Hellraisers

HHB, 1-14 FA – JULY 2013 Newsletter

The Steel Warrior Adventure Race was an amazing way to open the

month of July. In celebration of our Independence, Soldiers along with Coalition

partners participated in a grueling mental and physical event that promoted team-

work and esprit de corps. After nearly three hours of negotiating the course in 100

degree temperatures, Soldiers were rewarded with an outstanding barbeque pro-

vided by the cooks of the 578th Forward Support Company.

As our host nation observes Ramadan, we were invited to participate in

an Emirati led Sports Carnival which included events such as soccer, volleyball,

relay and sprint races, tug-of-war, and an endurance test. All the events were

hosted at night and included all of our coalition partners; Emiratis, Australians,

and British forces. Hellraiser Soldiers were determined to display their agility and

physical abilities by advancing to the finals with the Steel Warrior soccer team.

Not a month passes without a VIP visit and July is no different with a

visit from the Consul General to Dubai, Mr. Rob Waller. Hellraisers along with

the rest of the Steel Warrior battalion displayed that we are truly the best trained

and most ready HIMARS battalion in the world.

Whether it’s during missions or contributing to the quality of life at

Camp Redleg, the Hellraisers are continuing to make great contribution to the

battalion’s success. Soldiers continue to work hard and grow each day through

their rigorous training and development. Fifteen Soldiers were able to showcase

their pistol skills with the qualification range at the Australian range complex.

Despite being away from home and their loved ones the Hellraisers’ spirits are

high. We continue to drive on with our mission and continue to utilize this oppor-

tunity to demonstrate all the hard work we have put into this deployment.

Between their training, mission support, and life support activities Sol-

diers are able to enjoy some of the special attractions Dubai has to offer by relax-

ing at the Wild Wadi Water Park and resort. Other Soldiers decided to visit the

Dubai Hard Rock café and enjoy a meal and shopping at the nearby shopping

center.

Many of our Families enjoyed a summer break with family members

outside the Lawton/ Ft Sill area. We wish you safe travels and enjoyable visit

with your loved ones. Family members that remained at Ft Sill enjoyed a night of

Family fun with bowling at Twin Oaks Bowling Center on July 18th. Thank you

for the continued support and dedication to your deployed Soldiers, we are forever

indebted to you for your service!

1SG Kevin Carter CPT Brandon McKean

HELLRAISER 7 HELLRAISER 6

WARRIOR OF

THE WEEK

NOMINEES

SPC Bryant

SGT Hernandez

PFC Tanchyk

SGT Amezcua

CELEBRATIONS

July 4th

Independence Day

PROMOTIONS

2LT Stogner to 1LT

SGT Foley to SSG

PFC Atkins to SPC

PFC Machuca to

SPC

BIRTHDAYS

June – 1SG Kevin

Carter 1st, SPC Chris-

topher Alipio 2nd, SGT

Charles Bass 7th, CSM

Dan Nolen 16th, SFC

Leandrew McDonald

17th, SPC Eric Milzar-

ski 24th, SFC Sean

Dillon 26th, PFC Wil-

liam Huber 30th.

July—PFC Christo-

pher Tanchyk 12th,

SGT Dominique Livas

13th, CPT Nathan Tate

17th, SPC Nicholas

Esposito 17th, CW2

Michael Carney 25th,

PFC Andrea Burton

25th.

August— SPC Steven

Bryant 5th, SSG Joshua

Cope, 8th, SSG Justin

Lowry 10th, SPC Quin-

ton Ogletree 14th, SGT

Kaley Maben 15th,

SSG Jeremy Burns

16th, SPC Christopher

Geisler 23rd, SPC

David Perez 24th, 1LT

Amanda Hassett 30th.

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Hellraisers

Photos

HHB, 1-14 FA – JULY 2013 Newsletter

Sports Carnival

Soccer team pos-

ing for a photo

after a recent win

2LT Knapp, SPC Weldon, SGT Osipov,

and SGT Hernandez carry a generator

during the Adventure Race

Newly promoted SPC

Atkins and SPC Ma-

chuca receiving their

hard earned rank

LT Stogner, CPT Guerrero, and CPT McKean after his

newly earned promotion to 1LT

Soldiers conducting a combat litter carry

during Combat Lifesaver Certification

SFC Barriga

places Staff Ser-

geant on SSG

Foley’s headgear

during her promo-

tion

July has been a very active month for Alpha Battery and 1-14 FA, with numerous battalion events, charity events, holidays, and

other activities taking place over the course of the month.

We kicked the month off with a 4th of July BN led event called the ―Adventure Race‖ on Al Minhad Air Base. 20 teams were

created from Battalion, our Host Nation, and Coalition Partners to complete a series of 12 mental and physical challenges across Al Min-

had Air Base. Alpha Battery fielded four teams for the race with First Platoon’s team, consisting of 2LT Patrick McFarland, SSG Nick

Norville, SGT Cody Dickson, and SPC Andrew Campbell, placing second overall and the top American team in the competition.

The winners of the race were from the British Royal Engineers, taking the 1-14 FAR Cross Cannon Trophy as their first place

prize. Our Australian partners received the last place prize—a set of gold spray-painted toilet seats, which they wore around their necks

with pride at the end of the race. In the end, the Adventure Race received great feedback. ―The race was hard, but a lot of fun,‖ SSG Jona-

than Moore said. ―I wish more Soldiers could have volunteered to compete‖. It was a great competition overall, and the Soldiers look

forward to competing in it again in October.

Following the event, the British, Australians, and New Zealanders joined the Soldiers for a barbecue feast which comprised of

seafood, steak, fried chicken, and other hearty American style foods. Our Second Platoon and Ammo Platoon finished off their Fourth of

July with a trip to the Dubai Mall and a tour up to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

―The view was amazing,‖ SPC Christopher Rondel said. The cost to go up in the tower is about $30 per person; however, 1LT

Norman treated his Soldiers by covering everyone’s cost. ―The view was worth a lot more than the ticket. The skyline of Dubai was spec-

tacular‖.

We also accomplished some of our unit’s goals during the month. So far, our work with the Emiratis has been beneficial for

both parties because it is always great to share experiences with different cultures. One of the cultural differences that affects the majority

of the people in this country is Ramadan, an Islamic month of fasting that normally begins on or around 8 July and ends on or about 7

August. Our unit respectfully doubled down on their efforts to ensure the Emiratis were able to observe their holiday by completing all of

their crew certification before the holiday began. Even though there might a month long break between some of partnership, our Soldiers

remain excited to continue work with them when the holiday ends in early August. ―I can’t wait to head back to their base,‖ SSG Jona-

than Nunez said. ―It’s a great opportunity to work with the Emiratis. It’s great to see them gain proficiency and establish themselves as a

good unit‖. The Emiratis look good and that is a testament of everyone’s hard work.

Ramadan does not mean a total standstill with the Emiratis and Coalition Forces. Sunday, July 14 marked the beginning of the

Ramadan Sport’s Carnival at Al Minhad Airbase. Events for the carnival include volleyball, sprinting, a 5k run, relay races, tug-of-war

and soccer.

The day started with a ―Beat the Sapper‖ competition, with several members of Alpha Battery participating. Beat the Sapper

was a charity event set up by the British for a girl with cancer in the United Kingdom. It consisted of a friendly competition between the

British, Australians, and the U.S. Soldiers at the British Compound. The five events were excellent team building exercises. Again, the

British came out on top. Participants from Alpha Battery included CPT Sean Grevious, SGT Cody Dickson and SSG Adam Pierce.

―One event had us fill 15 sandbags. These sandbags are at least twice as big as the ones the U.S. uses,‖ SSG Adam Pierce said.

―They were heavy, and weighed at least 75 pounds. It was tough‖!

Alpha Battery also had key players on several battalion teams, notably on the volleyball and soccer team. The volleyball and

soccer teams were victorious on July 14, with the former winning over the British and the latter defeating an Emirati team 2-1.

―I’m enjoying this competition,‖ SPC Zachary Cowles said. Every team is bringing their A-game. The Emiratis have recruited

across the country just to beat us‖.

The other members representing the Battalion from Alpha Battery include 1LT Brian Norman (Soccer), SGT Charles Spaulding

(Volleyball), SSG Johnathan Moore (Volleyball), SSG Jason Lund (Volleyball), SGT Brandon Neitzel (Volleyball), and CPT Sean Grevi-

ous (Volleyball). Both the teams will play their next round matches against Emirati teams, making for great drama between Soldiers and

the host nation.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone for supporting me during the Relay for Life. We conducted a 6 mile ruck march around Camp

Redleg. Thanks again for all the support for the Assassin Battery and others.

1SG Robert Terrill CPT Sean A Grevious

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ASSASSINS

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ASSASSINS

A view from the base of the

world’s tallest man made struc-

ture, the Burj Khalifa

CPT Grevious, SSG Pierce, and

SGT Dickson from Alpha battery

July started out with a bang, not the usual 4th of July kind, but rather the kind that everyone is sure to remember, sweating in the hot

sun and carrying lots of heavy stuff around, all for time against other teams. Of course I am talking about the 4 th of July Adventure race that

included not only teams from every Battery, but also teams from the British, Australian, and Kiwi forces here on Al Minhad AB. The event

was a great success, the four teams that the Battery put together all performed exceptionally and represented the Battery well. Events for the

Adventure Race included litter carries, tire carries, generator carries (see a pattern?), tire flips, a road sign memorization challenge, a weighted

sled drag, a puzzle to move the team across an area without touching the ground using limited supplies, and a couple other events usually in-

volving carrying or lifting heavy objects. Overall though, it was a great team building event that is still being talked about at the end of the

month.

With Soldiers still arriving from Camp Buehring, Kuwait, the Battery was finally able to reorganize ourselves from 3 platoons to 4

platoons. This new structure is allowing Soldiers much more time off and giving Platoon Leaders and Platoon Sergeants greater flexibility in

their training and time management. As a Battery, we have begun to not only train the newly arrived personnel on the SECFOR tasks that we

have become so familiar with, but we are also able to now continue training in our primary MOSs in the HIMARS and FDC vehicles. Both

launcher and FDC crews are preparing themselves for an upcoming ―Best-By-Test‖ that will evaluate them on all of their skills and compare

their performance to the rest of the Battalion in order to determine who the best sections are.

This past week 2LT Robbins and SSG Schwander ran a weapons range, this one with the 9mm M9 pistol, in support of 1-14FAR

readiness. The M9 pistol is a 9mm handgun that is usually only assigned to certain medics and primary staff. However, we had the opportu-

nity to have a larger number of Officers and Soldiers participate in the training. For the Soldiers that helped run the range, they are being

given the opportunity next week to participate in an Australian training range where they will be able to familiarize themselves and fire several

of the Australian weapon systems that we do not have. Other activities with the Australian and British forces still include the weekly volley-

ball competition. Bravo Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers have continued to perform well and we have retained the trophy all but one week this

past month. The Emirates are also hosting a series of sports competitions involving all of the Coalition Forces here on Al Minhad Air Base as

part of their Ramadan this year. Ramadan is the Muslim holy month in which personnel fast from sun up to sun down for 30 days and focus

on being more holy and pure. In the evenings, after breaking their fast, the Emirate Forces are running soccer, volleyball, tug of war and run-

ning competitions. So far, BN combined teams, including our own LTs Rossi and Custer, have made it to the finals which will be held later

this month.

The past month has seen a couple Soldiers recognized for their hard work and unfailing motivation by the Blackhorse Battery. SGT

Matthew Adams, SSG Christopher Robinson SPC Mitchell Jones, and PFC Kyle Kanehl were selected as Bravo Battery ―Warrior of the

Week‖ by their peers and Chain of Command.

As always, the Blackhorse Soldiers recognize the families, both immediate and extended, back home that support us each and every

day. Thank you for what you do, and it is appreciated more than you will ever know.

1SG Michael McLaughlin CPT Justin Thorkildsen

BLACKHORSE 7 BLACKHORSE 6

B , 1 - 1 4 F A J U L Y 2 0 1 3

BLACKHORSE

B , 1 - 1 4 F A J U L Y 2 0 1 3

BLACKHORSE

SSG Robinson and 1LT Wilson slap hands (with 1LT

Custer over looking the excitement) after a job well

done for the first annual Steel Warrior Adventure Race

Bravo Soldiers resting after the Adventure Race

Bravo Soldiers exhibiting their morale and enthu-

siasm after the Adventure Race

The tire carry was a thought provoking and physical

event. With the right strategy and team work, this

event was very feasible

d

Phoenix Warriors and Families,

We have reached the completion of our third month! This month has been filled with a variety of

activities for our family members and your Soldiers. The first activity was the 4th of July Adventure Race.

It consisted of a series of difficult physical and mental challenges strategically placed throughout the camp.

The second activity was the ―Beat the Sapper‖ competition. This was put on by the British. It consisted of

4 events that they specialized in or that utilized tools that they were familiar with. It was also a physical and

slightly mental competition that consisted of 5 overall teams. The last significant events were Ramadan and

the Sports Carnival. The traditional Emiratis fast during the daytime. They do not drink or eat during this

time and pray toward the end of daylight hours. They host and play all games during the late night hours

2200-0001: Volleyball, soccer, tug-a-war, relay races, and an endurance competition. Sprinkles of the entire

battalion personnel were involved.

The efforts of those that participated in the July 4th Adventure Races, Beat the Sapper Competi-

tion, and those participating in the Ramadan Sports Carnival hosted by the Emiratis were commendable and

admirable. Your Soldiers are good ambassadors of our country and the American people. Not only are your

Soldiers hard working, they are competitive with the Coalition Forces. I continue to be amazed at their

abilities and resiliency in the eyes of adversity, and I am proud to continue our mission with this group of

Soldiers.

The Families had a 4th of July BBQ with an exceptional turn out. The participation in the FRG

continues to grow with each event. Thank you so much for your continued support, and we love seeing the

pictures of our loved ones doing well on the home front. Phoenix Families continue to enjoy your summer

vacation. Be safe and prepare our children to head back to school in the fall. Have fun for us!

1SG Benjamin Logsdon CPT Adrien Flonnory

PHOENIX 7 PHOENIX 6

5 7 8 F S C , 1 - 1 4 F A J U L Y 2 0 1 3

PHOENIX

Upcoming Events

July 25, 2013 FRG Meet-

ing, Thursday at 1800 in

FRC at BLDG 3423. Opera-

tion Homefront will be our

guest speaker. Chick-Fil-A

and drinks will be provided.

Aug 6, 2013 FRG Meeting/

Creative Card Night, Tues-

day at 1800 in the FRC at

BLDG 3423. This meeting

will be a Pot Luck!!!

Aug 10, 2013 Rosie the

Riveter pictures, Saturday at

1000. Come out and get

your picture taken like

Rosie! Please contact FRG

Leader for location details.

Aug 31, 2013 ―Walk for

578th FSC‖ Kick-Off, Satur-

day at 1000. It will be held

at the 3 mile track on Fort

Sill.

Sept 3, 2013 FRG Meeting/

Creative Card Night, Tues-

day at 1800 in the FRC at

BLDG 3423.

Sept 21, 2013 Phoenix Play-

date, Saturday at TBD.

Paintball!!!!

Sept 28, 2013 Post Wide

Garage Sale Fundraiser.

Please donate any items

including baked goods for

this fundraiser! If you would

like to volunteer, please

contact FRG Leader.

Oct 6, 2013 Spirit of Sur-

vival Walk. The BN is cur-

rently working to have the

soldiers and families mem-

bers walk the same distance.

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PHOENIX

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PHOENIX

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The LNO cell continues to provide supplies and Soldiers for the mission down at Camp Redleg, including receiving personnel back

in Kuwait to attend various schools and training opportunities. The Soldiers awaiting their Visas to join their fellow Steel Warriors in UAE

have been hard at work with their daily training sessions. Kuwait continues to be a valuable asset, acting as an important hub for the Steel

Warrior Soldiers at Camp Red Leg and Camp Buehring.

The Alpha 2-20 Renegades have recently conducted their redeployment awards ceremony. The ceremony focused on the units ac-

complishments during their training in Jordan for Golden Lances III and recognized the individuals who exercised outstanding performance

throughout the entire deployment. The Renegades are packing up, knowing that they will soon be in the arms of their loved ones. The Steel

Warriors family wishes them all a safe return and the best on their transition home.

The Outlaw Soldiers falling under the LNO cell continue their training here at Camp Buehring, working hard. The 1-14 Field Artil-

lery Soldiers have utilized all the available assets here in Kuwait, such as the Call for Fire Trainers, WLC Land Navigation Course, and En-

gagement Skills Trainer. The Outlaw Soldiers also had a chance to conduct a week of Master Resiliency Training, teaching Soldiers numerous

ways to handle stress and react to adverse situations with a positive outlook. The Morale, Welfare, and Recreational (MWR) trips here at

Camp Buehring, Kuwait have come to halt, as Ramadan has commenced. However, even with trips off post on hold, the Soldiers continue to

stay motivated with the 4th of July celebration, numerous volleyball and dodge ball tournaments, and new movie Mondays hosted by the USO.

The Steel Warriors also got to take part on the promotion of multiple Soldiers, with many joining the elite NCO Corps. The Bravo battery

Soldiers also celebrated the reenlistment of SPC Popek in the MWR gym.

The 1-14 Field Artillery Outlaw Soldiers continue to move forward and keep focused at accomplishing the mission at hand. The

support from family and friends back home does not go unseen as it is constantly spoken of by our Steel Warriors. Thank you to everyone who

continues to send love from the home front, as the Outlaws continue fulfilling the Steel Warrior task of ―TEAMWORK ALWAYS.‖

L N O J U L Y 2 0 1 3

KUWAIT

CELL LNO

MSG Corey Powell

OUTLAW 7

SPC Popek’s reenlistment with 2LT Bell at

the Camp Buehring gym.

CPT David Dens

OUTLAW 6

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L N O J U L Y 2 0 1 3

KUWAIT

CELL LNO

SPC Shepperd takes part of the activities offered

at the Camp Buehring 4th of July event

A/2-20 Soldiers stand tall as they receive awards

at the Renegades redeployment ceremony

1-14th Field Artillery Soldiers take part in

meditation during Master Resiliency Training

Steel Warrior Soldiers

take part in the Camp

Buehring volleyball tour-

nament

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Greetings, in the name of our Lord!

Fix Your Eyes on GOD,

And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water

for you out of the rock?" Numbers 20:10

It is easy to see why Moses became frustrated with the Hebrew people. They were so hard-hearted and weak in their faith that Moses

lost his patience and became angry with them.

Yet every time Moses shifted his focus away from God, it cost him.

When he sought to help his people by taking matters into his own hands, he spent the next forty years herding sheep in the wilder-

ness (Exod. 2:11-15) This time his impetuous behavior cost him the opportunity to enter the Promise Land (Num. 20:12). In his frustration at

the peoples' irreverence, Moses committed the very same sin, blatantly disobeying God's instructions. How did this happen? Moses allowed

his attention to shift to the behavior of others rather than focusing on the activity of God.

This could happen to you as well. God has put people around you who need your ministry to them. You will never be able to prop-

erly help them, however, unless your primary focus is on God. If you concentrate on people, their weaknesses, their disobedience, their lack of

faith, and their stubbornness they will quickly frustrate you.

You may, like Moses, commit the very same sins you are condemning. If, however, your eyes are fixed on holy God, you will be-

come more like Him-gracious, forgiving, long-suffering, and righteous. When a friend’s behavior disappoints you, go immediately to the Lord.

Seek to discern what God is wanting to do in your friend's life rather than concentrating on your friend's sin. Then you will have the strength,

wisdom, and patience you need to help your friend in the way God desires.

Chaplain Richard Hurst

1-14th FAR

BN Chaplain

"Steel Warriors"

H H B / 1 - 1 4 F A R

CHAPLAIN

SFC Dillon sporting a thrifty outfit and posing for the camera!

“America”!