2 0 4 T H B R I G A D E

S U P P O R T B A T T A L I O N

S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F

I N T E R E S T :

A Message from Rough

Rider 6

Rough Rider Tactical

Operations Center

Charlie Company Medic

Reunites with Siblings

Black Knights Battle

Complacency

End of Tour Award Cer-

emony Photos

NEWSLETTER STAFF:

CPT Ashlea Cleveland

1LT Betsy Arndt

Rough Rider Connection

This newsletter contains official and unofficial information. The inclusion of some unofficial information in this newsletter has not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DOD 4525.8-M

Greetings Rough Rider Friends and Families, As we come to the end of this historic deployment we must take time to reflect on the accomplishments of this past year, which will certainly be remembered in the pages of our proud Rough Rider battalion history. It is with a great sense of pride that we think of Operation Clean Sweep, patrolmen trained, miles traveled, aerial resupply missions safely completed, vehicles and other items repaired, and the massive amounts of distributed supplies. Our medical assets sustained the force through world-class health support, behavioral health support, physi-cal therapy, dentistry, and Class VIII. Our Rough Rider-built Warhorse Oasis provided critical in-country resiliency and R&R for over 650 Warhorse Soldiers, and now stands to endure and provide the same service to the Lancers of the 2nd Stryker Combat Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. Facts and numbers can only account for a few of our many accom-plishments and serve to only scratch the surface of the impact you have made on the lives of the people of Kandahar City. Your efforts in assisting our Afghanistan National Security Forces brothers of the 5th Kandak resulted in their outstanding development. I have no doubt they will execute their mission with honor and distinction in the future. We will take the fond memories of our time together with us throughout the rest of our military careers. Be proud of the hard work you all put into the Sustainment Excellence Days training for our Afghan Uniformed Police partners. Your dedicated efforts resulted in over 1,000 participants trained. Because of your efforts, they will be successful as they focus on their mission to bring stability to the people of Kandahar City. We are going home but we have left an indelible mark on FOB Walton. It was a monu-mental task that faced us in defending and improving the FOB. You tackled every task. FOB Walton stands as a testament to your perseverance and energies. Rough Riders, it is an absolute honor to command such a remarkable group of men and women. You do all we ask of you with good grace, distinction, and without incident, never seeking the glory. We will look back on this past year as one of the most rewarding of our lives. Thank you for your service and your family’s support to this unit. We always look at our families with gratitude and admiration for their unconditional love, understand-ing, and support during our absence. CSM and I charge all of you to make up for lost time, enjoy your families, conduct yourself with pride and honor, and we will see you when we get home; job well done Rough Riders!

A P R I L 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E I , I S S U E 2 3

P A G E 2

Rough Rider Tactical Operations Center

KANDAHAR, Af-ghanistan—The S3 shop is the heart and soul of the Rough Rider battalion when it comes to ensuring that all operations are synchronized and conducted in a timely manner. Often Sol-diers do not realize how important their daily activities are until something does not go as planned. When a mission or tasking is accom-plished without any major challenges we tend to overlook the countless hours and effort that was devoted to ensuring a mission flows smoothly. The S3 shop is in charge of the battalion’s Tactical Operations Cen-ter (TOC). Imagine this: a room filled with six large television screens that each display different information, five large maps, four radios, fifteen computers, nine phones (usually at least two are ringing at any given moment), numerous charts and over-lays and constant movement of Sol-diers and visitors in and out of the operations center. A lot of the activi-ty in the TOC includes Soldiers re-porting for various duties and/or providing information updates to the S3 team. That is just a glimpse of the operations center. Sometimes things happen so rap-idly in the S3 shop that the Soldiers may not even realize how much their actions impact daily operations. For example, the radio operators must constantly provide their undivided attention to monitoring two different radios as well as a “chat” system that is designated for communicating time sensitive information with numerous units across the battlefield. Soldiers are often required to make quick re-sponses and immediately inform the leadership of any activity that per-tains to the battalion. The radio traf-

fic includes both helicopter landing zone (HLZ) activities and ground movements (sometimes simultane-ously). Additionally, the radio opera-tor must also monitor the weather sta-tus which affects medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) capabilities via air and also directly impacts when and how our convoys move. In order for the Battalion Com-mander to effectively command and control the battle, the S3 shop must provide him accurate operational and intelligence overviews and ensure that all units in the battalion clearly under-stand and are able to perform their mission. The phrase “battle tracking” is something that is often referred to as the S3 team continuously monitors all activity. Among many other responsibilities, the S3 tracks current operations and provides the Battalion Commander with critical assessments and a visual-ization that helps him make timely, informed decisions. There are numer-ous critical information requirements that must be tracked and reported. This includes everything from chang-es in force protection measures to serious incident reports involving both friendly and enemy forces. The S3 team was instrumental in tracking over 400 Combat Logistics Convoys (CLCs) during the deployment, which re-supplied all units throughout the Combined Task Force Warhorse Area

Story by Sergeant First Class Keith Sessom, S3 Section Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, 204th BSB

of Operation. The team tracks and reports all taskings that are assigned to the battalion and is responsible for en-suring the battalion is prepared to con-duct contingency operations. The S3 shop is comprised of one Major, one Battle Captain / Plans OIC, one NCOIC , three

Operations NCOs, two Liaison offic-ers (LNOs) that work in the brigade headquarters and two Radio Oper-ators. This team of professionals operates 24/7. The responsibility of setting and enforcing standards in the S3 shop is bestowed upon the NCOIC. He ensures Battle Drills are rehearsed and properly executed when need-ed. Hours of planning go into the training and the NCOs on the team are constantly looking for ways to prevent complacency, improve op-erations, and keep all Soldiers com-bat ready. The NCOs and Battle Captain also provide a critical link in the planning process with our high-er headquarters. The three Operations NCOs work together with the Radio Oper-ators to track current and future operations, including writing opera-tions orders and directing subordi-nate units and personnel tasking. They keep all lines of communica-tions open with the companies and the brigade headquarters by coordi-nating with LNOs daily. Not a minute goes by that the operations center is not involved in some way. Because of the extraor-dinary teamwork, the S3 shop con-tributed tremendously to the overall success of the 204

th Brigade Sup-

port Battalion.

The 204th Brigade Support Battalion FOB Walton Tactical Operations Center (TOC), S2 Intelligence, Company Intelligence Support Team (CoIST) and S3 Operations. Front row from left to right: 1LT Hoang, PFC Kinnaman and SPC Ruvalcaba. Back row from left to right: SPC Zanni, MAJ Giertz, SPC Talford, SSG Gutierrez, SSG Huezo, SSG Patterson, SSG Smith, SFC Sessom, CPT Kielbus, SGT Self, CPT Moffett, SGT Chatfield, PV2 Willis and SSG Calub.

P A G E 3

R O U G H R I D E R C O N N E C T I O N

KHOWST, Afghanistan—Whenever someone imagines a family reunion they most likely think of a barbeque, a park with lots of grass, shady trees, football, and lots of laughter. However, my most recent family reunion did not quite fit the mold of a “typical” fami-ly reunion. Mine involved an over- abundance of rocks, shady bun-kers, mediocre food, and lots of laughter, mostly at each other’s expense. I recently had the oppor-tunity of reuniting with two of my three brothers at Forward Operat-ing Base (FOB) Salerno in Khowst, Afghanistan. My family has four children: Weldon, Philip, myself, and my twin brother Jordan. Neither of our parents was in the military, but somehow three of the four Malbrough children ended up join-ing the Army. Since we all enlisted during a time of war, we knew that it was only a matter of time before our deployments overlapped. Wel-don and Jordan had overlapping deployments in 2007 during the surge in Baghdad. They were ac-tually at bases only eight miles apart from each other, but they were never able to link up. The most recent overlap just so hap-pened to occur within the past month and involved all three of us. My oldest brother, Weldon, en-listed into the Army during my

sophomore year of high school as a 35M, Human Intelligence Col-lector. He has since switched over to the Warrant Officer side and is currently the Force Protec-tion Officer for 1

st Brigade, 82

nd

Airborne Division at FOB Warrior in Ghazni Province. Jordan enlisted into the Army when he was 17 years old, imme-diately following our high school graduation as a 13T, Field Artil-lery Surveyor/Meteorological Crewmember. He has recently reclassified to 13R, Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator, and is currently serving as a radar sec-tion chief for 4

th Brigade, 25

th In-

fantry Division at Combat Out Post (COP) Sabari in Khost Prov-ince. I didn’t join the Army until after I had graduated from college. Despite my brothers pushing me to “drop a packet” and become an officer, I chose to enlist as a com-bat medic instead. I’m currently fulfilling my time in service re-quirement to apply for one of the Army’s medical programs that I hope to get into. My third brother, Philip, works on an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. He currently lives in Monterey, Louisiana with his wife and three children. Unknown to the three of us, the planning process for our reun-ion began when Jordan’s ser-geant major was informed that one of his Soldiers had two sib-lings that were also here in Af-ghanistan. Each of our Chains of Command arranged travel for us to meet at FOB Salerno. I was perfectly content being able to pick up the phone and call my brothers, so it was definitely a great surprise when I discovered I was going to be able to see them both at the same time! Due to

Story by Sergeant Jessica Malbrough, Charlie Company Combat Medic

Charlie Company Medic Reunites with Siblings

deployment and training cycles, it has been years since I’ve been able to spend time with more than one of my brothers at a time. My battle buddy, SGT Michelle Grace, and I set out on our adven-ture to Regional Command - East on 13 April 2012 and arrived at FOB Salerno around 10:00 a.m. Upon seeing Weldon and Jordan walking towards me, all I could do was smile and hug them. I was so happy to see them! This was their first time seeing me since my re-cent promotion to Sergeant, Jor-dan made sure to give me the tra-ditional punch to the chest. The video camera captured it at a great angle and even got footage of me being knocked backwards (thanks bro!). After a few inter-views we were released to relax and catch up with each other. We shared stories, reminisced about our childhood, and laughed a lot. It was so good to see each other that we didn’t even mind that we were being videotaped during odd times, like while we were eating (good thing none of us dropped food on ourselves!). Even though we aren’t de-ployed to the same area or with the unit, the deployments have made me feel closer to my broth-ers. I could finally relate to what Weldon and Jordan had been through multiple times. They told me stories that they would have never imagined telling me before I (Continued on next page)

Above from left to right: WO1 Weldon Malbrough, SGT Jessica Malbrough, and SSG Jordan Malbrough at FOB Salerno.

Left: The Malbrough sib-lings when they were children; Weldon (far back), Philip (front left), Jes-sica (center) and Jordan (front right).

P A G E 4 V O L U M E I , I S S U E 2 3

From Medic Reunites—joined the Ar-my and even more that they wouldn’t have told me had I never deployed. Our sibling bond has grown stronger than I ever dreamed imaginable. We are all so thankful at the opportunity afforded to us by the successful planning of Ser-geant Major Quiban and Command Ser-geant Major Gardner of 4

th Brigade, 25

th

Infantry Division, Command Sergeant Major Love of 1

st Brigade, 82

nd Airborne,

and our very own Command Sergeant Major Tuten with the 204th BSB.

Black Knights Battle Complacency

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan—The Bravo Company Black Knights are keeping their Soldiers informed and aware of their surroundings, while also ensuring that their Soldiers keep proper accountability of their as-signed military gear. Bravo Company scheduled mandatory layouts of all gear to ensure that the Soldiers were properly accounting for all of their equipment and it was readily availa-ble. All Soldiers of Bravo Company were required to have their gear laid out in their tents while the command-er and first sergeant did a walk through, verifying that each Soldier had the proper required gear and that it was in working order. The gear ranged from sleeping bags, cold weather parkas to eye protection. The inspection was important be-cause it stressed the importance of accountability and maintenance of the Soldier’s gear, especially up pack-up for redeployment. After all the inspections were complete, the Soldiers attended a variety of training. The first class was held by Sergeant Francelia Escobar of Prescribed Load List (PLL). She taught the basics of safety in the of-fice. The class touched basis on keeping drinks away from comput-

ers, and keeping cords untangled. “It is very important that Soldiers know how to maintain safety in their offices, without causing accidents that could have easily been avoided,“ says SGT Escobar. Another class was held by Ser-geant First Class Lyle Hobbs who in-structed on the appropriate use of issued cold weather gear. All cold weather clothing must be maintained in layers so they can be easily re-moved or added when needed. SFC Hobbs also discussed the importance of the acronym ‘COLD,’ which stands for keep your clothing Clean, prevent Overheating, wear clothing Lose and always remain Dry. The next part of SFC Hobbs’ class reviewed convoy etiquette, in which he stressed the importance of being cordial and courteous when driving a vehicle on Afghan roads. Drivers should not be aggressive or erratic. He discussed the proper method for handling accidents and attacks that may occur while traveling outside the FOB. Bravo Company knows the im-portance of safety and is continually stressing this to the Soldiers. By Bra-vo Company hosting inspections and various classes keeping the Soldiers informed, they are making the Sol-

Story by Private Natasha Gaskins, Bravo Company Public Affairs Representative

diers more productive and proficient future leaders. This training was a small part of goals set under the Brigade Com-mander’s “Countering Complacen-cy Campaign” to mitigate the risk of Soldiers becoming complacent in the execution of their duties while deployed.

Above: SFC Hobbs conducts training. Below: SGT Escobar lays out her per-sonal gear for inspection.

Congratulations to Charlie Compa-ny’s Cross Fit Team for placing sixth out of 32 in Camp Nathan Smith’s Cross Fit Challenge in honor of our fallen Soldiers. The Power Rangers from left to right: PFC Christopher Dilday, CPT Marshall Glenister, SSG Kissoondial Ramotar, SPC Shawn Hill, PFC Brittny Escamil-la.

P A G E 5

R O U G H R I D E R C O N N E C T I O N

Rewarding the Rough Riders for a Phenomenal Deployment KANDAHAR, Afghanistan—The end of a deployment brings with it recog-nition of many accomplishments. The Rough Rider Battalion was hon-ored during a ceremony in which many well-deserved thanks and praises were expressed to our Sol-diers for a phenomenal deployment. Each Company Commander pre-sented their Soldiers with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal which is awarded by the Sec-retary General of NATO to military and civilian members of the Armed Forces of the United States who par-ticipate in designated NATO opera-tions. LTC Yar Mohammed (pictured in the blue uniform), an Afghan Uni-formed Police battalion commander, honored our Rough Riders with the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. An individual is authorized this medal if they have served in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom for 30 consecutive days. Most Soldiers received a third award for exceptional service, either a Bronze Star Medal or Army Com-mendation Medal which was present-ed by the battalion commander, LTC Todd Bertulis. The service and support provided by loved ones back home cannot go unnoticed and our deployment would not have been a successful one with-out your love and commitment. Thank you for all of your sacrifices this year, may you and your Soldier have a joyful reunion and a much needed relaxing leave.

Story by First Lieutenant Betsy Arndt, Battalion Public Affairs Representative