106th financial management company delta detachments february newspaper
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106th Financial Management Company Delta Detachments February newspaperTRANSCRIPT
Commander’s Corner
Dragon Report D e l ta , 1 0 6 t h FM S U
Inside this issue:
The Corner 1
Robert Smalls 2
SHARP Training 3
Operation Dirty
Harry
4-5
Do It Yourself
Maintenance
6-7
From Me to You 8
Employee of the
Year
9
Soldier Spotlight 10
Travel Destinations 10
Baby Showers 11
Welcome Back 11
Birthdays and
Upcoming Events
12
Volume 2, Issue 2 February 2013
Greetings Dragons! Our Detachment Sergeant has some
good words of wisdom for you that are very important, so I’ll
be brief. For those of you with significant others, be sure to
let them know how much you appreciate them during Valen-
tine’s Day. Even if you don’t have a specific significant other,
let your family know how much their support means to you. I
expect everyone to call home or share something extra spe-
cial with their loved ones this month! Also, remember to take
a moment and pay tribute to those that lead in the struggle
for equality in observance of Black History Month. Dragons!
Hello Dragons, this month I’d like to talk about a discussion I had with a fellow Soldier. We talked about what was the best way to accomplish
all missions. The debate centered on effectiveness verses pure effi-ciency. My first response was that anyone seeking to refine a process should study the procedures in place and observe the process in action to identify any inefficiency. The next step should be to change the pro-cedures and analyze the effectiveness of the changes. He countered
with “well what if the process is efficient but not effective?” This small question started my wheels turning and weeks later I was still ponder-ing the question. A little while after that I attended Leaders Profes-sional Development and we were discussing the Army as a Profession of Arms. The question surfaced again and this time there was a more
detailed description of what framed the initial question. The Army is asking this same question of all its leaders. “Should we solely rely on pure efficiency in operations or seek to understand the process in its entirety so that we can then be more effective at what we do?” Let’s take for an example a highly skilled heart surgeon. He can be consid-
ered as the epitome of precision and efficiency by balancing the act of killing a person, and bringing them back to life during a heart trans-plant. But did we ever stop to think that if during previous appoint-ments, the patient could have been identified as a risk and subse-quently placed on a regimen that would not have resulted in surgery?
This does not make him any less efficient as a surgeon but it does ques-tion the effectiveness of the approach. This, in my opinion is the prob-lem we are faced with as an Army. We have highly trained technically competent individuals that can accomplish a broad array of tasks in a wartime environment (ie…surgery). On the other hand we also have to
have the foresight to accomplish Garrison operations that may require more attention to details that don’t affect the end result of our wartime mission; but conversely affect the overall development of an agile adaptable force of Professional Soldiers. With this in mind we should strive to have a baseline of efficiency in all that we do but we must
also be aware of the requirements of our higher echelons of command so that we can make informed decisions effectively.
Detachment Sergeants Corner
Robert Smalls in Honor of Black History Month
Robert Smalls (1839-1916) was a black Ameri-
can statesman who was born a slave and made a daring
escape at the beginning of the Civil War. After the war
he served five terms in Congress as the representative
from South Carolina.
Robert Smalls was born a slave on April 5, 1839.
He was taken to Charleston as a youth. He soon mas-
tered the seafaring art and became the de facto pilot of
a Confederate transport steamer, the Planter. Smalls
never accepted his enslaved condition and was deter-
mined to free himself. He taught himself to read and
write, mastered the tricky currents and channels of Charleston Harbor. Sooner or
later his chance would come: he would be free. He had to be free.
The Civil War brought his chance. On the morning of May 13, 1862, while
the ship's white officers still slept in Charleston, Smalls smuggled his wife and
three children aboard the Planter and took command. With his crew of 12 slaves,
Smalls hoisted the Confederate flag and with great daring sailed the Planter past
the other Confederate ships and out to sea. He hoisted a flag of truce and delivered
the Planter to the commanding officer of the Union fleet. Smalls explained that he
intended the Planter as a contribution by black Americans to the cause of freedom.
Later, President Lincoln received Smalls in Washington and rewarded him and his
crew for their valor. He was given official command of the Planter and made a cap-
tain in the U.S. Navy; in this position he served throughout the war.
-http://biography.yourdictionary.com/robert-smalls
Dragon Report Page 2
Robert Smalls
Sharp Training by SPC Rawlins
Recently, Delta Detachment con-
ducted SHARP Training. The objective
was to introduce the Army’s new poli-
cies on Sexual Harassment and Sexual
Assault. While there were changes, the
undertone was the same. Harassment
and Assault will not be tolerated. What
did change was the emphasis placed on
peer prevention/intervention. We are
stronger together; we must watch out for
our peers and Intervene and Act as necessary.
The motivation during the training was apparent. Many questions were
asked, group discussion was initiated at times to hash out scenarios and formulate
responses. We were able to clear up misconceptions that come from having sol-
diers of different backgrounds. The important part was to clarify what is
acceptable and unacceptable and what are the warning signs that your battle buddy
could be getting themselves into a compromising situation.
The instructor was well versed in the changes that were being implemented.
SSG Nathan Benyo emphasized the consequences of making a poor decision. He
also defended the practice of holding battle buddies accountable for their in-action.
There was a lot of group discussion on this and how severely should an
NCO/Officer ‘scold’ a battle that maybe de-emphasized a situation.
Overall, very impressive course, very knowledgeable instructor and kudo’s to
the command team for ensuring Soldiers stay up to date with latest policy imple-
mentations. Informed soldiers habitually make better decisions.
Dragon Report Page 3
Completed course Soldiers of SHARP Training
Operation Dirty Harry by 1LT Wall and SGT McKay
Dragon Report Page 4
The men and women of the Finance Corps.
have to be ready at any time to perform Finance
missions throughout the world. To do that we must
be trained, especially on our weapon systems.
In keeping with the best traditions of the
Army, D/106th Financial Management Support
Unit conducted a M9 Pistol qualification range at
Breitenwald Range located in Landstuhl, Germany.
There were a total of 21 fires with a total of 17
qualifications (6 Experts, 5 Sharpshooters, and 6
Marksman).
Operation Dirty Harry went off without a
hitch. The day began early with weapons draw at
0530, breakfast, loading the vehicles, and a convoy briefing then we departed for
the range at 0700. Upon arrival to Breitenwald Range setup began, during this time
targets were posted, ammo was loaded, and all range personnel were given a safety
briefing by the range OIC 1LT Wall. After the safety briefing the RSO, SFC Mott,
along with his Safeties (SGT Killen and SGT Williams) were posted in their posi-
tions on the range and the first firing order was issued their ammunition and or-
dered to the firing line. Before record firing began each Soldier had an 7 rounds for
familiarization which was the key to the success and accuracy of all firers on this
day.
Due to the smooth transitions between firing orders and the positive control
of our leaders, Delta accomplished their mission ahead of schedule. We ate sack
lunches provided by Clock Tower Café and then began range recovery operations.
What really stood out was what happened before the range. Conducting a
thorough PMI at the Panzer EST 2000 made all the difference in the world.
PFC Gomez engages his 25m target.
Delta Detachment Soldiers conduct range table rehearsals at the EST 2000 on Panzer
Kaserne.
Operation Dirty Harry-cont.
Dragon Report Page 5
At the EST 2000 we conducted classes on the
mechanical operation of the weapon. We went
over basic marksmanship techniques like
breathing, trigger pull, grip, stance, and sight
picture. We even had a chance to rehearse the
range electronically. This provided invaluable
insight not only to the firers but also to their
leaders. Soldiers needing additional training
were easy to indentify. This made a difference
especially in young Soldiers that had not had a lot of
experience with the weapon. All in all the range was a great
success.
SPC Zayas and PFC Gomez inspecting their weapons.
SGT Williams working on
her shot group.
PFC Olivieri and SFC Mott
spending some quality time.
Do It Yourself Maintenance: The Real Value of the Euro
Dragon Report Page 6
It has been about 4000 miles since I last changed the oil in the
“Beast”. About a month ago I previously discussed with my German
mechanic the price for an oil change. He promptly replied “oh about
160 Euro”. I was confused, but he continued “you buy the oil from
the PX because it’s cheaper and bring your oil filter; I will then
change the oil.” Flabbergasted, I enquired “Will there be any other
services performed like maybe topping off the fluids, rotating the
tires and a fuel treatment?” Now he looked confused and replied “No just the oil change”.Well
it was in that moment that I decided that I would be changing my own oil. I refuse to be a vic-
tim of this hustle in this foreign land. I’m an American dangit!
I was sure nothing has changed with the internal combustion engine that would render
this job too hard for me. So with a determined resolve and my Texan spirit of independence I
set about this task just like any other new task… I Googled “F150 Oil Change”. A quick login
to Amazon.com and about three clicks later the items were on the way.
Of course things never go as planned. I pulled the drain plug so I got a hot oil treatment
all over my fingers. The black gold burst forth with an unexpected trajectory that just cleared
the pan and hit the garage floor. In all the commotion I bumped my head on a frame support,
and cursed everything in my garage out. After I wiped my hands off I figured I’ll put those
nifty gloves on now just in case there was a similar incident with the filter. It looked simple
enough, righty tighty, lefty loosey. So I grabbed the filter with my rubberized gloves and tried
giving it a spin. Only issue was the darn thing wouldn’t budge. Ah! I remembered the filter
wrench. I grabbed it contorted my body in every way possible and soon realized that this filter
is in the most inconvenient location ever. So I squeezed and turned and knocked all types of
dirt loose and into my face, eyes, and hair. I opened the hood tried to grab it from the top.
Nope. Maybe from the side. Nope. Even backwards at an angle. Nope. I even got in and turned
the front wheel to get a better view. Nothing worked. I couldn’t get any grip with the gloves
because the oil had soaked through, I busted all my knuckles, and I was quickly developing
muscle failure in the three fingers that could reach the filter. I cursed the Jiffy lube attendant
back in the states.
Semi defeated I went back to the drawing board and
Googled “stuck oil filter”. There I discovered the old hammer
and screwdriver technique. This entails beating a screwdriver
into the side of the filter and then using it as a handle. Looked
promising, with my jaw set firmly I headed back to the garage.
Well, of course that didn’t work. I basically destroyed the dang
thing and ripped numerous holes in it releasing copious
amounts of oil in the process.
Do It Yourself Maintenance: The Real Value of the Euro
Dragon Report Page 7
When I finally did get the screwdriver wedged in the thing enough to apply pressure I
grabbed a block of wood crawled in from behind and beat the heck out of it. To my surprise it
actually turned a quarter turn! I promptly got down on my back and with my legs wedged up
against the wall I pushed this thing with all my might and it turned a wee bit more. Then it hit
me… From behind I was now moving the filter to the right. RIGHTY TIGHTY! I actually
tightened it down more. With that I laid the wood down, exhaled a deep sigh of defeat, and
crawled up the stairs, beaten soundly by the oil filter from hell.
The next morning I was sore from all of the contorted positions I forced my body into
the night prior. Now I must face the embarrassment of asking the wife for her car keys because
the Beast was deadlined from my “maintenance”. I hopped in the car and got about two min-
utes down the road and realized that it was Sunday. My neighborhood shop and the rest of Ger-
many would be shut down because it was Sunday.
I start back on the “Beast” again and then unexpectedly the chain on the filter
wrench pops apart. I look at the filter and I swear it’s laughing at me. At this point I just lay on
the floor under the “Beast” looking up at the rusting exhaust manifold and enjoying the cool-
ness of the garage floor. I’m smoked mentally and physically. A single negative thought creeps
into my head. I might have to have my truck towed to the mechanic and still pay him the exor-
bitant price on top of a tow fee. I dismiss the thought immediately. My recent resiliency train-
ing kicks in. I hunt the good stuff and say aloud “SFC Mott get off the floor and complete the
mission“!
I grab the busted filter wrench and look it over. It’s not
busted, a link just came loose. I get up and head to my work-
bench. A few taps with the hammer on the vise tightened it back
up. I remember I had success before upside down behind the front
wheel at an angle. So I crawled back under the truck with the
Rocky theme playing in my mind. I busted my knuckles again
placing that chain around the housing but I didn’t stop. I was on a
mission and a little pain wouldn’t stop me. I wedged my body in
between the wheel and the garage wall and pulled as if I were doing a alternate staggered grip
pull up. Then it budged. I couldn’t believe it! I took a 30 second break
to catch my breath and I pulled again with all my might. It budged
again, this time a full quarter turn! After about ten more pulls the filter
finally spun freely. I jumped up and declared victory over the Ger-
mans and the conspiracy to make me dependent on their service. With
my independent Texan vigor renewed I finished up by topping off the
oil replacing the filter and I planned my next maintenance foray.
From Me to You
Dragon Report Page 8
To the Women in my life: Sveta,Olga, Alina…
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I love you.
Happy to be with my son, Dontae...
My Special Valentine
From Mom
Happy Valentine’s Day, Abby.
I love you,
Michael
Lay-Lay, Thank you for being
the love of my life!
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Sweety. Love,
Mommy
Happy Vale
ntine’s
Day Chooch
!
Blessed and
grateful
to call you
mine,
Jeff
Te amo mi amor
Happy Valentine’s Day
Jahvangh
Hey shatzi
Happy Valentine’s Day,
ich liebe dich,
Nathan
Ich Liebe Dich
Mauschen,
Fuer Immer,
Mandy
내 가장 소중한, Juyun
및 Jisu에게, 난 널
사랑해! Love Matt
Department of the Air Force Employee of the Year by SGT McKay
On January 8, 2013, 86th Force Support Squadron (Air Force) held their An-
nual Awards ceremony at the Officer’s Club on Ramstein, Air Force Base to cele-
brate the accomplishments of the civilians and service members’ of the 86th FSS.
Amongst the numerous awards being presented that day was the Employee of the
Year award for various employee categories.
Before the awards ceremony began there was a complimentary breakfast
served which gave everyone time to catch up. Amongst the attendees was Svetlana
McKay the budget analyst/projects manager for 86th FSS who had been named the
employee of the quarter (NAF-4/GS-11 category) for the 3rd Quarter FY 2012 and
was unaware of the fact that she had also been nominated for employee of the year.
As the awardees received their awards you could sense the appreciation their peers
have for them.
As the award for Employee of Year (NAF-4/GS-11 category) was announced
the round of applause seemed to go on that much longer and the cheers from her
peers that much louder. It was all for the employee that exemplified the 86th FSS
by putting people first, tak-
ing pride in what she does,
and striving to perform her
mission in a way that ex-
ceeds all expectations. As
Svetlana McKay’s name was
announced she sat shocked
for a moment in her chair
then walked to the podium to
accept her award with grati-
tude.
Dragon Report Page 9
Svetlana McKay receiving the award for Employee of the Year
Travel Destinations by PFC Gomez
Soldier Spotlight by SGT Williams
Dragon Report Page 10
PV2 Kody Shafer is from Enterprise, Alabama.
He entered the Army in May 2012 and completed
AIT September 2012.
PV2 Shafer has been an excellent addition to
Delta Detachment. He has continually shown that
he is the right man for the job. Shafer won his De-
tachment board and came in second at the 106th
FMSU board. He participated in the Army’s Phillip
A. Connelly competition detail for over a month.
On the 11th of January he completed Level 1
Combative Training. PV2 Shafer continues to hit
the mark in all of the tasks that he is given. Despite
his youth he regularly provides sterling customer
service to the Soldiers of the Kaiserslautern Area.
About 50km south of Kaiserslautern, just east of Pirmasens is a little known
park named Erlebnispark Teufelstisch. It is a
beautiful park that is great for kids of all ages.
At the base of the mountain below the
rock formation is a children's park perfect for
family picnics and outings. All around, my
wife and I had a great time exploring this
lesser known part of our community. I would
highly recommend this for anyone in the area. PFC Gomez exploring the rock formations.
PFC Shaefer
Welcome Back
Baby Showers by PFC Samuels
Dragon Report Page 11
On Thursday 17, January Delta detachment
106th FMC organized and held a baby
shower for not one, but two of their soldiers
who are expecting a new bundle of joy to
their individual families. Both families are
expecting baby boys in February. The event
was held at the Mexican Cantina close to the
Vogelweh housing. The atmosphere was
wonderful for both the adults and children in
attendance, the
area was decorated with blue and white balloons and fea-
tured both expecting moms seated at either ends of the
table. Along with the many gifts that were bought for the
families the celebration also featured baby shower games
such as: using a piece of string to guess the size of the
mother’s belly and sniffing baby diapers to guess what
was the ingredient placed in to resemble baby waste. All
in attendance enjoyed the event and we wish both families a safe delivery and re-
covery.
All of Delta Detachment would like to welcome SFC
Victa back from his recent deployment in Support of
NATO missions inside of Turkey. We are proud of
your service and dedication to a good cause. Having
said that, we are glad to see that you made it home
safely and glad to have your friendship and expertise
back in the Detachment.
Best Cake Ever!!
SFC Victa in front of Incirlik Air Base
Mrs. Duran receiving a gift.
March Birthdays & Anniversaries
PFC & Mrs. Gomez 2nd year Wedding Anniversary 18 March
PFC Harris 08 March
Tyre Bethea 15 March
SGT Killen 16 March
Ethan Killen 18 March
PFC Olivieri 20 March
Saul Santiago 20 March
SPC Brazil 22 March
Boudreaux-Cash 26 March
Dragon Report Page 12
Upcoming Events
15-18 Feb: President’s Day Holiday
24 Feb: Sunday Ski and Snowboard Lessons with Outdoor
Recreation
28 Feb: M16 Range
28 Feb: Monthly FRG Meeting
02 Mar: Salzburg Express
15 Mar: BOSS Weekend at Edelweiss
15-18 Mar: USAREUR Training Holiday
23 Mar: Paris Express
29 Mar: European FM Spring Formal