1433rd/1432nd clearance engineer rockhound … review sep 12.pdf · rockhound review in this issue:...
TRANSCRIPT
1433RD/1432ND
ENGINEER
CLEARANCE
COMPANY
SEPTEMBER 1 2012
ROCKHOUND REVIEW
IN THIS ISSUE:
Remembering SGT
McClain
At the Peak, CPT Falor
1SG Rye’s Blast Window
Misfits
Hogslayers
Honey Badgers
Night Crawlers
Promotions and CAB
pictures
FMT/HQ/ANA
Unit Pictures
SOM Nominations
Soldier of the Month
“WE SHALL
REVEAL”
“WE WILL NEVER FORGET”
a
FROM THE PEAK CPT TODD FALOR
BLAST WINDOW 1SG DAVID RYE
Page 2 AS WE SEE IT
Greetings once again from Afghanistan. I would like to begin by again offering condolences to SGT McClain’s
wife Lisa and the rest of his family on behalf of myself and the men and women of the 1433rd/ 1432nd. The loss
of SGT McClain was a hard hit for all of us, and was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of war. You are in
our thoughts and prayers every day. SGT McClain will always be remembered and honored for being an amaz-
ing soldier and friend. Despite this tragic event the soldiers of the 1433rd/1432nd have continued on with their
mission with bravery and resolve.
It is hard to believe we are already into September. I know at times, when you are away from your
loved ones, time seems to stand still. However, I assure you that for the men and women here that is probably
not the case. We have been extremely busy for the last month and time is flying by. We are making a differ-
ence every day. You can be proud of your soldier and their performance. The 1433rd/1432nd is a cohesive
team, and like any other successful team, success is dependent upon every member doing their job. Every day I
see examples of your soldiers going above and beyond what is required and giving their very best. The reputa-
tion we have here and the successes we have had in our short time on the ground is a testament to the bravery,
commitment and professionalism displayed by each and every soldier. These successes are not only due to the
efforts of our soldiers here in Afghanistan; they are also due to the love and support we have received from
you, the friends and families of the 1432nd/1433rd. This has been especially true over the last month. I want to
thank everyone for the way you have rallied together during this challenging time. The outcry of love and sup-
port expressed by you was instrumental in keeping the spirits and morale of our soldiers here high.
In closing, I would like to wish a speedy recovery to SSG Drebenstedt and SPC Nelson, and I ask everyone to
keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers. The leadership and skills you guys brought to the
table are irreplaceable and you are definitely missed. Take care and get well soon.
CPT Falor
First of all, I would like to convey my most sincere condolences to the McClain family for their loss. SGT McClain
will be missed but not forgotten. We, as a Company, will continue to display all the qualities he embedded in us, his
courage, sense of patriotism, dedication to duty and of course his sense of humor. Always remembered, always
praised, but never forgotten.
As we embrace the challenges of the upcoming months, I cannot help but look back at the history this Unit has al-
ready written and how proud I am of each and everyone of the soldiers in the 1433rd/1432nd. We are truly a
Michigan Army National Guard Unit; not a Upper Peninsula Unit, or a Lower Michigan Unit, but an Engineer Company that represents the whole state of Michigan. I look forward to the history yet to be written, and the ac-
complishments yet to be achieved, because of what I have seen so far, they will never be forgotten.
“ESSAYONS”
1SG Rye
DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST
1ST PLATOON’S MAIN CONCENTRA-
TION WAS CLEARING AND EXTEND-
ING ROUTES WITHIN OUR AREA.
SOLDIERS WORKED LONG DAYS MAKING NEW ROADS FOR COA-
LITION FORCES. DURING THE OPERATION SEVERAL OBSTACLE
CLEARING SYSTEMS WERE USED TO CLEAR BUILDINGS, TREES, AND
SUSPECTED IEDS. 1ST PLATOON WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVER 15
IED FINDS DURING THE 3 WEEK MISSION. OUR PLATOON’S SUC-
CESS WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE KNOWLEDGE AND IMPLEMENTA-
TION OF THE EQUIPMENT WE USED. SEVERAL SOLDIERS DISTIN-
GUISHED THEMSLEVES WITH THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE
IN USING THE VARIOUS CLEARING SYSTEMS TO THEIR FULL CAPA-
BILITY. SGT LIBROJO, SGT DUGGAN, SPC ZIMMER AND SPC
TROYER WORKED LONG DAYS AND NIGHTS ENSURING THE SYSTEMS OPERATED FLAWLESSLY DURING THE MISSIONS.
THE CLEARING TEAM COMPRISED OF SPC BROOKS, SPC THOMPSON, SPC SCHILLER AND SPC ZIMMER SUCCESSFULLY
CLEARED LINE OF SIGHT LANES FOR OTHER COALITION FORCES, ALLOWING NEARBY COBS UNFETTERED ACCESS AND
VISABILITY OF THE ROADWAY AND SURROUNDING AREA. THEIR EXPERTISE AND ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT THE CLEAR-
ING EQUIPMENT WAS THE MAIN REASON IN WHICH THEY RECEIVED CREDIT FOR 2 IED FINDS.
1ST PLATOON “MISFITS”
2nd PLATOON “HOGSLAYERS”
This has been a hard month for the Soldiers of Second Platoon. This month began with an operation that
resulted in the death of SGT Kyle McClain and serious injuries to four more of our brothers. It has been a
very trying time for all of us and we thank the families and Soldiers of the 1433rd/1432nd for their support.
What it has taught us is how close we are as a platoon. I couldn’t be more proud of a group of men in the way
that they came together and supported each other. It took a few days, but we returned to Salim Aka and fin-
ished the operation that we had started those many days before. Second Platoon has continued conducting its normal route clearance missions and training when time permits
to stay proficient in our skills. We have sent Soldiers to explosive courses, mine detection courses and optics
training. We will continue to perform all of our tasks at the highest level possible without waiver. The entire platoon would like to say Happy Birthday to SSG
Lafernier on his 29th birthday this month. Guys are going to
have to start taking it easy on this old man. We would also like
to give our deepest sympathy to Lisa McClain and SGT
McClain’s family on his passing. You will always be a part of the
Second Platoon family. Also a get well to SSG Drebenstedt,
SPC Barnett, SPC Nelson and PFC Colon, we miss you all and
hope you are doing well. Thank you again for the prayers and
support from all of the Families.
Page 3
“Whoever said the pen is mightier than the
sword obviously never en-countered automatic weapons.” ― Douglas MacArthur
Smiles from Home
Christmas morning to a child is the
only comparable scene when talking about the
mail room full of soldiers. We get tired and
frustrated from time to time, but that seems to
fade as we walk back to our tent with a little
white care package. The contents are not as
important as the message that box carries. It
says people care about you. It may be from our
Moms, our wives or some perfect stranger that
appreciates what we’re doing, but the contents
are the same. It has a shampoo bottle full of
“good job” or a bag of “come home safe hard
candies” or even some “we are proud of you”
drink mixes. You may send the package to a
soldier you know, but we all partake in the fun.
We share the drink mixes and laugh at the photos, we swap the movies and all dig in on the junk
food. So you may think you are just sending a box full of random stuff to us, but in reality you are
sending a box full of smiles. We as soldiers appreciate the effort and care you guys put into these
packages and look forward to mail time all day. On behalf of the 1433rd/1432nd 3rd platoon Honey
Badgers we thank you for your support.
3RD PLATOON “HONEY BADGERS”
4TH PLATOON “NIGHT CRAWLERS”
With another month drawing to a close we
count our blessings here at FOB Pasab. We are thankful
for all our friends old and new, for our health and for our
futures. In light of the happenings of the past month many
here have become conscious of the gift that we have all
been given in the form of our lives. It is a gift that many
take for granted because as far as most are concerned,
life is a right guaranteed to them and not a privilege given
every day. So in light of this new realization the platoon
has all began to enjoy each day and each other to its full-est however they can. Some guys spend time at the gym,
some reading or play cards and the rest spend time play-
ing some Xbox with one another at our newly finished
MWR. Darts have also become a big part of our down-
time here. If you’re lucky some nights you can go to sec-
ond squad’s tent and get a free concert from the pla-
toon’s resident singer/song writer and guitar master SPC
Niemi. Whatever the case may be, the platoon as a whole
has continued to grow closer with each day. The holiday season is just around the bend. A
lot of us try to make our living area as close to a home as
we can by bringing little pieces of our civilian lives here.
We joke about what everyone is going to be for Hallow-
een and what Santa is going to bring us. It’s those little
things that help us feel closer to home. Many packages
coming in as of late have been filled with the decorations
for these holidays and will be put up in and around our
tents so thanks again and keep them coming. The end of our time here grows nearer with every day
and every mission we complete. See you all soon.
Page 4 ROCKHOUND REVIEW
Page 6 ROCKHOUND REVIEW
Absolutely one of the
hardest working bunch of
soldiers within the
1433rd/1432nd. Without
their dedication and long
hours, the RCPs would not
be able to do their job.
Good Job!!!!!
Headquarters/FMT
ANA LIASIONS
Ramadan has come and passed, and training
with ANA has blossomed once more. In the
time since the arrival of the Muslim holiday
our liaison team has learned a lot about Af-
ghan culture. As the holiday came to pass the
ANA soldiers were ever so ready and eager
to pick up their training with rejuvenated en-
thusiasm. Our partnership is ever growing
and challenging everyday, as we soldier on in
teaching basic army tasks and drills within the
route clearance curriculum. But, with every
challenge comes new insight into the lives of
our fellow Afghan partners, as they continue
to learn from us as we do them. So, as the
horizon of the next month begins to crest
upon us we continue to provide knowledge
with the best of intentions knowing that our
teaching is making a difference.
FMT STAFF at the Company Motor Pool
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M
A
I
L
T
I
M
E
COMPANY PICTURES
All the soldiers at the 1433rd/1432nd would like to thank all of those that have
sent numerous packages and letters. The simple joy it brings and the warmth of
home seems to rejuvenate them. A special shout-out goes to Denise Formolo from
Iron Mountain for sending 100+ beach towels, they were gone in less than an hour,
the guy/gals loved them, Thanks Denise!
Again to all the Families and supporters of the 1433rd/1432nd…...THANK YOU
2nd Platoon’s nomination is SPC Christopher Thomas, as a certi-
fied trainer on the Minehound, his expertise makes him a valuable
asset for the Company. SPC Thomas created a lane specifically
for this type of training and continues to maintain it creating a
valuable tool for all operators. SPC Thomas has also dedicated
time to learn many words and phrases in the local language in
order to interact with the local populace, enabling better rela-
tions.
3rd Platoon nominated SPC Jeremy Turunen for August. As the
Buffalo operator, SPC Turunen has gone above and beyond to
ensure his vehicle is 100% at all times. During the month of Au-
gust, SPC Turunen kept the Buffalo fully mission capable 18
straight missions without a break, often taking time out of his
down time to ensure his vehicle was ready. SPC Turunen has
proven himself as a valuable asset in route clearance operations
and the platoon.
SPC Cory Maki from 3rd PLT was their nomination for the
Month of August by his demonstrated proficiency and knowl-
edge in a variety of areas. SPC Maki has taken great pride in
becoming a subject matter expert in several detection assets
used by the RCP. His energy and motivation during the last
month can be contributed to the Platoons mission successes.
SPC Maki continuously displays a positive attitude and assists
wherever needed. He is truly an inspiration to others within the
Platoon and the Company.
SGT Plunger from FMT was nominated for his dedication and
work ethic that stood out for the Month of August. During that
time, he not only excelled in his abilities to assist the ANA is
improving their vehicle FMC status from 30% to 80% He also
performed numerous recovery missions, taught vehicle recovery
techniques to the rest of the section, and his research on mainte-
nance issues were able rectify problems that seemed unattainable
in the past.
Nominated Soldiers for Soldier of the Month…..Outstanding Job by All!!!
Page 8 ROCKHOUND REVIEW
SOLDIER OF THE MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS!
SPC Troyer is currently assigned to 1st
Squad, 1st Platoon. During the Month
of August, SPC Troyer assigned as the
Primary Operator for the MICLIC
also took on the duties as the Minehound Operator for directed
missions. SPC Troyer’s expertise and
dedication to duty was instrumental in
the overall success of assigned
missions for August. SPC Troyer’s willingness to go the extra mile has
definitely produced positive image for
others to follow. SPC Troyer is presented MIARNG JFHQ CSM Mi-
chael’s Coin of Excellence from 1SG
Rye.
MILITARY HUMOR