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504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade

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  • Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade Public Affairs

    Media Advisory

    FORT HOOD– Soldiers assigned to 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment will be out at Iduma elementary, in Killeen, Thursday, Nov. 7 as the school conducts its annual Fall Festival.  The Soldiers will bring along vehicles, displays and tools of the trade as they demonstrate a little about what it means to be a Recon Soldier.

    Media interested in covering the event should contact Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th Brigade Public Affairs NCO, at 254-432-9273 or email [email protected] no later than 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. 

Headlines

  • Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade Public Affairs

    Media Advisory

    FORT HOOD– Soldiers assigned to 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment will be out at Iduma elementary, in Killeen, Thursday, Nov. 7 as the school conducts its annual Fall Festival.  The Soldiers will bring along vehicles, displays and tools of the trade as they demonstrate a little about what it means to be a Recon Soldier.

    Media interested in covering the event should contact Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th Brigade Public Affairs NCO, at 254-432-9273 or email [email protected] no later than 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. 

  • by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs

    FORT HOOD, Texas – Family and friends bid farewell to nearly 125 Soldiers assigned to 163rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, during a ceremony at West Fort Hood Gym Thursday morning, Sept. 19, marking the start of a scheduled nine month deployment to Afghanistan.

       “Our task will be at times dangerous; we will be asked to frequently and constantly adjust to an ever changing operational environment as we prepare to conclude the 12 year old mission in Afghanistan,” remarked Lt. Col. Mark Johnson, commander, 163rd MI Bn. “I will say it again; there is no better trained and ready military intelligence battalion in the Army today to deploy and conduct operations in support of Regional Command East.”

       The 163rd trained just over a year for this particular mission, honing skills from the individual and small team levels, up to company-sized elements, in order to minimize the danger the commander mentions.

       “The Soldiers are excited and eager to get started. They have trained for the last 13 months and the time has come,” Johnson said of his troops.

       Soldiers like Sgt. Kayla Orona-Cortes display that eagerness, albeit peppered with a bit of nerves.

       Having deployed once before to Afghanistan, Sgt. Orona-Cortes, a human intelligence collector, said she is “a little anxious,” and “ready to get going” on completing the mission of assisting the Afghan National Army establish some sort of anonymity, as well as witnessing what has been done since her last deployment.

       “I think it’s pretty exciting to see the progress and see how it’s gone. I think it will be really good for them to finally take over for themselves.”

       Previous deployment experience of loved ones helps some Families gain perspective and understanding. The Therlfall Family, more aware of what their son faces this time around, travelled from Dallas to see Sgt. James Therlfall off on his second deployment.

       “Last time I didn’t know what to expect and he was in a worse place then,” said Leigh Ann Threlefall, Mother of Sgt. Threlfall, the battalion operations NCO. “It’s actually easier this time.”

       Comparing this deployment to his last, Sgt. Threlfall said “I don’t see it being any different; I am just doing a different job this time.”

       His wife Jennifer, however, isn’t convinced this deployment is business as usual. The two weren’t married during Threlfall’s first deployment to Iraq, so this is a unique process.

       “I have never gone through this before,” Jennifer said, adding that she feels “mixed emotions” and even “scared”.

       The battalion commander recognized the importance of Families and the support they provide.

       “To the Families…Thank you for your support and everything you have done and all the support you have provided us,” said Johnson. “I am sure you will continue to provide us support while we are down range. Time will go by quickly. You will see us soon.”

       163rd MI Bn. Will deploy to support RC-East, while their sister battalion, 303rd MI Bn, also of the 504th BFSB, will support RC-South. Combined, the two battalions will deploy nearly 300 Soldiers.

    Naptime

    Soldiers and Families gathered at the West Fort Hood Gym in the early hours of Thursday morning, Sept. 19, as they said goodbye to nearly 125 'Blue Watch' troops on their way to Afghanistan.  A nap is time well spent for this Soldier and his daughter.  (Photo by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs)

    snacktime

    Soldiers and Families gathered at the West Fort Hood Gym in the early hours of Thursday morning, Sept. 19, as they said goodbye to nearly 125 'Blue Watch' troops on their way to Afghanistan.  Spc. Mecedo spends a farewell ceremony before deploying to Afghanistan sharing a small snack with his son.(Photo by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs)

    Long embrace

    A couple shares an embrace following a final call to 163rd MI Bn. Soldiers deploying to Afghanistan. (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs)  

    Command hand shake

    504th BFSB Commander, Col. Charles T. Hensley, and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Whitney, along with 163rd MI Bn Commander Lt. Col. Jan Rueschoff, and Command Sgt. Maj. Marc Roderick, shake the hands of Soldiers on the airfield as the they board the plane en route to Afghanistan. (Photo by Staff Sgt Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs)

     

  • by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs  

    NOLANVILLE, Texas– Community may be an idea lost in the urban sprawl, commercial and industrial expansion that swallow smaller cities and towns across the country but one central Texas town, along with the help of a few Fort Hood Soldiers, works to buck the trend.

                Soldiers assigned to 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade teamed up with the city of Nolanville as they took part in the 2nd Annual Trainwhistle jamboree Saturday, Sept. 14.

                “We appreciate all the people; military, businesses and citizens that are out here today.  It seems like the military comes out more compared to the past,” said Dennis Biggs, a council member and vendor at the festival.  “It’s important the Army come out so people get a chance to understand what the Army does.”

                Wide-eyed younger residents explored an M1200 Knight and an M1984 wrecker on display, marveling at the sheer size of the tires, excitedly looking through a surveillance sight and laughing at the volume of the wrecker horn.  Older residents came to see some of the newer equipment the Army is using.

    “It’s important to show support of local communities,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Whitney, the 504th BFSB command sergeant major.  “Our involvement allows residents to gain an understanding of what we do and the equipment we use.  It means a lot to the community.”

                The Jamboree, originally scheduled as part of National Night out, is an annual festival meant to bring businesses and residents together for one night to celebrate the community with live entertainment, carnival rides and vendors, provided mainly by volunteers.

                “We couldn’t do it without them, and we couldn’t do this without the residents of Nolanville,” Richard Kincaid, a Killeen business owner, said of the vendors, volunteers and residents.  

                According to the city manager, all residents of Nolanville are encouraged to participate in the development of the city and the community by attending city council meetings, volunteering whenever possible or just by providing feedback.

                    “We have an open door policy.  If there is any way to improve, we want to know,” said Stephen Pearl, Nolanville city manager.

     Entering the Jamboree

    Residents make their way through the main grounds of the Nolanville Trainwhistle Jamboree Sept. 14.  The Jamboree, originally scheduled as part of National Night out, is an annual festival meant to bring businesses and residents together for one night to celebrate the community with live entertainment, carnival rides and vendors, provided mainly by volunteers.  (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs.)

    Helping a boy

    1st Lt. Noah Snyder, a fire support officer with A troop, 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, helps a boy up to the cupola of an M1200 Knight vehicle so he can take a look through the sight.  Snyder and other Soldiers from 2-38 Cav were on hand to provide support during the 2nd Annual Trainwhistle Jamboree in Nolanville, held Saturday, Sept. 14.  (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs.)

    Boy looks through sight

    A boy takes a look through the site of the M1200 Knight vehicle during the Trainwhistle Jamboree Saturday, Sept. 14, in Nolanville.  The surveillance and reconnaissance vehicle was provided by A Co., 2-38 Cav, 504th BFSB.  (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs.)

    Pulling the horn

    Hayden, 10, pulls the chord on the M1984 wrecker, and smiles at the resounding horn. Hayden and his mom, Misty, recently moved to central Texas from California, choosing Nolanville for the "small town feel". (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs.)

    Static Display

    Soldiers assigned to 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment and 509th BSC, provided vehicles for a static display during the 2nd Annual Trainwhistle Jamboree in Nolanville Saturday, Sept. 14.  Nolanville is the partner city of 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade.  (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affair)

     

     

  • by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs  

    FORT HOOD – The 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, cased its colors during a ceremony at Ready Field Friday, Sept. 6, signifying the beginning of an Afghanistan deployment.

                “We’re ready.  We’ve been looking forward to this for a good number of weeks and months,” said Lt. Col. Jan L. Rueschhoff, commander, 303rd MI Bn. 

                According to the commander, the unit will deploy to support Regional Command-East and the 101st Airborne Division.  In addition to providing support for other American Forces, a primary focus will be assisting Afghan National Security Forces in their efforts towards an independent government.

                As the most decorated military intelligence battalion in the Army, 303rd MI Bn Soldiers have reason to be confident.  For Sgt. Deanna Rivera, a human intelligence collector in the battalion, having deployed with the unit last year builds on that confidence.

                “I know what to expect when I go over there,” said Rivera.  “It helps tremendously being able to go over there again.”

                The 303rd MI Bn anticipates a return some time next spring, but that does not keep Rivera, a single mother of three, from thinking about her return now. 

                “I’ve got family in California, so I’m going to take my kids and spend probably two weeks having fun.”

     Casing the Colors

    Lt. Col. Jan L. Rueschhoff, commander, 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Warren K. Robinson, work to case the battalion colors during a ceremony Friday, Sept. 6.  The MI unit is scheduled for an Afghanistan deployment in support of Regional Command-East.  The deployment will be the second in less than three years.  (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs)

     

     

  • Article and Photos by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs  

    FORT HOOD, Texas – Wednesday marked the symbolic beginning of an Afghanistan deployment for nearly 200 Soldiers assigned to 163rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, as the unit colors were cased during a deployment ceremony on West Fort Hood.

                “When we redeployed 13 months ago, today seemed so far away,” said 163rd Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Mark Johnson.  “We had no idea what our mission would be. We knew we had a year to rebuild our capabilities and prepare to deploy again.”

                Today the mission is clear: Provide tactical and technical intelligence collection capabilities for Coalition and Afghan forces in support of Regional Command-South.

                “We are ready,” said Lt. Col. Johnson. “There is no better trained and ready military intelligence battalion in the Army.”

                Training for the nine month deployment posed logistical and planning challenges according to Lt. Col. Johnson.  The battalion sent companies to all parts of the globe during the months of January to June to train alongside units expected to deploy and support the battalion in Afghanistan.

                First Lieutenant John Curtis, an executive officer with Alpha Company, 163rd MI Bn, took part in a joint training exercise in Germany aimed to strengthen relationships between Afghan forces and Soldiers, an asset described as an advantage.

                “We have already trained with them, so when we get to Afghanistan we have working relationships with their leadership, which is great for us,” Curtis said.

                 leaving for foreign countries may seem strange and overwhelming.  Some Soldiers accept it as a part of life while others look forward to the opportunity.  One such Soldier is Spc. Shannon Klaczynski who enjoys the prospect of going to Afghanistan for her first deployment. 

               “Deploying is one of the reasons I joined the Army.  It is something to be excited about, more so to have the opportunity to do the job that I have been trained for so long,” said Klaczynski, an intelligence collector assigned to the battalion. “I feel absolutely prepared for it.”

     Lieutenant Colonel Mark Johnson, commander, 163rd Military Intelligence Battalion, and Command Sgt. Maj. Marc Roderick, the senior enlisted member of the battalion, work to case the colors during a deployment ceremony at West Fort Hood August 28.  The colors will be unfurled when the unit arrives to Afghanistan for a nine month deployment.  (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs NCOIC)

     Lieutenant Colonel Mark Johnson, commander, 163rd Military Intelligence Battalion, and Command Sgt. Maj. Marc Roderick, the senior enlisted member of the battalion, work to case the colors during a deployment ceremony at West Fort Hood August 28.  The colors will be unfurled when the unit arrives to Afghanistan for a nine month deployment.  (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB Public Affairs NCOIC)

  • MEDIA ADVISORY

    FORT HOOD-The colors of the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, will be cased during a deployment ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, September 6 at Ready Field on West Fort Hood.  The unit will deploy to Afghanistan’s Regional Command-East which is the same area the intelligence battalion supported during their most recent deployment.           

    All interested media members please RSVP with Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders at [email protected] or 254-432-9273 no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4.

  • MEDIA ADVISORY

    FORT HOOD-The 163rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Battlefield Sustainment Brigade, will be casing the unit colors during a deployment ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28 at Blue Watch Field on West Fort Hood.

                       The casing of the colors is an Army tradition that symbolizes the movement of a unit to a new theater of operation, and in the case of 163rd MI Bn, this means Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

                        All interested media members please RSVP with Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders at [email protected] or 254-432-9273 no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, August 26.

  • Article and Photos by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB PAO

                 Blowing imaginary dust from his palm immediately before showing two open hands to the Paratroopers diligently watching, the jumpmaster calls out in voice barley heard over the whirring turbines of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

                “10 minutes,” he yelled. 

                What followed was a series of hand gestures and signals that culminated in a static line jump for 74 Paratroopers assigned to C Company, 2nd Squadron, 38th U.S. Cavalry Regiment throughout the day June 19 on Fort Hood as Family members looked on from Rapido Drop Zone.

                “It’s good the Families see this,” said 2nd squadron, 38th U.S. Cavalry Regiment commander Lt. Col. John P. Cogbill.  “They may hear a lot about what happens at work, but this gives them the opportunity to see what happens—seeing is believing.”

                Kayla Good, Spouse of Spc. Robert Good of C Co., 2-38 Cavalry, was seeing her husband jump for the first time.  She is supportive of his decision to become Airborne, but admits the act of Robert jumping out of planes makes her nervous.

                “He likes the excitement of being Airborne, but it makes me nervous.  The danger of breaking a limb worries me,” said Mrs. Good.

                Charlie Company is the only Army Airborne unit on Fort Hood and the training requirements remain the same as other Airborne units.  To maintain proficiency, the Soldiers are required to jump at least once a quarter.  At Fort Hood, wind and unpredictable weather can prove challenging.

                “Minimum requirements have Soldiers jumping once a quarter,” said Lt. Col. Cogbill. “Here in Central Texas, wind can become an issue; there is a higher possibility that the jumps will be cancelled, so we have to take every training opportunity possible, which is why we try to get one to two jumps in per month.”

                Proficiency jumps usually follow a training method that builds from simple concepts to more complex as the training progresses. This particular jump, typically called “Hollywood”, does not require the same equipment load as a combat jump.

                “We do these types of jumps during the day and with little equipment because it allows new guys to get comfortable jumping with the unit, while fulfilling the training requirement,” said Lt. Col. Cogbill.

                Sergeant Emilian Firan, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear NCO with C. Company, 2-38 Cavalry was appreciative of the Family participation.

                “Today was a beautiful day to jump,” Firan said. “It’s a good idea to have the Families out here so they can see what we do; it is motivating.”

     

    Loading up

    Paratroopers make their way to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Rapido Drop Zone prior to a “Hollywood” proficiency jump.  The Paratroopers, assigned to C Co, 2-38 Cavalry, 504th BFSB, take part in a static line jump June 19 at Fort Hood. The jump was part of an annual requirement for all Paratroopers to maintain a minimum proficiency of at least one jump per quarter. Families were on hand to get a first hand glimpse of an Airborne operation. (Photos by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB PAO)

    Filming the load-up

    Kayla Good tries to grab video as her husband, Spc. Robert Good, approaches a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to complete a static line jump at Rapido Drop Zone. This was the first opportunity Families had to see first-hand what their Paratroopers do when they jump.  Specialist Good, as well as other Paratroopers assigned to C Co. 2nd Squadron, 38th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 504th BFSB, conducted a static line Airborne operation June 19.  (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB PAO)

    stepping off

    A Paratrooper follows others out of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter as it flies over Rapido Drop Zone.  Paratroopers assigned to C Co, 2-38 Cavalry, 504th BFSB, take part in a static line jump June 19 at Fort Hood. The jump was part of an annual requirement for all Paratroopers to maintain a minimum proficiency of at least one jump per quarter. Families were on hand to get a first hand glimpse of an Airborne operation. (Photos by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB PAO)

    Packing up

    Sergeant Emilian Firan, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear NCO with C. Company, 2-38 Cavalry 504th BFSB, works to repack his chute following his successful completion of a static line jump June 19 at Fort Hood.  (Photos by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB PAO)

    Demonstration

    Warrant Officer 1 Brandon Barger, an insertion and extraction officer with 2nd Squadron, 38th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, provides a demonstration between jumps to Soldiers and Families June 19 at Fort Hood.  The demonstration was used to illustrate the force required to open a Paratrooper’s chute during static line Airborne operations.  (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 504th BFSB PAO)

     

     

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