FRG Monthly Update Aviation Classification Repair …1108avcrad.homestead.com/Jan08Newsletter.pdfPage 4 of 15 FRG Monthly Update At 0615 hrs on Saturday, December 15th, Task Force

President Bush visits Troops at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

Christmas in Kuwait with Task Force AVCRAD

Sat 12 January 2008 Volume 1, Issue 4

FRG Monthly Update Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot

TAMP Leadership:

TAMP Commander

COL James G. Young

TAMP Command

Sergeant Major

CSM Johnny F. Williams

TAMP Key Leaders:

LTC Richard P. Poole Commander - TAMP Iraq

LTC Clarence S. Kelly Jr. Commander - TAMP Afghanistan

LTC David W. Williams TAMP Executive Officer

CPT Raleigh J. Murphy HHC Commander

1SG Jeffrey A. McTeague HHC First Sergeant

MSG Darryn W. Allen Operations SGM - TAMP Iraq

MSG David E. Biggerstaff NCOIC - TAMP Afghanistan

The dedicated and hard working Soldiers of Task Force AVCRAD display their stockings after first formation.

Christmas was a time of spiritual growth and deep reflection for AVCRAD Soldiers so far away from loved

ones at home during the holiday season.

On Sat 12 Jan 08, President George W. Bush visited the troops stationed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Mr. Bush

thanked the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen for their dedicated service and vowed that history would

prove the undertaking of the United States in the Middle East the correct and just course of action.

Page 2 of 15 FRG Monthly Update

Congressman Gene Taylor visits TF AVCRAD Troops in Kuwait

(Top picture) Rep. Gene Taylor

and key leaders of TF AVCRAD

serve the Troops freshly boiled

shrimp and Cajun gumbo.

(Left) MSG Mary Goodman,

SFC Danny Bond, SGT Donald

Phillips, and CPT Raleigh Murphy

provided the coordination,

planning, logistics, and cooking

for the highly successful event.

Non-alcoholic beer is the standard in Kuwait - “all the calories with none of the fun.”

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Reeba Critser and Maj. Michele R. Sutak

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Mississippi Congressman Gene Taylor

served up Gulfport shrimp and gumbo to troops at Camp Arifjan,

Kuwait, Dec 23.

Taylor met first with Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace, Third Army/

United States Army Central commanding general and received a

Third Army/USARCENT brief before meeting his National

Guardsmen.

After the brief, Taylor was taken to the 1108th Aviation

Classification Repair Activity Depot where Soldiers from the

Mississippi National Guard awaited him.

“They [Mississippi National Guardsmen] did a great job after

Hurricane Katrina,” Taylor said. “They had helicopter rescue

missions, passed out food and visited patients in hospitals. All

that was done in peacetime. So I am grateful for all they’re doing

here.”

The shrimp was donated by constituents of Biloxi, Miss.

“Home shrimp for the home boys and girls,” Taylor said.

“It’s nice of the congressman to bring us a little taste of home,”

said Sgt. 1st Class Clifton Smith, an engine mechanic with the

1108th AVCRAD, and native to Gulfport, Miss.

The National Guardsmen of the 1108th AVCRAD provide supply

parts and intermediate maintenance support by rebuilding rotary

aircraft engines, rotary blade repair and avionics equipment

support. Task Force AVCRAD also receives and ships aircraft

back to the U.S. through air and seaports in Kuwait as aviation

units deploy and redeploy under the Third/U.S. Army Central

area of responsibility.

Task Force AVCRAD provides limited depot level maintenance

support to all rotary aircraft units in Southwest Asia. The task

force is also supported by Company B of the 935th Battalion out

of Chicago, and Guard members from Missouri and California.

AVCRAD is part of the Aviation and Missile Life Cycle

Management Command of the Army Materiel Command,

providing support to all Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mississippi Adjutant General sees AVCRAD’s progress and achievements firsthand

National Guard Chief holds forum with Camp Arifjan Leaders

Page 3 of 15 Volume 1 , Issue 4

On Tues 11 Dec 07, Mississippi Adjutant General, MG Harold A. Cross visited Task Force AVCRAD at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. MG Cross was

impressed with the work ethic, attitude, and progress being made by Task Force AVCRAD and commended the Troops for their hard work

and dedication to the mission.

(Above picture) MG Cross poses with TF AVCRAD Commander COL James G. Young and other key leaders in the Supply Support Activity

(SSA) yard.

On Mon 31 Dec 07, LTG Steven H. Blum visited Camp Arifjan. LTG Blum

held an open forum and addressed issues facing the National Guard both in

theater and at home. Many TF AVCRAD Leaders attended the forum.

An excerpt of the forum can be viewed at:

http://www.dvidshub.net/vjump.php?vid=33345

Lieutenant General H Steven Blum serves as Chief, National Guard Bureau,

Arlington, Virginia. As Chief, he is the senior uniformed National Guard officer

responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, programs and

plans affecting more than half a million Army and Air National Guard personnel.

Appointed by the President, he serves as the principal adviser to the Secretary and

Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on

all National Guard issues. As National Guard Bureau Chief, he serves as the

Army's and Air Force's official channel of communication with the Governors and

Adjutants General.

TF AVCRAD places 2nd in “Jingle Bell Bash” Softball Tournament

TF AVCRAD conducts annual physical fitness test


At 0615 hrs on Saturday, December 15th, Task Force AVCRAD conducted its annual “for record” physical fitness test. Soldiers were required

to do push-ups, sit-ups, and run 2 miles. The temperature at start time was a brisk 46 degrees with strong winds blowing from the north.

CPT James E. Brown, SSG Patsy A. Cantor, and SGT Christopher

McDermott earn recognition for “maxing out” the APFT.

Members and supporters of the “AVCRITTERS” relish the moment during the Camp Arifjan “Jingle Bell Bash” softball tournament. The highly

competitive AVCRAD team placed second in the tournament. Led by “Da Mayor” Tom Rapach (center with plaque), the team is looking

forward to the next tournament and the new season beginning this spring.

MWR sports are encouraged by the TF AVCRAD chain of command because of the team-building skills Soldiers develop and use both on and

off the field.

Leadership by Example - TF AVCRAD’s salutes its “300 Club” Members


Task Force AVCRAD honors its elite 300 Club members for achieving a perfect score on the annual record physical fitness test.

CPT James E. Brown

66 Push-ups in 2 minutes

72 Sit-ups in 2 minutes

2 Mile run in 13 minutes and 59 seconds

Extended Scale Point Total: 301

SFC Vernon J. Dedeaux



2 Mile run in 14 minutes flat


SSG Patsy A. Cantor



2 Mile run in 16 minutes and 16 seconds


Highest Over-all Score in TF AVCRAD

SGT Christopher A. McDermott



2 Mile run in 11 minutes flat


Fastest Runner in TF AVCRAD

Fastest Runner on Camp Arifjan

Task Force AVCRAD congratulates the following Soldiers for scoring 270 and above on the Army Physical Fitness Test.

These outstanding Soldiers have earned the right to wear the Army Physical Fitness Excellence Badge.

LTC David W. Williams (282 Points)

SFC Mark D. Martin (296 Points)

SSG Nathan E. Hefner (296 Points)

SSG Chrystal A. Barna (279 Points)

Fitness Leaders set the standard for all TF AVCRAD Troops

SGT Christopher McDermott wins 5th straight 5K race

Hard work, dedication, and consistency are keys to APFT success

Task Force AVCRAD congratulates the following Soldiers for scoring 250 and above on the Army Physical Fitness Test.

These outstanding Soldiers have earned the Command Sergeant Major’s Award.

MAJ Gregory H. Hargett SSG Joseph G. Pittman SGT Damien J. Pittman

CPT Michael A. Rainey SSG Donald Phillips SGT Marcus C. Williams

CW3 Thomas W. Smith SGT Shauna Bruce SPC Mark J. Swiderski

CW2 Michael S. Hanson SGT Steven Dean SPC Paul Lee

SSG Sylvester Brookins SGT Emmanuel Martinez


LTC David W. Williams, SFC Mark D. Martin, and SSG Chrystal Barna are awarded the Army

Physical Fitness Excellence Badge and a plaque from Command Sergeant Major Johnny Williams.

On Christmas Day, SGT Christopher McDermott continued his

unbeaten streak in Camp Arifjan 5K races.

The “Dash Through the Sand” victory was the 5th in a row and

solidified his title as the fastest man on Camp Arifjan.

SGT McDermott posted another impressive time of 16 minutes

and 40 seconds and left hundreds of other competitors far

behind.

TF AVCRAD Soldiers relax, socialize, and reflect at Christmas Party


On Friday 21 Dec 2007, Task Force AVCRAD celebrated Christmas at Patton

Army Airfield. Soldiers were treated to dinner, gifts, and games.

(Above) CSM Johnny Williams, SGT Rim Sabir, SGT James McCanless, and 1SG

Jeffrey McTeague contribute in distributing the “December Babys” birthday cake.

Christmas for SGT McCanless is an extra special day - Dec 25 is also his birthday. SGT Rim Sabir hosted, organized, and coordinated

the annual TF AVCRAD Christmas party. The

highly successful event was enjoyed by all who

attended.

Santa’s Little Helper

The Anti-Grinch SSG Bill Bishop gets into the Christmas spirit

and exchanges gifts with other AVCRAD Soldiers.

TF AVCRAD party-goers look on as the Troops exchange

gifts and pleasantries during the Christmas party.

AVCRAD Safety Team emphasizes priorities - Gains new Safety NCO

Sea Port of Debarkation (SPOD) Operations Team plays major role in AVCRAD mission


Music to our Ears - SGT Teresa Export’s angelic voice “wows” AVCRAD

SGT Teresa Export has the gift that keeps on giving. She is

blessed with the voice of an angel. The sweet sound of her

music has a hypnotizing effect on people and can bring tears to

the eyes of the most battle-hardened Troops.

Good news travels fast…..word of SGT Exports’ vocal talents

spread through-out Camp Arifjan and she was asked to

perform for a base-wide show in which she had a leading role.

(Right) SGT Export sings for a captivated AVCRAD audience

during the Christmas party on Fri 21 Dec 2007.

The addition of SSG Justin Howarth to the Safety Team has brought the AVCRAD

instant improvement and renewed focus on safety related issues. SSG Howarth’s

common sense approach, technical knowledge, and team-building skills make him a

natural for the job. Safety and Risk Management are the AVCRAD’s top priority.

(Left to Right) Ground Safety Officer CW3 Dan Lieber

and Aviation Safety Officer CW4 Hal Jenkins are the

principal advisors to the Commander on all safety issues

and managers of the TF AVCRAD Safety Program.

“All accidents are

preventable. Applying the

proper mind-set and a well-

defined, focused, and

prioritized safety program

will ensure our Soldiers are

properly managing the risks

that are inherent to military

operations. “

CW3 Dan Lieber

Port Operations are one of the highest priorities of Task

Force AVCRAD. The mission has high visibility and requires

a great deal of coordination, responsibility, and extremely

long work hours. That’s where CW2 John Watson and

SSG Matthew Jones come in. Chief Watson and SSG Jones

are the liaison for TF AVCRAD at the ports and are

responsible for all aviation operations there.

(Left to Right) CW2 John Watson and SSG Matthew Jones

take time out of their busy schedule to pose for a picture

with a Russian-made Hind helicopter used by the Polish Air

Force.

Technical excellence a common trait among AVCRAD Soldiers

Page 9 of 15

Avionics Section continues to produce outstanding results

Volume 1 , Issue 4

There is something very special about TF AVCRAD. It’s Soldiers are

considered some the best aviation maintenance technicians in the Army.

Building a reputation based on technical knowledge, performance, and

subject matter expertise comes from years of experience and focused

leadership. The mission and unit structure of the AVCRAD are unique

in itself. There are only 4 AVCRADs in existence today. The original

AVCRAD concept was congressionally mandated to support Army

National Guard Aviation units in the continental United States. Today

the AVCRADs support aviation units all over the world and have

primary responsibility for Southwest Asia, to include Iraq, Afghanistan,

and Kuwait. The four AVCRADs based in Gulfport, MS, Groton, CT,

Springfield, MS, and Fresno, CA each support a specific geographic

region when not deployed and provide intermediate and depot level

maintenance to Army National Guard Flight Facilities.

Very few units can do what we do. Our AVCRAD Soldiers are making

a positive and significant impact on the entire war effort.

SGT Donald Gartman preps an engine for maintenance and testing.

The Task Force AVCRAD Avionics section has been extremely busy since we took operational control in early October 07. Avionics leads

the entire AVCRAD in work orders completed and there is no end in sight to the steady flow of work coming in from all over Southwest

Asia. Technical skill, sound maintenance practices, and effective leadership by SFC Luanna Mills and SFC James Davis have paved the way for a

highly successful rotation. Also noteworthy, is the exemplary performance of SSG Michael Casey. SSG Casey is “on loan” from TAMP Balad,

and has greatly contributed to the success of both missions, north and south. (Balad and Arfijan).

SGT Shauna Bruce has been the “go-to” technician in the

Arifjan avionics shop. Her outstanding trouble-shooting skills

and relentless work ethic have significantly contributed to the

success of the maintenance section’s most productive shop.

SGT Christopher Zivalich smiles for the AVCRAD newsletter, exhibiting

his high morale. The optempo and work-load of the avionics section has

been a great learning experience for all assigned there, especially the

traditional (part-time) “M-Day” Soldiers.

MWR flights provide AVCRAD Soldiers with “bird’s eye” view of Kuwait

It’s not everyday when you can combine valid flight

crew training with fun for the Troops. TF AVCRAD

aviators and crew members need to fly to remain

current in their assigned aircraft. By utilizing currency

flights in conjunction with a morale boosting aerial

tour for junior troops, the AVCRAD has effectively

killed two birds with one stone.

TF AVCRAD Aviation crew members:

Pilot in Command - MAJ Christopher McIntyre (Far

right standing), Crew Chief - SFC Kenneth Krupowicz

(right standing), and Crew Member SGT Matt Wade

(Front Right Kneeling).

Passengers: (Left to Right Standing): SPC Jorge Izurieta,

SPC Devonte Vaughn, SGT Hector Casas, SGT Ember

Galvez, SPC Anthony Vicha, SGT Thomas Wulffe,

(Standing rear); SGT Omar Martinez.

(Front row squatting): SGT Nelly Lamas and SGT Rim

Sabir.


Taking Care of Soldiers TF AVCRAD’s “S1” Administration and Records Section makes good things happen

Led by CW3 Thomas Smith, the S1 Admin

and Records section has the monumental

task of keeping up with the never-ending list

of personnel actions that are essential to the

proper functioning of the AVCRAD.

This 5 member super-team is responsible for

all pay, promotions, reenlistments, bonuses,

awards, orders, mail, travel, and passports.

The S1 team is known and respected for

putting the needs of the Troops first and

solving tedious, cumbersome, and complex

problems regarding pay, promotion, and

travel.

(Front Row, Left to Right) SGT Antoinette L. Witherspoon, SFC Mark D. Martin, and CW3 Thomas W. Smith

(Back Row, Left to Right) SGT Edwin E. Rogers and SSG Sylvester Brookins

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."

Leonardo da Vinci

National Guard Celebrates 371 Years of Honorable and Dedicated Service


Congratulations Michel Rivera! Winner of the TREK SLR Raffle!

1108th AVCRAD holds Annual Open House in Gulfport, MS

Story by SFC Judy April Clarke

The 1108th AVCRAD, Rear Detachment, held it's annual open house on December 9, 2007. The turn out was a huge success and everyone in attendance were treated to a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their favorite elf Kristy, stopped by to give out candy and take pictures by the Christmas tree. The Family Readiness Group hosted a Silent Auction to raise operating funds and thanks to the bidding of our guests the group raised $837.00. The FRG also raffled a TREK SLR light weight bicycle and raised an additional $91.00 bringing the total to $928.00.

These funds will be used for shipping and postage of newsletters and care packages to send over to our troops. A special thanks goes out to MAJ Daryl Gilbert for his generous donation of the bicycle.

Dec 12, 2007

BY The Honorable Pete Geren, Secretary of the Army

Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Army

For 371 years, the National Guard has been an enduring influence on the development of our Nation as a democracy and as a world power.

From its beginnings in Massachusetts in 1636 as an organization for local security to today's deployments at home and abroad in support of

the Global War on Terrorism, the National Guard's Citizen Soldiers' exemplary performance has protected us from our enemies who are

bent on destroying our country and our way of life.

The National Guard has participated in every one of our Nation's conflicts. Whether standing firm on Lexington Green in 1775, negotiating

the Filipino jungle in 1899, wading ashore at Normandy, or securing the people of Iraq, the National Guard has faithfully answered the

Nation's call to service abroad. At home, the individual States continue to rely on the National Guard during emergencies for the protection

of life and property and the preservation of peace, order and public safety. It is from these successes that the enduring characteristic of our

military heritage remains the Citizen Soldier.

Today, we pay tribute to the courage, compassion, and sacrifice of all Citizen Soldiers - past, present, and future - and their Families. Your

dedication and selfless service to the Nation remain the hallmarks of the National Guard and the United States Army.

The Honorable Pete Geren Gen. George W. Casey, Jr.

Secretary of the Army Chief of Staff of the Army

http://www.dvidshub.net/vjump.php?vid=32656

Congratulations to SSG Patsy Cantor and SGT Christopher

McDermott. SSG Cantor placed 1st over-all in the women’s

division of the annual Camp Arifjan Pull-Up contest. She executed

9 pull-ups (1st place Tie), then got on the bar again and knocked-

out 7 more pull-ups to win the tie-breaker. SSG Cantor is the

reigning women’s Pull-Up champion for the second consecutive

year. She won last year’s competition while deployed with the

Aviation Depot Maintenance Round Out Unit (ADMRU).

SGT Christopher McDermott placed 3rd over-all in the men’s

division with 20 pull-ups.

Both SSG Cantor and SGT McDermott are assigned to TF

AVCRAD’s machine and welding shop, which is easily the most

physically fit shop in the entire AVCRAD.

Visitors to the machine shop are greeted with a pair of safety

glasses upon entry and are required to pull a playing card from a

poker deck. The number on the card determines the amount of

pull-ups you are required to do. Visitors are then quickly

escorted to the pull-up bar. Machine Shop Soldiers advise me

that the pull-up for entry policy keeps social or non-business

visits to a minimum and contributes to a more efficient and

productive work day.

Rising Above the Bar - TF AVCRAD Soldiers win in Camp Arifjan’s Annual Pull-Up Contest

Sibling Rivalry - TF AVCRAD Troops from Mississippi and Illinois support their local teams


Surrounded by victory medals from various 5K races, and other fitness and

weight lifting competitions, SGT McDermott (left) and SSG Cantor (right)

execute a pull-up for this publication. SSG Cantor, SGT McDermott, and

SGT Cockream (not pictured) have each knocked-out over 1000 pull-ups

since reporting to Camp Arifjan in early Oct 2007.

Combining two units from different geographic

regions is no small task, especially when the

combination results in a deploying unit with an

essential war-time mission. The Soldiers of 1108th

AVCRAD and B 935th ASB have bonded together

seamlessly to form one task force, and that task force

has evolved into one family.

Like all real families, Task Force AVCRAD has had its

share of family disputes, chiefly among them is the

dispute over which locality has the best pro football

team. The Air Force Network got wind of this sibling

rivalry and came out to interview AVCRAD Soldiers

in support of their teams. Unfortunately, the footage

of the interview was never played on the national or

local TV stations.

While both the Saints and the Bears had disappointing

seasons this year, the AVCRAD troops had fun and

got a taste of home by cheering their teams on.

The Bears ended up defeating the Saints 33 - 25.

GO BEARS! GO SAINTS!

TF AVCRAD Troops pose for the Air Force Network and support their local teams.

Inside Story He adline


Awards and Recognition 1SG Jeffrey McTeague recognized for outstanding service to TF AVCRAD

1SG Jeffrey A. McTeague has led TF AVCRAD since we deployed in August 2007. His consistent rock-solid performance under

intense pressure has earned him universal respect from his superiors, peers, and subordinates alike.

On Monday 07 December 2007, 1SG Jeffrey A. McTeague was awarded the Army Commendation Medal by TF AVCRAD Commander COL

James G. Young. COL Young had great praise and admiration for 1SG McTeague claiming “In my 30+ years of service, I have been a

Commander for over 12 years. I have commanded at the Company, Battalion, and AVCRAD level. I have worked with many first sergeants.

Some were pretty good, some were not so good. None have been better than First Sergeant Jeff McTeague. He took two separate units and

formed them into one cohesive force under less than ideal circumstances at Camp Shelby. He got us overseas and did a fine job leading and

taking care of the troops here. I commend him for his dedicated service to the AVCRAD.”

1SG McTeague humbly accepted the COL’s award and praise as the Soldiers of TF AVCRAD unanimously cheered and applauded.

(Left) TF AVCRAD Soldiers applaud loudly as 1SG

Jeffrey McTeague is awarded the ARCOM by TAMP

Commanding Officer COL James G. Young.

TF AVCRAD Troops in Balad spread Christmas Cheer

Page 14 of 15

The motivated, dedicated, and hard working technical experts of TAMP Balad take the time to wish us all a Merry Christmas during a

scheduled break in maintenance operations.

(Left to Right) SGT Marcus C. Williams, SGT Christian R. Maderer, SSG Harold “Tink” Compton, SSG Dennis H. Tillery, SSG Michael J. Casey,

SFC Chuck Bond, and SGT Kelly L. Anderson (Center / Squatting) SFC Vernon J. Dedeaux

Army Values are AVCRAD Values

SGT Marcus Williams exemplifies the Army

Values in his bearing, words, and actions.

Loyalty Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. constitution, the Army, and other soldiers. Be loyal to the nation and its heritage.

Duty Fulfill your obligations. Accept responsibility for your own actions and those entrusted to your care. Find opportunities to improve oneself for the good of the group.

Respect Rely upon the golden rule. How we consider others reflects upon each of us, both personally and as a professional organization.

Selfless Service Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service leads to organizational teamwork and encompasses discipline, self-control a faith in the system.

Honor Live up to all the Army values.

Integrity Do what is right, legally and morally. Be willing to do what is right even when no one is looking. It is our "moral compass" an inner voice.

Personal Courage Our ability to face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral courage.

The TF AVCRAD Newsletter is constructed by CW3 Dan Lieber. Submit your story to [email protected]

TF AVCRAD Photographers are: SGT Rim Sabir, SGT Omar Martinez, SSG Robert Martin, and SSG Crystal Porter.

Page 15 of 15

TASK FORCE AVCRAD Congratulates the following Soldiers:

Promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Two:

Michael S. Hanson and Anthony Watkins

Promoted to Sergeant First Class E7

James A. Davis

Promoted to Staff Sergeant E6

Donald M. Phillips

Promoted to Specialist E4

Joshua M. Perry

Documents

FRG Monthly Update Aviation Classification Repair …1108avcrad.homestead.com/Jan08Newsletter.pdfPage 4 of 15 FRG Monthly Update At 0615 hrs on Saturday, December 15th, Task Force