battalion newsletter july
DESCRIPTION
1-14th Battalion NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
Hellraisers
HHB, 1-14 FA – JULY 2013 Newsletter
The Steel Warrior Adventure Race was an amazing way to open the
month of July. In celebration of our Independence, Soldiers along with Coalition
partners participated in a grueling mental and physical event that promoted team-
work and esprit de corps. After nearly three hours of negotiating the course in 100
degree temperatures, Soldiers were rewarded with an outstanding barbeque pro-
vided by the cooks of the 578th Forward Support Company.
As our host nation observes Ramadan, we were invited to participate in
an Emirati led Sports Carnival which included events such as soccer, volleyball,
relay and sprint races, tug-of-war, and an endurance test. All the events were
hosted at night and included all of our coalition partners; Emiratis, Australians,
and British forces. Hellraiser Soldiers were determined to display their agility and
physical abilities by advancing to the finals with the Steel Warrior soccer team.
Not a month passes without a VIP visit and July is no different with a
visit from the Consul General to Dubai, Mr. Rob Waller. Hellraisers along with
the rest of the Steel Warrior battalion displayed that we are truly the best trained
and most ready HIMARS battalion in the world.
Whether it’s during missions or contributing to the quality of life at
Camp Redleg, the Hellraisers are continuing to make great contribution to the
battalion’s success. Soldiers continue to work hard and grow each day through
their rigorous training and development. Fifteen Soldiers were able to showcase
their pistol skills with the qualification range at the Australian range complex.
Despite being away from home and their loved ones the Hellraisers’ spirits are
high. We continue to drive on with our mission and continue to utilize this oppor-
tunity to demonstrate all the hard work we have put into this deployment.
Between their training, mission support, and life support activities Sol-
diers are able to enjoy some of the special attractions Dubai has to offer by relax-
ing at the Wild Wadi Water Park and resort. Other Soldiers decided to visit the
Dubai Hard Rock café and enjoy a meal and shopping at the nearby shopping
center.
Many of our Families enjoyed a summer break with family members
outside the Lawton/ Ft Sill area. We wish you safe travels and enjoyable visit
with your loved ones. Family members that remained at Ft Sill enjoyed a night of
Family fun with bowling at Twin Oaks Bowling Center on July 18th. Thank you
for the continued support and dedication to your deployed Soldiers, we are forever
indebted to you for your service!
1SG Kevin Carter CPT Brandon McKean
HELLRAISER 7 HELLRAISER 6
WARRIOR OF
THE WEEK
NOMINEES
SPC Bryant
SGT Hernandez
PFC Tanchyk
SGT Amezcua
CELEBRATIONS
July 4th
Independence Day
PROMOTIONS
2LT Stogner to 1LT
SGT Foley to SSG
PFC Atkins to SPC
PFC Machuca to
SPC
BIRTHDAYS
June – 1SG Kevin
Carter 1st, SPC Chris-
topher Alipio 2nd, SGT
Charles Bass 7th, CSM
Dan Nolen 16th, SFC
Leandrew McDonald
17th, SPC Eric Milzar-
ski 24th, SFC Sean
Dillon 26th, PFC Wil-
liam Huber 30th.
July—PFC Christo-
pher Tanchyk 12th,
SGT Dominique Livas
13th, CPT Nathan Tate
17th, SPC Nicholas
Esposito 17th, CW2
Michael Carney 25th,
PFC Andrea Burton
25th.
August— SPC Steven
Bryant 5th, SSG Joshua
Cope, 8th, SSG Justin
Lowry 10th, SPC Quin-
ton Ogletree 14th, SGT
Kaley Maben 15th,
SSG Jeremy Burns
16th, SPC Christopher
Geisler 23rd, SPC
David Perez 24th, 1LT
Amanda Hassett 30th.
d
Hellraisers
Photos
HHB, 1-14 FA – JULY 2013 Newsletter
Sports Carnival
Soccer team pos-
ing for a photo
after a recent win
2LT Knapp, SPC Weldon, SGT Osipov,
and SGT Hernandez carry a generator
during the Adventure Race
Newly promoted SPC
Atkins and SPC Ma-
chuca receiving their
hard earned rank
LT Stogner, CPT Guerrero, and CPT McKean after his
newly earned promotion to 1LT
Soldiers conducting a combat litter carry
during Combat Lifesaver Certification
SFC Barriga
places Staff Ser-
geant on SSG
Foley’s headgear
during her promo-
tion
July has been a very active month for Alpha Battery and 1-14 FA, with numerous battalion events, charity events, holidays, and
other activities taking place over the course of the month.
We kicked the month off with a 4th of July BN led event called the ―Adventure Race‖ on Al Minhad Air Base. 20 teams were
created from Battalion, our Host Nation, and Coalition Partners to complete a series of 12 mental and physical challenges across Al Min-
had Air Base. Alpha Battery fielded four teams for the race with First Platoon’s team, consisting of 2LT Patrick McFarland, SSG Nick
Norville, SGT Cody Dickson, and SPC Andrew Campbell, placing second overall and the top American team in the competition.
The winners of the race were from the British Royal Engineers, taking the 1-14 FAR Cross Cannon Trophy as their first place
prize. Our Australian partners received the last place prize—a set of gold spray-painted toilet seats, which they wore around their necks
with pride at the end of the race. In the end, the Adventure Race received great feedback. ―The race was hard, but a lot of fun,‖ SSG Jona-
than Moore said. ―I wish more Soldiers could have volunteered to compete‖. It was a great competition overall, and the Soldiers look
forward to competing in it again in October.
Following the event, the British, Australians, and New Zealanders joined the Soldiers for a barbecue feast which comprised of
seafood, steak, fried chicken, and other hearty American style foods. Our Second Platoon and Ammo Platoon finished off their Fourth of
July with a trip to the Dubai Mall and a tour up to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
―The view was amazing,‖ SPC Christopher Rondel said. The cost to go up in the tower is about $30 per person; however, 1LT
Norman treated his Soldiers by covering everyone’s cost. ―The view was worth a lot more than the ticket. The skyline of Dubai was spec-
tacular‖.
We also accomplished some of our unit’s goals during the month. So far, our work with the Emiratis has been beneficial for
both parties because it is always great to share experiences with different cultures. One of the cultural differences that affects the majority
of the people in this country is Ramadan, an Islamic month of fasting that normally begins on or around 8 July and ends on or about 7
August. Our unit respectfully doubled down on their efforts to ensure the Emiratis were able to observe their holiday by completing all of
their crew certification before the holiday began. Even though there might a month long break between some of partnership, our Soldiers
remain excited to continue work with them when the holiday ends in early August. ―I can’t wait to head back to their base,‖ SSG Jona-
than Nunez said. ―It’s a great opportunity to work with the Emiratis. It’s great to see them gain proficiency and establish themselves as a
good unit‖. The Emiratis look good and that is a testament of everyone’s hard work.
Ramadan does not mean a total standstill with the Emiratis and Coalition Forces. Sunday, July 14 marked the beginning of the
Ramadan Sport’s Carnival at Al Minhad Airbase. Events for the carnival include volleyball, sprinting, a 5k run, relay races, tug-of-war
and soccer.
The day started with a ―Beat the Sapper‖ competition, with several members of Alpha Battery participating. Beat the Sapper
was a charity event set up by the British for a girl with cancer in the United Kingdom. It consisted of a friendly competition between the
British, Australians, and the U.S. Soldiers at the British Compound. The five events were excellent team building exercises. Again, the
British came out on top. Participants from Alpha Battery included CPT Sean Grevious, SGT Cody Dickson and SSG Adam Pierce.
―One event had us fill 15 sandbags. These sandbags are at least twice as big as the ones the U.S. uses,‖ SSG Adam Pierce said.
―They were heavy, and weighed at least 75 pounds. It was tough‖!
Alpha Battery also had key players on several battalion teams, notably on the volleyball and soccer team. The volleyball and
soccer teams were victorious on July 14, with the former winning over the British and the latter defeating an Emirati team 2-1.
―I’m enjoying this competition,‖ SPC Zachary Cowles said. Every team is bringing their A-game. The Emiratis have recruited
across the country just to beat us‖.
The other members representing the Battalion from Alpha Battery include 1LT Brian Norman (Soccer), SGT Charles Spaulding
(Volleyball), SSG Johnathan Moore (Volleyball), SSG Jason Lund (Volleyball), SGT Brandon Neitzel (Volleyball), and CPT Sean Grevi-
ous (Volleyball). Both the teams will play their next round matches against Emirati teams, making for great drama between Soldiers and
the host nation.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone for supporting me during the Relay for Life. We conducted a 6 mile ruck march around Camp
Redleg. Thanks again for all the support for the Assassin Battery and others.
1SG Robert Terrill CPT Sean A Grevious
ASSASSIN 7 ASSASSIN 6
A , 1 - 1 4 F A J U L Y 2 0 1 3
ASSASSINS
A , 1 - 1 4 F A J U L Y 2 0 1 3
ASSASSINS
A view from the base of the
world’s tallest man made struc-
ture, the Burj Khalifa
CPT Grevious, SSG Pierce, and
SGT Dickson from Alpha battery
July started out with a bang, not the usual 4th of July kind, but rather the kind that everyone is sure to remember, sweating in the hot
sun and carrying lots of heavy stuff around, all for time against other teams. Of course I am talking about the 4 th of July Adventure race that
included not only teams from every Battery, but also teams from the British, Australian, and Kiwi forces here on Al Minhad AB. The event
was a great success, the four teams that the Battery put together all performed exceptionally and represented the Battery well. Events for the
Adventure Race included litter carries, tire carries, generator carries (see a pattern?), tire flips, a road sign memorization challenge, a weighted
sled drag, a puzzle to move the team across an area without touching the ground using limited supplies, and a couple other events usually in-
volving carrying or lifting heavy objects. Overall though, it was a great team building event that is still being talked about at the end of the
month.
With Soldiers still arriving from Camp Buehring, Kuwait, the Battery was finally able to reorganize ourselves from 3 platoons to 4
platoons. This new structure is allowing Soldiers much more time off and giving Platoon Leaders and Platoon Sergeants greater flexibility in
their training and time management. As a Battery, we have begun to not only train the newly arrived personnel on the SECFOR tasks that we
have become so familiar with, but we are also able to now continue training in our primary MOSs in the HIMARS and FDC vehicles. Both
launcher and FDC crews are preparing themselves for an upcoming ―Best-By-Test‖ that will evaluate them on all of their skills and compare
their performance to the rest of the Battalion in order to determine who the best sections are.
This past week 2LT Robbins and SSG Schwander ran a weapons range, this one with the 9mm M9 pistol, in support of 1-14FAR
readiness. The M9 pistol is a 9mm handgun that is usually only assigned to certain medics and primary staff. However, we had the opportu-
nity to have a larger number of Officers and Soldiers participate in the training. For the Soldiers that helped run the range, they are being
given the opportunity next week to participate in an Australian training range where they will be able to familiarize themselves and fire several
of the Australian weapon systems that we do not have. Other activities with the Australian and British forces still include the weekly volley-
ball competition. Bravo Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers have continued to perform well and we have retained the trophy all but one week this
past month. The Emirates are also hosting a series of sports competitions involving all of the Coalition Forces here on Al Minhad Air Base as
part of their Ramadan this year. Ramadan is the Muslim holy month in which personnel fast from sun up to sun down for 30 days and focus
on being more holy and pure. In the evenings, after breaking their fast, the Emirate Forces are running soccer, volleyball, tug of war and run-
ning competitions. So far, BN combined teams, including our own LTs Rossi and Custer, have made it to the finals which will be held later
this month.
The past month has seen a couple Soldiers recognized for their hard work and unfailing motivation by the Blackhorse Battery. SGT
Matthew Adams, SSG Christopher Robinson SPC Mitchell Jones, and PFC Kyle Kanehl were selected as Bravo Battery ―Warrior of the
Week‖ by their peers and Chain of Command.
As always, the Blackhorse Soldiers recognize the families, both immediate and extended, back home that support us each and every
day. Thank you for what you do, and it is appreciated more than you will ever know.
1SG Michael McLaughlin CPT Justin Thorkildsen
BLACKHORSE 7 BLACKHORSE 6
B , 1 - 1 4 F A J U L Y 2 0 1 3
BLACKHORSE
B , 1 - 1 4 F A J U L Y 2 0 1 3
BLACKHORSE
SSG Robinson and 1LT Wilson slap hands (with 1LT
Custer over looking the excitement) after a job well
done for the first annual Steel Warrior Adventure Race
Bravo Soldiers resting after the Adventure Race
Bravo Soldiers exhibiting their morale and enthu-
siasm after the Adventure Race
The tire carry was a thought provoking and physical
event. With the right strategy and team work, this
event was very feasible
d
Phoenix Warriors and Families,
We have reached the completion of our third month! This month has been filled with a variety of
activities for our family members and your Soldiers. The first activity was the 4th of July Adventure Race.
It consisted of a series of difficult physical and mental challenges strategically placed throughout the camp.
The second activity was the ―Beat the Sapper‖ competition. This was put on by the British. It consisted of
4 events that they specialized in or that utilized tools that they were familiar with. It was also a physical and
slightly mental competition that consisted of 5 overall teams. The last significant events were Ramadan and
the Sports Carnival. The traditional Emiratis fast during the daytime. They do not drink or eat during this
time and pray toward the end of daylight hours. They host and play all games during the late night hours
2200-0001: Volleyball, soccer, tug-a-war, relay races, and an endurance competition. Sprinkles of the entire
battalion personnel were involved.
The efforts of those that participated in the July 4th Adventure Races, Beat the Sapper Competi-
tion, and those participating in the Ramadan Sports Carnival hosted by the Emiratis were commendable and
admirable. Your Soldiers are good ambassadors of our country and the American people. Not only are your
Soldiers hard working, they are competitive with the Coalition Forces. I continue to be amazed at their
abilities and resiliency in the eyes of adversity, and I am proud to continue our mission with this group of
Soldiers.
The Families had a 4th of July BBQ with an exceptional turn out. The participation in the FRG
continues to grow with each event. Thank you so much for your continued support, and we love seeing the
pictures of our loved ones doing well on the home front. Phoenix Families continue to enjoy your summer
vacation. Be safe and prepare our children to head back to school in the fall. Have fun for us!
1SG Benjamin Logsdon CPT Adrien Flonnory
PHOENIX 7 PHOENIX 6
5 7 8 F S C , 1 - 1 4 F A J U L Y 2 0 1 3
PHOENIX
Upcoming Events
July 25, 2013 FRG Meet-
ing, Thursday at 1800 in
FRC at BLDG 3423. Opera-
tion Homefront will be our
guest speaker. Chick-Fil-A
and drinks will be provided.
Aug 6, 2013 FRG Meeting/
Creative Card Night, Tues-
day at 1800 in the FRC at
BLDG 3423. This meeting
will be a Pot Luck!!!
Aug 10, 2013 Rosie the
Riveter pictures, Saturday at
1000. Come out and get
your picture taken like
Rosie! Please contact FRG
Leader for location details.
Aug 31, 2013 ―Walk for
578th FSC‖ Kick-Off, Satur-
day at 1000. It will be held
at the 3 mile track on Fort
Sill.
Sept 3, 2013 FRG Meeting/
Creative Card Night, Tues-
day at 1800 in the FRC at
BLDG 3423.
Sept 21, 2013 Phoenix Play-
date, Saturday at TBD.
Paintball!!!!
Sept 28, 2013 Post Wide
Garage Sale Fundraiser.
Please donate any items
including baked goods for
this fundraiser! If you would
like to volunteer, please
contact FRG Leader.
Oct 6, 2013 Spirit of Sur-
vival Walk. The BN is cur-
rently working to have the
soldiers and families mem-
bers walk the same distance.
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5 7 8 F S C , 1 - 1 4 F A J U L Y 2 0 1 3
PHOENIX
d
5 7 8 F S C , 1 - 1 4 F A J U L Y 2 0 1 3
PHOENIX
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The LNO cell continues to provide supplies and Soldiers for the mission down at Camp Redleg, including receiving personnel back
in Kuwait to attend various schools and training opportunities. The Soldiers awaiting their Visas to join their fellow Steel Warriors in UAE
have been hard at work with their daily training sessions. Kuwait continues to be a valuable asset, acting as an important hub for the Steel
Warrior Soldiers at Camp Red Leg and Camp Buehring.
The Alpha 2-20 Renegades have recently conducted their redeployment awards ceremony. The ceremony focused on the units ac-
complishments during their training in Jordan for Golden Lances III and recognized the individuals who exercised outstanding performance
throughout the entire deployment. The Renegades are packing up, knowing that they will soon be in the arms of their loved ones. The Steel
Warriors family wishes them all a safe return and the best on their transition home.
The Outlaw Soldiers falling under the LNO cell continue their training here at Camp Buehring, working hard. The 1-14 Field Artil-
lery Soldiers have utilized all the available assets here in Kuwait, such as the Call for Fire Trainers, WLC Land Navigation Course, and En-
gagement Skills Trainer. The Outlaw Soldiers also had a chance to conduct a week of Master Resiliency Training, teaching Soldiers numerous
ways to handle stress and react to adverse situations with a positive outlook. The Morale, Welfare, and Recreational (MWR) trips here at
Camp Buehring, Kuwait have come to halt, as Ramadan has commenced. However, even with trips off post on hold, the Soldiers continue to
stay motivated with the 4th of July celebration, numerous volleyball and dodge ball tournaments, and new movie Mondays hosted by the USO.
The Steel Warriors also got to take part on the promotion of multiple Soldiers, with many joining the elite NCO Corps. The Bravo battery
Soldiers also celebrated the reenlistment of SPC Popek in the MWR gym.
The 1-14 Field Artillery Outlaw Soldiers continue to move forward and keep focused at accomplishing the mission at hand. The
support from family and friends back home does not go unseen as it is constantly spoken of by our Steel Warriors. Thank you to everyone who
continues to send love from the home front, as the Outlaws continue fulfilling the Steel Warrior task of ―TEAMWORK ALWAYS.‖
L N O J U L Y 2 0 1 3
KUWAIT
CELL LNO
MSG Corey Powell
OUTLAW 7
SPC Popek’s reenlistment with 2LT Bell at
the Camp Buehring gym.
CPT David Dens
OUTLAW 6
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L N O J U L Y 2 0 1 3
KUWAIT
CELL LNO
SPC Shepperd takes part of the activities offered
at the Camp Buehring 4th of July event
A/2-20 Soldiers stand tall as they receive awards
at the Renegades redeployment ceremony
1-14th Field Artillery Soldiers take part in
meditation during Master Resiliency Training
Steel Warrior Soldiers
take part in the Camp
Buehring volleyball tour-
nament
d
Greetings, in the name of our Lord!
Fix Your Eyes on GOD,
And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water
for you out of the rock?" Numbers 20:10
It is easy to see why Moses became frustrated with the Hebrew people. They were so hard-hearted and weak in their faith that Moses
lost his patience and became angry with them.
Yet every time Moses shifted his focus away from God, it cost him.
When he sought to help his people by taking matters into his own hands, he spent the next forty years herding sheep in the wilder-
ness (Exod. 2:11-15) This time his impetuous behavior cost him the opportunity to enter the Promise Land (Num. 20:12). In his frustration at
the peoples' irreverence, Moses committed the very same sin, blatantly disobeying God's instructions. How did this happen? Moses allowed
his attention to shift to the behavior of others rather than focusing on the activity of God.
This could happen to you as well. God has put people around you who need your ministry to them. You will never be able to prop-
erly help them, however, unless your primary focus is on God. If you concentrate on people, their weaknesses, their disobedience, their lack of
faith, and their stubbornness they will quickly frustrate you.
You may, like Moses, commit the very same sins you are condemning. If, however, your eyes are fixed on holy God, you will be-
come more like Him-gracious, forgiving, long-suffering, and righteous. When a friend’s behavior disappoints you, go immediately to the Lord.
Seek to discern what God is wanting to do in your friend's life rather than concentrating on your friend's sin. Then you will have the strength,
wisdom, and patience you need to help your friend in the way God desires.
Chaplain Richard Hurst
1-14th FAR
BN Chaplain
"Steel Warriors"
H H B / 1 - 1 4 F A R
CHAPLAIN
SFC Dillon sporting a thrifty outfit and posing for the camera!
“America”!