The Claw (Dec 2011)

The Claw Newsletter

Serving the Soldiers and Families of Task Force Talon

V OLUME 1 , ISSUE 2

15 DECEMBER 2011 The Claw

A Few Words from

Talon 6

“TALON FOR A DAY, TALON FOR LIFE!”

From Talon 6

To all family members and friends of Task Force Talon, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that your TF Talon Troopers have been performing magnificently here in Afghanistan. The Talon Troopers have provided our brothers and sisters within Regional Command East with record-setting aviation support. Since 17 October, the Task Force has safely moved over 11,133 soldiers and civilians throughout Afghanistan; executed over 1200 MEDEVAC rescue missions; provided an incredibly responsive, 24hr quick reaction force for the entire re-gion; pumped over 110,000 gallons of fuel in support of both aviation and ground missions and maintained an impressive operational readiness rate despite flying over 9,500 flight hours.

As busy as we are, the Task Force Talon Troopers have found a way to embrace the Holiday season. Each and every one of you has helped us in this endeavor. We have been receiving overwhelming support from so many grateful, patriotic Americans. I would like to per-sonally thank you on behalf of all the Talon Troopers. We will continue working hard to make a difference here and look forward to our return to you all. Until next time…

Sincerely,

LTC LANDY D. DUNHAM

TALON 6

THE C LAW P AGE 3

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day here in Afghanistan. Task Force Talon soldiers

geared up with personally decorated hats and high spirits to serve at the Aviation DFAC here on

Bagram Air Field, Nov. 24th. Believe me, we had a delicious selection of some of our favorite

menu items.

From sweet potatoes, Mac and cheese, cornbread stuffing, broccoli and cheese, Turkey,

Ham, and prime rib to pecan pie, Baskin Robbins Ice Cream, and Eggnog, we had plenty of food

to devour. At times, people had to be rolled outside because they were so full.

Knowing that it has taken us over a month to work off what we consumed on Thanksgiv-

ing , we are already anticipating the delicious cuisine for Christmas day. Yummy!

With every care package that is sealed and shipped to us Talons here in Afghanistan, your

love has not been forgotten. We love our hand-decorated Christmas stockings and out various

color Santa hats.

Happy Holidays

P AGE 4 V OLUME 1 , ISSUE 2

Ladies and Gentleman It is my pleasure to introduce you to our first game of...

NAME THAT STACHE! Where the families guess what mustache belongs to what Soldier!?!?!

Keep on stache’n on...

10.

9.

8.

7.

6.

5.

4.

3.

2.

1. A. SGT KENNEDY (ALPHA 2-211)

B. MAJ UHL, C. (HHC 3-82)

C. CPT HAYES, J. (HHC 3-82)

D. SGT BROWN, D. (ECHO 3-82)

E. SSG YU, D. (HHC 3-82)

F. CW3 TRIPLETT, M. (ALPHA 3-82)

G. SGT TUTT,J. (ECHO 3-82)

H. SGT COFFEY, M. (DELTA 3-82)

I. CW3 HERNANDEZ, D. (HHC 3-82)

J. MSG JOHNSON (ALPHA 2-211)

Answers:

1. D 2. F 3. E 4. H 5. A 6. I 7. J 8. B 9. G 10. C

THE C LAW P AGE 5

Talon had its first BBQ

here on Bagram, 3 DEC

2011. There were ham-

burgers, hotdogs,

steaks, beans, potato

salad and hand-made

cake.

Thank you to all the

TROOPERS for making

this whole BBQ possible.

It was delicious….

Yummmmmmmm!

Event of the Month


Chaplains Corner Bah! Humbug! The enduring exclamation of Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol can too easily be the sentiment of Soldier and Family Member alike during a Christmas separation. It is difficult to be away from home, especially during the holidays. Christmas is a celebration which almost mandates spending time with those we love, but most of us will remain thousands of miles away this Christmas.

However, as we approach December 25, we need not turn into Scrooges. The enduring themes of the season can still be experienced during this deployment. Family gather-ings, gift exchanges, and religious worship can all be achieved with a little creative thinking. Though we cannot be physically present with our families to celebrate the sea-son, we can spend time on the phone or online with those we love. Plan a day during this season to spend extra time on the phone. Talk about what is special, and reflect on Christmases past while looking forward to future ones. Even though Soldiers can’t shop for gifts at the mall, there is always online shopping, local trinkets, or handmade gifts that can be sent home as we receive gifts mailed to us. While Families are worshiping back home Soldiers can do the same at Christmas Eve and Christmas services, Mass, and special events provided at Bagram chapels. Families can share with one another the messages they hear, the carols they sing, and the inspiration they feel from the reli-gious events they attend.

Even though these things aren’t as good as being home for the holiday, they are oppor-tunities for us to stay closely connected during an important time of year. By doing these and other things we can avoid the “Bah! Humbug!” and instead have a meaning-ful and blessed Christmas with our Families. So, allow yourself to transform from the Scrooge that Ebenezer was to the Scrooge he became: kind, generous, and the em-bodiment of the Christmas spirit.

CH (CPT) Marlon W. Brown

GLADIATORS Living conditions for Talon troopers are on the rise as the Task Force completes its move into Containerized Housing, also known as Corimecs. The containers each con-tain a bunk bed, two mattresses, two wall lockers, and whatever the ingenuity of the indi-vidual can dream up and make with 2x4"s and plywood. We have seen everything from desks, tables, lofted beds, to projector stands and elevated flooring and benches for the showers. Talon Troopers are getting hard-line internet in their billets, which helps with staying in touch during the holiday season. While the winter is settling in, the operational tempo remains high, and Gladiators will stay frosty during the coming months.

THE C LAW P AGE 7

ANIMALS Hello again from the 2-211th. Like most of you, our living conditions have greatly improved since our last reading. No longer do we wake up covered in dust, or compete with various insects for a place to live. We no longer have to traverse puddles and watch for vehicles as we go to/from the shower. The only thing that would make it better, I dare say, is if the Taliban all went away and we could all go home. For now, we’ll take the better living quarters.

Our four month mark of being in Afghanistan has now come. The experiences we have had have only strengthened us as a unit. Our crew chiefs continue to grow in knowledge and understanding. The soldiers we have attached to Delta Company continue to maintain and support not only Alpha 2-211th, but the rest of the Talon family as well. They are being crossed trained into the Chinook air-frame, an experience they would not have been afforded elsewhere.

One soldier who has particularly stood out this last little while

is SPC Widerburg. SPC Widerburg came to us as a PFC from

Echo Company back in Utah. Returning from AIT, SPC

Widerburg was informed that he would no longer be working in

an 88M capacity, but would be going to Afghanistan as a door

gunner instead. Though a bit shocked, SPC Widerburg was

not daunted by his new position. He went through RL Pro-

gression quickly and has been an asset since his arrival. SPC

Widerburg is not just a door gunner in our company, but he is

also learning the craft of our 15 Tango’s. He assists with

maintenance of the aircraft along with the launching and re-

covery of missions. We would be hard pressed to find any-

body who had any negative comments that were attached to

SPC Widerburg. He is a junior leader in our midst. He moti-

vates, inspires, and constantly supports those around him. It

is our honor to claim him as one of our own.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the entire Talon family from all of us here at the 2-211th.

May we find joy this Holiday season in what is hopefully our last Christmas away from family and

friends.


REGRET Happy Holidays from the REGRET Family!

What a month it has been! In addition to flying all over RC-East every day, Alpha Company REGRET has been keeping busy with care packages and Christmas decorating over the course of the last month.

REGRET Officers and Soldiers are thankful this season for SO many things. First, we have received count-less care packages and letters this month from families, churches, and anonymous organizations. We can’t say THANK YOU enough – your support means the world to us, and reminds us of how many people we have “rooting for us” back at home. We even have the opportunity to bring goodies we receive out to the more remote outposts where Soldiers do not receive mail as frequently as we do.

We were very thankful to have the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving here at Bagram. Though we certainly missed our families and home-made meals, we celebrated the Holiday by bringing Commanders all over the battlefield to visit their Soldiers on Thanksgiving. It was a unique, though gratifying, way to spend our Holi-day.

REGRET is also very thankful (believe it or not!) for our BUSY schedule! Now, with 16 UH60s, we are flying more hours each week than any company in the Brigade. Our missions are interesting and dynamic, allowing us to travel to all the corners of RC-East. With each Pilot and Crew Chief flying at least 4 days a week, the time here is absolutely FLYING by, and we hope the year continues to go quickly for all of us.

We continue to be thankful for the arrival of healthy babies at home! Alpha Company helped celebrate the arrival of the newest Mustang, 1SG Lonneman’s third baby, Russell Matthew, born on November 28

th. We

smoked several cigars in your honor, Russ!

And finally, we are most thankful for a safe three first months of this deployment. As 2011 comes to a close, we will miss celebrating Christmas and New Years with our families – but look forward to the beginning of 2012! That is, after all, the year we will come home. THANK YOU again for all the support…we’ll see you soon!

CPT Kerney Perlik

REGRET 36

THE C LAW P AGE 9


FLIPPERS The Flippers have had big changes in recent weeks. The SP CW4 Larry Tho-

mas and outgoing Company Commander Captain Adam McCoy have gone. They left

just after the change of command on December 2nd

making way for a changing of the

guard. Incoming Commander Captain Dwayne Young and newly appointed SP CW3

Dave Facio have taken charge intending on continuing Flipper excellence for years to

come. Also, we welcome into the world the newest member of the Flipper team. 1st Flt

Platoon Leader Ronald Braasch’s son was welcomed into the world on Thanksgiving

24 November 2011 at 0619 in the morning. The little bundle of joy, named Ronald Wil-

liam Braasch IV, was born 7 pounds 7 ounces and 20.5 inches long. He and his

mother are doing well. Lastly, MTP CW3 Joe Mayo won the Modern Warfare 3 Tourna-

ment in stunning fashion, Knifing CW2 Pete Bjorkman in the face for the final kill. RIP.

THE C LAW P AGE 11

SPARTANS As the temperature dips, the layers of FREE gear grow. The Soldiers of B Co. trickle into their new abodes and fortunately every soldier has climate control in each of their new “B-huts” on the War-rior side of town. Granted Camp Albert had a homey District 9 type feel, but the new accommoda-tions allow the Soldiers to have a shorter commute and safer residence. With the 82nd came an am-ped up optempo. This has only driven the Soldiers of B Co. to perform. Flying almost twice hours than any other Chinook unit in RC-East was only possible with the supplementation of the 82nd Staff. They have been crucial to the success of B Co. and Task Force Talon. While the huge effort put forth by the 82nd staff cannot be ignored, neither can the effort of our crew dogs. Being short-handed most of the month has increased each Enlisted Soldiers’ workload dramatically. These Sol-diers have stepped up to the plate. They have continued to make mission and even deliver care packages to the outlying FOBs. This service has allowed the isolated Soldiers here in RC-East to have some of the niceties we might take for granted. This sort of caring was not just done in the Christmas spirit even though we call it “Chinook Santa”. The Soldiers of B Co. have been delivering care packages to outlying FOBs almost since their arrival in Theater. “Chinook Santa” is a program started by SGT Paul Roberts and supported mainly by our friends from VFWs throughout Texas. Accounts from thankful recipients can be viewed on Facebook. This program will continue through-out our deployment and handed off to our replacements when we leave.

Happy Holidays Task Force Talon!

Greetings and Happy Holidays Talon Family! From all the Dustoff Troopers here, I’d like to send a warm holiday greeting to all of you back home. Another month has passed and the team continues to do amazing work. This past month has been busy, surprisingly, and filled with countless examples of dedication to the MEDEVAC mission by your loved ones. I do have to report that 1SG and I accepted the spades challenge by DUSTOFF’s 3rd Platoon at Shank…with predictable results. I have a hard time finding the right adjective to describe the game, shocking, brutal, brief… CW3 Phipps didn’t really need the pen he was reaching for in the picture. 1SG and I are still looking for worthy adversaries. We will see if anybody else accepts our challenge. Ping Pong (or as 1SG says, “Table Tennis”) continues to be a source of amusement here at Bagram. I know everyone’s reaction might be that it isn’t a real “manly” game, but I assure you that the games get intense, and SPC King, 1SG or CPT Downs often spend the evening bouncing ping pong balls off of people, including myself. Congratulations to our Troopers who were promoted this month. We are immensely proud of both SGT Sciacca and SSG Wengeler, and I think everyone would agree these promotions are long over-due. We have been receiving a ton of packages from family, friends, and even some strangers with every conceivable necessity….and we are using every bit of it. I shudder to think how much coffee is con-sumed daily just here in Bagram. Usually, especially in the holiday season, there are boxes spread all over with the bounty sent from home. You won’t find any of that here, we are using it all. There have even been “alleged” incidents of Starbucks theft, sugar hoarding or creamer pilfering…..somehow they all seem to revolve around 1LT Wiese. Joking aside, thank you all so much for sending these pack-ages, keep them coming! We were lucky to have ABC Nightline embedded with us for a week or so this month. Hours of inter-views and ride alongs resulted in the piece broadcast on Thanksgiving. I do have to apologize, yes, I was beeped….but for all of you who attended the farewell FRG meeting, you understand. In this holiday season I am certain each Dustoff Soldier’s thoughts turn to home, family, friends and fellowship. Please keep the pictures coming. I cannot express how much it means to receive the sup-port from the home front that you guys are giving each and every day. To each of these Soldiers it is clear on their faces how much getting an email, letter, picture or package means.

DUSTOFF


THE C LAW

DARKHORSE GREETINGS DARKHORSE FAMILY AND FRIENDS! This month, D Company has been very busy leaving their mark all over Bagram, from the flawless maintenance being performed by our Troopers to our company stickers, to making a new sign for the entry to the airfield. Thanks to our airframe shop, the Battalion has a new sign at the entry to the airfield. SPC Cogdell, SPC Harrison, and SSG Chiu did a great job curring the Talon bird of prey out of 1/4” sheet metal! We have fostered a great relationship with a nearby Air Force Maintenance Company, and they provided the vinyl backing. LTC Dunham and CSM Evans both were very impressed and proud to have such a recognizable and well-made symbol. In fact, the Com-mander and CSM presented Battalion coins to our industrious Troopers. GREAT JOB, DARKHORSE! Many of our Troopers are working on getting flight physicals so they can be door gunners on the Blackhawks and Chinooks. Once they complete their flight physical, they can begin the training process. Not only do they have to show proficiency with their weapon, but they have to be able to guide the pilots safely to their landing areas and clear the aircraft of all obstacles. It is a big responsibility, but we know all the Dark Horses will do great! Delta Company was recently called upon to recover a downed OH-58D, and the Troopers an-swered the call flawlessly. SFC Derk, SGT Bond, SPC Makela, PFC Greene and PFC Grim went to a nearby French base and rigged the aircraft for a Chinook sling load. CW5 Shober was the pilot for the sling load. (Not to brag, but our predecessors were not able to complete a successful sling load.) Finally, we have moved! Don’t worry, the mailing address is still the same, but we now live on the same side of the airfield as we work. This means no more buses, since now we can walk. We are now living in brand-new “CHUs” (Containerized Housing Units). Most rooms have 2 people in them, which is better than the 5-person rooms we had previously. And if you still need our address, it is below and to the right. Despite the distance between, the Darkhorse Troopers and the Talon Family keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. We wish all of you a

Happy Holidays and until next time… RIDE OR DIE!!!

P AGE 13

A couple of months have gone by since 82nd

Combat Aviation Brigade hit ground in Bagram, Afghanistan and it has been “All The Way” since then. The majority of Echo Company is stationed at Bagram, with the Distri-bution Platoon supporting two separate Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARP); one at FOB Mether Lam and the other at FOB Morales Frazier. Here at Bagram, we were living in plywood “B-Huts”. However, we have just moved into new metal containerized lodging known as CORIMEX, which is a significant improvement in our quality of life. Our Troopers are enjoying the new rooms. The Wardawgs bid farewell to CPT Jim Beecher on 25 November during our Change of Command cere-mony. We wish CPT Beecher and his wife Lauren all the best the Army and the world has to offer and many thanks for the hard work and devotion to Echo Company. We also welcome CPT Eric Wrinkle as the new Com-mander and his wife Debbie to our family. The Distribution Platoon Led by 1LT Bogardus and SFC Parson has been steadily improving their foxhole with a major fuel distribution redesign at FOB Methar Lam. SSG Kiser and his crew put the finishing touches on a two week long project designed to increase the efficiency for refueling aircraft on ground and create a more accurate system for fuel accountability. The Distro team replaced two 50 thousand gallon bags and leveled the foundation for the fuel bags. Additionally, they redesigned the hose and pump distribution system, vastly improv-ing fuel pressure for aviation refueling, ground vehicle refueling and bulk fuel resupply. This project was com-pleted a week earlier than planned and was accomplished while continuing to provide World Class Aviation Lo-gistical Support. Pumpin ain’t easy, but it sure is fun. The Maintenance section, lead by CW2 Hillard , SFC Diaz and SFC Ramos was hard at work conduct-ing everyday business along with time consuming Change of Command inventories, constructing improvements to their HAZMAT shed, and updating required safety literature. SGT Brown D. was recognized by Commanding General CJTF-1 MG Allyn, for outstanding maintenance support while traveling to multiple Forward Operating Bases in order to keep our fuel delivery pumps operating. And SGT Anderson has been busy with the important additional duty of building shelves and beds for the soldiers of Echo Company in their new lodging. All additional tasks were accomplished while maintaining TF Talon’s ground fleet by conducting scheduled and unscheduled maintenance for essential vehicles for their daily missions. Of Course we can’t forget the many long hours our brothers and sisters in DFAC section led by SFC Archer, who work to bring our Trooper’s food on a daily basis as well as the extraordinary Thanksgiving meal. Additionally, SGT Nash baked an amazing hand decorated cake for our Change of Command ceremony. Out at the Aviation Dining Facility, the morale is high, the dining is fine, and all our food service Troopers passed their APFT this month. Congratulations and thank you. The Troopers of Echo Company 3-82

nd Aviation Regiment are excelling as a team, improving living con-

ditions, and streamlining service and support to Task Force Talon every day. Be proud of your Wardawgs, they are doing great work.

WAR DAWGS


Well, another month has gone by and we thought we’d properly introduce ourselves. We are Fox Troop, BlackHorse Cavalry. We have 6 x OH-58D’s Kiowa and 7 x AH-64D’s Apache helicopters. First Sergeant likes to say, “we are the eyes, ears and guns of the Task Force”. Our mission is to conduct reconnaissance, security and attack missions. A lot of times we escort our lift brothers into known hot LZ’s to provide fire sup-port if they take fire. The Apache’s cover the whole Brigade’s Area. The Kiowa’s up to this point have worked in support of American, French, Korean and Polish ground forces.

Many of our pilots have served deployments before to Iraq or Afghanistan before. Not all of these deploy-ments were as pilots, for some this is their first deployment as a pilot. It is a growing experience for all of us as we continue to adapt to the mission and the enemy.

We had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving. We took the majority of the Troop to the Aviation DFAC. We had an excellent meal that was served by the battalion staff. On the 10

th of December, we will be having a BBQ to

celebrate Fox Troop’s first Birthday!

We have a great team of crew chiefs who continue to work their magic. They work extremely hard to ensure the aircraft are ready to go on mission. When we have been in tight spots due to aircraft that are down for serious issues, they work non-stop to ensure the remaining birds are able to continue with the mission.

The crews chiefs magical powers have even surprised senior maintenance test pilots. A few days ago one of our aircraft lost hydraulic oil in an outlying base about 15 miles from our airfield. When our Platoon Sergeant arrived on the scene with a CW5 maintenance test pilot, they discovered the malfunction. Our Platoon Ser-geant called back to the hangar and asked the crew chiefs to find the part. Within minutes, the crew chiefs found the part and were aboard a Blackhawk flying out to deliver the part. As the Blackhawk was flying out, the CW5 turned to our platoon sergeant and said, “Your guys don’t have the correct part. You can’t order that part, it has to be manufactured because that part rarely breaks.”

Our Platoon Sergeant looked at the CW5 and said, “If our crew chiefs say they have the part, they have the part.”

A few moments later the Blackhawk arrived, our crew chief ran out and delivered the part. Not only was it the right part, it was installed within 5 minutes and in another 5 minutes our downed aircraft was taking off behind the Blackhawk that had just delivered the part. They are an impressive crew!

Christmas time is near and the office has been decorated in the spirit of the season! We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas! CPT Scottie Pace & 1SG Donald Adkins

BlackHorse 6 BlackHorse 7

BLACKHORSE

THE C LAW P AGE 15

THE C LAW P AGE 16

TALONS OF THE MONTH

SPC Rhodes, Karina Company/MOS: HHC/ 74D Chemical Specialist Hometown: Las Angeles, CA

I collect beanie babies! Q: What do you do on your free time? A: Play pool at the MWR. Q: What do you want to achieve in your MOS this deployment? A: Make sure everyone gets their mail!

Q: Goals for this deployment?

A: Start college courses to receive credits Q: What do you miss most about home? A: My daughter and family time. Q: Would you rather…take a cold shower or sleep an hour less? A: Sleep an hour less because cold showers are not relaxing.

SPC Widerburg, Jeffery Company/MOS: A 2-211/88M Motor Transport Operator Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT

Owns a home in Brazil.

Q: What do you do on your free time? A: Watch movies. Q: What do you want to achieve in your MOS this deployment? A: Move into the Aviation side of the Army.


A: Keep up the spirit and finish the long hall. Q: What do you miss most about home? A: Family! Q: Would you rather…always say everything that is on your mind or never speak again? A: Always say what is on my mind so people know where you stand.


SPC Armstrong, Keith

Company/MOS: A 3-82 / 15T UH-60 Crew Chief Hometown: Lancaster, SC

I don’t have any fun facts : I

Q: What do you do on your free time? A: Stay in contact with family and play MW3 on XBOX. Q: What do you want to achieve in your MOS this deployment? A: Reach 1000 flight hours during deployment ( Cur-rently have 220 hrs)


A: Make it home safe Q: What do you miss most about home? A: My family...Obviously! Q: Would you rather… take a cold shower or sleep and hour less? A: Take a cold shower because sleep is amazing.

SPC Aderhold, Eric

Company/MOS: B 7-158/ 15U CH-47 Mechanic Hometown: Canton, Georgia

I was born two months earlier than was suppose to be.

Q: What do you do on your free time? A: I usually play video games on my free time Q: What do you want to achieve in your MOS this deployment? A: I want to get signed off as a crew chief.


A: Save enough money to put a decent down payment on a new truck. Q: What do you miss most about home? A: Home cooked meals and driving a car. Q: Would you rather… Take a cold shower or sleep an hour less. A: I’d rather sleep an hour less because I hate the cold.

SPC Olson, Jacob

Company/MOS: C 3-82/ 15T UH-60 Crew Chief Hometown: Augusta, Kansas

Wanted to be an architect growing up

Q: What do you do on your free time? A: Surf the web. Q: What do you want to achieve in your MOS this deploy-ment? A: Gain as much knowledge as I can while I am de-ployed.


A: Get promoted and continue to work on associates de-gree. Q: What do you miss most about home? A: My 2 little sisters (ages 7 and 15) Q: Would you rather… always say what is on your mind or never speak again? A: I would always say what is on my mind because I like to be engaged with people.

THE C LAW P AGE 18

SPC Alvarez, Rafael

Company/MOS: D 3-82/ 15 T UH-60 Mainanence Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Growing up I always knew I wanted to join the Army

Q: What do you do on your free time? A: Skype the wife Q: What do you want to achieve in your MOS this deployment? A: I want to become more experienced


A: Achieve a 300 on my pt test Q:What do you miss most about home? A: I miss my family, DUH! Q: Would you rather… take a cold shower or sleep an hour less? A: I would rather take a cold shower because I NEED to shower everyday! lol

V OLUME 1 , ISSUE 2 P AGE 19

SPC Acree, Daniel

Company/MOS: F Trp 1/17/ 15R Apache Mechanic Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

I originally wanted to join the military to be a pilot

Q: What do you do on your free time? A: Play video games. Q: What do you want to achieve in your MOS this deployment? A: Get promoted, if not become promotable.


A: Provide for my wife and my baby girl that is due in March. Q: What do you miss most about home? A: I miss my wife the most. Q: Would you rather… take a cold shower or sleep an hour less? A: Sleep an hour less because I hate cold showers and I have had my fair share of them so far this de-ployment.

PFC Fuschetto, Lisa

Company/MOS: E 3-82/ 91B Wheel Repair Mechanic Hometown: West Hempstead, NY

My favorite color is green.

Q: What do you do on your free time? A: Talk to my family and sleep. Q: What do you want to achieve in your MOS this deploy-ment? A: Improve on my working skills and cross train in other MOS’s.


A: Score over a 300 on my PT test and become promo-table. Q: What do you miss most about home? A: My friends and family and civilian clothes. Q: Would you rather… always say what is on your mind or never speak again? A: Always say what is on your mind because it is better to be honest.

The Flipper Family

Company: B 3-82

Hometown: Fort Bragg, NC

We are Super Troopers who enjoy long walks

on the beach in formation and Mermite din-

ners by candle light.

THE C LAW P AGE 20


Regardless of the war we are fighting, we are surrounded by these towering, beautiful mountains of

Afghanistan. They guard the valley we live in, painting a warm, rich sunrise for all our eyes to see

each morning. For those few minutes of sunrise, we forget about the war, the stress, the pain and the

loneliness as we journey back into the arms of our loved ones. And with those minutes, we could not

be in a happier place.

Kee

p the

se c

are

pac

kage

s co

min

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MAJOR TIMMY SAYS HELLO MAJ Timmy is a combat stress dog that has been stationed here on Bagram for 18 months.

He comes to visit all the soldiers around Bagram to boost their morale and relieve stress. MAJ

Timmy was a slobbery, energetic, adorable white Labrador that put a bright smile on every

Talons face. It reminded us how much we missed our furry friends back home. He makes

monthly visits and we cannot wait for MAJ Timmy to come back for his next visit.

TALON FOR A DAY

TALON FOR LIFE!

Love is missing someone whenever

you're apart, but somehow feeling

warm inside because you're close in

heart.

~Kay Knudsen

LAST NAME, FIRST

TF TALON, C/O

BAGRAM, AFGHANISTAN

APO, AE 09354

Our address is still the same:

Feel free to send me an email if you have any sug-gestions or questions. Until next time...

SPC Porter, Amber

TF Talon PAO [email protected]

THE C LAW P AGE 22

News & Politics

The Claw (Dec 2011)