Wolfpack Howler March Issue

Greeting Wolfpack! This edition of the Wolfpack

Howler will be read from Hawaii to the far edges of

the Pacific. In the last 30 days, we have had soldiers in

Thailand, Guam, Palau and the Marshall Islands. And

we are just getting started.! As always, I’d like to thank

the soldiers and their families for supporting our mis-

sions. 643rd truly has global reach and a strategic im-

pact.

Our 1st Platoon Roughnecks made that impact in Phitsanulok, Thailand. After five weeks of blistering heat and relentless mosquitoes, our troops completed a multipurpose building consisting of three classrooms. In

the Army, there are many days you don’t see the impact of your actions right away. This was not one of

those days. This structure will immediately improve the quality of life for 71 students and four teachers in

Phitsanulok. You could see it in their smiles and their genuine gratitude for our soldiers hard work.

Though they traveled far from home and left their own loved ones, the Roughnecks made lives better for

those less fortunate. They worked alongside Thai and Sing engineers to make this project happen. Our

Wolfpack soldiers returned safely several days ago and I am glad to have them back. It never fails to im-

press me how a platoon of disciplined, motivated US Army engineers can accomplish so much under diffi-

cult conditions, tough timelines and a secluded location. Well done!

I’d also like to welcome 1SG Kenneth McKinney Jr and his lovely wife, Linnie. 1SG McKinney brings a

wealth of knowledge and experience to our formation. We are lucky to have him. At our FRG meetings,

please take a moment to introduce yourself and your spouse the newest members of our team.

Honor the Service This month we talked about President Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address”. Lincoln was dedicating the ceme-

tery at the battlefield in memory of the sacrifice of more than 40,000 casualties the battle claimed. While

this speech is famous for many reasons, the last few sentences remind the Wolfpack to honor the service

of those who have gone before us:

“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far

so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these

honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that

we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a birth of

freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

From the Commander

PROMOTIONS

Congratulations to the following

soldiers for being promoted:

1 MARCH 2013 Issue 2

Wolfpack Howler

Inside this

issue:

1ST PLATOON

3RD PLATOON

4TH PLATOON

CAT PALAU

MAINTENANCE

OPERATIONS

Happy Birthday to the following:

SSG, Baptiste 4 Mar , SPC Benard 1 Mar, PV2 Coffin 11 Mar,

SGT Cullin 29 Mar, SGT Edwards 31 Mar, SPC Guerra 26 Mar,

SSG Hagar 6 Mar, SPC Hale 3 Mar, SPC Irby 7 Mar, SPC Jim 25 Mar,

SSG Lanning 5 Mar, SPC Lira 16 Mar, SPC Murcia 17 Mar,

SPC Perry 19 Mar, SPC Petty 17 Mar, SPC Quirindongo 14 Mar,

PVT Romero 9 Mar, PFC Shiver 21 Mar, SGT Smith 16 Mar, SPC Tran 29 Mar,

and SGT Williams.

BIRTHDAYS

643rd Change of Responsibility

Wolfpack Howler

1ST PLATOON Roughnecks

Roughnecks Return Home, train, prepare to redeploy After only thirty-two days in Thailand, the Roughnecks completed all construction activities for the Ban

Hua Wang Krang School kindergarten building on the 18th of February, 2012. Before celebrating, the platoon

packed its belongings, personal and professional, cleaned up the site and the building, and prepared for the dedi-

cation ceremony on the 21st of February. Prior to the dedication ceremony, the Roughnecks received their first break from construction and an

opportunity to enjoy some of the culture of Thailand. The first trip would be to the Wat Yai temple in the

heart of Phitsanulok. One of the most famous temples in Thailand, the Wat Yai boasts the most elegant Buddha

image in all of Thailand. After the temple the platoon traveled to a local Elephant sanctuary to pet, feed, and

ride some Thai elephants. Finally on 21 February the dedication day arrived, and a full cavalcade of visitors greeted the brand new

building. From the US Ambassador to Thailand to the Commanding General of US Army forces in Japan, every

VIP in attendance was impressed by the spectacle of the new building.

Only two days later, the Roughnecks redeployed and returned to Hawaii. After 42 days in Thailand the

Roughnecks are now ready for some short down-time before the head out to the Philippines to continue build-

ing alongside our partner nations overseas.

Roughnecks Build Community relations (COMREL) in Thailand

Though experts in construction, the Roughnecks do have a few other skills at hand.

During Cobra Gold 2013 we showed how much we cared about the local community

at every opportunity. Community relations was never far from the job for 1st Platoon.

There were many opportunites to bond and enjoy the company of the local commu-

nity, whether at the local flee market, or the karaoke party thrown by the village in

celebration for the school. But during Cobra Gold 2013 we had two great opportuni-

ties in particular that stood out. SPC Guardiola, upon noticing one of the school

children rode a bike with no tires, raised the money from within the Platoon to pre-

sent the child with a brand-new bike to go to school everyday on. And not long after,

several members of the Roughneck family were given the opportunity to visit the local

school for special needs children to join them in a two hour long dance session. Get-

ting their physical training in for the day. After the dancing, the Roughnecks were able

to enjoy lunch with the children prior to heading back to the project site. Though the

project itself would greatly benefit the community, the Roughnecks were proud to be

able to give every little bit they could to Phitsanulok, Thailand.

SOLDIER OF THE ISSUE: SPC Ethan Mustain

-Born February 12, 1983 in Olathe, Kansas, where he plans to return to after the

Army

-Learned Carpentry growing up, began framing houses when he was 16, spent eight

years in the Carpentry union before joining the Army

-Became a Carpentry & Masonry Specialist after graduating AIT in June of 2010

-From the 643rd EN CO, he has been sent to Thailand in support of Cobra Gold

2011 and to Guam to work in conjunction with Navy Seabees

SPC Guardiola presents a bike to a local

student during community engagement on

15 February.

Issue 2

3RD PLATOON We Ready

Hello Wolfpack! February seemed to fly by as the “We Ready” Platoon continued to stay busy and

have an incredible impact on the Battalion and the Post. We spent time training on construction at the East

Range Air Assualt Course rappel tower, training physical and mental toughness on the South Range obstacle

course, and relentlessly preparing to deploy to the Marshall Islands in support of the Battalion’s mission in

Guam. With the end of April as the likely deployment date for the Platoon minus an advance element, we did

an exceptional job in reading ourselves to take off for the mission at the drop of a hat. The “We Ready” Pla-

toon cemented a successful February by continuing to avoid SIRs, displaying the type of maturity and discipline

that makes the Army proud. We even found some time to conduct a Change of Responsibility to say farewell

to 1SG Hector Medina and to welcome in 1SG Kenneth McKinney. And let’s not forget to congratulate

SPC Julio Murcia for winning the Soldier of the Month board!

March is shaping up to be a great month for training and for having a little fun on the job. We are

reinforcing Warrior Tasks and Skills training at the beginning of the month, spending a day at the M16 range

on the 6th, and training on Pre-Engineered Buildings from the 11th through the 28th. Even with all those re-

quirements we are still going to push PT hard this month in order to surpass the company goal of a 260 APFT

average. March is also filled with birthdays and anniversaries in the Platoon: SPC Daniel Hale turns 26 on

March 3rd, SPC Julio Murcia turns 27 on March 17th, and SGT Richard Johnson celebrates his 4th wedding

anniversary on March 4th. Congratulations to them and We Ready!

SOLDIER OF THE ISSUE: SPC Julio Murcia

Age: 26

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Favorite Sports Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Hobbies: Working out, playing soccer

Quote/Interesting fact: Dreams of one day competing on “Dancing

With the Stars.”

Wolfpack Howler

4th PLATOON

Hafa Adai (the Guam equivalent of Aloha) 4th Platoon Followers! We have made our way to

Guam where in-processing, classes, physical training, project planning and a new Navy influenced style of

living has taken over our day to day activities. After having spent two weeks on ground, the Platoon can

finally say it has acclimated to the hotter, more humid climate here in Guam (although our drenched uni-

forms after PT may state otherwise). For projects, we have been given two assignments here in Guam in preparation for our mission in

Micronesia. First, SGT Bryan Boyd will be taking over as crew leader for a project on Camp Covington

that will consist of a 30’x 12’ concrete pour with a masonry wall rising 6 feet along its edge. It will be used

as a trash containment system for the Camp. Other crew leaders, including SGT Andrew Schmidt and

SGT Mathew Reese (a 4th PLT attachment), have been working hard to produce a project packet for a

larger effort up at Anderson Air Force Base on the northern part of the island. There, the Platoon has

been tasked to plan and construct three separate MOUT buildings for an air force training facility. Two of

the buildings are two stories and present a new challenge for the Soldiers. In addition to the planning going

on for the projects here on Guam, SSG Jeremy Lanning has been working hard with his team planning

the Malem Village project. SGT Wesley Snead has been doing the same with his team on the Kosrae

High School Gymnasium project. Later this week, our group of highly trained NCO’s will be participating

as judges in a JROTC competition with the University of Guam showing a commitment to the “Soldiers of

Tomorrow.” Additionally, Soldiers have begun preparation for the AIRDET mission which 4th platoon has

become a part of after being called upon to fill voids in the formation. Soldiers here are eager to begin their scuba certification and almost every night you can find mem-

bers of 4th Platoon working on their fitness at the Gym on camp. Both the Base Bowling Alley and Gab

Gab Beach have been favorite spots for Soldiers to visit on their Sundays off. In addition to leading troops

in the field, SFC Ramant Stewart has also been perfecting his skills in the kitchen where he prepared

and cooked a delicious pork entrée for all to enjoy. Congratulations to 1LT Robert Leedham for com-

ing in second at the Anderson Air Force base’s Golf scramble! Overall, the climate is tolerable, the food is

growing on us and the PT is PHENOMENAL!

-MOS: 12N

-Hometown: Deltona, Florida

-Hobbies: Surfing, Church Guitarist, Reading, Cooking

-Thoughts on Guam: Nice. The island is friendly. Looking forward

to the opportunity to explore the island more.

-Goals: Save money, start my own business, attend a trade school

and utilize my GI Bill.

SOLDIER OF THE ISSUE: SPC Noel Ruiz

Issue 2

CAT PALAU

They’re called the Army CAT 84-01. Here in

Palau the CAT is widely known for the skills and assistance

it’s members provide. A CAT is a Civic Action Team, a

small group of Soldiers who deploy to a region to provide

technical engineering assistance, medical support and com-

munity outreach. The end goal of these tasks is to forge

relationships between U.S. service members and the host

nation community. Since its arrival, the team has taken on a

wide variety of missions and has seamlessly immersed itself

in the local culture.

A large part of the mission in Palau is the Commu-

nity Engineer Projects. Currently, the team is scheduled to

complete construction on the Fire/Police Station or Pre

Engineered Building (PEB) in the state of Ngardmau, install/

construct pull up bars, dip bars and sit up benches for the

Palau National Olympic Committee, grade roads for the

states of Melekeok and Aimeliik as well as to construct an

Environmental Quality Protection Board storage facility.

The impact of these projects are obvious as the team receives regular recognition and praise from the people.

SSG Vegafria, SPC Hall, SPC Rew and SGT Terrazas all have their work cut out for them as they re-

sume unfinished projects. Our vertical and horizontal Soldiers share the Palauan enthusiasm and are anxious

to continue to show the people the skill set they bring to the island.

Another partnership that the CAT has with the country is the apprenticeship program. Young adults

apply for jobs and are hired on by the CAT through the Palau Community Action Agency. CAT 84-01 cur-

rently has 7 apprentices and is still looking to hire more in the months to come. The apprentice program

helps locals to find employment upon successful completion of the curriculum. It is a highly sought out job

opportunity. We hire and select based on work ethic and potential. Kaluu Bruce is an apprentice who

graduated from the program as a Steel Worker and had perfect attendance. He continues to demonstrate

initiative and is now applying to learn carpentry for an additional year. Jason Aderiano is also an outstanding

apprentice who is learning to become an automotive specialist. He is also engaged in teaching our boat opera-

tors how to maneuver through the waters of Palau. SSG Pettitt and SPC Kelly are becoming great boat

operators thanks to him. Learning is a continuous process in Palau and it is very fortunate that locals are as

willing to teach us as they are willing to learn from us.

Finally, perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the CAT Mission is Community Relations (COMREL).

In a few months the team will participate in the 10th Annual Palau National Marathon where the Soldiers will

run a relay marathon. The teams consist of 4 personnel running a total of 6.5 miles per person. SPC Rew,

SPC Gonzalez, SPC Kelly and SFC Fregiste will spear head this fun event. The great thing about Palau is

the genuine appreciation the people have for us. Just our presence alone makes people happy and more so

because we are the “ARMY Team”, as the locals say.

SPC Hall conducting site survey for Palau Na-

tional Olympic Committee Exercise Station.

Wolfpack Howler

Maintenance The Backbone

February proved to be anything but a routine

month for the Wolfpack family. First and foremost

let us take the time to welcome back all of our

heroes and heroines serving proudly in Thailand

and putting forth their best efforts to help serve

the people of Thailand. We at the Wolfpack family

are thankful for all of your sacrifice and your safe

return. The Back Bone of the Company, 643rd

Maintenance, would like to thank our very own

SPC Jesse Ramey for his successful efforts in main-

taining the fleet in a land for away from his wife and

family. SPC Ramey served proudly besides his fel-

low soldiers tirelessly to see that, not only from a

maintenance perspective, but as a whole, the mis-

sion was a total success. At this time the Backbone would like to also applaud the efforts of Motor

Sergeant SGT Thao and Squad Leader SGT Rutledge, on the continued successful

pace of the Maintenance Platoon. Since the budget shifts, both SGT Thao and

SGT Rutledge, have been able to use their various skill sets to continue servicing

vehicles. The Backbone of the Company completed its first successful month of

fully reintegrating STT. Most of the first STT missions have been a success, how-

ever they have been limited to Motor pool operations in an effort to catch up on

scheduled/unscheduled services. Yet there have been some very bright spots

within STT. The last week of January involved training soldiers on proper

“Entering and Clearing” procedures. After several runs through the set up at the

KR Shoothouse, the maintenance team began to work together as a team and

learn from their mistakes. This STT was one of the most successful the MNT PLT

has conducted since the BDAR/Recovery Operations a few weeks back.

The other emphasis put out by the 643rd EN Company Commander CPT

Todd A. Mainwaring is to return to basics. In the case of 643rd, a return to basics

has involved the revitalized effort to become, not only a humanitarian based verti-

cal engineering company, but a war fighting engineer based company that has both

the skills to provide needed aid as well as war fighting proficiency to win on the

battlefield. On a more somber note, The Wolfpack Ohana bid a much deserved

farewell to 1SG Hector Medina, which has served the Wolfpack and the 84th EN

BN with pride and dedication the last two years. We would like to welcome his

predecessor, 1SG Kenneth McKinney, which transferred from HHC, and has

vowed to continue the tradition of the Wolfpack leading and preparing troops for

the daunting missions ahead, in which the Wolfpack is always up for the challenge.

SOLDIER OF THE ISSUE:

SPC Jesse Ramey, 91B Wheeled

Vehicle Mechanic

Seen here: 1st Squad (Rutledge,

Warthon, Grivoskbi, Cheese-

boro) during an Entering and Clear-

ing exercise 28JAN13

Issue 2

Operations

This month, the Wolfpack "Operators" have been busy behind the scenes and leading from the front. We

praise SSG Uriel Reyes, SPC Mikael Hutchings, SPC Jeremy Perry and SPC Benjamin Ponchetti for

showing their dedication to the traditions of our Army while orchestrating and directing preparations for the

Change of Responsibility between outgoing First Sergeant Hector F. Medina II and incoming First Ser-

geant Kenneth McKinney. The ceremony was a rousing success and we are glad to welcome First Ser-

geant Kenneth McKinney to the Wolfpack Ohana.

As we said goodbye to one familiar face, we were fortunate to welcome another! The “Operators” welcomed

SGT John Sanders back to the team where he assumes his former position and lends some stability, experi-

ence and mentorship that he proved not so long ago. We also welcome PFC Michael Edman to the training

team!

One of the highlights of this month was the welcome home ceremony and reintegration of 1st Platoon,

“Roughnecks”, from their mission in Thailand. SPC Jamie Rose Aquiningoc, SPC Brittany Keyser, SPC

Franklin Brower and SPC Mikael Hutchings dedicated their Saturday to welcoming home our Soldiers

and whisking them through some necessary reintegration tasks. SGT Thomas Njuguna photographed the

warm smiles as families welcomed home their loved ones. Stay tuned to the Facebook page for some photos of

the event!

Dedication is something you can expect from the “Operators”, and that was certainly true for SSG Uriel

Reyes, SPC Kenneth Bakholdin and PV2 Christopher Fry. The trio spent their Sunday firing one of the

most adrenaline pumping weapons systems that the Army has to offer. PV2 Christopher Fry celebrated his

birthday the same weekend!

As we head in to the next month, we prepare to deploy more Soldiers from the Wolfpack to Guam, including

SSG Nicholas Hagar and SPC Franklin Brower. We must also say goodbye to a true veteran of the

“Operators” team, SPC Mikael Hutchings. He moves on to his next assignment at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Lastly, a big Mahalo goes out to SPC Franklin Brower for demonstrating his aptitude for journalism and

helping write this article!

SSG Uriel Reyes (Not

Pictured), SPC Mikael

Hutchings, SPC Jeremy

Perry (Not Pictured), SPC

Benjamin Ponchetti and

SPC Franklin Brower

prepare for the Change of

Responsibility Ceremony.

Wolfpack Howler

SPC Brink, SPC Hurst, and SPC Thaxton dance

along with the children of a local special needs

school

US Ambassador to Thailand poses in the new class-

In just 32 days the school is transformed from a pile of dirt to 1680 square feet of classroom, complete with

lights, fans, windows, and a two-stall latrine.

1st PLATOON

Completed school building with Singapore, Thai, and US Soldiers standing behind the children and staff of the

Ban Hua Wang Krang School

SGT Albarico, SPC Quirindongo, SPC Mayberry,

SPC Tremper, and SPC Mardanov enjoying the fruits

of their labor after completing renovations to HHC’s

picnic table in the Motor Pool.

PVT Aquino and SPC Mauser navigate through the

Medical Obstacle Course on South Range during

4th PLATOON

Portion of a MOUT site building 4th PLT is currently

planning to finish. The MOUT site is located at Ander-

son Air Force base on the northern tip of Guam.

SPC Lewis and SPC Leucht sit on a Mock Board

held by 4th PLT NCO’s honing their skills in hopes

of becoming the Army’s next E5s.

3rd PLATOON

SPC Bruderer, his wife Amanda, and their three chil-

dren with CPT Mainwaring and 1SG Medina during

his reenlistment ceremony at Wheeler Army Air-

field.

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Page 10 Wolfpack Howler

SPC Gonzales welding pipes for the boat

installation kit.

CAT PALAU

Headquarters

SPC Kenneth Bakholdin and

PV2 Christopher Fry fire the

“Beast” MK19 at a range on

Schofield Barracks.

SGT John Sanders offers

his arm for “treatment”

during warrior tasks and

drills training.

Visit us on FaceBook!

643rd EN CO—Wolfpack!

FRG NEWS!

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Army Community Services: (808) 655-4227

Army Substance Abuse Programs: (808) 655-8700

Battalion Chaplain: (808) 655-1297

Military Family Life Consultant: (808) 226-7307

Military One Source: 1-800-342-9647

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Tripler Trolley: (808) 433-1200

Tripler Trolley: (808) 433-1200

FRG Training with ACS

Master Resiliency Training – March 5 @ 0900-1100

FRG Essentials (FRG 101, Key Caller, Fundraising, VMIS) – March 12 @ 0900-1345

FRG Essentials (FRG 101, Key Caller) – March 26 @ 1800-2015

FRG Essentials (Fundraising, VMIS) – March 27 @ 1800-2015

Master Resiliency Training – April 2 @ 0900-1100

FRG Essentials (FRG 101, Key Caller, Fundraising, VMIS) – April 9 @ 0900-1345

FRG Committee Contacts:

FRG Leader: Traci Kendall (253)720-2033, [email protected] or

[email protected]

Secretary: Gabrielle Johnson

Treasurers: Kristina Spohn and Beatrice Marshall

Activities Coordinator: Position Vacant

Fundraising Chair people: Deanna Zulkoski

Hospitality Chairperson: Kristina Spohn

Points of Contact/Key Callers:

Deanna Zulkoski (570) 472-8262 [email protected]

Kristina Spohn (810) 516-1550 [email protected]

Soldier Liaison PPOCs: SPC Fernando Gaeta

Headlines:

FRG Meeting March 20th at 530pm in the Battalion Classroom

Battalion Spring Festival on March 23rd, please see the attached flier for all the details

Post Fun Fest on March 30th at Sills Filed (Large field by the pool and main post flag).

Lots of games and activities for the kids and adults! The FRG will be doing a food

booth as a fundraiser, if you are interested in helping please contact Traci for more

details!

Key Callers will be calling! Please be aware during the next week spouses will be re-

ceiving a phone call from their Key Caller. We are just calling to verify that your con-

tact information is correct and to introduce you to your Key Caller. This person will

be the one to contact you during the deployment if needed. Also feel free to contact

your Key Caller with questions or concerns and they can help direct them to the cor-

rect person.

mailto:[email protected]

Wolfpack Howler March Issue

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Transcript of Wolfpack Howler March Issue