Battalion newsletter november2 pub

Hellraisers

HHB, 1-14 FA, NOVEMBER 2013 Newsletter

The month of November started with a readiness exer-

cise, validating our ability to conduct our mission here in UAE. Every section in the battery supported the event and played a critical role in ensuring the success of the training event. We are truly honored to be given the opportunity to lead such a profes-sional and capable group of Soldiers.

Throughout the month, Soldiers continued our rigorous and demanding training regimen. The S-1 section has been busy at work processing hundreds of end of tour awards. The medical section trained 14 Steel Warrior Soldiers in combat lifesaving techniques during Combat Lifesaver Certification. The S-3 shop continues to provide mission command for the entire battalion, ensuring the success of our mission and life support activities. Finally, the battery headquarters and S-4 have been preparing our equipment for the return to Ft Sill. We conducted one of our final M-16 ranges at the end of the month, qualifying 30 more Hellraisers with their individual weapon.

COL Preston and CSM Aaron, the 214th Fires Brigade Command team, traveled from Ft Sill to Al Minhad to visit with the battalion. It was a great opportunity to meet the new command team and show them what being a Hellraiser is all about. SPC Geisler, SPC Perez, SPC Shepperd, and SPC Waters received coins of excellence from the BDE CDR for their hard work and dedication to our mission.

MWR trips this month included shopping at the malls of Dubai along with experiencing the culture of the United Arab Emirates. Soldiers enjoyed the USO sponsored Sunset Safari where they loaded up in Toyota Land Cruisers and toured the red sand dunes. The evening finished with traditional Arab dance per-formers and a barbeque dinner with local cuisine.

The Family Readiness Group continues to support Fami-lies with events like the Fall Fest and redeployment planning. Congratulations to Mrs. Ashley Geisler for receiving recognition at the Sill Facts ceremony. We look forward to returning home and spending time with our loved ones.

1SG Kevin Carter CPT Brandon McKean

HELLRAISER 7 HELLRAISER 6

WARRIOR OF THE

WEEK NOMINEES

SPC Roderiques SGT Maben SPC Waters

PROMOTIONS

SPC Ayala to SGT SPC Baker to SGT

WLC

No Soldiers in WLC

BIRTHDAYS

November—

PFC Thomas Harmon 2nd,

SSG Robert Jones 2nd,

SGT David Woodward 6th,

SPC Robert Weldon, 10th,

SPC Joseph Haskin 12th,

SFC Kirk Hazell 13th,

SFC Amy Larsen 13th,

MAJ David Freeman 17th,

1LT Christopher Smith 21st,

SGT Matthew Mathis 22nd,

SGM Jason Mullennix 22nd,

SPC Joshua Abell 25th

December—

N/A

Hellraiser

Photos

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1SG Carter leads US Soldiers

during the coalition

Remembrance Ceremony

on 11 November.

(Photo by Coalition Partners)

SSGs Foley and Black promote

SPC Baker to SGT.

(Photo by SPC Raschella)

1LT Economy, SGT Balcinovic, SPC Milzar-

ski, and SPC Harris receive Army Achieve-

ment Medals for their hard work.

(Photo by SPC Milzarski)

HHB medics celebrate SPC Haskin’s

birthday.

(Photo by SSG Black)

1SG Carter and CPT McKean promote

SPC Ayala to SGT.


SSG Lowry, SSG Black, SGT Hernandez, SGT Levy, and SPC Machuca receive

Army Achievement Medals for their hard work during the Live Fire Exercise.


November is a month of competition at Camp Redleg, with Battalion and Battery events filling the schedule. The two highlights for Alpha Battery during the month were the battalion best-by test and its own “TOP GUN” competition. Alpha Battery executed its “TOP GUN” competition during a lull in a rare fall rain storm. The event is the culmination of months of planning, train-ing, and preparation by members of the Assassin family. Battery leadership first envisioned an advanced rifle marksmanship competition for the battery, and it was eventually dubbed “TOP GUN,” for the movie reference and the catchy name. When CPT Sean Grevious tasked the event to 2nd Fires, it was SSG Adam Pierce who conceptualized and created a unique, fun, and challenging competition. He envisioned an event to chal-lenge Soldiers, both physically and mentally while firing, and to put a Soldier’s marksmanship skills to the test while under duress. SSG Pierce also designed barriers to be built for the range using materials available on Camp Redleg. With the plans and designs in place, SPCs Joshua Stevens and Scott Righetinni constructed the barriers at the Camp Redleg wood shop. 1LT Steven Young and SSG Geoffery Landon planned the range and pitched the idea to the battalion. With the green light from higher, and after numerous walkthroughs, the event took place despite a massive rain storm that hit the U.A.E. This event would have been impossible if it were not for the planning of many members of the Assassins: from the range and am-munition detail, to the woodshop construction, and the conceptualization by 2nd Fires leadership. SPC Ryan Syharath won the competition with a total score of 183 points. SGT Brandon Neitzel and SGT Bradley Close rounded-out the top three, respectfully. 25 firers competed in “TOP GUN”. For winning the range, CPT Grevious awarded SPC Syharath with a hand-made wooden tomahawk crafted by SPCs Joshua Stevens and Scott Righetinni. Shots to the head, chest, and on silhouette targets determined the total score, along with a three minute time cap to serve as a disqualifier.

Alpha Battery Soldiers also competed in the Battalion-wide best-by tests during the month of November. The best by test is a competition where Soldiers display competency in their job and MOS. It stresses not only knowledge of their MOS, but also a Soldier’s general Army knowledge and skills. Each Soldier completed the Army Physical Fitness Test, written examinations, and timed hands-on graded events. Based on these events and the scoring system, the crews of A10, A41 and A102 won their respec-tive competitions.

The competition pitted members of Alpha against other crews from 1-14 BN. Alpha swept all eligible categories, includ-ing Fire Direction Center, Launcher Crew, and Resupply Vehicle. Each crew member received an Army Achievement Medal and battalion coin for winning, and an Alpha Battery Tomahawk awarded to each section chief.

The crew of A10, comprised of SSG Jonathan Moore, SGT Chester Chapman, SPC Kevin Blieka, and SPC Christopher Jordan, won best FDC. SSG Jerrod Yates, SGT Kavon Isabell, and SPC Tyler Harsvick of A41 won best Launcher. SGT Robert Peterson and SPC Manly Whitaker of A102 won best RSV. Another competition, for more charitable reasons, is “Movember.” Movember is a month-long event in November where men grow their moustaches to spread awareness of men’s health issues like prostate cancer. Several members of Alpha Battery are growing different shapes, sizes and colors. 2LT Patrick McFarland is the officer-in-charge of the competition, and will an-nounce a winner for the battalion-wide event at the end of the month. Another charitable event Alpha Battery participated in was the Fallen Soldier Memorial 5K. The 5K is 214 th Fires Bri-gade’s annual charity to help Families of Soldiers who died in service of the United States. 30 Assassins will walk or run in the 5K while the rest of 214th Brigade participates in the United States and continue donating to the Fallen Soldier Charity. When not in the throes of competition, the Assassins gear up for redeployment and reset. Soldiers focus their efforts on

getting back home to their Families with everything they left with. Before leaving U.A.E., Alpha will have a special Thanksgiving

Dinner at Camp Redleg, participate in a Thanksgiving football tournament, celebrate Christmas, and celebrate New Years.

Soldiers will compete in a final competition in December: The Redleg Winter Olympics. This battalion event, similar to the Rama-

dan Sports Carnival from earlier this year, will feature several sports events between battalion and international units.

1SG Robert Terrill CPT Sean Grevious

ASSASSIN 7 ASSASSIN 6

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ASSASSINS

A L P H A , 1 - 1 4 F A , N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 3

ASSASSINS

SSG Adam Pierce instructs

Assassins on barrier shooting

Photo by: SPC Chris Rondel

SGT Robert Peterson and SPC

Manly Whitaker won the BN Best

by Test event for best Re-Supply

Vehicle (RSV)


Assassins conduct “Ready-Up”

drills at the “Top Gun”

preparation range


Battalion Best by Test winners

for launchers: SSG Jerrod Yates,

SGT Kavon Isabell, and SPC

Tyler Harsvick


Bravo Battery had a whirlwind November, with an Adventure Race, multiple training exercises, promo-tions, a change of command, a new Blackhorse addition, and a container load out all within a month! Needless to say, the Soldiers of Bravo Battery have been working long hours to get the job done, with outstanding results. The Adventure Race, part two, took place on Halloween with participants dressed in costumes and Black-horse Soldiers participating in many events, like the Zombie head shot competition, a mix of Halloween festivity, and marksmanship. Bravo had four teams in the race and Team Boyz II Men came in second place overall and first place out of the Steel Warriors! Consisting of 1SG McLaughlin, 2LT Robbins, SSG Robinson, and SPC Ew-ing, this team may have lost the trophy to the British, but they certainly have all the bragging rights on Camp Redleg.

Bravo Battery had little time to celebrate this victory however, as the deployment training exercise started right afterwards and Bravo met the challenge with enthusiasm and high spirits. For a week the Blackhorse Bat-tery was busy planning, preparing, and practicing for the exercise. Both platoons conducted rehearsals and con-structed large scale sand tables to demonstrate how the mission would be executed down to the lowest level one step at a time. When the dust cleared at the end of the exercise, the Blackhorse Battery was exhausted, but had done a tremendous job accomplishing the mission.

In the middle of this busy month, Bravo was proud to recognize several Soldiers for their outstanding per-formance with promotions and welcome in a new commander. PFC Basilio and PFC Tyler were promoted to SPC after demonstrating their high work ethic and dedication to duty. We also had the pleasure of giving CPL Kerley his stripes as an NCO, as he joined the ranks of the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps this month for his excellent leadership abilities and potential. Two of Bravo's best NCOs were also promoted this month, SSG Mar-tin and SSG Putnam; both earned their first set of rockers for their outstanding performance and their abilities as launcher chiefs and leaders. The Battery also is proud to have SPC Brian Daniel graduate in the top of his class from Warrior Leader Course, making the prestigious Commandant's List. Bravo Battery also had a change of command ceremony for CPT Dens as he took command this month. SSG Nunez, SGT Swigart, SPC Cowell, and SPC Maurya were also personally recognized by the 214 Fires Brigade Commander, COL Preston, for their outstanding performance when he awarded them with his coin.

We also want to congratulate the Hernandez family on their newest addition, Lilianna Hernandez, who was born this month. The Blackhorse family is extremely happy for SPC Hernandez and his family and we know he is excited to get home and meet his new daughter.

The Blackhorse Battery was excited to complete the first step in the redeployment process back to Fort

Sill as the BN finished loading its shipping containers for the boat home. The containers are the first part of 1-

14's journey back to Fort Sill, and in a month and a half will be followed by Blackhorse Soldiers boarding the

plane for Fort Sill. With Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season coming up, as the deployment is quickly

coming to a close, we are looking forward to the arrival of our replacements and finishing this deployment strong.

1SG Michael McLaughlin CPT David Dens

BLACKHORSE 7 BLACKHORSE 6

BLACKHORSE

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BLACKHORSE

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SPCs Basilio and Tyler promoted

Bravo Battery Commander, CPT David Dens,

speaks during his Change of Command

Blackhorse Soldiers pose for a

picture after the Adventure Race

SSG Martin,

SSG Putnam,

and SGT Kerley

after their

promotions.

Congratulations

Second place winners

Team “Boyz to Men”

d

Phoenix Warriors and Families, I hope this newsletter finds you in great health and strong spirits. The anticipation is beginning to build on both sides of the world as this deployment begins its descent from our time apart. As we long to put our arms around the necks of our loved ones, we must hold on just a bit longer and remain strong. Just like in any race for endurance, when you feel your body ready to give up we must look beyond ourselves to find that one thing to keep us pushing forward. We must remain vigilant for one another. We must remember our purpose. We must continue to represent what we hold dear to us. In this trying time, tempers may flare and patience may be tried, I ask that you not lose composure; instead hold your ground and set your mind to the purpose at hand. Do what you can to remain positive in this time of anticipation. Families, I have heard nothing but wonderful things as you continue to keep unity first and foremost. I am hearing how well you are taking care of each other while your spouses are here taking care of business for the greater good of the our nation. Providing our Soldiers with a great support system makes the Phoenix leadership so proud. Your love and care is a multiplier for our mission here. We use that passion daily as a motivator knowing that we will make it back home soon. Your Soldiers continue to exceed expectations performing to the highest of stan-dards no matter what mission is given to them. Our service is a reflection of what we hold most dearly, and that is you! The FRG has done an excellent job with volunteering it’s time, energy, and passion to the Soldiers and Families of 578 FSC. Ladies and children, this is a thankless service; it is one that is most appreciated by fighting men and women in uniform and those Families that have received a helping hand in their time of need. Again, we are proud to have you as a member of the Phoenix Family. Continue to remember what’s important and shy away from the negatives that are beyond your control. As always, “Take care of each other”!

1SG Benjamin Logsdon CPT Adrien Flonnory PHOENIX 7 PHOENIX 6

PHOENIX

Upcoming Events

DEC 11, 2013-

FRG Meeting and Christmas

Party at 1800 in the FRC at

BLDG 3423

DEC 12, 2013

Welcome Home Committee Meet-

ing in the

FRC at BLDG 3423 at 1700

DEC 12, 2013

Redeployment/Reintegration

Class in the FRC at BLDG 3423

at 1000 or 1800.

Topic: Return and Reunion

for Spouses

DEC 13, 2013

Wonder Woman Ball at Louise D.

McMahon Hall

(inside the Museum of Great

Plains)

601 NW Ferris Ave.

Tickets are $15 per person at

the door.

DEC 14, 2013

BN FRG Meeting

Saturday, 1100 to 1500

in the Motor Pool.

We will be decorating

Welcome Home Signs!!

JAN 2014

FRG Meeting/ TBD

FEB 2014

No FRG activities scheduled

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d

PHOENIX

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(from left to right) SPC Crosby, SPC

Dooner, SFC Crockett, SPC Vanoss,

SPC Bertolazzi, and

SPC Willman pose at the

578 Adventure Race event

SPC Hollis enjoying the coffee shop

PFC Corsaro as “Hitman” during the

Adventure Race

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The LNO Outlaws continue moving equipment while sending and receiving Soldiers between Kuwait and UAE. Along with our primary logistics mission, the Outlaws have been busy assisting the Battalion in scheduling schools and various training events for the Steel Warrior Soldiers.

The Outlaws supported nine Soldiers graduating the Warrior Leadership Course this month. The LNO Cell also facilitated the enrollment of four Soldiers in Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) training and four Soldiers in Signal University at Camp Arifjan. The Outlaws also supported four medics who flew up from Camp Redleg, UAE to participate in the Expert Field Medic Badge competition, which included over 130 Sol-diers from units all across Kuwait. The Outlaws recently received nine Soldiers from UAE who are preparing to enter the Warrior Leadership Course at the end of the month. These Soldiers have been working diligently to prepare themselves for the course’s rigorous standards by doing Physical Training sessions twice a day.

The Outlaws received the 1-94 Field Artillery Battalion Commander and Battalion Command Sergeant Major in Kuwait on reconnaissance for their upcoming deployment in January as the unit replacing 1-14 FAR. The Outlaws provided an outstanding presentation on the capabilities of the LNO Cell, along with the resources and assets avail-able on Camp Buehring. The team from 1-94 FAR were thoroughly impressed by the Soldiers here at Camp Buehring, along with the Outlaws hard work and dedication to the Battalion’s mission over the past six months.

The 1-14 Field Artillery Outlaw Soldiers continue to stand ready for all personnel and equipment movement down to Camp Red Leg and in and around Kuwait. The LNO Outlaws would like to congratulate the Families who welcomed new members into our Steel Warrior family, and thank the Family members back home for their selfless service and support to our Soldiers in both Kuwait and UAE.

MSG Corey Powell 1LT Amanda Hassett Outlaw 7 Outlaw 6

KUWAIT

CELL LNO

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SPC Patrick Edwards, the

LNO S1 rep, hard at work SFC Kirk Hazel, the LNO S4

NCOIC, showing off his plank

pushups SPC Rick Ball and SPC Khalid

Adams, both of 578 FSC, helping

the LNO cell prepare equipment

for a customs inspections

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WORDS FROM YOUR CHAPLAIN:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If (ANYONE) hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him

and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)

A towering pinnacle of Scripture, to be sure! The Son of almighty God is knocking on the door of every human heart,

the very hearts He Himself created. It is also interesting that Jesus says He will come in and dine with those who

hear His voice and open the door, meaning He will have fellowship with them and they with Him. God desires for

you to be His voice today and share His words.

There are so many things to see here. What a beautiful picture of the patience and longsuffering of God that He

would knock on the door of the human heart as He lovingly and kindly asks each person to let Him in! I also cannot

help but recognize that we, the body of Christ, are the ones commissioned to be the hands that knock and the voice

that speaks.

This verse is also a picture of our manner and method of reaching others. We do so with patience and longsuffering,

and we do so with His Word. How I wish Christians would trust in the power of the Word today and remember that

the Word of God does not return void (Isa. 55:11) while our words often do!

A chaplain recently shared with me that early in his walk with the Lord, the Lord clearly said to him, "Available". He

wasn't exactly sure what that meant, but after a few minutes, he realized it was actually more of a question: "Are you

available"? He heard this for a few days until he realized he was to make himself available for God's use every day.

From that point on, each day he looked for that particular person he was to be available to.

God desires for you to be His voice today and share His words. The Holy Spirit will guide you to those doors He has

already been knocking upon.

Will you make yourself available?

Blessings,

Chaplain Richard Hurst

chaplain

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Documents

Battalion newsletter november2 pub