2nd Chemical Battalion Red Dragon Newsletter

Spring 2011

From the Battalion Commander

Over the next 90 days we will continue to support our deployed troops and remain actively engaged in the ARCENT AOR. Two of our companies will change com- Inside this issue: mand, one will inactivate, and we will

have one change of responsibility. In ad-

dition the Battalion celebrates its 76th

Birthday (we are the senior Chemical Bat- CDR and CSM’s 1-2 talion in the Army) on the 15th of April with Corner a run and a ceremony. As we continue Since the beginning of the year, your Sol- our preparations for Homeland Defense diers have focused on improving their Operations, the bulk of our Soldiers will Battalion 2 ability to meet current and future mis- deploy to Yakima, Washington for the Fundraiser sions. They have participated in Home- month of May (the single largest move- land Defense exercises, executed a ment of Red Dragon Soldiers since the leader field training exercise (FTX), vali- ) and train with numerous News from the 3-9 dated squads, conducted a Battalion FTX, agencies to ensure our ability to accom- Companies supported deployed formations, partici- pated in operations in ARCENT Area of plish the vital mission to the Nation. operations (AOR), and conducted two changes of responsibility. All while ac- Chaplain’s 10 complishing the standard framework tasks Continued on Page 2 Corner/ required for day to day operations. Retention Notes

Important 10 Contact Command Sergeant Major’s Corner Information Red Dragon Soldiers and Family members:

It has been a busy winter as the battalion gears up for an even busier spring and summer. The upcoming training exercises will give us a unique glimpse into our deployability and readiness. We are the fastest transforming battalion in the entire division as we've been recently fielded some of the latest technology in existence. But alas, as we will be immersed in training, our Red Dragon Vet- erans will be having their annual reunion right here in central Texas! I invite each Soldier and Family member to share in the fellowship with our Brother's in Arms. Last year, we took seven Red Dragons to the Hills of Tennessee where we spent a wonder- ful time with many Korean War Veterans. Continued on page 2 Page 2 2nd Chemical Battalion Red Dragon Newsletter

From the Battalion Commander Continued... All of this is and will be an enormous amount of hard work and no Soldier could ac- complish much without the support that they receive. The success that we realize could not have been accomplished without the family members and friends of the 2nd “The success Chemical Battalion. Thanks to each of you for the wonderful support that you con- that we realize tinue to provide our Soldiers.

could not have Christopher J. Cox LTC, CM been Commanding accomplished Red Dragons! without the “With Fire We Conquer” family members and friends of Command Sergeant Major’s Corner Continued... the 2nd We even had FOUR World War II Veterans attend last year and we’re almost certain Chemical to have a few participate this year. If you've never spent time with our nation's great- est generation, you are missing out on a wonderful experience that only years of wis- Battalion.” dom and maturity can provide.

This time of year it's warming up a bit and I implore each family and Soldier to get out and visit some sights in Texas. There are dozens of great day trips that you can do for not much money (less fuel prices). A trip to one of many Texas state parks can be great for picnics, fishing, boating, camping or just a relaxing hike or snooze under a grand Live Oak tree. (Always take a buddy with you!). http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/

If you would like any suggestions, please don't hesitate to ask myself or my wife Fran. We're here for each of you and want to make your tour of duty at Fort Hood memorable. Red Dragons Command Sergeant Major Kenneth Kraus

Red Dragon Blankets Back By Popular Demand

The 2nd Chemical Battalion will be taking orders for custom designed blankets with the battalion’s logo as part of a fundraising event. The cost of each blanket will be $30 and all profits will go to the Family Readiness Group funds at the company level. The company that sells the most blankets will make more money for their FRGs. What better way is there to support your Soldier’s company and still receive this great product? These blankets are heavy weight custom woven, made of 100% cotton, with dimensions of 70”x50” (please see below for the de- sign). We can accept cash or checks. Please make checks payable to “2nd Chemical Battalion FRG.” If you wish to purchase a blanket, or have any ques- tions, please contact your Soldier’s first sergeant or executive officer.

Spring 2011 Page 3

HEADQUARTERS, HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT “HELLFIRE”

HHD, 2d CBRN Bat- ditionary. With his departure, ment to excellence will leave a talion has been extraordinarily comes an occasion to wel- lasting impression on the De- busy over the last few months, come our new Detachment tachment and the Battalion as and the forecast going forward Sergeant, SFC Gregory James, a whole. st will be more of the same. The formerly of 31 Chemical Soldiers, NCOs and Officers Company, who has already As many of our families of the headquarters continue proven to be a fantastic addi- are already aware, we are pre- to persevere, and I am incredi- tion to our ranks. paring to undertake the largest bly proud of what we have concerted deployment that accomplished through numer- As we forge ahead to- this Battalion has experienced ous ranges, field training exer- wards the spring and summer since World War II, during the cises, and mission support months, we will unfortunately upcoming field training exer- efforts that directly impact the have to bid a fond farewell to cise in Yakima, Washington. combat readiness and welfare a number of fine Soldiers and Thank you all in advance for of all Soldiers in this great Bat- Leaders within our staff. the long hours, diligent work, talion. Among them, 1LT Sharp and and tireless support, especially SFC Williams will be preparing from the families, in the long We are fortunate to to depart for an upcoming months ahead. Your dedi- have some of the best Soldiers overseas deployment, and 1LT cated efforts on behalf of the and Leaders in our Profession Corcoran, 1LT May, and SFC HELLFIRE Team will not go of Arms right here in the Rawls will be returning to the unrecognized, and my heartfelt headquarters. Congratula- home of our CBRN Corps, Ft. gratitude goes out to each and tions to our former Detach- Leonard Wood. In addition, I every Soldier and Family Mem- ment Sergeant, SFC(P) Sammy would like to congratulate our ber. Martinez, on his selection for recent retirees, SSG Pelligrini promotion to Master Ser- and SSG Nesbitt, for their CPT John D. Matsinger III geant, and best of luck in his twenty fleeting years of de- future endeavors with the 13th voted service to the US Army. HELLFIRE! Sustainment Command Expe- Their hard work and commit- Page 4 2nd Chemical Battalion Red Dragon Newsletter

13th Chemical Company “HORSEMEN”

13th CM Company is a BIDS unit that has a rich history since it first activated 1 JUN 1942 at Fort Rucker, Alabama as the 13th CM Maintenance Company. With CPT Habitzreuther (Horseman 6) and 1SG Urbina (Horseman 7) in command, the Company has had platoons out in the field monthly over the past year, exercising Soldier skills such as Urban Operations and room clearing at MOUT sites, Air Insertion, Impro- vised Explosive Device (IED) defeat tactics, patrol base setup, proper radio usage, move- ment under fire, movement to contact and mounted and dismounted land navigation during day and night conditions. The unit conducted and resourced training that led to the successful OTC JCAD field test in Dugway Proving Grounds, UT, resulting in commendation from the office of the Secretary of Defense. The unit prepares for inactivation now on 6 JUN 2011 in this exciting time of transformation for the .

With Lily Urbina as the FRG leader, Karen Hunt as the FRG fundraiser and support from the Soldiers and spouses of the Company, there have been many fun activities such as roller skating, baby showers and a night at ChuckeCheese’s just to name a few. All have been funded by fundraisers such as commissary baggings and Christmas gift wrapping which were also enjoyed by the Soldiers.

Without BIDS vehicles as of Oct 2010, the “Mighty 13th” has focused on honing warrior tasks and battle drills of Soldiers for their next assignments while volunteering at Bonham Mid- dle School and Killeen’s Second Chance Animal Shelter. The Company has recently emphasized certification in Combatives and Combat Life Saver while maintaining proficiency on indi- vidual weapons out on the ranges.

“Mighty 13!”

Spring 2011 Page 5

31st Chemical Company “STEEL DRAGONS”

Welcome to the Dragon Lair! The Steel Dragons, who are the epitome of soldiers that comprises of the 31st Chemical Company have rigorously engaged in various training and community events. In the past eight months, the Steel Dragons participated in the Best Red Dragon Warrior Competition in which two teams composed of the best physically fit sol- diers tackled many tasks to include Land Navigation, marksmanship, and ruck march. One of the teams placed second overall in the Battalion. The Steel Dragons spent a week in September conducting Platoon level field exercises followed by a week long Company Field Training Exercise. During the exercise the Steel Dragon honed their skills with performing Biological Agent Detection and maneuvering across the battlefield in a tactical fashion. The Field Exercise was closed out with the platoons conducting a dismounted ruck march and executing raid and clearing procedures of the Fort Hood Gas Chamber. The Steel Dragon Maintenance and Supply Section was designated with the vital role of supporting 20th Sup- port Command (SUPCOM) with vehicle repair and water and fuel re-supply during Liberty Focus Fiscal Year 11. The exercise involved the Red Dragon sister battalion from Fort Lewis; the 23rd Chemical Battalion and elements from the 20th SUPCOM. SSG Jordan Mal- lory; the 31st CM Co Maintenance NCOIC, SSG Tommy Adams; the 31st CM Co Supply NCOIC, SGT Quinton Nas; of 1st Platoon, and SGT Corey Simmons; of the Maintenance Section received Certificates of Appreciation and 20th SUPCOM Coins from Brigadier General Leslie Smith; Commanding General; 20th SUPCOM for their excellent performance and exemplary adherence to duty during Liberty Fo- cus. Also Steel Dragon Soldiers received a walk-through brief from the Nuclear Disarmament Team at the Tunnel Complex.

The Steel Dragons began November with the charge of the Run To Remember event in memory of the 05 November 2009 shootings which resulted in the deaths of 12 soldiers and one retired Chief Warrant Officer. The event was a great success and the Steel Dragons set the standard in planning a well organized public event. Also during November, the 1st Platoon (CCMRF) participated in a Deployment Exercise and Battalion Training Exercise. SGT Quinton Nas and PFC Darren Vardon received 2nd CM BN Coins from LTC Christopher Cox; the 2nd CM BN Commander. During the month of December the Steel Dragons participated in the Battalion Winter Organization Day, winning Best Company Holiday Decoration Contest and tied with 13th CM Co with the best skit contest. Steel Dragons also supported 181st CM Co with setting up and tearing down equipment for the WWE Tribute To The Troops on 14 December 2010. The task was daunting, but the Steel Dragons never quit, working long, tiring hours until the job was done. This post event was enjoyed by families and Soldiers and local supporters of the Fort Hood community. On 21 December 2010, the Steel Drag- ons sponsored a Company Blood Drive. Eligible soldiers donated blood which was immediately transported to Afghanistan in less than a week to help save the lives of injured Soldiers deployed. The next day; Steel Dragons volunteered at the Second Chance Animal Shelter; assisting employees set up kettles, walk dogs and clean the shelter grounds. In appreciation for this effort, the shelter employees topped off the day with a barbeque for the Soldiers.

The New Year was kicked off with majority of Steel Dragons returning from leave and conducting regular company business. The Soldiers spent part of January qualifying with the assigned weapons at the marksmanship ranges. Also soldiers received drivers train- ing on military vehicles organic to the unit. The company has also sent soldiers to Combat Lifesavers Course at the Medical Simulation Training Center having the highest number of trained CLS Soldiers in the Battalion. The company has the highest re-enlistment rate in the entire Brigade with a 275% re-enlistment rate and the only company to meets the Fiscal Year goal within the first quarter. In Febru- ary the company has prepared for the Battalion Field Training Exercise and qualifying on assigned weapons. The 1st Platoon is preparing to deploy to Camp Atterbury, IN for the Fiscal Year 11 CCMRF Exercise.

The FRG programs welcomes Mrs. Kelly Hollingsworth; wife of SSG Mark Hollingsworth of 4th Platoon. Kelly is serving as the company’s new FRG Leader. The last FRG function was held on 17 February at the Phantom Warrior Bowling Lanes.

In conclusion; the Steel Dragons has its challenges but continues to seek new challenges, adapts and overcomes adversity. In the coming months, the Steel Dragons will deploy to Yakima, WA for three weeks. It is the com- mands aspirations to build a stronger FRG program with a support system through spouses that will ease the absence of loved ones.

From the Dragon Lair: STEEL DRAGONS!

Page 6 2nd Chemical Battalion Red Dragon Newsletter

31st Chemical Company “STEEL DRAGONS” Continued…

44th Chemical Company “DRAGONS OF HELL”

Greetings from Camp Arifjan, taking advantage of unique training op- Kuwait! We are entering our fourth portunities available in Kuwait. We month of the deployment and things will be using state of the art facilities to are moving forward at full throttle. train on convoy operation and hone The Company is conducting weekly our skills with our individual weapons. training with the Kuwaiti Army Weap- The company will also be conducting ons of Mass Destruction Defense Di- joint training missions with the Navy rectorate and Kuwaiti National Guard Biological and Chemical Laboratory Chemical Defense Unit. Working and with the 1-44 AMD from Fort alongside another country’s armed Hood. The training with 1-44 AMD forces is a unique opportunity for our will provide us with the opportunity to Soldiers. We are helping the Kuwaitis decontaminate a Patriot Missile system become more skilled in the defense of and a Blackhawk helicopter, something their country and we are becoming we have not had the chance to do. more proficient in our jobs as we in- struct their Soldiers. In the midst of the training, we do have a chance to relax and have fun. Over the next few months we Our “Dragons of Hell” Basketball team will remain busy and take advantage of is competing in the Camp Arifjan Bas- the cooler weather. The Company is ketball League and is currently 5-3. Spring 2011 Page 7

44th Chemical Company “DRAGONS OF HELL” Continued...

They have faced some pretty stiff competition but have always fought to the end in every game. Also, some of the Soldiers have had the opportunity to take a MWR trip into Kuwait City. They were able to visit a couple of historic sites before enjoy- ing a traditional Kuwaiti dinner. We look forward to these trips on a monthly basis.

The deployment continues to go well. Even though we are remaining busy and focusing on our mission, our thoughts are never far from our families and home.

Dragons of Hell! Equal to the Task!

CPT Jason Snelgrove “Hell 6”

Radiation Survey training with the Kuwaiti Army

CROWS II Training and Certification

EST 2000 Training, Camp Buehring, Kuwait Sampling training with Kuwaiti Army

Decon Training with the Kuwaiti Army

Spring 2011 2nd Chemical Battalion Red Dragon Newsletter

172nd Chemical Company “STRAIGHT NASTY”

The “Straight Nasty” Soldiers of the 172nd CBRN Company have been hard at work through the winter posturing themselves for their upcoming missions. Last fall, we offi- cially transformed from Mechanized Smoke Generation to Combat Support. Since then our Soldiers have been training non-stop on their new skills in preparation for our culmi- nating event in Yakima, WA. During the month of May, the Soldiers of the 172nd will de- ploy to Yakima Firing Center in order to certify for upcoming missions. They will conduct Convoy Live Fires, Squad Battle Courses, and a host of CBRN Situation Training Lanes that force them to bring all their skills together and function fully as a newly re-designed Combat Support Company.

The last few months have been extremely busy for our Soldiers. The name of the game has been schools. Schools are an important part of our unit and our individual development. Since we now have a new mission, we must retrain at the individual level. Many of our Sol- diers have been afforded the opportunity to take the Dismounted RECON Course and the FOX RECON Course (L5) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. These courses enhance our unit’s readiness and provide our Soldiers with career enhancing skills. Additionally, we have Soldiers enrolled in Combat Life Saver, Combative Training, Hazardous Waste Operator, and NCOES – building the basics for future training.

The Company also conducted numerous training events moving us from individual to team to squad. These events are designed to assess our training progress and refocus us as necessary. Our Soldiers conducted Team Level CBRN evaluations in December and Squad Level CBRN evaluations in March. I could not be more proud of the time and effort spent between these major events by the Platoons. They have come so far so quickly. I’m continually inspired by their progress and excited to see them perform in Yakima.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not all hard work. We had a wonderful Dining In, FRG Christmas Party, and many “snow days” allowing our Soldiers some much needed decompression. FRG is continuing to work on developing the networks to provide the necessary support during our deployment to Yakima. We have an in- credible group of FRG leaders that I know will care for our families while we are gone.

CPT Chris Nohle “Nasty 6”

Spring 2011 Page 9

181st Chemical Company “DOUBLE DRAGONS”

Since our last newsletter in July 2010, the 181st Chemical Company “Double Dragons” have continued to lead the way in the 2nd Chemical Battalion. After a fast-paced six months, the Double Dragons have fully transformed from a Smoke/ Decontamination Company to a tri-purpose Combat Support Company complete with mounted Stryker NBCRV reconnais- sance, dismounted reconnaissance/hazardous materials response, and decontamination. With constant fielding, training, and mission success, the 181st Chemical Company and all of our Double Dragon Soldiers remain on the cutting edge of the Chemi- cal Corps.

With the support of its excellent Soldiers, over the last six months the Company has fielded and tested the most mod- ern CBRN assets in the Army. In September 2010, 1LT Allison Brown, SSG West, and the Soldiers of 4th Platoon conducted a successful test of the Stryker NBCRV reconnaissance vehicles at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. From October through De- cember 2010, 1LT Victoria Wilson, SFC Randy Gilbert, and the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon fielded the newest HAZMAT response equipment the Department of Defense has to offer. 1st and 2nd Platoon Soldiers, under the leadership of 1LT Diana Pantoja, 2LT Grace Rone, SFC Christopher Martinez, and SSG Niarcos Deshong, trained with multiple Fort Hood Field Artillery units in their decontamination mission. Finally, all 181st Double Dragon Soldiers pulled together to support the WWE Tribute to Troops event, providing free entertainment to more than 80,000 Fort Hood Soldiers and family members.

We would also like to welcome the new leadership who have arrived since the fall: 1SG Max Reano, 1st Platoon Leader Grace Rone, 2nd Platoon Leader Mathew Wiggins, 3rd Platoon Leader Jaciel Guerrero, 4th Platoon Leader Charles Davis, 1st Platoon Sergeant Christopher Martinez, and 2nd Platoon Sergeant Christopher Hartsfield.

Even during this high operational tempo, the Company found time to unwind. Our Double Dragon football team com- pleted a tough season in the Battalion league and will look forward to taking back the trophy in 2011. With basketball season coming up 181 is excited to regain its dominance of sporting events within the 2nd Chemical Battalion. We would also like to thank our Double Dragon families for their support of all of the Company fundraising and FRG events, especially the Halloween and Holiday parties. We look forward to seeing all the families again at our Company Easter Egg Hunt in the spring.

In the coming months, the Double Dragons will be working hard to get ready for the Battalion deployment to Yakima Training Center, Washington. The month-long exercise will be a test for the 181st Chemical Company that will no doubt solidify the outstanding reputation of our Double Dragon Soldiers. As always, we thank our families for their support of the Company in all of its mission and the .

In closing, we would like to welcome our new Double Dragon Soldiers to the family…

PFC Joval Alaska 1LT Jaciel Guerrero SGT Scott Plavin PFC Micah Blackburn SPC William Gwin SSG Nygree Poole PFC Mason Butler SPC Alexander Hamrick PFC Gislaine Powers SGT Terrence Butler SFC Christopher Hartsfield 1SG Max Reano SSG Misael Cabrera SPC Shwan Hasan SSG Terrence Reeves SSG Luke Campbell SPC Christina Havard PV2 April Riley PFC Krista Carroll PFC Anna Hoffman SSG Jorge Rivera PFC Andrew Christian SPC Joshau Hollis SPC Eric Rogers PFC Whitney Collins SGT Bobbyjo Hughes 2LT Grace Rone SPC Steven Cutlip SPC Brian Keiser SPC Edward Sauls 2LT Charles Davis PFC Melianette Luna SSG Jason Sorenson

SSG Brad Dukes PFC Roxann Luna SSG Felix Sotovazquez SGT Rachel Ettesvold SFC Christopher Martinez SPC Mark Thomas SSG Camara Garrett SPC Dale Miller SPC Michael Throm PFC Jeffrey Gatlin PV2 Dernika Morgan SPC Cara Waxter PVT Scott Gray PFC Zachary Olson 2LT Mathew Wiggins

-CPT Val Lopez Page 10 2nd Chemical Battalion Red Dragon Newsletter

FAMILY READINESS GROUP Chaplain’s Corner LEADERSHIP

SENIOR ADVISORS: What is Life? sonality—soul, and are seeking a relationship with God—spirit, in Michelle Cox: [email protected] order to have an understanding of As I reflect upon both a deli- what is life? I am reminded of a Fran Kraus: [email protected] cate and simple question, “What is lyric by one of my favorite contem- life”, it resonates with me that this porary Christian artists, Mercy Me COMPANY FRG LEADERS: is really complex? Why you may because they ask upfront, “What ask…well, it is a topic that has is life” (Where You Lead Me)? As HHD FRG: been discussed and debated a person who once did not have Kim Musser throughout the dawn of human- the fulfillment of a true relationship [email protected] kind from the Ancients of Old! with God, I wrestled with what is However, your belief is grounded life all about? Now, I know…it is 13th CM CO FRG: in either dichotomism—body and not about me…it is about God! As Lily Urbina soul or trichotomism—body, soul, I reflect upon the suicide rate that [email protected] and spirit. In the Greek language, is inclining right here on our Post, the basic word for life is zoe which I am saddened by the fact that 31st CM CO FRG: renders many connotations of life some people may have never Kelly Hollingsworth thereof. Therefore, you could con- came to this reality—WOW! So, I [email protected] sider that this is the centerpiece leave you with this question, what for anything pertaining to life in do you think life is all about? God 44th CM CO FRG: and of itself such as a living crea- bless! Katelyn Steffener ture, procreation, to keep/make [email protected] alive, and to breath.

172nd CM CO FRG : As a trichotomist, I believe that Chaplain Musser Yvonne Matthews we are created in the Image of [email protected] God—body, have a unique per-

181st CM CO FRG: Janet Hurley Reenlistment/Retention Notes [email protected]

OTHER IMPORTANT BATTALION CONTACTS Reenlistment options are only available to those Soldiers who have a contractual ETS date on or before 30 September 2012. FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANT The reenlistment options are as follows: Kim Russell 254-618-7442  Regular Army [email protected]  Current Station Stabilization  Army Training BATTALION CHAPLAIN CPT Mark Musser  Overseas Assignment 254-553-3535  CONUS Station of Choice [email protected]

The Red Dragon Retention Team will help all Soldiers under- MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANT stand the criteria for all of the above options. Please make an John Freeman appointment with SSG Ingram at 254-285-6739 for further infor- 254-317-3519 mation. Good luck and “Stay Army Strong!” [email protected]

COMMAND FINANCIAL SPECIALIST SSG Tabatha Carpentier 254-285-5694 [email protected] Please let us know what you think of our new battalion newsletter! Please send all comments and questions to BATTALION STAFF DUTY [email protected]. We look forward to your 254-285-5358 OR 254-285-5487 feedback!