2015 year in review - Panther Association

Transcription

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW
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December 2015
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Panthers train for advise, assist mission
BY STAFF SGT. MARY S. KATZENBERGER
3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM PUBLIC AFFAIRS
aratroopers from across the 3rd made up of just the absolute best
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd noncommissioned officers and staff
Airborne Division put their officers,” Babich continued. “You’re
collective skills to the test Jan. 12-16 playing with the all-stars, they’ve got
during a Culminating Training Event the right attitude, they come together
at Fort Bragg, N.C.
and to get [this] one week of training
The exercise, facilitated by the 82nd that we had, all it does is boost that
Abn. Div. and the 3rd Battalion, 353rd confidence that we work well together
Armor Regiment’s Security Force as a collective.”
Assistance Training team from Fort
Col. Curtis A. Buzzard, commander
Polk, Louisiana, focused on refining of 3rd BCT, said the KLE training was
the brigades’ capabilities to advise and critical to preparing his Paratroopers
assist Iraqi Security Forces.
for the mission ahead.
About 1,000 Paratroopers from 3rd
“It helped our experienced leaders
BCT are slated to deploy in the coming refresh on the steps necessary to plan,
weeks and will work with the ISF to prepare, rehearse, execute and assess
instruct them in a range of military the engagement and also required us
skills to enable them to fight ISIL.
to exercise basic negotiation skills,
Maj. Odelle “Jibriel” Means, one of mediate conflict and use a linguist,”
the lead planners for the CTE with 3rd Buzzard said. “Scenarios also included
BCT, said to prepare the Paratroopers staff partnering across the SFAT, which
for the advise and assist mission, the provided our more junior leaders a
82nd Abn. Div. and the SFAT team chance to practice these same steps
offered training that was tough and and make mistakes here rather than
realistic. He said the most important overseas.”
component of the exercise was the key
Babich said he is confident the
leader engagement training, which training prepared his SFAT team, as
partnered each 3rd BCT SFAT team well as the teams across the brigade.
with a group of Iraqi army role players.
“We’re optimistic [because] we
Means described the KLE training understand what our mission is,
as tremendously important in helping we understand that part of what
prepare leaders to effectively coach, we’ll need to accomplish up front is
teach and mentor their Iraqi military understanding what we can provide
counterparts.
and how that’s different from when we
“It’s [about] building that rapport to were there before,” he said.
be able to build that trust,” Means said.
“We’ll be able to communicate
Lt. Col. Bryan L. Babich, commander and develop some sort of common
of 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field operational picture for Col. Buzzard
Artillery Regiment, 3rd BCT, and an and his chain of command—you can
SFAT team leader, agreed.
really see that’s where we can truly
“All the battalion’s SFATs are make a difference.”
P
Lt. Col. Hermon L. Johnson Jr. (middle), commander of 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division meets with a role player portraying a leader from the Iraqi Security Forces during a training exercise, Jan. 15,
2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. Leaders from 3rd BCT will deploy to Iraq in the next few weeks to advise and assist the ISF to enable
them to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Blocker/Released)
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December 2015
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Panthers receive training on AK-47 rifles
U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence teaches Paratroopers how to disassemble, reassemble weapons
P
aratroopers assigned to the 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division took advantage of
a unique opportunity to learn about the
AK-47 rifle, Jan. 22, during a hands-on
class at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy
Special Warfare Center and School on
Fort Bragg.
Special Forces Soldiers with the USAJFKSWCS, the Army’s Special Operations
Center of Excellence, taught the Paratroopers about AK-47 rifles in preparation for Paratroopers deploying to Iraq to
advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces.
Approximately 1,000 Paratroopers from
3rd BCT are slated to deploy in the coming weeks and will work with the ISF to
instruct them in a range of military skills
to enable them to fight ISIL.
The Paratroopers, a mix of noncommissioned officers and junior Paratroopers, learned the characteristics of the
AK-47 rifle, how to disassemble and reassemble the weapon, and how to perform
a functions check. The Special Forces
Soldiers also taught the Paratroopers how
to sight the weapons, priming them for
their upcoming mission with the ISF.
An instructor with the USAJFKSWCS
said he appreciated having the opportunity to teach the Paratroopers as they
prepare to deploy.
“When we are able to exchange knowledge we’re more than happy to do it,” he
said. “As a Special Forces weapons sergeant it’s my job to teach them.”
Sgt. Thomas D. Pedigo, a Paratrooper
assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment,
3rd BCT, said the class was very beneficial because he had no prior experience
handling foreign AK-47 rifles.
“If we’re training host-nation forces,
it’s good to know what type of weapons
they use,” Pedigo said. “Just learning a
different weapon system [was great].”
Spc. Anthony D. Jones, a Paratrooper
assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 505th PIR, is
optimistic the knowledge will help him
and his fellow Paratroopers perform their
advise and assist mission to the best of
their ability.
“The most valuable part [of the class]
is the level of knowledge the instructors
have about this weapon system,” Jones
said. “I’m glad these guys let us come
down here and get the opportunity to get
some hands-on training.”
TOP: An instructor with the U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence assists a Paratrooper assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 82nd Airborne Division with a foreign AK-47 rifle, Jan. 22, 2015, during a class at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare
Center and School on Fort Bragg, N.C. Special Forces Soldiers with the U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence taught the
Paratroopers about AK-47 rifles in preparation of the Paratroopers deploying to Iraq to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces. (U.S.
Army photo by Saff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)
LEFT: Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division disassemble a foreign AK-47 rifle, Jan. 22, 2015,
during a class at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School on Fort Bragg, N.C. Special Forces Soldiers with
the U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence taught the Paratroopers about AK-47 rifles in preparation of the Paratroopers
deploying to Iraq to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)
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December 2015
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TOP LEFT: Female Paratroopers
assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Airborne Division sharpen their
skills during a self-defense class at the
82nd Airborne Division Combatives and
Advanced Tactics School at Fort Bragg,
N.C., Jan. 9, 2015.
CENTER TOP: Sgt. Tania Calderon
and Sgt. Jesse Hertzog, instructors at
the 82nd Airborne Division Combatives
and
Advanced
Tactics
School,
demonstrate a self-defense technique
for Paratroopers assigned to 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div.
during a self-defense class for female
Paratroopers.
CENTER BOTTOM: Spc. Kiara Griffin,
left, and Spc. Lasundra McKenzie,
Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 307th
Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division sharpen their skills during a
self-defense class.
BOTTOM LEFT: Pvt. Jessica Rutledge,
a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 1st
Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Airborne Division flips 1st Lt.
Melissa Owens, a Paratrooper assigned
to Juliet Company, 1st Battalion, 508th
Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT,
over her shoulder during a self-defense
class.
Spc. Angelina Eich, left, and Pfc. Sophia Pyle, Paratroopers
assigned to 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division sharpen their skills
during a self-defense class at the 82nd Airborne Division
Combatives and Advanced Tactics School at Fort Bragg,
N.C., Jan. 9, 2015.
Panthers focus on self-defense
BY STAFF SGT. MARY S. KATZENBERGER to defend themselves, said Staff Sgt. Jeremy
D
o you know what to do if someone
puts you in a chokehold or charges
at your core to knock you offbalance?
Female Paratroopers assigned to the
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division learned how to counter such
threats during two self-defense classes, Jan.
9 and 20, at the 82nd Airborne Division
Combatives and Advanced Tactics School
on Fort Bragg, N.C.
While instructors at the school regularly
teach self-defense techniques, this was the
first time classes have been solely focused
on the skills female Paratroopers can use
Hopper, an instructor at the schoolhouse.
“I’m glad this unit took this initiative
to do this,” said Hopper. “Sometimes you
have to isolate certain issues or certain
techniques just for one person, and having
an all-female class is one way of doing that;
isolate just the techniques that work best
for them.”
Paratroopers learned how to break their
fall if pushed, to maintain defensive body
positions once on the ground, to counter
choke holds if grabbed from behind,
and how to strike an opponent’s body to
effectively end an encounter.
Hopper said he hopes the classes gave the
Paratroopers the confidence that comes
from knowing that if a negative situation
presents itself, they know some techniques
to employ that can help prevent them from
becoming a victim.
1st Lt. Melissa Owens, a Paratrooper
assigned to Juliet Company, 1st Battalion,
508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd
BCT, said the training was realistic.
“When they attacked you it was [in]
the same way anyone would,” Owens said.
“You never know when something can
happen. I definitely learned a lot; I thought
initially coming here it was going to be like
combatives and I was surprised that it was
a lot of new stuff.”
Pvt. Jessica Rutledge, a Paratrooper
assigned
to
Headquarters
and
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion,
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd
BCT, said the most important component
of the training was learning the methods
aggressors use to subdue a victim and how
to posture oneself to address that threat.
“You never know what situation you’re
going to be in,” said Rutledge, echoing
Owens.
Hopper said he and his instructors are
available to train Paratroopers from units
throughout division, and the training can
be tailored to meet specific objectives.
“The combatives program is put in place
so we can give our troopers the necessary
techniques that they can use if attacked or
engaged by an enemy force.”
Photos by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger
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December 2015
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505th PIR veteran awarded French Legion of Honor
Story and Photos by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith
H
TOP: Harold L. Eatman, a veteran of World War II, is shown with Lt. Col. Albert
J. Paquin, deputy commander for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Tadeusz Gaweda,
honorary command sergeant major of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment and
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Williams, rear detachment command sergeant major
of 3rd BCT, Feb. 3, 2015, after a ceremony in Raleigh, N.C.
ABOVE: Tadeusz Gaweda, honorary command sergeant major of the 505th
Parachute Infantry Regiment, shakes hands with Harold L. Eatman, a veteran of
World War II, Feb. 3, 2015, after a ceremony in Raleigh, N.C.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David T. Blocker/Released
Lt. Col. Hermon L. Johnson Jr. (middle), commander of 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division meets with a role player portraying a leader from the Iraqi Security Forces during a training exercise, Jan. 15,
2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. Leaders from 3rd BCT will deploy to Iraq in the next few weeks to advise and assist the ISF to enable
them to defeat ISIL.
arold L. Eatman’s biggest fear in
life is being forgotten and that
the world will not remember the
sacrifices he and fellow 505th Parachute
Infantry Regiment brothers in arms made
during combat.
The 99-year-old veteran doesn’t
have to worry about being forgotten
anymore. On Feb. 3, Eatman and seven
other veterans received the French Legion
of Honor in Raleigh in recognition of
their service to France in World War II.
The French Legion of Honor is
an order of distinction first established
by Napoleon Bonaparte in May of 1802
and is the highest decoration bestowed in
France.
“[I feel] sort of unworthy, but I’m
happy about it and it makes me feel good,”
said Eatman after the ceremony. “You get
the feelings sometime when the war is
over and the excitement is over people
want to forget about it.”
Eatman enlisted in the Army as
an infantryman and later volunteered to
be a Paratrooper. He served as a platoon
sergeant in Hotel Company, 505th PIR
in combat, and served as a jumpmaster
during D-Day. Eatman jumped in all
four of the combat jumps his regiment
completed with the 82nd Airborne
Division.
After being recognized by
the government of France along with
members of his former unit, Eatman said
he’s ready to get back in the fight.
“Tell them to get a rifle squad
ready, ‘Pops’ is coming back,” Eatman
said.
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December 2015
Paratrooper named FORSCOM
Career Counselor of the Year
S
gt. 1st Class Cheri N. Lee’s office is not much different
from those of other career counselors on Fort Bragg,
N.C.: a computer, large monitor and stacks of files are
arranged neatly on the desk, and an American flag adorns
the wall. The typical plaques and desktop mementos doled
out to career Soldiers for jobs well done are displayed prominently on the top shelf of the desk.
Lee, a Paratrooper assigned to 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division, has one award on display that no other career
counselor in the Army does though: the trophy naming her
the 2015 U.S. Army Forces Command career counselor of
the year.
The Pasadena, California, native won the
FORSCOM-level Career Counselor of the Year competition
in January and is slated to compete at the Department of
the Army level against career counselors from eight other
major commands in the spring.
Lee said her win is a tribute to countless hours of
study and the mentorship that exceptional noncommissioned officers have provided throughout her career.
“It’s nice to see that hard work pays off,” Lee said.
“It’s motivation to study [and] I just feel like I know my job
better because of it.”
Prior to winning the FORSCOM-level competition,
Lee triumphed at the division and XVIII Airborne Corps
boards in the fall of 2014. The Paratrooper said each board
along the way has been more challenging than the last, and
she has been required to know the career counselor regulation to the letter and excel during Army physical fitness
tests.
“Bottom line, she’s a definite super star within the
brigade,” said Master Sgt. Anthony W. Henry, senior career
counselor for 3rd BCT, of Lee. “You couldn’t ask for a better
thing out any career counselor across the Army, she is exactly what the Army is looking for to be the career counselor of the year.”
Lee said she’s focused on the DA-level board and
is thankful to have the opportunity to continue to make
a difference in Soldiers’ lives through her role as a career
counselor.
“In this [military occupational specialty] you can
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Jumping
over the moon
Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division descend toward Holland Drop
Zone against the backdrop of a crystal clear sky and last quarter moon, Feb. 11, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Sgt. 1st Class Cheri N. Lee, career counselor for 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, poses with Master Sgt. Anthony
W. Henry, senior career counselor for 3rd BCT, Jan. 28, 2015, after winning the
U.S. Army Forces Command-level Career Counselor of the Year competition at
Fort Bragg, N.C. Lee will compete at the Department of the Army level in the
spring. (Courtesy Photo)
make probably the most difference as far as the future of
retaining Soldiers goes,” Lee said. “You can get a Soldier
something that they came in the Army to do, [something]
they’ve been dreaming of for three or four years … and I get
to be the one to send them there. That feels good every time
it happens.”
Through deeds,
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December 2015
not words
A Paratrooper assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division performs
a functions check on an M249 machine gun during the Joseph Riley Squad
Competition, Feb. 10, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The competition was held to
determine the best squad in each platoon while honoring Spc. Joseph W. Riley,
who was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 24, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David
Blocker/Released)
Paratroopers honor fallen comrade during competition
W
hen Staff Sgt. Daniel E. McIver laced up his
tennis shoes in the morning, he wasn’t thinking
about the approaching competition and how
it would test his Paratroopers, endurance or leadership;
rather, McIver was thinking about how much a friend and
fallen comrade would enjoy participating in the contest
by his side.
McIver and fellow Paratroopers assigned to
Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division honored Spc. Joseph W. Riley through deeds,
not words, by giving their all during the first Joseph
Riley Squad Competition, Feb. 10, at Fort Bragg, North
Carolina.
Riley was killed in action in Afghanistan on Nov.
24, 2014, during the battalion’s most recent deployment in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The grueling competition—held to honor Riley
and determine the top squad in each platoon of B Co.—
featured five stations along a six-mile course. At the
first station, each Paratrooper had to rig a rucksack for
airborne operations. On the second testing lane, the squad
leader of each squad became a notional casualty and his
Paratroopers had to follow all the steps to secure a medical
evacuation for him.
The testing continued at the reconnaissance lane,
where each squad was given three pairs of binoculars to
observe and report on an objective. Next, at the weapons
assembly station, the three lowest-ranking Paratroopers
in each squad had to correctly assemble and complete
a functions check on three weapons without physical
assistance from leaders.
During the fifth and final station, the leader
challenge, squad leaders were tested on their ability to
Page 12
“There’s a lot of
guys who have
[died for our
country], it’s
nice to see
people
honor that by
giving
everything they
have for
future Soldiers.”
Pvt. Raul J. Villa
send a situation report over the radio.
McIver said the completion was a perfect tribute to
Riley.
“It kind of showed the drive that Riley had as a
person,” McIver said. “He was all about going to Ranger
School and always finishing number one at everything.
“He was a very motivating person to have around,
especially during an event like this,” McIver continued.
“He would be all frowns about it, but, by the end of the day
when he started doing it, he’d be one of the happiest people
doing this kind of stuff.”
1st Lt. Stephen N. Murray, officer in charge of the
Joseph Riley Squad Competition for B Co., 1st Bn., 508th
PIR, said he believes the competition met its intent to honor
Riley and push Paratroopers to their limits.
“I think it’s a very great exercise to test the abilities
not only of the squad leaders but also on how well they’ve
been training their privates since they came down to the
line,” Murray said. “We threw a few leadership challenges
in there where the squad leader wasn’t able to coach and
mentor their guys and they had to operate based on the
training he had given them prior to the event.
“Also, a lot of the Soldiers in our company also came
back from scout platoon on this last deployment, so I know
that this event was really big for them in remembering a
fallen comrade,” Murray continued.
Pvt. Raul J. Villa, assigned to 2nd platoon in B Co.,
1st Bn., 508th PIR, said it was good to see all the camaraderie
that came out of the competition.
“It’s good to see the guys you’re going to rely on
push themselves,” Villa said. “There’s a lot of guys who have
died [for our country], it’s nice to see people honor that by
giving everything they have for future Soldiers.”
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December 2015
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Paratroopers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division compete
in the Joseph Riley Squad Competition, Feb. 10, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The
competition was held to determine the best squad in each platoon while honoring
Spc. Joseph W. Riley, who was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 24, 2014 during
Operation Enduring Freedom. At the first station, each Paratrooper had to rig a
rucksack for airborne operations. At the second testing lane, the squad leader
of each squad became a notional casualty and his Paratroopers had to follow all
the steps to secure a medical evacuation for him. The testing continued at the
reconnaissance lane, where each squad was given three pairs of binoculars to
observe and report on an objective. Next, at the weapons assembly station, the
three lowest-ranking Paratroopers in each squad had to correctly assemble and
complete a functions check on three weapons without physical assistance from
leaders. During the fifth and final station, the leader challenge, squad leaders
were tested on their ability to send a situation report over the radio.
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December 2015
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E
X
P
E
R
T
INFANTRYMAN
B A D G E
MANY TEST. FEW EARN.
S P C .
V I C T O R
M .
L A R A
HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, California
UNIT: 1 s t
B n . ,
5 0 5 t h
P I R
D U T Y P O S I T I O N : We a p o n S q u a d Te a m L e a d e r
W H Y H E ’ S I N FA N T R Y: L o v e s s h o o t i n g g u n s
and competition with fellow Paratroopers.
Spc. Victor M. Lara, a Paratrooper assigned to
1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment,
and Spc. Daniel J. Albin, a Paratrooper assigned to
2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment
are the most recent Panthers to earn the coveted
Expert Infantryman Badge.
To earn the special skill badge Lara and Albin
completed an Army Physical Fitness Test and land
navigation and demonstrated proficiency in tasks
such as first aid, weapons, and individual movement techniques.
S P C .
D A N I E L
J .
A L B I N
H O M E T O W N : Wr i g h t , Wy o m i n g
UNIT: 2 n d
B n . ,
5 0 5 t h
P I R
D U T Y P O S I T I O N : S q u a d L e a d e r
W HY HE’ S I NFA NTRY: L oves conduc t ing ranges
a n d t r a i n i n g P a r a t r o o p e r s .
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December 2015
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Paratroopers assigned
to 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 82nd Airborne
Division complete tasks
at Fort Bragg, N.C.,
while vying for the Expert
Infantryman Badge.
MANY TEST. FEW EARN.
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Division Trooper of the Year ready for next challenge
I
ABOVE: Staff Sgt. Pablo Palacio and Spc.
Terri Bluebird, Paratroopers assigned to
the 82nd Airborne Division are named the
winners of the Division’s Noncommissioned
Officer and Trooper of the Year competition,
Feb. 26, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The
competition tested the troopers’ proficiency
in marksmanship, basic warrior tasks,
physical fitness and land navigation. The
Paratroopers will go on to compete at the
XVIII Airborne Corps level. (U.S. Army photo
by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger)
LEFT: Spc. Terri L. Bluebird, a Paratrooper
assigned to Charlie Company, 82nd Brigade
Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Airborne Division, fires an M-4 rifle,
Feb. 23, 2015, at a qualification range during
the Division’s Noncommissioned Officer
and Trooper of the Year competition at Fort
Bragg, N.C. Bluebird won the competition
and is preparing for the XVIII Airborne Corps
Soldier of the Year competition. (U.S. Army
photo by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith)
n Spc. Terri Bluebird’s short time in the Army she has
learned two fundamentals about being a successful
Paratrooper: take advantage of the opportunities the
Army offers, and don’t become stagnant.
The Paratrooper, assigned to Charlie Company, 82nd
Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Airborne Division, hit the ground running when
she arrived at Fort Bragg two years ago from her advanced individual training course certifying her as a
combat medic.
Demonstrating that she excels in physical fitness has
landed her spots on the Divisions’ Army Ten-miler and
Bataan Memorial Death March teams, and choosing to
hone her warrior skills and knowledge set her on the path
of reaching her most recent goal: winning the Division’s
Trooper of the Year competition.
“I’m humbled and I’m motivated,” Bluebird said of her
accomplishment.
Held from 23-26 Feb. at Fort Bragg, North Carolina,
the Trooper of the Year competition pit the Division’s best
Paratroopers against one another in tests incorporating
physical fitness, appearance, military knowledge and
overall Soldier skills.
Paratroopers completed an Army Physical Fitness Test,
an M-4 rifle zero and qualification range, day and night
land navigation, weapon system familiarization drills, and
additional hands-on warrior task assessments in infantry
tactics, nuclear, biological and chemical protection and
decontamination procedures and medical evacuation.
The third and final element of the competition was a
military board, presided over by Command Sgt. Maj. Lamarquis Knowles, command sergeant major of the 82nd
Abn. Div., and command sergeants major from throughout the division.
Bluebird said winning the Division’s competition is the
product of actively seeking out mentorship from noncommissioned officers and dedicating countless hours to
studying the fundamentals of soldiering.
When she was interested in attending her company’s
Soldier of the Month board in 2014, Bluebird said Staff
Sgt. Berenice Macias stepped up to the plate to ensure she
had the necessary foundation: knowledge.
“Every day after work from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at night we
would just sit and answer questions over and over again …
until it was almost like muscle memory,” the combat medic
said. “The training I did with her is what carried over into
[subsequent] boards.”
After winning boards from the company- to the brigade-level, Bluebird competed in the Division’s Trooper of
the Quarter Board for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014
and won.
The combat medic said to be a contender in the Trooper
of the Year competition she not only had to retain knowledge, she had to add specific skills to her toolkit.
Bluebird spent a day with a noncommissioned officer
receiving hands-on training on the six weapons systems she
would be tested on. To beef up her NBC skills she relied on
her NBC noncommissioned officer. And, even though she
is in the medical field herself, the Paratrooper sought out
the mentorship of senior noncommissioned officers to help
her gain proficiency in the medical tasks she would have to
perform.
“I … greatly appreciate the [noncommissioned officers],”
Bluebird said. “I [had] probably a handful of noncommissioned officers actually sit down and train me and say this is
where you are and this is where you could be.”
Now that she’s won the Division’s Trooper of the Year
competition, Bluebird said she is focused on studying for the
XVIII Airborne Corps Soldier of the Year competition.
“Specialist Bluebird is an outstanding Paratrooper with
unlimited potential and without a doubt I know she will
be successful in her military career,” said 1st Sgt. Deanna T.
Carson, first sergeant for C Co., 82nd BSB. “The commander
and I have high expectations for the next competition and
know she will do well.
“Everyone in 3rd BCT is extremely proud of her, especially the Paratroopers of Charlie Company,” Carson continued.
Bluebird said, being a female Paratrooper, she is excited to
represent the Division at the corps level.
“I want to show them that I can match them up on the
guy’s scale, that we can stand on our own ground [and] that
things aren’t just handed to us—because they’re not,” Bluebird said. “There are females … in the Army that can do just
the same things [men] can.
“I like what’s happening because I hope it motivates
other females to … know they can do it too,” Bluebird
concluded.
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Train as you fight
Paratroopers assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th
Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
conduct rollover training, Mar. 25, 2015, at Fort
Bragg, N.C.
ADVANCED rifle
RIFLE marksmanship
MARKSMANSHIP
Advanced
Paratroopers assigned to 2nd
Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team compete during advanced
rifle marksmanship training, Mar.
20, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Arm training builds upon basic
rifle marksmanship incorporating
advanced firing positions, combat
firing techniques and moving target
engagement.
PHOTOS BY
SGT. MATTHEW S.
GRIFFITH
Photos by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith
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A Paratrooper (right) assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division demonstrates
how to walk and shoot while an Iraqi army soldier assigned to the 72nd Brigade, 15th Division mimics his techniques during a close-quarters
marksmanship range at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 6, 2015. Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Abn. Div. are deployed to several build partner capacity
sites in Iraq to advise and assist IA soldiers for upcoming operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The IA training has primarily
focused on urban and combined operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)
ABOVE: An Iraqi army soldier assigned to 73rd Brigade, 15th
Division fixes a blank firing adapter to his rifle with the help of a
U.S. officer assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division during a
cumulative training event at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 16, 2015. IA
soldiers used blank ammunition during the event to simulate
real-world battlefield conditions and to improve safety while
they performed complex assaults. IA small unit leaders directed
their squads in accomplishing the mission while U.S. advisers
provided minimal direction. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody
Quinn, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)
LEFT: Iraqi army soldiers assigned to 73rd Brigade, 15th
Division provide cover fire for their platoonmates while a U.S.
noncommissioned officer, left, assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd
Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division demonstrates how to aim properly during a cumulative
training event at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 16, 2015. Iraqi soldiers with
the 73rd Brigade protected their fellow soldiers and overcame
obstacles during the event, which was designed to test everything
they learned during their six-week primary training course. (U.S.
Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)
LEFT: Iraqi soldiers
of the 75th Brigade,
16th Division, prepare
to clear a room during
a breaching assault
course at Besmaya
Range Complex, Iraq,
April 18, 2015. The
course, part of the
Combined Joint Task
Force - Operation
Inherent
Resolve’s
building
partner
capacity
mission,
was led by Soldiers
of the 2nd Battalion,
505th
Parachute
Infantry
Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 82nd Airborne
Division, to aid in
Iraq’s fight against the
Islamic State of Iraq
and the Levant. (U.S.
Army photo by Sgt.
Deja Borden, CJTFOIR Public Affairs)
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December 2015
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LEFT: A Paratrooper assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division addresses Iraqi
army leaders with the 75th Brigade, 16th Division about the importance of
preventative maintenance checks and services at Besmaya Range Complex,
Iraq, April 7, 2015. Members of 2nd Bn., 505th PIR led a three-day driver’s
training course for Iraqi soldiers to sharpen their military driving skills. (U.S.
Army photo by Sgt. Deja Borden, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)
RIGHT: Iraqi army soldiers assigned to 72nd Brigade, 15th Division sprint
to the next event during a team competition training exercise with U.S.
Army advisors at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 2, 2015. The U.S. Army advisors,
assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division are part of
the Combined Joint Task Force to degrade and ultimately defeat the Islamic
State of Iraq and the Levant by building miltiary capacity of Iraqi Security
Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)
BOTTOM LEFT: A Paratrooper assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division
conducts a class on squad movements and assaults at Besmaya Range
Complex, Iraq, April 7, 2015. Members of the 2nd Bn., 505th PIR are
conducting a variety of training exercises with the 16th Division in order to
build the Iraqi army’s capacity to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the
Levant. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Deja Borden, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)
BOTTOM CENTER: An Iraqi army soldier (right) with 72nd Brigade, 15th
Division watches as a noncommissioned officer assigned to 2nd Battalion,
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division demonstrates the proper technique to move sideways while
shooting a target during a close-quarters marksmanship range at Camp Taji,
Iraq, April 6, 2015. Paratroopers with 2nd Bn., 505th PIR have been providing
advanced training to approximately 500 IA soldiers for two months. (U.S.
Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)
BOTTOM RIGHT: Cpl. Keegan A. Merlino, a Paratrooper assigned to 2nd
Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Airborne Division instructs Iraqi army soldiers of the 75th Brigade, 16th
Division during a breach assault and building clearance course at Besmaya
Range Complex, Iraq, April 18, 2015. Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Bn.,
505th PIR are training Iraqi soldiers on a number of combat skills as part of a
Combined Joint Task Force that aims to increase the military capacity of local
forces fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. (U.S. Army photo by
Sgt. Deja Borden, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)
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December 2015
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Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division prepare a simulated casualty for medical
evaluation, March 31, 2015, during training for upcoming Expert Field Medical Badge Testing. The coveted EFMB, the medical equivalent of the Expert Infantryman Badge,
is awarded to medical personal that successfully complete 10 days of vigorous medical, combat and basic Soldier skills testing ending with a 12-mile road march. Only 18
percent of candidates tested go on to earn the badge. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith/Released)
Page 28
Paratroopers prepare for EFMB testing
BY SGT. MATTHEW S. GRIFFITH
P
aratroopers assigned to the 82nd Brigade Support
Battalion are preparing for the toughest event of their
lives.
Five medics with Charlie Company, 82nd BSB, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division are planning
to undergo testing to earn the Expert Field Medical Badge,
April 17-27, at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
The coveted EFMB, the medical equivalent of the Expert
Infantryman Badge, is awarded to medical personal that
successfully complete 10 days of vigorous medical, combat
and basic Soldier skills testing, ending with a 12-mile road
march. Only 18 percent of tested candidates go on to earn
the badge.
In preparation for the testing, the candidates—Spc. Terri
Bluebird, Spc. Kyle Pash, Spc. Skye Murphy, Pfc. Sarah
Cross and Pfc. Kyle Patton—continue to complete rigorous
training at the Medical Simulation Training Center on Fort
Bragg, performing everything from chemical, biological,
radiological and nuclear decontamination to low-crawling
with casualties.
Cross said she feels well-prepared for the test to come
because her platoon sergeant, Staff Sgt. Roberto J. Laanan
has trained her to standard.
“These Soldiers represent the best of the best Charlie
Company, the 82nd BSB, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team and
the 82nd Airborne Division has to offer,” said 1st Sgt. Deanna T. Carson, first sergeant for C Co., 82nd BSB.
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HHC 2-505 PIR
scouts
December 2015
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December 2015
2-505th PIR G.I. Jane Day
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Spouses of Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th
Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Airborne Division spend a day in their husband’s
boots, April 30, 2015, during Jane Wayne Day at Fort Bragg,
N.C. Spouses jumped from the 34-foot tower at the Advanced Airborne School, ran in formation, completed an obstacle course and fired blank ammunition from M249 Squad
Automatic Weapons and M240B machine guns.
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December 2015
COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE - OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE
HEADQUARTERS, 3rd BCT
BRAVO TROOP, 5-73 CAV
1-505th PIR
307th BEB
82nd BSB
1-319th AFAR
CHARLIE TROOP, 5-73 CAV
2-505th PIR
DELTA TROOP, 5-73 CAV
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BELOW: Maj. Gen. Richard
Clarke, commander of the
82nd
Airborne
Division,
claps as 3rd Brigade Combat
Team Paratroopers pass the
reviewing stand of a four-mile
Division run that kicked off All
American Week, May 18, 2015,
at Fort Bragg, N.C. (U.S. Army
photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S.
Katzenberger/Released)
Panthers celebrate All American Week 2015
ABOVE: Ltc. Albert Paquin and Command
Sgt. Maj. Robert Williams, the rear-detachment
command team for 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
look on as veterans of the 505th Parachute
Infantry Regiment unveil the plaque dedicating
the brigade headquarters building in honor of
1st Lt. Waverly W. Wray, May 19, 2015, at Fort
Bragg, N.C.
P
anther Paratroopers participated in every aspect of
All American Week 2015, from competing in sports
to jumping into Sicily Drop Zone during the Airborne Review.
Most importantly, Panther Paratroopers recognized
the sacrifices Gold Star Families have and continue to
make, as well as honoring past veterans of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
LEFT: Veterans of the 505th Parachute Infantry
Regiment attend the dedication ceremony for
the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s headquarters
building, May 19, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
LOWER LEFT: Ltc. Albert Paquin, reardetachment commander of the 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, speaks to veterans of the
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment during
the dedication ceremony for the brigade
headquarters building, May 19, 2015, at Fort
Bragg, N.C.
LOWER RIGHT: Veterans of the 505th
Parachute Infantry Regiment attend the
dedication ceremony for the 3rd Brigade
Combat Team’s headquarters building, May
19, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
BY SGT. MATTHEW S. GRIFFITH
Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade
Combat Team participate in the
Division run kicking off All American
Week 2015, May 18, 2015, at Fort
Bragg, N.C. (U.S. Army photo by Staff
Sgt. Charles Crail/Released)
A Paratrooper assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat
Team kicks a soccer ball in an All American
Week 2015 tournament, May 18, 2015, at Fort
Bragg, N.C. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary
S. Katzenberger/Released)
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December 2015
Veterans of the 505th Parachute
Infantry Regiment pose for a group
picture during All American Week
2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 18,
2015. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Fred
Hair/Released)
Staff Sgt. Eric R. Raber poses with Maj. Gen. Michael C.
Wehr, commander of the Mississippi Division of the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers at a static display during All
American Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 19, 2015.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith/Released)
Paratroopers assigned to 3rd
Brigade Combat Team host a
picnic for Gold Star Families
and veterans of the 505th
Parachute Infantry Regiment
during All American Week 2015
at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 19,
2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt.
Matthew S. Griffith/Released)
A Paratrooper assigned to 3rd
Brigade Combat Team poses in a
static display during All American
Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May
18, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt.
Matthew S. Griffith/Released)
Ltc. Albert Paquin and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Williams walk the brigade
headquarters building with Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy, Gen. James M. Gavins’
daughter, May 19, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Fred Hair/Released)
Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team jump from
a C-17 Globemaster aircraft for an airborne review during All
American Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 24, 2015. (U.S.
Army photo by Maj. Fred Hair/Released)
Page 40
Veterans pay their
respects
at
the
Golden
Brigade
Memorial
during
All American Week
2015 at Fort Bragg,
N.C., May 20, 2015.
(U.S. Army photo
by Maj. Fred Hair/
Released)
Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team march across Sicily Drop Zone in an
airborne review during All American Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 24, 2015. (U.S. Army
photo by Maj. Fred Hair/Released)
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December 2015
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RIGHT: A Paratrooper assigned to 5th Squadron,
73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Airborne Division oversees an Iraqi soldier
firing the Mark 19 grenade machine gun at the
Besmaya Range Complex in Iraq, July 3, 2015.
Training at the building partner capacity sites is
an integral part of Combined Joint Task Force –
Operation Inherent Resolve’s multinational effort
to train Iraqi security force personnel to defeat the
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. A coalition
of regional and international nations have joined
together to defeat ISIL and the threat they pose to
Iraq, Syria, the region and the wider international
community. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. William
Marlow/Released)
FAR RIGHT: An Iraqi army engineer hammers a
pin into place on a mine roller with assistance from
Sgt. Michael Graziani, a Paratrooper assigned to
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, during
MaxxPro mine-resistant, ambush protected vehicle
training at Camp Taji, Iraq, July 11, 2015. Training
at the building partner capacity sites is an integral
part of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation
Inherent Resolve’s multinational effort to train Iraqi
security force personnel to defeat the Islamic State
of Iraq and the Levant. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt.
Charles M. Bailey/Released)
Paratroopers assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division
and members of the Iraqi Army complete daily training on the M210 120 mm mortar system at Besmaya Range
Complex, Iraq, July 3, 2015. Through advise and assist and building partner capacity missions, the Combined Joint
Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve’s multinational coalition has trained more than 10,000 Iraqi security force
personnel to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. A coalition of regional and international nations have
joined together to enable Iraqi forces to counter ISIL, reestablish Iraq’s borders and re-take lost terrain thereby
restoring regional stability and security. (U.S. Army photo illustration by Spc. William Marlow/Released)(This image
was manipulated using filters.)
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TASK FORCE PANTHER IN IRAQ
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Enhancing interoperability, promoting friendship
N
Staff Sgt. Benito Villegas III, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Airborne Division leans his head forward during a jumpmaster personnel inspection in preparatrion for Operation Federal
Eagle at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 15, 2015. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)
early 1,000 Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne
Division jumped from CH-47
Chinook helicopters into the brilliant
blue sky above Sicily Drop Zone during
Operation Federal Eagle at Fort Bragg,
N.C., July 15, 2015.
Operation Federal Eagle is an annual event led by the German army to
enhance interoperability and promote
friendship between the airborne brethren of the two nations; this year’s event
culminated with a daylong multinational airborne operation.
As in the past 20 years of its existence, the operation provided German
jumpmasters an opportunity to become
familiarized with American helicopters,
piloted by aviators with the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, and Paratroopers
learned German jump commands and
procedures.
German army Capt. Marc Breitenfeld, a commander and jumpmaster
assigned to the 31st German Airborne
Brigade, led this year’s German army
delegation to Fort Bragg for Operation
Federal Eagle. He said he enjoyed working with Paratroopers and appreciates
how the cultural exchanges enhance the
relationship between the two armies.
“It’s very important to work together,” Breitenfeld said. “It’s important to
see how the procedures of the Americans work [and] the Americans should
see how our procedures work.
“It’s very good for [our] relationship
for further missions like Swift Response
next month when the Americans come
to Germany,” the jumpmaster continued. “It’s very good cooperation at the
moment.”
Operation Federal Eagle began with
extensive pre-jump training facilitated
by German and U.S. jumpmasters the
day prior to the first chalk departing for
Sicily DZ.
On July 14, Paratroopers rehearsed
aircraft exit procedures under the
direction of German jumpmasters. U.S.
jumpmasters worked hand-in-hand
with their counterparts, and echoed the
German commands in English.
U.S. and German jumpmasters later
worked as teams on the aircraft, ensuring
for a safe multinational airborne operation.
Breitenfeld and his first sergeant, 1st
Sgt. Sven Konen, pinned German jump
wings onto each Paratrooper’s uniform
during a ceremony at Sicily DZ. Breitenfeld said the wing presentation was a
sign of friendship and continued cooperation.
After Spc. Jonathan C. Pemberton
received his German jump wings, he said
he enjoyed his experience during Operation Federal Eagle. The Paratrooper,
assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division, said he appreciated
the opportunity to work with German
Paratroopers he will partner with during
Swift Response 15 in August.
“It’s really neat to see other Paratroopers across the globe, there’s the
same kind of mentality,” Pemberton said.
“Once you jump it’s kind of a brotherhood, so being able to go across nations
and have that same brotherhood with
other nations is really nice.”
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Spc. Ysidro D. Sorilla, a Paratrooper assigned to
Bravo Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division welds at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 21, 2015.
The 82nd BSB maintains a high level of readiness
as it has assumed the outload support battalion
mission in support of 2nd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Abn. Div., the nation’s Global Response
Force. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S.
Katzenberger/Released)
AIRBORNE
ALL THE WAY
Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat
Team jump to maintain airborne proficiency onto
Normandy Drop Zone Fort Bragg, N.C., June 9,
2015.
mechanics maintain readiness
ABOVE: Pvt. Eric F. Vara, a Paratrooper assigned to Bravo Company, 82nd Brigade Support
Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division hand-tightens an air filter clamp he
installed on a Humvee during routine maintenance at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 21, 2015. (U.S. Army
photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)
LEFT: Pfc. Vanessa Martinez, a Paratrooper assigned to Bravo Company, 82nd Brigade Support
Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division applies sealant to the inner surface
of an axle of a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck during routine maintenance at Fort Bragg,
N.C., July 21, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger)
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Page 50
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division exchange
patches with members of the
Spanish Parachute Brigade while
serving in support of Combined
Joint Task Force – Operation
Inherent Resolve at Besmaya,
Iraq, Aug. 25, 2015.
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December 2015
Then & Now
Page 52
Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conduct movement rehearsals
during a Global Response Force training exercise at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 20, 2015. Paratroopers assigned to 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, serving as the Outload Support Battalion for the GRF, facilitated the rehearsals. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/Released)
3rd BCT Paratroopers ensure Global
Response Force always ready to go
BY SGT. ANTHONY HEWITT
W
Lt. Col. Albert Paquin, deputy commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division gives a coin to 97-year-old World War II veteran Rodney Kramer
at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 4, 2015. Kramer visited the post for the first time in 70 years after serving as an artilleryman in the 456th Battalion, which was attached to
the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Kramer parachuted and rode a glider into multiple theaters of combat during the war. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary
S. Katzenberger/Released)
hen Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion,
325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team conducted a Global Response Force training exercise Aug. 20 at Fort Bragg, Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion,
3rd Brigade Combat Team—the 82nd Airborne Division’s
Outload Support Battalion—were ready to facilitate and
support the exercise.
The 82nd Abn. Div. is capable of deploying a brigade-sized force anywhere in the world—a GRF—within
96 hours. Each unit assigned to the GRF mission is supported by an OSB, a unit tasked with making that rapid
deployment possible.
Team Move, the current OSB, is a section made of up
more than 90 Paratroopers who train constantly to ensure
they can provide rapid support to Paratroopers; whether
it’s providing transportation of troops or equipment, or
distributing supplies, Capt. Meghan Ramos, commander of Alpha Company, 82nd BSB and officer in charge of
Team Move, said her Paratroopers are always ready.
“We’re always rehearsing [and] finding ways to make
sure we are the most prepared for what’s coming up,” she
said.
The commander said the OSB provides bus transportation, loads and transports shipping containers, and issues
parachutes, ammunition, medical supplies and Nuclear,
Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosive
protective equipment.
During the GRF training exercise Paratroopers assigned
to 2nd Bn., 325th Abn. Inf. Regt. acted in accordance with
their rehearsals of rapid deployment. Once their gear was
consolidated Team Move went to work.
“We always have our gear and bags packed [and] ready
to go,” said Spc. Ernesto Ramirez, a Paratrooper assigned
to Charlie Company, 2nd Bn., 325th Abn. Inf. Regt. “It
takes just an hour to have our duffel bags palletized and
ready to ship.”
Ramos said her team is on a two-hour recall just like everyone on GRF is, and that as soon as she receives the call
her team is drawing equipment, loading up and moving to
their duty locations.
No matter how impossible or hard the mission may
seem from higher, Ramos said her Paratroopers will always find a way to get it done.
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December 2015
69th Annual
82nd Airborne Division
Association Convention
Paratroopers assigned across 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division joined veterans of the All American Division during the 69th Annual
82nd Airborne Division Association Convention in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 12-15,
2015. The convention honored veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice
and celebrated the prestigious lineage of the 82nd Abn. Div.
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Photos by Staff
Sgt. Mary S.
Katzenberger
Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division participate in a physical training competition at Fort
Bragg, N.C., Aug. 7, 2015. In teams the Paratroopers ran,
carried full water jugs, simulated a casualty evacuation,
scaled a wall and completed pull-ups.
Competition fosters unit cohesion
Spouses of Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division talk with one another
at a restaurant outside of Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 6, 2015, during a Waiting on Warriors event. The event, hosted by Capt. Lukasz J. Willenberg, the battalion
chaplain, addressed concerns and questions spouses had about reintegrating with their Paratroopers when they redeploy later this year. (U.S. Army photo by Staff
Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)
Event prepares spouses for reintegration
R
eintegrating from a deployment can be a challenging time for Paratroopers and their Families.
In an effort to better prepare Families for an upcoming redeployment, Capt. Lukasz J. Willenberg, chaplain for 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division hosted
a Waiting on Warriors event for spouses at a restaurant in
Fayetteville, N.C., Aug. 7.
The informal event, attended by more than 20 Paratroopers’ spouses, provided a forum for socializing,
sharing best practices and discussing concerns about the
reintegration process.
Willenberg said he and fellow leaders of the battalion
hosted the event because they want to create the best possible reintegration program for Families.
“We’re focused on the welfare of our Soldiers, and a key
component of that is the health of the Family unit,” said
Capt. Jon D. Degreeff, rear detachment commander of
2nd Bn., 505th PIR. “Specifically when Soldiers come back
they observe that the family dynamic is a little different—
you know both people have grown separately for nine
months—so that reunification is a point where we need to
[provided guidance] and give suggestion.”
After completing an icebreaker exercise and dining,
Willenberg facilitated discussions on the spouses’ expectations about redeployment, their strategies for relinquishing
some of the control of managing their households and
raising their children, the positive aspects of redeployment
and what they think their spouses are most looking forward to when they come home to greet their Families.
“It’s a big transition period in life when your husband
has to go away for a long period of time and when they
have to return,” said Julie White, spouse of Lt. Col. J.C.
White, battalion commander of 2nd Bn., 505th PIR.
“We’ve all fallen into roles with our families and with
our own personal situations.
“Today is an opportunity to dispel some worries and fears
and say ‘everything’s going to be okay,’ and to find out if there’s
anything [the spouses] are specifically concerned about that
we can address from a [family readiness group] standpoint.”
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Hobby bolsters Paratrooper’s infantryman skills
“On the marksmanship side of the house, everything I do—
from dry fire practice, reloads [and] running and reloading
with my rifle, pistol and shotgun, to putting myself under
stress—transfers over to being an infantryman.”
--Spc. Zachary P. Stafford
M
Story & Photo by
Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger
any Paratroopers pursue hobbies that
enrich their life when they’re off duty. For
some, it may be as simple as dropping a
fishing line in the water and waiting for a bite; for
others, it may be working with wood or spending
quality family time at home.
In Spc. Zachary P. Stafford’s case, a hobby he has
pursued since he was five or six years old not only
enriches his life, it sustains and bolsters the skills he’s
required to perform in the Army.
Stafford, an airborne infantryman assigned to
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division is a
competitive marksman.
The native of Fort Worth, Texas participates in
matches monthly throughout the southeastern region
of the country. Most recently, he beat out more than
50 competitors in a match in Bunnlevel, North Carolina which required him to engage threat targets using correct tactics, techniques and procedures using
three types of weapons—a rifle, pistol and shotgun.
The Paratrooper hit targets in a shoot house, was
tested on his ability to fire accurately from behind
various types of cover as well as to shoot while on the
move, and had to flawlessly execute the critical skills
a shooter must master in order to take home the win.
Stafford said he utilizes the same skills during
competitions that he calls on when training in his
profession. The fundamentals that set the stage for
winning matches—steady position, aiming, breath
control and trigger squeeze—are the same fundamentals utilized at a military range or in combat.
“On the marksmanship side of the house, everything I do—from dry fire practice, reloads [and]
running and reloading with my rifle, pistol and shotgun, to putting myself under stress—transfers over to
being an infantryman,” the Paratrooper said.
“I have no one shooting at me [during competitions], but still, being able to [fire] without thinking is
what I need to be able to do.”
As is the case for many seasoned gunslingers, Stafford’s love of sending lead down range began when
he was a young boy.
The Paratrooper said his father and grandfather
first taught him how to safely handle and fire a
.22-caliber rifle on some land in the middle of nowhere in Texas. His father later gave him the rifle, and
that used his budding marksmanship skills to protect
himself and the horses under his care while working
on the family ranch.
Stafford said his passion for firearms transitioned
into a hobby during high school, where he began to
compete competitively. Later, while attending college
and serving in the Texas National Guard he continued participating in—and winning—matches.
Two years after he enlisted for active duty service
in 2010, Stafford had to apply his marksmanship
skills during a real-world mission; the Paratrooper
deployed to Afghanistan with Bravo Company, 2nd
Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd
BCT, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During the tour he used his marksmanship skills
to not only protect his teammates, but the Special
Forces Soldiers his unit augmented.
Between his personal and professional marksmanship training, Stafford said he felt his five-man team
was ready for combat.
“We were very prepared, I had no doubt about
anything with the guys that I was with,” the Paratrooper said.
His confidence in his team’s ability came from
Stafford taking a personal interest in ensuring each
member of his team was well-trained. The Paratrooper said he was regularly called upon to pass his skills
on to firers who were having difficulty mastering the
trade. He has carried the same desire to train fellow
Paratroopers with him into his current unit.
“Spc. Stafford’s shooting ability means that he is
exceptionally well-suited to engaging the enemy and
assisting his teammates in doing the same,” said Sgt.
Peter Korch, Stafford’s team leader of nine months.
“He works very hard at whatever he puts his mind to.
“Just to give you an example in a military-related
context, we were out on a [qualification] range the
other day so he showed up, grabbed [someone else’s]
rifle and shot 39 out of 40 without zeroing [the weapon] or warming up,” Korch continued. “That man
knows how to shoot.”
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Page 60
3rd BCT redeploys from Operation Inherent Resolve
only were we there to train the Iraqi Army and
3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM PUBLIC AFFAIRS advise them but we were the utility infielder that
did anything else that was required, from flying
ol. Curtis Buzzard and Command Sgt.
[aerial reconnaissance] to providing logistics,”
Maj. Daniel Gustafson, command team
Buzzard said.
for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Buzzard said his Paratroopers helped
Airborne Division redeployed to Fort Bragg
stand up multiple IA units that went on to have
with more than 300 Paratroopers assigned to 3rd successes on the battlefield, namely during the
BCT, Sept. 21.
Ramadi counterattack.
The Paratroopers completed a nine
Upon completion of the mission, Paramonth tour in Iraq in support of Combined
troopers returned home to cheering crowds
Joint Forces Land Component Command – Iraq holding handmade signs and supporters proudly
during Operation Inherent Resolve.
waving miniature American flags.
In Iraq, Task Force Panther provided
“It’s an overwhelming feeling of emotion
Security Force Advise and Assists Teams across
all at once seeing my family again,” said Sgt. 1st
multiple Iraqi Army echelons and locations, and Class Brandon Coronado, a platoon sergeant
the unit’s Paratroopers worked with its partner
assigned to Alpha Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd
nations to help train more than 12,000 Iraqi
Cavalry Regiment. “We [feel] a true sense of
Security Forces.
accomplishment; we went above and beyond to
“What was unique about us was not
succeed.”
C
ABOVE: Col. Curtis Buzzard, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division leads his Paratroopers across the flight line upon their redeployment to Fort
Bragg, N.C., Sept. 21, 2015. The Paratroopers returned from a nine-month deployment
to Iraq in support of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command - Iraq during
Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/Released)
FAR LEFT: Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division
wait to greet their family members after redeploying to Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 24, 2015.
The Paratroopers returned from a nine-month deployment to Iraq in support of Combined
Joint Forces Land Component Command - Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S.
Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)
LEFT: Family members of Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division wait patiently for their Paratroopers’ homecoming at Green Ramp
on Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 21, 2015. The Paratroopers returned from a nine-month
deployment to Iraq in support of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command
- Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/
Released)
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December 2013
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Page 64
Paratroopers give it all they have
P
Paratroopers assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division give it their
all during a physical training competition at Fort Bragg, Sept. 2,
2015. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/Released)
aratroopers assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd
Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 82nd Airborne Division conducted a team training competition in the morning
hours of Sept. 2 at Fort Bragg.
The cavalry scouts of 3rd BCT are taking
the initiative to stay sharp and focused as their
forward unit continues its building partner
capacity and advise and assist mission with the
Iraqi Security Forces in Iraq.
2nd Lt. Benjamin Robinson, assistant
planner of training for 5th Sqdrn., 73rd Cav.
Regt., said he combined physical training, skill
level one tasks and occupation-specific tasks to
create a healthy and educational competition.
Each troop planned different stations of
reconaissance tasks that were supervised by the
noncommissioned officers, said Robinson.
Stations included providing medical care
while under fire, land navigation, assemble communications equipment and report, along with
identifying target objects with binoculars.
The noncommissioned officers added
stress to the Paratroopers’ tasks by incorporating
physical training within the tasks and between
stations.
“The objective was to test the Soldiers’
knowledge and actions, ensuring that these
Paratroopers know what to do in strenuous situations,” said Sgt. Jacob Thompson, a Paratrooper
assigned to Bravo Troop, 5th Sqdrn., 73rd Cav.
Regt.
As the sun rose, sweat drenched the
Paratrooper’s uniforms and grassy dirt was stuck
to the competitor’s hands and faces; each team
continued without hesitation to execute their
technical and physical duties.
“Teamwork is extremely important, if one
person fails the whole thing could go wrong,” said
Pfc. Hunter Gerlitzky, a Paratrooper assigned to
Alpha Troop, 5th Sqdrn., 73rd Cav. Regt. “I tried
my hardest and gave everything I could.”
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December 2015
Medics train
‘All the Way’
to be divsion’s best
he lights go out and a room immediately becomes
dark inside the Taylor-Sandri Medical Training
Center on Fort Bragg. Airborne medics begin assessing and treating a casualty in a simulated environment
equipped with fog machines, speakers, strobe lights, and
radio communications.
A select group of medics assigned to the 82nd
Airborne Division—Sgt. Roberto Sanchez, assigned to 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, and Sgt. John Reilly, Spc. John Yevak, Spc. Seth Green and Spc. Dillon Marker, assigned to 1st
BCT—are preparing to compete in the 82nd Abn. Div. Best
Medic competition, scheduled Sept. 24-25.
The medics have been training extensively both
physically and academically since July 7, said Sgt. Maj. Carl
Youngs, chief medical noncommissioned officer for the
82nd Abn. Div.
The medics, whom are detached from their units,
are on a special, organized and rigorous schedule each day,
Youngs continued.
The initial phase of the training began with attending and graduating the Fort Bragg Pre-Ranger Course.
FBPRC is a physically and mentally demanding two-week
course that familiarizes Paratroopers with small-unit tactics
and puts students in graded leadership positions.
After that the medics began a training regimen developed by Youngs emulating tasks and obstacles the medics
will encounter in the division competition.
The schedule has included land navigation, casualty
movement, rope bridges, obstacle courses, long classroom
hours and trauma training with simulated effects.
“We’ll train within ourselves and create scenarios
for each other using strobe lights and limited visibility,”
said Sanchez, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and
Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment,
3rd BCT. “We’ll go into a scenario not knowing what to expect—sometimes involving up to three patients—[and] give
the assessment and treat them as fast as possible.”
In addition to the training Youngs scheduled for
T
the medics, the team has also received support from the
Taylor-Sandri instructors in advanced cardiac life support,
loading casualties into a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and
equipment operations in an medical evacuation aircraft.
“We have dedicated instructors that are teaching us
new things that pertain to our job and will help us in this
competition,” said Sanchez.
“Respecting one another -- even
though we’re competitors -- is
the culture we’ve developed.”
--Sgt. Roberto Sanchez
Sanchez said the group has developed camaraderie
and professionalism among one other during their strenuous schedule.
“Respecting one another, even though we’re competitors, is the culture we’ve developed,” Sanchez continued.
To ensure the Paratroopers are maintaining high
standards of physical readiness, a specific fitness program
was assigned to them.
“They are all in phenomenally good shape,” said
Youngs. “They continuously work out, conducting two-aday [physical training] sessions and [are] constantly conducting foot march rucks.”
The winners of the division event will continue to
train for an additional four weeks and then travel to Fort
Sam Houston, Texas, to compete in the Army Best Medic
Competition, slated for late October.
The 82nd Abn. Div. has a long lineage of success at
the Army Best Medic holding the record for most wins—
six—since the competition began in 1994.
“The division expectations are that ‘We go down to
win’,” said Youngs. “We don`t want anybody going down
there to do anything but win.”
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Page 66
Sgt. Roberto Sanchez,
a medic assigned to 5th
Squadron, 73rd Cavalry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division simulates
checking the pulse of a
casualty during training at
Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 1,
2015. (U.S. Army photo
by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/
Released)
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Fury paratroopers team up to ensure calfx success
I
n the distance is the sound of an incoming OH-58 Kiowa
helicopter. The noise of the rotary blades gets louder as the
aircraft crests above a tree line near an open field. The helicopter pilots acquire a target and launch two rockets, blasting
the field to demonstrate the helicopter’s lethal capabilities.
Paratroopers assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 82nd Airborne Division, look on from Observation
Post 13 as the destruction unfolds during their unit’s combined
arms live fire training exercise at Fort Bragg, Sept. 17.
During the training, Paratroopers equipped with M4
rifles, M240B machine guns, M320 grenade launchers, AT-4
anti-tank weapons and mobile 60mm mortar launchers took
their training to the next level by teaming up with two OH-58
Kiowa helicopters, artillerymen firing 120 and 105mm howitzers and an attachment of Paratroopers operating humvees
equipped with heavy weapons.
The platoons moved through rough terrain, dispersing
into assignments such as machine guns teams supporting overwatch, maneuver assault elements, obstacle breaching teams,
room clearing teams, and medical evacuation teams.
The event is the culmination of many months of hard
work, said Sgt. Michael Greismer, a weapons squad leader
assigned to A Co.
Greismer said the training began at the individual
Soldier level, transitioned to the team level and progressed to
completing a platoon-level live fire exercise. The current exercise, a CALFX, brought all the platoons together to work as a
company.
The best part about the training was watching the
Paratroopers grow professionally, Greismer continued. He said
it’s reassuring to see young leaders call out commands, give
sectors of fire and execute everything they have been trained to
perform.
The training will continue for the Paratroopers as they
are slated to support the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn.
Div. during an upcoming rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana.
“The progress from the last six to eight months has
been absolutely astounding, especially from the junior leaders
within the organization,” said Capt. Kyle Frazer, commander of
A Co. “After this we refine the training we’ve learned and apply
that at JRTC so we can provide a fully capable company of
lethal and effective combat power.”
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Paratroopers assigned to Alpha Company,
1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division conduct a combined arms
live fire exercise at Fort Bragg, Sept. 17,
2015. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Anthony
Hewitt/Released)
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Page 72
Col. Curtis A. Buzzard, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division speaks during the brigade’s
Operation Inherent Resolve End of Tour Award Ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 23, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt.
Anthony Hewitt/Released)
Paratroopers recognized for OIR service
O
ver 1,000 Paratroopers assigned to
the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division were honored with
military awards and decorations during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, Oct. 23.
The ceremony honored Paratroopers
who contributed to an incredibly complex
mission overseas in Iraq, and the ones who led
the Surge Ready Force at Fort Bragg, said Col.
Curtis Buzzard, commander of 3rd BCT, 82nd
Abn. Div.
The many awards presented included the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal,
the Army Commendation Medal, the Army
Achievement Medal, the Combat Infantryman
Badge and the Combat Action Badge. Additionally, two Paratroopers received battlefield
promotions.
While every award presented enhanced the prestige of the units and Paratroopers assembled, the battlefield promotions were
significant as the Paratroopers who received
them represent two out of the only three Soldiers who have been awarded battlefield promotion since the Operation Inherent Resolve
began.
Sgt. Ali O. Al Saeedy, a linguist assigned to the 307th Engineer Battalion, 3rd
BCT is one of the two Paratroopers recognized
for promotion for overseas service.
“This is my first duty station and I am
proud to serve in the 307th [Engineer] Battalion, this famous brigade and the most prestigious division in the Army,” said Al Saeedy.
Clear and sunny skies shone over Fort
Bragg and bright smiles filled the ranks of the
3rd BCT formations while more than 1,000
Paratroopers stood tall in their ranks, with
their medals pinned upon their chests.
“Bottom line, I’m enormously proud of
this unit and what they accomplished in Iraq and
here at Fort Bragg over the last nine months,” said
Buzzard. “They achieved the vision of this BCT:
the Panther Family is fit, disciplined and adaptive.
I’m proud, the commanding general is proud and
their nation is proud.”
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December 2015
T
Crossing
of the Waal
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Page 74
he fall morning is cold in the dense foliage
deep in the back woods of Fort Bragg, Oct. 21.
Beams of yellow light pierce through the trees, illuminating the lonely and shady trails next to Kiest Lake.
A roaring cadence shatters the serene scene
as hundreds of motivated Paratroopers crest over the
final hilltop before reaching the lake. Teams run and
chant, hoisting Zodiac boats above their heads. The
Paratroopers, assigned to 307th Engineer Battalion,
have come to honor their unit’s history during an annual commemoration of the crossing of the Waal River.
“It’s very important to commemorate the sacrifice that our grandfathers and great-grandfathers
made during World War II,” said Capt. Jason Bahmer,
commander of Alpha Company, 307th En. Bn., 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. “It’s
an honor to be a part of this and to have a tradition
[that]
remembers those
who sacrificed
so
much.”
The
day’s
events
included a 2-mile run with
boating equipment and a
seven-team paddle race in the Zodiacs.
Each team crossed the lake five times to the finish, representing the five trips across the Waal River that their predecessors made under German fire
during Operation Market Garden on Sept. 20, 1944.
“It’s significant to see and experience a small
taste of what our predecessors went through,”
said 2nd Lt. Luke Groomer, a Paratrooper assigned to A Co. “It’s vital to remember our history, combined with competition and camaraderie.”
As the boat race began, the entire battalion
cheered on their respective companies from the lakeshore; chants of “Beastmasters” and “Rock Steady”
echoed through the forest surrounding the lake.
The race lasted almost an hour; Alpha and Bravo
Company simultaneously led the race for the duration,
with Alpha prevailing in victory by only 10 seconds.
Groomer said the companies prepared
for the boat race by conducting physical training
entailing boat drills in and outside of the water, capsize drills, boat carries, and rowing techniques.
“The distance of the lake is only 10 meters short of the actual Waal River, so the distance is accurate in regards to commemorate
the reenactment and competition,” said Bahmer.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my sappers.”
307th Engineer Battalion
Story and photos by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt
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Page 76
FAR LEFT: World War II reenactors with the All American Airborne Legion
prepare to reenact the Wall River crossing at Kiest Lake on Fort Bragg,
N.C., Oct. 21, 2015. The reenactors crossed the lake in a custom replica
of the boats that were used to ferry Paratroopers across the Wall River in
the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden.
CENTER: Paratroopers assigned to Alpha Company, 307th Engineer
Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division pose for a
photo after winning the battalion’s annual “Crossing of the Waal” event on
Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015.
ABOVE: Paratroopers assigned to Bravo Company, 307th Engineer
Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division cheer before
stepping off to compete in the battalion’s annual “Crossing of the Waal”
event at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015.
BOTTOM LEFT: A Paratrooper assigned to 307th Engineer Battalion, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division jumps into the water during
the battalion’s annual “Crossing of the Wall” event at Kiest Lake on Fort
Bragg, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015.
BOTTOM CENTER: Paratroopers assigned to 307th Engineer Battalion,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division row a Zodiac boat
across Kiest Lake during the battalion’s annual “Crossing of the Wall”
event at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015.
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Page 78
Panther paratrooper wins
division best medic competition
T
he morning sky is darker than usual; the air is blowing a cool breeze while heavy clouds create sporadic
downpours to announce the first day of fall.
The wet weather was the first condition greeting the
competitors of the 82nd Airborne Division’s Best Medic
Competition at Fort Bragg, Sept. 24.
The annual competition tests medics across the division and prepares them to compete in the Army Best Medic
Competition.
Five medics began the day with a Ranger Physical Fitness Assessment and then showed their abilities to do their
job under extreme stress in a situational training exercise
at the Medical Simulation Training Center. They continued
with an obstacle course, a land navigation course, and a 12mile ruck march.
The conditions of the competition were set to emulate
tasks and drills, physical and academic, that combat medics
apply on real world missions.
Sgt. Maj. Carl Youngs, the Division’s chief medical
noncommissioned officer, and noncommissioned officer in
charge of the competition, said he wanted this year’s training
and competition to mirror the events that the winners will
encounter during the Army-wide competition at Fort Sam
Houston, Texas.
“We definitely got a lot of repetitions and a lot of
time to just focus fully on the competition,” says Sgt. Roberto
Sanchez, a medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div.
Sanchez and Sgt. John Reilly, a medic assigned to 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., were both recognized
as the Division’s top medics at a ceremony held Oct. 5.
“It’s very humbling [and] awesome to just go out and
compete with my peers,” said Sanchez. “It was a great and
challenging experience.”
Sanchez and Riley will continue to train for the next
three weeks, just as they have since July. They will represent
the 82nd Abn Div. and compete in the Army Best Medic
Competition scheduled for Oct. 28-30.
Brig. Gen. Brian E. Winski, deputy commanding general
of the 82nd Airborne Division poses next to Sgt. Roberto Sanchez, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters
and Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Div. during an awards ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C.,
Oct. 5, 2015. Sanchez and Sgt. John Reilly, a Paratrooper assigned to 1st BCT, received Army Commendation Medals for winning the division’s Best Medic
Competition, Sept. 24. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Juan F.
Jimenez/Released)
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W
ith reintegration training following a nine-month deployment
to Iraq nearly complete, one battalion
in 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division held its first unitwide event since its homecoming at
Fort Bragg, Oct. 15.
More than 1,000 Paratroopers
and Family members of 2nd Battalion,
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment
participated in “Home Run,” a family 5K run and walk held to promote
camaraderie and togetherness.
“We felt it was just a good way
to bring those Paratroopers that deployed and join them back with those
Paratroopers that kept doing good
things back here for us, and we invited
the Family members,” said Lt. Col. J.C.
White, commander of 2nd Bn., 505th
PIR. “It’s a great way to close out our
reintegration; we’re back together as a
battalion and as one big Family.”
At the start of the race, Paratroopers vying for the fastest times
crowded to the front of the pack, while
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger
December 2015
-Static Line-
Paratroopers with Family members and
children waited close behind, also eager
to begin the race.
Some Paratroopers carried
children on their shoulders while others
pushed or pulled their children in strollers and wagons. Canine family members were also welcome at the event and
joined their masters in the running,
jogging or walking. Each participant
received a participation medal at the
conclusion of the 5K.
“It ended up being a lot of fun,”
said Kendra Chappell, spouse of Capt.
Adam Chappell. “I love being a part of
[my husband’s] unit. We’re glad to have
our guys home, so anything to celebrate
that then I’m in.”
Capt. Lukasz J. Willenberg,
chaplain for 2nd Bn., 505th PIR, said he
organized the event to give the Paratroopers and their Family members a
chance to spend time together.
“They say that Families that
spend time together stay together,”
Willenberg said. “As a chaplain my job
is to provide every possible opportunity
for the Families [and] for the Paratroopers to … give them the time to simply
strengthen relationships.”
2Panther
runs as a
family
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December 2015
Page 82
back
from
Iraq
b a c k
t o
a i r b o r n e
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne
Division
prepare
for
reintegration airborne operations at
Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 23, 2015. Prior
to conducting the operations the
Paratroopers underwent extensive
basic airborne refresher training
at the Advanced Airborne School.
p h o t o s
b y
s t a f f
s g t .
m a r y
s .
k a t z e n b e r g e r
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December 2015
Panthers remember a Hero
Story and Photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt
A
room dedication ceremony for Command
Sgt.
Maj.
Donovan
E. Watts was held at the Iron
Mike Conference and Catering
Center on Fort Bragg, Nov. 6.
Watts was serving as the
battalion command sergeant major for 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division when he was killed
by a land mine blast, Nov. 21, 2006
while on patrol in Bayji, Iraq.
One of Watts’ close
friends from the unit, Col. Curtis
A. Buzzard, now commander of
3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., was at
the ceremony to speak and unveil
the plaque that dedicated the private dining room in Watts’ name.
“Command
Sergeant
Major Watts was a special person, a phenomenal natural
leader, and also a very caring,
humble man,” said Buzzard.
Watts was born in Anniston, Alabama on Sept. 10, 1960.
He enlisted in the Army upon
graduating high school as an infantryman, Feb. 3, 1979. During
his 27-year career he held every
position in his job field, from rifleman to battalion command sergeant major. He also served as an
instructor at the Basic Airborne
School at Fort Benning, Georgia.
During the ceremony,
Buzzard spoke of the many qualities and character that made
Watts the kind of person he was.
“He absolutely loved being a Paratrooper, and loved Paratroopers,” said Buzzard. “If you
asked if he was married he would
always say, ‘Yes, I’m married to
the 82nd Airborne Division.’”
Watts is survived by his
mother, Theresa, sisters Bridget and Brandi, brother, Marlon, and daughter Charlee.
“I know that he would be
tremendously honored to have
a room in Fort Bragg’s new conference center named after him,”
continued Buzzard. “This is a place
where some work gets done, but
more often than not, [it’s] a place
of fun, of fellowship, where units
gather to enjoy being Paratroopers.
I’m certain that his spirit will bless
this room and those whom use it.”
“Command Sergeant Major
Watts was a special person, a
phenomenal natural leader, and also a
very caring, humble man.”
-- Col. Curtis A. Buzzard
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Page 84
Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division
attend a ceremony at Fort Bragg,
N.C., dedicating a dining room at the
Conference and Catering Center in the
name of Command Sgt. Maj. Donovan
E. Watts, Nov.6, 2015.
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Page86
8
Page
Paratroopers test their
mental fitness
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steven Woods, Spc. Joshua Kosgei, Sgt. Shamill Franklin, Staff Sgt. Benito Villegas and 1st Lt. Spencer
Macgriff, Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, pose
with a check from the Patriot Foundation awarding scholarships to Gold Star Families, Oct. 25, 2015, after winning the innagural North
Carolina Tick Tock Ultra Marathon. (Courtesy Photo)
Panther team sets course record
he private roads trailing through the rolling hills of
Forest Creek Golf Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina, offer views of bright green grass and groomed
landscapes throughout its property. The roads became a
gateway toward individual challenges, team bonding and
selfless service during the inaugural North Carolina Tick
Tock Ultra Marathon, Oct. 25.
Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division set a new record for distance ran and earned
thousands of dollars in charitable donations for Gold Star
Families from the Patriot Foundation.
Paratroopers 1st Lt. Spencer Macgriff, Sgt. Shamill
Franklin, Staff Sgt. Benito Villegas, Chief Warrant Officer
2 Steven Woods and Spc. Joshua Kosgei volunteered their
off-duty time to represent 3rd BCT and the 82nd Abn. Div.
Team Panther competed against five other relay
teams, including a team from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special
Forces Group; all ran for 12 consecutive hours, from 6 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
Each team member would run a 3.5-mile lap individually, and, upon finishing the lap, another member
would begin the same route.
“Early in the race we pushed hard for the charity,”
said Macgriff. “Halfway through we knew we had a strong
T
lead, but then we realized we also had a chance to break the
record and began to strive for that.”
The Paratroopers each ran about 20 miles, then concluded, breaking a distance record of 100.5 miles ran and
running a total of 29 laps.
“I would like to point out that Spc. Kosgei was the
[most valuable player] for the team, posting consistent exceptional times,” said Chuck Deleot, president of the Patriot
Foundation, in a written statement.
Kosgei gave Team Panther an early lead, finishing
the first lap four minutes ahead of any other team.
“I am a competitive runner and plan to compete in
the 2016 Olympics,” said Kosgei. “I have never competed in
a group. When I heard that we would represent our brigade
and the Patriot Foundation was involved, I became motivated.”
A charitable donation of $10,000 from the Patriot
Foundation will be conveyed to the All-American Response
Force Association. AASRF is an organization that contributes to college scholarships for children of “All American”
Gold Star spouses.
The donation will result in up to four $2,500 scholarships.
“It was a great group of guys doing this event and I
only encourage folks to do it next year,” said Macgriff. “It’s a
straight benefit to Gold Star Families. Even if [Families] are
not within our unit, it’s still something worth doing.”
Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Airborne Division participate in a mental
fitness course hosted by Comprehensive Soldier
and Family Fitness facilitators at Fort Bragg, N.C.,
Nov. 3, 2015. The mental fitness course challenged
the Paratrooper’s physically while testing their
communication skills, decision-making abilities and
composure under stress. (U.S. Army photos by Staff
Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)
Page 87
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December 2015
E
very morning on Fort Bragg holds an opportunity for something significant to happen amongst
Paratroopers. Whether it`s resilience, strength,
or teamwork, the cool fall mornings on Fort Bragg can
During the dark early morning hours, the Paratroopers boarded buses and traveled to the Fort Bragg
Pre-Ranger Course. Once there, they began classroom
training on land navigation in preparation for testing
their skills on a land navigation course as a unified unit
ministry team.
“Basic land [navigation]
skills are important; it uses
the whole Soldier concept
within our chaplain ranks and
they will use land [navigation]
as a way to communicate with
us from a distance during
this exercise,” said Maj. Jerry
Waldrop, the division family
chaplain assigned to the 82nd Abn. Div.
As UMTs moved to grid coordinates for ministry
response training, Waldrop posted at a specific point to
manage an open group session on different topics, such
82nd abn. div. Unit ministry
teams get back to basics
story and photos by sgt. anthony hewitt
open up doorways to special “All American” days.
Thirty-nine chaplains and their assistants assigned across the 82nd Airborne Division made Nov. 4 a
special day by participating in a team-building event.
-Static Line-
Page 88
as teen grief counseling and Muslim pastoral comfort.
The Paratroopers displayed other ways of working as a team while completing the FBPRC obstacle
course in 6 to 8 inches of muddy, standing water.
The first half of the course was negotiated using
individual strength and confidence. The second half,
however, was a brigade unit competition lane.
“The course was a fun and challenging way to work
as a team,” said Staff Sgt. Patrick Neal, a Paratrooper assigned
to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div. “Everybody got through
safely and we did it together.”
Teamwork, basic soldier skills and job-specific tasks
came together in one event for a group of professionals that
rarely get the chance to be together, which is what made it a
special and unique morning.
“It’s hard to get all these guys together at once because they’re at different units, but when we do it’s special,”
says Maj. Emmitt Furner, deputy chaplain for the 82nd Abn.
Div. “We get to team-build and train on religious support.”
3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM
82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION
“H-MINUS!”
Brigade Commander
Col. Curtis Buzzard
Deputy Commander
Lt. Col. J.C. White
Command Sergeant Major
Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Gustafson
Public Affairs NCOIC
Staff Sgt. Mary Katzenberger
Public Affairs NCO
Sgt. Anthony Hewitt
Broadcast NCO
Sgt. David Blocker

2015 year in review - Panther Association

Transcription

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