tf hannibal newsletter-aug2013
TRANSCRIPT
It has been a month since the
536th Maintenance Support
Team (MST) arrived in Camp
Marmal. The MST has impacted
Regional Command-North by
providing maintenance capabili-
ties to Coalition Forces such as
the Mongolians and Croatians.
Additionally, 536th MST Soldiers
are assisting other military units
around Camp Marmal lacking
maintenance support.
The team from
Schofield Barracks,
Hawaii is composed of
20 Soldiers who are
motivated and hungry
for work. Thus far, the
MST completed more
work orders than the
previous unit during their entire
tenure at Camp Marmal. 536th
Soldiers have been extremely
busy under the vehicles, fixing
air conditioned jobs, conducting
services on generators, weapons’
annual gauging, and maintained a
grueling training schedule for
theater requirements during the
first month in Afghanistan.
With the continuous
flow of work orders coming in to
536Takes Charge
TF Hannibal
S P E C I A L
P O I N T S O F
I N T E R E S T :
536 Patching
Ceremony
In-Gating
Hairatan Day
Care
Perspective of a
Soldier
Introducing TF
Hannibal S6
‘The Daily
Show’ visits
524th CSSB
Mazer-e-Sharif is one of the distribu-
tion hubs in Northern Afghanistan.
These Soldiers closely monitor upload
and download of hundreds of tanker
trucks and thousands of gallons of fuel
per month. Afghan truck drivers pa-
tiently wait outside the
base every evening for
the Soldiers from Task
Force Hannibal to arrive
and begin the escorting
process.
SGT Richards, the in-
gating NCOIC, leads his
in-gating team outside
the wire (on foot) dressed
in “full battle rattle.” His
Soldiers see a huddle of
about 25 Afghan truck
drivers waiting right out-
side the gate. The drivers
gather to receive instructions
displaying a number and instruc-
tions in English. After an initial
brief through a local interpreter,
drivers line up their trucks for
inspection and move to the fuel
point under the watchful eye of
an escort. Drivers either drop off
fuel and head back out for an-
other fill up, or pick up fuel for
distribution to outlying
FOBs.Proper handling of the local drivers and keeping a friendly relation-
ship with the local population can make a difference in the battalion’s abil-
ity to obtain crucial information about the hostile environment surrounding
our Soldiers on a daily basis.
SPC Gerda Ngir-
chokebai from the island of Palau is
awarded Solder of the
Month for HHC. SPC Ngirchokebai is cur-
rently serving in the
HHC Supply Section.
the shop, the first month has
flown by really quick. The units
goal is not only to surpass the
total number of jobs completed by
the previous unit, but perform at
higher level producing better
quality repair jobs. The 536th
MST really takes pride in their
work. They are hoping to get
their name out and assist any unit
in need of help in order to accom-
plish the mission here in Afghani-
stan.
Soldiers from the 536th pose after
their Patching Ceremony
Meet The “In-Gating” Team!
Message from the Commander P A G E 2
Hello to our
family and
friends back
home! As
we work to-
wards finish-
ing up our
third month
here in Af-
ghanistan, your Soldiers continue to per-
form exceptionally well as they continue to
provide superb support to all units and coa-
lition forces throughout Regional Command
- North (RC-N). As you might guess, our
efforts focus on sustaining ongoing opera-
tions. We have also been working dili-
gently to reduce the amount of excess mate-
riel within our area. TF Hannibal is the
lead organization for managing retrograde
of materiel and containers throughout
Northern Afghanistan. We have made very
good progress to date and expect to make
achieve greater amounts of cargo moved
through the rest of our time here.
TF Hannibal recently completed what
might possibly be the single greatest con-
tribution to coalition forces that we make
during our deployment. As several coor-
dination activities failed, our Dutch part-
ners found themselves in jeopardy of
meeting their redeployment window.
With 65 20ft containers of cargo and sev-
eral armored vehicles left to move from
an outlying Forward Operating Base back
to Camp Marmal, the battalion staff and
the 1245th Transportation Company
planned and executed a short notice mis-
sion to bring the cargo and vehicles back
in time for redeployment. That convoy
represented the largest single movement
of cargo to date for the 1245th TC and the
mission was executed flawlessly. Many
and much larger convoys have been exe-
cuted regularly throughout the Army's
history, but the challenges of poor and
narrow roadways here in Afghanistan
make convoy operations difficult at best.
We continue to take care of and support
each other here. Everyone seems to be
doing well and in good spirits. We hope
things are going well there as well. We
all speak regularly about our families
back home and appreciate the difficulties
you face, particularly those who are go-
ing through pregnancies, are facing
health issues and those who are wran-
gling kids without your spouse there to
support. In many ways, you're job is
much more difficult. If you have a good
support system of family members and/
or neighbors great! I would like to con-
tinue to offer those who are not leverag-
ing the FRG system and/or Operation
Home Fires to please do so. FRG mem-
bers and our Rear Detachment personnel
will continue to reach out as they are
there to support you, our families.
We truly appreciate the support from our
friends and family back home and con-
tinue to look forward to our reunion next
Spring.
Take care and God bless.
LTC D
The Soldiers of the 524th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion con-
tinue to sustain operations in Regional Command-North through selfless
service and dedication. Despite the physical and mental challenges associ-
ated with deployment, our Soldiers continue to persevere and meeting
each challenge with excellence. In addition to primary military duties, our
Soldiers are continuing their self development through college and mili-
tary correspondence courses, GT improvement, and required training certi-
fications. Our Soldiers also continue to strive for physical excellence. Every member of the 524 th CSSB is lean and mean and seek to
improve the current 281 company Army Physical Fitness Test average. Several of our Soldiers are expecting new editions to their
families in the coming days and weeks. Although, they cannot be physically present, we are all anxiously waiting and supporting each
other as we wait for the birth of the newest members of the Make Away family.
On 1 September 2013, we will promote SSG Charles Smith to Sergeant First Class and SPC Angelica Blair to Sergeant. Congratu-
lations to both, these promotions are long overdue, and well deserved. SSG Smith will also reenlist on his promotion day. SGT Erika
Carranza and SPC Angelica Blair won the last NCO and Soldier of the Month boards and will participate in the 101st Sustainment
Brigade Quarter boards in October at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
Despite the long work days, our soldiers still find time to participate in other
activities. CPT Frank Guizar, SFC Tyronn Green, SGT Brandon McDowell, and
Breyanna Romero volunteer at the USO to help build morale for all coalition
forces, DOD civilians, and contractors on Camp Marmal. SPC Mariah Keen and
LT Kashayla Stanford participated and won the Woman’s 500 Pound Club lift-
ing competition for their prospective weight categories. SSG Charles Smith won
the USO three point shoot out and HHC beat the 536th Maintenance Support
Team during the battalion basketball tournament.
I would like to close by thanking the families back home for all you do, care
packages, and letters you have been sending. Keep them coming!
Make A Way
“Hannibal 7”
Message from the CSM
Hairatan Port
Daycare
Afghanistan that we are here to
assist. Additionally, these inter-
actions can provide the female
citizens with healthy/positive
female role models.
It’s vital for coalition forces
to maintain these types of engagements, create a good working
relationship with the Afghans and continue to enhance our com-
munity relations which will hopefully give the Afghans a hope-
ful outlook towards their financial and educational future once
US/Coalition forces depart. By MAJ Lashell Davis
In late July, Taskforce Lifeliner and Hannibal fe-
males visited the Hairatan, Afghanistan Port Daycare.
This visit was an effort for JCOP Hairatan Soldiers to
show their support for the citizens of Hairatan.
The Hairatan Port Daycare is utilized by both port em-
ployees and local residents. The center currently serves 50
children ranging in the ages
from infants to 11 years old.
The center offers an educational
curriculum consisting of read-
ing, writing, math, history and
languages.
The purpose of the visit was
twofold: first, for female Sol-
diers to interact with female
Afghans that work outside of
home. The other purpose was to
deliver school supplies to the
daycare and distribute candy to
the children.
This event was good for the
Soldiers because it gave them
the opportunity to have positive
interaction with the people of
Afghanistan and it also pro-
moted the continuous relationship building with the citizens, in
particular Afghanistan women who work outside the home.
By conducting these types of key leadership engagements/
humanitarian assistant efforts and interacting with the Af-
ghanistan citizens, we can foster/promote a clear, honest and
compassionate working relationship to show the people of
P A G E 4
Straight from the Top! Soldiers, Family and Friends of
HHC 524TH, CSSB
I hope all is well back home.
We have made it through an-
other month, which means we
are one month closer to coming
home. Once again I have to re-
port that your Soldiers are doing
well and making amazing pro-
gress on trying to get US forces
to a point we can meet the con-
ditions of pulling out of Af-
ghanistan.
As I look around our area of
operation, I am constantly
amazed at the amount of STUFF
we have moved out of theater. It
is our primary job to move
“logistics” in, around, and out of
theater. Your Soldiers are re-
sponsible for making that hap-
pen, at least in northern Af-
ghanistan. Your Soldiers may
not realize the progress, but
from my position I get to see the
bigger picture. You all should be
proud of what your Soldiers
have accomplished so far; I
know the Commander and I are.
We seem to have Soldiers
scattered all over the Camp
Marmal/Pratt area doing a
plethora of things in support
of this operation. Some of
these areas include but are
not limited to, In-gating
(escorting) Afghan fuel and
supply trucks, oversight of
food, fuel, and every other
class of supply that is cur-
rently under contract by
FLUOR.
I cannot express my many
thanks for all the support that
you are providing your Soldiers
here in Afghanistan. To see the
smiles on their faces daily when
they receive their mail from
back home is amazing; you truly
are their backbone which keeps
them going.
SFC David E. Briggs, HHC,
524th CSSB First Sergeant.
August proved to be quite the
month here in Afghanistan for the
Warrior team. As the temperature
climbed so did the workload and
the successes of each section
within HHC. HHC began the month with a successful change of command, fare welling CPT
Rainey who immediately following flew back to Hawaii to join his wife for the birth of his
son and begin his new job at the 45th Sustainment Brigade. The Support Operations section
continues to plan and coordinate the important mission of organizing and moving equipment
out of Afghanistan as this war draws to a close. Our food service personnel continue to en-
sure the quality of nutrition that our warriors and all other service members here at Camp
Marmal receive is of the highest quality. Our Soldiers continue to act as Force Protection
enforcers, safeguarding this camp and protecting against insider-threats that have been mak-
ing the news recently. Just this past week, The Daily Show host, John Oliver and some of his
comedian friends stopped by and paid the 524th a visit. They were only scheduled to stay
with us for an hour but ended up staying much longer as they were impressed and amazed at
the professionalism and technical expertise that the HHC Soldiers demonstrated to them.
Finally, I would like to remind everyone that if you have any questions at all, feel free to con-
tact me directly at [email protected].
CPT Smith
Warrior 6
From the Tiger’s Den P A G E 5
1245th Transportation Company,
524th Combat Sustainment Support Battal-
ion, 101st Sustainment Brigade out of Okla-
homa works closely with local Dari and
Pashtu truck drivers. Some of the compa-
nies young men and women exhibited feel-
ings of culture shock in the very beginning
months of arrival, but leadership since then
has seen those feel-
ings of uncertainty
evolve into crea-
tive interaction
with “Host Na-
tional” drivers.
1245th Transporta-
tion Company’s
unique role paints
a picture of their
interaction with the
Afghan people for
family and friends
back home, dis-
playing an impres-
sive ability to util-
ize creative methods of commu-
nication while sharing the ut-
most respect and concern for
each other’s safety.
Imagine a location set
in the picturesque valleys of the
Hindu Kush Mountains. Mem-
bers of the 1245th Transportation Company
briskly walk to an assortment of tactical
military vehicles as the sun sets quietly in
the west, and the twilight displays colorful
blue, purple and red hues. Soldiers work
methodically to prepare their vehicles;
checking the oil, cleaning their windows,
and gearing up for the long trip that lays
ahead of them. Directly behind the 1245th
sits a parking lot full of colorfully ornate
Host National Afghan vehicles.
While the Afghan culture is very
different from their Oklahoma culture, the
small contingent of 1245th Soldiers respect
the Afghan people. There are times when
things go awry but for the most part every
challenge is worked in cooperation with
Afghan drivers. A meeting with the Host
National drivers before each meeting can be
a somewhat of chaotic scene often referred
to as “herding cats.” After the initial infor-
mation is distributed, local nationals
promptly begin to ask numerous
questions, usually about fuel. After
their meeting, Afghan drivers con-
tinue to prep their vehicles, ensuring
that their loads are secure and just
like U.S. forces, checking their vehi-
cle’s maintenance. Many drivers
exhibit a sense of great pride in
their vehicles, ensuring they are
washed, fueled, and very clean.
After vehicle checks are
complete, Soldiers stand around and
visit with other crews and friends.
Often there is a lot of laughter and
joking and routine to
throw around a football
after all checks are com-
plete. Afghans have taken
an interest in 1245th’s pre-
mission football game and
are intrigued by how the
ball spirals through the air.
Some of the local drivers are between
the ages of 14 and 15 years old, as
relationships are built, they show a
desire to interact and throw the ball
around with the 1245th Soldiers.
Most Soldiers encourage them to
participate while friends stand guard
and keep their distance.
1245th Soldiers are periodi-
cally invited for an Afghan meal, an
interesting experience. Drivers invite
Soldiers for a cup of chai tea; all sit
around the trucks and sip tea while
sharing through broken English or
interpreters. While awaiting direc-
tions from 1245th’s Soldiers, the
Afghans will usually sit on the
ground, spread a blanket out, and
wait. Their lives appear to be very
nomadic; they do not live in one
area but move around all over the
country. Afghan’s travel with all
their bread, fruits and vegetables
and are always looking for a dinner
partner. Their diet primarily con-
sisted of sheep, beef, potatoes, to-
matoes, onions, and bread. The
food is typically prepared in
pressure cookers, and served
as a stew or soup.
While Afghan culture is
very different from that of
America, the people are
extremely kind and helpful;
they are continually help-
ing one another out on the
road. They seem to live
very simple
lives not bound
by a culture
demanding
materialistic
belongings, a
possible side
effect of a tribal
lifestyle. Over
the last eight
months, the
1245th Trans-
portation broth-
ers and sisters have performed ex-
ceptionally alongside their Afghans
drivers with whom they have built
great relationships. They continue
to impress all with the respect they
show to the Afghans. The 1245th
Transportation Company Soldiers
are setting the standard here in
Afghanistan.
Written By: 1LT Queton, Warren
P A G E 6
As I walk through the gate to board the plane headed back to Hawaii I hear my
son’s voice in the distance say “Why is he leaving us mommy”. Not being able to
communicate often with my wife and son, sharing a bay full of males with mini-
mal personal space (while sleeping in cots), eating below-
average chow off of a MKT, working endless hours, all while
being in an active combat zone, are just a few of my horrible
expectations during pre-deployment preparation. My wife
consistently attempted to persuade me that expecting the
worse and hoping for the best was the correct mind set to have
leading up to deployment. So I did just that and was she ever
correct. By the way, I am SPC Vega, Peter and I am an intelli-
gence analyst for the 524th CSSB S-2 shop.
As I took my first steps into Afghanistan off of the plane it
instantly hit me. It hit me hard and fast and unexpectedly. This
“it” that I speak of was the 10-15 mph gust of 115 degree heat
that gave me such a warm welcome into Afghanistan. Within
20 minutes upon arrival I was already tasked with a detail to
watch weapons while the rest of the company went to unload
bags. As I watched everyone work and move around in the
cooking sun, I began to appreciate sitting there and watching
those weapons just a little bit more then I normally would.
However, I soon came to realize that getting acclimated to the weather was proba-
bly the hardest task that I would have to do within the next few months.
Everything in Camp Marmal and about this deployment has exceeded my expecta-
tions by a long shot, so far. All those expectations I had during pre-deployment
were helpful to build the right state of mind leading into a combat environment,
but were absolutely incorrect. There has not been a day in which I have not spo-
ken to my wife and son. I sleep on a comfortable mattress with about 6x6 feet of
personal space, in which I own proudly, within fortified plywood walls. Not to
mention the fact that I get sufficient sleep on that wonderful twin size mattress on
a daily basis. The work load has started to become a lot less heavy as I continue to
become comfortable with my role. Most importantly, I eat above-average chow
three times a day.
PFC Peter Vega from Fort Meyers, Florida
serving in the S2 of Task Force Hannibal
Expect the Worst, Hope for
the Best…..
P A G E 7
My job duties allow me to get a better understanding of the culture
of Afghanistan due to the fact that I conduct nightly interviews
with local truck drivers. As a result of these interviews, I have
gained a new perspective of the Afghan culture. Contrary to popu-
lar belief, the locals of Afghanistan are not too different from
Americans. There are some cultural differences and norms; how-
ever, overall they simply work in order to support their families
and loved ones just as the American
culture does. Also, the combat envi-
ronment is not as kinetic as I imag-
ined. However, as the S-2 analyst I
am obligated to condone compla-
cency no matter the situation or en-
vironment in which you are in.
From the outside looking in I would
say that it appears that the 524th
CSSB as a whole has transitioned
well into command here in RC
North. However, I would like to
highlight the success and determina-
tion of the S-2 shop. For those that
do not know what the S-2 shop is
responsible for, I briefly give you a
general understanding. The S-2 is
responsible for collecting informa-
tion on the enemy in order to pro-
vide security and intelligence to subordinate units and/or friendly forces. By giving accurate and rele-
vant intelligence, it increases safety and situational awareness for operations outside and inside the
wire. The 524th CSSB S-2 shop has been doing this with a rather unique composition of personnel.
Our NCOIC, Sergeant Colon, Jennifer is an Electronic Warfare specialist, while our other intelligence
analyst was originally a laundry service specialist. That leaves Captain Wilson, Timothy and myself
as the only Intel qualified personnel for the shop. However, that has not hindered our capabilities, at
all, to achieve our commander’s intent or to provide support to our subordinate units. In my personal
opinion, I think the S-2 shop has not only upheld but exceeded the standard bestowed upon us and is
only the beginning of the strides we are taking in order to progress as a team.
I am in no way too relaxed to forget about the importance of the mission, but I am grateful for the
conditions and the outcome of this deployment up until this point. I encourage soldiers of all ranks to
embrace this deployment and capitalize and the opportunities given in order to expand your horizon.
Whether, that is professionally, educationally, spiritually, culturally, etc. There is ample amount of
resources to progress in ample amount of ways during this deployment. Most of all stay alert and stay
alive and from the words of our Battalion Commander, LTC James M. Droppleman, “Do the right
thing. And treat everybody with dignity and respect”.
SPC Vega, Peter
P A G E 8
Caption describing
picture or graphic.
Inside Story Headline
Introducing Task Force Hannibal’s S6
One of the first rules in warfare is to take out communications
in order to cripple your opponent’s ability to control the battle
field. During the Civil War the Signal Corps used flags and
torches to communicate. The signalman would stand atop the
high ground for all to see, signaling ground movements from the
commander to the troops. Subsequently, he was usually among
the first to be targeted. The Signal Corps has come a long way
from flag and torch in the civil war, expanding to signal
satellites afar. The one constant is that in combat we are always
in the fight.
Today we live in a time where multimedia communication is
king. It would be difficult to find someone who doesn’t e-mail,
Skype, or use Social Media from a computer or a handheld
device. The American Soldier is no different; however, instead of Skype, we Video
Teleconference and instead of Gmail we use the Global Enterprise Network, but not even
the Army can resist the force that is Facebook (search the 524th CSSB on FB)!
The Signal Corps is one of the finest branches in the U.S. Army. We enable everyone in the
army to communicate in order to accomplish their missions. Signaleers make it possible for
other Soldiers to communicate on and off the battlefield. We can set up our own computer
networks – even in a deployed environment – to communicate with those we hold dear back
home. The S6 Soldiers of Task Force Hannibal are leading the way using all available
methods of communication.
Task Force Hannibal’s S6 shop is made up of eight Soldiers responsible for keeping the
lifeblood of the battalion flowing throughout Regional Command-North, Afghanistan. SGT
Houston Lister and SPC Shantia Williams serve the battalion as Signal Support Systems
Specialist; they install, operate, and maintain designated radio systems providing technical
assistance and training for communications equipment. SGT Lister and SPC Williams allow
Task Force Hannibal Soldiers to maintain an important lifeline to battalion headquarters
while traveling on the road. SPC Nakia Williams and SPC Breyanna Romero are Task
Force Hannibal’s two Information Technology Specialists who maintain the battalion’s
computer networks allowing personnel to send messages throughout Afghanistan. As the
Army begins a major push to withdraw forces and equipment over the next eighteen months,
CW2 Darren Duncan and SGT Brandon McDowell provide Sustainment Automation
Support Management to the ever increasing retrograde mission. Finally, SFC Tyronn Green
and CPT Frank Guizar lead the shop by providing purpose, direction, and motivation.
These are the Soldiers who connect you your families via video teleconference. The
Soldiers who link the war fighter to higher headquarters. The Soldiers who complete the
phrase “shoot, move, and communicate. You can talk about us, but you can’t talk without
us! We are the Army
P A G E 9
Task Force Hannibal Entertains
‘The Daily Show’
Task Force Hannibal troops stationed at Camp Marmal Afghanistan were
treated to a visit from the comedians representing Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily
Show.’ The day began with comedians Rory Albanese, Elliott Kalan, Adam
Lowitt and John Oliver taking the time to meet and greet
many of the Soldiers from HHC, 536th Support Maintenance
Team, and 1245th Transportation Company. After getting
the feel for the Army’s body armor, the distinguished visi-
tors were afforded a extraordinary opportunity to get hands
on instruction from SFC Welsh on the Army’s .50 cal, 249,
and M4. Afterwards, 536th MST and 1245th TC were able to
show off their vehicles, allowing members of ‘The Daily
Show’ cast and crew to explore an array of military vehi-
cles. Rory Albanese immediately climbed strait up into the
gunner’s turret, taking full advantage of a rare photo op.
During the evening’s performance, John Oliver joked about the oddities of Military life and the basic
rules of living in Afghanistan. He left the crowd in tears and expressed his joy and thankfulness for the
opportunity to bring a bit of laugher and relief to the troops based at Camp Marmal, Afghanistan.