment of the Illinois National Army Recon 4/2/201st local mullah. At the conclusion National Guard, Provincial Recon- Kandak commander. of the KLE, the TF Bayonet Com- struction team, Kansas Agricul- During the meeting, village mander announced to the crowd ture Development Team, Marine elders expressed the hardships that that they brought HA goods for Embedded Training Team and the they endure on a daily basis here the village as a show of concern Afghan National Army conducted in the village without such essen- and support from the Afghan Gov- Operation Lonbow III, which was a tials as clean water and electricity. ernment. key leader engagement to provide “Agricultural issues are the Quickly thereafter, a large humanitarian assistance in Lagh- main concern for the people of crowd of people surrounded the man Province, Afghanistan May Garmunay Village with water, and white kicker boxes full of HA. The 24, 2008. good fertilizer, being very scarce village elders quickly took charge This was the third time that items that these people need seri- of the excited crowd and began the unit had conducted a tacti- ous assistance with,” said Col Eric establishing order by forming lines cal air assault into the Garmunay C. Peck, 1-6 Kansas Agriculture and passing out the different items village of the Galuch valley in the Development Team commander. from the HA boxes. The ANA Mehtar Lam District in order to After listening to the issues along with village elders helped to build and maintain a relationship from the village elders the leaders distribute ﬂ our, sugar, beans, rice, with the people in that area. reassured the villagers of their co- hajj kits, and radios to the locals, It was about joint coopera- operation and intent for provincial who expressed their gratitude tion while conducting counterin- reconstruction efforts and in return through smiles and handshakes. surgency operations to enable the the the community locals report in- “Longbow III was a suc- reach of the local government. surgent activity to American Forces cess because it was free of enemy After a safe landing on a and not work with the enemy. interaction, and more importantly plateau, everyone exited the air- A general description of it extended the opportunity for the craft overlooking the village. why U.S. Forces are in Afghanistan deputy governor of Laghman Prov- Through fi elds of wheat, was also a burning question of ince to meet with its constituencies Soldiers were greeted by locals some of the local nationals attend- in such a remote location,” said who led them to the village elders, ing the meeting. LTC Daniel J. Fuhr, TF Bayonet where a Key Leader Engagement Each commander ex- Commander.

May 2009 9 May 2009 10 Remembering the signifi cant events in our lives snow. I think of the amazing feel- may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:19b). ing of drifting quietly toward the The best memories are those earth, suspended by nothing more which encourage us to choose life! than a T-10C parachute after exit- Along those same lines, I ing a C-130 Hercules in fl ight. believe we also need to “invest” in CBS “60 Minutes” Com- creating memories worth holding mentator, Andy Rooney, has sug- onto. The story is told of a father gested that “the trouble with most and son who went fi shing one memories is that…many of them Saturday morning. The father, a are sad.” Indeed, if we focus on harried businessman, had been the unhappy memories of things promising to take his son out on gone wrong, hopes dashed, or the lake for several weeks but work snafus experienced, we’ll likely always seemed to come up. have a relatively drab and dreary Finally, after much begging existence. Fortunately, there’s and pleading by the son, the father good news for all of us. We can could put it off no longer and he re- choose which memories we’ll allow lented, taking the young lad out for Chaplain (Maj) Steve George to inform our lives and even bet- a day of angling. At the end of the 3rd BCT, 1st ID ter, we can choose how we’ll allow day, both the father and the son those memories to infl uence and made entries in their respective It’s been said that memory affect us. How can we do that? journals. The father wrote: “Spent is one of the distinctive things First, we need to make a the day on the lake; didn’t catch a which makes us truly and uniquely conscious decision to spend time thing. Huge waste of time.” The human. We have the incredible remembering the good stuff. Life is son entered something slightly power to ‘relive’ events and situa- full of all kinds of things – the good, different in his journal concerning tions – the sights, the sounds, even the bad, and the everything in the outing: “Spent the day on the the feelings associated with them between. If we spend time dwell- lake with my father; best day I’ve – as we recall them in our minds. ing on those positive events which ever had!” How do we “invest” in The question is, what memories do have enriched and empowered our memories? When life’s emo- we hold onto and tional “bank what infl uence do account” runs they have over us? “We need to make a conscious decision to spend low, will the Psychologists gen- time remembering the good stuff. Life is full of all investments erally agree that kinds of things – the good, the bad, and the every- we’ve made by the age of 2, thing in between.” in positive memories begin to Chaplain (Maj) Steve George memories be help shape who we 3rd BCT, 1st ID there to draw are. I must con- from? fess that I don’t re- During this member too much month of May, of anything from my 2nd year of life us, our memories will be an ongo- we take time to remember those but I do have clear memories start- ing source of great encourage- who have given their last full mea- ing at about the age of 4 – I may ment and strength. Likewise, if we sure of devotion in the service of have been a late bloomer... dwell on those things which have our Nation. May our memories be Here’s a test. What are brought us pain and unhappiness those which celebrate the Heroes some of your favorite memories? over the years, we’ll certainly have who have gone before us and may I recall spending time with family plenty of memories to go around we continue to “invest” in the rec- and friends over the years talking, – just not the kind of memories we ognition that because of them, we laughing, having fun together. I might otherwise seek to cultivate. are able to enjoy the full blessings think of moments spent at the sum- The book of Deuteronomy says, “I of peace, liberty and justice for all. mit of pristine mountaintops in the set before you life or death, bless- May our memories bring health middle of winter with the morning ing or curse. Choose life, then, and happiness in the days ahead – sun glistening off of freshly fallen so that you and your descendants be blessed!

May 2009 11 Water Purifi ers keep Task Force Duke moving sumption. “We have more than 2,500 military and civilian personnel to look after and without our clean water their Medical Clinic, Dining Facility and Pizza Hut all close,” Kindzierski, a 10-year veteran serving in his third combat tour, said. “Without us, everyone is living on Meals-Ready-to-Eat and water bottles.” Working with heavier cus- tomer loads, however, eliminates the possibility of sustaining food- service using bottled water. “We would never be able to deal with a headcount of this magnitude without having a water Photos by Army Pfc. Charles Wolfe purifi cation team on site,” Sgt. 1st Sgt. Paul Kindzierski, a Water Treatment Specialist with the 201st BSB, stands in Class James Collins, Food Man- front of two of the large storage tanks used to store purifi ed, drinkable water. At any agement NCOIC at Afghanistan’s given time, more than 190,000 gallons of treated water are kept ready for use in the Forward Operating Base Fenty, Dining Facility, Medical Clinic, or other areas that require clean water. said. “We use the treated water Sgt. Paul Kindzierski, Non-Com- for sanitation and food preparation By Pfc. Charles Wolfe missioned Offi cer in Charge of the purposes. We even make the cof- 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO 201st Brigade Support Battalion’s fee with it.” Water Purifi cation Section, said. A Soldiers’ water supply Water is a substance so ba- “It’s something that’s easy to learn, can affect seemingly everything in sic and essential to life that it bears but very few people seem to know his daily life—drinking, showers, no need for introduction. about.” cleaning clothing and equipment— Everyone knows what it is To solve the “mystery,” one which makes the job of keeping it and why they need it, especially in must start at the well, where the clean extremely important. the harsh Afghan environments; water is harvested from beneath “We’re defi nitely a force however, many Soldiers don’t the ground. Then, depending on enabler, providing water in some seem to know where it comes what the water is used for, it under- of the most remote regions of the from, and what it goes through goes a specifi c purifi cation pro- world,” Kindzierski, an Illinois na- before it reaches them. cess, something Kindzierski and tive, said. “Without water, people “It’s the mystery of water,” his team did for roughly 3,756,961 can’t survive.” gallons of water during the month And, of course, one should of May. never underestimate the power of Handling such a large a hot shower under clean water. amount of water requires some “This job lets us affect the heavy-duty equipment. The Re- mission at every level, from the verse Osmosis Water Purifi cation survivability of Soldiers to the mo- Unit, with its panel full of brightly rale they keep,” Kindzierski said. colored gauges and switches, can Though they might not un- prepare 3,000 gallons of water per derstand how the water gets there hour, freeing it of materials both or where it comes from, Soldiers Kindzierski manages the large control visible and microscopic. across Afghanistan seem thankful panel of the Reverse Osmosis Water Pu- The resident goal is to to have water that is, like Kindzier- rifi cation Unit, a console used to prepare maintain a supply of more than ski and his Water Purifi cation raw well water for safe consumption. 190,000 gallons ready for con- Team, good ‘till the last drop.

May 2009 11 May 2009 12 Chosin soldiers establish new base in border area roads. The enemy threat is By Sgt. Amber Robinson always imminent, especially Task Force Spartan PAO since the placement of the VPB has greatly hindered Among the lush green the movement of illegally im- pastures and valleys of Konar ported and exported goods Province, Afghanistan, Soldiers of to and from Pakistan. Task Force Chosin, 1st Battalion, “We know we have 32nd Infantry Regiment, patrol for had an impact,” said Miller. an elusive guerrilla enemy force. “The price of illegal weapons In the seven-plus years has doubled since we have U.S. forces have populated Af- begun to operate from the ghanistan, the Taliban have re- VPB. We’ve also begun to mained a constant threat. weather more attacks on the Although International Se- base, a result of their ani- curity Assistance Forces outweigh mosity at having their illegal the enemy in personnel, resources trade routes cut off.” and advanced weaponry, Taliban Soldiers must adopt fi ghters continue to move doggedly an acute sense of battle against U.S. forces, using the local readiness with an ever- populace in various ways to sup- looming enemy threat mak- port their criminal activities. ing life at the outposts and For Task Force Chosin, VPBs more precarious than constant patrols, communication at more established bases. Photo by Army Sgt. Amber Robinson with the local populace and the “We are always Army Pfc. David Mitchell, a Soldier with 1-32 strategic placement of tactical battle focused, even when scans the landscape surrounding Vehicle Patrol we are out meeting with Base Badel, located at the mouth of the Narang outposts and vehicle patrol bases Valley in Kunar Province. have put a large dent in insurgent the people in the surround- activity throughout the province. ing area, even when doing tary efforts in the region, offi cials One such patrol base, humanitarian aid work, we can’t let hope the area will soon see a big VPB Badel, at the mouth of the our guard down,” said Army Spc. change. Narang Valley, has closed down Lucas Amyx, fi re team leader with Amidst minor ailments, there a large amount of enemy activity C Co. have been more serious moments in the valley and which illustrate in the districts of the progress the Narang, Chowkay “We know we have had an impact. The price of il- VPB has made. and Nurgal. Up legal weapons has doubled since we have begun Although enemy until the past few to operate from the VPB.” attacks have all months, when TF Army Capt. Nathaniel Miller, but doubled on Chosin moved into Commander C Co., 1-32 Inf. Reg. the VBP, Soldiers the province, only a remain positive company held the about the mis- battle space. Army 1st Lt. Ryan D. sion and continue to work toward “We decided to strategically Feeney, a platoon leader in C Co., security in Narang, Chowkay and place a VPB in the mouth of the and his men, move from the VPB Nurgal. valley,” said Army Capt. Nathaniel on dismounted patrols on a regular Feeney feels the work he Miller, commander C Co., 1-32 Inf. basis, working with locals to as- and his fellow platoon leaders do at Reg. “The VBP is situated on high sess their needs, talk about poten- and from the VPB has had a posi- ground, which overlooks all roads tial enemy locations and provide tive effect and will continue to have that go into the valley.” an ISAF presence. such an effect as long as troops The small base sits atop a The Narang Valley has al- continue to push against a relent- small hill which overlooks the val- ways been fraught with insurgent less enemy and embrace a seem- ley, the Konar River and all major activity, but with beefed up mili- ingly skeptical local populace.

May 2009 13 Cavalry scouts patrol unexplored terrain in Kunar By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO

For the fi rst time since the start of Operation Enduring Free- dom, American Soldiers crossed a portion of the Kunar River in the Tsunel Valley with Afghan National Army soldiers to investigate caves and possible militant attack points. 6th Kandak and C Troop, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regi- ment, crossed the river on a suspension foot bridge early in the morning and didn’t know exactly what they would fi nd in the never- before patrolled mountain on the other side. Photos by Army Staff Sgt. David Hopkins “We had a few objectives Sgt. Levi Bradstream, infantryman with C Co., 6th squadron, 4th Cavalry regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, rests while on patrol in the Tsunel when crossing the river to go up Valley of northeastern Afghanistan. The patrol, which is to search for enemy fi ght- the mountain,” Army Capt. Jay ing positions, is the fi rst on the east side of the valley. The troop is trying discover Bessey, C Troop commander, where the enemy is attacking convoys from so they can move freely through the from Greenville, Mich., said. “We valley to resupply Soldiers in the north. wanted to disrupt enemy opera- Army Staff Sgt. Eric Winn, C Troop knew the possibility of an attack on tions, demonstrate our ability to squad leader from Colorado City, us when on the mountain,” Winn cross the river, deny the area as a Texas, said. “You can only carry said. “We needed to stay alert the safe haven and demonstrate to the so much water and equipment up whole time.” civilian population that we are here that kind of terrain and you have to When the troop reached to offer support and security.” watch out for the enemy the whole a plateau near the summit of the The Soldiers patrol moun- time and make sure you aren’t mountain they stopped to check tains on the west side of the Kunar making yourself vulnerable.” maps and investigate the area. River regularly to support Observa- As observation helicopters Some of the Scouts pulled security tion Posts along the river, but this buzzed overhead, providing air while others rested with their backs mountain provided more challeng- support, the Soldiers slowly made against the cool boulders in the ing terrain than most, which slowed their way up draws, donkey trails shade of small trees. the progress up the boulder-strewn and forged their own path. Then a shot rang out, mountainsides and created other “In an environment like that echoing through the valley. The challenges. you need to have all the pieces Soldiers were instantly alert, scan- “It was more strenuous working together,” Bessey said. ning the mountainside for any than other patrols we’ve done,” “From the aviation, the artillery, the movement, color variation or any ANA and us on the ground, they all other sign of where the shots were have to be on the same page so coming from. no one gets hurt.” “Does anyone see where Every couple hundred feet it’s coming from?” one Soldier of elevation gain the troop would shouted from a fi ghting position take short halts to catch their behind the cover of a rock, but only breath, but they didn’t fully relax one shot was fi red. There were because of the danger of attack. other shots later, but they were “We know they attack the spaced out and no one could tell district center and the OP across from what direction they were be- Spc. William Cosman, 6-4 Cavalry Scout, pulls security during a mountain patrol. the river from that mountain so we ing fi red. [CAVALRY continued on Page 14]

May 2009 14 Rural village sees brighter future with new school By Capt. Dustin Hart Nangarhar PRT

The Nangarhar Provin- cial Reconstruction Team joined provincial government offi cials and the people of a rural village in Dara-Noor District to celebrate the completion of a boys and girls school, May 12. The school, which cost $178,000, took less than a year to complete and includes two school buildings, two latrines, and two wells. Due to the rural, mountain- ous location of Safer Kala village and a nearby river that is prone to Photo by Air Force Capt. Dustin Hart ﬂ ooding, the construction of the Army 2nd Lt. Steve Klenke, an engineer with the Nangarhar PRT, celebrates with school experienced some diffi cul- local offi cials during the ribbon-cutting of a new school in Safer Kala village in Dara-Noor District, May 12. ties. “Anyone involved with “This is a proud moment “This school will bring light construction knows all projects will for everyone here because even in to the people here and the teach- have some problems,” Army 2nd this remote area, where no school ers are giving a bright future to the Lt. Steve Klenke, a PRT engineer existed before, the government, students. This is making a better from Detroit Mich. said during the through the help of the [Interna- life for this village. ceremony. “This project was no tional Security Assistance Forces,] “If the insurgents could see different. We are able to stand was able to provide a school the Muslims in this area that are in front of this completed school building for the children to be edu- working hard for a better future thanks to the diligence and pa- cated,” said Mohammad Ibrahim, for their children, they could see tience of the people of this village, Nangarhar province deputy direc- what true Islam is about,” the elder district offi cials and the provincial tor of education. added. government. I am happy to be a Elders from the area also Education remains a top part of that team and play a small ensured the government and PRT priority for the Nangarhar PRT. role in helping bring education your that the school would be protected The school in Safer Kala village children.” from any outside threats. was one of 21 schools currently Local offi cials also ex- “We have requested the being constructed by the PRT. The pressed their happiness with the support from all the people here to PRT has recently completed fi ve completion of the school because take care and protect this school,” schools in fi ve districts and has of the benefi ts it will offer. an elder said during the ceremony. proposed an additional 39 projects. 1st Infantry Scouts, fi rst to walk Kunar area since start of OEF [CAVALRY continued from Page 13] to go around the mountain, which “The trip down was worse took hours. than going up,” Army Sgt. 1st Class Shortly after the small “We found a new route to Jimmy Carswell, platoon sergeant attack two locals walked into the a nearby village and we gained a from Dexter, Ga., said. “We had area along a trail. better understanding of the terrain to pay constant attention to where They were questioned and up there for future operations,” we were stepping and that made it through this a passage over the Bessey said. diffi cult to look for other dangers.” mountain to a village in the next After some exploring on When the troop was safely valley was discovered. the mountain, the scouts made the off the mountain they could offi cial- It was previously thought all challenging hike down under the ly call the mission a success and foot traffi c from the next valley had cover of darkness. rest after the grueling patrol.

May 2009 15 May Reenlistments 2nd Battalion 2nd Inf. Reg. Special Troops Battalion BAKER JACK W. (HHC) BLACK JOHNNY L. (C. CO.) CALMAN JASON D. (A. CO.) HALL NIGELLE L. (HHC) CARL JOSEPH K. (FSC) JAMESON MICHAEL W. (HHC) CARR LEVI L. (HHC) LINDSEY ROBERT A. JR (HHC) DENNEE TYLER M. (B. CO.) MENDEZ BENJAMIN L. (B. CO.) DIXON TIMOTHY C. (HHC) MOTSINGER JAMES I. (A. CO.) DUNCAN SEAN K. (HHC) SHEMWELL MARK R. (B. CO.) FRANCO ISAAC A. (C. CO.) WIPPERFURTH KEN R. (HHC) GUMBERT MICHEAL P. (D. CO.) HARRIS ANDREW M. (C. CO.) 1st Battalion 26th Inf. Reg. HART JOSEPH P. (FSC) BRAMLETT JASON A. (A. CO.) HOCKENBERRY CHARLES (B. CO.) CALLOWAY CHAUNCEY K. (FSC) HOLBROOK ANTHONY A. (HHC) DOHERTY JAMES M. (A. CO.) JACOBS CODY B. (A. CO.) HALL GARRETT A. (HHC) JALLOH ABDUL R. (FSC) JOHN MARLON K. (HHC) JIMENEZ ANTHONY (FSC) JONES AARON L. SR (HHC) KIPE MATTHEW R. (HHC) KING JERRY J. JR (C. CO.) KRAUS ALEXANDER N. (D. CO.) KOPPELMAN KRISTOPHER (A. CO.) NIELSEN THOMAS B. (FSC) PATTERSON ELIJA J. (B. CO.) RAMSEY MICHAEL S. (A. CO.) WARREN WILLIAM M. (FSC) REEDY LAURA S. (B. CO.) WEIS CHRISTOPHER A. (B. CO.) ROSSI KYLE T. (A. CO.) SIEBER MICHAEL C. (HHC) 6th Squadron 4th Cav. Reg. STROTHER JONELLE D. (HHC) DUNKLEBERGER JOSHUA (B. TRP.) THOMAS EARNEST B. II (HHC) GOFF KIRK H. (C. TRP.) TIMMONS JOSEPH L. (FSC) JONES AARON M. (HHT) 201st Brigade Support Btn. MEINEKE MATHEW S. (HHT) OCONNER NATHANIEL J. (FSC) CANTU CARLOS (A. CO.) RUMLER RYAN A. (C. TRP.) MIKRUT, MICHAEL JR. (B. CO.) SHAFER CALEB J. (HHT) VACEK ANGELA MAY E. (HHC) 1st Battalion 6th Field Art. HHC Brigade ALVAREZ FERNANDO G. (FSC) BURTON ALICIA J. (HHT) BRIGGINS CHRIS L. JR. (FSC) TURNER KENNETH A. (FSC)