Stb newsletter volume v

Special troopS battalion, 1Sb baGraM airFielD, aFGHaniStan

BATTALION COMMANDER

reliable newSletter FebrUarY 2013 – volUMe v

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STB

RELIABLE 6 Dear Reliable Soldiers and Family Members, The end of February marks the end of another month for our Reliable Soldiers supporting the war efforts in Afghanistan. As we become very proficient at our various jobs and specialties, we manage to find spare time. With this time, our Soldiers are doing even more than is expected of them. I am truly proud of our Soldiers and this month I would like to reflect on some notable accomplishments. First, it goes without saying that our Soldiers are here because they choose to be. Each and every one of them joined the service voluntarily and for that I thank them every chance I get. Our Soldiers are part of the ten percent of all Americans that decide to serve and defend their country. Secondly, as if being deployed wasn’t enough, some of our Soldiers find time to complete volunteer work. It might sound surreal, the thought of volunteer work in Afghanistan, but there are a few places on Bagram that Soldiers selflessly provide time, effort, and commitment to. One of these places is the Cat in the Hat Learning Center. This place is where our Soldiers can volunteer during their spare time to teach Afghani Children how to read and write among other things. Any countries future depends on their children, what they are taught, and who they become. Our Soldiers are therefore contributing to the future of Afghanistan by teaching the Afghani children. Another place where our Soldiers volunteer their time is the United Service Organizations (USO). At the USO, our Soldiers volunteer by restocking refrigerators with water, maintaining video libraries for Soldiers to check out movies, keeping computers clean and serviceable for Soldiers to use in order to talk to their Families, and they make themselves available to talk or play board games with Soldiers who just need a distraction. Finally, our Soldiers can volunteer at the Warrior Restoration Center (WRC) on Bagram. The WRC is intended for Soldiers to have a place where they can go if they are feeling overwhelmed. At this location, they take classes, talk with counselors, and learn coping techniques. Our volunteers assist by changing linen, getting the Soldiers to classes, and being available to talk with Soldiers. Thank you to all of our volunteers. Your actions are exemplary and speak volumes on your character. Families, thank you for everything you do to support us and you have every reason to be proud of our Soldiers.

Respectfully, LTC Charles A. Stamm

“Reliable 6”

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BATTALION COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

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RELIABLE 7 Dear Reliable Soldiers and Family Members, We have had an amazing month of February! Despite having five months in country, our Soldiers energy is just as high as when we arrived. I get excitment and motivation as I think about our Soldiers’ accomplishments. As I reflect on the past, on how we trained, I see our future Army in front of me. In the month of February we trained 23 Soldiers from our 647th Rigger Detachment and 17 Soldiers from the rest of the battalion on Combatives Level I. We also started training 25 Soldiers on Combatives Level II this month. We continue to improve ourselves everyday with excellent training. Let me assure you that the training they are receiving is very effective. I decided to show up to one of the classes to observe the training and was I ever surprised. The Soldiers couldn’t wait to get on the mat with me and use what they had been learning in class. Their efforts were outstanding but simply put; they could not manage to make me submit. I guess they figured I was too old and wouldn’t put up much of a challenge, but as Henry David Thoreau said, “None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm,” and that is what Soldiers do for me, they provide enthusiasm. A final event that has me proud of our Soldiers is the fact that we had two of our very own Reliable Soldiers accepted into the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. The purpose of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is to recognize those NCOs who have contributed significantly to the development of a professional NCO Corps. This is an outstanding accomplishment by our two Sergeants; Sergeant Delilah J. Whitfield, HHC, STB, 1SB and Sergeant William D. Cook, 647th Quartermaster Detachment (Riggers). Outstanding job from two great NCOs. I can gladly say that we have officially made it over the halfway point on our deployment. Our Families have made it easy to get to this point and we are very thankful for all of their support. Without their continued support we would not be able to accomplish our mission.

“Always Reliable”

CSM Thomas R. Moore “Reliable 7”

Greetings from all here in Afghanistan! As expected, it has been another fantastic month for our Soldiers as they continue to do amazing things in support of the Task Force’s mission. Although some feel we have hit “Day 31” or “Groundhog’s Day,” time continues to move by quickly for most. With another month complete, we can finally say we have officially surpassed the half way point. Planning and preparations are in full swing for our return to Fort Riley.

Staff Sergeant Aaron Robertson provided the following submission: Whether it is the ammunition and weapons that Soldiers shoot, or the fuel they use to move; the Sustainment Automations Support Management Office (SASMO) ensures the logistician can communicate. The Task Force Durable SASMO team is led by Chief Warrant Officer Hien Tran and the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), Staff Sergeant Aaron Robertson. Daily operations are conducted by a highly skilled team of three NCOs and one junior enlisted Soldier: Sergeant Jason Haase serves as an Information Systems Security Analyst, Sergeant Michael Mann serves as a Senior Information Systems Specialist, Sergeant Yadira Newton serves as a Material Management NCO, and Specialist Cody Aldershof serves as an Information Technology Specialist. The SASMO team supports 14 separate specialized communication systems utilized by unit Commanders to order parts and supplies, keep their ammunition stocked, ensure their Soldiers have food and water, and keep their vehicles moving. All of these systems communicate to each other through a wide satellite communications network that spreads throughout the theatre of operations (Afghanistan), reaching back to our network stateside. The SASMO team also works together with the support of nine other subordinate SASMO teams and seven separate contractor teams throughout Eastern, Central, and Northern Afghanistan. Every day brings a new challenge for the SASMO team. It requires the synchronization of skills for both communicators and logisticians, who at the end of the day provide the critical support necessary to sustain the war fighter on the ground. Staff Sergeant Robert Schuh provided the following submission: The 1st Sustainment Brigade Intelligence Team (S2) is comprised of several talented Soldiers whose expertise is derived from various backgrounds. The mission is accomplished through more than day to day power point presentations and expanded to locations all throughout Afghanistan. SGT Barclay requires little introduction as he has been with the unit for over three years and developed some very respectable ties within the senior leadership. He walked into the ranks of Noncommissioned Officers on February 1st of 2013 and continues to credit this section with professionalism and accurate analysis.

HHC, STB

SPC Cornelison pulls security during a Command Security Team Mission.

SGT Michael Mann adjusts the solar panels for a Radio Frequency Identification Tag Integrator near the Salang Tunnel.

Members of the SASMO and S2 sections perform maintenance on a Weather Station located at the Salang Tunnel.

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SPC Benjamin Hahn is our resident expert on all things that are complicated. He is well versed in a multitude of platforms and procedures which benefit our overall mission success. His “figure it out and teach it” mentality has allowed us to bypass various amounts of complications that would have otherwise restricted our capabilities as a section. There is always someone behind the scenes, making things happen and keeping the wheels turning. PFC Cody Bohnen, on his first deployment, has hit the ground in Afghanistan sprinting. He is well known throughout the Brigade for being the Soldier to go to when anyone needs answers. There are adept personalities within this section, pulled from at least three different generations of intelligence professionals. We foster a light hearted environment to invite communications with everyone in the Brigade. Our three foot suicide donkey has been idolized as a morale and recreational piece which creates a welcoming atmosphere. Led by MAJ Martin Okada, CPT Erik Nystrom and SSG Robert Schuh, the morale of our Soldiers will ultimately determine the efficiency of our section and it is important on a personal and professional level to see everyone smile, even for a small amount of time. So as the famous jokes are started, “how many analysts does it take to solve a problem?” Well the answer is quite simply, seven. We have tackled projects ranging anywhere from fixing a badge printing machine to reconfiguring the specifications of a civilian weather sensor. This month we had the honor of promoting four Soldiers, including SSG Shawn Manfre, SSG

Raul Ramirez, SGT Jeffrey Barclay, and SPC Alexander Barrios. SPC James McCray and SPC Nathan Iverson were awarded Army Achievement Medals for helping to put on a Haunted House for Halloween. SGT Yadira Newton and SPC Ken Chambers were presented a Certificate of Achievement and a Company Coin for winning the Company Board, along with SPC Aquoris White for scoring 270 points on her last Physical Fitness Test. This month we also said farewell to 1LT Christopher Jones, the STB’s S2, and MAJ Benakar Batista, our TMC Professional Filler System Doctor. The Black Knight family is sad to see them go, but it was time for them to

head off to other great things.

Best Regards, “VAN” “TOP”

C.P. VAN DELIST ROBERT P. MCELYEA Captain, Logistics First Sergeant, U.S. Army

COMMANDING FIRST SERGEANT

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HHC, STB

Newly promoted SGT Jeffery Barclay, February 1, 2013.

1LT Jones & MAJ Batista at a farewell ceremony where they were awarded Army Commendation Medals.

Operations at The Kandahar Rigging Facility seem like a distant memory since we closed it out on the 15th of January. SGT Fencl, SPC Head, and SPC Torres received Army Achievement Medals (AAM) for all their hard work closing down the facility. Now everyone who was located in Kandahar has fully integrated into operations here on Bagram.

The 647th QM Detachment was brought back to reality when SSG Skogen’s Appendix ruptured on 10 January. SSG Skogen went to the Emergency Room where he undertook several procedures. Despite this traumatic event, SSG Skogen’s spirits remained high. Soldiers from our unit visited SSG Skogen every day until he went to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany to finish his recovery. After getting updates from SSG Skogen talking about receiving free clothes from the wounded warrior project and taking trips to Ramstein Air Force Base to go to Taco Bell and The Macaroni Grill, our concern turned into jealousy. SSG Skogen has fully recovered and is now back with us in Bagram, wew!

SGT(P) Cook has had several accomplishments this month. After receiving an AAM for winning the Battalion NCO of the Quarter Board in December, he received an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for winning the Brigade NCO of the Quarter Board. SGT(P) Cook was also selected during the January promotion board giving him “promotable status.” SGT(P) Cook is now preparing for the Sergeant Audie Murphy Board on 09February2013, and the NCO of the year board in Kandahar in March. I know he will continue to make the 647th QM Detachment proud. Due to SGT(P) cooks continual success, he was selected to be the Detachment Equal Opportunity (EO) representative. SGT(P) cook is set to graduate on 02February2013. Congratulations SGT(P) Cook!!

The 647th QM Detachment had the opportunity to share with the Battalion what we do as Riggers during a Leader Professional Development (LPD). We gave an overview brief of the 92R MOS before getting everyone’s hands dirty rigging a Container Delivery System (CDS). It was fun watching the Battalion Commander and Battalion Sergeant Major tie knots and lift 215 pound parachutes with other Company Commanders and First Sergeants. After everyone finished up their CDS bundle, they watched SPC Contreras pack a T-10 Cargo parachute in less than six minutes. After the LPD was finished, everyone was able to enjoy steak and lobster cooked on our 250 pound hunk of steel that we call a grill.

Several of our Soldiers have been expressing their interest in combatives training since we arrived. SGT(P) Bailey and SPC Hernandez became Combatives Level I certified . SGT(P) Bailey was dubbed the honor grad during this training. SPC Williams and SPC Rubino began their Combatives Level I training. I have coordinated to get the rest of our detachment Combatives Level I certified by having a class in our Rigger Shed. SPC Schooley became Combatives Level II certified in December and will be an assistant instructor during our detachment Combatives Level I class in February.

SSG Cox, SPC Head, SPC Schooley, SPC Hall, and I went to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shank to conduct some Sling Load Operations with an old 647th friend, CW2 Altman. We were able to conduct seven live sling load operations during the three days that we were there. Now we are considered the go to unit for sling load operations which is something we are all looking forward to.

As another month comes to an end, we are becoming more and more familiar with reducing the amount of our operational equipment in Bagram. We are finding ourselves doing more than rigging operations in order to prepare for force reductions. Regardless of what we do, we continue to proudly serve in the 647th QM Detachment.

“ALL THE WAY” 1LT Shane Covert Detachment Commander

647TH QUARTERMASTER COMPANY

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As the 230th FMSU begins its sprint in supporting the war fighter and Financial Management (FM) Theater initiatives, there have been a few modifications to current policy: In an effort to support de-dollarization, 230th FMSU will no longer cash checks for US dollars. However, we will continue to provide check cashing services for Afghani currency only. We have re-energized the use of local pays (Casual Payments) on Financial Management Support Teams (FMSTs) for all Soldiers in our AO which covers RCs North, East, and Capital. In addition, we have increased cash withdrawal limits from $100 to $300 due to limited access to US vendors and/or facilities in RC-Capital. The Financial Management community has also taken huge steps in initiatives that would best serve our teammates. Based on theater draw downs we are looking at increasing our FMSTs in many areas that may benefit from additional support. We are also looking to expand the use of e-Commerce by placing Kiosk Manned By Others (KMBOs) in austere areas of operation.

230th FMSUs Internal Control Team, also referred as, “FM Team 6” stops for a quick photo prior to heading on one of many missions throughout Afghanistan. FM Team 6 operates under the direct control of the FMSU Commander, MAJ Carydaniel Cegledi with mission command by SGM Ron La Fond, ensuring a high state of technical proficiency is maintained in all operational elements of the FMSU and subordinate FMSDs. The NCOIC (Internal Control Inspector) SFC Hill oversees team members SSG Smith and SSG McDonald who evaluate the effectiveness of existing accountability

controls and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, legislative directives, and management controls throughout 230th FMSU footprint.

As SGT Vega and PFC Wright (A/230th FMSU) embark on a FMST mission, they can’t help but stop and admire a group of Afghan Soldiers playing a game of soccer.

230TH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT UNIT

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The Afghanistan International Bank (AIB) leadership in Bagram, Afghanistan, hosted its semi-annual luncheon with the 230th FMSU leadership (MAJ Cegledi and SGM La Fond) and the incredible Disbursing Section (1LT Evans and SSG Green). The meeting centered around discussing how the two parties can combine efforts in providing world-class customer service to the Soldiers, DoD Civilians, and Contractors residing in Regional Commands North, East, and Capital. The 230th FMSU leadership was pleased with the outcome and look forward to a prosperous relationship with the host-nation banking community.

D/230th FMSU, under the leadership of CPT Giulitto and SFC Fadul, arrived in theater and their first order of business was to promote three deserving Soldiers: SPC Hatten promoted to Sergeant (SGT), PFC Perez and PFC Osurman promoted to Specialist (SPC). These Soldiers continue to put their best foot forward, earned the name of hard workers and are extremely motivated.

Congrats to SGT David Adams (147th FMSD) from Wisconsin. SGT Adams had the distinct pleasure of having LTC Stamm, Task Force Reliable Commander, to not only attend his ceremony but pin his rank to SGT as well. SGT Adams was promoted at FOB Sharana and has been a team player switching FOBs and constantly seeking additional duties/responsibilities. SGT Adams’ analytical skills and computer expertise has impacted daily reporting, digital scanning capabilities, and so much more. Congrats SGT Adams.

230TH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT UNIT

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Another satisfied customer! SPC Libby (A/230th FMSU) disburses funds during disbursing operations while her battle buddy, SPC Tupola enjoys the changing seasons in Afghanistan.

D/230th FMSU conducts a seamless Relief In Place/Transfer of Authority with B/15th FMSU from Fort Hood, TX under the leadership of CPT Borman and SFC Loritts. MAJ Cegledi expressed his deepest gratitude to CPT Borman and SFC Loritts for their dedication and commitment to the Service members, DoD Civilians, and contractors as they redeploy back to their home station. MAJ Cegledi also welcomes the familiar presence of CPT Giulitto and SFC Fadul as they take on the awesome responsibility of picking up where their predecessor left off. We have confidence and faith in the abilities of D/230th FMSU to continue the great work and make the foxhole even better. We continue to observe the ethnic monthly observations with February being African-American History month and Women’s History month for March. Soldiers continue to learn about other cultures, celebrate differences, and appreciate our past.

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230TH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT UNIT

Greetings from the 63rd Ordnance Company! The Wolfpack has become fully integrated in the battle rhythm here in Bagram and has taken the lead in ammunition operations. Our SOPs are in place and we are excited to make a significant impact on shipment and retrograde operations theater-wide.

One of the more exciting elements of our operations at the ASP has been the demilitarization of unserviceable ammunition. As FOBs close and units end their tours, the volume of ammunition that we receive in Bagram is consistently increasing. Invariably, some of the ammunition that we receive is damaged or compromised beyond the point of field utility. For purposes of security, cost control, and efficiency, ammunition classified as unserviceable is required to be destroyed in theater instead of being shipped to Kuwait or the United States. While small arms can be incinerated, explosive rounds must be destroyed through controlled detonation.

This becomes a responsibility of the 63rd directly and, by extension, the 1st Sustainment

Brigade. Controlled detonations must be conducted on open ranges outside the Bagram compound in order to mitigate the effects of the explosion. While 63rd packages and transports the ammunition itself, security and escort service is provided by 1st Sustainment’s Convoy Security Team, ably led by CPT Brock. In addition, the demolition itself is conducted by civilian EOD techs that work hand-in-hand with us on ammunition disposal at the Ammunition Supply Point.

The result of these operations is an elimination of compromised ammunition from our stores

and the opening of additional space in our facility. Eliminating unusable ammunition has greatly empowered us to focus on the mission of providing Class V material to the war fighter. The continued service and facilitation of the CST will surely make demilitarization a significant and successful mission for many months to come.

Wolfpack, No Slack!

- -1LT Matthew Ely

W01 Arabian and CPT Russell

participating in 63rd’s first demilitarization operation in theater

A view of the results of the demilitarization in action

63RD Ordnance Company

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As we step forward into the cusp of a new year, “Out with the old and in with the new”—a phrase quite commonly used during the beginning of a new year. Looking over our shoulders; we said good-bye to what for some were the first of many changes—un-equivocally we can only look forward to the challenges and greatness of the admirable daring abundance and newness of what will commensurate. The United States Army brought to our attention once again that, “two is one and one is none” and “took a chance”, as was stated by two young bright eyed—full of life and fresh spontaneity— who are now tasked to help with the 444th HRC Postal mission. On 1st of May 2012, PV2 Hassan Rollerson, who hails from Charleston, South Carolina and PV2 Daniel Ruemmely saluting from Canuvanus, Puerto Rico engaged into a life of new beginnings. Brand new to the United States Army and characterized as “two pees in a pod” by anyone who meets them—they call themselves Batman and Robin. Together they both attended the same Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) and the U.S Army Airborne School in Fort Benning, Georgia.

As most people, PV2 Hassan Rollerson stated that, “He joined the Army because he wanted to get away from home”. PV2 Daniel Ruemmely stated, “He joined because he has a lineage of family members that are in the U.S. Army and he loves the military life as well as the uniform.” And they both stated, "We also joined because every woman likes a man in uniform!” PV2 Hassan Rollerson’s wife is currently pregnant and they are expecting their first baby on the 17th of August 2013 and attribute their future to the U.S. Army. This is both PV2 Hassan Rollerson and PV2 Daniel Ruemmely’s first deployment. They are both assigned to the 18th HRC Postal, Special Troops Battalion, 82nd

Sustainment Brigade out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Another newest member of the 444 HRC Postal, is SSG Charlotte Christian who is also assigned to the 18th HRC Postal, Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Sustainment Brigade. SSG Charlotte Christian hails from Sierra Leone, Africa and joined the U.S. Army on the 8th of July 1996. SSG Charlotte Christian states, “Joining the U.S. Army was a stepping stone to pursue education and to defend the constitution of the United States.” This is her second deployment overseas; with her first deployment to Iraq conquering S1 duties. Deployed here in Afghanistan, her duties consist of being the NCOIC of the APO, Assistant Training Rep, SHARP Rep, EO, Retention, and Suicide Program Manager. After ensuring the Army’s mission is complete, she continues to focus on her double major in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. SSG Charlotte Christian concludes with feelings that, “She is doing her best to help accomplish the mission here in Afghanistan!”

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444TH HUMAN RESOURCES COMPANY

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With a job well accomplished, on the 15th of February 2013, the 1st Sustainment Brigade and 444th HRC Postal bid farewell to the 909th Reserve Postal Platoon, led by 1LT Brian Carrara and welcomed CPT Benjamin Cruz, Platoon Leader of the 328th Postal Platoon. The 328th Postal Platoon will continue to assume the duties and responsibility in RC-N. As time continues to move forward here in Afghanistan—so does the celebrating of birthdays! On the 1st of February 2013, the 444th HRC Postal surprised one of their own Soldiers—SSG Shaun Chaitan, who turned twenty six this year and in doing so some of the 444th HRC Postal crew, took him out and celebrated by eating Popeye’s!

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444TH HUMAN RESOURCES COMPANY

Honeybadger Accomplishments By SFC Matthew Carley

This month was a great month for the unit. There were quite a few promotions and a few Army Achievement Medals. We are proud of everyone that has gone above and beyond.

In our unit we had SSG Sisco get promoted to SFC. LTC McKinney came all the way out from Kabul to promote SFC Sisco. Then newly promoted SFC Sisco gave a speech about what he would be like as a SFC. We all feel that this promotion was well deserved and long overdue. It’s nice that SFC Sisco has been recognized for doing outstanding work both here and before we even left. There were three new sergeants promoted this month also. CPL Price, CPL Denton, and SPC Sampson all were promoted. It’s great to see soldiers become NCO’s. SGT Sampson also has some new responsibilities. He has become the new Training NCO. He will be taking over for SFC Sisco. I know all of our new SGT’s will do a great job with the added responsibilities and respect. CPL Volanos and SPC Gardener were awarded the Army Achievement Medal. They were given this medal because of major contraband discoveries while we were processing flights. Their hard work and dedication has really shown through. SGT McKeough and SGT Denton both reenlisted this month as well. We held a combination Awards/Reenlistment/Promotion Ceremony and celebration BBQ after the ceremony. The BN Commander and CSM were able to attend with the BN Chaplain. It was a great event even though we had a full flight being processed at the same time.

We have been very busy here at the Customs house and have been steadily making

improvements to both our processes and facilities here. We look forward to being able to hand off an even better program than the one we fell in on to the next unit when they arrive. This month was a great month for us here at Bagram. We are very proud of all the people who got promoted and the people who received awards.

396TH MILITARY POLICE

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The 304th MP BN DET 5 is halfway through their deployment! We have accomplished much during the first half, the numbers are in and they are very impressive. Since October 16, 2012 we have conducted over 400 missions. We have processed and cleared over 60,000 personnel redeploying to the United States along with over 90,000 of their bags. We continued to build on that success over the last month by improving our inter-service relationships, retaining two Soldiers, celebrating individual achievements, and the gift of new life.

Due to our location and mission requirements, we maintain strong inter-service relationships

here at Manas. In late January, we provided the Security Forces training on our scanner systems in order to assist them at their job of screening incoming personnel at the base gates. Our ability to provide such training to the Security Forces is of great importance in keeping the Transit Center safe.

Our success as a team is undeniable, but we also take time to celebrate individual

achievements. Our Commander, formerly known as Captain Talavera, received a well-deserved promotion to Major and SPC Patterson was recognized as the DET 5 Soldier of the Month for January. SPC Patterson was razor sharp in front of the board and managed to stand out from amongst the three other competitors that were vying for the coveted title of Soldier of the Month. Further, DET 5 retained two more Soldiers this past month. SPC Ross re-enlisted for a six year commitment with a bonus incentive. He is committed to the mission, the Army, and his family. As well, CPL Scarbrough re-enlisted for six years with a bonus incentive. His decision to stay with the Army will be of great benefit to DET 5 now and in the future.

While serving proudly, accomplishing our mission, and defending our nation, we must never

forget about our families. DET 5 added another member to the family as SPC Nathaniel Lawrence and his wife Ashley Lawrence welcomed a beautiful little girl, Hannah, weighing in at 7lbs. 10 ounces.

The Soldiers of DET 5 are doing extremely well performing the customs mission at the Transit

Center of Manas. I am proud of them and to be able to command such a unit. The Soldiers are focused on accomplishing their mission and on ensuring they return home safely to their loved ones.

“SHAKE ‘EM DOWN!”

304TH MILITARY POLICE

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MAJ Talavera re-enlists CPL Scarbrough

MAJ Talavera’s promotion!

The month of February is quickly winding down for the Warbirds. The company has turned in several vehicles and other theater provided equipment as part of Operation Victory Sweep, completed machine gun training, finished several blocks of CCNA classes, and promoted SGT Jacobson. SGT Oltman, a Command Post Node Team Chief, became the proud father to a healthy baby girl. The company also completed a special resiliency building event, the February Warbird Challenge, which focused on a few basic Soldier tasks completed back to back. The Warbird Challenge consisted of a PT test, 3 mile foot march, and 25 meter alternate qualification. Each event was weighted evenly to keep the event competitive. Some of the Soldiers were apprehensive about the events at first, but they discovered the best strategy was to focus on the event at hand and not dwell on the next event. SGT Scott explained, “I thought to myself, there is no way I’m going to ruck-march right after the PT test. But, I focused on one thing at a time and it wasn’t so bad.” The company leadership was pleased with the effort everyone put into the event. We could tell everyone was putting in their best effort to win and get bragging rights. When everything was finished and the scores were calculated, the winner for the NCOs was SGT Jacobson, a Satellite Communication Systems Operator Maintainer from the Joint Network Node (JNN) Platoon. The winning score for the Soldiers went to SPC Lamb, a Nodal Network Systems Operator from JNN Platoon. Congratulations to both.

Sincerley,

Oliver B. Highley Commander “Warbird 6”

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267TH SIGNAL COMPANY

Soldiers prepare to qualify with their weapons.

Soldiers line up for the two mile run.

Reliable Soldiers are “On the Air” Capt. Jimmy Plata Special Troops Battalion Human Resources Officer Soldiers have been fighting overseas for the past 11 years in Afghanistan. United States’ citizens know that military members are in Afghanistan fighting the war on terror but might not know what they are doing or how they are doing.

One American, Mr. Jeff Showalter, decided to give Americans an idea of Soldiers’ experiences while deployed by initiating the “United We Roll” radio show. A vision problem kept Jeff from enlisting in the military; however it has not stopped him from supporting the troops, military families and veterans by spending his own time and money. One of the things Jeff did was to create the Stardust Radio Network which broadcasts radio shows with deployed Service Members.

In an effort to inform American citizens on some aspects of the ongoing war in Afghanistan, the 1st Sustainment Brigade teamed up with the Stardust Radio Network in order to conduct interviews with 17 Soldiers from Task Force Reliable.

The interviews are conducted with radio hosts Judi Burns and Jeff Showalter who together host the United We Roll radio talk show.

During the 30 minute interviews Soldiers shared their everyday experiences during deployment. The interviews are re- corded and played the following Tuesdays or Saturdays from 2 to 4 pm when the show airs live out of Riverside, Iowa explained Capt. Alicia Grados, battle captain, STB, TF Durable.

Military members are able to communicate back home and inform Americans what their job is and how they are helping the war efforts in Afghanistan.

Grados added, “We felt honored to be given the opportunity to be a part of the radio show and grateful for the support so many people back home give to us.”

“We are helping out by informing the citizens back home about the mission of the Soldiers and giving them a glimpse of life over here,” said Spc. James McCray, heavy wheeled vehicle driver, Special Troops Battalion, TF Durable. Soldiers felt proud to represent their units and talk about the great things they have accomplished in Afghanistan, he added. Listen to our Soldiers’ radio shows live on Tuesdays from 2-4 pm & Saturdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at http://www.stardustent.com

Past shows of all our Soldiers can be accessed at http://www.stardustradio.info

FEATURED ARTICLE

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