HOOAH4HOA Yearbook

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School Name: Task Force Raptor (3-124 CAV)

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Hooaa 4 HOA is an authorized yearbook publication for members of the Texas Military Forces and the Department of Defense. Contents of the yearbook are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the National Guard Bureau, the State of Texas, the Adjutant General’s Department of Texas, the Texas Military Forces, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, or the Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Task Force Raptor (3-124) Public Affairs Officer. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does

not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army. Content was edited, prepared and provided by the Task Force Raptor (3-124) Public Affairs Officer.

3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry RegimentTexas Army National Guard

700 Spring Creek Pkwy.Wylie, TX 75098

785-568-5689

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Squadron Commander 4Squadron Command Sgt. Maj. 5Texas Cavalry History 8Task Force Raptor Time line 14The Troopers 17 Command Team 18 Staff Sections 20 Headquarters Troop 23 Alpha Troop 27 Bravo Troop 31 Charlie Troop 35 702 MP Co. 41 712 MP Co. 45Pre-Mobilization 51 LDESP 52 PMT Camp Swift 53 Annual Training Ft. Bliss 58Mobilization 63 Casing Ceremonies 64 Camp Atterbury 66Deployment 69 Transfer of Authority 70 Entry Control Point 72 Flight Line 73 Quick Reaction Force 74 Port Security 75 Site Security Team 76 Manda Bay, Kenya 78 Dire Dawa, Ethiopia 79

Military to Military Exchanges 81 Djibouti 82 Uganda 83 Tanzania 84 Rwanda 85 Mozambique 86 Comoros 87 Kenya 88 Burundi 89Training in the Horn of Africa 91 Raptor Challenge(Spur Ride) 92 Airborne Ops 94 Warrior Leader Course 95 Combatives 96 French Desert Survival 97Under the African Sun 99 Capt’s Cup 100 Volunteer work 104 MWR 106Coming Home 109 Transfer of Authority 110 Homecoming 112

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he 3rd Squadron, with the 702nd and 712th MP Companies, has added another success-ful chapter into the distinguished history of the 124th Cavalry Regiment. Though the 124th Cavalry is the youngest of the combat regiments within the Texas Army National Guard, it has arguably been the most deployed in history. Our Horn of Africa deployment adds to the list of previous deployments by this Regiment, to include the China-Burma-India The-ater of World War II, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Free-dom, and the Multinational Forces and Observers mission in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt.

Since the formation of Task Force Raptor 01 April 2011, I have been very proud and impressed with our initiative, tenacity, and execution in all that we have done. We created and equipped our team in record time and subsequently completed all required pre-mobi-lization training 90 days prior to mobilization date. As an encore, we unilaterally planned, prepared, and conducted an exceptional gun-truck gunnery at Fort Bliss, TX in which we qualified 100% of our 70 crews with over half qualifying ‘Distinguished’.

We moved the Task Force, with minimal assistance, from home station armories to Camp Swift and Fort Bliss in Texas, to Camp Atterbury, Indiana and onto Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti with 100% accountability of all personnel and equipment. This Task Force was so ready and well-prepared that our brief stay at Camp Atterbury and subsequent validation was a matter of formality.

Throughout our deployment to the Horn of Africa, we effectively integrated ourselves into almost every facet of operations across all four service components and civilian agencies within CJTF-HOA. We provided force protection for enduring missions in Djibouti, Ethio-pia, and Kenya and re-wrote and improved upon every process in which we were involved with. We conducted nearly 60 military-to-military missions in nine different countries training over 25,000 Soldiers for operations in Somalia and Darfur. We were the first air-borne unit from the Texas Army National Guard to conduct active airborne operations in a combat zone. We conducted four Raptor Challenge Spur Rides awarding nearly 80 sets of Silver Spurs, graduated over 80 Soldiers in the US Army Warrior Leader Course, and completed nearly 300 promotions and advancements. In all, we far exceeded the accom-plishments of any of our predecessors in the history of the HOA mission.

Of course, it was the Soldiers and leaders within this Task Force who were instrumental in making all of this success possible. It is they who enabled this Squadron to make a significant impact within the Horn of Africa and leave behind a defining legacy for follow-on units to aspire to. I am confident that this unit has earned its place in the annals of the 124th Cavalry Regiment and I am convinced that we are one of the greatest units from the Texas Army National Guard to deploy in the post-911 era.

TSquadron Commander

Tom L. Hooker

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s we come to a close on our deployment to the Horn of Africa, I cannot help but reflect on the many challenges and accomplishments we’ve had along the way. From the freezing weather at Camp Atterbury to the sweltering final road march of the Raptor Challenge, from the intricate HOA joint environment to the legacy stigmas we amended “on board” Camp Lemonnier – Task Force Raptor has endured more than most units. Every Soldier should be proud of the way we came together to accomplish the mission: improving the force protection on Camp Lemonnier (and other remote FOLs), touching the lives of many African partner-nation Service Members, and returning home with no serious injuries.

Although not by design, our Task Force, consisting of two Cavalry Scout Troops, one LRS Troop, two Military Police Companies, a diverse Headquarters Troop and volunteers from different units all over the state, seemed to be the perfect fit for our mission.

Throughout the year, the Soldiers of Task Force Raptor endeavored to improve themselves physi-cally, mentally and professionally and departed HOA better than they arrived. As I tracked our Soldiers’ personal improvements, the Squadron Commander and I were sincerely impressed to see how our Soldiers surpassed all expectations. During the nine months we were in Africa, our Task Force has accumulatively lost 4,529 pounds, improved 12,971 points on the Army Physi-cal Fitness Test, completed 879 college hours, completed 7,554 hours of Army Correspondence Courses, volunteered 3,122 hours towards African community programs, and 73% completed the Army’s Self Structured Development (SSD) courses. This was all accomplished primarily during off-duty time and while completing our HOA mission above the standard. Additionally, many of our Soldiers jumped at every opportunity to attend courses and training offered while deployed, including: Raptor Challenge Spur Ride, French Forces Desert Survival, Combatives Level I, and the German Marksmanship qualification (Schutzenschnur) to name a few.

Our supporting staff played a critical role in keeping the mission rolling along. The operations, administrative, communications and logistic sections gave 110% to provide the best support pos-sible, often working long hours to complete their mission and even worked to support other Army units on Camp Lemonnier. Although their work was mostly unseen, many of the accomplish-ments mentioned above would have not been possible without them.

I truly believe nearly every Soldier grew from the Horn of Africa deployment and I am honored to have served as the senior enlisted leader to the great men and women of Task Forces Raptor. As we return stateside, some will stay with our unit while others will move on to future assignments, ETS or retire. However, all of us have the great distinction of serving with one of the Texas Army National Guard’s most historic and storied units- and now all are a part of the 124th Cavalry his-tory.

ASquadron Cmd Sgt. Maj.

Dwight D. Sparks




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TexaS CavaLry HiSTory

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“a man afoot is half a man.”- a Texas Civil War cavalryman

The history of Texas is the history of cavalry. The Texas Army National Guard traces its lineage back to the year 1822 and the Republic of Mexico’s Militia Act organizing two militia districts along the Brazos and Colorado Rivers. In 1823 Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas, issued a call for mounted volunteers to “range” the colonies for local defense.

With the onset of the Texas Revolution, the Texas Permanent Council in Nov-Dec 1835 reorganized and expanded the existing militia companies into a regu-lar infantry and artillery regiment, a cavalry battalion and auxiliary forces. During the revolution, Texas Cavalry units fought at Gonzales, Béxar, The Alamo, Goliad, and San Jacinto (the decisive battle of the war).

After the independence of Texas, Comanche raids along the Republic’s frontier in 1841 resulted in congressional authorization of “Minute Companies” manned by individual volunteers under the county judge’s jurisdiction. The Texas congress addition-ally authorized the creation of regular troops and the 1st Cavalry Regiment was organized. The 1st never

reached full authorization and probably remained at battalion strength. During the republic era, Texas Cavalry, both regular and militia, fought at Plum Creek, Salado, and numerous Indian campaigns and with the Mier and Santa Fe Expeditions.

With Texas’ annexation to the United States and the threat of war with the Republic of Mexico, U.S. Major Gen-eral (Brevet) Zachary Taylor called upon the governor of the new state of Texas to provide volunteers. Texas raised eight cavalry regiments and battalions, most notably the 1st and 2nd Regiment’s of Mounted Rifles. Texas Cavalry fought in the Texas, Monterrey, Buena Vista and Mexico City campaigns.

In 1861 Texas seceded from the United States and contributed 129 Cavalry organizations to the Confederacy and two for the Union. In the Civil War, the Texas Cavalry fought in every campaign in the Western and Trans-Mis-sissippi theatres. Over 60,000 Texans served in the Confederate military. The monument to Texas’ Confederate soldiers on the capital grounds in Austin has a simple monogram upon it; “Died for States’ Rights.” Inscribed upon a monument to fallen Confederate soldiers in Richmond, Virginia is the following epitaph:

Not for fame or reward, not for place or rank,Nor lured by ambition or goaded by necessity,

But in simple obedience to duty as they understood it,These men suffered all, sacrificed all, endured all and died.

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With the defeat of the Confederate States of America and Texas’ occupation by United States’ reconstruction forces, all state military organizations were disbanded.

After reconstruction and the withdrawal of US occupation forces from Texas, new militia organizations were cre-ated. From 1876 to 1879 a new regiment of Texas Cavalry was raised, the 1st Texas Cavalry. Company A, “Gillespie Mounted Rifles,” was headquartered at Fredericksburg; Company B, “Prairie Rangers,” at Oyster Creek; Company E, “San Bernard Mounted Rifles,” at Brazoria; Company G, “Montel Guards,” at Montel; Company H, “Heads

Prairie Guard,” at Heads Prairie; Company I, “Dimmit Rangers,” at Carrizo Springs and Company K, “Frio County Volunteer Guard.” The unit moved and was reorganized many times during the 19th Century and never exceeded squadron level strength.

In January 1918, the US Secretary of War authorized Texas to organize two brigades of cavalry, to replace the US Army’s 15th Cavalry Divi-sion patrolling the US-Mexican border. The 15th Division was needed in France. During this mobilization, the Armistice ending WW I was signed and the Texas units were returned to state control.

In December 1920, the 1st Texas Cavalry BDE (Houston) was reorga-nized as the 56th Cavalry BDE and the six Texas Cavalry regiments consisting of; the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (San Antonio), 3rd Cavalry Regiment (Brenham), 4th Texas Cavalry Regiment (Amarillo), 5th Texas Cavalry Regiment (Dallas), 6th Texas Cavalry Regiment (Texarkana), and the 7th Cavalry Regiment (Houston), were reorganized into the new 1st Texas Cavalry Regiment. The 1st Texas Cavalry Regiment was re-designated the 112th Cavalry Regiment, which together with the 56th Machine Gun Squadron (Texas) and the 111th Cavalry Regiment (New Mexico) made up the 56th Cavalry BDE. The original 1st Cavalry Regiment dating back to post-Civil War Texas was deactivated, never to return.

In March 1929, the Machine Gun Squadron and the 2nd Squadron of the 112th Cavalry Regiment were re-orga-nized into the 124th Cavalry Regiment. 124th Cavalry Regimental HQs was in Austin, the 1st Squadron in Ft. Worth (A and B Troops, formerly E and G Troops/2nd Squadron, 112th Cavalry Regiment) and the 2nd Squadron in Houston with E Troop at Brenham and F Troop at Mineral Wells. The regimental Band was also at Mineral Wells, with the Machine Gun Troop in San Antonio. All elements of the 124th Cavalry Regiment were federally recognized 20 March 1929. This action released the 111th Cavalry back to New Mexico’s control and made the 56th Cavalry BDE an all Texas organization.

Prior to World War II, the 124th Cavalry Regiment was complete with all three squadrons and the 112th Cavalry forming the 56th Cavalry Brigade. In October 1940 the 56th Cavalry Brigade had the only purely “Horse Regi-ments” left in the National Guard. All other National Guard Cavalry Divisions and Brigades were inactivated and their regiments converted to Field Artillery, Coast Artillery, and Horse and Mechanized Regiments. Of the nine National Guard Brigades from which to choose, the 56th survived and entered active Federal Service. This deci-sion was based on the caliber and training of the Brigade men and officers. The former 56th Cavalry BDE, in 2001, serves as 2nd BDE, 49th Armored Division.

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Early in February 1941, the Brigade received orders to change stations with the 1st Cavalry Division stationed at the lower border posts. The 56th Cavalry Brigade Headquarters and moved to Fort McIntosh at Laredo, Texas. The 112th Regiment relieved the 5th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Clark, Texas. The 124th relieved the 12th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Brown in Brownsville and Fort Ringgold at Rio Grande City, Texas. The troops were becoming acquainted with barracks life when the Brigade was ordered back to Fort Bliss for desert maneuvers in June 1940, with the 1st Cavalry Division in Texas and New Mexico. The largest review of Horse Soldiers since the Civil War took place while at Fort Bliss, made up on the 1st Cavalry Division and the 56th Cavalry Brigade -- some 13,000 mounted men. Major General Innis P. Swift stated, “Of all the regiments participating, the 124th was the most outstanding, both in appearance and performance.” Just seven months earlier they had been weekend civilian soldiers.

The 124th was sent to Fort Brown in Brownsville, Texas where it remained, patrolling the border. On May 10, 1944, the 124th Regi-ment moved by train from the border posts to Fort Riley, Kansas, taking all horses and horse equipment. At Fort Riley, the Regiment received an A-2 Priority Rating for procurement of controlled Items of equipment. Personnel adjustments were made, and they received new men and officers in order to be “combat ready.” On July 7, 1944, the Regiment departed Fort Riley via rail for Camp Anzio, California, a port of embarkation near Los Angeles, California. Prior to departure, the Regiment turned in its horses to the Quartermas-ter at Fort Riley, but loaded all saddles and other mounted equip-ment for shipment overseas.

On July 25, 1944, the Regiment boarded the U. S. Ship General H. W. Butner, a troop transport, bound for India and the ChinaBurma India (CBI) theatre of war. The voyage ended in Bombay, India on August 26, 1944. From Bombay, the unit moved by wide gauge rail across the country to the Ramgarh Training Center in the Province of Bihar, India, some 150 miles West of Calcutta. Here the Regiment learned that it would be dismounted, but would retain its Cavalry designation. Orders were received to reorganize into a long-range penetration unit; and the unit was re-designated the “124th Cavalry (Special).” Mounted equipment was stored and dismounted type items of clothing were issued.

The Regiment departed Ramgarh, India for Burma on October 20, 1944. Transportation was on primitive railroad and river steamer up the Brahmaputra River to Gauhatti, India, then by narrow gauge rail through the Assam Valley to Ledo; from Ledo to Myitkyina, Burma by C-47 aircraft, then to Camp Landis by truck. The Regiment arrived in Burma on October 31, 1944. It was here that the Mars Task Force was formed. This organization contained the 124th Cavalry, the 475th Infantry, a Chinese Combat Team, two Battalions of Field Artillery, some Quartermaster mule pack troops, and medical and other miscellaneous units needed in a combat force of such magni-tude.

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The Mars Task Force was given the mission of clearing Northern Burma of Japanese forces and opening the Burma Road for truck traffic to China. In order to accomplish this mission, the force moved more than 200 miles by foot over the most hazardous terrain in Burma, over mountainous jungles, steep trails, swift streams and rivers on hot days and cold nights, in rain and mud, coupled with the ever fear of mite typhus. This was all done while being cut off completely from friendly forces and having to depend entirely upon air supply. The 124th established contact with the enemy on January 19, 1945, and fought continuously for 17 days. With the objective secure, an adminis-trative bivouac was declared around February 15, 1945.

The only Medal of Honor awarded for ground action in the CBI Theater was presented posthumously to Lt. Jack Knight for heroic action in battle. Lt. Knight was commanding “F” Troop of the 124th Cavalry at the time of his death. The hill on which he was killed was named Knight’s Hill by order of Admiral Louis Mountbatten.

The Regiment departed the combat zone for Lashio on February 28, 1945; and after a short stay in Lashio was flown over “The Hump” to Kunming, China, completing the move on May 14. On June 11, orders were issued for inactivation of the Regiment, and on July 1, 1945, the 124th Cavalry Regiment (Special) was deactivated.

With the onset of World War II, to meet the demand for increased anti-armor capabilities, the 36th (TEXAS) Division organized the 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion (TD) from the antitank and antiaircraft elements of the 131st, 132nd and 133rd Field Artillery Regiments in December 1941. The 636th TD fought in the Mediterranean, Italian and European Theaters of War with the 36th (TEXAS) Division. Following the war, the 636th TD was reorganized and redesignated the 136th Heavy Tank Battalion.

Following WWII, numerous reorganizations occurred in the Texas Army National Guard with the 124th fulfilling both cavalry and armor roles and serving in both the 36th (TEXAS) and 49th Divisions. In 1959, the US Army’s regimental system was modified and all but three active Cavalry Regiments (2nd, 3rd and 11th ACRs) were reor-ganized into multiple battalion level organizations. The former A TRP/124th Cavalry Regiment was reorganized into the current 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment. Should there be a need to mobilize more squadrons of the 124th Regiment, the pre-1959 troops would be activated and expanded to form subsequent squadrons, i.e., B TRP/124th Cavalry Regiment would from 2nd SQD/124th Cavalry Regiment, etc. In the event of full-scale mobi-lization, this will allow each former army regiment to produce up to fifteen battalion level organizations from the original unit. The 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment was reactivated and reorganized in 1973 and head-quartered in Waco. In 2001, the Brigade Reconnaissance Troops (BRT) were activated for each BDE in the 49th Armored Division. These troops (G, H, and I/124th Cavalry Regiment) proudly fly the 124th guidon, carrying with them the same lineage and honors of the original regiment.

In early 2004, 180 Troopers were mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, they conducted one year of operations and returned home with no loss of life. In September 2005 the Squadron was once again mobilized, this time in support of the Multi-National Force and Observer mission on the Sinai Peninsula in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Squadron is now part of the 36th Infantry Division since the 49th Armored Division was reflagged in 2004.





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April 1, 2011December 22, 2010August 26, 2010

3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment receives notification of sourcing for pos-

sible deployment.

3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment receives alert order to prepare for deployment.

3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment receives 702 & 712 Military Police Com-

panies to form Task Force Raptor.

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January 4th, 2012August 6, 2011June 20, 2011

Task Force Raptor (3-124 CAV) receives its Department of the Army mobiliza-

tion order to the Horn of Africa.

Task Force Raptor (3-124 CAV) begins formal pre-mobilization training at Camp

Swift, TX.

Task Force Raptor (3-124 CAV) reports to mobilization platform at Camp Atter-

bury, then on to the Horn of Africa.

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The Troopers

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Squadron CommanderLTC Tom L. Hooker

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squadron command Team

Executive OfficerMajor Edward Dextraze

Command Sgt. Major CSM Dwight D. Sparks




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CPT Alba, AlexanderSQ PA

CPT Renfrow, TrentSQ PA

1LT Bautista, VicenteSQ PA

CPT Anderson, BrettSQ Chaplain

CPT Grimm, BradleyS2 OIC

SSG Holland, WilliamS2 NCOIC

MAJ Amerson, TimothyS3 OIC

SGM Roach, CharlesS3 NCOIC

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CPT Yates, Douglas S1 OIC

CWO2 Smallwood, Carolyn

S1 Asst. OIC

SFC Williams, TommyS1 NCOIC




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CPT Alba, AlexanderSQ PA

CPT Renfrow, TrentSQ PA

1LT Bautista, VicenteSQ PA

CPT Anderson, BrettSQ Chaplain

CPT Grimm, BradleyS2 OIC

SSG Holland, WilliamS2 NCOIC

MAJ Amerson, TimothyS3 OIC

SGM Roach, CharlesS3 NCOIC

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CPT Yates, Douglas S1 OIC

CWO2 Smallwood, Carolyn

S1 Asst. OIC

SFC Williams, TommyS1 NCOIC

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MAJ Hull, PatriciaSQ LNO

MAJ Turner, JonSQ JAG

SSG McClendon, MalcolmSQ PAO

CWO3 Berryman, JerrySQ Maintenance OIC

WO1 Belsaas, JasonSQ Maint. Asst. OIC

SSG Zuniga, SergioSQ Maint. NCOIC

CWO2 Patterson, ZacharyS6 OIC

SSG Derusha, ChristopherS6 NCOIC

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sTaff secTionsCPT Belsaas, LaurelS4 OIC

CWO2 Cox, TimothyS4 Asst. OIC

SFC Lopez, FedericoS4 NCOIC

special sTaff




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headquarTers Troop

CPT Sedtal, ChristopherHeadquarters Troop Commander

1LT Escoto, LaurentHeadquarters Troop Executive Officer

1SG Morton, LouisHeadquarters Troop 1SG 23




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Alejos, Erik Almendarez, Michael

Anderson, Aaron Anspaugh, Robert

Azande, Boaz Baldwin, Kenneth

Barker, Michael Becmer, Jonathan

Benavidez, Juan Bizzell, Miles

Blackshear, Curtis Brooks, Kevin

Buentello, Jose Davis, Johnathan

Davis, Kenneth Dobbins, Dallas Edgefield, James

Espinoza, Samuel

Filbeck, Andrew Fraser, Cortland Godwin, Jeffery

Gray, David Gresbach, Katelyn Grimsley, Robert

Grisso, Brian Harwell, Justin Havens, Joshua

Holmes, Christopher Jacobs, David

Ketter, Michael

Lauersdorf, Victor Leahy, Anderson

Lewis, Joshua Marion, Isaiah

McMullen, Jeffery Morgan, Joshua

Nelson, Travis Oates, Stephen Orchard, John

Patterson, Robert Riley, Amanda

Salazar, George

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headquarTers TroopSchumann, James Scott, Christopher Sekula, John Shamburger, Joseph Smiley, Brendan Smith, Jason

Solis, Jeremy Spires, Brian Stoddard, Duane Tilson, Melissa Tofte, Erik Towles, Jonathan

Webster, Andrew Wesolowski, Steven Young, Frank Young, Matthew Zigler, James

CPT Anderson, Brett RyanSFC Azande, Boaz MiiduSGT Becmer, Jonathan GregoryCPT Belsaas, LaurelSPC Blackshear, Curtis AndrewMSG Brooks, Kevin ChristopherCW2 Cox, Timothy Russell

SGT Davis, Johnathan DanielSSG Derusha, Christopher BrianSSG Edgefield, James Terrance1LT Escoto, Laurent JelaniSFC Filbeck, Andrew LeeSGT Fraser, Cortland ScottSGT Godwin, Jeffery Allen

SGT Harwell, Justin DwayneSSG Holland, William RaySSG Jacobs, DavidSGT Ketter, Michael RobertCPT Nelson, Travis LeeSGT Oates, Stephen DanielSGM Roach, Charles Raymond

SGT Schumann, James StuartSSG Smith, Jason TroySSG Tofte, Erik DavidSPC Webster, Andrew Lee1LT Wesolowski, Steven Louis

headquarters Troop promotions




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CPT Newcomer, ToddAlpha Troop Commander

1LT Brown, AshtonAlpha Troop Executive Officer

1SG Hardman, TimothyAlpha Troop 1SG

alpha Troop

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Adame, Gustavo Alban, Fabian

Aleman, Robert Brooks, Debra Brown, James

Brown, Rebecca

Bryant, David Cardenas, Michael

Carten, Joseph Cline, Aaron

Collins, Carlton Conn, Gregory

Cormack, Christopher Coyne, Clifton Cright, Dennis

Crissey, Patrick Cummings, Tommy

Davis, Elgin

Davis, Roderick Dominguez, Teofilo

Eberlin, William Ellis, Cory

Fowler, Matthew Garcia, Luis

Garcia, San Juanita Garrett, Don Gobin, Jake

Guiette, Luke Hall, Kevin

Hardy, Jeremy

Harris, Jim Hinojosa, Mario

Holden, Aaron Holland, Roger Horton, Patrick James, Andrew

Jaramillo, Carlos Johnson, Kattathu

Johnson, Stacy Kerr, Gregory

Latinbaldon, Robert Ledlow, Loren

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alpha TroopLee, Rose Luper, Joshua Mahoney, Malcolm McIntosh, Christopher Mendoza, Cassandra Mims, Timply

Molano, Manuel Munoz, Josue Oneal, Eddie Pena, Johnny Perez, Arthur Perkins, Lamont

Plata, Patrick Puckett, Michael Ramirez, Angel Riley, Kevin Rios, Jaime Rodriguez, Josue

Ruiz, Marcus Ryan, Timothy Shivram, Joseph Sorrells, Duston Speights, Archie Spickard, Dickie

Wiley, Melissa Williams, Brady Womble, Levy Zacharias, Lisa Zamora, Juan Zuniga, Megan

Staggs, Jared Stokes, Sidney Valencia, Tatiana Villareal, Jesus Werner, Adam White, Joshua

SPC Adame, Gustavo JulianSPC Aleman, Robert JonathanSSG Brown, James DouglasSPC Cline, Aaron MichaelSSG Conn, Gregory AllenSPC Coyne, Clifton EdwardSSG Cummings, Tommy Joe

SGT Garcia, San JuanitaSPC Garrett, Don AlanSSG Gobin, Jake Richard1SG Hardman, Timothy AlanSGT Holden, Aaron BryceSFC Holland, Roger Earl IiSGT Horton, Patrick Richard

SGT James, Andrew Carnell JrSPC Jaramillo, Carlos NicholasSFC Ledlow, Loren RichardSPC Lee, Rose MaeSGT Mcintosh, Christopher LouisSGT Pena, Johnny LeoSFC Perez, Arthur Valdez

SPC Ramirez, Angel JavierSSG Staggs, Jared LayneSGT White, Joshua MatthewSPC Wiley, MelissaSSG Womble, Levy AaronSFC Zacharias, Lisa

a Troop promotions




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CPT Branford, KarimBravo Troop Commander

1LT Cummings, Charles Bravo Troop Executive Officer

SFC Stille, CurtisBravo Troop 1SG

bravo Troop

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Attaway, Jonathan Batki, Cyrus

Birmes, Gary Bransom, Dustin

Bruce, Henry Burden, Rodney

Cadigan, Gary Caudill, Jason

Chidester, David Cohen, Dak

Corniel, Kenneth Cox, Travis

Dendy, David Edmon, Bobbye

Estepp, Kevin Flores, Enrique

Flores, Larry Gonzales, Christopher

Green, Jason Hamblin, Steven Harmon, Marcus

Harrington, Marco Hinojosa, Arturo

Kern, Justin

Kincy, Michael Langford, Jessica Langley, Clinton

Lee, Michael Lopez, Aaron Lopez, Chris

Lynch, Danny Lynn, Nickolas

Maloch, Delwin Marquez, Juan

Martinez, Emmanuel McIntyre, Dustin

Mckee, Alphadel Mehta, Nikki

Nelson, Caleb Nelson, Jeffery

Patterson, Michael Phillippus, Paul

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bravo TroopQuebedeaux, Joseph Quiroga, Rogelio Rabb, Jeffrey Ramseier, Benjamin Roder, Christopher Roder, Corey

Rojas, Roland Rubin, Kevin Sanchez, Heather Smith, Vicente Sorenson, Candace Stone, Christopher

Stovall, Alfrado Strickland, Michael Taylor, Alonzo Tolliver, Marvin Tomota, Taz Torres, Ricky

Townsend, Kristopher Trevino, Richard Vaca, Luis Vela, Joe Waites, Brittany Watkins, Chase

Young, Ronald Zamora, Simon Zapata, Shane Zigmond, Taylor (not pictured)

Watson, Cole White, Eva Willis, Jeffery Willis, Robert Womack, Roosevelt York, David

SPC Attaway, Jonathan DavidSPC Batki, Cyrus1LT Bransom, Dustin AllenSPC Cohen, Dak TupperSPC Green, Jason WadeSPC Harrington, Marco DSPC Hinojosa, Arturo

SSG Lee, Michael PaulSPC Lopez, Aaron MichaelSSG Marquez, Juan JavierSPC Nelson, Jeffrey ConnorSPC Patterson, Michael DavidSPC Philippus, Paul RyanSGT Quebedeaux, Joseph Wayne

1LT Ramseier, Benjamin JeffreySSG Roder, Christopher AaronSSG Roder, Corey AllenSPC Rojas, Rolando MedranoSFC Sanchez, Heather LeanneSPC Sorenson, Candace DeniseSGT Strickland, Michael Jermaine

SPC Tomota, Taz DuranSSG Townsend, Kristopher ErikSPC Vela, Joe AngelSGT Watson, Cole LynnSSG Willis, Robert ChristopherSFC Zamora, Simon LeeSPC Zapata, Shane Nicolas

b Troop promotions




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charlie Troop

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CPT Cowart, RobertCharlie Troop Commander

1LT Hanrahan, TimothyCharlie Troop Executive Officer

1SG Max, ChristopherCharlie Troop 1SG 35




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Acovio, Paul Andersen, Jonathan

Ator, Corey Ausborn, Jeffrey

Ausborn, Jonathan Belver, Matthew

Blackwell, Mark Briseno, Matthew

Brown, Christopher Cantu, Ricardo

Chavarria, Cesar Chewning, Christopher

Clavel, Joseph Cook, Leighton

Cutbirth, Andrew Del Rio, Luis

DeLeon, Alan Diaz, Jaime

Dolbin, Christopher Doolittle, James

Dougherty, Todd Drell, Timothy

Dunham, Jordan Edgar, Joel

Encinas, Raul Espitia, Vince Estrada, Jesus

Everett, Joshua Fernandez, Terrell

Flores, Steven

Gamez, Trinidad Garcia, Carlos Gilbert, David Gomez, Rudy Gray, Richard

Gressett, Larry

Grobe, Kristopher Guerra, Gilbert

Haines, Brannon Hallford, Jaylon

Hasten, Carey Hergert, Tyrell

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charlie TroopHernandez, Cameron Hernandez, Enrique Herrera, Carlos Hinojosa, Rumaldo Hogue, George Honkus, Nichlos

Hurd, Ryan Jackman, Chad Jenkins, Curtis Johnson, Ravean Letke, Joshua Lewien, Joseph

Llanas, Julian Lopez, Heriberto Lopez, Saul Marr, Justin Martinez, Rafael McKinney, Xavier

Medina, Anthony Merriman, Vincent Molina, Jeremy Munsinger, Corey Neiderhauser, James Nussbaum, Jonathan

Ramirez, Anthony Richter, David Roberts, Aaron Roberts, Jason Robinson, Daniel Robledo, Tomas

Rodgers, Ramon Rodriguez, Luis Rosario, Adam Ruales, Marcel Russell, Aubrey Salazar, Danyel

Ozuna, Valdemar Perez, Gregory Perez, Joseph Peterson, Jason Pickens, Christopher Quinn, Shawn




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Salgado-Vindel, Emerson Saltmarsh, Christopher

Sanchez, Enriquez Sandoval, Luis

Santiago, Gilbert Seefluth, Chance

Shultz, Joe Siwecki, Thadeus

Smith, Brandon Soye, William Tatum, Dylan

Thompson, Joshua

Thompson, Zachary Tyreman, Adrian

Valdez, Victor Vanderlick, Francis

Vanmeter, Victor Vasquez, Gil

Villalobos, Alejandro Ward, Jack

Welborn, Andrew Welton, James

Williams, Antwon Williams, Eric

Williams, Peter Yarnell, Paul

SSG Andersen, Jonathan LutherSPC Ator, Corey ThomasSGT Ausborn, Jeffrey MichaelSPC Ausborn, Johnathon MitchelSSG Belver, Matthew WayneSFC Cantu, RicardoSPC Chewning, Christopher MSGT Cutbirth, James AndrewSPC Delrio, Luis ManuelSPC Diaz, JaimeSPC Dolbin, Christopher WayneSGT Doolittle, James ScottSGT Dougherty, Todd Owen

SPC Dunham, Jordan MitchellSPC Edgar, Joel TrevorSFC Encinas, Raul Valdivia JrSPC Estrada, Jesus AdrianSSG Everett, Joshua GlennSSG Gomez, Rudy JrSGT Guerra, Gilberto JrSSG Hasten, Carey RaySPC Jenkins, Curtis NealeSGT Letke, Joshua TrentSPC Lopez, Saul Ernesteo Jr1SG Max, Christopher HSGT Mckinney, Xavier Jamal

SGT Munsinger, Corey ShaneSPC Niederhauser, James MichaelSPC Nussbaum, Jonathan DanielSPC Ozuna, Valdemar IiiSGT Perez, Joseph ManuelSSG Pickens, Christopher JerrySPC Quinn, Shawn MatthewSPC Richter, David FrancisSGT Roberts, Jason DaleSGT Robinson, DanielSGT Rodgers, Ramoan TramellSSG Rodriguez, LuisSPC Russell, Aubrey James

SPC Salgadovindel, Emerson EnmanSPC Sandoval, Luis GeovannySSG Santiago, Gilbert JonathanSPC Soye, William Douglas JrSPC Tatum, Dylan ScottSPC Tyreman, Adrian JohannesSGT Vanmeter, Joshua RyanSPC Vasquez, Gil JrSSG Welborn, Andrew Steven

c Troop promotions

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charlie Troop

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702 miliTary company

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CPT Ortiz, Jeffrey702 MP Co. Commander

1LT Colia, Matthew702 MP Co. Executive Officer

1SG Stephens, Gregory702 MP Co. 1SG 41




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Andino, Noel Arredondo, Adam

Avent, Joe Baer, Chad

Barton, Patrick Berry, Curtis

Brazell, Stephen Brown, David

Brown, Jerrick Chhun, Mark

Christian, William Christmas, Jerrod

Coleman, Damone Colter, Gerlisa

Corsiga, Danilo Curry, Emma

Dias, Aaron Earles, Krystal

Easdon, Michael Elder, Kyle

Faulkenberry, Matthew Fisher, Darrell

Fitzgerald, Ryan Gregory, Adam

Grosshuesch, Steven Harrison, Seth Hatch, Candy

Hernandez, Idalissa Holland, Margorie Jenkins, Anthony

Johnson, James Johnson, John

Laureano, Juan Leon, Jamie

Lewis, Matthew Lopez, Humberto

Martin III, Marvin Matthews, Alayna

McKelroy, Brandon Mejias, Tommy

Messer, Jake Mills, Daniel

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702 miliTary companyMorgan, Kerry Morton, Matthew Mott, Eric Norman, Todd Obregon, Juan Oshay, Forrest

Pacatte, Robert Patterson, Dane Payne, Kyle Peters, Trevor Powell, Matthew Rasmussen, Jesse

Roach, Travis Robertson, William Romo, Joseph Segura, Ricardo Smith, Sheldon Stidham, Kevin

Stowers, Andrew Swiney, Jessica Talasek, Michael Thorpe, Michael Tinsley, Beau Torres, David

Washington, Amir Williams, Dale Winkelman, Heath

Turner, Daniel Vance, Seth Vaquera, Cody Vega, William Vohs, Joshua Walters, David

SSG Berry, Curtis Edward JrSPC Coleman, Damone GregoryCPT Colia, Matthew CareySPC Colter, Gerlisa LashaySPC Corsiga, Danilo Perez

SPC Faulkenberry, Matthew MershoSSG Johnson, John DerekSSG Leon, Jamie JeremiahSSG Lewis, Matthew WadeSPC Mckelroy, Brandon Ray

CPT Ortiz, Jeffrey James1LT Patterson, Dane EvanSPC Rasmussen, Jesse BryanSPC Smith, Sheldon LovellSPC Swiney, Jessica Antionettede

702 mp co. promotionsSPC Vaquera, Cody JosephSPC Vega, William RichardoSSG Walters, David DevonMSG Williams, Dale Edward

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CPT Houston, Nicole712 MP Co. Commander

1LT Jaimez, Juan712 MP Co. Executive Officer

1SG Louis Smith712 MP Co. 1SG 45




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Abshire, Cody Aguiniga, Oscar Aguirre, Henry Allen, Randale

Atwood, Jessica Baker, Vern

Banda, Edith Barona, Erik

Bedell, Marisa Black, Xavier Blair, Errick

Blair, John

Boyle, Charles Bradford, Tony

Briggs, Tamatha Byrd, Laertes

Calvert, Barry Campbell, Courtney

Carbajal, Juan Cardona, Maricela

Chapa, Cynthia Clements, Charles

Cole, Nicholas Conlee, Albert

Coronado, Laura Croft, James

Delaney, Morgen Deleon, Regina

Demarest, Jolyn Desoto, Thomas

Dickerson, Steven Doremil, Richardson

Dove, Nanesha Elizee, Edwin

Espitia, Esteban Ettayeb, Mouncef

Fitzgerald, Marcus Flowers, Joshua

Forrester, Stephen Garcia, Daniel Garcia, Tanya

Garcia, Yolanda

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712 miliTary companyGibson, Emanuel Glaze, Carissa Gonzalez, Anthony Grant, April Grant, Johnathan Gross, Earl

Guevara, Diana Hargrave, Denton Harmon, Larry Harrelson, Jim Harris, Michael Harrison, Troy

Hayes, Thomas Hefner, Robin Hernandez, Pablo Icedo, Enrique Johnson, Quincy Jones, Steven

Karalles, Benjamin Kent, Cory Keyte, Charles Kirk, Jared Kline, Kyle Lara, Anthony

McPike, Kyle Ornelas, Juan Parker, Christopher Pena, Nancy Perez, Candice Perez, Christopher

Phillips, John Porter, Kelly Powell, Anthony Price, Denesha Quinton, Laura Radley, Geoffery

Laureano, Jessica Leon, Tanisha Lewis, Brandon Lewis, Corrington Llewellyn, Jared Lott, Clayton




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Rangel, Jacinto Ray, Jessie

Rivera, Amanda Rodriguez, Anthony

Runnels, Eric Sanmiguel, Samantha

Sandefer, Ricky Schmidt, Jeff

Scruggs, William Shaw, Michael

Sifuentes, Gernaro Smith, William

Smothermon, Kyle Stafford, Linda

Stoddart, Nagina Swimmer, Zachary

Szumowski, Vincent Thompson, Lauren

Titley, Paul Trower, John

Vanwave, Shad Vazquez, Jeff

Veilleux, Chad Walsh, Brian

Weaver, Trey Wingo, Harold

Wingo, Lisa Young, Julian

SSG Abshire, Cody RyanSSG Banda, EdithSPC Barona, ErikSPC Boyle, Charles AllenSPC Cole, Nicholas WilliamSPC Delaney, Morgen MaurineSPC Dove, Nanesha JonaeSPC Ettayeb, MouncefSGT Garcia, Daniel JrSPC Garcia, Tanya LizbethSPC Garcia, Yolanda

SPC Gonzalez, Anthony MichaelSPC Grant, April ElisaSSG Hayes, ThomasCPT Jaimez, JuanSGT Kline, Kyle ForrestSGT Lara, AnthonySGT Laureano, Jessica LoisSPC Lewis, Corrington CraigSSG Llewellyn, Jared SandersonSPC Lott, Clayton Andrew JrSFC Mckee, Alphadel

SGT Ornelas, Juan Alaniz JrSSG Perez, Candice MarieSPC Quinton, Laura LuciaSPC Sandefer, Ricky Lynn JrSSG Sanmiguel, Samantha RaeSSG Scruggs, William FranklinSPC Shaw, Michael DavidSPC Sifuentes, Gernaro IiSPC Smothermon, Kyle DavidSGT Stoddart, Nagina ReneeSPC Swimmer, Zachary William

SPC Thompson, Lauren AnneSSG Trower, John WesleySPC Vanwave, Shad ChristopherSGT Vazquez, JeffSGT Weaver, Trey Lee

712 mp co. promotions

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2


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3


Pre-mob Training

51136th Regiment,

Regional Training Institute,Texas Army National Guard




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Leader Development education for Sustained Peace

JULY 23-25, 2011Officers and noncommissioned officers from Task Force Raptor attended the Leaders Development Educa-tion for Sustained Peace seminar in Dallas, TX. The seminar was designed to give the Soldiers a better under-

standing of the culture, geography, and political climate in the Horn of Africa.

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Pre-mobilization Training Camp SwiftPre-mob Training

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER, 2011Task Force Raptor soldiers arrive at Pre-Mobilization Training at Camp Swift, TX. For three weeks in the hot Texas weather the Soldiers brushed up on their basic marksmanship skills, mounted and

dismounted tactics, urban operations, and land navigation skills.




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(BELOW) WO1 Jason Belsaas, WO1 Tim Cox, SPC Jonathan Davis, SGT Kenneth Davis and SGT Joshua Havens, Headquarters Troop, plot out their grid points. The Soldiers from the Task Force sharpen their navigational skills in the Land Nav Course.

(RIGHT) Soldiers from C Troop at Combative

Class.

(ABOVE) SSG Jeffrey Smith, 712 MP Co., provides outside security as a second team clears the rooms inside, during urban operations training.

(ABOVE) SSG Sergio Zuniga, Headquarters Troop, launches a dummy grenade at warrior tasks lane.

“It was without a doubt hot, but it added value to the training; it pushed you

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Pre-mob Training CamP SWiFT

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CamPSWiFT

(ABOVE CENTER) PFC Yolanda Garcia and PV2s Morgan Delaney and Nicholas Cole, 712th MP Co.,navigate towards their next grid point.

(ABOVE) 1LT Josue Rodriguez and Spc. Kevin Hall, A Troop, call in to higher headquarters during dismounted drills.

(BELOW) Soldiers from A Troop, carry an injured soldier during dismounted drills.

(BELOW RIGHT) SPC Johnny Peña, A Troop, signals for gas at a chemical, biological, radiological and/or nuclear attack training scenario.

to the limits physically while still having to concentrate on what was being taught...”

55




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(ABOVE) Task Force Raptor Soldiers qual-ify at the M4 range.

(RIGHT) Task Force Raptor Sol-diers disassemble and reassem-ble crew serve weapons during Pre-Marksmanship Instruction.

A Troop Soldiers carry an injured soldier during a mock gas drill at dismounted drill training.

SPC Patrick Crissy, A Troop, scans the road side as his platoon moves through an IED detection training environment.

SPC Eva White, B Troop, stands guard as a fellow Soldier searches an enemy prisoner of war for contraband or weapons at dis-mounted drills training.

marksm

anship Training

(BELOW) WO1 Jason Bel-saas, Headquarters Troop, qualifies with the M4 rifle.

mounted and Dismounted Lanes

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Pre-mob Training CamP SWiFT

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Com

bativ

es

“We don’t teach them how to beat somebody up, we teach them enough to hold on till their buddy comes, and that’s how we win the fight...”

1LT Juan Jaimez, 712 MP Co., talks to the village elder in a mock training scenario during mounted drills training

SSG Sergio Zuniga evacuates a battlefield casualty, SFC Federico Lopez, Head-quarters Troop, during dismounted drills training.

SPC Jacinto Rangel, 712 MP Co., covers his six as his squad begins dismounted drills training.

(CLOCKWISE) SPC Andrew Cutbirth and SGT Christopher Brown, C Troop; SSG Harold Wingo and SPC Denton Hargrave, 712 MP Co.; and CPT and WO1 Belsaas, Headquarters Troop, practice their Army Combatives Skills.

57




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(BELOW) Soldiers from C Troop pull security while conducting night urban operations.

(RIGHT) Task Force Raptor up early preparing their gun trucks for the ranges.

(ABOVE) SPC Humberto Lopez, 702 MP Co., and a fellow Soldier practice weapons maintenance before their team hits the gun truck gunnery lane.

(ABOVE) SGT Christopher Pickens from the Site Security Team, C Troop, exits a building he and his team have just cleared during urban operations training.

“Firing a 240 from atop a moving Humvee rocks...”

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annUaL Training ForT bLiSS

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mCgregorrange

(ABOVE CENTER) SPC Richardson Doremil, 712th MP Co., shows PV1 April Grant, what he needs her to do during an Entry Controlled Point exercise.

(ABOVE) SSG Edith Banda, 712 MP Co., takes mass from Squadron Chaplain, CPT Brett Anderson, before the gun truck gunnery lane begins.

(BELOW) Soldiers from Site Security Team, C Troop, practice their skills on the M9 range.

(BELOW RIGHT) SPC Richard Gray from the Site Security Team, C Troop, launches off the rappel tower.

“It takes a steady arm to get the gun on target while the vehicle is moving”

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Site Security Team

SPC Danny Robinson, Site Security Team, C Troop, rappels off the rappel tower.

PFC Gil Vazquez, Site Security Team, C Troop, prepares to launch off the rappel tower.

SPC Dylan Tatum, Site Security Team, C Troop, launches off the rappel tower.

SPC Enrique Hernandez from the Site Security Team, C Troop, kicks in the door as his team prepares to rush in and clear the building.

SPC Jaylon Hallford from the Site Security Team, C Troop, pulls security while his team members search the remaining rooms behind him.

Site Security Team members, C Troop, get ready to make their next move as they go from building to building, clear-ing each one.

Soldiers from 2nd platoon, C Troop, conducting urban night operations. These ops require the Sol-diers to wear night vision goggles so that they may move around freely and unnoticed in the dark.

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At McGregor Range in Fort Bliss, Texas the Soldiers from Task Force Raptor qualified on Gun Truck Gunnery. The exercise prepared the Troopers for the upcoming force protec-tion mission they would be responsible for on the deployment.

(CLOCKWISE ON LEFT) - Soldiers from the 712th MP Co., take a moment for a photo op as they wait their turn to light up the Gun Truck Gunnery range. - A Soldier from 712th MP Co. prepares his weapon for the Gun Truck Gunnery range. - Soldiers await their turn to get some on the Gun Truck Gunnery range.- PV2 Lewis Corrington, 712th MP Co., checks his sites as he prepares to qualify on the Gun Truck Gunnery range.- PV2 Mike Shaw, 712th MP Co., siting in as he prepares for the Gun Truck Gunnery range.

annUaL Training ForT bLiSS

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gun Truck gunnery

(ABOVE) PFC Valdemar Ozuna, C Troop, sites-in in preparation to qualify on the range.

ghosts




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mobiLiz aTion

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Casing Ceremoniesand Home Station activitiesOn January the 4th, 2011, Task Force Raptor reported for duty at the different home armory loca-tions. Ceremonies included the casing of the unit’s colors and a final chance for the Troopers to say their good-byes to family and friends.

(ABOVE) Friends and family from Charlie Troop come to see their Troopers off at the unit’s deploy-ment ceremony.

“It’s the families whom are left to worry and deal with the same day-to-day things. I know that’s hard, and we will make sure to always remember their sacrifice as well.”

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(BELOW) LTC Tom L. Hooker and CSM Dwight D. Sparks prepare to case the colors as Headquarters Troop waits to follow suit.

Casing of the Colors

(FAR LEFT) SPC Kevin Riley, A Troop, high fives his son as he prepares to deploy.

(LEFT) 1LT Vicente Bautista, Headquarters Troop, says goodbye to his family at the unit’s deployment ceremony.

(BELOW) 1LT Brian Grisso, Headquarters Troop, poses for a quick picture with his children at the unit’s deployment ceremony.

(ABOVE) 1SG Timothy Hardman, A Troop, and his family at the unit’s deployment ceremony.

(ABOVE) SPC Jordan Dunham, C Troop, says his good byes at the unit’s deployment ceremony.

“It’s the families whom are left to worry and deal with the same day-to-day things. I know that’s hard, and we will make sure to always remember their sacrifice as well.”

mobiLiz aTion

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(BELOW) SGT Marisa Bedell, 712 MP Co., waits for the com-mand to shoot on target at the Reflexive Fire Range.

(RIGHT) SPC Patrick Plata and SPC Adam Werner, A Troop,

providing security at Base Defense Training.

(ABOVE) Members of the Site Security Team, C Troop, wait to be picked up at their extraction point after conducting sensitive item recovery training.

(ABOVE) Troopers from A Troop brave the cold weather to conduct over watch duties from a watch-tower at Base Defense Training.

“Here it’s the cold, in Africa it’ll be the heat, so either way

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baSeoPeraTionS

(ABOVE CENTER) CPL Cole Watson, B Troop, passes out training materials to students playing the role of foreign military personnel.

(ABOVE) SPCs Jerrod Christmas and Emma Curry from the 702nd MP Co., stand guard while conducting flight line security ops.

(BELOW) SPC Brandon McKelroy, 702nd MP Co., stands guard while conducting flight line security ops.

(BOTTOM RIGHT) SGT Christopher Brown, Site Security Team, C Troop, and his fellow team mem-bers head back to their exfil point after a training exercise

we’re going to experience extreme weather, might as well to learn to deal with it.”

JmTC CamP aTTerbUry

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Deployment to thehorn of africa

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“Attention aboard Camp Lemonnier. Attention a board Camp Lemonnier.”

Texas soldiers to take advan-tage of the unique opportuni-ties the Kansas Guardsmen enjoyed, such as sharing best practices with host nation militaries in the East Africa region.

“This is a great opportunity for our men and women to not

only mentor and learn from our counterparts, but to learn about the culture as well,” Matticks said. “They need to get out and really get to know the people they are working with. This is the best advice I can give the task force.”

The soldiers from Task Force Raptor then uncased their own colors as they officially assumed duties and expressed excitement about the missions ahead.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Dji-bouti – For the past few weeks, Texas Army National Guards-men have heard “welcome aboard,” an unfamiliar phrase in a long list of U.S. Navy terminology the soldiers will have to learn as the they took the reins here, Feb. 16.

On that day, at a transfer of authority ceremony, Task Force Raptor, U.S. Army 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army Na-tional Guard, took over the security forces role here from the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Kansas Army National Guard.

The ceremony, held at the camp’s turf field, involved the casing of the 1-161st Field Artillery’s colors, signifying the completion of the unit’s deployment. The battalion’s Command Sgt. Maj. Ricky Matticks commented on the end of a successful mission.

“My soldiers exceeded ex-pectations—not only in our security force role, but in the military-to-military missions we were able to be part of,” Matticks said. “I’m very proud of what they accomplished.”Matticks also encouraged the

“The fact that we get to do partnership training, I think, is going to be very educa-tional,” said U.S. Army Maj. Timothy Amerson, Task Force Raptor (3-124th Cavalry) op-erations officer. “That we can possibly have an impact on foreign military relations and make a difference in a country is always a positive thing.”

The transfer of authority cer-emony ended with a prayer by U.S. Army Capt. Brett Anderson, Task Force Raptor (3-124th Cavalry) chaplain, encouraging the men and women to take charge of their new responsibilities. He be-lieves the Texas soldiers have a special advantage as they work with the East African people.

“Having traveled with the military to several different places around the world, the one thing that other nations know about the United States is Texas,” Anderson said. “I encourage the soldiers to use that as an in-road to accom-plish their missions. This is their chance to represent not only our nation, but our great state as well.”

Immediately following the cer-emony the soldiers took heed and raised the Texas state flag at the unit’s main building, clearly showing that Texas is, as the Navy says, “on deck.”

transfer of authority with 1st Battalion, 161st field artillery

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“Texas is on deck and has assumed command and control of HOA mission...”

(FAR LEFT) CPT Robert Cowart, C Troop, stands at parade rest at the transfer of authority ceremony.(LEFT) VIP visitors at the transfer of authority ceremony.(ABOVE) LTC Tom L. Hooker and CSM Dwight D. Sparks uncase the unit’s colors to signify they have taken command of the mission.

(LEFT) LTC Tom L. Hooker and CSM Dwight D. Sparks uncase the unit’s colors to signify they have taken command of the mission.(BELOW) Task Force Raptor stands ready to uncase the colors at the transfer of authority ceremony.

camp lemonnierhorn of africa

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One of the most important responsi-bilities Task Force Raptor assumed on its deployment to the Horn of Africa was the Entry Control Point (ECP) mission. This required 24/7 vigilance and safeguard-ing of the entrance to Camp Lemonnier. The 712th MP Co. took charge of the task and maintained it throughout the entire deployment. Soldiers manning the post were required to work long hours to make sure all vehicles and personnel were safe to come aboard the camp.

“It was a good feeling knowing that

what I was doing here on the ECP was keeping everyone on camp safe.”

SPC Thomp-son, 712 MP

Co.

entry control point

(ABOVE) SPC Yolanda Garcia, 712 MP Co., stands watch over the ECP

(ABOVE) The soldiers from 712th MP Co. work on Camp Lemon-nier’s Entry Control Point. (TOP LFT) SPC Nicholas Cole inspects the undercarriage of a vehicle. (TOP RGT) SPCs Charles Clements and Genaro Sifuentes waiving a vehicle through. (CTR) SPC Tony Bradford checks IDs. (BTM LFT) SPC Jolyn Demarest standing guard. (BTM RGT) SPC Amanda Rivera signaling a vehicle to stop.

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“One of the most memo-rable stories

from the flight line was

when PFC Fitzgerald

got out of her truck and

stood in front of a humon-gous C130 stopping it right in

middle of the runway”

SGT Krystal Earles, 702

MP Co.

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The weather on Camp Lemonnier was easily over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on any given day from May to September. The weather on Camp Lemonnier’s flight line was, let’s say, sligthly higher. Reports stated that on the hot tarmac, temperatures reached 130 degrees Fahrenheit, giving the Task Force’s Soldiers plenty reason to keep hydrated before and during shifts. Troopers from Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Troops, as well as the 702nd MP Co., rotated the task throughout the deployment. This mission required these troopers to pull 8 to 12 hour shifts to safeguard the aviation assets on camp.

“I remem-ber it being

unbelievably hot on the tarmac. As

an NCO you really had to step up your

game and make sure

your soldiers were staying hydrated and

resting.”SGT Steven Hamblin, A

Troop.


flight line

(ABOVE) The soldiers from Task Force Raptor guard Camp Lemon-nier’s Flight Line. (TOP LEFT) SSG Jake Gobin remains vigilant on post.




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The mission to protect Camp Lemonnier extended beyond its boundaries. The Troopers com-manded a Quick Reaction Force to respond to any outside situation or threat to the camp and its assets. The QRF additionally carried out patrol missions outside the wire in conjunction with Djiboutian military to search for illegal activity in old WWII bunkers built around the city.

“It was educational to work with the

Djiboutian military. It

gave us a look at how they

worked.”SSG Henry

Bruce, B Troop.

Quick reaction force

(ABOVE) SPC Alonzo Taylor, B Troop, checks his comms in preparation for a QRF mission out in the surrounding areas of Camp Lemonnier. The QRF regularly patrolled the areas with Djiboutian military.

(ABOVE) Task Force Soldiers patrol old WWII bunkers with Djiboutian military. (CTR) 1LT Benjamin Ramsier and SGT Michael Strickland. (BTM LFT) A look inside a bunker. (BTM RGT) SSG Marvin Tolliver, B Troop, inspects the interior of the bunker.

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“The ASP mission,

because of its location and

minimal activ-ity made for

a long day on shift.”

SGT Chance Seefluth C

Troop.

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port Security

ammo Supply point

The Djiboutian port is one of the most important ports in the Horn of Africa. The U.S. Navy uses this as an strategic stop for supplies, refuelling and a little R&R for its Sailors and Marines. The Task Force provided the much needed security for these vessels while they were in port here.

“The mission at the port was indeed an important one. We worked along side U.S. Navy

personnel to ensure their ships were safe while in port here.”SGT David Bryant, A Troop.

Probably the least thought about mission the Task Force assumed was the Ammo Sup-ply Point (ASP). Like the other the missions on Camp Lemonnier, this point needed to be manned 24/7 as the Soldiers guarded the camp’s ammo cache.

(ABOVE) HOA CSM Gary Smith, visits with Soldiers at the ASP.




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Charlie Troop’s Site Security Team (SST) provided airborne capable security 24/7 to the Combined Joint Personnel Recovery Task Force in the Combined Joint Area of Opera-tions. During the nine month deployment, they not only provided constant security coverage but also conducted regular training to include over 10 airborne training mis-sions, seven fast rope training insertions and live fire exercises from buddy team through squad attack day and night. SST’s profes-sionalism and hard work enabled the platoon to gain the respect and trust of the CJPRTF. Consequently, they were utilized in more contingency courses of action than any previ-ous National Guard Unit in their position.

Site Security team

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“The fact that we were apart from the rest of the Squadron, made us a much

tighter unit.”SPC Nanesha Dove, 712 MP Co.

manda Bay, Kenya

(ABOVE RGT) Troopers in Manda Bay aim to better their marksmanship scores at the rifle range.(CENTER) 3rd Platoon sits down for a meal together and discuss their day’s mission.(BTM) Soldiers at Manda Bay enjoying time off, pose for a softball team photo.

712th MP Co., 3rd Platoon’s mission was to provide force protection to Camp Simba, a small naval camp located in Manda Bay, Kenya. There, the Soldiers completed well over 40 escort missions to and from the local airport making sure U.S. personnel arrived and departed safely. They also pro-vided security at the front gate, which saw roughly 30-40 personnel passing through each day. The platoon worked closely with the Kenyan Navy to ensure their camp re-mained secure by providing random patrols around the perimeter and suggesting ways to improve perimeter security. A select group of soldiers also worked alongside NCIS to provide a personal security detach-ment to Major General Baker, commander of HOA, during his visits to Camp Simba. Keeping in line with Task Force Raptor’s standards, 3rd platoon completed 100% weapons qualification on both the M4 and M9, and kept up with physical and profes-sional developments - all while maintaining its mission.

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“My experi-ence work-ing with the women’s ini-tiative group in Ethiopia helped me better un-

derstand the importance of our mission here.” SGT San Juanita,

Garcia, A Troop.

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“It was a great experience

to work with the people of Ethiopia, in

particular the young girls at the orphan-

age.”SPC Rose

Lee, A Troop.

Dire Dawa, ethiopia

(ABOVE LFT) SPC Michael Cardenas takes time to visit with a girl at the local orphan-age.(CENTER) SPC San Juanita Garcia visits with local leaders to discuss ways to improve assistance to women at a local college.(BOTTOM) Soldiers from A Troop visit a local village to deliver bed netting.

BeyonD camp lemonnierhorn of africa

Alpha Troop was responsible for force protection in the area of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. Their responsi-bilities included fixed site security of Camp Gilbert, site force protec-tion for Navy Seabee well-drilling teams and mission force protec-tion for Army Civil Affairs Teams. The Civil Affairs Team missions included VETCAPS, MEDCAPS and bed net distributions. Dur-ing their force protection mission, they actively sought out relation-ships with the local police. All of these missions helped increase the good-will between the Ethiopian population and the U.S. mili-tary mission there. The Troop’s females were instrumental in enhancing the CAT Women’s Discussion Groups which saw an increase attendees from around 25 to well over 200. This success was recognized by the U.S. Ambas-sador and Ethiopian Government Officials. Many members of the Troop became involved in the St. Augustine Girl’s Orphanage dur-ing their free time. Their involve-ment enhanced and enriched the lives of the girl’s at the orphanage.

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military to military exchangeshorn of africa

the men and women of task force raptor had the unique opportunity to exchange best prac-tices with several partner nations in the horn of africa. exchanges included basic marksmanship skills, basic infantry skills, mortar skills, mecha-nized infantry maneuvers, combat lifesaver skills, tactical combat casualty care, noncom-missioned and commissioned officer develop-ment, small unit maneuvers, military operations in urban terrain, and a post command exercise. soldiers from the task force were selected to participate in these exchanges based on their military job skills and experience. in the end, the soldiers participating in these exchanges expanded not only their own military knowledge, but gained a better understanding for each other’s cultures. the following pages tell a pic-torial story of their experiences

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Djiboutiarmed forces

MAJ Hull, PatriciaCPT Sedtal, Christopher

CPT Yates, DouglasSFC Filbeck, Andrew SFC Holland, Roger

SSG Baker, VernSSG Schmidt, Jeff

SPC Hinojosa, Rumaldo




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Djiboutiarmed forces

MAJ Hull, PatriciaCPT Sedtal, Christopher

CPT Yates, DouglasSFC Filbeck, Andrew SFC Holland, Roger

SSG Baker, VernSSG Schmidt, Jeff

SPC Hinojosa, Rumaldo

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Uganda People’sDefense force

CPT Alba, AlexanderCPT Cowart, RobertCPT Grimm, BradleyCPT Renfrow, Trent

1LT Lauersdorf, Victor1LT Welton, James

CW3 Berryman, Jerry1SG Max, ChristopherSFC Baldwin, Kenneth

SFC Stille, CurtisSSG Barker, Michael

SSG Holland, WilliamSSG Lewis, Matthew

SSG Smith, JasonSSG Zuniga, Sergio

SGT Becmer, JonathanSGT Earles, KrystalSGT Icedo, Enrique

CPL Stickland, MichaelSPC Gamez, TrinidadSPC James, AndrewSPC Quinn, ShawnSPC Roberts, Aaron

SPC Saltmarsh, Christopher




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CPT Jaimez, JamieCPT Newcomer, Todd1LT Escoto, Laurent

1LT Holmes, ChristopherSGM Roach, Charles1SG Morton, Louis

1SG Max, ChristopherMSG Spires, Brian

SFC Aguirre, HenrySFC Radley, Geoffery

SSG Alban-Montalvo, FabianSSG Bizzell, MilesSSG Ledlow, LorenSSG Rubin, Kevin

SGT Horton, RobertSGT Willis, Robert

SPC Morgan, Joshua

tanzania People’sDefense force

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MAJ Amerson, TimothyMAJ Dextraze, Edward

CPT Ortiz, Jeffrey1LT Cummings, Charles

SSG Abshire, CodySSG Alban-Montalvo, Fabian

SSG Roder, CoreySSG Staggs, DarrinSSG Thomas, Jon

SSG Wingo, HaroldSSG Zamora, Juan

SPC Morgan, JoshuaSPC Webster, Andrew

rwandanDefense force





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CW3 Berryman, JerrySGT Espinoza, SamuelSGT Fraser, Cortland

SGT Jacobs, DavidSPC Sorrells, Duston

mozambique armedDefense forces

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comoranDefense force


1LT Bransom, Dustin1LT Hanrahan, Timothy

1SG Smith, Louis1SG Stephens, Gregory

1SG Yarnell, PaulSSG Gilbert, David




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Kenya armed services

SFC Filbeck, AndrewSPC Hinojosa, Rumaldo

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Burundi nationalDefense forces

1LT Bautista,Vincente1LT Colia, Matthew

CW2 Patterson, ZacharyMSG Williams, Dale

SFC Hardman, TimothySFC Marr, Justin

SFC Rosario, AdamSFC Siwecki, Thad

SSG Easdon, MichaelSSG Zamora, Simon

SGT Brown, ChristopherSGT Cox, Travis

SGT Cummings, TommySGT Hernandez, Idalissa

SGT Jacobs, DavidCPT Branford, KarimCPL Oates, Stephen

SPC Ramirez, AnthonySPC Solis, Jeremy

PFC Leahy, Anderson




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training in the horn of africa

in addition to the workload and the missions task force raptor was in charge of, the Sol-diers managed to maintain a high level of train-ing to keep their skills sharp. Junior leaders had the opportunity to develop professionally by attending the Warrior Leader course. new and experienced caV troopers partook in an age-old cavalry tradition to earn their Silver Spurs. airborne Soldiers kept up with their rigging and jumping skills. and all troopers participated in Marksmanship training, the army Physical fit-ness test, and combatives training to keep mentally and physically focused.

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The tradition of earning one’s spurs reaches back to the beginning of the cavalry. When green Troop-ers first arrived at their new cavalry assignments they were in need of extensive training, especially in the area of swordsmanship from atop a horse. During this phase of training, the Troopers were not allowed to wear spurs because this would only serve to compound their problems. Only when they were able to prove their ability to perform with their horse and saber were they awarded spurs. In the deserts of Djibouti, Task Force Raptor Troopers were given the opportunity to earn their spurs by displaying their abilities in modern basic combat infantry skills... minus the horses.

raptor challenge/Spur ride

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airborne ops

SPC Xavier McKinney from C Troop checks Spc. Curtis Jenkins’ gear before their jump.

LTC Tom Hooker and MAJ Timothy Amerson ready to jump.

SGT Jason Roberts from C Troop awaits to be given the “green light” to jump.

Task Force Raptor Airborne Troopers jumping over the deserts of Djibouti.

Task Force Raptor Airborne Troopers jumping over the deserts of Djibouti.

SSG Victor Valdez, C Troop, heads to the rally point after a jump.

Task Force Raptor Soldiers honing their marksmanship skills at the vari-ous ranges held throughout the Arta Desert outside Djibouti City.

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Warrior Leader courseJunior and up-and-coming leaders from Task Force Raptor participated in a Warrior Leader Course (WLC), which teaches the fundamentals of leadership. The course curriculum includes instruction in Leadership Skills, Training Skills and Warfighting Skills.

(CLOCKWISE ON LEFT) - SPC Joshua Thompson, C Troop, runs to set up firing position during a base patrol training event.- WLC Candidates recite the NCO creed.- WLC Candidates receiving instruction in a classroom setting.- SPC Enrique Flores from B Troop lays down sup-pressive fire during a base patrol training event.- SPC Matthew Fowler from A troop leads his squad through maneuver drills.

(ABOVE) WLC graduates awaiting to receive their certificates of completion at their graduation ceremony.

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combatives course

1SG Christopher Max, C Troop, teach-ing a Combatives Course participant how to defend himself.

SGT Aaron Holder, A Troop, practic-ing holds on fellow Combative Course participants.

SPC Curtis Jenkins, C Troop, placing a hold on a fellow Combatives Course participant.

SSG Candice Perez escapes from a hold.

Task Force Raptor Warriors going at it. Task Force Raptor Warriors going at it.

Throughout the deployment, the Troopers did their best to keep their bodies in the best physical shape possible in preparation for the Army Physical Fitness Test.

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french Desert Survival courseA select few from the Task Force participated in the French military’s 10-day Desert Survival Combat Course, which spanned more than 50 miles. The participants were taught combat life-saving skills, field tactics, land navigation, proper hydration and water source location, survival cooking, fire building, setting traps, caravanning and weapons training.

(CLOCKWISE ON LEFT) - SPC Aaron Cline, A Troop, training next to a French military counterpart. - SPC Jeffery McMullen, HHT, and a French Sol-dier take a break from the hot Djiboutian sun. - SGT Stephen Oates, HHT, leads his squad during one of the course’s long road marches.- French and U.S. Soldiers preparing dinner.- French Marine instructor giving a class in the field to the courses participants.

(ABOVE) A graduation class of U.S. and French Soldiers pause to take a photo at the completion of French Desert Survival Course

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eVerything eLSe unDer theafrican Sun

the men and women of task force raptor stood guard long hours manning camp Lemonnier’s front entrance, flight line and ammo supply points. the Quick reaction force and the Site Security team constantly prepared for the call that would take them into harms way to protect the camp’s personnel and equipment. their time off was valuable; the personnel at the Moral, Welfare and recreation made sure the troop-ers had plenty of activities and fun to get their minds off of work for a while.

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1st Place Kick Ball

1st Place hand bag toss

2nd place water bball

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Camp Lem-onnier hosts a bi-annual Cap-tain’s Cup in which Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines are invited to compete in various events such as softball, kickball, water basketball, vol-leyball, tired tire, 9-ball, hand-bag toss, and even a local Djibouti Idol. The Troopers from the Task Force suited up, cleared their throats and went forth taking many victories. So many in fact, that the presiding officials had to place a handicap on our teams in order to be fair to the other less talented groups. In the end the men and women of the Task Force came through with 12 - 1st and 2nd places in the various events.

SPC Larry Harmon, 712 MP Co.

SGT Christopher Derusha& CW2 Timothy Cox, HHT

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SGT Debra Brooks, A Troop

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1st place soft ball

1st Place Men’s Djibouti Idol

1st place women’s Djibouti Idol

2nd place women’s Djibouti Idol

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5 7 6SPC Larry Harmon, 712 MP Co.

CPT Laurel Belsaas, HHT




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2nd Place women’s tug of war2nd place men’s tug of war2nd place women’s tired tire

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SSG Candice Perez, 712 MP

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2nd Place 9-Ball

1st Place shuffle board

2nd place Men’s tired tire

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13CPL Archie SpeightsA Troop

SSG Henry Bruce &1SG Danny Lynch, B Troop

SGT Gilbert GuerraC Troop




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Throughout the deployment, Task Force Raptor Troopers used their time off to help the local communities. Whether it was re-painting a basketball court, visiting children at an orphanage, cleaning up a wildlife rescue, or participating in an Eng-lish discussion group so that local Djiboutians could practice their English, selfless Soldiers donated their time and efforts for great causes across the Horn of Africa.

a helping hand

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LEFT PAGE (Clockwise) - SPC Anderson Leahy, HHT, checks the health of a local Djiboutian during a medical exchange with Djiboutian clinics. - SPC Casandra Mendoza, A Troop, spends time with the girls at a local orphanage in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.- SSG Jason Smith, HHT, CPL Andrew James, A Troop, and SGT Enrique Icedo, 712 MP Co., visit Ugandan Soldiers’s children at a school in Singo, Uganda.-SGT Dallas Dobbins, HHT, prunes the hedges at the DECAN Wildlife Rescue in Djibouti.- MAJ Edward Dextraze, HHT, helps with clean up efforts at a local school in Djibouti.- SGT Debra Brooks, A Troop, repaints the basketball court at a local Djibou-tian school.- SGT Debra Brooks, A Troop, holds the ladder as SSG James Edgefield, HHT paints the backboard at a local school in Djibouti.

CENTER and RIGHT PAGE (Clockwise)- MAJ Timothy Amerson, HHT, helps with clean up efforts at a local school in Djibouti.- SPC Angel Ramirez, A Troop, plays volleyball at a girls orphanage in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.- SPC Jeremy Solis hands out backpacks to children at a Djiboutian school.- SGT Enrique Icedo, 712 MP Co. visiting with school children in Singo, Uganda.- SPC Cory Ellis takes time to play his favorite songs for local children in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.




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time to unwind Above, Soldiers from the Task Force explore the waters off the coast of Djibouti. The Gulf of Tadjoura is home to many species of coral and marine life. On the opposite page, Troopers take time to visit wildlife ref-uges and safaris in the Horn of Africa. Djibouti offered amazing vistas on way to Lac Assal (salt lake), one of the saltiest on earth. Soldiers also took advantage of the many MWR trips available to visit places like Uganda, Tanzania, Mt. Kilimanjaro, South Africa, Europe, and even Thailand.

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coming home

Since redeployment, Soldiers from Task Force Raptor have gone their separate ways, returning to family, friends, work, and school. The deployment made a significant interrup-tion in their civilian lives, and as time moves on, the Troopers will readjust to ‘normal’. The Soldiers made acquaintances and developed relationships on camp Lemonnier, in the local Djiboutian community, and in the numerous countries the Squadron conducted military-to-military exchanges. Regardless of the language, it is clear the Soldiers of the Texas national guard made an impression on the people across the east Africa region. Soldiers developed friend-ships and created memories that won’t fade with time. As the Squadron cases its colors in Africa and prepares to uncase them back in Texas the men and women of Task Force Raptor should be proud of their accomplishments, recall the bonds they made, and remember the lives they touched.

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Transfer of Authority with 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery.

“The casing and uncasing of the flags today marks a big day for the 3-124th CAV and for the 2-138th FA. It marks the outstanding job the CAV did and the big shoes the FA will have to fill. The leaders and the super Soldiers of the 3-124th CAV did a fantastic job, there wasn’t a day that went by that we didn’t have something good to say about your Squadron. You provided support to the camp, to HOA, and to the JFLIC. You should be proud of your accomplishments and remember it for years to come. After you get back home, remember that you did a lot of great things for the Army, the Army National Guard, HOA, and the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen here at Camp Lemonnier. Thanks for all the support and all you’ve done.” COL Masaki G. Kuwanis, CDR JFLIC

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coming home




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A homecomingto remember

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HOOAH4HOA Yearbook

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