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2015 YEAR IN REVIEW

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Panthers train for advise, assist mission

Paratroopers from across the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division put their

collective skills to the test Jan. 12-16 during a Culminating Training Event at Fort Bragg, N.C. The exercise, facilitated by the 82nd Abn. Div. and the 3rd Battalion, 353rd Armor Regiment’s Security Force Assistance Training team from Fort Polk, Louisiana, focused on refining the brigades’ capabilities to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces. About 1,000 Paratroopers from 3rd BCT are slated to deploy in the coming weeks and will work with the ISF to instruct them in a range of military skills to enable them to fight ISIL. Maj. Odelle “Jibriel” Means, one of the lead planners for the CTE with 3rd BCT, said to prepare the Paratroopers for the advise and assist mission, the 82nd Abn. Div. and the SFAT team offered training that was tough and realistic. He said the most important component of the exercise was the key leader engagement training, which partnered each 3rd BCT SFAT team with a group of Iraqi army role players. Means described the KLE training as tremendously important in helping prepare leaders to effectively coach, teach and mentor their Iraqi military counterparts. “It’s [about] building that rapport to be able to build that trust,” Means said. Lt. Col. Bryan L. Babich, commander of 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd BCT, and an SFAT team leader, agreed. “All the battalion’s SFATs are

made up of just the absolute best noncommissioned officers and staff officers,” Babich continued. “You’re playing with the all-stars, they’ve got the right attitude, they come together and to get [this] one week of training that we had, all it does is boost that confidence that we work well together as a collective.” Col. Curtis A. Buzzard, commander of 3rd BCT, said the KLE training was critical to preparing his Paratroopers for the mission ahead. “It helped our experienced leaders refresh on the steps necessary to plan, prepare, rehearse, execute and assess the engagement and also required us to exercise basic negotiation skills, mediate conflict and use a linguist,” Buzzard said. “Scenarios also included staff partnering across the SFAT, which provided our more junior leaders a chance to practice these same steps and make mistakes here rather than overseas.” Babich said he is confident the training prepared his SFAT team, as well as the teams across the brigade. “We’re optimistic [because] we understand what our mission is, we understand that part of what we’ll need to accomplish up front is understanding what we can provide and how that’s different from when we were there before,” he said. “We’ll be able to communicate and develop some sort of common operational picture for Col. Buzzard and his chain of command—you can really see that’s where we can truly make a difference.”

BY STAFF SGT. MARY S. KATZENBERGER3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Lt. Col. Hermon L. Johnson Jr. (middle), commander of 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division meets with a role player portraying a leader from the Iraqi Security Forces during a training exercise, Jan. 15, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. Leaders from 3rd BCT will deploy to Iraq in the next few weeks to advise and assist the ISF to enable them to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Blocker/Released)

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Panthers receive training on AK-47 riflesU.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence teaches Paratroopers how to disassemble, reassemble weapons

Paratroopers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Air-borne Division took advantage of

a unique opportunity to learn about the AK-47 rifle, Jan. 22, during a hands-on class at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School on Fort Bragg. Special Forces Soldiers with the USA-JFKSWCS, the Army’s Special Operations Center of Excellence, taught the Para-troopers about AK-47 rifles in prepara-tion for Paratroopers deploying to Iraq to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces.Approximately 1,000 Paratroopers from 3rd BCT are slated to deploy in the com-ing weeks and will work with the ISF to instruct them in a range of military skills to enable them to fight ISIL. The Paratroopers, a mix of noncom-missioned officers and junior Paratroop-ers, learned the characteristics of the AK-47 rifle, how to disassemble and reas-semble the weapon, and how to perform a functions check. The Special Forces Soldiers also taught the Paratroopers how to sight the weapons, priming them for their upcoming mission with the ISF. An instructor with the USAJFKSWCS said he appreciated having the oppor-tunity to teach the Paratroopers as they prepare to deploy. “When we are able to exchange knowl-edge we’re more than happy to do it,” he said. “As a Special Forces weapons ser-geant it’s my job to teach them.” Sgt. Thomas D. Pedigo, a Paratrooper assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battal-ion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, said the class was very benefi-cial because he had no prior experience

handling foreign AK-47 rifles. “If we’re training host-nation forces, it’s good to know what type of weapons they use,” Pedigo said. “Just learning a different weapon system [was great].” Spc. Anthony D. Jones, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and Head-quarters Company, 1st Bn., 505th PIR, is optimistic the knowledge will help him and his fellow Paratroopers perform their advise and assist mission to the best of their ability. “The most valuable part [of the class] is the level of knowledge the instructors have about this weapon system,” Jones said. “I’m glad these guys let us come down here and get the opportunity to get some hands-on training.”


TOP: An instructor with the U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence assists a Paratrooper assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division with a foreign AK-47 rifle, Jan. 22, 2015, during a class at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School on Fort Bragg, N.C. Special Forces Soldiers with the U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence taught the Paratroopers about AK-47 rifles in preparation of the Paratroopers deploying to Iraq to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Saff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)

LEFT: Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division disassemble a foreign AK-47 rifle, Jan. 22, 2015, during a class at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School on Fort Bragg, N.C. Special Forces Soldiers with the U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence taught the Paratroopers about AK-47 rifles in preparation of the Paratroopers deploying to Iraq to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)



Do you know what to do if someone puts you in a chokehold or charges at your core to knock you off-

balance? Female Paratroopers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division learned how to counter such threats during two self-defense classes, Jan. 9 and 20, at the 82nd Airborne Division Combatives and Advanced Tactics School on Fort Bragg, N.C. While instructors at the school regularly teach self-defense techniques, this was the first time classes have been solely focused on the skills female Paratroopers can use

to defend themselves, said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Hopper, an instructor at the schoolhouse. “I’m glad this unit took this initiative to do this,” said Hopper. “Sometimes you have to isolate certain issues or certain techniques just for one person, and having an all-female class is one way of doing that; isolate just the techniques that work best for them.” Paratroopers learned how to break their fall if pushed, to maintain defensive body positions once on the ground, to counter choke holds if grabbed from behind, and how to strike an opponent’s body to effectively end an encounter. Hopper said he hopes the classes gave the Paratroopers the confidence that comes

from knowing that if a negative situation presents itself, they know some techniques to employ that can help prevent them from becoming a victim. 1st Lt. Melissa Owens, a Paratrooper assigned to Juliet Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, said the training was realistic. “When they attacked you it was [in] the same way anyone would,” Owens said. “You never know when something can happen. I definitely learned a lot; I thought initially coming here it was going to be like combatives and I was surprised that it was a lot of new stuff.” Pvt. Jessica Rutledge, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and

Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, said the most important component of the training was learning the methods aggressors use to subdue a victim and how to posture oneself to address that threat. “You never know what situation you’re going to be in,” said Rutledge, echoing Owens. Hopper said he and his instructors are available to train Paratroopers from units throughout division, and the training can be tailored to meet specific objectives. “The combatives program is put in place so we can give our troopers the necessary techniques that they can use if attacked or engaged by an enemy force.”

Panthers focus on self-defense

TOP LEFT: Female Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division sharpen their skills during a self-defense class at the 82nd Airborne Division Combatives and Advanced Tactics School at Fort Bragg, N.C., Jan. 9, 2015.

CENTER TOP: Sgt. Tania Calderon and Sgt. Jesse Hertzog, instructors at the 82nd Airborne Division Combatives and Advanced Tactics School, demonstrate a self-defense technique for Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div. during a self-defense class for female Paratroopers.

CENTER BOTTOM: Spc. Kiara Griffin, left, and Spc. Lasundra McKenzie, Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division sharpen their skills during a self-defense class.

BOTTOM LEFT: Pvt. Jessica Rutledge, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division flips 1st Lt. Melissa Owens, a Paratrooper assigned to Juliet Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, over her shoulder during a self-defense class.

Spc. Angelina Eich, left, and Pfc. Sophia Pyle, Paratroopers assigned to 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division sharpen their skills during a self-defense class at the 82nd Airborne Division Combatives and Advanced Tactics School at Fort Bragg, N.C., Jan. 9, 2015.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger


Harold L. Eatman’s biggest fear in life is being forgotten and that the world will not remember the

sacrifices he and fellow 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment brothers in arms made during combat. The 99-year-old veteran doesn’t have to worry about being forgotten anymore. On Feb. 3, Eatman and seven other veterans received the French Legion of Honor in Raleigh in recognition of their service to France in World War II. The French Legion of Honor is an order of distinction first established by Napoleon Bonaparte in May of 1802 and is the highest decoration bestowed in France. “[I feel] sort of unworthy, but I’m happy about it and it makes me feel good,” said Eatman after the ceremony. “You get the feelings sometime when the war is over and the excitement is over people want to forget about it.” Eatman enlisted in the Army as an infantryman and later volunteered to be a Paratrooper. He served as a platoon sergeant in Hotel Company, 505th PIR in combat, and served as a jumpmaster during D-Day. Eatman jumped in all four of the combat jumps his regiment completed with the 82nd Airborne Division. After being recognized by the government of France along with members of his former unit, Eatman said he’s ready to get back in the fight. “Tell them to get a rifle squad ready, ‘Pops’ is coming back,” Eatman said.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David T. Blocker/ReleasedLt. Col. Hermon L. Johnson Jr. (middle), commander of 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division meets with a role player portraying a leader from the Iraqi Security Forces during a training exercise, Jan. 15, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. Leaders from 3rd BCT will deploy to Iraq in the next few weeks to advise and assist the ISF to enable them to defeat ISIL.

Story and Photos by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith505th PIR veteran awarded French Legion of Honor

TOP: Harold L. Eatman, a veteran of World War II, is shown with Lt. Col. Albert J. Paquin, deputy commander for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Tadeusz Gaweda, honorary command sergeant major of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Williams, rear detachment command sergeant major of 3rd BCT, Feb. 3, 2015, after a ceremony in Raleigh, N.C.

ABOVE: Tadeusz Gaweda, honorary command sergeant major of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, shakes hands with Harold L. Eatman, a veteran of World War II, Feb. 3, 2015, after a ceremony in Raleigh, N.C.

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Paratrooper named FORSCOMCareer Counselor of the Year

Sgt. 1st Class Cheri N. Lee’s office is not much different from those of other career counselors on Fort Bragg, N.C.: a computer, large monitor and stacks of files are

arranged neatly on the desk, and an American flag adorns the wall. The typical plaques and desktop mementos doled out to career Soldiers for jobs well done are displayed prom-inently on the top shelf of the desk. Lee, a Paratrooper assigned to 307th Brigade Engi-neer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, has one award on display that no other career counselor in the Army does though: the trophy naming her the 2015 U.S. Army Forces Command career counselor of the year. The Pasadena, California, native won the FORSCOM-level Career Counselor of the Year competition in January and is slated to compete at the Department of the Army level against career counselors from eight other major commands in the spring. Lee said her win is a tribute to countless hours of study and the mentorship that exceptional noncommis-sioned officers have provided throughout her career. “It’s nice to see that hard work pays off,” Lee said. “It’s motivation to study [and] I just feel like I know my job better because of it.” Prior to winning the FORSCOM-level competition, Lee triumphed at the division and XVIII Airborne Corps boards in the fall of 2014. The Paratrooper said each board along the way has been more challenging than the last, and she has been required to know the career counselor regu-lation to the letter and excel during Army physical fitness tests. “Bottom line, she’s a definite super star within the brigade,” said Master Sgt. Anthony W. Henry, senior career counselor for 3rd BCT, of Lee. “You couldn’t ask for a better thing out any career counselor across the Army, she is ex-actly what the Army is looking for to be the career counsel-or of the year.” Lee said she’s focused on the DA-level board and is thankful to have the opportunity to continue to make a difference in Soldiers’ lives through her role as a career counselor. “In this [military occupational specialty] you can

make probably the most difference as far as the future of retaining Soldiers goes,” Lee said. “You can get a Soldier something that they came in the Army to do, [something] they’ve been dreaming of for three or four years … and I get to be the one to send them there. That feels good every time it happens.”


Sgt. 1st Class Cheri N. Lee, career counselor for 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, poses with Master Sgt. Anthony W. Henry, senior career counselor for 3rd BCT, Jan. 28, 2015, after winning the U.S. Army Forces Command-level Career Counselor of the Year competition at Fort Bragg, N.C. Lee will compete at the Department of the Army level in the spring. (Courtesy Photo)

Jumpingover the moon

Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division descend toward Holland Drop Zone against the backdrop of a crystal clear sky and last quarter moon, Feb. 11, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C.

December 2015




When Staff Sgt. Daniel E. McIver laced up his tennis shoes in the morning, he wasn’t thinking about the approaching competition and how

it would test his Paratroopers, endurance or leadership; rather, McIver was thinking about how much a friend and fallen comrade would enjoy participating in the contest by his side. McIver and fellow Paratroopers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division honored Spc. Joseph W. Riley through deeds, not words, by giving their all during the first Joseph Riley Squad Competition, Feb. 10, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Riley was killed in action in Afghanistan on Nov. 24, 2014, during the battalion’s most recent deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The grueling competition—held to honor Riley and determine the top squad in each platoon of B Co.—featured five stations along a six-mile course. At the first station, each Paratrooper had to rig a rucksack for airborne operations. On the second testing lane, the squad leader of each squad became a notional casualty and his Paratroopers had to follow all the steps to secure a medical evacuation for him. The testing continued at the reconnaissance lane, where each squad was given three pairs of binoculars to observe and report on an objective. Next, at the weapons assembly station, the three lowest-ranking Paratroopers in each squad had to correctly assemble and complete a functions check on three weapons without physical assistance from leaders. During the fifth and final station, the leader challenge, squad leaders were tested on their ability to

Through deeds, A Paratrooper assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division performs a functions check on an M249 machine gun during the Joseph Riley Squad Competition, Feb. 10, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The competition was held to determine the best squad in each platoon while honoring Spc. Joseph W. Riley, who was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 24, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David

Blocker/Released)

send a situation report over the radio. McIver said the completion was a perfect tribute to Riley. “It kind of showed the drive that Riley had as a person,” McIver said. “He was all about going to Ranger School and always finishing number one at everything. “He was a very motivating person to have around, especially during an event like this,” McIver continued. “He would be all frowns about it, but, by the end of the day when he started doing it, he’d be one of the happiest people doing this kind of stuff.”

1st Lt. Stephen N. Murray, officer in charge of the Joseph Riley Squad Competition for B Co., 1st Bn., 508th PIR, said he believes the competition met its intent to honor Riley and push Paratroopers to their limits. “I think it’s a very great exercise to test the abilities not only of the squad leaders but also on how well they’ve been training their privates since they came down to the line,” Murray said. “We threw a few leadership challenges in there where the squad leader wasn’t able to coach and mentor their guys and they had to operate based on the training he had given them prior to the event.

“Also, a lot of the Soldiers in our company also came back from scout platoon on this last deployment, so I know that this event was really big for them in remembering a fallen comrade,” Murray continued. Pvt. Raul J. Villa, assigned to 2nd platoon in B Co., 1st Bn., 508th PIR, said it was good to see all the camaraderie that came out of the competition. “It’s good to see the guys you’re going to rely on push themselves,” Villa said. “There’s a lot of guys who have died [for our country], it’s nice to see people honor that by giving everything they have for future Soldiers.”

not wordsParatroopers honor fallen comrade during competition

“There’s a lot of guys who have [died for ourcountry], it’s

nice to seepeople

honor that bygiving

everything they have for

future Soldiers.”Pvt. Raul J. Villa

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Paratroopers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division compete in the Joseph Riley Squad Competition, Feb. 10, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The competition was held to determine the best squad in each platoon while honoring Spc. Joseph W. Riley, who was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 24, 2014 during Operation Enduring Freedom. At the first station, each Paratrooper had to rig a rucksack for airborne operations. At the second testing lane, the squad leader of each squad became a notional casualty and his Paratroopers had to follow all the steps to secure a medical evacuation for him. The testing continued at the reconnaissance lane, where each squad was given three pairs of binoculars to observe and report on an objective. Next, at the weapons assembly station, the three lowest-ranking Paratroopers in each squad had to correctly assemble and complete a functions check on three weapons without physical assistance from leaders. During the fifth and final station, the leader challenge, squad leaders were tested on their ability to send a situation report over the radio.


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Spc. Victor M. Lara, a Paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and Spc. Daniel J. Albin, a Paratrooper assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment are the most recent Panthers to earn the coveted Expert Infantryman Badge. To earn the special skill badge Lara and Albin completed an Army Physical Fitness Test and land navigation and demonstrated proficiency in tasks such as first aid, weapons, and individual move-ment techniques.

December 2015

E X P E R TINFANTRYMANB A D G EMANY TEST. FEW EARN.

S P C . V I C T O R M . L A R AH O M E T O W N : L o s A n g e l e s , C a l i f o r n i aU N I T : 1 s t B n . , 5 0 5 t h P I RD U T Y P O SI T I ON : We ap on S qu a d Te am L e a d e rW H Y H E ’ S I N FA N T RY: L o v e s s h o o t i n g g u n sa n d c o m p e t i t i o n w i t h f e l l o w P a r a t r o o p e r s .

S P C . D A N I E L J . A L B I NH O M E T O W N : W r i g h t , W y o m i n gU N I T : 2 n d B n . , 5 0 5 t h P I RD U T Y P O S I T I O N : S q u a d L e a d e rWHY HE’ S INFANTRY: Loves conduct ing rangesa n d t r a i n i n g P a r a t r o o p e r s .


MANY TEST. FEW EARN.

Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division complete tasks at Fort Bragg, N.C., while vying for the Expert

Infantryman Badge.



ABOVE: Staff Sgt. Pablo Palacio and Spc. Terri Bluebird, Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division are named the winners of the Division’s Noncommissioned Officer and Trooper of the Year competition, Feb. 26, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The competition tested the troopers’ proficiency in marksmanship, basic warrior tasks, physical fitness and land navigation. The Paratroopers will go on to compete at the XVIII Airborne Corps level. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger)

LEFT: Spc. Terri L. Bluebird, a Paratrooper assigned to Charlie Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, fires an M-4 rifle, Feb. 23, 2015, at a qualification range during the Division’s Noncommissioned Officer and Trooper of the Year competition at Fort Bragg, N.C. Bluebird won the competition and is preparing for the XVIII Airborne Corps Soldier of the Year competition. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith)

Division Trooper of the Year ready for next challenge

In Spc. Terri Bluebird’s short time in the Army she has learned two fundamentals about being a successful Paratrooper: take advantage of the opportunities the

Army offers, and don’t become stagnant. The Paratrooper, assigned to Charlie Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, hit the ground running when she arrived at Fort Bragg two years ago from her ad-vanced individual training course certifying her as a combat medic. Demonstrating that she excels in physical fitness has landed her spots on the Divisions’ Army Ten-miler and Bataan Memorial Death March teams, and choosing to hone her warrior skills and knowledge set her on the path of reaching her most recent goal: winning the Division’s Trooper of the Year competition. “I’m humbled and I’m motivated,” Bluebird said of her accomplishment. Held from 23-26 Feb. at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the Trooper of the Year competition pit the Division’s best Paratroopers against one another in tests incorporating physical fitness, appearance, military knowledge and overall Soldier skills.Paratroopers completed an Army Physical Fitness Test, an M-4 rifle zero and qualification range, day and night land navigation, weapon system familiarization drills, and additional hands-on warrior task assessments in infantry tactics, nuclear, biological and chemical protection and decontamination procedures and medical evacuation. The third and final element of the competition was a military board, presided over by Command Sgt. Maj. La-marquis Knowles, command sergeant major of the 82nd Abn. Div., and command sergeants major from through-out the division. Bluebird said winning the Division’s competition is the product of actively seeking out mentorship from non-commissioned officers and dedicating countless hours to studying the fundamentals of soldiering. When she was interested in attending her company’s Soldier of the Month board in 2014, Bluebird said Staff Sgt. Berenice Macias stepped up to the plate to ensure she had the necessary foundation: knowledge.

“Every day after work from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at night we would just sit and answer questions over and over again … until it was almost like muscle memory,” the combat medic said. “The training I did with her is what carried over into [subsequent] boards.” After winning boards from the company- to the bri-gade-level, Bluebird competed in the Division’s Trooper of the Quarter Board for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014 and won. The combat medic said to be a contender in the Trooper of the Year competition she not only had to retain knowl-edge, she had to add specific skills to her toolkit. Bluebird spent a day with a noncommissioned officer receiving hands-on training on the six weapons systems she would be tested on. To beef up her NBC skills she relied on her NBC noncommissioned officer. And, even though she is in the medical field herself, the Paratrooper sought out the mentorship of senior noncommissioned officers to help her gain proficiency in the medical tasks she would have to perform. “I … greatly appreciate the [noncommissioned officers],” Bluebird said. “I [had] probably a handful of noncommis-sioned officers actually sit down and train me and say this is where you are and this is where you could be.” Now that she’s won the Division’s Trooper of the Year competition, Bluebird said she is focused on studying for the XVIII Airborne Corps Soldier of the Year competition. “Specialist Bluebird is an outstanding Paratrooper with unlimited potential and without a doubt I know she will be successful in her military career,” said 1st Sgt. Deanna T. Carson, first sergeant for C Co., 82nd BSB. “The commander and I have high expectations for the next competition and know she will do well. “Everyone in 3rd BCT is extremely proud of her, especial-ly the Paratroopers of Charlie Company,” Carson continued. Bluebird said, being a female Paratrooper, she is excited to represent the Division at the corps level. “I want to show them that I can match them up on the guy’s scale, that we can stand on our own ground [and] that things aren’t just handed to us—because they’re not,” Blue-bird said. “There are females … in the Army that can do just the same things [men] can. “I like what’s happening because I hope it motivates other females to … know they can do it too,” Bluebird concluded.



Advanced rifle marksmanshipADVANCED RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP

PHOTOS BYSGT. MATTHEW S.

GRIFFITH

Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry

Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team compete during advanced rifle marksmanship training, Mar.

20, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. Arm training builds upon basic

rifle marksmanship incorporating advanced firing positions, combat

firing techniques and moving target engagement.

Train as you fightParatroopers assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat conduct rollover training, Mar. 25, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Photos by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith

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A Paratrooper (right) assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division demonstrates how to walk and shoot while an Iraqi army soldier assigned to the 72nd Brigade, 15th Division mimics his techniques during a close-quarters

marksmanship range at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 6, 2015. Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Abn. Div. are deployed to several build partner capacity sites in Iraq to advise and assist IA soldiers for upcoming operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The IA training has primarily

focused on urban and combined operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)

LEFT: Iraqi soldiers of the 75th Brigade, 16th Division, prepare to clear a room during a breaching assault course at Besmaya Range Complex, Iraq, April 18, 2015. The course, part of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve’s building partner capacity mission, was led by Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, to aid in Iraq’s fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Deja Borden, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)

ABOVE: An Iraqi army soldier assigned to 73rd Brigade, 15th Division fixes a blank firing adapter to his rifle with the help of a U.S. officer assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division during a cumulative training event at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 16, 2015. IA soldiers used blank ammunition during the event to simulate real-world battlefield conditions and to improve safety while they performed complex assaults. IA small unit leaders directed their squads in accomplishing the mission while U.S. advisers provided minimal direction. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)

LEFT: Iraqi army soldiers assigned to 73rd Brigade, 15th Division provide cover fire for their platoonmates while a U.S. noncommissioned officer, left, assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division demonstrates how to aim properly during a cumulative training event at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 16, 2015. Iraqi soldiers with the 73rd Brigade protected their fellow soldiers and overcame obstacles during the event, which was designed to test everything they learned during their six-week primary training course. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)


LEFT: A Paratrooper assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division addresses Iraqi army leaders with the 75th Brigade, 16th Division about the importance of preventative maintenance checks and services at Besmaya Range Complex, Iraq, April 7, 2015. Members of 2nd Bn., 505th PIR led a three-day driver’s training course for Iraqi soldiers to sharpen their military driving skills. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Deja Borden, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)

RIGHT: Iraqi army soldiers assigned to 72nd Brigade, 15th Division sprint to the next event during a team competition training exercise with U.S. Army advisors at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 2, 2015. The U.S. Army advisors, assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division are part of the Combined Joint Task Force to degrade and ultimately defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant by building miltiary capacity of Iraqi Security Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)

BOTTOM LEFT: A Paratrooper assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conducts a class on squad movements and assaults at Besmaya Range Complex, Iraq, April 7, 2015. Members of the 2nd Bn., 505th PIR are conducting a variety of training exercises with the 16th Division in order to build the Iraqi army’s capacity to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Deja Borden, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)

BOTTOM CENTER: An Iraqi army soldier (right) with 72nd Brigade, 15th Division watches as a noncommissioned officer assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division demonstrates the proper technique to move sideways while shooting a target during a close-quarters marksmanship range at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 6, 2015. Paratroopers with 2nd Bn., 505th PIR have been providing advanced training to approximately 500 IA soldiers for two months. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)

BOTTOM RIGHT: Cpl. Keegan A. Merlino, a Paratrooper assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division instructs Iraqi army soldiers of the 75th Brigade, 16th Division during a breach assault and building clearance course at Besmaya Range Complex, Iraq, April 18, 2015. Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Bn., 505th PIR are training Iraqi soldiers on a number of combat skills as part of a Combined Joint Task Force that aims to increase the military capacity of local forces fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Deja Borden, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)


BY SGT. MATTHEW S. GRIFFITH3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Paratroopers prepare for EFMB testingParatroopers assigned to Charlie Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division prepare a simulated casualty for medical evaluation, March 31, 2015, during training for upcoming Expert Field Medical Badge Testing. The coveted EFMB, the medical equivalent of the Expert Infantryman Badge, is awarded to medical personal that successfully complete 10 days of vigorous medical, combat and basic Soldier skills testing ending with a 12-mile road march. Only 18 percent of candidates tested go on to earn the badge. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith/Released)

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion are preparing for the toughest event of their lives.

Five medics with Charlie Company, 82nd BSB, 3rd Bri-gade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division are planning to undergo testing to earn the Expert Field Medical Badge, April 17-27, at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

The coveted EFMB, the medical equivalent of the Expert Infantryman Badge, is awarded to medical personal that successfully complete 10 days of vigorous medical, combat and basic Soldier skills testing, ending with a 12-mile road march. Only 18 percent of tested candidates go on to earn the badge. In preparation for the testing, the candidates—Spc. Terri Bluebird, Spc. Kyle Pash, Spc. Skye Murphy, Pfc. Sarah Cross and Pfc. Kyle Patton—continue to complete rigorous training at the Medical Simulation Training Center on Fort

Bragg, performing everything from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear decontamination to low-crawling with casualties. Cross said she feels well-prepared for the test to come because her platoon sergeant, Staff Sgt. Roberto J. Laanan has trained her to standard. “These Soldiers represent the best of the best Charlie Company, the 82nd BSB, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team and the 82nd Airborne Division has to offer,” said 1st Sgt. Dean-na T. Carson, first sergeant for C Co., 82nd BSB.


HHC 2-505 PIRscoutsPhotos by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith


2-50

5th

PIR

G.I.

Jane

Day

Spouses of Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,

82nd Airborne Division spend a day in their husband’s boots, April 30, 2015, during Jane Wayne Day at Fort Bragg,

N.C. Spouses jumped from the 34-foot tower at the Ad-vanced Airborne School, ran in formation, completed an ob-stacle course and fired blank ammunition from M249 Squad

Automatic Weapons and M240B machine guns.



COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE - OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVEHEADQUARTERS, 3rd BCT

BRAVO TROOP, 5-73 CAV

CHARLIE TROOP, 5-73 CAV

1-505th PIR

82nd BSB307th BEB

2-505th PIR

1-319th AFAR DELTA TROOP, 5-73 CAV


BY SGT. MATTHEW S. GRIFFITH3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Panthers celebrate All American Week 2015Panther Paratroopers participated in every aspect of

All American Week 2015, from competing in sports to jumping into Sicily Drop Zone during the Air-

borne Review. Most importantly, Panther Paratroopers recognized the sacrifices Gold Star Families have and continue to make, as well as honoring past veterans of the 505th Para-chute Infantry Regiment.

ABOVE: Ltc. Albert Paquin and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Williams, the rear-detachment command team for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, look on as veterans of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment unveil the plaque dedicating the brigade headquarters building in honor of 1st Lt. Waverly W. Wray, May 19, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C.

LEFT: Veterans of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment attend the dedication ceremony for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s headquarters building, May 19, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C.

LOWER LEFT: Ltc. Albert Paquin, rear-detachment commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, speaks to veterans of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment during the dedication ceremony for the brigade headquarters building, May 19, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C.

LOWER RIGHT: Veterans of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment attend the dedication ceremony for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s headquarters building, May 19, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C.


Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team participate in the Division run kicking off All American Week 2015, May 18, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Crail/Released)

BELOW: Maj. Gen. Richard Clarke, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, claps as 3rd Brigade Combat Team Paratroopers pass the reviewing stand of a four-mile Division run that kicked off All American Week, May 18, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)

A Paratrooper assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team kicks a soccer ball in an All American Week 2015 tournament, May 18, 2015, at Fort Bragg, N.C. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)


Veterans of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment pose for a group picture during All American Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 18, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Fred Hair/Released)

A Paratrooper assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team poses in a static display during All American Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 18, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith/Released)

Ltc. Albert Paquin and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Williams walk the brigade headquarters building with Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy, Gen. James M. Gavins’ daughter, May 19, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Fred Hair/Released)

Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team jump from a C-17 Globemaster aircraft for an airborne review during All American Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 24, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Fred Hair/Released)

Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team host a picnic for Gold Star Families and veterans of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment during All American Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 19, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith/Released)

Staff Sgt. Eric R. Raber poses with Maj. Gen. Michael C. Wehr, commander of the Mississippi Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at a static display during All American Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 19, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew S. Griffith/Released)

Veterans pay their respects at the Golden Brigade Memorial during All American Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 20, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Fred Hair/Released)

Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team march across Sicily Drop Zone in an airborne review during All American Week 2015 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 24, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Fred Hair/Released)


Paratroopers assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division and members of the Iraqi Army complete daily training on the M210 120 mm mortar system at Besmaya Range Complex, Iraq, July 3, 2015. Through advise and assist and building partner capacity missions, the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve’s multinational coalition has trained more than 10,000 Iraqi security force personnel to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. A coalition of regional and international nations have joined together to enable Iraqi forces to counter ISIL, reestablish Iraq’s borders and re-take lost terrain thereby restoring regional stability and security. (U.S. Army photo illustration by Spc. William Marlow/Released)(This image was manipulated using filters.)

COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE - OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVERIGHT: A Paratrooper assigned to 5th Squadron,

73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division oversees an Iraqi soldier

firing the Mark 19 grenade machine gun at the Besmaya Range Complex in Iraq, July 3, 2015. Training at the building partner capacity sites is an integral part of Combined Joint Task Force –

Operation Inherent Resolve’s multinational effort to train Iraqi security force personnel to defeat the

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. A coalition of regional and international nations have joined

together to defeat ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region and the wider international

community. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. William Marlow/Released)

FAR RIGHT: An Iraqi army engineer hammers a pin into place on a mine roller with assistance from

Sgt. Michael Graziani, a Paratrooper assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade

Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, during MaxxPro mine-resistant, ambush protected vehicle training at Camp Taji, Iraq, July 11, 2015. Training at the building partner capacity sites is an integral

part of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve’s multinational effort to train Iraqi security force personnel to defeat the Islamic State

of Iraq and the Levant. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charles M. Bailey/Released)


TASK FORCE PANTHER IN IRAQ


Nearly 1,000 Paratroopers as-signed to the 82nd Airborne Division jumped from CH-47

Chinook helicopters into the brilliant blue sky above Sicily Drop Zone during Operation Federal Eagle at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 15, 2015. Operation Federal Eagle is an an-nual event led by the German army to enhance interoperability and promote friendship between the airborne breth-ren of the two nations; this year’s event culminated with a daylong multination-al airborne operation. As in the past 20 years of its exis-tence, the operation provided German jumpmasters an opportunity to become familiarized with American helicopters, piloted by aviators with the 82nd Com-bat Aviation Brigade, and Paratroopers learned German jump commands and procedures. German army Capt. Marc Breiten-feld, a commander and jumpmaster assigned to the 31st German Airborne Brigade, led this year’s German army delegation to Fort Bragg for Operation Federal Eagle. He said he enjoyed work-ing with Paratroopers and appreciates how the cultural exchanges enhance the relationship between the two armies. “It’s very important to work togeth-er,” Breitenfeld said. “It’s important to see how the procedures of the Ameri-cans work [and] the Americans should see how our procedures work. “It’s very good for [our] relationship for further missions like Swift Response next month when the Americans come to Germany,” the jumpmaster contin-ued. “It’s very good cooperation at the

moment.” Operation Federal Eagle began with extensive pre-jump training facilitated by German and U.S. jumpmasters the day prior to the first chalk departing for Sicily DZ. On July 14, Paratroopers rehearsed aircraft exit procedures under the direction of German jumpmasters. U.S. jumpmasters worked hand-in-hand with their counterparts, and echoed the German commands in English. U.S. and German jumpmasters later worked as teams on the aircraft, ensuring for a safe multinational airborne opera-tion. Breitenfeld and his first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Sven Konen, pinned German jump wings onto each Paratrooper’s uniform during a ceremony at Sicily DZ. Breit-enfeld said the wing presentation was a sign of friendship and continued coop-eration. After Spc. Jonathan C. Pemberton received his German jump wings, he said he enjoyed his experience during Op-eration Federal Eagle. The Paratrooper, assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Bat-talion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regi-ment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, said he appreciated the opportunity to work with German Paratroopers he will partner with during Swift Response 15 in August. “It’s really neat to see other Para-troopers across the globe, there’s the same kind of mentality,” Pemberton said. “Once you jump it’s kind of a brother-hood, so being able to go across nations and have that same brotherhood with other nations is really nice.”


Enhancing interoperability, promoting friendship

Staff Sgt. Benito Villegas III, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division leans his head forward during a jumpmaster personnel inspection in preparatrion for Operation Federal

Eagle at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 15, 2015. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)


mechanics maintain readiness

Spc. Ysidro D. Sorilla, a Paratrooper assigned to Bravo Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division welds at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 21, 2015. The 82nd BSB maintains a high level of readiness as it has assumed the outload support battalion mission in support of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., the nation’s Global Response Force. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)

ABOVE: Pvt. Eric F. Vara, a Paratrooper assigned to Bravo Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division hand-tightens an air filter clamp he installed on a Humvee during routine maintenance at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 21, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)

LEFT: Pfc. Vanessa Martinez, a Paratrooper assigned to Bravo Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division applies sealant to the inner surface of an axle of a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck during routine maintenance at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 21, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger)

AIRBORNEALL THE WAY

Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team jump to maintain airborne proficiency onto Normandy Drop Zone Fort Bragg, N.C., June 9, 2015.



COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE - OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE

Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division exchange patches with members of the Spanish Parachute Brigade while serving in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve at Besmaya, Iraq, Aug. 25, 2015.


Then & Now

Lt. Col. Albert Paquin, deputy commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division gives a coin to 97-year-old World War II veteran Rodney Kramer at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 4, 2015. Kramer visited the post for the first time in 70 years after serving as an artilleryman in the 456th Battalion, which was attached to the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Kramer parachuted and rode a glider into multiple theaters of combat during the war. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)

When Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Bri-gade Combat Team conducted a Global Re-

sponse Force training exercise Aug. 20 at Fort Bragg, Para-troopers assigned to the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team—the 82nd Airborne Division’s Outload Support Battalion—were ready to facilitate and support the exercise. The 82nd Abn. Div. is capable of deploying a bri-gade-sized force anywhere in the world—a GRF—within 96 hours. Each unit assigned to the GRF mission is sup-ported by an OSB, a unit tasked with making that rapid deployment possible. Team Move, the current OSB, is a section made of up more than 90 Paratroopers who train constantly to ensure they can provide rapid support to Paratroopers; whether it’s providing transportation of troops or equipment, or distributing supplies, Capt. Meghan Ramos, command-er of Alpha Company, 82nd BSB and officer in charge of Team Move, said her Paratroopers are always ready. “We’re always rehearsing [and] finding ways to make

sure we are the most prepared for what’s coming up,” she said. The commander said the OSB provides bus transporta-tion, loads and transports shipping containers, and issues parachutes, ammunition, medical supplies and Nuclear, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosive protective equipment. During the GRF training exercise Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Bn., 325th Abn. Inf. Regt. acted in accordance with their rehearsals of rapid deployment. Once their gear was consolidated Team Move went to work. “We always have our gear and bags packed [and] ready to go,” said Spc. Ernesto Ramirez, a Paratrooper assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Bn., 325th Abn. Inf. Regt. “It takes just an hour to have our duffel bags palletized and ready to ship.” Ramos said her team is on a two-hour recall just like ev-eryone on GRF is, and that as soon as she receives the call her team is drawing equipment, loading up and moving to their duty locations. No matter how impossible or hard the mission may seem from higher, Ramos said her Paratroopers will al-ways find a way to get it done.

3rd BCT Paratroopers ensure GlobalResponse Force always ready to go

Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conduct movement rehearsals during a Global Response Force training exercise at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 20, 2015. Paratroopers assigned to 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, serving as the Outload Support Battalion for the GRF, facilitated the rehearsals. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/Released)

BY SGT. ANTHONY HEWITT3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM PUBLIC AFFAIRS


Paratroopers assigned across 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division joined veterans of the All American Division during the 69th Annual 82nd Airborne Division Association Convention in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 12-15, 2015. The convention honored veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice and celebrated the prestigious lineage of the 82nd Abn. Div.

69th Annual

82nd Airborne DivisionAssociation Convention


Reintegrating from a deployment can be a challeng-ing time for Paratroopers and their Families. In an effort to better prepare Families for an up-

coming redeployment, Capt. Lukasz J. Willenberg, chap-lain for 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division hosted a Waiting on Warriors event for spouses at a restaurant in Fayetteville, N.C., Aug. 7. The informal event, attended by more than 20 Para-troopers’ spouses, provided a forum for socializing, sharing best practices and discussing concerns about the reintegration process. Willenberg said he and fellow leaders of the battalion hosted the event because they want to create the best pos-sible reintegration program for Families. “We’re focused on the welfare of our Soldiers, and a key component of that is the health of the Family unit,” said Capt. Jon D. Degreeff, rear detachment commander of 2nd Bn., 505th PIR. “Specifically when Soldiers come back

they observe that the family dynamic is a little different—you know both people have grown separately for nine months—so that reunification is a point where we need to [provided guidance] and give suggestion.” After completing an icebreaker exercise and dining, Willenberg facilitated discussions on the spouses’ expecta-tions about redeployment, their strategies for relinquishing some of the control of managing their households and raising their children, the positive aspects of redeployment and what they think their spouses are most looking for-ward to when they come home to greet their Families. “It’s a big transition period in life when your husband has to go away for a long period of time and when they have to return,” said Julie White, spouse of Lt. Col. J.C. White, battalion commander of 2nd Bn., 505th PIR. “We’ve all fallen into roles with our families and with our own personal situations. “Today is an opportunity to dispel some worries and fears and say ‘everything’s going to be okay,’ and to find out if there’s anything [the spouses] are specifically concerned about that we can address from a [family readiness group] standpoint.”


Event prepares spouses for reintegrationSpouses of Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division talk with one another at a restaurant outside of Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 6, 2015, during a Waiting on Warriors event. The event, hosted by Capt. Lukasz J. Willenberg, the battalion chaplain, addressed concerns and questions spouses had about reintegrating with their Paratroopers when they redeploy later this year. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)

Competition fosters unit cohesion

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division participate in a physical training competition at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 7, 2015. In teams the Paratroopers ran, carried full water jugs, simulated a casualty evacuation, scaled a wall and completed pull-ups.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Mary S.

Katzenberger

Many Paratroopers pursue hobbies that enrich their life when they’re off duty. For some, it may be as simple as dropping a

fishing line in the water and waiting for a bite; for others, it may be working with wood or spending quality family time at home. In Spc. Zachary P. Stafford’s case, a hobby he has pursued since he was five or six years old not only enriches his life, it sustains and bolsters the skills he’s required to perform in the Army. Stafford, an airborne infantryman assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division is a competitive marksman. The native of Fort Worth, Texas participates in matches monthly throughout the southeastern region of the country. Most recently, he beat out more than 50 competitors in a match in Bunnlevel, North Car-olina which required him to engage threat targets us-ing correct tactics, techniques and procedures using

three types of weapons—a rifle, pistol and shotgun. The Paratrooper hit targets in a shoot house, was tested on his ability to fire accurately from behind various types of cover as well as to shoot while on the move, and had to flawlessly execute the critical skills a shooter must master in order to take home the win. Stafford said he utilizes the same skills during competitions that he calls on when training in his profession. The fundamentals that set the stage for winning matches—steady position, aiming, breath control and trigger squeeze—are the same funda-mentals utilized at a military range or in combat. “On the marksmanship side of the house, every-thing I do—from dry fire practice, reloads [and] running and reloading with my rifle, pistol and shot-gun, to putting myself under stress—transfers over to being an infantryman,” the Paratrooper said. “I have no one shooting at me [during competi-tions], but still, being able to [fire] without thinking is what I need to be able to do.” As is the case for many seasoned gunslingers, Staf-ford’s love of sending lead down range began when he was a young boy.

The Paratrooper said his father and grandfather first taught him how to safely handle and fire a .22-caliber rifle on some land in the middle of no-where in Texas. His father later gave him the rifle, and that used his budding marksmanship skills to protect himself and the horses under his care while working on the family ranch. Stafford said his passion for firearms transitioned into a hobby during high school, where he began to compete competitively. Later, while attending college and serving in the Texas National Guard he contin-ued participating in—and winning—matches. Two years after he enlisted for active duty service in 2010, Stafford had to apply his marksmanship skills during a real-world mission; the Paratrooper deployed to Afghanistan with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During the tour he used his marksmanship skills to not only protect his teammates, but the Special Forces Soldiers his unit augmented. Between his personal and professional marksman-ship training, Stafford said he felt his five-man team was ready for combat. “We were very prepared, I had no doubt about anything with the guys that I was with,” the Para-trooper said. His confidence in his team’s ability came from Stafford taking a personal interest in ensuring each member of his team was well-trained. The Paratroop-er said he was regularly called upon to pass his skills on to firers who were having difficulty mastering the trade. He has carried the same desire to train fellow Paratroopers with him into his current unit. “Spc. Stafford’s shooting ability means that he is exceptionally well-suited to engaging the enemy and assisting his teammates in doing the same,” said Sgt. Peter Korch, Stafford’s team leader of nine months. “He works very hard at whatever he puts his mind to. “Just to give you an example in a military-related context, we were out on a [qualification] range the other day so he showed up, grabbed [someone else’s] rifle and shot 39 out of 40 without zeroing [the weap-on] or warming up,” Korch continued. “That man knows how to shoot.”

Page 57 -Static Line- Page 58 -Static Line-December 2015

Hobby bolsters Paratrooper’s infantryman skills“On the marksmanship side of the house, everything I do—from dry fire practice, reloads [and] running and reloading with my rifle, pistol and shotgun, to putting myself under stress—transfers over to being an infantryman.”

--Spc. Zachary P. Stafford

Story & Photo byStaff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger


ABOVE: Col. Curtis Buzzard, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division leads his Paratroopers across the flight line upon their redeployment to Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 21, 2015. The Paratroopers returned from a nine-month deployment to Iraq in support of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command - Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/Released)

FAR LEFT: Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division wait to greet their family members after redeploying to Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 24, 2015. The Paratroopers returned from a nine-month deployment to Iraq in support of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command - Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)

LEFT: Family members of Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division wait patiently for their Paratroopers’ homecoming at Green Ramp on Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 21, 2015. The Paratroopers returned from a nine-month deployment to Iraq in support of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command - Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/Released)

3rd BCT redeploys from Operation Inherent Resolve

Col. Curtis Buzzard and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Gustafson, command team for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd

Airborne Division redeployed to Fort Bragg with more than 300 Paratroopers assigned to 3rd BCT, Sept. 21. The Paratroopers completed a nine-month tour in Iraq in support of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command – Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve. In Iraq, Task Force Panther provided Security Force Advise and Assists Teams across multiple Iraqi Army echelons and locations, and the unit’s Paratroopers worked with its partner nations to help train more than 12,000 Iraqi Security Forces. “What was unique about us was not

only were we there to train the Iraqi Army and advise them but we were the utility infielder that did anything else that was required, from flying [aerial reconnaissance] to providing logistics,” Buzzard said. Buzzard said his Paratroopers helped stand up multiple IA units that went on to have successes on the battlefield, namely during the Ramadi counterattack. Upon completion of the mission, Para-troopers returned home to cheering crowds holding handmade signs and supporters proudly waving miniature American flags. “It’s an overwhelming feeling of emotion all at once seeing my family again,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Coronado, a platoon sergeant assigned to Alpha Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment. “We [feel] a true sense of accomplishment; we went above and beyond to succeed.”



Paratroopers assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conduct-

ed a team training competition in the morning hours of Sept. 2 at Fort Bragg. The cavalry scouts of 3rd BCT are taking the initiative to stay sharp and focused as their forward unit continues its building partner capacity and advise and assist mission with the Iraqi Security Forces in Iraq. 2nd Lt. Benjamin Robinson, assistant planner of training for 5th Sqdrn., 73rd Cav. Regt., said he combined physical training, skill level one tasks and occupation-specific tasks to create a healthy and educational competition. Each troop planned different stations of reconaissance tasks that were supervised by the noncommissioned officers, said Robinson. Stations included providing medical care while under fire, land navigation, assemble com-munications equipment and report, along with identifying target objects with binoculars. The noncommissioned officers added stress to the Paratroopers’ tasks by incorporating physical training within the tasks and between stations. “The objective was to test the Soldiers’ knowledge and actions, ensuring that these Paratroopers know what to do in strenuous situ-ations,” said Sgt. Jacob Thompson, a Paratrooper assigned to Bravo Troop, 5th Sqdrn., 73rd Cav. Regt. As the sun rose, sweat drenched the Paratrooper’s uniforms and grassy dirt was stuck to the competitor’s hands and faces; each team continued without hesitation to execute their technical and physical duties. “Teamwork is extremely important, if one person fails the whole thing could go wrong,” said Pfc. Hunter Gerlitzky, a Paratrooper assigned to Alpha Troop, 5th Sqdrn., 73rd Cav. Regt. “I tried my hardest and gave everything I could.”


Paratroopers give it all they have

Paratroopers assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division give it their all during a physical training competition at Fort Bragg, Sept. 2, 2015. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/Released)

The lights go out and a room immediately becomes dark inside the Taylor-Sandri Medical Training Center on Fort Bragg. Airborne medics begin as-

sessing and treating a casualty in a simulated environment equipped with fog machines, speakers, strobe lights, and radio communications. A select group of medics assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division—Sgt. Roberto Sanchez, assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and Sgt. John Reilly, Spc. John Ye-vak, Spc. Seth Green and Spc. Dillon Marker, assigned to 1st BCT—are preparing to compete in the 82nd Abn. Div. Best Medic competition, scheduled Sept. 24-25. The medics have been training extensively both physically and academically since July 7, said Sgt. Maj. Carl Youngs, chief medical noncommissioned officer for the 82nd Abn. Div. The medics, whom are detached from their units, are on a special, organized and rigorous schedule each day, Youngs continued. The initial phase of the training began with attend-ing and graduating the Fort Bragg Pre-Ranger Course. FBPRC is a physically and mentally demanding two-week course that familiarizes Paratroopers with small-unit tactics and puts students in graded leadership positions. After that the medics began a training regimen de-veloped by Youngs emulating tasks and obstacles the medics will encounter in the division competition. The schedule has included land navigation, casualty movement, rope bridges, obstacle courses, long classroom hours and trauma training with simulated effects. “We’ll train within ourselves and create scenarios for each other using strobe lights and limited visibility,” said Sanchez, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT. “We’ll go into a scenario not knowing what to ex-pect—sometimes involving up to three patients—[and] give the assessment and treat them as fast as possible.” In addition to the training Youngs scheduled for

the medics, the team has also received support from the Taylor-Sandri instructors in advanced cardiac life support, loading casualties into a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and equipment operations in an medical evacuation aircraft. “We have dedicated instructors that are teaching us new things that pertain to our job and will help us in this competition,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez said the group has developed camaraderie and professionalism among one other during their strenu-ous schedule. “Respecting one another, even though we’re compet-itors, is the culture we’ve developed,” Sanchez continued. To ensure the Paratroopers are maintaining high standards of physical readiness, a specific fitness program was assigned to them. “They are all in phenomenally good shape,” said Youngs. “They continuously work out, conducting two-a-day [physical training] sessions and [are] constantly con-ducting foot march rucks.” The winners of the division event will continue to train for an additional four weeks and then travel to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to compete in the Army Best Medic Competition, slated for late October. The 82nd Abn. Div. has a long lineage of success at the Army Best Medic holding the record for most wins—six—since the competition began in 1994. “The division expectations are that ‘We go down to win’,” said Youngs. “We don`t want anybody going down there to do anything but win.”


Medics train‘All the Way’to be divsion’s best


--Sgt. Roberto Sanchez

“Respecting one another -- even though we’re competitors -- is the culture we’ve developed.”

Sgt. Roberto Sanchez, a medic assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division simulates checking the pulse of a casualty during training at Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 1, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/Released)


Fury paratroopers team up to ensure calfx successIn the distance is the sound of an incoming OH-58 Kiowa

helicopter. The noise of the rotary blades gets louder as the aircraft crests above a tree line near an open field. The heli-

copter pilots acquire a target and launch two rockets, blasting the field to demonstrate the helicopter’s lethal capabilities. Paratroopers assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battal-ion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, look on from Observation Post 13 as the destruction unfolds during their unit’s combined arms live fire training exercise at Fort Bragg, Sept. 17. During the training, Paratroopers equipped with M4 rifles, M240B machine guns, M320 grenade launchers, AT-4 anti-tank weapons and mobile 60mm mortar launchers took their training to the next level by teaming up with two OH-58 Kiowa helicopters, artillerymen firing 120 and 105mm how-itzers and an attachment of Paratroopers operating humvees equipped with heavy weapons. The platoons moved through rough terrain, dispersing into assignments such as machine guns teams supporting over-watch, maneuver assault elements, obstacle breaching teams, room clearing teams, and medical evacuation teams. The event is the culmination of many months of hard

work, said Sgt. Michael Greismer, a weapons squad leader assigned to A Co. Greismer said the training began at the individual Soldier level, transitioned to the team level and progressed to completing a platoon-level live fire exercise. The current exer-cise, a CALFX, brought all the platoons together to work as a company. The best part about the training was watching the Paratroopers grow professionally, Greismer continued. He said it’s reassuring to see young leaders call out commands, give sectors of fire and execute everything they have been trained to perform. The training will continue for the Paratroopers as they are slated to support the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div. during an upcoming rotation at the Joint Readiness Train-ing Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana. “The progress from the last six to eight months has been absolutely astounding, especially from the junior leaders within the organization,” said Capt. Kyle Frazer, commander of A Co. “After this we refine the training we’ve learned and apply that at JRTC so we can provide a fully capable company of lethal and effective combat power.”

story and photos by sgt. anthony hewitt


Paratroopers assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conduct a combined arms live fire exercise at Fort Bragg, Sept. 17, 2015. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/Released)

1st battalion, 508th parachute infantry regiment


Col. Curtis A. Buzzard, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division speaks during the brigade’s Operation Inherent Resolve End of Tour Award Ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 23, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt/Released)

Paratroopers recognized for OIR service

Over 1,000 Paratroopers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division were honored with

military awards and decorations during a cere-mony at Fort Bragg, Oct. 23. The ceremony honored Paratroopers who contributed to an incredibly complex mission overseas in Iraq, and the ones who led the Surge Ready Force at Fort Bragg, said Col. Curtis Buzzard, commander of 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. The many awards presented includ-ed the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Combat Action Badge. Addi-tionally, two Paratroopers received battlefield promotions. While every award presented en-hanced the prestige of the units and Paratroop-ers assembled, the battlefield promotions were significant as the Paratroopers who received

them represent two out of the only three Sol-diers who have been awarded battlefield pro-motion since the Operation Inherent Resolve began. Sgt. Ali O. Al Saeedy, a linguist as-signed to the 307th Engineer Battalion, 3rd BCT is one of the two Paratroopers recognized for promotion for overseas service. “This is my first duty station and I am proud to serve in the 307th [Engineer] Battal-ion, this famous brigade and the most presti-gious division in the Army,” said Al Saeedy. Clear and sunny skies shone over Fort Bragg and bright smiles filled the ranks of the 3rd BCT formations while more than 1,000 Paratroopers stood tall in their ranks, with their medals pinned upon their chests. “Bottom line, I’m enormously proud of this unit and what they accomplished in Iraq and here at Fort Bragg over the last nine months,” said Buzzard. “They achieved the vision of this BCT: the Panther Family is fit, disciplined and adaptive. I’m proud, the commanding general is proud and their nation is proud.”



The fall morning is cold in the dense foliage deep in the back woods of Fort Bragg, Oct. 21. Beams of yellow light pierce through the trees, il-

luminating the lonely and shady trails next to Kiest Lake. A roaring cadence shatters the serene scene

as hundreds of motivated Paratroopers crest over the final hilltop before reaching the lake. Teams run and

chant, hoisting Zodiac boats above their heads. The Paratroopers, assigned to 307th Engineer Battalion,

have come to honor their unit’s history during an an-nual commemoration of the crossing of the Waal River.

“It’s very important to commemorate the sac-rifice that our grandfathers and great-grandfathers

made during World War II,” said Capt. Jason Bahmer, commander of Alpha Company, 307th En. Bn., 3rd

Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. “It’s an honor to be a part of this and to have a tradition

[that] remembers those who sacrificed

so much.” The day’s events includ-

ed a 2-mile run with boating equipment and a

seven-team paddle race in the Zodiacs. Each team crossed the lake five times to the fin-

ish, representing the five trips across the Waal Riv-er that their predecessors made under German fire

during Operation Market Garden on Sept. 20, 1944. “It’s significant to see and experience a small

taste of what our predecessors went through,” said 2nd Lt. Luke Groomer, a Paratrooper as-

signed to A Co. “It’s vital to remember our histo-ry, combined with competition and camaraderie.”

As the boat race began, the entire battalion cheered on their respective companies from the lake-

shore; chants of “Beastmasters” and “Rock Steady” echoed through the forest surrounding the lake.

The race lasted almost an hour; Alpha and Bravo Company simultaneously led the race for the duration,

with Alpha prevailing in victory by only 10 seconds. Groomer said the companies prepared

for the boat race by conducting physical training entailing boat drills in and outside of the water, cap-

size drills, boat carries, and rowing techniques. “The distance of the lake is only 10 me-

ters short of the actual Waal River, so the dis-tance is accurate in regards to commemorate

the reenactment and competition,” said Bahmer. “I couldn’t be more proud of my sappers.”

Crossing307th Engineer Battalion

of the Waal

Story and photos by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt


FAR LEFT: World War II reenactors with the All American Airborne Legion prepare to reenact the Wall River crossing at Kiest Lake on Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015. The reenactors crossed the lake in a custom replica of the boats that were used to ferry Paratroopers across the Wall River in the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden.

CENTER: Paratroopers assigned to Alpha Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division pose for a photo after winning the battalion’s annual “Crossing of the Waal” event on Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015.

ABOVE: Paratroopers assigned to Bravo Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division cheer before stepping off to compete in the battalion’s annual “Crossing of the Waal” event at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015.

BOTTOM LEFT: A Paratrooper assigned to 307th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division jumps into the water during the battalion’s annual “Crossing of the Wall” event at Kiest Lake on Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015.

BOTTOM CENTER: Paratroopers assigned to 307th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division row a Zodiac boat across Kiest Lake during the battalion’s annual “Crossing of the Wall” event at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015.

The morning sky is darker than usual; the air is blow-ing a cool breeze while heavy clouds create sporadic downpours to announce the first day of fall.

The wet weather was the first condition greeting the competitors of the 82nd Airborne Division’s Best Medic Competition at Fort Bragg, Sept. 24. The annual competition tests medics across the divi-sion and prepares them to compete in the Army Best Medic Competition. Five medics began the day with a Ranger Physical Fit-ness Assessment and then showed their abilities to do their job under extreme stress in a situational training exercise at the Medical Simulation Training Center. They continued with an obstacle course, a land navigation course, and a 12-mile ruck march. The conditions of the competition were set to emulate tasks and drills, physical and academic, that combat medics apply on real world missions. Sgt. Maj. Carl Youngs, the Division’s chief medical noncommissioned officer, and noncommissioned officer in charge of the competition, said he wanted this year’s training and competition to mirror the events that the winners will encounter during the Army-wide competition at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. “We definitely got a lot of repetitions and a lot of time to just focus fully on the competition,” says Sgt. Roberto Sanchez, a medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquar-ters Company, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div. Sanchez and Sgt. John Reilly, a medic assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., were both recognized as the Division’s top medics at a ceremony held Oct. 5. “It’s very humbling [and] awesome to just go out and compete with my peers,” said Sanchez. “It was a great and challenging experience.” Sanchez and Riley will continue to train for the next three weeks, just as they have since July. They will represent the 82nd Abn Div. and compete in the Army Best Medic Competition scheduled for Oct. 28-30.


Panther paratrooper winsdivision best medic competitionBY SGT. ANTHONY HEWITT3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Brig. Gen. Brian E. Winski, deputy commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division poses next to Sgt. Rober-to Sanchez, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Div. during an awards ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 5, 2015. Sanchez and Sgt. John Reilly, a Para-trooper assigned to 1st BCT, received Army Commen-dation Medals for winning the division’s Best Medic Competition, Sept. 24. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Juan F. Jimenez/Released)


With reintegration training follow-ing a nine-month deployment

to Iraq nearly complete, one battalion in 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division held its first unit-wide event since its homecoming at Fort Bragg, Oct. 15. More than 1,000 Paratroopers and Family members of 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment participated in “Home Run,” a fami-ly 5K run and walk held to promote camaraderie and togetherness. “We felt it was just a good way to bring those Paratroopers that de-ployed and join them back with those Paratroopers that kept doing good things back here for us, and we invited the Family members,” said Lt. Col. J.C. White, commander of 2nd Bn., 505th PIR. “It’s a great way to close out our reintegration; we’re back together as a battalion and as one big Family.” At the start of the race, Para-troopers vying for the fastest times crowded to the front of the pack, while

Paratroopers with Family members and children waited close behind, also eager to begin the race. Some Paratroopers carried children on their shoulders while others pushed or pulled their children in stroll-ers and wagons. Canine family mem-bers were also welcome at the event and joined their masters in the running, jogging or walking. Each participant received a participation medal at the conclusion of the 5K. “It ended up being a lot of fun,” said Kendra Chappell, spouse of Capt. Adam Chappell. “I love being a part of [my husband’s] unit. We’re glad to have our guys home, so anything to celebrate that then I’m in.” Capt. Lukasz J. Willenberg, chaplain for 2nd Bn., 505th PIR, said he organized the event to give the Para-troopers and their Family members a chance to spend time together. “They say that Families that spend time together stay together,” Willenberg said. “As a chaplain my job is to provide every possible opportunity for the Families [and] for the Paratroop-ers to … give them the time to simply strengthen relationships.”

2Pantherruns as a

familyStory and photos by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger


backfromI r a q

b a c k t o a i r b o r n eParatroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division prepare for reintegration airborne operations at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 23, 2015. Prior to conducting the operations the Paratroopers underwent extensive basic airborne refresher training at the Advanced Airborne School.

p h o t o s b y s t a f f s g t . m a r y s . k a t z e n b e r g e r


A room dedication cer-emony for Command Sgt. Maj. Donovan

E. Watts was held at the Iron Mike Conference and Catering Center on Fort Bragg, Nov. 6. Watts was serving as the battalion command sergeant ma-jor for 1st Battalion, 505th Para-chute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Air-borne Division when he was killed by a land mine blast, Nov. 21, 2006 while on patrol in Bayji, Iraq. One of Watts’ close friends from the unit, Col. Curtis A. Buzzard, now commander of 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., was at the ceremony to speak and unveil the plaque that dedicated the pri-vate dining room in Watts’ name. “Command Sergeant Major Watts was a special per-son, a phenomenal natural leader, and also a very caring, humble man,” said Buzzard. Watts was born in Annis-ton, Alabama on Sept. 10, 1960. He enlisted in the Army upon graduating high school as an in-fantryman, Feb. 3, 1979. During his 27-year career he held every position in his job field, from ri-fleman to battalion command ser-geant major. He also served as an instructor at the Basic Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

During the ceremony, Buzzard spoke of the many qual-ities and character that made Watts the kind of person he was. “He absolutely loved be-ing a Paratrooper, and loved Para-troopers,” said Buzzard. “If you asked if he was married he would always say, ‘Yes, I’m married to the 82nd Airborne Division.’” Watts is survived by his mother, Theresa, sisters Brid-get and Brandi, brother, Mar-lon, and daughter Charlee. “I know that he would be tremendously honored to have a room in Fort Bragg’s new con-ference center named after him,” continued Buzzard. “This is a place where some work gets done, but more often than not, [it’s] a place of fun, of fellowship, where units gather to enjoy being Paratroopers. I’m certain that his spirit will bless this room and those whom use it.”

Panthers remember a HeroStory and Photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt

“Command Sergeant Major Watts was a special person, aphenomenal natural leader, and also a very caring, humble man.”

-- Col. Curtis A. Buzzard

Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division attend a ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C., dedicating a dining room at the Conference and Catering Center in the name of Command Sgt. Maj. Donovan E. Watts, Nov.6, 2015.

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Paratroopers test their mental fitness

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Head-quarters Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division participate in a mental fitness course hosted by Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness facilitators at Fort Bragg, N.C., Nov. 3, 2015. The mental fitness course challenged the Paratrooper’s physically while testing their communication skills, decision-making abilities and composure under stress. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger/Released)

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The private roads trailing through the rolling hills of Forest Creek Golf Club in Pinehurst, North Caro-lina, offer views of bright green grass and groomed

landscapes throughout its property. The roads became a gateway toward individual challenges, team bonding and selfless service during the inaugural North Carolina Tick Tock Ultra Marathon, Oct. 25. Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Head-quarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Air-borne Division set a new record for distance ran and earned thousands of dollars in charitable donations for Gold Star Families from the Patriot Foundation. Paratroopers 1st Lt. Spencer Macgriff, Sgt. Shamill Franklin, Staff Sgt. Benito Villegas, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steven Woods and Spc. Joshua Kosgei volunteered their off-duty time to represent 3rd BCT and the 82nd Abn. Div. Team Panther competed against five other relay teams, including a team from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group; all ran for 12 consecutive hours, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each team member would run a 3.5-mile lap in-dividually, and, upon finishing the lap, another member would begin the same route. “Early in the race we pushed hard for the charity,” said Macgriff. “Halfway through we knew we had a strong

lead, but then we realized we also had a chance to break the record and began to strive for that.” The Paratroopers each ran about 20 miles, then con-cluded, breaking a distance record of 100.5 miles ran and running a total of 29 laps. “I would like to point out that Spc. Kosgei was the [most valuable player] for the team, posting consistent ex-ceptional times,” said Chuck Deleot, president of the Patriot Foundation, in a written statement. Kosgei gave Team Panther an early lead, finishing the first lap four minutes ahead of any other team. “I am a competitive runner and plan to compete in the 2016 Olympics,” said Kosgei. “I have never competed in a group. When I heard that we would represent our brigade and the Patriot Foundation was involved, I became motivat-ed.” A charitable donation of $10,000 from the Patriot Foundation will be conveyed to the All-American Response Force Association. AASRF is an organization that contrib-utes to college scholarships for children of “All American” Gold Star spouses. The donation will result in up to four $2,500 schol-arships. “It was a great group of guys doing this event and I only encourage folks to do it next year,” said Macgriff. “It’s a straight benefit to Gold Star Families. Even if [Families] are not within our unit, it’s still something worth doing.”


Panther team sets course recordChief Warrant Officer 2 Steven Woods, Spc. Joshua Kosgei, Sgt. Shamill Franklin, Staff Sgt. Benito Villegas and 1st Lt. Spencer Macgriff, Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, pose with a check from the Patriot Foundation awarding scholarships to Gold Star Families, Oct. 25, 2015, after winning the innagural North Carolina Tick Tock Ultra Marathon. (Courtesy Photo)

Page 86 -Static Line-

Every morning on Fort Bragg holds an opportuni-ty for something significant to happen amongst Paratroopers. Whether it`s resilience, strength,

or teamwork, the cool fall mornings on Fort Bragg can

open up doorways to special “All American” days. Thirty-nine chaplains and their assistants as-signed across the 82nd Airborne Division made Nov. 4 a special day by participating in a team-building event.

During the dark early morning hours, the Para-troopers boarded buses and traveled to the Fort Bragg Pre-Ranger Course. Once there, they began classroom training on land navigation in preparation for testing

their skills on a land naviga-tion course as a unified unit ministry team. “Basic land [navigation] skills are important; it uses the whole Soldier concept within our chaplain ranks and they will use land [navigation] as a way to communicate with us from a distance during this exercise,” said Maj. Jerry Waldrop, the division family

chaplain assigned to the 82nd Abn. Div. As UMTs moved to grid coordinates for ministry response training, Waldrop posted at a specific point to manage an open group session on different topics, such

as teen grief counseling and Muslim pastoral comfort. The Paratroopers displayed other ways of work-ing as a team while completing the FBPRC obstacle course in 6 to 8 inches of muddy, standing water. The first half of the course was negotiated using individual strength and confidence. The second half, however, was a brigade unit competition lane. “The course was a fun and challenging way to work as a team,” said Staff Sgt. Patrick Neal, a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div. “Everybody got through safely and we did it together.” Teamwork, basic soldier skills and job-specific tasks came together in one event for a group of professionals that rarely get the chance to be together, which is what made it a special and unique morning. “It’s hard to get all these guys together at once be-cause they’re at different units, but when we do it’s special,” says Maj. Emmitt Furner, deputy chaplain for the 82nd Abn. Div. “We get to team-build and train on religious support.”

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82nd abn. div. Unit ministry teams get back to basicsstory and photos by sgt. anthony hewitt

Brigade CommanderCol. Curtis Buzzard

Command Sergeant MajorCommand Sgt. Maj. Daniel Gustafson

Public Affairs NCOICStaff Sgt. Mary Katzenberger

Broadcast NCOSgt. David Blocker

“H-MINUS!”82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION

3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM

Public Affairs NCOSgt. Anthony Hewitt

Deputy CommanderLt. Col. J.C. White

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