1-27 in wolfhound april newsletter
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1-27th Infantry “The Bark”
U.S. ARMY Volume 4, Issue 1 April 2011
Wolfhound News
and Events!
Due to redeploy-
ment in the com-
ing months, we
request that no
more packages be
sent beginning in
April
Congrats to SGT
Olsen on his re-
turn to Iraq after
his recovery
Warrior 6 and Warrior 7 Congratulate the Wolfhounds
On March 25, 2011, Soldiers from
the Wolfhound Battalion gathered in
front of LSA 14 to congratulate a
select few individuals on their ac-
complishments. Soldiers from SSG
Shackleford’s squad, Borzio Com-
pany, stood on stage to receive
awards from the Brigade Com-
mander, COL Malcolm Frost. These
Soldiers were the winners of the
Warrior Brigade Squad Competition
that was held earlier in the month,
and were presented with several
different awards. The Army Com-
mendation Medal was awarded to
the NCO’s, the Army Achievement
Medal was awarded to the Soldiers,
and Brigade coins were given to the
whole squad. The Squad Competi-
tion was a series of events that tested
an infantry squad’s abilities to work
together, as well as their physical
and mental endurance. There were
multiple events that challenged each
squad’s capacity to work and think
quickly and react to changing situa-
tions at a moment’s notice. Squads
from all over the 2nd Advise and
Assist Brigade attended the competi-
tion, only to fall short of victory
behind the Soldiers from Borzoi
Company, 1-27th Infantry Battalion.
The competition included physical
tests (running, pushups and sit-ups),
reacting to contact, battle-drills, and
foot-marching. It was a rigorous, all–
day series of events that many Sol-
diers were not able to complete. The
Soldiers from SSG Shackleford’s
Squad, Borzoi Company, proved that
the Wolfhounds are the most highly
trained, skilled, and prepared Sol-
diers within the Brigade. SSG Shack-
leford’s squad has shown that with
hard work and dedication, you can
achieve greatness.
Also attending both the Battalion
and Brigade Squad Competition, was
a squad from Recon Platoon, Head-
quarters Company. Recon placed 2nd
in the Battalion competition, and
gave Borzoi a run for their money. It
was a close race but in the end,
Congratulations to the Following Borzoi Soldiers for
Winning the 2011 Warrior Brigade Squad Competition!!
SSG Alex Shackleford
SGT Yeli Buonya
CPL Joshua Tester
SPC Dane Gordon
SPC Luis Hernandez
SPC Sergio Sandoval
SPC Jeremiah Wells
SPC Gerald Wickens
PFC Jacob Walker
TOP: The winners of the Warrior Brigade Squad Competition stand on stage as COL Frost
speaks of their accomplishments.
ABOVE: The squad from Recon that placed 2nd in the Battalion competition and 5th in the
Brigade competition.
LEFT: COL Frost presents Soldiers from Borzoi Company with the Army Commendation
Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.
Continued on Pg. 2
Volume 4, Issue 1 April 2011
Page 2
The Blessing of Perseverance
As I came back from leave last month, I gave my wife a call in the
evening as normal. We had the normal chit-chat about the kiddos and
everything going on at home. But then, she made an interesting obser-
vation. She said that it felt like she was just holding on. She didn't
want to do anything special, she just wanted wait for life to resume
when I got back home. I think a lot of us find ourselves thinking that as
well.
In preparing to preach from the Book of James this last weekend, I
read, "Consider it all Joy, my brethren, when you encounter various
trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."
I was reminded that our trials and struggles are meant for a purpose -
to produce endurance, steadfastness, and patience in our character. The
word endurance comes from the Greek "upomenow" meaning to "stand
firm" or "remain under".
As we stand firm under the pressures that the trials of life piles onto
us, God has a plan, a purpose for those trials. It is like a precious gem -
like a diamond - that when all is left is a seeming pile of useless junk,
carbon left from a fire - that God is doing his most precious work. That
heat, pressure, and time forges something that is precious. The most pre-
cious gems actually have more imperfections - minerals and impurities
that produce brilliant colors. But the danger is, if we remove ourselves
from the struggle, all we're going to be left with is a heap of coal.
Perseverance isn't just gutting it out - just passively standing by while
the storm blows over - but rather, constantly entrusting ourselves to the
one who is at work amongst us, and allowing Him to change our character
and attitude for the better.
So, as we look forward to that day when we are all home together, don't
just gut it out, but rather, commit your cares and concerns to God, and ask
him to give you the wisdom to make these last few months meaningful
and productive.
- Wolfhound Cross
Recon placed 5th overall in the Brigade Competition. They were pre-
sented with Certificates of Achievement for their accomplishments dur-
ing both of the competitions, and for remaining steadfast, even in the
face of defeat.
Shortly after the award ceremony, 7 Staff Sergeants from the Wolf-
hound Battalion were recognized for their selection on the Sergeant
First Class List. The Sergeant First Class List is a once-a-year list that is
published and gives the names of all those who are in line to receive
promotion to the rank of Sergeant First Class. Those on the list must
wait until their sequence number is selected, but will be promoted in the
near future.
Sergeant First Class is a significant step forward in one’s career in the
Army. It is a rank that is sought after by all NCO’s and junior Soldiers,
and takes years of dedication and commitment to the Army. It is the first
rank in which one is considered a “senior Non-Commissioned Officer”,
and comes with greater responsibility and respect from Soldiers, NCO’s
and Officers alike. The selection process for Sergeant First Class is a
long and tedious process that includes having one’s military records and
Department of the Army photo reviewed by a selection board, while
being compared to other qualified NCO’s. The Wolfhounds are ex-
tremely proud of having these fine NCO’s within our ranks and serving
by our side.
SSG Jerome Beier
SSG Jacob Cheever
SSG Lucas Collins
SSG Paul Daley
SSG Manuel Isbell
SSG John Jackson
SSG Dusty Lamborn
SSG Jorge Flores
SSG Marco Vasquez
TOP: (left to right) SSG Daley, SSG Lamborn, SSG Isbell, SSG Cheever, SSG Beier, SSG Collins, & SSG
Jackson on stage
Warrior 6 and Warrior 7 Congratulate the Wolfhounds
LEFT: SGT Olsen
(RECON/HHC) receiving his
promotion from Specialist to
Sergeant. SGT Olsen was
wounded in combat earlier
in the deployment, and
recently returned to Iraq
following his recovery.
Continued from Pg. 1
Words from the Wolfhound Chaplain
Commander’s Corner
Page 3
Company News
Aloha! As April brings
warmer weather it also brings
us to the realization that we're
almost home. In less than two
short months Able's Soldiers
will be stepping off the plane
and begin our transition back
to "normal" life. Until then
Able Company will continue
to succeed and accomplish
every mission given to us.
Since the last newsletter, First
and Third Platoons stayed
busy with securing the Police
Transition and Provincial Re-
construction Teams. Their
efforts directly resulted in bet-
ter training for Iraqi security
forces and improved the local
infrastructure. Second Platoon
is gradually closing out their
Iraqi Army Training mission
at KMTB and we’re anxiously
awaiting their return to unite
the Able Team. They con-
tinue to build a strong and
proud reputation across the
Brigade. Lastly Fourth Platoon is still primarily focused on
executing the key leader engagements with our Iraqi security
partners. It’s becoming more apparent every month that our
Iraqi partners are completely capable of handling all the secu-
rity concerns that they are faced with.
As always we thank those Fami-
lies and friends back home that
continue to support us while
we’re deployed. We also wish
everyone back home the very
best. Check out Able’s Face-
book Page for weekly photo
updates.
- CPT Gardner
Red 6 and Red 7 Save the Day
3rd PLT always ready for a photo op.
Able opens an electrical substation for
the people of Tikrit
2nd PLT taking a break from
training the Iraqi Army
Long Lost Brothers?
1SG MALCOLM
COMPANY FIRST SERGEANT
CPT GARDNER
COMPANY COMMANDER
Aloha!
The end of March brings closure to another month here in
Iraq...only three more to go!!! Change of command inventories and
daily operations kept us busy for the most part. CPT Defiori officially
handed control of the company over to CPT Gillick on the 21st. We
would like to thank CPT Defiori for his hard work and leadership. We
are also in the final stages of closing down FOB Dagger and re-uniting
4th Platoon with the rest of the company on April 1st. This is a much
anticipated day and we cannot thank 4th Platoon enough for their sacri-
fice and hard work at FOB Dagger.
However, Borzoi Company’s most significant achievement this
month was taking first place in the Brigade Squad Competition. SSG
Shackleford, SGT Buonya, SGT O’Dell, SPC Gordon, SPC Hernandez,
SPC Sandoval, SPC Wells, SPC Wickens and PFC Walker flew down
to FOB Warhorse and competed in a day-long competition designed to
test their physical fitness, teamwork and ability to perform common
combat related tasks. SSG Shackleford’s squad outperformed the top
two squads from each Battalion across the Brigade, and their overall
score left no doubt of which squad was the best in the Brigade. We
would like to congratulate and thank them for the credit they have
brought to Borzoi Company.
We wish all the friends and families of Borzoi Company our
very best and we thank you for your continued support. We will con-
tinue to post our accomplishments on the Borzoi Company Facebook
Page to keep everyone back home abreast of the great things your Sol-
diers are doing here in Iraq.
Page 4
Company News Commander’s Corner
Check out our Company & Platoon
Facebook Pages!!!
Borzoi Company, 1-27 IN, 2 SBCT
1st Platoon, Borzoi Company, 1-27 IN
2nd Platoon, Borzoi Company, 1-27 IN
3rd Platoon, Borzoi Company, 1-27 IN
MGS & HQ still have not joined the
Facebook revolution...
We will never forget. . .
Commander’s Corner
Page 5
Aloha to all Coldsteel Family members from the Bayji Oil Refinery!
This month has presented Coldsteel with its own set of unique challenges as
we near the end of our mission here at the Bayji Oil Refinery (BOR). There was
some unrest at the end of February as an attack at the Refinery brought it into the
limelight. The men of Coldsteel worked hand-in-hand with their Iraqi Security Force
counterparts to quickly bring the
situation under control. Coldsteel
gained a newfound respect and a
high level of confidence in the
Iraqi Security Forces’ (ISF) ability
to react quickly under pressure and
utilize their resources. Working
together as a team, Coldsteel and
the ISF put a swift end to any
threat posed to the security of the
Bayji Oil Refinery and set condi-
tions to allow refinery activities to
return to almost full productivity.
Amidst the excitement, the men of Coldsteel still managed to find the energy to cele-
brate several promotions and additions to the Coldsteel Family. Additions to the
Coldsteel ranks include the new births to the Family of SGT Toribio Gurrola. Con-
gratulations to the proud new father and
his Family! Special congratulations go out
to SSG Vasquez for being selected for
promotion to Sergeant First Class. As we
welcome new members of Coldsteel to the
Family, we also say a fond farewell to our
XO, 1LT John Bockstanz, as he leaves for
Hawaii. 1LT Bockstanz will be traveling
back to Hawaii in order to set our battalion
up for success when we return. 1LT Bock-
stanz served a critical role as the Executive
Officer with honor and also as the Com-
mander when the time came. 1LT Bock-
stanz leaves behind a large role to fill as he was involved in virtually every aspect of
daily activities here at the BOR. With that in mind, Coldsteel welcomes his replace-
ment, 1LT Allen Rooney, as a new member of the esteemed Coldsteel Family. He is
highly motivated and ready to start work up here at the BOR to give our loved ones
the best support possible.
As activity starts to pick up here in
anticipation of our incoming part-
ners, we’ll keep all of you back
home updated with our plans. For
now, our concentration remains on
setting up our replacements for suc-
cess so that they can close out Iraq
with honor and dignity. We miss
you all and will be home soon. It
has been and will continue to be my
greatest honor to serve with your
loved ones. I look forward to meet-
ing you in a few months.
CPT Morinaga
Coldsteel 6
2ND PLATOON PREBRIEFS BEFORE A PATROL
JOINT SECURITY WITH THE IRAQI ARMY
GROUP PHOTO AFTER ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL MISSION
THE OIL PROTECTION FORCE BRIEFS ARMY
LEADERS ON PLANS TO INCREASE SECURITY AT
THE BAYJI OIL REFINERY
Page 6
Watch for Upcoming Issues:
May 2011– S4
June 2011– S6
Commander’s Corner
An integral part of the Wolfhounds, the
Battalion Medical Platoon has done a
great job supporting the Soldiers of 1-27
IN during combat and other day-to-day
operations. The hard-working medics
and officers run the Battalion Aid Station,
diagnose and treat Soldiers during sick
call, and have provided care to the casual-
ties the Battalion has sustained in combat
during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Op-
eration New Dawn. In addition, the Bat-
talion Medical Platoon has taught a num-
ber of Combat Lifesaver Courses to the
Soldiers of 1-27 IN, spreading their
wealth of knowledge to the Battalion at
large to ensure combat casualties receive
prompt and proper care. The hard-
working medics of 1-27 IN have made
sure the members of the battalion remain
medically fit for duty and their hard work
is appreciated by all as the Battalion
looks forward to the end of its deploy-
ment.
COL Gunther Hsue— Battalion Medical Provider
MAJ Timothy Hoover— Battalion Physician’s Assistant
SFC George Koranyi— Medical Platoon Sergeant
SGT Luis Barrionuevo— Health Care Sergeant
SGT Steven Pham— Health Care Sergeant
SGT Benjamin Dang— TAC Medic
SGT Yasir Ortiz— Line Company Medic
SGT Adam Costello— Line Company Medic
SPC Joseph Shcumacher— Health Care Specialist
PFC Stephen Harrell— Mortar Platoon Medic
PFC Alan Newcomer— Scout Platoon Medic
PFC Joshua Souders— Health Care Specialist
PFC Lucas Gabriel— Line Company Medic
SPC Robert Kinne— Line Company Medic
PFC Michael Devries— Line Company Medic
SPC Matthew Stanley— Line Company Medic
SPC Christopher Horton— Line Company Medic
SPC Christopher Page— Line Company Medic
PV2 Shawn McCarthy— Line Company Medic
SPC Jordan Vigus— Line Company Medic
PFC Brian Guzman— Line Company Medic
SGT Keith Severin— Line Company Medic
SPC Michael Skirikanich— Line Company Medic
SPC Joe Lorenz— Line Company Medic
Above: The 1-27 IN Battalion Aid Station on
COB Speicher.
Above: PFC Joshua Souders examines a pa-
tient during routine sick call.
Left: SGT Keith
Severin prior to going
on a mission with C
Company, 1-27 IN.
Above: SGT Luis Barrionuevo with a simulated casualty
during medical training outside the Battalion Aid Station.
Life in the Medical Platoon