6
CPT Radbill, Mrs. Vandertang and my wife Jerah lead the larger group exceptionally well, but only because they have the best collection of volunteers on Fort Drum and the best group I have had to work with in any of my previous deployments. Thanks again for all that you do and for your support. Let us know how we are doing in terms of sharing information are you getting what you need out of this newsletter, FRG meetings and on Face- book. Please encourage your friends and ex- tended family to follow our Facebook page so they too can keep up on the trials and tribulations of this great organization. Be proud of the great Soldiers/ Troopers over here and all that they have accom- plished. We are equally proud of all that you have done in support of us. If we have to be separated from our loved ones and friends, at least we do so knowing we are making a difference and knowing that we are completing our assigned missions with distinction. Until next month… Ready Now! Comman- dos! Climb to Glory! We have just hit our 90 day mark, which puts a third of our tour behind us. I’d like to tell you all that time is flying by but when we think about time away from our families it can make the time crawl. CSM Jusino and I firmly believe that is because we have such a great supporting team back at Fort Drum, led by all of our Wolverine families! The effort by the Troops/ Companies and all of our Cavalrymen and Cavalry- women has simply been outstanding. Our primary mission remains to advise two separate Afghan Army Battalions, also known as Kandaks, while also integrating all Afghan security forces in West- ern Paktika. Led by the Green 1 and Green 6 elements, we are hitting this mission as if we’ve been doing this for years. Our Afghan partners are pleasantly surprised at how committed we are to helping them prepare to take sole control of this area. Concurrent to this effort, A Troop and B Troop are working hard to integrate the Afghan Uniformed Police and other Afghan Security Forces into the most capa- ble force they can be. A/2-14 continues to be a model of consistency, keeping our main Forward Operating Base (FOB) secure while partnering with a Jorda- nian combat arms unit to ensure the hub that is FOB Sharana can operate without interference. In addition to their security mission, A Company along with the HQ of C Troop con- duct mission command of large con- voys of equipment across the area which will help us complete our other mission the closure of all of our outposts and FOBs before we head back to Fort Drum. Both units have exercised a great deal of pa- tience and a high level of technical competence to get the mission com- pleted and the “product” delivered – and that is what we are all about… mission accomplishment! We have had our first few VIP visits which have gone exception- ally well. There has been a herculean effort to rebuild this headquarters from the state of disrepair that it was in when we inherited it to the excel- lent facility it is today. During these VIP visits, some of our Cavalrymen were awarded combat awards, re- flecting their strong performance under direct fire from the enemy. Our job remains a dangerous one, but CSM Jusino and I have every confidence in the abilities of our fighting Wolverines we will come out on top in every engagement. I would like to once again congratulate all of our great volun- teers who were recognized last month and this month. You truly are a special group and I am so glad to have you as a core to our FRG team. Bottom of the Third INSIDE THIS ISSUE: CSM Corner T-Shirt Sales 2 A Troop B Troop 3 C Troop Dietz Prints 4 D Company 5 Kidz Korner 6 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE The Growler APRIL 15, 2013 VOLUME 1, ISSUE V SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: Bottom of the Third Troop Up- dates Kidz Korner

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CPT Radbill, Mrs. Vandertang and my

wife Jerah lead the larger group

exceptionally well, but only because they have the best collection of volunteers on Fort Drum and the

best group I have had to work with in any of my previous deployments. Thanks again for all that you do and

for your support. Let us know how we are doing in terms of sharing information – are you getting what you need out

of this newsletter, FRG meetings and on Face-book. Please encourage

your friends and ex-tended family to follow our Facebook page so

they too can keep up on the trials and tribulations

of this great organization.

Be proud of the great Soldiers/Troopers over here and

all that they have accom-plished. We are equally proud of all that you have done in support of

us. If we have to be separated from our

loved ones and friends, at least we

do so knowing we are making a difference and knowing that we are completing our assigned missions

with distinction. Until next month…

Ready Now! Comman-

dos! Climb to Glory!

We have just hit our 90

day mark, which puts a third of our tour behind us. I’d like to tell you all that time is flying by – but when we

think about time away from our families it can make the time crawl. CSM Jusino and I firmly believe that

is because we have such a great supporting team back at Fort Drum, led by all of our Wolverine families! The effort by the Troops/

Companies and all of our Cavalrymen and Cavalry-women has simply been

outstanding. Our primary mission remains to advise two separate Afghan

Army Battalions, also known as Kandaks, while

also integrating all Afghan

security forces in West-ern Paktika. Led by the Green 1 and Green 6

elements, we are hitting this mission as if we’ve been doing this for years. Our Afghan partners are

pleasantly surprised at how committed we are to helping them prepare to take sole

control of this area. Concurrent to this effort, A Troop and B Troop are working hard to integrate the Afghan

Uniformed Police and other Afghan Security Forces into the most capa-ble force they can be.

A/2-14 continues to be a model of consistency, keeping our

main Forward Operating Base (FOB)

secure while partnering with a Jorda-nian combat arms unit to ensure the hub that is FOB Sharana can operate without interference. In addition to

their security mission, A Company along with the HQ of C Troop con-duct mission command of large con-

voys of equipment across the area which will help us complete our

other mission – the closure of all of

our outposts and FOBs before we

head back to Fort Drum. Both units have exercised a great deal of pa-tience and a high level of technical

competence to get the mission com-pleted and the “product” delivered – and that is what we are all about…

mission accomplishment! We have had our first few VIP visits which have gone exception-ally well. There has been a herculean

effort to rebuild this headquarters

from the state of disrepair that it was in when we inherited it to the excel-lent facility it is today. During these

VIP visits, some of our Cavalrymen were awarded combat awards, re-flecting their strong performance

under direct fire from the enemy.

Our job remains a dangerous one, but CSM Jusino and I have every

confidence in the abilities of our fighting Wolverines – we will come out on top in every engagement. I would like to once again

congratulate all of our great volun-teers who were recognized last month and this month. You truly are

a special group and I am so glad to have you as a core to our FRG team.

Bottom of the Third

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

CSM Corner

T-Shirt Sales

2

A Troop

B Troop

3

C Troop

Dietz Prints

4

D Company 5

Kidz Korner 6

D E P A R T M E N T O F

D E F E N S E

The Growler A P R I L 1 5 , 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E V

S P E C I A L

P O I N T S O F

I N T E R E S T :

Bottom of the

Third

Troop Up-

dates

Kidz Korner

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P A G E 2

T H E G R O W L E R

The Sergeant Major’s Corner our men and women in to the future.

Everyday our Soldiers perform exceptionally on all levels. We as a unit could not complete

our mission without the strength provided from all of our friends and families back home. Our

Troopers depend on the bedrock of support you supply to this unit while deployed. I could not be more proud of the FRG and how

they are providing the mesh to keep families informed on the latest and greatest from Western

Paktika.

As we grow closer to

Just as the Commander mentioned, we are slowly but

surely making our way through this rewarding deployment. Our Soldiers are making a difference

for the people of Afghanistan and it shows every day. As mentioned before we are very swollen with

pride from all the things this great unit is doing This month has been a busy one for some of our Soldiers

who have recently completed the promotion boards to Sergeant and Staff Sergeant. I’m confident to say

that we are selecting quality Non-

Commissioned Officers to lead

completing the task of transitioning the Afghan Security Forces to take

the lead, we become closer to re-turning to our loved ones at home. LTC Griggs and I will continue to be

both honored and humbled by the great unit of which we have had the privilege to be a part. Families con-

tinue take care, safe travels and bless all. WOLVERINE 7

Until next month…

Ready Now! Comman-

dos! Climb to Glory!

Want a CTF Wolverine T-Shirt!? Please Contact

CPT Andrew Radbill

[email protected]

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P A G E 3

T H E G R O W L E R

Alpha Troop - Saber gade in retrograde operations

by providing safe passage and

logistical support to US con-

voys between COP Orgun-E

and FOB Sharana. Team Saber

has also continued to improve

and expand the operational

capabilities at COP Sar Howza

and, when turned over to the

Afghan Government, will allow

local Police to have a facility

capable of effectively managing

and sustaining operations

throughout the district.

In addition, the Sol-

dier of the Month for the

Squadron was SPC Joshua

Cunningham from A Troop.

Throughout the

month of March, Team Saber

has worked alongside their

Afghan Partners, Police and

Government official by provid-

ing assistance, insight, and mo-

tivation to improve their stabil-

ity and security of the Sar

Howza District. The efforts

put forth by both sides have

continuously denied the enemy

freedom of maneuver and

sanctuaries throughout all of

the villages and roads within

the district. Throughout this

partnership, CFT Saber and

Afghan National Security

Forces (ANSF) have been able

to assist the Commando Bri-

His hard work, determination

and professionalism were just

some of the qualities that led

him to victory at the Soldier of

the Month Board. From every-

one at A Troop we want to

congratulate SPC Cunningham

on a job well done!

SPC Cunning-

ham, Soldier of

the Month

Its’ been almost

three months since B

Troop has been here in

theater. Work has been

going very smooth. Every-

one is now part of a daily

routine, focused on ac-

complishing our mission

and improving this organi-

zation. Specialist Green of A

Troop, Specialist Deroo, Spe-cialist Ryon, and Specialist Whisnant of B Troop all re-enlisted this month. Deciding to re-enlist is as life changing as joining the military. Not only have these Soldiers dedicated so much already to the Army, but they signed up for another term. Such selflessness and unwavering devotion from these young men are truly commendable attributes.

Bravo Troop

Observation

Point

Bravo Troop - Black Hawk Throughout the month, Soldiers have been attending mock boards, held by First Sergeant Salkanovic. The purpose of these mock boards is to help Soldiers prepare for their upcoming promotion or Soldier of the month boards. They are held every Friday at the chapel at 1800 (6 pm). Our Squadron Command Sergeant Major came down at the end of the month, to hold a pro-motion board. Specialists Allen and Brown of D Company, 2-14 Infantry and Specialists Asaro, Miranda, and Nguyen of B Troop all attended the board. Every Soldier that went in came out with a promotable status. Soon they will all be promoted to Sergeant. Private First Class Gonzalez, B Troops supply clerk, was promoted at the end of the month also, to the rank of specialist.

Something that is very

routine for us is mail. Thanks to all

the supporters and families we

have back home. Our mail room

opens everyday at 1630 (4:30 pm),

right when dinner chow is served,

by Specialist Joseph Asaro, the B

Troop mail handler. Mail is and has

always been a morale booster to all

of our deployed Soldiers. It is a

good feeling, receiving these won-

derful packages from people who

are so appreciative of the service of

our Soldiers.

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P A G E 4 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E V

Charlie Troop - Crazy Horse It has been a fun and

eventful month for the Soldiers of

C Troop. The Soldiers competed in

an all encompassing physical fitness

challenge consisting of a mix of

heavy lifting and endurance-based

events. Although the Soldiers of

Crazyhorse were pushed to their

limits, the event was considered by

all to be a

success. Spe-

cialist Aguilar

(pictured

right) reaf-

firmed his

commitment

to the Army

by reenlisting

for another

four years.

Specialist

Carlie Wil-

liams III (pictured far right) contin-

ues to distinguish himself on the

FOB as he began teaching a daily

combatives class to Soldiers and

Local Nationals alike.

The Soldiers of CFT

Crazyhorse pressed on through

their demanding schedules and

facilitated a very successful visit

from key leadership in Afghanistan,

the Commanding General of Afghan

Forces along with the

2nd Brigade Com-

mander, Colonel Den-

nis Sullivan. The Afghan

Army made us proud

as they represented

their Province with

honor and discipline.

As always we

could not complete our

mission with out each

and everyone of our volunteers,

family members and supporters.

From all of us here at C Troop, thank

you for being the driving force that

keeps us going. Ready Now!

Want a Dietz Print? Please Contact CPT Andrew Radbill

[email protected]

SPC Calie Williams III teaching

Combatives on FOB Rushmore

Page 5: Growler apr13

Soldiers of FLE 3, on Super FOB, put all their efforts into prepping

and supporting the combined mission in March. The area around Super FOB received heavy rains before and during

the mission, which gave the FLE 3 Re-covery Team quite a test of their skills and equipment. They recovered 14

vehicles within a 48 hour period. In conjunction with the direct support of the mission, FLE 3 continued to support the rest of the Soldiers and civilians

staying on Super FOB. Some of the Soldiers of FLE

4, on Sar Howza, were also involved in

the combined mission that took place at Super FOB. Their experience was missed as support for Alpha Troop

continued to increase. Many personnel changes accrued through the ranks of FLE 4, SSG Epps moved from Super

FOB to become the NCOIC and SPC Harris , another experienced recovery specialist moved to Super FOB as well.

FLE 4 is also spear heading the creation of a MWR on Sar Howza, which will

involve movie nights and competitive game tournaments.

Delta’s detachment at FOB Rushmore has also gone through some personnel changes. SSG Gage came

from Sar Howza and is now the Mainte-nance NCOIC, SGT Pugh came from Super FOB to be the Dining Facility

(DFAC) Manager. The Soldiers on Rushmore, with only a 4 man crew, have learned to adapt and work as a team to repair vehicles, manage a

DFAC, and complete all logistical sup-port for Charlie Troop, 1-89 Cavalry.

March was a busy and excit-

ing time for the Soldiers of Delta Com-

pany. We are proud to say that all

Delta Soldiers are safe and healthy at

each location; working hard to sustain

the missions of CTF Wolverine and the

retrograde of 2nd Brigade. We thank

you for your love and support during

these times away.

March was a busy time for the Soldiers of Delta and 1-89 CAV.

There have been more personnel moves as we continue to improve our support of CTF Wolverine and the

retrograde mission of 2nd Brigade. We ended March with the completion of a combined ANA and US Army mission

where Delta Soldiers were the direct support for 1-89 CAV and their attach-ments.

Delta HQ has been busy as

usual. The responsibilities and tasks continued to build up throughout March, but Delta HQ’s limited person-

nel consistently find a way to complete the mission and support the Troops. The forward logistical elements (FLEs)

and detachments from Delta have in-creased their demands for vehicle parts, equipment, and assets, which creates

more work for the HQs element. As we begin another month HQs will also plan and execute a Change of Com-

mand for Delta. CPT Lahr is moving to 210th S3 shop, and we will welcome CPT Wallace into the Darkhorse family in May.

Delta Company - Dark Horse

Don’t Forget the FRG photo competition has been

extended until April 30th!

Page 6: Growler apr13

Kidz Korner

Use the words

at the bottom

and RECON the

puzzle. How

many can you

find?