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Desperados are now fully in
charge of our logistical mis-
sion in Iraq!!! We are on the
move and making the mis-
sion happen. We went
through a transition period
with the previous unit, and
are now in the drivers seat.
The Distribution platoon are
our road dogs. They support
our brothers at the check
points with whatever sup-
port needed. We combined
elements from each section
of the Troop to make a secu-
rity element for our combatlogistical patrols. We have
our food service , mechanics
and medic soldiers hitting
the road making it happen
for the Squadron. Our Distri-
bution platoon also provides
sustainment for FOB Cobra.
They provide bulk water sup-
port, fuel and transportation
support. So, as you can see,
our Distro guys are very
busy!! Our maintenance pla-
toon is doing outstanding as
well. The maintenance Sol-
diers are working hard main-
taining the Squadrons fleet.
Our generator mechanics are
some of the hardest working
Soldiers here on the FOB.
The generator mechanics
have been working non stopon the generators to keep our
check points and FOB going.
Im real proud of the motiva-
tion and professionalism
these maintenance Soldiers
posses to keep the mission going. The
HQ section is also doing great things.
They run our operations cell, DFAC,
medical section, supply room and com-
mand post. Our HQ section also coordi-
nates our FOB Cobra logistical support.
Our food service section along with our
civilian contractors prepare three won-
derful meals for us daily. Our food ser-
vice Soldiers also support the line Troops
at the check points by providing meals
for them on a daily basis. Desperado Sol-
diers are working very hard supporting
the Squadron. Most of us are very happy
with FOB Cobra. It has exceeded most of
our expectations. Personally, I thought
that FOB Cobra was going to be very
primitive; however it has everything I
need and more. So, (for the most part )
our basic needs are taken care of and the
morale is very high. We appreciate all the
support and the love from the families
back home. The Soldiers are enjoying
receiving care packages; keep them com-
DESPERADO 6
FOB COBRA
FOB Cobra has plenty of things
to offer us! Like the MWR, bar-
bershops, a coffee shop, pool
hall, computer labs, DVD shop,
and a lovely DFAC. Because of
our fast pace and very busy
schedule, the Soldiers enjoy
having these activities like the
internet, and MWR to help
relax when time permits.
There are few things here on
Fob Cobra that may catch ones
eye; One trend that has become
famous is the shaved head. Our
barber here is a little heavy on
the clippers, resulting in a lot of
Soldiers having both intentional
and unintentional shaved heads.
Now known as the Cobra Cut.
When Soldiers go out on mis-
sions, they often wear the Army
Combat Shirt. The shirt has a
distinct form fitting shape that
catches the eye.; its been tagged
as The Sexy Shirt. Another
trend here on Cobra is diet
drinks. Everybody is drinking
diet sodas, in the DFAC, in the
CP, in the motor pool, every-
where you go, somebody is
drinking a diet soda. Another eye
catching trend here is look a
likes. Some of Soldiers share an
uncanny resemblance to each other
and becomes quite the talk of the
town!
FOB COBRA IRAQ
JUNE 2011
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
DESPERADONEWSLETTER
Inside this issue:
HQ PLATOON 2
DISTRIBUTION PLATOON 3
MAINTENANCE PLATOON 4
PHOTO OPS 5
DEDICATION TO SGTBEARD
6
Below:
SFC Alexander sporting the sexy shirt and a diet soda
SPC Bailey showing off his shaved head .
SPC Losee and PFC Anderson have been mistaken as
twins
SSG Daniels and SPC Hewitt have an uncanny
resemblance .
9
D
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The HQ section consists of, the Command Post, Operations
Cell, Supply, Medical and the Food Service Section. The HQ
section maintains our steady state logistical operations.
The Ops cell manages FOB support, coordinates check point
support and the Combat logistical patrols . The operations
cell is sometimes like a mad house! At any given moment,
there may be several people in our little Ops cell all at-
tempting to coordinate support. The Operations cell is led
by newly promoted CPT Jonathan Lent, the Troop XO. The
Ops cell has done an amazing job controlling the Desperado
logistical operations. The other members of the HQs Pla-
toon, the Food Service Section. The Food Service Section is
led by SFC Alexander. Everyone enjoys an excellent variety
of meals provided by the DFAC. The DFAC feeds over 700
Soldiers and civilians daily. Our Soldiers at the Check
Points also enjoy meals provided by
the Food Service Soldiers. The
DFAC provided special meals and
displays for important events in-
cluding Veterans Day, the Armys
Birthday, and Fathers Day.
HQ HELLIONS PLATOON
LEFT:Food Service Soldiers with civilian
contractors preparing for the Armys
Birthday celebration.
BELOW: HQ / DEFAC Soldiers smiling
for the camera
Page 2 DESPERADO NEWSLETTER
The
Operations
cell is
sometimes like
a mad house.
LEFT:PFC Cusack
in the Ops cell
communicating with
our Combat
Logistical Patrol.
RIGHT: The Army
Birthday Cake
ABOVE: 1SG Weed and his new toy. Who
gave 1SG a bull horn?
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The Distribution platoon and the
Desperado security element hit the
road to provide logistical support to
our check points. They support the
Squadron with fuel, water, food and
maintenance. I am so proud of the
teamwork and commitment of these
Soldiers. I could not ask for a better
group of Soldiers to conduct this mis-
sion. The Distro Platoon is led by 2LT
Carl Rennie and SSG Kendrick
Daniels. This Platoon flourished un-
der their leadership and is continuing
to do great things here in Iraq. The
Distro platoon has some of the most
experienced and professional NCOs
that I have ever met. Im confident in the leader-
ship that this platoon has. These Soldiers are mo-
tivated and proud of the work they do, both at the
check points and here on FOB Cobra. This
month, they took over the mission from 2-14
CAVs LST. It was a smooth transition (for the
most part) that only lasted a couple of days.
Since, then, the Distro guys and gals have com-
pletely took over the mission and have provided
outstanding support!! So far, the Distro platoon
has pushed out over 16,000 gallons of fuel, 35
pallets of bottled water and over 60 pallets of
food to the Soldiers at the Check points. They
have provided over 165,ooo gallons of fuel, over
90 pallets of water and over 20 transportation
movement requests to support FOB operations
here on Cobra. Theses amazing accomplishments
proves without a doubt that, Nothing happens
until something moves- Transportation Corps
unofficial motto.
ABOVE : The Distro platoon and the Desperado Security
element preparing to conduct a Combat Logistic Patrol to
the Check Points.
RIGHT: SSG Daniels, SPC Powell, and SGT Williams fin-
ishing their breakfast before hitting the road.
DISTRO PLATOON TONKA
The Distro
Platoon is led by
2LT Carl Rennie
and SSG
Kendrick
Daniels.
Page 3VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
ABOVE:SGT Brown having fun
providing support for FOB
Cobra.
The Distro
Platoon has
pushed outover 16,000
gallons of fuel
to the Check
Points
Nothing happensuntil something
moves
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The maintenance platoon hit
the ground running and has-
nt stopped since! The main-
tenance section keeps the
Squadron mov-
ing..literally!! These are the
hardest working Soldiers I
have ever seen. The mainte-
nance platoon is led by 2LT
Jennifer Williams and SFC
Benjamin Boyd (pictured
below). The maintenance
section began operations by
conducting technical inspec-
tions on over 125 of the
Squadrons vehicles to en-
sure that the vehicles were
fully mission capable to be-
gin operations. The commo
section has been extremelybusy providing communica-
tion support to the Troop.
SPC Mercado (pictured
below) and his team have
worked really hard to ensure
the Command Post and all
the Desperado fleet were up
and running on communica-
tion support. The biggest and
most critical support this
month has by far been generator
maintenance. Our GSE section has
worked on over 30 generators from
the Check Points and over 20 gen-
erators on the FOB. SGT Johnsonand his team( pictured below)
have worked long days and long
nights repairing generators to en-
sure that the Check Points are op-
erational. The Desperado team and
the Dark Horse Squadron appreci-
ate the hard work and dedication
that the maintenance team has put
in this month to ensure the success
of the mission. GO ORDNANCE!!
MAINTENANCE Wrench PLATOON
Page 4 DESPERADO NEWSLETTER
The Maintenance section
keeps the Squadron
moving.literally.!!
The Maintenance Platoon leadership: 2LT
Jennifer Williams, and SFC, Benjamin
Boyd with SPC Alba and SPC Fortin
Everybody loves the generator mechanics!!!
SPC Litteken providing maintenance on an MRAP
The Clerks
SPC Mercado getting our
communication systems up
and running.
The Maintenance
Platoon has
conducted over
125 technical
inspections, 35QA/QCs, and 16
services for the
month of June.
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The one thing that our Desperados look forward to more than any-
thing: including chow, internet, and phones, is MAIL . Its like Christ-
mas time when the BSB (Brigade Support Battalion) CLP (Combat
Logistical Patrol) shows up with mail. The Soldiers all run up to CP
and ask Did I get mail? The Soldiers have received everything from
Amazon.com packages, hygiene supplies, blankets, snacks, teddybears and coloring books (yes, coloring books). The Soldiers appreci-
ate the special packages sent by friends and family members to
brighten up their day. Keep the mail coming! We love you too!!!
THANKS FOR THE LOVE
Its like Christmas
time when we
receive mail
1LT Gibson smiles like a little school
girl after receiving her first package.
So far shes probably received more
1LT Gibson received her 4th of July gifts
a little early!!
PFC Sullivan is very happy to receive a fresh
SGT Lopez receives a care package from his
2LT Rennie shows off his little Chinook
Soldiers love teddy bears too. SPC Robinsreceives a teddy in her care package.
PFC Schulte receives a very nice smelling deer
blanket.
SPC Vasquez is excited about re-
ceiving some hot sauce and Oreos.
PFC Laguana receives an Air Force teddy
bear in the mail.
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D FSC 4-9 CAV 2BCT 1CDFOB COBRA IRAQ
APO AE 09391
Email: [email protected]
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK AT :www.facebook.com/dtroopdesperados
D FSC History
The 15th Forward Support Battalion was constituted on23 March 1925 as the 1st Medical Squadron. The battal-
ion was assigned to the 1st Calvary Division on 25 March
1949. The unit was redesigned as the 15th Medical Bat-
talion. On 15 September 1985 the 15th Medical Battalion
was inactivated at Fort Hood TX with elements being
incorporated in the newly formed 2nd Forward Support
Battalion and was re-designed as the 15th Forward Sup-
port Battalion.
In 2005, as part of the transformation of the 1st Calvary
Division to the US Army Modular Force Structure. D Co 4
-9 was activated on 08 July 2005 as the organic Cavalry
Squadron assigned to the reorganized re-designated 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division.
In 2006-2008 D Co 4-9 CAV deployed to Camp Liberty
in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2009-2010 D CO 4-9 CAV
deployed again to Kirkuk in support of OIF. Company
awards includes the Meritorious Service Award and the
Presidential Unit Citation Award. Currently D Co is de-
ployed to FOB Cobra, Iraq in support of Operation New
Dawn.
This month we lost a member of our team that was loved by many. SGT Bryan Beard passed away on
12 June 2011 from injuries sustained in a motor cycle accident. SGT Beard was a member of our Dis-
tribution Platoon. He served as the Fuel Section Sergeant. He enlisted in the Army in 1997 and had
an outstanding career. He served the army in Korea, Fort Stewart, GA, Fort Hood, TX., and multi-
ple deployments to Iraq. We remember our brother for the good times we shared with him and his
hard charging personality. The Soldiers and leaders of the Desperado and Dark Horse family said
goodbye to SGT Beard during his memorial ceremony on 18 June 2011. We will miss you, but you are
not forgotten.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTON
SUSTAIN THE LEGEND!!!
DESPERADOS.
F
Pictured: SGT Beard (left) SGT Williams (Right)
SGT Bryan D. Beard
Next Issue: July 2011