July Newsletter

From the Battalion Commander

Command Sergeant Major Forum

Promotions and Awards 2

Hail and Farewells 2

Soldier of the Month 2

NCO of the Month 3

Safety Message 3

Chaplains Corner 3

HHD 4

Inside this issue:

Me

dic

in

e W

arrio

r!

M

on

th

ly N

ew

sle

tte

r

56

TH

M

UL

TI

FU

NC

TI

OA

NL

M

ED

IC

AL

B

AT

TA

LI

ON

Volume 1, Issue 1

July 2011

Medicine Warriors and Family Members,

I would like to echo what the Battalion Commander said. Thank you for all that you do for this

Battalion, the Army and out Nation. Without you efforts we would not be nearly as successful in

accomplishing our multiple missions as we have been. Jobs well done!!!

I would be remiss if I didn‘t mention that with all the hard work comes some relaxation time. As

the Summer moves into full gear please keep safety upmost in your minds as you embark on your

travels and vacation time. We preach safety on and off duty and we want you and your families to

enjoy Summer and have safe fun!!! CSM Mark Pumphrey

Medicine Warrior Soldiers and Families,

I would like to take this opportunity to start by saying ―Thank-you‖ all for what you all do for our Battal-

ion and our Army. The operational pace of our unit and our Army as a whole is extremely high, and I hon-

estly do not see it decrease in the near future.

Today we have ―Medicine Warrior Soldiers‖ supporting efforts throughout Iraq and Afghanistan and pro-

viding support to JBLM. Our deployed Soldiers represent the 520th Area Support Medical Company

(ASMC) (Iraq), the 98th Combat Stress Control Company (Iraq), the 551st Medical Logistics Company

(MLC) (Iraq), the 153rd Blood Detachment (Iraq), and the 673rd Dental Company, who is deployed in

both Iraq and Afghanistan! Most recently, we welcomed back the 547th ASMC, who did an amazing job

in Iraq as well as a portion of the 551st MLC, as their mission in Iraq is decreasing. Simultaneously, we

have the 575th ASMC and the 514th Ground Ambulance (GA) Company providing support for the War-

rior Forge mission, while they also train in support of a homeland defense mission. Our Preventive Medi-

cine Detachments are just as busy as we have the 255th PM DET prepare for the homeland defense mis-

sion and the 227th PM DET prepare for it‘s upcoming deployment. Our Optometry Team, the 166th

OPTO, albeit small, is also busy as they anticipate a pending deployment in the Spring 2012! Last, but not

least, we have the 218th Medical Detachment Rear (P) and HHD/56th MMB redeploying many of our

units, while continuing to serve as the rear detachments of all of our deployed units. It does not stop there!

Our units are also preparing for a Corps level inspection, while preparing to deploy for a training exercise

in August (575th ASMC, 514th GA, and the 255th PM DET). Amazing!

As you can see, our Soldiers are busy! But, we must not forget that during all of this, we must reflect on

the blessings so many of us have bestowed upon us. Those of us who are blessed, I ask that you extend a

blessing to those less fortunate or in need of some assistance, whether it be a Soldier or Family Member

among our ranks. Too many times, after an event, we say, ―how did this happen‖ or ―If I only knew.‖ If

we each reached out an olive branch and extended ourselves we will find someone whom we can make a

difference in their life, if even for a short time. So, with this, I ask that we all take a minute and find some-

one among our ranks whose day we may be able to make brighter! While it may go without saying, your

persistent hard work does not go unnoticed. We successfully execute many missions simultaneously be-

cause of the outstanding leaders, Soldiers, and Family members in the unit. Thank you all of your dedica-

tion and the jobs you do! LTC Kim Aiello

166th OP 4

218th VS Rear Detachment 4

227th PM 5

255th PM 5

514th GA 5

575th ASMC 6

547th ASMC 6

Inside this issue:

98th CSC 7

153rd BS 7

218th VS 7,11

673rd DC OEF & OND 8

FRG Events Calendar 9

Our Newest Editions 10

FRG Volunteer of the Month 10

Who is this? 10

Facebook 10

Inside this issue:

2

56th Multifunctional Medical Battalion

farewells the following Soldiers and

wishes them well in their future assign-

ments and endeavors:

CW2 Magana, HHD

CPT Deeter, HHD

CPT Brisson, HHD

SPC Denman, 218th

SPC Sherman, 218th

SSG Chapman, 575th ASMC


welcomes the following Soldiers into our

ranks this month:

PV2 Wilcox, 98th CSC

PFC Turner, 514th GA

PFC Haaker, 575th ASMC

SPC Metobo, 255th PM

PFC Jones, 227th PM

Achievement Awards were presented to

the following Soldiers for their contribu-

tions to the Special Olympics of Wash-

ington on June 4th & 5th.

SPC Cartwright, 514th GA

SPC Stoneman, 514th GA

SPC Elliot, 575th ASMC

SPC Conley, 575th ASMC

Army Achievement Medals (AAM) were

presented to:

2 LT Norton, 514th GA

SPC Deusa, 575th ASMC

CONGRATULATIONS to the well de-

served promotions to the following Sol-

diers:

SGM Payne, HHD

SSG Quartucci, 255th PM

SGT Prout, 514th GA

assist users on all chemical, biological,

radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) and

chemical detection equipment; Serves

as the primary adviser to the com-

mander on all CBRN activities; assists

with maintenance and accountability of

organizational equipment valued at 1

million dollars. Within the first two

weeks of assignment as the CBRN spe-

cialist she has completed a COMET

SAV and signed for over 1 million dol-

lars worth of equipment while prepar-

ing and executing two lateral transfers

of CBRN equipment to Rear Detach-

ment units.

SPC Hernandez displays a positive

attitude which has become contagious

SPC Tori Hernandez, HHD, has been

selected as the Medicine Warrior of the

Month. SPC Hernandez has been as-

signed to HHD since Aug 2010 . Dur-

ing her duty with HHD she has served

as the Admin Specialist ensuring daily

reporting of PERSTATs and the main-

tenance of over 130 assigned and 35

attached personnel files. A very daunt-

ing task in a HHD due to the constant

change over of personnel.

Most recently SPC Hernandez has

taken the duty of the Chemical NCO

for the Detachment. In this she is re-

sponsible for the Chemical Operations

in the HHD, 56th MMB; supervises,

employs, maintains, troubleshoots and

and has raised the moral to a higher

status especially important given the

high OPTEMPO in HHD.

Page 2

Medicine Warrior Hail and Farewells

Medicine Warrior Promotions and Awards

Medicine Warrior Soldier of the Month

“Change is the essence of life. Be

willing to surrender what you are for

what you could become.”

M E DI CI NE WA RRI OR !

The Army Achievement Medal is

awarded to any member of the

Armed Forces of the United

States who distinguish

themselves by meritorious

service or achievement of a

lesser degree than required for

the Army Commendation Medal.

SPC Tori Hernandez, HHD

3

V OLU ME 1, ISS UE 1

SGT Sarah B. Prout continues

to emulate all of the qualities of

a true professional Noncommis-

sioned Officer and displays the

perfect example of a ―Medicine

Warrior‖. Her unsurpassed

Military Bearing, Appearance

and Physical Fitness, along

with her expert Technical and

Tactical Knowledge, resulted in

her being selected as the 56th

Multifunctional Medical Battal-

ion NCO of the Year and the

62nd Medical Brigade NCO of

the Year for Fiscal Year 2011. SGT

Prout‘s physical prowess is rarely

matched by any Soldier, as

she consistently scores in the

330 to 340 point range

(extended scale) on all Army

Physical Fitness Tests and

by her being the first female

Soldier to ever compete in

the Honor Graduate Fight at

the JBLM Level 3 Combat-

ives School. SGT Prout

serves as the Training NCO

for the 514th Medical Com-

pany (GA), where she man-

ages the training require-

ments of over 80 Soldiers and tracks, on

average, 15 Mission Support Require-

ments

each

month.

SGT

Prout is

a single

mother

and role

model to

her 2

year old

daugh-

ter,

Anna.

Page 3

Medicine Warrior NCO of the Month

NCO CREED

No one is more professional

than I. I am a Noncommissioned

Officer, a leader of soldiers. As

a Noncommissioned Officer, I

realize that I am a member of a

time honored corps, which is

known as "The Backbone of the

Army". I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers

and will at all times conduct

myself so as to bring credit upon

the Corps, the Military Service

and my country regardless of the

situation in which I find myself.

I will not use my grade or posi-

tion to attain pleasure, profit, or

personal safety.

Safety Message

The definition of an accident is "an unplanned event." No one plans to have an accident. It happens when you let your guard down, be-

come careless; fail to follow procedures, become complacent, overconfident or something out of the ordinary. Human error is a direct

cause of over 90% of all accidents. During the 101 days of summer which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day is a time to en-

joy family and friends or for much needed rest and relaxation. Safety is a team effort which requires everyone to monitor not only them-

selves but the Soldiers and Family Members.

Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our most valuable resource ―The Soldier‖ Safe.

“Mission First, Safety Always!”

Chaplain’s Corner

Happy family begins from cher-

ishing the grace of

the parents. It is

difficult to achieve

happy family when

the parents‘ grace is

neglected. There is

nothing more pre-

cious than life, and it

is our parents who

gave us life. Sadly,

some of us have

already experienced

the pain of losing our parent(s). Nonethe-

less, we must never forget that the very fact

that we are living now is the reality of our

parents‘ grace. I‘m thankful for the grace of

the mother. Our mothers have given birth

through pouring of the blood. The love of

mother that cherishes and raises a child

after giving birth from enduring long-time

cannot be explained. Mother‘s love is an

unconditional love. It is a sacrificial love.

E. H. Chapin said, ―The strength, beauty

and worthiness of mother‘s love cannot be

expressed in words. A

mother shines this

world endlessly with

the light of love like the

stars in the sky.‖ I‘m

thankful for the grace

of the father. I often

feel the heaviness of the

responsibility of the

fatherhood as a father

who raised two daugh-

ters. Only few children

know of the father who sheds tears in a

hidden place. Fathers are lonely. Father-

hood is hard. This world is not easy, but the

responsibility is enormous. The sacrifice of

father is great as well. There are many fa-

thers who only say few words. However,

the children must remember that there is a

deep love in those few words. I put my

hands together for all 56th MMB‘s mothers

and fathers as we celebrate the Spiritual

Family Fun Run day on July 1, 2011.

“The strength, beauty and worthiness of

mother’s love cannot be expressed in

words. A mother shines this world

endlessly with the light of love like the

stars in the sky.”

-E.H. Chapin

Chaplain Cho

and his wife

Suzanne.

Chaplain Cho and his assistant

PFC Carpenter

4

evaluating, and taking care of

the Cadets medically is of the

utmost importance as these fu-

ture leaders prepare for commis-

sioning.

On 24 June, we had a speaker from Giant

Campus at our FRG meeting. It was won-

derful to hear all the learning opportuni-

ties they offer in computer technology.

Classes are available in the classroom

(day and evening) and

online. Giant Campus

is also offering week

long day camps for

kids. Giant Campus is

a great MWR benefit for our Soldiers and

their Families.

Eagle Eye Six…..Out

I would like to welcome SSG Reed to the

166th family. SSG Reed and his wife just

arrived from Hawaii. SSG Reed will take

over in August for SSG Conlon as he and

his wife PCS to FT. Sam Houston.

PFC Perz is tasked out to Warrior Forge

and will use his 68W skills (hopefully not

too much) on the cadets from across the

nation. This is a yearly mission for the

Battalion and an important one. Training,

CPT Dawn M Williams was

born in Daytona Beach, Flor-

ida. She entered military ser-

vice on 15 September 1995.

CPT Williams military career

includes the following assign-

ments: Combat Medic, 64th

FSB, 4th ID; Emergency

Treatment NCO, 67th CSH;

Squad LDR, 296th FSB;

Clinical NCOIC; Operations NCO,

WRMC; Assistant Inspector Gen-

eral, WRMC; XO, 520th ASMC, and lastly

Commander HHD, 56th MMB. CPT Wil-

liams has attended various military schools

to include; PLDC, BNCOC, ANCOC, Bat-

tle Staff, IG Course, BOLC II and III. She

has earned her Bachelor‘s degree in Health

Care Management. CPT Williams is mar-

ried to Brain Huffstutter and has two chil-

dren, Steven and Thomas. She enjoys yoga

and traveling.

MISSION

On Order, HHD 56th MMB will deploy

to provide a scalable, flexible and modu-

lar Medical Battle Command (MBC),

administrative assistance, logistical sup-

port, and technical supervision capability

for assigned and attached medical organi-

zations (companies and detachments)

task-organized in support of deployed

forces.

PHILOSOPHY

Meet mission always, take care of

Soldiers putting the welfare of your

Soldiers before your own and take

care of yourself seeking self-

improvement and always take re-

sponsibility for ones actions. Most

importantly Soldiers can expect that

I will be a team player dedicated to

the mission and always honest and

upfront.

VISION

Provide Command and Control to subor-

dinate medical units, prepared to deploy a

modular element (Early Entry or cam-

paign) while maintaining the standard,

setting the example, creating a safe envi-

ronment and improving on yesterdays

events.

took command of the 218th MED DET (R)(P)

in March and promoted to CPT that same

month. His hobby is to play saxophone.

MISSION

The 218th Medical Detachment

(Rear)(Provisional) mission is to provided

command and control of the detached per-

sonnel and equipment from their forward

elements, providing rear operations and fam-

ily readiness group support until the return

of the deployed units (218th VS, 153rd BS,

547th ASMC, 551 MED LOG).

CAPABILITIES

The unit‘s capabilities are maintaining

constant contact with the forward ele-

ments; Reintegration of forward units;

reattach Soldiers and equipment to their

respective assigned MTOE unit; FRG

support; and Maintain readiness of Sol-

diers in the event of necessary augmen-

tees.

Page 4

166th Ophthalmic Team

Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment (HHD)

218th Veterinary Detachment (Rear Detachment)

Training, evaluating, and taking care

of the Cadets medically is of the

utmost importance as these future

leaders prepare for commissioning.


HHD enjoys a Spiritual Fitness Run lead by CH Cho

CPT Rodriguez, Gilberto is the

BLOOD HOUNDS commander. He

commissioned as a 2LT in May 2007.

2LT Rodriguez reported to his first

unit, 218th MED DET (Veterinary

Services), in February 2008 where he

served as the unit‘s Executive Officer.

In October of this same year, he de-

ployed with the 218th VS in support

of OIF and OEF. After 15 months,

1LT Rodriguez redeployed and was

assigned as the Executive Officer of

the 98th MED DET (Combat Stress

Control) in February 2010. Gilberto

5


be configured into a HQ section and three

independently mobile teams. Either con-

figuration supports pre-

emptive action in identi-

fying, controlling, and

protecting troops from

the effects of DNBI. The

255th Medical Detach-

ment‘s mission provides

proactive preventive

medicine services in support of full spec-

trum operations to preserve and sustain

combat forces. Major

Brian Nell commands

the Medical Detach-

ment and is married to

CPT Margaret Fahy.

They have two chil-

dren, Benjamin and

Anessa.

The 255th Preventive Medicine Medical

Detachment consists on 13 personnel and

provides Occupational and Environ-

mental Health Surveillance, Disease and

Non-battle Injury (DNBI) Surveillance,

Epidemiology services, Medical Ento-

mology services, Industrial Hygiene ser-

vices, and Field Sanitation Education and

Training. The detachment deploys as a

whole to maintain unit integrity, or it can

Welcome Soldiers and Family

members of the 56th MMB. I am CPT

Katherine Kinder (Black Scorpion 6), Com-

mander of the 227th Preventive Medicine

Medical Detachment. My Detachment

Sergeant and most experienced Non-

Commissioned Officer is SFC Loretta

Whitehurst (Black Scorpion 7). Together

we lead a detachment of 13 highly moti-

vated and dedicated Soldiers that provide

Occupational and Environmental Health

Surveillance, Disease and Non-battle Injury

(DNBI) Surveillance, Epidemiology ser-

vices (disease investigation), Medical Ento-

mology services, Industrial Hygiene ser-

vices, and Field Sanitation Education and

Training.

The detachment deploys as a whole

to maintain unit integrity, or it can be con-

figured into a HQ section and three inde-

pendently mobile teams. Either configura-

tion supports preemptive action in identify-

ing, controlling, and protecting troops from

the effects of Disease Non-Battle Injuries.

Our mission is to on order, con-

serve the fighting strength by providing

proactive field preventive medicine support

to echelons above division (EAD) in Full

Spectrum Operations (FSO) by initiating

immediate countermeasure by minimizing,

or eliminating the impact of disease non-

battle injuries (DNBI).

Black Scorpions!

CPT Katherine Kinder

crewed with combat medics that can pro-

vide emergency medical treatment and en-

route medical care to sick and injured pa-

tients. I cannot forget to mention all the

support personnel that help make our Com-

pany successful- administrators, mechanics,

cooks, supply, communications and chemi-

cal (CBRN) personnel. Unit history: The

514th GA has a unit history that extends as

far back as World War II. In 1946, the unit

was known as the 514th Clearing Com-

pany. Their mission: clear the injured from

the battlefield. The 514th GA earned cam-

paign participation credit for World War II,

the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War.

And more recently with participation in

Operation Iraqi Freedom in November

2007-2008.

The unit is currently training and prepar-

ing to assume its next mission- Defense

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nu-

clear Response Force (DCRF). What is

DCRF? This mission is directed by the

Department of Defense in response to the

Hello 56th MMB Soldiers, family and

friends! I am the Company Commander of

the 514th Medical Company Ground Am-

bulance. The Company First Sergeant is

1SG Anthony Elliott. Together with the

Soldiers of the 514th GA, we are Team

Renegade! Our mission is to deploy and

provide ground medical evacuation within

all theaters of combat and the Continental

United States (CONUS) contingency sup-

port operations; preserving and sustaining

combat forces. Our goal is be recognized as

the standard bearer for a Ground Ambu-

lance Company; always prepared to conduct

tactical medical evacuation operations

within any environment. The unit has the

capability to cover a 700 square mile area

with a single ambulance also known as a

Field Litter Ambulance (FLA). What does

that mean? Think about your local ambu-

lance service where one ambulance covers a

200+ mile area. In addition, the 514th GA's

fleet of FLAs has a single-lift capability for

evacuation of 92 litter patients or 192 am-

bulatory patients. In addition, every FLA is

increased focus on homeland security.

DCRF provides federal, state and local

agencies with the assistance they need in

their homeland security activities such natu-

ral disasters or terrorist acts. The 514th GA

mission during DCRF will be that of ground

medical evacuation of any injured person-

nel.

On a final note, the Soldiers of the 514th

GA are a dedicated, disciplined and moti-

vated team. Always ready for our next mis-

sion. "Team

Renegade" See

you all next

month.

CPT David

Meservey

Renegade 6

Page 5

255th Preventative Medicine

227th Preventative Medicine

514th Ground Ambulance

255th PM mission provides

proactive preventive medicine

services in support of full spectrum

operations to preserve and sustain

combat forces.

Caption describing picture or

graphic.

6

the MRAP training where I fell out of an un-

combat locked door and then low-crawled

out of the trainer; getting pushed back into a

sandstorm while trying to get on a bus to get

new plates. The C-130 flight from Ali Al

Salem to BIAP; the 4WD van-ride to Golby;

RIP/TOA and the un-casing ceremony;

MASCAL training; C-RAM; doctors

rotating in and out; Horace Morris; Stru-

ble, C-Rod and Russo joining us; driving

RC boats and fishing on Lost Lake; the

Halloween party, Thanksgiving lunch; Christ-

mas party (anyone want the 1st Season of

―Glee‖?); the Christmas IDF attack when I

was taking a shower; the big personnel swap;

the Super Bowl beers; writing evaluations;

writing awards; McLaughlin‘s kilt story; FI-

NALLY GOING ON RRLV!! (1LT

McLaughlin here… I think the 130 degree

heat finally got to SFC Lassandro. But,

WOW! What a deployment?!? But I agree,

there is so much to remember from this past

year to include: HAGA vs. T-wall..oops, I

mean our first mission with the HAGA, SPC

Williams losing our kickball game, GRAVE

ROBBERS and ―Sunday EVAC day‖, kittens

in the attic, Our super heroes docs LTC

McDaniel, MAJ Hays and CPT Laseter!, Dr.

Mohammad‘s got your ―six‖, flying toy heli-

copters, SGT Strand‘s 30 minutes of glory,

SGT Swieta‘s team bonding relay, wheel-

chairs,

combat

golfing,

speed

bumps,

stress ball/

water

fights,

Days

of

Rage,

Fire Marshall De‘Angelo‘s fire drill and SFC

Gianunzio‘s Day of Rage, flag football!.. it‘s

okay team, you‘ll get them next year! I can

truly say that I‘ve enjoyed working with those

who have been assigned to Ortiz and Union

III, I‘ve learned a lot and I know each Soldier

also has something to take away from this year

here).

We only have two more weeks until we‘re

home at last! This time is expected to fly by

with all the preparations, planning and packing

yet to accomplish. We want to say thanks to

all the family members and friends that have

supported their Soldier(s) over this past year.

We could not have completed this mission

without you! And a special thanks to the FRG

Ladies for all of their hard work and support!

God bless you all and we‘ll see you soon!

—SFC Lassandro and 1LT McLaughlin

The 575th Medical Company

(Area Support) is one of three Area Support

Medical Companies in the 56th Multifunc-

tional Medical Battalion.

The mission of an area

support medical company

is to provide Role II

Health Service Support to

a population of approxi-

mately 10,000 personnel.

To accomplish this mis-

sion, an ASMC staffs a

diverse mix of medical

and non-medical experts

that support the company‘s healthcare mis-

sion. During operation or deployment, the

ASMC is capable of providing ground

evacuation and robust treatment capabili-

ties: x-ray, dental, laboratory, patient hold,

and behavioral health. In addition, the

ASMC is further supported by mechanics,

cooks, and other specialized Soldiers that

bring their unique skill sets to sustain the

company‘s personnel and equipment.

The 575th ASMC is led by

CPT A.J. Bertone and 1SG

Jamie Detrick. CPT Ber-

tone is a California native

who commissioned from the

United States Military

Academy. He has been

assigned to the 56th MMB

since December of 2010,

and took command of the

575th ASMC in February 2011. He has

previously served with the 12th Combat

Aviation Brigade in Katterbach, Germany

where he deployed to Iraq for 15 months,

and has also served at JTF CAPMED in

Bethesda, Maryland and Western Regional

Medical Command at Joint Base Lewis-

McChord. CPT Bertone enjoys cycling and

backpacking in his free time. 1SG Detrick

is an Air Force brat who lives with his wife

(and company FRG leader), Emilee, in

Rainier, WA. He has served in the Army

since 1990, and has deployed three times:

Bosnia-Herzegovina (IFOR), Kuwait

(Operation Desert Fox), and Iraq (Operation

Iraqi Freedom). 1SG Detrick is a hobby

farmer, beekeeper, and small engine me-

chanic. In his free time, he cuts grass,

maintains a coop of 62 chickens, and runs a

jamming business with his wife.

The 575th ASMC is currently supporting

over 7,000 ROTC cadets at Joint Base

Lewis-McChord from 13 JUN-6 AUG 2011

as part of the Warrior Forge cadet

leadership development training. Following

Warrior Forge, the 575 is slated

to attend the Vibrant Response consequence

management exercise in Camp

Atterbury, Indiana from 21-31 AUG.

Page 6

547th Medical Company (Area Support)

575th Medical Company (Area Support)


Hello… how ‗bout that ride in? I guess that‘s

why they call it Baghdad (ha-ha). You guys

might not know this but I consider myself a bit

of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one

man school of hammerhead sharks. But when

the Army brought me to Ft Lewis and I was

assigned to the 547th ASMC, I knew I was

among more of my own. I thought ―wait a

second, could it be?‖ And now I know for

sure, I just added sixty-one more Hammer-

heads and a few Basking sharks to the school.

Imagine, sixty-four of us, swimming around

the desert together looking for Iraqi-Italian

pizza, hookah and good copies of DVDs.

I wanted to take this time to reflect on some of

the events that stand out in my mind:

Pre-deployment preparations, the colors casing

ceremony, the bus ride from McChord and

then the hurry up and wait at that lame little

airport. The baggage handling detail loading

the plane and getting 1st Class seats. Stopping

at Bangor, Maine; Shannon, Ireland and fi-

nally touching down in Kuwait; acclimating

and getting on a proper sleep schedule at

Camp Beurhing (Camp Boring); Nottingham,

Bohannon and Williams winning the 3-on-3 B

-ball tournament; deciding to go out for a run

in the windy, 140 deg. weather (that lasted for

about 10 minutes). Listening to Downey‘s

music on the ride out to that range in the mid-

dle of nowhere and then only firing 5 rounds;

SFC Lassandro and 1LT McLaughlin recall the

journey of deployment.

7


Don't be surprised if you start getting some

boxes in the mail from your

loved

ones here in country. ISG and I

have asked everyone to start

thinning their footprint in their

CHU's by sending home memo-

rabilia they've purchased while

in country. Due to reduction of

forces (RDOF), I was able to send a few Soldiers home early. The deci-

sion

on who went home early was based on the

needs of the detachment. Keep us in

your

thoughts and prayers for you are in

ours.

"Blood Warriors!"

MAJ Christopher Evans

We have reached an important milestone in

our deployment; we have less than

100 days left in Iraq! Over 90% of the

153rd BSD has completed their mid-tour

leave, so there is only one thing left to do

and that is to finish the mission and get

ready to receive the laboratory team that

will replace us later this summer. 1LT

Blake and SSG Tabios are working hard on

completing hundreds of tasks needed to

prepare the unit for redeployment.

A big hello from the Iraqi desert! The

98th has been here for almost 5 months

now. Over the past 5 months we have all

been through some changes and unfortu-

nately many of us have missed very im-

portant days. I want to thank all the fam-

ily members for the sacrifice missing

your loved ones on Wedding Anniver-

sary, Birthdays and Holidays. We miss all

of you also.

Yes the 98th has gone through changes.

Some of our teams had to reconfigure.

The Head Quarters moved far west from

the most northern base we started at. We

also saw 2 of our well loved colleagues

have to be sent home for medical reasons.

And now we are preparing to change out

our 6 month rotators, next month. Also

on a positive note we started R&R leave

so several of our Soldiers will get to

spend some time home with family. As

we celebrate our Nations day of Inde-

pendence I just wanted to reach out and

with everyone a happy 4th of July. We

are all over here making sure all of you

get to enjoy the freedom that Independ-

ence Day represents. The Soldiers of the

98th and I are doing fine hoping time will

fly the rest of the time we are down

range. I only ask that you all do your part

and keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

The high temperature has been over 110

(115 today) for the past several weeks but

don‘t worry we can find plenty of shade

and A/C. Many of us has a BBQ for the

4th. Again do not worry we are all fed.

My only concern is the neighbors that

they don‘t decide to supply us dome fire-

works over the next few months. So again

please remember to keep our safety and

swift homecoming in thou thoughts and

prayers. Thank you for your continued

support and sacrifice.

John H. Gourley

case of O‘Douls! This party also

marked the ―coming out party‖ for

our new Viper mascot (big thanks

to CPT James for creating the

beast). I have decided to dedicate an

entire page to our new mascot but I

have one problem, I don‘t have a

name. So, we are going to have a

―name the mascot‖ competition.

See page 5 for additional details.

After digressing about the mascot,

here‘s the bottom line, it is defi-

nitely a good feeling to know that

we are now in ―double-digit‖ land

as far as the countdown goes. Just

as many of you are anxious to have

us come home, I can assure you that

all of us are equally ready to be

Happy July 2011 families and

friends of the 218th MDVS! The

summer time heat in the desert con-

tinues to be the theme of the day on

our side of the world; man, it‘s hot!

I‘m sure all of you are aware of the

fact that the month of June had an

extremely significant milestone for

us as we have passed the nine

month mark of deployment and we

are now in the last quarter of our

deployment! Here in Balad, we

marked the occasion with one hel-

luva pool party led by SGT Mont-

gomery. Hats off to her for procur-

ing all kinds of food and drink to

include not only steak and ribs but

also five gallons of ice cream and a

back with you

again.

June in the

Detachment

was busy as

usual. As is

normal, we

had a lot of

folks going a lot

of different di-

rections as we

continue to provide world-class vet-

erinary ser-vice support to all US

personnel here in Iraq. We experi-

enced one major personnel change

in June as we welcomed CPT Venn

to Balad and the headquarters staff.

CPT Venn will be our Executive

Page 7

153rd Blood Support

98th CSC

218th Veterinary Service (Downrange Article)

8

Page 8

673rd Dental Company OND

673rd Dental Company OEF


Howdy to the Soldiers, fam-

ily and friends of the 673rd

DCAS – FWD PROV. I guess

that‘s what happens to my

lingo after spending the last 6

years in San Antonio.

Things at HQs are moving fast

and furious. Kind of like the

5th edition of the Fast and

Furious movie – Fast Five.

We have personnel going out

on R&R now, so please enjoy

them while they are on leave

back home. We are moving our HQs to

another FOB next month in accordance

with the operational order we work under,

along with other commands, as the 47th

CSH takes over the command and control

from the 261st MMB. BTW: the 47th is

coming from good old Ft Lewis/JBLM.

They‘ll soon discover how hot the sunny

Iraqi desert

feels as

compared

to the cool

Pacific

Northwest;

―we aren‘t

in Kansas

any-more,

Toto!‖

Just for

your inter-

est, our teams

of Soldiers and dentists are providing over

$500,000 dollars worth of dentistry to over

2,000 Soldiers every month across Iraq.

That‘s a terrific number, reflecting the

amount of great dental care we are able to

provide thanks to the sacrifice that your

service members are making while serving

here in Iraq. Spread the word: our mission

here is not over yet, as there is much work

still to do.

Our CONNEX from JBLM finally arrived,

and our Soldiers are happily enjoying what

they sent ahead – many creature comforts of

home! Thanks to all of you for sending

many care pack-ages to us. You don‘t know

how much we all anticipate the mail call! It

bright-ens up our days to get something

from home! It reminds us of those most

important to us, and why we are here.

Finally, as we shift gears and personnel

change locations, many of our teams will be

relocated at other FOBs to continue our

work. Watch for messages and new ad-

dresses from your deployed family mem-

bers. Thank you.

COL Reese

HQ Group in front of our T-Wall

Greetings from Afghanistan! Every-

thing continues to go well as we com-

pleted our second month of deployment

in support of Operation Enduring Free-

dom (OEF). Although some of the For-

ward Operating Bases (FOBs) are aus-

tere, I am proud of how well the 673rd

Dental Company SaberTooth Soldiers are

overcoming the challenges and providing

excellent dental care to US and coalition

forces.

Recently we were fortunate to wel-

come two of our 673rd Soldiers who de-

ployed late – SPC Clifton Daniel and

SPC Reginald Gebo. Welcome SPC

Daniel and SPC Gebo! We will continue

to be short personnel, but SPC Gebo and

SPC Daniel will be invaluable to the den-

tal clinics they support. I was also

pleased to be able to laterally promote

SPC Michael Gabriel and SPC Gebo to

Corporal this past month. Both of these !

Corporals are located on

remote FOBs serving as the

NCOIC of a Dental Forward

Support Treatment clinic. Con-

gratulations CPL Gabriel and

CPL Gebo!

Most of us are taking advantage of the

deployment to improve our physical fitness.

Some are lifting weights, some are using

exercise machines, and some are running or

walking. Some of us are also participating in

a workout program appropriately called

―Insanity‖ which is led by SFC Garcia and

usually begins between 0400 and 0530 five or

six days per week. Additionally, many of us

hope to continue participating in 5K ―Fun

Runs‖ at least once a month. The Fun Runs

usually begin at 0500 on Saturdays on the

opposite side of Bagram.

Hope you enjoyed our first newsletter.

The first newsletter provided several different

perspectives on the deployment as

some of the PROFIS dental officers,

as well as members of the ADVON

and main body shared their experi-

ences. Since all of us will have dif-

ferent experiences during our deployment, I

hope we can share as many of the varied

experiences as possible in each edition of the

newsletter. We will continue to highlight

three of our dental clinics each month and

allow the SaberTooth Soldiers staffing that

clinic to tell their story.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the Edi-

tor of SaberTooth Byte, CPT Jeffry Fletcher.

If you enjoyed the newsletter and/or have any

suggestions on how to improve it, I hope you

w i l l c o n t a c t C P T F l e t c h e r

([email protected]).

FEAR THE BITE!

COL Gebhart

Deployed Family Events

56th MMB Deployed Unit FRG Meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Family Resource Center

beginning at 1800. The topic this month is Children and Reunion.

Waiting Families Support Group holds monthly meetings and activities. For more information about joining the

support group or about monthly family events, call 253-967-3633.

Deployed Family Member monthly dinner is offered at Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel Tuesday, 2 August from 5:30-8:30 pm.

This month‘s dinner will be catered by Pandora Bread The main dish is provided and attending families are asked to bring a dish to

share. Please confirm your attendance to Carolyn Clanton, [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

9

V OLU ME 1, ISS UE 1 Page 9

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 Spiritual Fitness

Family Run 0700

at LCOF

2

3 4 5 6 BN SCM 1800 in

BN Conference

Room

7 8 514th GA FRG

attends Rainer

Game

9

10 11 12 Deployed

Spouse Potluck

Dinner at Four

Chaplains Memo-

rial Chapel 1730

13 14

BN POC Training

1300-1500

15 16

17 18 19 20 Deployed unit

FRG Meeting

FRC 1700

21 227th PM FRG

Meeting

1800 LCOF

22 23

24 25 26 27 28 HHD FRG

Meeting 1800 29 30

31

56th MMB FRG Events July 2011

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2 Deployed

Spouse Potluck

Dinner at Four

Chaplains Memo-

rial Chapel 1730

3 BN SCM

BN Conference Rm

1800

4 514th GA FRG

1800 LCOF

5 6

7 8 9 10 11 BN ORG Day 12 13

14 15 16 17 Deployed Unit

FRG meeting FRC

1800

18 227th PM FRG

Meeting

1800 LCOF

19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 62nd MED BDE

Back 2 School

12-5pm North Fort

Chapel

31

56th MMB FRG Events August 2011

10

The following parents and babies were recognized at the Town Hall Meeting on 20 June at North Fort Chapel:

HHD

SSG Williams-Twins Kayln and Patrick born 29 March 520th AS

SPC Anderton-Savanna born 1 May SPC Sanders-Isabella born

2 May

SGT Figueroa-Summer born 7 April SPC Sanchez-Sophia born 22 May

SPC Pavey-Shane born 14 May 575th AS

227th PM SGT Wright-Mattias

CPT Williamson-Triplets Daniel, Christopher, and Josie born 7 March

255th PM

PFC O‘Reilly-Garrett born 25 March

The following units can now be found on Facebook:


673rd Dental Company

514th Ground Ambulance

520th Medical Company

575th Medical Company

153rd Medical Detachment (Blood Support)

“Like” us on

Our newest additions

Who is this???

Can you guess who this

mystery Soldier is? The

first person to report the

FRSA‘s office with the

correct answer will get a

prize. The answer to the

mystery soldier and the

person who guessed cor-

rectly will be revealed in

the next newsletter!

FRG Volunteer of the Month Maria-Teresa Correll is the wife

of SFC Correll, Rear Detachment

1SG of the 153rd Blood Support

Detachment. Mrs. Correll gra-

ciously volunteered to be the FRG

Leader of 153rd BS shortly before

the detachment deployed to Op-

eration New Dawn in October of

2010. Maria Teresa has remained

an energized and resourceful FRG

leader serving the 153rd Blood

Support Detachment. She main-

tains a positive communication

flow with the Soldiers and Family

Members of the 153rd BS. Maria

Teresa is able to anticipate the

needs of the families and plans

events accordingly. She has

planned and coordinated numer-

ous fun FRG outings for deployed

families to come together. She is

in tune with community resources

and is able to provide the sup-

port families need. She is al-

ways willing to dedicate her-

self to the needs of the 153rd

BS and the 56th MMB. She

does all this will taking care of

her two toddlers, Matthew and

Clare. Mrs. Correll has dedi-

cated over 70 hours of volun-

teer service to the 56th Multi-

functional Medical Battalion.

No one is more cherished

in this world than someone

who lightens the burden of

another. Thank you!

~Author Unknown

Maria-Teresa and

her children, Mat-

thew, age 3 and

Clare, age 1 enjoy

an afternoon at a the

ball park when the

Yankees played the

Mariners.


11

Officer for the remainder of the

deployment. I tell you this so that

if we don‘t get home on time in

September, you can blame it on her

because her primary function in

life right now is to get us home! I

have a feeling that she‘ll make

things happen and I‘m sure it‘ll be

a very smooth and easy process.

We are diligently working with the

Rear Detachment to hammer out

the reintegration schedule as well

as our long range calendar after we

218th Veterinary Service (Downrange Article) Continued

redeploy. I will have more specif-

ics on this in our Au-gust newslet-

ter because we should have things

finalized by then. In addition to

putting on a great pool party, I

have to give special congratula-

tions to SGT Montgomery for

earning ―Viper-of-the-Month‖

honors for June! Great Job!

July is a very special month as we

celebrate the independence of our

great nation. I hope that each of

you has the opportunity to see some

fireworks somewhere and do some

sort of barbecue/grilling adventure

thing. If you do, be safe…..don‘t

singe your eyebrows or you‘ll look

like SSG Cruz! As always, thanks

to everyone in the rear for holding

down the fort while we‘re gone. I

hope summer vacation continues to

go well for everybody and again, be

safe in all that you do.

CPT Williamson

(227th PM) and wife

Yunia had triplets on

7 March. After a

short stay in the hos-

pital they are doing

very well. Here

Christopher, Daniel,

and Josie wear the

56th MMB onsie.

SSG Williams

(HHD) and her

husband accept

Battalion onesie

for their twins

Kayln and Patrick

who were born on

29 March.

SPC Sanchez (520th) accepts the Battalion onesie

from LTC Aiello for her newborn daughter Sophie.

PFC O‘Reilly

(255th ) ac-

cepts the BN

Onsie for her

son Garrett

born on 25

March

SGT Wright (575th) and wife Dana receive the

BN Onsie for their son Mattias

A new baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten,

and the future worth living for.


12

Spiritual Fitness Run


Documents

July Newsletter