Greetings From Gardez, Afghanistan! From 1LT Goltz, HHD Commander

Task Force Sheriff Monthly:

Welcome to this first Issue of the

Task Force Sheriff Monthly: Your

Connection to the Wild West! This

publication aims to keep the Sol-

diers, Families, & Friends of the

―Rough Riders‖ connected with all

that is going on throughout our

deployment to Afghanistan. Your

feedback, comments, questions

and concerns are important . Feel

free to ―Contact the Commander‖

at ryan.goltz@afghan.swa.army.mil

Inside this issue:

HHD Commander’s Message /

709th & 95th Transfer of Authority

1

Sheriff Miller’s Page / CSM

Stearns & SFC Moss’s Page

2—3

Combat Patches / Rear-D News /

“Mail Call!”

4– 5

Chaplain’s Corner 6

Embedded Writer’s Join the 95th 7

Useful Info For Family & Friends 7

Photos From the Soldiers 8 –11

TF Gunsmoke Transfers Authority to TF

Sheriff:

On March 3rd, 2010, The 709th MP BN officially

transferred all authority to the 95th MP BN, Task

Force Sheriff. At a ceremony conducted at Ba-

gram Air Field, LTC Dillon, Commander of Task

Force Gunsmoke, along with CSM Chambers

cased their unit colors and passed the torch on to

LTC Miller and CSM Stearns, Command Team for

Task Force Sheriff. The 709th MP BN arrived in

Afghanistan in 2009 and did an outstanding job

during their deployment. The 95th will strive to

continue their many successes. This transfer of

authority is unique in that, both Battalions fall

under the 18th Military Police Brigade, and are

both stationed in Germany. Replacing our ―sister‖

Battalion, which is stationed in Grafenwoehr, Ger-

many, gave Soldiers from both units plenty to

relate to, and plenty to talk about. As 95th Sol-

diers deploying from Germany were eager to learn

the ins-and-outs of Afghanistan, Soldiers from the

709th were certainly much more eager to hear

about our shared ―home‖ in Germany.

Your Connection To The Wild West...

March / April 2010

Issue 1

Task Force Sheriff Monthly HHD 95th MP BN

Greetings to all the Soldiers, Families, and

Friends of Task Force Sheriff!

The last time I had the opportunity to talk to many

of you was a chilly February day back in Mann-

heim, and it was a quite sad to say goodbye. The

good news is, the Soldiers of the 95th are up and

running and doing great things for Afghanistan.

We are currently split-up at four locations in East-

ern Afghanistan—Bagram Air Field, FOB Lightning,

FOB Salerno, and the Gardez Regional Training

Center (RTC). Our guys at BAF ensure your Sol-

dier gets the equipment they need, coordinates

flights, and makes sure those all important care

packages make it to their final destination. The

dedicated Soldiers at the RTC are responsible for

partnering with and mentoring the Afghan Na-

tional Police (ANP), which is no small task. The

team at FOB Lightning is responsible for com-

mand and control, administration, and logistics,

to support not just the HHD, but all the other units

assigned to TF Sheriff. Our Personnel Security

Detachment (PSD) Team, based out of FOB Light-

ning, has done an absolutely outstanding job

acting as the muscle for the Detachment, moving

personnel, equipment, and mail throughout the

Area of Operations. It has truly been a whirlwind

of new challenges, encounters, and experiences

so far, but each and every Soldier has made me

extremely proud and I am confident that HHD

95th will make a significant and lasting impact in

our time here in Afghanistan. I am thankful for the

great support of our Rough Rider families and

friends– Your impact is immeasurable.

- 1LT Goltz ―Rough Rider 6‖

The FOB Lightning Team outside the TOC.

LTC Miller & CSM Stearns Unfurl the 95th Colors.

Family members, Soldiers, Civilians of the Superstar Battalion, greetings from

Afghanistan, the Command Sergeant Major and I couldn‘t be any more proud

of not only the Soldiers performing their missions here, but also those who

stand watch back in Germany; especially the family members. We are so

proud of the family members and what they do every day to support their de-

ployed Soldiers or those Soldiers training and securing our German military

communities; we can‘t do it without you. MAJ Harvill and MSG Stogner, 1LT

(P) Benton, MSG Negron, thank you for your leadership in support of the Sol-

diers… you are making a difference. Heidi and I are sad to see to critical

members of our team move on, Maegan Henrichs, our Family Readiness Sup-

port Advisor and Ruth Banks our FRG Leader, we wish them all the best in

their next assignments, for me, both will always hold a special place in my

heart—they worked tirelessly serving our families. Good news---Alicia Kunz

has volunteered to be the new leader of the Detachment FRG, on top of all

else you do, Mother, full time employment and taking care of Matt (for that

alone, you deserve a medal), we are so grateful and blessed to have you as

our leader.

So, what are your Soldiers doing? Seven days a week, 15-20 hours on aver-

age, they work to either support the Soldier who is building, mentoring and

partnering with the Afghan National Police, across four of the most challeng-

ing provinces in all of Afghanistan. So many of our Soldiers are making a

difference every day in a huge way, like SPC Branch who makes sure the

leaders of this Battalion have accurate intelligence and assessments of what

the enemy is doing. Or PFC Richardson, a Soldier from our communications

section who mans the night shift operations center making sure we are kept

aware of what is happening in Eastern Afghanistan, always with a smile and a

can-do attitude. SPC Petaway from the S1 section, ―Cobra Strike‖, who not

only takes care of our personnel actions but also is there to make sure we get

our mail---one of the many highlights in the day of a Soldier.

Soldiers of this TF and this Headquarters work at several locations, some

Soldiers we don‘t get to see every day but whose role is critical to our suc-

cess, in particular, Sergeants Lierly and Douglas. These leaders work at Ba-

gram Air Field, about a 50 minutes helicopter ride from the rest of the unit,

every day they make sure we have the supplies to keep us running, or they

look after as we move in and out of Afghanistan, from R&R, emergency leave

or just returning back to Germany or the US for whatever reason. It‘s a treat

to see them when we can, but if SGT Lierly ever offers to drive you somewhere

and it‘s a manual transmission, take my advice, don‘t get in the car!

Near and dear to all of us is our security Squad, led by Sergeants Olszewski,

Villalobos, Nesbit, Strickland and Corporal Kimball…every day that we are

outside of the base, this team of leaders and their Soldiers keeps us

Sheriff Miller’s Page

Page 2 Issue 1

LTC Miller Sporting the Latest Afghan Fashions &

Presenting Combat Patches to the Staff.

safe when we are traveling on the roads or flying in air-

craft.

All said, the TEAM is rolling up their sleeves… getting after

the tasks assigned and making a difference to people of

Afghanistan, by bringing security, a friendly embrace…

always ―Shoulder-to-shoulder‖! We share the joys, disap-

pointments, sorrows and the many successes….always

―Shoulder to shoulder‖! The path forward is clear, the

intensity and desire to make it work is present…ever pre-

sent in the eyes of every Soldier. It‘s not an easy mission

but it‘s a worthy mission—we will make a difference.

God Bless all our Soldiers, Families and Civilians. From all

of us, thank you. Superstars!

- LTC D.R. Miller

We have been here for approximately 60 days, and I

could not be more proud of the Soldiers of Task Force

Sheriff. They serve their country and the people of

Afghanistan everyday with no thought of their personal

sacrifice. The Soldiers of HHD are training and mentor-

ing the 505th Zone Headquarters staff, which is respon-

sible for the training, resourcing, and command and

control of all Afghan police throughout four provinces.

Their efforts are responsible for the remarkable pro-

gress the Afghan Police have made over the last 60

days. HHD simultaneously supports two subordinate

units and operates split operations from four separate

locations. This would be impossible to accomplish if it

were not for the dedication of every Soldier of the HHD.

From 1LT Kesselem mentoring an Afghan Colonel in

the art of personnel management, to SFC Fabian work-

ing endless hours to ensure that Soldiers of the subor-

dinate units are getting their much deserved awards

prior to their end of tour. From CPT Harris coaching an

Afghan Colonel on how to resource his police officers

over four provinces, to SFC Ortiz ensuring that the Sol-

diers of TF Sheriff have the resources they require to

perform their mission. From LTC Miller coaching and

mentoring Major General Fatah and how to best com-

mand his Zone, to PVT Mitchell ensuring the Chaplain

Arrington is secure when he is attending his flock,

every Soldier of TF Sheriff has made me extremely

proud. I know they will continue to serve their country

and the people of Afghanistan giving the Afghan people

a chance of a free and secure life that they would not

get without the dedication and hard work of your Sol-

diers.

- CSM Stearns

A Word From The Sergeant Major, By CSM Stearns

Page 3 Issue 1

First Sergeant’s Corner

Hello from FOB Lightning, Rough Rider, Superstar, and

Sheriff families. Since we‘ve been on ground everyone is

settling into the groove of business here, there and every-

where. With Soldiers scattered from the chaos of Dodge

City (BAF) to those living in the Tombstone (FOB Lightning)

and the select few living in the OK Corral (RTC) has made

for interest challenges as far a staying connected and in-

formed on day-to-day business.

As everyone settles into their jobs and the OPTEMPO here,

the Security Squad has been earning their collective weight

daily assisting other organizations here on Lightning to com-

plete their mission by moving them around to other FOBs.

They‘ve also been a primary source for keeping up morale

by performing duties as The Pony Express. Packages and

letters from home for everyone on Lightning reach their

destination because of them.

For us the snow is mostly off the mountains and the

weather is warming rather rapidly. As the weather has

made a rapid transition, so have the Soldiers constantly

seeking out ways to improve their surroundings and them-

selves while still maintaining focus on the mission at hand. I

could not be prouder of the organization and Soldiers that I

get to serve with.

- SFC Moss, ―Rough Rider 7‖

Command Sergeant Major Stearns “bonds” with SFC Moss during the

Combat Patch Ceremony at FOB Lightning.

SFC Moss Standing Tall at FOB Gardez

For well over half of the Soldiers of HHD 95th, this was their

first combat deployment. The combat patch represents a

Soldiers dedication to their Unit, and demonstrates the will-

ingness to sacrifice their personal safety and the comforts of

home to serve their country at war. The combat patch, worn

directly under the US Flag on the right shoulder, signifies that

the bearer has achieved the experience of serving in a com-

bat environment.

For many of the Soldiers, getting rid of the ―slick

sleeve‖ (army slang for someone without a combat patch)

was a big deal. For others, like MSG Chesser, with 11-

deployments, it‘s just another one for the collection. How-

ever, every Soldier in HHD 95th MP BN, is now authorized to

wear the patch of the 18th MP Brigade, and can do so with

pride.

At three separate ceremonies (due to HHD being dispersed

throughout Afghanistan) conducted roughly 30-days into the

deployment, the Battalion Commander, the Executive Officer,

and the HHD Commander all had the privilege to put the

patch of the 18th MP BDE on the shoulders of the Soldiers of

HHD 95th.

HHD Medics reported that at least 3 Soldiers were treated for

right arm and shoulder cramps after extensive flexing as they

showed off the new patch.

Congratulations to all the Soldiers of HHD 95th MP BN for

your dedicated service to the 18th MP BDE. You have all

truly earned what you‘re wearing, and I am extremely proud

to serve alongside each and every one of you.

-1LT Goltz, HHD Commander

HHD Soldiers Earn Their Combat Patches

Page 4 Issue 1

The 18th MP BDE is the most highly decorated Military

Police Unit in the United States Army. It was originally

activated in September of 1966 and deployed to Viet-

nam. The brigade has since taken part in ten cam-

paigns, and has been awarded four Meritorious Unit

Commendations throughout it‘s history. The 95th‘s

deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation En-

during Freedom is yet another milestone for an already

highly honored Brigade. A combat patch from the 18th is

a highly respected and sought-after accomplishment.

Symbolism:

Green & yellow are the colors of the Military Police

Corps. The fasces, an ancient symbol of the magis-

trate’s authority, and the sword for the military are com-

bined to symbolize military law and order.

“Ever Vigilant”

Symbolism of the 18th Military Police Brigade Combat Patch

Full Color Patch, Worn On The

Dress Uniform

Subdued Patch, Worn On The

Duty (ACU) Uniform

The Rough Riders Family Readiness Group has

been busy this spring. We hold monthly meetings

with a potluck dinner, which will now be held at

1800 on the third Thursday of every month so

that parents can take advantage of the CDC‘s

childcare that evening. At our March FRG meet-

ing, Jennifer Goltz gave a brief on educational op-

portunities for spouses. 1LT Benton provided a

class on sexual assault prevention and reporting

(SAPR) in order to inform spouses of new

USAREUR CG policies for civilian restricted and

unrestricted reporting options. The FRG also be-

gan planning for the Rough Riders Spring Fest on

1 April. The Spring Fest will include an Easter Egg

hunt, crafts, coloring, face-painting, a cupcake

walk, and a potluck. Both single Soldiers and

families are participating.

The Rough Riders FRG has also been training on

skills important for military families. In February

we invited Army Community Services to conduct

CARE Team training to certify spouses and Sol-

diers to serve as members of the unit‘s CARE

Team as needed. We are scheduling FRG Leader

and Key Caller training for April for all of our vol-

unteers. The FRG is looking for more volunteers

to serve as alternate treasurer, secretary, histo-

rian, and key callers.

- 1LT Diana Benton, Rear Detachment CDR

Holding Down The Fort — Rear Detachment News: By 1LT Benton, Rear-D Commander

Page 5 Issue 1

A Trip Down Memory Lane—The HHD Christmas Party was a Tremendous

Success. The FRG has Many More Great Events Planned for our Families- So

Stay In Touch!

―Peanut Butter M& M‘s and Hershey Kisses‖

―Energy Drinks: Red Bull, Monster, & Rock Star‖

―Quality Hair Products, Conditioner (for Females)‖

―Magazines & Books‖

―AA & AAA Batteries‖

―Healthy Snacks: Dried Fruit, Trail Mix, Granola, etc.‖

―Homemade Cookies & Snacks‖

MAIL CALL! Care Package Suggestions, From The Soldiers:

Staying in touch and connected with loved ones

during a deployment can be difficult. However

staying relationally fit is a different matter. In all

future newsletters, this space will feature tools,

thoughts, and ideas on how to maintain your key

relationships. Each new issue will feature a sug-

gestion on how you can keep your relationships

strong while physically separated from your loved

ones.

As for this month, reading can provide an excel-

lent way to stay ‗Relationally Fit.‘ Reading can

work on several levels. First, reading books about

relationships increases knowledge and enhances

skills that will improve interactions with your loved

ones. Second, when you read the same books as

the other important people in your life, you can

add more dimensions and depth to your phone

conversations, emails, and letters.

To aid in this process, the chaplain has set aside

books both in Mannheim and in Afghanistan for

this purpose. Contact him

(andrew.arrington@afghan.swa.army.mil) for a list

of titles that can help you and your loved ones

stay - ‗Relationally Fit.‘

-Chaplain Arrington

―Relationally Fit‖: By Chaplain Arrington

Page 6 Issue 1

Sheppard's Thought: Balance

Chaplain Arrington & PVT Mitchell on mission in the Khowst Prov-

ince. (Below) Chaplain‘s Assistant PVT Mitchell looking excited to

enjoy some local cuisine with the Afghan National Police (ANP).

‘Most of our conflicts and difficulties come from trying to deal with the spiri-

tual and practical aspects of our life separately instead of realizing them as

pairs of one whole.’

A remarkable woman of many talents, Evelyn Underhill lived from 1875-1941. Born in England she began writing at

the age of 16, was a first-class bookbinder, traveled frequently to France and Italy, designed wood and metal works

that her husband created, was a formal student of a well known Christian mystic, conducted spiritual retreats, and

severed in the Africa naval intelligence department during WWI. In her book entitled The Spiritual Life, she makes

the following observation about the balance between the practical and spiritual aspects of our reality.

We are more than just physical being with practical issues. We are all spiritual beings whether we admit it or not. As

such, we cannot effectively handle daily, practical life without addressing the spiritual dimension of our being. Not

addressing the spiritual aspect of life will cause imbalance in our nature and result in failure and dismay. To be

complete and content people we must not neglect either the physical or the spiritual aspects our existence.

Seek to be a balanced individual, developing both the physical and spiritual aspects of your being.

Important Contact Information:

MARCH & APRIL BIRTHDAYS:

SFC Jean “BO” Jacquet March 2nd

PFC Shambria Richardson March 5th

PFC Jacob Branch April 2nd

SFC Timothy McKay April 2nd

1LT Timothy Kesselem April 4th

SPC Ryan Killoran April 5th

MSG Andrew Chesser April 13th

CPT Claudia Harris April 13th

PFC Paul White April 13th

CPT (CH) Andrew Arrington April 17th

SGT Dustin Lierly April 19th

1LT Ryan Goltz April 20th

SGT Lelovi Slosser April 23rd

Task Force Sheriff Monthly: Your Connection to the Wild West...

out to be coincidental that he embedded this time with the

Superstars, he says it is great to see familiar faces from Iraq.

Both Gordon and Johnson are eagerly looking forward to learn-

ing more about MPs in action and are currently reporting their

experiences on a running blog at www.warrior-

police.blogspot.com and on Gordon‘s Facebook page.

Arriving at FOB Lightning this week, two writers are now em-

bedded with the 95th MP Battalion. They are writing a book

about Military Police in the war and intend to stay approxi-

mately two months with us in order to finalize their research.

The scope of the book – to be titled Warrior Police and pub-

lished by St Martin‘s Press in January 2011 – includes MP

operations in Iraq, Guantanamo, and Afghanistan. Having al-

ready been to the first two, Afghanistan is the only missing

piece of their research.

The two writers – Gordon Cucullu and Companion (who writes

under the name Avery Johnson) – are eager to relate to the

American public the story of the Military Police Corps in mod-

ern war. Gordon is a retired Special Forces lieutenant colonel,

having served from 1967-87 including combat tours in Viet-

nam and El Salvador. Johnson was a domestic terrorism ex-

pert for more than a decade.

Interestingly, Gordon was embedded with the 18th MP Brigade

in Iraq in April-May 2008 and spent more than a week at FOB

Rustimayah with the 95th MP Battalion, then commanded by

LTC John Bogdan and CSM Brenda Curfman. While it turned

Writers Embedded with the Superstars

Cucullu and Johnson at FOB Lightning.

HHD 95th MP BN Mailing Address:

―Soldier Rank & Name‖

HHD 95th MP BN

Task Force Sheriff

FOB Lightning (or BAF)

APO AE, 09354

Useful Resources:

FRG Leader (Alicia Kunz):

H: 0621-724-91999

C: 0151-5174-9902

BN Senior Spouses:

Heidi Miller:

H: 0621-3288-6689

Heidi.Miller@us.army.mil

Mimi Harvill:

H: 0621-724-7145

Mimi@theharvills.net

H

A

P

P

Y

B

I

R

T

H

D

A

Y

Rear-D Commander:

(1LT Benton)

C: 0151-5758-5301

diana.benton@eur.army.mil

Det. Senior Spouse:

Jennifer Goltz:

H: 0621-410-78876

Jennifer.Goltz@eur.army.mil

―A Picture Says A Thousand Words…‖

Page 8 Issue 1

―A Picture Says A Thousand Words…‖

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―A Picture Says A Thousand Words…‖

Page 10 Issue 1

―A Picture Says A Thousand Words…‖

Page 11 Issue 1