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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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