MountainWarrior

The Mountain Warrior January 2010 | Vol. 1 | Issue 4

Vol. 1 | Issue 4
 Brigade Commander
and Command Sergeant
Major’s letter
To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines
and Civilians of Task Force Mountain
Warrior:
As we approach the start of our sixth month in
Afghanistan, I continue to be amazed by your brilliant and
courageous performances on the battlefield. We knew our
fight would be tough. We also knew the enemy would quickly respect and fear the
discipline, prowess and lethality we possess as Mountain Warriors. In the last 30
days you’ve combined to kill 6 high value insurgent leaders and over 300 of their
misguided followers. The discipline and restraint you use to kill the enemy while
doing “no harm” to the local population is remarkable. In many areas, this dynamic
has brought local Afghans to come forward to seek and build a relationship with you
and the Afghan government for the first time in many years. Your offensive spirit has
proven to be the best way to allow the local Afghan leaders to move forward and
build a stronger Afghanistan.
Our COP closures in Nuristan and Korengal are a great example of this
offensive spirit and have already produced positive effects across our entire AO.
The gains of these COP closures in terms of increased blade hours for our aircraft
and the maneuverability of several more platoons are already allowing us to chase
down and destroy insurgents that infect many of the capillary valleys within our
AO. We are also now better postured to conduct combined action with our Afghan
National Security Force partners as a result of realignment. Combined action is a
difficult mission, but a strong and capable ANSF is critical to our success. We all
need to come at this mission with the same aggressiveness we show against the
enemy. I know the ANSF in this region are lucky to have such an incredible group of
professionals by their side.
Our success as professional Warriors is firmly based upon being experts at the
basics. I ask that each and every one of you continue to focus on the fundamentals
that make you great. Mountain Warrior is known as a disciplined formation – our
ranks are filled with leaders and Soldiers who always do the right thing regardless of
how difficult that may be. Continue to be vigilant and maintain that standard. Look
after your battle buddy to ensure he/she does the same. Maintain your high morals
and stay positive – knowing that you will succeed will carry the day.
In spite of our successes, we suffered a great tragedy last month. 10 great
Americans from our ranks made the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget their
friendship, their Love of Country or their bravery. Remember them and continue to
keep their family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
2 3
Mountain Warrior | January 2010
Please also make an extra effort to stay in contact with your family and loved
ones. The holidays are approaching quickly, which can be a difficult time to be
apart. By supporting each other and keeping in contact you can alleviate much of
this stress and work to build a closer relationship while apart.
You’re doing a great job out there, and I’m proud to serve with you on the
Mountain Warrior Team. You are making a difference in one of the greatest
international efforts of all time. Thank you for who you are and what you do. God
bless you, your friends and family and the United States of America.
Led By Love of Country!
Colonel Randy A. George
To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Civilians of
Task Force Mountain Warrior:
We continue doing great work here, and the people of Afghanistan are benefit-
ting from your efforts. By helping stabilize this country, we will ensure that Afghani-
stan will continue to develop in a positive way. We’ve crested the hill of our deploy-
ment and need to stay sharp and follow through with everything we do. Don’t be
afraid to vary up your routine in order to keep sharp. Now is a great time to put more
time into things like improving your physical fitness and other self improvements.
As a Servicemember or Civilian assigned to Task Force Mountain Warrior, you
all play an essential role in assisting the team. We have all found this experience
extremely challenging and rewarding at the same time. We strive daily up here to
provide you with the resources to get the job done; but along the way I expect you to
challenge yourself, to learn as much as possible as you adjust to the changes and
challenges of this deployment. Take responsibility for your own professional devel-
opment, and as leaders or future leaders, encourage your peers and subordinates to
do the same. At the same time, remember the basics.
I expect all leaders to know, practice, and enforce discipline and standards, not
only in their workplace, but everywhere and at all times. I expect Servicemembers to
know, understand and comply with established standards regardless of the situation.
In our area, situational awareness is a key to organizational success and safety;
always pay attention to what is going on around you and conduct yourself as profes-
sionals.
America and Americans understand the sacrifices that we endure and appre-
ciate the efforts we are undertaking. I have received numerous calls, letters and
e-mails wanting me to pass on their thanks during this season. So, from America:
“Thank you for your service to our nation and to our Army.” You should be very
proud of what you do day in and day out.
God Bless,
CSM Charles V. Sasser Jr.
Vol. 1 | Issue 4
 ANA, ISAF defeat insurgents in Nuristan
Contents Chaplains Corner:
By Maj. Paul Madej By U.S. Army Capt. Luis Arriola, received from other sources. The can be largely attributed to good
2nd Battalion, 77th Field Afghan National Defense Service, training.
4 Nuristan PRT fights H1N1 rumors Happy New
Year Mountain
Artillery Regiment the Afghan National Police, and
the district and local leaders were
“Rehearsals, not being compl-
acent and a lot of drills kept us on
5 2-77, ANA knock back attack Warriors: Afghan National Army Soldiers
along with International Security only a few
intelligence
who contributed
gathering effort.
to the the edge,”
Joshua
said U.S. Army Spc.
Coryell from Cheyenne,
6 984th MP Co We’ve said
goodbye to TF
Assistance Forces in Nuristan
province successfully defended The night prior to the attack, Wyo., the unit’s Fire Direction
7 TF Lethal Palehorse and
TF Chosin and
their bases from an insurgent
attack, Nov. 14.
surveillance
tracers and
reports
movement
showed
on
flares,
the
Center
The
primary
mortar
computer
team was
operator.
one of
8 The road to peace in Ganjgal hello to our new
teammates TF
Coalition Forces and members of ridgelines
an abandoned
northeast
OP.
of the
Soldiers
FOB
at
at
OP
the first
attack.
groups
They
to
delivered
respond
43 rounds
to the
of
the ANA’s 4th Kandak at Forward
11 3-61 cav works to strengthen ANA Lighthorse and Operating Base Kalagush, in Loyalty requested fire support to high explosives onto their targets,
TF Rock. As I eastern Afghanistan, protected the deny the enemy the freedom of resulting in six enemy killed in
12 1-221 Cavalry Regiment travel throughout
the battlespace
FOB and Observation Post Loyalty movement.
from an hour-long ground assault The synchronization of the
action.
“We do a lot of dry fire missions
13 1-12 Photos talking to each one of you, all I could think of is the
camaraderie we all share. I know that war takes us away
that saw 16 insurgents killed,
including two known Taliban
forward
center
observer,
and the gun
the fire
line
direction
produced
and rehearsals for direct and
indirect fires,” said U.S. Army
illumination and high explosive Sgt. 1st Class Charles Moss, the
14 Rough Riders from our families and friends back home, but it also has a
unique way of bonding us together in ways we never think
commanders.
There were two main rounds that bombarded the hilltops, artillery and mortar teams’ platoon
possible. Many of you have mentioned to me that you see factors that contributed to the disrupting the enemy advances. sergeant.
15 Kunar PRT helps link citizens the light at the end of the tunnel. ME TOO! As we look
ahead toward the end of the deployment it’s important
successful outcome: credible,
the
As the sun rose over the hilltops
next morning, a group of
“My guys know where to go and
what to do, its muscle memory,”
timely intelligence and coalition
16 FOB Fenty water Dawgs
4th STB in picutres
to prepare for the change of going home. Your leaders
are conducting an initial assessment on each of you. It’s
preparedness.
“With the flood of reporting
insurgents attacked OP
“I have full confidence in my
Loyalty. he said.
The triumphant outcome of the
important that we continue to conduct these assessments, indicating an imminent attack, [noncommissioned officers] battle increased the morale of the
Contibutions of a C Med Medic and our own personal assessments, to stay in tune with there was no way we could’ve up there,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen
17 Fallen Heroes
Honoring those we’ve lost
our physical, spiritual, and emotional resiliency. Colonel
George and our leaders at Division continue to ensure that
overlooked the validity of the 1st Class
sergeant
Kyle
from
Riley,
Clinton
a platoon
Township,
and ANA
“I’m
at FOB Kalagush.
ready for round two!”
information received,” said U.S.
we have access to the best resources available to assist Army Spc. Jonathan Martinez Mich. “They all stepped up.” exclaimed U.S. Army Sgt.
18 Awards and Reenlistments us during this transition time. Don’t be afraid to ask for
the assistance. And don’t be afraid to suggest help to a
from Chicago, Ill., 2nd Battalion,
77th Field Artillery Regiment
The
Coalition
success
Forces
of the
in
ANA
the
and
battle
Geovanni
direction
Carrasquillo,
chief from Puerto
the fire
Rico.
On the cover: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gilbert Lenz II, from Reno, Nev., buddy in need. STAY FOCUSED! TAKE CARE OF ONE
with the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team security force, ANOTHER! CONTINUE TO SUCCEED! intelligence
scans the area while observing the site where an improvised ex- a n a l y s t .
plosive device was detonated, 5 days prior, in Lowkar village in Moutain Warrior Staff: “We were able
eastern Afghanistan’s Nuristan province, Dec. 10. (Photo By U.S.
Maj. T.G. Taylor - Public Affairs Officer to disseminate
1st Lt. Gary Rivera - Deputy PAO
Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins) Sgt. Michael Masterson - NCOIC
the information
Spc. Eugene H. Cushing - Editor in a timely
Pfc. Beth Raney - Print Journalist manner, providing
Coalition Forces
an adequate
Nuristan PRT battles H1N1 misinformation amount of time
to prepare. With
By Air Force 2nd Lt. Natassia U.S.-funded Afghan radio station Dreiling, every radio message locals willing to
Cherne, Nuristan Provincial that broadcasts from Forward that Nuristan PRT puts out with provide Coalition
Reconstruction Team Public Operating Base Kalagush. useful information about the virus, Forces accurate
Affairs According to Gross, the is another opportunity to take information, I
Nuristan Provincial Recon- messages informed people how to power away from the enemy’s believe we’re
struction Team servicemembers react to the common cold or H1N1, information campaign. gaining the trust
took to the airways, Nov. 19, to signs and symptoms, and what to Dreiling felt that the radio of the general
combat misinformation put out do if they suspect they have H1N1. messages were successful. populace in
by anti-Afghan forces about the AAF in Nuristan province have “The radio messages makes the our area of
growing H1N1 flu virus epidemic been spreading misinformation on people feel like they have control operations.”
in eastern Afghanistan’s Nuristan how the H1N1 is contracted and of their own situation, and it’s Earlier in the
province. where it comes from. empowering for them to know week, numerous
U.S. Navy Lt. Jennifer Dreiling, “Part of the aim of the messages what’s going on around them,” she reports said an
from McLean, Va., the senior themselves is to dispel those said. attack against
medical officer, and U.S. Navy Lt rumors like you can contract the The Nuristan PRT releases the FOB was
.j. g. Stacy Gross, from Lakeville, disease by eating pork or that public health radio messages at imminent. Each U.S. Army Capt. Luis Arriola

MN, the information operations H1N1 was brought to Afghanistan least once a week, and the radio report confirmed Afghan National Army Soldiers provide fire support to Soldiers at Observation Post Loyalty, Nov. 14. Co-
officer for the PRT broadcasted and spread by Coalition Forces,” stations replays them throughout the legitimacy of alition Forces and Afghan National Army at OP Loyalty and Forward Operating Base Kalagush suppressed
the public health messages about Dreiling said. the week. the information small-arms fire from 15 to 20 anti-Afghan forces, with Coalition Forces reporting no causalities.
the virus on Radio Kalagush, a According to Gross and
4 5
Mountain Warrior | January 2010 Vol. 1 | Issue 4
 984th MP Company TF Lethal meets with Mullahs in Manogai
Courtesy Story
Mullahs, Afghan National Army Soldiers, government
Stories about the Military Police in action officials, and Task Force Lethal Soldiers from the Manogai
District of eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province, came
MP Soldiers earn Navy Achievment Medal together for a shura in the Manogai District Center, Nov. 18.
The shura, which was organized by the ANA Mullah
Courtesy story and Manogai District government officials, was a chance
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric D. Eisenhofer, from Huntsville, Mich., the operations sergeant for headquarters for the Mullahs to voice their concerns about what is
platoon, 984th Military Police Company, and U.S. Army Sgt. Stephanie K. Fredricksen, from Goldendale, happening in the Pech River Valley.
Wash., a radio telephone operator for the platoon, both received Navy Achievement Medals for expertly The Task Force Lethal Chaplain and the S-3 were
performing their duties, Sept. 5, in support of the Afghan National Army Observation Post Tango. They unexpectedly invited to attend the shura and were asked
recieved the Navy award because they work side-by-side with U.S. Navy Police every day. Eisenhofer and to speak at the gathering.
Fredricksen competently tracked and effectively adjusted fire on anti-Afghan forces attempting to overrun Mullahs talked about their desires to establish a
the OP. Their expert employment of numerous battlefield operating systems and intelligence, surveillance, madrassa in the valley to teach students locally instead of
and reconnaissance allowed them to quickly establish Positive Identification of the enemy, rapidly relay the Afghans travelling to Pakistan just to be taught incorrect
situation on the ground to the landowner, obtain clearance for fires; enabling them to effectively adjust fire, teachings about the Koran. Mullahs enjoy a meal after a shura held in the Manogai
District of eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province, Nov. 18. The
bracket, and neutralize the enemy attack and discourage future attacks. TF Lethal was able to pay respects to the Mullahs meeting was an opportunity for local elders to speak about
Their actions contributed not only to the long term security and safety of the OP but, had a noticeable impact and show that they will respect and work with them and their concerns for the area.
on the moral of the Afghan Soldiers manning the OP in a crucial area of the Kunar province. establish a better understanding between the Mullahs and
TF Lethal.
Fire fight: MPs return fire, continue mission
Courtesy story Afghan forces to stop the issue of weapons and the
vital training for the newly formed ANP. This show
Bar Kanday villagers drive out AAF after RPG attack
Aug. 14, U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Brendon J. Wade, Courtesy story
from Las Vegas, Nev., a gunner with 1st Squad, 1st of bravery did not go unnoticed by the ANP and was
platoon, 984th Military Police Company, returned the main instrument for the ANP at Barge Matal to Soldiers from 3rd platoon, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry
fire on enemy positions that had engaged part of his become a functional defending force that became Regiment, Task Force Lethal, and Afghan National Security Forces met with
squad. The six-Soldier element on the ground was capable of helping the people of Afghanistan. elders in the Bar Kanday village in eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province, Dec 8.
escorting transport that was filled with AK-47s that This was a testament of what these Soldiers did During the meeting, the Soldiers spoke with the elders about providing
was going to be issued to the Afghan National Police. everyday for 46 days. The actions taken by these assistance in repairing damaged buildings in the village after an anti-Afghan
Even after being pinned down by small arms fire at Soldiers will go down in history not just for the Army forces attack.
the training area, the Soldiers did not allow the anti- but for the Military Police Corps. The day before, the villagers began a protest against the AAF after enemy
fighters had set up a DSHK-A machine gun firing position near their village,
U.S. Army Pvt. 1st which was to be used to shoot at International Security Assistance Forces and
Class Danielle Miller, ANSF at an outlying base in Kunar province.
from Missoula, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Mark A. Zambarda, a The AAF responded by firing a rocket-propelled grenade into the
Mont., a platoon platoon leader assigned to Company A, 2nd village, which damaged the mosque and angered the villagers.
medic with the
984th Military
Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, speaks After the attack, the villagers formed together and drove the AAF
with a local elder about repairing damage from the village.
Police Company, caused by a Rocket Propelled Grenade
instructs the Afghan attack in Bar Kanday village in eastern
The Soldiers and ANSF spoke about the attack with the elders and
National Police Afghanistan’s Kunar province, Dec. 8. provided supplies for the villagers to repair the damage.
of the Alingar
District on basic
first aid prior to

Nangalam Extravaganza builds Afghan pride

the Afghanistan
Presidential
elections.
By U.S. Army Pfc. Beth Raney, of carnage,” U.S. Army 1st Lt. Gregory S. Sullivan,
TF Mountain Warrior PAO an information operations officer with 2nd Battalion,
Citizens and elders from the Pech River Valley and 12th Infantry Regiment, said.
Afghan National Army Soldiers from the 2nd and 3rd To spark additional interest, the gathering hosted a
Kandaks conducted a community gathering at the cricket tournament between the top two teams from
U.S. Army Spc. the valley and a volleyball tournament between the
Kevin M. Wood, Belda Gathering Grounds in the Nangalam District of
from Grand Kunar province, Nov. 5, 7, and 11. four best teams in the valley.
Rapids, Mich., More than 300 Pech River Valley citizens attended More than 800 Pech Valley River citizens attended
U.S. Army Sgt. Chris Y. Lee, from Seoul, takes a break on the first two days of the gathering, which was intended on the third day, where there was a foot race and a
South Korea, a team leader in 2nd top of a mountain
to build a sense of pride in the community and make bike race held.
platoon,demonstrates to the Afghan National in eastern “[The] Nangalam Extravaganza is the epitome of the
Police how to safely search a suspect. U.S. Army Afghanistan’s villagers aware of counter-improvised explosive
Kunar province. device measures and the Voice of the Pech radio station. Afghan sense of spirit and pride in their communities,
Pvt. 1st Class Michael A. Hayes, from Flint, which underscores devotion to their fellow man,”
Minn., a driver in 2nd platoon, plays the suspect. Wood is a driver “This was truly a success; it shows that local
for 2nd platoon, Afghans (from Nangalam) are willing, capable, and Sullivan said.
984th Military
Police Company. ready for peace, prosperity and progress after years
6 7
Mountain Warrior | January 2010 Vol. 1 | Issue 4
 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry Regiment 1-12 Red Warriors:
Mashala Kamar School in Laghman province shows progress
By U.S. Army Pfc. Beth Raney Members of Task Force Wildhorse, along with a local contractor, Photos from the frontlines
TF MTN Warrior PAO donated school supplies to the children of the Mashala Kamar School,
in the Qhargayee District of eastern Afghanistan’s Laghman
province, and received an update on the construction of the
school, Dec. 23.
The construction on this co-ed school is expected to be
finished on schedule early next year.
The school’s construction was nominated by locals through
the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and
will be maintained by Sayeed Husnee, the Laghman Director
of Education.
The school supports the Afghan government’s intent to
provide education to the children of Laghman, including girls,
who were not allowed an education by the Taliban. Nearly
Sayeed Husnee, Laghman province’s Director of 300 children received supplies which will help bolster the
Education, stands with the children who will attend government’s legitimacy.
the co-ed Mashala Kamar School in the Qhargayee This will be a safe, secure and private environment for
District of eastern Afghanistan’s Laghman province. children to receive an education.

CERP as a budget shura held in Alishang District

By U.S. Army Pfc. Beth Raney
TF MTN Warrior PAO
Members of Task Force Wildhorse and the United States Agency
for International Development met with Mohammad Qasim, the sub-
governor of the Alishang District of eastern Afghanistan’s Laghman
province, and the district development council at Combat Outpost Najil,
to discuss the Commanders Emergency Response Program becoming
part of the district’s budget, Dec. 23.
U.S. Army Maj. Mike Glynn, the head of TF Wildhorse’s Civil
Military Operations, and Jodi Rosenstein, a representative of USAID
for Laghman province, were on hand to speak to the Maliks.
Projects will be committed to villages that are supportive of the
Afghan government and are willing to sign a “green” contract. The Villagers from the Alishang District of eastern
majority of villagers are supportive of the government but they need to Afghanistan’s Laghman province gather
remove the anti-Afghan forces from their villages. at Combat Outpost Najil, to discuss the
The villagers must take ownership and provide the security necessary Commanders Emergency Response Program
becoming part of the district’s budget, Dec.
to bring development. Maliks must decide what projects are important 23.
to their village and nominate them through the district sub-governor.
Zabit Ashuraf, the most influential Malik at the gathering, commented, “The reason we do not have security
in these villages is not the coalition’s fault, it is our fault. We need to work through the GIRoA to bring
development to our villages; we need to secure them so development can come.”

Laghman Cricket team receives equipment

By U.S. Army Pfc. Beth Raney
TF MTN Warrior PAO
Members of Task Force Wildhorse donated cricket equipment to the
Laghman Cricket Team, Dec. 24.
Also, in order to improve their training facility, a bulk Commanders
Emergency Relief Program Project was created.
There are about 30 cricket teams in Laghman, and because of a lack of
facilities, they have to travel to Peshawar to compete. A new field will allow
the players to train and compete locally in Laghman, with hopes to qualify for U.S. Army Capt. Doug Moore, a
international tournaments next year. member of Task Force Wildhorse,
stands with two Laghman province
Cricket is a very popular sport in Laghman and the team members hope a cricket players as they hold cricket
new field will get the youth involved and offer them an alternative to war and equipment.
drug abuse.
The field is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.
12 13
Mountain Warrior | January 2010 Vol. 1 | Issue 4
 U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion,
32nd Infantry Regiment, Task Force Chosin, conduct a

Road to peace
reconnaissance patrol in the Marawara District Dec. 2.

in Ganjgal
By Spc. Eugene Cushing | TF Mountain Warrior
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 1st
Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment,
Task Force Chosin, and members
of the Afghan National Security
Forces rolled their armored vehicles
to a stop outside the Ganjgal village,
Dec. 3.
Enemy fighters began moving
through the village as U.S. Army
Capt. Justin L. Saxe, a native of
Cody, Wyo., left his vehicle and
began to approach the village.
“It was a pretty tense moment,”
he said.
Saxe recalled hearing enemy radio
traffic delivering instructions to the
fighters to kill all the Americans as
soon as they entered the village.
“When we first showed up, I
thought for sure we were going to get
into a fight,” Saxe, the commander
of Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, Task Force Chosin, said.
Saxe’s mission in the valley was
meant to be one of peace.
Three months before, three
U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy
corpsman, who were part of an
embedded training team, were killed
in the same valley while working
with their Afghan partners.
The Soldiers of Task Force Chosin meant to overcome appropriate tone for the visit.” of 3rd platoon, Company A, Task Ganjgal.
crossed the 200 meters from their the stereotypes by which coalition The approach worked. The fighters Force Chosin, led one of the O’Donnell said that this battle
vehicles to the village and called out are frequently labelled,” he said. fell back and the elders came down platoons involved in the operation. is one for the populace, and the
to the elders with a loudspeaker. To accomplish this, and show that to speak with the Coalition Forces. Miraldi said the purpose of the Ganjgal operation permitted ISAF
“We went up there to talk to the International Security Assistance During the discussion, the mission was to establish a presence and ANSF forces to establish a
people,” Saxe said. “To show them Forces and ANSF were not anti- ANSF and ISAF forces spoke for the Afghan government in the foothold in the area.
that there is a reason for cooperating Muslim, the Soldiers came bearing with the elders about security and valley, and described the results “Success will be defined in
with us.” gifts of prayer rugs and Korans. development, explaining that the as a real victory for the Afghan small increments,” he said. “These
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Frederick M. “In these very poor villages, valley must have both to ensure government. villages are not only separated from
O’Donnell, the commander of Task most cannot afford a Koran,” stability. “This was a preliminary mission,” [the Government of the Islamic
Force Chosin, said the objective O’Donnell said. “Coalition [brought “These discussions, and our he said. “To ensure we have the Republic of Afghanistan], ANSF,
of the mission was to disrupt the prayer rugs and much needed desire for development, help drive support of the elders there.” and local government, but local
insurgents in the villages of Ganjgal mosque refurbishment items, to a wedge between the insurgents and Miraldi explained that the villages as well.  These people
and Dam Dar Ye.  include concrete, paint, and new the populace,” O’Donnell said. objective was to secure the area to are isolationists. Progress will be
“This was to be accomplished mosque speakers.  These items U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jacob A. build a road, and bring the Afghan slow, and we have to be patient and
primarily by non-lethal means, and were presented up-front, to set the Miraldi, of Norwich, Vt., the leader government to the people of the understanding of that.”
10 11
Mountain Warrior | January 2010 Vol. 1 | Issue 4
 Holidays around the AO 3-61 Cav works with ANA to strengthen Afghanistan
Story and Photos By U.S.
Army Spc. Eugene Cushing
Task Force Mountain
Warrior Public Affairs
Soldiers from Troop B,
3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry
Regiment, Task Force
Destroyer, conducted M-16
rifle training with Afghan
National Army Soldiers at
Photo by SrA Ashley Hawkins
Check Point Lion’s Den in
eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar
province, Dec. 8.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Ben
R. Salentine, of Colorado
Springs, Colo., the platoon
Photo by Pfc. Beth Raney leader for 3rd platoon,
Troop B, started the day by
meeting with ANA 1st Lt.
Rasul, platoon leader for 2nd
company, 6th Kandak, to
discuss the overall goals of the Afghan National Army Sgt. Anwar and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kristopher N. Moore, of Joplin,
Photo by SrA Ashley Hawkins training. Mo., assist an ANA Soldier in reassembling an M-16 rifle at Check Point Lion’s Den in
“My goal for the future, for eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province, Dec. 8. Anwar, a noncommissioned officer assigned
to the 1st platoon, 2nd company, 6th Kandak, led the class while Moore, a section leader
my Soldiers, is to help them assigned to Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, assisted him with the training.
perform this job,” Rasul said.
“That’s why I’ve brought my
unit down here today, to help
your men train with the M-16,”
Afghan National
Salentine replied. Army Sgt. Anwar,
According to Salentine, it is from the 2nd
important to train the Afghan Company, 6th
Photo by Sgt. Michael Masterson
Soldiers with the M-16 to Kandak, explains
Photo by Pfc. Beth Raney modernize their military operations the importance
of the M-16
and to synchronize their combat rifle’s firing pin
prowess with the NATO forces to his Soldiers at
they serve alongside. a training class
Rasul said this was the first time held at Check
his Soldiers were getting in depth Point Lion’s
Den in eastern
knowledge of the NATO-style Afghanistan’s
weapons, which will eventually Kunar province,
replace the ANA’s Soviet-era Dec. 8. Anwar
arsenal. led his fellow
“Before, we had the oldest Soldiers in the
class, representing
weapon,” Rasul said. “And now the ANA’s
we have the professional weapon.” noncommissioned
Salentine’s Soldiers were not officer corps as
doing much of the actual training a teacher and a
though. ANA Sgt. Anwar had mentor.
Photo by Spc. Eugene Cushing already taken charge of the class
and was guiding his fellow Soldiers reflection of a trend he has been matter experts within the ANA
Photo by Sgt. Michael Masterson

through the training. seeing. that will lead to a higher level of

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kristopher “I see the [non commisioned understanding and efficiency in
N. Moore, a section leader in Troop officers] starting to take charge their training.
B from Joplin, Mo., watched over more,” he said. “Just a little bit “The whole idea behind the
the 12 ANA Soldiers disassembling ago he didn’t know anything about technique we use to train the ANA,
M-16s, trying to lend a helping this weapon, now he’s training his is to further the development of
hand whenever he saw his Afghan men.” their NCO corps,” he said.
counterparts struggling. This is exactly what the U.S. According to Salentine, as
Moore noted that the Afghan Soldiers are trying to accomplish. training improves, so will the
Solider leading the class was a Salentine said the goal behind Soldiers, resulting in a better ANA
Photo by Pfc. Beth Raney Photo by Sgt. Michael Masterson Photo by Pfc. Beth Raney this strategy is to create subject and a stronger Afghanistan.
12 13
Mountain Warrior | January 2010 Vol. 1 | Issue 4
 Rough Rider medic saves Afghan motorcycle victim Kunar PRT helps link citizens together with new roads
By U.S. Army Sgt. Tracy J. Smith an interpreter and hand signals, Bryant was By Air Force Capt. Tony shopping in downtown, it would Asia Development Group (a
Task Force Rough Rider Public Affairs able to get help from the Afghan bystanders Wickman, Kunar Provincial take more time for us to come non-governmental organization
U.S. Army Spc. Cameron Bryant, a medic with in bandaging and stabilizing the victim. Reconstruction Team Public here. But, the new road now makes implementing partner for the
the 108th Cavalry Regiment, was expecting another “I had the interpreter tell one of the locals Affairs us feel safer and cleaner. It also U.S. Agency for International
routine mission guarding the Saracha Bridge, in the to keep him calm while talking to him, Getting through downtown makes the trip shorter and it’s a Development) out cleaning the
eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, so he could stay conscious,” Bryant said. Asadabad just got easier thanks benefit for everyone in the village.” road,” Elling said. “The NGO
Dec. 3, but what happened was anything but routine. The Afghan man not only suffered to 4-kilometers of new roads According to U.S. Navy Lt. Derek is doing some good work and
“We were pulling up and there was a from severe lacerations and fractures, but that were completed, Dec. 13. Elling, PRT engineer, it was a good are on the frontline of things.
body on the side of the road with a crowd of also showed signs of internal injuries. Kunar Provincial Reconstruction project with only minor issues. He They pay people directly to go
people around it,” recalled Bryant, a native of According to Bryant, prompt action made the Team engineers completed their said that unlike many of the other out and do jobs like clean the
Woodstock, Ga. “When I [saw the injured man], difference between life and death, but it was final quality assurance check road projects the PRT is working street, which eliminates the
I immediately checked for a pulse. It was faint.” his training that made the biggest difference. prior to a dedication ceremony on, this wasn’t a continuous threat of corruption and graft.”
The injured Afghan man was hit while riding “You never really think that it’s going to with Fazlullah Wahidi, Kunar 4-kilometer road but rather In his remarks to the gathered
his motorcycle in an apparent hit and run. Using happen but you have to be ready for it and after provincial governor, and village smaller segments of roads linking crowd of more than 50 provincial
elders on a clear, warm day. different parts of the city together. leaders and tribal elders at the
The $935,000 worth of roads “The overall quality of the road dedication site, U.S. Army
108th ‘Rough Riders’ troops aim for bragging rights: 48th Brigade is good. There was a 700-meter Lt. Col. Joseph Cantlin, PRT
took nearly a year to complete
Soldiers compete for Squadron Troop & NCO of the Year Honors and used concrete and double- section of road that wasn’t complete chief of military-civilian
bituminous surface treatment to when we got here (in July) that we operations, praised the Kaihan
By U.S. Army Sgt. Tracy J. Smith “It could be a tie breaker later Troop A’s Sgt. William P. Bookout had to decide whether it was going Construction and Engineering
48th Brigade Combat Team on,” Rough Rider’s Command and Headquarter and Headquarters pave the roads that will benefit
hundreds of families and businesses to be DBST or concrete because it Company for their efforts.
Public Affairs Sgt. Maj. Joseph Recker said Troop Spc. Merv Vidal, were is in a washout area. That was what “This morning the PRT walked
to the exhausted eight. “This congratulated for having what in the city. It is a welcome
Before the sun rose over the improvement according to several we QA’d before the dedication up and down the road to see
Tora Bora mountains in eastern was basically to help you learn it takes to move forward but ceremony,” said Elling, a native of that the contractor did a good
something about yourself.” Recker told them to prepare for residents and shopkeepers.
Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, Sherzada, a general store owner Norwood Young America, Minn. job and built a good road for the
Dec 8, eight Soldiers from the 48th Knowledge was put to more hard work the road ahead; “There were minor things that city of Asadabad,” said Cantlin,
the test in the next phase. encouraging the squadron Soldiers who has been in business for
Infantry Brigade Combat Team three years, said the new roads need to be addressed—a small a native of Ft. Belvoir, Va.
began the challenge of their lives, Warrior Tasks performance to take ownership of making section of the road broke off and Cantlin said the desire of
testing, another competition their fellow troops successful. make a difference in the lives of
to be named the Georgia National the people working and living in a culvert needs to be repaired— the PRT is that the road will
Guard’s Best Warrior of 2010. standard, put individual troop “They will be receiving a bigger but overall it is good road.” improve governance and
performance on the score slate. award later on when they return Dam Kalay village and Asadabad.
The physical fitness test portion “Before, the road was all muddy Elling said a positive sight development in the area.
of the 2010 ‘Rough Riders’ Troop The most challenging of the with the [48th] Brigade level while doing the QA/QC patrol “The PRT is very happy that we
seven tasks was the Call to titles,” Recker said. “No longer and wasn’t good for my business.
of the Year/Soldier of the Year The people of this village and was seeing locally hired people can be here on this beautiful day in
competition was the first in a Fire. Each competitor received are they the property of Alpha cleaning the new streets. Asadabad to celebrate the opening
a situation report, map of an or HHT, they belong to all of us. me were getting our clothes dirty
series of events for the chosen. while walking here,” Sherzada “We were able to see the of this new road,” Cantlin said.
The Army’s PFT is a standard impact area with a requirement They are our brothers to help workers hired by the Central
of planning and coordinating along in winning this thing. When said. “Whenever we were doing
segment for the U.S. Army’s
overall Soldier of the Year and the call for fire support. you see them, don’t let them walk
NCO of the Year competition. The toughest part was satisfying idly by. Drill them on the Warrior
The stunner came in the guise of the hardnosed grader, U.S. Tasks, make them disassemble
a reflective fire stress competition. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Cooper. their weapons, give these men
This required the troops to perform Cooper, a fire direction control the tools necessary to bring home
ranger runs in full combat load from chief for Troop C, spent several the prize for the Rough Riders!”
Forward Operating Base Hughie to months with a small team in
the range at FOB Finley-Shields. Kunar province’s Pech Valley
“I never expected this right and incorporated his real situation
after a PT test,” U.S. Army Sgt. experience into the competition.
Richard Fones, an automobile “This competition is very
specialty parts retailer living in real,” the Cobb County, Ga.,
Atlanta, said, visibly exhausted. sheriff’s deputy explained.
“This competition gives “I kept track of fire missions
me a chance to see what my and what’s more realistic than (Above) Local workers clean- (Above) A Provincial Re-
limitations are and so far I what we do downrange. I’m ing the streets in downtown (Left) U.S. Army Lt. Col. construction Team-Kunar
haven’t reached them,” Fones, using that to their advantage.” Asadabad watch a Provincial Joseph Cantlin (left), patrol conducts a final
the NCO troop representing When the dust settled and the Reconstruction Team-Kunar Provincial Reconstruction quality assurance and
squadron formation was called to U.S. Army Sgt. William P. Bookout, Troop patrol conduct a final quality Team-Kunar chief of civil- quality check in downtown
the unit headquarters, said. A, 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment assurance and quality check military operations, and Asadabad on a new 4-ki-
In the end, the segment was announce the winners the surprise noncommissioned officer from Rome, on a new 4-kilometer road Fazlullah Wahidi (right), lometer road through the
the only non-scored event but was in who was not awarded. Ga., stand by for instruction during the through the provincial capital Kunar provincial governor, provincial capital prior to a
it was not without purpose. Each participant qualified for an Squadron’s Troop and NCO of the Year prior to a dedication ceremo- pull back the curtain to dedication ceremony, Dec.
The rifle range event was a Army Achievement Medal but only competition at Forward Operating Base ny, Dec. 13. dedicate a 4-kilometer 13.
six would leave with that prize. Finley-Shields in eastern Afghanistan’s road through Asadabad
test of endurance simulating Nangarhar province. while distinguished guests
combat’s physical stresses. The two deselected for the AAM, watch, Dec. 13.
14 15
Mountain Warrior | January 2010 Vol. 1 | Issue 4
 FOB Fenty Water Dawgs: Behind the Scenes
By U.S. Army 1st Lt. Caitlin C.
Clark, 704th Brigade Support
Battalion
The water treatment specialists
of the logistics platoon in Company
A, 704th Brigade Support
Battalion, Task Force Blacksmith,
play a very important role in the
combat support team.
While they may not directly
support the fight, they provide an
invaluable commodity important
to the health and welfare of every
one on Forward Operating Base
Fenty in eastern Afghanistan’s
Nangarhar province.
This commodity is the water
they treat, test, and purify for
use in facilities around the FOB,
including the dining facility,
medical clinic, showers and
latrines.
The water used in the showers
and latrines is treated with chlorine
to prevent the growth of bacteria,
but the water sent to the medical
and dining facilities on the base
go through a much more extensive
process to ensure that it is safe for
both human consumption and up
to high medical standards.
The water section utilizes
two 3K Reverse Osmosis Water
Purification Units to draw water
from a well and purify it. The
water is also tested periodically
to ensure water quality and that
no contaminates such as bacteria
or nuclear, biological, or chemical
threats have entered the water.
At only six months into their
deployment, the water section
has pulled more than 17,000,000
gallons of water from wells located
all over the FOB.
More than 1,500,000 gallons of
this water has been purified for use
in the DFAC, medical clinic, and
Green Beans World Cafe.
The water provided by these
water treatment specialists is often
taken for granted, however their
hard work and diligence should
not be overlooked.
So, next time you take a shower
or eat a meal prepared at the DFAC,
remember that it was the hard work
of a water treatment specialist that
enabled you to do so.
The Contributions of a Charlie Med Medic
By U.S. Army 1st Lt. Elena Sequeira, 704th Brigade Support Battalion
U.S. Army Spc. Cassandra Benes has been stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., since
March 2007. She deployed with the brigade in 2007 and was awarded the Combat
Medical Badge while serving in Iraq.
Currently, Benes is the 2nd squad leader of the evacuation platoon, 704th Brigade
Support Battalion, Task Force Blacksmith, serving in eastern Afghanistan. She
conducts weekly combat logistics patrols in Task Force Lethal’s area of operations
with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment’s forward support company.
She has served as a medic on over 40 supply convoys since being deployed to U.S. Army Spc. Cassandra
Afghanistan. Not only does she continue to regularly go out on convoys, Benes Benes, a medic with Com-
still conducts patient care in Forward Operating Base Fenty’s Medical Treatment Support pany C, 704th Brigade
Facility, maintaining the skills she needs on the battlefield.
Battalion, takes
care of a patient at the
She continues to not only treat injured people brought to the treatment facility, but aid station on Forward
has also assisted the Forward Surgical Team with incoming trauma patients. Operating Base Fenty.
Fallen Heroes- October 24 through December 5

4th Special Troops Battalion in pictures

Sgt. Erica Smith
receives an Army
Achievement
Medal from Capt.
Jeremy Vaughan
at an awards
ceremony on
Forward Operating
Base Finley-
Shields, in eastern
Afghanistan’s
Nangarhar
province.
Staff Sgt Patricio
Caliboso,
battalion
Personal Security
Detail platoon
Sgt., and Capt.
Jason Higgins
Newly promoted Staff Sgt. Randy Wickerd accepts his promotion await an awards
certificate from Capt. David Rittenhouse, the commander of ceremony
Company B, 4th Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Gryphon. on Forward
Dec. 3. Operating Base
Finley-Shields.
U.S. Army
Soldiers,
Warrant
Officer
Steven
Kambouris,
Sgt. 1st Class
Timothy
Keesecker,
1st Lt. Darick
Waguespack,
Chief Warrant
Officer 3
Chad Field
and Sgt.

“Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let
U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Allen P. Brooks, the 1st Sgt. for 1st Class
Task Force Mountain Warrior’s Military Intelligence Matthew

me be glad that such heroes have lived.”

company, conducts a patrol during a battlefield Swope take a
circulation to check on his Soldiers.throughout break after completing a run at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Nov. 15.
Task Force Mountain Warrior’s area of operations. - Gen. George S. Patton
16 17
Mountain Warrior | January 2010 Vol. 1 | Issue 4
 Awards and reenlistments
1st and 2nd 2nd Battalion, 77th 3rd Squadron, 4th Brigade 4th Brigade
Battalions, 12th Field Artillery 61st Cavalry Support Special Troops
Infantry Regiment Regiment Regiment Battalion Battalion

1st Squadron, 1st Squadron,

3rd Squadron, 759th Military
108th Cavalry 122nd Cavalry
17th Cavalry Police Battalion
Regiment Regiment
Regiment

Retention NCO’s Letter:

By Master Sgt. James L. Pugsley
Senior Career Counselor

The FY10 Task Force Mountain Warrior Retention program

Task Force Mountain Warrior window then you can update your assign- three of four OCONUS locations.By
is heading into the seventh month of our ment preferences through the “Assign- providing you with realistic location op-
deployment and it is time to start looking ment Satisfaction Key” or “ASK“. tions, their goal is to match Army readi-
towards what we are going to do when “ASK” provides the capability to ness requirements with your preferences.
we redeploy. post assignment preference information You are contributing to the overall deci-
Some of us have already made those directly to the Total Army Personnel sion process and your vote counts.While
decisions by reenlisting to stay at Fort Database.U.S Army Human Resources U.S Army Human Resources Command
Carson or an assignment of choice. For Command (HRC) Enlisted Person- (HRC) must still fill unique assignments,
the rest of us it is time to consider our nel Management Directorate (EPMD) the majority of assignment locations will
future and where we want to spend our assignment managers will use this be available for you to select.Those who
next assignment. information when considering you for decline to submit preferences will be
If you are in your reenlistment window assignments.Under the old “Dream assigned according to the needs of the
your first stop should be your servicing Sheet” days, you could choose from 230 Army.
career counselor to see what your reen- CONUS locations and 280 OCONUS
listment options are. If you are an initial locations, but had little chance of being Led By Love of Country!
or mid-careerist and have CONUS and assigned to any of the locations.”ASK”
OCONUS assignments available. Now requires you to select two CONUS
is the time to make a decision before locations from a Divisional Installation JAMES L. PUGSLEY
you are put on orders and don’t have a Listing and one CONUS location from MSG, USA
choice.If you are not in your reenlistment a more expanded listing.You may select Senior Career Counselor
CAREER COUNSELOR DIRECTORY
NAME UNIT LOCATION PHONE EMAIL
MSG Pugsley 4th IBCT, 4th ID FOB Fenty 831-6051 james.l.pugsley@afghan.swa.army.mil
SFC Davis 1-12 IN FOB Ramrod 841-6011 edward.davis@afghan.swa.army.mil
SFC Cabana 2-12 IN FOB Blessing 481-2155 stephen.m.cabana@afghan.swa.army.mil
SSG Gutierrez 2-77 FA Bagram 431-5102 luis.a.gutierrez@afghan.swa.army.mil
SSG Herron 3-61 CAV FOB Fenty 831-6058 carmen.herron@afghan.swa.army.mil
SGT Charley 704th BSB FOB Fenty 831-6089 zildjian.j.charley@afghan.swa.army.mil
SSG Berry 4th BSTB FOB Finley-Shields SVOIP 776-9711 martha.e.berry@afghan.swa.army.mil
SGT Lytle 759thMP FOB Fenty 831-6442 kevin.m.lytle@afghan.swa.army.mil
SFC Doney 1-32 IN FOB Joyce 481-3508 leisa.doney@afghan.swa.army.mil
SSG Holman 7-17 CAV Jalalabad 831-6152/6153 shaun.holman@afghan.swa.army.mil

18 19
Mountain Warrior | January 2010 Vol. 1 | Issue 4
 Hey There!
Want to see your pictures in the
Mountain Warrior? Shoot us an
e-mail or send your photos to:
TFMTNWarriorPAO@afghan.
swa.army.mil and you just might
see your photos in the next issue!

Mountain Warrior | January 2010