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TF 1-182 C CO (1207TH FSC)

Time to get the ball rolling...Dec

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Check us out on Facebook “182nd Field Artillery”

I arrived at the Fort McCoy staging area as the lone representative of the 1207th, now referred to as C. Company / Task Force 1-182. This is where I would begin my journey overseas, approximately ten days before the rest of the company. As we began to board the plane, it wasn’t long before I figured out what types of Soldiers this flight consisted of: S1’s, S4’s and XO’s. Pretty much everybody on the 197FiB ADVON flight either worked in personnel, sustainment or was somebody’s executive officer, and I was no exception. Different from the rest of our Company, my flight had 3 legs, not 2. The first layover was in Newark, NJ and the second in Frankfurt, Germany. Wewere able to disembark the aircraft in Germany and were brought to a holding area for a few hours. While waiting for the plane to refuel and switch crew, I asked a local who was selling drinks what herecommended for an authentic German drink as I await my next flight. He replied “Bier!” I chuckled to myself, knowing that was not going to fly, and settled on a Diet Coke, or “Coca-Cola Light” as they say in Europe.

Upon arriving in Kuwait, I was taken to KNB to rest for a few hours and was then driven to Camp Arifjan to meet the Company that we are replacing. Once at Arifjan, or AJ as the ones who live here refer to it,

I met with CPT Shepard, 1LT Petkovsek and 1SG Rosa, the respective Commander, Executive Officer and First Sergeant of A. Co., 53rd BTSB. The command staff that we will be sending on their merry way hometo the Sunshine State as we prepare to take over the mission.

For the next few days I was pretty much the shadow of LT Petkovsek, my Floridian counterpart, trying to learn the ins and outs of the Company. In the meantime, I was coordinating with the BDE S4 and the staff of the Billeting Office in an attempt to make sure that our guys had a place to bed down once theyarrive.

All in all, I must say that the ADVON experience was quite rewarding. I was able to see the lay of the land and the workings of the Company to best prepare our Soldiers and my Commander for working and living here upon their arrival. I also took a ride up north to ensure that our Company equipment arrivedin theatre safely. I did, however, miss being with our guys. It was a bit humbling being here pretty much by myself for those few days. I’m not going to lie, I also missed the burrito truck at the MOB site. I would gladly skip dinner to allow for those 6 dollars worth of high-calorie Mexican awesomeness. Let’s just hope that he’s there if we go back to Fort McCoy.

As for now, I would like to thank the Command of Alpha Co. for taking me in for a few days and schooling me on everything we’ll need. Having said that, I’m very happy to see our guys here with me now. They are clearly eager to perform their jobs in a professional manner and to the best of their ability. I couldn’t be happier to serve in this unit.

Respectfully,1LT Greg GonsalvesXO

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM KUWAIT!

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The past two weeks have been filled with learning the jobs which we will be conducting for the next nine months, settling into the new living areas, and finding out the locations of everything on post. Soldiers are happy with the comforts provided here at Camp Arifjan (AJ) and the Kuwait Naval Base (KNB) and are fully engaged in making themselves at home. The bases offer a full range of stores, coffee shops (Starbucks at AJ and Dunkin Donuts on KNB) and mini restaurants, Morale and Welfare center, 24 Hour Gym and a host of education options which will benefit the Soldiers both personally and professionally.

One of the big questions on everyone’s mind was answered earlier this week – “when am I able to go on leave?” Our 99.9% solution was completed, and the implementation will begin before too long. While I cannot publish specifics on the program, here are some of the parameters set forth by the Company leadership. First and foremost, leave is not guaranteed on the dates selected – mission is first, weather and world events shift schedules, and we do not control flight manifests. All attempts are made to accommodate, but some things out of the commands hands may alter schedules. The dates Soldiers picked can be found out by asking the Soldiers individually. It is not something for a newsletter. The same holds for their destination of choice. While the military will pay for a loved one to fly home, they also have the option to fly anywhere in the world - an option many will never have again. A free flight to Australia, backpacking through Europe, or off to some tropical island are options a Soldier can take in lieu of Ft. Family-Room, RI. The choice may be that the Soldier wants to take advantage of the opportunity, or that another good-bye is hard for them and the loved ones. Children seeing a parent come home for a short time, only to have to depart again, can have difficulty comprehending the situation. Additionally, some Soldiers do not wish to make the long flights half way around the world two more times, or be reminded of the comforts of home with the return to theater lingering in

their heads while “relaxing.” The Family Support Group has excellent literature on coping with the stresses of deployments, leave, saying goodbye, and the long awaited home comings, as does Military One Source.

Without going into great detail, here is some insight on the leave selection process. Dates are allocated by our higher. We are allotted a certain amount of Soldiers to go on leave on various “blocks.” Soldiers were pre-screened for any life events which hold a high priority in attending – births, marriages, graduations, etc. All attempts were made to get these Soldiers their respected choices. Next, all remaining Soldiers were put in seniority order, lowest ranking Soldier at the top of the list, leadership at the end. Soldiers lined up in that order, made selections, and when blocks were closed out, they were removed from the list of available dates. Soldiers wishing to travel together selected at the senior person’s allotted slot. Leave time is a wonderful opportunity for Soldiers to relax, to return home and visit with loved ones, or take advantage of an opportunity to see the world. Do not try to cram too much in the allotted days by over planning. Take some time to relax and enjoy the down time. Regardless of the choices made - stay safe, keep your situational awareness, and enjoy the time away.

Brian P. Fielder

CPT, SC

CPT Fielder and PFC White at Camp Arifijan

Greetings from Sunny Kuwait

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Don’t Forget that the 197th Fires Brigade features pictures of the 1207th too! They can be found on Facebook at “Granite Thunder”

Interview with BN Leadership

I recently spoke with both the Battalion Commanderand Command Sergeant Major of TF 1-182, and gatheredthe impression that both of them not only take theirpositions seriously, but genuinely enjoy knowing andtraining alongside their Soldiers. In the interview withLTC Rusher and CSM Day, both were asked several in-depth questions about themselves and their roles.

Knowing that LTC Rusher was previously enlisted, Iasked him if and how his prior enlistment has affectedhis command style. He immediately responded that ofcourse it did indeed affect his style in many ways. Hepersonally knew the work, obstacles and annoyances ofbeing a Soldier of any enlisted rank. Having been an NCOas well, he was also able to speak a bit of nostalgia on thetrials and personal rewards of working as a small groupleader.

Both men stated that they love working with Soldiers,or “the troops” as they like to say. CSM Day personallyexemplified this when he accompanied most, if not allof the C Co. (QRF) gun trucks on their lane runs at themounted / dismounted live fire range. To say that thesemen take enjoyment from training with their troops is anunderstatement. In my observation, these leaders takean unbridled joy in just being with and training with allmembers of their battalion.

On a different note, each had some words of wisdomto pass along. In the Colonel’s case, his strongest adviceis to take care of home matters first. His reasoning is thatby having family, finance and personal matters squaredaway, the Soldier is more able to focus on ARMY tasks.

CSM Day would like every Soldier to know and do thenext job up. He personally feels that it is very importantfor a Soldier to not just know his or her job, but also thejob one step above. When asked what they intend to do on their 2 week mid-tour leave, the Colonel hopes to visit Europe, while CSM Day intends to spend as much timeas possible with his family.

- PFC Steven W. White

Proud to Be an

While the entire battalion watched, SPC James Dorbor waspersonally congratulated and recognized by LTC Leonard Rusher (theBattalion Commander of TF 1-182) for completing all necessary tasksto becoming a citizen of the United States of America. SPC Dorbor,who was born in Monrovia, Liberia was awarded the prestigiousBattalion coin by LTC Rusher. The coin itself is an award that signifiesthe battalion commander’s personnel recognition of a job well done.

When asked if he was expecting the honor, James replied, “No, notat all, it was pretty cool.” He added, “It symbolizes more since I havebeen serving for quite some time as a non-citizen.” In regards to hismilitary career, citizenship holds more than just being an actual “CitizenSoldier.” SPC Dorbor who is a 92Y (supply specialist), majors in biologyand health services at the University of Rhode Island.

When asked about deploying he said, “I feel like I’m just doing myduty, and doing it for a good cause. I am proud to be a Soldier and towear the uniform.” SPC Dorbor hopes to spend his off time keepingup with his major and working out. Everybody from Charlie Companywould like to Congratulate SPC Dorbor on his worthy accomplishment.

- PFC Steven W. White

LTC Rusher and CSM Day at Ft. Mccoy, WI

Breaking Bread Together

Just prior to leaving for Kuwait, the men and women of CCompany / 1207th celebrated the end of MOB by enjoying a mealtogether. It proved to be a relaxing evening and a chance to rememberfondly some of our Ft. McCoy memories.

The food was prepared by our own members: SGT Jason French,SSG Chris Dupuis, SGT Jennifer McCoy and myself. We were greetedwith large appetites and great thanks. CPT Fielder and 1SG Smithgave their thanks to the Company for a job well done. The BattalionCommander and Command Sergeant Major also dropped by to extendtheir well wishes and enjoy a bite to eat.

PFC Steven W. White

Facebook Update

The Soldiers of the 1207th / C co. will soon be onfacebook with weekly updates of photographs as wellas notes on any interesting happenings. For now someinformation can be obtained from our parent unit’sFacebook site: Granite Thunder and 182nd Field Artillery.

SPC Dorbor

Family Readiness GroupIf you need assistance while defending the

home front, please feel free to call the Family

Assistance Center.

Family Assistance Center

1051 North Main St

Providence, RI 02904

(401) 275 4194 or (877) 440 7994

Credits:• Author: PFC Steven White• Design: 2LT Shane Hoover• Photography: PFC Steven White• Photography: 2LT Shane Hoover• Photography: SGT Aaron Staley

Any Questions or Concerns:Please e-mail the PAO officer at:

shane.w.hoover@us.army.mil

TF 1-182 C CO (1207TH FSC) Currently Reporting From:

Camp Arifijan, Kuwait

Wedding BellsSPC Nikkilee Humphrey is now Nikkilee Swider. She recentlycelebrated her wedding to AJ (Arthur) Swider while home onpass. Their vows were taken under the guidance of a familyfriend, the pastor of Truth Tabernacle Church in Providence.The intimate ceremony included the couple’s two daughtersTori-Lynn and Taylor.

The family took the few days of leave afforded prior todeployment to spend their time together. After Nikkilee returnsto Rhode Island, a bigger celebration is planned followed by apotential honeymoon/vacation in Germany.

Promotions & Announcements

SPC Shawn Loren of C Co. / TF 1-182 married his high schoolsweetheart over the recent four day pass. The happy couplecelebrated their commitment and enjoyed the companyof loved ones. The ceremony took place at the Castle HillLighthouse in Newport. They were greeted by a sunny day andocean views.

Shawn and Cecilia Loren (formerly Cecilia Dowell) both servein the National Guard, although not in the same unit. AfterSPC Loren’s deployment ends, they do plan to hold a moretraditional ceremony followed by a relaxing honeymoon.

SPC Loren

SPC Swider

Recently promoted Specialist, Christopher Fredette is easily one of the most recognizable faces in our unit. This 21 year old shows himself to be a quiet, mature Soldier who is always concerned with the performance of his unit and the well-being of his fellow troops.

An alumnus of West Warwick High School, and a current undergrad at the Community College of Rhode Island, SPC Fredette serves in the 1207th as a 92F, fueler. Chris is currently going to school for a degree in law enforcement. His chosen field being motivated by both a desire to help people and the availability of opportunities.

SPC Fredette has been in the Army just under two years and is on his first deployment. About his mobilization he said he was excited, adding “I don’t think it could be a better mission.” Although he misses his family and his girlfriend Brittany, SPC Fredette truly hopes to make himself as valuable a member of the 1207th team as possible. This seems to be Chris at his core nature. It is his long term goal to earn a master’s degree in Theology and serve as an Army Chaplain.

While SPC Fredette is certainly making the most of his time in country, he is looking forward to his mid-deployment leave. His plans include going back to Rhode Island and spending time with Brittany.

- PFC Steven W. White

Soldier Spotlight

SPC Fredette

Congratulations to the following Soldiers on their Promotions

2LT Eric Wilson to 1LT

PV2 Justin Homerston to PFC

PFC Justin DaSilva to SPC