First Army Division West

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bill Noyer, 166th Aviation Brigade materiel officer, shows off a fresh laser-engraved project at his home in Killeen, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bill Noyer, 166th Aviation Brigade, First Army Division West)

By 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West Public Affairs

KILLEEN, Texas — For one Soldier, a woodworking hobby has branched into a family customized crafts business with the motto, "You imagine it, we make it."

The "B" in B&K Pens and Crafts is for the 166th Aviation Brigade's Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bill Noyer, while the "K" is for his 21-year-old son Kyle.

After 28 years serving the Army, the aviation materiel officer plans to hang his hat and join Kyle and his other 11-year-old son Billy full time, while hoping to expand their business outside of their home garage.

Bill and his sons seem like jacks-of-all-trades.

“It’s in the blood,” he said.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bill Noyer (right) of the 166th Aviation Brigade, and son Kyle, 21, start their computer as they prepare a simple graphic design to engrave an elegant wooden pen as part of their creative process. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

A visit to the Noyer family's business website shows the hidden secret of its inception: "We are a family-owned business that started in the summer of 2008 because my son didn’t want to cut grass, because it was so 'overdone.'"

With a grandfather as a retired cabinetmaker, and a father who seemingly “could fix anything,” Bill grew up doing woodwork from a very early age.

The Black Hawk helicopter pilot also strives to balance the demands of an Army eight- to 10-hour work-day against his duties as Youth Pastor at his church.

While a loving and doting father to six children and a working wife, he also manages putting in two or three hours each night, as well as weekends, to create and refine wood projects.

The large garage that is his woodshop holds a prized laser engraver, a job previously outsourced. Walls and countertops contain the tools of the trade that make his custom woodwork and various other crafts come to life.

The family pride rests on quality, so the art design phase is the most tedious.

“The woodwork is the easy part,” he said. “The graphics are more of a challenge.” So, graphics is where sons Kyle and Billy step in to help design the crisp and artistic images their business is quickly becoming known for.

“The level of detail we get from the laser makes the effort worthwhile,” they both assured.

Demonstrating the laser engraver from his in-home woodshop, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bill Noyer of the 166th Aviation Brigade, perfectly lines up a pen before engraving a sample product. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

They laser will engrave just about anything.  Bill and Kyle can spout off materials and items left and right that the laser will penetrate, like guns, knives, cell phone cases, dog tags, lighters, key chains, mugs, desk plaques, granite, delicate ornaments, and of course wood, just to name a few.

“The list is never ending,” said Kyle.

His largest clientele to date is his own 166th Aviation Brigade. In fact, Bill has created the Brigade standard for plaques, and his colleagues are his loyal customers having him design emblems with their First Army patch and brigade motto, “Wings of the West.”

Word-of-mouth and facebook have become the strongest advertising avenues, and he hopes to eventually support both military and non-military with custom gift ideas.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bill Noyer, 166th Aviation Brigade materiel officer, shows off a fresh laser-engraved project at his home in Killeen, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bill Noyer, 166th Aviation Brigade, First Army Division West)

By 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West Public Affairs

KILLEEN, Texas — For one Soldier, a woodworking hobby has branched into a family customized crafts business with the motto, "You imagine it, we make it."

The "B" in B&K Pens and Crafts is for the 166th Aviation Brigade's Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bill Noyer, while the "K" is for his 21-year-old son Kyle.

After 28 years serving the Army, the aviation materiel officer plans to hang his hat and join Kyle and his other 11-year-old son Billy full time, while hoping to expand their business outside of their home garage.

Bill and his sons seem like jacks-of-all-trades.

“It’s in the blood,” he said.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bill Noyer (right) of the 166th Aviation Brigade, and son Kyle, 21, start their computer as they prepare a simple graphic design to engrave an elegant wooden pen as part of their creative process. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

A visit to the Noyer family's business website shows the hidden secret of its inception: "We are a family-owned business that started in the summer of 2008 because my son didn’t want to cut grass, because it was so 'overdone.'"

With a grandfather as a retired cabinetmaker, and a father who seemingly “could fix anything,” Bill grew up doing woodwork from a very early age.

The Black Hawk helicopter pilot also strives to balance the demands of an Army eight- to 10-hour work-day against his duties as Youth Pastor at his church.

While a loving and doting father to six children and a working wife, he also manages putting in two or three hours each night, as well as weekends, to create and refine wood projects.

The large garage that is his woodshop holds a prized laser engraver, a job previously outsourced. Walls and countertops contain the tools of the trade that make his custom woodwork and various other crafts come to life.

The family pride rests on quality, so the art design phase is the most tedious.

“The woodwork is the easy part,” he said. “The graphics are more of a challenge.” So, graphics is where sons Kyle and Billy step in to help design the crisp and artistic images their business is quickly becoming known for.

“The level of detail we get from the laser makes the effort worthwhile,” they both assured.

Demonstrating the laser engraver from his in-home woodshop, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bill Noyer of the 166th Aviation Brigade, perfectly lines up a pen before engraving a sample product. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

They laser will engrave just about anything.  Bill and Kyle can spout off materials and items left and right that the laser will penetrate, like guns, knives, cell phone cases, dog tags, lighters, key chains, mugs, desk plaques, granite, delicate ornaments, and of course wood, just to name a few.

“The list is never ending,” said Kyle.

His largest clientele to date is his own 166th Aviation Brigade. In fact, Bill has created the Brigade standard for plaques, and his colleagues are his loyal customers having him design emblems with their First Army patch and brigade motto, “Wings of the West.”

Word-of-mouth and facebook have become the strongest advertising avenues, and he hopes to eventually support both military and non-military with custom gift ideas.

As part of the 479th Field Artillery Brigade Spring Ball, each of the battalions had a table displaying its lineage. 3rd Battalion, 393rd Field Artillery proudly displayed 75mm PACK howitzer and 105mm artillery shells, and a quote by Otton Von Bismarck, “The wars of the future will be decided by artillery. Troops can be replaced in time of need; big guns must be made in time of peace.” (Photo by Alma Gutierrez, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

By Cpt. Chi L. Truong, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs

KILLEEN, Texas – Soldiers, family, friends, and guests of the 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, enjoyed a spectacular evening during the brigade's Spring Ball at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center on April 26. Over five hundred Soldiers and guests from nine organizations across the United States dressed for the occasion. 

When asked about the event, special guest David Barnard, Chairman of the Board for the National Bank of Central Texas said, “It’s great! Always impresses me. I had a great time. Great way of having fun – something our country should be proud of. We are proud of you all and appreciate what you do for our country.” 

“It’s nice to breathe some life into the brigade," said Col. Richard T. Shevlin, former brigade executive officer. "From a family social aspect, too often it is about work — but tonight it is about, camaraderie and family!”

Early into the evening, Soldiers from the 479th Field Artillery Brigade and Division West build Esprit De Corps: Capt. Tymon D. Reed (left), 3rd Battalion, 395th Armor Regiment executive officer, Sgt. 1st Class Detrick Bush (right), 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Medical Liaison Non-Commissioned Officer, and 1st Sgt. James E. Arnett (center), Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Division West. (Photo by April Bush, Fort Hood Bennett Health Clinic, III Corps)

The ball was truly a team effort by the brigade ball committee, Soldiers, and spouses of the “Strike Hard” brigade. Thanks to all who planned and prepared to ensure the Spring Ball successfully brought together the Soldiers, Civilians, and Families of the 479th in a social setting, to build Esprit De Corps, and enhance professional relationships through the implementation of traditional ceremonial activities.

A special thanks to Sgt. 1st Class Patricia L. Garrett, who “worked diligently sacrificing her time and ensuring the Spring Ball went well,” said Capt. Phillip D. Rathbun, 479th's Headquarters and Headquarters Battery commander.

The night kicked off with Master of Ceremonies Lt. Col. William E. Duvall of 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment introducing the time-honored military grog ceremony. Command sergeants major from the nine battalions poured various concoctions into the grog bowl, with each of the ingredients representing a significant historical moment related to the brigade. 

Master Sgt. Matthew Lord (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Brown prepare the 479th Field Artillery Brigade Spring Ball grog, while Lord, 2nd Battalion (CS/CSS), 381st Regiment dances after pouring his addition into the grog bowl. Brown stirs the various ingredients to ensure the best grog drink is made. (Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Shevlin, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

Later, after a slideshow and dinner, the brigade conducted an awards ceremony. Congratulations to the new inductees who were awarded into 10 different honorary military orders! Over 30 Soldiers and Civilians were awarded the following honorary awards: the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, the Order of Molly Pitcher, the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award, the Quartermaster Corps Order of Saint Martin, the Order of Saint George, the Noble Patron of Armor, the Steel Order of the de Fleury Medal, the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal, and the Order of Saint Maurice.

As part of the 479 Field Artillery Brigade Spring Ball, each of the battalions had a table displaying its lineage. Pictured is Headquarters and Headquarters Battery’s table depicting the 479th’s origins as the 656th Field Artillery Battalion during WWII and the crossing of the Rhine River. (Photo by Capt. Phillip D. Rathbun, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

Afterwards, Col. Richard D. Creed, 479th brigade commander, introduced the honored guest, Lt. Gen. (retired) Don Holder. Holder’s extensive years of military experience ranged from commanding a troop in the Vietnam War to being the deputy TRADOC commander for training and the Combined Arms Center, as well as commandant of the Command and General Staff College. He shared his experiences and related them to the Army’s current drawdown of military forces, sequestrations, furloughs, and budget cuts. Holder shared that we must utilize creative training to maintain our readiness levels even with the changes.

The night culminated with dancing to the beat of music both past and present to include having fun with the electric slide.

“We struck the right balance between the Spring Ball being a formal and a party,” Creed said. “And people had fun!”

Pilot Chief Warrant Officer 3 Trevor Jon Saari and Co-Pilot Chief Warrant Officer 4 William Noyer of the 166th Aviation Brigade wait in a Black Hawk helicopter while their Crew Chief Staff Sgt. Duston Watson monitors members of the 13th ESC's 53rd Quartermaster Company conducting fuel support operations at North Fort Hood, Texas, at the new forward area refueling point.  (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

By 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West Public Affairs

NORTH FORT HOOD, TEXAS – The launch of a new forward area refueling point here reduces 20-minute helicopter refueling times down to just four while providing actual training conditions found in a combat zone.

Through a partnership with the 13th ESC's 53rd Quartermaster Co. and the 166th Aviation Brigade, pilots no longer have to fly to fully power-off, and exit their helicopters to conduct a refuel. The longer process is known as a “cold fuel” since the aircraft is turned off and is cold, so-to-speak.  

“Now, pilots and crew remain on-board their helicopter with the motor running while a support unit trained in the area of fuel and support logistics quickly replenishes the fuel supply,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 William Noyer, 166th Aviation Brigade’s aviation materiel officer.

“The process is known as ‘hot fuel’ since the helicopter keeps running,” he said. “This process happens every day throughout the Army, but is new to North Fort Hood. It saves time, which allows pilots to get back into the training mission sooner than before.”

The process also saves the Army considerable money and preserves valuable training hours lost while flying to civilian airfields said Maj. Gen. Warren E. Phipps Jr., Division West Commanding General. 

Pilots appreciate the new FARP, because they no longer have to take time out of training to get fuel far away, Noyer said.  The FARP also serves to train the 13th ESC's fuel handlers.

The majority of the 166th’s battalions spend most of their time training National Guard and Reserve units mobilized for deployment overseas at North Fort Hood.  Roughly half of the Army's Aviation Force is in the reserve component and all of those Aviation units mobilizing for deployment do so under the watchful eyes of 166th Aviation trainers.

Soldiers with the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade lead students wearing night vision goggles around the darkened classroom during one of the brigade’s Partners in Education program visits to Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School last month. For its dedication to students, the Socorro Independent School District presented the brigade with the 2013 Education Empowerment Award at its Partners in Education Recognition Luncheon in downtown El Paso, Texas, recently. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

By Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs

FORT BLISS, Texas — The 402nd Field Artillery Brigade’s dedication to the students at its adopted school earned the brigade the 2013 Education Empowerment Award from the Socorro Independent School District at the district’s Partners in Education Recognition Luncheon in downtown El Paso, Texas, recently.

Throughout the school year, the 402nd Soldiers and civilians volunteer their time to mentor the at-risk students in the PIE program at Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School. Soldiers help out at school assemblies and activities, tutor students and hold special-themed events.

“I am so excited that the 402nd won. We all appreciate the hard work they do. The time they spend with the students really does make a difference,” said Rosy Vega, Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School principal. “About 30 percent of our students have a military background and seeing the Soldiers at the school shows them that the Army does care about them.”

Soldiers with the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, tutor Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School students during one of the brigade’s Partners in Education program visits last month. For its dedication to students, the Socorro Independent School District presented the brigade with the 2013 Education Empowerment Award at its P.I.E. Recognition Luncheon in downtown El Paso, Texas, recently. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

“We have definitely seen an improvement in the students’ behavior and grades,” Vega added. I look forward to another successful year with the 402nd, and I hope we can expand the program so more students can benefit.”

Monica Dominguez, school counselor, also praised the 402nd’s work with the students, adding that the Soldiers are great role models for them.

“It’s just amazing how much of a positive change we see in the students. Not only have we seen an improvement in their grades, but their attitudes have changed for the better. They are motivated to come to school now because of the mentors,” Dominguez said. “The students look forward to their time with the Soldiers because with the tutoring and the different activities, they make learning fun for the students.”

The students still talk about the time the Soldiers brought Meals Ready to Eat for them to taste and the night vision goggles to try, said Dominguez.

The Socorro Independent School District presented the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade with the 2013 Education Empowerment Award for its dedication to the students at Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School at its Partners in Education Recognition Luncheon in downtown El Paso, Texas, recently. Pictured are: (from left to right) Rosy Vega, principal; Lizeth Pinòn, school counselor; Sgt. Matthew Brewer; Sgt. 1st Class Evelyn Veal; Sgt. Guadalupe Romero; Capt. Kiet La; Elaine Spencer; Monica Dominguez, school counselor; Sgt. 1st Class Francisco Toledo. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

Capt. Kiet La, the 402nd Field Artillery Headquarters and Headquarters Battery commander, said he is appreciative of the recognition.

“With our demanding schedules, it’s not always easy to carve out time to spend with the kids, but it is rewarding to see that what we do does make an impact on the students,” La said. “Not only do programs like this benefit the students, but the Soldiers benefit from giving back to their community.”  

The brigade has been supporting the elementary school for three years and has been recognized before for its efforts with the students. The 402nd received a Fort Bliss Outstanding Unit Award and an Impact Award — Character Education from the SISD in 2011.

By Capt. Kevin Lockett, 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

FORT BLISS, Texas - The 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, recently completed a ‘Renegade Certification Program.’

The certification ensured all Soldiers within the unit were fully trained prior to conducting evaluations of the North Dakota National Guard’s 1st Battalion 188th ADA Regiment during Exercise America's Shield and ultimately their culminating training event.

The Renegade Certification Program consisted of an in-depth overview of Avenger, Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System and Sensor crew drills and tactics, techniques, and procedures used within the National Capital Region. This program ensures that both new and current Task Force Renegade Soldiers are provided with the most recent information prior to evaluating Soldiers.

Renegades under the direction of the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command has the primary mission of training oversight and validation recommendation for National Guard Air Defense units prior to assuming their mission to protect and defend vital national assets within the National Capitol Region.

"Training such as this ensures the Soldiers have all relevant information that the Soldiers are expected to know while on mission," said Master Sgt. Cody Thomas, 1-362nd ADA operations non-commissioned officer-in-charge.

The Soldiers were evaluated on general knowledge and visual aircraft recognition as well as specific crew drills related to the air and missile defense crewmembers, air defense battle management system operators and NASAMs Soldiers. The unit also took time to provide an in-depth review of the after action review process to ensure each Renegade Soldier understood what is expected after each event on site during Exercise America's Shield and the culminating training event.

"The AAR process is very valuable to the unit moving forward as they take the lessons learned from each crew and apply it across the unit,” said stated Master Sgt. Randall Roland, 1-362nd ADA senior observer controller/trainer.

Maj. Gen. Warren Phipps Jr., First Army Division West commanding general listens as battalion commanders from the 189th Infantry Brigade’s Task Force Cold Steel discuss experiences with the training units during the Warrior Exercise at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 19. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

By Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West Public Affairs

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif., — Division West’s Joint Base Lewis-McChord based 189th Infantry Brigade is currently here supporting the United States Army Reserve Command and the 84th Training Command.

The 189th provides the multi-component Task Force Cold Steel as a fully integrated supporting element to the 91st Training Division for their Warrior Exercises and Combat Support Training Exercises.

Maj. Gen. Warren Phipps Jr., First Army Division West commanding general discusses the division’s role in these exercises.

Maj. Gen. Warren Phipps Jr., First Army Division West commanding general, speaks with leaders from 189th Infantry Brigade’s Task Force Cold Steel at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., April 19. Phipps discusses leadership, expectations within Division West and the way ahead. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

“First Army has given (Division West) the mission to assist in the training of our reserve component forces” said Phipps. “Our role is to assist those units so they are properly trained and equipped to succeed in any mission given to them by the combatant commander. It is paramount for us to ensure we meet the 91st commanding general’s objectives for the subordinate units that are here.”

Soldier safety and readiness are forefront in the mind of the Division West commander.

“We have a contract with our nation and the Army before we put sons and daughters in harm’s way,” he said. “We must to do everything we can to be sure they are prepared for what we are going to ask them to do.”

The exercises will refine the methods Division West Soldiers use in their training missions, Phipps added.

Maj. Gen. Warren Phipps Jr., center, First Army Division West commanding general, and Col. John Marr, right, 189th Infantry Brigade commander, meet with Lt. Col. Lawrence Aiello, 3-358th Field Artillery Battalion commander to discuss operations during the warrior exercise at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., April 19. Aiello recently returned from Afghanistan with the First Army Security Forces Assistance and Advisory Team. SFAAT was the first unit in First Army to deploy since World War II.  (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

“I think the model we have going here at Fort Hunter Liggett will do us well and set a standard for how we prepare the contingency expeditionary forces,” he said.

Although the training exercises are important to the success and readiness of the units, Phipps pointed out another important role for his Soldiers as leaders.

“Leadership roles in Division West are two-fold; one, we achieve the mission, and two, we care for each other,” said Phipps. “The greatest legacy we leave is not the operations or exercises we conduct, but in the Soldiers that work for us. We set the example for them.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Glen Vela, center, the 166th Aviation Brigade command sergeant major and Division West motorcycle mentor explains the ride route and safety tips to the division riders near division headquarters on Fort Hood, Texas, May 3. May is recognized as motorcycle awareness month. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Tony Foster, Division West Public Affairs)

By Staff Sgt. Tony Foster, Division West Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – With over 33,000 registered Army motorcycle riders, Division West allowed 35 of its own time for a mentorship ride through the hills of central Texas May 3.

The ride’s emphasis was to promote motorcycle safety and training in preparation for the III Corps ride that is quickly approaching.

 “A lot of energy is going into this ride today,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Glen Vela, the 166th Aviation Brigade command sergeant major and the division senior motorcycle mentor. “We are doing this ride in preparation for our III Corps ride.”

May is motorcycle awareness month and Division West is taking the time out to help Soldiers reintegrate their bikes back into the warmer climate.

First Army Division West Soldiers prepare to start the division’s first motorcycle mentorship ride of the year from division headquarters on Fort Hood, Texas, to Nolanville, Texas, May 3. The emphasis of the ride was to promote safety and group motorcycle riding. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Tony Foster, Division West Public Affairs)

“It gives us an opportunity to exercise the bikes and the chain of command supports our program,” Vela added. “Who wouldn’t rather ride their motorcycle then sit behind their computer and work.”

The morning’s events began with some tutorials on the sport and cruiser motorcycles. Soldiers were given tips on how to maintain their bikes through winter months and preventive steps to take when bringing the motorcycles back out to ride.

“We were talking about getting the bikes out of long term storage and ready for the riding season,” said Joel Leaver, a Fort Hood motorcycle and traffic safety instructor. “You should also plan for things that could happen while riding and look for a path of travel to get through it.”

After the briefings, mentors and riders had the opportunity to inspect their bikes. The division riders checked tire pressure, brakes, chains and belts and various other functions checks to make sure the bike was ready for the day’s ride.

Soldiers from First Army Division West pose for a photo at the Pit Stop Bar and Grill in Nolanville, Texas after completing the mentorship ride, May 3. The mentorship ride was for the Soldiers to ride as a group in preparation for the Fort Hood Phantom Thunder Ride. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Tony Foster, Division West Public Affairs)

While these checks were made, riders commented on why they enjoyed riding and why safety is paramount.

“I love the freedom of riding,” said Sgt. 1st Class Cynthia Pearson, a 166th noncommissioned officer with 7 years of riding experience. “It gives me a chance to put things into perspective and also on how to improve my riding skills.”

“Even though it helps get my mind off things, I still have to pay attention to the people around me and remain safety-minded,” Pearson added.

As the division Soldiers complete their ride, Vela reiterates on the importance of motorcycle safety.

“It’s the season for bikes to come out and I want safe motorcycles,” said Vela. “Safety first, safety always.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Juan Cornett, incoming command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Warhawg, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, stands in formation with Soldiers during a change of responsibility ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 19. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Baker, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

By Staff Sgt. Robert L. Baker, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

FORT BLISS, Texas – The 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, “Task Force Warhawg,” 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, welcomed a new senior enlisted leader in a change of responsibility ceremony at the Milam Youth Activity Center here April 19.

The ceremony formalized Command Sgt. Maj. Juan Cornett’s assumption of responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Riley Woodworth.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Woodworth has just handed over the responsibilities as not just the senior enlisted advisor, but as the senior enlisted leader of our infantry battalion, a position he has held with distinction for more than four years,” said Lt. Col. William Stewart, Task Force Warhawg commander. “Your legacy with this formation will not end today.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Riley Woodworth, center, outgoing command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Warhawg, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, relinquishes the noncommissioned officer’s sword to Lt. Col. William Stewart, commander of 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 19. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Baker, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

Woodworth thanked the brigade leadership for supporting him and giving him the opportunity to serve.  He also thanked his Family for their support, the battalion senior leadership and, finally, those he believes upon whom should be bestowed the most credit: the noncommissioned officers and officers of the unit.

“Through their combined efforts and dedicated professionalism, they are responsible for training nearly 40,000 Joint Warfighters [during my tenure],” Woodworth said. “I have no doubt that these fine Soldiers will continue to provide the best possible training for America’s sons and daughters, even when I am long gone. They realize that they are entrusted with this inherent duty and do not take this responsibility lightly.”

Stewart expressed his confidence in Cornett’s ability to uphold the precedent that has been set.

“The battalion’s reputation as premier trainers is now in your hands,” Stewart said. “I already know that, with your extensive and impressive experience as an infantryman, you will help raise the bar even higher.”

Cornett spoke about taking responsibility and the professionalism of the Warhawg officers and noncommissioned officers. 

Lt. Col. William Stewart, right, commander of 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Warhawg, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, passes the noncommissioned officer’s sword to Command Sgt. Maj. Juan Cornett, incoming battalion command sergeant major, signifying Cornett’s assumption of responsibility as the battalion senior enlisted advisor during a ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 19. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Baker, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

“Looking at this fine battalion and understanding its inherent responsibilities to train deploying rotational units is humbling,” Cornett said. “As a young Soldier, I was told that you will be a part of history, and you will make history every day. I didn’t quite understand what that meant at the time, but I do now. The Soldiers in front of you look outstanding and they are the next chapter of the Army; they are the future.”

The battalion trains deploying active-duty and reserve component members from all service branches in mounted wheeled gunnery, short range marksmanship, team live fire, close quarters combat, urban operations, and crew-served and individual weapons qualification.

This new base defense operations center gate control building and camera system at McGregor Range, N.M., give service members going through entry control point training with 362nd Armored Regiment, Task Force Stallion, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, a 360- degree field of view. (Photo by Capt. Benjamin Goss, 3rd Battalion, 362nd Armored Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

By Capt. Benjamin Goss, 3rd Battalion, 362nd Armored Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – Upgrades to the entry control point at Contingency Operating Location Westbrook have enhanced base defense training for Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers going through post-mobilization training with 3rd Battalion, 362nd Armored Regiment, Task Force Stallion, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West.

New structures replicate systems currently used in theater base defense operations.

This blast-protected building, part of the entry control point used for training by 362nd Armored Regiment, Task Force Stallion, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, is one of several upgrades to Contingency Operating Location Westbrook  at McGregor Range, N.M. Task Force Stallion trains deploying Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen to conduct base defense operations. (Photo by Capt. Benjamin Goss, 3rd Battalion, 362nd Armored Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

Included in the upgrades are armored buildings which will withstand small arms attacks and minor blast damage, as well as a camera system with both fixed and remote control options; the added automation makes the ECP upgrade radical in its scope.

In the past, deploying troops were forced to use manual controls on the barriers, but the upgrade located the controls in a central base defense operations center and gate control building. Now, operators can raise and drop all three barriers up to 60 times per hour. Since the system control is now centralized, there is also a lockdown option which enables service members to immediately lock down all of the barriers in event of “attack” from the opposition forces.

Additional upgrades to the entry control point include adding automation to previously static locations, including the installation of a walk-through metal detector monitored by cameras; remote locking and unlocking of walkthrough turnstiles; and automation of a gate control swing arm.

A new remote-controlled camera and public address system at the entry control point training facility at Contingency Operating Location Westbrook at McGregor Range, N.M., enable service members being trained by 3rd Battalion, 362nd Armored Regiment, Task Force Stallion, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, to control rioters or provide instruction and warning. (Photo by Capt. Benjamin Goss, 3rd Battalion, 362nd Armored Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

Sgt. 1st Class Showanda Mosley, a trainer/mentor with 2-360th Training Support Battalion, 191st Infantry Brigade, Division West, sets up an improvised explosive device effects simulator on “the beach,” a large open area used to stage training equipment at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., April 12. Soldiers are trained to use the system at the beach to avoid potential problems when on the training lane. The IEDES is one of many systems Mosley uses to provide simulated battle conditions for Army Reserve Soldiers training during the Combat Support Training Exercise here. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – Having only limited time with the Army Reserve units they are training here during the Combat Support Training Exercise means Soldiers in First Army Division West’s Task Force Cold Steel must be battle-focused and innovative to maximize the effectiveness of training they provide.

Just one of the ways Task Force Cold Steel has shown innovation in training is “the beach.”

“The purpose of the beach is to gather all the resources (items and personnel), based on an engagement matrix of all the events that will happen in a day, in one centralized location,” said Master Sgt. Yeffiry Disla, a trainer/mentor with 2-360th Training Support Battalion, 191st Infantry Brigade, Division West. “This is where we can systematically get everything in order for a lane (and) make sure all the equipment is correct for what will be happening on a training lane. We know what each lane needs based on their scenarios, so it’s our job to make sure the lanes have exactly what they need.” 

Master Sgt. Yeffiry Disla, right, a trainer/mentor with 2-360th Training Support Battalion, 191st Infantry Brigade, Division West, watches Army Reserve Soldiers assemble an indirect fire system at “the beach,” a large open area used to stage training equipment at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., April 12. Soldiers are trained to use the system at the beach to avoid potential problems when on the training lane. The indirect fire system simulates battle conditions to assist in training Soldiers in their wartime mission and enhance their tactical proficiency. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

The area designated as “the beach” for the Combat Support Training Exercise is a large open field with room enough to accommodate five lanes of vehicles. The area was chosen not only for its land, but also for its proximity to all of the lanes being used for training.

Each day, the beach serves as the launch point for all units participating in training lanes; it helps provide fidelity in training by sending all equipment and personnel out to a lane in a timely, efficient manner while minimizing possible confusion and personnel or equipment mix-ups. Soldiers working the beach are tasked with specific training lanes in three regions: Area of Operation North, AO Central and AO South.

Sgt. 1st Class Showanda Mosley, center, a trainer/mentor with 2-360th Training Support Battalion, 191st Infantry Brigade, Division West, instructs soldiers from various Army Reserve units on the use of the improvised explosive device effects simulator at “the beach,” a large open area used to stage training equipment at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., April 12. Soldiers are trained to use the system at the beach to avoid potential problems when on a training lane. The IEDES is one of many systems Mosley uses to provide simulated battle conditions for Army Reserve Soldiers training during the Combat Support Training Exercise here. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

“While working the beach, safety is paramount. We deal with the movement of troops into the area, then have to quickly get them out to their mission with the correct equipment and personnel, so safety is our number one priority,” said Sgt. 1st Class Showanda Mosley, a trainer/mentor with 2-360th Training Support Battalion. “You have to be prepared to work long, busy days, but, at the end, it is satisfying knowing that the realistic training capabilities we provide here enhance the training Reserve Soldiers are receiving.”

Master Sgt. Erika Gordon, left, who currently serves in the command sergeant major position for 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, discusses training with a 189th Infantry Brigade trainer/mentor at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., April 10. As of 2012, female Soldiers comprised less than 16 percent of the total Army. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – Looking around a tent filled with seasoned infantrymen preparing to brief their commander, one Soldier stands out.

She is the only female in the room.

As of 2012, women made up less than 16 percent of the total Army, and that percentage decreases as the ranks rise. Master Sgt. Erika Gordon, the lone woman in the tent, is proud not only to be a Soldier who has overcome adversity, but one of the relatively few females who has made it nearly to the pinnacle of the Army’s enlisted ranks.

“I love being in the Army; this is what I was meant to do,” said Gordon, who currently serves in the command sergeant major position for 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West. “I love being a leader and a noncommissioned officer. My worst days in the Army are better than my best days as a young woman with a bleak future.”

Master Sgt. Erika Gordon, who currently serves in the command sergeant major position for 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, takes notes during military police training at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., April 10. Gordon, who is a military police officer, was one of the first female casket bearers in the Old Guard. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

Everyone has reasons for joining the military. Gordon’s are close to home.

“My uncles served in the Vietnam and the Korean Wars, where women played limited but very important roles, so it was a bit of a Family tradition,” she explained. “More than that, though, I was in a place where I wasn’t progressing or advancing in life, so I joined the Army. I wanted to do something with my life that would make my mom and dad proud, as well as provide for my children.

“I really wanted to be a Soldier.”

Gordon became a military police officer and served as one of the first female casket bearers in the Old Guard. That experience, along with two years in a combat engineer brigade and her present assignment in an infantry brigade, has left Gordon unfazed when it comes to serving in roles dominated by men.

“I have never looked at the military as male versus female; as individuals, we have to push ourselves to succeed, no matter your gender,” Gordon said. “Deep down, I know I always have to try harder to get to the top, but it’s because I’m always pushing myself to be the best I can be, not because I am female.”

Master Sgt. Erika Gordon, right, who currently serves in the command sergeant major position for 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, discusses the military police training about to take place at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., with a 189th Infantry Brigade trainer/mentor April 10. Gordon has served 20 years in the Army, mostly in male-dominated units. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

Gordon has mentors who have helped shape her as a Soldier. She is thankful for and proud of her father, who served two tours in Vietnam with 1st Infantry Division, as well as her husband, a retired 26-year Army veteran. Throughout Gordon’s 20-year career, both men have been her support system and sounding board, along with retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Hamilton.

“He saw something in me as a young staff sergeant and taught me how to harness my aggressive, ‘don’t approach me’ attitude,” Gordon said. “He taught me that, as a leader, every now and then you have to turn around and see if anyone is willingly following you; if they are, that’s how you know you are making a difference.”

As a part of the 189th Infantry Brigade Gordon experiences firsthand the unique relationship between the active-duty Army and the reserve component.

“Everybody has a story. You may have heard a thousand stories, but you have to see each person as an individual, you have to listen to them,” said Gordon. “Mission first, always, but I have learned that different leadership styles work with different people in different components. This active component/reserve component assignment has given me a different perspective and a different leadership skill set.”

The McGregor Range (N.M.) dining facility prepared this cake for the celebration of the Army Reserve’s 105th birthday at McGregor Range April 23. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David Parish, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

By Capt. John Brimley, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade celebrated the Army Reserve’s 105th birthday April 23 with a cake-cutting at the dining facility here.

“The Reserve force is a huge part of our formation,” said Col. Eric Schacht, 5th Armored Brigade commander. “It’d be tough to carry out our mission without them.”

The brigade trains several thousand Reserve Soldiers every year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Guantanamo Bay and, previously, Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. The brigade is multi-component, comprised of active-duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers.

Left to right: Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Walker, McGregor Range (N.M.) Mayor Cell noncommissioned officer-in-charge; Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Jimenez, command sergeant major of the Directorate of Mobilization and Deployment; Col. John Dorney, director of the Directorate of Mobilization and Deployment; retired Col. Robert Cortez, Army Reserve Ambassador of New Mexico; Col. Eric Schacht, commander of 5th Armored Brigade, Division West; and Lt. Col. Todd Kurtzhals, McGregor Range Mayor Cell officer-in-charge; celebrate the Army Reserve’s 105th birthday April 23 at the McGregor Range dining facility. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David Parish, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

Retired Col. Robert Cortez, the New Mexico Army Reserve Ambassador, participated in the celebration and expressed his appreciation for the Soldiers of the Army Reserve.

“Thanks for all you do to keep the Army strong,” Cortez said.

Cortez spent more than 35 years in the Army and Navy Reserve, which allows him to view the Reserve force through a personal lens.

“We’ve proven ourselves to be very capable as Soldiers,” said Cortez. “The Reserve is very important to make [the Army] a viable force.”

Soldiers, Families and friends of 1-395th Engineer Battalion, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, participate in the battalion’s first Zumbathon Health Fair and Car Show held at the West Fort Hood (Texas) Physical Fitness Center April 6. (Photo by Sgt. Eric Jones, 1-395th Engineer Battalion, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

By Capt. Orlando Craig, 1-395th Engineer Battalion, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West

FORT HOOD, Texas —Soldiers, Families and friends of 1-395th Engineer Battalion, Viper Battalion, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, recently gathered at the West Fort Hood Physical Fitness Center to participate in a fun-filled day of physical activity at the unit’s first Zumbathon Health Fair and Car Show. 

“This is an opportunity for those participating to enhance their physical fitness while doing something fun and challenging,” said Lt. Col. Kip Korth, commander of the 1-395th Engineer Battalion.

More than 100 participants from the greater Fort Hood area were instructed by Terry Flemings, who led more than four hours of Zumba routines that were both challenging and engaging. 

Personnel from Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center share information on topics including nutrition, smoking cessation, biofeedback, and physical and occupational therapy during the 1-395th Engineer Battalion’s first Zumbathon Health Fair and Car Show held at the West Fort Hood (Texas) Physical Fitness Center April 6. (Photo by Sgt. Eric Jones, 1-395th Engineer Battalion, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

“Our goal was to make this event educational, beneficial and fun for participates of all ages. Zumba does not discriminate. Any age, race, gender, sex and disability can enjoy Zumba, as there is no necessary dance experience or special skill level required,” Flemings said. “By joining this event, people had the chance to experience what we do to obtain an excellent, fun-filled workout that provides fundamental training relating to your health and fitness needs.”

During breaks, the Zumbathoners could enjoy looking at more than 20 classic and modern vehicles brought to the car show by members of the Mid-Texas Corvette Club, Central Texas Camaro Coalition and the battalion. 

At the health fair, participants could also speak with representatives from Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center about topics such as nutrition, smoking cessation, biofeedback, and physical and occupational therapy.

Lt. Col. Kip Korth, commander of 1-395th Engineer Battalion, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West,, attempts to “Zumba” his way out of “Zumba Jail” during the battalion’s first Zumbathon Health Fair and Car Show held at the West Fort Hood (Texas) Physical Fitness Center April 6. Participants could jail their fellow Zumba-mates by making a donation to the unit’s funds. (Photo by Sgt. Eric Jones, 1-395th Engineer Battalion, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

“This was an excellent opportunity for everyone to have fun while checking their health,” said Staff Sgt. Candance Thomas, a medic assigned to 1-395th Engineer Battalion. “The key to fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is finding an activity that fits you and that you enjoy. I have been doing Zumba for a number of years now, and I always see peoples’ bodies and minds transform for the better.”

Maj. Gen. Warren Phipps Jr., right, Division West commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Orosz, left, Division West command sergeant major, pose for a photo with the Division West NCO and Soldier of the Year, Staff Sgt. Brett Oldenburger, second from left, a member of the 181st Infantry Brigade at Fort McCoy, Wis., and Spc. Michael Martin, a member of the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas, during an awards ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas, April 25. Oldenburger and Martin will proceed to the First Army level of competition later this year. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, Division West Public Affairs)

By Staff Sgt. Tony Foster, Division West Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Competitions are commonplace in society. People sit and watch, for hours at a time, events ranging from professional boxing to American Idol.

The United States Army, going back for generations, has also had competitive events for Soldiers to test their wits and abilities against their peers. First Army Division West holds to this tradition.

Last week, Division West held its third Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year Best Warrior Competition here. During an awards ceremony April 25, Spc. Michael Martin, a motor transport operator and unit armorer with the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas, was named Division West Soldier of the Year.

“I’m very proud. This is what I came here to do,” Martin said. “All the training I did before now proved itself here.”

Staff Sgt. Brett Oldenburger, a trainer/mentor with the 181st Infantry Brigade at Fort McCoy, Wis., was named Division West NCO of the Year.

“I’m glad I could come here and represent my unit and the Army,” Oldenburger said. “There were top competitors here that really made me try my hardest every day.”

Spc. Michael Martin, a motor transport operator and unit armorer with Division West’s 402nd Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas, low crawls on an obstacle course on Fort Hood, Texas, during the Division West Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Best Warrior Competition April 22. Martin was named the Division West Soldier of the Year. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Tony Foster, Division West Public Affairs)

Martin and Oldenburger competed against eight other NCOs and one other Soldier representing the division’s eight brigades. For three days, the candidates completed a series of challenging events, earning points to determine which NCO and Soldier would proceed to compete at the next level: First Army.

The first day of competition consisted of an Army physical fitness test, an obstacle course, and day and night land navigation.

“This is very good professional development,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Fry, a member of the 189th Infantry Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. “I’d tell any Soldier to come into a competition with a good attitude, train for it, and know your Soldier skills.”

The second day began with combatives drills and warrior tasks, which tested the candidates on skills including interpreting visual signals, evaluating casualties, calling for fire, requesting medical evacuation, and issuing warning orders. In the afternoon, the candidates completed an M4 rifle zeroing and qualification range.

“I enjoy competing,” said Spc. Tyler Campbell, a member of the 5th Armored Brigade at Fort Bliss. “It’s not every day you get to do stuff like this.”

Staff Sgt. Brett Oldenburger, a trainer/mentor with Division West’s 181st Infantry Brigade at Fort McCoy, Wis., knocks on a door at division headquarters at Fort Hood, Texas, before entering the room for his board appearance, the final event of the Division West Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Best Warrior Competition April 25. Oldenburger was named the Division West NCO of the Year. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, Division West Public Affairs)

The final day of competition began at 4 a.m. with an eight-mile road march. After this event, the candidates put on their dress uniforms for a board appearance, during which they answered a variety of questions geared to test their knowledge of current events, chain of command and Army knowledge.

“All 11 competitors were excellent,” said Master Sgt. Kelly Kalama, Division West operations NCO and event coordinator. “It makes me feel good knowing that there are still Soldiers out there that care about the Army, competitions and their units.”

Martin and Oldenburger will compete for the titles of First Army Soldier and NCO of the Year later this year at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

The "Youngest & Oldest" Soldiers in Fort Hood's Army Reserve formation cut the 105th Army Reserve birthday cake Tuesday at DIVWEST's 25th Street Chapel. From left to right are: Brig. Gen. Gracus K. Dunn, DIVWEST deputy commanding general for support; Spec. Benjamin J. Dunbar and Command Sgt. Maj. Evereth Stanton, both of the Hood Mobilization Brigade; and retired Army Reserve Brig. Gen., Dr. Henry J. Ostermann, Army Reserve Ambassador. Dunn serves in a dual assignment as the commanding general of the 85th Support Command in Chicago, Ill. (Photo by Michael M. Novogradac, Division West Public Affairs)

By Michael M. Novogradac, Division West Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas — Soldiers and civilians celebrated the Army Reserve’s 105th birthday at First Army Division West’s chapel here Tuesday with a cake-cutting ceremony and singing “Happy Birthday” and “The Army Song.”

The youngest and oldest soldiers, Spec. Benjamin J. Dunbar and Command Sgt. Maj. Evereth Stanton, both of the Hood Mobilization Brigade, cut the cake.

Susan Hunter (left), a supervisory human resource specialist and Army Reserve sergeant major, listens to guest speakers during celebrations for the Army Reserve 105th birthday along with Carl Anderson, a safety and occupational health specialist. Both civilian workers are with First Army Division West's 166th Aviation Brigade. (Photo by Michael M. Novogradac, Division West Public Affairs)

Staff Sgt. LaKendra Johnson, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the DIVWEST chapel, sang a laudable rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Brig. Gen. Gracus K. Dunn, DIVWEST’s deputy commanding general for support, joined Army Reserve Ambassador Dr. Henry J. Ostermann in speaking about Army Reserve history since its birth in 1908.

Dunn, who serves in a dual assignment as the commanding general of the 85th Support Command in Chicago, Ill., spoke about how reserve forces were called upon during World War II when the Army mobilized 26 Army Reserve Infantry Divisions.

Staff Sgt. LaKendra Johnson, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the DIVWEST chapel, sings a laudable rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during celebrations for the Army Reserve 105th birthday. (Photo by Michael M. Novogradac, Division West Public Affairs)

“Most of our reserve units that you see coming through Fort Hood,” he said, “have a lineage as an Army combat division.”

Dunn said his own 85th SC served during World War II in Italy under the Army’s II Corps, and produced four Medal of Honor recipients during that time. Today, the 85th SC channels all administrative actions for Army Reserve Soldiers in Division West to U.S. Army Reserve Command.

“It wasn’t until Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm that up to 84,000 Army Reservists were again mobilized to support the nation’s interests,” said Dunn. “And since September 11, 2001, over 220,000 Army Reserve Soldiers have been mobilized to support 10 years of persistent conflict.”

Fort Hood Army Reserve Soldiers stand listening as Staff Sgt. LaKendra Johnson, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the DIVWEST chapel, sings her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during celebrations for the Army Reserve 105th birthday. (Photo by Michael M. Novogradac, Division West Public Affairs)

“Today, our Army Reserve is a life-saving, life-sustaining force that provides critical combat support and combat service support for our Army, and has done so since World War I through our current operations in Afghanistan,” said Ostermann, who retired from the Army Reserve in 2008 as a brigadier general.

“You (reservists) develop your expertise in the civilian community and bring it to our Army,” he continued, “And our Army utilizes that to great benefit for our country. Let me thank you, your families and your communities for the many sacrifices that you have made.”

In addition to the Fort Hood celebration, DIVWEST satellite units held 105th Army Reserve birthday celebrations at Arlington Heights, Ill., Fort Bliss, Texas, Fort McCoy, Wis., Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Maj. Gen. Warren E. Phipps Jr., (center) commanding general of First Army Division West, bows his head in prayer along with his Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald E. Orosz (right), during the invocation at celebrations for the Army Reserve 105th birthday. (Photo by Michael M. Novogradac, Division West Public Affairs)

Created in 1908 as the Medical Reserve Corps, today’s Army Reserve is a key complimentary operational force that supports the entire United States military in training and in combat, in 148 military occupational specialty fields.

The federal government created the Organized Reserve Corps in the National Defense Act of 1920, due to the success of the Medical Reserve Corps, and a growing need for a high-quality, skilled reserve force.

Brig. Gen. Gracus K. Dunn, DIVWEST deputy commanding general for support, gives his remarks during celebrations for the Army Reserve 105th birthday. (Photo by Michael M. Novogradac, Division West Public Affairs)

By Maj. Jason Engelbrecht, 2nd Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Division, Division West Public Affairs

Col. Timothy Bush (right), Commander of the 120th Infantry Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Edward L. Johnson, the brigade’s senior enlisted leader, pass the 25-mile mark in the inaugural Army Marathon. (Photo by Maj. Jason Engelbrecht, 2nd Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Division, Division West Public Affairs)

TEMPLE, Texas — Soldiers across the Army typically begin their day at 6:30 a.m. with an hour or so of physical training, every weekday, with weekends off.

Sunday was a notable exception, when Soldiers of the 120th Infantry “Bayonet” Brigade lined up at the Killeen Civic Center with hundreds of other participants to run the inaugural Army Marathon.

Capt. Mike Noriega, 2nd Battalion 393rd Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Brigade, races toward the finish line of the inaugural Army Marathon. (Photo by Maj. Jason Engelbrecht, 2nd Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Division, Division West Public Affairs)

The Army Marathon is the first fully certified marathon to be completed within the greater Killeen/Fort Hood area. When first announced, all 120th Soldiers were challenged to participate, regardless of rank, age, or perceived running ability. Early in January, their training program began with early runs consisting of only four to five miles. These distances quickly ramped up to seven to 10 miles and beyond.   

As one of the first marathons to be run after the tragic events in Boston, this race had special significance for more than one participant.

Maj. Jason Engelbrecht, executive officer for 2nd Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Division, crosses the finish line of the inaugural Army Marathon in Temple, Texas with a time of 4 hours, 10 minutes. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Kenneth Smith, 2nd Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Division, Division West Public Affairs)

“I have always wanted to run a marathon, but never made the time until now,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hogan, the 120th’s chief resource manager. “The fact that this race occurs right after all those people were hurt in Boston makes it even more important to me to give everything I’ve got.” 

By 10:30 a.m., Soldiers from the brigade began to cross the finish line in Temple. Tired but triumphant, Hogan crossed at 10:39 a.m., with a final time of 4 hours, 9 minutes.

“The course was tough, but we trained hard, and I knew I couldn’t give up,” he said. “I kept thinking about those people who got hurt in Boston, and I knew I couldn’t give up on them either.”

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hogan (left), 120th Infantry Brigade’s chief resource manager, and Maj. Jason Engelbrecht, executive officer for 2nd Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Division, enjoy a moment of rest after completing the inaugural Army Marathon.  Sgt 1st Class Hogan logged a time of 4 hours, 9 minutes.  Engelbrecht finished with a time of 4:10. (Photo by Larry Hogan, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hogan's father)

The success of the brigade’s marathon training program ensured it will become a permanent part of the unit’s physical training program. Many of the Soldiers and family members that did not run the marathon were inspired to run the associated 5-Kilometer race, or they volunteered to support water stations along the route.

In the end, the Soldiers and families of the 120th had much to be proud of.

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hogan, 120th Infantry Brigade’s chief resource manager, flashes the victory symbol after successfully completing his first marathon in 4 hours, 9 minutes. (Photo by Maj. Jason Engelbrecht, 2nd Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Division, Division West Public Affairs)

“The brigade has really helped me set a new standard for myself physically,” said Hogan. “All that training we put in over the last several months was worth it when I crossed the finish line.”

By 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166^th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

NORTH FORT HOOD, Texas — What do you do when your helicopter crashes, and armed civilians are rapidly approaching and firing small arms fire in your direction? In this instance, your ability to make speedy decisions, as well as quickly employing your communication gear is of life or death consequence.

Sgt. 1st Class John Steffey of the 166th Aviation Brigade’s 1st Battalion, 383rd Aviation Regiment, provides Team Leader 1st Lt. Servando Maldonado of the California National Guard’s Company C, 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC) with tactical feedback as they move through the personnel recovery lanes at North Fort Hood, Texas, April 17.  The 168th is training for a deployment to Afghanistan.  (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

The 166th Aviation Brigade, in its training of mobilized Army National Guard and Reserve units, tests and retests such skills in a practical application setting in its personnel recovery lanes at North Fort Hood.

The brigade’s 3rd Battalion, 383rd Aviation Regiment from St. Louis, Mo. traveled to North Fort Hood to train and prepare Company C, 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC), a National Guard unit from California. Comprised of members from California, Washington and Nevada, the 168th is set to deploy to Afghanistan in the weeks ahead.

Sgt. 1st Class John Steffey, of the Brigade’s 1st Battalion, 383 Aviation Regiment out of Des Moines, Iowa, along with 1st Lt. Jamie Battle of the 3-383, teamed as observer/controllers for one of the 20 groups practicing the downed aircraft scenario.

Sgt. 1st Class John Steffey (right) and 1st Lt. Jamie Battle, both Observer/Controllers with the 166th Aviation Brigade, keep close eyes on a team from the California National Guard’s Company C, 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC) as they practice using their Combat Survivor Evader Locator Radios at North Fort Hood, Texas, April 17.  The 168th is training for a deployment to Afghanistan.  (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

Steffey said the training is like a “mini Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school” for the Soldiers to practice preparing their aircraft for destruction (to keep it out of the enemy’s hands), employment of the specialized Combat Survivor Evader Locator Radio, breaking enemy contact, and land navigation. 

Traversing the Texas Hill Country in Gatesville, small four-Soldier teams tread as quickly and quietly as possible in the same gear they would wear in a combat zone while using hand and arm signals to communicate with each another.  Meanwhile, opposition forces, replicated by members of 166th Avn. Bde., lurk in the brush waiting to compromise the friendly force’s position at any given moment — adding further mission challenges.

The goal is to successfully evade capture, employ their essential equipment, and hone procedures that may have gathered dust. 

To ensure safe evacuation, each member of the team implements the techniques they learned the previous day in class, such as authentication, changing frequencies, proper placement of the antenna, manually inputting GPS points, and sending and receiving messages.

In addition to the practical application and team building, a key take-away, according to 1st Lt. Servando Maldonado, a Team Leader for Company C, 1st Battalion, 168 GSAB (MEDEVAC), is getting accustomed to your gear — what you need, what you can do without, and how to arrange it so you can move expeditiously over a sustainable period of time.

Maldonado, as the leader of this group, and facing his forth-upcoming deployment, made sure to check that everyone had all of their gear before they left the crash sight. Maldonado has his Ranger tab, and graduated from the very prestigious SERE school.  Despite his good-faith efforts, his seat belt jammed, and with the role-playing enemy fast approaching, he, of all people, left his bag in the helicopter as they ran for cover. “Even leaders need to be checked,” said Maldonado.

Sgt. 1st Class John Steffey of the 166th Aviation Brigade’s 1st Battalion, 383rd Aviation Regiment, provides a team from the California National Guard’s Company C, 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC) with guidance as they practice using their Combat Survivor Evader Locator Radio at North Fort Hood, Texas, April 17.  The 168th is training for a deployment to Afghanistan.  (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

The teams are generally comprised of a typical Army aircrew (two pilots and two crew chiefs).  Before beginning the exercise, they receive a mock pre-flight brief, and conduct team briefings similar to how they would in combat. 

Once they have experienced the simulated crash sequence and prepared their aircraft for destruction, the team sets out to evade enemy detection and achieve extraction by a friendly force. Teams designate an individual on the compass, one to monitor the radio, and another to provide first aid.  

While an actual incident might take days for the aircrew to reach safety, this exercise lasts approximately only three hours but ensures that every Soldier is familiar with the equipment, techniques and procedures that could serve them well on their worst day.

Twenty teams went through the lanes over two days.

As an observer, Steffey said what he appreciated most was his group’s discipline, motivation, and how hands-on they were with the training. One point in particular, which he emphasized to them, is that “you aren’t safe even after you’ve been extracted, so remain vigilant.”

Capt. Gregory Adkins, a trainer/mentor with 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, listens to a report during a training mission at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. March 12. The battalion is supporting the two-month Operation Warrior Protector  exercise. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – Who trains the reserve force when the force is getting ready to deploy? That job belongs to trainer/mentors, Soldiers who educate and train reserve component Army units, and some active-duty Army units, as well.

During the two-month Operation Warrior Protector exercise here, TMs in the 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, “Gunslingers,” 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, are playing a vital role. The Gunslingers, comprised of both active and reserve component Army troops, is tasked with maintaining the whereabouts of equipment, dealing with manning issues, and acting as TMs for the opposing forces, or OPFOR.

Capt. Gregory Adkins, outside vehicle, a trainer/mentor with 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, briefs Lt. Col. Lawrence Aiello, 3-358th Field Artillery Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, on the training soon to take place at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 12. The 1-363rd is supporting the 189th  during a two-month exercise called Operation Warrior Protector. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

Typically, the Gunslingers provide oversight for training units. But their role in Operation Warrior Protector is different, said Capt. Gregory Adkins, Alpha Team TM chief, 1-363rd Training Support Battalion.

“I’m basically acting as the OPFOR’s trainer/mentor for this lane,” said Adkins, who was waiting for a military police unit to establish a traffic control point in a simulated village. At that time, OPFOR personnel were to engage the MPs by causing a disturbance. “That means when the BLUFOR, which is the training unit, comes to my lane, I make sure the OPFOR knows how to act properly around them and gives the unit a good training experience.”

As a commissioned officer, Adkins relishes the opportunity to put his TM skills into action.

“I love this stuff,” he said. “I get a chance to go out to the field. I get to teach, and in the civilian world I’m pursuing a career in education. So this is a great place to instruct leaders and Soldiers, in general, to help them improve their skills.”

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Fort Hunter Liggett is the largest installation in the Army Reserve, with more than 160,000 acres of mountains, valleys, rivers, plains and forests. It provides ideal maneuver areas and state of the art training facilities.

The 91st Training Division, headquartered at Fort Hunter Liggett, trains and assesses Army Reserve units, and supports training for joint, combined and active Army forces. Thousands of Soldiers and dozens of units from around the country are participating in the April Combat Support Training Exercise, which provides realistic training for military maneuvers and tactics such as base security, convoy operations and battle reaction drills during simulated enemy attacks. The exercise provides realistic training to units to successfully meet the challenges of an extended and integrated battlefield.

Staff Sgt. Fernando Terrazas, left, and his sponsor, Master Sgt. Manuel Rios, both members of 2nd Battalion, 363rd Infantry Regiment, Task Force Black Scorpion, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, cross the finish line of the six-mile road march during the brigade’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Year competition at McGregor Range, N.M., March 8. Terrazas won the competition and now will compete for the title of Division West NCO of the Year April 23-25 at Fort Hood, Texas. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By Master Sgt. Manuel Rios, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT BLISS, Texas – Every year, noncommissioned officers compete for the title of NCO of the Year.

The competitions and competitors advance in level from battalion to brigade to division to Forces Command and on to the highest level, the U.S. Army NCO of the Year.

All candidates go through a selection process that includes recommendations from their immediate supervisors, then testing in their technical and tactical expertise, physical fitness, and the overall qualities possessed by professional NCOs. Every event in the competition is judged on a point scale.

The competition includes the Army Physical Fitness Test, a six-mile road march in combat gear, weapons qualification, weapons proficiency, map reading and land navigation, urban orienteering, warrior tasks and battle drills, and military knowledge.

The 5th Armored Brigade competition held last month was structured to test Soldiers’ limits both physically and mentally and allowed only one NCO to rise above the rest.

“The best part of this competition was to challenge yourself and know what you are really made of,” said Staff Sgt. Fernando Terrazas, 5th Armored Brigade NCO of the Year. “This is the kind of competition that focuses on total Soldier concept.”

Terrazas will compete for the title of Division West NCO of the Year April 23-25 at Fort Hood, Texas.

Capt. Gregory Adkins, left, and Sgt. 1st Class Donald Davis, trainer/mentors with 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, review a mission plan prior to conducting training at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 12. Since 2005, Davis has trained Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers for deployments. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – Several years ago, a young man from New Jersey found his way out west and now is a Gunslinger.

Sgt. 1st Class Donald Davis is a member of 1st Battalion, 363rd Training Support Battalion, the “Gunslingers,” located in Dublin, Calif.

In 2001, Davis completed his contractual obligation with the active-duty Army. Then, he embarked on a new career as an Army Reserve Soldier.

At Fort Sill, Okla., Davis trained battalion- and brigade-level staffs in the military decision-making process. But, shortly after he joined the Gunslinger trainer/mentor team in California, the reserve unit geared up for a new mission.

“The unit was mobilized for four to five years at Fort Bliss (Texas). Some guys stayed there for a while running different lanes, and that’s how my trainer/mentor process started,” Davis explained.

Sgt. 1st Class Donald Davis, a trainer/mentor with 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, focuses on the road while driving his Humvee at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 12. Davis has been a trainer/mentor with  the unit since 2005. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

From 2005 until today, Davis has honed his skills and the trainer/mentor craft to better prepare units for deployments.

Davis said he likes being a trainer/mentor because he gets to train Soldiers.

“Getting to see (Soldiers) enhance their skills, helping them out with tasks, getting to see guys go downrange with the stuff you had to offer them swells my chest a bit,” he said.

“Being able to give the Soldiers some training they may have seen before and adding to their toolbox, plus anything you can do to help a Soldier prior to going downrange to enhance their life, is just a great compliment to what (trainer/mentors) do.” 

Coming from active duty to the reserve component wasn’t an issue for Davis.

“There really isn’t any difference between the two,” he said. “I think the reserve Soldiers’ ages vary. Every rank has sort of a mixed bag of age and experience. On the active side, the leadership is somewhat older and the junior guys are younger.”

At Fort Hunter Liggett, Davis has joined his Gunslinger unit for 14 days of annual training. Here, he makes sure the Soldiers working as Opposing Forces are prepared for their mission by providing guidance and structure to their actions while maintaining the teaching points for the unit being trained.

Sgt. 1st Class Donald Davis, a New Jersey native assigned to 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, observes training at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 12. Davis has been a trainer/mentor with the unit since 2005. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

“We take the OPFOR out, brief them on what is going to take place and rehearse whatever scenario is going to take place,” Davis said. “We supervise them on what the embedded trainer/mentor wants them to do. We then make sure they are doing the right thing at the right time and right level.”

Davis said that if complete chaos breaks out during the training, it could be a good thing and a bad thing.

“You stress the unit to see how they react to it and the tough situation. If they can handle the tough situation, then the normal stuff is a walk in the park,” he said. “I expect the OPFOR to perform well, as well as the unit. If this happens, my job has been done.”

Sgt. 1st Class Gidget Borst, 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, First Army, displays the First Army medal given to her by Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews Jr., First Army’s senior enlisted advisor, at Fort Bliss, Texas, March 21. Andrews recognized Borst for her leadership skills which earned her the U.S. Forces Command’s Maj. Gen. Aubrey “Red” Newman Award in February 2013. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By Maj. Thomas Kitson, 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West

FORT BLISS, Texas — Tight budgets have always been a challenge for supply sergeant Sgt. 1st Class Gidget Borst, but the awards and commendations she has received show that she only exceeds limits when it comes to accomplishments.

Borst, a member of 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, received a commendable rating from Fort Bliss Mission Installation Contracting Command representatives after they inspected the battalion’s government purchase card program in March 2013. Borst also received a commendable rating for meeting the highest standards for a logistics section after the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade’s annual inspection of the battalion in November 2012.

“We heavily rely on her efforts to forecast the needs of not only our battalion, but also to meet the needs of the elements that are deploying into harm’s way,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Jones, commander of 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment. “Borst’s success in maintaining our logistics posture definitely makes accomplishing our mission easier.”

The battalion supports the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade in training mobilizing and demobilizing Army National Guard and Army Reserve units here. Borst ensures those Soldiers, plus her battalion’s Soldiers, have everything they need, from basic stationery supplies to dry erase boards with accessories.

Col. Carolyn Birchfield, left, commander of Division West’s 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, presents Sgt. 1st Class Gidget Borst, 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, with the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara medal and certificate during the Saint Barbara’s Day Ball at Fort Bliss, Texas, Dec. 14. Borst was inducted into the honorary society of the U.S. artillery branches for her contribution to the betterment of the Army air defense and field artillery. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

Throughout her career of more than 20 years, Borst also has been recognized for her leadership abilities. Most recently, she received the U.S. Forces Command’s Maj. Gen. Aubrey “Red” Newman Award in February. The award recognizes junior officers and senior NCOs who have demonstrated excellent leadership skills in mentoring, developing and counseling subordinates.

In December 2012, Borst was inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, an honorary society of the U.S. artillery branches, for her contribution to the betterment of the Army air defense and field artillery.

Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Spinks, the battalion’s senior enlisted advisor, also praised Borst for going above and beyond, including working late nights and weekends, to get the job done.  

“Borst is the epitome of what this Army needs in noncommissioned officers – leadership, responsibility and ability to properly train Soldiers the right way, the first time,” Spinks said.

Sgt. First Class Ricardo Chavarria-Medina, right, 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, receives his Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen award from retired Air Force Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain during a “Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen” ceremony at the Ruthe Jackson Center in Grand Prairie, Texas, April 6. The Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen program publicly recognizes and thanks Army Reserve Soldiers for their service during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Enduring Freedom – Continental United States Support Base. (Photo by Capt. Pablo Cabanillas, 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

By Maj. Margaret “Dee” Jones, 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas  –  Mayor Charles England officially proclaimed April 6 “Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen Day” here in honor of Army Reserve Soldiers in 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, “Dragons,” 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West. 

It was “a day to recognize our warrior-citizens and their commitment to our country [and] their legacy of patriotism and sacrifice," England said.

Congress and President George W. Bush instituted the “Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen” program to publicly recognize and thank Army Reserve Soldiers for their service during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Enduring Freedom – Continental United States Support Base. The program also recognizes Soldiers’ Families and the support they have provided to their warrior-citizens. 

Army Reserve Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, listen to remarks made by retired Air Force Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain during a “Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen” ceremony at the Ruthe Jackson Center in Grand Prairie, Texas, April 6. The Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen program publicly recognizes and thanks Army Reserve Soldiers for their service during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Enduring Freedom – Continental United States Support Base. (Photo by Capt. Pablo Cabanillas, 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

The ceremony was held at the unit’s hometown civic center, the Ruthe Jackson Center, in Grand Prairie, and was well-attended by Family members of the honorees, community members and fellow Soldiers. 

Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain served as the guest speaker, and the South Grand Prairie High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps battalion provided a color guard.

McClain’s 33 years of service included extensive experience with citizen-Soldiers. She spoke about the unique challenges Army Reserve Soldiers face as they transition from their civilian lives to active military service, and how it affects service members and their Families, employers and communities. 

Grand Prairie Deputy Mayors Pro Tem Ruthe Jackson and Richard Fregoe attended the ceremony as representatives of the city. Also in attendance was Col. Richard Creed Jr., commander of 479th Field Artillery Brigade.

A color guard from the South Grand Prairie (Texas) High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps battalion posts the nation’s colors during a “Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen” ceremony at the Ruthe Jackson Center in Grand Prairie April 6. The ceremony recognized Army Reserve Soldiers in 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, for their service in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Enduring Freedom – Continental United States Support Base. (Photo by Capt. Pablo Cabanillas, 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

Soldiers, civilians and Family members from Division West cheer cyclists in the Ride 2 Recovery – Texas Challenge as they ride past division headquarters at Fort Hood, Texas, April 11. Six Division West Soldiers rode Thursday’s 66-mile leg of the six-day Texas Challenge; one of those Soldiers is riding all six days and more than 300 miles, beginning in San Antonio Monday and ending in Fort Worth Saturday. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, Division West Public Affairs)

By Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, Division West Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Six Division West Soldiers traded their baggy camouflage uniforms and bulky combat boots for skintight Spandex shorts and featherweight cycling shoes to ride in the Killeen-to-Waco leg of the Ride 2 Recovery – Texas Challenge April 11.

“It’s truly a great experience to have all these people together and to feel the camaraderie,” said Sgt. 1st Class Connie Burt, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Division West, who regularly competes in triathlons and other athletic events. “It’s just a great ride to be on; it’s one of the best rides that I have.”

The Ride 2 Recovery program, which partners with the Military and Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service Office, uses cycling to help wounded military veterans overcome their mental and physical injuries.

Students from Lakewood Elementary School greet riders in the Ride 2 Recovery – Texas Challenge as they enter the school grounds in Belton, Texas, April 11. The school hosted more than 200 cyclists for a lunch break during that day’s 66-mile ride, which began in Killeen and ended in Waco. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, Division West Public Affairs)

More than 200 cyclists, including many veterans who started riding for therapy, participated in Thursday’s 66-mile ride. All together this year, the Texas Challenge stretched over six days and more than 300 miles, beginning in San Antonio Monday and ending in Fort Worth Saturday.

“I love cycling, and I’m here with my friend (and fellow Soldier) Issie,” said Burt, who also rode in the Killeen-to-Waco leg last year. “I like to support her, because her husband is the one who got me into cycling in the first place. Sadly, he lost his life last year to a bicycle accident. I’m truly blessed to have her in my life, and to have known him, and to be able to do these things with everybody.”

After leaving Killeen, the riders wound northward through Fort Hood, where they were greeted along the streets by cheering, flag-waving Soldiers, civilians and schoolchildren.

Students from Lakewood Elementary School greet riders in the Ride 2 Recovery – Texas Challenge as they enter the school grounds in Belton, Texas, April 11. The school hosted more than 200 cyclists for a lunch break during that day’s 66-mile ride, which began in Killeen and ended in Waco. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, Division West Public Affairs)

“It’s like refilling your motivation tank,” said Sgt. 1st Class Randall Copiskey, a member of 1st Battalion, 337th Aviation Regiment, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West. “You come around a corner, and there’s a whole line of kids; it’s awesome. Going through Fort Hood and seeing my old unit and some of my old Soldiers and my current leaders on the side of the road, cheering me on, that really makes you feel good.”

Copiskey is the only Division West Soldier riding all six days of the Texas Challenge.

“I’ve been at Fort Hood since 2006, and I’ve seen them come through here every spring,” Copiskey said. “I just took up cycling recently and figured I wanted to take part in it. It’s a good cause, and I’m really enjoying myself doing it. I’m having a blast.”

Staff Sgt. Jimmie McCormack had just gotten off work at 4 a.m. and could have been at home sleeping instead of riding his bicycle.

“I’m here to support the R2R,” said McCormack, a trainer/mentor with 3rd Battalion, 395th Armored Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West. “I’m going to do what I can and head back home, get a couple hours of sleep and be back at the range tonight.”

A group of cyclists in the Ride 2 Recovery – Texas Challenge nears the crest of a hill north of Moody, Texas, April 11. On the right, three riders each push forward the man to their right, combining their efforts to assist the rider on the recumbent bicycle to reach the top of the hill. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, Division West Public Affairs)

McCormack, who rode the Killeen-to-Waco leg last year, rides with two local cycling groups, Team Army and Team Roadkill. He said he has seen for himself cycling’s therapeutic benefits.

“We spend weekend rides with some of the wounded warriors,” McCormack said. “I enjoy riding with fellow Soldiers and wounded warriors. You find out about people, where they come from, who they really are, what problems they have, what issues they’re having at home, on long rides. Sometimes, it’s just therapy. The rider’s riding, and he might be frustrated at work or at home, and you’re just talking about what happened and, at the end of the ride, you can tell he’s just more comfortable.”

Normally, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Orosz, Division West’s senior enlisted leader, simply rides his bike every weekend. The Ride 2 Recovery is one of the first cycling events in which he’s ever participated, he said.

“To support the wounded warriors is the biggest reason (I’m riding), and to show my support for them and all that they’ve done for our country. It was a great event,” Orosz said.

Some cyclists, such as Burt, participate in the Ride 2 Recovery to commemorate or support a particular person. But Chief Warrant Officer 3 Daniel Hodge, a trainer/mentor with 2nd Battalion, 291st Aviation Regiment, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, who has been in the Army 20 years and served three tours in Iraq, was riding for many people.

Sgt. 1st Class Randall Copiskey, right, 1st Battalion, 337th Aviation Regiment, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, shakes hands with former Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Land during a rest stop for cyclists in the Ride 2 Recovery – Texas Challenge at the Department of Veterans Affairs facility in Waco, Texas, April 11. The Ride 2 Recovery program, which partners with the Military and Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service Office, uses cycling to help wounded military veterans overcome their mental and physical injuries. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, Division West Public Affairs)

“I have a couple friends from (Operation Iraqi Freedom) 1 who didn’t make it back, and a couple other friends who got hurt,” Hodge said. “So I guess, in a little way, it’s kind of like I have a lot of those guys in the back of my mind.”

Hodge, who started cycling seriously when he was 12 and has continued for 25 years, said he appreciates how the Ride 2 Recovery organization combines cycling and supporting veterans.

“I really like what they’re doing for the wounded warriors and the warrior transition units,” Hodge said. “It’s nice to see all the support from the local community, as well, for all of us doing what we do.”

Capt. Eric Dunkley, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Division West, is also an avid cyclist, and he also wanted to support wounded warriors and the Ride 2 Recovery organization.

Capt. Eric Dunkley, left, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Division West, and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Schroeder, command sergeant major of Fort Hood, Texas, and III Corps, leave the Department of Veterans Affairs facility in Waco, Texas, after a rest stop there for cyclists in the Ride 2 Recovery – Texas Challenge April 11. More than 200 riders, including six from Division West, participated in Thursday’s leg of the six-day event that began in San Antonio Monday and will end in Fort Worth Saturday. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, Division West Public Affairs)

“I’m really into bicycling, so it was just kind of a perfect combination of reasons to participate in it. I’m really glad I did,” Dunkley said. “It’s really humbling to ride with … service members who have been wounded severely. Some of them have lost limbs and are out there participating in it, some are paralyzed. It was just a real humbling experience, and just a great way to show your support for them.”

Americans cannot forget about their war veterans, Dunkley said.

“After war ends, you’re still dealing with the repercussions of that war: injuries, both physical and mental,” Dunkley said. “This is a great way to continue to bring about awareness of something like that, and to make sure that we continue to provide the proper support for those Soldiers.”

McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade conducted unarmed self-defense training here March 25 for Soldiers of the Army Reserve’s 724th Military Police Battalion from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The MPs are training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

(Photos by Sgt. 1st Class David Parish, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

Spc. Corey Bishop, standing, and Spc. Archange Leveille, members of the 724th Military Police Battalion, practice techniques they learned in the class.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Franka, left, unarmed self-defense instructor, and Capt. Jairo Santiago, unarmed self-defense lane officer-in-charge, demonstrate hand-to-hand combat skills.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Shimer, left, and Sgt. 1st Class Priscilla Sanchez, 724th Military Police Battalion Soldiers, perform unarmed self-defense tactics.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Wright, center, unarmed self-defense instructor, explains a technique to 1st Lt. Sovannchampa Touch, left, and 1st Lt. Erin Kan, members of the 724th Military Police Battalion.

Soldiers of the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Combat Aviation Brigade operate the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer simulator as part of their post-mobilization training conducted by Division West’s 166th Aviation Brigade at Fort Rucker, Ala., March 25. The Texas unit is training for a deployment to Kuwait. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas — With the recent sequestration and deep budget cuts underway across the entire Army, it was uncertain whether Division West’s 166th Aviation Brigade would conduct training for the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, set to deploy to Kuwait, in the sophisticated flight simulation center at Fort Rucker, Ala., last month, said Col. Kevin Vizzarri, 166th Aviation Brigade commander.

However, with the exception of a few minor changes, the training was “business as usual.”

Generally, the brigade’s battalions conduct the majority of training, validating that Army National Guard and Army Reserve aviation units are properly prepared for deployments.  However, for the 36th CAB’s aviation training exercise conducted last month, the bulk of the brigade staff was employed to help train the unit. 

Maj. Jeff Christy, a plans officer with the 166th Aviation Brigade, characterized the training in three phases. 

“First you crawl, then you walk and, finally, you run,” Christy said.

The 166th Brigade kicked off the first phase of the ATX at North Fort Hood, leading the 36th CAB in the Army’s military decision-making process, which consists of detail-oriented, step-by-step analysis. In this initial stage, the CAB’s staff sections prepared for worst-case scenarios downrange by thinking through various courses of action, including each action’s second- and third-order effects or consequences. 

In the second phase, the 166th facilitated a command post exercise, also at North Fort Hood, in concert with the 75th Division. Under the direction of the 166th Aviation Brigade, the 75th Division created and managed an array of hypothetical situations meant to stress the staff of the deploying unit, said Christy. In a single day, they might face a death of a Soldier, a Soldier who is absent without leave, and a downed aircraft, as well as a social media uproar such as a negative video “going viral.”

Capt. Paul McKnight, an observer controller/trainer with Division West’s 166th Aviation Brigade, watches a Solider of the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Combat Aviation Brigade during a training exercise at Fort Rucker, Ala., March 20. The 166th is training the Texas unit for its upcoming deployment to Kuwait. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

The 166th Brigade’s observer controller/trainers monitored the 36th CAB’s every move and made on-the-spot suggestions and corrections.

The third and final phase of the ATX, a 10-day event, took place in the Fort Rucker flight simulation center. The goal here was to implement the feedback from the CPX and apply it in a much more realistic environment. Not only did the 166th Aviation Brigade continue to test the 36th CAB’s standard operating procedures, reporting mechanisms, and commander’s critical information requirements, they were also able to simultaneously test the unit’s flight operations using the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer simulators and their operators. 

In addition to game play, the two-week training in Alabama consisted of intelligence updates, in-depth cultural awareness training to prepare the Texas Soldiers for the culture in which they are soon to be immersed, a safety brief illustrating the importance of aircraft maintenance, and a final after-action review highlighting the unit’s overall strengths and weaknesses.

Vizzarri emphasized that staff-level cross-talk will help the 36th CAB ensure success during the unit’s deployment.  

“Who else needs to know?” was a common theme throughout all stages of the exercise. Instead of holding information close, pass it to your teammates and leaders so that the appropriate decisions can be made and effectuated, Vizzarri urged the group at the final briefing.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mani Vero, left, safety officer for Division West’s 166th Aviation Brigade, provides feedback to a member of the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Combat Aviation Brigade during a training exercise at Fort Rucker, Ala., March 23. The 166th is training the Texas unit for its upcoming deployment to Kuwait. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kat Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

To give the training a more realistic feel and make this a truly successful experience for the deploying unit, the 166th Aviation Brigade brought in members of other units and organizations to play various roles, including managing the scenarios, answering the unit’s requests for information, acting as subject matter experts, and operating the simulators.  

“The level of sophistication and realism that we get from the use of the ‘Sim Center’ at Fort Rucker is top-notch, and such an asset to our brigade training program,” said Lt. Col. Kelsey Smith, deputy commander of the 166th Aviation Brigade. “We hope to continue using the facility in the future.”

For more information and additional photos, visit www.facebook.com/166AviationBrigade.

By Capt. John Grant, 3rd Battalion, 362nd Armored Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. — Several noncommissioned officers from Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade and Soldiers from three deploying Army National Guard units recently  trained here on a non-lethal weapons system used for riot control operations.

Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 362nd Armored Regiment, “Task Force Stallion,” 5th Armored Brigade, along with deploying Soldiers from the 878th Engineer Battalion from Georgia, the 149th Vertical Engineer Company from Kentucky, and the 833rd Engineer Company from Iowa, learned to operate the FN 303 Less Lethal Launcher, which uses compressed air to fire either paint-marker ammunition to identify instigators in a crowd or pepper spray-type ammunition to achieve an irritant effect.

The 5th Armored Brigade frequently conducts non-lethal weapons training for units the brigade is training for deployments.

“It’s beneficial for the unit to train on the equipment here, so they are better prepared to use it in theater,” said Staff Sgt. Dustin Bell, a Task Force Stallion trainer/mentor.

The Soldiers learned to load, unload, clear and troubleshoot the launcher, as well as the correct places to aim on a person’s body. They practiced controlling the firing of the system and experienced what to expect from the ammunition. They marked both far and near targets, as well as aiming for non-lethal zones on silhouette targets.

“The Soldiers quickly grasped where and how to apply the FN 303 munitions in order to achieve maximum effectiveness against a variety of targets,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Crawford, a Task Force Stallion trainer/mentor.

FORT BLISS, Texas – The Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Task Force Renegade, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, increased their unit cohesion and esprit de corps with a Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Family and Team Building session on the Leaders Reaction Course here March 14. The course gave Soldiers an opportunity to step away from the training lanes where they prepare joint warfighters to deploy.

(Photos by Capt. Kevin Lockett, 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

Sgt. 1st Class James Johnson Jr. navigates an obstacle.

Master Sgt. Donald Keith is “rescued” by Capt. Marcel Hickman and his team.

Soldiers discuss the best way to negotiate an obstacle.

Sgt. 1st Class Richard Dwyer, right, explains to Sgt. 1st Class Marlon Miguel the way he believes a mission should be conducted.

Capt. Stephen Jennison, left, supervises his team as they conduct a mission.

Capt. Dean Buchanan, a readiness officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Division West, First Army, at Fort Hood, Texas, pauses after sending a bowling ball down the lane during a competition at Fort Bliss, Texas. Later this month, Buchanan will go to Camp Lejuene, N.C., to compete for a spot on the All-Army Bowling Team and the chance to represent the Army in the All-Armed Forces Championship. (Courtesy photo)

By Staff Sgt. Tony Foster, Division West Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – As a readiness officer with First Army Division West, Capt. Dean Buchanan takes his Army training mindset and applies it to something right down his alley.

Buchanan is an outstanding bowler whose worst day at the lanes is better than most bowlers’ best day; and he will spare no effort to strike at his competition.

Later this month, he will go to Camp Lejeune, N.C., to attempt to secure a position on the All-Army Bowling team.

The captain will have to be one of the top four competitors to make the team and represent the Army in the Armed Forces Bowling Championship to be held April 22-28 at Camp LeJeune.

“To make the top four, I predict it will take 24 games on average,” said Buchanan. “One never knows with the talent I see on the roster. I am excited to get it on and see how the pins fall.”

The process to make the team includes an initial four days of trial camp during which 15-20 bowlers from the three Army components – active-duty, National Guard and Reserve - will compete for the top four spots. Bowlers from the other branches of service will determine their teams in the same manner.

“This year we have a very talented field showing up for the trials to include a handful of past winners,” said Buchanan. “I expect it to be a great four-day competition, coming down to the last day to determine the final four to make the team.”

To test the skill, versatility and ability of the athletes, different oil patterns are put on the bowling lanes each day of competition. The patterns make bowling more difficult than traditional recreational bowling games.

“Understanding the equipment, lanes, oil and environment is a part of the scientific game of bowling,” said Buchanan. “There is also the physical and mental game that competitors must learn and develop.”

Buchanan has a broad range of experience, including being a member of the Professional Bowling Association and a previous member of the All-Army bowling team.

“I have competed in several national tournaments,” said Buchanan. “It is a whole new game competing with and against those guys …. they are incredibly talented and just plain good!”

Extensive training goes into preparing for competitions of this magnitude. The athletes spend a great deal of time practicing and allowing themselves to be coached, as well.

“I bowl between 20 and 30 games per week and close to 50 in preparation for a competition,” said Buchanan. “I practice in facilities that have technology to analyze speed control, axis tilt, angles and other scientific aspects of the game.”

Bowling is considered a sport, just like any other professional sporting event.

“The game has two very distinct versions,” said Buchanan. “There is the recreation, or fun, side and the actual sport. There is a large and unknown gap between the two.”

Buchanan said that, while he started bowling just for fun, the love of the game has grown to become something much more.

“I started at a very young age, maybe six or seven,” said Buchanan. “I went with my Family and friends and fell in love with the challenge of the game. I developed a strong desire to learn the competitive side of it.”

In addition to competing, Buchanan now plans to start a non-profit company that develops and fosters amateur bowling competitions in the United States.  

“I like it when I can do something well for others that understand and appreciate the sport of competition and what it takes to do well,” said Buchanan. “I urge anyone interested in learning the sport side to dive in and go for it. It is a very rewarding experience when you begin to see what it is all about.”

Spc. Tyler Campbell, left, a special trainer with 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment assigned to 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Task Force Renegade, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, assists Sgt. Jamare Jackson, a member of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 878th Engineer Battalion, on proper execution of preventive maintenance checks and services on a MaxxPro Dash mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle at McGregor Range, N.M., Feb. 17. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marlon Miguel, 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

By Capt. Marcel M. Hickman, 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

McGREGOR RANGE BASE CAMP, N.M. — For longer than two years, Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Task Force Renegade, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, trained deploying service members to operate Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles here.

But, last month, they handed over their duties to another 5th Armored Brigade battalion, this one composed entirely of mobilized Army Reserve Soldiers.

The Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 363rd Regiment (Training Support), Task Force Black Scorpion, were called to active duty from Mesa, Ariz., in January to support the 5th Armored Brigade’s mission in training joint warfighters for Operation Enduring Freedom.

“Taking over the responsibility of training joint warfighters is a challenging and exciting opportunity for observer controllers/trainers, especially in the capacity of MRAP driver’s training,” said 2nd Lt. John Pyne, Black Scorpion officer-in-charge of MRAP driver’s training. “The need and relevance of superior training on operating the MRAP platform cannot be overstated.”

Black Scorpion Soldiers have already completed several courses to prepare them for their new mission, which includes training joint warfighters on two variants of the MRAP vehicles, the MRAP egress trainer, and troop-leading procedures.

The battalion has conducted training tasks such as observer controller/trainer certification through the First Army Training Academy and combat lifesaver training, taught by the 5th Armored Brigade.  Some Black Scorpion personnel also certified as range safety officers in training provided by Fort Bliss, Texas. 

Black Scorpion Soldiers specifically assigned to the MRAP training lanes were licensed and certified as instructors on the MaxxPro Dash MRAP vehicle. They also went through the Fort Bliss MRAP egress trainer train-the-trainer course allowing them to operate the MET at McGregor Range Base Camp. The MET is a training requirement that all joint warfighters must complete before deploying overseas, and is a major training lane executed by the Soldiers. 

While they are mobilized for the joint warfighter training mission, Black Scorpion personnel will continue to attend classes on how to teach the specific classes they instruct. 

Spc. Jackie Mackie, a member of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 878th Engineer Battalion, performs preventive maintenance checks and services on a MaxxPro Dash mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle during training conducted by Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade at McGregor Range, N.M., Feb. 17. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Marlon Miguel, 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

The two task forces – Renegade and Black Scorpion – are currently working together to completely transition from one set of training personnel to another. During the relief-in-place process, Black Scorpion Soldiers will first observe Renegade Soldiers conducting training, then they will conduct training themselves while Renegade Soldiers observe and critique them on their performance. 

“Working with our predecessors, Task Force Renegade, has made the transition process really work in our favor. Not every unit gets such an in-depth battle hand-off as we have,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Galvan, Task Force Black Scorpion observer/controller trainer. “The joint warfighters will definitely receive a superior training product in the end because of it.”

Sgt. Ulugbek Ruziev, left, Sgt. Carlos Carrasco, center, and Sgt. Carla Garcia, members of the 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, from Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., unload boxes of Meals Ready to Eat from a truck last month at Fort Hunter Liggett. The battalion provided more than 16,000 MREs during the Army Reserve’s annual Warrior Exercise and Combat Service Training Exercise held at the installation in March and April. (Photo by Maj. Stephen Messenger, 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

By Maj. Stephen Messenger, 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. — Soldiers from the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade’s California-based 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, the “Wild Stallions,” are anything but tame when it comes to supporting major training exercises.

They know that no exercise would be successful without personnel, equipment and other logistical services. So, as part of their annual training last month, the battalion rode in and laid the logistics support framework for the Army Reserve’s annual Warrior Exercise and Combat Service Training Exercise held here March 9 through April 26.

Sgt. Arnulfo Garcia, a member of the 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, from Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., guides the unit’s mobile mission command expandable van through a motor pool at Fort Hunter Liggett last month. Garcia’s unit supported the Army Reserve’s annual Warrior Exercise and Combat Service Training Exercise held at the installation in March and April . (Photo by Maj. Stephen Messenger, 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

“This was a great opportunity for us. Typically, our Soldiers do individual annual training at Fort Bliss (Texas) to support our brigade,” said Lt. Col. Jay Guevarra, 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion commander. “Coming together for this mission, we were able to conduct our core mission-essential tasks and command functions with staff. We created exponential growth for the unit with skill sets we haven’t been able to utilize before. Everyone was highly motivated and recharged from the event.”

This was the first time since before 9/11 the battalion has participated in the 91st Training Division’s WAREX, which provides realistic training to more than 3,500 Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors to prepare them for deployments.

This was also the first time in more than 10 years the 3-356th did annual training as a unit.

Sgt. Amezcua Gonzalez, a member of the 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, from Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., oversees the transport of almost four tons of ice last month at Fort Hunter Liggett as part of the support the battalion provided for the Army Reserve’s annual Warrior Exercise and Combat Service Training Exercise. (Photo by Maj. Stephen Messenger, 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

As part of its mission, the 3-356th provided operational control support to another Division West unit, the 189th Infantry Brigade, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. With 3-356th Soldiers filling the critical roles of trainer/mentor and effects/enabler teams, the 189th could maneuver freely across the battlefield during the exercise.

The 3-356th also provided logistics, maintenance and transportation support to all units participating in the exercises. During their two-week training, the battalion performed more than 130 logistics missions, logging more than 50 transportation missions totaling nearly 5,300 miles, and transporting more than 320 Soldiers. Battalion Soldiers also completed nearly 170 light-wheeled vehicle work orders, provided more than 16,300 Meals Ready to Eat and almost four tons of ice, and issued more than 1,500 gallons of fuel.

The unit maintained a 97 percent operational ready rate for more than 160 pieces of equipment, with an average turn-around time of less than three hours. The 3-356th also provided on-call capability for vehicle recovery in the training area. 

Sgt. Eduardo Rios, left, and Sgt. Carla Garcia, members of the 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, from Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., stand in front of the unit’s mobile mission command expandable van last month at Fort Hunter Liggett. The battalion supported the Army Reserve’s annual Warrior Exercise and Combat Service Training Exercise held at the installation in March and April. (Photo by Maj. Stephen Messenger, 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

Command Sgt. Maj. David Adams, the battalion’s senior enlisted advisor, is proud of the unit’s success.

“This was our best collective training event to date. We developed technical proficiency both individually and as a team,” Adams said. “The ‘Wild Stallions’ are already planning to support the exercise next year. Our vision is that, when the reserve component thinks of the WAREX and CSTX and Fort Hunter Liggett, they think of the 3-356 LSB and the outstanding logistics support we provide.”

Although the 3-356th has turned over responsibility to another logistics support battalion, the unit’s mission has not ended. 

For the next two months, the battalion will serves as continuity for the two logistics support battalions that assumed its mission in the exercises. Later this month, two detachments from the 3-356th are scheduled to arrive for their annual training, during which they will finish the logistics exercise support by ensuring all Soldiers return to the airport and all vehicles remain operational.

Col. Carolyn Birchfield, left, commander of Division West’s 402nd Field Artillery Brigade from Fort Bliss, Texas, coins Sgt. Matthew Rado, a member of the 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, from Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., as Command Sgt. Maj. David Adams, the battalion’s senior enlisted advisor, looks on last month at Fort Hunter Ligget. Rado was one of several 3-356th Soldiers recognized for their accomplishments during the Army Reserve’s annual Warrior Exercise and Combat Service Training Exercise held at the installation in March and April. (Photo by Maj. Stephen Messenger, 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

Capt. Jack Defabio, left, Staff Sgt. Ike Diaz, center, and Staff Sgt. Cory Goen, trainer/mentors with 2-358th Armor Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, listen to a convoy briefing as the unit they are training begins the first exercise of the day at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 13. The Soldiers not only train and mentor, they make sure the training they oversee is safe. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. — Capt. Jack Defabio of Charlie Team, 2-358th Armor Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, is a trainer/mentor who takes his role very seriously.

During the two-month Operation Warrior Protector training exercise here, Defabio’s role is not only to train and mentor, it’s to make sure the training is safe.

On the eighth day of the exercise, because the training unit had a key piece of equipment break down, Defabio and members of his team decided to conduct training in a motor pool rather than requiring the unit to travel.

“There was no value in driving three hours wasting gas, possibly damaging any of their vehicles further and risking injury of a Soldier, when they’ve got a very large motor pool here,” said Defabio. “These guys have made strides out here from their first day up to today, safety-wise and mission accomplishment-wise.”

With all missions and training exercises, pre-planning, including pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections, is critical to safety and success.

“The unit’s PCCs and PCIs have gotten better since day zero,” Defabio said. “These things have helped this unit become more efficient and perform better during these tasks.”

From everything he has seen of Operation Warrior Protector, Defabio said, the exercise has been conducted safely.

“In terms of safety, we have not had any safety violations, more importantly any injuries,” Defabio said. “By and large, what I’ve seen is very, very good. It has been a very safe operation.”

Capt. Josepher Pacquing, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, “Task Force Warhawg,” 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, listens to a student read during a mentoring session at Collins Elementary School in El Paso, Texas, last month. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Baker, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West)

By Staff Sgt. Robert L. Baker, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

EL PASO, Texas — Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry Regiment, “Task Force Warhawg,” 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, recently mentored and coached Collins Elementary School students who were selected to spend time with positive adult role models. 

“As mentors, we give these kids our undivided attention and build a foundation of trust, discipline, friendship and fun,” said Capt. Josepher Pacquing, Task Force Warhawg Viper Team officer-in-charge. 

Mentors reinforce the good behavior, manners and values that help students succeed both in school and in their future endeavors.

The day started with the students and Soldiers meeting in the school library to get to know each other.  After introductions, the students read to the Soldiers from their favorite books and the group played board games.  After lunch, the Soldiers and students went outside to play basketball and tag.

Based on the program’s initial success, Larry Olsen, a Collins Elementary counselor, and Staff Sgt. Anthony Robb, Partners In Education coordinator for Task Force Warhawg, have coordinated to continue this program monthly.

“It is our hope, with the continuation of the program, that we help these students by listening to them and, through developmental assessment, they grow confidence and self esteem,” Olsen said. 

The Soldiers hope that the children have a better outlook about school and their responsibilities to their fellow students, said Robb.

“Task Force Warhawg is committed in this endeavor and will continue to support the children of Collins Elementary School,” Rob said.

Photos by 3rd Battalion, 364th Engineer Regiment, Task Force Rampant, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade recently conducted route clearance training for four Army National Guard companies from Arizona, Georgia, Iowa and Ohio. The units are training for their upcoming deployments to Afghanistan.

Soldiers from the 878th Forward Support Company of Augusta, Ga., recover mine rollers during vehicle recovery training.

Soldiers of the 837th Combat Engineer Company from Lorain, Ohio, conduct a route clearance patrol brief.

First Lt. George Lopez, a platoon leader with the 819th Combat Engineer Company from Camp Navajo, Ariz., conducts a route clearance patrol brief.

Soldiers of the 833rd Combat Engineer Company from Ottumwa, Iowa, conduct vehicle recovery training of an RG-31 mine-protected personnel carrier.

Soldiers with the 878th Forward Support Company from Augusta, Ga., conduct vehicle recovery training.

Soldiers with the 878th Forward Support Company from Augusta, Ga., conduct vehicle recovery training.

Left to right: Amy Schacht, Family Readiness Group leader of Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade; Col. Eric Schacht, 5th Armored Brigade commander; Gus Rodriguez, West Texas state president of the General of the Army Omar N. Bradley Chapter, Association of the United States Army; Luke Lowenfield, vice-president of operations of the Casa Ford vehicle dealership in El Paso, Texas; and Trevor Wolf, Casa Ford sales representative; pose for a picture to celebrate Casa Ford’s guardianship of 5th Armored Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas, March 25. Casa Ford’s participation in AUSA’s Bradley Strong Guardian Program allows the business to continue to support the brigade with monetary donations and by being an ambassador for El Paso to new Soldiers at Fort Bliss. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David Parish, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By Capt. John Brimley, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT BLISS, Texas – After more than a year of courtship, the Casa Ford vehicle dealership and Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade made their relationship official last month when Casa Ford joined the Bradley Strong Guardian Program, becoming the brigade’s guardian.

The Bradley Strong Guardian program is an initiative of the Association of the United States Army to connect the El Paso community and businesses with Fort Bliss Army units. It allows corporations such as Casa Ford to sponsor unit events with monetary donations.

“This partnership is representative of the outstanding support to Soldiers and their Families by the El Paso community,” said Col. Eric Schacht, 5th Armored Brigade commander. “I look forward to fostering and developing this relationship over the coming years.”

Col. Eric Schacht, left, commander of Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade, and Luke Lowenfield, vice-president of operations for the Casa Ford vehicle dealership in El Paso, Texas, sign certificates of appreciation to seal the deal making Casa Ford the unit’s guardian in the Association of the United States Army’s Bradley Strong Guardian Program at Fort Bliss, Texas, March 25. The program allows Casa Ford to continue their support of the unit with monetary donations and by being an ambassador for El Paso to new Soldiers. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David Parish, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

Casa Ford’s guardian status gives the dealership the opportunity to support the brigade by sponsoring events while, at the same time, building upon the relationship between the El Paso community and Fort Bliss.

“It’s an honor to return the support that Fort Bliss has provided us,” said Luke Lowenfield, Casa Ford vice-president of operations.

Before the guardianship became official, Casa Ford had already been a supporter of 5th Armored Brigade and other Fort Bliss units, having previously sponsored at least three others.

As Luke Lowenfield, left, vice-president of operations of the Casa Ford vehicle dealership in El Paso, Texas, watches, Gus Rodriguez, West Texas state president of the General of the Army Omar N. Bradley Chapter, Association of the United States Army, endorses AUSA’s partnership in brokering a guardianship that allows Casa Ford to continue to support Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade with monetary donations and by being an ambassador for El Paso to new Soldiers at Fort Bliss, Texas, March 25. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David Parish, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

“The values the Army stands for are foundational principles we establish and like to have for Casa,” Lowenfield said.

And, while the benefits of Casa Ford’s relationship with 5th Armored Brigade and Fort Bliss are felt through monetary donations for official unit events such as military balls and Family readiness group activities, the partnership extends beyond the purse.

“It’s not about money. It’s about what Casa Ford can give,” said Gus Rodriguez, West Texas state president of the General of the Army Omar N. Bradley Chapter, AUSA, who brokered the relationship. “It’s about relationship-building. It’s about making Families and Soldiers feel like they’re at home here in El Paso.”

Soldiers of the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 188th Engineer Detachment (Facility Management) discuss a training exercise at McGregor Range, N.M., March 3.Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, Task Force Redhawk, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, trained the detachment on different engineering principles and how to refine future techniques and procedures. (Photo by Staff Sgt. David Nicholson, 188th Engineer Detachment, Massachusetts Army National Guard)

By Staff Sgt. David Nicholson, 188th Engineer Detachment (Facility Management), Massachusetts Army National Guard

McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – The 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, Task Force Redhawk, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West recently trained the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 188th Engineer Detachment (Facility Management) here on engineering and inspection skills for the unit’s upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

The detachment will be charged with being mentors to Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police Facility Engineers.

Soldiers of the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 188th Engineer Detachment (Facilities Management) provide internal security for Afghan role players during training conducted by 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, Task Force Redhawk, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, at McGregor Range, N.M., March 3.  (Photo by Staff Sgt. David Nicholson, 188th Engineer Detachment, Massachusetts Army National Guard)

“Task Force Redhawk, the Engineer trainer mentors, were well prepared and gave us dynamic scenarios … that provided an opportunity to use the engineer skill set we will need in Afghanistan,” said Maj. John Bagaglio, the  188th Engineer Detachment executive officer. “During the (culminating training exercise), with role players, we understood how hard it is to work with interpreters to teach, coach and mentor in our engineer disciplines.”

During the CTE, the detachment trained on the Army’s Installation Status Report, a standardized inspection process used to identify facility standards and any deficiencies that may need repair. The results of these inspections can help facility engineers prioritize efforts to support other units.

The CTE also tested the detachment on facility inspections, which, during the training, were conducted using Afghan role players and interpreters. Unit members instructed a role player how to conduct the ISR inspection. Force protection was paramount during the exercise, and the detachment developed techniques to provide internal security.

Engineers with the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 188th Engineer Detachment (Facilities Management) work through an interpreter to train an Afghan role player  during training conducted by 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, Task Force Redhawk, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, at McGregor Range, N.M., March 3. (Photo by Staff Sgt. David Nicholson, 188th Engineer Detachment, Massachusetts Army National Guard)

“In the beginning, I had tunnel vision,” said Sgt. Michael O’Malley, 188th Engineer Detachment. “As the training progressed, it helped me increase my situational awareness. Being immersed in the scenario helped me learn to watch several situations simultaneously.”

The event culminated on the fourth day. Three-man teams of detachment Soldiers travelled from a simulated forward operating base to an Afghan village to brief the Afghan engineers on the results of the inspections.  Soldiers learned new skills on how to react to a hostile environment, handle an uncooperative interpreter and respond to insider threat attacks.

Stephanie Oravetz, her husband, Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Oravetz of Division West’s 166th Aviation Brigade, their daughter,  Valerie, and their younger son, Joseph, relax after the emotional process of legally adopting Joseph and his brother, Evan, at the Coryell County Courthouse in Gatesville, Texas, March 8. (Photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By 1st Lt. Katherine Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

GATESVILLE, Texas —Even with four back-to-back deployments, fertility issues, timing constraints, and an eight-year-old daughter, Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Oravetz of Division West’s 166th Aviation Brigade and his wife, Stephanie, “felt a calling to adopt” another child to add to their Family.  

But then the adoption agency with which the couple were working referred them to not just one child, but two: brothers Evan, 4, and Joseph, 2, from the Gatesville area. As far as John and Stephanie were concerned, the boys came as a package deal, and that was all right with their daughter, Valerie. 

“Once the boys came around, I couldn’t let them go,” said John.

Stephanie is well-versed in the adoption process, as she has worked with Court Appointed Special Advocates as a volunteer for three years. “So many great children out there need homes, so that they are not raised in the system,” she said. “Children are a gift given to us, whether we have them biologically or adopt.”

After the adoption process was well underway, Stephanie became pregnant and is now expecting their fourth child, a boy. 

Last month, on the day the boys became the Oravetzs' legally adopted sons, John, Stephanie and other members of their Family arrived at the Coryell County Courthouse wearing red, the symbol of love. Mother, father, grandmother, daughter, and soon-to-be adopted sons Joseph and Evan all sported some article of red clothing. 

Among the attendees at Evan and Joseph’s adoption ceremony were Stephanie’s supervisor from CASA; the boys’ godfather, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jim Campbell, who deployed twice with John; Stephanie’s mother, Valerie Garland, who drove from Arlington, Texas; and the couple’s pastor, David McMinn.

Adoption attorney Michael Lackmeyer, left, Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Oravetz of Division West’s 166th Aviation Brigade, and his wife, Stephanie Oravetz, ensure that all legal matters are settled in the adoption process for the couple’s sons, Joseph and Evan, at the Coryell County Courthouse in Gatesville, Texas, March 8. (Photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Kaliski, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

Michael Lackmeyer, the couple’s adoption attorney, took care of all the Family’s legal matters. Although emotional, the proceedings were quick and went off without a hitch. 

“The best part,” John said, “was when the judge officially declared them ours.”

The Oravetz Family and their friends and supporters were all smiles as the two little boys were officially received into a welcoming new home and support system. 

“God chose us to love and raise these children,” said Stephanie.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/166aviationbrigade.

By Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – If you’re going to train the “good guys” in a military exercise, then someone has to play the “bad guys.”

In most military training, the “bad guys” are the opposition force, or OPFOR. These Soldiers simulate the people and scenarios a unit may face when deployed to certain environments.

For Operation Warrior-Protector, a two-month training exercise held here for reserve units from across America, hundreds of individuals were needed to play OPFOR and create a series of simultaneous events to challenge the units being trained. Division West’s 189th Infantry Brigade, “Task Force Cold Steel,” supplied those individuals.

The Soldiers playing the role of OPFOR in training scenarios may be villagers who react to the military presence in their area. In one scenario, a military police unit must interact with village elders to search a village for a suspect. In situations such as this, one or two OPFOR individuals will act as the “bad guys,” while the remaining OPFOR act as non-threatening villagers.

Sgt. Joshua Hammock, from Atlanta, Ga., is one of more than 140 OPFOR personnel brought in to support Operation Warrior-Protector.

“I expect to rattle (the training unit Soldiers’) brains a little bit,” said Hammock. “We want to make sure that these guys are ready for anything, but no hands on them, of course, and vice versa. We’re going to make it as confusing as possible for them.”

The OPFOR teams are a mixed bag of personnel, but Hammock says the Soldiers will adapt to each other to make sure the mission is a success.

“I do a little (standup comedy) in the civilian world,” Hammock said. “I did some of that to help loosen them up and get comfortable role playing. This exercise is different because we are used to being (allied forces) and not OPFOR. But we will adapt and overcome.”

In the village scenario with the military police unit, Hammock played the role of a drive-by shooter, and OPFOR role-players were instructed to not be hostile or seek interaction with the MPs until they decided to search the village.

As it turned out, the MP unit had a difficult time interacting with the OPFOR, although the MPs reacted to the villagers the best way they knew how.

The OPFOR Soldiers performed well, said Capt. Gregory Adkins, Trainer/Mentor Chief with 1-363rd Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade.

“Those guys were confused out there. They didn’t know what to do once you guys approached them for shooting into your village,” Adkins told the OPFOR team. “They’ll go back now and talk about what they need to do next time in order to not make the same mistakes.”

Staff Sgt. Robert Barhorst, right, and Staff Sgt. Ricardo Najera, second from right, members of 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, assist with the bucking bronco station during Western Day at Gatesville (Texas) Primary School in February. Soldiers in the unit regularly visit the school to work with students and help with special events. (Photo by Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Henson, 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

By Capt. John Petersen, 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West

GATESVILLE, Texas — The Gatesville Primary School and 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, have been enjoying a newfound relationship since the start of the calendar year. 

Soldiers from the Coyote Battalion are finding time in their busy days to volunteer at the school and participate in classroom activities. 

The school’s flexible lab schedules allow Soldiers to stop by for any of the daily reading or math labs and sit down with the kindergarten and first grade students. Volunteers are able to work with some of the children and give them one-on-one attention and work on reading comprehension drills, word pronunciation and math tables. Soldiers can stay for an entire 40-minute lab session or assist with multiple labs, if they have the time. 

Teachers and lab instructors are glad to have the extra help, said kindergarten teacher Darla Wallace.

“There aren’t many schools that can boast about having Soldiers come to their school and help with events,” Wallace said.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Scholten, 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, assists with class activities at the Gatesville (Texas) Primary School recently. Soldiers in the unit regularly visit the school to work with students and help with special events. (Photo by Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Henson, 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

This growing partnership has also allowed the Soldiers the opportunity to help with some of the school’s other activities. Recently, the Coyote Battalion dropped by the school for Centers Day; in February, Soldiers helped out with the school’s Western Day. 

Centers Day is held once a month in the reading lab and involves the students breaking down into buddy teams to rotate through various activities. Students and Soldiers alike had a blast with Staff Sgt. Ricardo Najera helping out with puzzles and Sgt. 1st Class Julie Skoda reading stories and setting up a magnetized house. 

Western Day was a far more involved affair, with the Gatesville High School Rodeo Club stopping by to get the kids up-close and personal with a friendly horse and a skittish goat, in addition to a host of other activities. 

Staff Sgt. Matthew Scholten and Staff Sgt. Ty Vincent attempted to impress the kids with some lassoing, while Najera and Staff Sgt. Robert Barhorst got students ready for the rodeo at the bucking bronco station. Staff Sgt. Paula Long kept time and let groups know when to rotate, as Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Henson handed out high-fives and tried to get a physical training session going. 

Capt. John Petersen, 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, moves a saddle during the Gatesville (Texas) Primary School Western Day in February. Soldiers in the unit regularly visit the school to work with students and help with special events. (Photo by Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Henson, 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

Unfortunately, bad weather drove the Western Day activities inside, except for the horse and goat, which had to settle for the awning at the school’s back door. Teachers kept the events going with indoor stick horse races and camp fire songs, while the Coyote volunteers jumped in to help out and sing along, often out of tune. 

“Despite the bad weather and the change of plans,” said school principal Scott Harper, “we appreciate having the Soldiers around; they’re a great influence on the kids.” 

Soldiers from the 182nd Engineer Battalion attend the Veteran’s Opportunity to Work/Transition Assistance Program training during the demobilization process at the Soldier Readiness Processing site at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 23. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Vicente Pantoja, 3-410th Engineer Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

By Sgt. 1st Class Vicente Pantoja and Staff Sgt. Philip Davis, 3-410th Engineer Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West

FORT BLISS, Texas – As the mission in Afghanistan draws down, and more Reserve and National Guard Soldiers return to their civilian lives, many Soldiers face challenges on the home front.

Veterans face higher unemployment rates than non-veterans, with the youngest of veterans, ages 18 to 24, experiencing a 30.4 percent jobless rate in October 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.

The Army has put an increased emphasis on increasing the transitioning Soldiers’ ability and knowledge to obtain jobs, job opportunities, and education. As part of a continued effort to ensure Soldiers succeed outside the service, a newly passed federal law requires Army National Guard and Reserve component Soldiers to attend the Veteran’s Opportunity to Work/Transition Assistance Program.

Division West’s 402nd Field Artillery Brigade and the Directorate of Mobilization and Demobilization recently began implementing the training as part of the 14-day demobilization process for all redeploying Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers.

The program’s focus is to identify Soldiers that are returning from deployment and facing unemployment upon their return home.  The five-day program consists of briefings from the Army Career and Alumni Program, Army Community Service, Army Continuing Education Service, Veteran’s Affairs, and Department of Labor representatives.

Throughout the program, Soldiers receive materials and information on programs such as the Veterans Employment Initiative Task Force and the Secretary of the Army Transition Policy, which encourage civilian employers to employ veterans.  Soldiers also receive training on how to build a competitive resume and to access numerous federal and state programs aimed at assisting Soldiers with their transition out of active military service.

Since the introduction of the program at Fort Bliss, 294 Soldiers have received the training, of whom 246 are currently employed.

By Capt. Khoi D. Nguyen, 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade conducted combat live fire exercises here recently for Soldiers of the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 922nd Horizontal Engineer Company from Gonzales. The engineers are training for a deployment to Afghanistan.

(Photos by Staff Sgt. Seth Detavenier, 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, Task Force Redhawk, 5th Armored Brigade)

Soldiers of the 922nd Horizontal Engineer Company practice an alternating buddy team firing technique.

An aid and litter team of the 922nd Horizontal Engineer Companyevacuates a simulated casualty to the casualty collection point.

Soldiers of the 922nd Horizontal Engineer Company prepare to defend their forward operating base.

A quick reaction force of the 922nd Horizontal Engineer Company reinforces a section of a forward operating base.

Sgt. Charlie Strickland, 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, works on a motor pool key control inventory at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 11. During the unit’s first annual training in 10 years, the logistics Soldiers are working in conjunction with Division West’s 189th Infantry Brigade to support the 91st Training Division’s Warrior and Combat Support Training Exercises. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. — Your Humvee breaks down, you’re out of MREs, who you gonna call?

Not Ghostbusters!

For this kind of help, you will need the hard work and many hats of the 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West. This Army Reserve unit has played an integral role in the success of Division West’s 189th Infantry Brigade during its mobilization to Fort Hunter Liggett in support of the 91st Training Division’s Warrior and Combat Support Training Exercises.

“Our specific missions are to provide maintenance on all vehicles the 189th Infantry Brigade trainer/mentors use, along with the transportation assets to and from the airport and back, as well as all base camp maintenance functions,” said Maj. Steve Messenger, 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion executive officer. “Specifically, (we handle) contract management, fueling, water support, (food), MRE issue and any other on-call logistics missions, to include recovery (of vehicles) out in the training area.”

Sgt. Curtis Thompson, 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, checks the power steering fluid in a Humvee at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 11.  During the unit’s first annual training in 10 years, maintenance Soldiers are working on an average of about 14 vehicles each day. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

While most reserve component units bring all of their Soldiers together once a year to train full-time for a few weeks, that has not been the case for this particular logistics support battalion.

“This is the unit’s first group annual training in 10 years,” said Messenger, “so it’s really the first time our staff has worked together as a team. Our maintenance guys are actually turning wrenches daily, and it’s nice to see the team doing their mission on a daily basis. They do, on average, about 14 vehicles a day.

Soldiers in the logistics support battalion are learning new things every day during the exercises, Messenger said.

“We are establishing new processes and procedures that have never been in place before,” Messenger said. ”So far, the guys and gals have completed every logistics mission thrown at them.”

Sgt. Karla Garcia, left, and Sgt. Eduardo Rios, members of 3-356th Logistics Support Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, stand on the deck of an expandable van being used to supplement office space at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 11. During the unit’s first annual training in 10 years, Soldiers are supporting a major exercise with contract management, fueling, water support, food, MRE issue and on-call logistics missions such as recovery of vehicles in the training area. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

Left to right, Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Dellosa, Sgt. 1st Class Jorge Gonzalez, Sgt. 1st Class David Hickman, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Thorne, Staff Sgt. Trent Armstrong and Sgt. 1st Class Aniruj Alfred, all members of 3rd Battalion, 393rd Field Artillery Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, pose for a picture before the start of the 24th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March held at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., March 17. (Courtesy photo)

By Capt. Julio A. Garcia, 3rd Battalion, 393rd Field Artillery Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. – The Bataan Memorial Death March takes place here every year in mid-March. The competition is a challenging 26.2-mile trek through arid desert terrain that boasts a daunting 400 meter increase in elevation.

The memorial march is conducted to commemorate the horrific 80-mile forced march that more than 60,000 heroic American and Filipino POWs endured during the Philippine Campaigns of World War II. 

The 3rd Battalion, 393rd Field Artillery Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, participated in the 24th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March by sending six warriors to compete.

A five-man team consisting of Staff Sgt. Kenneth Thorne, Sgt. 1st Class David Hickman, Sgt. 1st Class Aniruj Alfred, Sgt. 1st Class Jorge Gonzalez and Staff Sgt. Trent Armstrong competed in the Military Male Light category and came in third place in that category, as well as ninth out of all 47 teams that competed. 

In the Over-40 Military Light category, Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Dellosa finished 134th out of 300. 

Thorne led the team during the grueling two-month train-up and culminating race.

Left to right, Sgt. 1st Class David Hickman, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Thorne, Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Dellosa, Sgt. 1st Class Aniruj Alfred, Sgt. 1st Class Jorge Gonzalez and Staff Sgt. Trent Armstrong, all members of 3rd Battalion, 393rd Field Artillery Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, proudly display the unit’s colors after participating in the 24th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March held at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., March 17. (Courtesy photo)

To prepare for the Death March, the Soldiers trained six days a week, regardless of weather or holidays, at Dana Peak Park on Stillhouse Hollow Lake. The difficult terrain in the park includes significant elevation changes, as well as unsteady ground, which prepared the Soldiers for some of the obstacles they would have to overcome to complete the race. 

“Looking back, the only way we could have prepared better for the marathon was to find a location that has miles of loose sand,” said Thorne. 

During the train-up, the team covered more than 230 miles, the equivalent of walking to the Oklahoma border from Fort Hood. 

The Soldiers who participated in the event paid for the registration fees and travel with money from their own pockets and donations from within the battalion. 

Left to right, Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Dellosa, Staff Sgt. Trent Armstrong, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Thorne, Sgt. 1st Class Jorge Gonzalez, and Sgt. 1st Class David Hickman, all members of 3rd Battalion, 393rd Field Artillery Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, pose for a picture with Bataan Death March survivors Chief Master Sgt. Harold Bergbower and Sgt. Oscar Leonard after the 24th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March held at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., March 17. (Courtesy photo)

After completing the march, the Soldiers were honored to meet two survivors of the Bataan Death March: Chief Master Sgt. Harold Bergbower and Sgt. Oscar Leonard. 

“It is a humbling experience to be in the presence of great men who endured so much and survived,” said Armstrong.

Joint warfighters from the Navy and the Tennessee Army National Guard’s  212th Engineer Company work together to evaluate and treat simulated casualties while under fire during a training exercise, Feb. 21. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Kristin Crandall, 212th Engineer Company, Tennessee Army National Guard)

By 1st Lt. Donna Sojka, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – The 5th Armored Brigade Combat Lifesaver program is designed to provide all joint warfighters with the basic skills necessary to aid fellow service members who are injured in combat.  

Due to the ever-evolving battlefield, the CLS program has updated its tactics, techniques and procedures since 2003.

“Since February of 2003, the 5th Armored Brigade Medical Training Team has trained over 32,000 Combat Lifesavers for deployment,” said Master Sgt. Vance Switzer, Medical Training Team non-commissioned officer-in-charge. “At our highest (operational tempo), we distributed over 170 pallets of fully-stocked CLS bags to outgoing units, while sustaining 24/7 medical training and support missions on two forward operating bases, for two brigade combat teams simultaneously at Fort Bliss.”

The current medical training team consists of eight combat medics. In addition to managing the brigade’s medical supply operations, 24-hour medical range support, and medical trainer mentor staffing, the team’s most high-profile mission is to provide realistic combat lifesaver training.

The Combat Lifesaver program consists of an intensive four-day model of hands-on instruction, testing and a culminating field problem. Units from every branch of the military benefit from a wide range of instructor experience and strong knowledge base, including contracted Team Bliss assistant instructors who keep the student-to-instructor ratio as close to 6-to-1 as possible. 

Upon completion of Combat Lifesaver training, joint warfighters receive program cards, certificates and the ability to provide medical assistance and immediate care under fire.

 “Additionally, we developed the Combat Medic Mentorship Program, a peer-driven effort to prepare Army Reserve/National Guard combat medics for their theater-specific missions. CMMP was established in 2006 as a forum to enhance the lessons learned by combat-experienced medics and shorten the learning curve for novice ones,” said Switzer. “Since then, we've conducted a total of 53 four-day CMMP courses and trained 236 medics, corpsmen, (physician assistants) and physicians in a broad variety of best practices for medical care.”

In 2007, the Medical Training team established a fully functional Medical Simulation Training Center at McGregor Range for medical providers to practice their craft prior to deployment.

“For a unit this size to have accomplished what we have during this period of crisis in American history speaks volumes of the character, initiative, and resolve of the U.S. Soldier,” said Switzer. “I speak for everyone that has ever been involved with this program when I say it’s truly been an honor.”

Staff Sgt. Marcos Cortez, left, Sgt. 1st Class Darren Mayes, second from left, Sgt. Richard Hernandez, third from left, and Sgt. 1st Class Jae Haney, all with Division West’s 402nd  Field Artillery Brigade, walk together as a team early in the 24th Annual Bataan Death March held March 17 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The marathon-length event honors the thousands of service members who, while defending the Philippine Islands during World War II, were taken prisoner and force-marched by the Japanese. (Courtesy photo)

By Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. — Braving blistering heat and blisters on their feet, a group of 402nd Field Artillery Brigade Soldiers and civilians took on the challenge of the 24th Annual Bataan Death March held here March 17.

The marathon-length event honors the thousands of service members who, while defending the Philippine Islands during World War II, were taken prisoner and force-marched by the Japanese.

All of the 402nd personnel finished the march, some sooner than others. Some had done it before; some had never tried it. Some plan to do it again; others have no intention of putting themselves through it another time.

“I’ve done it before, when I was a private in 2001. It was definitely a challenge this time,” said Staff Sgt. Marcos Cortez, noncommissioned officer-in-charge for the brigade’s Information Technology office.

Last time, Cortez did the march with a full load in five hours; this time, with a light load, he finished in seven hours.

“I trained some this time, but I definitely will train more for next year as I plan on running it,” Cortez said. “Even so, I didn’t do too badly this time. I’m really not sore, but got lots of blisters.”

Sgt. 1st Class Jae Haney, the brigade’s medical NCOIC, said he hadn’t trained for it, and suffered for it. Although he finished in seven and a half hours, he was hindered by big blisters on both heels.

“I did it for the challenge, and because my work colleagues said it would be fun,” Haney said. “It was definitely a challenge. It was crazy, and tough, but still it was a lot of fun.”

Right now, Haney said, he does not plan to do the march again. But, he added, later on, when it’s closer to the event, he probably will do it.

Sgt. Matthew Brewer, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, takes a break to eat some jerky during the 24th Annual Bataan Death March held March 17 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. This was Brewer’s first time doing the march; he finished in seven hours. (Courtesy photo)

Sgt. Matthew Brewer, section chief for the brigade’s Information Technology office, finished his first Death March in seven hours.  Not bad, he said, considering he was just coming off an ankle injury.

“It was an awesome experience. Knowing the history behind the march also made it more significant,” Brewer said. “The nice thing was that, at each checkpoint, the spectators and volunteers provided us with so much motivation and support.”

Brewer’s family provided him support, too. His wife and mother were there for him, and he carried his three-year old daughter across the finish line.

This was also Sgt. Richard Hernandez’s first time doing the Death March. Hernandez, a human resources NCO in the brigade’s Personnel office, stays fit by participating in runs and cross fit.

“I thought it was going to be easier than it was. It was grueling,” said Hernandez, who finished in just over eight hours. “My problem was with the boots, and then my extra socks got wet. If I do it again, it will have to be as a civilian.”

The history behind the Bataan Death March holds special significance for Donald Dryer, the brigade’s safety officer.

“My grandfather fought in the Philippines,” Dryer said. “I stuck his ribbons on my CamelBak. I did it to honor him and the prisoners of war who suffered then.”

This was Dryer’s first time at the Death March.

“I’ve run marathons before, and did the Nijmegen March, but this was definitely a challenge,” Dryer said. “It was humbling for me to see the Bataan Death March survivors and the wounded warriors along the way. I plan on doing it again next year.”

Sgt. 1st Class Heather West, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, poses at the 26-mile marker of the 24th Annual Bataan Death March held March 17 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. West, who finished in nine hours and 22 minutes, said she was inspired by the many wounded warriors, including single and double amputees, who participated in the event. (Courtesy photo)

The many wounded warriors, including single and double amputees, participating in the Death March also inspired Sgt. 1st Class Heather West, unit administrator for the brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters Battery.

“Just past the 13-mile marker, I met an amputee who hurt his foot/prosthetic on a rock and was really struggling. I helped him to the next mile marker where he met with a medic. He was so disappointed that he couldn’t finish, as he said he has done it before with no troubles,” West said.  “I really stopped whining about my aches and pains after that. It was just so inspiring to see the wounded warriors along the trail. It was not an easy march at all.”

West finished in nine hours and 22 minutes and said she was just a little sore afterwards. She admitted to not really training for the event, and also attributed her soreness to having done a Dirty Girl obstacle run the day before. She will train up more next year, she said.

This was Sgt. 1st Class Darren Mayes’ second time doing the march. Mayes, who will retire from the Army this month, finished in seven and a half hours. It was definitely challenging, he said, but he was still proud of his time, especially considering he’s had two surgeries in the last year. He said he was a bit sore afterwards, but not too much.

“It was a rewarding experience. It was a challenge, but worth it,” Mayes said. “Next year I plan on doing it with my 17-year old son.”

Sally Tran, a budget analyst with the brigade and a Troop Program Unit Soldier with headquarters battery, also was a repeat marcher. Four years ago, she finished the event in six hours. This year, she did it in eight. Still not bad, she said, since she just gave birth to her daughter two months ago. She had just a bit of pain in her hips and lower back, but, luckily, didn’t have any blisters.

“It is a good opportunity to motivate myself. You feel so good afterwards knowing what you accomplished,” Tran said. “I wanted to do it again after the first time I did it, but the timing didn’t work out, as I was pregnant. This time it just worked out. And I plan on doing it again next year.”

But, she added, she will train for it.

The 189th Infantry Brigade Soldiers inside this High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle Egress Assistance Trainer are learning what to do in the event of a vehicle rollover during training at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 8. The HEAT is used to train Soldiers to safely egress a Humvee in emergency situations by gaining orientation, identifying the easiest and quickest escape routes, then exiting the vehicle. Individuals operating the trainer have the capability to rotate and stop it in various positions. (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

By Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. — During a major training exercise here, Reserve Component Soldiers of Division West’s 189th Infantry Brigade learned what to do in case of a Humvee rollover during training in a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle Egress Assistance Trainer.

HEAT training teaches Soldiers how to safely egress from a Humvee in emergency situations by gaining orientation, identifying the easiest and quickest escape routes, then exiting the vehicle. The individuals operating the HEAT can rotate and stop it in various positions to simulate a rolled-over vehicle.

Going through HEAT training is not only potentially lifesaving, it was fun, said 1st Lt. Ryan Agustin, a Soldier with the 409th Engineer Company (Vertical) from Ft. Collins, Colo., who is attached to 2nd Infantry Battalion, 357th Regiment.

“It was my first experience going through that training,” Agustin said. “It’s realistic; you never know if you will go down a really steep cliff or hill. Being able to undo yourself in the cab and learning how to get out, whether it’s through the gunner’s chute or through your doors (is important to know) … it’s really good training.”

Chap. (Lt. Col.) James Brown, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, climbs through the gunner’s hatch of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle Egress Assistance Trainer at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 8. The HEAT is used to train Soldiers to safely egress a Humvee in emergency situations by gaining orientation, identifying the easiest and quickest escape routes, then exiting the vehicle.  (Photo by Sgt. Jeran Placke, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

HEAT training involves four battle drills. First, to demonstrate what the tipping point of a Humvee feels like, the trainer is tilted 30 degrees to the left, then 30 degrees to the right. Second, to give the occupants confidence in the safety belts, the trainer is rotated a full 360 degrees. Third, to simulate a water egress, the trainer is tipped 90 degrees on one side, and the occupants must egress through the gunner’s hatch. Once everyone is out, the trainer is brought right side up, and the Soldiers get back in. For the fourth and final battle drill, the trainer is tipped upside down, and the occupants must egress from any safely accessible door.

“I thought it was good training, good exposure,” said Chap. (Lt. Col) James Brown, 189th Infantry Brigade. “It reinforced in me the importance of wearing a seat belt. (The training) was very realistic.”

Sgt. Jeran Placke, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, exits the gunner’s hatch of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle Egress Assistance Trainer at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 8. The HEAT is used to train Soldiers to safely egress a Humvee in emergency situations by gaining orientation, identifying the easiest and quickest escape routes, then exiting the vehicle. (Photo by Capt. Charles Scharf, 191st Infantry Brigade, Division West)

Capt. Julio Camarillo teaches students the science of math during one of his weekly tutoring sessions at Edgar Park Elementary School. Camarillo and other 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment Soldiers regularly volunteer for local Partners in Education events in El Paso, Texas. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ernesto Camacho, 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

By Sgt. 1st Class Ernesto Camacho and Maj. Thomas J. Kitson, 2-362nd Field Artillery Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs

EL PASO, Texas — Despite often overloaded schedules with back-to-back training exercises for mobilizing and de-mobilizing National Guard and Reserve units, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, “Redlegs,” 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, manage to carve out time to volunteer for local Partners in Education events.

The Soldiers regularly volunteer throughout the year at Edgar Park Elementary School for different events, serving as tutors, school crossing guards, and judges for science fairs.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our battalion and the El Paso community to strengthen our partnership and commitment to education,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth E. Jones, the battalion commander. “We work together as one team for the same goal — to provide a safe environment for children to learn and grow.”

One 2-362nd Soldier understands this better than most. A mobilized Army Reservist, Capt. Julio Camarillo, teaches elementary-aged children when not on active duty. Now he spends an hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Edgar Park Elementary School tutoring several children.

“It gives me a great opportunity to teach young minds and give back to my community,” Camarillo said when asked what drove him to teach. The best part is that he is a local El Paso product of the city’s school system, having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from The University of Texas at El Paso.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade who volunteered as judges at the recent 28th annual El Paso Sun County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, evaluated students’ projects such as this one on presentation, both hypothesis and null hypothesis, materials used, procedures, creativity, written report, conclusions, real life experience and research conducted. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ernesto Camacho, 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

That spirit of giving back to the community also inspires other Redlegs Soldiers to volunteer to judge the 28th Annual El Paso Sun County Regional Science and Engineering Fair held at UT El Paso’s Don Haskins Center at the end of January.

“I was interested in helping the local community and seeing firsthand the creativity of young minds and the level of knowledge the young adults displayed,” Sgt. 1st Class Octavius Brandon said.

More than 500 students from public, parochial and private schools created science fair entries with topics ranging from which paw a cat preferred to use, to searching for a cure for cancer. In the middle and high school divisions, projects from 17 categories attempted to catch a judge’s eye for a chance to compete at the state Science Fair scheduled for March 29 through April 1, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas.

Jamie Hernandez, Edgar Park Elementary School principal and 22-year veteran educator, said he appreciated the 2-362nd for supporting their efforts from a school perspective. He emphasized the importance of the local and military communities both feeling welcome and safe at Edgar Park Elementary School.

“I think the partnership between us is a two-fold experience,” he added, “where Edgar Park Elementary is learning from the Fort Bliss Team and 2-362nd Field Artillery (Regiment) is also learning from the El Paso Independent School District.”

Spc. Neal Olinger, a Soldier with the Louisiana National Guard’s  922nd Engineer Company out of Gonzales, La., pulls rear security while his patrol up ahead conducts a cordon of a suspected IED during fundamentals of patrolling training at McGregor Range, N.M. (Photo by Capt. Aaron Bohannan, 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

By Capt. Aaron Bohannan, 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West

McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – Division West’s 5th Armored Brigade recently conducted fundamentals of patrolling training with Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s  922nd Engineer Company out of Gonzales, La. The engineers are training for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Spc. Justin Spencer, a Soldier with the Louisiana National Guard’s 922nd Engineer Company out of Gonzales, La., treats a casualty following a simulated IED explosion at McGregor Range, N.M. during fundamentals of patrolling training.  (Photo by Capt. Aaron Bohannan, 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

Spc. Joseph Stamps (left) and Sgt. Daniel Quave (right) evacuate mock casualty Pvt. Tyler Marks following a simulated IED explosion at McGregor Range, N.M., during patrolling fundamentals training. All are with the Louisiana National Guard’s 922nd Engineer Company out of Gonzales, La. (Photo by Capt. Aaron Bohannan, 1st Battalion, 361st Engineer Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)

Leaders with the Army Reserve’s 321st Engineer Company from Conroe, Texas, conduct a key leader engagement  during recent post-mobilization training with the 3-410th Engineer Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, at McGregor Training Complex, N.M. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Vicente Pantoja, 3-410th Engineer Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

By Staff Sgt. Philip Davis, 3-410th Engineer Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West

McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – Making sure major routes in Afghanistan are clear of roadside bombs is crucial to keeping International Security Assistance Force and coalition forces safe and fully mission-capable.

This mission requires intense training on several different high-tech pieces of equipment designed to detect improvised explosive devices and protect the Soldiers.

The 3-410th Engineer Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, trained Soldiers of the Army Reserve’s 321st Engineer Company from Conroe, Texas, on route clearance vehicles they will be using on their mission in Afghanistan.

Soldiers of the Army Reserve’s 321st Engineer Company from Conroe, Texas, prepare route clearance vehicles prior to beginning lanes training during recent post-mobilization training with the 3-410th Engineer Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, at McGregor Training Complex, N.M.  (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Vicente Pantoja, 3-410th Engineer Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West)

The unit trained on route clearance vehicles such as the Husky mine detection vehicle, the Buffalo mine-resistant ambush-protected clearance vehicle, and the Goldie hand-held mine detector.

While Soldiers must learn to be comfortable and proficient on their equipment, the 3-410th observer/controller trainers would prefer them to not be totally reliant on it.

“We want them to use their most valuable resource – their vision and attention to detail. Attention to detail can mean the difference between life and death,” said Staff Sgt. Richard White, a 3-410th OC/T. “Many of the IEDs will be hidden, so we teach the Soldiers to pay attention to the terrain and what is around them.”

The 3-410th team trained the deploying unit on every possible scenario to help prepare them for real situations during their deployment.

“The unit had some growing pains at first during their training,” White said. “But they committed themselves and did an outstanding job learning and growing throughout the training.”