June Buffstrap

June 2012 VOL 2 Issue 5

3d U.S. Infantry Regiment

The Old Guard Magazine

Regimental Commander:Col. James Markert

Regimental Sgt. Maj.:Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Stitzel

Public Affairs Officer:Maj. John Miller

Public Affairs NCOIC:Sgt. 1st Class Adora Gonzalez

Editor:Spc. Cameron Southhall

Journalist:

Sgt. Luisito Brooks

Photographers: Sgt. Jose Torres Jr.Spc. Devin Kornaus

The Buff Strap is published by The Old Guard Public Affairs Office to provide

information on the Soldiers and Families of The Old Guard. Views and opinions are not necessarily those of the Department of the

Army.


Illustration by Spc. Thomas WilderGraphite drawing depicts a Soldier from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) during “flags-in” at Arlington National Cenetery, Arlington, Va.

1

Like The Old Guard on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/oldguard

Contents

June

On the cover

3 Army Wives. U.S. Army Drill Team (USADT) Soldiers, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), perform during a taping of the 100th episode of Army Wives, May 8, 2012, in Charleston, S.C.

5 Flags In. Staff Sgt. Victor Whaley, a firing party commander, Charlie Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), talks about “flags-in” at Arlington National Cemetery, Va.

6 82nd Soldier’s Funeral. A funeral service was held for Pfc. Michael Metcalf, an 82nd Airborne Division Soldier, May 17, 2012, in Arlington National Cemetery, Va.

7 Therapeutic Riding Program. Therapeutic Riding Program (TRP) uses Soldiers and horses from the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), to provide equine assisted therapy for Wounded Warriors and military veterans.

9 Around the Regiment. A collage of photos from this month’s key events.

Features


2

The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Fife and Drum Corps (FDC) perform at Liberty Island, N.Y., June 15, 2012. FDC has inspired audiences throughout the Nation and abroad for over 50 years and is one of the U.S. Army’s premier musical organizations. (Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.)

http://www.facebook.com/oldguard

http://twitter.com/#!/The_Old_Guard

http://www.facebook.com/oldguard

The U.S. Army’s official Drill Team, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), performs thrill-ing stunts with bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles on stages for thousands of people every year; and now they took that talent to the set of one of Lifetime channel’s highest rated shows. Members from the U.S. Army Drill Team (USADT) performed during a taping of the 100th epi-sode of Army Wives, May 8, 2012, in Charleston, S.C. One member of the drill team, Spc. Aaron Maxim, said how fortunate it is to be a part of such a popular TV show. “I was very excited when I heard that we were going to be on an epi-sode of Army Wives. I have seen only a little bit of the show, but it’s not every day that you are asked to be on TV,” said Maxim. “I wasn’t nervous at all, but was anxious about the whole experience.” Being watched on a TV rather than a stadium full of people was definitely a new experience for Maxim. “We have some guys on the team that have been on TV before, but this was a new one for me,” Maxim said. “When we were about to perform, I wasn’t thinking about the possible millions of people that will be watching, but just our

actual routine. I just stayed in the moment.” The USADT preformed differ-ent routines for the show just to be sure that the production team had everything they wanted. “We had to go through each routine a couple times so that they could capture all of the shots and angles. The director would yell ‘cut’ and then they would move cameras around,” said Maxim. “We were out on set all day to get those shots, but I know they turned out pretty good.” He added that the soloist had a special part in the show and so did a few drillers to include Spc. Joseph Rodrigues. Rodrigues, USADT member, wasn’t needed as a usual driller for the show; he was needed as an extra.

“It was the first time I’d ever been on a TV show, and even though I wasn’t performing in a major role, I thought it was really fun,” he said. “I had to walk up a path and go up to a group of people and pretend to talk and that was pretty much it.” Rodrigues also said how great it was to just travel and be a part of his new team. “I am sort of the new guy here, but it was great being there with everyone in all that nice weather,” he said. “Everyone worked hard and was just really ready for what-ever role they had.” One part of the trip that stood out for Maxim was the southern hospitality from the cast and crew from Army Wives. “I am from the south, and it was just a good feeling to get some of

USADT Performs on Army WivesStory By

Sgt. Luisito Brooks The Old Guard

Public Affairs Office

Photo by Spc. Devin KornausThe U.S. Army Drill Team (USADT), 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), performs during a taping of the 100th episode of Army Wives in Charleston, S.C., May 8. Army Wives is Lifetime’s most successful series in the network’s history.


3

that southern comfort,” he said. “Everyone was just very nice down there.” He went on to say how well the food was on the set of Army Wives. “They had prime rib, parmesan chicken, poached salmon, rosemary potatoes, tossed salad and more to eat,” said Maxim with a lean and hungry look. “The food was excel-lent. They really took care of us.”Even though it was just one full day of performing, recording and eating, the USADT have memories that will last a lifetime. “It was a great experience for me and the team. The chance to go to a nice city like Charleston and do something like this is one of a kind,” explained Maxim. “We represented our unit and the Army very well by our professionalism and skill. I am really looking for-ward to the next event.” The 100th episode has not been scheduled yet, but is slated to air during mid-summer.

Photo by Spc. Devin KornausThe U.S. Army Drill Team (USADT), 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), performs the arch during the taping of the 100th episode of Army Wives in Charleston, S.C., May 8. The Drill Team has earned international acclaim with its routines with bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles.

Photo by Spc. Devin KornausSgt. Evan Williams (right) and Spc. Troy Gritts (left), U.S. Army Drill Team Soloists, wait to perform during the taping of the 100th episode of Army Wives in Charleston, S.C., May 8.


4

During this Memorial Day weekend, people travel to cemeter-ies across the country to honor our nation’s fallen heroes, but since 1948 that duty at Arlington Nation-al Cemetery, Va. has been given to Soldiers of 3d U.S. Infantry Regi-ment (The Old Guard). More than 1,500 Soldiers walked through Arlington National Cem-etery very carefully placing small American flags in front of every grave and head stone. Staff Sgt. Victor Whaley, in his fifth year journeying through the cemetery for “flags-in,” said there is nothing more moving for a Sol-dier than an afternoon of placing a few hundred flags in the soft cem-etery grass for some of America’s bravest heroes. “I consider this a real honor to be here. It’s the least we can do to honor the sacrifices of all these people,” said Whaley, firing party commander, Charlie Company, 3d U.S. Inf. Reg. (The Old Guard). “When you look around at all the flags, it is a reminder of the price of freedom. It’s very surreal to me every time we come out here and do this.” Whaley, and other Soldiers, took flags from their rucksack and, one by one and row by row, placed

them in the ground. Soon the cem-etery was draped with flags. “Over the years, we have been getting better at placing these flags. Sometimes they brake or are crooked, so we have to replace them,” said Whaley. “Everyone has their own technique, but I just put them in the ground with dignity and respect.” Even with more than 624 acres, it takes the unit just a few hours to cover ANC with flags that are placed a foot’s length centered on every grave marker and headstone. “When the entire unit is out here we are able to cover a lot of ground in just a short time,” said Whaley, after pausing for a sip of water. “Our mission is to put those flags in and everyone is working hard to do just that.” In the moment of placing his last few flags in the ground, Whaley mentioned how special each person in ANC was to the history of our country. “This gives me a chance to show that extra respect for all the guys that came before us and the guys of today,” said Whaley. “There are guys that have been buried here for a while that have amazing stories, and we wouldn’t be here without them.” He added that he didn’t know much about “flags-in” prior to being assigned to The Old Guard back in 2006, but had an under-standing about the importance of honoring the military before he was even old enough to join from

Flags In Story By

Sgt. Luisito Brooks The Old Guard

Public Affairs Office

members of his own family. Whaley, 24, joined the Army in a small town right after high school to pursue a dream shared by him and his now late grandfather, serv-ing their country. “I talked to him before he passed away in 2001, and he encouraged me to join the Army. He served in the Army for many years, and he is definitely a hero to me,” said Whal-ey, the Garrison, N.D. native. “He wasn’t buried in ANC, but I know his grave site in North Dakota will be honored this weekend.” Whaley, firing squad command-er, went on to say he knows how important what they do in ANC means to the families of the fallen. “That is why so much effort is put forth to honor those who gave their lives,” he said. “When people see us or the flags, I hope it re-ally puts things in perspective and makes things very real to them.” Although these small American flags were here for only a few days, the symbol that they represented will last for generations to come. “Sometimes we just get caught up in what’s going on today that we forget to remember our past,” Whaley emphasized. “This event just reiterates how many veterans we have out there in the cemetery and what they did for their coun-try.”


5Photo by Sgt. Luisito Brooks


82nd Airborne Division Soldier buried at Arlington National CemeteryA funeral service was held for Pfc. Michael Metcalf, an 82nd Airborne Division Soldier, May 17, on Arlington National Cemetery, Va.

Photo by Sgt. Luisito BrooksU.S. Army Caisson, carries the remains of Pfc. Michael Metcalf, an 82nd Airborne Division Soldier during a funeral ceremony to section 60, Arlington National Cemetery, Va. May 17.

Photo by Sgt. Luisito BrooksCommand Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Stitzel, regimental sergeant major, renders a salute during the rendition of taps in honor of Pfc. Michael Metcalf, an 82nd Airborne Division Soldier, during a funeral ceremony in section 60, Arlington National Cemetery, Va. May 17.

Photo by Sgt. Luisito BrooksA firing squad, stands in position to fire a 3 rifle volleys in honor of the sacrifice and service of Pfc. Michael Metcalf, an 82nd Airborne Division Soldier, during a funeral ceremony in section 60, Arlington National Cemetery, Va. May 17.

6

Approximately 175 Wounded Warriors suffering from physical wounds, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been treated by a unique form of therapy, called the Therapeutic Riding Program (TRP). TRP uses Soldiers and horses from the U.S. Army Caisson Pla-toon, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), to provide equine assisted therapy for Wounded War-riors and military veterans. Those enrolled in this program groom, conduct ground work, and/or ride horses. During these once a week les-sons, The Old Guard Soldiers

serve as horse leaders and side walkers. “When we started this program in 2006 on Joint Base Myer-Hen-derson Hall (JBM-HH), Va., we did many studies on the effects of this treatment. The facts don’t lie; this is a great program,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Pence, co-founder of the Caisson Platoon Equine Assisted Program. “The physical, emotional and therapeutic benefits for these Wounded War-riors are great as they continue in the process of their rehabilitation.” Adam Porras, a Soldier in the Wounded Warrior Program, agrees with how beneficial the program is to service members. “I was referred by the TBI technician a while back. I deal with constant headaches and dizziness on a daily basis, and since I came out here a month ago, it has helped with them,” said Porras. “It is re-ally relaxing and calming out here.

I like to ride, but my favorite part is when I groom the horses. [Instruc-tors] don’t try to push me to ride if I don’t think I can do it. They really just encourage me because I like connecting with these animals.” Porras grew up on a small farm in Pecos, Texas, and so the ben-efits of being around animals are obvious, but he encourages other Wounded Warriors that have never tried it to give it a shot. “This program is great for those Soldiers who want something dif-ferent than usual. It’s a great atmo-sphere with a great staff and vol-unteers to help with whatever you need,” said Porras, while petting one of the horses. “I like all these horses out here, but I especially like Duke.” He said that he has been work-ing with Duke, an all white pure Percheron, for about a month, and there are many things to like about him. “For one thing, he was never mean to my service dog [who ac-companies Porras and assists with his dizziness.] [Duke] is always nice and likes to be groomed,” he said. “What I like most about Duke is his demeanor. He is real calm. I would say that he laughs at my jokes, but he may not get them,” he said jokingly. Porras said that even when he comes out the stables in a bad mood, with his head or back hurt-ing, all he has to do is link up with Duke and eventually it will all go away. “I won’t get mad anymore be-cause he will keep me entertained when I am grooming him,” he said.

Therapeutic Riding

Story BySgt. Luisito Brooks

The Old GuardPublic Affairs Office


Photo by Sgt. Luisito BrooksAdam Porras, a Soldier in the Wounded Warrior Program, rides Duke, a U.S. Army Caisson Horse, to a training area, May 31, at the Caisson barn and stable on Fort Belvoir, Va.

7

“As long as they will have me, I will continue to come out here. It is my therapy.” Pence also agrees that this pro-gram creates strong relationships between Wounded Warriors, Sol-diers and horses in such a way that can’t be replicated in any hospital. “It is both strategically and tact-fully important that we have Sol-diers helping Soldiers,” said Pence. “It really has been one of the great-est blessings of the program.” The program is specifically tailored for the individual needs and well-being of every Wounded Warrior. For the last six years on JBM-HH, the program has thrived serving 25-30 service members a year. In 2012, TRP was relocated to a newly built barn and stable that sits on nearly 10 acres just minutes from the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Va. “When Walter Reed Army Medical Center closed its doors, its Wounded Warrior Program was stationed [at Fort Belvoir, Va.,] and it’s just really convenient for everyone because now everything is so close,” said Pence. “With all this space, the Soldiers get to enjoy bright sunshine and a peaceful set-ting.” Part of this whole effort is to get these Wounded Warriors from a clinical setting into a situation where they can relax and get better. “This is our first year on Belvoir, and I already see that we have a more complete program here,” said Pence. “I have already had Wound-ed Warriors tell me that they can feel a calmness and serenity just simply driving up the driveway.” There are many other great stories about service members in this program, and Pence, with his passion to help Soldiers, hopes to

continue to hear these stories and help those who need it. “If I had the power to take all the 300,000 or however many Soldiers that suffer from post traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury and put them in formation in an arena and snap your fingers to heal them all I would, but you can’t

do that. It is a process and some-times a long one, but as long as we are helping one Soldier, then it is all worth it,” said Pence. “For me, it is a pleasure to watch the charac-ter and courage of these young men and women in this program. It is really remarkable.”


Photo by Sgt. Luisito BrooksAdam Porras, a Soldier in the Wounded Warrior Program, climbs upon Duke, before going on a riding lesson, May 31, at the Caisson barn and stable on Fort Belvoir, Va.

Photo by Sgt. Luisito BrooksAdam Porras, a Soldier in the Wounded Warrior Program, adjusted the harness on Duke, a U.S. Army Caisson Horse, May 31, at the Caisson barn and stable on Fort Belvoir, Va. Porras is enrolled in the Therapeutic Rid-ing Program (TRP) that uses Soldiers and horses to provide equine assisted therapy for Wounded Warriors and military veterans.

8

Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), provides support for an Army Special Full Honor Funeral for Gen. Jimmy D. Ross at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., June 22. The Old Guard maintains a 24-hour vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns, provides military funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery and participate in parades at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. and Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington D.C.

Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Fife and Drum Corps (FDC) performs at Liberty Island, N.Y., June 15. FDC has inspired audiences throughout the Nation and abroad for over 50 years and is one of the U.S. Army’s premier musical organizations.

Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.The U.S. Army Drill Team and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Fife and Drum Corps, perform at Duffy Square, New York City, June 14. The performance was in honor of the U.S. Army’s 237th birthday.

9


Photo by Spc. Devin KornausThe 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), provides ceremonial support during a Full Honor Wreath Ceremony honoring the 62nd anniversary of the Korean War at the Korean War Memorial, Washington D.C., June 22.

Photo by Spc. Devin KornausSoldiers from Charlie Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), conduct a Full Honor Funeral for Chief Warrant Officer 5 John C. Pratt in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., June 21. Chief Pratt died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

10

Photo by Sgt. Luisito BrooksCol. James C. Markert assumes command of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), from Col. David P. Anders in a ceremony, June 19, on Summerall Field, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va.


June Buffstrap

Documents

Transcript of June Buffstrap