BN Commander and Senior FRG Advisor Words

APRIL 5, 2012 VOLUME 3

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BN CSM 2

Chaplain’s Corner 3

HHB Hardcore 4

ALPHA Apaches 5

BRAVO Bulldogs 6

GOLF Ghostriders 7

Event Fliers 8-16

Current Events 17-19

Inside this issue:

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BLACK DRAGON Family:

Another great month for the Battalion as we continue to stay busy,

while at the same time taking some time out to have a little fun and be with

our families. We continued to focus this last month on individual tasks like

driver’s training and weapons qualification, while starting to work on col-

lective training (team training). Our gun crews began working on the skills

they will need to pass next month’s qualification and certification. While

this training kept us very busy we also took time to have a little fun with our

Spur Ride and to focus on our families with the battalion’s Resiliency Day

event and Easter Egg Hunt. I also want to highlight the mass re-enlistment

ceremony in which 32 Soldiers and their families made the commitment to

stay with the Army team, thank you – you serve as a role model to the rest of

us. We are all looking forward to a relaxing 4 day week-end over the

Easter Holiday, please enjoy your well deserved time with each other, and

be safe we want to see you all back here after the week-end!

A highlight for this month was the Battalion Spur Ride where Sol-

diers from across the Battalion trained and worked tirelessly to earn their

coveted silver Spurs. The training took place over two days and consisted

of the Army Physical Fitness Test, the Air Assault Obstacle Course, Land

Navigation, 11 mile road march, field training, and remaining overnight in

the field in a tactical environment. It truly was a great event, thanks in large

part to the hard work of 1LT Hollingsworth and SFC Brewster. Besides earn-

ing their Spurs, it was a great event for the candidates to come together and

work as a team, which will be a necessary skill here in the near future.

Click the following links to see the article that was written in The Killen

Daily Herald http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?

s=64910#.T2IHI6dXuTs.mailto and to the pictures that we posted on FLICKR

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyCKoco

Besides our training events, the Battalion also spent some time fo-

cusing on our families with our Resiliency Day Training and Battalion Easter

Egg Hunt. On March 23rd, as part of the III Corps and Fort Hood Safety

Stand Down, the Battalion toured the Fort Hood Resiliency Campus (the Fort

Hood Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Training Facility). This facility pro-

vides tremendous resources to Soldiers and their families ranging from

counseling, financial planning, fitness/nutrition plans, child care, and spiri-

tual strengthening. A lot of folks didn’t know it had these capabilities, and

we wanted to change that. So the entire Battalion along with about 80

spouses and children toured the facility; we were broken down into groups

of about 50 given a brief orientation in the chapel and then we walked the

entire campus to see firsthand what they had to offer. A great event that

helped folks understand what is available to them; if you missed the tour I

have included their web address: http://www.hood.army.mil/CSF-tf/ and

their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/FT-Hood-

Comprehensive-Soldier-Fitness-Training-Facility/124217290994289

We closed out this month with a good old fashion Easter Egg Hunt

at the 1st Cavalry Museum on March 25th. It was a great event, where over

100 children from across the battalion enjoyed games, refreshments (to

include a Shaved Ice Stand), a dunking booth, and of course an Easter Egg

Hunt. A special thanks to all of our volunteers who stuffed over a thousand

eggs along with everything else that goes along with running an event like

this, we couldn’t do it without you. If you missed the pictures of the event

we have them posted here: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyH2rPY

(continued on Page 2)

Congrats to the 47 new inductees into the Order of the Spur.

Thanks to all of our Volunteers and Families that

made the BLACK DRAGON Easter Egg Hunt and

Family Day such a great event. You guys are

AWESOME!! BD6

BLACK

DRAGONS BULLETIN

BN CSM Words

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

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BLACK DRAGON Family

No Black Dragon Trooper or Family member is an island, entirely of itself; every one of us is a piece of this great

outfit! As we ramp up for gunnery, which consists of a lot of field, the expectation is for every Soldier to leave their

family members in great shape. A lot family members have been added to the Black Dragon family during this quarter

and from the bottom of my heart I would like to welcome you. Emergency data, family data, social rosters, telephone

numbers, i.e., is very essential to have during this period. The true test of a well bonded unit is the unity among

spouses during a crisis (deployment or long training exercises.)

This unique field of information management comes to life when used in the context of human relationships and

behavior. It can be used as a motivational factor and an enabler for Soldiers to commit themselves wholeheartedly to

their family and a better job performance. I encourage leaders at all levels in the Battalion to support and use your

NCOs in this important work. NCOs are an integral link in the chain of command. There are many regulations that de-

fine what is required and expected of leaders, but knowing the path and walking the path are two different things.

Through dedication, guiding and instructing, we all can become great leaders.

It is excellence, or the potential to excel, in all the areas of responsibility that identify Soldiers as future leaders.

The transition can be daunting, stressful and even intimidating, but never-the-less it’s what Soldiers strive for. The key

is to lead from the front and do the right thing, despite possible opposition. I often say, “if you took finger printing

dust and sprinkled it all over a Soldier that wasn’t doing the right thing, you wouldn’t find too many finger prints on

him or her, but if you sprinkle it on a Leader who is doing the right thing, you will find fingerprints all over that Sol-

dier.” Tremendous influence from all leadership in the Black Dragons is very important.

As the unit dwindles down on people because of PCS and ETS, some Lieutenants and Sergeants will have new re-

sponsibilities. Don’t be intimated; gain the trust in your Soldiers, as well as your peers and seniors. There have been

many times in my career when I wasn’t quite sure I was making the right decision or I knew which path to take. We

can learn from our failures as well as our success. Always learn from your mistakes and train you’re Soldiers at every

opportunity and always, always, always, take care of Soldiers families!!

Black Dragon Families have a blessed and safe Easter. Remember CSM Coler is only a phone call away.

Black Dragons Can and Will,

Black Dragon 9

The last event from last month I wanted to highlight was the Mass re-enlistment that we did on March 9th. In all, 32 Soldiers

and their families reaffirmed their commitment to our Nation and the US Army by taking the oath of Enlistment to stay in the

Army. We could not be more proud of you and your families, and we thank you for deciding to stay with the team. We took

some pictures and posted them to FLICKR so that you can grab your own picture of the event. The link is here: http://flickr.com/

gp/army_hld/WZ9580/

On a training note, we are going to see an increase in training in the month of April as we get ready for our Gunnery Exercise

and Qualification in May. There will be some increased overnight training. In the month of May, the Battalion will spend two

weeks in the field (but come in over the week-end). Please stay in contact with your Battery/Company FRG as they will provide

you the exact training dates for your unit.

In closing, I want to thank our family members for all they do. Truly, we as a Battalion, and your Soldier, could not do all the

things we do without your help. Stay in touch with your FRGs and follow us on our Social Media sites to keep up with the latest

information and opportunities.

Will and Jessy Johnson

FRG Facebook Group www.facebook.com/#!/groups/582black.dragons/

Battalion Facebook Page www.facebook.com/#!/pages/5th-Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-Black-

Dragons/288593261191191

Twitter Account: @5th82fa

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Chaplain's Corner: “Do You Love Me?”

A friend of mine told me a story about her 4 year old daughter running through the kitchen one day when suddenly

she hit the brakes and wheeled around. With a sense of childish urgency she called out, “Mom, I love you!” Then

ran into her mother’s arms and planted a sweet little kiss on her cheek. Then just as suddenly she was off and run-

ning, leaving mom with a sense of joy and a melted heart.

Now imagine that same scene but with different circumstances. Suppose she had just been told for the third time to

stop running through the kitchen while mom was trying to mop the floor. Press the instant replay button and watch

her stop and say, “I love you,” only to spin around and, ignoring her mother’s command, run off through the kitchen

and out the door. In that setting those words would have a much different effect on that frustrated mother.

After the resurrection of Christ, the Gospel of John (John 21:15) records that Jesus was on a beach with his disciples

early one morning when He asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” Three times Peter responded, “Sure, Lord, You know I

do!” But Jesus wasn’t satisfied with a simple reply, instead He said to Peter, in effect, “If you love me, care for those I

care for” (i.e., prove your love by putting it into ACTION!)

If you look honestly at your relationship with the Lord, as well as with your family, how do you see yourself answer-

ing the question of “Do you love me?” How do they know? Do you use the words in an attempt to get out of a diffi-

cult situation? Do you simply give a casual response, or do you prove it with action? Just as the child at the begin-

ning of the article showed her love with a kiss, those we love sometimes need proof of our love in action. Take a mo-

ment and think of how you show your love to God. Are you obedient to His commands? What about those closest to

you? How do they know you love them? Take a moment and think of how you put your love into action today.

CH (CPT) Robert D. Patterson

Battalion Chaplain

5-82 FA, 4BCT, 1st Cavalry Division

(254) 287-9574

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Written By: CPT Chad Fitzgerald Volume 3

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Caption describing

picture or graphic.

Ghostrider Family - I hope everyone has a Happy

Easter! March has been a

busy but eventful month,

with great training and

spectacular events taking

place. The month kicked

off with a company hand

grenade range followed

by M4 Qualification and

PLS/Driver’s Training.

During the Battalion’s cul-

minating Spur Ride event,

seven Ghostrider Soldiers

earned their coveted

Spurs. As we move ahead

to April, we would like to

invite family members to

come out on Thurs,

19APR12 at 1200H to Still-

house Hollow Lake. There

will be free food and

games. Many thanks for

your total support to the

Ghostrider team!!

Ghostrider 6 Ghostrider 9

Baby births GRADUATES Congratulations to SPC

Quintela and his wife Kara

on the birth of their baby

girl Ezra Lee Anne Quin-

tela on 12MAR12 at 9lbs,

3oz.

PROMOTIONS Congratulations to SSG

Jobe, SSG Norlin, and SSG

Torres!! Well deserved!!

Congratulations to the fol-

lowing soldiers for gradu-

ating from WLC:

SPC Anderson

SPC(P) Smith

SPC(P) Robertson

SGT Zhao

BLack dragons bulletin

Greetings all - The Ghost-

rider Soldiers have been

engaged in ensuring all

missions were completed

above standard, along with

the multitude of details that

have been thrown our way.

This past month flew by! I

would like to commend the

seven Spur Ride candi-

dates: (2LT Thomas, SPC

Hindsman, PFC Brown, PFC

Estrada, PFC Turner, PFC

Walpole, and PV2 Turner).

I would also like to high-

light a Soldier who at-

tempted but was unable to

finish for medical reasons

(PV2 Moore). In April we

will hit the ground running

as we prepare for BDE Gun-

nery FTX.

Special points of Interest:

Ghostrider 6’s Corner

Ghostrider 9’s Corner

Baby Births

School Graduates

Promotions

Photos of Ghostrider’s

during Hand Grenade

Range and PLS Driver’s

Training

“GHOSTRIDERS!!!

ALWAYS IN THE

FIGHT!!!!”

VOLUME 3 APRIL 5, 2012

GOLF FSC, 5-82 FA

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Volunteer Opportunities

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Special Education Workshop for Parents of Children with Disabilities

Saturday, April 21

8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Education Connection, 2207 Florence Rd., Killeen

Learn how to:

Obtain special education services and supports for your child

Advocate on behalf of a child who needs special education

Prepare for an ARD committee meeting with administrators

Exercise your rights in creating your child’s education plan

Registration is required for this free workshop. Please fill out and return the

registration form to secure your spot now. You can also register by phone by

calling 1-800-252-9108. Lunch will be provided for participants.

Limited money is available for parents who need childcare services in order to

attend the workshop. Please indicate on the registration form if you need

childcare reimbursement. Parents should not bring children to the workshop.

American Sign Language and Spanish language interpreters will be provided.

For more information about this special education workshop or to download a

copy of the registration form, visit the “News and Programs” section of the

Disability Rights Texas website at www.DRTx.org.

Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency for

people with disabilities in Texas. Our mission is to help people with disabilities understand and

FREE OFFER

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Casey Memorial Library Upcoming Events

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19 April: Book Signing with romance author Eric Jerome Dickey. Eric will be here promoting his latest book ―An Accidental Affair‖ at the Clear Creek Exchange from 1700-1900. Get your autographed copy here.

26 April: We Want to Hear from YOU! Come to the Clear Creek PX to meet your Exchange managers from 1600-1800. We will be available to answer your questions and talk to you about what is new and exciting at your Ex-

change.

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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN

AAFES Exchange Events for April

All events are at the Clear Creek Main Store unless otherwise noted.

7 April: Smashbox Photo Event. Get glammed up, step on set, star in your own photo shoot. Call for an appointment today 254-532-7200. Learn the latest secrets from studio artists and take home a CD of photos of your shoot.

13 April: Mixed Martial Arts Operation Fight Night Weigh Ins 1800 at the Clear Creek Food Court. Live MMA Cage Fighting at Abrams Physical Fitness Center 14 April 1800. Tickets $25 for ALL seats. Tickets available at Phantom

Warrior Lanes, Sportsmen’s Center, The Courses of Clear Creek and The Apache Arts & Crafts Center.

13-14 April: Warrior Way Specialty Store and Military Clothing and Sales Store will have a 20-30% off select 5.11 Tactical Clothing line special sale.

14 April: Book signing at the Clear Creek PX with author Shelby Alexander Griggs from 1100-1400. She will be signing her book ―Opening the Door to Your True Purpose‖.

13-15 April: Mark your calendars and join the Warrior Way Specialty Store for their FNHUSA Gun Event . See the

new products available from FNHUSA and have an opportunity to purchase some of the limited hard to get weapons.

There will be specials on Gun Vaults, accessories and ammunition. Special financing available when purchased us-

ing your Military Star Card. Please see an associate for requirements to purchase a firearm.

19 April: Book Signing with romance author Eric Jerome Dickey. Eric will be here promoting his latest book ―An Accidental Affair‖ at the Clear Creek Exchange from 1700-1900. Get your autographed copy here.

26 April: We Want to Hear from YOU! Come to the Clear Creek PX to meet your Exchange managers from 1600-1800. We will be available to answer your questions and talk to you about what is new and exciting at your Ex-

change.

Fort Hood Family and MWR Events

April 5 - Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Pre-hunt activities begin at 6 pm

-7 must have an adult escort

-287-2523 or log onto HoodMWR.com

April 8 - Easter Sunday Brunch

’peel, red skinned mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese and vegetable medley, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon,

hash browns and omelet and waffle stations.

Brunch also includes free egg hunts for two different age groups at each seating: ages 1-5 and 6-10 at 12:15 pm and

2:45 pm.

-12 and free for children 4 years of age and under.

-532-5329 or 254-532-5073.

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Fort Hood Family and MWR Events

April 11-12 – ScreamFree Parenting Class

– 8 pm at Club Hood

– 11:30 am at the Spirit of Fort Hood Chapel

-618-7443 or 254-286-6774

April 14 – Operation: Fight Night

- SFC Jesse Montez Thorton Sr., United States All-Army Flyweight Combatives Champion vs.

Jens Pulver, Former UFC Lightweight Champion, in the Main Event of the evening

―The Natural Born Killer‖ Condit will be making a special guest

appearance and conducting a meet and greet with the fans.

come, first served basis, at Leisure Travel Services only.

Leisure Travel Services: 761st Tank Battalion, Bldg. 136, next to Military Clothing Sales, 254-287-7310 Phantom

Warrior Lanes: Clear Creek Road at Santa Fe Avenue, Bldg. 49010, 254-287-3424 Sportsmen’s Center: Rod and Gun

Club Loop, 53rd Street and Murphy Road, Bldg. 1937, 254-532-4552 Apache Arts & Crafts Center: 761st Tank Battal-

ion and 62nd Street, Bldg. 2337, 254-287-0343 The Courses of Clear Creek: Battalion Avenue at Clear Creek Road,

Bldg. 52381, 254-287-4130

-of ticket sales will take place at Abrams Physical Fitness Center, 62nd Street and Support Avenue, Bldg.

23001, beginning at noon on April 14 and ending promptly at 8 pm.

Family and MWR Special Events Office at 254-288-7835.

April 15 – 21 - Army Volunteer Week

events (April 15-21) to demonstrate to all volunteers how much their service is valued.

-287-8657 and come out during one of the

ceremonies to show volunteers your appreciation.

www.myarmyonesource.com/skins/aos2/display.aspx?moduleID=38e354f2-ec97-4e36-8690-

5c91bba10b69&mode=user&action=volmapindex

April 18 - Family Child Care (FCC) Amnesty Application Deadline

for children in government leased housing, an opportunity to register with Child, Youth & School Services as an

FCC applicant without penalty.

continue to provide on post child care in government leased housing while simultaneously going through the FCC

certification

- Friday, 7:30

– 4:30.

month of May.

-288-3865

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