black dragon frg newsletter march 2012

BN Commander and Senior FRG Advisor Words

MARCH 1, 2012 MONTHLY ISSUE

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BN CSM 2

Chaplain’s Corner 3

HHB Hardcore 4

ALPHA Apaches 5

BRAVO Bulldogs 6-7

GOLF Ghostriders 8

Calendar 9

Current Events and News 10-20

Inside this issue:

BLACK DRAGON Family:

Well another month has gone by and your loved ones con-

tinue to work hard distinguishing themselves and the battalion. Since

our last letter a lot has changed in the battalion. Primarily we have

qualified on our individual weapons and we have drawn our equip-

ment back from the civilian contracting personnel. In events outside

the battalion the Chief of Staff, GEN Raymond Odierno and the Ser-

geant Major of the Army, SMA Ray Chandler announced new retention

guidance. Finally, Fort Hood unfortunately has seen an increase in

motorcycle accidents involving Soldiers.

All the Batteries and Company did a great job qualifying on their as-

signed weapon (rifle or pistol). A lot of hard work was done by the

Non-Commissioned Officers and Officers as they prepared for and

then conducted the ranges. If you haven’t had a chance to read the

article in the Fort Hood Sentinel I have included a link, a great story

about our Soldiers and Leaders in the battalion.

http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=64408

The battalion accomplished a key milestone this month as we

completed the draw of all of our equipment. Again a great job done

by the Soldiers and Leaders in the battalion working with our civilian

counterparts to get our Paladins as well as our tracked and wheeled

vehicles back under our control. However, signing for this equipment

is just the beginning of the process, now we start fixing, maintaining,

and training on our equipment. See the below pictures of our Soldiers

signing for and maintaining our equipment.

At the beginning of February, the Chief of Staff and Sergeant

Major of the Army along with the Secretary of the Army announced

new re-enlistment directives, which will in part change the way we

ask Soldiers to stay in the Army. First, as the Army down sizes after

nearly a decade of conflict certain specialties will be over strength,

Soldiers in these specialties may have to re-enlist for another spe-

cialty if they want to stay in the Army. Also, the Army has asked us to

look at Soldiers using the “Whole Soldier” concept, not just focusing

on Soldiers who meet standards, but re-enlisting those that demon-

strated “the greatest potential for future service”. I wanted to share

this information with you as families look towards their futures, in par-

ticular those families whose Soldier’s re-enlistment opportunity opens

in fiscal year 2013 (which starts October 1, 2012) as their window for

re-enlistment opens in March 1, 2012. Therefore, starting on March 1

of this year, Soldiers who want to re-enlist should have already met

with the battalion Career Counselor, Staff Sergeant Blackmon. Once

specialties and slots fill up, and the Army meets its re-enlistment

goals, the re-enlistment opportunity for Soldiers whose eligibility is in

fiscal year 2013 will close this means that they will not be able to re-

enlist. Plan for you and your family in advance so you can meet your

family’s future goals.

Lastly, I wanted to let you all know there has been a slight

increase in Soldiers getting injured and in some instances killed while

riding motorcycles. It saddens all of us to see a Soldier seriously in-

jured or lose their life in a motorcycle accident. Preventable acci-

dents due to Soldiers not wearing all of their gear, racing from law

enforcement, or not following proper procedures really break our

hearts. See the note from LT Gary Cheatwood later in the newsletter

on things that you can do to make sure our (your)

(Continued on page 2)

BLACK DRAGON Soldiers conduct inventory lay-

out as they sign for their equipment

BLACK DRAGON Soldiers clean and check the service-

ability of their guns while, PUNCHING THE TUBES!

http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=64408

BLACK

DRAGONS BULLETIN

Soldier enjoys riding their bike in a safe manner by following the training and certification requirements of the

state and the Army.

On a training note, this month we will have our Capstone individual task training event. This is where Soldiers

across the battalion will complete their individual task training for the year or compete to earn their Spurs. The training

and Spur Ride begins on March 12 and finishes on March 15 with some Soldiers staying in the field overnight from

March 14 – 15. For those that earn their spurs, we will have a presentation ceremony and BBQ at BLORA in the early af-

ternoon on March 15th. Families are encouraged to come and cheer on their Soldier.

On a family fun note, please keep the afternoon of March 24th open. We are going to have our annual Easter

Egg Hunt at the 1st Cavalry Museum. It is going to be a great event for Soldiers, families, and children.

In closing, I want to thank our family members for all that they do. Truly, we as a Battalion, and your Soldier,

could not do all of the things we do without your help. Stay in touch with your FRGs and follow us on our Social Media

sites to keep up with the latest information and opportunities.

Will and Jessy Johnson

FRG Facebook Group www.facebook.com/#!/groups/582black.dragons/

Battalion Facebook Page www.facebook.com/#!/pages/5th-Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-Black-

Dragons/288593261191191

Twitter Account: @5th82fa

As the Battalion systematically develops tools and systems with a different command and control

structure, as well as the coordination of different views, the Battalion is executing its duties and task at a highly

motivated and very disciplined rate. Personnel, policies, procedures, facilities and equipment that integrate

our day-to-day planning factors into a common organizational structure designed for the sole purpose of im-

proving the Battalions efforts when called upon. Black Dragons, you are performing at a level that is very

complimentary to the United States Army’s goals of excellence. Based upon the flexible responses, whether

it’s a last minute funeral detail, gate guard, accountability of equipment, weapons training or physical training

organization, the Battalion has proved with minimum guidance and management, that we as the Black Drag-

ons can work together as we become more efficient.

The NCOs drive to set and mandate a type of standard operating procedure since so many people are

routinely drawn from numerous units to work together. This approach aims at reducing the potential for mis-

communication and confusion during crisis response operations and allows the Black Dragons to become

more proficient. Of course each supervisor reports ultimately to the Commander who dictates guidance and

analyzes information provided by the individual supervisors. The individual supervisors eliminate the poten-

tial for their subordinates to receive conflicting guidance. This ensures that accountability is kept, and that

there is no free-lancing, which improves information flow and helps with the coordination of operational ef-

forts which ultimately enhance operational safety.

Several Soldiers have been awarded the title of “HERO of the Week”. The Basketball team is compet-

ing in the Semi Finals of the Post Championship. SPC Fabian Thomas placed second in the POST combative

tournament and he was the only Soldier from Brigade to make it to the finals. SPC Taylor is the only Soldier in

the Division to make the culinary arts team. All of these accolades help to exhibit the high discipline and moti-

vation of the Black Dragons. Congratulations to all of the Soldiers that were promoted to their next rank during

this quarter and that completed any military schools.

Black Dragons Can and Will,

Black Dragon 9

BN CSM Words


http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/582black.dragons/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/5th-Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-Black-Dragons/288593261191191

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/5th-Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-Black-Dragons/288593261191191


CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Marital Resources for Husbands

One of the things Chaplains try to provide for our Soldiers is a listing of marital resources to strengthen the marriage

and family. As I look over the list, I can't help but notice the most important resource is missing. Right at the top of

the list in bold, capital letters should be "PRAYER."

From the very beginning of the Bible we find written, "Isaac prayed to the LORD for the sake of his wife, because she

was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant." (Genesis 25:21). OK, maybe

a new baby isn't on your prayer list, but you get the idea...a praying husband appeals to the Lord for the sake of his

wife.

Having just gone through the Valentine's Day season, many of us sought creative ways to show our love and create

intimacy in our relationship. But you probably never considered prayer as a source of intimacy. The reality is that

prayer for your wife leads you to forgive your wife.

Prayer for your wife leads you to growth in feelings of love for your wife. Next time you're angry at your wife, try

praying for her...not so that she will see the error of her ways, but for blessing and growth. Pray that God will show

her love and forgives, and just see if you can stay mad at her. You cannot pray for your wife and not want to hang

out with her. Prayer changes both your heart and hers. As you pray ask that God will allow you to see her as He

sees her. Pray for her inner beauty to be reflected in her countenance. Pray for her to feel God's love and security.

Pray for her to have the Peace of God, and to feel your love, support, and respect.

Satan shudders at the thought of a praying husband, because a husband will be victorious in the battle for his family

when he starts out fighting the enemy on his knees before God. Thank him for your wife and her unselfish service,

and that she puts up with your idiosyncrasies. Prayer for your wife solicits the power of heaven on her behalf. How-

ever, hang on, because

as you pray God will move in your heart too, and neither of you will ever be the same.

CH (CPT) Robert D. Patterson

Battalion Chaplain

5-82 FA, 4BCT, 1st Cavalry Division

(254) 287-9574

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

MONTHLY ISSUE BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN


Caption describing

picture or graphic.

I hope everyone had a

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Due to the excellent plan-

ning and hard work during

our M4 zero range, we

were able to complete the

training to standard and

release the company at

1500H, allowing soldiers

more time to spend with

their loved ones. Since our

last newsletter, we have

drawn all our equipment,

executed driver’s training

and supported white-cycle

taskings, while continuing

to focus on our primary

mission of providing first-

class sustainment to the

batteries. Soldiers con-

tinue to attend schools and

excel in both personal and

professional growth. Many

thanks for all your total

support!!

Ghostrider 6 Ghostrider 9

Baby births GRADUATES

Congratulations to SSG

Williams and his wife Nikki

on the birth of their baby

girl Maya, 3lbs, 8oz!!

PROMOTIONS Congratulations to Master

Sergeant Gary U. Maki

promoted on 01MAR12!!

Congratulations to SFC

Price and SFC Walker for

graduating from SLC!!

Congratulations to SPC

Alexander, SPC Burrell,

SPC Williams, and SPC

Quintella for graduating

from WLC!!

MARCH 1, 2012 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 5

Special points of interest:

Ghostrider 6’s Corner

Ghostrider 9’s Corner

Baby Birth’s

School Graduates

Promotions

Photos of Ghostrider’s

during Range Week

“GHOSTRIDERS!

!! ALWAYS IN

THE FIGHT!!!!”

It’s been a fast-paced two

months, and all the Sol-

diers have been putting in

a lot of hard work, accom-

plishing every task given

above the standard. I

would like to commend

every Ghostrider on a job

well done! Through all the

madness, we’ve had a

couple of Soldiers I would

like to personally recog-

nize for their great work:

SPC Taylor, ShaRee, our

Food Service Specialist,

was selected to showcase

her skills at the Army Culi-

nary Arts competition &

SPC Parker, Michael, for

taking the initiative to

reorganize our BOSS pro-

gram. Job Well Done

Team Ghostrider!!


VOL BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

Month of March

- 1: Night Driver’s Training (HHB and Golf), 6-10 p.m.

- 9: Night Driver’s Training (Bravo), 4-8 a.m.

- 11 Mar: Daylight Savings Time Begins (set clocks ahead)

- 12-14: 5-82 FA Spur Ride

- 12-16: Spring Break

- 13-14: Spur Ride overnight

- 14: Spur Ride Awards Ceremony/BBQ @ BLORA (Families

welcome)

2,10,16,23, & 30 March: American Red Cross month at the Clear Creek Exchange. Information table will be set up on the dates listed. Stop by and get information on how you can give the gift of blood.

4 March: Garden Shop Grand Opening, 0900-1900. Planting demonstration, Master Gardener Gary L. Moore, information tables, and giveaways. Join us and let us help you prepare your yard, garden, or patio for Spring.

15 March: Book Signing with author Darla Marx signing her book “I’ve Got my Big Girl Panties on Now”. Darla recounts her experiences growing up in small town Texas. She is active in rais-ing public awareness of “Ritter Rules”. A portion of every book sold goes to the Aortic & Vas-cular Disease center of the University of Texas Health Center.

24 March: Pet Show I Second Chance Pet Adoption at the Clear Creek Exchange from 1000-1600. Help us welcome the volunteers as they work to find forever homes for homeless pets. Show off your pets at our Pet Show from 0900-1100.

25 March: Magic Tree House Show will make a repeat appearance at the Clear Creek Food Court. Come

Upcoming Events For The Exchange

BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN

VOLUME 1, BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BLABLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN


The Texas Stars would like to thank you for your service through a special Military Appreciation Weekend.

To show our gratitude, we will offer complimentary tickets to area military families.

Reserve your FREE tickets now for Friday March 9th and/or Saturday March 10th as the Texas Stars take on the San Antonio Rampage.

To reserve your tickets today, please respond to Amber Cooney ([email protected]) with

the following:

Name

Branch

Qty. of Tickets Requested

Handicap Access (if necessary)

Email Address to issue a confirmation

(If you are the point of contact for multiple reservations, please include a separate email address for each reserva-tion)

Our players will skate in special camouflage jerseys on both evenings, which will be auctioned off to benefit area charities serving our military community. We will feature flag presentations, color guard presentations, and spe-

cial activities throughout the weekend. On Saturday evening, the first 3,000 fans in the building will receive a Texas Stars Digi Camo baseball cap courtesy of United Heritage Credit Union.

Tickets will be available for pickup at the Cedar Park Center box office beginning Thursday, March 8th. Tickets not picked up in advance will be placed at will call the evening of the requested games. The Cedar Park Center box

office hours are Monday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm and on Saturday beginning at 10 am –

game time due to an Austin Toros basketball game.

Thanks to generous corporate partners and sponsors, we have a high quantity of tickets available. Please feel free to send this information out to other military families in your network. Questions or concerns may be directed to

me at the contact information below. We are very excited to recognize the service of our community’s heroes and I hope to see you all on the 9th and 10th.

black dragon frg newsletter march 2012

Documents

reenlistment goals

new reenlistment directives

battalion career counselor

chief of staff

fiscal year

great job

sergeant major

staff sergeant blackmon