Equipped for Expansion Command Notes

NCO Summit • Brumfield Excellence in Journalism Award

THE Volume 3, Issue 1 • Produced for the 416th Theater Engineer Command • Spring 2010 BRIDGE

Maj. Gen. Paul E. Crandall Produced for the 416th Theater Engineer Command COMMANDER Maj. Gen. Paul E. Crandall

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mr. James G. Murphy pring is a time of new beginnings. 416th TEC COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR It is a time of change. This is a Command Sgt. Maj. Sseason of change not only in the Larry E. Reever environmental sense but for the 416th Theater Engineer Command as well. Our 416th TEC PUBLIC AFFAIRS command which has long been known Maj. Bruce Townshend as primarily an Engineer Command is, Capt. Mary Olodun at least in the near term, significantly Sgt. 1st Class Andy Yoshimura changing to include command and Sgt. Jerimiah J. Richardson control of two Expeditionary Sustainment Commands. With the deployment of the 377th Theater Support Command Public Affairs Officer / Managing Editor Headquarters to Haiti in support of Operation Provide Comfort, the 103rd Maj. Bruce Townshend and 310th ESCs are now members of the 416th TEC. I want to give a warm Capt. Mary Olodun welcome to all the members of these two great units and let you know we JOURNALISTS will do everything we can to support you. These additions increase our Sgt 1st Class Andy Yoshimura membership by more than 12,000 additional soldiers to total nearly 25,000. This virtually doubles the size of our command and now includes many non- Sgt. Jerimiah J. Richardson Engineer Reserve units that have many different operational roles in the Pfc. Lindsey A. Schulte

Army Reserve. CONTRIBUTORS In today’s high operational tempo, many of our units are now shifting Mr. Bob McElroy deployments from Iraq to places in Afghanistan. Our Deployable Command Mr. Loran Doane Post Two (DCP2) rotation is just one of many of our units heading there in the next several months. The sacrifices made by the families of these Soldiers Ms. Kimberly Franklin deserve the highest praise and respect. Taking care of things at home while Lieut. Col. Donald Gardiner their loved ones are deployed make them true heroes on the “home front” 1st Lieut. Robert Mikyska while their heroes are deployed forward. Operation Yellow Ribbon has been a Sgt 1st Class Mary Korinek-Pace very important program that has kept Soldiers and Family members Staff Sgt. Leah Crubel connected through every step of the deployment process. My thanks go to all who have presented the program and especially to those who have Sgt. Brian Moore participated in it to strengthen the fabric of our Army Family. We are always proud to wear the uniform, especially in times like these The Bridge is an official publication of when our Nation depends upon us to serve in so many challenging places. the 416th Theater Engineer Command What you do is very important for our country. The Army is an institution produced to provide command information where everyone is important and everyone has the opportunity to fulfill their to service members. The editorial content aspirations. I am humbled and grateful to serve with you. Thank you for of this publication is the responsibility of the command’s Public Affairs Office, under maintaining the standards of an Army that is the envy of the world. Finally, the provisions of AR 360-1. Contents of Gaby and I do not want to forget to send our best wishes to all our injured and the Bridger are not necessarily official views, recovering Army family, hoping for a very speedy and lasting recovery. nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army or the 416th TEC. The Bridge is Essayons! published quarterly using Quintessential Color Group, ATTN: Public Affairs Office, 10 S 100 South Frontage Road, Darien, Illinois 60561.

2 the bridge • Spring 2010 T H E B R I D GContentsE m a G A ZI n e • V O LU m e 3 , N U M B E R 1 S p r i n g 2 0 1 0

Departments 2 Command Notes 4 CSM Notes NCOs Taking Care of Soldiers

5 Chaplain’s Notes Chaplain Request Form

14 Around the Army Photo Spread

18 Family Programs Dealing with the Media

28 Parting Shots 6 Gaining 377th 19 367th Farewell by Maj. Bruce Townshend by Pfc. Lindsey A. Schulte 7 New Commander 20 Operation Bright Star by Spc. Jeremiah Richardson By 1st Lt. Nathan Alba and 1st Sgt. Patrick McCarthy 8 Waikiki Army Museum Hawaii’s best kept secret 22 389th Engineer by Loran Doane Battalion by Staff Sgt. Leah Crubel COVER: 10 Soldier Comes Home Staff Sgt. Carlos Valle of the 463rd A Past Recaptured Engineer Detachment assists Sgt. Cristian 23 463rd Conduct by Bob McElroy Lopez with donning his Level-C civilian Collective Training protective suit. Firefighters (Cover Story) 12 Northern Exposure By Mr. Donald Gardiner RGHT: by 1st Lt. Robert Mikyska Three Kuwaiti Humvees prepare for a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise 24 277th Builds Bridges conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 13 FORSCOM Commander 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. Photo by By Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell Cpl. Theodore W. Ritchie Visits Chicago by Sgt. 1st Class Andy Yoshimura 25 Roads Pave Future Back Cover Photos: By Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell Soldiers and Units from around the 416th 16 Novel Strain 2010 Theater Engineer Command by Maj. Andrew Harmon participate in the many training exercises 26 Brumfield Excellence around the world from 2009 to and Spc. Jerimiah Richardson 2010. in Journalism Award 17 NCO Summit for 211th MPAD by Sgt. 1st Class Andy Yoshimura By Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

Spring 2010 • the bridge 3 CSM Notes

Command Sgt. Maj. Larry E. Reever NCOs Taking Care of Soldiers

he 2010 NCO Summit was held in Texas again this year and we had over 300 attend. This is the second Summit that we have held and the Tcompany level leadership was the focus of the Summit. We did this to provide our company level NCO’s with the tools and training to enhance their ability to be better effective leaders. As I have stated in the past we, as Army Reserve Soldiers, are being called upon to do more than we have ever done before in the history of our existence. Many things affect our readiness as Reserve Soldiers and it is the duty of our Leadership to ensure that our Soldiers are properly prepared to perform their mission. We do this with quality training that is relevant to our mission. We do this by keeping our Soldiers actively engaged during Battle Assembly (BA), annual training and checking on them between Battle Assemblies. As Leaders we must know our Soldiers, their families and give them ownership of the unit. In the perfect world every BA would be filled with adventure and everybody would be actively engaged but this does not always occur. It is the collective responsibility of all the Soldiers in the unit to do their part to help with morale, training, family readiness, physical fitness and individual readiness. When I visit units that are deploying I spend as much time talking to “It is the collective Soldiers as I can and I ask them about their civilian occupations, their fami- responsibility of all lies and their interests. We have Soldiers that are school teachers, plumbers, the Soldiers in the bus drivers, mechanics, cooks, carpenters, students, firefighters and many more skills to numerous to mention. It is overwhelming to think about the unit to do their part amount of talent that is in our Army Reserve force and the contribution the to help with morale, Army Reserve Soldier has and is making to our Country. training, family My challenge to each and every Soldier in the 416th for 2010 is to support your unit and your Leadership. Work together to make your unit readiness, physical better by keeping a positive attitude, keeping yourself up to date on fitness and individual Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES), Army Physical readiness.” Fitness Test (APFT), Weapons Qualification, medical readiness, training, logistics, and individual records. While at BA and new Soldiers come to the unit, welcome them and help them to be a part of the unit. If you know of a Soldier in your unit who is having some problems help them out. Let them know that you care and get them additional assistance if they need it. Lastly, stay safe; make sure that you wear your seat belt and shoulder harness when driving to and from BA. Take frequent rest breaks if your commute to the Reserve Center is long and have a battle buddy so you can check on each other.

Thanks, Command Sgt. Maj. Reever

4 the bridge • Spring 2010 Chaplain Request Forms are distributed throughout the command to assist Soldiers and their families Cut here with managing difficult issues in your life. You may use this actual cut-out form to request counseling.

YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION: CHAPLAIN REQUEST FORM ______The 416th Command Chaplain’s Office is concerned about the difficult issues in your ______life. It’s our desire to help you be the best that you can be. Please check the area(s) that ______Cut here you’re seeking help, guidance or advice with and we’ll get in touch and provide support. *** THIS FORM IS FOR SOLDIERS AND OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBER*** COMMAND CHAPLAIN:

Requesting Counseling: CH (COL) Timothy M. Samorajski Mobile: (414) 217-5176 * Marriage: ______E-mail: [email protected]

* Pre Marital ______Cut here * Depression ______SENIOR CHAPLAIN ASSISTANT:

* Grief ______SFC Raphael Wilson Mobile: (630) 418-8741 * Suicidal Thoughts ______E-mail: [email protected] * Family Issues ______

* Spiritual Guidance ______***Please note that all communication

Cut here between you and the Chaplain or Chaplain’s * Job Conflicts ______Assistant remains confidential.*** * Chain of Command Issues ______ADDITIONAL SPACE: * Stress Management ______If your need has not been addressed in this form please provide a brief explanation here: * Prayer Request ______

Cut here ______cut here ______

Spring 2010 • the bridge 5 416th TEC is on the Grow Again! By Maj. Bruce Townshend

DARIEN, IL. – The 416th Theater Haiti as a major logistical headquar- ESC has units in Illinois, Indiana, Engineer Command is growing ters in the movement of supplies and Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and once again as it welcomes two aid into that earthquake ravaged Wisconsin. Each ESC will continue brigade-size elements into the nation. The two ESCs were part of to wear their distinctive unit patches, fold. The 103rd Expeditionary the 377th Transportation Command and will likely return to the 377th Sustainment Command (ESC) (TransCom) before the mobilization. TransCom when the mission in Haiti based in Des Moines, Iowa, and the With their reassignment to the 416th is completed. 310th Expeditionary Sustainment TEC for the duration of the deploy- The other major units which fell Command based in Indianapolis, ment, the 416th becomes the largest under the 377th have been reas- Ind., have been reassigned to the Operational and Functional (O&F) signed directly to USARC or to the 416th TEC. The move was neces- Command within the reserves, and US Army Reserve Joint Special sary as the US Army Reserve deploys has effectively doubled in size from Troops Support Command forces to support Operation Unified about to 12,000 Soldiers to nearly (USARJSTSC), based in Salt Lake Response for disaster relief in Haiti. 24,000 Soldiers. City, Utah. n The 377th Transportation The 103rd ESC has units in Command, based near New Orleans, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, La., has been mobilized to deploy to Missouri and Nebraska. The 310th

6 the bridge • Spring 2010 389th Welcomes New Commander by Spc. Jeremiah Richardson

t was six degrees below zero. Nearly troops”, said the Commander. Baker also mentioned among his first challenges are a foot of snow covered the ground of said he was very happy to be walking to get to know his staff, build a good IFt. McCoy, Wisc. While most wouldn’t into a squared away unit and was very working relationship with them, develop brave to venture into this kind of weather satisfied with the condition the previous and mentor commanders. it was an important day for the soldiers leadership of Lieut. Col. James McCarthy With four active drilling companies of the 389th Engineer Battalion to be had left the unit in. Most officers only and a 5th coming online soon the chal- dressed-right-dressed and standing tall get one Battalion Command their entire lenge of getting all those parts moving in for their new incoming commander. careers and the 389th which is scattered the same direction can seem daunting. Lieut. Col. Matthew Baker stood ready throughout the upper Midwest presents “It’s the battalion commanders job to get and eager to accept the battalion’s its own unique challenges. They consist his troops ready to go to war”, said Lieut. colors in the 389th’s change of command of vertical and horizontal construction Col. Baker. “But I don’t see it as work, I ceremony. units with a sapper company (think see it as a challenge.” n “I’m excited to be back with the explosives) coming online soon. He

(left to right) Incoming Commander Lieut. Col. Matthew Baker, Command Sgt. Maj. Laurel Weyenberg, 372nd Engineer Brigade Commander Col. John Lendrum, Outgoing Commander Lieut. Col. James McCarthy participate in the 389th Engineer Battalion Change of Command Ceremony in Ft. McCoy, Wisc. Spring 2010 • the bridge 7 Waikiki’s Army Museum, Hawaii’s best kept secret By Loran Doane U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs The 416th Theater Engineer Command has been given the unique opportunity to work with the Army Corps of Engineers on a project to restore the US Army Museum of Hawaii at Fort DeRussy Hawaii. The project will involve approximately 120 vertical construction and support personnel during construction from April 18th to July 14th 2010.

FORT DERUSSY – The Army Museum of expanding its defenses westward as family decided to take a break from the Hawaii, located in Fort DeRussy’s other nations were looking to Hawaii as frigid conditions at home and enjoy a Battery Randolph, in the heart of an economic and militarily significant week in a little more temperate climate. Waikiki, is a 19th century U.S. Army port of call in the middle of the Pacific “We could have gone anywhere,” coastal defense gun battery that once for their merchant and naval vessels. said son Stephane Frigon, “but we served as a first line of defense against Fort DeRussy was part of a series wanted to see paradise.” enemy attack on Oahu’s southern of fortifications whose mission was to Travelling with his parents, Benoit shore. defend Pearl Harbor and Honolulu and Francine, and with young son Zack “Even though Battery Randolph Harbor from attacking battleships. It in tow, the family decided to pop into has been here for nearly a century, comprised two artillery batteries, the museum when they eyed it while some of our island’s newcomers, Battery Randolph to the east and strolling down Kalia Road in Waikiki. visitors and even local folks have yet to Battery Dudley to the west. We enjoy history in general,” discover the treasures and rich military “Besides drawing in members of explained Stephane. “This visit gives us history on display here,” said Judith the armed forces, tourists from around an opportunity to learn some American Bowman, museum director. the world flock to the museum daily as history and see what the museum has The battery was built between a way to step back in time and relive to offer.” 1909 and 1911 and gained history.” Bowman said. “Some are “Many visitors entering the facility international, national, state and local interested in the late 1700s and early don’t realize that this museum is more significance at a time when British, 1800s when King Kamehameha united than just about its exhibit galleries or French, Russians, Germans, and even the seven Hawaiian islands under a the cannon and tanks displayed the Japanese, all had ships in the single rule, while others come to learn outside,” Bowman said. “The building Pacific, and were expressing interest in about the role their parents or itself is an artifact and a significant part Hawaii. grandparents played in World War II. of Hawaiian history.” At the time, the United States was Visiting from Montreal, the Frigon In its heyday, Battery Randolph had two 14-inch guns and Battery Dudley had two six-inch guns mounted on disappearing carriages. When they were installed, they were the largest guns in the entire Pacific from California to the Philippines. “The disappearing carriages allowed the guns to remain hidden from sight of approaching battleships by solid concrete walls called parapets, capable of withstanding a direct hit from a 2,000-pound artillery shell,” explained Dorian Travers, museum curator. “To get the gun into the firing position, the artillery crew tripped a

8 the bridge • Spring 2010 lever attached to a 50–ton weight. As he explained, “with a bullet the size of ground, but Battery Randolph proved the weight fell, it lifted the gun tube a pinhead, all without the aid of a more stubborn. Its concrete walls into battery (the firing position), and computer.” repeatedly defied destruction, and the the gun was then ready to fire again.” In today’s dollars, this weapon demolition company contracted to A crew of roughly 14 artillerymen system would be a bargain to operate. remove the structure eventually went would load a ¾-ton shell in the breech, In 1914 terms, when a Soldier’s average bankrupt in the process. and then load 340 pounds of gun daily salary was $2 per day, it cost a “In 1976, the Army designated powder behind that. pretty penny. Battery Randolph home of the U.S. After lobbing the 1,556-pound The cast iron practice projectiles Army Museum of Hawaii,” Bowman shells up to 14 miles out to sea, the cost around $55 each, whereas the said. “We continue to expand and recoil automatically pushed the gun armor-piercing projectile cost about improve exhibits in the museum, carriage back down behind its concrete $780. For both systems, the powder keeping the Army’s history alive, parapet, protecting the Soldiers and charge propelling the projectile was current and relevant. gun from low-angle naval fire. The gun $230. “You cannot find a better was then reloaded again. Although an engineering marvel educational venue to learn about the “A well-trained crew could fire a and weapon for its day, the history of the U.S. Army in Hawaii and round downrange every 30-seconds,” emplacement proved its obsolesce with the Pacific, and the vital role Hawaii’s Travers said. “As one round was the advent aircraft carriers. No longer citizenry played in the defense of our impacting its mark, the second round did attacking navies need to bring their nation.” was already half way in flight to hit the ships within eyesight of the beaches in The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii target again.” order to effectively engage targets. is located in Honolulu, along the ocean Protecting Soldiers inside the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese planes side of Waikiki’s Kalia Road. It is battery, the overhead concrete was up devastated the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet situated adjacent to the Hale Koa Hotel, to 12-feet thick. On the ocean side of in their attack on Pearl Harbor, and on at the corner of Kalia and Saratoga the battery, concrete was the the central and leeward parts of Oahu, roads. equivalent of 30-feet thick. The without firing a single round at the The museum houses a gift store measurements were derived from a defenses at Fort DeRussy. There was no that sells military memorabilia, books, calculation based on 15 feet of concrete need. clothing, military unit insignia, and and 45 feet of sand, in which three feet With the end of World War II came World War era music, all reasonably of sand equates to one foot of concrete. the realization that the fort was no priced. Were these weapons, based on longer capable of meeting the needs of The museum is free of charge and 1890s technology, accurate? the U.S. military in Hawaii. The giant open to the public, Tuesday through “They were very accurate,” Travers guns were cut up and sold for scrap, Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed on said, emphatically. “Observation points having never fired a shot in anger or some federal holidays, but open on on top of Diamond Head and Tantalus defense. military holidays. were used to triangulate the distance, Battery Randolph was eventually Audio tours are available. direction and speed of potential abandoned and briefly became a Validated parking is available adversaries via telephone to the warehouse storage facility. across the street from the museum, and plotting room at Battery Randolph. Efforts were made in 1969 to disabled parking spaces are provided in “The guns were capable of hitting demolish the batteries and free up the front of the museum. a 20-foot target from six miles away — prime real estate for other useful Group tours can be arranged by the equivalent of hitting a bus in purposes. calling 438-2825. n Kaneohe, or on a wall 60-feet away,” Battery Dudley was razed to the

Spring 2010 • the bridge 9 Soldier Comes Home, Recaptures Her Past By Bob McElroy USAG Humphreys Public Affairs

HUMPHREYS GARRISON, South America and whatever donations for Korea – Sgt. 1st Class Ruth Wong money or supplies White could of the Contingency Response Unit obtain from either the Korean gov- doesn’t know when she was born ernment or nearby American military and who her real parents are but she units. knows Korea was her first home. White did not have formula for Abandoned as an infant in the babies she took in so she fed February 1963 she has gown-up to them powdered milk the Army gave become a senior non-commissioned her. She put a little bit of oil in it to officer in the Army, mother of three give it a bit more taste and nutri- and grandmother of one. tional value. Her life’s journey has brought The orphanage was a single mud her from the steps of a Chechon City and stick building with no running municipal building to the water or indoor plumbing. White Headquarters of the U.S. Army Corps said that in the winter she could of Engineers in Washington, D.C. scrape the frost off of the inside walls and now back to Korea to participate and, when it rained, the ceiling in exercise Key Resolve. would sometimes turn to mud and Wong had the chance to visit pieces would fall from it. Checon where she spent her first While they didn’t have the plush- seven years and regain a piece of her est accommodations what the past. orphans had was love, from the n Above - Sgt. 1st Class Ruth Wong as Wong, a fulltime Army Reservist, woman they still call their mother, a child in the kitchen of the Chechon was born in South Korea in February Jane White. Children’s Home in South Korea. 1963 but orphaned soon after birth. White believes God called her to (photo courtesy of Jane White) Although she doesn’t know for open the run the orphanage in part sure, she believes her mother because of “a special love” that He wrapped her in a blanket and left her placed in her heart. n on the steps of a municipal building “She was my first mother, before Page 11 left photo- When Sgt. 1st Class Ruth Wong returned to the Chechon in Chechon, south of Wonju. I was adopted,”Wong said. Children’s Home she got a big hug from A police officer found her and Wong found a home and a family Mrs. Kim who took care of her when she was a baby. “You look just the same as brought her to an orphanage run by a at the Chechon orphanage and, when you did then, “Kim said with a smile. young American missionary named she was seven years old, an American (photo courtesy of Bob McElroy) Jane White. White took her in, cared couple, the Strauchs from Grand for her and named her Ruth after the Island, Neb. adopted her and another biblical Ruth. She gave Ruth the girl, Candace. n surname Baik, which means White in Wong and Candace flew to Page 11 right photo - Sgt 1st Class Ruth Korean. Nebraska and found themselves in a Wong is reunited with her first mother, Jane White, at the Chechon Children’s Life at the orphanage in 1963 was place which was a world apart from home. (photo courtesy of Bob McElroy) austere. Money was scarce and the Chechon. They had beds of their orphanage depended on donations own, indoor plumbing and hot and from individuals and churches in cold running water.

10 the bridge • Spring 2010 The first night there we slept on Following high school graduation “I don’t want the memories of my the floor because our beds were she entered the Army and after com- past to go with her,” Wong said. uncomfortable, Wong said. My pleted basic training and advanced When she arrived at the Chechon American mom said that Candace individual training, she returned to Children’s Home White greeted and I used to spend hours playing Korea as a personnel specialist in the Wong with a long hug and a huge with the bathroom faucets. We’d 2nd Infantry Division in 1983. One smile. The two chatted about Wong’s never seen such a thing and were of her visits was to Chechon and Jane time at the orphanage and life in amazed that you could turn them on White. Korea in 1963. Then came a surprise, and get hot water or cold water. The years had been good to Jane White had photos and negatives of Wong had a normal American White and the orphans in her care as Ruth and Candace. upbringing, attended school and well. The Chechon Orphanage had As they sat together on a sofa in church and learned to play the piano, grown from a single mud and stick White’s modest quarters Wong gazed violin and guitar. But as she assimi- building to a modern three story at the black and white photos, smiling. lated into American life she lost a brick building that housed 40 chil- “Every time I write to her I say I part of her heritage – the ability to dren and a small staff. need my pictures,” Wong said, still speak Korean. Wong enjoyed her visit to the smiling. I wanted to speak Korean with orphanage in 1983 and had the “Well, I know but I take care of Candace but she didn’t want to, Wong opportunity to see photos of her and kids, sometimes I’m too tired to work said. Candace said “we’re in America her sister Candace before they were on picture,”White replied now, we should speak English.” adopted. Unfortunately she was “I know, I know,” Wong said Although she lost the ability to unable to get copies of the photos White turned to Wong, stroked speak her native language Wong then. her hair and smiled. “Now you can never lost her identity as a Korean or En route to Chechon Saturday sleep tonight,” she said. the connection she felt to the country Wong expressed concern about getting “Oh, thank you, I’m so happy,” of her birth. When she was in the copies of her childhood photos. She Wong said as she hugged White. 11th grade she signed up for the said that White had experienced “These are so [such] wonderful pic- Army’s delayed entry program. Her health problems and she was worried tures. I never thought I’d get to see goal: to return to Korea as a Soldier. for her and connections to her past. my baby pictures again.” n

Spring 2010 • the bridge 11 Northern Exposure By 1st Lt. Robert Mikyska, TEC Training Support Officer – Special to the Bridge t. Col. Donald Gardiner, the 416th phases. The first phase is a weekend Afghanistan. During phase four, Theater Engineer Command (TEC) introductory event at the CFC. Phases Gardiner served as his small group’s L Provost Marshal, recently com- two and three are distance-learning primary instructor for all topics pleted a year long training adventure based using the internet, a blackboard- including the final exercise, all using with the Canadian Armed Forces. type interactive web-site and also the Canadian Forces Operational From August 2008 to July 2009, requiring the completion of readings, Planning Process (CF OPP). The CF Gardiner served our longtime peaceful written reports and research papers, OPP is very similar to the US Army neighbors to the north as a teaching and take over 300 contact and non- Military Decision Making Process member of the Canadian Joint contact hours to complete. Both (MDMP). Gardiner, who also serves a Command and Staff Military Technician Programme (JSCP). at the 416th TEC JSCP is the manner in Headquarters, said which Canadian Armed that it was difficult Forces Majors and to switch back-and- Lieutenant Colonels forth between the obtain their version of MDMP and CF OPP level two, Professional since he uses MDMP Military Education. The on a daily basis course is very similar to when he develops and modeled after the projects for the U.S. Army Intermediate 416th Command Level Education (ILE), Group, and then had or the legacy Command Lieut. Col. Donald Gardiner of the 416th Theater Engineer Command to grade students’ and General Staff (6th from the left) stands in a group shot with members of the papers at night Norwegian, Canadian and Australian military. College (CGSC) at Fort using the CF OPP. Leavenworth, Kansas. Gardiner had JSCP is different in that it is completely phases are very labor intensive, and completed the course himself in 2006- ‘joint’, Canadian land, air and maritime traditionally have had over a 30% 07, and was asked to return as a guest service officers are completely attrition rate. Phase four is the international instructor this past year. integrated into the course, regardless capstone exercise and is a sixteen-day He was joined on the international of their branch of service. Today’s in-resident program at the CFC. staff by a New Zealand Logistics Canadian Armed Forces are now Gardiner served as a member of the Lieutenant Colonel, a French Field completely integrated as one military Directing Staff (DS), as the Canadians Artillery Lieutenant Colonel, and a US force instead of a Navy, Air Force and call it, better known in the U.S. Army as Air Force Reserve KC-135 Pilot. Army. In the course were also allied a small group instructor. During Gardiner reiterated that it was a once students from the reserve military phases two and three Gardiner, on his in a lifetime experience that pays large forces of England, Germany, Denmark, own time, logged-in the student’s dividends in U.S. Army Reserve and the France, Netherlands, Australia, New assignments, graded them, and Canadian Armed Forces relationship. Zealand and the United States Army provided constructive feedback on Officers interested in competing to be Reserve, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps their work. Nine of the twelve selected for the program can find the Reserve and the Air Force Reserve. students Gardiner instructed information each year in late summer JSCP takes place at the historic completed the course, and one of or early fall on the Army Reserve Canadian Forces College (CFC) in those non-completions was due to a 2xCitizen site under Additional Toronto, Ontario. The course has four short notice deployment to Professional Military Education. n

12 the bridge • Spring 2010 FORSCOM Commander addresses progress in Iraq during visit to Chicago Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Andy Yoshimura Chicago, IL. – The Union League Club of the force in Iraq. Currently, there of Chicago held a special luncheon are about 111,000 service members for Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson, the in Iraq. Upon the completion of the Chief of Staff of Multi-National Force elections the number will fall below – Iraq. Dozens of ULCC members, the 100,000 mark in May. The U.S. local organizations and college rep- plans to have only 6 brigades and Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson, (middle) Chief of resentatives attended the two hour 50,000 troops by the end of 2010. Staff, Multi-National Force-Iraq, speaks with John event focusing on Anderson’s recogni- The Presidential Guidance is to McCabe,(left) General Manager and Chief Operating Officer for the Union League Club of Chicago, and tion and a brief from Anderson on the remove all U.S. troops by the end Ross Docksey (right), Chairman of the USO of Illinois, future of force activities in Iraq. of 2011. prior to his presentation during a luncheon hosted The U.S. envisions for Iraq to be a Great leadership and experience by the Union League Club, in partnership with the National Strategy Forum, Jan. 19. sovereign, stable and self-reliant is what Anderson credits the success country, with a government that’s of the current mission accomplish- steadfast and just. The U.S. also ments in Iraq to. “We have with the USO, the American Legion wishes to continue to grow a partner- phenomenal soldiers and leaders and other sub-charter organizations. ship that contributes to the peace and from not only the Army but from all “It is a very generous club and there security of the country. “The Iraq of the services.” said Anderson “Many are many benefactors to this organiza- embassy is the leading political and people have served multiple tours, tion.” “I don’t know about any other economical arena for the region” said, very experienced, very capable in the club in my 28 years in the Army that Anderson. “Our partnership is with best Army we ever had.” Anderson does what this club does.” the largest embassy in the world and also praises, not just the technical Exactly 24 hours from the end of we are the lead security in the arena advances, but the tactical executions the luncheon, Anderson will be in Iraq for this region.” Under the that leaders have been implementing again to lead his troops in the restora- Presidential Guidance, Anderson in accomplishing their mission tion and the stability of the security of is preparing for the end of and the reduction of serious Iraq. Anderson sees progress in edu- combat operations in Iraq by injuries and casualties. cation, health care, governance and August of 2010 and training The Union League Club the quality of life. Anderson feels that the Iraqi Security Force in pro- is one of the leading organi- the countless troops that had stepped tecting their country. zations that support the into the country made it all happen. Anderson spent the military. Anderson says he “This mission will not be successful majority of the brief enjoys the support he gets without their hard work and commit- on the reduction from the club along ment”, said Anderson. n

Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson, Chief of Staff, Multi-National Force-Iraq, highlights the progress being made in Iraq during his presentation at a luncheon held in his honor at the Union League Club of Chicago Jan. 19.

Spring 2010 • the bridge 13 Around The Army

BAGHDAD – Command Sgt. Maj. Verna Henderson, from 16th Eng. Brigade, shakes hands with Sgt. Justin Sikma as he is presented with a Letter of Appreciation, the brigade coin, the Ohio State National Guard Safety Impact Coin, and the Army Achievement Award. Sikma discovered an unexploded ordnance at a job site Jan. 12 and safely shut down the project site, ensuring no Soldier was injured by the ordnance. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joel Condra, 317th Eng. Co., USD-C

Patriot Guard line the walls of the auditorium for the 367th En Bn farewell ceremony.

Pfc. Shawn Edmonson, FSC 367th Eng Bn passing time waiting for the bus to arrive in St Cloud, Mn. The 367th is mobilizing for deployment to Iraq

14 the bridge • Spring 2010 Members of the 463rd Engineer Detachment trains along with the Houston Fire Department

Staff Sgt. Frank Anderson and Sgt. John Dufner of the 367th Eng Bn load a shipping container for preparation for mobilization to Fort Bliss, TX for deployment to Iraq.

Command Sgt. Maj. Ty Emmans, 367th En Bn, introduces himself and his dad, Dennie Emmans (right) to all the Patriot Guard members that were out supporting the 367th Farewell Ceremony.

CAMP MABRY, Texas — Brig. Gen. James H. Doty (right), Commanding General, 420th Engineer Brigade, offers congratulations to Lt. Col. Wyatt A. Lowery during his promotion ceremony, here, Feb. 19. Lt. Col. Lowery is the commander of the 980th Engineer Battalion. Photo by Maj. Annmarie B. Daneker, 211th MPAD

Spring 2010 • the bridge 15 416th Theater Engineer Novel Strain 2010 Command HHC Commander Maj. Andrew By Maj. Andrew Harmon and Spc. Jerimiah Richardson Harmon points out different embers of the 416th Theater Engineer Command unit operations (TEC) participated in EXERCISE NOVEL in a staff briefing during STRAIN 2010 conducted from January 12 - 14 to M Operation Novel exercise their newly developed operational plan (OPLAN) Strain 2010 for Pandemic Influenza (PI) response. The 416th TEC was chosen as one of two Army Reserve Commands to act charge” in theater operations. However, in DSCA, the as a Regional Joint Task Force (RJTF) Headquarters in civilian authorities such as FEMA and HHS (Health and the event of a major pandemic. In response to a major Human Services) are the lead agencies in any response. pandemic, U.S. Army North would order the activation of For EXERCISE NOVEL STRAIN 10, the RJTF C team the 416th TEC as RJTF Charlie. As RJTF Charlie, the established a Tactical Operations Center at the Parkhurst TEC Headquarters element would provide command and Army Reserve Center. RJTF C manned the TOC through- control (C2) over all military units assisting civilian out the exercise and established a battle rhythm with the authorities in Federal Emergency Management Agency ARNORTH staff. During the exercise, RJTF C provided (FEMA) regions V and VIII (a 12 state region). direction to its assigned units and communicated all To develop the Operations Plan, a team of 14 TEC required reports to higher HQs. The exercise also gave Soldiers volunteered to come on active duty to review the the RJTF C team a chance to work directly with their current U.S. Northern Command or USNORTHCOM and Defense Coordination Officer/Elements or (DCO/E) who Army North or ARNORTH OPLANs and to develop a work directly with FEMA and other federal agencies in Region Charlie specific OPLAN for the TEC HQ. Part of any pandemic influenza or DSCA response. their 60 day mobilization included Defense Support to The experience gained from the exercise was valu- Civil Authorities or (DSCA) training, FEMA training, and able. MAJ Andrew Harmon, RJTF Charlie Operations multiple training sessions with U.S. Army North and U.S. Officer said, “It’s definitely a different way of doing busi- Northern Command. Integrating the DSCA philosophy ness. Working with a new higher HQ and on plans where into the newly developed OPLAN was a key learning the military is not the lead element requires a lot of com- point for the TEC staff. Generally, the military is “in munication and coordination.” n

Why we plan . . . Lessons Learned from 1918 Pandemic Influenenza Outbreak event in the past 100 years has had such a negative impact worldwide.

The 1918 influenza pandemic, also known as the “Spanish Flu” was a highly contagious and deadly disease. The virus was H1N1, and caused an estimated 40 million deaths worldwide in less than one year. From 1918-1920, it killed somewhere between 50 million and 100 million people across the globe; no other event in the past 100 years has had such a negative impact worldwide. n

This was an emergency hospital set up at Camp Funston, Kansas, during the 1918 influenza epidemic. (Photo courtesy of the National Museum of Health and Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C., Image NCP 1603).

16 the bridge • Spring 2010 Enlisted Leaders Attend 416th NCO Summit Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Andy Yoshimura

ADDISON, Texas – Over 200 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers from the 416th Theater Engineer Command attended the second annual 416th TEC Senior NCO Summit in mid January. During the summit there were 31 presenters and 39 subject areas including Veterans Affairs and Freedom Team salute. The event took place over three days in the “Lone Star” state. Sergeants Major, First Sergeants and NCO’s in high leadership positions shared ideas on how to overcome difficult problems the command sees on an everyday basis. “Subjects that the presenters talked about are relevant to some of the Command Sgt. Maj. of the 416th Theater Engineer Command Larry Reever stops at the Military and Family Life Consultants booth during the 416th issues that we are having right now”, said Command Sgt. TEC Annual Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Summit Maj. Nathan Smith of the 487th Chemical Battalion. “This in Addison, Texas. gives us a chance to work through communication issues with the staff. Find out where the blocks are and find the results.” Staff members of the 416th TEC sat down with the leaders to help resolve some issues units are dealing with that need attention. “Interaction with the Soldiers was a lot better than last year”, said Miguel Guzman of the G-8 finance section for the 416th. “Not everyone has the same pay problems. Working with them one on one resolved certain pay issues for themselves and in most cases their Soldiers”. Networking was one of the most important aspects during the conference. Many of the leaders enjoyed hearing from their peers on issues and also appreciated suggestions that will help foster an Sgt. Maj. John P. Strock of Freedom Team Salute talks with Mr. Victor environment for improving leadership for their units. Newly pro- Lezza of the 416th Theater Engineer Command. Freedom Team Salute program recognizes the enduring bond between soldiers, family community and veterans. moted Command Sgt. Maj. Laurel Weyenberg, of the 389th Engineer Battalion, felt that interacting with other Sergeant Majors will help her lead troops. “This is a new exposure for me”, said Weyenberg. “We are getting a lot of great training and I am getting great feedback from my First Sergeants.” “We are just connecting with other NCO’s and trying to figure out what is going to work for all of us.” The lack of communication can make it hard for any two parties to work together. With today’s technology, communication is easier for some but cumbersome for others. Face to face communication seems to work best for most of these leaders.

“Knowing your Soldiers” are three words in the NCO creed that 1st Sgt Charles Gondiero of the 672nd Engineer Company, Command Sgt. should be strongly followed by all NCO’s. During this conference Maj. James Rodgers of the 863rd Engineer Battalion and Command Sgt. Maj. Knute Weick of the 416th Facility Engineer Group visits a multi-tool getting to know peers has not only strengthened communication exhibit during the summit. The summit brought senior NCO’s throughout between the leaders but has strengthened the cohesion of the the command to combat issues and share ideas within the conference. 416th TEC NCO Corps. n

Spring 2010 • the bridge 17 416TH TEC • FAMILY PROGRAMS

Dealing With The Media: A Guide For Family Members Sometime during your Soldier’s mobilization and deployment, reporters may want to talk to you and other members of your Family. Here are some tips to help you make the experience of being interviewed a success.

IT’S UP TO YOU! When a reporter asks to talk to WHAT ABOUT COMPLAINTS? Everyone has you or your children, the choice to agree or refuse is at least one or two—but if you want to complain completely up to you. If you’d like to talk about being about your spouse’s unit or mission, be sure to tell the a military spouse, the hardships of separation, the reporter you’re speaking only for yourself. Family Readiness Program, etc., you’re free to do so. If you think being interviewed would be too stressful WHAT ABOUT “OFF THE RECORD”? Talking for you or your children, just say so. You are under to a reporter “off the record” is almost always a bad no obligation to talk to reporters, ever. But if you’re idea. It’s too easy to lose track of what you said when, comfortable with the idea your viewpoint can help and find something that you didn’t mean to make present a more complete picture of today’s military. public in the media. The best general rule is, if you wouldn’t want to see it in the media, don’t say it. KEEP SECURITY IN MIND. It is fine to talk generally about mobilization and deployment and “WE’D LIKE TO HELP”. If you do talk to a what your spouse does. Avoid details such as the reporter, or are asked to do so, you may take a minute exact number of Soldiers in the unit, what type of to let us know, we can help you prepare and would weapons they carry and their exact destination. If appreciate knowing about it if you contact us after you aren’t sure whether or not to answer a question, the fact. We look for news stories about our units and don’t. Contact the Public Affairs Office for guidance at Families, both for our historical files and to forward to any time. A good reporter won’t mind waiting a few others in the organization and the right publics. minutes for an answer. If you have any questions, need information or just AVOID RUMORS AND SPECULATION. want to tell us about your experience, contact your They won’t add anything to your viewpoint and will unit Public Affairs POC or Chain of Command or you subtract from your credibility. may also contact the 416th TEC’s Public Affairs Office (800) 315-6327 ext. 248 or CELL: (630) 729-4107 email: [email protected] n

18 the bridge • Spring 2010 367th Engineer Battalion Deploys By Pfc. Lindsey A. Schulte

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The 367th Engineer Battalion held a farewell ceremony here on January 16 before deploying to the Middle East. Approximately 300 soldiers and their families filled the crowded auditorium at the 367th Yellow Ribbon Farewell Ceremony at Steward Hall on the St. Cloud State University campus. While deployed, the engineering unit will perform reconstruction and deconstruction projects and provide surveying and combat support missions throughout Iraq, requiring convoy movements from one location to another “Finally getting to do something you were meant to do,” is Spc. Jeff Pratt, HSC 367th En Bn, talking with local news station before the farewell ceremony how Sgt. Samuel Sanchez for the 367th deployment to Iraq described this opportunity. Sanchez spent seven years on active duty without deployment before joining the 367th. (DAGR) satellite signals navigation Command Sgt. Maj. Ty V. This may be the last chance the system. Emmans, referring to graduations unit will have to serve in Iraq. The 367th will complete their and births of sons and daughters “You may be the last of the training at Fort Bliss, Texas before while the soldiers are away. engineer battalions that deploy to leaving for Iraq later in the month Emmans, himself, might miss the that theater,” said Col. John and will emphasize more convoy birth of his first child as well. Lendrum, commander of the movement procedures. “The mission comes first,” he said. 372nd Engineering Brigade during “It’s exciting to be able to use When speaking to the assem- his speech. our training,” said Spc. Alexander bled troops, Emmans made it To prepare for deployment the K. Poor. evident that he and his non-com- 367th participated in 19 days of Many of the troops have never missioned officers (NCO) would do pre-mobilization training at Fort been deployed before. Poor and their part to guarantee a successful McCoy, Wis. The soldiers trained some of his comrades said they are mission. in individual tasks during convoy looking forward to earning their “You take care of your soldiers. movements to engineering loca- first combat patch. They will take care of you,” tions essential for a successful This will be one of many firsts Emmans instructed his NCOs. The mission in Iraq. Other training all of which show the sacrifice that audience answered him with moti- included weapons qualification is a part of every soldier’s life. vated agreement. and familiarization with the “There will be a lot of firsts A resounding HOOAH filled Defense Advanced GPS Receiver that are going to be missed,” said the crowed auditorium. n

Spring 2010 • the bridge 19 Operation Bright Star ‘09

By 1st Lt. Nathan Alba, 409th EN CO (V) Executive Officer and 1st Sgt. Patrick McCarthy, EN CO (V) First Sergeant

rmy Reserve Engineers of the 409th Class Vonfeldt deploying on September invaluable practical experience in facility Engineer Company (V) deployed to 26, 2009. The 2nd phase was the management. Military operations occur ACairo, Egypt for Operation Bright Star deployment of two separate rotations within countries operating on 399/220 on two consecutive rotations for Vertical deploying to Bright Star. The 1st rotation Volt 50Hz three phase systems. Vertical Engineer support from October 3rd to deployed on October 3, 2009 and the Engineers require practice on balancing November 4th 2009. second rotation deployed on October 17, neutral loads, properly grounding build- The 409th Engineer Company sent a 2009. The 3rd phase of the Operation ings, and seizing breakers to protect the total of 25 Soldiers to support Engineer was the redeployment and transition of wire are necessary skills. Skills learned operations at Cairo West Airbase during the 1st and 2nd rotations. The 4th and during operation Bright Star are neces- Operation Bright Star, a Joint Exercise final phase of the Operation was the sary for every Engineer company that is involving over 12 different countries redeployment of the 2nd rotation with all placed in a maintenance operation in the known as ARCENT’s largest, and their equipment by November 4, 2009. Middle East.” USCENTCOM’s premier, OCONUS On arrival of the ADVON, they When the Soldiers of the 1st rota- exercise. assisted Lt. Col. Schaper and Lt. Col. tion arrived, the initial priority of work During Operation Bright Star, Plybon from the 416th ARCENT in the was to complete the site preparation for Soldiers of the 409th Engineer Company initial layout and arrangement of the receiving work orders and performing (V) worked directly with the ARCENT and unit’s work area and layout. When the the required construction. The Soldiers Facility Engineer Team in completing equipment arrived, they containers were were required to manage their BOM so multiple vertical construction projects inspected and arranged in a logical that the resources would last for the and tasks to include carpentry, electrical, working layout. Working relationships duration of the exercise. Work orders and HVAC support for Cairo West were established with the local contrac- and plans were processed by the FET Airbase. The Bright Star exercise was tors, security forces, and Corps of and submitted to the company for exe- crucial for Reserve Engineer Soldiers to Engineer representatives. The hierarchy cution. All work orders received were practice their MOS training overseas, was established for work on various completed on time and delivered which often times they are not afforded areas so that when a problem did arise, promptly. The basic responsibilities of the time or resources during a normal the correct person or company was the 409th Engineer Company (Vertical) Battle Training Assembly. notified. during the Operation Bright Star Exercise The 409th Engineer Company (V) When asked of what valuable expe- were to assist in the maintenance of the deployed to Cairo, Egypt for Operation rience the 409th Engineer Company (V) electrical and HVAC systems of Cairo Bright Star in four phases. The first Soldiers learned from an operational West AFB, and the completion of con- phase consisted of the ADVON made up perspective, Sgt. 1st Class Vonfeldt said struction work orders from the 25th of 1st Sgt Patrick McCarthy and Sgt. 1st “Operation Bright Star provided Facility Engineer Team. As the 409th began daily

Above: Lt. Col Pat Hines, commander of 1-325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Operations, they provided electrical Division, from Fayetteville, N.C., prepares to touch down in the desert near Alexandria, support and expertise for the base Egypt, during a strategic jump exercise as part of Operation Bright Star 2009. The strategic during the conduct of the exercise. New jump included participants from Egypt, Germany, and Kuwait, and was one of many events held to foster teambuilding among the Bright Star participants. The U.S. is part of an electrical installations performed by the 11-country coalition participating in the biannual event spearheaded by Egypt and the U.S. Central Command and Third Army/US Army Central. P hoto by Sgt. 1st Class Craig L. Collins.

20 the bridge • Spring 2010 local electricians were supervised by the 409th electrician, Sgt. 1st Class Vonfeldt, and when the standards for safety were not met, the contractors were told how to properly install components to make them safe. The condition of the existing electrical system in the buildings was not up to safety standards, so the 409th enforced safety regulations that forced An Egyptian Mechanized Company attacks multiple targets during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. the locals to upgrade the systems to Photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright make them safe. Diligence on the part of the 409th resulted in no serious safety violations, and a few minor problems crucial in the purchase and loading of the both former construction employees that that were quickly corrected. BOM that would be required for the dura- were able to implement their prior con- HVAC was another area of emphasis tion of the exercise. The 409th was always struction knowledge of carpentry and for the 409th. The existing HVAC units had able to complete the work requested using finishing to the multiple projects. On the been in storage for an extended time and the asset that were available on-hand. second rotation, Staff Sgt. Quintin Mese needed cleaning and repairs. The 409th Sometimes the material did not match up took the lead with his vast carpentry expe- supervised the cleaning, repair, and instal- the plan requirements, so the Soldiers rience to ensure all pending projects were lation of the units, and monitored their recut the wood they had on hand for use completed by the last project day of output. Numerous problems with the HVAC on the project they had to complete. There October 31, 2009. units were reported to the contractors, and were a few items that were not on hand, Soldiers from the 416th ARCENT, 25th their repairs were monitored by the 409th. in that situation, the local purchase option Facility Engineer Team (FET), and the 409th The ductwork in one of the permanent was exercised. Items were purchased on Engineer Company (V) came from all over structures was in pretty bad shape, so the the local economy, with a few lessons the states to include Georgia, Colorado, 409th sent a team over to reconnect, being learned along the way. Texas, and Alabama to complete all the repair, and monitor the ducts to correct any On each rotation of Operation Bright necessary training objectives in a five week on the spot issues. Star, we were fortunate to have two NCOs’ mission. The construction section of the 409th that are/were employed by Construction was kept extremely busy for the duration companies and brought that skill set to Continued on page 27 of the exercise. Work orders were submit- compliment their military MOS skills in ted, processed and sent to the 409th for order to complete multiple construction execution. Preplanning and experience was projects. On the first rotation, Sgt. Nathan Fisher and Sgt. Christopher Novak were

Spring 2010 • the bridge 21 389th EN BN Soldiers Train to Fight By Staff Sgt. Leah Crubel

ebruary 2010 was a month packed with training for 389th Engineer FBattalion Soldiers. They kicked off the beginning of the month sending select Soldiers to Company Intelligence Support Team (CO-IST) training in Iowa City, IA. Immediately following CO-IST was the February Battle Assembly. Some of the Soldiers then attended IED training at the 411th Engineer Company in Iowa City the following week. Soldiers were selected from each company in 389th EN BN to be part of the CO-IST training instructed by a group from Ft. Huachuca, AZ. Through instruction, class participation, and practical exercises utilizing the programs Axis Pro and TIGR, Soldiers gained more knowledge on how they can fight a war not only in the field but Spc. Joseph Merfeld of Headquarters, Headquarters Company of the 389th Engineer Battalion through intelligence analysis as well. relaying information to his convoy commander in a recent IED training held in Iowa City, IA. This gave them and the team from each company a better understanding of what roles they play and how they can combat training or (ECT) at Ft Irwin, knowledge on the identification of effectively work together as analysts California. During the 24-hour CPX, sol- potential IEDs, deployment of IEDs, and during counterinsurgency operations. diers were given scenarios as if they the tactics, techniques and procedures Battle Assembly commenced the were deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. needed when there is an IED threat. weekend following training. With these scenarios they communicated HHC 389th EN BN’s newly assigned Headquarters, Headquarters Company with the different sections using the 1SG Wesley Ernst said, “I was impressed 389th EN BNs’ operations went around Command Post of the Future system. with training that was conducted. I the clock from first formation on Soldiers who are new to the unit were think the Soldiers got a lot out of the Saturday to the final on Sunday. The BA able to get a preview of what their key scenarios that they were given.” All of involved the Army Physical Fitness Test, roles would be during extended combat these skills learned and future training mass immunizations, a 24 hour training or a deployment. during Extended Combat Training is Command Post Exercise or CPX, evalua- Following BA, Soldiers dispatched giving commanders, first sergeants and tion processing, preparation for weapon HMMWVs and drove to Iowa City for IED their Soldiers an increase in situational qualification range in March, training. After instruction in the class- awareness and the confidence to be (SINCGARS) radio training, Laser room, Soldiers trained in a field successful on missions throughout a Marksmanship (LMTS) training and environment, reacting to IEDs during deployment. n meetings in preparation for extended convoy operations. They gained

22 the bridge • Spring 2010 463rd Engineer Detachment (Firefighters) Conduct CCMRF Collective Training

By Mr. Donald Gardiner, TEC Civil/Military Projects Officer ecently the 463rd Engineer the Federal Emergency Management camera inside to see what was on the Detachment Firefighters con- Agency (FEMA), practiced their skills other side and after determining that Rducted a three-day exercise to in using literally hundreds of techni- the other side was safe, they then cut continue to refine their individual cal tools and highly technical skills to a hole in the cement block to safely Soldier tasks and continue work on simulate rescuing people from con- get Soldiers inside the building. their collective level unit proficiency. fined spaces. The Soldiers did so Soldiers had to do all this in three The 463rd is on a two-year rota- while simulating being in a chemi- separate shifts because they were tion to immediately mobilize and cally contaminated environment only allowed to spend forty-five deploy to provide Urban Search and which required them to wear chemi- minutes at a time in the chemically Technical Rescue support to the US cal protective suits and masks, in contaminated “hot” zone. Army Reserve’s Chemical Biological, addition to their normal fire-fighter Once inside, the Soldiers were Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) gear and protective helmets. required to properly search the Consequence Management Response During the final exercise scenario building and vent the building so that Force (CCMRF). The 463rd is head- the Soldiers were practicing support- there was fresh air inside. Finally, quartered in Houston, Texas, and is ing FEMA and they were required to the Soldiers had to shore up the part of the 980th Engineer Battalion. first conduct a chemical reconnais- buildings structure so that they could From February 18th through the sance of a building that was a find the two trapped individuals and 21st, the thirty-two Soldier unit suspected drug lab. The building had extricate them to safety. “It was the conducted extensive training at the also partially collapsed after an most realistic exercise that the unit Houston Fire Department Training earthquake. After the reconnais- has yet to conduct at the collective Academy near Houston’s Hobby sance, the Soldiers used sensors to level.” said the 463rd Eng Det com- Airport. locate two bodies inside. First mander, 1st Lieut. Yazim Feliciano. During the four days, the unit, in however, the firefighters had to “Our Soldiers look forward to doing conjunction with the Houston Fire breech a large cement block that had more difficult training during their Department, the US Army Maneuver fallen over the buildings only safe CCMRF assignment.” n Support Center and School entrance. The Soldiers drilled a (MANSCEN), US Army North, and small hole in the cement, placed a

Pfc. Sean Evans of the 463rd Engineer Detachment uses a diamond-bit drill to bore a hole in cement under the supervision of a Houston Fire Department Heavy Rescue expert.

Inset: Sgt. 1st Class Daryn Morton of the 463rd Engineer Detachment watches as one of his fellow Soldiers uses an airbag to raise a slab of concrete during bracing and lifting training.

Spring 2010 • the bridge 23 277th Engineers Build Bridges, Bridge Gaps Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell BAGHDAD – On the banks of a rushing river Cavalry Division based just south of the in northeast Baghdad, clouds of dust hang river that resupply at Camp Taji, agreed in the air and hulking machines transform with the assessment. “It shortens the dis- the landscape in preparation for a new tance and travel time,” he said. “Less time bridge being built by Army Reserve Soldiers on the roads is less exposure to threats.” of the 277th Engineer Company, July 30. “It will also give future units the capa- Though a suspension bridge already bility to rapidly haul a lot of equipment spans the fast-flowing river, it won’t through Baghdad,” continued Hilmes, a support most Coalition forces vehicles, native of Sarasota, Fla. Army Reserve Soldier, Spc. Franklin Cardenas, a heavy equipment operator exits the D-9 explained Spc. Shane Brassell, a heavy Though the implications behind the bulldozer after clearing enormous concrete equipment operator from Whitney, Texas, success of a new bridge are easy to be slabs from beneath the earth in preparation assigned to the 277th Eng. Co., 46th Eng. seen, the coordination, effort and sweat to build a stronger and safer bridge in northeast Baghdad, July 30. Battalion, 225th Eng. Brigade. that go into a project such as this in a “The bridge they have now is not big combat zone aren’t taken lightly. enough and not strong enough to get our This portion of the river is deceptively keep your head on a swivel.” MRAPs [Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected deep, with a fast and deadly current that A rotating security element of 1st Cav. vehicles] through,” said Brassell. “So we’re could easily swallow a piece of equipment, Div. Soldiers keeps a watchful eye on the helping put up another bridge that’s going explained Brassell as he ground-guided a engineers every minute of the day. to be stronger and safer for our guys.” crane just a few feet from the 10-foot drop “Since day one, we’ve closely coordi- Being able to move through the area into the river. nated their security,” explained Hilmes. safely and quickly is imperative for the Along with the treacherous terrain, it “Not only is the 277th an external unit, but Soldiers stationed on either side of the was riddled with large concrete blocks also a Reserve unit…we’ve worked with river as well as for Iraqi Security Forces buried deep within the soil that needed to them a few times already on the JSS [Joint located here. be moved, he added. Security Station] and they’ve offered to “It’s a main thoroughfare for Iraqi Army “We’re lucky enough to use the D-9 help out anyway they can…as far as we’re and Iraqi Police and it’s right next to Taji, dozer. It’s the biggest engineering piece of concerned they’re members of the team.” which is a big base for them and it will help equipment in the Army and because they’re The teamwork between the cavalry them get their equipment through much so big and it’s a weight issue, we don’t Soldiers and the engineers is apparent and easier,” added Brassell about the impor- always use them,” Brassell said. “We still just another example of Soldiers helping tance of the bridge for his ISF partners. struggled a little bit, but we got good Soldiers get the mission accomplished. Maj. Andrew Hilmes, the executive operators.” “It brings a feeling of comfort knowing officer for the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry One of those operators, Spc. Franklin that my guys are going across there safe Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cardenas, marveled at the size of the con- and the ISF will be safe too,” said Brassell crete blocks. “A lot were buried in the as he tried to remove dirt from his brow Spc. Shane ground and we had to work them up and but only succeeded in adding another layer Brassell, an Army push them out…they weigh more than a of mud. Reserve heavy Volkswagen Bug,” added the Luling, Texas “There hasn’t been a lot of griping equipment operator looks native as he pointed to a colossal pile of from the troops because I think they under- on as a fellow broken concrete slabs. stand the long term benefits of this bridge,” Soldier clears an “It’s dangerous,” said Cardenas, a said Hilmes with a smile. “This is another area of debris in preparation heavy equipment operator, also assigned to one of those things to better protect the for a bridge the 277th Eng. Co. “But I have a lot of force and keep Soldiers out of harm’s way.” being built on belief in our security force and we really In order to do that, Reserve Soldiers the banks of a river in northeast rely heavily on them. I have a lot of trust in help active duty Soldiers, cavalry scouts Baghdad, July 30. them…but we have to stay vigilant too and protect engineers and troops keep troops you need to know what’s happening and out of harm’s way. n

24 the bridge • Spring 2010 Joint, Dual Mission Paves Road for Future Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

FOB CONSTITUTION, Iraq – Bulldozers and graters tore up Along with preparing the soil, the training that the IA chunks of earth as 6th Iraqi Army engineers and 277th engineers receive will help them work their own equipment Engineer Company Soldiers toiled together during a five-day they are acquiring in August, added Barros. In order to do this, heavy machinery training class at Forward Operating Base the classrooms are the vehicles. Constitution March 24. “We sit with them inside the vehicles; it’s a lot of hands- “While we were out here, we found a road buried,” said a on training,” said Velasquez. “We just basically throw them in smiling San Juan, Puerto Rico native, Sgt. 1st Class Bifredo the mix! They’ve taken it to the next level and they’ve Barros, a platoon sergeant for 277th En. Co., 46th En. responded pretty well to the training.” Battalion, 225th En. Brigade. “So we started to question what The focus of this type of training has been to teach the IA else we were going to find.” engineers how to instruct What engineers of the 6th other Iraqi Soldiers on the IA and 277th En. Co. also vehicles because they will found was friendship. be the primary trainers for “When we first started the rest of their unit when the training, it was a little their equipment comes, tense, but then we started added Barros. opening up,” said Spc. Aaron “At this point, they are Velasquez, a heavy construc- actually correcting each tion equipment operator other without any of us assigned to the 277th En. Co. intervening to let them and who hails from San develop their trainer skills to Marcos, Texas. “We just try to help grow up their own be as friendly as possible, they army,” said a dirt-covered do the same to us, now it’s A 6th Iraqi Army engineer Soldier (left) learns important hand Barros. and arm signals from San Antonio native Sgt. Augustine Deluna, just like we’ve known each a heavy construction equipment operator assigned to the 277th “I wish that these other for years. We’ve got a Engineer Company, 46th En. Battalion, 225th En. Brigade. future classes are the same great friendship.” with us and the Americans, Getting dirty and sweaty because we can agree to while training together helps forge friendships, but coopera- work toward the same goals,” said Pfc. Hadair Abaas, a 6th IA tion is vital to upgrade the Iraqi’s heavy machinery skills and engineer wearing a sweat-ringed desert camouflaged IA complete the first phase of a horizontal construction project uniform. “We’ll help this country and our people and we will for U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers living here. all benefit.” “The Soldiers treat us very well and we cooperate with Helping the IA engineers become self-sustaining while them,” said 2nd Lt. Nassim Rashid, an engineer assigned to starting a project to help FOB Constitution Soldiers live better the 6th IA En. Bn. “We are comfortable with the Americans is demanding work for the 277th En. Co. and they treat us well. We are one team.” However, uncovering an asphalt road while working The engineers from both militaries teamed up together to allows for some humor on the job site, according to Barros, accomplish two missions at once, added Barros. “We were just making fun of it and trying to find out where “They are actually doing some real work in prepping the this road will take us.” ground for an upcoming project,” continued Barros as an IA With the friendships cemented and the experience gained, Soldier in a bulldozer flattened out the land behind him to miti- they may not know where this road will take them, but the gate the drainage of the soil. “We’re going to do it in such a Iraqis will now be prepared to travel that road because of the way that the water is going to run away from the buildings.” training from Americans. n

Spring 2010 • the bridge 25 Picture Video Warriors Congratulations to the 211th MPAD for having so many winners in the recent Army Reserve Brumfield Excellence in Journalism Awards. Public Affairs broadcasters and photo journalists from around the Army Reserve sent in their best products to compete to be the best in many categories of creative excellence.

Awardees from the 211th MPAD

PRINT Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell of the 211th Mobile Public 2009 Army Reserve Military Journalist of the Year Affairs Detachment waits Staff Sgt. Mark C. Burrell for a photo opportunity in Camp Liberty, Baghdad. n Category G: News Article Burrell worked as a print journalist in both First place deployments to Iraq. “Mile-long Training Trek Concludes Combat Lifesaver class” Sgt. 1st Class Ron Burke

Second place BROADCAST “All American’ Troopers Pass on Tools in Cold Steel Academy” n Category D: Radio News Report Staff Sgt. Mark C. Burrell First Place n Category H: Feature Article Nasi Wa Salam Receives New Fire Station Sgt. Ashley Anderson First place “Bradley Mechanic Defies Logic with Illusions” Second Place Sgt. JoshuaM. Risner M-777 Howitzer Fires Excalibur Round Sgt. Erik Fardette Second place “Dragons Defend with Fire and Steel” n Category E: Radio Features Report Staff Sgt. Mark C. Burrell First Place n Category I: Commentary Hispanic Heritage Celebration Sgt. Erik Fardette Third place “Together We Stand, Divided We Fall” Second Place Sgt. Joshua M. Risner Women’s Equality Day Sgt. Ashley Anderson n Category J: Sports Article n Category L: Television News Report First place “Beautiful Game Fosters Partnership” First Place Sgt. Joshua M. Risner Joint Cache Search Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell Second place “Bikes Over Baghdad: X-Games Athletes visit Baghdad” Second Place Staff Sgt. Mark C. Burrell Engineers Teach Robotics Sgt. Ashley Anderson n Category M: Photojournalism n Category M: Television Feature Report First place “Federal Police Learn Hands-On Techniques” Second Place Sgt. Joshua M. Risner Hispanic Heritage Celebration Sgt. Erik Fardette Second place “DSTB Mechanics Keep Warriors in the Fight” n Category N: Television Sports Report Sgt. John Soles Second Place Soccer Game Shows Progress SGT Ashley Anderson

26 the bridge • Spring 2010 About who the BRUMFIELD EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM award is named after

LTC Wetzel Brumfield deployment training, and skill qualification for USAR officer USAR PA doctrine guru. and enlisted public affairs personnel for call-up and deploy- Awarded posthumously ment. He participated in the development of Army and DOD PA doctrine. As such, he was considered the USAR “guru” of Army Nominated by: SGM Mary Starmer public affairs warfighting doctrine. Another significant PA assignment was the National Wetzel “Scoop” Brumfield was a leader Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve — in establishing reserve component MOS- which emphasizes the “Total Force.” He served the 89th Army qualification courses for enlisted journalists and developed the Reserve Cmd., in Wichita, Kan., and the 15th Support Brigade first operational PA doctrine for press camp headquarters oper- at Fort Lewis, Wash., as PAO. He finished his career as chief of ations. He was responsible for training development and force policy, plans and professional development, PAO, U.S. Army structure — including unit structure and equipment, overseas Reserve Cmd. Brumfield died in 1997. n

Operation Bright Star 2009 Continued from page 21 During the AAR conducted by the 409th Engineer Company (V), there were many positive comments about the Bright Star Exercise. One of the comments by many of the 409th Engineer Company (V) Soldiers; was this was their first time overseas for Army training. For some of the Soldiers, this was their first time out of the State. For many of the Soldiers, this was also their first time working in a Joint Training environment with other Soldiers from different parts of the world. Some of the comments that were mentioned regarding any future Bright Star exercises were the 409th Soldiers would have liked An Egyptian Mechanized Company attacks multiple targets during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire to be more involved with the tactical side Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. Photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright. of the exercise. Due to the incredible work effort from the 409th Engineer Soldiers, the Cairo West learning lesson for the Soldiers and lead- increased readiness of the 409th due to Airbase facilities were always operational ership. Many situations were similar to the real life work they were performing. and all assigned construction work orders situations that are faced daily when a unit The Soldiers comments were overwhelm- and tasks were normally completed ahead is mobilized and deployed. The difference ingly positive and they would be more of schedule. in power requirements, power generation, than willing to participate in another Aside from the Engineer aspect of the safety enforcement, and materials (BOM) Bright Star. Exercise, the 409th Soldiers were allotted availability were remarkably similar to that Members of the 409th Engineer time to go on a MWR trip which including in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. MOS Company (V) expressed they were proud seeing the Giza Pyramids in Cairo, the skills were honed and sharpened, lessons and felt privileged to have been a part of Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. learned in schools and during training the Bright Star Exercise and looks forward The overall mission that the 409th were reinforced and excellent training was to future opportunities to participate in an was tasked to provide was an invaluable received by all. An added benefit was the OCONUS exercise. n

Spring 2010 • the bridge 27 Parting

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