3/16 Swarmer Update
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March 16, 2006
3/16 Operation Swarmer
You may want to check your sites and watch the news. Operation Swarmer was launched this morning. This is the largest AirAssualt since the begining of the war. I will try and update as it continues.
God's speed to our boy's!
December 19, 2004
The Lightning Bolt- December 2004
Team Lightning Family,
Happy holidays, Happy Hanukah, Noel, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!!!! It has been a most eventful 2004 for all of us. I, again, want tot personally than you all for the sacrifices that you and your families have made in support of our mission here; we could not have been as successful as we have been without your unending commitments. As we prepare to transition our sector to the incoming unit, we will continue to provide security and stability for the good people of Iraq in the northern portion of the Brigade Combat Team sector until we depart the Iraqi Theater of Operation. We will not be moving to another FOB or city, we will stay here at FOB Summerall; that is a good thing for all of us. Some will move out of their current living areas to make room for the inbound unit, but this is better than doing the “duffle bag drag” somewhere else. We are on glide path to be home on time!!!!! Let us not forget that our mission successes have not come without our own losses to the Lightning family; our fallen comrades will never be forgotten!!
All TF Lightning Soldiers had the opportunity to take R&R and that is great news!! You all earned it and I hope the short visit was bountiful for you all!! Your efforts continue to amaze me and CSM Sanders…. the Schweinfut team has led from the front and set the standard in everything you have done, and we all thank you for all that you have done!!! It was nice to receive the report that the battalion Christmas party was a huge success, again showing the commitment and dedication to those that have been so dedicated to supporting us…. well done, “Dragons!!”
Over the past month, we continued our aggressive offensive operations while simultaneously preparing for the upcoming Iraqi elections in January. In November, the enemy has paid a high cost during our several contacts…. and will continue to do so until we re-deploy. You should have recently read about some of these successes in the Stars and Stripes, as we had an embedded reporter with us for a week. Our area of focus for the remainder of our time here continues to be equipping and train the Iraqi National Police and Iraqi National Guard and setting the conditions for the elections. We will conduct our Transition of Authority to the inbound unit of 3 Jan 05 and well will begin our re-deployment operations by mid-February. Some personnel (around 10-15) will deploy as part of our advance party and assist the rear detachment in preparing for our return home. The rear detachment will remain in charge until the battalion returns from block/max leave in early April. Understand that all Soldiers will have the opportunity to take 30 days leave upon our re-deployment…however; some Soldiers will not have that many days accumulated (accrued). I can authorize up to 14 days additional leave, but this will be on a case by case basis.
This time of the year is the hardest on families…. when loved ones are deployed….know that you are all in our daily thoughts and we will be home soon!! Enjoy the holiday season as much as possible, knowing that your loved ones are making a difference here in Iraq. The entire First Lightning team wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!!! Your fighting veterans are incredibly thankful for all of your love and support. You make us extraordinarily proud and we strive to do the same for you each and everyday until we return home. Thank you for all that you do everyday!! God bless you and the United States of America!!! All gave some, but some gave all!!!
LTC Kyle M. McClelland- Commander, Task Force 1-7
Lightning 7 comments…
Hello First Lightning Families,
This is the season that families usually spend together; it’s hard to celebrate knowing that our love ones are in harm’s way and far away, but we must stay strong and be thankful that we live in a country that affords us the freedoms we have. On Forward Operating Base Summerall we will spend Christmas as most days, at war. Here at Task Force 1-7 were going to try to slow down a bit for the next few weeks. Even though the break will be nice, our enemies are at large and Christmas will not be an exception. The KBR DFAC is preparing a great feast for everyone to enjoy. We will be busy but we will take a moment to give thanks and reflect on what this day truly means to us all. On behalf of the entire TF Lightning family we want to thank everyone for their support and sacrifices. We wish each and everyone a Happy Holiday season. God bless all of you and this great nation of ours.
P.S. below I attached what a typical Christian family does to celebrate Christmas in Iraq:
Christmas in Iraq
On Christmas Eve, Iraqi Christian families gather together and one of the children read about the birth of Jesus while other family members hold lighted candles. After the reading, a bonfire of thorn bushes is lit and everyone sings. If the thorns burn to ashes, good luck will be granted for the coming year. When the fire dies, each person jumps over the ashes three times and makes a wish.
On Christmas Day another bonfire is lit in the churchyard. The bishop, carrying a figure of the Baby Jesus leads the service. Afterwards he blesses one person with a touch. That person touches the person next to him or her and the touch is passed around until all present have felt the "touch of peace."
CSM Wayne L. Sanders / Lightning 7
Alpha Company Lightning Bolt Comments...
With November quickly passing us by with it’s now cold winds and cloudy skies, Alpha Company is beginning the planning process to redeploy all our Soldiers home. Simultaneously, we are staying focused on the mission at hand and celebrating the holidays! As you can imagine, every single one of us are working even harder to keep up with everything that needs to get done.
This month has also brought us an enemy that attempted an uprising throughout the entire country. We have seen more enemy activity in our sector this month than any before and we overcame this uprising at each and every turn. The Steel Knights defeated every insurgency act with devastating blows; overwhelmingly defeating them at every engagement. You can be proud of all the accomplishments your Soldiers have made to maintain a safe environment for the people of Iraq as well as destroying terrorists who can now no longer attempt attacks in the United States.
November has also brought the Company a new First Sergeant. 1SG Jacobs was selected to assume duties as First Sergeant for HHB DivArty. He will be greatly missed by all the Steel Knights and soon will be greatly appreciated by DivArty. 1SG Pryor, a prior “First Lightning” Soldier, comes to us from Hohenfels Combat Maneuver Training Center and replaced 1SG Jacobs on 29 November. Karen Jacobs however, will stay on as our wonderful FRG Leader until we redeploy and are on the ground in Germany. This will ensure there is no loss of information or communications during the Company’s last few months in Iraq. So a warm welcome to 1SG Anthony Pryor and his wife Stephanie and two children Jessica and Lukas and a heartfelt “Thank you” to Karen for her dedication to all the Steel Knight families.
In the last two months there have been some promotions and reenlistments that need to be recognized. Congratulations to the following Soldiers and their families for their achievements:
Promotions
PFC Kurtz to SPC Kurtz
PVT Kallie to PFC Kallie
SPC Foster to SGT Foster
CPL Fellows to SGT Fellows
PFC Sanders to SPC Sanders
Reenlistments
SSG Jesus Rivera
SSG Jason Bostic
SPC Darrel Elliot
SGT Marcus Vaughn
Lastly I would like to thank all the spouses and family members for their support of all our Steel Knight Soldiers. Your support is worth more than you will ever be able to imagine.
Respectfully,
CPT Deric Holbrook
1SG Anthony Pryor
Alpha Company Command Team
CHARLIE COMPANY COMMENTS...
Dear Cobra Family,
November has been a very fast paced month, similar to many of the other months that we have had here in Bayji, Iraq. The temperature has finally dropped off and very quickly too. Most of our soldiers have had to dig through the bags of snivel gear that we thought we’d never have to use. KBR had done a very good job at creating a festive atmosphere in the DFAC on Thanksgiving day and making it more than “just another day”. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies, crab legs, lobster tails, eggnog and sparkling grape juice. Our schedule didn’t let up at all but we at least got to take a few minutes and remember all that we are thankful for during the hour or so where we could get our minds off of being outside the wire while stuffing ourselves.
Our enemy is still here and still willing to fight but thanks to our great NCOs, platoon leaders and soldiers and their ability to take the fight to the enemy, we have suffered only a few casualties and killed many AIF and captured many of their weapons that would have been used against us in the future. Throughout all of the engagements and roadside bombs that we have encountered, thankfully, we have only suffered a few casualties. SSG Delaney, a Bradley Commander was wounded when a car drove up next to his Bradley and detonated. He is enroute back to Germany to receive some treatment for his arm but the good news is that he is expected to recover fully. His gunner and driver, SPC Jordan and PFC Najera, were also wounded but have returned back to the fight. One of our tankers, SPC Scott, also suffered a mild concussion after his tank ran over a mine but has also returned to duty.
On another note, we awarded many of our Cobras during the Veteran’s Day award ceremony. 1LT Walter, SSG Banuelos and SPC Wagasky received the ARCOM with “V” Device; and SGT Barton, SPC Aparicio, SPC McClean, and PFC Whitley were awarded the ARCOM. SPC Aparicio, SPC Guerzon, and PFC Dale were awarded the Combat Medical Badge as well for their service during this deployment.
By the middle of next month we should be able to meet our goal to send everybody back for R and R with only a few exceptions. For the most part our soldiers are doing well and they always continue to perform above our expectations. They continue to perform their missions despite the busy schedule that has kept us all working a lot of long hours. We despite the large amount of work we have been doing, we will be able to continue training to keep our skills sharp before we finally get to leave our temporary homes out in the desert.
We still do not know what the future holds for us after we leave Summerall, but we will be ready to do whatever mission we are given. We have been and will be busy as we prepare for the next unit to come and replace us. We will also ensure that every member of the Cobra Team makes it back safely to Schweinfurt and back to their loved ones. We appreciate your continued support and prayers.
Sincerely,
1LT James K. Starling
1SG Michael A. Grinston
HHB COMMENTS...
Hello Hurricane Family!
November has seen a significant rise in combat operations and enemy contacts for the Hurricanes, but we are happy to report that we have sustained no casualties this month. We have continued to conduct missions in support of the Task Force that involve all Hurricane Soldiers. Most recently our mechanics, communications personnel, and engineers took part in a Task Force mission by securing the Headquarters and conducting house-to-house patrols in town. Your donations to the kids of Iraq have continued to flow in and we actively distribute them whenever we have the opportunity. Our Iraqi National Guard Company discovered and seized a large IED cache this month. Our training with these fine Iraqi Soldiers has definitely made a great contribution to the security of Bayji and the surrounding area.
Special recognition goes out to our Sapper Platoon this month. They have faced more than their share of danger and close calls recently and have always come out on top. With the help of a couple of Apache helicopter pilots, the Sappers closed in on an enemy IED emplacement team and captured them with the goods in their car. They have found and destroyed over 30 mines and IEDs this month, and have consistently foiled the enemy's booby traps. The Sappers do the toughest job, and they do it well, they prevent the loss of life every day.
Congratulations to SFC Roberts, SFC Martin, SSG Weppelman, SSG Windle, SPC Ashman, SPC Cabreja, SPC Johnson, William, SPC Brown, Derek, SPC Larosa, SPC Jeadrick, SPC Bandy, SPC Rodriguez, and SPC Guerzon for their promotions over the last two months. The following soldiers each received the Task Force "Play of the Week" award in recognition of their exceptionally hard work and dedication during this operation: SGT Camacho (S2), SGT Flores, Anthony (Medics), PFC Odom (Mechanics), CPL Meerman (Mortars), SPC Williams (Mortars), SGT Diaz (Mortars), SSG Hodge (Sappers), SPC Taylor (Sapper Medic), and SPC Gross (Sappers). We also had the pleasure of reenlisting SGT Webb, SPC Tingue, and SGT Dixon. SPC Luis Santiago, our Chaplain's Assistant has been accepted into the Army Chaplain Candidate program. Within two months he will be promoted to 2LT and train to become an army Chaplain. We are very proud of him and he is absolutely deserving of this promotion and position.
All Hurricane soldiers who arrived with the main body have now taken R&R or are scheduled to before redeployment, the program has been excellent for our soldiers and families and we are pleased that it has been so successful. Thank you to all the families, friends, and our dedicated FRG for giving each of our soldiers the support they need to continue this mission. Please keep the mail, packages, emails, phone calls, and pictures coming, as we enter the final stages of this mission. Our unit has performed remarkably and it is a credit to the Soldiers, family members, and supporters alike.
Ride the Storm!! HURRICANES!
BRIAN D. VAUGHAN
CPT, FA
Commanding
HOWARD C. PATRICK
1SG, USA
First Sergeant
SVC BATTERY COMMENTS...
To The Serpent Family,
While things are heating up in preparation to receive our incoming unit the temperature is getting much cooler. Yes, the sweltering days of 120 degree temps are long gone as our great soldiers gear up for cooler weather. Snow, well not quite, but we have been breaking out the parkas, gloves, and scarves around the FOB as daily highs reach about 58 degrees and the nights are reminiscent of our weather in Germany. But we are hanging in there. After the longest summer of extreme heat we are receiving the change in climate with open arms.
The cold weather is not all that is new to us here in Bayji as we are beginning to see members of the 42 Infantry Division in the Dining Facility, checking out our living conditions and Morale and Welfare Centers. The members of 42nd are not really excited to have arrived here but have been impressed with the amount of work our unit has done and continues to do. In the past month we have constructed a memorial wall, improved living areas while continuing to maintain our mission as THE unit to go to for all of your logistics wants and needs.
Our Serpent family continues to do great things here in Iraq raising over $3,000 for the Combined Federal Campaign and donating over $130 for the 1st Infantry Division Memorial Fund. Specialist Valledarres was recognized by the Brigade Commander for his efforts in the month of October as the go to guy for our maintenance program and we are 98% complete on our R and R rotation….Go Serpents!
As time progresses into the last quarter of our deployment our soldiers are getting anxious to return home to loved ones and the comforts of living in Europe. With the holidays just around the corner we want to thank you all for the support you have given through the last ten months from both the family readiness group and independent contributors. To all of the families and supporters of Service Battery and Task Force 1-7 we salute you.
Sincerely,
CHRISTOPHER A. WASHINGTON
CPT, FA
Commanding
MARVIN C. CROMARTIE
1SG,USA
First Sergeant
DELTA BATTERY COMMENTS...
Recently four of our outstanding Family Readiness Group Leaders were recognized at Division forum for their contributions to the battalion, community, and division during the deployment. Mrs. Karen Jacobs (A BTRY), Mrs. Hope Rodgers (B BTRY), Mrs. Jo Williams (C BTRY), and Mrs. Kim Washington (SVC BTRY) have all done there part in making TF Lightning's deployment considerably better than it would have been without them. Each, in there own way, has made life for Delta Battery easier, as well. Congratulations to each of you and thank you for all of your hard work.
Congratulations to SSG Hernandez (again). Recently, SSG Hernandez competed to become a member of the Sergeant Morales Club. SSG Hernandez excelled in his performance at both the division and corps boards. In fact, SSG Hernandez was the only Soldier within the 1st Infantry Division to win induction.
1SG Ebbs and I would also like to congratulate SSG Boateng on his recent reenlistment. Reenlisting SSG Boateng was a privilege. He has been a member of Delta Battery since we stood up on 01 October 03. His hard work and professionalism makes 1SG Ebbs and my life easier every day. He is truly one of the best PAC NCOs that I have ever worked with. SSG Boateng, thank you for staying with the Army and TF Lightning.
November and the first half of December has been busy. We have continued to install furniture in the battery offices, fix furniture in the Soldiers rooms, and prepare the battalion area for the redeployment. During the remainder of December, we will continue to plan for the redeployment process. Families will have their part in planning as well. I encourage all spouses to attend their FRG's Reunion brief. The Reunion brief will be similar in nature to the briefs at the Christmas Party; however, the speakers will go into more detail and facilitate a group discussion about expectations. Our Soldiers in Iraq will receive similar briefings. Briefing dates are:
A BTRY 29 JAN 05 at 1300 in the Battalion Conference Room
HHB 01 FEB 05 at 1800 in the Battalion Conference Room
C BTRY 02 FEB 05 at 1730 in the Battalion Conference Room
SVC BTRY 03 FEB 05 at 1800 in the Battalion Conference Room
B BTRY To Be Determined
For those who cannot make the FRG briefings, there will be two community-wide briefings on 04 and 05 February at 1000 in the Ledward Theater. Again, I highly encourage everyone to take advantage of the briefing. Contact your FRG Leader or FRL if you have questions.
As always, we are here to support the unit forward and its most precious resource, the families. Our phone number is 09721-96-6484 (from the German economy), 011-49-9721-96-6484 (from the United States), or 354-6484 (DSN).
Dragons!
MATTHEW LENNOX
CPT, FA
Commanding
W. LEE EBBS
1SG, USA
First Sergeant
BRAVO BATTERY COMMENTS...
Hello friends and family of Bravo Battery! It has been another successful month here in Iraq, and as the November chill sets in and winter draws upon us, it could only mean one thing; it’s almost time to return home! It has been another hectic month here in Iraq for a triumvirate of reasons. First, the Battery has tackled head first the lengthy twelve step training process known as “Table XII”. Secondly, our combat missions have increased in support of troops across the brigade. Finally, November has been a successful month in sending back many Bulls home to their friends and family on much needed and well-deserved R&R.
The Battery welcomes SPC Jonathan Benton, SPC Charles Boyd, PFC Marcus Beilby to 2nd Platoons FDC. SPC Benton joins us from HHB and PFC Beilby is a new addition to the Army family. SPC Vanderbilt, SPC Yarbrough, SGT Johnson, SGT Hinson, SPC Davis, PVT Martinez, 1SG Carter and SFC Hibley return to us from hard earned R&R to FOB Remagen. FOB Paliwoda returned PFC Thomas, SSG Schuler, CPL Postnikov, SPC Dia, SPC Villadiego, SPC Ferrell and SSG Pincay from their R&R vacations. Their skills and leadership were missed here in Iraq, and all soldiers have hit the ground running, never missing a beat, and helping Bravo Battery carry out its wartime mission. 98% of the Battery’s soldiers have taken R&R and by the end of December, we will have reached our goal of 100%.
The Battery continues on with its important and critical wartime mission to provide on call fires throughout its sector. For the month of November, 1st Platoon fired over twenty missions in support of Task Force 1-77 and 1-4 Cavalry, protecting thousands of soldiers on LSA Anaconda, FOB Paliwoda, and FOB McKenzie from enemy mortar and rocket attacks. 1st Platoon gun sections were on standby every night, firing over twenty rounds of illumination for troops in contact and in support of Task Force raids. Team Bull also kept FOB Paliwoda safe during a spate of VBIEDs throughout the 2 BCT area of operations, protecting the FOB entrance and performing daily random anti-terrorist measures. 2nd Platoon underwent the lengthy Tables I-XI, all while maintaining 100% firing capabilities. Firing numerous counter battery operations in the sector during the intensive Ramadan holiday, during which AIF forces redoubled their efforts to disrupt our mission. As a reward for our participation for the defense of our sector and our quick response times, LTC McClelland visited the FOB to hand out “Lucky 7” coins to members of each section.
SSG Ralph Laughlin was singled out, along with his maintenance team for their particularly hard work. FOB Remagen also enjoyed a visit from BG Morgan, as he talked to the soldiers about their commendable job well done. Thanksgiving Day without the families was hard on everyone, however the DFAC put on an excellent meal for all to enjoy, complete with turkey, ham, pumpkin pie and all of the stuffing and fixins.
Once again, Bravo Battery soldiers have performed well, not only on the battlefield, but also on the promotion boards. . Bravo Battery soldiers are working hard, and are being lovingly supported by our families in the rear. This is an equation for success. In 2nd Platoon, SSG Mendez Frith, SSG Jose Guzman, SGT Gabriel Norton, and SPC William Haney and SPC Samuel Emard all re-enlisted to stay Army. SPC Itliong was promoted to SGT, and SPC(P) Gressly passed the TF 9E promotion board; as well as winning Soldier of the Quarter. SPC Gressly and SPC Brealey represented Bravo Battery in the TF 9E Soldier of the Year, placing a close 3rd and 4th within the entire Task Force. SGT Belt, SGT Gregory and SSG Perez competed for NCO of the year, with SGT Gregory placing 2nd overall. SGT Gregory passed the E6 promotion board, and will become SSG Gregory on 01DEC04. PFC Obiaka was promoted to SPC Obiaka, PVT Martinez was promoted to PV2 Martinez and our newest soldier PV2 Bielby was rewarded for his hard effort and work with a promotion to PFC. 1st Platoon’s tactical success was mirrored by numerous personal achievements. SPC Kuhlke and SGT Gorrell successfully passed the 1-77 promotion board, while PFC Moise Yansene earned a promotion to SPC. SPC Brooks, SPC Dia, and SSG Savage all decided to reenlist to take advantage of the Army’s career options. SPC Cook, SPC Looft, SPC Merkle, SPC Coble and SPC Hilburn all opted to extend their tour with the Big Red One. On Thanksgiving Day, fellow artilleryman Assistant Division Commander Brigadier General Morgan specifically singled out Team Bull, talking to the soldiers, passing out coins and recognizing their tremendous achievements and dogged perseverance over the course of the deployment.
In closing, we would like to thank the FRG and the wives and loved ones of the Battery for all that you do. Your effort is one of the most unheralded aspects of the wartime effort. Your love and support through phone conversations; e-mail’s and mail have provided the soldiers in this battery enough positive reinforcement and morale to last a lifetime. You are with us in our thoughts and our prayers every day, especially so during this Holiday Season. God speed to each of you, and continue to keep the Bulls in your prayers. Ragin’ Bulls! And Happy Holidays!
ERIC GRAHAM
CPT, FA
Commanding
November 12, 2004
The Lightning Bolt - Nov 04
Team Lightning Family,
It was absolutely wonderful to return to Schweinfurt and the Dragons of Delta Battery last month. I enjoyed meeting with you and sharing our incredible accomplishments here in Iraq. There is certainly a tremendous value to the R&R program, as I can now personally attest! By the end of November we will be 87% complete and remain confident that our 100% objective will be met in December. I am so very proud of your undying support and performance as a community. The Brigade Rear Detachment Commander was just here on FOB Summerall and commended the superior performance of your D/1-7 command team. Through your willingness to support one another you enhance our success here in theater.
Over the past month we have continued offensive operations while simultaneously preparing for the upcoming Iraqi elections in January. Establishing a secure, democratic environment is certainly our Army’s future ticket out of Iraq, so we work diligently towards this goal each day. My area of focus for the remainder of our time here is to properly equip and train the Iraqi National Police and Iraqi National Guard. They are our First Lightning legacy. Over the past month I have signed over 400 awards recognizing our Soldiers for their tremendous efforts towards mission success and providing a lasting security for the Iraqi people.
The First Lightning family suffered another tremendous loss on 6 October. SPC Morgen Nathaniel Jacobs was killed in action as the result of an IED while on patrol with the “Outlaw” platoon in A/1-7. This young American from California was an outstanding Soldier who set the standard for his brothers in arms. We will forever remember his ultimate sacrifice and dedicate ourselves to accomplishing this mission that he believed in so greatly.
During this month I hope you will take time to honor Veteran’s Day, 11 November, with a new found respect as your loved one is now a part of America’s proud history of revered veterans. I also wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving. Amidst this time of hardship we all have much to be thankful for. My favorite example is that of SPC John Pirinelli from C/1-7. Nearly mortally wounded, he continues to recover in Washington D.C.as the proud father of John Louis Pirinelli who was born only a week ago. We all wish him and Katrin God speed and the best of luck as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Our fighting veterans are incredibly thankful for all of your love and support. You make us extraordinarily proud and we strive to do the same for you each and every day until we return home. All gave some, but some gave all!!
LTC Kyle M. McClelland—Commander, Task Force 1-7
Lightning 7 Comments…
Hello Task Force Lightning Family,
With Halloween soon over and the holiday season around the corner, this is the time to be thankful for what we have. Recently, a Task Force 1-7 Soldier and his family lost everything in a house fire. They are in need of money, cookware, and clothing (children; daughter 7 and son 3 years of age). Any donations can be dropped off at the TF 1-7 Headquarters staff duty desk. The point of contact is 1SG Ebbs.
30 Oct is the FOB Summerall Sports Day. We will have several individual and team event along with a KBR Barbecue. On 11 Nov we will have a Veteran's Day ceremony honoring all Soldiers past and present who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will also be dedicating a wall built in the Jones-Mallet Memorial Hall for all the Soldiers who passed away in Task Force 1-7 during OIF II. This wall will remain standing after our departure, symbolizing the courage of each one of our band of brothers. This ceremony will also include the dedication of the John J. Henry Fitness Center and the Morgan Jacobs Army Air Field.
As of November, we will have completed 87% of all the TF Soldiers for R&R and will finish up with everyone else by the middle of December. With the Christmas season upcoming, I encourage everyone who is planning on sending packages to do so early. This will help avoid problems with the unpredictable mail system. We are also having problems with our units Internet service. Soldiers are now forced to use the Internet cafe at the TOC location; this will mean a longer wait and lines. We are doing our best to correct this issue.
Again, I would like to thank all the families and loved ones for what they do. If it wasn't for your support and love, we could not complete our mission successfully. God bless all of you!!
Command Sergeant Major Wayne L. Sanders —CSM Task Force 1-7
Alpha Company Comments...
“Amazing”
“Amazing” is a word I use often when describing our operations here in Iraqand how Alpha Company is performing overall. I am truly amazed by all the hard work, undying dedication and positive motivation displayed by every Soldier in the Company. So many tasks and missions are completed here everyday by our Soldiers, Sergeants and Officers that it truly impresses me on a consistent basis. When work needs to be done, it is done. No one needs to be told to do something. Everyone knows what has to be done and does it. Maintenances on vehicles, physical training, administrative paperwork to keep Soldiers records correct, counseling’s, supply management, ordering parts for vehicles, and the list goes and on. This does not even account for the continuous missions that are executed by the Paladin platoon who operates 24 hours a day as well as for the Infantry and Armor platoons who operate in sector everyday to destroy our enemies while simultaneously providing stability and support to the people of Iraq. It is truly amazing.
Another example of the just how phenomenal our Soldiers are, was their professional response to another great loss the Company was dealt. On October 6, 2004, SPC Morgen Jacobs of our “Outlaws” Platoon, B/1-18 IN, was killed during an enemy ambush in the town of As Siniyah. The memorial service soon after was beautifully done and an honorable and deserving tribute to a true hero and a brother to all the Company. The entire Company displayed their amazing courage and incredible strength by paying their respects to another fallen comrade, for the second time in less than a month, then continuing their missions with the same vigor, tenacity, and honor they had for the last 7 months. Without question, the entire Company’s actions during this difficult time was indeed amazing and a true testament to Soldiers and Warriors everywhere.
Never before in my military career, or my life for that matter, have I seen the kind of pure determination and steadfast commitment to a mission Alpha Company displays every single day, under the harshest of conditions. Despite an unrelenting heat, sand storms, strenuous mental and emotional conditions, as well as the constant danger, these men stand tall and proud, always ready to continue the fight and complete their missions. For our 169 Soldiers, amazing sometimes does not accurately describe all that they are and everything they do.
We have not forgot however, the sacrifices of the families and the amazing work that all of you do on an daily basis. All the family members of our great Soldiers struggle everyday. You miss us, pray for us, weep for us and think of us everyday with little recognition for YOUR dedication to the same mission your men fight. Everyday the world continues to turn back in Germany and the United States. Children are still being raised, meals are still cooked, shopping is still done and bills are still being paid. For the past 7 months, one person now does all of the work previously done by two people. As we simultaneously fight the enemy and provide stability and support to the Iraqi people, you pray and care for us, while simultaneously providing stability and support to your own family. Everything you are doing there at home is again truly amazing.
I have tried to explain just how amazing this entire operation is, from the home front to the front lines. We all continue to sacrifice so much to defend the freedoms of people worldwide and establish freedoms for the people of Iraq. I want you all to know how proud First Sergeant and I are of every single Steel Knight, family member and warrior alike, and all that you do. We will continue to take the fight to the enemy and defeat them until the day we come home to the families we all have sacrificed so much for.
Respectfully,
CPT Deric Holbrook
1SG Roger Jacobs
BRAVO BATTERYCOMMENTS...
Greetings once again from Iraq! As usual, the Bulls have had another busy and successful month providing deadly and accurate fires for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team from FOB Remagen, FOB Paliwoda and FOB Brassfield-Mora. In addition, the battery is preparing to conduct Artillery platoon certifications and qualifications as we move closer to redeployment to Central Region. R&R is still in full swing and looks as if 100% of the soldiers will get a chance to participate.
First let me take this opportunity to congratulate the entire Bull family. We have been selected by DIVARTY to represent 1st Infantry Division for the Knox Award. The Chief of Field Artillery presents the Knox Award, named after the first Chief of Field Artillery, Major General Henry Knox, annually to the best battery. This is a total team effort that is being rewarded for the soldiers and families hard work and dedication. High standards were set and the Redlegs of the Bull battery stepped up and answered the call. Keep us in your prayers as we compete against batteries throughout the Army. Once again, congratulations and thank you all.
The battery continued its tradition of providing timely and accurate fires to the Dagger Brigade and 1-4 Cavalry. The battery provided Field Artillery fires in Operation Baton Rogue that was successful in regaining the ancient city of Samarra back from Anti Iraqi Forces. The Dagger Brigade recognized SSG Guzman, SPC Brown and SPC Alexander before and during the operation for their actions.
It was another great month for personal achievements for the battery. SPC Emard was promoted on the first of the month. SSG Guzman and SPC Alexander both received the Army Commendation Medal and the Task Force 9th Engineer Commander recognized SPC Brown as the Hero of the day for Operation Baton Rogue. In addition, the TF 9E Commander recognized SSG Laughlin and SPC Haney as Heroes of the Day. CPL Postnikov and SPC Brealey won the TF 1-77 and TF 9E NCO and soldier of the month boards, respectively. SPC Gressley also won the Soldier of the Quarter. SSG Pincay, SSG Perez, SGT Belt and SGT Gregory will represent the battery for the NCO of the year award and SPC Brealey, Gressley, Postnikov and Helwig will represent Bull for the Soldier of the year. SPC Brealey participated in the Army Ten Miler on FOB Speicher and placed 3rd in his age group (18-25) with a time of 1:07:12.
The Battery has also been able to retain some quality soldiers to stay on the Army team. SGT Delarosa re-enlisted for 4 years for duty at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. CPL Hammond re-enlisted for 4 years for duty at Fort Riley, Kansas. SPC Brooks re-enlisted for 6 years and decided to stay with the Big Red One in Schweinfurt.
We have been fortunate enough to have additional solders join us in our fight. SPC Benton, SPC Boyd and PV2 Biebley, welcome aboard and we look forward to you being in the battery.
With the holiday season approaching, I beg of you to continue to be safe and to remember those that are less fortunate. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers and to remember the families and friends who have suffered losses throughout the year that they may be comforted. God bless!
Sincerely,
ERIC GRAHAM
CPT, FA
HAROLD J. CARTER
1SG, USA Commanding First Sergeant
CHARLIE COMPANY COMMENTS...
Dear Cobra Family,
Greetings from Snake Mountain! Summer is finally coming to an end, and although temperatures still range around 90 degrees it is much, much cooler. Your Cobras are doing an incredible job, both day and night, ensuring a secure environment in and around Bayji. October has been equally as busy here as the previous months, but that makes the time seem to go by faster. Hopefully many of you have already seen your loved one’s and friends as they cycle back for R&R. We are still on track to ensure each Cobra that came here on the initial deployment will get a well earned break for a couple of weeks.
This month started off with a great company BBQ and sports day. The day began with a promotion ceremony for a large amount of soldiers. Congratulations to SFC Shuck our much loved tank platoon sergeant on his promotion. Also SSG Delaney and SGT Evangelista both received deserving promotions. Finally, eight Cobras were promoted to Specialist and continue to excel within their separate platoons. After the promotions, we dined on burgers, steaks and a variety of extras while enjoying a brief break from missions. I just have to mention that the “Old Guys” (led by 1SG Grinston and myself) repeatedly demolished the “young guys” on the volleyball court 6 games in a row. Better luck next time youngsters! Another congratulations goes out to SPC Wagasky for winning the Battalion Soldier of the Month. We wish him luck as he represents the battalion at the Division Artillery competition. The month finished off with more great news when SFC Hardin, our Bradley platoon sergeant, and SFC Monegro found out they were selected to become Master Sergeants soon. Congratulations to those two fine NCO’s and future First Sergeants. Our own 1SG Grinston received one of the highest honors of a Non-Commissioned Officer can receive when he was selected for promotion to Sergeant Major. We are all extremely excited and happy for him and his family, knowing he will have much success!
Throughout the month we conducted daily operations within our sector providing stability and safety to both citizens and military. Our focus remains on the main highways keeping the routes clear, while at the same time keeping a presence in the city of Bayji. When school re-opened, our platoons made multiple trips to various schools in order to distribute school supplies to the kids. I want to personally thank all those who sent items for the kids. The Iraqi schools just barely get by, with so little, that each and every gift is greatly appreciated by the children.
The Cobra family has grown with the births of four babies. Congratulations to SSG Hernandez and SPC Pirinelli on the births of their son’s; and SPC Williams and SPC Lindstrom on the birth of their daughters. Our prayers and well wishes always go out to our injured Cobras and the families of our lost brothers. Unfortunately this month, Alpha Company lost another great soldier, SPC Jacobs, and our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family as well.
Finally, the Cobras want to send a special thank you to the Zangara family for their extreme generosity, and concern, with the shipment of over 20 care packages for the soldiers in the company. You are in our thoughts daily, and we pray Z continues to watch over us and keep us from harm. We all look forward to Spring as we enter our final season here in Iraq. Thank you all for your continued support, prayers, and love. You can be proud of each and every one of your Cobras for an incredible performance under the most extreme conditions.
COBRA STRIKE!!
CPT Michael K. Byard
1SG Michael A. Grinston
HHB COMMENTS...
It has been another busy month for the Hurricane Battery, here in Bayji, Iraq. We successfully participated in two task force level operations, as well as continuing to provide both logistical and command and control support of daily task force operations. Further, we continue to send our soldiers home, for much needed R&R leave and believe that we should be able to have one hundred percent of all soldiers complete before we redeploy to Germany.
Currently we are all busy making preparations for our replacements to arrive and our redeployment to Schweinfurt. At the same time, we are continuing our day-to-day operations, as well as training and equipping of the C/201st ING soldiers. Needless to say we are all staying very busy! Luckily, the extreme heat has gone away making it much more tolerable during the afternoon hours.
I would like to congratulate SSG Viera, one of our ING trainers, for his recent promotion to Staff Sergeant and commend him on a job well done. I would also like to recognize SPC Deleon of the battery supply section who recently took the oath of reenlistment in a ceremony at one of Saddam’s old palaces.
As always I would like to personally thank all of you for your continued support of all of us here and ask that you continue that support throughout the next few months until we all arrive safely home in Germany. Take care.
Ride the Storm!! HURRICANES!
BRIAN D. VAUGHAN
CPT, FA
HOWARD C. PATRICK
1SG, USA Commanding First Sergeant
SVC BATTERYCOMMENTS...
Can you believe it? It is November!! Time is indeed on our side!! As time continues to move quickly to destination unknown, Service Battery continues to perform a myriad of complex tasks every day to keep the task force logistically sufficient.
The battery has been receiving numerous care packages from various families and organizations. To name a couple I would like to thank Mr. Bill and Jan Guzman for all of the snacks, coffee and other various items their group have given to our soldiers for the past six months. I would also like to thank the USO in Schweinfurt and Stuttgart for the phone cards and stamps they have donated to our soldiers. These groups and families are true stewards to the soldiers’ morale and I really appreciate all they have done.
R&R has been in full motion for the past six months and at the end of this month we will be 100% on soldiers going on R&R!! This is another morale booster for the soldiers. It allowed the soldiers to download for a couple of weeks and enjoy themselves. Finally, they return refreshed; ready to finish the deployment.
As always there are a few newly soldiers in Service Battery. Congratulations goes to 4 newly promoted Specialists; SPC Bland, SPC Tyndall, SPC Lloyd and SPC Rogers. These soldiers have been simply outstanding throughout the deployment and I am confident that they will continue to do great things.
Before closing, on the next page PFC Justin Bigelow from the Headquarters Platoon wrote down a couple of words on what he thought about Iraq and how it has affected him; an article that will serve you just a taste of what and how soldiers think about Iraq. Again, I would like to again thank all families and friends for their never-ending support as Service Battery continue to do great things on a daily basis. SERPENTS!!
CHRISTOPHER A. WASHINGTON
CPT, FA
MARVIN C. CROMARTIE
1SG, USA Commanding First Sergeant
Could Iraq possibly be the worst place on the face of the earth? It is by far the worst place I’ve ever been. There are many things that I could lament about, the weather, the obscene amount of details and work that is expected out of such a small amount of soldiers, the seemingly distant objective of our main mission. These are all things that every soldier has complained about in some fashion at one time or another. But, I think that looking back over the last eight months that I’ve spent here, I can consider this deployment a positive experience.
It’s surprising what you learn about a person when you spend two hours with them in a mortar pit at 0100. I was on a mission, attached to a unit for a two-week rotation. This place was tiny, in an area that wasn’t exactly considered friendly. My buddy and I had been working all day with details and our normal duties. We were trying to relax and unwind before hitting the cot. At about 2400 hours, the first mortar hit. It was a ways off, and no one really jumped or thought much of it. NO follow up explosions, so we went back tour business. At almost exactly 0100, another round impacts, this one about 200 meters from the tent compound. So we all scramble into the mortar pits my buddy and I just sitting back to watch the mortar guys do their thing. Two hours later, we’re still sitting there. But by this time, we’ve smoked through a pack and a half of cigarettes and swapped more stories about back home than either of us thought we knew. I always considered this guy a buddy, as things go, but I realized that I knew practically nothing about this guy before then. And you’ve got to consider this learning experience happened in a 5 foot by 5 foot hole, filled with the noise of mortar and tank rounds been fired.
The bond that is shared by people that have been shot at together. Driving down the road, I’m on a patrol to drop off vehicles to another Base. We get within five miles of our objective and the enemy pops up out of nowhere. There were rounds flying everywhere, rockets flying back and forth across the road, and the radio squawking like crazy from the other trucks yelling which way to shoot back. Of course, it didn’t help that it was my second day as a gun truck driver either. We all make it through unscathed and even take out one of the attackers. After we arrive at the Base, we immediately begin discussing the ambush, of course. Within minutes the truth is so much watered down soda. Jokes start flying about how I reacted, which in retrospect was pretty funny. It will suffice to say my nickname became “Turtle.” But even now, four months later, if it’s brought up around any of us that were there, you see a gaze in the eyes. And we understand, it’s the “We made it. We could have died, but we made it” look. After this rotation, some of us may never see each other again, but we will have the bond of facing death, and staring at it until it blinked.
PFC Justin Bigelow
DELTA BATTERY COMMENTS...
October was another great month for the Dragon Battery. We continued to support the unit forward, take care of our families and the community, and even found time for partnership events with our host nation’s military. Early in the month, ten Dragons went to Hammelburg to participate in a German small arms range. Our Soldiers were able to shoot some of the German weapons, and the German soldiers were able to shoot our M16s. All of the Soldiers that participated thought it was a worthwhile event. Later in the month, another 5 Soldiers went to another German range to earn the German proficiency badge for marksmanship, the Schutzenschnur. All five earned the right to wear the badge on their Class A uniforms. Finally, six Dragons went to participate in the German Infantry School’s annual biathlon. The event consisted of a six-kilometer run with two rifle ranges thrown into the mix. At each range, the contestants had to shoot five rounds at a fifty-meter target, with a .22 competition-style rifle. For every shot the contestants missed, they had to run an additional 100 meters. Each team consisted of three members that ran one at a time. Delta Battery
had two of the First Infantry Division’s four teams. Needless to say, we took the top two spots among the Division…and 1-4 CAV lost their bet with 1SG Ebbs.
1SG Ebbs and I would like to congratulate a few folks for their accomplishments during the month of October. SGT Mitchell reenlisted during the month of October and also elected to stay in 1-7 FA for a couple of years. SSG Genaro and Leiby Hernandez had a baby boy, Genaro Jr, on 20 October. Additionally, SSG Hernandez and SSG Brown were the only two Soldiers selected from the First Infantry Division to go to the Corps Sergeant Morales Board, on 16 November. Finally, SGT Crooks made the leap to SSG. LTC McClelland promoted SSG Crooks while he was on R&R in early October.
There are a couple of family oriented events rapidly approaching. The first event is the Thanksgiving Dinner in the 1-18 IN Dining Facility, on Conn.The Delta Battery Leadership will be serving food to 1-7 FA families on Thanksgiving, from 1:30 PM
to 2:30 PM
. Finally, on 09 December, Delta Battery will host a Reintegration Briefing, a buffet-style dinner, and a Christmas Party at the Conn Club. In order to eat dinner (for free) you must attend the Reintegration Briefing. The hour-long briefing will include speakers from ACS, the Chapel, and the BSB. Child Care will be available at the Conn Club, during the briefing. After dinner, Santa will visit and take photos with all of the children.
As always, we are here to support the unit forward and its most precious resource, the families. Our phone number is 09721-96-6484 (from the German economy), 011-49-9721-96-6484 (from the United States), or 354-6484 (DSN).
Dragons!
MATTHEW LENNOX
CPT, FA
W. LEE EBBS
1SG, USA Commanding First Sergeant
If you have any suggestion, questions, or feedback to improve this newsletter, please feel free to contact CPT Lennox, DSN 354-6484 or email matthew.lennox@cmtymail.98asg.army.mil .
This internal newsletter contains official information, and complies with the provisions of AR 25-30 for dissemination to Family Readiness Group internal newsletters. Individuals concerned have given their consent (under the provisions of AR 340-21, The Army Act Program) for newsletter to be published. All addresses are cautioned that personal information (Home Address/ Home Telephone Numbers, etc.) Included in the attached newsletter must be protected with AR 340-21 (The Army Privacy Act Program). Unauthorized disclosure of information is also prohibited without consent.
KYLE M. McClelland
LTC, FA
Commanding
October 06, 2004
The Lightning Bolt - October 2004
VOL FY 04-09 OCTOBER 2004 LIGHTNING BOLT Never Broken First Lightning
Lightning 6 Comments…
Team Lightning Family,
Our outstanding Soldiers continue to perform every day with absolute pride and professionalism. As we enter what we anticipate to be the last of the heat wave months here, we continue to stay trained, vigilant, and completely focused on our tasks at hand. Every facet of our operations continues to progress towards a free and prosperous society, especially in our areas of Bayji and Ash Sharqat. We continue to make tremendous progress in sector with the Iraqi National Guard (ING) and Iraqi National Police (INP). HHB/1-7 and C/1-7 continue to train the future of Iraq’s security through weapons ranges and by frequently incorporating them into their operations. A/1-7, having returned completely from ASP Tinderbox, maintains responsibility for the majority of our sector and conducts essential combat patrols north to Ash Sharqat frequently. SVC/1-7 continues to ensure that we maintain an incredible vehicle operational rate of over 90% by making almost daily trips to requisition essential parts. B/1-7 continues to provide outstanding fire support for TF 1-77 and 9E, leading the way in indirect fire for the division. We are truly a team of teams and I am extremely proud of everyone’s performance.
We suffered another tremendous loss in TF Lightning this month. While returning from a council meeting in Ash Sharqat, the Scout Platoon of the Steel Knights was ambushed by an estimated 12-15 insurgents with rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), machine gun fire, and small arms fire. SPC Joshua J. Henry fought heroically, earning a bronze star for valor, before his life was taken. Even after being severely wounded, he continued to fight bravely until he was hit a second and third time. His strength and loyalty to his brothers in arms was utterly incredible and in keeping with the impeccable reputation that our task force maintains. We plan to dedicate the task force weight room to our fallen hero’s memory. I personally saw him there almost every night and there is no better place on FOB Summerall to name in his honor. We should all strive to be as strong of heart, mind, and body as SPC Joshua J. Henry.
I cannot thank you enough for the sacrifices that you and your families continue to make in support of our mission. I have been so proud to hear of all the wonderful activities conducted by the Rear Detachment Team. You continue to set the standard throughout the division. Stay positive and focused on the many wonderful things that we are accomplishing each day. The Team Lightning Family is a family, and together we will remain vigilant in support of our nation.
LTC Kyle M. McClelland—Commander, Task Force 1-7
Lightning 7 Comments…
Task Force 1-7 Family’s,
This month, as most, has been a difficult period for us all. With long separation comes the excitement and anticipation of each Soldier's return. Even though it looks like we are on a downward path to completing this deployment, we must maintain our focus. These are the times when our days become normal routines and we become comfortable with our daily activities. Now with school starting and busy events that go with it, we must remember that accidents can happen. I ask all of you to take time and consider the risk. As soldier here in Task Force 1-7 we are taking measures to prevent unnecessary risk with assessments. The ultimate goal is to bring everyone back safely home to their love ones and friends.
In the coming month the Task Force will be conducting a Combat Infantry Badge ceremony, a Combat Medical Badge ceremony, and dedicating the gym in honor to our recent fallen soldier, SPC Joshua J. Henry. We have also continued to have great success in improving the MWR center. I would like to thank all who donated items to the center; we appreciate your gifts very much. We also received a new theater size popcorn machine and we are in need of popcorn, cooking oil, and small bags. Other item needed are dartboards w/ darts, pool sticks and repair kits, ping-pong paddles and balls, and Sony Playstation games. We would also like to start preparing for the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) this would be a good time to get items sent off in the mail. Almost everything is needed from fake trees, lights, decorations of all kind, and music. We would like to have enough for each company.
The soldiers of Task Force Lightning are doing great things, not only in sector, but here on the Forward Operational Base. It is such an impressive sight to watch young men bond together; the loyalty between soldiers is as strong as brothers. This was clearly seen in the eyes of the Soldiers of Alpha Company during the recent memorial service of their fallen comrade. SPC Henry, your sprit will always live in the hearts of all you have touched.
Command Sergeant Major Wayne L. Sanders —CSM Task Force 1-7
Alpha Company Comments...
After another month in beautiful Iraq, the Steel Knights have continued to perform magnificently. The heat has yet to leave us (although we did experience a slightly cooler period in mid-September), and we have not seen a rain drop in over five months. The good news is that it cannot get any hotter for this time of the year (or so I believe). It will definitely be a shock to our bodies stepping off the plane in Germany during mid-winter.
As I am sure many of you have noticed, R&R continues to progress as planned, so the program has certainly provided a much-needed break for the many Soldiers that have already taken the leave. As a matter of fact, CPT Holbrook is currently enjoying himself in South Africa, so I expect he will return as motivated as ever to finish this deployment.
We find ourselves in the eighth month of the deployment, so the end is quickly approaching. Operations continue to remain at a relatively constant level, and each platoon continues to help set the foundation necessary for an independent and safe Iraq. Red platoon has maintained its fire support role in top form. They recently fired a counterfire mission in support of FOB Speicher, so their role definitely is key here.
The Shadow, Blue, and Outlaw platoons have continued their superb performance in improving the security in Task Force 1-7’s sector. Without their complete devotion to duty, the security within our sector would not continue to improve on a daily basis. We are certainly setting the foundation for a much better future in Iraq and the Middle East. The most frustrating thing from a Soldier’s perspective, however, is the relatively slow pace of the improvements. Without question, you can certainly be proud of your loved one’s dedicated service to our country.
1SG Jacobs and I would like to formally welcome Alpha Company’s newest members. SGT Aphser arrived from the comforts of D Battery in Schweinfurt, and SGT Garcia joins us from the 101st Airborne Division in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. We are certainly excited for them to join our ranks. We also are proud to report the latest promotions from FOB Summerall. SSG Daniels, SPC Cave, SPC Cabreja, SPC Largus, and SPC Grysen will certainly enjoy the greater responsibilities that come with their next rank.
Likewise, SPC Champion departed FOB Summerall in late September to return to Ft. Bragg, NC, to begin Special Forces training. We will certainly miss his presence, but we remain proud of his accomplishments and are completely confident that he will succeed in the difficult training that lies ahead. Good Luck to SPC Champion.
On a much sadder note, the Steel Knights suffered a terrible loss in Ash Sharqat on 20 September in SPC Joshua J. Henry of the Shadow platoon. As everyone in Shadow platoon will attest, he showed complete courage and will forever be with each of us. God bless him; he was an unbelievable person, and had the heart of a giant.
Every member of this company remains proud of your accomplishments back home. We cannot wait to be back with you in Schweinfurt; our reunion is quickly approaching. Please continue sending your loved ones anything. Those small reminders of home lift our spirits. Stay safe, and God bless you.
Sincerely, David Alvarey 1LT, Executive Officer
BRAVO BATTERY COMMENTS...
Hello friends and family of Bravo Battery!
It has been another successful month here in Iraq, and that means that we are all one month closer to being united back in Germany. September has been another hectic month, as the “Bulls” have continued to provide accurate, on time, and on target fires for 2nd Brigade on FOB Remagen, FOB Brassfield-Mora and at FOB Paliwoda.
The Battery welcomes back SSG Hudzick, SGT Fullmer, SPC White, PFC Robinson, SFC Trent, and SPC Alexander to FOB Remagen. FOB Paliwoda returns SSG Savage, SPC Debellas, PFC Schotter, SSG Jones, SPC Jackson and SPC Cozad from much needed R&R. They were all sorely missed here in Iraq, and all soldiers have hit the ground running, never missing a beat, and helping Bravo Battery carry out its wartime mission.
The Battery continues on with its wartime mission to provide on call fires throughout its sector. 1st Platoon, located at FOB Paliwoda, participated in a sector artillery sweep, and recently underwent a Division level Ammunition Holding Area inspection; earning high honors. LTC McClelland traveled down to Paliwoda to present a Certificate of Achievement to SGT Shuler for his award winning AHA and “Lucky 7” coins to SPC Baker and SPC Laufau for their actions under indirect fire. 1st Platoon swept the soldier/NCO of the month boards with SSG Pincay and PFC Helwig winning in July, and SGT Cordon and SPC Coble winning in August. Lightning 6 awarded these outstanding soldiers Certificate of Achievement’s. CPL Postnikov was awarded a coin from the Division Commander for his work ethic and outstanding attitude towards the mission. 2nd Platoon, located at FOB Remagen, played a crucial role in two nighttime fire missions by providing illumination to the in-contact infantry units resulting in the capture of five insurgents. In addition, HQ and Maintenance soldiers, led by SSG Laughlin, have kept all vehicles running despite numerous lengthy combat patrols. FOB Remagen soldiers have found a way to relieve the wartime stress by participating in Labor Day Sports Day. Bravo Battery soldiers placed 2nd in Volleyball, 3rd in Soccer and 4th in the Triathlon. 2nd Platoon also has entered the Flag Football tournament, winning their first game over the MP Platoon 21-14. SPC Gressly is player/coach of the winning Bulls Team, and PFC Martinez and SPC Martin had crucial touchdowns in the team’s victory. Both platoons success can be directly linked to the quality soldiers, and excellent NCO lead training that the Battery has made its trademark.
It was another good month for Bravo Battery for personal achievements. Bravo Battery soldiers are working hard, and are being lovingly supported by our families in the rear. This is an equation for success. PV2 Whitmeyer was promoted to PFC. PFC Jackson, Brooks, Debellas, Lafau and Coble were all promoted to SPC. SPC Wooden was laterally promoted to CPL. SGT Schuler was promoted to SSG. PFC Davis had a very Army month, being promoted to Specialist and re-enlisting for another 3 years and a post at Ft. Sill. SSG Perez re-enlisted for 3 years and will continue to serve as a MET sergeant in Bamberg.
In closing, we would like to thank the FRG and the wives and loved ones of the Battery for the outstanding moral support and mail support that the soldiers of the Battery have been receiving. You are with us in our thoughts and our prayers every day. God speed to each of you, and continue to keep the Bulls in your prayers.
Sincerely, ERIC GRAHAM CPT, FA Commanding
HAROLD CARTER 1SG, USA First Sergeant
CHARLIE COMPANY COMMENTS...
Dear Cobra Family,
September has been a very fast paced month and has practically flown by. All of our platoons started out the month with a squad and platoon live fire range where they got to conduct a live fire battle drill. All of the platoons went through a day and night iteration of the range and with plenty of sweat (it’s still hot in here in September) and hard work were able to have fun and get some realistic training. Headquarters platoon put a lot of time into the range and used some pop up targets and even a shoot house for the other platoons to use. At a recent awards ceremony, LTC McClelland awarded the Battalion Coin those who worked on the range.
As well as the headquarters soldiers, three of our fourth platoon members were presented with awards this month. SFC Hardin and 1LT Brooker were both awarded the Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for their actions on the 2nd of July and SGT Pickens was awarded the Purple Heart. One of our mechanics, SPC Evangelista, was promoted to Sergeant and SPC Woldemedhin (a.k.a. Wildman) reenlisted for four years as well.
Phil, Steve and Butch, the International Police representatives that have been living with us, gave classes to the Iraqi Police during the last two weeks of September on basic marksmanship with the 9mm and the AK-47. The International Policemen’s expertise in doing police work has been helping us with our mission of getting the Bayji Police department up to standard. The Iraqi police have a long ways to go, but our platoons continue to do joint patrols with them through the city and are working hard on trying to teach them how to do their job correctly.
Team Cobra is doing well on the whole and it looks like we should be able to get everybody who was on the initial deployment back home for R and R which is helping to keep spirits up. Our platoons have been doing great things and have been getting accolades for their work on the various missions they are given. First platoon escorted the Battalion Commander out for a bridge opening and cement factory opening ceremony in town. Third Platoon escorted the Division CSM out on a patrol in Bayji and were all given coins for their excellent work. Finally, our second platoon took Chely Wright, a country western singer, and a few members of her band out to a suburb of Bayji to hand out toys to children and play soccer with them. After their trip into town, we took the members of her band out to the range and let them all fire the .50 cal, SAW, AT-4 and 9mm pistols. Chely thanked our battery for all of the support we had given her and her band during their brief visit to FOB Summerall.
We did suffer one major hit to our morale back on the 20th of September though. Even though SPC Henry was in Alpha Battery, we felt great pain knowing that a brother in arms would no longer be with us. Our prayers go out to his friends and family. We also wish to say that our prayers are with our wounded Cobra brothers and the families of those Cobras who have paid the ultimate price.
Sincerely, 1LT James K. Starling
1SG Michael A. Grinston
HHB COMMENTS...
Hello Hurricane Family!
September has flown by as the Hurricanes have remained busy and steadily on course. We have continued to conduct missions to give Iraqi children the school supplies, sporting equipment, clothing, and personal hygiene items that they are in such great need of. We have continued the effort to improve the highway checkpoints, executed a refuel, rearm, and resupply point in As Sharqat in support of a Task Force mission, conducted many joint missions with the Iraqi National Guard both inside and outside the city, and we had a great sand volleyball tournament. Our Iraqi National Guard Company discovered a large weapons and ammunition cache this month. The find not only took those weapons out of the hands of the enemy, but also provided the ING with much needed machine guns, sniper rifles, and other equipment.
Our Fire Support Teams are all deployed outside of FOB Summerall, and each one makes a marked contribution to their assigned Task Force. We have soldiers serving with every brigade unit, to include 1-77 FSE in Balad at both FOB Anaconda and FOB Paliwoda, 1-26 FSE in Samarra at FOB Brassfield Mora, 1-18 FSE in Tikrit at FOB Danger and FOB Omaha, COLT travels throughout the northern part of the country and recently interdicted a band of terrorists in the Samarra area. Finally, the Brigade FSE is proudly serving in Tikrit at FOB Dagger. All of these teams have been doing exceptional work both as FIST and Infantrymen.
Congratulations to SPC Grysen, SPC Largus, SPC Ehrlich, SPC Stephens, SPC Brooks, SPC Cabreja, and PFC Muoio, for their recent promotions. The following soldiers each received the Task Force "Play of the Week" Award in recognition of their exceptionally hard work and dedication during this operation: SPC Sturtivant, SGT Larson, and PFC Vork. We also had the pleasure of reenlisting SGT Kevin Brown, SGT Weppelman, PFC Vork, and SPC Deleon this month. Congratulations also to the winners of the volleyball tournament, the "Purple Cobras", 1LT Cole, 1LT Kestler, MSG Lizama, and SPC Sang. They beat out some tough competition, including the outstanding Iraqi National Guard team.
Well over half of our soldiers have already take R and R, and we are on schedule to ensure that all soldiers have the opportunity. This month we also bid farewell to our Civil Affairs Team, this is a group of four soldiers that have become part of the Hurricane Team since we arrived in Iraq. They are all reservists and are returning to a life of normalcy after making a huge impact on both the Iraqi people and us as well. Godspeed. Thank you to all the families, friends, and our dedicated FRG for giving each of our soldiers the support they need to continue this mission. Please keep the mail, packages, emails, phone calls, and pictures coming, the support that our families give to the soldiers reflects directly on their morale and health. THANK YOU and please keep it up!
Ride the Storm!!
BRIAN D. VAUGHAN CPT, FA Commanding
HURRICANES!
HOWARD C. PATRICK 1SG, USA First Sergeant
SVC BATTERY COMMENTS...
To The Serpent Family,
Traveling over 14,000 miles throughout the 2nd BCT footprint, receiving and issuing 9,000 gallons of fuel, ordering, receiving and installing over $5,000,000 dollars of vehicle parts equals the month of SEPTEMBER. These are only a few of the achievements, Service Battery accomplished since arriving at FOB Summerall in March. We have also joined the effort in helping the task force support Iraq in becoming a better place. We have already started doing various projects to include delivering food and water to a few villages in the area of operation. In the future we are looking at taking on a larger portion of that effort and the soldiers are looking forward to it!! Soldiers feel that this is one of the tickets to getting Iraq to become a more independent nation.
R&R/FMPP are in full motion and it looks like the battery will get 100% participation in either program or both!! For those who haven’t had their love ones participate, don’t worry, they will. It is well deserved and I wish that all relax and enjoy a well deserved privilege.
1SG and I would like to thank WO1 Rodriguez, SSG Silvera and the Battalion Maintenance Platoon for taking their limited free time to get the Battery MWR up and running. In the MWR there are a couple of computers for internet access, a big screen TV (which came in time because most of you know that it is football season) with access to AFN, a DVD/VCR player, we are looking at getting some movies, and hopefully get a couple of telephone lines so the soldiers will have more opportunities to talk to their spouse, family and other loved ones.
The FRG and the FRL continue to great things, I really appreciate all that they do. If any of the spouses in Service Battery have any ideas they want to express, don’t hesitate to call Kimberly and SGT Cole. They are always looking for good ideas that will help the spouses and soldiers. Thanks again for your support!!
Again, I would like to thank all families and friends for their never ending support as Service Battery continues to do great things on a daily basis. SERPENTS!!
Sincerely, CHRISTOPHER A. WASHINGTON CPT, FA Commanding
MARVIN C. CROMARTIE 1SG,USA First Sergeant
DELTA BATTERY COMMENTS...
Another month is in the books. September saw the end of summer, the beginning of school, and continued teamwork between the families, the community, and Delta Battery. Thank you to all of the volunteers who worked in the Ice Cream booth during the Schweinfurt Community Bazaar and the “Back to School Picnic.” Over the next month, we will be planning the Battalion Thanksgiving Dinner at the 1-18 IN Dining Facility and the Battalion Christmas Party. If you are interested in attending these events, please let your FRL and FRG leader know.
During most of the FRG meetings in September, we spoke about a recently published redeployment timeline from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. The most important information on the slide was not the dates, but the process. Once our Soldiers return, they will follow the four phases listed on the slide – Redeployment, Reintegration, Reconstitution, and Retraining. The Redeployment phase (25 days) includes Soldier tasks in Iraq and family briefings in Schweinfurt. The Reintegration phase (45 days) contains the Welcome Home Ceremonies, the seven half days of reintegration training, family reunion training, and thirty days of block leave. Reconstitution (45 days) includes personnel transition (PCS, ETS,…) and equipment maintenance. Finally, Retraining includes local field exercises, gunnery, CMTC rotations, and other training and testing. Retraining could occur for over 300 days. Again, the process is the important information.
One of Delta Battery’s goals throughout the deployment was to improve the areas that the battalion works and lives in. Delta Battery is well on its way to achieving that goal. Over the course of the year, the battery and the community have installed new network connections in the motorpool, started painting the barracks, and started painting the motorpool. During the month of September, contractors and the Dragon Soldiers removed old office furniture in the battalion headquarters and then installed $150,000 of new furniture. Further, we received approval to purchase and install $239,000 of new office furniture in the battery areas, in our barracks. Our next phase is to gain approval to redesign each battery’s day room with new large screen televisions, pool tables, and furniture. We are also attempting to build an overhead lift for our maintenance folks.
1SG Ebbs and I would like to congratulate the newly promoted SSG Crooks. Recently returned to D Battery as a graduate from the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, SSG Crooks is the B Battery Family Readiness Liaison.
We would also like to congratulate SSG Hernandez for earning the Leadership Award, the Commandant’s Award, and the title of Distinguished Honor Graduate from his Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course. His accomplishment is a feat matched by very few.
As always, we are here to support the unit forward and its most precious resource, the families. Our phone number is 09721-96-6484 (from the German economy), 011-49-9721-96-6484 (from the United States), or 354-6484 (DSN).
Dragons!
MATTHEW LENNOX CPT, FA Commanding
W. LEE EBBS 1SG, USA First Sergeant
If you have any suggestion, questions, or feedback to improve this newsletter, please feel free to contact CPT Lennox, DSN 354-6484 or email matthew.lennox@cmtymail.98asg.army.mil. This internal newsletter contains official information, and complies with the provisions of AR 25-30 for dissemination to Family Readiness Group internal newsletters. Individuals concerned have given their consent (under the provisions of AR 340-21, The Army Act Program) for newsletter to be published. All addresses are cautioned that personal information (Home Address/ Home Telephone Numbers, etc.) Included in the attached newsletter must be protected with AR 340-21 (The Army Privacy Act Program). Unauthorized disclosure of information is also prohibited without consent. KYLE M. McClelland LTC, FA Commanding The Lightning Bolt – October 2004
September 07, 2004
September Lightning Bolt 2004
VOL FY 04-08 SEPTEMBER 2004 The Lightning Bolt – September 2004 Page 1 of 10
Lightning 6 Comments…
Team Lightning Family,
Well, we are half way there folks!!! TF Lightning is on the move and making great strides everyday both here in Iraq and with D/1-7 back in Schweinfurt, I could not have asked for a better team to take to the majors. Morale is extremely high as Soldiers have taken advantage of FMPP and R&R! We are still on glide path to meet our goal of 100% participation in the R&R program. Rear Detachment operations have been simply outstanding in every perspective, what a great “team” effort…and that is what this is all about, the “team”, Soldier and families, battalions and BCTs, units and communities!! Thank you for all of your personal efforts to make this a success and remaining positive through this entire experience, we are making history, everyday!! Keep the faith and stay with the team…more on that subject later.
We remain on a “positiveness” campaign and will continue to accentuate the “good news” stories that are happening daily in sector. We will continue to forward these stories and post them to our website. CPT Ryan Rooney, our public affairs officer, is doing a tremendous job in capturing these stories and spreading the word through networking with the BCT, division PAO and hometown newspapers. Please share them with your family and friends in the states, because all that they see on CNN is the headline stories in B-dad, Najaf and Fallujah…there is more to the story and we are proud of the forward momentum and progress that we are making in our sector…we will share that with you through this media. I am glad that the briefing from CSM Sanders was beneficial for you. I will provide the same type of update when I return in October for R&R.
Soldier support from Germany and the states is simply amazing and we THANK YOU for all of the support and love, it does not go unnoticed and it is greatly appreciated! The organizations are too many to mention but they know who they are…the support runs the gamut from churches to civic and non-profit organizations to family and friends. We appreciate everything that the Big Red One Association has accomplished for our wounded Soldier and their families, they have “stepped up to the plate” in our time of need and we acknowledge their perseverance and commitment to helping those in need, thank you!! We stay in contact with our lost “brothers in arms” families and those wounded in action. Our updates from the rear show Soldiers making tremendous progress and that is encouraging to us!! You will never be forgotten! CPL Gomez, SPCs Covington, Green, Robirds, Pirinelli, Gatson, Preston and PFC Robinson. First Lightning and best wishes to you all!
The Lightning Bolt! First Lightning
LIGHTNING
BOLT
Never Broken
The Lightning Bolt!
I hope that you all have an enjoyable summer and that your lives are returning to some form of “normalcy”, as the school year begins. Once you re-establish your personal “battle rhythms”, before you know it, we will be heading home! I again, thank you for the sacrifices that you and your families make in support of our mission. I would ask that you consider “staying with the team” (see attached slide) as we draw closer to re-deployment. There are numerous advantages to staying with the team that you trust. Thank you for your unending display of support and caring – we thank you for what you do!!! All gave some, but some gave all!!
Lightning 6, LTC Kyle M. McClelland
Lightning 7 Comments…
Hello Lighting Family,
I am glad to return back to FOB Summerall after an awesome two weeks of R&R. It was an enjoyable, relaxing and a great time to spend with family and love-ones. The Task Force is currently at 54% complete as of the month of Sept for R&R. R&R has been extended threw the month of Dec this will hopeful allow every soldier the opportunity to go.
Again I am asking for donations for the new "Zangara MWR Facility". Below is a listing of needed equipment, I also attached photos:
* Magazines- News Week, Sport Illustrated, GQ, FHM, Ebony, Stuff, Blender, ESPN, 4X4, and fitness magazines.
* Dart Board w/ extra darts, Ping Pong balls and paddles, Board Games, Poker Chips,
* Sony Play station 2 Games- Madden 2005, FIFA 2005, NCAA Football 2005, Need for Speed Underground, SOCOM 2, NHL 2005, NBA 2005, Showdown: Legend of Wrestling, NFL Street, and Full Spectrum Warrior.
* DVD Movies of any kind to build a library.
I would also like to personally thank Mr. AL LaFrance, SGT LaFrance's (C Btry who currently deployed back to attend Warrant Officer Course) father for donating several DVD movies.
I would also like to take this time to thank the Schweinfurt Community and Families for their support and the sacrifices they make, with which, we could not accomplish this mission.
Lighting 7, CSM Wayne L. Sanders
Prague London
Day Trip 1 Overnight
October 9-10 2004 September 3-5 2004
US $95 US $249
If you are interested in either of these trips, please see the Lightning Bolt online. The website address is
www.schweinfurt.army.mil/17 .
The Lightning Bolt – September 2004 Page 2 of 10 The Lightning Bolt!
Alpha Company Comments...
“Things Are Going Well ”
As the months continue to roll past us, here in Iraq as well as in the States and Germany, we all are starting to see “things” in a different light, and all these “things” are going well. First Sergeant and I have notice a dramatic improvement in morale over the last month or so. As well, we have heard that all you family members are also doing well and are more comfortable with how this deployment is progressing. With this new comfort level here in Iraq and with you in Germany and the States, it makes the separation from family and friends that much easier.
Soldiers are now comfortable in their environment here on FOB Summerall as well as in Bayji. We have finally acquired 10 more CHUs (Compact Housing Units), which have eased the tight living arrangements for many of our Soldiers. Our dining facility continues to serve quality food daily and now is showing 4 different satellite TV stations on its 6 big screen TVs. The Dining Facility has turned more into a place to relax, eat and enjoy some laughs with friends, rather than just a place to sit and eat. The Division R&R program continues to give Soldiers the well needed break they deserve, and we are on track to get 100% of Soldiers who originally deployed with Alpha Company in February leave slots.
Taking advantage of our increased morale, the Company had a Bar-B-Que and sports day. All the Soldiers ate freshly grilled steaks, burgers, hot dogs, French fries and salads cooked for all by SSG Shorts and the Headquarters platoon. While all the food was cooking, the Soldiers enjoyed themselves playing pickup games of volleyball and horseshoes. There was even time for an X-Box tournament of the game “Halo.” All in all, everyone got a chance to let loose for a bit, eat some great BBQ and not think about work.
The Lightning Bolt – September 2004 Page 3 of 10 The Lightning Bolt!
Alpha Company is continuing to do well at its wartime mission. Every task we receive from Battalion we execute flawlessly. Our Paladin Platoon lead by 1LT Zaffina and SFC Jones continues its fire support mission 24 hours a day, nonstop. They provide the crucial fire power that LTC McClelland and the rest of TF 1-7 can use at a moments notice to support the nearly 700 Soldiers of the Task Force. There is no other platoon in the Task Force that operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and their efforts are greatly appreciated by all. Shadow Platoon led by 1LT Ebert and SFC Macher have returned from their platoon-operating base at Tinderbox and are now working and living again out of FOB Summerall. It is great to have the entire company back together again. Blue Platoon led by 1LT Fanto and SFC Monegro continue to execute their mission like the experienced veterans they are. When Shadow came back from Tinderbox earlier this month, they brought their partner platoon with them; the War Pigs. This Armor (M1 Abrams Tanks) Platoon led my 1LT Busenberg and SFC Pingo brought more great combat power to the company as well as some great Soldiers.
With over 168 Soldiers now in the company, we have had some promotions and reenlistments that need to be recognized. These great leaders and warriors prove that by consistently doing the right thing and executing their job to the best of their ability, the Army will recognize their efforts with a promotion.
Continued on next page…
A Company comments continued…
Promotions:
PVT to PFC Hinkebein PVT to PFC Duran PVT to PFC Baker PFC to SPC Ward
PFC to SPC Arnette PFC to SPC Jacobs PFC to SPC Pokojny PFC to SPC McCintyre
PFC to SPC Ripsam PFC to SPC Schrack PFC to SPC Pilot PFC to CPL Schofield
SPC to SGT Lawrence CPL to SGT Higginbotham CPL to SGT MacInnes CPL to SGT Bolden
SGT to SSG O’Brien SGT to SSG Rivera SGT to SSG Kirman
Reenlistments:
SGT Beadles reenlists as 11B Infantryman and Airborne
SPC Cote reenlists for 6 years
SSG Ruoff reenlists for 6 years
Again, First Sergeant and I would like to personally thank you for all the support you are giving to our dedicated Soldiers here on the front lines. Without you and all you do to support us, we could never complete our mission. Thank you.
Respectfully,
CPT Deric Holbrook
1SG Roger Jacobs
The Lightning Bolt – September 2004 Page 4 of 10 The Lightning Bolt!
BRAVO BATTERY COMMENTS...
Hello to the families and friends of the Bull Family. We have finally hit the elusive six month mark in the Theater of Operations and the train keeps rolling. The month of August has been a very busy and very hot month for the Battery as we continue to support the Dagger Brigade with world-class Field Artillery fires.
The Battery welcomes SPC Merkel and SGT Brooks back to Iraq. Their presence was surely missed and they’re already back in the saddle and riding full stride. Once again, welcome back. Also, we have a new addition to the Battery, 2/B Platoon Fire Direction Officer 2LT Shawn McSpadden. He hails from Fredericksburg, VA and is already doing great things.
The Battery continues its versatility and just recently participated in Operation Mouse Trap I, II, and III. The 1/A/1-113FA, our attached platoon from the North Carolina National Guard, provided outstanding artillery fires to the Brigade and gave the coalition forces freedom of maneuver of the battlefield. Simultaneously, we provided fires for numerous operations and counter-fires during the month in the Central and Southern parts of the Sector. In addition to this, we still continue our Force Protection requirements, Combat Patrols, Combat Logistics Patrols, Maintenance, METRO flights, and prepping for Artillery Tables V, VI, and VII. The soldiers and NCOs have been motivated and up to every task that has come our way. A big thank you goes to each soldier in the battery.
The Battery will be back in competition for the Task Force 9th Engineers Commander’s Cup on Labor Day. On the 4th of July we narrowly missed the top prize by two points but this time it comes to the Bull Pen and will stay at the Bull Pen.
This month was also a good month as far as personal achievements. SFC Hibley was promoted to the Senior NCO ranks and CPL Hammond was laterally promoted on 1 AUG. SPC Baker, SPC Ingram, and SPC Cook was also promoted. Two soldiers, SPC Yond and SPC Ingram were awarded the Purple Heart medal in a ceremony at FOB Paliwoda. SSG Perez, SGT Gregory, and SGT Belt all competed for the NCO of the quarter with SSG Perez taking top honors. Congratulations go to each outstanding soldier from 1SG and me.
In closing, we would like to say congratulations to the school age children of the battery that was advanced to the next grade. We know that the kids and the parents are excited about the upcoming school year and all the action that it brings. God speed to each of you and continue to keep the Bulls in your prayers.
Sincerely,
ERIC GRAHAM HAROLD CARTER
CPT, FA 1SG, USA
Commanding First Sergeant
The Lightning Bolt – September 2004 Page 5 of 10 The Lightning Bolt!
CHARLIE COMPANY COMMENTS...
Greetings from Snake Mountain! I hope this letter finds each of you in good health and high spirits. The month of August has been an extremely busy month for the Cobras here in our area of operations. We continue to be successful in our main mission of providing a stable and secure environment in Bayji. Your husbands and friends continue to walk the streets side by side with the Bayji Police Department (BPD), interacting with the local populace, listening to individual issues, and frequently sharing smiles with the kids. While building relationships is essential for developing stability, combat operations are just as necessary for ensuring security.
This past month we regained the offensive and conducted numerous missions to apprehend high value targets in our sector. All of these offensive missions are now conducted jointly with the BPD and the Iraqi National Guard (ING) Company trained by HHB. Prior to execution of a mission, each platoon rehearses the actions thoroughly with the ING, through the use of interpreters. The ING are learning quickly from our soldiers the correct way to conduct operations, and while on the objective, the Bayji police and ING are the first one’s to enter a home or residence. This lowers the risk to our men and places more responsibility on Iraqi security forces. Every platoon has been successful capturing targets and operating with Iraqi forces. You would be proud and impressed to see us in action. Right now the enemy never knows when the Cobras will Strike and that’s just the way we like it!
Although we conduct daily operations in Bayji, the company also continues to train in order to remain in peak combat readiness. We just finished an excellent convoy live fire range where vehicle crews engaged targets while moving most of the weapon systems. The Headquarters Platoon did a great job building pop-up targets, setting up, and running the range. Future training includes squad and platoon live fire exercises, as well as joint training with the BPD and ING. All of this training keeps us mentally focused and our skills sharp.
All of the updates from our injured Cobras show everyone is progressing and healing well. We were all happy to hear that SPC John Pirinelli is recovering better than expected at Walter Reed Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of our injured brothers daily.
Overall, the company continues to build on its’ already great reputation throughout the Brigade Sector. The Divarty Commander and Command Sergeant Major accompanied First Platoon on a dismounted patrol through Bayji, and praised the platoon for their professionalism and combat focus. A great day overall, 1st did a wonderful job giving the Divarty Command Team a look into our daily operations. We are taking it one day at a time, and each day is a new adventure. Repairs continue on Snake Mountain since the fire, our company maintenance section continues to work their butts off to keep the vehicles running, and the maneuver platoons are in Bayji daily, occasionally calling in the tanks and Bradleys to provide additional air conditioning to terrorists hideouts. We have an incredible Cobra team, and I want to thank each of you for the support you provide. We couldn’t do it without you! Hope you enjoy the photos. More will follow. COBRA STRIKE!!
Sincerely,
CPT Michael K. Byard
1SG Michael A. Grinston
The Lightning Bolt – September 2004 Page 6 of 10 The Lightning Bolt!
HHB COMMENTS...
Hello Hurricane Family!
August was a scorcher, but that is nothing next to the drive and power of the Hurricanes! We have conducted several missions to give Iraqi children the school supplies, sporting equipment, clothing, and personal hygiene items that were generously donated by Hurricane families and other caring Americans. Special thanks goes to SPC Michael Tingue who solicited over 500 pounds of donations from his home state of Oregon. We have visited newly constructed health clinics, supported Task Force Operations by emplacing and securing the TAC in Bayji, conducted many joint missions with the Iraqi National Guard both inside and outside the city, and we threw one hell of a party, giving as many soldiers as possible a night off to eat some great local food, enjoy music from DJ Hypnotic, play volleyball, cards, dominoes, and have a great time. We have accomplished this on top of our many other missions, including running the TOC, ALOC, CMIC, Aid Station, Mortars, TF Engineers, Battery Maintenance, Commo, Supply, and Command Post.
The heart of Headquarters battery is made up of those people who run the Task Force Headquarters. This group of people is over 40 strong and they manage everything from daily mission schedules to maintaining communications systems to processing of leaves and awards. These guys work in the TOC and the ALOC and each one of them has a direct impact on every soldier in the Task Force, regardless of his battery or company. Our Tactical Operations Center and Administration and Logistics Operations Center both run fluidly and serve the needs of the Task Force. They are highly visible, but nearly always the unsung heroes of our missions. In these sections we have NCOs and Officers relying on each other and especially their subordinates to maintain high standards and complete all missions without fail. The NCO and Officer achievements are a reflection of the hard work put in by the junior enlisted soldiers. For these officers, I would like to thank the hard work of: SPC Watson for his crisis management abilities while acting as the "voice" of TF 1-7, SPC Patel for his focus on quickly getting all mail to every soldier in the Task Force, SPC M. Martinez and SPC Chartier for excellent computer maintenance and service to the TF Commander's PSD. In addition; SPC Benton, Sturtivant, P. Diaz, Boyd, Santiago, Rodriguez, Larosa, and Holland all make the TOC and ALOC function; these are the shoulders that their seniors stand on. The Task Force could not function without their dedicated service.
Congratulations to SSG Dakir, SGT M. Martinez, and SPC Sturtivant for their recent promotions. The following soldiers each received the Task Force "Play of the Week" Award in recognition of their exceptionally hard work and dedication during this operation: SPC Smith (Medic), SPC Carter (Medic), SGT Windle (TOC), SPC Tingue (Supply), and SPC Watson (TOC). We also had the pleasure of reenlisting SSG Dakir and SFC Cortes this month.
Around the Hurricane Pad we continue to maintain and improve, we have built a regulation sand volleyball court with overhead lights for night games, set up camouflage nets and outdoor carpeting to create and outdoor eating area, and we continue to harden our living areas to protect against indirect fire. We have recently opened a new living area that houses most of the soldiers from the TOC, it is much closer to the TOC and has all-new living quarters, showers, and latrines. Thank you to all the families, friends, and our dedicated FRG for giving each of our soldiers the support they need to continue this mission. Please keep the mail, packages, emails, phone calls, and pictures coming, the support that our families give to the soldiers reflects directly on their morale and health. THANK YOU and please keep it up!
Ride the Storm!! HURRICANES!
BRIAN D. VAUGHAN HOWARD C. PATRICK
CPT, FA 1SG, USA
Commanding First Sergeant
The Lightning Bolt – September 2004 Page 7 of 10 The Lightning Bolt!
SVC BATTERY COMMENTS...
To The Serpent Family,
Another month has past and it is one step closer to our main goal; to be with our love ones. To our spouses, girlfriends, significant others and friends, we continue to be blessed with all you do. It brings overwhelming joy to 1SG Cromartie and I when soldiers are seeing the support the battery has.
I can not begin to explain how proud I am of the soldiers. Spouses, family and friends should also be proud. It has not been a day since being on FOB Summerall that every soldier has not put forth 100% effort. From maintenance doing whatever it takes to keep vehicles mission capable, to the undermanned ammo platoon conducting various missions, to the cooks spearheading the improvements in the new KBR Dining Facility, it is not a day that I am not amazed at what our soldiers do to make things happen. When wrenches are not being turned, parts are not being ordered or combat logistical patrols are not being conducted, soldiers continue to improve the quality of life. There are a few more days of work on the Battery MWR and it will soon be in full swing. The goal is now 6 September; Labor Day. We hope to make a good thing out of it to include playing games of all type and having a cookout. It is well deserved by each and every soldier.
R&R is definitely in full swing and over half of the battery has been on either R&R or FMPP. Soldiers are encouraged to take one or the other because it’s another privilege that is well deserved. The goal is 100% and it looks like we are well on our way to achieving that goal.
Congratulations go to SGT Kitt, SPC Rourke, and PFC Lloyd along with their spouses for their new additions to their family. Hope the world of parenthood is enjoyed and cherished.
There are a few newly promoted non-commissioned officers in Service Battery. Congratulations go to SGT Ayala, SGT Branum and SGT Chrisman. Since being promoted, these three soldiers have really stepped up to the plate and took on the task of being great leaders.
The soldiers and I would like to thank the Battery FRG and the FRL SGT Cole for all that they are doing in the community and for the soldiers. It is appreciated from the heart.
Again, I would like to again thank all families and friends for their never ending support as Service Battery continue to do great things on a daily basis. SERPENTS!!
Sincerely,
CPT CHRISTOPHER A. WASHINGTON
1SG MARVIN C. CROMARTIE
The Lightning Bolt – September 2004 Page 8 of 10 The Lightning Bolt!
DELTA BATTERY COMMENTS...
This has been incredible month for Delta Battery and the First Lightning Family. Among our proudest achievements, since standing up as a battery last October, was the highly successful “Boys Day Out.” The Delta Battery NCOs put a lot of time and hard work into making this event a reality. Despite many who thought we would not or could not make this happen, Delta Battery took thirty-six sons of First Lightning Soldiers to the range. Each boy received classes on safety and the M16 Rifle. After the classes, each received additional training on the M16 rifle using the “Weaponeer” and the “Laser Beam Hit” simulator. Then, the boys fired two 10 round magazines at a 25-meter popup target. The first ten rounds were shot individually; the next ten rounds were shot on burst. Additionally, the Schweinfurt Community provided a fire truck for the boys to see and climb on. The event culminated with a BBQ and an awards ceremony, where each boy received a certificate of completion. This was a big event, not only for the boys, but the community. Writers from “The Point” and “Stars and Stripes” were present for the event and printed articles in their respective newspapers.
You may have noticed the distinct lack of furniture in the Battalion area lately. The Soldiers of Delta Battery have been moving furniture and cleaning in preparation for a new shipment of office furniture. The $150,000 of new furniture will arrive between 7-10 September. Despite the chaos, support to families during this period will not waiver. The amenities available to families and FRGS in the Yellow Ribbon Room will continue to be available.
1SG Ebbs and I would like to congratulate SSG Brown for achieving recognition as the Distinguished Honor Graduate from BNCOC. SSG Brown graduated with a 100% average over his written examinations. His accomplishment is a feat matched by very few.
We would also like to recognize SSG Villarreal and SSG Crooks for their recent promotions to Staff Sergeant. SSG Villarreal is the Delta Battery Supply Sergeant and SGT Crooks is the B Battery Family Readiness Liaison. Both of these Noncommissioned Officers are absolutely superb at what they do and are currently attending BNCOC.
As always, we ask that you remember the battery when and if you ever need anything. We are here to support the unit forward and its most precious resource, the families. Our phone number is 09721-96-6484 (from the German economy), 011-49-9721-96-6484 (from the United States), or 354-6484 (DSN).
Victory for our Troops - Victory for our Families!
Dragons!
MATTHEW LENNOX W. LEE EBBS
CPT, FA 1SG, USA
Commanding First Sergeant
SEPT4 NEWSLETTER
Lightning 6 Comments… Team Lightning Family, Well, we are half way there folks!!! TF Lightning is on the move and making great strides everyday both here in Iraq and with D/1-7 back in Schweinfurt, I could not have asked for a better team to take to the majors. Morale is extremely high as Soldiers have taken advantage of FMPP and R&R! We are still on glide path to meet our goal of 100% participation in the R&R program. Rear Detachment operations have been simply outstanding in every perspective, what a great “team” effort…and that is what this is all about, the “team”, Soldier and families, battalions and BCTs, units and communities!! Thank you for all of your personal efforts to make this a success and remaining positive through this entire experience, we are making history, everyday!! Keep the faith and stay with the team…more on that subject later. We remain on a “positiveness” campaign and will continue to accentuate the “good news” stories that are happening daily in sector. We will continue to forward these stories and post them to our website. CPT Ryan Rooney, our public affairs officer, is doing a tremendous job in capturing these stories and spreading the word through networking with the BCT, division PAO and hometown newspapers. Please share them with your family and friends in the states, because all that they see on CNN is the headline stories in B-dad, Najaf and Fallujah…there is more to the story and we are proud of the forward momentum and progress that we are making in our sector…we will share that with you through this media. I am glad that the briefing from CSM Sanders was beneficial for you. I will provide the same type of update when I return in October for R&R. Soldier support from Germany and the states is simply amazing and we THANK YOU for all of the support and love, it does not go unnoticed and it is greatly appreciated! The organizations are too many to mention but they know who they are…the support runs the gamut from churches to civic and non-profit organizations to family and friends. We appreciate everything that the Big Red One Association has accomplished for our wounded Soldier and their families, they have “stepped up to the plate” in our time of need and we acknowledge their perseverance and commitment to helping those in need, thank you!! We stay in contact with our lost “brothers in arms” families and those wounded in action. Our updates from the rear show Soldiers making tremendous progress and that is encouraging to us!! You will never be forgotten! CPL Gomez, SPCs Covington, Green, Robirds, Pirinelli, Gatson, Preston and PFC Robinson. First Lightning and best wishes to you all! LIGHTNING BOLT Never Broken First Lightning
The Lightning Bolt!
I hope that you all have an enjoyable summer and that your lives are returning to some form of “normalcy”, as the school year begins. Once you re-establish your personal “battle rhythms”, before you know it, we will be heading home! I again, thank you for the sacrifices that you and your families make in support of our mission. I would ask that you consider “staying with the team” (see attached slide) as we draw closer to re-deployment. There are numerous advantages to staying with the team that you trust. Thank you for your unending display of support and caring – we thank you for what you do!!! All gave some, but some gave all!! Lightning 6, LTC Kyle M. McClelland Lightning 7 Comments… Hello Lighting Family, I am glad to return back to FOB Summerall after an awesome two weeks of R&R. It was an enjoyable, relaxing and a great time to spend with family and love-ones. The Task Force is currently at 54% complete as of the month of Sept for R&R. R&R has been extended threw the month of Dec this will hopeful allow every soldier the opportunity to go. Again I am asking for donations for the new "Zangara MWR Facility". Below is a listing of needed equipment, I also attached photos: * Magazines- News Week, Sport Illustrated, GQ, FHM, Ebony, Stuff, Blender, ESPN, 4X4, and fitness magazines. * Dart Board w/ extra darts, Ping Pong balls and paddles, Board Games, Poker Chips, * Sony Play station 2 Games- Madden 2005, FIFA 2005, NCAA Football 2005, Need for Speed Underground, SOCOM 2, NHL 2005, NBA 2005, Showdown: Legend of Wrestling, NFL Street, and Full Spectrum Warrior. * DVD Movies of any kind to build a library. I would also like to personally thank Mr. AL LaFrance, SGT LaFrance's (C Btry who currently deployed back to attend Warrant Officer Course) father for donating several DVD movies. I would also like to take this time to thank the Schweinfurt Community and Families for their support and the sacrifices they make, with which, we could not accomplish this mission. Lighting 7, CSM Wayne L. Sanders Prague London Day Trip 1 Overnight October 9-10 2004 September 3-5 2004 US $95 US $249 If you are interested in either of these trips, please see the Lightning Bolt online. The website address is www.schweinfurt.army.mil/17.
The Lightning Bolt – September 2004
The Lightning Bolt!Alpha Company Comments... “Things Are Going Well ” As the months continue to roll past us, here in Iraq as well as in the States and Germany, we all are starting to see “things” in a different light, and all these “things” are going well. First Sergeant and I have notice a dramatic improvement in morale over the last month or so. As well, we have heard that all you family members are also doing well and are more comfortable with how this deployment is progressing. With this new comfort level here in Iraq and with you in Germany and the States, it makes the separation from family and friends that much easier. Soldiers are now comfortable in their environment here on FOB Summerall as well as in Bayji. We have finally acquired 10 more CHUs (Compact Housing Units), which have eased the tight living arrangements for many of our Soldiers. Our dining facility continues to serve quality food daily and now is showing 4 different satellite TV stations on its 6 big screen TVs. The Dining Facility has turned more into a place to relax, eat and enjoy some laughs with friends, rather than just a place to sit and eat. The Division R&R program continues to give Soldiers the well needed break they deserve, and we are on track to get 100% of Soldiers who originally deployed with Alpha Company in February leave slots. Taking advantage of our increased morale, the Company had a Bar-B-Que and sports day. All the Soldiers ate freshly grilled steaks, burgers, hot dogs, French fries and salads cooked for all by SSG Shorts and the Headquarters platoon. While all the food was cooking, the Soldiers enjoyed themselves playing pickup games of volleyball and horseshoes. There was even time for an X-Box tournament of the game “Halo.” All in all, everyone got a chance to let loose for a bit, eat some great BBQ and not think about work.
The Lightning Bolt – September 2004
The Lightning Bolt!
Alpha Company is continuing to do well at its wartime mission. Every task we receive from Battalion we execute flawlessly. Our Paladin Platoon lead by 1LT Zaffina and SFC Jones continues its fire support mission 24 hours a day, nonstop. They provide the crucial fire power that LTC McClelland and the rest of TF 1-7 can use at a moments notice to support the nearly 700 Soldiers of the Task Force. There is no other platoon in the Task Force that operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and their efforts are greatly appreciated by all. Shadow Platoon led by 1LT Ebert and SFC Macher have returned from their platoon-operating base at Tinderbox and are now working and living again out of FOB Summerall. It is great to have the entire company back together again. Blue Platoon led by 1LT Fanto and SFC Monegro continue to execute their mission like the experienced veterans they are. When Shadow came back from Tinderbox earlier this month, they brought their partner platoon with them; the War Pigs. This Armor (M1 Abrams Tanks) Platoon led my 1LT Busenberg and SFC Pingo brought more great combat power to the company as well as some great Soldiers. With over 168 Soldiers now in the company, we have had some promotions and reenlistments that need to be recognized. These great leaders and warriors prove that by consistently doing the right thing and executing their job to the best of their ability, the Army will recognize their efforts with a promotion. Continued on next page… A Company comments continued… Promotions: PVT to PFC Hinkebein PVT to PFC Duran PVT to PFC Baker PFC to SPC Ward PFC to SPC Arnette PFC to SPC Jacobs PFC to SPC Pokojny PFC to SPC McCintyre PFC to SPC Ripsam PFC to SPC Schrack PFC to SPC Pilot PFC to CPL Schofield SPC to SGT Lawrence CPL to SGT Higginbotham CPL to SGT MacInnes CPL to SGT Bolden SGT to SSG O’Brien SGT to SSG Rivera SGT to SSG Kirman Reenlistments: SGT Beadles reenlists as 11B Infantryman and Airborne SPC Cote reenlists for 6 years SSG Ruoff reenlists for 6 years Again, First Sergeant and I would like to personally thank you for all the support you are giving to our dedicated Soldiers here on the front lines. Without you and all you do to support us, we could never complete our mission. Thank you. Respectfully, CPT Deric Holbrook 1SG Roger Jacobs The Lightning Bolt –
The Lightning Bolt!
BRAVO BATTERY COMMENTS... Hello to the families and friends of the Bull Family. We have finally hit the elusive six month mark in the Theater of Operations and the train keeps rolling. The month of August has been a very busy and very hot month for the Battery as we continue to support the Dagger Brigade with world-class Field Artillery fires. The Battery welcomes SPC Merkel and SGT Brooks back to Iraq. Their presence was surely missed and they’re already back in the saddle and riding full stride. Once again, welcome back. Also, we have a new addition to the Battery, 2/B Platoon Fire Direction Officer 2LT Shawn McSpadden. He hails from Fredericksburg, VA and is already doing great things. The Battery continues its versatility and just recently participated in Operation Mouse Trap I, II, and III. The 1/A/1-113FA, our attached platoon from the North Carolina National Guard, provided outstanding artillery fires to the Brigade and gave the coalition forces freedom of maneuver of the battlefield. Simultaneously, we provided fires for numerous operations and counter-fires during the month in the Central and Southern parts of the Sector. In addition to this, we still continue our Force Protection requirements, Combat Patrols, Combat Logistics Patrols, Maintenance, METRO flights, and prepping for Artillery Tables V, VI, and VII. The soldiers and NCOs have been motivated and up to every task that has come our way. A big thank you goes to each soldier in the battery. The Battery will be back in competition for the Task Force 9th Engineers Commander’s Cup on Labor Day. On the 4th of July we narrowly missed the top prize by two points but this time it comes to the Bull Pen and will stay at the Bull Pen. This month was also a good month as far as personal achievements. SFC Hibley was promoted to the Senior NCO ranks and CPL Hammond was laterally promoted on 1 AUG. SPC Baker, SPC Ingram, and SPC Cook was also promoted. Two soldiers, SPC Yond and SPC Ingram were awarded the Purple Heart medal in a ceremony at FOB Paliwoda. SSG Perez, SGT Gregory, and SGT Belt all competed for the NCO of the quarter with SSG Perez taking top honors. Congratulations go to each outstanding soldier from 1SG and me. In closing, we would like to say congratulations to the school age children of the battery that was advanced to the next grade. We know that the kids and the parents are excited about the upcoming school year and all the action that it brings. God speed to each of you and continue to keep the Bulls in your prayers. Sincerely, ERIC GRAHAM HAROLD CARTER CPT, FA 1SG, USA Commanding First Sergeant The Lightning Bolt –
The Lightning Bolt!
CHARLIE COMPANY COMMENTS... Greetings from Snake Mountain! I hope this letter finds each of you in good health and high spirits. The month of August has been an extremely busy month for the Cobras here in our area of operations. We continue to be successful in our main mission of providing a stable and secure environment in Bayji. Your husbands and friends continue to walk the streets side by side with the Bayji Police Department (BPD), interacting with the local populace, listening to individual issues, and frequently sharing smiles with the kids. While building relationships is essential for developing stability, combat operations are just as necessary for ensuring security. This past month we regained the offensive and conducted numerous missions to apprehend high value targets in our sector. All of these offensive missions are now conducted jointly with the BPD and the Iraqi National Guard (ING) Company trained by HHB. Prior to execution of a mission, each platoon rehearses the actions thoroughly with the ING, through the use of interpreters. The ING are learning quickly from our soldiers the correct way to conduct operations, and while on the objective, the Bayji police and ING are the first one’s to enter a home or residence. This lowers the risk to our men and places more responsibility on Iraqi security forces. Every platoon has been successful capturing targets and operating with Iraqi forces. You would be proud and impressed to see us in action. Right now the enemy never knows when the Cobras will Strike and that’s just the way we like it! Although we conduct daily operations in Bayji, the company also continues to train in order to remain in peak combat readiness. We just finished an excellent convoy live fire range where vehicle crews engaged targets while moving most of the weapon systems. The Headquarters Platoon did a great job building pop-up targets, setting up, and running the range. Future training includes squad and platoon live fire exercises, as well as joint training with the BPD and ING. All of this training keeps us mentally focused and our skills sharp. All of the updates from our injured Cobras show everyone is progressing and healing well. We were all happy to hear that SPC John Pirinelli is recovering better than expected at Walter Reed Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of our injured brothers daily. Overall, the company continues to build on its’ already great reputation throughout the Brigade Sector. The Divarty Commander and Command Sergeant Major accompanied First Platoon on a dismounted patrol through Bayji, and praised the platoon for their professionalism and combat focus. A great day overall, 1st did a wonderful job giving the Divarty Command Team a look into our daily operations. We are taking it one day at a time, and each day is a new adventure. Repairs continue on Snake Mountain since the fire, our company maintenance section continues to work their butts off to keep the vehicles running, and the maneuver platoons are in Bayji daily, occasionally calling in the tanks and Bradleys to provide additional air conditioning to terrorists hideouts. We have an incredible Cobra team, and I want to thank each of you for the support you provide. We couldn’t do it without you! Hope you enjoy the photos. More will follow. COBRA STRIKE!! Sincerely, CPT Michael K. Byard 1SG Michael A. Grinston
The Lightning Bolt!
HHB COMMENTS... Hello Hurricane Family! August was a scorcher, but that is nothing next to the drive and power of the Hurricanes! We have conducted several missions to give Iraqi children the school supplies, sporting equipment, clothing, and personal hygiene items that were generously donated by Hurricane families and other caring Americans. Special thanks goes to SPC Michael Tingue who solicited over 500 pounds of donations from his home state of Oregon. We have visited newly constructed health clinics, supported Task Force Operations by emplacing and securing the TAC in Bayji, conducted many joint missions with the Iraqi National Guard both inside and outside the city, and we threw one hell of a party, giving as many soldiers as possible a night off to eat some great local food, enjoy music from DJ Hypnotic, play volleyball, cards, dominoes, and have a great time. We have accomplished this on top of our many other missions, including running the TOC, ALOC, CMIC, Aid Station, Mortars, TF Engineers, Battery Maintenance, Commo, Supply, and Command Post. The heart of Headquarters battery is made up of those people who run the Task Force Headquarters. This group of people is over 40 strong and they manage everything from daily mission schedules to maintaining communications systems to processing of leaves and awards. These guys work in the TOC and the ALOC and each one of them has a direct impact on every soldier in the Task Force, regardless of his battery or company. Our Tactical Operations Center and Administration and Logistics Operations Center both run fluidly and serve the needs of the Task Force. They are highly visible, but nearly always the unsung heroes of our missions. In these sections we have NCOs and Officers relying on each other and especially their subordinates to maintain high standards and complete all missions without fail. The NCO and Officer achievements are a reflection of the hard work put in by the junior enlisted soldiers. For these officers, I would like to thank the hard work of: SPC Watson for his crisis management abilities while acting as the "voice" of TF 1-7, SPC Patel for his focus on quickly getting all mail to every soldier in the Task Force, SPC M. Martinez and SPC Chartier for excellent computer maintenance and service to the TF Commander's PSD. In addition; SPC Benton, Sturtivant, P. Diaz, Boyd, Santiago, Rodriguez, Larosa, and Holland all make the TOC and ALOC function; these are the shoulders that their seniors stand on. The Task Force could not function without their dedicated service. Congratulations to SSG Dakir, SGT M. Martinez, and SPC Sturtivant for their recent promotions. The following soldiers each received the Task Force "Play of the Week" Award in recognition of their exceptionally hard work and dedication during this operation: SPC Smith (Medic), SPC Carter (Medic), SGT Windle (TOC), SPC Tingue (Supply), and SPC Watson (TOC). We also had the pleasure of reenlisting SSG Dakir and SFC Cortes this month. Around the Hurricane Pad we continue to maintain and improve, we have built a regulation sand volleyball court with overhead lights for night games, set up camouflage nets and outdoor carpeting to create and outdoor eating area, and we continue to harden our living areas to protect against indirect fire. We have recently opened a new living area that houses most of the soldiers from the TOC, it is much closer to the TOC and has all-new living quarters, showers, and latrines. Thank you to all the families, friends, and our dedicated FRG for giving each of our soldiers the support they need to continue this mission. Please keep the mail, packages, emails, phone calls, and pictures coming, the support that our families give to the soldiers reflects directly on their morale and health. THANK YOU and please keep it up! Ride the Storm!! HURRICANES! BRIAN D. VAUGHAN HOWARD C. PATRICK CPT, FA 1SG, USA Commanding First Sergeant
The Lightning Bolt!
SVC BATTERY COMMENTS... To The Serpent Family, Another month has past and it is one step closer to our main goal; to be with our love ones. To our spouses, girlfriends, significant others and friends, we continue to be blessed with all you do. It brings overwhelming joy to 1SG Cromartie and I when soldiers are seeing the support the battery has. I can not begin to explain how proud I am of the soldiers. Spouses, family and friends should also be proud. It has not been a day since being on FOB Summerall that every soldier has not put forth 100% effort. From maintenance doing whatever it takes to keep vehicles mission capable, to the undermanned ammo platoon conducting various missions, to the cooks spearheading the improvements in the new KBR Dining Facility, it is not a day that I am not amazed at what our soldiers do to make things happen. When wrenches are not being turned, parts are not being ordered or combat logistical patrols are not being conducted, soldiers continue to improve the quality of life. There are a few more days of work on the Battery MWR and it will soon be in full swing. The goal is now 6 September; Labor Day. We hope to make a good thing out of it to include playing games of all type and having a cookout. It is well deserved by each and every soldier. R&R is definitely in full swing and over half of the battery has been on either R&R or FMPP. Soldiers are encouraged to take one or the other because it’s another privilege that is well deserved. The goal is 100% and it looks like we are well on our way to achieving that goal. Congratulations go to SGT Kitt, SPC Rourke, and PFC Lloyd along with their spouses for their new additions to their family. Hope the world of parenthood is enjoyed and cherished. There are a few newly promoted non-commissioned officers in Service Battery. Congratulations go to SGT Ayala, SGT Branum and SGT Chrisman. Since being promoted, these three soldiers have really stepped up to the plate and took on the task of being great leaders. The soldiers and I would like to thank the Battery FRG and the FRL SGT Cole for all that they are doing in the community and for the soldiers. It is appreciated from the heart. Again, I would like to again thank all families and friends for their never ending support as Service Battery continue to do great things on a daily basis. SERPENTS!! Sincerely, CPT CHRISTOPHER A. WASHINGTON 1SG MARVIN C. CROMARTIE
The Lightning Bolt!
DELTA BATTERY COMMENTS... This has been incredible month for Delta Battery and the First Lightning Family. Among our proudest achievements, since standing up as a battery last October, was the highly successful “Boys Day Out.” The Delta Battery NCOs put a lot of time and hard work into making this event a reality. Despite many who thought we would not or could not make this happen, Delta Battery took thirty-six sons of First Lightning Soldiers to the range. Each boy received classes on safety and the M16 Rifle. After the classes, each received additional training on the M16 rifle using the “Weaponeer” and the “Laser Beam Hit” simulator. Then, the boys fired two 10 round magazines at a 25-meter popup target. The first ten rounds were shot individually; the next ten rounds were shot on burst. Additionally, the Schweinfurt Community provided a fire truck for the boys to see and climb on. The event culminated with a BBQ and an awards ceremony, where each boy received a certificate of completion. This was a big event, not only for the boys, but the community. Writers from “The Point” and “Stars and Stripes” were present for the event and printed articles in their respective newspapers. You may have noticed the distinct lack of furniture in the Battalion area lately. The Soldiers of Delta Battery have been moving furniture and cleaning in preparation for a new shipment of office furniture. The $150,000 of new furniture will arrive between 7-10 September. Despite the chaos, support to families during this period will not waiver. The amenities available to families and FRGS in the Yellow Ribbon Room will continue to be available. 1SG Ebbs and I would like to congratulate SSG Brown for achieving recognition as the Distinguished Honor Graduate from BNCOC. SSG Brown graduated with a 100% average over his written examinations. His accomplishment is a feat matched by very few. We would also like to recognize SSG Villarreal and SSG Crooks for their recent promotions to Staff Sergeant. SSG Villarreal is the Delta Battery Supply Sergeant and SGT Crooks is the B Battery Family Readiness Liaison. Both of these Noncommissioned Officers are absolutely superb at what they do and are currently attending BNCOC. As always, we ask that you remember the battery when and if you ever need anything. We are here to support the unit forward and its most precious resource, the families. Our phone number is 09721-96-6484 (from the German economy), 011-49-9721-96-6484 (from the United States), or 354-6484 (DSN). Victory for our Troops - Victory for our Families! Dragons! MATTHEW LENNOX W. LEE EBBS CPT, FA 1SG, USA Commanding First Sergeant The Lightning Bolt –
July 12, 2004
Troops at forward base mark Independence Day with burgers, hot dogs and sports
By Gina Cavallaro
Times staff writer
PFC Chris Czarnecki, 26, of Dundee, Ore., of Service Battery for Task Force 1-7, 1st Infantry Division, fires up the grill at forward operating base Summerall near Bayji, Iraq for an Independence Day celebration barbeque. — M. Scott Mahaskey / Army Times
BAYJI, Iraq — It didn’t feel much like a classic 4th of July, but soldiers living at forward operating base Summerall, outside this city 155 kilometers north of Baghdad, were able to enjoy some of the typical trappings and show some of their traditional games to the Iraqis they work with everyday.
Across the sprawling FOB — an airfield where the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division lives now — soldiers wore their black physical training shorts and a special T-shirt made up for the occasion bearing the words “Task Force 1-7, Freedom isn’t free.”
On their heads, soldiers wore everything from ball caps to do-rags to the distinctive Stetsons worn by members of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, who have been attached to Task Force 1-7 for two months.
The soldiers knew the members of the Iraqi National Guard would easily beat them in soccer because it is their national sport.
But that didn’t deter the U.S. soldiers from getting out onto the dirt field under a blazing mid-summer sun to battle it out.
The volleyball court was a proving ground for the Iraqis, many of whom scored points with aggressive moves and savored victory by raising fisted hands and shouting out a traditional American “Whooooooooo!”
Off the court in a shady mechanic’s shop a few feet away, two soldiers quietly played chess with a makeshift board and pieces fashioned out of nuts and bolts. Another group of soldiers tossed a football, and two-man teams played rounds of horseshoes.
On a nearby basketball court, some of the battalion’s most seasoned soldiers lost the ball to wily Iraqi players more than once, but the Iraqis mostly ran with the ball and often tossed it frantically clear over the basket’s backboard.
But when the Iraqis scored, the crowd cheered generously for them, many of whom scooted around on the gym’s shiny floor in leather boots or dress shoes with long pants.
The food was traditional — and the highlight of the day for everyone — a plentiful lunch of barbecued ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken with watermelon, corn and baked beans.
The cooks slaved over double the heat everyone else was experiencing, but managed to churn out more than enough food for about 600 people.
Music played, soldiers sucked down six-packs of non-alcoholic beer and a hot wind blew sand over the lunch.
The day ended with an awards ceremony and a Karaoke competition.
“It’s good that everybody’s getting together, but it’s just not the same,” said Sgt. John Mastronardi, a mechanic with Alpha Company who spoke of the kind of Independence Day he remembers back home in Waynesboro, Pa.
“Back home we could go out on the lake and relax, do a barbeque, have a cold beer. The 4th of July for me is getting together with family
July 11, 2004
DELTA BATTERY COMMENTS- July 2004
Thank you to all of the great volunteers who put time and effort into the Battalion FRG fundraiser at the Independence Day Celebration.Each of you made a difference. The FRG made over $445. That money will be split over each of the battery level FRGs. Special thanks to Amy Lennox, Uschi Ebbs, Helene Minzer, Theresa Bland, Alyce Pena, Jo Williams, and Hope Rodgers, who all donated at least six hours each this weekend.
Congratulations are in order for two newly promoted Dragons. SGT Spsher completed PLDC during the last week of June and returned to the unit in time to be promoted on o1 July. The Soldiers of Dragon Batter believe SGT Apsher's rank is finally catching up to his performance and potential. Originally slated as the command driver, SGT Apsher quickly became a "go to" guy for any task we have to accomplish.
SPC Smith was also promoted on 01 July. SPC Smith is in the MEB process and will be leaving us soon. His recent effort and performance left no doubt in any of our minds that he needed to be promoted, prior to his departure. SPC Smith is the battery armorer and our "DVD Creator". He is also a "go to" guy and frequently volunteers for taskings at the elementary school and to make the long drives to and from LRMC or Frankfurt.
Congratulations are also in order for SSG and Mrs. Brown on the birth of their new baby girl, Tatiana. Tatiana was born on 25 June, was 18.5 inches long, and 6 lbs, 10 ozs. Mother and baby are doing well.
Delta Battery hs been very busy the last two months, outside of our daily business. Among our greater accomplishments, we sent four NCOs and a M109A6 Paladin to Czech for their Armed Forces Weekend. SSG Brown, SSG Hernandez, SGT Crooks, and SGT Villarreal enjoyed their time in Czech, showing off their trade, despite almost starving on bread and water. SSG Hernandez and SGT Villarreal also led our section of the First Infantry Division Salute Battery. These two NCOs, as well as SGT Vanattia and SPC Wright, drove to and from Bamberg about seven times over two weeks to rehearse for the Division Independence Day Celebration. The celebration, on 01 July, included firing volleys for each State, as its name was called out, and firing during the 1812 Overture. None of our four Soldiers had heard or rehearsed their part in the overture, prior to the performance. Hands down, 1-7 FA had the top section in the battery. In another event, Delta Battery fielded over fifty percent of the community softball team that played against the semi-professional team that visited Schweinfurt in early June. Further, the battery participated in the Schweinfurt Elementary School Field Day, by sending 12 Soldiers over to the school to support the different athletic events. All in all, it has been a great and very busy two months.
As always, we ask you to keep the battery in mind, when and if you ever need anything. We are here to support the unit forward and its most precious resource, the families. Our phone number is 09721-96-6484 (from the German economy), 011-49-9721-96-6484 (from the United States), or 354-6484 (DSN).
Dragons!
Matthew Lennox
CPT, FA
Commanding
W. Lee Ebbs
1SG, USA
First Sergeant
SVC BATTERY COMMENTS-July 2004
To The Serpent Family,
First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for the support that has been given so far. Your mail, care packages, and other methods of support continues to bring smiles on the faces of your Soldiers as they continue to support the task force as we move closer to the transitional government tkaing control of their country. Up to this point, we have conducted over 165 combat logistical patrols that are becoming more diverse. All in all, the standard mission is still being performed and we continue to do both very well.
As I mentioned last month, there will be a Soldier that will provide a view of what they think. I believe that if you want to know the truth, ask a Soldier. Here is SSG(P) Garcia's thoughts on the living conditions on FOB Summerall versus what he dealt with when he participated in Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
"Life on FOB Summerall is not as bad as it seems for some. We have come a long way since yesteryear. How, you ask? Well, let me take a minute or so to tell you.
During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, I can remember arriving into tent city and having to sleep on top of our duffle bags lined up shoulder to shoulder. This was largely due to the lack of sleeping quarters. Many of us got dysentery, which added to the less than adequate conditions. We were there a little more than one week.
Shortly thereafter, we loaded our equipment on flatbeds and boarded some buses in the middle of the night. We traveled for a few hours. When the buses finally stopped we downloaded all of our equipment, set up a perimeter, and, of course, guard duty. In the morning when we awoke, the sun was out and it must have been at least 110 degrees. I thought to myself it must be around 1000 hours as I looked at my watch, it was only 0620. I looked around me as far as the eye could see........nothing, nothing but sand and more sand. This was the beginning of life in the desert on our own. We didn't hve air conditioners, microwaves, refrigerators, much less KBR. Our living quarters consisted of cots out in the open next to our guns. We built overhead cover from ponchos and poncho liners to block the sun's rays. We would take our showers in front of the M548 Ammo Carrier where we had set up an Australian Shower. Until we received materials to build our outhouses, we had to walk a good distance away from the perimeter where field sanitation reps had set up our cat holes. After 2 months our conditions got a whole lot better. We received tents and wood to build floors for our tents. These tents would be our home for the next 6 months.
Our Dining Facility consisted of 2 MKT's where our cooks would prepare some rather delicious entrees. Truly, I am not joking, our cooks could really cook, however, the A's did not last that long. We ran out of food and, at times, all we had for dinner was one microwavable lunch bucket. No bread, no salad, and definitely no ice cream.
Why am I sharing this with you? Not because I wish we could go back to those times, but simply to help some of you understand how good you really have it here in Summerall in today's Army. So we need to be a little more patient when the power goes down, or when the phones are not available. You don't have to look back so far either, just look at FOB Tinderbox today, look at their living conditions, and it would make you appreciate the things we have and sometimes have to do without."
Today, we are currently improving our living areas. We are in the process of building a battery MWR facility that will consist of TVs, phones, computer with internet, and a fooseball table. Once the construction is complete, we will continue to improve the facility with table tennis, X-box, and a video/audio library.
The Rest and Recuperation Program is now in full swing and we have successfully provided the opportunity for over 10 Soldiers to participate so far. The Fighter Management Program is also in full swing; a total of 12 Soldiers have already participated.
Before closing, the Soldiers of Service Battery would like to congratulate the Cintrons for their new addition to the family. It is always a blessing to bring new life into the world. On 1 July, we are going to have some newly promoted Soldiers in Service Battery. PFC Thomas, PFC Wisdom, and PFC Hinajosa are being promoted to the rank of Specialist. PV2 Bland, PV2 Guzman, and PV2 Ivanhof will be promoted to the rank of Private First Class. Congratulations are in order and I have faith that these Soldiers will continue to step to the plate and do great things.
Again, I would like to again thank all families and friends for their neverending support and prayers as Service Battery continues to do great things. SPERPENTS!!
Christopher A. Washington
CPT, FA
Commanding
Marvin C. Cromartie
1SG, USA
First Sergeant
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