www.hood.army.mil/1stcavdiv/ “Telling the First Team’s Story” Wednesday Jan. 4, 2006 First Team Aviators Return from Pakistan By Spc. Nathan Hoskins 1st ACB Public Affairs It was a cool, clear early central Texas morning, with the stars in full view as Soldiers from Task Force Quake stepped off the plane at Robert Gray Army Airfield Dec. 4. Not only were there stars in the sky, but two stars were wait- ing for the troops on the flight line as they were greeted by the warm hand of Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil, Jr., the commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, an energized band and senior lead- ers from their brigade and battal- ions. “Seeing the Soldiers smil- ing and coming off the plane with no complaints speaks large- ly of their attitudes,” said Col. Daniel Shanahan, commander of 1st Air Cavalry Brigade. The first members of Task (Photo by Spc. Nathan Hoskins, 1ACB, Public Affairs) Force Quake touched down at 2 Spc. John Esquivel, an aviation operations specialist with Headquarters Company, a.m. Sunday, following a six- 2nd Battalion, 227th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division week deployment to Pakistan serves up a juice to his daughter, Jasmine, age 2, with his wife, Christina at his unit’s providing humanitarian assis- hanger bay at Robert Gray Army Airfield Dec. 4. Esquivel returned with the first group of Soldiers from Task Force Quake, which completed a six-week deployment to tance to earthquake victims. The Pakistan in support of earthquake relief efforts. task force included Soldiers from Headquarters Company, Bravo Company of the 615th the 2-227th’s hangar, located on some families, this was not the Bravo Company, and Delta Aviation Support Battalion. the other side of the airfield, as Company of the 2nd Battalion, The families and friends of the returning “Lobos” finished 227th Aviation Regiment, and the Soldiers waited anxiously at up some in-processing. For See Return Page 3 Cav’s Aviation, Support Brigades to Deploy By Master Sgt. Dave Larsen Hall” broadcast Thursday (Dec. 15) on residents to air their concerns to senior 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs KNCT-TV, the Killeen area Public leaders from the installation. Broadcasting System affiliate. Though the rest of the division has yet Major General Joseph Fil, Jr., com- Two brigades, the 1st Air Cavalry to receive deployment orders, Fil told the manding general of the 1st Cavalry Brigade and the 15th Support Brigade, are caller that the entire division continues to Division, announced that two brigades slated to deploy in 2006. Both units are prepare for a return to Iraq next year. from the division have received deploy- expected to begin deploying in late sum- “We have a timeline for the air caval- ment orders. mer next year. The announcement came in Fil made the announcement during the response to a viewer’s question during the III Corps-sponsored quarterly “TV Town call-in show, which allows Fort Hood area See Deploy Page 4 Page 2 Commentary Jan. 4, 2006 New Year Brings New Missions into Focus The end of 2005 saw the must strive for excellence in of our oper- first two brigades from the 1st each area. ational Cavalry Division receive We are well into our trans- capability. deployment orders for Iraq. As formation and the creation of From indi- this new year dawns, the focus brigade combat teams that can - vidual for those two brigades and our and will - deploy. Our leader- weapon entire division is crystal clear; ship is actively equipping and qualifica- transform, prepare, and take training our formations under tions, to care. the new design which will small unit These three key tasks will assure us of continued success tactics and ensure the success of our divi- on future battlefields in the brigade- sion in whatever we’re called Global War on Terrorism. level field to do in 2006. All three tasks Our preparations for training are equally important, and we deployment cover every facet exercises, we must approach that we do and served as a each training event with profes- reminder to every trooper in sionalism and deadly earnest. this division that their nation, We must train as we will fight. their unit and their families As we focus on equipment depend on their well-being. and training, we must also con- I intend to reinitiate this tinue to recognize the criticality program because I feel it is of caring for our troopers and absolutely critical that every- the family members who sup- one understands the 1st port their efforts. We do it Cavalry Division depends on because they all deserve noth- each and every one of us. The ing less than our best efforts. First Team Power Thought "I I expect our leaders to can save my own life" is indeed take the reigns and spearhead powerful. I expect each of you these efforts, but it is, likewise, to do the same. imperative that each Soldier This year we will finish understand their individual role our transformation, prepare to in the division's effort. respond to our nation's call as Several years ago, this needed, and take care of each division's senior leadership other. With a sharp focus on established a campaign aimed the mission at hand, and an eye at safety and personal responsi- on the well-being of our troops bility. The program stressed and their loved ones, there is individual responsibility to act nothing we cannot achieve in (Courtesy Photo) responsibly and safely in all the coming year - together. Write On! Catch our television newscast Spc. Sheena Reyes, a public affairs specialist and printjournalist with Headquarters Company, 1st Cav Country Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, was during Fort Hood on Track Jan. presented by her award for second place in the commentary catagory of the Department of the 5 and 19 on cable channel 4 or Army Keith L. Ware journalism competition Dec. 15. KNCT-TV (PBS Killeen) at 7 p.m. Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil, Jr. Contact Crossed Sabers at 287-6162, 287-9400 or e-mail Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Scott Bleichwehl [email protected]. Command Information Officer: Master Sgt. Dave Larsen Crossed Sabers is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of Editor: Spc. Colby Hauser Crossed Sabers are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Co-Editors: Spc. Joshua McPhie, Spc Nicole Kojetin Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the First Cavalry Division. All editorial Contributing Writers: Pfc. Ryan Stroud, Spc. Robert Yde, content of Crossed Sabers is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 1st Cavalry Spc. Nathan Hoskins Division Public Affairs Office. Page 3 News Jan. 4, 2006 Tax Statements Being Released ARLINGTON, Va. – Military service members, military retirees and annuitants, and federal civilian employees paid by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) can expect to receive their 2005 tax statements beginning this month. DFAS customers with myPay access will be able to retrieve their tax statements electronically up to three weeks sooner than those rely- (Photo by Spc. Colby Hauser, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs) ing on regular mail delivery. myPay Members of the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment greet soggy is DFAS’ secure Web-based pay spectators on South Orange Grove Boulevard during their performance at information system. the 117th Tournament of Roses Parade Jan. 2 in Pasadena, Calif. Tax statements for Active Duty Soldiers should be available on myPay Jan. 21. If the statement is Rain Can’t Spoil Cav’s Parade not available on the myPay the form will be mailed Jan. 24 to Jan. By Spc. Colby Hauser fighting sheets of rain every inch of the way. 27. Civilian employee W-2 forms 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs “Our biggest concern wasn’t the horses, will be posted Jan. 9 or mailed Jan. but the floats,” said Gerald Freeny, the 10-21. Forms for Retirees all LOS ANGELES – Rain-drenched spec- chairman of the equestrian committee for should be online or are already tators roared with applause at the Home and the parade. “By 2:30 this morning we were mailed out. One of the many bene- Garden Television’s grandstand Jan. 2, as drilling holes in the bottom of the floats to fits of myPay is the ability to the Army’s last mounted cavalry unit pre- help them drain water, but the real concern receive tax statements electronical- sented arms during one of the nation’s was the winds.” ly, saving time and avoiding risks largest parades. Weather forecasts predicted four to associated with identity theft. The 1st Cavalry Division Horse eight inches of rain with winds in excess of myPay has a series of security Cavalry Detachment braved Mother 40 miles per hour for the parade. Still,he measures with layers of defense Nature’s wrath and basked in the adoration show went on. Soaked to the bone, the against identity theft. The secure of more than 200,000 fanatics as they Soldiers played to the crowd, as “Buddy,” technology provided to myPay cus- moseyed down Colorado Avenue during the the detachment’s dog, howled to the delight tomers meets or exceeds security 117th Tournament of Roses Parade. of thousands of children. requirements in private industry “This is what this trip has been all Past the grandstands and through the worldwide. about,” said Staff Sgt. Donnie Davis, a streets, Longhorn and Trojan fans were According to DFAS officials, demonstration rider with the detachment. engaged in a torrid war of words, but as the myPay is becoming the standard An odyssey, seven days in the making First Team troops rode past those words method of pay and tax statement for the detachment, this year’s parade per- turned to cheers for the Soldiers and what delivery for those individuals paid formance was not without its challenges.