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BN Commander and Senior FRG Advisor Words
MAY 9, 2012 MONTHLY ISSUE
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
BN CSM 2
Chaplain’s Corner 2
HHB Hardcore 3
ALPHA Apaches 4
BRAVO Bulldogs 5
GOLF Ghostriders 6
Current Events and News 7-13
Inside this issue:
BLACK DRAGON Family:
Well, Spring is upon us (though it is starting to feel
more like summer), and as you have noticed the training
intensity has picked up just a bit with the Battalion going
through Artillery and Artillery Support Certifications. Sol-
dier and Leaders have worked very hard over the last
several months to get their systems operational as well as
training on their systems; so they can complete the pre-
requisite tasks required prior to going to the field. The
Battalion deploys to the local training areas on 7 MAY and
will stay out until 11 May, we plan to come in for the
Mother’s Day Week-end and then head back out to the
field from 14 – 18 May to complete our Section Level Cer-
tifications. However, Artillery Certifications are not the
only thing that is going on during this time frame. The
Battalion operations center is at the Operational Test Com-
mand Site establishing and utilizing all of our automated
systems in a testing environment so we can effectively
manage the Battalion in the field. The Radar and Meteoro-
logical Sections are also conducting their certifications
along with new equipment training. Golf Company is not
only charged with maintaining the Battalion in the field,
but also keeping us on the road during our 60 KM road
march. They are conducting their own certifications. All
in all it is going to be a busy, but great couple of weeks.
There is some information that I want to share with
the families about training this summer. The Brigade has
been notified that we will deploy to the Joint Readiness
Training Center in Fort Polk, LA for the month of August.
The major issue with Fort Polk (besides being muggy that
time of year) is that they don’t have the Paladin Artillery
System down there for us to train on, so the Battalion is
going to cross train on the two towed howitzers the M777
(155mm) and the M119 (105mm). Right now, the plan is
for us to bring the weapon systems here so we can do all
of our training here at Fort Hood. This training will keep
the Battalion busy most of the summer up until we depart
in August, but the intent is to train here so when we are
not working, we get to spend time with our families. On
that note, it does not look like the battalion or the Brigade
will be able to take a block leave this summer, I know this
is frustrating to many who enjoy vacationing in the sum-
mer when kids are out of school. While we cannot commit
to a block leave period the Brigade and the Battalion will
be conducting opportunity leave, which will provide some
chance for folks to take leave when not training for our
exercise in August. The Brigade is trying to fence some-
time in the late summer or early fall to accommodate a
Block Leave period and once we have details on that we
will let everyone know.
The last thing I would like to address is the ru-
mors about the possible deployment, and what that may
mean to the Brigade and the Battalion. As of right now,
there has been no deployment order given by our
higher headquarters (Division or above), we have just
been told to train. If we are given a deployment order,
we are not sure at this time what our role/responsibility
will be in support of the possible deployment. I, and the
other leaders of the Battalion, remain committed to in-
forming Soldiers and their Families as soon as we have
directed information from our higher headquarters. We
know how important it is to keep everyone informed.
Regardless of what information is or is not provided, it is
my intent to hold a Town Hall Meeting in the month of
June to discuss possible deployment issues as well as
address other concerns that may be on your mind. Stay
connected with your Battery/Company FRG for details.
Finally, mark your calendars during the third
week of June we are planning on a family day where we
bring all the families to our field site; show you all what
we do on a daily basis in the field, and fire our howitzers
in a direct fire mode – should be quite an event. Again
thank you for what you do in supporting your Soldier,
we all realize that we could not do what we do without
your support and understanding. Stay in touch with
your FRGs, and follow us on our Social Media sites to
keep up with the latest information and opportunities.
Will and Jessy Johnson
FRG Facebook Group www.facebook.com/#!/
groups/582black.dragons/
Battalion Facebook Page www.facebook.com/#!/
pages/5th-Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-
Black-Dragons/288593261191191
BLACK
DRAGONS BULLETIN
As the Battalion strengthens itself with better technology and a different command and control structure as well
as the coordination of different views, the Battalion is excelling in all areas. The Battalion has stretched themselves
thin during multiple missions without failure, to include the Radar section assisting 41st Fires Brigade in targeting. As
the Senior Enlisted Advisor in the Battalion, I am encouraging Soldiers to manage your time wisely. You should
make some time for college and if you are an Officer Graduate, school should be in your mirror.
As the promotion board procedures has so often changed, college, correspondence courses, weapons qualifica-
tion and physical training is very imminent. Personnel, policies, procedures, facilities and equipment that integrate
our day-to-day planning factors into a common organizational structure designed for the sole purpose of improving
the Battalions efforts when called upon. Black Dragons you are performing at a level that is very complimenting to
the United States Army goals of excellence. Based upon the flexible responses, whether it’s a last minute funeral
detail, gate guard, accountability of equipment, weapons training and physical training organization, the Battalion
has proved with minimum guidance and management, that we as the Black Dragons can work together as we be-
come more efficient. The NCOs continues to set the pace!
This approach aims at reducing the potential for miscommunication and confusion during crisis response opera-
tions and allows the Black Dragons to become more proficient. Of course each supervisor reports ultimately to the
Commander who dictates guidance and analyzes information provided by the individual supervisors. The individ-
ual supervisors eliminate the potential for their subordinates to receive conflicting guidance. This ensures that ac-
countability is kept, and that there is no free-lancing which improves information flow and helps with the coordina-
tion of operational efforts, ultimately enhancing operational safety. The Basketball team won the Post Champion-
ships, just to emphasis the teamwork in the Battalion. SPC Taylor is the only Soldier in Division to make the culinary
arts team and won 2 Silver medals at the Department of the Army level.
All these accolades exhibit the high discipline and motivation of the Black Dragons. Congratulations to all the Sol-
diers that were promoted to their next rank during this quarter and completed any military schools. Special thanks
for the Staff Officers and NCOs who make the unit operate under such smoothness. Black Dragons, whatever you do,
make some time for your family or love ones/dependents!
Black Dragons Can and Will, BD 9
BN CSM Words
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
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“Finding the Perfect Mate”
I read an article recently that a panel of women debated on who they thought was the perfect man. You’d
expect it might be a famous actor or wealthy tycoon. But the final conclusion of the panel was that the Perfect
Man was actually….MR. POTATO HEAD!
Their reasoning: He’s tan. He’s cute. He knows the importance of accessorizing. And, if he looks at another
girl, you can rearrange his face.
While it can be fun to dream and discuss “FINDING the right person,” I propose that as far as God is con-
cerned, it’s better to focus on “BEING the right person.”
An interesting passage of Scripture on this topic is found in the book of Proverbs where Solomon tells his
young son, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, even his enemies live at peace with
him” (Proverbs 16:7). One of the most shocking realities of being married is that people who have loved
each other so deeply can become so angry that they seem more like enemies than loving partners. Consider
this, if having our behavior and attitude be pleasing to God has the ability to create peace between enemies,
wouldn’t it also work for a husband and wife? Remember Paul’s instruction to the people of Ephesus, “Be
kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians
4:32).
The world teaches that the “key to a good marriage is FINDING the right person,” but God teaches, “the
key to a good marriage is BEING the right person.” The key to being the “right person” is to make sure your
behavior and attitude are “pleasing to the LORD.”
CH (CPT) Robert Patterson
5-82FA Battalion Chaplain
(254) 287-9574
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
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BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
HHB Newsletter
During the month of April HHB Soldiers invited
our Adopt-A-School to join us for a run through
the Fort Hood Air Assault Obstacle Course.
Students from Cross Roads High School joined the
Soldiers from HHB to tackle the obstacles. The
students learned the value of team work and a few
individuals even took the chance to face and
conquer their fear of heights.
HARDCORE Battery Soldiers also focused on
their individual marksmanship. HHB ran the M4
Qualification Range this month and as a result
Soldiers are more comfortable with their weapon
systems and their optics. Soldiers engaged pop-
up targets from 50 meters out to 300 meters.
During this last month of April, the Target
Acquisition Platoon conducted numerous training
events to include rehearsals for Section
Certification and Individual training tasks. Both the
Q36 and Q37 Radar sections supported 41st Fires,
1-21 MLRS in their certification and qualification of
their Launchers on 18 April in OP Grove. During
this time, the SURVEY/MET Section has supported
every firing platoon in the Battalion in setting up
survey control points and providing guidance to
their Battery Commander.
The Radar Platoon also continues to rigorously
tests the equipment on a daily basis ensuring it
remains fully mission capable.
Written By: CPT Hastings Volume 4
FRG Newsletter for HHB, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
Soldiers from HHB and students from Cross Roads High
School encourage each other at the Fort Hood Air Assault
Obstacle Course
SFC Huff giving a Range Safety Brief before taking
the Soldiers to their firing points.
SSG Hawkins, SPC Clawson and
SSG Armstrong conducting
Radar Operations from the Q-37.
SGT Ramos emplacing the
Q-36.
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MONTHLY ISSUE BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
Apache Newsletter
Since returning from the Easter Weekend,
Apache Battery has spent endless hours
conducting training in preparation for May’s
Gunnery.
The month kicked off with each Apache Soldier
completing the Artillery Skills Proficiency Test
(ASPT). The ASPT evaluates each13B and 13D
competency on basic individual tasks that they
must be able to execute prior to conducting a live
fire exercise.
With the completion of ASPT, the next task for
Apache Battery was the Gunner’s Test. The
Gunner’s Test is a timed test that evaluates each
gunners ability to fire the howitzer. It is mainly for
gunner’s and section chiefs but open to anyone
that would like to test their skills. Apache Battery
dominated the Gunner’s Test with each Soldier
passing and 11 Soldiers scoring “expert”;
earning them the coveted Expert Gunner’s
Badge.
Apache Battery leadership proved their
proficiency by completing the Leader’s Hands on
test. The Leader’s Hands on test evaluates
leaders on more advanced tasks that revolve
around the laying of the howitzer.
Throughout the busy month, Apache Battery still
managed to send Soldiers to M4, M249, M240,
and M2A1 ranges. They also were giant
contributors to III Corps and Fort Hood’s Spring
Clean Up.
GREAT JOB APACHES!!
Upcoming Events
-Table V (May 7-May 11)
-Table VI -XII(May 14-May 18)
-FRG Meeting (May 22)
-FRG Run (May 30)
Written By: CPT Martin Piecuch Volume 4
FRG Newsletter for Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
Welcome to the Newest Apache Soldiers!SGT Stover coming from Fort Campbell.
SPC Pavlicek and his wife Olga coming from Fort Polk.
SPC Graham coming from Germany.
PFC Sheeley coming from Fort Sill.
PV2 Gearhart and his wife April coming from Fort Sill.
PVT Pristschet coming from Fort Sill.
Apache Battery conducted field training in TA34 and TA48 in
preparation for May’s Gunnery.
All the hard training paid off as each Apache Soldier passed
their Artillery Skills Proficiency Test!
Apache Battery spent endless hours in the motor pool
conducting digital sustainment training.
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BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
Bulldog Newsletter
Hello Bulldog Families!!!! The month of
April saw the Bulldog Battery
aggressively training toward Field
Artillery live fire qualification!!! Not to
mention, the tough physical training,
outstanding schools, promotions, and
awards accomplished by the Bulldog
Battery. The month started with Bulldog
Soldiers getting back to Convoy
operations as they simulated live
missions in Afghanistan using the
Warrior Skills Simulator, where Soldiers
were able to go on patrol using a live
computer simulated Afghanistan
environment.
During the second week of April, Bulldog
Soldiers conducted the Artillery Skills
proficiency test completing all basic FA
tasks to standard. Junior leaders of the
Battery conducted gunner’s testing on
tasks that are essential to the safe
operations of the Field Artillery. Finally,
senior leaders of the Battery conducted
Leader’s Hands-On testing to set the
stage for live fire cannon operations in
the month of May.
May started off with Bulldog Soldiers
moving the field to get back on the guns
to start training crew drills and
occupations. This training increased the
overall teamwork in the Battery as NCOs
and Soldiers learned their specific
Artillery jobs. After each iteration, leaders
drove after action reviews to increase
performance and maximize training. The
Bulldogs did an outstanding job before
moving out to the Battalion Field Problem
in the second week of May.
In addition to the outstanding Artillery
Training, 2 new Bulldogs were inducted
as newly promoted NCOs as part of the
Battalion NCO induction ceremony.
Training will become more challenging
and rewarding during May as the Paladins
conduct live fire operations for the first
time since Iraq. Thanks to all the hard
work displayed daily by the Bulldogs and
endless support given by the families!!!!
Written By: CPT Chad Fitzgerald Volume 4
SGT Troy Taylor accepts his certificate
as part of the BN NCO induction
ceremony
PVT David Campos
PVT Angel Peralta
SGT Troy Taylor
SGT Robert Stone
Welcome to the Newest Bulldog Soldiers!
Congratulations to the Newest Bulldog NCOs!
BULLDOGS Soldiers drag a HUMVEE
as part of Bulldog Stakes PT on 30 MAR
UPCOMING EVENTS
7-11 MAY- BATTALION GUNNERY (FIELD)
14-18 MAY- BATTALION GUNNERY (FIELD)
25-28 MAY- MEMORIAL DAY FOUR DAY WEEKEND
1 JUNE-1st CAV TRAINING HOLIDAY
19-20 JUNE: PALADIN DIRECT FIRE RANGE &
FAMILY DAY
1LT Lopez and 2nd PLT conducts an AAR
after a training iteration.
Congratulations to the Newest Bulldog Baby!
Jaden Benjamin Bass was born at 1246 to parents
SGT Benjamin Bass and wife Krista on April 9, 2012
(pictures to follow!!!!)
1LT Ball re-enlists SGT Vongbouenmy in
front of the Battery HQ.
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BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
GOLF FSC, 5-82 FA
GHOSTRIDER’S NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 7 MAY 9, 2012
Ghostrider 6 Ghostrider 9
Ghostrider Family - I
hope everyone has a
Happy Mother’s Day! The
Ghostrider family day
picnic on 19APR12, at
Stillhouse Hollow Lake
was an awesome event!
We had great food, fun,
games and music for eve-
ryone to enjoy. As we
prepare for BD Gunnery,
07-11MAY12 and 14-
18MAY12, I would like to
sincerely thank everyone
for allowing Halana and I
to be a part of this great
organization for the past
two years. It has been a
humbling privilege. I
wish everyone well and
will rest easy knowing a
great officer, CPT
Juan Martinez will con-
tinue to make the unit
better each day. Many
thanks for your total sup-
port!!!
Greetings all – Another
busy month for the Ghos-
trider Soldiers, but we
made things happen and
did it with ease! This past
month, I would like to rec-
ognize SPC Taylor, Sharee
for placing third in the
Army Culinary Arts com-
petition and being se-
lected to serve as the III
Corp Commanding Gen-
eral’s personnel chef. We
also had eight Soldiers to
get inducted into the pres-
tigious Corp of NCO’s,
along with three of those
Soldiers getting promoted
to the rank of sergeant.
Along with the CDR, I will
also be moving to BSTB to
serve as a 1SG. Many
Thanks!!!
PROMOTIONS GRADUATES
Congratulations to SGT
Clark, SGT Robertson on
their promotion on
01MAY12!
BABY BIRTH’S
Congrats to SPC Speed
and his fiancé’ Lisa on the
birth of their son Sebastian
on 11APR12 at 8lbs, 5oz!
Congratulations to the fol-
lowing soldiers for gradu-
ating from WLC: SPC Ma-
gana, SPC Prien and SGT
Harris!
Special points of interest:
Ghostrider 6’s Corner
Ghostrider 9’s Corner
Promotions
School Graduates
Baby Birth’s
Photos of Ghostrider’s Company
BBQ and during 5-82 FA NCO
5TH BATTALION, 82ND FIELD ARTILLERY NINDUCTEES: NEWLY PROMOTED NCO’S: CPL
BURRELL, SGT CLARK AND SGT ROBERSTON—WELL DONE!
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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
Red Cross Youth Program
Ages 14 and Up
APPLICATION DEADLINE
May 11, 2012
All Youth are required to attend a
Red Cross New
Volunteer Orientation
The dates are as follows: Wednesday April 25 5:30-8:30pm
Thursday April 26 5:30-8:30pm
Wednesday May 2 5:30-8:30pm
Tuesday May 8 5:30-8:30pm
Saturday May 12 9:00-12:00pm
Thursday May 17 5:30-8:30pm
Saturday May 19 9:00-12:00pm
To obtain an application please email For-
tHood@RedCross.org
Or call 254-287-0400
Membership is free to all active duty military!
To find a Boys and Girls Club near you and to register for the Boys and Girls Club
of Central Texas visit:
http://www.bgctx.org
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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
2
Family Update May 2012
Copperas Cove Boys and Girls Club Summer
Schedule
Page 11
BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
May 11- Texas Hold „em Poker Tournament
st place prize - $175, 2nd placeprize - $75, 3rd place prize - $50
ved basis) and spectators are welcome!
th Street at Tank Destroyer Boulevard, near the east gate.
(Bldg. 194, 37th Street, inside of the Phantom Warrior Center)
-532-5073.
May 13 - Mother‟s Day Brunch
– Adults
– Children 5-12
– Children 4 & under
, red skinned mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, vegetable medley, Virginia baked ham , top round beef, assorted salads, desserts, mimosas and more!
-532-5329 or 254-532-5073.
th Street at Tank Destroyer Blvd, near the East Gate.
May 18- 20 - Camp C.O.P.E.
ked to make every day.
-appropriate therapeutic interventions in small groups of their peers, who have had similar experiences.
ope better emotionally.
increased healthy relationships with others.
Fort Hood Family and MWR
Events Calendar
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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
12 May: Book Signing with the romance author Robyn Carr at the Clear Creek PX from 1100-1300. She will be autographing copies of her latest books, “Sunrise Point” about a Marine re-
turning home to the Virgin River.; “Redwood Bend” about a widow dealing with the death of her Green Beret husband in Afghanistan; and “Hidden Summit” #3 on the New York Times
best selling list. These are the three latest titles in her Virgin River trilogy.
12 May: Direct from Puerto Rico, V&G Production brings you swing band KARIS, promoting their new production “The New Generation, The Power of Swing”, autograph signing and
photo opportunity will be at the Clear Creek PX from 1400-1600.
14 May: Midnight Launch at the Clear Creek Game Stop. Be the first to purchase Diablo lll.
Prelaunch is 2300-2400. Actual launch is 0001 until approximately 0100 on 15 May.
17 May: Book Signing with Marcus Luttrell at the Clear Creek PX from 1600-1800. Navy SEAL
Marcus Luttrell, author of the #1 bestseller “Lone Survivor”, tells his own extraordinary war
stories-and those of others who have chosen to serve.
In October 2006, after miraculously returning from his star-crossed mission in Afghanistan,
Marcus Luttrell went back to war. In six months of high-intensity urban fighting in the most dangerous city in the world, Ramadi, Iraq, he was part of one of the greatest victories in the
history of the SEAL teams.
19 May: Patriot Pet – Just say TREAT! – Photo Contest. In store pet contest will be held judg-ing the pet photo submissions on the basis of creativity, uniqueness, quality, and effective-ness in conveying the loyalty and companionship of pets belonging to military members. The
Grand Prize winner will receive a $250 Exchange gift card.
19 May: “Blood of Heroes” Book Signing with author James Donovan at the Clear Creek PX from 1100-1300. This is the story of the 13 day struggle for the Alamo and the sacrifice that
forged a nation.
31 May: Book Signing with author Lisa Harris signing the latest installment of her “Finding My
Way” series at the Clear Creek PX 1100-1300.
31 May – 2 June: Jazz guitarist Jeffery Smith will be performing and selling his CD’s at the
Clear Creek PX 1100-1400 and 1600-1900.
Upcoming Events for the Exchange
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