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I N S I D E
T H I S I S S U E :
CDR’s
Corner 1
CSM’s Forum 2
HSC: Frozen
Transport 3
Indomitable
Bulldawgs 4
A Xmas
Story 5
Cobra Kai 5
Smoke
Session 6
T A S K F O R C E
W O R K H O R S E
6 0 3 R D A S B , 3 R D C A B ,
3 R D I D The Workhorse Chronicle 1 F E B 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
TF Workhorse Soldiers and Family Members, It would be impossible to overstate how immensely proud I am of your actions and our team. Whether, your service is in Afghanistan, home detachment, or as a Family Member; it is valued and essential to our overall health and success. The Brigade and the Workhorse Battalion couldn't accomplish our mis-
sion without your positive attitude, patriotism, and profes-sional service.
Although it's been easy to report the many phe-
nomenal contributions of our deployed Soldiers, the sacrifices are often felt the most by the Family Members at home. The strength of our Army "is" all about the people who volunteer to serve our Nation both deployed and at home, so that's where we should focus our time and effort.
The FRG Volunteers and Family Members have established a solid foundation for our success and I am grate-ful for your generous and loving contribution to the Work-horse Soldiers.
In closing, everyone plays a vital role in protecting the overall welfare of our team. We can fulfill this role by encouraging positive participation in Company FRGs and conducting personal activities that sustain Soldier and Family Member relationships while using tools such as Skype, Social Media (Facebook), phone conversations, care packages, and written letters. Just as deployments can pose emotional challenges, they can also offer renewed appreciation for the loved ones we miss while building lifelong friendships with those sharing in our unique challenges. Sincerely, LTC Andy Gignilliat (Workhorse 06)
Continuing Tradition by TF Workhorse Command Team
Upon return from Operation Enduring Freedom 10 in 2011, the 603rd Aviation Support Battalion recovered, executed reset, and conducted individual and collective training in preparation for their upcoming deployment in support of Op-eration Enduring Freedom. The battalion conducted Field Training Exercises, Aircraft Phase Maintenance, served as the Brigade’s primary Downed Aircraft Recovery Team, distributed all classes of supplies, and supported each of 3rd CAB’s CTC rotations at JRTC and NTC. The Battalion’s combat-focused preparations culmi-nated with training at Falcon Focus II in Fort Bliss, Texas. While there, the 603rd ASB provided tactical communications, fuel, ammunition, and repair parts for the Brigade as the 603rd conducted realistic DART exercises in conjunction with the
Brigade’s High Altitude Aviation Training. In October 2012, the Battalion completed its train-ing during the Combat Aviation Brigade’s Aviation Training Exercise at Fort Stewart, Georgia. This training focused on mission command and DART operations, allowing the Battal-ion to train as a combined team with all members of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade. In December 2012, the Battalion Deployed Head-quarters Support Company (HSC), Aviation Support Company (B CO), and its Signal Company (C CO) as “Task Force Work-horse” to Kandahar, Afghanistan, Regional Command South in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 12-13 and beginning a new chapter in Workhorse History.
The Commander’s Corner by LTC Andy Gignilliat, TF Workhorse CDR
Caption
describing
picture or
graphic.
P A G E 2
“I am proud to be the
Command Sergeant
Major for this great
Battalion. The
Soldiers exhibit pride
in the unit as well as
spirit de corps with
each other.”
-CSM Grant Stange
As the New Year be-gins, the Soldiers of Task Force Workhorse have been getting their daily regimens in line and conducting support activities across Regional Command South (RC-S). Right from the start, Sol-diers have jumped into the tasks laid out before them.
The Soldiers of HSC are maintaining the Brigade’s ground vehi-cles and support equipment, support-ing the staff functions of the Battalion, and providing logistical support to both the Brigade as well as to the Kan-dahar area through the SSA warehouse and the Support Operationns (SPO) while some have supported the bri-gade’s mission from outer FOBs. Truly the “Rock Steady Support Ready” Com-pany is set to succeed. B Co Soldiers have aggres-sively started to tackle the phase pro-grams that were inherited by the 209th
ASB. The aircraft the Brigade fell in on, have two years of usage and are in need of dedicated maintenance. The entire company has streamlined their efforts to produce the best Phase Maintenance in theater. In addition to their primary duties, the DART (Downed Aircraft Recovery Team) members have trained and tested their skills routinely, providing the Brigade with a needed asset. Bulldawgs at the core! C Co Soldiers are spread across RC-S, providing much needed communication infrastructures to both the brigade elements as well as to the land owners. Without their great efforts and input, communica-tions in RC-S would be drastically lessened. Cobra strike! I am proud to be the Com-mand Sergeant Major for this great Battalion. The Soldiers exhibit pride
in the unit as well as spirit de corps with each other. Together and with the great support from our family and friends back at home, we will provide a new level of support to the Marne Division and to RC-S, which will uphold the great reputa-tion that the 603rd ASB has attained. Remember the basics, keep common sense in mind in all endeavors, uphold the discipline that makes us the Soldiers we are and watch over each other; both on and off shift. No one should be isolated in this battalion; we are family and family looks out for each other. I look forward to the suc-cesses and achievements that this battalion will attain this tour.
Be Safe! Soldier hard! No Mission Denied! Marne Air!
SGT Dion and Soldiers from HSC mentor Afghan National Army counterparts in vehicle ground maintenance; this is one of several thriving and critical partnerships between US/NATO ISAF and local forces aiding the Government Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) on the road to self-sustainment.
T H E W O R K H O R S E C H R O N I C L E
The Command Sergeant Major’s Forum by CSM Grant Stange, TF Workhorse CSM
TF Workhorse keeps the Brigade "in the fight" through arming, fixing, and refueling aircraft.
“HSC ARRIVES IN COUNTRY, BRAVING A VERY COLD TRANSIT STOP” Coverage by 1LT Marisha McLean, TF Workhorse S1
P A G E 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
The Soldiers of HSC, 603rd Avia-tion Support Battalion arrived in Afghani-stan a few days after leaving HAAF, GA. Not all traveled through the same coun-tries, but most ended up in the same tran-sit center in Manas, Kyrgyzstan. For those who were acclimated to the great Georgia weather, the sight and feel of single digit weather and snow was quite alarming. When we left HAAF, it was in the mid-high 50s. When the Soldiers landed in Manas, it was 7 degrees and snowing. That was quite the shock! Nonetheless we all braved the weather in anticipation of the warmer and dusty valleys of Southern Afghanistan. Some would say the later flights had the worse luck; it was -20 degrees when they left Manas.
As Soldiers arrived at Kandahar Airfield (KAF), they were met by 1SG To-morris Robinson and his team of dedicated NCOs such as SFC Chad Rutan and SSGs Jonathan Bass, Christopher Johnson, and Jacob Bishop. The Soldiers were anxious to hit the ground running with the KAF integration phase so they could begin the relief in place (RIP) process. The integra-
tion process came naturally to most of the Soldiers who had previously de-ployed while the first timers were cau-tious about settling into this desert environment. Nonetheless, we could rest easy knowing that we deployed in support of OEF XIII as a well trained force ready to assume a variety of mis-sion sets. After the integration process, most Soldiers eagerly sought out their counterpart to begin the RIP process and to assume the daunting tasks ahead.
HSC is one of the most com-plex organization within the 3rd CAB boasting a variety of missions ranging from the HQ element (lead by MAJ Cur-tis Perkins) to the Brigade’s premier refueling / rearming entity (lead by 2LT Stephen Lemler and SFC Derek Brown), the medical support element (lead by CPT Joshua Howard and SFC LaRita Dalton), to the Brigade Support Operations (lead by MAJ Irvin Jackson and SGM Frederick Jordan). However, Cold Refuel team (lead by SSG Jonathan Bass) and the Supply Support Activity (SSA) (lead by WO1 Eric Eshun and SSG Alyosius Mensah) were among the first to tackle the mission integration tasks. Their efforts set the stage for the ele-ments such as the ground maintenance section (lead by 1LT Joshua Reynolds and SFC Jesus Garza) and the Arrival/Departure Aviation Control Group (lead by 1LT Aaron Jernigan and SFC Chad
Rutan).
Throughout this transi-tional period, the company HQ section and the battalion leadership (LTC Andrew Gignilliat and CSM Grant Stange) provided much needed over-sight and experience to ensure suc-cessful accomplishment of the RIP. Since assuming all assigned missions, the HSC team has worked relentlessly to ensure safety of both Soldiers and mission critical equipment. The safety of our nation’s most precious asset (the Soldiers) remains paramount as the organization continues to navigate this long journey ahead. None of these accomplishments would be possible without the love and support of our family members back home.
U.S. Air Force
C-17 in the
snow at Manas
Air Base, Kyr-
gyzstan.
1LT Marisha McLean, TF WH Adjutant.
T H E W O R K H O R S E C H R O N I C L E
P A G E 4
“The Bravo
Company
Bulldawgs have
arrived at Mustang
Ramp as a highly
motivated combat
ready aviation
maintenance
multiplier.”.
-1SG Cowart
“Oh what’s that you
say Insurgents, you
don’t have a giant
plane that spits out
Attack Helicopters?”
So sad for you...
“AS MOVES BRAVO COMPANY, SO MOVES THE BRIGADE” Coverage by SFC Patrick Donovan
After an amicable, yet rapid and frenzied, transition with B Co. 209th Black sheep; B Co. 603rd Bulldawgs hit the ground running taking over the mission with dog-ged intensity. In only one month’s time the Bulldawgs have already completed over 280 Work Orders, 4 aircraft phases, in support of the Brigade’s flying program which flew over 10,000 flight hours. The Bulldawgs have supported 24 air-craft uploads and downloads on all airframes, supported RC-South and RC-West with Aviation special tools, along with providing the Air Force with assistance in the form hydrau-lic repairs.
When CW4 Peacock, B Co. 603rd Production Control Offi-cer, was asked about the perform-ance of the company, he said “We [B co.] are adjusting to the new OPTEMPO, of 16 phases in a month compared with the pace in garrison of 2-3 phases over the course of a few months. The learning curve has been steep but we are steadily increasing our maintenance profi-ciency and technical abilities.” Of course all of this wouldn’t be pos-
sible without the Bulldawg’s inter-nal support team consisting of Tech Supply and the Tool Crib. These two shops have overcome monumental challenges and have taken to supporting the 3rd CAB’s maintenance requirements like the Titan “Atlas” supports the Earth upon his back. When SGT Ocasio, B Co. Tech Supply NCOIC, was asked how her team was able to issue 2,242 parts in less than a month, she said “I don’t know; I really can’t put it into words. We are a small shop and we work hard but I have never seen a company pull together this much to help us. Help from the Attack Platoon, Tech-nical Inspectors, Tool room, and contractors; that is the only way this was possible. The mission is definitely #1 on everyone’s mind.” Between aiding Tech Supply and the company as a whole with any mission with which they are tasked, the Tool Crib is a one stop shop for the Brigade’s maintainers. In a this short period of time, they have issued over 1,300 tools in support of 3 different airframes while providing Petro-
leum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) product support. When SSG Lantier, B Co. 603rd Tool Room NCOIC, was asked about the additional mission of managing the POL products, he said “The POL system was in need of or-ganization and my guys worked diligently, day and night, in order to get us ready to com-plete the mission.” When 1SG Cowart, AKA BullDawg 7, was asked what he thought about B Co. and their mission, he is quoted as: “The Bravo Company BullDawgs have arrived at Mustang Ramp as a highly motivated combat ready aviation maintenance multiplier. They are working 24/7 as the main effort for the Brigade’s phase maintenance plan with efficiency and dedication. As the Soldiers lean forward in the deployment they are prepared to provide Downed Aircraft Recov-ery operations, Forward Arming capabilities, unscheduled air-craft maintenance and back shop support as the mission dictates.
Drop’n Motors Swap’n Rotors!” SFC Ogden
demon-
strates why
B Co is so
cool, cause
they have
Ray Guns.
Just Kid-
ding,
maybe...
The Bulldawg’s accomplishments thus far are admirable yet pale in comparison to the mission ahead as they currently face 197 open work orders and 14 aircraft in phase maintenance. Combined with the upcoming Retrograde closure of outlying operating bases, the mission will only get more difficult as the deployment continues. Whatever comes, the Bulldawgs stand ready to meet any challenge.
There is no doubt that SGT Mer-ryman will continue to do great things for the military through the next 6 years that he has chosen to recommit to the Army.
“HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MERRY XMAS, CARE OF OPERATION SHOEBOX” Coverage by CPT Aaron Green, AS3
P A G E 5 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
TF Workhorse’s continued relation-ship with the excellent charitable organization Operation Shoebox, continues to provide bountiful opportunities to increase the morale of Soldiers and their families. Since the direct relationship was developed in early 2012 Operation Shoebox has made available an overabundance of goods, some may remember the Girl Scout Cookie extravaganza of the past summer and this Holiday Season was no ex-ception. With coordination through the US Air Force, TF Workhorse brought forward from Hunter Army Airfield 500+ Xmas Stockings
for the Soldiers of both our incoming TF and the outgoing TF Lobos. Additionally, 2 tons of other food items, such as hot choco-late mix, instant noodle soup, cookies, crackers and sunflower seeds were pro-vided. Offering our Soldiers in need of something to warm the winter’s cold as well as a means of supplementing between meals at the Dining Facility.
We greatly appreciate the self-lessness of those volunteers that make these morale boosts possible.
professionalism, and discipline he learned on the police force have trans-lated greatly in his performance as an NCO. SGT Merryman is an excellent Soldier with unlimited potential and since his promotion to SGT in July of 2012; he has proven to possess all the talent and traits that a Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant could ask for in a team leader. This is SGT Merryman’s
first deployment; he is responsible for the wellbeing and mentorship of two Soldiers performing daily 12 hour shifts. SGT Merryman is committed to ensuring both the progress of the mission and the development of his team personally and professionally. He is working to facilitate on the job training as well as aiding his soldiers through college coursework.
On 12 January 2013 Charlie Company had the distinct honor of re-enlisting one of our stellar Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO); SGT Daniel Merryman, a 25N Joint Network Node (JNN) operator, and member of the JNN team since his arrival at Hunter Army Airfield. Before joining the military 3 years ago SGT Merry-man was a police officer; the skills,
1LT Ingham
shakes SGT
Merryman’s
hand and pre-
sents him with
his Reenlist-
ment Certifi-
“It was a true honor for me to administer the reenlistment oath.”
-1LT Ingham
CPT Green (left) shares the bounty with SFC
Jefferson (right) and SGT Tianyvu (center)
603ASB.
The Cobra’s SGT Merryman Coverage by CPT Aaron Green, AS3
Gatherings such as these remind us that at any given time a member of our team may be facing a difficult situation or be under a great deal of stress; but that we are all facing that situation together.
It goes without saying that deploy-ments can present challenges and stress for both the deployed Soldiers and their families. It is a hallmark of the leadership of the Workhorse Command Team to create opportunities for profes-sional development, celebrate achievements and to alleviate some of those stressors. A shared passion for cigars by LTC Gignilliat and some of the members of his staff has provided one such opportunity for informal leader gatherings. These “Smoke Sessions” allow Workhorse leaders to interact in a social setting, talk about work issues in an outside and less stressful environment, or to talk about things other than work and offer a much needed break from the day to day work routine of the deployment. These informal gatherings are but one such example. The Workhorse leadership highly encourages Soldiers and families to find and maintain such communal support structures such as the FRG, sports, physical fitness or other hob-bies and pastimes that can provide a break from the daily stresses that we all face.
By keeping the lines of communica-tion open we will maintain a strong team throughout the deployment and return home to our families successful.
CDR: CPT David Hernandez 912-315-2092
1SG: 1SG Shane Williams 912-315-2094
XO: 1LT Denise Bernard 912-315-7970
FRSA: Mrs. Smith 912-315-2093
“A Different Kind of Smoke Session” Coverage by CPT Aaron Green, AS3
TF Workhorse leaders from left to right: 1LT Ingham, 1LT Racine, CPT Obodoako, 1SG Robinson, CSM Stange, 1LT Moe, 1LT Kapsa, 1SG Braden, CPT Britnell, CPT Kanakis, CW4 Laucius, MAJ James,
CW5 Reagan, LTC Gignilliat, CPT Gerdes, CPT Green and CPT Stuart
603rd ASB Home Detachment Contact Information
603rd ASB Deployed Contact Information
BN CDR: LTC Andy Gignilliat [email protected] BN CSM: CSM Grant Stange [email protected] BN XO: MAJ Curtis Perkins [email protected] BN Adjutant: 1LT Marisha McLean [email protected]
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“603rd Aviation Support Battalion” To see how our Soldiers are doing in Afghanistan
