July 2011 FSC Newsletter

Please address all requests and comments to 1SG Stiglich at [email protected] Here are some fun facts about the deployment so far: I have had to honor to present 19 Soldiers with awards, pro- mote 15 Soldiers, and we’ve had 5 Soldie rs re-enlist. In our limited free time we also play some Softball in the league out here. Our team, which has different players on it every week, always plays everyone that comes out so everyone can enjoy our nation’s favorite pastime. We also had our first official out-of-the-park homerun this month as well, and we beat our rival team, the HHC “Headhunters!” I a m loo king forward to the rest of the deployment as it is going to be an exciting time with a lot of changes that you and your Soldiers will be able to see. CPT Hougnon Greetings from the Forward Support Company Com- mander. Your Soldiers have made a huge impact on Operation New Dawn. Unfortunat ely I cannot talk about the specif- ics, but as you know the Dis- tribution Platoon has been very busy moving vehicles, equipment, and supplies across the battlefield support- ing Task Force Sapper Eagle. The Maintenance Platoon has constantly stayed busy caring for and repairing the de- graded and battered fleet of equipment that had endured eight years of Operation Iraqi Freedom m ission s. We also have our field feeding team that runs an entire Dining Facility , managing the work- ers that serve thousands of meals every day. The Head- quarters Platoon continues to ensure that the mighty Gorilla Pack is running smoothly, and gets their mail! Spirits are high around here, despite some of the facilities close down such as the movie theater and restaurants. As a reminder to you back home, Iraq is drawing down, so many of the amenities and comforts that we have will go away over time. So keep sending those care packages! Our environment changes rapidly out here, and that means the conditions for the Soldiers will as well. I’ll do my best to keep you informed as to major impacts that may or w ill affect the Soldiers. So far, the reductions are mini- mal and have not signifi- cantly impacted the quality of life. What? Halfway there already! Promotions and Awards THE ARMY GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL WAS AWARDED TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS: SGT PERSINGER, SPC JAGESSAR, AND SPC MATA THE COMBAT ACTION BADGE WAS AWARDED TO SGT ANDRZEJCZUK THE COMBAT ACTION BADGE WAS AWARDED TO SPC SWOISH THE COMBAT ACTION BADGE WAS AWARDED TO SPC MOATS PFC SCHUMACHER WAS PRO- MOTED TO SPECIALIST ON 01 JUNE 2011 PFC TURNER WAS PROMOTED TO SPECIALIST ON 01 JUNE 2011 SPC RIVERS WAS PRESENTED A COMPANY COIN FOR HIS EFFORTS WHILE ON MISSION SPC WRIGHT ATTENDED THE SGT PROMOTION BOARD ON 28 MAY 2011 SPC LEOPOLD ATTENDED THE SGT PROMOTION BOARD SPC FLEMINGS ATTENDED THE SOLDIER OF THE MONTH BOARD SPC SCHUMACHER ATTENDED THE SOLDIER OF THE MONTH BOARD SPC TURNER, R. ATTENDED THE SOLDIER OF THE MONTH BOARD SGT ANDRZEJCZUK RE-ENLISTED FOR FIVE YEARS OPERATION NEW DAWN JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ 01 JULY 2011 FSC, 326th Engineer Battalion Ghost Riders With every passing week, many of the luxuries we are accustomed to in Iraq are slowly disappearing. The reduction of services is re- quired for U.S. Forces to suc- cessfully withdraw by De- cember. In May, several of the vendors and restaurants closed on most U.S. Bases. In June, the Movie Theater on Balad closed in an effort to reduce the number of civilian contractors in country. The hot water in the la trines and showers will be turned off in July to reduce the power consumption require- ments. Other amenities such as the library, the education center, and the H-6 Post Ex- change are slated to close within the next 60 da ys. Everyo ne is dealing with the ongoing reductions in their own way. For some, it is no big deal. For others, the loss of the swimming pool may be a significant emotional event. Deployments can be stressful times for Soldiers and their Families. I truly appreciate every Soldier and Family Member who has continued their commitment to the mission, the team, and the For- ward Support Company Fam- ily. As the weeks fly by and the living conditions get harder, just remember, we are getting closer to coming home! 1SG Stiglich From the Hilton to the Motel 6

July 2011 FSC Newsletter

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