Aloha Golden Dragon Families Nov/Dec Newsletter 2008 Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Dragons Dragons Dragons Dragons Dragons Dragons Dragons Dragons Dragons Dragons Dragons Dragons 1-14 Infantry Schofield Barracks, Hawaii A Message from COL McCaffrey and MAJ Godinez: Families and Friends of the Warrior Brigade, Happy Thanksgiving! I wanted to take some time to share about the Family Strong Series and squash a rumor I had heard going through the command. Our Soldiers in Iraq are performing exceptionally well! I am very proud to be associated with this Brigade, our Soldiers, and our Families. As we continue to sacrifice for our Nation, I would like to share with you that Colonel and Mrs. McCaffrey have tried to share in all of your ex- periences during this deployment. Along with those experiences, Mrs. McCaffrey has helped bring focus to a team of professionals to help us channel our energies about Redeployment, Reintegration and getting to understand our "New Normal". I think Warrior 6's comments ex- plain the Family Strong Series Fair best: "Upon redeployment, we will have been separated for 15 months. In that time we've each established new routines, assumed new responsi- bilities, and endured new stresses. Having endured the separation we're about to enter the final phase of the deployment - reunion and reintegration. While the joy of the period is unmistakable, so are the challenges. Together, as Families, we need to work to reintegrate our lives, our routines, and our responsibilities. The Family Strong Series is designed to assist you to better understand the reunion and reintegration process. Whether this is your Family's first experience with a combat deployment or whether you've endured these challenges in the past, the coming couple of months may frighten you but will definitely challenge, inspire, and excite you. The training opportunities in this series are modular- you can pick and choose the ones that best suit your Family's particular needs. As our Family anticipates the challenges and joy of our Soldiers reunion we look forward to learning with you through this series." With Warrior Strength, Todd and Lisa McCaffrey Please review the classes on the flyer and find a date or a few dates that you will make time to attend. I know how much this deployment has affected all of us and I have especially seen the effect upon our Children. This series is not your typical Army-speak fare. It is real help, built by real people, who have shared your experiences. For some of our Families, this is the 2nd Thanksgiving in a row that your Soldier is deployed. The good news is that Soldiers deployed over 12 months will receive Save pay every subsequent month. A few of our Soldiers have already seen the SAVE Pay on their LESs. In today's economy, I hope that this simple comfort strengthens your bond with our Command and our Army. Again, Happy Thanksgiving and as always, I enjoy working for you and please don’t hesitate to put a rock back in the Rear Detachment’s ruck if there is something you cannot figure out or handle. It is always better for us to be proactive, especially if you have tried everything to resolve it at your level. FINISH STRONG! For more information or registration please contact the 2nd BDE- FRSA- Letticia Rivera, Bldg. 500 Foote Ave. 1st. Floor, Office 106 (Located to the right in front of the Smith Theater) Office No. (808) 655-8132 Contact Information: 1-14 Infantry Battalion Bldg. 2097 Schofield Barracks, Hawaii Office:(808)655-9924
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Aloha Golden Dragon Famil ies
Nov/Dec Newsletter 2008
Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden
66TH ENG: Wednesday, 17 December 6:00 pm BN conf rm
21 January 6:00 pm BN Classrm
FUNDRAISERS
HHC Afghan Fundraiser: Fundraiser will be ongoing throughout the year. Please contact Shannon Burke, HHC FRG Leader at [email protected]
A Company Reaper Store: Looking for BN clothing to wear? The Reaper Store has it all!! Baby gear, Womens, and Mens Clothing, OIF/OEF pins, are all available for sale. Please contact Holly Pressell at [email protected]
C Co Basket Fundraiser: Please contact C Co’s FRG Leader Becky Fulton at [email protected]
Christmas Ornament Fundraiser: Please contact Tracy Coffey at [email protected].
Events BN CHRISTMAS PARTY, BRUNCH WITH SANTA:
Saturday, 13 December from 12:00-2:00 in the BN
Classroom. Brunch will be served by your very own FRG
Leaders! Pictures with Santa and arts and crafts to follow.
Gift Wrapping at the PX: 1-14IN BN FRG are currently
looking for volunteers to participle in the gift wrapping
fundraiser at the PX. Please contact your FRG Leader for
more information or if you are interested in participating.
1-14 IN BN FRG Gift Wrapping Dates & Times:
Thursday, 18 December from 9am-9pm
(PX Special Event-Midnight Madness) Friday, 19 December,
from 9:00 pm - midnight
Sunday, 21 December 9:00am-12:00pm
2nd BDE Holiday Movie Night at Sgt. Smith Theater:
Come and watch the Polar Express with us! Enjoy a special
appearance by Santa as he passes out candy. Doors open at
5:30pm, movie starts at 7:00pm
Slick Deals at Sams Club: December 15,2008
Birthday of the Army National Guard: Dec. 13, 2008
November and December are here with the holiday season upon us. We have moved one month closer to having our friends and loved ones back on island. In fact, we have less than 90 days until their return. We had several new baby Golden Dragons arrive in our family. Finally, we continue to prepare for the return of
our Golden Dragons.
First, congratulations to all of the families with newborns. We all wish you a happy and healthy start for your
young one. We are also hoping and praying for the those expecting for a healthy and safe delivery.
Next, I would like to introduce the newest member of the Rear Detachment team, MSG Jamie Wells. MSG Wells was a Bushmaster in 1994-1997. He has fought hard to get back here and is once again a proud member of the Golden Dragons. Jamie and Cheryl, are the proud parents of four lovely daughters, Alyssa, Ashley, Ann Marie, Angel, and a son, Brock. He will be replacing SFC Dalton. I am certain he will provide you with extraordinary help. We say good bye to SFC Dalton and thank him for the assistance and help he provided during his short time as Rear Detachment NCOIC. As we moved to the final stage of the deployment, we, as friends and family, need to start looking at a few things. The first is checking up on one another. We need a lot of help ensuring we have contact information for all of the spouses and that it is provided to the FRG and Battalion Rear Detachment. So, if you know of anyone who is not receiving emails or any type of correspondence please send Aloha Valverde (FRSA), your FRG leader, and me the contact information. The Battalion Rear Detachment will make every attempt to contact the Soldiers’ loved ones to tell them when their Soldier should be returning. Also, this holiday season is going to be much like last years. We need to come together and take care of one another. Please take the time during the holiday season to give a season’s greeting to friends and Dragon family members. Also, the last day to send mail is 10 Janu-ary. If mail is sent after this date, there is a strong possibility that the men will not receive it. There are a few events coming up when our loved ones return. One of the biggest events is the homecoming and rede-ployment ceremony. The redeployment ceremony will be on 11 March 2009. The next event is the Battal-ion luau, which will be held on the 13 March 2009. The Friday following the redeployment ceremony, the battalion will meet down at Bellows. We are planning to have this event as an informal gathering where we can reacquaint ourselves and have some fun before block leave. The final event, which is going to be awe-some, is the Battalion Formal. It will be held on Saturday, 29 May 2009 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We cordially invite everyone to attend and enjoy one of the best nights you will ever have while in the Army. Ticket prices have not be determined due to the increase in the food prices. Finally, the Brigade is going to see an influx of families returning to Hawaii and it has just started. This means that housing is going to have a huge list of families attempting to get on-post housing. The closer we get to redeployment the longer it will take to get housing on post. I highly recommend you all start planning to return in as soon as possible. The Dragon main body should be arriving in the latter part of February. We do not have an exact date. I recommend telling your loved ones who will vacation to Hawaii to welcome home their hero, to arrive in
Hawaii on or about 20 February.
Remember, this is a tentative time which is SUBJECT TO CHANGE!!!!!
On Behalf of 1-14 Infantry Rear Detachment,
Merry Christmas and have a safe and Happy New Year!!!!!
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WHOEVER SAID “GIRLS ARE MADE OF SUGAR AND SPICE
AND EVERYTHING NICE”
NEVER MET THESE LADIES!
GRRR!!!
1111----14 IN SPOUSES GET DOWN AND DIRTY…14 IN SPOUSES GET DOWN AND DIRTY…14 IN SPOUSES GET DOWN AND DIRTY…14 IN SPOUSES GET DOWN AND DIRTY…
This deployment is nearing its end. Please be sure to check your eThis deployment is nearing its end. Please be sure to check your eThis deployment is nearing its end. Please be sure to check your eThis deployment is nearing its end. Please be sure to check your e----mails for information regarding mails for information regarding mails for information regarding mails for information regarding
redeployment. Battalion Afghans are still available for purchase and will continue to be available into the redeployment. Battalion Afghans are still available for purchase and will continue to be available into the redeployment. Battalion Afghans are still available for purchase and will continue to be available into the redeployment. Battalion Afghans are still available for purchase and will continue to be available into the
New Year! As always, you can contact me with any questions you may have. New Year! As always, you can contact me with any questions you may have. New Year! As always, you can contact me with any questions you may have. New Year! As always, you can contact me with any questions you may have.
I wish you all a safe and Happy Holiday! I wish you all a safe and Happy Holiday! I wish you all a safe and Happy Holiday! I wish you all a safe and Happy Holiday!
On November 13th, 2008, SSG Gustavo On November 13th, 2008, SSG Gustavo On November 13th, 2008, SSG Gustavo On November 13th, 2008, SSG Gustavo
Escobar and wife, Karla Seijas, celebrated Escobar and wife, Karla Seijas, celebrated Escobar and wife, Karla Seijas, celebrated Escobar and wife, Karla Seijas, celebrated
their first anniversary. their first anniversary. their first anniversary. their first anniversary.
I wanted to take a few minutes and introduce myself. My name is Holly Pressell, and I am Alpha Company's new FRG Leader. My husband, CPT Kurt Pressell, took command of Alpha Company, 1-14 INF, (A CO) in
mid October and will continue to be in command throughout the duration of the deployment. We have two daughters, Natalie, age 7 1/2 and Scarlett, 7 months old. We have been in the Army for 16 years and have been married for 15. This is our second deployment. It is my pleasure to become the new Reaper FRG
leader. I look forward to working with each of you. We have a few new projects for the Reaper soldiers. We made 400 Thanksgiving cards for the soldiers of A CO and B CO. Mahalo for all of the messages and for the help ladies. On December 3rd, we will meet again
to assemble Chistmas Stockings. Please come out and join us. Candy donations are being accepted. Birthday cookies were sent for October and November birthdays. The next batch will go out shortly. If any-
body is interested in sending them out for January and February please email me. Christmas trees have been donated by family and friends for our very deserving soldiers. A small way to help
them celebrate the holiday season. If any questions or concerns arise please feel free to contact me. If you would like to include anything in the
next newsletter please email me your photos, well wishes etc.
December 16th at 6 pm in the BN Conference Room. Free Childcare is available for the FRG meeting! STACC has been arranged at Peterson CDC w/ drop off at 5:45pm. Please call STACC at 655-8628 to register your child. A guest speaker was invited to address stress management and relaxation. I encourage all of you to try to attend.
January’s FRG meeting will be on Saturday, 17 January at 10:30am in the BN Conference room, I hope to see you all there!
As we reach the one year milestone in this deployment we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! You should all be very proud
of yourselves for embracing the challenges of this deployment. While there is a lot of celebrating to do, it is important to remember that we still
have three months left until homecoming and we need to continue to take care of ourselves and our friends and families in these last few months
that we are apart from our loved ones. Many of you will be traveling back to Hawaii after the first of the year and we encourage you to contact
your FRG, or our Rear D team if you need anything as you transition to life back on the island.
These past few months have been jam-packed with activities. It has been great seeing many of our Bravo Company families at the various FRG
activities in October and November. We got to experience a “day in the life” of our soldiers at GI Jane Day. Our little ones enjoyed participat-
ing in the Walk to Iraq and Back Hikes, especially roasting marshmallows after the night hike up Kole Kole in November. We also enjoyed put-
ting together Halloween and Thanksgiving crafts for our loved ones downrage.
We hope that you all have a happy Holidays this winter and we look forward to seeing many of you after the first of the year! To our B CO
soldiers, we continue to be so proud of all you have done and we can’t wait to be reunited with you….Finish Strong!
B Co families fill Halloween treat bags and write Thanksgiving cards
to their loved ones.
FRG Reminder:
Next FRG Meeting: Tuesday, 13 January 2009 (STACC site TBA)
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Bushmas te r Fami l y member s showing the i r suppor t :
Bushmaster News
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! FROM BRAVO COMPANY FRGHAPPY HOLIDAYS! FROM BRAVO COMPANY FRGHAPPY HOLIDAYS! FROM BRAVO COMPANY FRGHAPPY HOLIDAYS! FROM BRAVO COMPANY FRG
Signed, sealed, and delivered….Giving “Thanks” to our soldiers in honor of Thanksgiving
Kole Kole Night Hikers
REMINDER: Our next FRG meeting is Tuesday, 13 January 2009 in
the BN classroom...STACC Site TBA
What has been keeping you busy during this deployment??? We would
like to put together a few pages in the next newsletter highlighting the
various activities our Bravo Company families have been taking
part in while their loved ones are away. Please send photos and stories
to Nicole Williams.
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Aloha Family and Friends of Charlie Rock!!
Time is flying past us now and the holidays are fast approaching. Hard to believe that a year
has come and gone and that we are in the final leg of this deployment. The last of our Soldiers
have come home for some much needed R&R and now we are eagerly awaiting their return. As
the hustle and bustle of the holiday season comes into full swing, please remember to check in with
one another to see if anyone needs a helping hand. It’s easy to slip into holiday mode and get caught
up with Christmas parties, children’s programs, and of course, SHOPPING! Reaching out to our fellow
sisters during these final months and during the holidays is that much more important and I encour-
age you to continue looking out for one another. Also, for those leaving the island for the holidays,
please let me know where you will be staying and how to get in touch with you prior to your leaving.
Charlie Company has been busy preparing for this holiday season, beginning with the Halloween
costume party in October, the Kolekole Night Hike in November, and making Christmas ornaments to
send to our loved ones. Our basket fundraiser will come to an end this month so make sure you get
your order in to ensure delivery by Christmas. The next FRG meeting will be December 16th
at 6 PM.
Aloha Charlie Company Family and Friends!Aloha Charlie Company Family and Friends!Aloha Charlie Company Family and Friends!Aloha Charlie Company Family and Friends!
Upcoming FRG Meetings:
Tuesday, 16 December 2008 at 6:00 pm in the BN Classroom Room.
Saturday, January 21 2009 at 2:00 pm in the BN Classroom Room
Thank you,Thank you,Thank you,Thank you,
Becky FultonBecky FultonBecky FultonBecky Fulton
Charlie Company FRG LeaderCharlie Company FRG LeaderCharlie Company FRG LeaderCharlie Company FRG Leader
Charlie Company decorating pumpkins to send to our Soldiers.
“WORLDS APART, TOGETHER AT HEART” “WORLDS APART, TOGETHER AT HEART” “WORLDS APART, TOGETHER AT HEART” “WORLDS APART, TOGETHER AT HEART”
SPC DAVID COLIP : MERRY CHRISTMAS TO OUR SOLDIER OF WHOM WE LOVE AND ARE
SO PROUD. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THE SOLDIERS FOR A JOB WELL DONE.
GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND THE
SACRIFICES THAT YOU HAVE ENDURED, FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR COUNTRY, AND FOR
THE BLESSINGS YOU BROUGHT TO THE COUNTRY OF IRAQ. MAY YOUR MISSIONS COME
TO A CLOSE WITH HONOR AND CONTINUED SUCCESSES. OUR FAMILY HOLDS ALL OF
YOU IN PRAYER FOR BLESSINGS OF SAFETY, HEALTH AND GOD'S SPEED FOR THE REST
OF YOUR MISSIONS. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. OKAY GUYS...PACK IT UP....AND COME
ON HOME!!! From: Patrick and Toni Colip, PROUD ARMY FAMILY OF 2 SOLDIERS, 2ND ID
KOREA/ 25TH ID HI
Andrew, Merry Christmas Sweetie! Can't wait until you come home and I'll have a "Blue Christmas" without
you!! Love, Becky
PFC Phan,Truong: We love and miss you truly and we are wanting to Wish You A MERRY
CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Love Rodhney and Adrian Phan
To Eric Anderson: Merry Christmas hubby! You will be home soon and I can't wait to see
that handsome smile of yours! Ill be thinking of you all Christmas long wishing you were
here! I’ll visit your family and get all caught up I promise! We will celebrate when you get
home! Tree and everything! Yea! Your favorite I know! I love you so much! xoxo, Carli
Anderson
To Cpt. Cavasier:The only present we want for Christmas is you! We can't wait to see you
again! Merry Christmas baby and a happy new year! Muah! From Rachel and Evanbear
"There must have been an angel by my side. . .somethin' Heavenly came down from above. . .He led me to you. .
.He led me to you. . ." Merry Christmas, my handsome...Elizabeth
Merry Christmas Daddy! I love you sooooo much! You are my HERO and I can't wait until you
come home! Love, Madison Woodruff
Dad, I hope the mess hall makes another 17 foot cake for you and the soldiers. If they do, can you take a
pictures of it and send it to me? I love you to the google-plex! Love, Joshua Woodruff
Hi dad! I can't wait to wrestle-fight when you get back! I love you infinity. Love, Jacob Woodruff
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SSG Dustin James Nolan: We hope you have safe Christmas and new year. We love you and miss you tons and can't wait to have you home again! love, Amanda & Arianna Nolan
Merry Christmas Andy, to you and your men. We hope to see you soon. Love, Dad, Karen, Caleigh, Erin
and Gillian
Andy: We’re sorry you have to spend a second Christmas away from home, both your home and your home in
Georgia. We wish you and Becky could be with us to celebrate the holidays and we’re looking forward to next year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Stay safe. Love, Mom and Don
SPC Tony Ryan: You are on our minds everyday and we all love you very much and can't wait to have
you home again! Happy Christmas, Sweetie! Keep your head up, we're so close to being done! Hugs
and kisses, Emma, Clare, and Kip
Steve and I wish you and all of the Golden Dragons a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season.
Although there is a great distance between us, you are close in our thoughts and prayers. We appreciate all that you
do and congratulate you on all of the great work you are doing overseas. We can't wait to see you, Becky and the
boys in March. God speed! Love you, Steve, Julie, Tipper and Zoey
For Spc Robert Killinger: we're all so very proud of you! Love you & miss you! Love from your Browns-
ville, Portland, Albany, Lexington & San Francisco families
Aloha Daddy, Happy Holidays! We wish you were here with us. Even though you're not able to be with us this
holiday season, just remember that you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We love and miss you so much
and we can't wait till you come home. Stay safe Daddy and may God Bless You and bring you home safely to Me
and Mommy. Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!)
Love Always, Adrian II and Darice Guest
SSG Wren: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! We hope your holidays are filled with happiness and joy even
though you are half a world away. We will see you soon. We love and miss you with all our heart and soul. To all the
soldiers have a happy holiday and be safe and we will see you all very soon. Love Lisa and Austin Wren
Andrew– Happy 2nd Anniversary, Sweetie! 1 and 2 spent apart, but know that you will always hold my heart!
Love, Becky
Major Ross Coffey: I love you, Daddy. Merry Christmas, Daddy. Bock, bock. Have a nice chicken
day! I'm going to be glad when you come home, Daddy. Bock, bock! Love, Taylor
Hi, Daddy! Thank you! Merry Christmas! Love, Adam
Um-maa. Daaaa-da. Brmm, brmm, brmm. Love, Ryan
Ross, You are all we want for Christmas. Be safe, and come home soon. Love you with all my heart, Tracy