BN Commander and Senior FRG Advisor Words MAY 9, 2012 MONTHLY ISSUE BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BN CSM 2 Chaplain’s Corner 2 HHB Hardcore 3 ALPHA Apaches 4 BRAVO Bulldogs 5 GOLF Ghostriders 6 Current Events and News 7-13 Inside this issue: BLACK DRAGON Family: Well, Spring is upon us (though it is starting to feel more like summer), and as you have noticed the training intensity has picked up just a bit with the Battalion going through Artillery and Artillery Support Certifications. Sol- dier and Leaders have worked very hard over the last several months to get their systems operational as well as training on their systems; so they can complete the pre- requisite tasks required prior to going to the field. The Battalion deploys to the local training areas on 7 MAY and will stay out until 11 May, we plan to come in for the Mother’s Day Week-end and then head back out to the field from 14 – 18 May to complete our Section Level Cer- tifications. However, Artillery Certifications are not the only thing that is going on during this time frame. The Battalion operations center is at the Operational Test Com- mand Site establishing and utilizing all of our automated systems in a testing environment so we can effectively manage the Battalion in the field. The Radar and Meteoro- logical Sections are also conducting their certifications along with new equipment training. Golf Company is not only charged with maintaining the Battalion in the field, but also keeping us on the road during our 60 KM road march. They are conducting their own certifications. All in all it is going to be a busy, but great couple of weeks. There is some information that I want to share with the families about training this summer. The Brigade has been notified that we will deploy to the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, LA for the month of August. The major issue with Fort Polk (besides being muggy that time of year) is that they don’t have the Paladin Artillery System down there for us to train on, so the Battalion is going to cross train on the two towed howitzers the M777 (155mm) and the M119 (105mm). Right now, the plan is for us to bring the weapon systems here so we can do all of our training here at Fort Hood. This training will keep the Battalion busy most of the summer up until we depart in August, but the intent is to train here so when we are not working, we get to spend time with our families. On that note, it does not look like the battalion or the Brigade will be able to take a block leave this summer, I know this is frustrating to many who enjoy vacationing in the sum- mer when kids are out of school. While we cannot commit to a block leave period the Brigade and the Battalion will be conducting opportunity leave, which will provide some chance for folks to take leave when not training for our exercise in August. The Brigade is trying to fence some- time in the late summer or early fall to accommodate a Block Leave period and once we have details on that we will let everyone know. The last thing I would like to address is the ru- mors about the possible deployment, and what that may mean to the Brigade and the Battalion. As of right now, there has been no deployment order given by our higher headquarters (Division or above), we have just been told to train. If we are given a deployment order, we are not sure at this time what our role/responsibility will be in support of the possible deployment. I, and the other leaders of the Battalion, remain committed to in- forming Soldiers and their Families as soon as we have directed information from our higher headquarters. We know how important it is to keep everyone informed. Regardless of what information is or is not provided, it is my intent to hold a Town Hall Meeting in the month of June to discuss possible deployment issues as well as address other concerns that may be on your mind. Stay connected with your Battery/Company FRG for details. Finally, mark your calendars during the third week of June we are planning on a family day where we bring all the families to our field site; show you all what we do on a daily basis in the field, and fire our howitzers in a direct fire mode – should be quite an event. Again thank you for what you do in supporting your Soldier, we all realize that we could not do what we do without your support and understanding. Stay in touch with your FRGs, and follow us on our Social Media sites to keep up with the latest information and opportunities. Will and Jessy Johnson FRG Facebook Group www.facebook.com/#!/ groups/582black.dragons/ Battalion Facebook Page www.facebook.com/#!/ pages/5th-Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment- Black-Dragons/288593261191191
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Transcript
BN Commander and Senior FRG Advisor Words
MAY 9, 2012 MONTHLY ISSUE
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
BN CSM 2
Chaplain’s Corner 2
HHB Hardcore 3
ALPHA Apaches 4
BRAVO Bulldogs 5
GOLF Ghostriders 6
Current Events and News 7-13
Inside this issue:
BLACK DRAGON Family:
Well, Spring is upon us (though it is starting to feel
more like summer), and as you have noticed the training
intensity has picked up just a bit with the Battalion going
through Artillery and Artillery Support Certifications. Sol-
dier and Leaders have worked very hard over the last
several months to get their systems operational as well as
training on their systems; so they can complete the pre-
requisite tasks required prior to going to the field. The
Battalion deploys to the local training areas on 7 MAY and
will stay out until 11 May, we plan to come in for the
Mother’s Day Week-end and then head back out to the
field from 14 – 18 May to complete our Section Level Cer-
tifications. However, Artillery Certifications are not the
only thing that is going on during this time frame. The
Battalion operations center is at the Operational Test Com-
mand Site establishing and utilizing all of our automated
systems in a testing environment so we can effectively
manage the Battalion in the field. The Radar and Meteoro-
logical Sections are also conducting their certifications
along with new equipment training. Golf Company is not
only charged with maintaining the Battalion in the field,
but also keeping us on the road during our 60 KM road
march. They are conducting their own certifications. All
in all it is going to be a busy, but great couple of weeks.
There is some information that I want to share with
the families about training this summer. The Brigade has
been notified that we will deploy to the Joint Readiness
Training Center in Fort Polk, LA for the month of August.
The major issue with Fort Polk (besides being muggy that
time of year) is that they don’t have the Paladin Artillery
System down there for us to train on, so the Battalion is
going to cross train on the two towed howitzers the M777
(155mm) and the M119 (105mm). Right now, the plan is
for us to bring the weapon systems here so we can do all
of our training here at Fort Hood. This training will keep
the Battalion busy most of the summer up until we depart
in August, but the intent is to train here so when we are
not working, we get to spend time with our families. On
that note, it does not look like the battalion or the Brigade
will be able to take a block leave this summer, I know this
is frustrating to many who enjoy vacationing in the sum-
mer when kids are out of school. While we cannot commit
to a block leave period the Brigade and the Battalion will
be conducting opportunity leave, which will provide some
chance for folks to take leave when not training for our
exercise in August. The Brigade is trying to fence some-
time in the late summer or early fall to accommodate a
Block Leave period and once we have details on that we
will let everyone know.
The last thing I would like to address is the ru-
mors about the possible deployment, and what that may
mean to the Brigade and the Battalion. As of right now,
there has been no deployment order given by our
higher headquarters (Division or above), we have just
been told to train. If we are given a deployment order,
we are not sure at this time what our role/responsibility
will be in support of the possible deployment. I, and the
other leaders of the Battalion, remain committed to in-
forming Soldiers and their Families as soon as we have
directed information from our higher headquarters. We
know how important it is to keep everyone informed.
Regardless of what information is or is not provided, it is
my intent to hold a Town Hall Meeting in the month of
June to discuss possible deployment issues as well as
address other concerns that may be on your mind. Stay
connected with your Battery/Company FRG for details.
Finally, mark your calendars during the third
week of June we are planning on a family day where we
bring all the families to our field site; show you all what
we do on a daily basis in the field, and fire our howitzers
in a direct fire mode – should be quite an event. Again
thank you for what you do in supporting your Soldier,
we all realize that we could not do what we do without
your support and understanding. Stay in touch with
your FRGs, and follow us on our Social Media sites to
keep up with the latest information and opportunities.
To find a Boys and Girls Club near you and to register for the Boys and Girls Club
of Central Texas visit:
http://www.bgctx.org
Page 10
BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
2
Family Update May 2012
Copperas Cove Boys and Girls Club Summer
Schedule
Page 11
BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
May 11- Texas Hold „em Poker Tournament
st place prize - $175, 2nd placeprize - $75, 3rd place prize - $50
ved basis) and spectators are welcome!
th Street at Tank Destroyer Boulevard, near the east gate.
(Bldg. 194, 37th Street, inside of the Phantom Warrior Center)
-532-5073.
May 13 - Mother‟s Day Brunch
– Adults
– Children 5-12
– Children 4 & under
, red skinned mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, vegetable medley, Virginia baked ham , top round beef, assorted salads, desserts, mimosas and more!
-532-5329 or 254-532-5073.
th Street at Tank Destroyer Blvd, near the East Gate.
May 18- 20 - Camp C.O.P.E.
ked to make every day.
-appropriate therapeutic interventions in small groups of their peers, who have had similar experiences.
ope better emotionally.
increased healthy relationships with others.
Fort Hood Family and MWR
Events Calendar
Page 12
BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
12 May: Book Signing with the romance author Robyn Carr at the Clear Creek PX from 1100-1300. She will be autographing copies of her latest books, “Sunrise Point” about a Marine re-
turning home to the Virgin River.; “Redwood Bend” about a widow dealing with the death of her Green Beret husband in Afghanistan; and “Hidden Summit” #3 on the New York Times
best selling list. These are the three latest titles in her Virgin River trilogy.
12 May: Direct from Puerto Rico, V&G Production brings you swing band KARIS, promoting their new production “The New Generation, The Power of Swing”, autograph signing and
photo opportunity will be at the Clear Creek PX from 1400-1600.
14 May: Midnight Launch at the Clear Creek Game Stop. Be the first to purchase Diablo lll.
Prelaunch is 2300-2400. Actual launch is 0001 until approximately 0100 on 15 May.
17 May: Book Signing with Marcus Luttrell at the Clear Creek PX from 1600-1800. Navy SEAL
Marcus Luttrell, author of the #1 bestseller “Lone Survivor”, tells his own extraordinary war
stories-and those of others who have chosen to serve.
In October 2006, after miraculously returning from his star-crossed mission in Afghanistan,
Marcus Luttrell went back to war. In six months of high-intensity urban fighting in the most dangerous city in the world, Ramadi, Iraq, he was part of one of the greatest victories in the
history of the SEAL teams.
19 May: Patriot Pet – Just say TREAT! – Photo Contest. In store pet contest will be held judg-ing the pet photo submissions on the basis of creativity, uniqueness, quality, and effective-ness in conveying the loyalty and companionship of pets belonging to military members. The
Grand Prize winner will receive a $250 Exchange gift card.
19 May: “Blood of Heroes” Book Signing with author James Donovan at the Clear Creek PX from 1100-1300. This is the story of the 13 day struggle for the Alamo and the sacrifice that
forged a nation.
31 May: Book Signing with author Lisa Harris signing the latest installment of her “Finding My
Way” series at the Clear Creek PX 1100-1300.
31 May – 2 June: Jazz guitarist Jeffery Smith will be performing and selling his CD’s at the