Greetings to all! As a battalion, we have now been in Afghani-stan for approximately 75 days, and it has been busy for everyone. We departed Fort Drum in some pretty difficult weather conditions, and they followed us all the way to FOB Warrior. We successfully assumed the responsibility of the area for Gelan and Muqor districts of Ghazni Province on 9 February 2013. Addi-tionally we have now handed over control of COP Muqor to the Afghans, and we no longer have elements of B/2-22 in Muqor. B/2-22 did a great job in this difficult task. A/2-22 has been rotating through many missions here at Warrior, and they continue to excel. E/2-22 is taking care of the battalion very well, with regards to maintenance, transportation, ammunition, food, and fuel. Finally, HHC has done very well with the difficult task of maintaining Warrior and clearing the routes in our Area of Operations. The Battalion is doing great and as you look across our battle space you can clearly see that we are having a positive effect and improving the security. I am very proud of all our units and our Soldiers. It is clear our hard work back at Fort Drum is paying dividends. Changes are ahead. We have already conducted a Change of Command in A/2-22 between CPT Dan Braner and CPT Jeb Townsend. The next change will be in HHC/2-22 where CPT Ross Pixler will hand over the guidon to CPT Dan Braner. Another change is in B/2-22 where CPT Austin Miller will hand over the guidon to CPT William McMurray. As a last note, the Majors in the battalion will swap out in the coming weeks and months. I want to say thank you to all our soldiers who are giving everything they have to accomplish the mis-sion in Afghanistan. I would also like to thank all the spouses and family members whose, love, sup-port, and sacrifice allow us to stay focused. All of our jobs are very difficult, but as a team and a part of the Triple Deuce Family, we can accomplish anything. Sincerely, Courage 6 “Deeds, not Words!”

Commander’s Corner

“ D e e d s , N o t W o r d s ”

NEWS FROM THE FRONT 2 n d B a t t a l i o n , 2 2 n d I n f a n t r y R e g i m e n t

A P R I L 2 0 1 3

Words from the CSM

P a g e 2 A P R I L 2 0 1 3

Team Courage,

Greetings from FOB Warrior! As we prepare for the Afghan Security Forces to assume control of Afghanistan’s security, we are increasingly aware of the importance of our mission and the heroes of this great Battal-ion are exceeding the expectations. Across the board, our Soldiers are do-ing great things, staying motivated, and adding to the great legacy of 2-22.

In the two-plus months that we have been in country, we have success-fully assumed authority from 1st 503rd, transferred FOB Muqor over to the ANSF (Afghan National Security Force), greatly improved the living condi-tions and security posture of OP Goeke, modified the Battalion Headquar-ters and Company CPs, conducted a change of command for A-Company, welcomed two babies into the Courage family and reenlisted 22 of our warriors.

As March comes to an end, I am looking forward to an exciting April. Upcoming events include the promotion board, an NCO/Soldier of the Month board, a three-on-three basketball competition, movement into a more spacious worshiping center, movie night, and the warmer weather.

I want to thank the Rear Chain of Command and Soldiers, the FRG, and, most importantly, our families and loved ones. It is because of the great support that we have at Fort Drum that allows us to continue to do outstanding things over here.

I am honored to serve with such great leaders and Soldiers. Continued success and let’s remain diligent, alert, and forever at the ready.

Courage 7

April Update- OEF XIII

P a g e 3 A P R I L 2 0 1 3

Hell Hound Company is in the full swing of the deploy-ment. We have hit the ground running here at FOB Warrior, Afghanistan. The training never seems to stop

as we continue to hone and perfect our individual and collective skills.

Your Soldiers are working hard and it shows. The FOB is changing every day, taking on our personality and build-ing capacity for progress. Although not a day goes by that we are not thinking of our loved ones back home, let your mind be at ease knowing that we are well,

safe, secure, and morale is high.

Whether we are fabricating a Null Modem Cable for the TOCNET, con-ducting casualty evacuation training, or simply going on patrol...your love, support and prayers are our strength. Thank you!

On 8 March 2013, three Soldiers took the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the United States Army and their comrades in arms by reenlisting. Special-ist Bradley Roth, Specialist An-drew Miller, and Sergeant Jer-emy Duncan (in order as they appear) all received the oath of reenlistment while enjoying the

crisp cool breezes of the early morning Afghan air.

“Each of these Soldiers por-tray our Army Core Values with extreme passion,” said SGT John Porteous who pre-pared the site and proudly witnessed the private cere-mony. -Continued on pg4

Station) at COP Moqur suc-cessfully and have already set the standard on medical training doing everything from basic sick call proce-dures and MASCAL exercises to helping with full surgical procedures with the FST.

All of the Medics are very excited for the upcoming months and are eager to

learn from the very ex-p e r i e n c e d leadership at their disposal.

HHC Medics work side-by-side with the FST (Forward Surgical Team), doing any-thing from chest tubes for a wounded ANA Soldier to shaving their heads in support of a coworker with cancer.

The MED platoon is now at full strength after closing down an FAS (Forward Aid

Medics scrub-in to treat a wounded Af-

ghan soldier

MEDICS @ WORK

FIVE HHC SOLDIERS REENLIST!

April Update- OEF XIII

H E L L H O U N D F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P

HELLHOUND COMPANY

FIVE HHC SOLDIERS REENLIST!

P a g e 4 A P R I L 2 0 1 3

Not depicted in these pictures are two additional Hell Hound Soldiers who reenlisted: SFC Edward Harmes and SPC Travis Munsell. SFC Harmes re-enlisted shortly after leaving Fort Drum en route to FOB Warrior. SPC Munsell recently signed his reenlistment paper-work. His reenlistment cere-mony will occur shortly in the upcoming week. Congratula-tions to all newly reenlisted.

that day, which doesn’t quite cap-ture the heart of the New Year spirit, and most of the time has the opposite effect. This year, how-ever, was relatively quiet and anti-climactic compared to former cele-brations.

We at FOB Warrior are determined for this “New Year” in southern Ghazni to be one of Afghan-American understanding, consum-

The last Afghan holiday of note was Eid al-Narooz in mid-March, which celebrates the coming of a new year. By some standards that is 2.5 months late, but better late than not cele-brated. Besides, this is an opportunity to slaughter as many animals as possi-ble, and at least make an attempt to eat the meat. Its significance for most Americans is that the insurgents man-age to shoot “fireworks” at US bases on

mated by the New Year resolution to slaughter and subsequently bar-becue many a sheep. This is the way that Afghans tend to celebrate ceremonious occasions, so while they won’t let unclean infidels like ourselves put an end to a sheep’s life, we certainly will have the op-portunity to turn dead sheep into skewered sheep, which sounds like a civilized American compromise. -Cheers!

CPT Ross Pixler and SGT Jeremy Duncan

LEARNING AFGHAN CULTURE

Specialist Bradley Roth recit-ing the oath of reenlistment.

TACTICAL EXPLOSIVE DETECTION DOG (TEDD) TEAMS PROVIDE TRAINING

TEDDs and their handlers are a team utilized for detecting explosives on routes, open ar-eas, and inside or outside of buildings, in order to allow freedom of movement for dis-mounted patrols and convoys. TEDD Teams train constantly, keeping the K9’s ready to search and are prepared to conduct any mission on a mo-ment’s notice. The handler gives commands to the K9 in order to search areas more ef-

fectively. TEDD teams are an essential asset to the battle-field and contribute by saving Soldiers lives. These teams are an excellent deterrent for enemies who wish to cause harm by emplacing impro-vised explosive devices. Training the Medics is a pri-ority, so that the clinical man-agement of military working dogs is successfully achieved in the absence of veterinary personnel.

April Update- OEF XIII

April Update- OEF XIII

the advising team, and force protection. Needless to say, the company is split pretty thin but the guys are working their butts off.

Thus far Anvil has been successful in keeping the ball rolling from the previous unit that was here. Anvil has conducted multiple Key Leader Engagements (KLE) in the surrounding villages with the elders, putting a face and name to the new unit working with their Afghan Security Forces. In early March, one of the Security Pla-toons and an advising team conducted a mission to clear a village with an Operational Detachment-Alpha Team (ODA) and Afghan Local Police to build checkpoints. The 2-day operation was com-prised of many elements and attachments ranging from dog teams to Air Force Joint Tactical Air Con-trollers (JTAC) with F16s. The element was able to secure an advising team enabling ANSF to build a few checkpoints to help deter some of the Taliban fighters during the upcoming spring season.

Many of our great Soldiers have selected to re-up their commitment to the US Army by re-enlisting in country. Anvil Company thus far has had 8 infantrymen extend their contracts as the Company has several achievements to commemorate and has already conducted a reenlist-ment, promotion, and deployment patching ceremonies within the first couple months.

It is with full hearts that we bid farewell to our Company Commander (CO), CPT Daniel Braner, as he moves on to take a second command of Headquarters & Head-quarters Company (HHC). At the same time, we continue forward as we welcome CPT Jeb Townsend as the new CO. Additional changes include 1LT Matt Golubski assigned to be the Platoon Leader of 3PLT, replacing 1LT Daniel Dross who is mov-ing to an advising team. SSG Medina is also an addition to 3PLT, replacing SSG Staf-ford as a Squad Leader.

We really can't stress how much it means to have your support; receiv-ing packages and letters are always a morale boost. Anvil Company has deployed to Afghanistan with some of the best Soldiers 2-22IN Battal-ion has to offer. We really can’t say enough about the caliber and qual-ity of men that are surrounding this Company. It is definitely a hum-bling position for the leaders within the Company and they are doing everything in their power to train, take care of, and protect your broth-ers/sons/husbands/fathers.

Friends and Family of Anvil Company,

After departing the Ft. Drum Rapid Deployment Facility (RDF) in late January, the Company touched down in Ireland to refuel and refit before flying to Air Force Bases in Kyrgyzstan and Bagram for a few days of classes and to meet some final train-ing requirements. Anvil Company reached its final destination at zero dark thirty on a Feb-ruary morning and has since hit the ground running. The Company operates bilaterally with Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), specifically Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) and the local Gelan District Police. The objective here is to hand off the fight to the Afghans and, through the use of advising teams, we will enable their logistical, intelligence, maintenance, and operational capabilities so that they are able to operate autonomously.

Additional responsibilities outside of the ANSF mission set include: manning an Observation Post that overwatches some key areas, providing a Quick Reaction Force for the Battalion area of operations, security for

Anvil Company after reenlistment ceremony.

Members of 2PLT pose around a check point built in a local village after an operation.

A N V I L F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P

ANVIL COMPANY

B U S H M A S T E R F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P

The SFAATs (Security Force Advise and Assist Team) have become an integral and beloved part of Bushmaster Company over the past few months. Now referred to as “Blue 2” and “Green 2”, the SFAATs are the focal point around which the Company operates as we switch our focus to pushing the Afghan Forces to the front of the fight. Early on, Blue 2 received a change of mission to stand up a new Mobile

Strike Force for eastern Afghanistan. Since then, the new additions of CPT Wampler and MAJ Siegfried have seamlessly incorporated their teams into the Bushmaster Family.

“CHANGE OF MISSION”

SFAAT 8 (BLUE 2) AND SFAAT 9 (GREEN 2)

2-22 Infantry Regiment and Bush-master Company are no strangers to the phrase, “Change of Mission.” In recent his-tory, Bushmaster Company has executed a number of tasks on short notice to include: deploying to Fort Bragg, NC, to participate in a complex airfield seizure exercise (JUN 12); testing for the Expert Infantryman’s Badge (JUN 12), deploying to the National Training

Center, CA (SEP 12), deploying to Afghanistan in support of OEF XIII (JAN 13), and closing COP Muqor (MAR 13). Indeed, Bushmasters have demonstrated that they have a unique ability to adapt and succeed when given the toughest missions. Again, Bushmaster Company has received a “Change of Mission.” The details are still being worked out, but one thing is certain: a new platoon will be formed. In order to better organize ourselves to be more versatile in the current operating en-vironment, 13 Soldiers from 3rd Platoon under SSG Saddoris and 11 Soldiers from 2nd Platoon under SSG Davis will join forces to create a new platoon. Until further notice, 1LT Rowen will dual-hat PL and XO duties for the platoon. There will be no change to FRG rosters!

Since departing Fort Drum in Janu-ary 2013, the men of Bushmaster Com-pany have constantly been on the move. After weeks of being stranded in one of the worst snowstorms in Afghan history, the men finally arrived at COP Muqor ready to work. Life at the company outpost was both challenging and rewarding; the men never once complained about the additional requirements and strains associated with COP life: pulling KP, rotating through guard shifts, eating MREs, sleeping in a tent with 20+ other men, going without a shower (good thing we trained for that at NTC), or doing 1SG Harmon’s “mayor cell” duties. Through it all, the Company managed to effort-lessly balance two competing missions: to provide security for the SFAATs and to meet the 1 April deadline of closing COP Muqor. As we began the retrograde, it astonished us how much junk had accu-mulated in an area the size of a couple of football fields over the course of 5 years. Every time we thought progress was be-ing made, something seemed to ooze out of another orifice in the COP. Neverthe-less, on 18 March 2013—two weeks ahead of schedule—COP Muqor was transferred to the Afghan National Army and the Bushmasters were relocated to FOB War-rior alongside the rest of 2-22 IN.

COMMANDER’S CORNER

PROMOTIONS, RE-ENLISTMENTS, AND BABIES Promotions: (PVT to PV2): Hoover, (PFC to SPC): Stricker, Reese, Pittman, Loncaric, Richard, Connelly, Turner, Stanley, Marshall; (SPC to CPL): Garcia, Newton, Silva, Parimore, McTighe, Stokes, Sandrik, Harris, Burnett; (CPL to SGT): SGT Garden. Re-enlistments: SPC Stricker (4 yrs, FT. Carson), SSG Ollis (6yrs., FT. Drum, College Incentive), SPC Stanley (4yrs, FT. Drum, AASLT School, College Incentive).

Baby Bushmasters: PFC Allen (boy) 14 Mar 2013 - Ryker Logan Allen 7lbs, 4oz.; SPC

Parimore (boy) 21 Mar 2013 - Roland Dean Parimore 8lbs, 11oz.; SGT Wright (boy) 25 Mar 2013 -Jackson Lee Wright 7lbs, 4oz.

BUSHMASTER COMPANY

E A G L E F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P

Since their arrival in January, Eagle Forward Support Company has hit the ground running, taking over all logistical support on FOB Warrior. As daunt-

ing as this task is, soldiers of this amazing com-pany have taken every assignment given to them in stride proving not only that they have been well trained, but also that they are beyond a shadow of a doubt the best for the job at hand. Everyday this group of elite soldiers continue to maintain vehicles, refuel aircraft, feed the FOB and move supplies around the battlefield. It is no surprise to their leaders, that the fruits of their labor over the previous 18 months are paying off. Eagle Company soldiers are ready for anything that may come their way! Many of the tasks that Eagle Company has fallen in on are not the “typical” Light Infantry FSC missions. You wouldn’t know it, however, because despite these

slight changes Soldiers of Eagle Company, learned their new duties, adapted and soldiered on as they have continuously done. There’s a long road ahead, but Eagle Company are up to any challenge that should present itself.

EAGLE COMPANY RECEIVES THE 10TH MOUNTAIN

DIVISION COMBAT PATCH

EAGLE (FSC) TAKES THE LEAD ON ALL FOB WARRIOR

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

On February 22, 2013, Eagle Forward Support Com-pany received its 10th Mountain Infantry Division Combat Patch and became part of a history extend-ing back to World War I. The Combat Patch is worn on the right arm and signifies that soldier has served in a com-bat zone.

“From this day on, Eagle Company will be part of a

Triple Deuce History...A part of a brotherhood for years to

come..” - LTC Funck

I’ve never seen a group of sol-diers so dedicated to their work. The results have begun to show from their many days of hard work, the nights they got home late, the weekends in the field, and the rotation in the desert of California. Those countless hours of hard work and train-ing are paying off, as this exceptional team continues to astonish me every day. I could-n't be more proud of the team assembled here on FOB Warrior. I want thank each and every spouse continu-ing to march on without the assistance of your loved ones. You are truly strong and committed and I do not envy your task at hand. I can speak for all of us here when I say, none of this is possible without your love and support. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You provide the motivation our soldiers need to continue to do the amazing job they do everyday. YOU are the heart-beat of this Company. Again, thank you all for all you have done, and continue to do. Before I close I’d like to make a special announcement regarding a new addition to the Eagle Company Family. I’m happy to announce that Nichole and I will be having our second child! (Nichole, sorry but I couldn’t resist!)

COMMANDER’S CORNER

EAGLE COMPANY SOARS WITH BUSHMASTER COMPANY Eagle Company soldiers attached to Bushmaster Company, 2-22IN had to

support of a very difficult mission. These soldiers were separated from the rest of the company and lived with B Co, 2-22IN in less than favorable conditions with minimal equipment and yet still found a way to go above and beyond their scopes and duties to cook and maintain vehicles.

“That SPC Lehman can fix just about anything...I have no

idea how he does it!” CPT Miller

(Bushmaster Co. Commander)

“CPT Fisher, your cooks are doing

really well. The guys love them!

They’re some real hard workers.

Can we keep them?”

-1SG Harmon (Bushmaster Co. 1SG)

April Update- OEF XIII

EAGLE COMPANY

Chaplain’s Corner P a g e 8 A P R I L 2 0 1 3

To our surprise, the 2-22 IN Unit Ministry Team (UMT) was blessed to have a solid structure for our worship services. The chapel seems

to be a somewhat historical landmark for the FOB: it was built a number of years ago by the Pol-ish, and the interior depicts Polish inte-rior design. The pic-ture to the left shows

the exterior of the Chapel. The picture to the right shows the interior of the Chapel. Notice the hard wooden benches, and the

parachute covering both the walls and ceiling of the Chapel. This is a very unique design for a FOB Chapel, and we are blessed to have it for a time during our deployment.

God has provided many opportunities to us to offer various services to the 2-22 Soldiers. The Unit Ministry Team (UMT) is dedicated to serve God and Country. By doing this we ensure the free exercise of religion is upheld and granted to all our Soldiers. The Protes-

tant service I offer is only one of the many worship opportunities. Currently we have 5 different services that comprise of Protestant, Catholic, and Ladder Day Saints (LDS) ser-vices.

is lifted when mail enters the FOB. Soldiers know they are receiving packages from fam-ily and loved ones. But they also know there are packages that will be shared that are sent from various US organi-zations. The Chaplains office has an area where these free items are placed. It is called

the Free X (as in free ex-change). We are certainly blessed with goodies. Keep ’em coming!!

God is good, all the time, all the time, God is good. We are so blessed to have sup-port from the American peo-ple.

First, our family and friends have been extremely gener-ous by sending packages to individual Soldiers. Morale

FOB Warrior Chapel

Blessings From The States (Free X)

Muqor Protestant Service

Protestant Service at Muqor

Inside the Chapel

at FOB Warrior

Doctor Nick Drakos at a service

Each of you should give what you have

decided in your heart to give, not

reluctantly or under compulsion,

for God loves a

cheerful giver.”

~2Corinthians 9:7

Deployment Address:

Last Name, First Name

Company, Task Force 2-22

FOB Warrior, Afghanistan

APO AE, 09311

This publication is for the friends and family

members of 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment.

We continually strive to inform those in the US of

our current mission, and everyday way of life while

deployed. Each company has told their stories in

this newsletter for that particular month.

“Deeds, Not Words”

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April Update- OEF XIII

“Lead With Courage”