1 ABCT October Newsletter 2013

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AMERICA’S FIRST BRIGADE

EST 1917

DEVILS

O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 e d i t i o n

P o c : C h a p l a i n D o n C a r r o t h e r s

7 8 5 - 2 3 9 - 9 3 1 3

October 2013 2 ThE DEvIl’S CoRnER

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CSM Mark Kiefer

No mission too difficult. No sacrifice too great. duty first.

COL John Reynolds

AMERICA’S FIRST CoMMAnD TEAM

We are proud to serve as your command team—and proud be a part of

America’s First Brigade. We have a distinguished and proud history. But we also

have an exciting future ahead of us. It is fun to think that we are shaping today

what historians will write about tomorrow. So in a way we are writing history with

our lives. You will find enclosed in this newsletter articles and pictures from around

our brigade. Stories about Soldiers and family members involved in refurbishing

hiking trails on Fort Riley, participating in demanding military training, taking part in

Tough Mudders and spur rides. You will see through the pictures and articles that

we are an active and engaged brigade. We encourage you to get involved with your

units’ Family Readiness Group and take part in writing the history of this brigade.

We stand committed to supporting the Soldiers and Family members of the

1st Brigade.

“America’s First—Devils”

ChAplAIn’S CoRnER

October 2013 3ThE DEvIl’S CoRnER

“Preparation” I recently read in Speakers Sourcebook II the following short article.

Indiana University’s basketball team has made a habit of winning. In 1976, the Hoosiers were un-defeated throughout the seasons and captured the NCAA National Championship under the leadership of Bobby Knight.

Shortly after this amazing feat, Coach Knight was interviewed on the television show “60 min-utes.” The commentator asked him, “Why is it, Bobby, that your basketball teams at Indiana are always so successful? It is the will to succeed?”

“The will to succeed id important,” replied Knight, “but I’ll tell you what’s more important—it’s the will to prepare. It’s the will to go out there everyday, training and building those muscles and sharp-ening those skills.”

“Spectacular achievement,” believes Robert Schuler, “is always preceded by unspectacular prepa-ration.”

“The will to prepare” is not only key is athletics and in the Army, but also in our personal life. To achieve spiritual resilience takes the will to prepare. The time to get ready spiritually for a deployment is not as you are stepping on the airplane in your battle rattle. It is what you do in the months and weeks prior to deployment. Whether that is active involvement in a local faith community, or intentionally seeking spiritual guidance from mentors of like minded people, preparation is the key to success. Your chaplains stand ready to assist you in spiritual resilience preparation. Call us!

HHC BDE & 1st BSTB CH (MAJ) Don Carrothers Kapaun Chapel Office Phone: 239-9313 Cell Phone: 785-307-0514 SSG Greg Gober Kapaun Chapel Office Phone: 239-4818 Cell Phone: 785-307-3478 PVT Melissa Smith 1st BSTB 240-6836 1-16 IN & 101st BSB CH (CPT) Jacob Davis 239-1172 Gov Cell: 785-307-4445 SGT David Anderson 1-16 IN 239-1172 SGT Aaron Madasz 101st BSB 239-9530

4-4 CAV & 1-5 FA CH (CPT) Josh Remy 240-4644 Cell: 530-312-3185 SGT Edward Morris 4-4 CAV 240-4644 PVT Tradarius Ringo 1-5 FA 239-4818 1 EN & 2-34 AR CH (CPT) Russell Sanders ( 1 EN) 307-9333 SGT Luis Moro 2-34 AR 239-5057

Fort Riley Duty Chaplain Hotline 24/7

785-239-help (4357)

October 2013 4ThE DEvIl’S CoRnER

Public affairs office

‘Devil Brigade’ Soldier participate in Devil Forge competition

By Staff Sgt. Bernhard Lashleyleidner

1st ABCT Public Affairs

Soldiers from 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division participated in Devil Forge Oct. 9 to 10 on Fort Riley.

The purpose of the two day competition is test Soldiers physical and mental ability, and to build

Esprit de Corps, a wining spirit at the battalion level, and create an environment of striving for excellence

within the brigade.

“We wanted to achieve widespread camaraderie as a Brigade Combat Team and culminate it with

the recognition of the battalion that would take its position of honor and bear the coveted shield represent-

ing the best unit, Mark Kiefer, Senior enlisted advisor, 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., said.”

The commander and first Sergeant guidon race signaled the official start of the devil forge compe-

tition, with many of the events being conducted simultaneously across the brigade footprint.

Sgt. Kerry Lawson, 1st ABCT

Soldiers with HHC Bde. and 1st Bn. 5th FA , 1st Inf. Div., compete with each other dur-ing the two day devil forge competition Oct. 9 to 10 on Fort Riley. HHC Bde. Soldiers tried to intercept a forward pass from 1st Bn 5th FA during the ultimate Frisbee semi final match Oct. 10.

Public affairs office


“I thought this was a great event that fostered unit cohesiveness and camaraderie,” 1st Sgt Tony

Reese, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div. said. “This event allowed Sol-

diers an opportunity to participate in sporting event that normally do not participate in events.”

The award ceremony began with the induction of 50 new members into the “Plank Holders” of Amer-

ica’s First Brigade.

Plank holders are the foundation of the organization and can be traced to ancient times, men of war

would bring a plank of wood to secure passage and invest in the foundation of the units sailing to meet

their nation’s enemies.

After the Trebuchet launched a flaming ball to ignite the bonfire COL John Reynolds III, commander

1st ABCT, 1st Inf, Div., had the troops form a circle around him near the fire and handed out the individual

awards.

Functional fitness -1st Battalion 5th Field Artillery, Ultimate Frisbee -1st Battalion 5th Field Artillery,

Adventure team race -2nd Battalion 34th Armor Regt, Axe throw -1st Battalion 5th Field Artillery, Archery-

2nd Battalion 34th Armor Regt., Capture the flag- Headquarters and Headquarters Company Brigade,

Flag football- 1st Battalion 16th Infantry Regiment, basketball- 1st Battalion 5th Field Artillery, 10 Kilome-

ter run- 101Brigade Support Battalion, and the commander and first Sergeant guidon relay- 101Brigade

Support Battalion.

“This was a good event, because it allowed you to compete against officers and noncommissioned

officers that you normally do not talk to on a daily basis, Spc. Kyle Fadenrecht, fire support specialist with

HHC, 1st ABCT, 1st Inf, Div., said.

After all the individual shields were awarded Major Andrew Kiser, Brigade operation officer, talked

about the significant of winning the metal Shield. He said that the shield is carried by the right of the line

battalion and protects everyone on its left side. He said that it is the honored position because it repre-

sents the best warrior and doesn’t need protection.

“The battalion that is awarded this shield will carry it to all battalion and brigade formations, Kiser

said.” “Their unit colors will stand in a position of honor next to the brigade colors at all formation.”

1st Battalion 5th Field Artillery won five of the 11 event and the coveted ‘Devil Shield’ during the two

day event. “The Soldiers of Hamilton’s Own proved worthy as they earned the most victories and lead all

other units in the brigade, Kiefer said.

october 2013 6 ThE DEvIl’S CoRnER

Congratulations to all the Soldiers of Hamilton’s Own for winning the coveted “Devil Shield” during

the two day sports Brigade Devil Forge competition 9-10 Oct! It was great to see everyone come

together for this victory against the other battalions. 1-5 FA will now stand in the position of honor

next to the brigade colors, preeminent at all gatherings, first in all formations, and second to no

other battalion within the brigade. King of Battle! Our November Battalion FTX is scheduled for 12-

22 November. During those 10 straight days in the field, we will conduct LFX and tactical employ-

ment of our vehicles in preparation for our National Training Center rotation April. The cool

weather is coming fast as Fall is here! Winter will be upon us before we know it so continue to get

outside with the family in these last Fall months. Stay Brave, Responsible, and On point! Keep up

the great teamwork! I want to thank all Soldiers and families for all you do every day for this great

battalion. Hamilton’s Own! --LTC Scott P. Nolan, 1-5 FA Battalion Commander

The battery started the month with a

two-day field training exercise (FTX) in

which we refocused our efforts on

training basic land navigation skill

sets. The battery FTX proved to be a

great boost of morale, as Soldiers

enjoyed the opportunity to get away

from the office and practice their basic

Soldier skills. However, Devil Forge, a two-day event filled with athletic

competitions, proved to be the primary catalyst for boosting morale for HHB

in October. I would lastly like to thank those that came to support our FRG

meeting and the battery haunted house. Your contribution to this battery

and to this battalion will not go unrecognized.

CPT Tusapa Taamu,

We had several great events last month: the costume run, spouses social, and pumpkin chunkin. It was fun

to see all the costumes and the pumpkin launching was hilarious. I’ll have to take my wife’s word that the

spouses social was fun because I was not invited. All kidding aside, thank you to all who helped organize

and participate in these special events. Also remember

the St. Barbara’s Ball is on November 23rd. All are

invited and the price is $20 per ticket. A Battery, 1s t Battal ion, 5th Field Arti l l ery

CPT Wil l iam Ivins, Archangel 6

We started the month by

participating in Devil Forge

which was a variety of sport-

ing events to compete with other Battalions across the Brigade. October also was a month where soldiers took advan-

tage of events outside of the Ft. Riley area. SFC Coleman took a few soldiers to Wichita KS to run in the Prairie Fire

Marathon. We also had the opportunity to promote some fine soldiers this month. SPC Embich, PFC Rogers and PFC

Alwine took another step up the NCO ladder by showing they are ready to accept more responsibility. In closing, I’d like

to thank all of our supportive family members here in Delta Battery. We couldn’t be the greatest battery without your

support! Continue to be supportive and look out for each other!

Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery—CPT A.J. Burr, Dog 6

Greetings Gladiator Family and Friends of Golf Company, as October rolled forward and

closed with cooler weather, Golf Company enjoyed participating in the Devil Forge competi-

tions, where there were plenty of wins, even by Golf’s own PV2 Skarzenski who won the Ax

throw. Golf Company is looking forward to supporting 1-5 FA in this month’s Field Exercise,

where it will be a continuous operation from 12-21NOV; there’s no doubt in my mind all of

Golf Co is prepared and will continue to deliver great support to 1-5FA as always in positive, dynamic, and

on-time fashion.

Hamilton's own


Iron rangers battalion

1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment “Iron Rangers”

Maintain the Force

The soldiers of 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team started

October with an Organizational day to honor past and present Iron Rangers and their family members. The Regiment started the day by honoring 16th Regiment and D Day veterans Ray Lambert and Charles Shay. On June 6 1944 Mr. Lambert and Mr. Shay were both medics assigned to the Medical Detach-ment, 2nd Battalion 16th Infantry, and were among the first to land on the beaches of Normandy. They spoke to soldiers of 1-16th IN about what they saw and experienced that day, and what motivated them to continue the mission despite overwhelming odds. The day continued with team sporting events in the af-ternoon and an evening BBQ for the soldiers, families and friends of the Iron Rangers. The Battalion chose to celebrate its Organization Day on October 4th in remembrance of the Regiment’s participation during the Muese-Argonne campaign of WWI. The Battalion also welcomed CPT Shane Kohtz who took command of Bravo, 1-16th IN, during a Change of Command Ceremony on 08 October 2013.

The Iron Rangers continued to train hard throughout October honing our individual soldier skills

through the execution of Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB), Excellence in Armor (EIA) and Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) testing. EIB testing consisted of 4 days of training that included a PT test, day/night land navigation course, basic individual soldier skills tests and finished with a 12 mile foot march in less than 3 hours. The Excellence in Armor Program was established in order to identify and develop highly motivated Armor and Cavalry soldiers whose performance demonstrates superb leadership poten-tial in Armor and Cavalry units Army wide. A Soldier must achieve a score of at least 260 on their Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), pass with all first time Go’s on their Warrior Skills Task and Battle Drills, as well as their Gunnery Skills Tests (GST). They must also achieve Sharpshooter or Expert with the M9 and M4. The battalion’s medics participated in EFMB which tested individual medic’s physical fitness, mental toughness and ability to perform a wide range of critical medical and soldier skills.

Delta Company (Wolf Pack) conducted Advanced Rifle Marksmanship (ARM) which consisted of

reflexive fire, rapid field fire, stress shoot and barrier shoot at range 1 on Fort Riley Kansas. Training en-abled Delta Company Soldiers to gain confidence in their small arms marksmanship and demonstrated perseverance engaging targets while physically and mentally stressed. To further develop the Battalions Infantry squads Alpha and Bravo Companies conducted a day and night Squad Live Fire Exercise (LFX) at Mortar Firing Point 4 on Fort Riley. The LFX consisted of realistic squad level scenarios which include react to contact, movement under direct fire, and clear a bunker. The battalion ended the month of Octo-ber with a mortar life fire exercise which tested the battalion’s mortar platoon on all aspects of mortar op-erations from establishing a mortar firing point, conducting a platoon defense, processing calls for fire and maneuver training. All these training events helps the Battalion maintain combat power by mastering the fundamentals and further developing soldiers.

The Battalion is providing soldiers with the most realistic training possible to continually improve

their ability to employ direct fire, indirect fire and conduct support operations. This increases the Battalions combat power and its ability to close with and destroy the enemy. “Iron Rangers” Semper Paratus (always ready) POC for this article and all other news from 1-16th IN is 1LT James Liebrenz at (785) 240-2983 or

[email protected].


Iron rangers battalion

Left Picture: The Iron Rangers welcome CPT Kohtz incoming commander for Bravo, 1-16th IN who took command during the Change of Command (COC) ceremony 08 OCT 13.

Right Picture: LTC Crombie, and SGM McCready pose with 16th Regiment D Day Veterans Ray Lambert

and Charles Shay and 16th IN Association Vice President Steve Clay during the 16th IN Association Heri-

tage Visit as part of the Iron Ranger Organization Day 04 OCT 13.

Above: A soldier with Delta (Wolfpack), 1-16th IN engages targets at Range 1 during the Company Rapid

Field Fire 17Ocotober13.


Pale riders squadron

To the Friends, Families, and Troopers of the Pale Riders,

The Pale Riders spent the month of October conducting individual weapons qualification to certify that

your Troopers are ready to deploy and support our nation if necessary. We covered all of our Small Arms to

include Rifles, Machine Guns, Shotguns and Grenade Launchers – we literally had a BLAST! One of our

Infantrymen earned the highly sought after Expert Infantry Badge, 1LT Heos from C TRP was one of less

than 40 to earn it out of the 260 that tried. The medics will get their chance later this month as they compete

for the Expert Field Medical Badge (EMFB). Through the hard work of Dakota Troop we received the 1ID

Army Maintenance Excellence Award for FY13 and will compete at the FORSCOM level.

The Squadron conducted the third Memorial PT Event in the 4-4 CAV Memorial Competition Series. OP-

ERATION FANT tested the endurance of our Troopers. Each Troop had a 5 man team where they were

required to do several sprints, a HMMWV push, water can carry, a SKEDCO drag, and burpee pull-ups.

Apache Troop came out on top for the event. The fourth event will be on the 25th in memory of SPC Chaz-

ray Clark.

The Squadron Staff and Blackheart Troop participated in the Brigade’s Emergency Deployment Re-

sponse Exercise. The exercise started at 0300 with Brigade initiating an alert to all Troopers. The Pale Rid-

ers conducted a 100% accountability formation and then conducted planning and inspections before being

sent on a short notice mission to find a simulated “downed aircraft”. The Troopers braved through a freak

snow storm and completed their mission with high marks. Overall, the entire exercise was a complete suc-

cess and tested the mettle of our Troopers.

Thank you to all the Pale Riders Ladies who participated in our 2d annual Spouses Spur Ride on the 19th

of OCT. The day consisted of an obstacle course, weapons assembly and familiarization, and an MRE

lunch. We had 21 Spouses receive their spurs.

The month of November is going to focus on Troop level maneuver training event were we’ll be working

with the entire Brigade to hone our skills before our upcoming National Training Center Rotation and subse-

quent deployment next spring and summer.

Upcoming events to put on your calendar are:

01 NOV Memorial PT Event #5 – A memorial PT

event in honor of SPC Nicholas Hensley.

02 NOV KSU Military Appreciation Game – Home K-

State game against Iowa State.

12-21 NOV Company/Troop STX

SFC Macey, and SFC Solvino briefing CPT Wub-

bena their plan for the EDRE Mission.


Pale rider squadron

1ST Platoon, Blackheart Troop braving the snow and cold in

order to complete the EDRE mission. Even with a freak snow

storm, the Platoon completed their mission and found the

downed SHADOW

LTC Woodward, CW2 Poytress, and SGM Whetstone pos-

ing with the 1ID Army Maintenance Excellence Award. The

competition encompasses the entire year's worth of main-

tenance and readiness. Congratulations to 1LT Zach

Hayth, CW2 Matthew Poytress, and the entire maintenance

team that made this possible .

Comanche Troopers during Operation Vigi-

lant Comanche. During the event, Scout Pla-

toons completed infiltration of observation

points on Atomic Annie across from the Air-

field.

Katia Cook and Heather Stovall climbing

ropes during the Obstacle Course during the

Spouse’s Spur Ride.


dreadnaughts battalion

2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment “Dreadnaughts”

Dreadnaughts Pave the Way for Bike Trail at Moon Lake

Very few people know about the extensive volunteer project currently underway to create a series of

bike trails along Moon Lake located on Pistol Range Road and just behind McCormick Park, on Fort Riley.

The Moon Lake trail project has been years in the making and actually began in 2011; however, the project

came to a standstill in 2012 due to the Division Headquarters’ deployment in support of Operation Enduring

Freedom (OEF). Since then, the project has been revitalized and the volunteer effort to complete this vast un-

dertaking is now spearheaded by Major Andrew Brazee of Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion,

1st Infantry Division with the overwhelming majority of the manpower for the Moon Lake Project provided by

the Dreadnaught Battalion.

One of the battalion’s most active community volunteers, Sgt.

Bruce Beadle of Alpha Company/2-34AR leads a group of

Dreadnaught Soldiers nearly every weekend to work on com-

pleting the trail at Moon Lake. By participating in this project

Sgt. Beadle and his fellow Dreadnaught volunteers hope to

make a lasting impression on the Fort Riley community. “We

hope to provide a great source of entertainment for the families

living on Fort Riley. The trail is not only a bike trail, but also

doubles as a nature walk. The area surrounding Fort Riley ri-

vals the beauty of even the greatest of the National Parks. It’s

unfortunate that it is not nearly as accessible, but by building

trails in the surrounding hills we are able to showcase that

beauty and help make Fort Riley one of the premier destina-

tions for military families. We also hope to have a section of the

trail dedicated to the Dreadnaught Battalion for their continued

service, and dedication to the local community. 2-34 AR is the

best Battalion on Fort Riley, we want everyone to know that the

Dreadnaughts set the example” Beadle said.

Maj. Brazee, the project coordinator, attributes the

Moon Lake project success to the hard work of the Dreadnaught

volunteers, who have thus far completed over one-half mile of

trails around the lake. “How would I put this; without Sgt. Beadle,

and his Soldiers and NCOs, I would be out working the trails by myself. I have had a few people here and

there, but Sgt. Beadle and his volunteers are the backbone of our workforce…I am hoping that word contin-

ues to spread and get more units involved in this, since the more folks, the merrier! But in talking to him [Sgt.

Beadle], I have found out that this isn't the only thing that he volunteers for. In fact most of the folks that he

SGT Davis, A Co/2-34AR removes rocks and large debris while preparing trails for the Moon Lake Project.


dreadnaughts battalion

brings out volunteer in Junction City with various groups, from mowing lawns for veterans to ‘Habitat for Hu-

manity’ type projects, Sgt. Beadle and his group are true givers. They are all true BRO [Big Red One] Sol-

diers” Brazee said.

The Dreadnaught Soldiers volunteering their time and effort to complete this project are excited to see

the product of their labors come to fruition. Sgt. Beadle summed up the Dreadnaught team of volunteers’ ef-

forts by saying, “the Moon Lake Trail Project is a great way to get our soldiers out of the house on the week-

end and do something meaningful. Once complete, they can look back and say that they were one of the trail-

blazers who started the trail. They will know that they gave back to Fort Riley, and created something that

generations of families will be able to enjoy”. Currently the trail is expected to open its first loop by mid-winter

2013 with more interlinked trails to come incrementally.

FEAR GOD…DREADNAUGHT!

POC for this article and all other news from 2-34AR is 1st Lt. Ryan Sheffield at (785) 240-2080 or [email protected].


Guardians battalion

Guardians,

October was an exciting and productive month for the Guardian Battalion. We hit the ground running

with three of our companies conducting their Field Training Exercises (FTX) while the staff executed a Com-

mand Post Exercise (CPX) at Breakneck Lake. Each staff section focused on developing and validating their

respective products and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in addition to working together as a staff

through the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). Guardian efforts resulted in the publication of a Warn-

ing Order to the companies for the November FTX, which culminated in the Operations Order publication by

the end of the month.

Devil Forge provided us with the opportunity to work together and compete against the other battal-

ions in the Brigade. Three of our Soldiers placed in the top four finishers of the 10k Race at the River Walk.

Guardians secured third and fourth place in the basketball tournament, and achieved a gut wrenching 2nd

place finish in football. The Devil Forge competitions brought Soldiers together at the squad, platoon, com-

pany and battalion levels during a great week of competition and esprit de corps. Soldiers enjoyed participat-

ing in the wide variety of unique events such as the Hatchet Throw, Strong Man, Mudder and Adventure

Race.

Our unit was instrumental to the success of the Fort Riley Ten-Miler Mixed Team, which won third

place at the annual Army Ten-Miler in Washington, D.C. Five Soldiers from our formation represented the Big

Red One, all crossing the finish line in the top 300 finishers in a race of over 30,000 competitors.

Leaders conducted a Resiliency Hill Walk on Custer Hill in order to learn about the wealth of opportu-

nities available to Soldiers and their families to support resiliency. The Walk consisted of briefings and tours

given by knowledgeable representatives from the Army Wellness Center (AWC), Comprehensive Soldier and

Family Fitness (CSF2), Army Community Service (ACS), and the Warrior Zone.

Staff and company leadership prepare for the November FTX with a Leader’s Professional Develop-

ment briefing and walkthrough on establishing/jumping the Brigade Support Area (BSA) and Forward Logis-

tics Element (FLE) operations.

The Guardian Battalion maintained momentum and closed out the month with month B Co conducting

their FTX and the staff establishing the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) in Hurricane Alley once more be-

fore the November FTX.

Remember, for information on all the great Family and Solider friendly events in the Flint Hills area

and on Fort Riley, don’t forget to check out (and please ‘Like’) the GUARDIAN and DEVIL Brigade Facebook

pages at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/101st-Brigade-Support-Battalion-Guardians/167611785766?

sk=wall (Guardians) and https://www.facebook.com/1HBCTDevilBrigade?v=wall&ref-sgm (Devil Brigade).

Continue to have safe summer as we transition to the fall. Remember to practice solid Force Protection, se-

cure yourself and Family first and continue to be BRAVE; Be RESPONSIBLE and Be ON POINT (BRO- Big

Red One) for our nation. Thanks for all you do to Carry the Burden and provide uncompromised support to

the Devil Brigade. GUARDIANS!

Guardian 6

Training Units and Developing Leaders

.

POC for this article is 1LT Brent Niedergall at 785-239-5418 or [email protected] with 101st BSB

Guardians battalion

CW2 Jones and CPT Miller work through establishing connectivity to critical systems within the Tac-

tical Operations Center (TOC) during the 01-04OCT Command Post Exercise (CPX).

Quarterback SPC Wright from A Co scrambles out of the pocket during the Devil Forge Football

Tournament.


defiant battalion

“Damn Good…And Getting Better” –

October proved yet another busy month as

Team Defiant continued to demonstrate and exer-

cise the proficiency of its Soldiers, critical capabili-

ties in support of the Devil Brigade, commitment to

excellence and support of its community. We kicked

off the month with a formal ceremony to properly

recognize and reenlistment 53 Defiant Soldiers and

their families, a true testament of the caliber of Sol-

diers that make up our team and a direct result of

the hard work and effort given by our brigade and

battalion reenlistment NCOs.

This month our battalion was officially recognized for

its ex-

cellence in maintenance as CW2 Guinotte was pre-

sented the Division’s Army Award for Maintenance

Excellence (AAME) plague by MG Funk and will now

compete at the FORSCOM level for this coveted

Army level award. A tremendous honor and testa-

ment to the efforts and commitment of the entire De-

fiant Team given that our maintenance program was

failing in nearly all areas when initially

In support of the community, the battalion

participated in this year’s Fall Fest (Apple Days), vol-

unteering to make pies ahead of the event, providing

static displays for thousands of visitors, and operat-

ing a food booth where the BN FRG raised over

$700. Thanks to all that participated and made this

event such a success. The Avengers took part in

the Seitz Elementary Walk a Mile event, generating

added excitement with the appearance of several

super heroes, while the battalion completed the

month by supporting the Post Library’s Trunk or

Treat event. Great support by all as Team Defiant

does its part to support the larger team and our part-

ner schools.

This month, Defiant Soldiers conducted and com-

peted in the Brigade’s two-day Devil’s Forge com-

petition, running the Strong Man Competition and

with Team Chaos placing third overall in this event.

A significant undertaking by our team, with special

recognition for SFC Wolford and his efforts in put-

ting this top-notch event together. Throughout the


defiant battalion

two-days of intense competition, our Soldiers clearly

demonstrated their physical toughness, commit-

ment to team, and winning spirit.

As our battalion continues to train and pre-

pare for NTC and the brigade’s deployment to Ku-

wait next year, while remaining focused on strength-

ening the confidence and skills of its Soldiers, this

month Defiant Team executed several small arms

ranges, successfully stood up and exercised its

tactical TOC and MDMP process for the staff, and

provided essential enabler support and network

connectivity to the brigade’s TOCEX and PLANEX.

Concurrently, throughout the month, the battalion’s

Combat Engineers honed their skills during Engi-

neer Qualification Tables and combined training

with Havoc Company to execute squad lanes and

individual warrior tasks. At the same time, the

Avengers were busy executing their integrated intel-

ligence training exercise, leveraging the Division’s

Intelligence Readiness Facility and utilizing a mix of

constructive and hands-on training. This tough and

realistic training served to better test our SIGINT

and GEOINT Soldiers, increase their understanding

and cross-communication, validate systems, and

will further enhance their intelligence capabilities in

support of our brigade

In spite of the multitude of challenges that

are inherent to being the most diverse battalion in

the brigade, the Soldiers of Team Defiant continue

to overcome and excel in their role of providing the

brigade’s critical enabler capabilities. Disciplined,

professional, and always demonstrating a winning

attitude, the battalion stands ready to tackle another

busy month in November, supporting numerous Divi-

sion Red Cycle taskings and, once again, integrating

and providing its critical enablers in support of the

BDE’s Co STX and continuing NTC train-up.

"Don't just do things well, do them better. Be daring,

be first, be Defiant!"


Diehard battalion

The battalion conducted it’s

first range since redeployment in

June. 111th Sapper Company

trained on small arms and ma-

chine guns, as well as a CBRN

(Chemical, Biological, Radiologi-

cal, and Nuclear) familiarization

fire during the first week of Octo-

ber. The range was a critical por-

tion of 111th’s preparation for as-

suming the GRF (Global Re-

sponse Force) mission. After certi-

fying the machine gun crews and

conducting recovery from the

ranges the company moved right

into driver’s training for the Sol-

diers.

The Diehard staff has been

hard at work over the past few

weeks determining the way ahead

for 111th’s logistical and manning

support for the GRF mission. The

short window before the company

assumes the mission presents

challenges, but it’s nothing the

Diehard staff cannot accomplish.

Red cycle taskings are in

full swing for the Engineers with

our Soldiers manning the gates to

access Fort Riley. In total, the

Engineers have 105 personnel

supporting the installation.

On the 4th, Soldiers from

the Forward Support Company

arrived at the Custer Hill Ele-

mentary School and participated

in a one mile fitness walk with

the students. Weather threat-

ened to cancel the walk, but the

students moved indoors and fin-

ished the last half mile in the

gymnasium. Faculty and Sol-

diers talked to the students

about the importance of health

and fitness and how important it

is maintain throughout their adult

lives.

On the 9th and 10th, the

1st Engineer Battalion partici-

pated in the Devil Forge compe-

tition. The Diehard teams com-

peted hard for the victory with

Soldiers and leaders racing

across the post to different

events cheering them on. Of

special note is our flag football

team, who played back-to-back

games on the 9th, competing on

both sides of

the bracket.

The battalion

hosted a

“mud run,”

modeled af-

ter the popu-

lar Tough

Mudder,

named the

SGT Wilbur

E. Colyer

Diehard

Challenge

after the 1st

Engineer Medal of Honor recipi-

ent in WWI. The course included

ruck marching, buddy carries, an

obstacle course, and of course a

crawl through a muddy pit at the

end. One of the battalion’s own

teams won the competition, com-

pleting the exhausting circuit with

a time of 26:16.

On the 25th, the battalion

held the long overdue 2013 Die-

hard Ball. The battalion turned

167 years old last May while de-

ployed, but now we can properly

celebrate the unit’s decorated his-

tory. The battalion welcomed COL

Katers, the 555th Engineer Bri-

gade Commander, to the ball as

our guest speaker for one last

speech before the Diehards trans-

fer to the 36th Engineer Brigade.

“Always First!”

111th Sapper Soldier engages a target

with his M4, training during the unit’s first

range density week since redeployment.

The first member of the Diehard team

that competed in the SGT Wilbur Co-

lyer Diehard Challenge crosses the

finish line.

Soldiers from FSC

walked a mile with the

students from Custer

Hill Elementary School

to promote fitness and

a healthy lifestyle.


Frsa / frg

MWR Website www.rileymwr.com

1st ID Website

www.1id.army.mil

Newcomers Sponsorship www.riley.army.mil/

Newcomers/Sponsorship.aspx

POC Mrs. Day, Helen:

785-240-4818

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IACH

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1-877-968-3778


FRSA / FRg

STAy ConnECTED wITh AMERICA’S BEST

CAll youR unIT FRG’S AnD S-1’S

1ABCT FRSA

Helen Day

785-240-4818

[email protected]

1ABCT S-1 MAJ Hopkins, Michael D

MSG Fraser, Michel 785-239-6827 / 6833

[email protected] [email protected]

1-1 BSTB FRSA

Helen Day

785-240-4818

[email protected]

1-1 BSTB S-1 CPT Deters, Heather

SFC Austin, Derek 785-240-5440


1-5 FA FRSA Barb Stanley

785-239-9288 [email protected]

1-5 FA S-1 CPT Nuusa, Solomona SSG Garza, Eduardo

785-240-1079 / 6184 [email protected] [email protected]

101st BSB FRSA

Barb Stanley

785-239-1772

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2-34 AR FRSA

Helen Day

785-240-4818

[email protected]

2-34 AR S-1 CPT Williams, Danella

SFC Mejia, Iliana 785-240-1642 / 1789


101st BSB S-1 CPT Burdin, Mianah

SFC Say, Adrian 785-240-9046 / 6057


4-4 CAV S-1 CPT Woolery, Timothy

SFC Rever, Bryan 785-240-6671 / 2431


1-16 IN FRSA

Helen Day

785-240-4818

[email protected]

1-16 IN S-1 CPT Leverett, David

SSG Figueroa, Teresa 785-239-6827 / 4566


4-4 CAV FRSA

Helen Day

785-240-4337

[email protected]

1st ENG S-1 CPT Tipado, Rose

SSG Commander, Verner 785-240-3250 /239-8753


101st BSB FRSA

Barb Stanley

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News & Politics

1 ABCT October Newsletter 2013