STRIKER TORCH NEWS TEAM 2nd BCT Commander Col. Robert E. Scurlock Jr. 2nd BCT Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Santos 2nd BCT Public Affairs Officer Maj. Frederick K. Bower Striker Torch Editor in Chief Capt. Thomas A. Hasara Striker Torch Editors Sgt. 1st Class David R. Dockett Sgt. 1st Class (P) Armaruel T. Peralta Sgt. 1st Class Liviu A. Ivan Sgt. Ben T. Siep Striker Torch Design Coordinator Spc. Jeremy E. Neece Striker Torch Staff Writers Sgt. Raul L. Montano Spc. Joshua P. Ramey

CONTACT US!

HQ, 2BCT, 1AD ATTN: PAO

Camp Buehring APO, AE 09330

Call Us @ DSN 318-828-2018

tom.hasara @ us.army.mil david.r.dockett @ us.army.mil

This Edition can also be found online at http://www.1ad.army.mil/2BCTNewsletters.htm

We are looking for any type of submissions to include: letters, articles, comic strips or artwork, and photographs.

If you would like a copy of this issue please contact your Battalion UPAR

1-6 IN: Capt. Herbert Flather 2-6 IN: Capt. Gabriel Martinez 1-35 AR: 1st Lt. Dustin Gray 40th EN: Capt. Matthew Holbrook 47th FSB: Capt. Maurice Miles 4-27 FA: Maj. Frederick Bower

The Striker Torch is an authorized publication for Department of Defense members.

Contents of the Striker Torch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this

publication is the responsibility of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.

Striker Torch 2nd Brigade Combat Team Forward

Camp Buehring, Kuwait

What’s Inside?

Camp Buehring’s STREND Competition

3

Modern Pioneers Support New Frontiers

4

A Lil’ Bit of R & R

5

MWR Events 7

E D I T I O N 2 5 J U N 0 6 Twenty-Third

S T R I K E R T O R C H

P A G E 2

Front Page Top: Members of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, board a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft before deploying from Kuwait to Iraq. Photo by Spc. Joshua Ramey Bottom Left: Sgt. Michael Paccerelli (Left) evaluates Sgt. Paul Jones on the .50 caliber machine gun during Gunnery Skills Testing at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Both Soldiers are from Troop G, 1st Cavalry Regiment. Photo by Capt. Jeff Barta Bottom Right: (From left to right) Spc. Joseph Leduc, Spc. Brandon Steininger, and Spc. Eric Mixon, all of Service Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment provide security during a training exercise held outside of Camp Buehring, Ku-wait. Photo by Spc. Joshua Ramey

Back Page Top: Sgt. Victor Ingraham of Troop G, 1st Cavalry Regiment scans for targets from his Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) during Light Cavalry Gunnery. Photo by Capt. Jeff Barta Bottom Left: 1st Sgt. Joseph Cotto of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment engages targets with an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon at a recent marksmanship range. Photo by 1st Lt. David Powell Bottom Right: Spc. Jovito Manrique (left) and Spc. Donald Burtis, both generator mechanics from Ser-vice Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment show their versatility as they work as wheel mechanics by removing the radiator from a Humvee. Photo by Staff Sgt. Derrick Nicholson

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Top Left: Medics from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment provide support at a range at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Photo by 1st Lt. Scott Leuthner Top Right: A Bradley Fighting Vehicle from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment maneuvers to an objective during the company Situational Training Exercise (STX) lanes. Photo by Maj. Charles Bergman Bottom Left: Soldiers of Battery C, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment train on room clearing procedures at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Photo by 2nd Lt. Jeffery Roberts Bottom Right: Staff Sgt. Luis Alicea from Battery B, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery searches for possible hiding spots for weapons caches on a farm in Southern Iraq. Photo by Pfc. Jason Dangel

E D I T I O N T W E N T Y T H R E E P A G E 7

Questions and Photos By Sgt. Raul Montano and Spc. Joshua Ramey

Next Week:“To What Recurring Event Do You Look Forward?”

Upcoming MWR Events Sunday, 25 June 2006 1000: 3 on 3 Blacktop Basket Ball Tournament @ Basketball Courts 1200: Spades Tourney @ Oasis 1400: Ruff & Ready STREND Competition @ Gym 1930: Bingo @ Events Tent Monday, 26 June 2006 1930: Phase 10 Tournament @ Oasis Tuesday. 27 June 2006 1930: Zilch Tournament @ Palms Wednesday, 28 June 2006 1830: Fun Run @ Green Beans 1930: Texas Hold’em Tournament @ Palms Thursday, 29 June 2006 1200: Brown Bag Po-Ke-No @ Oasis 1930: Ping Pong Tournament @ Rec. Center Friday, 30 June 2006 1700: PT King & Queen Competition @ Aerobic Tent 1930: Darts Tournament @ Rec. Center 2000: Gong Show @ MWR Stage

What Do YOU Think? “What are Your Favorite MWR Events?”

SGT Adam Hartle C, 4-27 FA

Marathons and Concerts

SPC Jaxon Landrum HHC, 2BCT

Movies at the movie tent

SSG Terry Lane HHC, 40th EN

Bands and Stand-up Comedians

PFC Paul Haarman C, 47th FSB

Free Internet and phones

WO1 Victor Borrome HHC, 40th EN

Pool and chess tournaments

S T R I K E R T O R C H

P A G E 6

E D I T I O N T W E N T Y T H R E E P A G E 3

Camp Buehring’s STREND Competition Story by Sgt. Justin Gilligan

From all the cheering that was going on inside the gym on Camp Buehring, one may have said it appeared to be trans-formed into Venice Beach, Cali-fornia. Soldiers from various units competed against each other in this month’s iron-pumping, leg-running Strength and Endurance, or STREND, competition to determine who had what it takes to bring home the glory. Strength and endur-ance define the challenge. The titles of “Best Overall Male” and “Best Overall Female” were awarded to the winners in each category. It was a competition of eight grueling events; the first

seven trials (bench press, pull ups, military press, chin ups, dips, dead lifts, and lunges) were just the beginning of the aerobic adventure. The final event was a serious three mile run. Brains were also ex-ercised as competitors then took their run time in seconds, divided by the total number of reps, and determined their final score. As the competitors lined up, focused on their target, and strategized on their approach, they were all wearing their game faces. Clearly, they were all thinking that large amounts of weight plus

the need for high reps did not equal an easy task. Moments before 1st Lt. Lori Scheffler of the 18th Airborne Corps attacked the lunges, she expressed how she felt with five events down and two to go. “My heart is pound-ing so fast. I feel like I am doing cardio instead of lift-ing,” she said. Even for the most experi-enced gym go-

ers, this competition was still an unbelievable challenge.

Among the competitors, there was one Soldier who stood above the rest. Alfredo Alvarado Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 6th In-fantry Regiment, Task Force Regulars was no stranger to the STREND competition. As a two time medalist, he came to beat his own winning score; which he did. Along with the Best Overall Male trophy, Alvarado also took home the due respect of the other competitors.

Training, dedication, and a little finesse go a long way when it comes to preparing for the STREND competition. Never-theless, all are encouraged to par-ticipate in this grueling event and in any of the many other compe-titions sponsored by the Camp Buehring Gym.

1st Lt. Preston Long of Company B, 501st Military Intelligence Battalion lifts weights during Camp Buehring’s STREND competition. Photo by Spc. Anna Evert

Spc. Jason Stigers of Company B, 501st Military Intelligence Battalion, lifts weights during Camp Buehring’s STREND competition. Photo by Photo by Spc. Anna Evert

S T R I K E R T O R C H

P A G E 4

Modern Pioneers Support New Frontiers

Story by Maj. John D. Kuenzli

After six months of diverse, exten-sive, and intensive training and exercises, two more Task Forces within the Iron Brigade Combat Team of 1st Armored Division received their orders to join the fight in Iraq. The 47th Forward Support Battalion “Modern Pioneers” created a support element that deployed to provide logistics support to those Task Forces. The Modern Pioneers tailored a support force to reinforce the 501st FSB and ensure our Task Forces received the com-bat service support they required.

Weeks before the first Task Force moved, the Support Operations Officer, Maj. Alex Greenwich, flew forward to integrate and begin planning with the 228th FSB, which has been stationed in Iraq for 10 months. His return to Camp Buehring and early planning enabled the 47th FSB to identify specific skills, func-tions, and locations needed in order to best support the Task Forces in Iraq. Maj. Greenwich returned to Iraq a second time before the Task Forces deployed; this time with Capt. Brian Cozine, Com-pany A Commander, who would com-mand the Forward Logistics Element (FLE). Together, they enabled the Task

Forces to flow in with smooth transportation coordination, and opened the door for the Modern Pio-neers’ FLE to arrive and quickly set up support opera-tions at for-ward operating bases in Iraq.

M e a n -while, in C a m p B u e h r i n g , Kuwait, the rest of the 47th Forward Support Battalion contin-ued planning, packing, and prepping vehicles and personnel. They provided accelerated and uninterrupted support to the deploying Task Forces, which in-cluded an extensive round-the-clock effort to convert communication systems in newly acquired Armored Personnel Carriers.

With leaders checking and rechecking per-sonnel and equip-ment, the FLE finalized packing. The remainder of the Modern Pio-neers battalion reinforced and improved every piece of equip-ment they would use in Iraq. Direct Support Mainte-nance Shop Offi-cer Capt. Dave Kretz and Direct Support Automo-tive Tech. Chief Warrant Officer

Kenneth Hounshell led the Company B Bulldog mechanics through installation of ballistic gunner’s protection kits for the FLE to have during operations in Iraq.

Throughout the deployment, the Soldiers and leaders of the 47th Forward Support Battalion have continued to rally around each other to support the Brigade with world class maintenance, medical, and supply support. Teamwork was prevalent from the beginning of the pack-out mission, to the last bus that rolled out, as Soldiers worked together day and night to prepare for the move. From container loading to personnel manifest-ing, the Soldiers relied on each other. Lt. Col. Jeanne Hooper, 47th FSB Battalion Commander, expressed the difficulty in deploying troops forward, “It really was tough to send them off on their own. You kind of expect that in corps support units, but in the FSB you expect to stay together.” Nevertheless, the 47th FSB FLE is now supporting the fight in Iraq. The rest of the Modern Pioneer battalion continues the same effort in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, until they are either called forward to work with the FLE, or bring them back to Kuwait.

Soldiers from 47th Forward Support Battalion load their gear as they prepare to deploy to Iraq. Photo by Capt. Heather E. Jangraw

Spc. Heather Hopkins of Company A, 47th Forward Support Battalion says farewell to Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hagen of Company B as she departs for Iraq. Photo by Capt. Heather E. Jangraw

E D I T I O N T W E N T Y T H R E E P A G E 5

As the deployment passes the seven month mark here in Kuwait, many Soldiers are returning from well-deserved Rest and Recuperation (R&R) leave. The Army established this program to provide Soldiers an opportunity to take a break from the fast-paced days during a deployment. A ticket home can cost several hundred dollars, but the cost to Soldiers is alleviated. When Soldiers leave Southwest Asia and travel to their leave destination, the Army pays for a round-trip plane ticket to the nearest major airport. This is, however, just the beginning of the potential savings for Soldiers and their families.

Many Soldiers have found that wher-ever they go, businesses often offer them special rates to show their appreciation for their service. One Soldier that took advan-tage of discounts and special military rates was Staff Sgt. Daniel Laswell of Headquar-ters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment. Staff Sgt. Laswell found a great deal on a Caribbean Cruise for his wife and two children through Carnival Cruises. The Laswell family em-barked on a seven-day, all-expense paid cruise starting in Cancun, Mexico, stopping in Playa Del Carmen, and ending in St. Croix. “It was great! They had activities for our kids, and entertainment for us. There

wasn’t anything that we wanted to do that they didn’t have.” Anyone can expect to receive this type of treatment on a cruise, but rarely do they get the type of deals that he received as a Soldier; their total cost for the cruise was only $1,100.00. In addition to the deal that Staff Sgt. Laswell received while sailing in the Caribbean, he and his family also vis i ted relatives in the

United States. Instead of paying for a flight from the Caribbean back to the U.S., he was able to schedule a Space Available (Space-A) flight with his family from St. Croix to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

One does not have to fly all the way to the Caribbean to get deals like these. For Soldiers traveling back to Germany, Edel-weiss Lodge and Resort in the Gar-misch-Partenkirchen area, sponsored by the Armed Forces Recreation Centers, offers an inexpensive American-style vaca-tion for R&R Sol-diers. For over 60 years, the Army has offered this location, tucked in the Bavar-ian Alps, as a resort for Service Members. Edelweiss is a four season resort, offering winter sports on the Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Ger-many, hiking, white-water rafting, and

numerous other outdoor pursuits. The resort itself offers a variety of activities on site and in the surrounding areas. Vacationers can take day trips to famous castles, shop in local stores, and even take rides in horse-drawn carriages. While deployments to the Middle East continue, the Armed Forces recreation center offers R&R programs with substantial discounts. Capt. Andrew Beal, also of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, took his wife and their two chil-dren to Edelweiss Lodge and Resort while he was on R&R. “I couldn’t believe the rates they offered for lodging, skiing, and meals. It really was a great value.” Soldiers on R&R can stay at Edelweiss for approxi-mately one half of the regular rate, with breakfast and dinner included at no addi-tional cost, as well as receive steep dis-counts on all of their guided tours. “The Lodge Staff was particularly friendly and helpful with our children, which gave us an opportunity to enjoy some Bavarian beer.”

Wherever Soldiers decide to travel while on leave, they should take time to research the deals offered to them through Army Morale Welfare and Recreation ser-vices. These programs are just another way the Army takes care of its Soldiers. It is also a great opportunity for Soldiers to see how well commercial businesses show their appreciation for Soldiers who dedicate their lives to serving their country.

A Lil’ Bit of R & R Story by 2nd Lt. Paul Radion

Staff Sgt. Daniel Laswell enjoys the sun with his family in St. Croix during his R&R leave. Photo provided by Staff Sgt. Daniel Laswell

Staff Sgt. Daniel Laswell poses with his family prior to embarking on his cruise in Cancun during his R&R leave. Photo provided by Staff Sgt. Daniel Laswell

S T R I K E R T O R C H

P A G E 4

Modern Pioneers Support New Frontiers

Story by Maj. John D. Kuenzli

After six months of diverse, exten-sive, and intensive training and exercises, two more Task Forces within the Iron Brigade Combat Team of 1st Armored Division received their orders to join the fight in Iraq. The 47th Forward Support Battalion “Modern Pioneers” created a support element that deployed to provide logistics support to those Task Forces. The Modern Pioneers tailored a support force to reinforce the 501st FSB and ensure our Task Forces received the com-bat service support they required.

Weeks before the first Task Force moved, the Support Operations Officer, Maj. Alex Greenwich, flew forward to integrate and begin planning with the 228th FSB, which has been stationed in Iraq for 10 months. His return to Camp Buehring and early planning enabled the 47th FSB to identify specific skills, func-tions, and locations needed in order to best support the Task Forces in Iraq. Maj. Greenwich returned to Iraq a second time before the Task Forces deployed; this time with Capt. Brian Cozine, Com-pany A Commander, who would com-mand the Forward Logistics Element (FLE). Together, they enabled the Task

Forces to flow in with smooth transportation coordination, and opened the door for the Modern Pio-neers’ FLE to arrive and quickly set up support opera-tions at for-ward operating bases in Iraq.

M e a n -while, in C a m p B u e h r i n g , Kuwait, the rest of the 47th Forward Support Battalion contin-ued planning, packing, and prepping vehicles and personnel. They provided accelerated and uninterrupted support to the deploying Task Forces, which in-cluded an extensive round-the-clock effort to convert communication systems in newly acquired Armored Personnel Carriers.

With leaders checking and rechecking per-sonnel and equip-ment, the FLE finalized packing. The remainder of the Modern Pio-neers battalion reinforced and improved every piece of equip-ment they would use in Iraq. Direct Support Mainte-nance Shop Offi-cer Capt. Dave Kretz and Direct Support Automo-tive Tech. Chief Warrant Officer

Kenneth Hounshell led the Company B Bulldog mechanics through installation of ballistic gunner’s protection kits for the FLE to have during operations in Iraq.

Throughout the deployment, the Soldiers and leaders of the 47th Forward Support Battalion have continued to rally around each other to support the Brigade with world class maintenance, medical, and supply support. Teamwork was prevalent from the beginning of the pack-out mission, to the last bus that rolled out, as Soldiers worked together day and night to prepare for the move. From container loading to personnel manifest-ing, the Soldiers relied on each other. Lt. Col. Jeanne Hooper, 47th FSB Battalion Commander, expressed the difficulty in deploying troops forward, “It really was tough to send them off on their own. You kind of expect that in corps support units, but in the FSB you expect to stay together.” Nevertheless, the 47th FSB FLE is now supporting the fight in Iraq. The rest of the Modern Pioneer battalion continues the same effort in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, until they are either called forward to work with the FLE, or bring them back to Kuwait.

Soldiers from 47th Forward Support Battalion load their gear as they prepare to deploy to Iraq. Photo by Capt. Heather E. Jangraw

Spc. Heather Hopkins of Company A, 47th Forward Support Battalion says farewell to Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hagen of Company B as she departs for Iraq. Photo by Capt. Heather E. Jangraw

E D I T I O N T W E N T Y T H R E E P A G E 5

As the deployment passes the seven month mark here in Kuwait, many Soldiers are returning from well-deserved Rest and Recuperation (R&R) leave. The Army established this program to provide Soldiers an opportunity to take a break from the fast-paced days during a deployment. A ticket home can cost several hundred dollars, but the cost to Soldiers is alleviated. When Soldiers leave Southwest Asia and travel to their leave destination, the Army pays for a round-trip plane ticket to the nearest major airport. This is, however, just the beginning of the potential savings for Soldiers and their families.

Many Soldiers have found that wher-ever they go, businesses often offer them special rates to show their appreciation for their service. One Soldier that took advan-tage of discounts and special military rates was Staff Sgt. Daniel Laswell of Headquar-ters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment. Staff Sgt. Laswell found a great deal on a Caribbean Cruise for his wife and two children through Carnival Cruises. The Laswell family em-barked on a seven-day, all-expense paid cruise starting in Cancun, Mexico, stopping in Playa Del Carmen, and ending in St. Croix. “It was great! They had activities for our kids, and entertainment for us. There

wasn’t anything that we wanted to do that they didn’t have.” Anyone can expect to receive this type of treatment on a cruise, but rarely do they get the type of deals that he received as a Soldier; their total cost for the cruise was only $1,100.00. In addition to the deal that Staff Sgt. Laswell received while sailing in the Caribbean, he and his family also vis i ted relatives in the

United States. Instead of paying for a flight from the Caribbean back to the U.S., he was able to schedule a Space Available (Space-A) flight with his family from St. Croix to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

One does not have to fly all the way to the Caribbean to get deals like these. For Soldiers traveling back to Germany, Edel-weiss Lodge and Resort in the Gar-misch-Partenkirchen area, sponsored by the Armed Forces Recreation Centers, offers an inexpensive American-style vaca-tion for R&R Sol-diers. For over 60 years, the Army has offered this location, tucked in the Bavar-ian Alps, as a resort for Service Members. Edelweiss is a four season resort, offering winter sports on the Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Ger-many, hiking, white-water rafting, and

numerous other outdoor pursuits. The resort itself offers a variety of activities on site and in the surrounding areas. Vacationers can take day trips to famous castles, shop in local stores, and even take rides in horse-drawn carriages. While deployments to the Middle East continue, the Armed Forces recreation center offers R&R programs with substantial discounts. Capt. Andrew Beal, also of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, took his wife and their two chil-dren to Edelweiss Lodge and Resort while he was on R&R. “I couldn’t believe the rates they offered for lodging, skiing, and meals. It really was a great value.” Soldiers on R&R can stay at Edelweiss for approxi-mately one half of the regular rate, with breakfast and dinner included at no addi-tional cost, as well as receive steep dis-counts on all of their guided tours. “The Lodge Staff was particularly friendly and helpful with our children, which gave us an opportunity to enjoy some Bavarian beer.”

Wherever Soldiers decide to travel while on leave, they should take time to research the deals offered to them through Army Morale Welfare and Recreation ser-vices. These programs are just another way the Army takes care of its Soldiers. It is also a great opportunity for Soldiers to see how well commercial businesses show their appreciation for Soldiers who dedicate their lives to serving their country.

A Lil’ Bit of R & R Story by 2nd Lt. Paul Radion

Staff Sgt. Daniel Laswell enjoys the sun with his family in St. Croix during his R&R leave. Photo provided by Staff Sgt. Daniel Laswell

Staff Sgt. Daniel Laswell poses with his family prior to embarking on his cruise in Cancun during his R&R leave. Photo provided by Staff Sgt. Daniel Laswell

S T R I K E R T O R C H

P A G E 6

E D I T I O N T W E N T Y T H R E E P A G E 3

Camp Buehring’s STREND Competition Story by Sgt. Justin Gilligan

From all the cheering that was going on inside the gym on Camp Buehring, one may have said it appeared to be trans-formed into Venice Beach, Cali-fornia. Soldiers from various units competed against each other in this month’s iron-pumping, leg-running Strength and Endurance, or STREND, competition to determine who had what it takes to bring home the glory. Strength and endur-ance define the challenge. The titles of “Best Overall Male” and “Best Overall Female” were awarded to the winners in each category. It was a competition of eight grueling events; the first

seven trials (bench press, pull ups, military press, chin ups, dips, dead lifts, and lunges) were just the beginning of the aerobic adventure. The final event was a serious three mile run. Brains were also ex-ercised as competitors then took their run time in seconds, divided by the total number of reps, and determined their final score. As the competitors lined up, focused on their target, and strategized on their approach, they were all wearing their game faces. Clearly, they were all thinking that large amounts of weight plus

the need for high reps did not equal an easy task. Moments before 1st Lt. Lori Scheffler of the 18th Airborne Corps attacked the lunges, she expressed how she felt with five events down and two to go. “My heart is pound-ing so fast. I feel like I am doing cardio instead of lift-ing,” she said. Even for the most experi-enced gym go-

ers, this competition was still an unbelievable challenge.

Among the competitors, there was one Soldier who stood above the rest. Alfredo Alvarado Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 6th In-fantry Regiment, Task Force Regulars was no stranger to the STREND competition. As a two time medalist, he came to beat his own winning score; which he did. Along with the Best Overall Male trophy, Alvarado also took home the due respect of the other competitors.

Training, dedication, and a little finesse go a long way when it comes to preparing for the STREND competition. Never-theless, all are encouraged to par-ticipate in this grueling event and in any of the many other compe-titions sponsored by the Camp Buehring Gym.

1st Lt. Preston Long of Company B, 501st Military Intelligence Battalion lifts weights during Camp Buehring’s STREND competition. Photo by Spc. Anna Evert

Spc. Jason Stigers of Company B, 501st Military Intelligence Battalion, lifts weights during Camp Buehring’s STREND competition. Photo by Photo by Spc. Anna Evert

S T R I K E R T O R C H

P A G E 2

Front Page Top: Members of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, board a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft before deploying from Kuwait to Iraq. Photo by Spc. Joshua Ramey Bottom Left: Sgt. Michael Paccerelli (Left) evaluates Sgt. Paul Jones on the .50 caliber machine gun during Gunnery Skills Testing at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Both Soldiers are from Troop G, 1st Cavalry Regiment. Photo by Capt. Jeff Barta Bottom Right: (From left to right) Spc. Joseph Leduc, Spc. Brandon Steininger, and Spc. Eric Mixon, all of Service Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment provide security during a training exercise held outside of Camp Buehring, Ku-wait. Photo by Spc. Joshua Ramey

Back Page Top: Sgt. Victor Ingraham of Troop G, 1st Cavalry Regiment scans for targets from his Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) during Light Cavalry Gunnery. Photo by Capt. Jeff Barta Bottom Left: 1st Sgt. Joseph Cotto of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment engages targets with an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon at a recent marksmanship range. Photo by 1st Lt. David Powell Bottom Right: Spc. Jovito Manrique (left) and Spc. Donald Burtis, both generator mechanics from Ser-vice Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment show their versatility as they work as wheel mechanics by removing the radiator from a Humvee. Photo by Staff Sgt. Derrick Nicholson

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Top Left: Medics from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment provide support at a range at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Photo by 1st Lt. Scott Leuthner Top Right: A Bradley Fighting Vehicle from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment maneuvers to an objective during the company Situational Training Exercise (STX) lanes. Photo by Maj. Charles Bergman Bottom Left: Soldiers of Battery C, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment train on room clearing procedures at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Photo by 2nd Lt. Jeffery Roberts Bottom Right: Staff Sgt. Luis Alicea from Battery B, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery searches for possible hiding spots for weapons caches on a farm in Southern Iraq. Photo by Pfc. Jason Dangel

E D I T I O N T W E N T Y T H R E E P A G E 7

Questions and Photos By Sgt. Raul Montano and Spc. Joshua Ramey

Next Week:“To What Recurring Event Do You Look Forward?”

Upcoming MWR Events Sunday, 25 June 2006 1000: 3 on 3 Blacktop Basket Ball Tournament @ Basketball Courts 1200: Spades Tourney @ Oasis 1400: Ruff & Ready STREND Competition @ Gym 1930: Bingo @ Events Tent Monday, 26 June 2006 1930: Phase 10 Tournament @ Oasis Tuesday. 27 June 2006 1930: Zilch Tournament @ Palms Wednesday, 28 June 2006 1830: Fun Run @ Green Beans 1930: Texas Hold’em Tournament @ Palms Thursday, 29 June 2006 1200: Brown Bag Po-Ke-No @ Oasis 1930: Ping Pong Tournament @ Rec. Center Friday, 30 June 2006 1700: PT King & Queen Competition @ Aerobic Tent 1930: Darts Tournament @ Rec. Center 2000: Gong Show @ MWR Stage

What Do YOU Think? “What are Your Favorite MWR Events?”

SGT Adam Hartle C, 4-27 FA

Marathons and Concerts

SPC Jaxon Landrum HHC, 2BCT

Movies at the movie tent

SSG Terry Lane HHC, 40th EN

Bands and Stand-up Comedians

PFC Paul Haarman C, 47th FSB

Free Internet and phones

WO1 Victor Borrome HHC, 40th EN

Pool and chess tournaments

STRIKER TORCH NEWS TEAM 2nd BCT Commander Col. Robert E. Scurlock Jr. 2nd BCT Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Santos 2nd BCT Public Affairs Officer Maj. Frederick K. Bower Striker Torch Editor in Chief Capt. Thomas A. Hasara Striker Torch Editors Sgt. 1st Class David R. Dockett Sgt. 1st Class (P) Armaruel T. Peralta Sgt. 1st Class Liviu A. Ivan Sgt. Ben T. Siep Striker Torch Design Coordinator Spc. Jeremy E. Neece Striker Torch Staff Writers Sgt. Raul L. Montano Spc. Joshua P. Ramey

CONTACT US!

HQ, 2BCT, 1AD ATTN: PAO

Camp Buehring APO, AE 09330

Call Us @ DSN 318-828-2018

tom.hasara @ us.army.mil david.r.dockett @ us.army.mil

This Edition can also be found online at http://www.1ad.army.mil/2BCTNewsletters.htm

We are looking for any type of submissions to include: letters, articles, comic strips or artwork, and photographs.

If you would like a copy of this issue please contact your Battalion UPAR

1-6 IN: Capt. Herbert Flather 2-6 IN: Capt. Gabriel Martinez 1-35 AR: 1st Lt. Dustin Gray 40th EN: Capt. Matthew Holbrook 47th FSB: Capt. Maurice Miles 4-27 FA: Maj. Frederick Bower

The Striker Torch is an authorized publication for Department of Defense members.

Contents of the Striker Torch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this

publication is the responsibility of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.

Striker Torch 2nd Brigade Combat Team Forward

Camp Buehring, Kuwait

What’s Inside?

Camp Buehring’s STREND Competition

3

Modern Pioneers Support New Frontiers

4

A Lil’ Bit of R & R

5

MWR Events 7

E D I T I O N 2 5 J U N 0 6 Twenty-Third