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FORT DRUM
“Be Silent and Act”
Wolfpack Gear
Family News and
Info
Calendar
Chaplain
MFLC
Information
Bravo
HHB
GOLF
Numbers of
Interest
LTC Taylor
Alpha
7
6
6
5
4
4
3
2
1
1
2
The Howler
Inside this issue:
July 2011
To the friends and Families of the Wolfpack, Since our last letter the battalion has stayed busy and
like any good Field Artillery unit, we continue to
improve our position daily. We continue our daily
security patrols, meeting with local citizens and lead-
ers and continuing to improve the
security and quality of life for those
around us while we work with our
Afghan Army partners. As I’m sure
you’ve heard from family members
or friends that deployed with us, we
are in a rural area so most of the
citizens here are farmers, and we’ve
had success helping the farmers by
improving irrigation as well as crops
through our Farmers Assistance
Kits, which contain a wheelbarrow, crates for their
grapes, and some other essentials for growing healthy
crops as well as harvesting them. I’ve eaten a few
grapes as we’ve been out on patrol, and the grapes
that Kandahar is famous for live up their billing, they
are delicious. As you know, we are in our leave window and many
of you have seen your Soldiers. Every Soldier that is
here more than 270 days gets the opportunity to take leave and it is all well deserved, and I encourage
all of you to enjoy your time together with your Sol-
dier. We’ve continued to improve our living condi-
tions in the past few months. Both of our Combat
Outposts now have running water, showers, and
laundry facilities and the Soldiers work hard to keep
them clean and serviceable. At FOB Azizulah and
COP Azimjan Karez we’ve either moved into or in-
stalled new dining tents, which give the Soldiers more
room and are a much more comfortable place to eat
and relax. Though we’ve not gotten one up on the hill
at Ghundy Ghar yet, all the pieces are falling into place
to get a new Dining Facility installed there as well.
The Soldiers have made an enormous effort improving
theses Combat Outposts but it is well worth it, and
we will continue to improve our
position daily. As I’m sure you’ve heard, last
month we said good-bye to Cap-
tain Jeff Dupree and his wife, Wit-
ney and we welcome Captain Ben
Roark and his wife Aimee. The
Duprees will be missed and we
wish Jeff and Witney best of luck
as CPT Dupree purses his Master’s
Degree and transition to Opera-
tional Research. Our adopted Company, B/2-34 out
of Fort Riley continues to add flexibility to our forma-
tion and they are an outstanding addition to our Task
Force, they are superb Soldiers. The Soldiers of the Task Force continue their phe-
nomenal work every say, and the support we get form our families and the Family Readiness Group is a sig-
nificant factor in our success and morale. Once again
thank you for all your hard work and we’ll see you
soon.
LTC Chris Taylor
LTC Taylor
BN Staff Duty - 315-774-2176
Rear Detachment Commander LT Yager—315-775-8123
Rear Detachment 1SG—Aaron Trask— 912-271-1798
Family Readiness Support Assistant—Sarah Lorenzen— 315-772-6509
FT Drum American Red Cross - 315-772-6561
Toll Free American Red Cross - 1-877-272-7337
http://www.armyfrg.org
http://www.facebook.com/425fa
http://www.drum.army.mil/Pages/index.aspx
Numbers and Websites of Interest
Gladiator Family and Friends, Good wishes from FOB Azizullah in Maiwand, Afghanistan! The Gladiators have once
again continued to shine since the last time I wrote! Since the last newsletter, we
have welcomed our new Company First Sergeant, 1SG Willie G. Williams to the
team. We have also said farewell to our executive officer, 1LT Jay Clutter and have
welcomed our new executive officer, 1LT Jade Wilson. Jade and his wife Alisia, come to us from Alpha Company, 710th BSB. Addition-
ally, SGT Delvona Maria has joined our headquarters platoon recently and will be working as our training room NCO. Needless to say, our team is stronger now than it has ever been as we forge on through the deployment! Our Soldiers are tackling all challenges head on
and make me proud to lead them. While I can’t list every great accomplishment, I will highlight a few of them… The month of June saw many great accomplishments for our company and the battalion we support. Distro platoon pushed
out on missions nearly every day for the entire month, resulting in our distinguished visitors commenting that our two Combat Outposts
where the best in the brigade. Without Distro constantly hauling supplies and building material out, the Soldiers at the COPs would not
enjoy the force protection or quality of life that they do. Our field feeding section has been “slinging chow,” for all the hungry Soldiers in
the Task Force since day one. Soldiers in far flung places such as the mountainous Ghundey Ghar, enjoy ice cream, fresh fruit, and steak
because of our high caliber mess section and the strong leaders like SSG Conrad who run it. Make no mistake about it, in the month of
June, we did not fail in any mission and consistently performed at an exceptional level. Our maintenance section continued to suceed,
keeping the task force’s trucks and equipment rolling while also recovering battle damaged equipment when the situation warranted.
Maintenance Soldiers have rebuilt their motorpool to make it more efficient for their operations and have plans to build a wooden struc-
ture complete with offices in it. Even in temperatures well above 100 degrees, our Soldiers drove on without complaint, making things
happen for the Task Force and keeping the enemy on his heels. In addition to supporting the Task Force, the Gladiators have also been training the Afghan Army and have been setting the
standard for partnership. Whether working on a watchtower in the middle of Maiwand or picking up T-walls along a desolate Afghan
road, we have worked so well with our partners that other units have begun to take notice. Our Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers recog-nize the importance of training our counterparts and it has really shown in recent weeks. We hope to continue running partnered pa-
trols and also continuing to share our successes with our Afghan brethren. Our work on the FOB has continued, and we’ve made great strides in improving our surroundings. We plan on opening a new
dining facility in August here at Azizullah and are currently working on a large deck where Soldiers can play cards and unwind during
breaks. We’ll be sure to keep you updated through pictures on the 4-25 FA Facebook page. I want to take the time to thank each and
every one of you for the tremendous support you have given. Our Soldiers know the love and support they have and we fully recognize
the sacrifices you all are making on a daily basis. Spouses and Family members of our deployed Soldiers deserve recognition and thanks
for their commitment to not only their Soldier but to our great nation. I firmly be-
lieve the bumper sticker I’ve seen around Ft. Drum that says, “Army Spouse…the
hardest job in the Army.” Without you and your support, none of these great tri-
umphs are possible. Please know that your Soldiers are doing well and morale is
high. Our Soldiers know the jubilance of success here in AO Wolfpack as well as the
warming support of their loved ones back home. Strength and Honor…Gladiators!
JAMES M. NEMEC
CPT, FA
Commanding
It is my honor to command the Men of Steel. In the first 6 weeks since I was given the privilege of leading these men, they have taken
the fight to the enemy and have earned a reputation as hard-fighting, hard-working professionals and are the finest Battery in the Battal-
ion. Despite tragedy and loss, difficult missions and extreme heat, they push forward by driving the enemy from their strongholds all
while building the best COP in the area. Your husbands, fathers, sons, boyfriends, and brother are on the front lines. They are not only
holding their own among their Infantry brethren, they are setting the standard and surpassing expectations. Without your love and sup-
port, they wouldn’t be the successful men that they are. Thank you for all you do for us and on the homefront. Stay in touch and be
safe. Steel!
CPT Benjamin Roark-Steel 6
Page 2
GOLF Gladiators Strength and Honor
FRG Leader—Lindsay Nemec
“Love you guys, kiss Katherine for me!“ – PFC Beebe
Just want to say to everyone back home that I’m doing good. Love you baby!” – PFC Koch
I miss and love you!” – SPC Rodriguez !“Donna, Satori, Aeris and Sethren, I think about you guys all the time. I love you my “Eternal Family!” – SSG Policarpo “It’s nice to know I have a beautiful wife and
kids that are waiting for me back home. I love and miss you guys.” – SPC Macalinao
Look for Alpha’s battery newsletter where you will see more shout outs, news and pictures!
Alpha FRG Leaders
Aimee Roark
Stacey Sullivan
Page 3
HHB Hawkeyes
HHB FRG Leaders
Emily Goodknecht
Megan Bennett
Dear Friends and Families,
It has seemed like forever since I last wrote. I hope all is well back home. I can assure you that everyone here has
kept extremely busy which is making the time pass rather quickly. To say that we're already about to enter our fifth
month in Afghanistan is both amazing and very welcoming news for all of us. By the time that you are reading
this letter, many of you have already had your loved ones home for mid-tour leave. I hope that the time together was
very relaxing and a nice glimpse about the eventual homecoming in spring of next year. For those of you that are still
looking forward to leave, I hope it's everything you expect it to be. As our time passes here, the Soldiers, your hus-
bands and sons, have grown closer to one another and have truly developed a sense of community, friendship, and
family. These bonds help them deal with being apart from their loved ones back home. I think this is yet
another thing that our Soldiers do that we should all emulate. If you are not very involved with the FRG, I suggest
you give it a try -building a friendship with people that are going through the same hardships that you are dealing with
is the best way to deal with the difficulty of being apart and may even help time pass
faster.
All of our Soldiers continue to do a phenomenal job in supporting the entire battalion's efforts. Without them, none
of this would be possible. I am impressed daily with the drive and determination that everyone demonstrates in
accomplishing the mission. Know that your sons and husbands are truly making a difference in this world and all serve
a cause that is both noble and just. Know that your sacrifice is worth it and next time you speak to your deployed
Soldier, let him know how important his work is and what a difference it will make. That encouragement from you is
worth more to him than any awards or adulations that he will receive at the end of the day.
V/R,
J. Kevin McKittrick
CPT, FA
Commander, HHB/4-25 FAR
FOB Azizullah
MFLC Military Family Life Consultant
Eliane Herdani
315-405-7486
Office hours: Wednesday 1000-1200
“This newsletter contains official and unofficial information.” Newsletter containing official and unofficial information in this FRG
newsletter has not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DOD 4525.8M.”
Bravo Battery FRG Leader
Melissa Hernandez
Kara Dudley
Page 4
Fort
Drum
Worsh
ip Servi
ces &
Reli
gious S
upport
For a
complet
e list
ing of a
ll on-post
wor-
Dear Friends and Families,
The Blackjacks are doing great over here atop COP Ghundey Ghar. Our vista from Alexander the Great's former
abode remains the same from my last update. The fields are still green and the farmers are still busy. As I have men-
tioned in earlier newsletters this is an agrarian society and everything around here revolves around planting, pruning,
and picking produce. Two months ago the locals picked their poppy, last month they picked their wheat, and now
they've just started to pick their grapes.
The grapes around Ghundey Ghar are mainly green with no seeds. There are a few purple grapes, which are really
sweet, but unfortunately they have seeds. Personally, I prefer seedless grapes. I have grown fond of warm and dusty
grapes while on patrol - I never thought that would happen. It is surprising what motivates you while you're on a long,
exhausting patrol.
As the heat has increased so has our contact with the enemy, and neither have been able to deter the Blackjacks! Every
day we are out trudging through the fields and villages around our COP, meeting with the people and striving to secure
the thousands of good Afghans that surround us. Not only are we helping them by driving the enemy from their back-
yards, but we are also helping them by refurbishing their mosques and providing them with seeds, fertilizer, wheelbar-
rows, and sickles to farm with.
Our quality of life has improved vastly over the past couple of months. We now have a consistent water source so we
can take showers, wash and dry our clothes and flush our toilets whenever we want. Our chow has also improved. We
had steak and lobster the other day with pralines and cream ice cream. Despite how nice it may seem here, it is
nothing like home. We all miss you back in the States and cannot wait to get back there.
Our R&R has started and many Blackjacks have already been on leave and have made it back here. It is a great program
that the Army has to get us back home for a couple weeks during this long deployment. It is also good for the battery
to have Soldiers take a couple weeks off. When they come back here they have a new burst of energy and some
great stories to tell. Their recharged batteries are contagious. We are so busy here that time is flying by. Of course, it
couldn't go too fast but we'll take what we can get. We have received a ton of support from all of you and we are all
very appreciative. Please rest assured that we all think of you often and wish we could be back
there in the States with you. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sincerely,
CPT Dan Sundberg
Chaplain Loren Omer
Page 5
Recently we celebrated the birth of our nation which started with the Revolutionary War 235 years ago. Since that time we have had major conflicts starting with the War of 1812, the Civil War, the War with Mexico, with Spain, WW1, WW2, the Korean War, Vietnam, the First Gulf War and the current war against terrorism. Our forefathers made an astounding declaration to the world in 1776. On July 4th, after futile efforts to negotiate with the crown, men wrote and signed our Declaration of Independence, declaring “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are en dowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness.” Knowing their action would result in bloodshed, the declaration ends with, “And to support this Declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” This was, indeed, a revolutionary document, for, throughout most of recorded history, it had been the king who decided who would prosper and who would not. And because people needed the bread, shelter, and security that the king provided, they often accepted a life of servitude and surrendered their freedom in exchange for these necessities. But then something happened. The common man began to stir and awaken from his slumber. He began asking questions that had before seemed impossible, too dangerous even to consider: “Why should we forever be children, dependent upon another for our bread? Aren’t all men created equal? Can we truly choose our own destiny? Can we live free?” From that day to this, the spark of liberty has grown into a bright flame that shines in the souls of millions of men and women throughout the world, inspiring them to create for themselves a life and future of their own choosing. It is fitting that we remember those brave souls who planted the seeds of liberty. We who enjoy the fruits of freedom have a responsibility to future generations to uphold, protect, and preserve those self-evident truths that gave birth to a new era. Though separated by the centuries, we can stand with those who boldly declared that all people everywhere are “endowed by their Creator with [the] unalienable Rights [of] Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
May we continue to be resolute in never giving in to the weakness of sitting on the sidelines and letting our liberty gradually disappear because of our lack of commitment to this basic principle granted by our Father in Heaven. As evidenced by the daily actions of the 4-25 FAR Soldiers in Afghanistan, I can testify that the Wolfpack remains resolute. May grace and peace be with you. Chaplain Loren Omer
Portions of the above message are quoted from Lloyd D. Newell, Music and the Spoken Word, 5 July 2009.
Page 6
Fall Marathon
ACS
900-1600
AFTB Fall Fun Marathon Army Community Service Army Community Service
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8
9 10 11 12 13
14
15
16
17
18 19
20
21
22 23 24 25 26
27
28
29
30 31
Please check your FRSA Flash every Friday
for updated activities in your area.
August 2011
Steering
Meeting
4-25 FA BN Classroom!
12:00
Event Planning
10-11:30
Key Caller
Training
2:00-3:30
and
5:00-6:30
Connect to
Tots playgroup 10-1130 Post
Chapel
Connect to
Tots playgroup 10-1130 Post
Chapel
Connect to
Tots playgroup 10-1130 Post
Chapel
Connect to
Tots playgroup 10-1130 Post
Chapel
AFTB Level I 9-4
Hearts Apart 10:00-12:00
ACS
AFTB Level I I 9-4
FRG Ice Cream
Social 6:00
Crescent Wood
Community
Center
Page 7
Guide to the Adirondack Region
Children’s Books
Military Spouse Books
Six Flag Great Escape Lodge & In-
door Waterpark
Enjoy we and wild fun year-round at
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & In-
door Waterpark! Get ready for breath-
taking waterslides, surfing, lazy inner
tube floats, & fun pool activates for the
tots.
Lake Nordic Vacation Center
Offering a “Touch of Finland” in the
Adirondacks! Lodging in tupas
(cottages), pristine lake with sandy
beach to swim, fish, kayak & canoe;
hiking& mtn biking. In winter, visit our
award-winning cross country ski cen-
ter for the day or overnight!
Enchanted Forest/Water Safari
Are you ready for thrill, spills, action
and excitement? Look no further than
the Enchanted Forest/Water Safari!
With 32 water rides, a total of over 50
exhilarating rides and attractions,
we’re your best Get Wet bet this sum-
mer.
High Falls Gorge
Enjoy spectacular vies across sturdy
bridges and manicured pathways in
the shadow of Whiteface Mountain.
Experience the great out doors along
the Ausable River
Adirondack Balloon Flights
Fly with Phil Jackson, the regions pre-
mier and most experienced balloon
ride pilot with over 30 years and 3000
flights in the Lake George area. We
specialize in private and small group
balloon rides 518-793-6342.
Depot Theatre
Enjoy Broadway shows in friendly and
relaxed Adirondack style. The Depot
Theatre is professional Equity theatre
in a charming historic train station a
stone’s throw from Lake Champlain
and steps from the mountains.
Ausable Chasm
Descend hundreds of feet to walk on
natural stone walkways and enjoy
amazing natural scenery and adven-
ture.
Adirondack Equine Center
Adirondack horseback riding adven-
ture great for all ages. Right in Lake
Placid at the Lake Placid Club with
views of mirror Lake, High peak Moun-
tains, Olympic Ski Jumps.
Lapland Lake Nordic
Vacation Center
Offering a “Touch of Finland” in the
Adirondacks!1 Lodging in tupas
(cottages), pristine lake and sandy
beach to swim, fish, kayak & canoe;
hiking & mtn biking.
http://www.adirondack.net/ADK/
Activities.cfm
Married to the
Military Surviving Deployment
H is for Honor
Page 8
Buy your 4-25 FA “Friendship”
Basket or your 3 BCT “Picnic”
Basket.
Please Contact your FRSA
Sarah Lorenzen at 315-772-6509
to place your orders or check
out the vFRG for order forms.
Baskets, Baskets, Baskets!!
Your Custom "Friendship" Basket Includes Brass Tag, Laser Lid,
Cloth Liner & Plastic
Protector..11” x 8.25” x 5.5”
$45.00
Your Custom "Picnic" Basket Includes Brass Tag, Laser Lid,
Cloth Liner & Plastic Protector...
13.5” x 13.5” x 7.5"
$60.00
On S
ale
