The Battalion

Commander’s

Corner

A L W A Y S F I R S T , D I E H A R D ! Issue 1

November 01, 2012

Inside this issue:

BN Commander 1

BN Sergeant Major 2

HHC-HAMMER 3

FSC—WORKHORSE 4

111TH– ASSASINS 5

41ST—BULLDOGS 6

72ND—COLD STEEL 7

AWARD & RE-UPS 8

DIEHARD PHOTOS 9

of these units and their Soldiers. Each has dem-

onstrated an unrivaled degree of professional-

ism and dedication that has set the standard for

deploying units. I know that their performance

would not have been possible without the su-

perb support of our Diehard Families and

friends.

Over the next several months we will face

numerous challenges such as poor weather,

evolving missions and a determined enemy, but

I have complete confidence that our Soldiers are

up to the task.

As a final note, I would like to take the oppor-

tunity to thank each and every one of you, Sol-

diers and Family members, for your sacrifices

and commitment. Your support is our strength.

Always First!

LTC Tom Hairgrove

LTC THOMAS B. HAIRGROVE, JR.

Since our depar-

ture from Fort Riley

in early Septem-

ber, the Soldiers of

the 1st Engineer

Battalion have

been incredibly

busy and have al-

ready proved

themselves as combat ready. Soon after de-

ploying, the battalion moved to its final desti-

nations and began a rigorous process of in-

theater training and transition tasks in prepa-

ration of assuming our diverse missions.

On 14 October 2012, the 1st Engineer Bat-

talion, now Task Force Diehard, conducted

the transfer of authority (TOA) with the 7th

Engineer Battalion, Task Force Red Devils. In

the days prior, each company likewise as-

sumed their missions across eastern Afghani-

stan. The 72d Engineer Company and the

111th Engineer Company are each assigned

to the 178th Engineer Battalion, Task Force

Prowler while Task Force Diehard has grown

to include HHC, FSC, the 41st Engineer Com-

pany, the 102d Engineer Company, the 264th

Engineer Company, the 289th Engineer

Company, and the 857th Engineer Company.

I cannot express how proud I am of each

The Engineer!

The 1st Engineer Battalion Color Guard after

the TOA Ceremony on FOB Shank.

The Battalion

Command

Sergeant

Major’s

Corner

A L W A Y S F I R S T , D I E H A R D ! Issue 1

November 01, 2012

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all

of the TF Diehard families for their support to our Sol-

diers here. With the holiday season upon us you will be

in our thoughts and in our hearts as we continue our

mission. I would like to personally wish all a safe and

happy holiday season.

DIEHARD!

CSM Keith L. Evans

CSM KEITH L. EVANS

The Diehard Battalion hit the

ground in Late September

and your Soldiers have done

a phenomenal job quickly

learning their mission from

our Engineer brethren from Task Force

Red Devils (7th Engineer Battalion) from

Fort Drum, New York. We conducted our

transfer of authority on October 14th and officially assumed our

mission. Along with your Diehards I would like to welcome the

102nd Engineer Company (Sapper) and 264th Engineer Com-

pany (Clearance Company) from Fort Bragg, NC and the 289th

Engineer Company (Vertical) and 857th Engineer Company

(Horizontal) from the Mississippi National Guard to the Task

Force Diehard family. We look forward to serving alongside

them during our time here in Afghanistan.

Since assuming mission I have been on battlefield cir-

culation with the 41st Engineer Company where I conducted a

night clearance mission and observed them training with mini

unmanned aerial vehicles. There is no doubt they are prepared

for the mission ahead of them. I also visited the 111th Engineer

Company for their transfer of authority ceremony and got the

opportunity to see how the Assassins were living. Even though

they are located on a austere Combat Outpost their morale was

high and the Soldiers were eager to get busy conducting clear-

ance operations. I visited with the 264th and 289th Engineer

Company’s and was impressed with how they were making

their missions happen. I will continue to go out and visit our TF

Diehard Soldiers on a monthly basis and give updates in future

newsletters.

The Engineer!

CSM Evans with newly promoted SFC James Eddings on FOB

Shank.

1SG’s Column

HAMMER 7

First, I want to say thanks to the

family, friends, and Soldiers of

HHC. The unwavering support

that you are providing and the

continued sacrifices that you

make daily has not gone unno-

ticed. Words will never express

the appreciation that the com-

mander and I have for you. I

would like to also say thanks to

the command team of HHC, 7th

EN BN. The professionalism

you displayed made our transi-

tion into FOB Shank a smooth

one. The Soldiers have settled

into their roles and responsi-

bilities here and their efforts

have gone a long way to make

this a very productive deploy-

ment.

1SG Charles A. Chappelle

Commander’s Column

HAMMER 6

Hammer Soldiers completed

a successful Relief In Place

(RIP) with their counterparts

from HHC, 7th EN BN (TF Red

Devils). Now, with our Red

Devil brothers-in-arms rede-

ployed to their home station

(Fort Drum, NY), and Hammer

Soldiers settled into their roles

on FOBs Shank, Fenty and BAF,

we continue our mission to sup-

port the other companies in TF

Diehard, and enable them to

accomplish their missions. A

special thank you goes to our

Red Devil brothers, who

worked diligently to ensure our

success, and to our Families,

who constantly support us in all

our endeavors.

CPT Oscar Schneegans

A Hammer Soldier’s training is never done. The new fleet

of vehicles means drivers’ training for all Soldiers. SSG Mo-

hammed, the Battalion Master Driver, trained Hammer Sol-

diers on Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

Hammer Soldiers also conducted Combat Life Saver (CLS),

Cold Weather and Winter Driving training. FSC’s Mainte-

nance Platoon instructed Hammer Soldiers in the fine art of

snow chain installation on an MRAP (thank you, FSC!).

HHC

Bring The Hammer Down! TF Diehard’s 1st Reenlistment

SGT Curtis D. Rose, a native of Mobile, Alabama, and

a signal support Non-Commissioned Officer, pledged his third

oath at FOB Shank, Afghanistan, October 8, 2012. SGT Rose be-

came the first DieHard to raise his hand and take the oath of

enlistment during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 12-13.

He reenlisted for a future assignment to Fort Lewis, Washington.

When asked why he chose to reenlist he simply said, “I enjoy

serving my country and love my MOS.” SGT Rose also chose to

have LTC Hairgrove, TF DieHard Commander, swear him in, “It

was phenomenal to be able to reenlist SGT Rose. He and I have

been together since Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-10. It was an

honor to have the opportunity to reenlist him.” On October 8,

2012, TF Diehard retained one of its best and brightest Non-

Commissioned Officer to serve within the ranks for years to

come. - SFC David Barrera III (S-2)

FOB SHANK, AFGHANISTAN

WORKHORSE family and friends, we have finally made it over the

half way mark. It is nice to know we are on the downward slope of Page 4

FSC, Workhorse

FOB SHANK, AFGHANISTAN

WORKHORSE family and friends, we are

about to officially complete our first month

here in Afghanistan, and it has definitely been

a busy one. After finally making it to Bagram

Airfield Afghanistan, the company immedi-

ately began mandatory training. There was a

three day blur of all day classes and trips to

the range to verify all of our sharpshooting

skills. Many Soldiers were immediately sent

to classes to learn how to operate vehicles,

weapons systems and various types of war

fighting equipment. It took almost an entire

month to get the whole company back to-

gether at FOB Shank.

A few long days and late night flights later,

the Company was at FOB Shank and ready to

work. Every leader was tasked with shadow-

ing their counter part in the 7th Engineer

Battalion. There was a lot to learn in a short

period of time, but

every Workhorse Sol-

dier jumped right in to

learn their role in our

mission.

The HQ Platoon had

an abundance of new

vehicles, communica-

tions systems and re-

ports to learn about.

SSG Eddings and his

Soldiers spent many

days in drivers training and radio classes to

ensure the entire company operations section

is always ready to support maintenance and

distro. SPC Lathan, the Company postal clerk,

picks up and distributes mail to the Soldiers

daily, which is one of the biggest boosts to

morale.

The new NCO leadership in the Main-

tenance Platoon, SFC Curry

(Maintenance Platoon Sergeant & Main-

tenance Control Supervisor), SSG Ellis

(Motor Sergeant), and SGT Moore (Shop

Foreman) have been hard at work reor-

ganizing the motorpool and implement-

ing systems to make operations more

efficient such as: improving service

packets and effectively tracking non-

mission capable equipment to increase

unit readiness. The newly appointed

Squad Leaders; SPC Rosario, SPC Robin-

son, and SPC Broom are working hard to

learn the ins and outs of their positions as

first line supervisors. The platoon started

off by preparing all FSC and HHC vehicles

for winter, and SGT Eales taught a class on

snow chains for all operators. Next, they

focused on conducting

technical inspections

to catch faults before

any vehicles went out

on mission. SGT

Daley and her team of

clerks have been

working long hours

ensuring all three

SAMS-1E systems are

to standard. The pla-

toon has also been

busy with combat life saver’s class and

driver’s training on the different Mine Re-

sistant Ambush Protect (MRAP) vehicles.

Everyone is learning a lot and growing

even closer as a platoon.

As soon as Distro Platoon arrived at

FOB Shank, they began learning about

their Area of Operations (AO) and how

crucial their job is to Task Force DIEHARD.

The Platoon is tasked with delivering mis-

sion essential equipment and supplies to all

units within the Task Force. Simply stated,

they drive all over RC-East. The Diablo

(Distro PLT’s nickname) Soldiers attended

driver’s training for five types of vehicles,

winterization classes, cargo securing class

and various ranges to ensure they were

ready for their first mission. Somehow,

work and training, Distro found time to take a

break for the re-enlistment of SGT Stephens

and the promotions of SSG Cass and SPC

Leitchman. In this first month alone, Distro has

already covered over 1250 kilometers, and that

number is sure to increase steadily until it is

time for all of us to go home.

- CPT Derek Benz, Commander, FSC

Greetings to All,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank

all the Family members for supporting their

Soldier before we deployed to Afghanistan.

The Soldiers spent long days at work prepar-

ing for this deployment and family time was not

as long as we hoped. The commander and I

believe in taking care of families and encour-

age you to participate in the Family Readiness

Group. I would like to thank Mrs. Russell for

volunteering to be the Family Readiness

Leader. Over this last month, the Soldiers con-

tinue to perform maintenance on vehicles and

conduct convoys transporting supplies to other

units across Afghanistan in support of Task-

force Diehard. We had two NCOs reenlist, SGT

Daley and SGT Stephens. We also had SGT

Cass promoted to Staff Sergeant and 2LT

Habermaas promoted to First Lieutenant. May

God Bless you and continue to pray for our

safety.

-1SG Vaughters

FSC Soldiers conducting Driver’s Training in the

TF Diehard Motorpool

Newly promoted 1LT Habermaas and Soldiers from

her Platoon

A word from the Company

The Assassins have come to Af-

ghanistan and have already made

history with the 111th Engineer Com-

pany now having been deployed to its

tenth theater of conflict. Upon arrival

in Afghanistan at Combat Outpost

(COP) Zormat the Company’s call sign

of Assassin was replaced by Rebel

due to the RC East naming convention

guidelines. We will be called the RE-

BEL until we return to Fort Riley

The Sappers of 111th have

been busy with their relief in place

(RIP) with the 642nd Engineer Equip-

ment Company from Fort Drum, New

York. These tasks include learning

the routes and tactics used to clear the

roads of the Zormat area that the Com-

pany will be required to clear in sup-

port of 1-187 Infantry Battalion (Air

Assault) the Rakkasans and of the COP

Zormat life support task such as guard

duty, local national escort, and force

protection improvements.

An unforeseen task that the

Company has come across is the re-

built and force protection improve-

ments of COP Zormat after a VBIED

attack on the Afghan National Army

(ANA) side of COP Zormat. This at-

tack caused significant structural

damage to many buildings on the

COP but resulted in no significant

injuries to US personnel. The rebuild

has been going very smooth with the

arrival of Construction Engineers to

which we are now augmenting to

speed up the repair time.

REBEL 6

6

COP ZORMAT, Afghanistan

Page 5

111th EN Co (REBEL), ASSASSINS

The 111th Sapper Crest placed on the COP

Zormat water station

1st Platoon (RCP 2)

filling sand bags and

HESCOs increasing

the Force protection

of the barracks

1SG Overby celebrates his 8th “29th”

birthday!

SPC Kiss and Ybarra of RCP 48 prepping

their MRV for mission

1LT Spinelli on route with a local national

tractor surfing on the back ground

Page 6

41st Engineer Company

Family and friends of the Bull-

dogs, we have finally made it

to our home away from home,

FOB Airborne .

After long training events,

several days of inventories,

and a “right and left seat

ride” the 41st Engineer Com-

pany has now officially taken

over the Route Clearance

mission here in Afghanistan.

We have gotten here

just in time for the changing

of the seasons and a notice-

able drop in the temperature,

and you can even see snow

forming on the peaks of the

surrounding mountains.

Maintenance has

jumped in with both feet by

working long hours to en-

sure our equipment is op-

erational. There has been a

non stop stream of vehicles

rolling in and out of the

maintenance bay on a daily

basis. Our Maintenance sec-

tion continually receives

praise and commendation

for the significant impact of

their efforts in keeping the

fleet operational.

The Route Clearance

Platoons did great job

adapting to their environ-

ment and current mission.

They have been very busy

executing patrols and con-

ducting internal training with

their new equipment to ensure

they can handle any situation

that may arise while on patrol.

We are extremely proud of our

Soldiers and the dedication

they display on a daily basis.

We all miss our families

and appreciate your continued

support to make it through the

remainder of our deployment

with you all standing behind

us.

CPT Matthew J. Keesling

-Bulldog 6-

Bulldog Promotions:

PFC Arroyo to Specialist

PFC Bazinette to Specialist

PFC Moore, C to Specialist

New Additions to the Bulldog Family:

Kairo James Corgile 8lbs 7oz, 19 in.

Maddie Danielle Reed 7lbs 3oz, 19.5 in.

FOB AIRBORNE, AFGHANISTAN

SPC Downey repairing air-lines under

an MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Pro-

tected Vehicle

(2nd Platoon prepares for the pending snow-

fall by training on how to properly install

snow chains)

(1st Platoon preparing to conduct mainte-

nance on their equipment)

Page 7

72ND MAC, Coldsteel

Coldsteel Family and Friends, greet-

ings from Afghanistan! As you proba-

bly know, we took the reigns from our

predecessors during our transfer of

authority (TOA) ceremony on 6 OCT

2012. We are all settled in and accom-

plishing the mission.

The Soldiers are doing great!

Currently the Company is located at

FOB Sharana along with 1st Platoon and

the Field Maintenance Team (FMT).

2nd Platoon is temporarily located at

FOB Orgun-E in support of operations

there. We are task organized under

Task Force Prowler (178th Engineer

Battalion out of South Carolina.)

Though we don’t fall under the 1st Engi-

neer Battalion for the deployment, we

continue to maintain regular contact

with them and still receive great sup-

port and guidance from the command

team and staff.

The Soldiers in Headquarters

serve as the central nervous system of

the company. I am continually amazed

on their ability to track so much infor-

mation without dropping the ball and

provide stellar support to our platoons.

Since taking over, our platoons have

made quite a name for themselves

across the area of operations. 1st Pla-

toon (Mad Dogs) is continually relied

upon by 1-4CAV out of Fort Riley to

clear the way for them during opera-

tions. They continually receive praise

from 1-4CAV and TF Prowler for their

professionalism and for keeping the

Soldiers across the area of

operations safe. 2nd Platoon

(Outlawz) is supporting 1-

28IN, also out of Fort Riley,

at FOB Orgun-E keeping the

Soldiers in that AO safe by

clearing endless miles of

routes. We can’t wait to

have them back with us but

they are in good hands and

are being well taken care of.

I continue to receive great

reports of how both platoons are

vital to operations and are doing

an awesome job. Our mechanics in FMT

are doing a superb job in keeping us

rolling. There’s not a moment to spare

when it comes to ensuring our equip-

ment is in tip-top condition and the me-

chanics are completing that mission

perfectly. As I go out on missions with

the platoons and visit the motorpool to

see the mechanics, I am in awe of all

our accomplishments and am truly

proud of all of our Coldsteel Soldiers.

Life on FOB Sharana and Orgun-E is

good. Although it could never replace

being home, we are able to stay con-

nected with family and friends at home.

We are also able to enjoy three hot

meals and a shower a day. Mail also

flows regularly to both FOB Sharana

and FOB Orgun-E. We thank you for all

the care packages. We get them every-

day and they are a great morale

booster.

I want to take moment to thank

our most critical component of the com-

pany, our Family and Friends. I thank

you for all of your support. It fuels our

drive to get the mission done. We are

truly blessed.

COLDSTEEL!

CPT Ashton Shoults

-Coldsteel 6-

FOB SHARONA, AFGHANISTAN

1SG Strassels passes the guidon to CPT Shoults during

the TOA Ceremony

From left to right, Soldiers of 1st Pla-

toon: SPC Henderson, SPC Reyes, S.,

SFC White, SPC Jackson

From left to right, Soldiers of 2nd Platoon:

(back row) SGT Vargas, CPL Luna, SPC

Erdeski, SPC Solis, PFC House, SPC

Esquivel, SSG Leon (front row) PFC Johnson,

J., PV2 Catalan, PV2 Gonzalez, SPC Walker

Page 8

DIEHARDS RE-ENLISTMENT

Congratulations to the following soldiers for you continuing your service in the United States

Army.

SGT Rose, Curtis D. II, HHC

SGT Stephens, William D., FSC

SSG Thomas, Anthony E., 72MAC

SGT Daley, Kadiann M., FSC

SPC Waters, David C., 72MAC

SPC Kirby, John J. 41RCC

SFC Bobbitt, Karen D., HHC

SSG Reeves, Robert L. Jr., 41RCC

SFC Bobbit, HHC, pictured receiv-

ing the oath from 2LT Puccio at FOB

Shank, Afghanistan

SPC Kirby (pictured left) is reenlisted by the

41st EN Co Cdr, CPT Matthew Keesling at FOB

Airborne, Afghanistan.

Page 9

DIEHARDS AT PLAY

2LT Puccio waits for equipment to be slung to its next

location

SPC Kirby’s reenlistment, with the oath offered by Co CDR

CPT Mattew Keesling

Soldiers from the 1st Engineer Battalion working with their

interpreter SFC James Jones, HHC, oversees CLS training on FOB Shank.

Newly promoted 1LT Habermaas with SGT Daley, FSC, shaking hands

after her reenlistment on FOB Shank PFC Rogers receives a coin for excellence as a Husky Operator

for 1st PLT, 111th Sapper Co, pictured here with his PL, 1LT Chew.