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 5 ROCKHOUND REVIEW

PROMOTIONS

CAB AWARDS

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

Page 7 ROCKHOUND REVIEW

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