Try our Maze & Crossword! Sports stars visit our Troops PAGE 5 PAGE 10 Triple Nickel Tribune “Willing And Able!” JOINT TASK FORCE TRI P L E N I C K E L NEWSLETTER OF THE TH EATER ENGINEER BRIGADE IN AFGHANISTAN Facebook.com/JointTaskForceTripleNickel Issue 2 — March 2013 “We accept the challenge Message from today brings. It is time to roll up our sleeves and the Commander get to work.” Colonel Nicholas Katers, “Able 6”

Triple Nickel Team, At A Glance…

 TRIPLE NICKEL SERVING AS THEATER The Soldiers, Sailors and ENGINEER BRIGADE, COMMANDING Airmen of Joint Task Force Triple ABOUT 5,000 ENGINEER TROOPS Nickel continue to set the stan- dard for excel-  ENGINEER FORCES SPREAD ACROSS lence here in AFGHANISTAN IN VARIOUS ROLES Af gha nist a n. Photo by Task Force Anchor  FOURTH LARGEST UNIT UNDER ISAF Naval engineers, or Seabees, place concrete for a water well pump house. These While our mis- JOINT COMMAND, BEHIND ONLY wells give units direct, cost-effective water access on bases across the country. sion is tough EAST, SOUTH, AND SOUTHWEST and dangerous, REGIONAL COMMANDS I am always Water well teams improve impressed with  JOINT TEAM LED BY 555TH ENG. BRIGADE HQS… INCLUDES ARMY, the positive bases, save millions in costs NAVY, AND AIR FORCE, AS WELL AS attitudes and “Essayons” spirit of ACTIVE, RESERVE, AND GUARD our force. Every day, hundreds of Chief Eqpmt. Operator Dawn Mayhugh began to drill the first of five water Triple Nickel Warriors spend valu- Task Force Anchor Public Affairs wells across the country.  TRIPLE NICKEL FOCUSED ON AFGHAN able time teaching the Afghan Two 12-man teams took charge ARMY ENGINEER PARTNERSHIP, ISAF Engineers how to perfect their CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan – of two Laibe drill rigs and more than TROOP CONSTRUCTION, AND ROUTE CLEARANCE (KEEPING ROADS SAFE) trade. There are now more Af- Naval engineers in Afghanistan have $2 million of materials. ghan engineers in the fight than completed their fifth water well pro- As 24-hour drilling operations U.S. engineers and they continue ject, giving coalition continued, each team to get better every day. Soon forces direct, cost- “Each well saves the overcame obstacles Inside there will be four Afghan Engi- effective water access military hundreds of ranging from equip- neer Battalions in the fight. We on bases across the thousands of dollars ment repairs to this issue… are setting the stage to let them country, saving the compared to contracted weather delays as win- CSM’S CORNER. take over completely. military millions in ter rain and snow inten- 2 drilling or having to IMPORTANT ISSUES AFFECTING YOU I have had numerous oppor- costs. sified. ENGINEERS WORK WITH STRYKER tunities over the last month to acquire and transport 3 Launching out in The teams were con- BRIGADE TO BUILD NEW ROAD visit our troops in the field, and Sept. 2012, U.S. Navy water from off-base.” stantly tested as hidden what they accomplish through Seabees from Naval rock formations and PARTNERS APPLAUD AFGHAN UNIT 4 (STORY FROM TF OUTLAW) their hard work and skill is defi- Mobile Construction Battalion voids changed drilling speeds. By nitely impressive. Commanders (NMCB) 133, Task Force Anchor, managing the “mud” program HHC GETS COMBAT PATCHES. 6 HELPING FALLEN TROOPS, FAMILIES around Afghanistan tell me that through skillful manipulation of we are a decisive force in shaping chemicals, the teams progressed in MILITARY FAMILIES RECONNECT 7 the way to Afghan self reliance. operations. “Mud” is a combination DURING AFGHANISTAN DEPLOYMENT Please follow JTF Triple Nickel on of water and a number of chemical 307TH ENGINEERS FROM TF SAW 8 Facebook to see the great accom- agents that allows the water well DEFEND ROADS FROM IEDS plishments of your Soldiers. You team to bring soil drilled out of the AFGHAN ENGINEERS BUILD UP BASE. 9 will not be disappointed. water well to the surface. US ENGINEERS HELP TRANSFER BASE We are Willing and Able! The wells have an average MEDICAL TIPS: FIGHTING MALARIA. 13 depth of nearly 1,000 feet and pro- CHAPLAIN’S CLOSING Utilitesman 2nd Class Kelby Bracken - Col. Nick Katers duce an average of 100 gallons of ABOUT THE “TRIPLE NICKEL” 14 welds a sump pump for a water (Continued on page 2) “Able 6” well during drilling operations.

Page 1 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013

Command Sergeant Major’s Corner Important issues affecting you: Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Bryan, “Able 7” Food and services on bases: Suspending Tuition Assistance BOTTOM LINE: Soldiers still get at (T.A.) due to fiscal challenges: least 3 meals a day, but instead of BOTTOM LINE: No new T.A. re- Triple Nickel Family, “You can be sure your all hot chow, some may be pack- quests until further notice. Cur- aged meals. We reduce contracted rent enrollments unaffected; other As we pass through the first Soldier is Willing and services so we can properly draw funding sources still available. month into the second, you can Able to continue the down our forces from Afghanistan. The Secretary of the Army be sure your Soldier is Willing Transition is a continuous approved suspension of Tuition fight in a far away land, operation and one we take seri- and Able to Assistance beginning last week, alongside many other ously. Across the country our due to the current fiscal situation. continue the forces are closing bases and draw- dedicated American The suspension applies to all com- fight in a far ing down our presence here away land, service members.” To set the conditions for each ponents and will remain effect until alongside many base closure or a base transfer, non the fiscal situation matures. other dedicated -tactical logistics and support ser- Soldiers are not permitted to American ser- needs to feel better about the vices (i.e. any non-mission essential submit new requests for Tuition vice members. situation. Your Soldier needs you services) must begin to decline. Assistance through the GoArmyEd We are figuring out our battle to stay strong and remember Typically the complete cessa- portal. Soldiers currently enrolled tion of non-tactical logistics and rhythm to ensure mission suc- that they are thinking about you and participating in courses ap- services, such as laundry services proved for tuition assistance are cess, and we will continue to daily. or morale, welfare and recreation not affected and will be allowed to move forward ensuring progress services, occurs 2-3 months prior is always on the horizon. Thank you for all the contin- to a base closure or transfer. Still, complete current course(s). ued care and support you’ve commanders may determine a Soldiers can continue to ac- Remember there are a lot given to your loved ones, the need to make such changes earlier cess their GI Bill benefits, if applica- of resources available to you in Triple Nickel team, and all our or phase them in slower over a ble (either Montgomery or Post case you are feeling down and troops fighting for the Nation longer period of time. 9/11 GI Bill), or use other funding need some help. The Triple they love! Such decisions depend on sources (i.e. grants, scholarships, or many factors, such as the size of Nickel family is only as strong as Army National Guard Soldiers using the base, location and the trans- state Tuition Assistance). Soldiers its weakest link, so also be sure Willing and Able, portation assets available. The should be encouraged to contact to lend an ear to someone that CSM Kevin Bryan move to an expeditionary footprint may need someone to talk to. is nothing new. It is how we train, local education centers for addi- Sometimes being heard is all one it is how we came into Afghanistan tional information. Updates will be and it is how we will exit each base. posted to www.goarmyed.com. Water well teams (Continued from page 1) clean water per minute. “Coalition and Afghan forces will benefit for years due to their efforts,” said Chief Petty Officer This newsletter belongs to the David Asbury, construction officer with JTF Triple Nickel. WILLING AND ABLE members of Each well saves the military Joint Task Force Triple Nickel… hundreds of thousands of dollars The Triple Nickel Tribune is an authorized compared to the costs of contracted newsletter for members of the 555th drilling or having to acquire and Engineer Brigade and Joint Task Force transport water from off-base, ac- Triple Nickel. Contents are not necessarily Send us photos, stories, and ideas for cording to Asbury. endorsed by the Dept. of the Army, Dept. The military has so far saved of Defense, or United States Government. future coverage, and see your unit’s Content is reviewed, edited, and approved accomplishments highlighted on our over $2 million with these projects. by the Brigade Public Affairs Officer. Across the country, these wells For questions, comments, or submissions, Facebook page and in future editions continue to have a positive impact please contact the Brigade PAO. and increase the quality of life for of the Triple Nickel Tribune! Public Affairs Officer: CPT Spencer Garrison thousands of coalition personnel. [email protected] Task Force Anchor, part of the Theater Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Facebook.com/JointTaskForceTripleNickel Force Triple Nickel, is deployed to Email: [email protected] Afghanistan in support of coalition forces and the Afghan people.

Page 2 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013 Triple Nickel & Stryker task force team up: Engineers partner with 4th Stryker Brigade to build new road

By U.S. Army Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth away any debris from the combat 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs engineers’ blasts and leveled the roadway. They would then shape FORWARD OPERATING BASE the road and lay a base layer of fill MASUM GHAR, Afghanistan – After followed by a layer of gravel. Due to more than a month of hard work, small canals that crossed through soldiers from Combined Task Force 4 the road, the horizontal engineers -2 (4th Stryker Brigade Combat had to emplace culvert systems to Team, 2nd Infantry Division) and the create stronger and more stable 229th Engineer Company of the roadways. Wisconsin Army National Guard The new four-mile-long road completed a road project, Feb. 13, in stretches through an area known as the Panjwa’i district of Afghanistan. the “Horn of Panjwa’i” and gives the Each of the units involved pro- local populace a direct route to the vided a critical piece to the project. district center, said Eckelberg. Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Engineers also widened the Infantry Regiment, provided two road for easier access by Afghan platoons and borrowed a battalion locals, Afghan National Security mortar platoon to secure the area Forces, and coalition forces. around the sites being constructed. “It was a one season road Two Afghan National Army platoons where maybe a donkey and a cart also patrolled the road and helped could’ve passed,” explained Eckel- secure the area. berg, a Tomah, Wisc., native. “Now, The combat engineers of the we’re turning it into a three season 38th Engineer Company used Mine road and it’s going to be passable Clearing Line Charges to clear any here by ... anything that we’ve got.” obstructions from the projected The road serves not only as a road path and get rid of any impro- means of transportation to nearby vised explosive devices that might marketplaces and government struc- have been buried along the old path. tures, but it also has tactical rele- Sgt. 1st Class Hayden Eckel- vance. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth, 4th SBCT., 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs berg, the platoon sergeant for 3rd “It’s important to both forces Soldiers with 229th Eng. Co. emplace a culvert system in a canal Jan. Platoon, 229th Eng. Co., and fellow because what it does is it gives the 30, in Panjwa’i district of Afghanistan. The engineers worked with horizontal engineers of 229th Eng. ANA a fighting chance once Bayonet Combined Task Force 4-2 to build a four-mile-long road. Co. built the road. Company leaves this (area of opera- said Eckelberg. Eckelberg said work- road existed. They used bulldozers to clear tions) … to get to the enemy faster,” ing on the project gave him a sense “(We) see a vast difference in of satisfaction. the AO just because of the road,” “It really gives me great pride said Boise. to be able to build a road for these The Afghan police created one guys and make it easier for them to checkpoint during road construction bring the fight to the enemy rather and began patrolling road, Boise than just (having) to stop because of said. IEDs and whatnot,” he explained. One week after completing the Capt. Matthew Boise, the com- road, the Afghan police set up an- pany commander of B Company, 1st other checkpoint, he said. Bn., 38th Inf. Regt., said he and his In the end, it took everyone’s soldiers, who patrol in the area, support to complete the project that started seeing affects immediately. will benefit all parties involved. Boise said his soldiers have “It really brought all the forces already patrolled the area both together to build an amazing road Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth, 4th SBCT., 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs mounted and dismounted, some- and secure it along the way,” Eckel- A soldier with 229th Eng. Co. of the Wisconsin Army National Guard thing they could not do before the berg said. dumps gravel into a canal Jan. 30 in Panjwa’i district of Afghanistan.

Page 3 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013 Recognizing Afghan excellence: Afghan Army engineers receive medal

By U.S. Army Capt. Paul Wyckoff Task Force Outlaw Public Affairs

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Af- ghanistan – An Afghan National Army (ANA) unit partnered with 120th Engineer Bn. the 1433rd Engineer Company is Task Force Outlaw now validated to conduct full inde- pendent route clearance opera- tions to keep the roads safe in “The soldiers of the 3rd of Afghanistan. the 205th are highly trained The 120th Engineer Battalion and efficient. They have and its 1433rd Engineers met Feb. 19 to congratulate the Route Clear- actually been conducting ance Company (RCC) of the ANA’s limited independent 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps, on their crease over the next few years,” “The 3rd of the 205th is one operations since early said O’Callaghan. of the best ANA Route Clearance successful validation of mission August.” essential tasks. Lt. Col. Jack Ritter, 120th Engi- Companies in Afghanistan, and the “The common core tasks that neer Battalion Commander, pre- 1433rd did a great job in partnering Sgt. Marvin Niemi the ANA were tested on are essen- sented Capt. Aslam, commander of and preparing them to take the tial tasks that need to be mastered the 3rd Bde., 205th Corps RCC, lead in clearing routes in this area” in order to conduct route clearance with the Oklahoma Thunderbird Ritter said. medal in recognition of the RCC’s Capt. Todd Falor, commander here in Afghanistan,” said Sgt. First Lt. Col. Jack Ritter, 120th Class Barry O’Callaghan. achievements. of the 1433rd Eng. Co., also ad- Sgt. First Class O’Callaghan The Oklahoma Thunderbird dressed the troops and thanked Eng. Bn. commander, and Sgt. Marvin Niemi are part of Medal was designed to recognize them for the great working rela- presented Capt. Aslam, the 1433rd Engi- and reward an indi- tionship that they have had over commander of the 3rd Bde., neer Company’s vidual or organiza- the last nine months. He also pre- 205th Corps RCC, with the tion demonstrating sented five soldiers with 120th Eng. ANA partnership Oklahoma Thunderbird team in charge of outstanding service, Bn. coins to recognize their effort training. “The sol- achievement or and dedication to their mission. Medal in recognition of the diers of the 3rd of contribution made “The 3rd of the 205th has RCC’s achievements. the 205th are highly in support of the been a pleasure to work with and is trained and effi- Oklahoma National a very professional group of sol- cient. They have Guard in the per- diers. We’ve never had a detona- Upper photo: Lt. Col. Jack Ritter, rear actually been con- formance of their tion when following down a route left, commander of the 120th Eng. Bn, ducting limited missions. Eligible that they have cleared” remarked and Capt. Todd Falor, right, commander independent opera- recipients must not O’Callaghan. of the 1433rd Eng. Co., pose with the tions since early be members of the Task Force Outlaw ANA liai- commander and senior enlisted advisor United States son Capt. Montana Dugger ex- August,” said Niemi. of the ANA’s Route Clearance Company, Armed Forces, but can include plained the way ahead now that The RCC finished the valida- 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps, after the unit's tion process on Feb. 14, 2013. retirees, foreign dignitaries, or the ANA Company is validated. successful completion of training in Kan- “The ANA soldiers that work coalition forces. “We will take more of a back seat dahar Province, Afghanistan, Feb. 19. with the 1433rd are very proficient, After presenting the Thunder- role as the ANA take the lead. Our well trained soldiers. The validation bird Medal to Capt. Aslam, Lt. Col. company level partnership teams Ritter presented the Afghan unit with the process gave them the ability to Ritter addressed the ANA troops in will move more towards mentor- State of Oklahoma's Thunderbird Medal. showcase their abilities and prove formation and thanked them for ship, concentrating more on cri- Lower photo: Lt. Col. Ritter congratu- they are ready to take the lead in their outstanding service and dedi- tique of effectiveness and less on lates the Afghan route clearance com- defense of their country as the cation to making their country training.” pany commander after presenting the number of American troops de- safer. State of Oklahoma’s Thunderbird Medal.

Page 4 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013 There’s help when you need it…

Crisis Intervention Hotline Warriors: Need someone to talk to, or have a buddy here who needs help?

The Crisis Intervention Hotline is staffed 24/7. If you need to talk to a counselor, you can reach them from any NIPR phone by dialing 1-1-1. You can also reach Crisis Counselors by Afghan Local National Phone by dialing 070-113-2000, (wait for tone) then 1-1-1. Also reach Crisis Counselors by NIPR email at [email protected].

Remember, you aren't alone! Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth, 4th SBCT., 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs

JTF Triple Nickel Presents... HELPFUL HINT: ALL ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND INSIDE THIS A Maze ‘N’ Crossword ISSUE OF THE NEWSLETTER! Challenge!

Maze: Follow the white boxes. Start here.

It’s a maze! Help the Triple Nickel engineers return to their base, the red castle! About this Photo: Members of the 777th Expeditionary Prime BEEF Squad- ron and 755th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron travel to help fix broken water wells in villages near Bagram Airfield, Jan. 26. These airmen traveled by foot over dirt roads and had to carry all their tools and equipment by hand along with their weapons. (USAF. photo/Senior Airman Chris Willis) Finish. You’ve returned to the base. Great job! ACROSS 1. Prime ____ team helped fix village wells DOWN 4. Football star that met our troops 1. Seabee/Infantry brothers' hometown 5. Our Chaplain 2. Pvt. 1st Class pictured in knee-deep snow 7. His reenlistment was a blast 3. Name of new Brigade HHC 1st Sgt. 10. Resist this illness by taking your meds 6. Worked with a ___ brigade to build roads 11. Where's the 'Super FOB'? 8. 307th Engineer Task Force 12. Baseball legend that met our troops 9. We repair road ____s caused by IEDs 14. Thunder___ Medal presented to Afghans 13. Arranged a celebrity visit to Bagram 15. Engineer-focused artwork: "Clear, __, Build" 14. A decent grade in school

Page 5 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013 Brigade Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC)

Greetings from Bagram company officially donned the staff dining together at the first Airfield, Afghanistan. The Sen- Triple Nickel combat patch leader's call in Koele Dining ior Leaders, Officers, Soldiers symbolizing solidarity and co- Facility, Brigade Soldiers enjoy- and sailors assigned or at- hesion. Also, the company wel- ing some leisure time at the tached to the Headquarters comed First Sergeant Dwayne company batting cage, and company for Joint Task Force Beckles, and bid a farewell First junior leaders and NCOs learn- Triple Nickel have kept very Sergeant Raymond Woothtake- ing lessons on stress and anger busy supporting wartime ef- wahbitty as the company first management from the Brigade forts. sergeant. First Sergeant Chaplain. All and all, we are Included in the mix of tar- Woothtakewahbitty will as- doing well. geting and planning opera- sume the rank of Master Ser- tions, the Soldiers of the geant and will stay with the Strength in Numbers! "Phalanx" company have also Brigade Staff as Brigade Motor joined together to commemo- Sergeant. - Capt. Matthew D. Pride rate this important time to- Other notable events in- HHC Cdr., Phalanx 6 gether. On 2 March 2013, the clude Senior leaders on Brigade

HHC receives combat patches

Spc. Tanisha Ponder, of HHC, receives her combat patch from Sgt. 1st Class Robert Nelson, during the company’s patching ceremony Mar. 1.

The combat patch is the unit’s emblem, worn on a service member’s right shoulder beneath the American flag. It is given to a Soldier usually after a month of service in a combat 1st Sgt. Dwayne Beckles, the new HHC first sergeant, stands before zone. It can be worn proudly even after HHC with Capt. Matthew Pride and outgoing 1st Sgt. Raymond returning home from deployment. Woothtakwahbitty following the change of responsibility ceremony.

Sales of artwork benefit 555 Able Soldier and Family Fund The 555 Able Soldier & Family Fund helps support our Triple Nickel Soldiers and their Families during their times of greatest need, assisting those deployed and Families of our Fallen troops. The Able Fund recently commissioned world- renowned combat artist Patrick Haskett to create a print titled “Clear-Hold-Build.” This print, shown above, depicts the 864th Engineer Battalion constructing a combat outpost in Afghanistan. This print is being offered at $80, with proceeds going directly to the Able Fund. Visit 555soldierfund.com for info and to order.

Page 6 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013 Combat engineering runs in the family: Deployed Sapper father promotes Sapper son, also deployed

The two men agreed that are different. the experience of Kelch Sr. being Kelch Jr. said he likes the able to promote Kelch Jr. in a excitement of looking for impro- deployed environment would vised explosive devices, while his bring them closer, not only be- father said he loves building cause of the father and son things and blowing things up. bond, but also the military tie. Even though the two simply “He’s one of the inspirations spent the day walking around I had to join the Army, so … him the FOB and hanging out, Kelch being here is very important to Jr. said he was glad to have some me,” said Kelch Jr. time with his father. When he decided to join the “I miss him as my dad,” he military, Kelch Jr. followed his said. “So, it was good to see fam- father’s footsteps after seeing ily.” Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth, 4th SBCT., 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs how much his father enjoyed Should his son choose to By U.S. Army Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth ern Afghanistan to promote being a combat engineer. stay in the military, Kelch Sr. had 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs Kelch Jr. to specialist, Feb. 27 at “I have the same mindset as some poignant words of advice FOB Masum Ghar in the Panjwa’i my dad,” he explained. for him. FORWARD OPERATING district of Afghanistan. Even with their similar “Remember where he came BASE MASUM GHAR, Afghani- The father and son are both mindsets, their reasons why they from; we were all privates once,” stan – When Spc. Daniel Kelch, deployed to Afghanistan in sup- enjoy being combat engineers he said. Jr. walked across the stage to port of Operation Enduring Free- receive his branch insignia as a dom. combat engineer during his Ad- Kelch Jr. is a combat engi- vanced Individual Training neer with 38th Engineer Com- graduation, his father, a sergeant pany, Combined Task Force 4-2 major who was serving at Fort (4th Stryker Brigade Combat Leonard Wood, Mo., at the time, Team, 2nd Inf. Div.). Kelch Sr. is surprised him by stepping out at the operations sergeant major the last minute to pin the insig- for 555th Engineer Brigade. Both nia onto the lapel of his son’s units are based out of Joint Base dress uniform. Lewis-McChord, Wash. Nearly a year and a half “Being I was in theatre and later, it was no surprise to Sgt. an engineer like he is, I wanted Maj. Daniel Kelch Sr.’s son that to be able to give him his first he was traveling from northeast- promotion,” said Kelch Sr. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth, 4th SBCT., 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs Seabee, Infantry brothers reunite By U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class occasion to visit the outpost hard enough to get to see family Steven Myers where his younger brother, Army while deployed or even on active Task Force Anchor Public Affairs Pvt. 1st Class Stephen Cullins, is duty, much less in Afghanistan.” deployed with the Rakkasans of “I am very thankful that CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan - A the 187th Infantry Regiment. both of our commands let us Seabee from Naval Mobile Con- “It was a once in a lifetime have this opportunity,” he struction Battalion (NMCB) 133 opportunity,” said Samuel, who added. “I know I enjoyed it very had a rare chance to reunite with had not seen his brother since much, and so did he.” a loved one while deployed in his boot camp graduation in NMCB 133, part of Joint Afghanistan Feb. 9. 2011. “I was amazed at the dif- Task Force Triple Nickel, is de- Blanchard, Okla., native ference in the person that he has ployed to in support of engineer Utilitiesman Second Class Sam- become, and how joining the operations for coalition forces Photo by Task Force Anchor uel Cullins had the fortunate Army has developed him. It is and the Afghan people.

Page 7 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013 307th Engineer Battalion arrives, assumes mission of safeguarding Afghan roads

National Army (ANA) engineer force and providing mentorship in engineer operations to ensure the ANA are capable of operating as an independent fighting force. U.S. route clearance pack- ages will also conduct partnered patrols with ANA forces. Their primary mission is to ensure safe passageway for coalition forces and Afghan civilians. They work to find and eliminate the threat By U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alessandra Braun of improvised explosive devices Task Force SAW Public Affairs (IEDs). The transfer-of-authority CAMP LEATHERNECK, Af- ceremony was held at Camp ghanistan – The mission to keep Leatherneck, Afghanistan. During roads safe in Afghanistan is get- the ceremony the 307th unfurled ting an Airborne boost with the their battalion colors for the first arrival of the 307th Engineer time since departing Fort Bragg, Battalion (Combat) (Airborne). N.C., signifying their arrival in On the morning of Feb. 24, Afghanistan in support of Opera- Lieutenant Colonel Brett Sylvia, tion Enduring Freedom. commander of 307th Engineer At the same time, the de- Battalion (Combat) (Airborne), parting 507th Eng. Bn. cased assumed command from Lt. Col. their colors until their safe return William M. Myer of the 507th home to Michigan. Over 250 Engineer Battalion during a cere- Soldiers attended the transfer-of mony on base here in southwest -authority ceremony with the Afghanistan. command teams The 307th, and headquarters U.S. route clearance along with sev- and headquarters eral other compa- packages will also conduct companies as well Photo by U.S. Photo by U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Neill Sevelius, Combat Camera nies in theater, partnered patrols with as the forward U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brett Sylvia, commander, 307th Eng. Bn., Task will form Task ANA forces. Their primary support compa- Force SAW, and Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Steven Tetreault uncase the unit Force S.A.W. nies from each colors during their transfer-of-authority ceremony. The event mission is to ensure safe (Sapper, Athlete, battalion. marked the unit’s arrival in Afghanistan. TF SAW will continue the Warrior). The task passageway for coalition Task Force SAW is mission of Afghan Army engineer development and route clear- force will fall forces and Afghan ready for their ance in support of the International Security Assistance Force. under the leader- civilians. mission, said Lt. ship of the Thea- Col. Sylvia during The 307th is the only engi- ter Engineer Bri- the ceremony. neer battalion with a company in gade, Joint Task Force Triple Turning to Col. Nicholas every regional command in Af- Nickel, and they will resume the Katers, commander of JTF Triple ghanistan besides Kabul. They ongoing mission in support of Nickel, Sylvia added, “We will spent over a year training and the International Security Assis- carry your torch, and we will do preparing for partnership opera- tance Force (ISAF). it the only way we know how – tions and their route clearance Their primary focus will be with discipline, initiative, and mission. This is also the fourth on partnership operations with synchronized with our team- time that the “All American” Afghan Army engineers. Engineer mates and partners. All the Engineers have answered the call Training Teams (ETT) will be Way!” to duty since the Global War on partnering with their Afghan Terror began over a decade ago.

Page 8 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013 Afghan Army engineers build up ‘Super FOB’: Entrance rebuilt to improve traffic and security at Afghan base By U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brock Eastman The original road is reserved Task Force Prowler Public Affairs for traffic entering and leaving the base. This is part of the plan to PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghani- improve security at the base en- stan – As part of base security en- trance. People driving by may have hancements, Afghan National also notice an increase in the num- Army (ANA) soldiers of the Engi- ber of “HESCO,” or wire-framed neer Coy, 4th Kandak, 2nd Brigade, sand-filled container, walls outside 203rd Corps are this month re- the gate. building the entrance to a massive The Engineer Coy is currently forward operating base (FOB) building a multi-layer guard tower. known as the Khair Kot Castle (KKC) “Ali Ahmad is having the sol- “Super FOB.” diers tear down and rebuild the top The enhancements include layer” said Shakur Allah, the Af- building more force protection and ghan non-commissioned officer creating two lanes of traffic, one who was overseeing the construc- Afghan Army engineers chain a cement barrier to a track hoe bucket, for military traffic, and another for tion on Saturday. Ali Ahmad is the Mar. 2. Soldiers of the Engineer Coy, 4th Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 203rd civilian vehicles entering the base. coy’s acting first sergeant and is the Corps are this month rebuilding the entrance to a massive forward Citizens traveling in the KKC principal quality control approver operating base known as the Khair Kot Castle (KKC) “Super FOB.” area may have already noticed a for the project. “The top layer was road change along the outside of not square enough, and the en- the final validation for the Afghan when complete, will prove the the base. Prior to construction, the trance needed to be moved,” Sha- coy. For the last several months, engineer coy is prepared to work 4th Kandak created a bypass route kur added. U.S. engineers have been advising independently. approximately 10 meters out from United States Army engineer and assisting the engineer coy Construction is underway and the base. All civilian traffic is now soldiers are closely watching this during projects. This project is free is expected to be done this month. routed to this bypass. project. The project will serve as of any direct American input and, Triple Nickel engineers help transfer, close bases: As part of drawdown, former joint base handed over to Afghans By U.S. Army 1st Lt. Tyler Dovel the 857th Horizontal Platoon. The platoon deconstructed area of Pul-e Alam. They are the Task Force Diehard Public Affairs This was his first deconstruc- between twenty and thirty build- only Kandak operating in the area tion mission, but with the gradual ings on the older northern section without a direct ISAF partnership. LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghani- decline of ISAF personnel in Af- of the FOB, including a fuel and a According to Maj. Rodriguez, the stan — As the Soldiers from the ghanistan as the Afghan National water point. A few buildings were former mayor cell officer in charge, 857th Construction Company be- Army (ANA) continues to take the left behind for ANA use, including there are plans of a Czech Military gan packing their trucks and pre- lead in the fight, it probably won’t classrooms and several tents. They Advisor Team to arrive in the near paring for the journey back to For- be his last. left a large stand-off distance be- future, but all of the 1st Kandak’s ward Operating Base (FOB) Shank, “Base closures are always tween the remaining structures operations so far have been unilat- their job site was curiously empty. critical missions to perform. I’m and the outer perimeter of the eral. The flat empty land they were extremely proud of the guys’ moti- FOB, something that was part of In an agreement between Lt. leaving behind at FOB Altimur vation,” Bodies said. the overall plan to help increase Col. Rauf, the 1st Kandak Com- showed very little evidence of The platoon of roughly thirty the 1st Kandak’s defense posture mander, and Maj. Rodriguez, much International Security Assistance Soldiers received help from Afghan once they became the sole resi- of the salvageable materials and Force (ISAF) ever having been soldiers stationed in the area and dents. lumber were saved for the 1st there, which is exactly what the finished the task two days ahead of The 1st Kandak of the 4th Kandak. Horizontal Platoon wanted. schedule. FOB Altimur, which had Brigade, 203rd Corps is the ANA’s “They were really thankful for “One of the things we want to served as a joint base in the Logar battle space owner for security in all of the stuff we left at Altimur,” do is return the land back to its Province, was one of many bases the Southern Logar area. Their Maj. Rodriguez said. “As we left, Lt. original state,” said 2nd Lt. Jimmy that were in the process of being responsibility extends past the Col. Rauf promised to defend the Bodies, a native of Clarksdale, handed over to the ANA com- Baraki Barak, Charkh, and Kherwar FOB and defeat the insurgent Miss., and the platoon leader of pletely. districts, as well as the southern threat.”

Page 9 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013 Manning, USO score ‘touchdown’ with Triple Nickel

By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dave Overson 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment BAGRAM, Afghanistan – There are arguably tens of millions of football fans around the globe, and it is safe to assume that a great deal are fans of Super Bowl champion and current Denver Broncos’ quarter- back, Peyton Manning. So when he touched down on Bagram Air Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Overson Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Taylor Read Field, March 1, the Football star Peyton Manning Manning is met by Triple Nickel Brigade service members speaks to the troops during the Commander Col. Nicholas Katers and assigned there USO tour at Bagram Airfield. Operations Command Sgt. Maj. James were ecstatic... Mitchell upon arrival at Bagram Airfield. Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Overson ers. Both Cassie Trammell and Top photo: American Idol stars Ace Young and In tow with Manning, as part Jackie Bob entertained the crowd “To be able to come here and Diana Degarmo sing to the troops as Dallas of a USO tour, were a few sports with Cowboy’s trivia and a dance perform for the troops is first and Cowboys Cheerleader Cassie Trammell dances. celebrities to help entertain the routine. foremost an honor, said DeGarmo. troops. Major League Baseball hall Peyton Manning thrilled It’s nice to be able to bring a small of famer Curt Schilling delighted those in attendance by throwing a piece of home here and hopefully the crowd with inspiring words, few passes into the crowd. Austin help put their troubles behind for along with National Football Collie, a wide receiver with the just a moment.” League’s Austin Collie and Vincent Indianapolis Colts and Vincent “Getting to meet and talk to Jackson. Jackson, a wide receiver with the the soldiers about their daily duties “A lot of my family members Tampa Bay Buccaneers, assisted is quite the blessing for me. I really served in the military, and this is an Manning on stage. love what they all do for us back incredible honor for me to come “It’s truly inspiring to see all of home,” said Manning. here today and say thank you to all the pride and hard work these men The entertainment concluded the men and women putting their and women display every day here, with a myriad of adoring service lives on the line for all of us back and it makes me grateful to be an members obtaining autographs home,” said Schilling. American,” said Manning. from their favorite sports celebri- The host of the USO show, The musical portion of the ties. Whether it was Peyton Man- tour comprised of Ace Young and which was held in a modified tent, ning, or the Dallas Cowboys Cheer- was the Vice Chairman of the Joint Diana DeGarmo, of American Idol Chiefs of Staff, US Navy Adm. fame. The couple, incidentally who leaders, it was obvious the crowd Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Overson James Winnefeld, who had the are engaged to one another, met was walking a bit lighter when the Baseball legend Curt Schilling speaks honor of introducing two members on Idol’s season 11 and toured tour rolled out to the next Afghani- to the troops during the USO event. of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerlead- with USO for the past two years. stan base.

Thank you to the entire USO team for the visit and for all your great support!

-JTF Triple Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Spencer Garrison Above: As thanks for their support of the event, JTF Triple Nickel was presented Nickel Team an autographed baseball from Curt Schilling and football from Peyton Manning. Left: Soldiers from HHC, JTF Triple Nickel pose with Manning at Bagram Airfield. Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Taylor Read Triple Nickel provided planning, security, and logistics support for the event.

Page 10 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013

Family Shout-outs

To SSG Michael Sidley of Thompson, OH. 555th EN BDE. To 1LT James Jonathan Flowers V, 555th EN BDE. We love and miss you so much!!! We are counting down the Jonathan, you're in our thoughts every day as we follow the days till we are together again!! —Leanne Glover Sidley impressive work of the entire JTF Triple Nickel in Afghanistan. We thank you all for your service in bringing about a peaceful Shout out to 2LT Kurt Peterson, HHC from your family back and successful end to this conflict. Godspeed. home in Adkins, Texas! We love you so much and miss you -With much love from your entire family like crazy! Always keeping you and the JTF Triple Nickel in our thoughts and prayers! Big MWA Love you Pap. Pig Sooie. -Spencer And from your proud Grandma Grams back home on the farm — Sending my love and prayers! To PV2 Alexander Avila, 555 EN BDE, from Bay Area, CA. Near or Far, across land and sea our love will always be. To SPC Jarett Davis, 120th EN BN, We love you and miss you We are Army-Family-Strong-HOOAH!! with all our hearts. We can't wait to see you, hurry home safe! Momma, Elijah, and Miss Issy -Brandy Davis SGT Peter St Laurence, 557 EN CO. To my son Trent Vogelsang, specialist with the 258th Engineer We're so proud of you Peter and we miss you and can't wait for Company, Arizona National Guard, in Afghanistan. Can't wait these months to go by so we can have you home with LeeAnn. to see you in May, and can't wait for our family trip to Hawaii. Hope everything is going well for you over there!!! Love, Carol Please be very safe. Dad and I are so proud of you. Love you, and Frank Hajbucki Mom and Dad My name is Leon Just Jr. I was with the 14th Engineers and I'm Greetings from Pease Greeter Inge Houck, in Dover, New sending a shout out to all the old and new RUGGED soldiers. Hampshire. We'll leave the light on for ya. And we'll be here when you get back. I'm proud of the Engineers. Take care. To SPC Julian Wheeler, Pacemakers… From Rick and your (*Editor’s Note: Thank you Pease Greeters for your amazing support!) sister Christian— Hello from New York City. WE LOVE YOU

To CSM Richard Raby, 120th EN BN, Okmulgee, Oklahoma. To my son PVT Justin Crouch, 370th Sapper Co., 110th EN We love you and are counting the days! Happy Easter! BN, from Millbury, MA. We miss you, stay safe, stay cool! Sue, Sue Ann, Jeremy To PFC Scott Salwasser, 617 Co., 864th EN BN, from Fresno, To SPC David Frock, 585th EN CO, Message from CA... We love you so much. One month down. Stay safe. Gettysburg, Pa... We love and miss you so much. Stay strong, HOOAH!!!!! -Marcie Rhoades Besecker we will see you soon! Love always, Your wife and son!

To PFC David Poulin II, 864th EN BN, From Turner Maine... Welcome Home! We love you and miss you lots. Can't wait for your safe return. <3 -Heather Poulin Sergeant Snowman Says...

Want to be as ‘cool’ as me? Follow us on Facebook! Get up-to-date news, pictures, and info about the great stuff happening in the Engineer Brigade. Facebook.com/JointTaskForceTripleNickel Pvt. 1st Class Thomas Rinebold of Sgt. Snowman, of Task Force Die- Albrightsville, PA embraces his hard, diligently stands at his post The Triple Nickel Facebook belongs to you, daughter earlier this month, after keeping the basketball court safe our Service Members and Families, so we his early redeployment to the during the inclement weather. look forward to connecting with you soon!! United States with the 111th Photo by Task Force Diehard Sapper Co., Task Force Diehard.

Page 11 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013 Around the Triple Nickel...

Photo by Master Sgt. Bryan Hinzman, Task Force Comet Public Affairs MAZAR-E SHARIF, Afghanistan – Route Clearance Patrol 67, from the 321st Engineer Company, conducts a recent patrol in support of Swedish forces in northern Afghanistan. Their mis- sion is to find enemy-emplaced improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the road and keep them from being used against

Photo courtesy of Task Force Comet either coalition forces or the Afghan people. MAZAR-E SHARIF, Afghanistan – Sgt. Terry Constant from the 919th Engineer Support Company reenlists at the Explosives Ordi- nance Disposal range. This was conducted under strict supervision by EOD personnel, and all safety precautions were taken.

Photo by Capt. Spencer Garrison, JTF Triple Nickel Public Affairs BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Soldiers with their canine comrades from the 49th Engineer Detachment (Mine Dogs) at an awards ceremony and change of command , Mar. 3. This Photo courtesy of Task Force Diehard marked the end of the deployment for some of them, including WARDAK PROVINCE, Afghanistan–Pvt. 1st Class Lane, 41st Clear- Capt. Vlietstra who’s handing command to 1st Lt. Baker. ance Co., trudges through knee deep snow on mission. The 41st has learned firsthand the challenge of winter route clearance.

Photo courtesy of Task Force Diehard Photo by Task Force Diehard Public Affairs LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan—A D7G Bulldozer pushing the WARDAK PROVINCE, Afghanistan– Soldiers from the 41st Clear- remains of the old Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) ance Co. and 3rd Plt., 919th Eng. Co., attached to the Forward building at Forward Operating Base Altimur. The building was Support Company, Task Force Diehard, fill a large crater on High- one of many removed by the 857th Construction Co. in Feb. be- way 1. They filled three craters in their road repair mission, al- fore the base was handed over to the Afghan Army. Story on p. 9 lowing traffic to pass through the area at normal speeds.

Page 12 Triple Nickel Tribune Issue 2 — March 2013 Warmer weather raises Malaria risk... What should you do? By U.S. Army Capt. Simeon Smith What is Malaria? Malaria is a disease cause by a parasite (called Plasmodium) that infects red Task Force Med-A Public Affairs blood cells. The parasite is transmitted from person to person through the bite of mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), malarial mosquitoes typically bite from dusk to As we approach the dawn, particularly inside structures when and where people sleep. Once infected, malaria parasites live warm season in Afghanistan, in different stages in your body. They develop and multiply first in your liver and then in your body. we need to be more vigilant in protecting our troops Symptoms of malaria include: Fever, shaking chills, sweats, headache, muscle aches and against malaria. Afghanistan exhaustion. Symptoms begin 10 days to four weeks after a bite from an infected Anopheles mosquito. has the second highest We can prevent malaria with a combination of the right anti-malarial drugs, the use of DEET-base number of malaria cases in repellent, proper wear of Permethrin-treated uniforms and the use of bed nets: the Eastern Mediterranean  Covering most of the body with Permethrin-treated clothing region according to the  Apply DEET –containing insect repellent to exposed skin United Nations World Health Organization (WHO).  Applying DEET-containing insecticide-treated bed net where air conditioning is not available Afghanistan is acutely prone  Avoiding dusk-to-dawn outdoor activities to malaria due to its tropical climate, paddy fields, poor Take your Anti-malarial medication: Ensure you check with your healthcare provider waste management and to see which medication is right for you. Doxycycline (once daily) or Mefloquine (once weekly) is re- other environmental factors. quired to kill the blood stage parasites (these drugs do not kill the liver stage parasites). Upon final redeployment, take two weeks of primaquine to kill the liver stage parasites even if you What YOU feel well (if you fail to complete this course of medication, malaria will reactivate and make you ill). Take need to anti-malarial medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider even if you don’t feel sick and seek care immediately if you feel sick. know...

Follow these steps to reduce the risk of malaria. For more info, visit the CDC and WHO websites.

Chaplain’s Closing, Maj. Dawud Agbere Trusting yourself and others: A key to healthy living Trust is the cornerstone of Now, if trust is essential to every healthy and rewarding our relationship with others, relationship. It is simply too then it is even more so to our difficult, if not useless, to main- relationship with our own tain a relationship with some- selves. Do I trust the person I one you cannot trust. That is see in the mirror when I wake because to trust, as Warren up every morning? Am I happy Christopher, a former US Secre- with that person in the mirror? tary of State has noted, “is to Is that the kind of person I want rely upon the good faith and to live with for the remainder of judgment of others.” my life? Simply put: Do I trust In essence, trust is the psy- “me”? chological glue that binds us I believe to trust others and together as families and com- build healthy relationships, we munities. Our confidence in our must first trust ourselves. We brigade team to accomplish the cannot trust others nor can we U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Willis, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing mission rests on the trust that expect them to trust us when Air Force engineers lend a helping hand our Soldiers are “Willing and we cannot trust our own selves. Able” to get the job done. Like- As an Irish poet and dramatist BAGRAM, Afghanistan – U.S. airmen from 777th Expeditionary wise, our nation goes to sleep once said, “As soon as you trust Prime BEEF Squadron help Afghan children pump water from a every night because of the trust yourself, you will know how to recently fixed water well in a local village, Jan. 26, 2013. The that the Soldier in the foxhole is live.” Life success begins with airmen teamed up with local Afghan leaders to fix the broken watching our back. self-trust. well and bring fresh groundwater back to the village.

Page 13 Joint Task Force Triple Nickel - The Theater Engineer Brigade in Afghanistan

Our Mission: Deploy in support of the International For questions or comments, contact: Capt. Spencer Garrison, Public Affairs Officer Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and, at the invitation of Email: [email protected] the Government of Afghanistan, provide theater engineer support to include development of the Afghan National Army engineer force, ISAF troop construction, and route clearance, in order to help build a pathway to stability, peace, and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan.

Facebook.com/JointTaskForceTripleNickel We are the Triple Nickel… The 555th Engineer Brigade, currently serving as the Theater Engineer Brigade in Afghanistan, with about 5,000 Engineer Service Members operating across the country. Our pride is each unit comprising our Joint Task Force—each with their own storied histories, some dating to the Civil War. This team of teams serves as a diverse, capable force that always lives out our motto, “Willing and Able!”

Joint Task Force Triple Nickel Willing and Able