Duke Dispatch Vol. 8

Blackfoot, aka Butcher Troop, squad leader proud to serve

TF Duke assumes command

February 2011 Duke Dispatch February 2011

Photos from operations of the 3rd Brigade Com- bat Team, 1st Infantry Division’s first month of TableOf deployment. Top Left: Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Tobey White Top Right: Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Tobey White, Middle Left: U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Lohr, Bottom Left: U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Lohr Middle Right: Contents U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ben Navratil Bottom Right: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Barry Loo

3 Commander’s Corner

4 Voice of the CSM

5 Chaplain’s word

6 Tandan Village visit

7 TF Duke assumes command

9 Indiana Soldiers help village Staff Editor-in-chief: Contributors: 11 Warrior’s Profile Maj. Travis Dettmer Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Kretz Master Sgt. David Burgoon U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. 13 Columns Managing Editor: Barry Loo Staff Sgt. Ben Navratil U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Lohr Staff Writers and Pho- tographers Layout and Design: Staff Sgt. John Zumer Spc. Tobey White Spc. Tobey White Staff Sgt. Andrew Guffey Inspiration: Staff Sgt. Alires Price The Duke Family

Looking for the Duke Brigade? Find us @ http://www.knox.army.mil/forscom/3ibct/

http://www.facebook.com/3rdBrigade1stInfantryDivison Cover photo- U.S. Army Pfc. Zachary Kampmann, an infantryman with 3rd Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, from Union, Mo., provides https://twitter.com/3rdBCT1ID security on the landing zone as the members of the Department of Women Affairs who participated in the women’s shura at Jaji Maidan, on Feb., 10, board a CH-47 Chinook. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Guffey, 210th MPAD) http://www.youtube.com/user/TFDukePAO/ Page 2 Duke Dispatch February 2011

Commander’s Corner Voice of the CSM By CSM Drew Pumarejo By Col. Chris Toner gains in the governance and prosperity of TF Duke professional development, there’s the even TF Duke the Afghan people and we are doing our t’s certainly been an eventful month, more important responsibilities our Duke ur Duke Brigade is firmly estab- part to continue these successes, tenuous as hasn’t it? From saying goodbye to our Brigade is entrusted with. Namely, we will lished now in eastern Afghanistan they are. Iloved ones at Fort Knox, to traveling al- be helping the Afghan people see there is an Oafter several busy weeks of inter- Uniting the people of our area against most halfway around the world to Afghani- alternative to the lawlessness and hopeless- national travel, on the job training with our oppressive, anti-Afghan government entities stan, our Duke Brigade has seen its stamina ness that defines our enemies. Pretty impor- counterparts from the 101st Airborne Divi- like the is no small task. Approxi- and mettle tested. Now that we’re safely on tant stuff when you stop and think about it. sion, the Afghan National Security Forces, mately 1.7 million people, predominately the ground in challenging conditions, and We literally have the power at our disposal, and the assumption of operational control of the Pashtun variety, occupy the nearly official owners of the responsibilities once through the sum of our collective actions, of coalition forces in Khowst and Paktya 12,000 square kilometers of AO Duke. held by Task Force Rakkasan of the 101st to help our Afghan partners improve their Provinces, as well as a portion of Ghazni For comparison sake, this is almost the in AO Duke is very mountainous which, Airborne Divison, it’s time for the rubber to lives through improved security, greater deployment, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Province. Our mission here is crucial to the size of Connecticut in land area. Our coupled with lack of infrastructure, isolates hit the road. education and improved infrastructure Days will seem long. Nights may seem even larger international effort in Afghanistan to AO also shares roughly 230 kilometers of the majority of tribes from any formal I’d like to take a few moments in this that promote better health and economic longer. There is even the likelihood of being secure a prosperous future for the Afghan border with , which adds a layer of government system. Effective governance month’s article to emphasize some key opportunities. It won’t be easy. Few things put in harm’s way on missions that take the people. I’d like to share a few thoughts this complication when conducting operations. across the AO in turn becomes difficult, points I believe in life worth fight to the enemy. This is the big leagues, month about key characteristics of our This border, drawn over a century ago by providing opportunities for groups like the will not only make accomplishing and now is the time to come together as operational area, an area we refer to as AO the British, separated Afghanistan from Taliban to influence the people in these our deployment I’m not going to sugarcoat it. ever are. The a team with those troops on your left and Duke, and how improving and understand- what was then considered British India, and areas, often with brutal intimidation. This more productive Days will seem long. Nights may Afghan people right. The time may come when you need to ing those factors will make all the difference effectively cut through Pashtun tribal areas, difficult terrain is also found along the and rewarding, but seem longer. have known little rely on your battle buddy for your life, so do in the success of our mission. often placing family members in two differ- also more enjoy- “ but warfare and your part now to make sure unity and cohe- Pakistan border and offers many infiltration Khowst, Paktya, and Ghazni Provinces ent countries. Needless to say, the people routes, permitting insurgents safe passage able. Hopefully -CSM Drew Pumarejo brutality over sion in your unit is where it needs to be. have long and rich histories influenced by situated along both sides of this line largely into Afghanistan where they can influence they’ll even help the last 30 years. I wrote an article several months back oppressive and brutal forces. The Soviet oc- consider the border irrelevant, and travel these isolated population centers and con- time pass a little quicker for all of us. I want They’ve” lived through the Soviet occupation about how our time at the National Train- cupation of the 1980s is well-documented, between Afghanistan and Pakistan without duct attacks against the people, government to get back to my Family in the states as of the 1980s only to endure the authoritari- ing Center would provide many valuable with the Red Army fighting and losing to trepidation. I already mentioned the Pash- officials, ANSF, and the coalition. much as the next person, maybe even more. anism of the Taliban. Meaningful and last- lessons for the deployment we now find a spirited resistance movement. Once the tuns are the dominant ethnic group in the Despite these challenges, I can tell you First things first, however, and now that ing change won’t happen for the Afghans ourselves on. Naturally, I believe that what Soviets left, internal strife helped bring the area. What I didn’t mention was there are at we’re off to a great start. The Dukes were we’re here it’s important to fulfill the mis- overnight. But realize our efforts are making I said then still holds true, especially when Taliban into power, and it took the inter- least 12 major tribes, with an estimated 100 well-prepared before arriving and it shows. sion and duties we’re entrusted with. a tremendous difference, and all of us are it comes to the many ways technology now national community responding to 9/11 to sub-tribes, making for a complex, fractured We are successfully striking the delicate bal- What’s at stake on this deployment? ready for this difficult yet rewarding task. can help ease the burden of separation topple the Taliban. The last ten years have tribal structure in AO Duke. ance between partnership with our Afghan Well, in addition to our own personal and As far as what to expect on our year-long from our friends and loved ones back home. seen a tough fight to secure and perpetuate To add to the complication, the terrain brothers, and conducting combat operations Our primary mission here is to assist the when necessary to counter the objectives of Afghans in counter-insurgency operations Afghanistan’s enemies. The ANSF is step- and facilitating the effectiveness of the le- ping up and leading operations, with Dukes gitimate government to effectively serve the by their side, advising, assisting, and fight- people in our AO, but I recognize there will ing. I am constantly meeting with govern- be some down time. Whether you like to ment officials and ANSF leaders during my e-mail friends, establish a video connection battlefield circulation who have enthusiasti- with your loved ones via Skype, or sim- cally embraced us in this joint effort. ply phone home, take advantage of these Lasting success in Khowst, Paktya, and outlets when your duties allow. We all need Ghanzi Provinces, and ultimately Afghani- a morale boost from our Families when stan will come down to a couple issues, possible, and that interaction with the home none of which are surprising. They are front can make the year here pass more universal ones, and no more complex than quickly. As always, remember how fortunate the people’s desire to live in peace, governed we are to have such things at our disposal by leaders committed to the common good, compared to fellow Big Red One Soldiers security, and the ability to provide economi- from earlier wars. cally for one’s family. Ultimately, Afghans That said, some things remain constant in Khowst, Paktya, and Ghazni will be the when it comes to Soldiers of the BRO. Here in Afghanistan, as it has always been arbiters of their own success. Until then, Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Barry Loo Photo by Capt. Ken Hoover TF Duke Soldiers will assist them to achieve Afghan National Army soldiers distribute radios to villagers at Tandan Village, Jan. 25. The Direc- since the 3/1 was formed in 1917, we face Col. Chris Toner, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division speaks with their goal. tor of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Niaz Mohammad Lali Zadron, and Afghan National Army no mission too difficult, no sacrifice too Khowst Provincial Governor Abdul-Jabbar Naeemi before the transfer of authority ceremony be- Duty First! soldiers distributed shovels, radios, backpacks, food, warm clothing and other supplies in the frigid great. tween Task Force Rakkasan and Task Force Duke on Forward Operating Base Salerno, Jan. 30. mountain village as part of an Afghan government outreach mission. Duty First! Page 3 Page 4 Duke Dispatch February 2011

Chaplain’s Word TF Duke uncases Deployment, spiritual resilience their colors By Chaplain (Major) Mike Nishimura, less WiFi connectivity. Our phone capability TF Duke, Brigade Chaplain was very limited. In fact, I don’t remem- e have embarked on another ber making any phone calls home while I journey of our spiritual resilien- was gone. The only way to communicate Wcy. This time we are in a foreign was through exchanging letters and cards land far from our loved ones and friends. through the U.S. Mail--yes, the now almost Undoubtedly this journey will be very forgotten old-fashioned snail mail! challenging for Though this time, let me suggest some things to many--both those Whether dealing with our frus- technology consider. who are deployed has improved In a challenging environment, we need at the forward tration of not being able to com- communication to maintain a positive attitude. The bottom edge of the battle- “municate readily, or simply not in recent years, line is we can choose our own attitude no field and those being with our loved ones and with things matter what is happening externally. No one who remain on such as Skype can take our ability to choose our attitude the home front. friends, we need to maintain our and Facebook, from us. Whether dealing with our frustra- We are greatly positive attitude. it continues tion of not being able to communicate to pose a separated by time -Chaplain Mike Nishimura readily, or simply not being with our loved and space. challenge to ones and friends, we need to maintain our I remember ” maintain close positive attitude. my first operational deployment. That was communication between us. Also, we need to keep our lines of Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Barry Loo before the time of Internet access, much As we deal with our challenges during communication open. When we are chal- lenged with difficulties, it is easier for us to simply give up. There is truth to the saying popularized by Billy Ocean’s song, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” We need to be persistent in communicating with each other. Perhaps this is our opportunity to regain our letter-writing skills. Fortunately for us who are deployed, it is free to mail postcards or light letters. Why not drop an envelope in the mailbox once in a while? I still cherish the letters and cards I received while I was on my previous deployments. It is really fun to look back and read again what our children said in their letters when they were young. If it’s not for your benefit, they may appreciate it when they Photo by 2nd Lt. Adam Smith Photo by Capt. Ken Hoover Photo by Capt. Brian Hollmann become older. It will create great memories. Yes, any deployment can be a very challenging time. However, it is also an opportunity to grow and develop our resiliency. I hope you approach this op- portunity positively and experience growth in your personal spiritual journey. May the LORD bless you richly as you continue your Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Zumer Command team members of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division based out of Fort journey! Knox, Ky., fall in behind Col. Chris Toner, 3/1 BCT commander, to receive their combat patches at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Khowst Province, Afghanistan, Feb. 1. The Soldiers were at a ceremony awarding the Big Red One shoulder sleeve insignia, designating former war time service, or combat patch, officially signifying their status as combat veterans serving in a war zone. Photo by Capt. Matthew Terry Page 5 Photo by Capt. Brian Hollman Page 6 Duke Dispatch February 2011

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ben Navratil Photo by Lt. Col. Bruce Coyne Photo by Staff Sgt. Ben Navratil Far Left- U.S. Army Pfc. Lauren Sivak, an intelligence analyst from Cleve- land, Ohio, and U.S. Army Spc. Brandon Wells, a topographic analyst from Hartsville, S.C. - both of Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 3rd Bri- gade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division - practice before participating in TF Duke takes over the color guard of the Transfer of Authority ceremony held at Forward Op- erating Base Salerno, Khowst Province, Afghanistan, Jan. 30. 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division transferred authority of Khowst and Paktya Provinces to 3/1 IBCT, also known as Task Force Duke.

from TF Rakkasan Center- U.S. Army Col. Chris Toner, Commander 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and the 3/1’s Command Sgt. Maj. Drew By Staff Sgt. Ben Navratil, Pumarejo, unveiled their colors as Duke Brigade assumes command over TF Duke, PAO transfer of authority ceremony, in which the command of Khowst and Paktya Provinces was the area at a ceremony on Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan formally handed over from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Task on Jan. 30.The 3/101 were transferring authority to the 3rd Brigade Com- Force Rakkasan, to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, was bat Team, 1st Infantry Division. The 3/1 IBCT, based out of Fort Knox, Ky., A will be operating out of eastern Afghanistan for the next year. held on Forward Operating Base Salerno in Khowst Province, Afghanistan, Jan. 30. The Rakkasans also ceremoniously cased their colors in preparation for their trip back to their home base in Fort Campbell, Ky., while the Fort Knox, Ky., – based Task Force Duke uncased their own, in a Far Right- U.S. Army Col. Chris Toner, a Topeka, Kan., native and com- time-honored military tradition. mander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, speaks at The ceremony was attended by Duke and Rakkasan Soldiers; Brig. Gen. a Transfer of Authority ceremony held at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, Jan. 30. 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division The hard work, the sacrifice, the Stephen Townsend, Deputy Commanding General of Combined Joint Task transferred authority of Khowst and Paktya Provinces to 3/1 IBCT, also Force 101; Abdul Jabbar Naeemi, Khowst Governor; and several members of known as Task Force Duke. TF Duke, based out of Fort Knox, Ky., will be blood of the ANSF and coalition the Afghan National Security Forces. It was a great medley of backgrounds, operating in eastern Afghanistan for the next year. “partners have helped meet the ethnicities and even uniform styles, as the outgoing Rakkasans wore the Army Combat Uniform, while the Duke Soldiers wore the newer Multi-Cam pat- Left- Pfc. Brandon Wells, a topo- conditions for stability in the re- terned uniform. graphical analyst for 3/1 HHC BDE, gion, and the enemy forces can “The hard work, the sacrifice, the blood of the ANSF and coalition part- practices with his weapon before ners have helped meet the conditions for stability in the region,” said Naeemi, participating in the color guard at no longer move freely. the Transfer of Authority ceremony speaking in and translated by a TF Duke interpreter originally from held at Forward Operating Base -Abdul Jabbar Naeemi Khowst Province, “and the enemy forces can no longer move freely.” Salerno in Khowst Province, Af- Rakkasan commander U.S. Army Col. Viet X. Luong, of Fort Campbell, ghanistan, Jan. 30. The color guard ” is a time-honored tradition where Ky., cited particular examples of valor shown by his Soldiers during their time here, and also empha- the U.S. Flag and other flags in the Photo by Spc. Tobey White sized the progress they helped make during their combat tour. chain of command are carried as Command Sgt. Maj. Drew Pumarejo of the 3rd Brigade Combat “During the early moments of this rotation,” he said, “The Taliban was winning in our provinces. the outgoing command cases their Team, 1st Infantry Division and a native of Harrisburg, Pa., inspects But this summer our combined actions started to produce remarkable results. We began to take many colors while the incoming com- a guard tower on Combat Outpost Dand Patan in Khowst Province, mand uncases theirs. Afghanistan. His visit to COP Dand Patan was part of the transition enemies out of the fight. The security conditions improved and we began turning the tide against the Photo by Staff Sgt. Ben Navratil between 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division and Taliban.” As the ceremony drew to a close, Toner promised that he and the 3/1 IBCT. The 3/1 IBCT, or “Duke Brigade” assumed command Speaking in both English and Pashto, U.S. Army Col. Chris Toner, commander of TF Duke and his Soldiers would help the Afghan people in their fight for their of Khowst Province in late January for a year-long deployment. Col. Topeka, Kan., native, thanked the Rakkasans for their service and sacrifices, and pledged his assistance country. Chris Toner and Pumarejo toured many of the COPs and Forward to the ANSF. “The Soldiers of the Duke Brigade are committed to using every- Operating Bases in their command area to familiarize themsleves with the area and its Soldiers. “Our brothers in the ANSF,” he said, “we embrace you with a spirit of mutual respect and coopera- thing in their power to build Afghan capacity for providing security tion. We are here now to continue the support the Rakkasans have given you over the past 12 months.” and stability to the region,” he said. Page 7 Page 8 Duke Dispatch February 2011

Hoosier Soldiers share poultry knowledge By Staff Sgt. John Zumer, TF Duke, PAO

“There’s more than corn in Indiana,” according to an old Indiana Department of Tourism slogan. The saying is certainly true, but continuing along that same Hoosier agricultural legacy, a group of citizen-Soldiers from Indi- An Afghan boy holds chickens ana is now sharing their modern agricultural he received at Combat Outpost knowledge and experience with their Afghan Terezayi, Khowst Province, Afghanistan, Feb. 2. The chickens counterparts. were distributed to local Afghan Members of the Indiana National farmers who had attended a poultry Guard’s 3-19th Agricultural Develop- management class sponsored by ment Team have spent the last several the Afghan Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. months of their deployment as- Photo by Staff Sgt. John Zumer sisting Afghan farmers in im- A $200,000 grant from the Commander’s Emergency Response proving agricultural practices. Program, which allows local U.S. military commanders to devote The 60 National Guardsmen funds to needed projects, helped to fund the classroom instruc- comprising the ADT are tion at Terezayi. Remaining funds will be used for similar projects presently supporting the Fort designed to get more poultry knowledge into the hands of area Knox, Ky., - based 3rd Infan- farmers. Follow-up missions will chart progress that is made in the try Brigade Combat Team, interim. 1st Infantry Division’s Task Metrics for success, more commonly known as benchmarks, pre- Force Duke. Skills and viously hadn’t been established properly, said Rance. Areas that will education among the ADT be now be focused upon largely involve safer, efficient and modern members include forestry, engineering, gen- poultry management techniques. eral farming, pest management, horticulture, mar- “The farmers will learn that it’s important to keep accurate keting and education. A mission to Combat Outpost Terezayi, Feb. records on how many chickens were still alive, sick, eaten, sold, or 2, saw members of the ADT facilitating a local class on poultry, an stolen,” Rance said. important component of the Afghan agricultural economy. All the training is designed to provide background knowl- According to one 3-19 Guardsman, it was time and resources edge for a five-day seminar to be held later this winter at Khowst very well spent. University. The seminar goal is to train 100 people in many of the “There is a lack of understanding here on nutrition and vaccina- same poultry techniques being discussed at Terezayi, with 20 people tions for poultry and other livestock,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant receiving the training each day. Officer 3 Samuel Rance, rangeland manager for the 3-19 and a The 3-19 will also be facilitating future training in compost and native of Rensselaer, Ind. He helped coordinate the ADT poultry forestry techniques. Earlier projects included the building of a mission, which had larger goals of nurturing greater health manage- greenhouse at the Afghan National Army’s COP Parsa, located near ment, vaccinations and production techniques in the poultry field. the U.S. Army’s Camp Clark, which allows for controlled horticul- The 3-19 ADT Soldiers brought more than their agricultural ture experiments. knowledge and experience to the poultry training location, however. U.S. Army Sgt. Brandon Reese, also a native of Rensselaer, Ind., Fifty chickens, very much alive and kicking, and purchased before- and an infantryman attached to 3-19, has farming experience back hand through Afghan contractors, accompanied the Soldiers on the home. While many of the agriculture techniques taken for granted ride from Forward Operating Base Salerno. Photo by Staff Sgt. John Zumer in the states are just being learned in Afghanistan, he’s comforted Five chickens each were given to the farmers as an incentive Above Photo- An Afghan man waits in line for complimentary chickens at Combat Outpost Terezayi, Khowst Province, Afghanistan, Feb. 2. Soldiers to know that the common goal of helping others help themselves is to attend the training. Farmers spent a morning in the classroom from the Indiana National Guard’s 3/19th Agricultural Development Team, universal across the miles and cultures. listening to Haji Mohammed, the Afghan agricultural agent for the attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, helped to “It’s nice to know we’re helping. Our main goal is to put an Terezayi area. In all, there are 18 agricultural agents spread across facilitate the training. Afghan face to the training, where they can conduct the training on Khowst Province, operating under the authority of the Afghan their own without our support,” said Reese. Left Photo- An Afghan man holds complimentary chickens he received at Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, said Rance. Combat Outpost Terezayi, Khowst Province, Afghanistan, Feb. 2. Page 9 Page 10 Duke Dispatch February 2011 Warrior’s spotlight

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ben Navratil, TF Duke, PAO A military Legacy

Name: ombat Outpost Wilderness, as its name suggests, is found in what can only be de- of equipment, or spending time with his Soldiers. Courtney Proctor scribed as the middle of nowhere. Tucked in between the tall mountains of Paktya As a squad leader, he’s responsible for 11 Soldiers, some of whom he’s been CProvince, in eastern Afghanistan, getting there by convoy is a bumpy and slow ride working alongside since late 2009, he said. Age: 40 along the side of what appear to be endless, craggy mountains and steep cliffs. The main difference between being a squad back at home and being Stepping out of the vehicle I’d been bouncing around in for the last two hours into what one here in Afghanistan, is simply that he watches his guys a little closer MOS: doubles as the COP’s motor pool and helicopter landing zone, the convoy commander ges- here. 19D Cav Scout tured to several of the tall peaks surrounding us, jokingly warning me that “they can kill you “I’ve got to watch them for signs of depression, homesickness or just be- from there, there, there and there.” His warning turned out to be mostly unfounded though, as ing overwhelmed.” Hometown: most of the taller peaks are home to observation posts, where lookouts scan the surrounding He’s had to deal with instances of depression in his previous deployments, he St. Joseph, Mich. areas for any sign of activity threatening the COP. said, but so far this time around there haven’t been any issues. He said his past This tiny COP, literally built on the side of a mountain, is home to Blackfoot (also known experiences have given him the knowledge and skills he needs to prevent as Butcher) Troop of the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, them from happening now. 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, based out of Fort Knox, Ky. I recently had the op- “I try to approach these types of issues in my Soldiers portunity to sit down with Staff Sgt. Courtney Proctor, a cavalry scout and squad leader from ahead of time,” he said. “I don’t wait for the symptoms Butcher Troop’s 3rd Platoon, and talk with him about his background, his job and his Soldiers. to become obvious. At the first sign of anyone look- Born in St. Joseph, Mich., Proctor said he lived in Kalamazoo, Mich., until his mother ing down, or just not right, I’ll approach them and joined the Army when he was very young, only six or seven years old. He spent much of his try to help them out.” early years moving with her from one post to another, first to Fort Hood, Texas, then several Even before the deployment, Proctor began others. preparing his Soldiers for the possibility of His mother decided to leave the Army when Proctor was in his teens, at which point they depression and combat stress. He ensured returned to Michigan where he graduated from Ypsilanti High School. that all of his Soldiers had someone else After high school, he “did everything,” he said. “I lived. I worked. I partied.” in the squad or platoon that they could Eventually though, at the age of 34 he decided he’d had enough and needed more options. confide in when they’re feeling down, “I wanted a better life,” he said, “I wanted to better myself.” So he enlisted in the U.S. Army as “because everybody gets there a cavalry scout and was sent to his first duty station, Fort Hood, which ironically enough, was eventually.” also his mother’s first, about a quarter of a century earlier. “My squad and I are like a fam- Why a scout? “I consulted my uncle, who’d been in the Army,” he said, “and his guidance ily,” he said. “We may not share all was to choose something that will help me market myself.” the same interests, but we spend a Also, he said, his recruiter showed him “a cool, high-speed video with people wearing ghillie lot of time together, talk and play suits and jumping out of helicopters,” and he decided that’s what he wanted to do. games, and that brings us closer.” “The role of a cavalry scout,” he said, “is to act as the commander’s eyes and ears on the “Unless I absolutely have to be battlefield.” somewhere else,” he emphasized, “We go out and sneak around the battlefield,” he said, “and report back on everything “I’m with my Soldiers.” we see out there, including enemy activity, possible routes we can move Soldiers along and He doesn’t take all the credit for descriptions of the area in general.” keeping his Soldiers healthy and battle- He enjoys his job, he said, and when going on patrol or conducting reconnaissance, prefers ready, he said. Compared to his other to go on foot rather than in vehicles. Luckily for him, he has ample opportunity to walk in the deployments, he said that he’s seen the most mountains of eastern Afghanistan, where the rough terrain often precludes the use of heavy support from the families back home during this one. vehicles. “I want to say thanks to the family readiness Even though he prefers dismounted patrols, he admits that climbing up and down moun- groups and the individual spouses back home for tains all the time, in his own words, “sucks.” all their support,” he said. “We can’t do what we do His platoon goes out on patrol often, “usually four to five times a week, depending on without their help.” weather,” he said. Proctor seems optimistic about this deploy- It’s important, he said, not only to go out often, but also for each platoon to stay in roughly ment, and with good reason. With the obvi- the same area. This way they not only familiarize themselves with the terrain in that specific ous care he takes of his Soldiers, plus the region, but also so they interact with the same villagers often, getting to know their needs and support coming in from home, there’s no building a rapport with them. reason why he shouldn’t have another “We interact with the Afghans every chance we get,” he said. “Ultimately, we’re here to successful deployment under his belt help them, but we also hope that in return, they help us out as well. We might dig a well for a when he returns to Fort Knox. village, and then maybe someone in that village will then give us information, such as insurgent “Everybody’s doing well,” he said. hiding spots, that might help save lives.” “Everyone’s taking care of each When not on patrol, Proctor spends his time trying to keep in touch with family, taking care other.” Page 11 Page 12 Duke Dispatch February 2011 Guarding against sexual harassment By Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Kretz, Equal Opportunity Advisor Safetycorner s a child, my parents always strived to teach me to treat street others as I would like to be treated. During this deploy- Sexual Harassment Checklist Ament for Task Force Duke, we should all strive to treat one • Is the behavior sexual in nature? What was celebrating ollovers continue to be another, as we want to be treated. • Is the conduct unwelcomed? an issue for deployed Harassing one another sexually is not treating one another with • Do the elements of power, control or influence exist? the Super Bowl with oth- Rforces in both Opera- respect. The Army defines sexual harassment as a form of gender • Does the situation indicate a quid pro quo relationship? tion New Dawn and Op- discrimination that involves unwelcomed sexual advances, requests • Does the behavior create a hostile or offensive environ- er Soldiers in Afghani- eration Enduring Freedom. for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual ment? Recently, U.S. Forces have nature between the same or opposite genders when— • Is the behavior repeated or an isolated incident? stan like? experienced 16 rollover events (1) Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct is made either • How would a “reasonable person” feel or be affected? that have resulted in 23 U.S. • Is the behavior inappropriate for the workplace? explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s job, pay, Whether you’re in fatalities; 10 from drowning career, or America or Afghanist- and 13 from blunt force trauma.There By Ken Campbell, TF Duke, Safety Director (2) Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by a person is condones implicit or explicit sexual behavior to control, influence, na the Super Bowl is have been 465 reported rollover injuries used as a basis for career or employment decisions affecting that or affect the career, pay, or job of a Soldier or civilian employee since Nov.1, 2007. I foresee this to be person, or is engaging in sexual harassment. Similarly, any Soldier or civilian an unofficial American an ongoing issue for our brigade throughout our deployment. The (3) Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably employee who makes deliberate or repeated unwelcome verbal holiday. terrain in Afghanistan, especially in the mountainous regions of interfering with an individual’s work performance or creates an comments, gestures, or physical contact of a sexual nature is engag- -Staff Sgt. Jeff Desrosier Khowst and Paktya Provinces, is not suited for the bulky MRAP intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. ing in sexual harassment. HHB, 1-6 vehicle, which leads to the majority of rollovers. As crews prepare Any person in a supervisory or command position who uses or DSN:318-851-0506. SIPR: 308-851-1105. 24 HR Hotline: 318-851-0311 for missions it’s paramount we continue to rehearse rollover drills on the Word before movements to ensure rollover drills become muscle memory. After only one short month in country the brigade has already Reenlisting By Master Sgt. David Burgoon The Super Bowl isn’t experienced four rollovers resulting in thousands of dollars worth TF Duke, Retention FRG events By Ally Reese of damage. The good news is that none produced an injury. This is FRG too big a deal for me due to the crew’s ability to properly conduct rollover drills and lead- ast fiscal year, the Warriors of the Duke Brigade made the this year. ers ensuring that gunners are riding at name tag defilade at all times. commitment to stay with the team in numbers that were ith the departure of the last Main Body Flight in Janu- -Pfc. Paul Sanchez Leaders must continue to enforce standards and drill this into the unprecedented for a reconstituting brigade combat team. ary, our Families are now beginning to settle into their Bravo Co., 1-6 FA heads of the young Soldiers of the Duke Brigade. With increased LMost of those elected to participate in the Deployment Extension Wnew routines. Our Family Readiness Groups have attention to detail and continued training, we can drastically reduce Incentive Pay program to preserve their reenlistment options until been busy tracking Families who have left the area and are offer- the number of vehicle rollovers and injuries. they arrived in theater. ing support and assistance to other unit Families. The most important thing any Soldier can do whether they We encourage all our Families to stay connected and busy. intend to reenlist, separate after the deployment or are undecided is There are many great events planned throughout the deployment to see their reenlistment NCO now! Feel free to contact a Career for our Spouses and children to participate in. A few upcoming Counselor at one of the numbers below: events for February are: Had I been at home, I FOB Salerno (Bldg 1542): ROSHAN- 0796478692 would have watched SVOIP- 851-1001 FOB Andar: 776-9072 Calendar of Events the game with my DSN- 851-0509/0513 Feb. 16- National Prayer Breakfast Family. I miss the com- 7 AM-8:30 AM at the Leaders Club Reenlistment Changes mercials. -Pfc. Henry Hansen Feb. 18- Camp Kentahten – Free 3-Day Middle School Camp at F Co., 1-26 • Soldiers serving in an over strength MOS are limited to reenlisting Green River Lake in Campbellsville for training in a shortage MOS. The place to check your MOS status is the latest In/Out call and with your Career Counselor or Retention Feb. 25- Family Fun Night NCO. The sooner you act, the better your selection of an MOS. 6 PM- 8PM at the BSTB classroom Bring the kids for fun crafts and games • PFCs are currently not eligible for reenlistment options other than Over here is a good Needs of the Army. chance to step back,

• Assignments are still available for those who qualify. The REUP Please remember to update any changes in your contact infor- enjoy some good Coming soon: The REAL Barracks Lawyer 12-24 program is still available! This program offers a wide selection mation with your Family Readiness Group so we can keep you food and watch the Past experience has proved there are plenty of of assignments that will report upon redeployment and shortly after. updated with the most timely and accurate information available game. fly-by-night Barracks Lawyers in the ranks whose Further into deployment, roughly 9 months from redeployment, there as well as all the great events for you and your family. “counsel” is neither wise, nor legally sound. Duke will be even more assignments available. -Spc. Brian Long A Troop, 6-4 Legal is here to set the record straight. Look for a • The Commander’s Education Incentive is being offered to any Sol- Visit the FRG website to register for the virtual FRG @ monthly column in the next issue of the Dispatch dier who reenlists to stay with the Brigade upon redeployment. The http://www.knox.army.mil/forscom/3ibct/frg_register.asp that dispels some common legal myths perpetu- incentive offers 12 semester hours of class time for Soldiers who are ated by those who think they know. If you are a trying to start or finish a degree. See your retention NCO for details on the incentive. Visit the FRG website for future events @ TF Duke Soldier and have a pressing legal question http://www.knox.army.mil/forscom/3ibct/frg.asp contact Legal at 851-0128(n) / 851-1286. Duty First! PagePage 1313 Page 14 Photo by Staff Sgt. John Zumer Master Sgt. David Dunbar, NCO in charge of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division communications section and a native of Lewisville, Texas, shakes the hand of Warrant Officer 1 Josh Johnston, the 3/1 IBCT food service officer and a native of Tyler, Texas, after bestowing him with his Big Red One patch during the combat patch ceremony for Headquarters, Headquarters Company 3/1 iBCT, held at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Khowst Province, Afghanistan,