I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e :
HHC 1-2
FSC 3-4
42nd 5-6
370th 7-8
535th 9-10
541st 11-12
Chaplain’s
Corner
13
HHC’s Wolfpack HowlHHC’s Wolfpack HowlHHC’s Wolfpack Howl
J u l y 2 0 1 0 3 r d Q u a r t e r N e w s l e t t e r
The Wolfpack family had a number of officers move up
in rank this quarter. We would like to congratulate CPT
Brandon Eliason, CPT Jacob Hohman, CPT Robert
Etheridge, CPT Michael Frazier, CPT Nassar Jabour,
CPT David Lukefahr, CPT Andrey Takhtovich and 1LT
Agnes Kirkman-Bey. All great officers who have
assumed a role of greater responsibility with the new
rank.
SPC Campbell develops a plan with his team on how to clear a building during MOUT Training.
P a g e 1
Promotions
HHC medics SPC McDonald and SPC Goodman
evaluate SSG Fitzpatrick during the reflexive
fire exercise
54th Engineer Battalion54th Engineer Battalion54th Engineer Battalion
Greetings from Wolfpack 6 and 7, It has been another busy
quarter for the Wolfpack Soldiers! This quarter kicked off
with the Dagger Strike I exercise in which a lot of the HHC
Soldiers, officers and NCOs were involved in support op-
erations in order to qualify squads of the line companies.
This quarter also brought on Dagger Strike II in which the
company deployed to the Grafenwoehr training area. In
addition to the major battalion level exercises mentioned the
company continued to focus their training in tasks within
their military occupational specialties (MOS) as well as
other Soldier skills during Sergeant’s Time Training.
During this quarter, from April to June on some Thurs-
days, the company continued to conduct company level
Sergeant’s time training in which the Soldiers and
NCOs got out of the office to conduct realistic training.
The training was prepared, planned and executed by the
company NCOs and included tasks such as movement
to contact battle drills and dismounted patrol operations
as well as Military Operations on Urban Terrain
(MOUT) operations. During these movements and
operations, Soldiers were challenged with different
scenarios such as enemy contact, which tested their
reaction skills and forced them to practice their com-
munication skills and using a radio to call their higher
headquarters for assistance with their wounded Sol-
diers. The movement to contact drills allowed NCOs a
chance to train their Soldiers how to properly execute
certain movement techniques depending on the terrain.
In the MOUT scenario, the Soldiers were taught how to
properly clear a room in teams of four from point of
entry to the building to clearing every room, treating
casualties they took while clearing the rooms and medi-
cally evacuating the casualties.
P a g e 2
Births
This quarter brought the spring and it also brought additional family
members to four families in the Wolfpack team. We would like to con-
gratulate MAJ Scott Preston and Christy, who had a beautiful baby boy
named Ethan on 01APR2010. CPT Robert Etheridge and Ria who had
a beautiful baby girl named Caroline weighing at 6lbs, 4oz on
15JUN2010. CPT Derrick Johnson and Kara who had a beautiful
baby girl weighing 7lbs, 6oz on 22JUN2010. SSG Chad Fitzpatrick and
Christi who had a beautiful baby boy named Noah weighing 7lbs, 7oz
on 19MAY2010, and SPC Travis Campbell and Taylor who had a
CPT Eliason, PFC Vines and SPC Atian prepare to enter
and clear a room during MOUT Training.
SGT Fitzpatrick and PFC Lee discuss their plan of action during a movement to contact battle drill
There were other Thursday mornings where the Soldiers, NCOs and Officers did
not perform their daily normal support operations and continued to reinforce their
MOS level tasks by conducting low density MOS training. The S1 section fo-
cused on the Soldier readiness process, casualty operations and other administra-
tive tasks and actions that had to do with their MOS. The material section fo-
cused on supply operations at the company level in which they taught the line
company supply sergeants how to properly execute these operations. They also
continued their focus on financial liability investigations and the command sup-
ply discipline program, two programs that require proficiency from all logistic
soldiers. The Command Post 1 and Command Post 2, composed of Soldiers,
Officers and NCOs with different MOS focused on a variety of tasks such as
doing infantry tactics with one of the line companies and daily operations in a
Tactical Operations Center (TOC). The signal section focused on installation
remedy procedures for various signal equipment and joint network set up proce-
dures. The intelligence section put their focused this quarter on intelligence
preparation of the battlefield procedures. The medical section conducted training
in various tasks they were to be tested during their medical recertification as well
as during the competition for the Expert Field Medical Badge. Most of their
tasks were trauma related.
Hails
During this quarter, the Wolfpack family has
grown through the move of Soldiers, NCO’s and
Officers from the other companies as well as
new arrivals. The Wolfpack team welcomes
CPT David Lukefahr, CPT Michael Trickey, his
wife Alice and son Elijah, CPT Christopher
Raisl and his wife Melissa, 1LT Brian
Czarnecki, MSG Jeffrey Derosa, his wife
Christine and their children Alyssa and Madison,
SFC James Wofford and his wife Torlina, SSG
Darrell Hill, his wife Melissa and their children
Charla and Michael, SGT Kyle Keiser, his wife
Crystal Keiser and their children Celeste and
Calleigh, SPC David Johnson, SPC Lucas
Diercouff, SPC John Chan, SPC Jessica Toston
and her spouse Aaron PFC Angel Vargas and his
wife Ebony Vargas, PFC Wesley Miller and his
wife Lauren, PV2 Cameron Nelson and PV1
Casey Rice. All of these Soldiers, NCOs and
Officers are filling key positions within the
company.
Other training the Wolfpack Soldiers conducted was their
involvement in the Dagger Strike I exercise. During this exercise,
HHC Soldiers deployed in to the local Bamberg training area es-
tablished a forward operating base, and provided medical support
and TOC support to squads conducting missions around the area.
Establishing the TOC during this exercise was critical because it
provided the command and control necessary to support the line
company’s squad level operations.
P a g e 3
Another major exercise, the company supported was the Battalion’s Dagger Strike II exercise which was conducted through a
deployment and relocation to the Grafenwoehr Training Area (GTA) in the month of May. The exercise began with a Soldier Readiness
Process (SRP). The staff coordinated with installation activities and created a realistic deployment process for the battalion before deploy-
ing to the GTA. Additionally during this exercise, the company practiced establishing a simulated deployment environment by the estab-
lishing a forward operating base and various local COPs located on ranges throughout the training area, which were occupied by the other
companies in the battalion. This allowed the staff to exercise their administration, logistical, and supporting tasks as well as allowed the
Battalion TOC to develop, establish and practice tracking and reporting mechanisms with the line companies. Other than exercising their
supporting roles, the staff Soldiers, NCOs and Officers participated in various advanced rifle marksmanship training events. These events
consisted of a reflexive fire range, military operations on urban terrain (MOUT) and a virtual simulated convoy operations exercise. The
reflexive fire range allowed Soldiers in the low density MOS, to practice advanced marksmanship techniques and become comfortable in
firing live ammunition. While the MOUT exercise allowed the Soldiers to continue to develop their skills learned during Sergeant’s time
training by being able to establish teams, work together and practice maneuver techniques as they engaged enemy targets within an urban
environment. Finally, the convoy operations training through the use of the virtual battle space 2 (VBS2) taught the Soldiers how to react
to unexpected events such as discovering an improvised explosive device react to enemy contact as well as practice radio procedures while
calling in the different types of reports in order to keep the commander informed of what was going on while the Soldiers were on the
road. Throughout all of these exercises, the medical section was exercised through simulated scenarios where Soldiers role played that
they were injured. The culminating event for HHC during Dagger Strike II consisted of a mass casualty exercise where all the staff sec-
tions, got a chance to react and exercise the tasks they are required to perform during a real life situation. Additionally, it allowed the
medical section to practice trauma and life saving tasks in order to increase their proficiency and better prepare for this type of situation.
Farewells
The Wolfpack family wishes good luck
and a farewell to the following Wolpack
family members: SFC Carlos Sanchez,
who has PCSed to Fort Drum in New
York, SSG Luke Topasna and his family
who have all PCSed to Fort Belvoir in
Virginia, and 1LT Jayson Hensley who has
moved on to the 535th ESC to assume the
duties as the company executive officer.
Additionally, the medical section received a lot of quality training both during Dagger Strike II and their participation in the challenging com-
petition to earn the Expert Field Medical Badge which was held in Baumholder, Germany. Last, but not least, to end this quarter, the unit fo-
cused on getting all of the Battalion medics trained and recertified in their Table 1-8 skills which consisted of three days of classroom training
followed by a week of validation and testing through the use of medical scenario lanes established at the local training area in Bamberg, Ger-
many.
In addition to all of the hard work and training the Soldiers, NCOs and Officers in HHC have been doing, we were able to give the Wolfpack
members some training time consisting of our adventure day training. The adventure day training consisted of a Bamberg History scavenger
hunt where the Soldiers got the opportunity to go out into the city in teams and discover sites they did not know existed. In the end, a lucky
team of four ended up finding all of the sites they were given in the fastest time winning a four-day pass.
In the mist of the training exercises, the company held an organizational day in April. The Soldiers, NCOs, Officers and their families had a
chance to take a day out of the office and enjoy some good food, games and entertainment at Friendship Park. Although the company did not
have any major fundraisers during this quarter, we used the money earned during last quarter’s Pie in the Face fundraiser event to fund the food
and activities of this great event. Some of the children and family members even got a chance to dunk their family member in the dunk tank
that was set up at the event. The Wolfpack team would also like to thank Mrs. Tia Ake for all of her hard work as the FRG leader. She has
stepped down as the leader due to other family obligations. Her hard work, support, for the FRG has been really appreciated, and she will be
missed as the leader. HHC’s FRG team is currently looking for a new fearless leader who will lead the Wolfpack family throughout the rest of
the year.
FSC Spartan ShoutFSC Spartan ShoutFSC Spartan Shout
Hello to all our Spartan family and friends!
The last three months have been quite busy for the FSC. The start of the quarter brought a new first
sergeant, 1SG Bell. The FSC broke him in nicely with Dagger Strike II (DS II) in Grafenwoehr
shortly after his arrival. Here we focused on platoon level training and crew served weapons quali-
fication. Distro supported the BN with their usual ammunition and fuel support. Our Field Feed-
ing section cooked thousands of meals in order the feed all BN Soldiers. Maintenance platoon not
only supported all companies during the event with vehicle and equipment maintenance, but also
managed to run a flawless hand grenade range. Thanks to all the spouses, children, and loved ones
of our Soldiers who supported them during their first big absence from home since the 54th EN
BN’s redeployment. –CPT Ford, XO Farewell
Headquarters Soldiers bid
farewell to the best platoon
sergeant in the battalion, SSG
Smith. His dedication to us
and to the company was
unwavering and true. Ready
for the challenge, SSG
Edwards came up from the
Distribution platoon to fill the
big shoes, however will soon
be leaving us as well for a
coveted instructor position.
Good luck to both of you! The
leadership and motivation
both NCOs brought to the
Soldiers of Headquarters
platoon will be greatly missed.
– CPT Ford, XO
FSC Spartan Softball Team after victory against the 391st HHC .
Field Feeding Section (FFS)
The cooks of the FSC are no strangers to high praise and achievements at the theatre level
and above. SPC Washington outshined every cook in all of 21st TSC by winning their cook of
the quarter. His win was a direct reflection on all of the Soldiers in the FFS. In support of
training, during Dagger Strike II, the FFS provided thousands of meals, working from 0200
through 2100 in order to provide all Soldiers in the battalion with hot meals morning and
night. Also during DSII, the FFS supported a company of Soldiers with our mobile kitchen
trailer, or MKT. This allowed the Soldiers hot meals even though they were far away from
the comfort and convenience of our normal Dining Facility (DFAC). Our Soldiers are always
ready to serve, morning or night, weekend, or holiday. – SSG Daquep, FFS
P a g e 4
Births
The Soldiers of maintenance
welcome their newest members:
CPL Loop and his wife Melonie
were blessed with a baby boy,
Gregory. The maintenance Sol-
diers visited Melonie in the hos-
pital with gifts welcoming the
new Spartan to the tribe.
Maintenance Platoon
Maintenance Platoon has provided maintenance support and wheeled vehicle support for the entire Battalion throughout the entire quarter.
During Dagger Strike I, PFC Starks brilliantly troubleshot and repaired several generators on short notice ensuring the Battalion Command
Post stayed operational 24 hours a day. During Dagger Strike II, Maintenance Platoon flawlessly ran a battalion-level hand grenade range.
Among other events, PFC Starks, SPC Martin, SPC Ealy, SPC Jackson were chosen amongst their peers to represent 54th in the Upper Fran-
conian Partnership March, a march conducted with American and German Soldiers.– SSG Christensen, MNT PSG
FSC’s all-star 1st Baseman, SPC Martin, connects with the ball for a double.
Distribution Platoon
In April, distribution platoon supported the battalion during Dagger Strike I, by issuing ammo and conducting fuel operations and
delivering chow daily. The platoon also supported the battalion during Dagger Strike II out in Grafenwoehr Training Area (GTA)
where they distributed ammunition to numerous ranges, while the fuel section set up a fuel point. While in the field distribution pla-
toon participated in a squad movement exercise. Both squads that participated did an outstanding job during the exercise. During
this time the platoon trained using the VBS2 simulator where they learned convoy movement techniques and react to direct and indi-
rect contact. Distribution platoon turned in the battalion’s ammo after the field while the fuel section made sure that the battalion
was supplied fuel for the return back to Bamberg.
Distro Platoon had four Soldiers participate in a Germany and US partnership day. Here they had to complete a 25K road march while
completing six different staged events. The events consisted of first aid knowledge, land navigation, marksmanship, rowing across a
river, knowledge of military equipment, grenade throwing and obstacle course in a team of five Soldiers. Distro Platoon also had Sol-
diers complete a Hazardous Material Course, as well as CLS certification to better prepare the platoon and the battalion for the up-
coming deployment.
FSC Softball article
Bamberg, Germany. (June 21, 2010) --- The 54th FSC Softball team picked up a 19-4 win over 391st.
In the nine inning game, the FSC red Spartans jumped out quickly with five runs in the first inning. 391st responded as they closed the
gap to 6-4 at the end of the third inning, but FSC quickly widened the gap with a six run fourth inning. That was as close as the Tor-
nado could get as FSC secured the win with four runs in the eighth.
Offensively, 1SG Bell (CA) led the way as he was 2-for-4 from the plate with three RBIs. SSG Evangilista, our welcomed HHC attach-
ment, had a two run homerun in the first inning, while former 18th MEDCOM standout Antonio Martinez (TX) added two solo RBI’s
in the second and fifth innings. SSG Smith (SC) also had three RBIs in the contest with a homerun. As a team, the Spartan’s had 15
RBIs.
With the victory, FSC moves to 2-2 on the season. The Spartan’s remained at 2-2 in the standings. – SFC Martinez, MCS
Hails
New Soldiers to the
platoon include PV2
Reese, SPC Sparberry, PVT
Harris, PVT Moore, PV2
Lubetich, PV2 Quiroga,
SSG Christensen, SPC
Santiago, SGT Brooks from
the 370th, and SGT Otsby.
P a g e 5
42nd Clearance Company42nd Clearance Company42nd Clearance Company
Hello to all new ROCK Soldiers and Family members of the 42nd Clearance Company!
The 42nd Clearance Company recently held its official Unit Activation and Assumption of Command ceremony on 12 May 2010 as the
newest Engineer Company in the United States Army Engineer Regiment. The ceremony, held at Summerall Field on Warner Barracks
in Bamberg, Germany, marked the official activation of the unit, as well as the Assumption of Command by CPT Dave Stalker. Captain
Mike Bradwick served as the Commander of Troops in the ceremony, as the interim Commander during the first three months of the
unit’s activation. The unit’s 2010 activation (last deactivated in Berlin in 1994) marks a continuation of its storied Engineer history, as
well as an entirely new mission set for the unit: Route and Area Clearance. As of 23 June 2010, the Company’s personnel strength stood
at 84% or 160 Soldiers of the 190 authorized via the unit’s Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE).
The Company’s focus since the Activation and Assumption of Command Ceremony included in-processing new Soldiers to the unit, indi-
vidual training and gunnery, sending Soldiers to schools, drivers training, receiving equipment, and establishment of the unit’s Family
Readiness Group. The Company will conduct its Change of Responsibility Ceremony between SFC Eduardo Ruiz and MSG Hinkle on 01
July 2010 at Summerall Field. The Company will continue to receive key leadership personnel and family members during the months of
July, August, and September.
Specifically, the Company completed its first field
exercise during the month of May in Grafenwoehr, consisting
of seven days of rifle marksmanship, qualification, and indi-
vidual training as a Clearance Company. During this exer-
cise, every available firer qualified on their weapon with 12
Soldiers out of 86 firers earning the expert marksmanship
badge. During June, the Company completed mandatory
annual training classes, its first land navigation field problem
testing the Soldiers on common warrior skills and tasks
(ROCK Situational Training Exercise), its first patrolling field
training exercise, drivers training, as well as specific training
pertinent to its Route and Area Clearance mission. Addition-
ally, the platoons themselves conducted their own separate
training from the Company.
P a g e 6
Captain Dave Stalker receives the 42nd
Clearance Company Guidon, marking his
Assumption of Command
The 42nd Clearance Company’s Activation
and Assumption of Command Ceremony
held on 12 May 2010 at Warner Barracks
First Platoon (1st PLT), led by 2LT Daniel Lotspeich and SSG Michael Slater, spent one week working in a Route Clearance Training
Simulator. This simulator provided the platoon realistic training and a solid skills foundation for its future deployed mission of Route
Clearance.
Second Platoon (2nd PLT) of the 42nd Clearance Company, led by 1LT Jeremy Staggs and SSG Andre Tillman, recently returned from
Mannheim, Germany on a 2-week exercise training on Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT). The exercise, for support of the
21st Theatre Sustainment Command’s Warrior and NCO of the Year Competition, taught the platoon basic infantry tactics while operat-
ing in an urban environment.
Third Platoon (3rd PLT), led by SSG Michael Devlin, completed training on Route Clearance equipment and vehicles. Operator and driv-
ers training on the RG-31, the Buffalo, the Husky, and Talon Robots will prove beneficial for the platoon as an early training start on the
equipment pertinent to its Route Clearance mission.
Fourth Platoon (4th PLT), led by SSG Jeremy Lynn, will begin its individual training in the upcoming weeks as it continues to receive the
rest of its Soldiers.
The Field Maintenance Team (FMT), led by SFC Byron Pontious, SSG Jose Nieves, and SSG Marcus Bridges, continues to train and li-
cense the Soldiers of the 42nd Clearance Company on its vehicles and equipment. Additionally, SGT Rumery, SPC Bradley, and SPC
Guirguis will attend training at the Maintainers Route Reconnaissance Clearance Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Headquarters Platoon (HQ PLT), led by SSG Jeremy Lynn focused on the sponsorship and integration of Soldiers and families to the
company. With the company receiving over 60 Soldiers this quarter, this has been never-ending and thankless task. Additionally, two
Soldiers from the medical section, PV2 Jacob Brubaker-Escobar and PV2 Patrick Mullinix, competed in the Expert Field Medical Badge.
Both Soldiers were competitive but fell short of achieving the highly coveted badge.
P a g e 7
Numerous 42nd ROCK Soldiers have completed
tough and challenging military professional develop-
ment schools during the past few months. Specialist
William H. Wheeler completed a tough SAM 31
(Company Armorer) School to serve as the unit Armorer
for the Company. Staff Sergeant Michael Devlin re-
cently completed the Advanced Leader Course in
Schweinfurt, Germany, while Sergeant Benjamin Gol-
gart completed a very important Maintainer Route Re-
connaissance Clearance Course at Fort Leonard Wood,
Missouri. Sergeant Daniel Becerra and Sergeant
Jameson Eisinas completed two weeks of operator and
maintenance training on the mine detector system,
while several additional ROCK Soldiers completed sev-
eral days of familiarization training on the mine detec-
tors, Vector 21’s, and Thermal Weapon Sights (TWS’s).
Sergeant Andrew McGuffey, 42nd Clearance Company
Master Driver, completed one week of familiarization
on the Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) ve-
hicle. Sergeant Antonia Collier and Specialist Domi-
nique Vincent continue to receive specialized communi-
cation training on radios and Army electronic systems.
Additionally, Captain Mike Bradwick (42nd Clearance
Company Executive Officer) and partner, Captain Dan
Vitale (541st Sapper Company Executive Officer) com-
peted in the April 2010 U.S. Army Engineer Regiment’s
Best Sapper Competition, where they placed 7th overall,
at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Captain Mike Bradwick and Captain Dan
Vitale’s finish line shot during the 2010 U.S.
Army Engineer Regiment’s Best Sapper Com-
petition. The two placed 7th overall during
the Army-wide competition held in April at
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
The Company would like to recognize the phenomenal efforts of Private Nathaniel Williamson in earning the Army Achievement Medal
for his honor graduate placement during mine detector training in Grafenwoehr, Germany. Not only did he score 100% on all exams,
but he was recognized for his efforts as the top performing student during the course. The Company also recognizes three individuals
from our FMT for earning the Army’s Good Conduct Medal: SGT Richard Brown, SGT Benjamin Golgart, and SGT John Quinata. Great
work!
P a g e 8
During the Company’s recent June 15th Army Physical Fitness
Test, the following Soldiers excelled, earning the Army Physical
Fitness Badge for physical excellence: PV2 Brauer, SPC Mains,
PV2 Parson, PV2 Weir, PV2 Williamson, PV1 Gonzalez, PFC Wil-
son, CPT Bradwick, CPT Stalker, SGT Bruny, SGT Golgart, SFC
Ruiz, SPC Haag, and 2LT Lotspeich. Job well done!
In closing, the Company will continue to work hard during the upcoming months on not just training, but also the reception and integration of family members moving over from the continental United States. The 42nd Clearance Company Family Readiness Group now has its own email account: [email protected]. We would like to welcome aboard Ms. Carolyn Devlin and Ms. Amanda Cavalari as leaders of the 42nd FRG.
Captain Mike Bradwick’s helocast shot during the 2010 U.S. Army
Best Sapper Competition. The 42nd Clearance Company plans to
send 10-20 deserving Soldiers to the Sapper Leader Course in the
fall, which includes this type of specialized training.
Company FRG BBQ (25 June 2010) at Pendle-
ton Field
Battalion Organization/Family Fun Day (02
July 2010) at the post Softball and Recrea-
tional Fields
FRG meeting at the post bowling alley (22
July 2010) at 1600
FRG Calendar
Hails
Dustin Bearden, Daniel Becerra, Justin Botticher, Richard Brown, Robert
Caldwell, Dannie Daniel, Michael Devlin, Richard Figueroa, Kalen Fisher,
Thomas Fountain, Catrell Godfrey, Benjamin Golgart, Cole Healer, Darrion
Hicks, Joel Hinkle, Cecil Ingle, Jonathon Inthirath, Shamal Lewis, Tigearnan
Lord, Wendell Mains, Joseph Martinez, Gerardo Montes, Jose Nieves, Hernan
Osorio, Joshua Robertson, Elias Ruiz, Scotty Sexton, Andre Tillman, Dominique
Vincent, John Wilkinson, Jamie Wilson, Jonathan Adams, Kevin Bailey, John
Carver, James Davis, Lindsey Felding, Matthew Foster, Elias Garza, Alejandro
Gonzalez, Anthony Guirguis, Edward Hagen, Kirk Haney, Neal Hendrickson,
Christopher Lashley, Sean Meyer, Vincent Moreno, Jason neal, Isaac Noble,
Joshua Owens, Anthony Quartararo, Kevon Riley, Obed Rivera, Derek
Robinson, Nicholas Rumery, Jeremy Saavedra, Christopher Shipman, Michael
Spitler, Joseph Teresi, Eric Terry, Lee Turner Jr., Kelulau Ucherkemur, Ezra
Wilson.
370th Apocalypse Now370th Apocalypse Now370th Apocalypse Now
Greetings to the friends, families, and Soldiers of the 370th Sapper Company.
Since we spoke last, we have encountered numerous significant events. One major event
was the decision in May to reorganize from three sapper platoons to two. This created
many challenges on top of the rigorous training the company would be expected to exe-
cute. Leaders and Soldiers had to learn to work with others they had never worked with
before and they had to learn fast. Despite the challenges we successfully competed with
two platoons instead of three! This will greatly improve the way we will operate when
deployed. We will be able to give Soldiers time off, and allow proper rest for injured Sol-
diers. For the month of May the battalion deployed to Grafenwoehr, Germany to certify
the platoons and ensure they are ready for the company validation in August. The two
highlights of the Grafenwoehr rotation that will be discussed are gunnery and validation
lanes.
The 370th Sapper Company spent five days con-
ducting various weapon ranges in the Grafen-
woehr training area during the recent field exer-
cise ―Dagger Strike II‖ qualifying on the major
weapons systems. One day was spent in the Ba-
varian rain at the hand grenade range where Sol-
diers practiced with Simunition-grenades on five
qualifying lanes before getting the chance to
throw two actual M67 grenades at the grenade
pit. The 370th spent four days at the crew served
weapons range firing both in daylight and at
night. Both platoons actually spent a night at the
range guarding the ammo and keeping it open in
order to facilitate the night-time gunnery. Sol-
diers slept in tracks, the warming shack, and the
guard tower. Approximately 18,000 rounds
of .50 caliber ammunition and 15,000 rounds of
7.62 ammunition for the M240B machine gun
were fired. The weapons fired on this range were
the M2 machine gun which fires a .50 caliber
round, the M240B firing a 7.62mm NATO round,
and the M249 SAW (Squad automatic rifle)
which fires the 5.56mm NATO round. The ma-
jority of the time was spent qualifying with the
M2 and M240B weapons systems, which were
mounted on top of M113 armored personnel car-
riers. In order to qualify, Soldiers had to effec-
tively engage targets as far away as 1000 meters
with both the M2 and M240B. The closest targets
were the 400 meter targets – still a considerable
distance. During this pop-up target phase of
qualification the Soldiers had approximately 175
rounds available to engage 9 pop-ups in 3 to 5
round bursts of fire. With such a demanding
load a few of the weapons systems broke down
under the strain and had to be sent to the armory
to be repaired.
370th Soldiers qualifying on the M2 .50
Cal. Machine Gun from the turret of an
370th Soldiers setting up M2 .50 Cal. Machine Gun firing positions for Battal-ion familiarization fire exercise.
P a g e 9
Upon completion of the weapons ranges
the 370th participated in Dagger Strike II, a battal-
ion level training exercise in Grafenwoehr, Ger-
many to certify the platoons. We conducted several
IED Lane iterations, a convoy live fire lane, a dis-
mounted live fire range, a MOUT exercise, a demo
range and multiple small arms weapons qualifica-
tion ranges. All of the lanes were designed by ex-
perience of veterans from Afghanistan to simulate
the conditions that we will most likely experience in
the upcoming deployment. The company came
together quickly and performed superbly at all the
tasks presented, and continues to build toward the
Mission Readiness Exercise in Hohenfels, Germany
in August.
ABOVE: Spc. Jeremy Argiro, begins the decontamination phase at
one of the combat testing lanes during Expert Field Medical Badge
testing June 10 at Baumholder Training Area.
Mommy and Me play date June 30th 1000
@ Friendship park.
Battalion Organizational Fun day July
2nd 0800 to 1630 @ Softball field.
Jailhouse fundraiser during garrison 4th
of July celebration July 4th 1900-2100 @
Pendleton field.
FRG Meeting July 7th 1800 @ The Regi-
mental room by the aid station.
Two 370th Soldiers qualifying on the hand grenade assault course
P a g e 1 0
FRG CalendarFRG CalendarFRG Calendar
RIGHT: 370th Soldiers practicing recovery operations on a pair of
M113s
From CPT Durbin:
Hello to the Soldiers and Families of the 535!
School is out, the sun is shining, and the Soldiers of 535 are as busy as ever.
As you may know, we are training hard to get ready to assume a new mission in sup-
port of Operation Enduring Freedom. Although we are still a Construction Company,
the Army has tasked us with supporting Route Clearance Operations. We are still
training on construction, but we are also doing Route Clearance tasks. Because we
are doing Route Clearance, we have collapsed the platoons and created two super
platoons. 1st Platoon is led by 1LT Puddicombe and SFC Speelman. 2nd Platoon is led
by 1LT Jung and SFC Rodriguez.
Of course, we have had several personnel moves. CPT Raisl has moved on
to work wonders in the S-3 shop. 1LT Hensley has taken over as the XO. SFC Carter
has taken over the Company Operations Section. SSG Marshall has moved to be a
Squad Leader in 1st Platoon. 2LT Harkess will be in charge of the Intelligence Sec-
tion.
Thank you to all the spouses and families for your support while we were in
the field. Strong support while we are away makes a huge difference. A special thank
you to the ladies who had delicious cupcakes waiting for us when we returned.
535th The Cutting Edge535th The Cutting Edge535th The Cutting Edge
Soldiers participating in the icebreaker at the June FRG Meeting.
1SGs Corner,
Hello all. My name is Martin Moore the new First Sergeant for 535. I’m coming from 3rd Sustainment Command
Expeditionary, Ft Knox, Kentucky. I’m originally from Elizabeth Town, Kentucky and this is my first time serving in
Europe. I’m really excited to be here in Bamberg and I heard this is the best post in Europe and from what I have seen the
rumors are right. Everyone here has been friendly and helpful while I have been getting settled in and the unit is moti-
vated.
I’ve been in the Army for over 21 years and I have had a lot of experience with Soldiers and their Families. I believe in strict
standards and hard training so everyone will come back from deployment. I am, however, approachable and anyone
wanting to talk about anything is welcome and my door is always open. I look forward to meeting all the families so I can
learn more about my new Soldiers. If you see me around please say hi.
FRG CalendarFRG CalendarFRG Calendar
July 2 – BN Organization
Day
July 3-16 – Block Leave
July 4 – Independence
Day Fundraiser
July 16 – Spouse Lunch
July 20 – FRG Meeting
end of July – August –
Training in Hohenfels
and Grafenwoehr
August 3 – FRG Meeting
September 14 – FRG
Meeting
P a g e 1 1
I have some things to talk about that
has happened since I have been here which I
think is worth mentioning. First I want to let
you know that PFC Kurtis Weaver, PFC Greg-
ory Mosser, and PFC Ruban Lopez have earned
the coveted Air Assault Badge from Air Assault
School known as the ―10 toughest day in the
Army‖. Also, PFC Gregory Mosser represented
the 54th Engineer Battalion at the Brigade Sol-
dier of the Quarter Board where he achieved
second place among the best Soldiers in the
brigade. Sergeant Pedro Barbosa won the Bat-
talion NCO of the Month Board and is prepar-
ing to win the NCO of the Quarter Board. Ser-
geant Kevin Reed completed the Warrior
Leader Course securing his place in the NCO
Crop. Finally PV2 James Hogan earned the
very hard to get Expert Field Medical Badge.
The achievement is very notable because less
than 20 percent of competitors earn this medi-
cal badge. The participants are evaluated on
over 20 medical tasks and cannot make any
mistakes and as a PV2 (with less than a year in
the Army) he is definitely setting the standard
for all his peers.
More events are yet to be planned for this quarter, so make sure you are on the FRG email list to receive our updates. (Email [email protected] to get on the list.)
FRG Section:
April, May, and June have passed
since the last newsletter. We did our best, and
hopefully succeeded, to have an eventful quar-
ter. We had social get-togethers, fundraisers,
and some combined family and Soldier activi-
ties. While the company was in the field for
three weeks in May, we started Playdates and
Spouse Walks. The Playdates were a hit, so
we’re trying to continue them once a month.
My favorite activity this quarter was
the Adventure Day Barbecue the beginning of
May. The Soldiers spent the morning golfing
or doing an urban land navigation course
downtown, then Soldiers and families met up
at the golf course for a barbecue. The weather
wasn’t the greatest, but it was enjoyable to
have free hamburgers and chat with other
people in 535th.
As always, we appreciate your sup-
port during fundraisers. Our last fundraiser
alone raised almost $200. This could not be
done without the amazing spouses who bake
and the hungry Soldiers who choose to buy
our food. We’re hoping to get a trip planned
with the money we’ve raised.
Jessica Holley laughs at an idea while trying to come up with things you can make with a coat hanger (icebreaker).
Teams participate in an icebreaker
P a g e 1 2
541st Outlaw Round up541st Outlaw Round up541st Outlaw Round up
P a g e 1 3
1st Platoon:
The second quarter of this year has been a busy one for 1st Platoon. We started the quarter
off with a strong performance in Dagger Strike I. Our two squads (SQD) went out and had
a couple of the best times on the X-Mile Ruck March. The Squad STX Lanes were no dif-
ferent, with SSG Jones and SGT Gire leading the way, both of 1st PLTs squads had excel-
lent scores throughout the exercise. In the end all of our Soldiers gained a better under-
standing of the engineer tasks that they need to know in order to be prepared for future
4th of July fundraiser
1215 to 1430 at Pendleton
Field.
Ladies Night July 17th
1630 to 2130—Dinner
and a movie!
FRG Meeting July 22nd
1800 @ YRR
FRG Meeting August
19th 1800 @ YRR
541st Soldiers participating in the X mile ruck march during Dagger Strike I
FRG CalendarFRG CalendarFRG Calendar
Once Dagger Strike I was over the platoon moved into services. Over a two week period our Soldiers worked with mainte-
nance personnel to find and fix deficiencies in all of the platoon’s equipment to include everything from our M113 to our
personal weapons. Next the platoon went to Grafenwoehr for Dagger Strike II, from 11 May 2010 to 27 May 2010. Through-
out those two and a half weeks 1st PLT ran through several route clearance missions, and for most of them without the
squad leader who were at Advanced Leader Course (ALC). So without the squad leaders, all the team leaders stepped up and
performed admirably in their place. CPL Joseph and CLP Webster both took control of 1st SQD while SPC Salt and SPC Tho-
mas took lead of 2nd SQD. All the team leaders quickly took control and performed above and beyond their positions all get-
ting AAMs for the effort they gave. Also while at Dagger Strike II 1st platoon went through some gunnery ranges. Several
Soldiers qualified expert on the M240B, M2, Mk19, and the M16/M4
Since 1st platoon’s returned from Dagger Strike II we have had many new faces in our formation. We would like to welcome
all those new Soldiers and their families to Bamberg and the 541st Sapper Company.
Also the Soldiers have all been busy going to and preparing for several classes including Drivers Training and R2C2, as well
as pulling QRF duties as the platoon moves into the third quarter we will continue to train hard and prepare ourselves for
our next deployment.
P a g e 1 4
3rd Platoon:
During the last several months, 3rd Platoon has
again put forth maximum effort into all of the
company’s training events and has come out
stronger and more prepared for deployment.
We would first like to welcome new Soldiers
and their families to our team - SGT Malone,
SSG (P) Alekseiunas (the new Platoon Ser-
geant), SPC Olivares, PV2 Burley, and PVT
Herbert. These new Soldiers will greatly aid
the Platoon for the train-up and deploy-
ment.3rd Platoon had two squads participate in
Dagger Strike I, which focused primarily on
squad cohesion, infantry tactics, and route
clearance. The 72-hour exercise tested the
mettle of every Soldier, as they were tested
both physically and mentally. Our squads took
1st and 3rd places on the X-Mile Ruck March
lane, arguably the most difficult of the entire
competition. Every Soldier came out of the
rotation more in tune with engineer tasks and
each squad discovered just how effective a
small unit can be when working and progress-
ing as a team.
Following Dagger Strike I, the
Platoon had a brief rest period before
Dagger Strike II began in early May. The
main goal of Dagger Strike II was to build
upon the skills and teamwork developed
during Dagger Strike I and use it in a Pla-
toon setting. The entire battalion de-
ployed to the Joint Multinational Readi-
ness Center at Grafenwoehr for approxi-
mately two and a half weeks. The battal-
ion rear-detachment functioned for the
first time, simulating a real deployment.
The Graf missions were intended to mir-
ror missions in Afghanistan, with realistic
reporting procedures, convoy briefings,
and debriefs following each mission.
Some of these missions focused on route
clearance and building clearance tactics,
two skills that the Platoon will need for
the upcoming deployment. We also par-
ticipated in a number of ranges and
honed our individual weapon skills.
Above: 541st qualifying on the M240B machine gun Below: 541st Outlaw
climbing giant ladder on the confidence course during Dagger strike I.
Overall, after spending weeks together in close proximity and learning each others’ strengths and weaknesses, 3rd Platoon came out
of Dagger Strike II as a much more effective unit.
We are looking forward to summer block leave so we can tour Europe and visit our families back in the US. We have another long
training event for most of August, so enjoy summer while it lasts!
P a g e 1 5
Sunday
Catholic Mass 0900 [Chapel] Lutheran 0900 [Family Life Center]
Protestant 1100 [Chapel] C.O.G.I.C 1245 [Chapel]
Free Gospel 1500 [Chapel]
Tuesday
Catholic Mass 1130 [Chapel] Catholic Congregation Night 1800
[Chapel]
Friday
Catholic Mass 1200 [Chapel]C.O.G.I.C. 2000 [Chapel]
When God said of Adam and Eve, ―The two shall become one flesh,‖ he was not speaking only of physical oneness. In marriage, all of life is to be shared, and communication is the vehicle by which we attain this kind of intimacy. If we don’t feel that oneness with our spouse maybe we aren’t communicating with them the way we ought to be. We cannot read each other’s minds. If your spouse is to know your thoughts, feelings, and desires, then you have to communicate them. A marriage without communication is like probing in a minefield...sooner or later something blows up. This communication is vital to married couples as well as those dating, join us in the upcoming couples and singles seminars in learning how to understand yourself and your loved one and communicate that love more effectively.
Chaplain’s CornerChaplain’s CornerChaplain’s Corner
Sunday 0800 Catholic [High School] 1030 C.O.G.I.C. [High School] 1330 Free Gospel [Chapel] 1630 Protestant (AWANA) [Chapel and HS] Tuesday 0930 Catholic Women of the [Chapel] 1900 C.O.G.I.C. Bible Study [Chapel] Wednesday 0700 High School Bible Study (Breakfast Included) [Family Life Classroom] 0900 PWOC Protestant Women of the Chapel [Chapel] 0900 Spanish PWOC “The Power of a Positive Spouse” [Chapel Activity RM] 1500 Middle School Bible Study [Family Life Classroom] 1900 Protestant Bible Study [Chapel] Thursday 1130 Protestant Men of the Chapel (Free Lunch Provided) [Chapel] 1500 Middle School Club Beyond [JFK Gym] 1730 High School Club Beyond [JFK Gym] 1800 Protestant Men’s Bible Study [Chapel] 1900 Gospel Bible Study Friday (1830 Dinner) 1945 Christian Bible Study [Bamberg Hospitality House]
Religious Education
54th En Bn UMT
CH Robinson
PFC Vines
469-8467
469-8701
54th ENGINEER BATTALION Marriage Enrichment Seminar
Edelweiss Lodge and Resort
POC: PFC Vines- DSN:469-846754th Chaplain’s Assistant
Food, lodging , transportation and child care provided
Limited rooms available contact the
BN UMT to sign up
Worship
P a g e 1 6
FRSAFRSAFRSA
Hello!
I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is AJ Hashimoto. I am the Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA) for 54th Engineer Battal-ion. As the role of FRSA is relatively new to the Army, I’d like to take a moment to give a brief overview of how the FRSA can support the unit and the FRG:
The Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA) is a recently established position in the family readiness support structure. This position represents a new concept for the Army in Europe that is being met with high regard and appreciation.
Army leaders understand the importance of the FRG and how “taking care of families” affects mission readiness. When FRG leaders were asked what would make their job easier, the overwhelming response was more help. Because so many military spouses are working, recruiting volunteers to help FRG leaders is difficult. With the idea of “changing dynamics” in mind, the concept of a paid assistant position was created. The FRSA’s main duty is to provide the com-mander or RDC, the Family Readiness Liaison (FRL), and FRG leader with administrative assistance in support of family readiness programs and activities. FRSAs also work closely with community resource agencies to provide appropriate referrals for the commander, Rear Detachment Commander (RDC), FRL, FRG leader, and family members.
While the primary responsibility of FRSAs is to provide assistance to the commander or RDC and FRG leader, they are also available to help families and Soldiers within the scope of their position description. The FRSA should be thought of as an extension of the FRL and FRG leader. This position was not es-tablished to take over FRL or FRG leader responsibilities, but to provide assistance, information, referrals, and follow-up on all areas of family programs. FRSAs are to help develop and distribute unit newsletters, announcements, and flyers. FRSAs will also ensure telephone trees, e-mail trees, or both are estab-lished, kept up-to-date, and used so that family members can be contacted in a timely manner. The FRSA can help with completing volunteer forms and with family readiness planning and training, and serves as a POC for referrals to community agencies.
The FRSA position, when used properly, will strengthen the FRG.
I’m excited to be a part of the 54th Engineer Battalion Family and I enjoy immensely working with your FRGs. If you have any questions or would like to stop by, my office is located in the Soldier service center building. You can reach me via email at: [email protected] or telephone DSN 469-9311/Cell Phone 01622733288.
Check out our battalion facebook page, just search 54th-Engineer
-Battalion in the facebook search engine and become a fan!
Want to learn more about
USAG Bamberg and the Army?
Sign up for Army Family Team
building classes through the
ACS. Fun, informative classes
with free childcare! Call me to
find out more!
PEP—People encouraging people is a program pre-
sented by the Army Volunteer Coordinator at USAG Bamberg. It’s 5
days of fun, learning and the best part shopping. Free childcare is
provided and it’s a wonderful way to get acquainted with fellow
spouses and the USAG Bamberg community. For more information
call Kimberly Millner at the ACS 0951-300-7777.
PEP
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