Family and Friends of Ram, it’s been another busy month as the tempera-ture gets hotter and hotter. The Commander and I have been extremely busy just trying to keep pace with everybody in the Task Force. He just returned from hanging out with Charlie Company’s 4th platoon at Shor

Tepa for a few days while continuing their never-ending mission to increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Afghan Border Police. I also just returned from travelling out west in the Faryab Province to see folks of our Military Intelligence and Signal Companies who support 1-84 FA. It is amazing just how much this Task Force is spread out throughout the Brigade's Battle Space. And it is absolutely awesome to see how our enablers truly allow other Task Forces to do their jobs in their respective Areas of Operation. Depending on each Soldier's location, we collectively

tried to blow off some steam during the 4th of July, threw some pies, had a bar-b-que, and tried to make the best of our nation's 235th Birthday. Again, it has been an absolute pleasure and honor working side-by-side with the

Soldiers of TF Ram and seeing the amazing things they do on a daily basis. Thank you for supporting your Soldiers

and allowing them to serve our country.

Ram 7

From the desk of the TF Command Team

Newsletter Date Jul 10, 2011 Volume 4, Issue 1

TF Ram July Newsletter Camp Mike Spann, Afghanistan

Special points of

interest:

Command Team’s battle-

field update

Baptismal Service on

Camp Spann

Making a difference across

RC-N through Charity

Raven 6 bids Farewell to

502d MICO

Lightning University

launched

Inside this issue:

TF Command

Team’s Update

1

Religious Support

Team

2

Havoc 3

Havoc in Pictures 4

Sappers 5

Sappers in Pictures 6

Ravens I 7

Ram’s Horn

Ravens II 8

Lightning 9

Cover Page

(Reenlistments in

focus

10

Greetings from the Ram Religious Support Team (RST) in Northern Afghanistan! PV2 William Daniels and I hope this newsletter

finds your families in good spirits as you enjoy the summer. With that: Happy 4th of July, Ram Battalion! You may see this

after the holiday, but I trust your day of celebration and remembrance was fun and a time to reflect on the blessing it is to be an

American. Even when we are far apart in the service of our Country, it is good to be citizens of this great Country. On both

Camp Spann and JCOP Hairatan, there will be fun, games, barbeques, a couple of good speeches, and some lucky leaders are going

to get a nice sloppy pie in the face. (More embarrassing pictures to be revealed at the next Ram Battalion Ball! Don’t miss it! ) Consid-

ering we are in a war zone, we can do without the fireworks. Enough said about that. This is a time to celebrate and be grateful to

those who went before us and how they staked their all in establishing a nation unlike any other on the face of the earth, a city on

a hill, with liberty and justice for all. The Ram RST has been moving and serving in different capacities on many fronts during the month of June 2011. Sadly, a big

part has been in support of tragic events in other parts of RC-North to offer coverage for the Bayonet Brigade Chaplain, CH (MAJ)

Dunn while on R&R leave. We helped where we could to Commanders, Soldiers, and Chaplains with the death of Soldiers from

events other than hostile fire. Afghanistan is a dangerous place and some stresses get to be too much to handle alone. Under-

standably, we do everything we can to look out for one another and use our equipment with skill to be safe- and I am proud of how

our Ram Soldiers are mastering their warrior skills everyday- but unexpected things can happen. With God’s mercy, we are thankful yet

grieve with those who have lost loved ones we will miss for the rest of our days. It has been an honor to help where we could

and pray for God’s comfort where we fall short to bring peace to others. Likewise, PV2 Daniels and I had the privilege and joy of

visiting our neighboring 24th BSB RST at Dehdadi II, CH (CPT) Erik Spicer and SPC Theresa Purdon. Sometimes, you just have to

get out and see the neighbors! So it has been a privilege and a challenge at times covering for the BDE Chaplain, but would be

happy to let him resume his role once he returns. Ministry on Camp Spann continues to go well. We had a Bap-

tismal Service on June 12, Pentecost Sunday, and baptized three

Soldiers and an Airman. So happy to see these new believers

publically acknowledge their faith before the greater Camp Spann

Community! It was a time of celebration for the Body of Christ. Worship services at Camp Spann are growing and lives are being

changed for the better as they come to God. Our Saturday eve-

ning Relationship Strengthening Workshop film series at the

Freedom Chapel, “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage”, has

been a resounding success. Each time we have presented, the

crowd has grown! Many have asked for a copy of the DVD set

and I have pointed them to the website since our on-hand stock

is limited. The Five Love Languages will be presented in the near

future. This is the same curriculum that has been of benefit to

many marriages, as can be attested to by the Rear-D Chaplain’s

retreats. This is a season for many friends moving in and out of posi-

tions in the Ram Battalion. The 502d MICO change of responsi-

bility between 1SG McNerney and 1SG Devine. ( Never mind the

fire in the neighboring ANA compound.) I am sad to see 1SG

McNabb of 589th SIGCO depart Camp Spann to assume responsibility of 7th Company in Baumholder, but we get to keep 1SG

McNerney because he is the new 589th SIGCO 1SG. And our

battalion Executive Officer, MAJ Woodruff, is handing the Ram 5

role to MAJ Bailey this month. MAJ David Woodruff and his

wonderful wife Jen and four rambunctious boys are moving to

San Antonio, Texas. The Woodruffs will be greatly missed by

my family and many others. We are grateful for the many good

memories made. We look forward to seeing all of you again in

the Big Army. God watch over your families, wherever you may be.

The months are going by and we are drawing close to the half-

way point. Please continue to pray for us, the families near and

far away, and for the mission as we push forward. More is hap-

pening than we can tell you. History is being made in Northern

Afghanistan by Task Force Ram. We miss you and may God

bless you.

CH (CPT) David Chapman Sapper Chaplain

Chaplain’s Corner

Page 2 TF Ram July Newsletter

Shot of Deeds & Ram RSTs during the latter’s visit to Dehdadi II. L-R CHs Spicer & Chapman, PV2 Daniels & SPC Purdon

Behold the newly baptized! LT Johnson, MSgt Williams, CPL Peters & LT Ellis flanked by CW3 O’Neill & CH Chapman

shortly after the ceremony at Freedom Chapel

Family and friends of HAVOC, the month of June has already come and gone! Our deployment seems to be moving on in a quick fashion, with Savage Platoon going to Hairatan at least once a week, Support Platoon going to our partnered districts daily, and Wrench filling in all around the camp. There is never a shortage of things to do here in HAVOC. We said goodbye this month to Black Sheep, who have returned to Charlie Company at JCOP Hairatan. It was hard to see them go, but we know they’ll always be HAVOC at heart; however mission sets requires them to be out there. We also welcomed some new Soldiers; including the new Battalion Executive Officer, MAJ Bailey, and maintenance personnel: SPC Wilson, SPC Lebron, and SPC Raymond. They are already making a name for themselves, HAVOC and the Task Force as a whole in their respective Chief of Staff and Motor Pool positions and wish them continued success. Thank you for all the support. The banners you created are hanging up in the HAVOC TOC for all to see. They are really appreciated by the Soldiers.

HAVOC!

- From the Command Team: CPT Kelso and 1SG McGuire

HAVOC

Page 3 Volume 4, Issue 1

One of several sand storms captured on camera as it rolls in on Camp Spann

SGT Davis talks SPC Parham and SPC Jas through level I combatives skills

1SG McGuire flexes to assure all his fans that he’ll get to his goal of 21 inch guns soon

SPC Amundsen (back on mat) in an excellent arm bar posture during a Level I combatives session at the Camp Spann gym

“Can’t believe I broke my

tooth on a push pop”:

SPC Henley

HAVOC IN PICTURES

Page 4 Volume 4, Issue 1

SPC Bauer and SSG Abdullah pose with the Midwifery Team of the Dehdadi District Health Clinic

SPC Jas demonstrating combat life saver techniques for a group of AUP at COP Khilaguy

CPT Kelso and the Dehdadi District Governor, Ali Shah along with other personalities, look on as boxes containing charitable medical

items are opened for donation

Disabled children in the wheel chairs they benefited from the Joint Sustainment Command, Bagram / FET sponsored charitable drop

SSG Burnett and SPC Smith having fun testing workers tools at a local school in the village of Proza

Shaunaz, FET Interpreter with SPC Lynch and SGT

Jacoby after an engagement mission at Moshi village

Hello Families and Friends of Sapper Company, in Germany, the United States and around the world, the month of June was a very busy one for us. We first welcomed the return of our 3d platoon back into our fold at JCOP Hairatan. They have already geared up to assume the mis-sion of partnering with Afghan National Security Forces in the area as we continue with our enabling efforts to improve the level of profi-ciency in all areas of security for our Host Nation. We also continued with the provision of Area of Operations overview to numerous dignitaries who frequently visit the JCOP. This month we had the pleasure of hosting the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Honorable Dr. Ashton B. Carter together with Marine Corps Lieutenant General, Robert B. Neller, the Director for Operations, J-3 at the Joint Staff, Pentagon and gave them a tour of the Hairatan Port.

Additionally, we provided humanitarian assistance to our three partnered districts of Shor Tepah, Hairatan and Kaldar. It was in the form of aid drop and consisted of medical supplies under the sponsorship of the Joint Sustainment Command, at Bagram Airfield. The supplies would without a doubt, go a long way in enhancing the delivery of health care at the lo-cal level ranging from treatment of routine ailments to child birth. We look forward to focusing on education as well and in this regard we plan on providing school supplies to schools within our partnered districts to facilitate a solid basic educa-tion foundation. Finally, we are in the final stages of installing our new MWR equipment. This will provide the company with more com-puters and phones to expand our means of communicating with all our friends and families across the world. We are hopeful that this will offer more comfort, predictability and frequency in reaching out to you. In closing, we want to reiterate that our resolve of making each and every one of you proud through hard work and mis-sion accomplishment remains in focus. We are already a quarter of the way through this deployment and look forward to seeing you all back on our return to Germany. Stay safe and you are always in our thoughts.

CPT David Gridley, Executive Officer (Sapper 5)

C CO “Sappers Forward”

Commander:

CPT Neil Kester

neil.kester@afghan.swa.army.mil

First Sergeant:

1SG Dwayne Beckles

dwayne.l.beckles@afghan.swa.army.mil

FRL:

SSG Shadeed Stevens

Shadeed.k.stevens@eur.army.mil

Page 5 Volume 4, Issue 1

C CO “Sappers Forward” Key Leader Information:

1st Platoon:

1LT John Roberts (Platoon Leader)

SFC Kevin Burras (Platoon Sergeant

2d Platoon:

2LT Nathan Schill (Platoon Leader)

SSG Vincent Adams (Platoon Sergeant)

3d Platoon:

2LT Lucas Wilcox (Platoon Leader)

SFC Vecente Pantoja (Platoon Sergeant)

4th Platoon:

1LT Zachary Weigelt (Platoon Leader

SFC Thomas Mingo (Platoon Sergeant)

Operations Sergeant:

SFC Victor Stevens

Executive Officer

CPT David Gridley

Another patrol mission by Sapper Troopers

1st platoon patrolling Hairatan with

partnered Afghan Uniformed Police SSG Avery scans his sector

at the Hairatan Girls School

1st & 3d platoon patrolling by the Amu Dariya river

C CO “Sappers Forward” in Pictures

Page 6 Volume 4, Issue 1

Providing security from a roof top for visiting dignitaries

The famous Sapper Street at the heart of JCOP Hairatan, home of Sappers Forward

L-R 3d platoon interacting with children at a Boys school in Hairatan; SGT Goodshield “Shona ba Shona” (Shoulder to Shoulder)

with an Afghan Uniformed Policeman; & LT Weigelt takes a break while on patrol to pose with Afghan children

4th platoon at it again going through security drills

SSG Lepczyk & his crew (L) as well as CPL Bolanos( R) squeeze in some time to shop

for fresh water melons and other products at a local bazaar in down town Hairatan

SGT Watts & SSG Herrera resting

after a dismounted patrol mission

RAVENS

Page 7 TF Ram July Newsletter

SFC Araiza smiles for the camera prior to boarding a Chinook on a hunt for intelligence products

502d Military Intelligence Company

ACE/FUSION CELL: Without a doubt our Analysis and Con-

trol Element otherwise referred to as 1st Platoon have contrib-

uted in a variety of ways to the success of the company. Their

daily focus in conducting multi-discipline collection, fusion and

analysis has generated actionable intelligence in support of Op-

eration Enduring Freedom. Overtime their all source intelligence

products have helped in shaping the intelligence picture into a

full spectrum operational focus for the brigade. The fielding of

new equipment and follow on training under the foundry program

prior to our deployment played an instrumental role in sharpen-

ing the skills and facilitated the top notch intelligence products

they continue to produce for the brigade.

CPT Hamilton (Ravens 6) sneaks behind SGT Venery & WO1 Walley for one last shot before he bids farewell

BIDDING FAREWELL TO MY BELOVED RAVENS: As I look back over the course of my almost 13 months in command, I would say it has been an honor and privilege to have served with Soldiers of the 502d Military Intelligence Company. Lead-ing them in this unique organization has been a pleasure and can attest to the fact that they have collectively orchestrated the growth of this company into a formidable fighting force capable of taking the fight to any known enemy. The solid founda-tion that the company has been able to lay would most definitely offer the new chain command a platform for success and take the company to even greater heights. In bidding the company farewell, I would like to dedicate this month’s edition to pay tribute to them by reechoing all their ac-complishments to date and sincerely thank them for making this organization to be the reputable Military Intelligence Com-pany it has been noted for. From Situational Training Exercises for our platoons at home station in Baumholder, through Gunnery at Grafenwoher to Mission Rehearsal Exercise at Hohenfels, in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan, the demonstrated keen sense of duty and mission accomplishment has been remarkable. The company has since its arrival in Afghanistan early this year, been out and about across the brigade’s areas of responsibility and have acquitted themselves with distinction in all military intelligence spheres of endeavor and couldn’t have asked for such a dedicated and proficient team. To all the platoons namely: ACE, SIGINT, HUMINT, TUAVS and Headquarters, I salute you all on a job very well done and hopeful that you will continue in this light if not better under CPT Chad Corbin, my successor who until recently was the Battalion S-2 for 3-4 IN BN and 1SG John Devine who took over First Sergeant responsibilities early last month. Other company achievements chalked during my tenure that I will also like to highlight include: the receipt of another streamer in recognition of its outstanding performance during the brigade’s Command Post Exercise and expansion of the Family Readiness Group (FRG). Not only has our FRG been very instrumental in keeping all our Families informed with perti-nent news but also raised thousands of dollars towards the cause of the Group. Design and distribution of our company T-Shirts and the well executed Christmas party are but a couple of significant milestones achieved by the FRG. My sincere thanks go to Heidi White, Amelia Gatta and Breanna Fouse for being the pillars behind our FRG. In another transitional related personnel move, CPT Gregory Estevez, the Company Executive Officer will also be passing on the baton to 1LT Craig Maybee in a couple of weeks. To CPT Estevez, we say thank you for all your contributions during your tenure, notably pre-deployment preparation and success-ful deployment of company equipment to Afghanistan as well as the superb management of the company’s administrative and logistics functions. We welcome 1LT Maybee aboard from 3-4 IN BN where he served as the Assistant Battalion S-2 and wish him the very best as he gets ready to take over the reins of the Executive Officer position. It has truly been a great and memorable experience for me and will never forget it. Thank you all once again for your dedicated service and look forward to seeing you down the road. God Speed! CPT Gregory Hamilton – signing off for the last time in this me-

dium, as Ravens 6.

RAVENS

Page 8 TF Ram July Newsletter

Maintenance time on one of four TUAVS in the platoon’s stock

502d Military Intelligence Company

SPCs Carney & Santos being recognized with AAMs during a company formation

SIGINT: I can confirm that, with the benefit of different fielding

and extensive training events in Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels 2d

Platoon has successfully been able to establish to their credit,

an enduring and reliable network that is well placed to support

our Operation Enduring Freedom Deployment.

HUMINT: 4th Platoon has remained steadfast in their intelligence gath-

ering and collection and it is not surprising that their products have paved

and continue to pave the way for enhanced force protection and counter

intelligence efforts across the brigade in all operations.

Headquarters Platoon: Headquarters platoon’s unparalleled dedi-

cation to supporting the administrative and logistical requirements of the

company cannot be overemphasized. They accomplished all pre-

deployment bench marks with zeal to include coordination and running of

ranges at Home Station and Grafenwoehr which enabled the qualification

of each Soldier with his or her assigned weapon system. Additionally, they

ensured that all personnel files were up to date and adhered to the com-

mand supply discipline program which was recently adjudged to be the

best within USFOR-A’s footprint during an inspection. In recognition of

their untiring efforts towards the attainment of this milestone, SPCs Car-

ney and Santos were awarded the Army Achievement Medal.

Company Commander CPT Gregory I. Hamilton

First Sergeant

1SG John N. Devine

Mailing Address: Name Unit

Camp Mike Spann APO AE 09368

Company FRL: SGT Mariela Burgos-Diaz

Email: mariela.burgosdiaz@us.army.mil

TUAVS: To say that I have learned a lot from the

TUAVS Platoon will be an understatement. Over the

past year I have seen the platoon grow to become

the best in USAREUR as well as USFOR-A. Their

accomplishments in flight hours remain unsur-

passed, setting the highest of standards for all

TUAVS platoons to emulate. By far, the highlight of

3d platoon’s success is the rave reviews they re-

ceived after the ARMS inspection.

TUAVS platoon in a group pose after one of their missions at their base at FOB Griffin

Page 9 Volume 4, Issue 1

Soldiers of the 589th Signal Company have become noted for putting in 110% effort in every given project they embark on. The far reaching reliable network infrastructure we have been able to build and tirelessly maintain around the clock is a true reflection of each Soldier’s hard work and dedication. We continue to forge ahead with programs to sharpen our signal skills and remain proficient at our job. In this regard we launched the “Lightning” University and designed a classroom which is not only meant for training but also a testing platform of various products created by your loved ones. I consider myself very fortunate and honored to be serving with some of the smartest Soldiers within the Brigade Combat Team who could always be counted on to produce innovative communication products. I eagerly look forward to our next big project as the summer kicks off in full swing!

We remain thankful to all the families and friends of the 589th Signal Company for your continued support!

“Voice of the Rock” – Lightning 6

Commander: CPT Robert W. Parker III robert.w.parker@afghan.swa.army.mil First Sergeant 1SG Charles McNabb charles.h.mcnabb@afghan.swa.army.mil

"Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoul-ders of that generation.” -Ronald Reagan

Company Mailing Address YOUR SOLDIER’S NAME (No Rank) 589th Signal Company, 170th IBCT

Camp Mike Spann APO AE 09368

On going building project spearheaded by Soldiers of 1st Platoon which will serve as their new office

FRG Email: Frg589thsignal@yahoo.com

Family Readiness Liaison Number: SGT Gerbine Cell: 01622634917 DSN: 314-485-7523

How to dial to the US: 001 + area code + number How to dial from the US to Germany: 011 + 49 (country code) + number (do NOT include the first 0) BTA Website: www.baumholder.army.mil/sites/local

Task Force Command and

Staff

Commander

LTC Erik D. Zetterstrom

Command Sergeant Major

CSM Keith R. Whitcomb

Executive Officer MAJ Anthony I. Bailey

Operations Officer

MAJ Michael J. Swienton

NCOIC: SFC Donald W. Hoover

Personnel Officer

CPT Alexander Acheampong NCOIC: SSG Chantal A. Glover

Intelligence Officer CPT Michael M. Ellichman

NCOIC: SSG Ashley G. Johnson

Logistics Officer CPT Jonathan F. Dyer

NCOIC: SFC Shannon D. Martin

Signal Officer

1LT Larry V. Kemp

NCOIC SGT Antonio G. Collazo

Special Staff

Chaplain Chaplain (CPT) David W. Chapman

Physician Assistant

CPT Nasaazi M. Lwanga NCOIC: SSG Joseph A. Holt Jr.

Non Lethal Effects Officer

SFC Eric Fontaine

Maintenance Technician

WO1 Walley R. Parker

NCOIC: SFC Ervin D. Baker

Family Readiness Support Assistant

Ms Michelle J. Mims

Official Address HQ, 40th EN BN-Task Force Ram

170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Unit 23803

Camp Mike Spann

APO AE 09368

Editor CPT Acheampong

alexander.acheampong@us.army.mil

Supervising Editor

MAJ Bailey anthony.bailey@us.army.mil

Task Force Ram—Battering Rams!

CPT Gleich 1SG Cliatt

CPT Kelso 1SG McGuire

CPT Hamilton 1SG Devine

CPT Parker 1SG McNerney

CPT Swickard SFC Doukoure

Rear-D

SPC Biglangawa, Commo Specialist with Renegade platoon displays his reenlistment

certificate as LT Biggs congratulates him

SGT Casillas, OPS NCO acknowledges CPT Kelso’s well wishes after his 3 year reenlistment

SPC Reed, Battalion S-1 Clerk smiles for the camera with CW2 Whittaker following her

four year reenlistment

REENLISTMENTS IN FOCUS

CPT Kester 1SG Beckles

SGT White, Human Intelligence Collector with 502 MICO after reenlisting to serve 4 more years

CPT Kelso commends SGT Walter, senior mechanic on his decision to serve 4 more years

SSG Johnson, Battalion S-2 NCOIC takes his turn to commit for six more years of service

as LTC Zetterstrom administers the oath