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Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 1
Page 1 of 10
Wild Times 1/34 BSTB September
2011
September 2011
Vol 1, No. 5
bstb welcomes new
soldiers to Kuwait!!!
Twelve soldiers from 1/34 BSTB in
Bloomington, Minn. arrived in Kuwait on
Monday 19 September to join their unit
who have been in Kuwait since July.
We are happy to have you here!
Page 2 of 10
Wild Times 1/34 BSTB September
2011
September 2011
Vol 1, No. 5
Brigade Special Troops Battalion Remembers the Ten Year Anniversary of 9/11
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait (Sept. 11, 2011) -- September 11, 2011 marks ten years since the deadliest terrorist attack of our great Nation. The men and women of the United States armed forces honor the 9/11 generation now named “Patriot Day” by remembering those fallen citizens who have made the great sacrifice. We pay tribute to those lost on 9/11; honor those who now have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense and safety of our US borders. Since 9/11, over 3 million troops have been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. This also notes a very special time to the Brigade Special Troops Battalion who have the privilege of honoring this day by flying the National flag for anyone who requests it. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, guardians and civilians who are stationed here in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait can fly flags for any occasion. Those who request a flag to be flown, fly them honoring fallen or fellow comrades to ex-pressing their appreciation of their family members or organizations back home who support their service. The human resources section of the Camp Command Cell (CCC) is responsible for filling the daily requests of flag flying and accompany each flag with a signed cer-tificate by the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team’s Commander Lt. Col. Gary Mundfrom and Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Bruce Stowe. Since the Brigade Special Troops Battalion’s arrival to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, the Camp Command Cell has flown 167 flags and 35 flags just on September 11th 2011. The Brigade Special Troops Battalion will bring home a gratifying experience of being stationed overseas during a somber and emotional day, however serving this day on its 10th anniversary is truly honorable. Camp Arifjan hosted a Weekend of Service and Remembrance with activities to include a 5K Run/Walk and a Service of Remembrance to those fallen. “NEVER FORGET” By: Sgt 1st Class Brittany L. Thingvold Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team
Soldiers of the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team reserve a moment of silence on the 10 year anniversary
of 9/11 around the National flag.
Capt. Amber Manke and Sgt. Joshua Vang fold a flag in the Camp Command Cell to prepare
for a Soldier.
Page 3 of 10
Wild Times 1/34 BSTB September
2011
September 2011
Vol 1, No. 5
Camp Airfjan Soldiers Remember 9/11—5K Run
Wild Times 1/34 BSTB September
2011
September 2011
Vol 1, No. 5
Friends, Families and Soldiers of the Brigade Special Troops Battalion,
The Battalion Headquarters has hit another milestone – it’s been four months since we were mobilized for
active duty. One third done! We’ve been in Kuwait just over two months and we’re really starting to hit our
stride as a unit. For those of you back home, you should be very proud of the great work the BSTB Soldiers
are doing. The Camp Command Cell Soldiers have risen to the challenge of solving some very complex
problems to ensure that the Zone 6 portion of Camp Arifjan remains “Clean, Functional and Safe”. As a
taxpayer, you should also know that they’re being very good stewards of the resources which have been
entrusted to them. We have several initiatives in the works that will end up saving the government
hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. As a result of a lot of hard work and ingenuity we enjoy an
excellent reputation here at Camp Arifjan.
I’m also very proud of the work that’s being performed by the BSTB
Soldiers in other parts of Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. Regardless of the
mission, your “Red Bull” Soldiers are setting the standard for others to
follow. I’m looking forward to the day that we have the entire BSTB family
back together again in Minnesota. We’re going to have a lot of good stories
to tell.
In closing, I am grateful for all the love and support we have received from
our families and friends back home. We couldn’t do it without you.
Ante Up -- All In!
Lieutenant Colonel Gary Mundfrom
TASK FORCE WILD Soldiers & Families,
September seems to be flying by. The weather is changing back home and we are seeing a pleasant change
in the early morning and evening hours here. The change of seasons is one of the small things we miss from
back home. The most significant thing we miss of course is family and friends. If you didn't see the KSTP
special, the BSTB was featured with the highlight focused on mail call. Mail is looked forward to and our
mail handlers have been busy, THANK YOU! Yesterday I received two boxes of Girl Scout cookies from Lisa
Johnson's 5th-7th grade Girl Scout troop in Milltown, WI. Extremely thoughtful, thank you!
My theme each month may seem like a broken record as I describe the work your Soldiers are doing. Long
days, long weeks but at the end of the week the outcome is very measureable. I anticipate and look forward
to more of the same as we just welcomed 12 new Soldiers from MN who arrived a few days ago. They are
imbedded in a section and are learning their new jobs. Morale is good, Soldier safety is excellent, everyone
continues to look out for one another. Exactly what the Commander has
asked them to do. Thank you Soldiers for your continued energy and
dedication. Thank you families for your continued support to each other
back home. If you haven't done so, call an FRG leader and see how you
can help. The next three months will be the toughest as we all go through
the holidays separated by thousands of miles. Hang tough, stay in touch
and ask for help when you need it.
Command Sergeant Major Bruce L. Stowe
Page 4 of 10
From the Command Team
Page 5 of 10
Wild Times 1/34 BSTB September
2011
September 2011
Vol 1, No. 5
Chaplain’s Page With every edition of the Stars and Stripes, the news seems to get worse: Economy in Shambles,
Record Unemployment, Recession Looming, Flooding, Wildfires, Housing
Market in Freefall, Unrest in the Middle East. How do you deal with the stress, the worry, the
anxiety, the uncertainty?
My faith tradition informs me that adhering to Biblical teachings is the equivalent of
building the “house” of my life on a firm foundation, so it will weather the storms. Soldiers who exhibit healthy
Spiritual behavior have core values and rules to live by, live a life of
integrity and are grounded in those beliefs.
In the midst of persistent conflict and high operational tempo, are you in this deployment
experience for the long haul, or are you just getting by? Spiritually fit Soldiers seek to
engage in regular practices which bring meaning and purpose to their lives. This includes regular church or Mass
attendance, or meeting with soldiers of like faith or beliefs on a
recurring basis for sacred rites, ordinances, or disciplines. Warriors who succeed in this area invest in
establishing supportive and objective relationships – battle buddies who will be honest and provide a “compass
check” in times of struggle or discouragement.
When you have hope as a result of intentional spiritual fitness, your confident expectation will allow you to
weather the storms and be an encouragement to those around you.
CH (MAJ) Buddy Winn
Ministry Team Contact Information
CH (MAJ) Buddy Winn (Brigade Chaplain)
Phone: DSN: 430-7478 / CELL: 9720-7536
Email: [email protected]
SSG Bradley Novacek (Chaplain Assistant NCO)
Phone: DSN: 430-7476 / CELL: 9902-8836
Email: [email protected]
Wild Times
Page 6 of 10
1/34 BSTB September 2011
Vol 1, No. 5
7th Dive Team Conducts Exercise Shallow Brown by: 1st Lt. Aaron Rindahl
Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division
Kuwaiti Naval Base, Kuwait (Sept. 18, 2011) – The 7th Engineer Dive Team has
been tasked with missions that have taken its soldiers to both Iraq and Afghanistan,
but they have also taken opportunities to develop soldiers at Kuwaiti Naval Base.
The 7th Engineer Dive Team conducted exercise Shallow Brown to improve the
proficiency of the junior soldiers. According to Capt. Scott Sann, “Shallow Brown
tests our second class divers on their underwater construction and salvage capabili-
ties in preparation for advancement to the Salvage Diver rate.” The dive team
wants their soldiers to be salvage qualified around the same time that they are pro-
moted to E5 Sgt.
Exercise Shallow Brown was a small part of a lengthy checklist required for Sec-
ond Class Divers to move up to be Salvage Diver qualified. The entire process to
become Salvage Diver qualified can take between one to two years. According to
Spc. Patrick Morales some of the tasks that were performed during exercise Shal-
low Brown include, “Cutting and welding, dive knowledge, demo, charting, and
hydraulic tools” through both practical exercises and written tests.
Salvage Diver is the second stage in the U.S. Army diving hierarchy; the next step
is First Class Diver for diving supervisors and the highest rating is Master Diver.
According to second squad team leader Staff Sgt. Jeramy Bays, “Their hard work
led to attaining nearly all of their Salvage Diver check-offs and moving in the right direction to becoming a lead diver
in the field.”
Sgt. Gabriella Nnabue is standing next to equipment prior to a dive. Behind her is the platform that is used to deploy the
divers.
St. 1st Class Harrison conducts supervisor checks before sending divers into the water
during exercise Shallow Brown.
Pictured at the right, a project is successfully dewatered and
brought to the surface during an
exercise Shallow Brown test dive.
Pictured to the left, 1st Lt. David Guerdan prepares a double
waterproof firing assembly to keep blasting caps above water and dry
during underwater demolition operations.
7th EDT is on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/7th-Engineer-Dive Team/105525036159201
Page 7 of 10
Wild Times 1/34 BSTB September
2011
September 2011
Vol 1, No. 5
“DRAGONS OF HELL! EQUAL TO THE TASK” Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CRRN) Company decontaminates Camp Arifjan
By: Sgt 1st Class Brittany L. Thingvold
Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait (Sept. 24, 2011) – Seldom seen performing their duties at Camp Arifjan in the middle of the day, the 44th
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Company’s primary mission is keeping the tenants of Camp Arifjan out
of harm’s way by decontamination. These soldiers work primarily night and early morning shifts that do not interfere with the
safety and other missions critical to the success of Area Support Group (ASG) Kuwait. “The 44th CBRN Company has been en-
trusted with the mission to provide immediate response to any CBRN situations that may arise in our AO [Area of Operations]”
said 1st Lt. Grace Rone, platoon leader, 44th CBRN Company, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team.
Of the real-world missions the 44th CBRN has encountered, a recent dangerous chemical spill had occurred during the hottest time
of the year in Kuwait [August]. Due to the sweltering temperature, that makes it especially challenging as the soldiers suit up in a
chemical uniform known as the Level A Suit.
The CBRN company hosted the first ever week long CBRN Academy here on Camp Arifjan. Events included training of hazard-
ous scenarios, decontamination operations, and in-depth experience with the Fox M93A1 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Re-
connaissance System (NBCRS). The final day included a reconnaissance and decontamination mission exercising the modern day
CBRN operations including a mounted drivers training lane.
Although the Fort Hood, Texas based active duty unit is nearing the end of their tour “our soldiers continue to stay motivated and
focused on our mission. We continue to prove ourselves Dragons of Hell, Equal to the Task!” said Rone. Before the CBRN Com-
pany departs theater, they will have the opportunity to train with the Kuwaiti National Guard Soldiers, teaching them military tac-
tics gaining their confidence in the defense of their country.
Staff Sgt Harlintony Austin of 44th CBRN gives an initial block of in-
struction on the Fox M93A1 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Recon-
naissance Vehicle (NBCRS) during the first ever CBRN Academy.
Soldiers from the 44th CBRN company dawn the self-contained breathing apparatus and protective equipment to prepare for a chemical spill recon-
naissance and decontamination in the early A.M. hours.
44th CBRN Company
Page 8 of 10
Wild Times 1/34 BSTB September
2011
September 2011
Vol 1, No. 5
We bid farewell to Soldiers of the 319th EOD Company as they complete their
mission at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
Welcome 788th and 202nd EOD Companies!!
Incoming Company Commanders are pictured above,
CPT Amir Abu-Akeel (left) and 1LT Daniel Manley
Page 9 of 10
The Army Family Readiness Group (Army FRG)
website provides a secure environment in which
information, resources, and support are available to
Soldiers and their Family Members 24 hours a day,
regardless of their geographic location. The 1/34
BSTB vFRG site promotes a community feeling by
providing a place that is customized to the Battalion
and contains content that is controlled at the Battal-
ion and unit levels. Army FRG website provides all
of the functionality of a traditional FRG in an ad-
hoc and on-line setting to meet the needs of geo-
graphically dispersed units and families across all
components of the Army. A homepage is dedicated
to each company in the Battalion for unit specific
information and events.
SIGN UP FOR THE VIRTUAL FRG SECURE WEBSITE
1. Go to http://www.armyfrg.org
2. Click “Find an FRG”
3. On the map click “Minnesota”
4. Click on 1/34 BSTB
5. Choose to subscribe as a Soldier or family member.
6. If you are subscribing as a Soldier, once your account is set up
you can invite family members or loved ones to the website. All
you need is their name and email address. They will be approved
automatically.
7. If you are subscribing as a family member and your Soldier has
not registered you will need your Soldiers full first and last name
and the last 4 digits of their SSN. The vFRG administrator will
need to verify the information before approving and granting
access.
8. Once your subscription is approved, login at
http://www.armyfrg.org.
9. Select “1/34 BSTB” from drop down box and click “View”
1/34 BSTB vFRG Includes:
Unit Home Pages
Announcements
1/34 BSTB Calendar
Document Downloads
FAQs & Forums
Resource Links
News
Photo Galleries
Surveys
and MUCH MORE!!!
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!
For updates and photos go to the link below and “like” our page to
get continuous updates on Soldiers in the 1/34 BSTB.
Check us out at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/134-Brigade-Special-Troops-
Battalion/197347730301711
Wild Times 1/34 BSTB September
2011
September 2011
Vol 1, No. 5