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1st BSTB - 1st BCT Camp Ar Ramadi Iraq
CONTACT INFORMATION
REAR DETACHMENT
CPT MIKE RICCITIELLO
SSG ANTONIO ESPARZA
FRG LEADERS
Family Readiness Support Assistant
Crystal Cavalier
Office: 910-396-5812
HHC FRG LDR: CHRISTINA CHAVEZ
A CO FRG LDR: CHANNING PERDUE
B CO FRG LDR: LAURA FUSZ
C CO FRG LDR: RHEA LIPSCOMB
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Devil Strike Dispatch
To the families and friends of Devil Strike, Salaam Alakim and greetings from An-bar province! August and September transi-tioned quickly into October and it feels good to write and say we are two months into our deployment. This month significantly in-creased our activity and support to Iraqi part-ners and I will attempt to bring our many ac-complishments to light in the space of one page. Our Special weapons exploita-tion team (SWET) made huge contri-butions since our last letter, partner-ing at locations across Anbar province to share i n t e l l i g e n c e , knowledge and training about fo-rensic evidence, processing crime scenes and work-ing with local Iraqi police on their security tech-niques. The commendations and positive comments from their partnered Iraqi units indicate that the teams are building great
rapport, trust and confi-dence with one another. Charlie Com-pany adopted a new nick-name, the “Coyotes” and tested their new nick name and communications capabilities setting up their Joint Network Node (JNN) at FOB Ubaydi, in support of the 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry. The Coyotes took their pack men-tality and accepted the challenge of working with USMC counterparts to establish a robust network where there was limited to non-existent communications support. Their task is ongoing as I write this, but the JNN teams at Ubaydi and Ramadi are linked in and pro-viding awesome support to the Brigade's communication package. Bravo Company is spread out across Al Anbar at FOBs Ubaydi, Taqqadum, Al Asaad and Ramadi. The silent warriors of B Com-
pany are well con-nected, well inte-grated and con-ducting robust intelligence sup-port to the Brigade and Devil Strike. The TUAS platoon is flying at full ca-pacity now and although it took significant time to get their equip-ment, once it ar-rived they were up and running in no time. Great job! Alpha com-
pany Sappers are on the roads in Al Anbar, clearing routes and ensuring safe passage and freedom of movement in our area. The platoons are at full capacity and conducting
From the Commander’s Desk
"The DEVIL STRIKE FRG is for the benefit of the FRG members only and is established exclusively for charitable purposes and to provide support to Sol-diers and family member as the Soldiers and families adapt to Army life. It is not a business and is not being run to generate profits. It is not an instrumentality of the United States Government." "The inclusion of some unofficial information in this FRG newsletter has not increased the costs to the Government, in accordance with DOD 4525.8-M."
1 9 O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 4
INSIDE
THE ISSUE
Command Team 1-2
Headquarters Co 2-3
NCO Ceremony 4
Alpha Company 5-6
Bravo Company 7-8
Charlie Company 8-9
“This month significantly
increased our activity and
support to Iraqi partners”
Our HHC Company Promotes Michael Sutton to Specialist
Members of our TUAS platoon are hard at work
some of the best clearance seen in some time. Additionally the Sappers are providing their construction experience to some of our "renovation" pro-jects around FOB Ramadi and our Battalion Headquarters Area. Special thanks to SPC Walker, SPC Miller, SPC Thompson and SGT Watson for their great efforts to support the “Devil Strike” team. Headquarters company provides the glue that holds us all together. The S1 team continues to process evaluations, pick up all the mail and care packages you are sending and processing our mid tour leave requests! Team S2 provides great insight and analysis into our operations and the S3 ops team has the planning and synchronization down to a science for Al Anbar. PSD has conducted several "road trips" in support of DS9 and my-self as we visited Paratroopers across the battlefield and did a great job. The S4 and support platoon are keeping us fed and moving our supplies. A special note of thanks to 2LT Pope SSG Long, SGT Greene, SPC Kabbes, SPC Wadlington, PFC Rodriguez and PVT Mahoney for their great work in the communications shop. They get us on line and long work hours to ensure that we can communicate. Thanks for all your efforts and dedication. I thank you all for your letters, packages, emails and thoughts. Your Paratrooper is working hard, motivated and in full support of “Devil Strike” and the Brigade's mission in Iraq. The professionalism and rapport that we share with our Iraqi counterparts is a testament to their abilities and efforts. Please keep an eye on the facebook page for updates and most importantly pictures from the front. Thank you. ATW! LTC Douglas Stitt DS6
HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS COMPANY Family and friends of HHC, greetings from Camp Ramadi, Iraq. The past month has been a busy one for your Paratroopers. In the time since I last wrote, the brigade conducted the transfer of authority with the Marine Corps regiments throughout the province, and the company has begun operations to sustain and support the battalion and brigade. The Troopers of HHC have been working tirelessly con-ducting missions throughout the province. 2LT Rich Ingram and SSG Arlondo Sutton’s Support Platoon has conducted a number of logistical patrols to both Al Taqqadum and Al Asad to provide much needed repair parts to SFC Joseph Rade-baugh’s hard working motor pool. The Special Weapons Exploitation Team (SWET) has deployed Paratroopers at every Forward Operating Base in the province and has begun training and assisting the Iraqi Secu-rity Forces on evidence collection and forensic analysis. 2LT Jessica
McMullin and SGT Kyle Null have taken the PSD all over Al Anbar province to include Baghdad as they transport the senior leadership of the battalion throughout the area. The Soldier’s of HHC have performed all of their tasks with the vigor and determination that is expected from Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division and continue to excel in all that they do. Congratulations to SSG Jeremy King and family who was recently promoted to Sergeant First Class and joined the senior ranks of Army’s Non-Commissioned Offi-cers. Also, congratulations to the Army newest Non-Commissioned Officers: SGT Kevin Bowers, SGT Joseph Philbin, SGT Brian Norwood, SGT Christopher Maurer, SGT David Edward, SGT Phillip Uphold, and SGT Daniel Moser.
The support that the Family Readiness Group under Christina Chavez and all the families have given us continues to sustain us and provides the motivation we need to perform our missions. Thank you for all that you do for the Paratroopers of HHC.
ATW! CPT Bob Yerkey HHC Commander
Reciently promoted SGT Philbin and Support Platoon Sergeant SSG Sutton
Members of our Special Weapons Exploitation Team are hard at work
One of the characteristic smiles that come from our S1 Shop
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As we enter our third month of deployment the Para-troopers of 1st BSTB continue to amaze me. I have been stationed several places over the years and been on six deployments in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. The thing that never ceases to amaze me is the motivation, bonding and willingness of Soldiers to go the extra mile to help each other and the people of other na-tions. PFC Ryan Morris is one of my Paratroopers and is on his first de-ployment. I still remember what he said to me as we arrived to Camp Ramadi “Sergeant that was my first time on a helicopter. That was awesome!” The excitement on his face is easy to remember. He was completely energized by this and his excitement has not faded since. The constant enthusiasm has moti-vates my shop. SPC Kristin Pasag is my other Paratrooper. She is responsible for giving intelligence briefings to our Convoy Commanders. For the first four years of her career she was a vehicle mechanic. It was during her first deployment she decided to reclassify to become an All Source Intelligence Analyst. She is amazingly smart and has picked up on all the tasks that are necessary to be a great analyst. Anytime there is a project to be completed she jumps at the opportunity to do it. SPC Pasag’s desire is to be the best analyst, which is apparent through her actions and work ethic. She recently attended the Sergeant Promotion Board where she had a stellar performance! She will more than likely make points for promotion to Sergeant on the first of November.
On a larger scale, as a Company and Battalion I find it greatly motivating when we can award and promote the Paratroopers of our unit. Earlier this week we had a Pro-motion Ceremony in which some very deserving Para-troopers where promoted. The excitement and pride dis-played by the individuals who were promoted and their NCOs was quite evident. They are doing a very tough
and demanding job. Kudos to them for their hard work and dedication! In my opinion Soldiers are a cut above the average person. They know full well the ramifica-tions of being a Soldier and a Para-trooper. The Paratroopers of the 1BSTB have been tasked with a tough mission; not only do they ac-complish the mission, but they do it with a standard of excellence! I have been nowhere else in the Army that can compete with the motivation of our Paratroopers! I am proud to work with and be sur-rounded by such an amazing group of men and women. “All The Way”
is not just a saying to these Paratroopers. It is a lifestyle they embrace! I am proud of their accomplishments and hope you are also. ATW! SFC Patrick Marshall S2 NCOIC
Helicopters make most soldiers nauseous, but not my soldier. PFC Ryan Morris is excited to be on his first ride.
HHC “From the Foxhole” Article—Strike Intel (S2) Shop
“Indian Summer!”
Specialist Jeremy Sisk poses beside the tempera-ture gage outside of our Headquarters. An Indian Summer is that short time in Fall where summer temps comes back for a few days. Here, our Indian Summer is over 100 degrees! I’m sure it wasn’t actually 120, but it was pretty hot.
1BSTB PROMOTION AND NCO INDUCTION CEREMONY
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We conducted an NCO Promotion and Induction Ceremony on 5 October 2009. The Promotion Ceremony included soldiers from Corporal (E-4) to Sergeant First Class (E-7). Our Induction Ceremony was not only a time to recognize newly promoted NCOs, but to remember those standards on which the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps is founded. The key note speaker, CSM Jose Castillo, encouraged and challenged our newly promoted NCOs to continue to strive for excellence and put the needs of others before their own. Below are pictures from the ceremony. To be promoted dur-ing the year of the NCO is quite an honor for our soldiers.
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Greetings, friends and family back home. Another month has passed and as the weather starts to get chilly back home, I can assure you it is still hot over here. That seems to be a relative term, because the upper 80’s to mid 90’s doesn’t seem quite that bad. It has started getting quite chilly during the nights though…again, that’s a relative term! This month has been quite busy for our Sappers, with a lot of great things go-ing on from promotions to baby births and the start of our R&R leaves. That’s right; we’ve begun the process of sending our Sappers home for their much deserved leave!
Just as the weather is changing, many other changes to the outward appearance of Alpha Company have happened in the last month. We’ve welcomed 6 new baby sappers to our company and had five much-deserved promotions. Congratula-tions to those families represented below!
New Baby Sappers Tysin Walker, born SEP 1
Zion D’joun Johnson, born SEP 5 Isai Immanuel Boone, born SEP 9
Cameron Sigler Doster, born SEP 16 Blain Anthony Shelton, born OCT 3 Hunter Scott Kennedy, born OCT 10
Promotions SPC Poulnot, Jason A
SGT Jorgensen, Christopher L SFC Graves, Kristian E SPC Abzalov, Ilkhom
SPC Kazar, Christopher J
The platoons have been keeping busy as well. Since all of our missions are at night, we sleep during the day and work all night. A typical day consists of PT (physical training) in the afternoon, then a couple of meetings, and then work-ing at night. About once or twice a week, the platoons will not have a mission, so they can perform preventative mainte-nance on their equipment. Maintenance days consist of pressure washing the ve-hicles, conducting operator level mainte-nance, having our mechanics inspect the vehicles, and ensuring the vehicles are re-stocked and ready for the next mission. As you know, maintenance on our vehi-
cles is one of the most important tasks that we can do to help us keep the roads of Al Anbar province safe. So, our Sap-pers take great pride in ensuring our vehi-cles are always ready. Our Route Clear-ance Packages are vital to the overall success of our mission here in the Al An-bar province. While our Route Clearance Packages are on the road, we have the Headquarters platoon working in the Tac-tical Operation Center (TOC) that commu-nicates and tracks their every move via the radio and the blue force tracker (GPS based tracking system). The TOC always knows where our platoons are and what they’re doing. Our TOC’s role, although not very “cool” is vital to the success of our mission. On that note, the company welcomed SFC Butler this month as our new Company Operations NCO. Although it’s a steep learning curve and he has some big shoes to fill. He is stepping up and doing a great job. Finally, I would like to thank each of you again for all the love and support we continue to receive from back home. We have a very important mission over here and knowing that our families and friends are behind us all the way, makes it easier for us to accomplish that mission. Thank you for doing your part to help us!
“Sappers lead the way, all the way!” CPT Brandon Perdue A Co Commanding
ALPHA COMPANY NEWSLETTER— “ROCK STEADY!”
Above: 2LT Curley is at his desk, preparing his orders for the next mission
Below: The roads in Iraq are not as forgiving as those in Fayette-
ville, as seen by this shredded tire (no one was hurt).
Above: One of our engineer platoons are heading out for a night mission.
Below: SPC Boden pops his head out of the hatch to
better communicate before the mission.
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Hello, I’m PFC Barry Hall of 2nd Pla-toon and I am at Camp Ramadi Iraq. As a Combat Engineer, our mission is to con-duct Route Clearance Operations along the major roads in order to provide friendly forces the ability to use the roads safely. During missions, it is important to rely on
our training. We must always stay aware of our surroundings. This includes paying special attention to the local traffic, coalition convoys, and any sort of debris along the side of the road. Attention to detail is a phrase we live by. Our job is important because we insure that the convoys carrying logistical sup-plies can make it safely to their destination. As a married Soldier, my wife is always on my mind. This is good because it keeps me focused and motivated. When we aren’t out on missions or preparing for missions, I spend a lot of time in the MWR building on the computer
emailing and chatting with my wife, Rochel. She will be taking over as the company’s FRG leader. I am proud of her for stepping up to take
o n this important role for the company. The FRG leader is the critical link between we who are deployed and our families back home. She helps keep the families informed. As always, there never seems
to be enough time in the day. As it
seems we are always busy con-
ducting missions, preparing for
missions, or training to sharpen our
skills and remaining tactically and
physically fit.
Well, duty calls…this is PFC Hall thanking all of you
for your support.
Alpha Company “From the Foxhole” Article Written by PFC Barry Hall
“Attention to detail is a
phrase we live by.”
Bravo Company: The Black Dagger Bulletin The second month of our deployment has rapidly come and gone, with your paratroopers continuing their great work in support of the 1st Brigade Combat Team. On September 26th, we officially re-lieved the 6th and 8th Marine Regi-mental Combat teams in Al Anbar, with nine of Bravo Company’s troop-ers chosen to represent the Brigade: SSG Clark, SGT Lawrence, SGT Darby, SGT Kirk, SGT Watts, SGT Frederick, SGT Jones, SPC Bowers, and PFC Summers. The TUAS pla-toon is now up and flying, having gotten the last of their equipment toward the end of September. Every day, they are out flying missions in support of the Brigade’s battalions, providing valuable intelligence for ongoing operations. The Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) platoon continues to work with their Marine Corps counterparts on understanding targets and the environment, while integrating their new platoon leader, LT Ken Poplar. Headquarters platoon is happy to welcome SPC Baker out to the fight. The Human Intelligence (HUMINT) platoon has taken over for their Marine counterparts fully now, and received nothing but excellent reviews from the maneuver battalions that they are working with every day across the Anbar Province. Across the company, we’ve also received a good deal of training this month, to include safety, fire prevention, sui-cide prevention. While we continue the day to day work of providing intelligence collection and support to the Brigade Combat
Team as a company, our paratroopers continue to excel and progress in their professional careers. On October 12th, SSG Ashley from the HUMINT platoon reenlisted,
choosing to continue his service to the Army and country. We welcomed a new supply clerk, PFC Britt, to the team while losing SPC Lettsome, who has moved on to bigger and bet-ter things in the battalion S4 section. SGT Hanley, SGT Mitchell, SGT Meyer, and SGT Frederick all got promoted in October, capping an-other great month for B Company. From the commander and 1SG, thank you once again to the friends and family of Bravo Company back home,
and thanks for the support that you provide our para-troopers ev ery day. Whether by mail, email, or phone, we see every day how much that support means to them, and know that they are missed and loved back there. All the best to you, from here at Ramadi. ATW!
CPT Bill Fusz and 1SG Dallas Thomas
HUMINT Platoon Update – SGT Frederick Greetings from Camp Ramadi. It’s surprising how
quickly the first two months have passed us by. Here in the HUMINT world, our operations have begun to run smoothly. At first we had some growing pains and minor kinks, but those have been amended thanks to the tire-less efforts of the platoon. Through hard work and long hours we have been able to create an efficient, stream-lined operation.
Our beloved HUMINTers are currently stretched across the entire Al-Anbar Province and have been work-ing diligently providing the Brigade with critical informa-tion. Here in Ramadi we have managed to create an en-joyable work space, with plenty of computers and chairs. We even managed to enlist the help of an A Company engineer to help build office furniture. The collective ef-forts of the Platoon and Company has been outstanding.
Because of the long hours of a HUMINTer - con-ducting source operations, collecting intelligence, writing
and reviewing reports - it is important to find ways off duty to keep a high morale. SPC Shumsky won a Gold Medal in the Camp Korean Village “No Limit Hold-em” tourna-ment, beating all comers. PFC Anaya won second place in the Camp Ramadi 10k fun run. SSG Galbreath and his team continue to target terrorists by playing (and beating) “Rainbox 6” on PS3. SSG Pendleton and his team have BBQ night under the plentiful stars of the desert sky. SSG Clark and his team keep up inter-service relations by occasionally smoking flavored tobacco with the Marines and the other HUMINT team at Camp Taqaddum.
As for our current goal, we will continue to make constant progress in support of the Brigade Combat Team. The initial shock is now over and we have settled in and are prepared for the rest of the deployment that lies ahead.
ATW! SGT Frederick
BRAVO COMPANY “FROM THE FOXHOLE”
SGT Hanley is being promoted
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Bravo Company From The Flight Line
Charlie Company “From the Foxhole” Article Written by 2LT Nathan Oglesbee
For the JNN2 Platoon paratroopers of Charlie Company 1BSTB stationed at Ubaydi. Life is exciting on the banks of the Euphrates. Morale is high and signal troop-ers are getting to do the jobs that they signed up for. From troubleshooting the network and filling radios to adjusting satel-lites and fueling generators, there is always work to be done. Site improvement begins to take center stage as the tactical network becomes stable and signal soldiers get to test out their carpentry skills, building desks and equipment enclosures to make the desert feel more at home. After shift, paratroopers study for schools and certifi-cation, call home, or enjoy a round of cards or dominoes with each other to pass the time into the night. The members of JNN2 Platoon wish to give a big thanks to all their loved ones, Rear-D, and the FRG for their prayers and considerations.
ATW! 2LT Nathan Oglesbee
JNN 2 Troopers serving your country from a little town in Iraq called Ubaydi… the best of the best.
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Guten Tag (German for Hello), well a few things have changed since our last update. The one that probably sticks out the most in this update is our company mascot. It has changed from the Comanche’s to the Coyotes. At first every-one was a little upset, however since the change the troopers have really embraced the new mascot theme. They under-stand that Coyotes are small pack animals and a little bit of scavengers. This fits Charlie Company to a “T”. Plus they really like the “Wile E. Coyote” thought, we are a little bit wily ourselves. The other big change to the update is that we finally received our equipment and are decisively engaged in support-ing the BDE and 3-73 Cavalry in Ubaydi, Iraq. It has been in-teresting to say the least; you would not believe the little grem-lins that have been plaguing our equipment since we have been here. Our Troopers have been working extremely hard to fix things and provide the best service possible. There is no quit in your loved ones and they have been recognized by lead-ers at all levels.
In the last 30 days we also conducted a company size “patch ceremony”. This is an old tradition that is very special to us. When soldiers deploy with a unit, they are awarded the unit patch to wear on their right sleeve to display they have been to combat. It is especially important to have deployed with the best Division in the Army… the 82nd Airborne Division!
Please continue to support our Troopers through this tough deployment, they are doing such great things over here. They are truly making a difference every day. They work hard and during their time off they play hard. Many focus on lifting weights, playing football, and physical training. It is such an honor to serve with outstanding and proud Americans. The sacrifices you and your loved one make everyday warms my heart and proves we live in the greatest nation on earth. Thank for all the support, please if there is anything you need feel free to contact your Rear-D or myself for assistance. Have an Air-borne Day!
ATW! CPT Rodney Lipscomb and 1SG Bill Bellomy
Charlie Company— “Coyote Chronicles”
PFC Cueller receiving a 1BSTB Battalion Coin of Excellence for his hard work
and dedication.
SGT Kramer’s latest “kill”. He is sending this one off to the taxidermist to get mounted and
hung on his wall. He is a great and mighty hunter. She’s a beauty!
Welcome new Charlie Company Paratroopers PVT Rhoades and PFC Peralis
Promotions PVT Greer to PV2
PV2 Schwartz to PFC PFC Lolley to SPC SPC Fields to SGT
New Combat Veterans 2LT Nadeau, 2LT Oglesbee, 2LT Pope, SGT
Russell, SGT Tillman, SPC Lolley, SPC Madecky, SPC Negron, SPC Webster, PFC Ca-sey, PFC Christian, PFC Correa, PFC Cueller, PFC Dixon, PFC Kropp, PFC Haddix, PFC Per-alis, PFC Rodriquez, PFC Schwartz, PFC Wil-
liams, PV2 Greer, PVT Rhoades
PFC Herrera receiving a 1BSTB Battalion Coin of Excellence for his out-
standing performance.
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