November and December 2013 1ABCT Monthly Newsletter

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AMERICA’S FIRST BRIGADE

EST 1917

DEVILS

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m 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

December 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

“America’s First—Devils”

The Holidays are upon us! We started the celebration in grand and historic

tradition in the Devil’s Den Dining Facility for a great Thanksgiving event as seen on

the cover picture. Soldiers were in period customs that spanned several genera-

tions of BRO tradition. We enjoyed superb food and had a great Army family time

together. We soon will be on our holiday half day schedule and many of you will

take leave to be with family over the holidays. We are reminded as we gather with

family of the high cost of serving our nation. The Army sends us places far away

from home with the purpose of defending our freedoms as American citizens.

Thank you for all you do in keeping our nation free and strong. Enjoy your time off,

keep up the PT and come back refreshed and energized to serve as and in Amer-

ica’s First!

ChAplAIn’S CoRnER

December 2013 3ThE DEvIl’S CoRnER

De-Stress Your Holidays!

What a rush of time from Thanksgiving to the new year . We find not only major holidays during this time

but the opportunity to spend a little more time with family and friends. For some spending time with extended fam-

ily is relaxing and enjoyable. For others it is stressful and intense. The Mayo Clinic offers ten things you can do to

reduce the stress that may come from the holidays:

1 Acknowledge your feelings. The holidays almost always brings out bouts of sadness due to family and friends

who have passed away. It is OK to take time to cry, don’t force yourself to be happy.

2. Reach out. That the initiative if you are lonely. Volunteer your time.

3. Be realistic. No holiday celebration will be perfect—nor does it need to be.

4. Set aside differences. Accept your family members and friends as they are without trying to change them.

5. Stick to a budget. Before you spend plan, plan, plan! It is not about the gift—it is about the time together.

6. Plan Ahead. Plan your shopping days, cooking day, and plan for days to have nothing on the calendar.

7. Learn to say “no”-Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed.

Friends will understand.

8. Keep up your Healthy Habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free for all—enjoy but don’t over enjoy!

9. Take a breather. Carve some time out for you. As little as 15 minutes alone, without distractions can refresh

your attitude.

10. Seek help if you need it.

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 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)

December 2013 4ThE DEvIl’S CoRnER

Public affairs office

‘Pale Riders’ honor fallen Soldier

By Staff Sgt. Bernhard Lashleyleidner, 1st ABCT Public Affairs

Soldiers with the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division honored

the memory of Spc. Chazray Clark with a memorial competition Oct. 25 on Fort Riley.

The purpose of the event was to mentally and physically challenge Soldiers, while honoring Clark, a fallen combat engi-

neer Soldier from the squadron.

Clark of Ecorse, Mich., died Sept. 18 2011, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents at-

tacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

“I enjoyed the physical challenge, but I did it for all the Soldiers who cannot do it anymore, and for my brothers in arms

who have given their lives,” said Spc. Kiefer Marsh, Troop C, 4th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., 1st ABCT.

The squadron hosts physical training events for every fallen Soldier to honor his or her memory, said Command Sgt.

Maj. Roosevelt Whetstone, senior noncommissioned officer, 4th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt.

A wall in the squadron’s headquarters is home to photos of nine Soldiers, Whetstone said. The unit has conducted me-

morial PT events for four of the Soldiers and has five more to go before the squadron commander, Lt. Col. Scott Woodward, de-

parts in early 2014.

The Oct. 25 competition consisted of a 1,000-meter swim relay at Long Fitness Center, a one-mile run to the squadron

motor pool, wheelbarrow race, bridge-building event using wooden pallets and two sand bags, and a 200-meter tire-flip competi-

tion.

Competitors from troops A, B, C, and Headquarters and Headquarters Troop battled it out through the five events. Troop

B won the competition with a time of 1:19:42 and was presented the Operation Clark guidon streamer.

“This is not an event that you do and forget about because we honor each fallen Soldier with a streamer,” Whetstone

said. “Every time you see that guidon streamer, it reminds us of our fallen Solders.”

Sgt. Gary Stephens (left rear) Spc. Jeremy Dubois, (left front), Pfc. Anahuac Ortiz (center rear), and Spc. Jacob May all Cavalry

scout Soldiers 4th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt, 1st ABCT, 1st Inf., battle it out in the wheel barrow race during the memorial competition

Oct. 25, on Fort Riley.

Public affairs office

december 2013 5 ThE DEvIl’S CoRnER

‘Devils,’ Airmen collaborate for training exercise

By Sgt. Michael Leverton, 1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs

MANHATTAN - Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division and a C-17 Globemaster crew with

the 21st Airlift Squadron, 60th Operations Group, out of Travis Air Force Base, Calif., combined forces to carry out an Emer-

gency Deployment Readiness Exercise Nov. 13 at Manhattan Regional Airport.

The joint collaboration tested and trained both Soldiers and Airmen in the areas of loading and securing vehicles, and

equipment for rapid deployment.

“We are going back to a worldwide deployment Army. And training like this is necessary for both Army and Air Force,”

said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Terry F. Throm, 1st Inf. Div., mobility warrant officer. “Soldiers are getting back to taking what

they need and not relying on a contractor being on the ground and setting up a (Forward Operating Base) before they get there.”

Aside from the valuable training, the movements had another upside - the cost, he said.

“What we tried to do was incorporate using military aircraft that are available and relatively cheap to train with,” Throm

said. “The pilots need hours to stay current, so they are going to fly anyway. Why not land in Manhattan, and we can get static-

load training, and they can get the opportunity to go hands-on tanks, which they rarely get to do.”

The Airmen agreed with Throm’s sentiments.

“This is a big win-win for both Army and Air Force,” said Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Pickens, load master, 21st Airlift Squadron,

60th OG. “We don’t load large vehicles like tanks very often on a C-17. My guys are getting training they normally wouldn’t.”

For both forces, working hand-in-hand with each other, didn’t seem to be a problem. Trying to figure out the technical

side of loading a hefty vehicle, like an M1A2 Abrams tank, was the challenging part of the exercise.

“This is the first time I have seen a tank on this type of aircraft,” said Airman 1st Class Devin Volker, 21st Airlift Squad-

ron, 60th OG. “ We Trying to figure out exactly where it was going to sit on the plane and how many chains it would take to se-

cure it, that was a little nerve racking.”

With the Army drawing down and less Soldiers need in Iraq and Afghanistan, the division is conducting training focused

on rapid readiness, including the possibility of scheduling the possibility of scheduling more joint training with other branches of

service, like the Air Force.

“It was a great success,” Throm said. “The Air Force (Airmen) told me that same thing, and they would like to train with

the 1st Inf. Div., again.”

Soldiers from the 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., and Airmen from the 21st

Aircraft Sqdn., 60th OG, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., carefully back

a Paladin Artillery System on to a C-17 Globemaster Nov. 13 at Man-

hattan Regional Airport, Manhattan. The exercise trained both Sol-

diers and Airmen on joint loading procedures for rapid deployment

readiness.

The soldiers of 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regi-

ment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team

strengthened their bonds with the local community

this month, by participating in several local com-

munity Veterans Day celebrations. Iron Ranger

from Delta 1-16th IN provided the official color

guard for the first ever Topeka Veterans Day pa-

rade while Echo and HHC supported VFW Post

112 out of Wichita KS by assisting in the assem-

bly of the posts parade float, and walking with

local vets in the Parade. 1-16th IN also partici-

pated in a partnership with the KSU Inline Hockey

Clubs first tournament held at their new inline rink

inside the K-State Recreation Center. LTC Roger

A. Crombie III 1-16th IN Battalion Commander

was able to drop the ceremonial first puck and

wished good luck to both teams

The Iron Rangers continued to train hard through-

out November honing their soldier’s skills

through the execution of a Company Situation

Training Exercise (STX) that was executed over 9

days. The Battalion conducted Offensive and de-

fensive operations while task organized into com-

pany mechanized/armor teams. The first four

days of the STX included each line company

planning, rehearsing and executing an Area De-

fense; improving the Battalions ability to employ

combat power by mastering the Fundamentals of

Defense operations. The last four days Compa-

nies conducted combined arms maneuver opera-

tions executing movement to contact, deliberate

attack while employing direct and indirect fire. 1-

16th IN with support from Charlie Company 1-1

BSTB conducted Breaching Operations in con-

junction with the Offense Lane. The training fo-

cused on Mine Breaching fundamentals and the

importance of bringing all the elements; suppress,

obscure, secure, reduce, assault (SOSRA) to-

gether. Additionally the Battalion exercised mis-

sion command on the move utilizing the Battalion TAC. The Battalion incorporated ISR and scout assets throughout the intense

9 day training event. Battalion medics participated in a mass casualty, and casualty evacuation training which tested individual

medic’s ability to perform a wide range of critical medical skills.

A Delta (Wolfpack), 1-16th IN M1A2 Abrams engages targets at the CATF

as part of the Offense Lane during the Company Situational Training Exercise

(STX) 18 November13.

Echo Company (Easy Red) 1-16th IN led by Captain Erik Anthes and 1SG

Robert Craft is awarded the Red Saber Streamer by Maj. Gen. Paul Funk,

commanding general for Fort Riley 12 NOV 13.


1-16 IN Iron rangers battalion

The Battalion ended the month of November by celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday with friends and family. In December the

Battalion shifted its focus from collective training to leader training. The Iron Ranger Lieutenants Academy focused on provid-

ing the Battalions 1st and 2nd Lieutenants a better understanding of the Army Profession and what it means to be a professional

officer. Additional classes focused on the fundamentals of Mission Command, Army ethics and how they apply to junior lead-

ers. All these training events helps the Battalion maintain combat power by mastering the fundamentals and further developing

soldiers while preparing them for January Gunnery.

“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].

IN A HMMWV in the Scout Platoon 1-16th IN scans the battlefield with an LRAS during the defense lane during Com-

pany Situation Training Exercise.16 NOV 13.


1-16 IN Iron rangers battalion


2-34 AR dreadnaughts battalion

Dreadnaughts Proudly Assume SECDEF Designated Mission

In 1966, then 1st Infantry Division Commander, Major General William DePuy, aptly nicknamed the

2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment the “DREADNAUGHT” battalion because the unit feared nothing and

could accomplish the impossible. Forty seven years later, the Dreadnaught Battalion continues to live up to

their storied name; they have earned a position as the battalion of choice for the 1st Armored Brigade Combat

Team, 1st Infantry Division. On 22 November 2013 the Dreadnaught Battalion proudly assumed the role of

the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF), a tasking directed by the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) designed to en-

hance the Nation’s ability to respond quickly to a varied range of contingencies within the Continental United

States (CONUS).

The Dreadnaught Battalion will maintain a force of 110 Soldiers from a multitude of disciplines across

the unit in support of the RRF mission. The RRF mission requires these Dreadnaught Soldiers to be on call

and prepared to deploy anywhere in the United States within 48 hours. As a result, Soldiers will have to give

up a period of their upcoming holiday block leave in order to maintain the manning requirements for this de-

manding and incredibly significant mission. “The rapid reaction force is an important mission to support our

nation through any contingency from natural disasters to any threat against our country. Soldiers are sacrific-

ing Holiday leave periods to be on call for the Nation” said CPT James Cerrone, A/2-34AR Commander. As

the RRF could be called upon at anytime for any number of reasons, the Soldiers assigned to the RRF have

received additional training not typical for the average Combined Arms Battalion Soldier.

In order to prepare for the RRF mission, the Dreadnaught Battalion completed initial special skills and

schools training required to deploy and accomplish homeland contingency operations. This training included

non-lethal capability set training, civil disturbance/hostile crowd control training, and non-lethal weapons

ranges. The Soldiers assigned to this mission feel confident that they are prepared to face any challenge that

would require the activation of the RRF. 1LT Aaron Momber, the Officer-in-Charge of the RRF training re-

quirements for HHC/2-34AR said the “training conducted by 2-34AR will do nothing but set our Battalion up

for success should the call to activate the RRF arise. America can sleep safely knowing that the Dreadnaughts

are on guard!”

Whether or not those Soldiers assigned to the RRF will be activated remains unforeseen, but for now

the Dreadnaught Battalion is trained, prepared, and standing ready to fight and win should the Nation call. “It

is always an honor and privilege to be chosen as a member of a contingency like this. To stand ready and re-

act in order to help in a critical situation should be looked upon with great regard. If the opportunity exists in

which we will have to deploy in support of this mission, we as a team are ready and willing” said SSG Jeffrey

Kirk, HHC/2-34AR Medical Platoon Sergeant.

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].


4-4 CAV Pale riders squadron

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

The Squadron has been hard at work this past month. We began the month by welcoming CSM Patrick Frankenberg

from the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment from Fort Wainwright, AK. SGM Whetstone moved to the S3 shop to become the

OPS SGM for our Squadron, he did a fantastic job as the CSM for the last 3 months.

All the leadership of the Squadron traveled to the outskirts of Penokee, Kansas to study the first recorded battle of our

Squadron’s lineage, the 1857 battle of Solomon’s Fork. The 1st US Cavalry Regiment (redesignated the 4th US Cavalry in 1861)

was 2 and a half months into a 4 month long campaign on the plains of KS, NE and CO when they fought the Cheyenne Indians

along the South Fork of the Solomon River. We walked the actual ground the battle took place on and discussed the campaign,

tactics used, leadership challenges, and how some things are very similar still in today’s Army. It was a great experience that

brought us back to our unit’s beginning.

After the Veteran’s Day break, our Squadron hit the ground running with the Brigade Company STX exercise. Each

Troop conducted Zone Recon and Screen missions for the Brigade to facilitate victory for the Combined Arms Battalions. HHT

did a great job setting up and running the operations center, the medics were phenomenal in evacuating simulated casualties from

the battlefield and Dakota TRP kept us in the fight logistically and mechanically. Everyone should be very proud of themselves

for making the Squadron better.

The month of December has a Live Fire Exercise for our Mortar Sections to keep them live fire certified and later this

month we will enjoy a block leave before we start next year with Gunnery Table II early next year. Have a great holiday with

your families and enjoy the well deserved time off!

Upcoming Events – Squadron Spur Ride 11-12 December. The Spur Holders of 4-4 CAV will test the Scout knowledge, and en-

durance of our Troopers in hopes that they’ll earn their Silver Spurs.

Block Leave- 14DEC-04JAN. Our Troopers will enjoy ½ day scheduling and a chance to take leave during the Holiday Seasons.

Squadron Ruck March – 09JAN. All Troopers of 4-4 CAV will conduct a 20 mile ruck march to test their endurance.

Squadron Capture the Flag – 10JAN. The Troops will create teams to duke it out at the Combined Arms Combat Training Facil-

ity (CACTF) by playing Capture the Flag with UTM Simulation Rounds.

Change of Responsibility 06NOV. SGM Whetstone relinquishes responsibility as the

Squadron Command Sergeant Major. The Troopers of 4-4 CAV welcomed CSM Fraken-

berg as their new Squadron Command Sergeant Major.


4-4 CAV Pale riders squadron

CASEVAC Inject 15NOV. Medics of 4-4 CAV load a Trooper during a

Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) simulation during Troop STX. The

CASEVAC Simulation tested the readiness and knowledge of our Med-

ics for real life emergencies.

MAJ Dempsey talking with the senior leaders at the battle site

of the Battle of Solomon’s Fork. The Senior Leaders went on

a Staff Ride to the battle site where the 1st US Cavalry Regi-

ment had their first recorded battle.

Dug in Bradley. A Comanche Troop Bradley dug in a fighting posi-

tion for a Troop Screen during Troop STX this November. The

crews preformed to standard during the exercise and provided to be

a useful asset to the entire Brigade as they prepare for NTC.


Great November Battalion FTX! During those 8 straight days in the field, we conducted Platoon through Battery

LFX and tactical employment of our vehicles in preparation for our National Training Center rotation April. We

stressed our logisticians in Golf Company who provided outstanding support and maintenance operations through-

out the exercise. This exercise was challenging for our Soldiers indeed! On 23 Nov, we celebrated our St Bar-

bara’s Ball at the Junction City Marriott. Everyone enjoyed this great event, and Tiffani and I especially enjoyed

seeing everyone in their best attire. We celebrated the completion of our field training and also enjoyed great cama-

raderie. We have a Battalion four day weekend planned 5-8 Dec and Block Leave from 14 Dec – 05 Jan, so plan to

enjoy these planned training holidays with family. During the month of December, take advantage of the time you have with family. Next

year at this time we will be deployed so cherish this time we have here at Ft Riley with your loved ones. The cold weather is here! Winter

is upon us which means snow at Ft Riley. Be safe as you travel this holiday season and slow down while driving in inclement weather. On

December 12th, Barbara Stanley, 1-5 FA FRSA will depart after 6 years of service to the Families of Hamilton’s Own. We wish her the

best of luck in the future, and Tiffani and I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for our families. We will miss you Barbara!

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

Greetings Hellfighter Families,

Your Soldiers have performed flawlessly in preparing and

executing our BN gunnery in November. I would like to say

that you should be proud of your Soldiers. They have

worked hard in making sure our Battery completes all missions and tasks to

standard. The holiday season is one of the best times to spend quality time with

your loved ones. December 14th through January 5th is the designated time for

block is time to relax, re-charge, and reconnect with families and friends. Also, remember to be safe

during whatever you do to celebrate the

A Battery, 1s t Battal ion, 5th FA

CPT Will iam Ivins, Archangel 6

Families and Friends of Delta Bat-

tery: November was a busy time

for all of the soldiers in Delta Battery. We had many taskings that caused soldiers to be spread out for

the first few weeks of the month but we all came back together to deploy to the field to have a great

time and shooting Artillery and showing the BDE that Delta Battery is the King of Battle. In Novem-

ber some of our soldiers had the opportunity to do some EDRE load training. Our rail load team did

an exceptional job loading a M109A6 Paladin in the belly of a C17 Jet. The Soldiers were com-

mended by DIV on their professionalism and knowledge during the exercise! Again I sincerely thank

all of our Delta Battery Family for all of the support that they’ve shown over this month. December is

a great time to spend quality time with each other. Take this opportunity and make the best of it. Have a great Holiday Season and as al-

ways stay safe and look out for one another! Sincerely, A.J. Burr Captain

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

Greetings Gladiator Family and Friends of Golf Company, as November pushed forward through training

and Thanksgiving, several from Golf Company enjoyed being in Manhattan’s Veteran’s Day Parade walk-

ing behind Golf’s community outreach partnership, Eisenhower Middle School. With the excellent per-

formance from all in Golf supporting 1-5 FA in last month’s Field Exercise, December will bring much

needed time off to everyone in Golf from the scheduled DONSAs to the Half Day schedule It will be a

month for Golf to relax, celebrate the Holiday season, and look forward to the New Year. Sincerely, CPT

Croft– Gladiator 6

Hamilton's own

Dear Family and Friends of A Battery 1-5 FA,

With the weather turning colder, it’s time for the Soldiers to go to the field for training. A week

of shooting artillery in November (including a weekend) is always fun. In addition to the training

exercises, we also had a spouse social on the 16th which was really fun. On Monday the 25th we

are having a Thanksgiving pot luck lunch at the Battery that all families are invited to. Turkey,

ham, pie, etc will be served. Finally the Saint Barbara’s Day Ball is on Saturday 23 November at

the Junction City Marriot. Sincerely, Captain William E. Ivins

“Archangel 6” PFC Gautney prepares his gear for

the November gunnery .

SGT Ashbury & PFC Aguilar setting up the Confer-

ence Room into a “Morgue” during our Halloween

Party. 30OCT13.

Operation Santa Clause—Hamilton's Own

Soldiers raised $1,890 to help with the Op-

eration Santa Clause.

1-5 FA Executive Officer, Major David Ward,

serves BRO Soldiers beverages during the Thanks-

giving meal at Devil’s Den DFAC on 26 NOV

2013

Hamiliton’s Own Command Team, LTC Scott Nolan and CSM

Gabriel Espinosa serving Soldiers their Thanksgiving meal in

the Devil’s Den DFAC on 26 NOV 2013


101st BSB Guardians battalion

The 101st BSB’s focus for the month of November was supporting the Devil Brigade from 13-21 November during Op-

eration LUCIA. We demonstrated hard work and performance as a cohesive team during all phases of operations execution:

preparation, training, and recovery.

FTX preparations consisted of vehicle and equipment maintenance, loading vehicles in accordance with load plans, and

executing pre-combat checks and inspections. The Guardian Battalion Command, Staff, and FSC Commanders participated in

the Brigade Sustainment Rehearsal validating resources to requirements throughout all phases of operation. Soldiers carried the

burden by completing all this in parallel to red cycle taskings and two change of command inventories.

The FTX commenced with movement by tactical convoy to Maneuver Area N where 101st BSB established Brigade

Support Area (BSA) Shiloh, the nucleus of continuous logistical and medical support to the Devil Brigade’s Operation LUCIA.

Highlights include Avalanche’s Refuel on the Move (ROM) operations and Cyclone’s MASCAL support through use of an Am-

bulance Exchange Point (AXP) to their medical facility. The ROM provides rapid fuel resupply forward to maximize the FSC’s

on hand quantity as the CAB moves forward to engage the enemy. Soldiers worked to improve the BSA’s defenses as simulated

enemy forces known as “Cherubians” probed the perimeter in an effort to breach the BSA. Six Cherubian persons of interest

were detained for posing various threats against the BSA and direct support operations. Military Police from 1-1 BSTB assisted

in detainee operations conducted at the BSA’s holding area. For the first time in over a decade, the 101st BSB jumped the BSA

from Maneuver Area N to Training Area 12 where we established BSA Shiloh II. The Guardian Battalion continued to provide

uncompromised logistical and medical support to the Devil Brigade during Operation Lucia. Highlights included a second MAS-

CAL, sling load operations with an actual CH-47, a second ROM operation, ISR synchronization, detainee operations, and multi-

ple perimeter breach engagements. We successfully repelled a squad of enemy dismounts accompanied by a Bradley fighting

vehicle as they attempted to target high value targets within our perimeter. 101st BSB concluded a successful FTX by conducting

a final tactical displacement to Guardian City to begin recovery tasks to include weapons, vehicle, and equipment maintenance,

as well as inventorying personal equipment to account for losses while in the field. Soldiers also conducted a DUI Safety Stand-

down Day to receive training on responsible drinking, DUI prevention, and the new Brigade Command Policy Letter on DUI

administrative separation/elimination proceedings. Guardians closed out November with a special Thanksgiving meal at Devil’s

Den and a safe Thanksgiving holiday.

December has been a full month so far as we prepare to begin the Managed Leave/Half Day Schedule. Guardians partici-

pated in the Combat Lifesaver Course, JCR Academy, Driver’s Training, COIST Academy, and Gates I & II of Convoy Protec-

tion Platform Gunnery. Gate I consisted of the ranges for the M2, M249, M240B, and MK 19. During Gate II Soldiers trained

together in their gun truck crews for a week of convoy simulations at the Mission Training Complex (MTC).

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).

Happy holidays and be safe. Remember to practice solid Force Protection, secure 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 Bur-

den and provide uncompromised support to the Devil Brigade. GUARDIANS!

Guardian 6

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

.

Training Units and Developing Leaders

Guardians battalion

A Company executed a Refuel on the Move (ROM) during the FTX that provided refuel capabilities to eight

Abrams or Bradley fighting vehicles simultaneously at a rate of 35 gallons per minute.

Guardians cleared and marked the BSA

Shiloh II landing zone (LZ) prior to calling

and signaling down the CH-47. The rigged

CL II and CL IX supplies were then

hooked up to the bird for air lift during

sling load operations.



1st BSTB defiant battalion

““Damn Good…And Getting Better” –

Team Defiant was on point in November, starting

the month in support of the Manhattan Veteran’s

Day Parade, with numerous Soldiers attending and

marching with their children, before quickly transi-

tioning into two weeks of BDE Company STX

training and multiple red-cycle taskings in support

of the installation. In addition to providing Amer-

ica’s First its critical enabler capabilities, ensuring

mission command and integrated multi-echelon

training for each of the each of its maneuver battal-

ions, Defiant successfully executed its first ever live

MICLIC training, certifying two teams for NTC live

-fire.

During this busy month, the Battalion also executed

a MK-19 range, while continuing to employ, exer-

cise and improve BN TOC operations and all of its

digital systems. Under the threat of ice and snow,

and despite single-digit temperatures, Defiant con-

tinued its support of community by officially wel-

coming in the “Season of Giving” with a 10k foot

march in support of Operation Santa Claus. Kept

warm by the spirit of the season, unit pride and ca-

maraderie, Defiant Soldiers filled over two giant

boxes of donated toys ranging from Barbie dolls to

Tonka trucks.

In keeping with military tradition, leaders from

across the Brigade and Battalion once again donned

dress uniforms in order to honor and serve the Sol-

diers a traditional Thanksgiving meal at the Devil’s

Den Team Defiant concluded November as part of

the Brigade run.

Entering into December, Defiant shifted its focus

onto Company STX recovery and final preparations

ahead of Avenger and Blackjack company changes

of command. In the battalion’s effort to continually

build and strengthen trust and teamwork within its

ranks, the officers seized a moment to conduct a


1st BSTB defiant battalion

friendly game of kickball followed by an OPD fo-

cused on Army force structure changes and

“Knowing the Environment”. With half-day sched-

ule and holiday block leave rapidly approaching,

Defiant Soldiers took time to reflect upon and cele-

brate their many “firsts” and multitude of successes

throughout the year conducted a very cold, but moti-

vating, Battalion run before a Battalion Holiday Ball

that was thoroughly enjoyed by over 300 in atten-

dance.

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

be first, be Defiant!"

December 2013

The Diehard Soldiers have

been hard at work conducting training

and keeping their skills sharp as two of

the Diehard companies are set for fol-

low-on deployments in 2014.

The 111th Sapper Company

has been slated for a Global Response

Force mission to kick off at the start of

2014. The Soldiers have been diligently

working toward mission readiness to

ensure they will be prepared when the

time comes.

The 111th Sapper Company

focused on individual and collective

training over the past several months

and concluded its preparation with a

level 1, level 2 EDRE, and rehearsals

of load out procedures during the

month of December. Their hard work

and dedication can be seen as the

Soldiers complete their final task be-

fore Christmas leave. They will wel-

come the new year with GRF mis-

sion assumption.

The 72nd Mobility Augmenta-

tion Company demonstrated a tre-

mendous amount of self sacrifice as

they volunteered to run weapons

ranges for the rest of the Diehard

companies. The 72nd understand

the meaning of team work as they lift

some of the burden of training to en-

sure their teammates within the bat-

talion are fit to fight and trained to

meet mission requirements.

The 41st Engineer Company

is preparing for another Deployment

to Afghanistan in August of 2014.

These Soldiers recently redeployed

in June of this year after an arduous

9 month deployment conducting

route clearance operations in RC-

East Afghanistan. They have been

focused on RESET and utilizing the

virtual trainers to keep their Soldiers

immersed in the activities and train-

ing they mastered over the last de-

ployment. Knowing the training re-

quired to meet the challenges of the

upcoming deployment, the 41st is

always sure to qualify as many Sol-

diers as possible in various areas to

create a high level of proficiency in

their organization.

With two companies scheduled

for NTC and JRTC rotation in the

spring, the 1st Engineer Battalion has

been putting in long hours planning

and coordinating activities and events

to ensure the successful execution of

both rotations. With the holidays in our

midst, the leadership of the battalion

has done an excellent job balancing

family and mission requirements

showing the true meaning of leader-

ship.

As the unsung heroes of the

1st Engineer Battalion, Forward Sup-

port Company continues to maintain

lines of communication to the line

companies conducting training; always

keeping them supplied, and quick to

react to the ever-changing training en-

vironment. FSC brings the finishing

touch to a successful training exercise.

“Always First!”

“Always First! DIEHARD”

1st Engineer Battalion

Soldiers from 72nd MAC conduct

Weapons ranges for their sister compa-

41st conducting CLS training.

The 111th Sapper Company conducting zero/qualification range.


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

Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH) Information Line

785-239-7000

IACH Appointment Line

785-239-3627 (DOCS) IACH

Nurse Advice Line 785-239-3627 (DOCS)

IACH

Patient Representative 785-239-7739 / 7103

IACH

Chaplain 785-239-7872 / 7871

Dental Care

United Concordia www.ucci.com

Dental Clinic (IACH)

785-239-7955

Dental Command Human Resource 785-239-7226

Immunization Clinic

785-239-7972

Family Advocacy Program in IACH 785-239-7060

Mental Health 785-239-7291

Social Work Services (SWS)

785-240-7471 / 7472

Alcohol Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) 785-239-7311

TRICARE

1-888-874-9378 (TRIWEST)

Health Care Emergency Pets

Post Operator 785-239-3911

Fire Department

911 785-239-4257

Military Police 785-239-6767

Victim Advocate Page

24 Hour Response 785-307-1373

American Red Cross

785-239-1887 1-877-272-7337

Suicide & Crisis Hotline

1-800-784-2433 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222

Legal

Financial

Abuse / Neglect

Sexual Assault Prevention / Response

785-239-2991 / 6086 / 9435

Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS)

Junction City 785-762-5445 Manhattan 785-776-7722

Basic Needs

DEERS ID Cards and AG ID Cards

785-239-3654

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785-239-3868 / 2732

Animal Poison Control Center

1-888-426-4435

Legal Assistance

785-239-3117

Staff Judge Advocate

785-239-2217

Immigration and Naturalization

785-239-3117

Claims

785-239-3830 / 2633

Administration

785-239-2217

Army Emergency Relief (AER) 785-239-9450

Financial Questions

ACS 785-239-5775

Financial Resilience Education Enrichment Program

785-239-5744

Finance Office 785-239-6189

Thrift Savings Plan FAQ

1-877-968-3778

October 2013 18 ThE DEvIl’S CoRnER

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

785-239-6827 / 6833

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

[email protected] [email protected]

1-5 FA FRSA Helen Day

785-240-4818

[email protected]

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

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

101st BSB FRSA

Helen Day

785-240-4818

[email protected]

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

785-240-4818

[email protected]

1st ENG S-1 CPT Tipado, Rose

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


101st BSB FRSA

Helen Day

785-240-4818

[email protected]

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November and December 2013 1ABCT Monthly Newsletter