December 2011 VOL 2 Issue 2December 2011 VOL 2 Issue 2

Maj. Dale Terrill, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), pauses for a moment of silence after laying a wreath during Wreaths Across America Day, Dec. 10, in Arlington National Cemetery, Va. This year’s theme, “The Christmas They Never Had”, honored those who have spent a holiday away from loved ones and remembered those who never made it home. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luisito Brooks)

Regimental Commander:Col. David Anders

Regimental Command Sgt. Maj.:

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Stitzel

Public Affairs Officer:Maj. John Miller

Public Affairs NCOIC:Sgt. 1st Class Adora Gonzalez

Editor:Pfc. Cameron Southhall

The Buff Strap is published by The Old Guard Public Affairs

Office to provide information on the Soldiers and Families of The Old Guard. Views and opinions are not necessarily those of the

Department of the Army.

Send electronic submissions and correspondence to:tog.pao@conus.army.mil

Digital photos should be at least 300 dpi.

Stories should be in Microsoft Word format.

3d U.S. Infantry RegimentThe Old Guard MaGazine

Daughters Allyson and Riley Drake (left), and son Austin Drake (right), gather with their mother, Dana Drake, for a Family photo. The Drake Family was named the 2011 U.S. Military District of Washington Family of the Year. (Courtesy photo)

Maj. Dale Terrill stopped to meditate as he laid a wreath in honor of service members who will no longer spend the holidays with their families and loved ones. “The price of freedom isn’t actually free. These Soldiers who have gone before us and protected us have sacrificed a lot even though they didn’t have to,” said Terrill, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bat-talion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). “Giving your all when you have little to gain is a special kind of sacrifice.” Terrill was amongst thou-sands of volunteers who partici-pated in Wreaths Across America Day, Dec. 10, in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., honoring the many service members who never made it home. Volunteers arrived early in the morning, adorning each

gravesite with a wreath. “I am so thankful for a na-tion that supports freedom defend-ers and veterans the way we do,” said Terrill. Participating had special meaning for Terrill who recalled his own experiences during his two deployments to Iraq and the impact of losing Soldiers in his battalion. “The most difficult part is the fight against letting the emo-tions of anger, fear, frustration or guilt change you or your Soldiers. We had to maintain a balance within ourselves in order to con-tinue to go out and keep doing the mission,” he said. With less than 1 percent of Americans serving in the military, it is these individuals and their daily sacrifices that give us our freedom. Pointing to a grave site, Terrill said the nation must never forget the sole reason for the free-dom we have in this country lies underneath our feet.

Staff Sgt. Michael Drake was raised in a home by parents who emphasized the importance of helping those less fortunate. “Serving and volunteering was a big part of my upbringing,” said Drake, a Concord, N.C. native. “Everybody helps everybody where I am from.” It’s this selfless service at-titude and many volunteer hours which earned the Drake Family the title of 2011 U.S. Military District of Washington Family of the Year, an award given annually to military Families who show superb dedica-tion and passion for volunteerism in the community. “I was shocked when my company commander called me on my day off with the news,” said Drake, infantryman, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). “The first thing I thought about was how I felt as though we haven’t done enough.” Whenever this proactive Family arrived to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., their devotion for volunteer work came with them.“We got here about two years ago and my wife and I immediately started looking for places to volun-teer,” Drake said. Drake ultimately began coaching youth soccer in the local area because of his beliefs in chil-dren staying active and healthy.

“I believe it doesn’t take much to volunteer in some shape or form,” he added. Drake’s wife Dana, and mother of four, lends extra time to her part-time job at the Eleanor U. Kennedy Homeless Shelter across from Fort Belvoir, Va. “Even though I work part-time, I routinely volunteer extra shifts because they are just so understaffed,” explained Dana. “Many folks that come through those doors are ex-military and through bad luck or bad decisions end up here in need of a helping hand.” Dana’s strong passion to help those in need brewed from her experience as a former police of-ficer. “I was always willing to help somebody out rather than take them to jail or write them a ticket,” she said.

Dana also volunteers with her husband’s company Fam-ily Readiness Group, a command sponsored program that provides activities and support to military Families. Between working all day and volunteering all night, the Drake Family may seem to be like two trains passing in the night, but it works for them. “By the time I get home from practice or work, my wife is usually heading out the door,” ex-plained Drake. “It does get stressful at times, but it is worth it.” The Drake Family has not let the MDW Family of the Year award cloud their focus to help oth-ers, but has allowed it to open them up to what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. “Anything is possible,” said Drake. “In some form or fashion, we have to do more.”

Story By Sgt. Luisito Brooks

The Old GuardPublic Affairs Office

Story By Sgt. Luisito Brooks

The Old GuardPublic Affairs Office

December 2011 VOL 2 Issue 2 December 2011 VOL 2 Issue 2

Before hrses have the dis-tinct honor of transporting a fallen hero to their final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., they must be fit for duty and trained. Caisson Platoon Soldiers, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), insured their 14 new horses at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., were able to uphold the high standards of this responsibility. “My job is to catch any is-sues, big or small, that would put these horses, Soldiers or people around the area at risk,” said Maj. Lisa Barden, the regi-mental veterinarian. “If the injury or sick-ness is subtle, we need to catch it before we throw a Soldier on its back.” The new horses arrived Oct. 2 and were immediately quaran-tined from all other horses for a minimum of six weeks. During quaran-tine, the veterinarian checks each new horse thoroughly from head to hooves by complet-ing a pre-purchase exam to ensure peak health and fitness. “We have 60

Maj. Lisa Barden, veterinarian, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), checks the vitals of Freedom, an eight-year- old Camarillo white horse from McAlester Okla., as part of its initial health exam at the Caisson Barn, Nov. 22, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Va. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luisito Brooks)

days to examine each horse to determine whether or not we are going to keep the animal,” Barden said. “We check if these horses will be good sound investments for the Army.” When the horses pass the pre-purchase exam, Barden deems them healthy and ready for the next step, training. “I enjoy working with new horses,” said Spc. Daniel Wolff, Caisson platoon horse rider and trainer. “Teaching horses how they should behave during ceremonies can be very difficult, but it also can be the most rewarding experience.” Wolff added a trainer must be extremely patient because of the

differences in each horse. “No two horses are the same, so when they arrived we have to break some of the old habits and develop our standard,” said Wolff. “I have never seen a horse ready for ceremonies without good medical treatment and proper training.” Although to some, it may seem like hard work preparing each new horse for a funeral ceremony, for riders like Wolff, it is worth every moment. “When the families see us and these amazing animals carry-ing their loved one, you can just tell in their faces how proud they are,” said Wolff. “It is all about the families and honoring the fallen.”

Story By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia

The Old GuardPublic Affairs Office

Within the area of Holmes County, Ohio, rests the world’s largest Amish community, a com-munity which taught Sgt. Ruben Troyer, from an early age, the true value of horses. “There were 20 to 30 horses specific to my family,” said Troyer. “Horses were our transpor-tation and our means to farm. They were our livelihood.” Now 29 years old, and the senior horse trainer for the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson platoon, Troyer is still depending on horses, but in a

totally different way. The Old Guard Caisson pla-toon, the only platoon of its kind in the United States Army, maintains a solemn mission, laying to rest our nation’s heroes in Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Six horses, lead by four Soldiers, pull a flag draped casket atop a black artillery caisson into the cemetery five days a week. “I realize the success of this mission starts with me because I have to get the horses ready before they go out into the cemetery,” said Troyer. Although Troyer admits this task is a full-time job and lots of hard work, Troyer doesn’t deny his Amish roots help ease the pressure. “My upbringing taught me

how horses react in certain situa-tions and what I can and can’t do around them,” said Troyer. “I’ve learned their bad habits and I know ultimately it’s all about earning their respect and confidence.” For Troyer, gaining a horse’s respect and confidence starts with first earning its trust. “You have to show the horse who’s in charge by also let-ting them know you’re there to lead them and not hurt them,” Troyer added. Staying true to his word, Troyer never leads horses new to the Caisson family out blindly. “I want to be the first one to ride the new horses out into the cemetery,” said Troyer. “I’ll stay with the each horse for a couple

of weeks to ensure he’s familiar with the cemetery and integrated well before I pass him off to a new rider.” No matter who’s riding the horse or what the horse is pull-ing; a plow, an Amish wagon or Caisson, the spirit of a horse holds deep meaning in Troyer’s heart. “To see a horse that has absolutely no regard for a human being at first, then seeing them respond to training, getting their respect and confidence, and get-ting them to trust me enough to put a saddle on their back and ride them to the point that they are functional in a ceremony for the United States Army is a great honor,” said Troyer.

Sgt. Ruben Troyer, senior horse trainer, Caisson platoon, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), pulls the reigns of Rambler, a Caisson horse, to slow him down during a horse training session at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., earlier this month. Troyer spends up to two months training each Caisson horse, ensur-ing the horse is able to follow directions given by its rider and pull a Caisson or two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle for military funerals. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia)

Story bySgt. Luisito Brooks

The Old GuardPublic Affairs Office

December 2011 VOL 2 Issue 2 December 2011 VOL 2 Issue 2

On Thanksgiving Day, the American public watched as brothers, John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens head coach, and Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers head coach, competed against each other, pinning two head coach siblings together for the first time in National Football League History. What the American public did not see was a different brotherhood taking place on the sidelines, one between U.S. Army Sgt. Dontae Skywalker and the 49ers. Skywalker currently serves in the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) as a Tomb Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monu-ment dedicated to American servicemen who have died without their remains being identified. Sentinels remain vigilant 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, as they walk the sacred memorial site of the Unknown Soldiers despite all weather conditions. Last month, the 49ers visited the Tomb where they met Skywalker for the first time. “I was immediately im-

pressed meeting him at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers,” said Harbaugh. “What I witnessed was a commitment to excellence. That’s something we know about in terms of football.”

John Feuerborn, recall-ing his brother-n-law’s reaction, admitted Harbaugh was definitely touched. “That day I remember Jim saying I’ve got to name a play after

Sgt. Dontae Skywalker, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), laughs with San Francisco 49ers long snapper, Brian Jennings, during the Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers game, Nov. 24, at the Manufacturers & Trade Bank Stadium, Md. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia)

Sgt. Dontae Skywalker, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), gives San Francisco 49ers guard, Mike Iupatu, a good luck hand slap prior to the Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers game, Nov. 24, at the Manufactures & Trade Bank Stadium, Md. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia)

him,” said Feuerborn. The “Skywalker” pass play made its debut appearance against the New York Giants, Nov. 13, earning the 49ers 16 yards in the third quarter. Reflecting on that monumental moment, 49ers wide receiver, Ted Gin Jr., said he felt privileged. “It was great to have that name on it, knowing what it meant when I caught that ball,” said Ginn Jr. “Skywalker really had an impact on us when we met him. In the 20 minutes he spoke to us, I learned a lot about the Army. We don’t lay our lives on the line like these guys do.” Four days after the game, Jeff Rodriguez, 49ers security coordinator, lost his dear friend,

Jim Capoot. Capoot, a Vallejo, Ca. police officer, was killed, Nov. 17, during a foot pursuit of bank rob-bery suspects. Capoot also served as a U.S. Marine. “Because of Skywalker, I was able to lay a wreath at the Tomb for my friend,” said Rodri-guez. Laying a wreath in honor of the Unknowns is one of the most honorable ways to pay tribute to a fallen comrade. Because of Skywalker’s growing relationship with the 49ers, he was invited to attend the Thanksgiving game. “It’s an honor to have Sky-walker with us,” said 49ers offen-sive tackle, Alex Boone, remem-bering his own brother’s service as a former Marine in Iraq, in 2005.

“[Skywalker] is like family to us,” Boone said, prior to the start of the game. “It felt great spending my Thanksgiving with the team and being intimately involved with them on the sidelines. They don’t treat me like I’m a visitor, but like I’m really one of them,” said Sky-walker. In a little over three weeks, there’s no denying Skywalker has found an unbreakable bond with the 49ers team and staff. “In a very short time, he’s somebody that we know cares about us and we care about him as a person and what he does for our country,” said Harbaugh. “He’s somebody that we look up to. It’s been an honor for us to share our sideline with him.”

Story By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia

The Old GuardPublic Affairs Office

December 2011 VOL 2 Issue 2 December 2011 VOL 2 Issue 2

The impact of a .30 cali-ber round fired from a M1903 Springfield rifle is 60,200 pounds per square inch. The impact of a bayonet-tipped M1903 Springfield rifle being tossed through the air by the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), U.S. Army Drill Team at the British Military Tour-nament in London, England is

immeasurable. The U.S. Army Drill Team was invited to perform at the Brit-ish Military Tournament at Earls Court in London Dec. 2-4. The British Military Tournament tells the story of the special relationship between the United Kingdom and United States, recreating dramatic episodes in history from the Amer-ican War of Independence right up to modern day operations in Afghanistan.

“We are honored to repre-

sent the United States in the British Military Tournament and celebrate the alliance that we share with the United Kingdom,” said Capt. Christopher Miorin, 3d U.S. In-fantry Regiment (The Old Guard), U.S. Army Drill Team, Command-er. The tournament was spon-sored by Boeing and included units from throughout the British mili-tary. The Royal Signals Motorcy-cle Display Team (RSMDT), also known as the White Helmets, is a group of serving soldiers from the

Royal Corps of Signals of the British Army, who give public displays of motor-cycling skills, acrobatics and stunt riding. “I couldn’t believe some of the things The White Helmets do. I was impressed to say the least,” said Sgt. Scott Mitchell, U.S. Army Drill Team. The tournament performances lasted roughly two and half hours with one performance Friday, two Saturday and two Sunday. Queen Eliza-beth II, The Queen of the United Kingdom and all four British Military Ser-vices Commander-in-Chief attended the five perfor-mances. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to meet Queen Elizabeth II,” said Miorin. “She was the definition of class and a

The U.S. Army Drill Team, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) per-form The Fan maneuver during the drill team performance at the British Military Tournament, Dec. 2. More than 10,000 people attended the perfor-mance to include Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of England. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Coffee)

true lady.” The U.S. Army Drill Team performs for military, government, non-profit, and civilian organizations. Through their daring and complex performances the U.S. Army Drill Team acts as “good-will ambassadors” for the Army, support-ing community relations and recruiting efforts on behalf of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the U.S. Army. “The team worked very hard in preparation for this trip, and we are very proud to be able to showcase the excellence of the U.S. Army to the people of Great Britain,” said Sgt. 1st Class John Beverage, U.S. Army Drill Team, Drill Master.

Capt. Christopher Miorin, U.S. Army Drill Team Commander, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), salutes Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen of England, and the crowd at the end of the drill team performance at The British Military Tournament Dec. 2. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Coffee)

Story By Staff Sgt. Matthew Coffee

The Old GuardPublic Affairs Office

Cpt. Christopher Miorin, U.S. Army Drill Team Commander, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment(The Old Guard) , greets Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen of England, after the drill team performance at the British Military Tournament, Dec.2. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Coffee)

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3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldiers (right), render honors during the playing of taps at a wreath laying ceremony at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy in Arlington Na-tional Cemetery, Va., Nov. 17. The ceremony, hosted by the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) and supported by The Old Guard, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the wearing of the Green Beret authorized by Kennedy in 1961. This important visit and the subsequent lasting partnership between JFK and the Special Forces ensure that these men will forever wear the Green Beret. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia)

529th Regimental Support Company combat medics, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), attentively look over a simulated injured Soldier to assess his status during medial recertification training at the Lorton Re-formatory in Lorton, Va., Nov. 17. (U.S. Army photo by: Sgt. Luisito Brooks)

1st Battalion Soldiers, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), conduct a spiritual fitness run through Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Nov.15. Spiritual fitness runs help Soldiers focus on their physical and spiritual well-being. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia)

Col. David P. Anders, commander, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), presents a token of appreciation to the hosts of ESPN’s Sportsnation after the live broadcast at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. Nov. 8. (U.S. Army Photo by Jose A. Torres Jr.)

Jimmy, three-year-old German shepherd, 947th Detachment, 289th Mili-tary Police Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), chews on his squeaky toy, a reward for completing a narcotic detection training session, Dec. 7, at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. commissary. Jimmy performs this training daily to better understand how to search and respond to the detection of drugs. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luisito Brooks)

Continental Color Guard, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldiers, march on to the football field during a Joint Armed Forces Col-or Guard presentation at the Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers Thanksgiving football game, Nov. 24, in the Manufacturers &Traders Bank Stadium, Md. The Continental Color Guard represents The Old Guard in various ceremonies and events across the nation. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia)

Sgt. Charles Howland(front) and Pfc. John Haley(rear), Alpha Com-panyiInfantrymen, 4th Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), take cover behind a cement column during medical recertification training at the Lorton Reformatory in Lorton, Va., Nov. 17. (U.S. Army photo by: Sgt. Luisito Brooks)

Did you get a chance to attend our TOG Christmas at Conmy Event on December 10th? I attended with my kids and will never forget them looking wide eyed and petrified as an E Com-pany Soldier launched my 7 and 9 year old to the top of the inflatable velcro wall. They loved the thrill of literally being stuck 10 feet in the air and kept asking for more. Memories like this are a big part of what makes the Holi-day Season special. Another big aspect of the holidays for many of us is practicing our faith and making time to attend religious services. Adjacent to this article is a list of Christmas and Hanuk-kah worship opportunities on Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall. If these do not meet your specific needs, please contact your chap-lain and he will be glad to assist you in finding a service that is a good fit for you. Single Day Ski RetreatsEvery Soldier in the Regiment is invited to attend one of our three Wednesday Ski Trips. We will load up early in the morning and drive to Bryce Mountain Resort for a day of Skiing and Spiritual Fitness Training. All meals and expenses will be covered except for ski or snow board rental ($20). All ranks may attend this Soldier only trip (no family members). Please sign up through your Com-

pany Chain of Command to join us on:• Wed., January 11th• Wed., February 8th• Wed., March 7th

Strong Bonds RetreatsThe goal of The Old Guard Strong Bonds program is to increase indi-vidual Soldier and Family mem-ber readiness through relationship education and skills training. Strong Bonds is conducted in an offsite retreat format in order to maximize the training effect. The retreat or “get away” provides a fun, safe, and secure environ-ment in which to learn commu-nication and relationship skills necessary to navigate the stressors of military life. These events are paid for by the Army and include lodging, food and childcare at no expense to Old Guard Soldiers and fami-lies. Please sign up with your Chain of Command and join us at one of the following retreats:

1-3 IN and HHC Regiment:27-29 January- Married Couples Retreat with Childcare; near Lib-erty Mountain, PA24-26 March- Single Soldier Re-treat; near Liberty Mountain, PA

4-3 IN and 529th RSC:3-5 March- Family Retreat with Childcare. 30 March- 1 April- Single Soldier Retreat All Single Parents8-10 June- Single Parent Family Retreat with Childcare. Looking forward to seeing you there!

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1-3 IN:27-29 January Married Soldiers

with Childcare near Liberty Mountain, PA

24-26 March: Single Soldier Retreat near Liberty Mountain, PA

4-3 IN:3-5 March Family Retreat with

Childcare 30 March- 1 April: Single Soldier

Retreat

529th RSC and HHC Reg.:Are eligible to attend all the

retreats for 1-3 and 4-3IN listed above

Joshua GenerationThursdays, 1730 at the

Community Center (Dinner is provided)

Bible StudyWednesdays, 1130 at the 1/3 INF

Conference Room (Lunch is provided)

CH(MAJ) Jason Nobles,

office 703.696.4850jason.k.nobles@us.army.mil

SGT(P) Grant Dame,grant.dame@us.army.mil

CH (CPT) Mark Worrell, mark.worrell@us.army.mil

Office 703.696.8130Cell 571.271.5191SGT Steve Drefke

703.696.3019

CH (CPT) Brandon Denning,frederick.b.denning@

us.army.mil Office 703.696.3579

703.969.1333

Chaplain Contact Info: 529th RSC and HHC REG.:

By: CH (Maj.) Jason Nobles Regimental Chaplain,

3rd US Inf. Reg.The Old Guard