Wolfpack scores on individual weapons. CPL Ward took top honors by qualifying with a near perfect, expert score of 39/40.

The Brigade Spur Ride also took place this month, with 20 Sol-diers earning Silver Spurs. In teams of eight to ten, Soldiers ruck marched six miles carrying a full load, negotiated challeng-ing obstacles, and displayed the highest levels of teamwork and esprit de corps. Immediately following the ceremony, the bat-

dished out burgers and hot dogs

est spur holders.

The CFC season has begun with the Wolfpack donating nearly $3,000 in the first week of the campaign. The company re-mains on pace to surpass our $5,000 goal.

The Wolfpack remains strong and leading the way. We all

accomplish what we do without the encouragement of our spec-tacular FRG and family back home. The countless letters, care packages, and emails re-ceived on a weekly basis repre-sent your patriotism and support for our mission. Thank you all.

31 October 2011

Volume 2, Issue 5

TASK FORCE LOBOS

Featuring updates from:

HHC/Wolfpack 1

A CAC/Vultures A ASLT/Werewolves B CO/Blackcats

2

B ATK/Reapers C CO/Witchdoctors D CO/ Outlaws

3

E CO/Renegades F CO/Ravens Rear Det/Rear Guard

4

large covered decks adjacent to the company command posts

more, our Soldiers recently con-structed an indoor hand wash station with running water for patrons of our dining facility. In the motor pool, Echo Company

sole building, a two story struc-ture housing offices and a com-pany work out center. Further-more, the S6 recently enabled broadcasting of AFN to com-mand posts and the tactical operations center. The major projects highlighted above rep-resent a small sampling of the

made to the bases where our

truly inspiring to see the Task Force work together to improve conditions in Afghanistan. On behalf of every Task Force Lobos Trooper, I offer my whole-hearted gratitude to the Family members and friends who have repeatedly expressed their sup-port of our mission. Thank you for your love and efforts to show your care.-- LOBO6

evacuation services based at FOB Monitor. This expansion of MEDEVAC coverage involved the efforts of five companies, and represented the culmination of months of extensive planning by those involved. Our assumption of this mission is one way in which Task Force Lobos strives to provided better aviation support to ground forces in Regional Com-mand-North, Afghanistan. In what is becoming a common theme for major Brigade-level events, our Brigade Leadership selected Task Force Lobos to plan, resource, and execute the

-ever deployed Spur Ride. Led by 1SG Pinckney from Fox Company, this exceptional event provided our hardworking Soldiers an opportunity to endure the Cavalry tradition of earning Silver Spurs. Although difficult by design, over 300 members of the Brigade made life long memories completing this challenge.

footprint continues to improve as our deployment progresses. Just this month, our Soldiers built

On top of daily flight missions and operational support from staff sections, members of Wolfpack completed several

important mis-sions in October.

The month began with HHC execut-ing the first small arms range since

deployment. The range was a suc-cess, as many Soldiers improved familiarity and qualification

Newly inducted Silver Spur holders stand with members of the Spur Ride Cadre near the Company Command Post.

LTC Huff and CSM Soliz stand by the nose of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter following a mission in RC-North, Afghanistan.

Task Force Lobos, Regional Command-North, Afghanistan

Task Force Commander As Task Force Lobos enters its sixth month of Operation Endur-ing Freedom, Command Ser-geant Major Soliz and I take this opportunity to express our sin-cere appreciation to the Soldiers and Family members whose dili-gent efforts have enabled this organization to reach ever ex-panding levels of success. As aircrews conducted high visi-bility air assault and VIP move-ment missions, as well as a full complement of personnel move-ment, cargo transport, medical evacuation, and Air Weapons Team missions, it has become very apparent that our Soldiers thrive on teamwork, dedication to exceeding expectations, and a fierce commitment to overcom-ing obstacles. Whether serving on the flight line, in the motor pool, maintenance bays, control towers, aid stations, or within the tactical operation center, these fundamentals characterize our operations. October brought with it the com-mencement of 24-hour medical

Vultures As temperatures declined and gave way to the cool and rainy season of Afghanistan, the Vultures continued to excel in every as-signed mission. In October alone, the Vul-tures flew over 550 hours. Once again, the crew chiefs ensured mission accomplish-ment, while our Maintenance Test Pilots worked endlessly to ensure the Vulture fleet constantly remained fully mission capable.

The Vultures continued to set the standard for VIP missions, flying the US Undersecre-tary of Intelligence, the Supreme Com-mander of Swedish Forces, the US Forces- Afghanistan Command Sergeant Major, and several of the Army Rangers depicted in the movie Black Hawk Down.

Several Vultures received awards and pro-

motions for their outstanding work both on and off the flightline. Congratulations to SGT Nutter for his recent promotion and SPC Chad Swearengin for winning the Brigade NCO of the Quarter Board. Sikorsky, the manufacturer of the Blackhawk helicopter, also recognized a distinguished group of our pilots and crew chiefs for reaching mile-stones of safe flight (as seen in the accom-panying photograph). The Vultures also executed their first reenlistment of the de-ployment as SPC Kastl reenlisted for an-other six years of dedicated service.

Despite our busy schedule, ten Vultures participated in a Spur Ride to earn silver spurs. They completed a six mile ruck march and several grueling and challenging events along the way. Our Commander and First

challenging participants and ensuring safety

throughout the day.

In closing, we extend huge thanks to the Vulture Standardization Pilot and Instructor Pilots, for constantly ensuring that the Vul-tures fly safely. They use every mission as an opportunity to train new pilots, and tirelessly dedicate themselves to our success.

The Blackcats continue to set extraordi-nary heavy lift aviation standards through-out Regional Command-North. The unit flew well over 275 hours during this month in support of multiple aviation operations for Task Force Lobos. As we conduct these missions, our aviators and crew chiefs in-vest countless hours fine tuning skills. This month, CW2 Skelton and CW3 Kemp com-pleted Pilot-in-Command evaluations, a milestone reflecting their technical and tactical skills as Chinook pilots.

tion to Chief Warrant Officer Three. At the same ceremony, Specialist Whitehead re-ceived an engraved dagger on behalf of the Bravo Company Command Team for his

Blackcats

structed by our aviators and crew chiefs during their off duty time, we owe comple-tion of this project to the strong teamwork and arduous physical labor of our Soldiers. As seen in the accompanying photograph, we quickly personalized the porch in honor of Werewolf warriors past and present.

October brought with it the promotion of PFC Valis to Specialist. The Company also welcomed 1LT Berg as a new Platoon Leader and bid farewell to CPT Lefler upon his reassignment to the Task Force Spear-head staff. Every Soldier within the com-pany maintains a high level of morale, de-spite our demanding daily missions and maintenance requirements.

As our teammates return home for R&R leave, those who remain in Afghanistan commit to working that much harder to

Werewolves Seasons are changing in Afghanistan! With the World Series and NFL highlights broad-cast in our Dining Facilities, Halloween decorations lining the walls of our office, and cooler temperatures greeting us in the mornings, the Werewolves eagerly welcome autumn to Northern Afghanistan.

In addition to conducting air assaults, per-sonnel and equipment transport, and medi-cal evacuation escort missions throughout Regional Command-North, the Werewolves made substantive changes to our Company work area. The recent addition of a large, covered porch to our Command Post ex-tended our work space and provided a sanctuary from the intense sun. Con-

Page 2 TASK FORCE LOBOS

Werewolves pose on their newly constructed porch.

The Blackcats pose by a CH-47F Chinook helicopter

Vulture  Pilots  and  Crew  Chiefs  receive  Safety  Awards  for  completing  2500,  1000,  or  500  hours  of  safe  flight.  

selection by his peers and superiors as the best CH-47 Crew Chief during the first 90 days of the deployment. Also, Staff Ser-geant Bonilla received an engraved dagger for achieving the maximum score on the Army Physical Fitness Test and achieving the highest score within our Company.

We thank our supportive Spouses and Fam-ily Readiness Group for their continued sup-port throughout this rotation. As the com-pany approaches the official halfway point of the deployment, we know that much of our success is due to your efforts at home. We thank you for all you do to make us success-ful in Afghanistan.

Blackcats!

ensure our Company succeeds in their absence. We know that our ability to complete our mis-sion directly reflects the friends, family and loved ones who keep us in their hearts and minds while we serve in Afghanistan. Thank you for your continued support of our mission!

complete missions and make a huge differ-ence keeping our morale high. Thank you for your support. Dustoff!

Reapers

Volume 2, Issue 5

Outlaws

As we completed our fifth month of Operation Enduring Freedom, the Reapers welcomed cooler temperatures to ease the harsh Afghani-stan environment. This slight change boosted morale at Camp Marmal where the Reaper team continued to conduct flawless missions

in support of Task Force Lobos.

Throughout October, the Reapers tirelessly conducted 24-hour operations in support of air assaults, as well as air-to-ground support missions for various coalition units. Due to these missions, we recently received recog-nition as the heaviest flown attack company in the entire brigade. In addition, the Reaper crew chiefs maintain their reputation as the best in the business by working diligently to keep the aircraft flying even through the most strenuous of mission sets. Due to our extensive knowledge and pride in our work, Task Force Lobos continues to support suc-cess and progress throughout Northern Af-ghanistan.

Despite the hard work that the Reapers have contributed to the overall mission, they also found time to enjoy off duty time on Camp Marmal. One of the high points from this month included an American 300 War-

ance, the Outlaws now hold the record for the fastest maintenance phase of the de-ployment. Their hard work and determina-tion allowed for the inspection and repair of a Task Force Lobos UH-60 Black Hawk Aircraft in record time. This is one example of the great work that our Soldiers conduct on a daily basis.

October also brought a break from the summer heat before winter weather hits us in full force. Halloween decorations line the work areas and small bowls of candy offer treats to Soldiers. I know every Sol-dier looks forward to the deployed holiday atmosphere and the prospect of increased

October proved a month of outstanding per-formance by the Outlaws of Delta Company. Our daily mission set challenged even the most experienced Soldiers as we continued to

expand the knowledge base within the com-pany on all things related to maintenance and deployment operations. A testament of our strong perform-

numbers of care packages from home.

As Soldiers return from mid-tour leave, their large smiles and recharged energy from 15 days with friends and family inspires the Com-pany to strive to complete missions even more efficiently and effectively. I thank every-one back home for making R&R memorable and enjoyable for our Soldiers, and can as-sure you that it makes a lasting impact on operations in Afghanistan.

We thank all of you for your thoughts and kindness. We could not do this job without your continued support. We continue to think of each one of you on a daily basis as we drive on with our combat mission.

coverage at FOB Monitor, a remote site previ-ously served primarily by ground medical evacuations. This expansion maximizes a

ling to and from the point of injury. Each of our sites have proven themselves through successfully completed missions and top notch training with our NATO partners. Even as the Witchdoctors provide day and night coverage, they still manage to increase skills with realistic and challenging training flights, medical evaluation scenarios, and air to ground integration training.

Special appreciation to the Witchdoctor friends and family members who continue to support the Witchdoctor family during our deployment. Your incessant efforts support-ing the Witchdoctors keeps our team ready to

The month of October provided increased opportunities for the members of Charlie Company to demonstrate professional medi-cal evacuation services to support NATO and Afghan Security Forces. With five solid months of duty throughout RC-North, Af-ghanistan behind them, the Witchdoctors provide the finest MEDEVAC support to ground forces in Afghanistan. Without fail, the Witchdoctors humbly conduct their life-saving mission mindful of the confidence ground forces place in their ability to rescue wounded personnel if needed.

MEDEVAC coverage across the area of op-erations continues with the Witchdoctors now covering five different locations. Our team eagerly established 24-hour MEDEVAC

Page 3

PFC Wheeler and PFC Kaiser pose for a photograph inside the Task Force Lobos maintenance bay.

Witchdoctors

Witchdoctors at Camp Marmal pose with Major General Horoho, the future Surgeon General of the Army during her recent visit to Afghanistan.

rior Tour, which profiled the extreme cour-age of Army Rangers from the Vietnam War and the Blackhawk Down incident in Soma-lia. Several of the Reapers took pride in showing off their aircraft to the visiting he-roes and listening to their inspiring stories.

In addition to the Ranger visit, a number of the Reapers earned their Silver Spurs during the Brigade Spur Ride. SPC Tylka and CPT Foley helped lead the winning team to vic-tory. Throughout the friendly competition, all participants enjoyed testing their physical limits, building team camaraderie, and earn-ing coveted Silver Spurs. The news of the FRG Spur Ride at Fort Hood also made its way to Camp Marmal. The Reapers con-gratulate those spouses who participated and earned their Spurs.

Until we complete our mission in Afghani-stan, we thank everyone from home for the frequent care packages and constant ges-tures of support.

Proud Reaper Soldiers display recently earned Silver Spurs following the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Spur Ride.

Renegades outperformed themselves in October by constructing a two-story building housing the Company Supply Room and an exercise room for our Soldiers. Teamwork

and strong camaraderie remained evident throughout the completion of this project as Soldiers and Leaders worked side by side to build this structure. Additionally, Renegade capabilities continue expanding due to cross-training of our Soldiers and the commitment of our NCOs to train and develop the techni-cal skills of their Soldiers. Maintenance Platoon recovered 9 vehicles, repaired and completed weekly services on 20 generators, and maintained a 99.5% vehi-cle readiness rate. Mechanics replaced an entire HEMTT engine in an astounding two days and returned a mission-essential vehicle to operations. Renegades also progressed in constructing a welding work center to ensure capabilities during the upcoming winter. Headquarters Platoon improved the Rene-gade area by positioning concrete and dirt barriers to protect vehicles and equipment.

Our supply personnel ordered boots and cold weather gear to keep Soldiers warm and prepared for the upcoming winter. Distribution Platoon now pumps fuel at three outlying locations and accomplishes its mission with superior results. Our Lead-ers and Soldiers assisted in the setup and

porting MEDEVAC missions. Our Soldiers also enjoyed a Company Hal-loween celebration that featured horror movies, an XBOX competition, and plenty of candy. Finally, congratulations to CPL Anderson, CPL Harris, and CPL Novack for their induction into the NCO Corps. Special thanks to our FRG and Families for their continued outpouring of support as our deployment progresses. Thank you for all you do for our Soldiers!

Renegades

operations. Air Traffic Controllers synchro-nized fuel and rocket loading as well as air-craft parking during these missions. The supported ground forces routinely sent their appreciation for the highly effective and effi-cient support they receive from us.

Our facility at Shindand recently received

This designation allows our controllers to obtain Control Tower Operator (CTO) ratings from this facility. Obtaining a CTO rating can prove invaluable as Soldiers continue their Army career or transition to the civilian world.

At Camp Marmal, 1SG Pinckney planned and executed the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Spur Ride. This event challenged Troopers physi-cally and mentally, while ensuring fun and excitement for all who participated. Con-gratulations to all Spur recipients!

At Marmal, the first class of Afghan Air Traf-fic Controllers began training. Hungarian, German, and American con-trollers worked together to train these first Af-ghan Control-lers in more than 10 years. This class repre-sents a major leap forward for Afghans toward controlling their own air space.

In control!

Ravens

As we quickly approach the halfway mark of this deployment, SFC Hurley and I con-tinue to feel amazement at the strength and resolution in the Families supporting Task Force Lobos. As we join you in ea-gerly awaiting the return of the Task Force from Afghanistan, please remember that your Rear Detachment remains ready to assist you as well as our deployed Soldiers. October was a busy month for the Rear Guard. We continued to execute the critical mission of preparing Soldiers for deploy-ment. On October 11th we bid farewell to 16 troopers who truly became Rear Guard Family while members of this Company. Although we miss them, we know that each has an even more important mission down-

range. We look forward to seeing pictures and hearing stories of former Rear Guard Soldiers serving in Afghanistan. While waiting for their flights, our Rear Detachment Soldiers per-formed critical missions on Fort Hood as gate guards, cooks, lifeguards, and casualty assis-tance officers. We also had the privilege of

Ride and the Brigade Boo Bash. Both were terrific events, and we were reminded yet again of what an honor it is to serve the Family members of our deployed Soldiers. Please keep in mind that SFC Leal is our Com-mand Financial Specialist, and he is both school-trained and well-versed in assisting Soldiers and Family members in financial mat-ters, including creating budgets and educating on financial resources. If you require assis-

contact him at francisco.lealjr@us. army.mil.

As always, SFC Hurley and I stand ready to assist you in any way we can. Rear Guard

Foxtrot Company Troopers continue to im-prove themselves and their positions.

In Kunduz, SFC Mcleod and SSG Ramos led the way during the Army Physical Fit-ness Test (APFT), earning scores of 292 and 300. Both of these NCOs have led their Soldiers to obtaining steadily increas-ing APFT scores. Our Kunduz Troopers also expanded their knowledge of allied weap-ons systems with German Soldiers. All controllers shot expert and qualified for the Gold German Marksmanship Badge in a continuation of the Schutzenschnur event. Good shooting!

Controllers at Meymanah remained busy over the last month supporting air assault

CPT Wallace administers the oath of enlistment to SPC Penuelas.

Raven Troopers from Kunduz await transport to the German weapons range.

Members of the Rear Guard pose near the entrance of the Olveta Culp Elementary School, the Task Force Lobos adopted school.