Headquarters Headquarters Company 411th Engineer Brigade “The

Headquarters Headquarters Company
411th Engineer Brigade
“The Brigade of Choice”
Joint
N
Noovveem
mbbeerr 11,, 22001122
V
Voolluum
mee 11,, IIssssuuee 1133
Task Force Empire! 1 November
2012
Page 0
Mailing Addresses
Soldier Full Name
411TH EN BDE
BAGRAM AIR FIELD APO, AE 09354
MAJ Hults
CPT Lee
SFC Armano
PFC Cosme
SPC Gonzalez
Soldier Full Name
411th EN BDE
Camp Leatherneck
APO, AE 09372
Soldier Full Name
411th EN BDE
Kandahar Airfield
APO AE 09355
LTC Tong
CPT Nelson
SFC Johnson SGT Mack, C
SPC Edwards SPC Rodriguez
Soldier Full Name
411th EN BDE
Camp Marmal
APO AE 09368
1LT Caesar SGT Rice
SFC Sanchez SGT Poandl
SPC Ghazaii SPC Conboy
MAJ Joseph Verastegui
ACAG-KAIA-N
CJENG
APO, AE 09320
Commander’s Corner
CPT Brian Mykulak, Commanding
The Soldiers of the HHC 411th Engineer Brigade had
another great month. We completed many more
mission and tasks, but nothing is more important than
that of the "double digit" milestone.
The Company has breached into double digits in
days remaining in theater. Although it is a milestone
that many Soldiers watch and gauge the deployment
by, our Soldiers continue to give their primary focus
to the mission at hand. As our deployment rolls on
and the days and weeks fly by, the dedication the
Soldiers of 411th provide to our down trace Soldiers
on the front lines is irreproachable.
As the holidays near, all our Soldiers wanted to give a
big Happy Thanksgiving to all of our families and
friends back home who will be celebrating without us
this year. Sure we will have our turkey and stuffing
(maybe even some ribs and chicken) army style this
year, it will not be the same without our loved ones.
This year however, we do get to spend our special
meal with our additional family that being our
brothers and sisters in arms and the Soldiers of the
HHC 411th Engineer Brigade.
Happy Thanksgiving from the 411th Engineer
Brigade!
ESSAYONS
Please feel free to contact me with your questions and
comments. Brian.c.mykulak@afghan.swa.army.mil
Cover Photo
Specialist Miguel Martillo is presented the Purple Heart from LTG
James L. Terry
SSG Derek Smith Photo, 411th Engineer Brigade PAO
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 1
From the Top
1SG Charles C. Reed
First Sergeant
Hello Families, Friends, and Supporters of the 411th Team. It
is time again for another installment of The Protectors.
It was a typical and normal past two weeks. That was, until
last night (31 Oct). When I left the office it was dark and the
moon was full. An ominous cloud surrounded the moon.
Not thinking anything of it, I went to chow and then to my
hotel suite. I wasn’t in my room long before there was a
knock on the door. To my surprise, I had trick and treaters.
Upon gazing at the outfits I knew the trick was on me so I did
not give them any treats. All the more I am going to say is,
see page 12 and it will give you an insight of my thoughts at
the time. I hope you all enjoyed your Halloween.
I don’t get an opportunity to watch the news much, but have
found myself trying just a little bit harder of late. Naturally,
the World Series had my attention (I thought we were the
only winning team from New York), the upcoming elections,
and of late Hurricane Sandy. I recognize that a lot of our
families were in her path and we all pray for the welfare and
safety of our folks at home.
We are getting excited about the next big holiday coming up.
That’s right, General George S. Patton, Jr.’s birthday is the
11th of November. He was born 127 years ago. He also
shares the day with Veteran’s Day. Initially Armistice Day,
established in remembrance of the end of WW I. The day has
grown to recognize all Veterans and the sacrifices they have
made for our country, in times of peace and war. So, on
behalf of the team, we recognize and thank all of the
Veterans out there. We also add thanks to all of the families
that also sacrificed while their Service member served.
Our Public Affairs Office as published the October edition of
The Empire Report. Please share this with our support team.
http://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/11055
I, along with SSG Robert, had the chance to make a quick
trip down to Kandahar. Expecting nothing less, I found them
all to be in good shape, high spirits and extremely productive.
Besides seeing the Soldiers, one of my highlights was being
able to have eggs to order. If you were wondering, I had two
eggs over-medium and supped it up with buttered wheat
toast. It was the best meal I have had in months. In Bagram,
at the infamous BB Que Dining Facility, you get greenish
scrambled eggs. The only choice you actually get is to eat
them or throw them out.
Upon returning to BAF, I have had the chance to greet other
Soldiers that I have not seen for a little while. SPC Ghazaii
had stopped in on his way to his new assignment in RC-SW.
Private Cosme was here for a few days from RC-SW and
SGT Poandl and SFC Sanchez had a mission that brought
them through here as well from RC-N. MAJ Verastegui is
down from Kabul for a meeting. It was the first many of us
have seen him since he went north six months ago. Getting
to visit with Soldiers, whether it is me getting out or them
coming in, remains the highlight of the day.
In this edition of The Protectors, the sections have done a
good job providing us updates. They discuss business and
add a little humor at times. We even have been provided
pictures of a few Soldiers that we have not seen in here for a
few editions.
Those sections that aren’t included will hopefully have new
updates for our mid-month.
We have had several high ranking visitors the past two
weeks. I find with rank comes coins. Leaders love to
recognize Soldiers when they are doing well. If that’s what
they like they picked the right place to visit. Most of the
time they run out of coins before they run out of our super
warriors. In addition to coins, we have had a few
promotions and even awards and recognition.
We sent two of our Soldiers home over the past two weeks.
MSG Novielli had routine surgery. I spoke to him while he
was in Germany, following the surgery and he is doing
extremely well. Jack, we wish you well and a speedy
healing process.
The other Soldier, as mentioned in the Command Group
Update, is SPC Tallion Abbott. He zigged when he should
have zagged and ended up fracturing his wrist. He was
essentially conducting his daily duties when the accident
occurred. We wish him a speedy recovery as well.
SSG Art Taylor, had knee surgery in Qatar. I said before he
left, he could not do a slow waltz. He returned this week
and I saw him doing an Irish River Dance. I say his surgery
went well. It is good to have him back on the team at 110%.
Looking ahead, we have holidays coming up that don’t
involve Gen. Patton. If you are sending packages for
Christmas, this is your reminder to plan ahead. Typically,
you will want to have them in the mail by December the 8th.
That gives you a month to procrastinate.
As always, you all have been doing a good job with the
cards, letters and packages. Give yourselves a pat on the
back and keep em’ coming. Enough with the sweets and
candies though, we want to be slim and trim when we come
and we are now at three months.
And, my final reminder is to get out on Tuesday and vote.
Feel free to e-mail your questions and comments.
Charles.c.reed@afghan.swa.army.mil or
Chuck.reed1@us.army.mil
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 2
Awards and Achievements
The past two weeks have been very diverse in activities.
First, right after the last edition of The Protectors was
released; we received a visit from our peacetime higher
headquarters in the form of the Commanding General of the
412th Theater Engineer Command, Major General William
M. Buckler and his Command Sergeant Major, and no
stranger to the 411th, Ronald Flubacher.
The 412th Command Team, when not attending special
briefings, had the opportunity to visit with their Soldiers.
They shared their meals with different groups of Soldiers and
at each event, the 412th Command Team was able to present
the 412th Commander Coins of Excellence to our Soldiers in
recognition of the dedication to the mission and their high
level of performance.
Specialist Miguel Martillo of
the Medical Team was presented
the Purple Heart form the IJC
Commander, Lt. Gen. James Terry.
SPC Martillo was assigned as a
medic to one of our subordinate
units and, while out on mission,
was in the proximity of an
explosion which caused a mild
concussion. SPC Martillo is doing
well and even assisted treating
other Soldiers during the event.
He anxiously waits rejoining his
Lt. Gen. Terry also presented Specialistbrothers-in-arms.
Miguel Martillo,
Medical Team, Sergeant Edwin Jiman, G2 Section and Staff
Sergeant Robert Francis, Headquarters Section with the IJC
Commander’s Coin of Excellence in recognition of the
outstanding professionalism in which they serve and the
contributions they individually make toward the mission.
Receiving the recognition were: Private First Class, Brett
Schlosser; Specialist John Owen, Gary Sandlin, Milton
Casiano, Andrea Estes, David Matrazzo, Shana Kovatch,
Ray Mendock; Corporals Shakira Burnett and Domingo
Fung; Sergeant Aaron Majors; Staff Sergeant Jose Negron;
Sergeant First Class Luis Melendez, Second Lieutenants
Benjamin Rowland and Dennis Miller and First Lieutenants
Brett Knutson and Michael Jackson.
f
Lieutenant General James L. Terry, Commander of V Corps
and International Security Assistance Force Joint Command
(IJC), recently visited our command where he received
briefings on our current and future operations as the sole
Engineer Brigade in country by Brigadier General Weeks and
his staff. Following the briefs, LTG Terry addressed a few of
our Soldiers. He then awarded the Purple Heart to Specialist
Miguel Martillo.
(Above, Left) Specialist Miguel Martillo,
(Above Right) Sergeant Edwin Jiman and
(Left) Staff Sergeant Francis Robert all
receive the IJC Commander’s Coin of
Excellence presented by Lt. Gen, Terry, IJC
Commander.
All Soldiers were recognized by their
leadership based on their outstanding and
professional contributions to meeting
mission objective.
Throughout the past several weeks, our Soldiers have been
able to engage in professional improvement in the form of
classes. Our Medical Team recently hosted a Combat Life
Saver class, which is essentially advanced first aid. This is a
skill we constantly maintain our proficiency on. Recently
completing the course were: Specialists Rafael Corchado,
Tallion Abbott, Daniel Wray, Ronny Alvarez, Ray
Mendock, Meredith Owen, Andrea Estes, Shana Kovatch,
Tony Nguyen, Gary Sandlin, Andrew Myers; Corporal
Shakira Burnett; Sergeants Tara Cupid and Aaron Majors;
Staff Sergeant Krista Jados; Sergeant First Class Carl Rice;
Mr. Marcus Heard; Second Lieutenant Sarah Wildee; Chief
Warrant Officer Two Mindy Larke; Captain Frank Morey
and Major Daren O’Day.
IJC Commander, Lt. Gen. James L. Terry addresses a group of Soldiers during his recent visit.
Staff Sergeant James Evans had the opportunity to attend an
explosives handling type of course.
Continued Next Page.
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 3
Continued from previous page
The Brigade Headquarters was able to assemble recently for
a formation. During the formation, the Company
Commander, Captain Brian Mykulak and Brigadier
General David Weeks were able to recognize even more
outstanding achievements of our Warriors.
The Tactical Operations Team remains on top of their game
and were able to recognize some of their Warriors during
formation. Corporal Kevin Owens, Jr., Specialist Andrew
Myers and Specialist John Owen (pictured bottom, left
column) received Task Force Empire Certificates of
Achievement for the methodical processing of all data and
their innovating techniques to receive, process, track and
present the data has been most noteworthy.
We started the formation
with promoting one of
our Warriors into the
NCO Corps. Ronny
Alvarez, Judge Advocate
General Team, who
extended his year-long
tour with another unit to
stay and finish up with
us, was promoted to the
rank of Sergeant. His
promotion was well
deserved.
Congratulations!
Derek Sheaffer, of the
Headquarters Section
notoriety, was advanced to
the rank of Specialist.
Specialist Sheaffer is a
diligent warrior who
worked very hard for this
goal.
He made marked
improvement in his
physical readiness,
completed on line training
and has performed his
duties in a noteworthy
manner.
Hooah and Well
Deserved!
Air Force Captain, Jeremy Kinne, a liaison with the G3
Section, was presented the prestigious Army
Commendation Medal by Brig. Gen. David Weeks in
recognition of the exceptional meritorious achievement
while serving as the Route Carolina Professional
Engineer. His meticulous planning, leadership and work
ethic directly contributed to IJC’s Northern Distribution
Network and the Salong Tunnel mission. Well done and
well deserved! Congratulations!
A big welcome back goes out to Staff Sergeant Art Taylor
after a very successful knee surgery.
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 4
The Team in the Field
Specialists Lindsay Meyer and Brandon Arias, Medical Team
“If you could be one thing for Halloween
what would you be and why?”
Sergeant First Class Kurt
Mollenkopf, G-3 Section:
“I would be Sergeant Major
Jacques because Klingons
are well respected in the
galaxy”
Captain Arp Arkun,
Brigade Surgeon:
“I’ve wanted to be a storm
trooper since I was five
years old. My dad is a big
Star Wars fan and it
rubbed off on me.”
Staff Sergeant David
Shatas, Unit Ministry
Team:
“I would be Predator
because I like to hunt
humans and other life
forms”
Specialist William
Thomas, G2 Section:
I would be Tarzan so I
could wear a loin cloth.
Specialist Ray
Mendock, G7 Section:
I would wear a bow
and be a gift to the
world.
Specialist Derek
Sheaffer, Headquarters
Section:
“I would be a Hawaiian
dancer because I like
the way grass skirts feel
against my bare legs.”
Corporal Shakira
Burnett, G-4 Section:
"If I could be one thing
for Halloween, I would
be a princess because my
grandfather used to call
me Princess."
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 5
G7 Section – RC – North Update
Provided by Sergeant Stephen Poandl
Everything is just splendid at the lovely Camp Marmal in
northern Afghanistan. Things are nice and quiet, giving our
team in the north an opportunity to enjoy themselves. The
team remains busy tracking a good amount of construction
projects. Since the last article, there have been a few changes
to the Joint Task Force Empire Coordination Cell North.
Perhaps the most significant news to report is that the RCNorth coordination cell is no more. The team has been
absorbed into a much larger organization, the RC-North
Engineer Tactical Action Center (TAC). For the most part, the
new roles and responsibilities for the former coordination cell
members parallels those previously performed. However, new
shiny titles have been assigned to these roles. As a single,
unified organization working in close quarters with one
another, the RC-North Engineer TAC will accomplish the
goals of two organizations more efficiently, and with better
results.
Shout Out to Mrs. Annie Evans, SSG Evans’
mother on including treats for others in her
Halloween Care Package. – 1SG
Picture Shout Out to MSG Betty’s
cousin, PFC Myrie, who is fresh
out of basic as a 16B, Hercules
Missile Crewmember. He will be
stationed in Fort Carson, CO.
Best of Luck!
A big Thank-You Shout Out to all the Veterans,
past and present for your service!
Happy 127th Birthday Shout Out
to General George Smith Patton, Jr.
Shout Out to Specialist Derek
Sheaffer to congratulate him on
making Specialist and to let him know we
appreciate his hard work. – The Headquarters
Section
Shout Out to Sergeant Corrin Mack on scoring a
perfect, 300 points on her Army Physical Fitness
Test.
"Nannie, I'm sorry that I was not able to be there
for your final days. I will always remember you.
Love, Philip"
The group celebrates getting rid of SPC Ghazaii.
No, that’s not snow.
The team in the north just got a little smaller with SPC Andrew
Ghazaii moving down south to Camp Leatherneck to work with
MAJ Hults and his team. SPC Ghazaii was looking to pursue
missions that brought him to various other places in
Afghanistan. He was granted the opportunity to provide
support for engineer missions in RC-Southwest. The team in
the north is happy for SPC Ghazaii. A celebration took place on
his last night in the north with cigars and near-beer.
Photo Shout Out to the 668th and 721st Warriors
who performed in an exemplary manner for the
year while deployed to Afghanistan. Best of Luck
as you return back to the States.
Happy Birthday Wishes
3 Nov – SPC Matthew Conboy
8 Nov – CPT Lawrence Lee
8 Nov – SGT Alexander Peters
11 Nov – GEN George S. Patton, Jr.
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 6
Medical Team - Update
Happy Halloween from the medical section! October has
been a very busy time for all of us in the 411th Aid Station.
CPT Arp Arkun and CPT Frank Morey have been working
closely to ensure the brigade headquarters company as well as
our numerous down trace units are prepared and equipped to
deal with the coming cold weather and its associated risks
and injuries. Believe it or not, it does get cold in Afghanistan.
Last year in Bagram temperatures dropped as low as 16F!
SSG Heriberto Santigo, SPC Brandon Arias, SPC Miguel
Martillo and SPC Lindsay Meyer continue to teach combat
life saver (CLS) courses to Soldiers across Bagram Airfield.
To date, they have certified over 45 Soldiers, NCO’s, and
Officers as combat life savers. For those who are wondering
what a combat life saver is, the army defines it as a Soldier
whose secondary mission to provide life saving medical care
to injured Soldiers usually at the point, or shortly after the
point of injury before the medic can reach the patient.
Captain Arp Arkun and
Staff Sergeant Heriberto
Santiago at the KAF
airport returning from
visiting units.
Obviously by the photo,
it is tough duty and they
then took a well-deserved
siesta.
CPT
Arkun
SSG Santiago
During the course, Soldiers are taught how to be proficient in
assessing patients, taking measures to control life threatening
hemorrhage, manage airways and chest trauma and prepare a
injured Soldier for evacuation. Through classroom instruction
and hands on practical exercises, Soldiers train on each other
using equipment such as the combat application tourniquet,
haemostatic gauze, and nasopharyngeal airways.
Outside the office, SPC Brandon Arias, SPC Miguel
Martillo and SPC Lindsay Meyer have been volunteering at
the local MWR haunted house providing medical support as
well as a scare or two!
CPT John Roker, Jr., SPC Emanuel Alvarez and SPC
TyroneWhite are currently down south at KAF assisting one
of our down trace units as they assume control of their area.
We wish them a safe and speedy return!
PFC Brett Schlosser is supporting one of our down trace
units at FOB Sharana. We also wish him a safe trip.
SFC Carl Rice receives a nasopharyngeal
airway. Pink Pony passed out during the
procedure.
SPC Gary Sandlin receives his Certificate of
Training from the Med Team.
The Class watches a demonstration
SPC Ray Mendock practices the tourniquet
as SPC Andrea Estes watches. Medic SPC
Tyrone White, Instructor.
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 7
came down in support of survey and
design projects and completed a few
missions in our Area of Operations. On
Provided by Sergeant Corrin Mack.
the first mission, SFC Johnson and SPC
Quinones accompanied them on the
Another two weeks behind us and, as promised, we’ve got an
survey and CPT Whaley and SGT Mack
update on “The Kandahar Banditos,” a.k.a. JTF Empire’s
supported the team on their second
RC(S) Coordination Cell!
mission. We got the missions
accomplished efficiently and effectively
Work has been keeping us all very busy down here, but things
and, of course,
are going well and time is still flying by. On top of the
found time to socialize and have some
normal, day-to-day operations that we maintain, we’ve also
recently gone through a change with one of our downtrace in fun while they were here. We’re
looking forward to having them back
RC South. The 980th Engineer Battalion, Task Force Lone
for some future missions that will
Star, completed their mission in Afghanistan and have now
th
require additional survey and design
been replaced by the 20 Engineer Battalion, Task Force
support.
Lumberjack. Considering that TF Lone Star has been the
only Engineer Battalion in Southern Afghanistan, they are
“Team Kandahar” also completed the
leaving behind a legacy and a full plate of future projects for
Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
Lumberjack. During this transfer, we have been called upon
this past weekend. All members of
to fill in some of their blanks in order to ensure a seamless
transition. It’s been a bit of a challenge, but nothing that
JTF Empire were up bright and early on Sunday morning and
“Team Awesome” couldn’t handle! Task Force Lumberjack headed over to the rubberized track that is enclosed by The
has been running the show for almost two weeks now and
Boardwalk. Our favorite contractor, Mr. Dave Bridges even
we’ve got good communications and a way forward in the
joined in and took some excellent pictures of our crew during
fight.
the test. SGT Mack was not able to be on KAF for the APFT
on Sunday morning, so she was the lone test taker on Monday.
Also, we’ve been preparing to send off our Navy
SGT Mack “maxed” her APFT for the first time in her Army
counterparts. After the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment left career…HOOAH! Congrats and good job to all members of
back in August, we were lucky enough to maintain five of
“Team Awesome” for completing the APFT.
their personnel as part of JTF Empire. They allowed an even
smoother transition for us and our operations in the battle
space as they worked to fill in some of our blanks as the
single Engineer Brigade in theatre. As always, we celebrated
in the typical “Team Kandahar” fashion as LTC Tong sprung
for a pizza party in honor of their departure and a job well
done. Their presence and support will be missed, but we wish
them a safe return home to their families and send much
Heading up the “Kandahar Banditos” is none other
gratitude and respect for their mission accomplishments.
than the most “Awesome LNO,” LTC Wai Tong.
Greetings from Kandahar!
He has been keeping very engaged with all of the
projects by acting as the liaison between the 3d
Infantry Division, JTF Empire and our downtrace.
The scope of work that the Engineers have on their
plate in the South is quite daunting, but LTC Tong
stays calm, cool and collected and remains focused
on the mission.
SPC Dave Quinones (front) and (backrow), “Arkansa” Dave, CPT Andrew Whaley, CPT Oliver Nelson and
SFC Kevin Johnson enjoy the respite.
Behind every great leader is an
efficient team making things
happen. CPT Andrew Whaley,
CPT Oliver Nelson, SFC Kevin
Johnson and SGT Corrin Mack
are that team for LTC Tong.
They’ve each been filling big
shoes and doing an outstanding
job with their individual
responsibilities and coordination
We’ve been lucky enough to finally have SSG Cush and SPC
Mendock come visit us in Kandahar! It was great to see them
again and have them be a part of our team for a few days. They Greetings From Kandahar, continued on next page.
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 8
Greetings From Kandahar, continued from previous page
and communication within the group.
The other team that supports all of us as well as the transient
members of JTF Empire consists of SPC David Quinones,
SPC Ora Edwards and SPC Luis Rodriguez. They have all
taken on a few added responsibilities with the departure of the
Navy and are working together providing a 24 hour watch as
well as movement support. We really couldn’t ask for a better
team and a better group of soldiers here in Kandahar, “Team
Awesome” is definitely more awesome thanks to everyone’s
hard work and support.
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 9
The JAG Update
Provided by Specialist Shana Kovatch
Hello from the JAG section! Major Knapp, Staff Sergeant
Taylor, Sergeant Alvarez, and Specialist Kovatch have been
extremely busy since our last update, with a few changes within
our team, and one piece of exciting news to share. We said
goodbye and gave our best wishes to Sergeant Jonathan
O’Reilly as he made the return trip home, ending his yearlong
tour. He was a great asset to our team and we miss him greatly!
In his place, we are expecting a new paralegal in the coming
weeks. We are also expecting a new attorney to work side by
side with Major Knapp. Once our new members arrive, we will
introduce them in a future newsletter.
Now for the exciting news: Specialist Ronny Alvarez received
a promotion he has worked extremely hard for, and is now
Sergeant Ronny Alvarez, effective October 1st. Congratulations
Sergeant Alvarez! We hope our friends and family had a safe
and happy Halloween, and we are thinking of and praying for
everyone back home who is in the path of Hurricane Sandy.
Headquarters Section Brief
In the month of October the Headquarters Section of 411TH Engineer
Brigade has accomplished a lot. The gazebo is now finished. During
the ribbon cutting ceremony SSG Elwyn, PFC Sheaffer, SSG Negron,
and SPC Celik all received Brigade coins for their work. In addition
to the gazebo we have built and designed castle theme chairs, a table
with an ashtray built into the middle, a bench for in front of the HHC
building, and we built a shelf for SGM Jacques.
PFC Sheaffer also got to eat dinner with the 412th Command Team,
MG Buckler and CSM Flubacher. PFC Sheaffer said “MG Buckler
and CSM Flubacher where a lot more relaxed than I thought a general
and CSM would be around lower enlisted".
Sergeant Robert got promoted to Staff Sergeant Robert. SSG Robert
has been doing a great job keeping the office held down while SSG
Elwyn and PFC Sheaffer are out and about. He performs tasks such as,
keeping the barracks ready for incoming troops, dispatching and
controlling vehicles, and doing the daily reports every morning. He
and the First Sergeant went on a trip on October 23through October
24th to Kandahar airfield to visit the troops and make sure everything
is okay.
On October 8th the pre-deployment sight survey team for the
replacement brigade arrived. The purpose of the team was to visit their
area of operation and let the main group know their mission, set up
and living conditions.
Lastly PFC Sheaffer has been promoted to Specialist and is looking
forward to his new found responsibilities that come with more rank.
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 10
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 11
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 12
Command Group – Always on the Move!
Happy Halloween from the Command Group! It’s been
another busy month! BG Weeks and CSM Krom have been
traveling all over the country meeting with our units and
ensuring everything is running smoothly. This month we
said goodbye to the 7th and 980th Engineer Battalions. Both
battalions performed exceptionally and their efforts have
greatly impacted their areas of operation. We welcomed the
1st and 20th Engineer Battalions into country and expect
them to do great things as they carry on the mission.
Sadly, this month we had to say goodbye to a member of
our team as well. Specialist Tallion Abbott will be
returning home to nurse a broken hand. SPC Abbott was a
crucial member of the team and he will be missed. We wish
him well and everyone will see him when we return to
Battle Assembly next year. From here we will continue our
mission and update you again next month!
The Army Ten – Miler
Bagram Satellite Run 6 October 2012
6 October 2012,
members of
Task Force
Empire
participated in
the Bagram
satellite run of
the Army TenMiler.
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 13
7
6
1
2
G-2 B Fit!
G-2
B Fit!
By SGT Edwin Jiman
By SGT Edwin Jiman
It is already October and Hallow’s Eve is already being celebrated in the States
It is already October and Hallow’s Eve is already being celebrated in the States according
according to the Imagery Analysis posted on FACEBOOK. We had an extra-terrestrial
to the Imagery Analysis posted on FACEBOOK. We had an extra-terrestrial activity in Bagram
activity
Bagram
Air Field
wherewhere
the Mario
and
Luigi
whereoffice
spotted
Medic’s
Air
Fieldinwhere
the Mario
and Luigi
spotted
in the
Medic’s
butin
wethe
couldn’t
findoffice
but
we
couldn’t
find
Yoshi
and
the
Princess
(Pic.1:
SPC
Arias,
SGT
Jiman,
CW4
Good,
Yoshi and the Princess (Pic.1: SPC Arias, SGT Jiman, CW4 Good, and SSG Santiago). While and
SSG Santiago).
While
everyone
on neighbors,
the treats given
their
neighbors,
everyone
back home
focuses
on theback
treatshome
givenfocuses
from their
the G2from
section
is always
the
G2
section
is
always
determined
to
stay
away
from
the
norm
of
today’s
society.
are
determined to stay away from the norm of today’s society. We are working out harder and We
harder
working
and harder
so that we
be mentally
and physically
for duty.
so
that weout
canharder
be mentally
and physically
fit can
for duty.
We are entrusted
by ourfit
leaders
to beWe
fit are
without
their
I must
say that their
our section’s
soldiers
drivensay
to be
entrusted
by supervision
our leadersand
to be
fit without
supervision
andare
I must
thatfaster
our and
section’s
stronger
day. We
strengths
and day.
weaknesses
most
importantly
we and
soldiers every
are driven
to all
be have
fasterdifferent
and stronger
every
We allbut
have
different
strengths
target
to
improve
what
we
are
weak
at.
Even
as
the
weather
is
turning
colder,
G-2
soldiers
weaknesses but most importantly we target to improve what we are weak at. Evenare
as the
consistently
making
the
effort
to
get
to
the
gym.
weather is turning colder, G-2 soldiers are consistently making the effort to get to the gym.
SPC Thomas prefers to workout el naturale, without any supplements and focusing on
SPC Thomas prefers to workout el naturale, without any supplements and focusing on to
to improve his overall strength. In picture 2, SPC Thomas is doing a bicep workout with a
improve his overall strength. In picture 2, SPC Thomas is doing a bicep workout with a Preacher
Preacher
Curl
50 lbs of
weights.
Thomas
also
spotted
CPL Fung
togets
ensure
Curl
bar and
50bar
lbs and
of weights.
SPC
ThomasSPC
is also
spottedisby
CPL
Fung by
to ensure
that he
that
he
gets
the
extra
repetition
when
his
arms
begin
to
fail.
CPL
Fung
is
only
155
lbs
the extra repetition when his arms begin to fail. CPL Fung is only 155 lbs but he was bench but he
was bench
lbs on
the barbell.
3 showschallenging
2LT Rowland
challenging
pressing
135pressing
lbs on the135
barbell.
Picture
3 showsPicture
2LT Rowland
CPL Fung
to push CPL
for
Fung
to
push
for
a
few
more
repetition
with
his
assistance.
SPC
Owen
is
passionate
about
a few more repetition with his assistance. SPC Owen is passionate about yoga but she doesn’t
neglect
hershe
strength
training.
In her
picture
4, shetraining.
is doing the
hand stand
withisthe
supervision
of stand
SPC
yoga but
doesn’t
neglect
strength
In picture
4, she
doing
the hand
Rowland
safety reasons.
picture
5, SPC Owen
demonstrate
the “back
bridge”.
with theforsupervision
of In
SPC
Rowland
for safety
reasons.
In picture
5, SPC Owen
demonstrate the “back bridge”.
Moving
bigger,
better
things,
2LT2LT
Rowland
insistsinsists
to highlight
his strength.
The
Movingon
ontotothethe
bigger,
better
things,
Rowland
to highlight
his strength.
young
LT
is
only
145
lbs
but
he
is
bench
pressing
225
lbs
on
the
flat
barbell
press
(Pic
6).
SPC
The young LT is only 145 lbs but he is bench pressing 225 lbs on the flat barbell press (Pic
Rowland (Yes, they are related) seeks to tone out his body and not neglect his strength. In picture
6). SPC Rowland (Yes, they are related) seeks to tone out his body and not neglect his
7, SPC Rowland is conducting the dumbbell press with 70lbs in each hand. This workout requires
In picture
7, SPC
conducting
dumbbell
press
withNCOIC,
70lbs in
each
astrength.
lot of stability
and control
in Rowland
the deltoidsisand
pectorals.the
Picture
8 shows
the G-2
SFC
hand.
This
workout
requires
a
lot
of
stability
and
control
in
the
deltoids
and
pectorals.
Picture
Njie completing a 5K walk with the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV, 35 lbs). This vest is
8 shows
the G-2
NCOIC,
Njie
completing
5K walk
Outer
Tactical
heavy
enough
to restrict
yourSFC
lungs
from
expandingaduring
longwith
termthe
use.Improved
I am located
in picture
Vest
(IOTV, 35
lbs).
This
vest ispresses
heavy so
enough
to restrict
yourmy
lungs
from while
expanding
during
9,
performing
hand
stand
shoulder
that I can
strengthen
shoulder
targeting
long
term
use.
I
am
located
in
picture
9,
performing
hand
stand
shoulder
presses
so
that
I can
my core (Picture Courtesy of LT Rowland’s skills).
strengthen my shoulder while targeting my core (Picture Courtesy of LT Rowland’s skills).
Although
andand
SSG
Krietemeyer
werewere
not present
for thefor
picture
taking, taking,
the GAlthoughSPC
SPCSandlin
Sandlin
SSG
Krietemeyer
not present
the picture
2the
section
assures
you
that
they
workout
hard
and
consistently.
As
a
section,
we
understand
that
G-2 section assures you that they workout hard and consistently. As a section, we
workouts
arethat
a great
way to distress
your body.
Many
of us here
endless
without
understand
workouts
are a great
way to
distress
yourwork
body.
Manyhours
of us
here any
work
days
off
which
can
be
taxing
on
our
minds
and
bodies
but
we
always
take
the
time,
whether
it
endless hours without any days off which can be taxing on our minds and bodies butiswe
the mornings of the afternoons to work out to stay in shape and be fit.
always take the time, whether it is the mornings of the afternoons to workout to stay in shape
and be fit.
8
3
4
9
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 14
5
G-7 Section
Updated provided by Sergeant First Class Carl Rice
I sent a couple pictures of the folks who did the Army 10
miler. Pinkie Pie slept in that day. We arrived for sign up
at 0400 and finished the race just in time for sunrise; so the
photos were at a very nice time of the morning and we
smiled through the aches and pains. For some of us, this
was a once in a lifetime experience.
As for G7, our surveyors have been conducting missions at
the Bagram detention facility and several locations
throughout RC(E) and RC(S). The Team has logged lot of
miles and conducted over a dozen missions this past
month.
Our section has once again transformed with the addition
of Navy Commander Kenneth Weaver. Colonel Andrew
Smith has returned from the North, First Lieutenant Brett
Knutson is serving as a Platoon Leader for a Bridge
company in the South and SW, Master Jack Novielli is
recovering from his medical procedure and returned to the
states, and Air Force Master Sergeant Damien Seals has
been traveling around the country ensuring the construction
projects have the necessary materials on site or enroute.
(Left) SPC David Quinones, SPC Ray Mendock, SSG Michael
Cush, and SFC Kevin Johnson on mission in Sperwan Ghar in
Panjwa'i. (Lower Left and Above) SPC Ray Mendock.
MAJ Mike Hults, (RC-SW) and BG David Weeks returning
from a site visit on an Osprey
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 15
Pictures of the Team
in Kabul where
Major Joseph
Verastegui serves as
our representative.
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 16
Joint Task Force Empire! 1 November 2012
Page 17