Red Bulls describe experience at Bad Pech Story and photos by Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Matson, TF Red Bulls
Capt. Kevin Hrodey, left, cmdr. of Co B, 1st Bn, 133rd Inf Regt, TF Ironman, 2nd IBCT, 34th ID, TF Red Bulls, and 1st Lt. Elliott Henderson, a plt. leader with Co. B at the Bad Pech District Center, June 30. They were the last 2 Red Bulls Soldiers to leave the austere environment of the Bad Pech.
LAGHMAN PROVINCE - As Capt. Kevin Hrodey and 1st Lt. Elliott Henderson sat under a cammo net stretched between a Hesco barrier and a connex, they were all smiles, knowing it would be one of their final days before going home. The small, shaded area acted as the “lounge” at the Bad Pech District Center, which had served as home to Hrodey, Henderson, and the other Soldiers from Co B, for the last two months. It was one of the most remote assignments in all of NE Afghanistan, requiring the Soldiers to sleep in hand-dug fighting position holes for the first 3 to 4 weeks after arriving there early May.
“We got dropped off here in the middle of nowhere on a plateau,” Hrodey said. “When we got here, the Hesco barriers were just being added; the perimeter was pretty much concertina wire. Our guys were living in fighting positions on the border. Still," Henderson said, "the Soldiers loved it."
“Out here is the mission we always wanted,” Henderson said. “We’re getting out into a new environment. The terrain here is a challenge in and of itself, and we’re working with a totally virgin territory, and starting something from scratch.”
For the previous 6 months before arriving at the district center (DC), Hrodey’s Soldiers enjoyed what they called an “easy” and even “boring” assignment at Torkham Gate, on the Pakistan Border, providing gate security there. They enjoyed a nice chow hall, working toilets and showers.
All that changed in early May when Co. B left for the Bad Pech. The DC was born in early April at the end of Op Bullwhip, the largest air assault conducted by the 101st Abn Div out of Fort Campbell, Ky., during their year deployment to eastern Afghanistan. During Bullwhip, 101st air assets air-assaulted Iowa NG troops from the 133rd Inf. Regt. into the Galuch Valley, a known insurgent stronghold, now home to the DC.
During the op Soldiers cleared the valley and established the DC, which began as a joint security compound, with members of the ANA, ANCOP, AUP and National Directorate of Security (NDS), all occupying the small, remote compound, which bordered a health clinic. Hrodey said that his company enjoyed working with these Afghan forces the past 2 months.
“I think the biggest reason the Soldiers have enjoyed this mission is it allows them more interaction with their ISAF partners and the citizens of the valley,” Hrodey said. “We meet daily with the district sub-gov., the cmdrs. of ANP, ANA, ANCOP, the NDS, and all the local village elders.”
Hrodey said the center has become recognized as a form of govt in the valley, where villagers meet and speak with sub-gov Haji Shaw, who also works in the DC.
Though the 133rd’s Soldiers swept through the valley without contact, seizing large amounts of enemy weapons before establishing the DC during Bullwhip, the enemy maintains a presence in Galuch Valley. Hrodey said, "the DC is still often attacked by indirect fire, as many FOBs and COPs are throughout eastern Afghanistan, and Co. B Soldiers also fought off a complex attack. However, the thought of even occupying the area before Op Bullwhip would have been an impossibility."
“I’m very proud of the things that Bravo Co has been able to accomplish,” Hrodey said. “To say that we were here at the beginning, during the elevation of a govt with our ISAF partners is something I’d like to look back on, and see the progress 10 or 20 years from now, knowing we were there in the beginning.”
Hrodey and Henderson said the company enjoyed adopting a more traditional infantry role at the Bad Pech, patrolling the villages and area of operations (AOs) around the DC with their Afghan counterparts. At Torkham, most of the unit’s patrols were mounted, but here that was not the case. They said a particular highlight was climbing one of the bordering 6,500 foot mountains on a 15 km movement one day.
The conditions at the center have improved since the Soldiers arrived in Bad Pech. No, there are no showers or latrines. However, where there were once only holes in the ground, Soldiers now sleep in A/C tents, have internet connection, and resources to call home. Hrodey said, "we wouldn’t trade our time here for anything in the world. It’s gonna sound funny, but turning this place over to Co A, 1st Bn, 61st Cav Sqdn (the replacing unit) is going to be bitter-sweet. On one hand, I wanna go home and see my wife and family, but I’d like to see the progress here continue. I plan on staying in touch with our counterparts and seeing what happens next.”
Hrodey said that working in the field is what makes the infantry unique. “This was what everybody’s idea was of what we should or would be doing as an inf. co., here in Afghanistan,” he said. “The terrain, the living conditions – a lot of my guys today still have a hard time wiping a smile off their faces. The motivation level has been pretty high since we’ve been out here.”
Army Soldiers from Co B, ANA and ANCOP patrol the area outside the Bad Pech District Center, May 4. (Army photo by Capt. Kevin Hrodey)
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NCO Makes a Difference in Lives of OthersStory by Spc. Tobey White
Sgt. Tyler Brummond, a squad leader with the 1st Bn, 26th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 1st ID, TF Duke, pulls security during a mission in Khowst City, June 29. Brummond is a member of a personal security detachment which oversees the security and protection of VIPS.
KHOWST PROVINCE - Growing up, he'd always known he would someday end up joining the Army. His stepfather had served, and several of his friends were in the military. “I always kind of figured I’d join someday,” Brummond said.
In the 6 years since he joined, he has been stationed several places, and is currently on his 2nd deployment. It’s his 1st deployment since he's married and has 2 kids. As a result, he finds this deployment more difficult because of the separation from his family.
His PSD team is responsible for protecting VIPs while they conduct business in and around Khowst. It allows him to see the difference made by the people he safeguards. “I love my job,” Brummond said.
"It’s not without its challenges, however. The hardest thing about the job is making sure the VIPS are secured and where they need to be at all times," he said. When not on a mission he and his squad spend their free time training, playing dominos or cards.
Although the Army has left him with many memories, the one that stands out the most is when he made sgt. “I fought long and hard for that rank,” Brummond said. His squad has told him that he’s a strict, but fair leader. Another quality he always strives for is discipline, and the ability to do what he expects of his guys, leading by example.
“We hang out sometimes so I can get a feel of how they're going to react in any given situation,” Brummond said. The chance to positively impact peoples’ lives as an NCO, was one reason he joined the Army in the first place. For Brummond, that’s one responsibility he’ll continue to take very seriously.
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DVIDS
CSM Ralph Delosa Reaches Out to Wounded WarriorsStory by Spc. April York
Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Delosa, command sgt. maj. for 2nd BCT, 4th ID presents a Warhorse coin to Sgt. Vincent Davis, a cavalry scout with HHT, 3rd Sqdn, 71st Cav Regt, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, at the Wounded Warrior Unit, June 29. Delosa traveled to the WWU to thank soldiers for their service, who've been injured in the line of duty.
KANDAHAR - “With every soldier who gets injured we appreciate everything they do,” Delosa said.
“They're not lost or forgotten, and no matter what they do they're still part of the team, even if they do go back to the states,” he said.
Delosa’s visit was twofold. He went to learn more about the facility, and to see how the soldiers were holding-up. The WWU is a place where soldiers recover from battle or non-battle injuries sustained in Afghanistan. “The purpose of the WWU is to provide a safe environment, where soldiers can recover quickly and return to the fight,” said Staff Sgt. Jose Carlos, NCO-in-charge of the WWU, who's a combat medic with Co C, 204th BSB, 2nd BCT, 4th ID.
"Soldiers who are evacuated to the WWU normally follow up with the Role III providers, who initially treated their injuries," Carlos said. "Part of our job is to make sure the soldiers make every appointment they're scheduled for, so their recovery progress is not slowed down."
The facility has 7 barracks' rooms, and can house up to 40 soldiers. Part of the recovery process is being able to relax. There's a day room for the soldiers to utilize, which has 2 computers, a phone, television, Xbox and a selection of movies.
“I believe we make their lives better by providing them with a safe place to recover, and encouraging them to return to the fight with their brothers and sisters-in-arms,” Carlos said.
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DVIDS
Soccer Brings Soldiers, Afghans TogetherBy Army Capt. Austin Luher
KANDAHAR – Soldiers from Co A, 204th BSB, 2nd BCT, 4th ID, got their first chance to interact with the local community, on a recent combat logistics patrol to several COPs in the Arghandab River Valley, June 28.
While delivering supplies to 2nd Bn, 8th Inf Regt at COP Durham, soldiers from Co A met some local Afghan children, who were helping their parents clear trash from the outpost. This was the first time in 3 weeks that Assassin Co soldiers could interact with the community during a logistical mission.
One of the local children had brought a soccer ball with them into the outpost, and the soldiers decided to play a pickup game with them. “This was fun,” said Spc. William Leatherbury, member of the convoy escort team. “I hope that we can do more things like this in the future.”
“It’s the little things, like this soccer game, that will go a long way in helping improve relations, and ultimately the safety of U.S. soldiers and the people of Afghanistan,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Hanna, escort plt. sgt. “I just hope that we can do things like this again in the near future.”
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Kandahar PRT Changes Command, Not MissionStory by Sgt. Ruth Pagan
Navy Cmdr. Michael Murnane, the incoming cmdr. of the Kandahar PRT, passes the guidon to Sgt. Maj. Samuel Roark, sgt. maj. of the Kandahar PRT, in a change of command ceremony held at Camp Nathan Smith, July 2. The passing of the guidon is a time honored tradition signifying the responsibility associated with the command.
KANDAHAR – The PRT is made up of soldiers, airmen, sailors and civilians who are working together in Kandahar to empower the local govt through the people. “The history of Kandahar PRT is one of changing faces, but steadfast commitment,” said Brig. Gen. Kenneth Dahl, the dep. comm. gen. for support, RC-South, in a speech given during the ceremony.
Navy Cmdr. William Mallory relinquished his command of the KPRT to Navy Cmdr. Michael Murnane in a symbolic passing of the guidon. “I've every bit of confidence that you and your team will not miss a beat,” said Mallory to the new cmdr. “With renewed energy and a different lens, you'll quickly find ways to improve the foxhole.” The 2 cmdrs. had been classmates at the Naval Academy almost 20 years ago.
“We're joining a team of professionals, and we've a significant role to play to accomplish the mission,” Murnane said. “The mission is the variable, but the manner in which we accomplish it is the constant.”
Troops stand in formation during a change of command ceremony.
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New Provincial Reconstruction Team Arrives in FarahStory by 1st Lt. Mark Graff
Members of PRT Farah arrive at Forward Operating Base Farah, June 27.
FARAH -- Navy Cmdr. Shane Voudren assumed command of PRT Farah from incumbent Navy Cmdr. Joseph Bozzelli at a Transition of Authority ceremony, July 2.
“After completing our training and receiving turnover from our predecessors, I am fully confident that PRT Farah will continue to operate at a steady pace. We must focus on picking up where the previous team left off, and continue to work with our Afghan counterparts to further the progress already made in Farah,” said Voudren.
The team will conduct a variety of missions to provincial districts, KLEs with village officials, and frequent interaction and communication with govt officials. In the last week, members of the incoming and incumbent team have worked side-by-side to ensure that ops remained fluid as the new team prepared to take charge. Each rotation of PRT Farah operates in the prov. for 9 months.
“We're excited for these 9 months. We built our team and prepared for this mission for more than 3 months at Camp Atterbury (Ind.). As soon as we put boots on the ground, we knew it was ‘go time,'” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Mark Mason, PRT Farah’s senior enlisted advisor.
PRT Farah, a joint unit comprised of service members from the Navy, Army, AF and civilians, operates from FOB Farah, outside of Farah City, the provincial capital.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Moses Perez (left) and Petty Officer 1st Class Vernon Cochran of PRT Farah disembark a C-130 Hercules after arriving at FOB Farah, June 27.
Incoming PRT Farah members stand in formation as incumbent cmdr., Navy Cmdr. Joseph Bozzelli (right) reads his orders during a transition of authority ceremony.
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IRAQI STORIES:
U.S. Division-North
‘Head Hunter’ cavalry scout recognized for training efforts
Story by Spc. Terence Ewings
Sgt. Daniel Martinez, a cavalry scout assigned to Troop C, 1st Sqdn, 9th Cav Regt, 4th AAB, 1st Cav Div, discusses urban ops with 3rd IA Div soldiers at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center (GWTC), June 23, 2011. Currently serving on his 2nd deployment to Iraq, Martinez earned recognition as “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week, for his efforts to advise and train Iraqi soldiers at GWTC.
COB MAREZ – Working as a plt. trainer at GWTC near COB Marez, Sgt. Daniel Martinez advises, trains and assists IA soldiers who take part in the month-long training courses.
“Martinez is an all-around great NCO, technically and tactically one of my best sgts.,” said Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Hayes, plt. sgt. for 1st Plt. “Martinez trains and assists Iraqi soldiers on a daily basis, and he’s also responsible for leading Soldiers within our plt.,” said Hayes. “Two of his Soldiers recently participated in and won sqdn-level Soldier of the Month competitions, which is a testament of how good of a leader he is,” Hayes added.
Martinez trains Iraqi units on urban ops tactics, techniques and procedures during plt-level exercises at the training center, as part of Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi military initiative focused on cohesive training for Army units.
“It feels great to be recognized for the training we give to the Iraqis at Ghuzlani,” said Martinez. “Accomplishments like this reflect on how well our unit is doing, advising and assisting the Iraqi soldiers here.”
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U.S. Division-North
Cavalry Soldiers honor fallen comrades at COB Cobra
Story and photos by Sgt. Quentin Johnson
The portraits of Staff Sgt. Russell Proctor, 25, and Pfc. Dylan Johnson, 20, both cavalry scouts with Troop C, 4th Sqdn, 9th Cav Regt, 2nd AAB, 1st Cav Div, sit on display along with Soldiers’ Battle Crosses as the centerpiece for a memorial ceremony at COB Cobra, June 28, 2011. Soldiers gathered to pay respect to the fallen Soldiers and honor their memories. Both Soldiers died from injuries sustained while conducting ops in Diyala prov., June 26.
COB COBRA – "Soldiers and friends grieved, shared memories, and celebrated the lives of Proctor and Johnson during the ceremony," said Chaplain (Capt.) Andy Jenks. “This is the day we've been given to honor our fallen brothers,” said Jenks.
Lt. Col. Paul Garcia, cmdr., 4th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., asked Soldiers to honor Proctor and Johnson, because of the impact they left on the sqdn. “His loss is deep, but his impact on the young troopers of this sqdn. for generations to come will be lasting,” Garcia said of Proctor.
Garcia said Soldiers in Proctor’s plt. thought Proctor was tough when needed, but always professional and caring of his Soldiers. “Proctor cared for his Soldiers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” said Capt. Andrew Eagen, cmdr., Troop C. "Caring for his Soldiers was half of what made Proctor a great NCO," he said. “Staff Sgt. Proctor was the epitome of an NCO in my mind,” said Eagen. “He was an NCO that knew what right looked like, and lived it each day.”
“Staff Sgt. Proctor set the example for every Soldier who knew him,” said 1st Lt. Christopher Boyer, a plt. leader with Troop C. “On the job, he had tactical insight that I still envy.” In addition to Proctor’s leadership skills, friends also remembered his jovial spirit. “Above all else, I’ll remember Staff Sgt. Proctor’s sense of humor,” said Boyer. “He could make you laugh. You wouldn’t believe his wit.”
Eagen added, “he would light up any room or situation with his wit and humor,” said Eagen.
Comrades remembered Johnson’s sense of humor as well. “Johnson’s plt. would also say that he was somewhat of a goof … always cracking jokes and trying to keep it light,” said Garcia. "Johnson’s sense of humor was so unique, he even had a facial expression, known to his fellow Soldiers as the 'Johnson' face," said Pfc. Anthony Santiago, cav. scout with Troop C. Santiago said, "it was a facial expression that never failed to bring a smile to Soldiers’ faces."
Unit members said humor was part of Johnson’s life, and so was being a Soldier. “Johnson was known as one of the hardest workers in White Plt.,” said Garcia. “He was kind, always willing to lend a helping hand,” said Eagen. "Johnson’s kindness and hard work brought a sense of unity within the plt.," said Eagen. “He instantly became a sort of glue amongst the Soldiers in White Plt.,” he said.
“He impacted my life in a way that no one ever has,” said Santiago about Johnson. “I loved him as if he was my own blood.”
"Both Proctor and Johnson left great footprints within their unit," said Eagen, and they'll be remembered as Soldiers and individuals. “As we memorialize them today, each will be missed in a different way, because of their different experiences, but both will be remembered for their impact as men,” said Eagen.
Jenks reminded everyone to rejoice in the privilege of knowing them both. “We rejoice not in the loss we feel, but in the friendship we had with these men,” said Jenks. “While we rejoice, we also grieve. We grieve for our loss.” Jenks said grief is a demonstration of love, and Proctor and Johnson’s love for their fellow Soldiers builds hope. “They served their nation and their Families to bring hope – a hope for freedom and a hope for tomorrow,” Jenks said.
First Sgt. Hector Flores pays his last respects to Staff Sgt. Russell Proctor, 25, and Pfc. Dylan Johnson, 20, at the foot of a Soldier’s Battle Cross.
An honor guard with 4th Sqdn., salutes Staff Sgt. Russell Proctor, 25, and Pfc. Dylan Johnson, 20, as taps play.
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