the avenger

THE A ENGER

VOLUME I, ISSUE I December 10, 2012

38th Sustainment Brigade takes commandUPCOMING HOLIDAYS AND EVENTS

Story by Sgt. William E. Henry, 38th Sustainment Brigade Camp Arifjan, Kuwait – The Indiana Army National Guard’s 38th Sustainment Brigade uncased their colors and assumed command of sustainment opera-tions at a transfer of authority ceremony held at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Oct. 18. The 113th Sustainment Brigade, North Carolina Army National Guard, relinquished command to the 38th. The 38th’s mission will be to oversee supply and support operations across the Southwest Asian theater in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 113th has spent nearly a year sustaining forces for Operation Enduring Freedom and retrograding equipment from Iraq during the drawdown and close-out of Operation New Dawn. The commander, Col. David Jones, said he is proud of the work his Soldiers have accomplished during their deployment. “It is overwhelming to witness what a team effort can accomplish,” said Jones. “Let there be no ques-tion that the accomplishments of the brigade cannot be highlighted by any one officer, NCO, staff section or groups of Soldiers… It must be a team effort from

start to finish, top to bottom.” Brig. Gen. Bud Jameson, 316th Sustainment Com-mand (Expeditionary) commander, spoke during the ceremony and praised the 113th for their work and spoke encouraging and defining words to those in at-tendance. “The Soldiers of the Steel Brigade will not be known for doing what they were trained to do, but for accom-plishing everything they were asked to do,” said Jame-son. “By your hard work, sweat and sacrifice, you’ve enhanced the reputation of Citizen-Soldiers and proven beyond a doubt, by any measure, by anyone, that as National Guard Soldiers you can perform as well, or better, than any U.S. Soldier in any component of the Army.” The 38th commander, Col. Deedra Thombleson, said her team may smaller, but they’re ready for the task at hand. “The sustainment brigade is coming in lean and strong. The motto of the 113th is ‘One team, twice as strong,’ we like to joke at being half the team, but four times as strong,” said Thombleson. “We remain ready and focused to take on the ever-changing mission.”

During the 38th Sustainment Brigade’s Transfer of Authority ceremony, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, Col. Deedra Thombleson, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Karolyn Peeler, command sergeant major, unroll the brigade flag after uncasing. The uncasing of the flag represents that the brigade is taking over for the 113th Sustainment Brigade to continue the logistical mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Army Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Tina R. Eichenour, 38th Sustainment Brigade

38th Sustainment Brigade

Kuwait Average

1 U.S. Dollar = 0.2813 Kuwaiti Dinar3.6407 Qatari Riyal

47.2857 Kyrgyzstan Som51.2795 Afghan Afghani

PRECIOUS METALSPER TROY OUNCE

GOLDFloor $1,721.10

Electronic $1,703.70SILVER

Floor $33.76Electronic $33.22

PLATINUMFloor $1,613.80

Electronic $1,594.80

January High 64Low 45

FebruaryHigh 69Low 48

Qatar Average


Manas AB Average


WEATHER AVERAGES FOR REGIONSFebruaryHigh 73Low 56


Money MarketAs of Dec. 10, 2012

Indiana AverageWeather



Dec. 13 - 376th National Guard Birthday-5K run 0600, Arifjan, Zone 1 fitness center,

Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Worship Service - Arifjan zone 6, TBD

Dec 25 - Christmas Day

Dec 31 - New Year’s Eve

2013

Jan 1 - New Year’s Day

Jan 21 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Feb 2 - Groundhog Day

Feb 14 - Valentines Day

Feb 18 - Presidents Day

PAGE

THE A ENGER

Avengers, We have settled into the mission since we arrived in the early a.m. hours on Oct. 4. It was a long journey to get to where we are here in Kuwait. Remember all the long hours and hard work during the months leading up to our deployment were worth it. As we take the sustainment mission and make it your mission, remember everything you were taught and trained on at Fort Knox, Fort Hood and from the 113th Sustainment Brigade. As we move ahead with the sustainment mission, stay focus and prepared for the ever changing logistical needs in the theater of operation. Service members throughout the JSA count on us to deliver the commodities, financial support and mail for their every day needs. Avengers, take time over the next month to improve your fox hole. This will aid in your section’s mission as well as the overall mission for the brigade. Also remember your battle buddy. Ensure everyone is being resilient.Avenger 6

Avengers, Well it is starting to get a little chilly here in Kuwait, of course it won’t be nearly as cold as back home in Indiana. With the change in weather comes the holiday season. Thanksgiving is here and Christmas will be upon us before you know it. Ensure that you are communicating with your loved ones back at home during the holidays. No matter if it is a phone call, video chatting, texting or sending cards and letters. Lift the holiday spirits of loved ones, and yours, by keeping in touch. In addition to the change in the weather, the holiday season brings stress, no matter where you are in the world. Remember to take the time to check on your battle buddies here in throughout Kuwait (Arifjan, LSA, Buehring), and Manas. Make sure that all is well and that they are in your thoughts as we help one another get through this time here away from home. As the temperatures cool down, let us not forget to stay properly dressed, and hydrated. Sometimes we forget these basics as we become complacent with our environment. During the next month, I highly encourage you to get involved in moral and welfare activities. The MWR offers bingo, dancing, karaoke, open mic sessions, arts and crafts, card games and more. There is something for everyone. Take advantage of the activities during your down time. Activities that get you involved will help keep you resilient during the deployment.

Command Corner

Col Deedra Thombleson38th Sustainment Brigade Commander

CSM Karolyn Peeler38th Sustainment BrigadeCommand Sergeant Major

The Avenger is a product of the U.S. Army’s, 38th Sustainment Brigade based at Camp Arifjan,

Kuwait.

Layout and design

Sgt. William E. HenrySgt. 1st Class Tina

Eichenour

Contributors

Sgt. 1st Class Tina Eichenour

Sgt. William E. HenrySpc. Michael Gault,

191st CSSBChaplain Maj. Jim Staggers

Capt. Christina DeanMaj. Laurie Fontaine

2

PAGE


Zone 1 Worship ScheduleRoman Catholic Catholic Mass Sun 1200Confessions (prior to Mass) Daily 1130-1200Catholic Daily Mass Mon - Fri 1215Protestant Inspirational Worship Service Fri 1900Contemporary Protestant Service Sun 1000Inspirational Worship Service Sun 1400Latter-Day Saints Latter-Day Saints Sun 800Bible Study Inspirational Bible Study (Firm Foundation) Classroom 44 - PX building – Zone 1 Mon 1900Inspirational Bible Study (Men) - Zone 1 Chapel Wed 1900Inspirational Bible Study (Women) - Zone 1 Chapel Wed 1900

Zone 6 Worship ScheduleRoman Catholic – Chapel Catholic Mass Sat 1700Confessions (prior to Mass) Sat 1600-1645Protestant Worship Service – Note Location Traditional Protestant – Chapel Sun 900Contemporary Service – Chapel Sun 1100Church of Christ – Chapel Annex Sun 1130Sunday Night Alive – Chapel Sun 1700Kabbalat Shabbat (Jewish Service) – Chapel AnnexKabbalat Shabbat (Jewish Service) Fri 1830Other Services – Chapel Annex Open Circle ( Wiccans ) Wed 1900Bible Studies & Religious Classes – Chapel/Chapel AnnexSpanish Bible Study- Chapel Annex Mon 1900Truth Project- Chapel Wed 1900Church of Christ Bible Study- Chapel Annex Thu 1800Love and Respect- Chapel Sat 1830Jewish Bible Study- Chapel Annex Sat 1800Every Mans Battle- Chapel Annex Sun 1900Protestant Bible Study - Chapel Sun 1900

By Chaplain Jim Staggers, 38th Sustainment Brigade Chaplain

Have you noticed yet that the pain and stress associated with a deployment isn’t getting any easier as we go through it? We just seem to cope better with it. Your non-military friends may not understand what you are going through or you may find yourself far from the armory with limited support. Here’s some ways to help deal with the deployment: Write and write often! Write letters to your Soldier often. If he or she has email, send those too but keep the handwritten letters coming. Letter writing is an excellent outlet for your feelings and it gives you an opportunity to express your love. Avoid communicating fear in your letters though, because your Soldier has enough to deal with where they are. Keep your Soldier updated about family—this will help strengthen your bonds. Your Soldier will look forward to receiving those letters; mail call is the highlight of their day. Learn something new. Focusing on a new hobby or skill set could be the right avenue to take your mind off of the deployment even if it is for just an hour a day. If you’re able to get out and take a class, that would be even better. Being in the company of others helps you to not feel isolated and provides opportunities for new friendships to form. Get enough sleep. Staying awake at night and not having enough energy to care for your children, work, or manage your household will only make things worse. Lack of sleep will just multiply the stress of a deployment. Use music or even read to improve your sleep habits. A deployment is difficult and there’s no way around that. However, you can maintain a healthy and strong relationship and get through it and these suggestions can help.

Handling stresses of deployment separation

Warriors and Worship

Chaplain Tony Hunley, 38th Special Troops Battalion chaplain, speaks to Soldiers during a flag pole devotional, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Flag pole devotional is held Monday and Thursday, 8:30a.m., at the Zone 6 triad flag poles and involes short devotionals, sharing joys and concerns and participating in community prayer.

3

PAGE

THE A ENGER

Above: U.S. Army Master Sgt. Mark Frettinger, Camp Buehring Tactical Petroleum Terminal responsible officer, 38th Sustainment Brigade, explains how a line is used for measuring the amount of fuel in a bladder at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012. Frettinger , an Indiana Guardsman from Rochester, Ind., is responsible for the fuel and equipment used at the terminal daily. U.S. Army

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Garold Pennell, a petroleum supply specialist and assistant to the responsible officer at Camp Buehring Tactical Petroleum Terminal, 38th Sustainment Brigade, explains the use of a hydrometer at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012. Pennell, an Indiana Guardsman from Terre Haute, Ind., remains proactive in checking and correcting all operational issues the terminal may have.

Left: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Garold Pennell, a petroleum supply specialist and assistant to the responsible officer at Camp Buehring Tactical Petroleum Terminal, 38th Sustainment Brigade, points out wear in a hose at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012. Pennell, an Indiana Guardsman from Terre Haute, Ind., remains proactive in checking and correcting all operational issues the terminal may have.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. William E. Henry, 38th Sustainment Brigade



News

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Tina R. Eichenour, 38th Sustainment Brigade

Camp Buehring, Kuwait - Most people may not know what all goes into managing bulk fuel while deployed overseas. Back in the United States fuel is stored in underground and above ground tanks, and then it is transported to various gas stations for consumers to pump into their cars. But two Indiana National Guard Soldiers from the 38th Sustainment Brigade have been managing a fuel terminal containing millions of gallons of fuel in above ground collapsible bladders for service members, contractors and DoD employees throughout Kuwait. Staff Sgt. Garold Pennell and Master Sgt. Mark Frettinger are currently deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, with the 38th Sustainment Brigade and work at the Camp Buehring Tactical Petroleum Terminal. The fuel terminal is a storage facility for diesel, gasoline and aviation fuel. Pennell, from Terre Haute, Ind., has more than 19 years of military experience as a petroleum specialist and has more than 13 years of civilian petroleum experience. He has a vast knowledge of what it takes to move, inspect and store fuel.

“I oversee the safety, personal protective equipment and walk the hose lines for leaks and damage,” said Pennell. He said with his experience, he knows, “If the contractors are doing the procedures the right or wrong way.” Frettinger, from Rochester, Ind., is the responsible officer for the fuel terminal who works with over 40 contractors at the terminal. He is an Army trained automated logistic specialist and oversees the accountability of the fuel stored at Camp Buehring. He reports and measures the loss or gain of the fuel. Frettinger said his work helps to ensure the upkeep is done at the facility. “That is part of our job is to make sure everyone knows what their responsibilities are to make sure things get done,” said Frettinger. Frettinger does not have a formal background in fuel, but Pennell said he is making strides in understanding fuel and its processes from a petroleum supply specialist’s perspective. “He is learning a lot on fuel, what the stuff is out there, what it is called. He is learning an aspect of a 92F.”Both Soldiers said they are learning new things about the functions of the fuel terminal on a daily basis and are working to improve the processes for the future.

Fuel is more than just at the pump

4

PAGE


Camp Arifjan, Kuwait - New Jersey Army Na-tional Guardsmen of the 50th Financial Manage-ment Company, headquartered in Flemington, N.J., are preparing to return home after a trans-fer of authority ceremony held at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Oct. 31. Their replacements, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 28th Financial Management Company, headquartered in Lebanon, Penn., raised their state flag at their new command post. Their commander, Maj. Daneen Hutton, thanked the 50th for their support in the transi-tion process and said she and her team is ready to get started. “I’m ready to get this show on the road,” said Hutton, an Enola, Penn. resident. The 50th commander, Lt. Col. Robert McGe-

New Finance Managers take lead at Camp ArifijanStory and Photo by Sgt. William E. Henry, 38th Sustainment Brigade

hee, Bethlehem, N.J., told his Soldiers of his pride for them and that this deployment may not have been a typical combat deployment, but it was no easier. “I want to say just how proud I am for all the hard work you have done here,” said McGehee. “I’m sure this won’t be the last time you hear it from me.” The 28th will continue the work the 50th started with the 38th Sustainment Brigade’s Special Troops Battalion at Camp Arifjan. The 38th Special Troops Battalion commander, Lt. Col William Stroup, said the 28th will have a legacy of success to live up to. “You went above and beyond what was ex-pected of you,” said Stroup to the 50th. “You’ve set the bar high and now it’s time to go home.”

Members of the 50th Financial Management Company prepare to fold the New Jersey state flag after a transfer of authority ceremony held at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012. The unit was replaced by Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen of the 28th Financial Management Company.

Photo by Sgt. William E. Henry, 38th Sustainment Brigade

510th HR Company works to support sustainment mission

Story by Sgt. William E. Henry, 38th Sustainment Brigade

The 510th Human Resources Company has been working since October to sup-port troops and civilians operating in the Southwest Asian Theater. The unit is comprised of Soldiers and Airmen in various human resource ca-pacities. According to the commander, U.S. Army Maj. Shawn Neely, the unit’s main missions are to ensure postal mail and people get to where they need to go by manning positions at the Joint Military Mail Terminal and theater gateway op-erations. “A lot of people don’t really under-stand all that [these troops] do in a the-ater gateway because it’s out of sight, out of mind,” said Neely. “They’re the ones that allow everybody to get in and out of theater, they’re the ones behind the scenes taking care of issues.” Neely said the 510th HRC, consists of platoon sized elements spread throughout the region and are active-duty, reserve, National Guard and Air Force troops. “It’s all of these other smaller units that come together to make up my whole unit,” said Neely. The unit is headquartered at Ali Al Sa-lem Air Base in Kuwait, but has elements stationed all over the area of operations. The 510th manages and handles all ser-vice member mail and fills positions in theater gateway operations for inbound and outbound service members, civilians and contractors.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Timothy Washburn, 191st Combined Sustainment Support Battalion, Salt Lake City, plays Taps as service members salute during a Veterans Day ceremony held at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012.

Troops observe Veterans Day


5

PAGE

THE A ENGER

Camp Buehring, Kuwait - Transportation sol-diers from the Kuwaiti National Guard and the 1462nd Transportation Company, a Michigan Army National Guard unit, joined together in a combined convoy exercise Oct. 22 - 24. Throughout the long-standing relationship between the nations of Kuwait and the United States, never has there been an exercise foster-ing a partnership that involved transportation companies from each nation. Every Tuesday over the last month, Kuwait and U.S. soldiers exchanged knowledge and information on how they conducted convoy operations. Visiting each others’ base, soldiers gave briefings and hands-on driving experience, bridging an understanding of the two forces methods of operations. Later, what they gained from the partnership would be put to practice in the combined convoy exercise. Part of strengthening any good relationship is learning how to work and play together. On

coming challenges common to today’s military convoys , together, they faced outside vehicles disrupting the convoy, civilian protesters assault-ing with rocks, choke point ambushes, obstacles on the convoy route, and a IED attack. With a loud bang, the simulator for the impro-vised explosive device went off and members of the Kuwait National Guard and U.S. Army were quick to react. Mine resistant ambush protected gun trucks, crewed by U.S. soldiers, moved into position to establish a perimeter around the Ku-waiti 5-ton cargo truck which was now deemed damaged by the attack. Behind their .50-caiber machine guns, the gunners mounted on the gun trucks scanned their sectors of fire as the recov-ery team, crewed by the KNG, moved in for the extraction. With a tow bar, the recovery team quickly connects the vehicle to their own and in minutes the downed vehicle is in tow behind them allowing the rest of the convoy to continue. “I am very satisfied,” said 1st Lt. Khaled Ali Taresh, a transportation officer for the Kuwaiti National Guard who participated in the event, “It felt so life like and much more than what I had expected.” With the experience gained, working together on this partnership exercise the Kuwaiti and U.S. forces have made tremendous strides in gaining an understanding for how the other operates dur-ing various phases involved in convoy opera-tions. After the exercise, there were plenty of awards handed out. But beyond the handshakes and smiles, there was now camaraderie. Soon the 1462nd will be returning back to the States. Their deployment is coming to an end, but this will remain a memorable event. “We made friends with them,” said Howell, Michi-gan resident Sgt. Brande Oates, a mechanic/driver for the 1462nd. “We had a blast trucking together.” “Hopefully in the future we will conduct more exercises,” said 1st. Lt. Khalid Ali Taresh, an officer for the Kuwait National Guard who par-ticipated in the event. “The way we do business and the way they [the U.S.] do business gives us both more experience.”

the final Tuesday prior to the convoy exercise, the 1462nd TC invited the KNG to Camp Ar-ifjan, Kuwait for the first ever KNG-U.S. Truck Rodeo. A friendly driving competition, the truck rodeo, was set up so the U.S. and Kuwaiti sol-diers would each drive the other’s vehicles, and, in teams, would be timed to negotiate several driving challenges. “The events [leading to] this exercise were designed to maximize the opportunities for the KNG to participate with our soldiers, fostering a stronger working relationship between our two forces.” said 1st Lt. Timothy Washburn, opera-tions officer for the 191st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, resident of Draper, Utah. For the final exercise, both the KNG and U.S. soldiers found themselves on a convoy driving lane at Camp Buehring. There, together as one, they would conduct a combined tactical convoy operation utilizing both American and Kuwaiti military vehicles and personnel. Over-

Making tracks in the desert together

Kuwait National Guard and U.S. Army vehicles operate together, in the first combined convoy exercise at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 24. Operation Steel Sword was a multi-day five-event exercise designed to build on the relationship between the Kuwait National Guard and the U.S. Army. “We made friends with them,” said Howell, Mich. resident Sgt. Brande Oates a mechanic/driver for the 1462nd Transportation Company, Michigan National Guard. “We had a blast trucking together.”

Sgt. Michael P. Mallon, a mechanic for the 1462nd Transportation Company, Michigan National Guard and resident of Howell, Mich., talks with a Kuwaiti National Guard Soldier during a tour of the facilities at Camp Buehring Oct. 22. Operation Steel Sword was a five-event exercise designed to foster the exchange ideas and building on the relationship between the Kuwait National Guard and the American Army.

Story and photos by Spc. Michael Gault , 191st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion

News

6

PAGE


Story by Sgt. 1st Class Tina R. Eichenour, 38th Sustainment Brigade

Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait – Veteran’s Day is a day to take a moment and remember those who serve, have served, and the Veterans who gave there life serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. For the service members working at the The-ater Gateway at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, it was another day of helping troops transit in and going out of theater on leave or process through the country for deployment. But the service members had the chance to visit and tell Maj. Gen. Kurt Stein, commanding general of 1st Theater Sustainment Command headquar-tered at Fort Bragg, N.C., about the various jobs they perform daily during a tour Sunday, Nov. 11. Cpl. Candice Webber, 18th Human Resource Company, Fort Bragg, N.C., said it was more than just Veteran’s Day for her. “Today is my birthday and I have never worked on Veteran’s Day since it is a federal holiday. It makes me feel great to work today especially with our job here. I am helping Soldiers get home and they are able to spend time with their families and [or] go back to continue their mission here and Afghanistan. So it does make me feel good,”

General visits troops on Veterans Daysaid Webber. Stein visited and talked with numerous service members at the Theater Gateway. 1st Lt. Geoffrey Rozinak, with the 18th HRC, had an opportunity to explain a tracking system he created to Stein. The program collects per-sonnel data and feeds it into the billeting and travel reimbursement systems. His work earned accolades from Stein, “Sounds like you are the hero of this section.” After speaking with the general, Rozinak ex-plained that he enjoys being with his team even on the holidays here. “Whether it is a Monday or Friday or Veteran’s Day, every day is a good day for me when I get to be here with all of my troops. They are the ones that make all the magic happen,” said Rozinak. Stein was able to visit all the areas that sup-port the theater gateway. From the processing stations service members go through when they arrive at Ali Al Salem to where they spend the hours before they fly out. “This is a special day,” said Stein. “This is a hub where everyone comes into theater and when they are leaving theater. They come through here and they are touched in some shape, way or form. And to do this on Veteran’s Day, it is special day to see all of our great ser-vice members. It’s just special.”

Story and photo by Sgt. William E. Henry, 38th Sustainment Brigade Judge Advocate Soldiers bring specific skill sets to overseas legal operations. One particular legal Soldier, 1st Lt. Ben Strahm, Indianapolis, says he is proud of the work he does in the military and the civilian workforce. Strahm works as a trial council and operational law specialist for the 38th Sustainment Brigade, as well as providing other legal services for troops, like living wills and power of attorney paper-work. At home, Strahm said he has spent the last four years working as a deputy prosecutor for Marion County. He works closely with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on gang and street crime cases. He said his civilian job almost mirrors his military job. “Trial council is the functional equivalent of a civilian prosecutor,” said Strahm. With trial coun-cil, Strahm says he assists in advising the commander in punishments for service members who break Uniform Code of Military Justice laws. With operational law he advises the commander on issues like rules of engagement and the law of war. Strahm was enlisted in 1996 as an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry in Fort Wayne, Ind., for two years before joining active-duty Army for three years. Strahm had break in service in 2001 and went to school to become an attorney focusing on prosecution. He came back to the Indiana Army National Guard as a commissioned officer in 2011. “The most rewarding thing about being a JAG is being back in the military and helping Sol-diers,” said Strahm. “My goal is to make sure issues get resolved to the best of my ability and to help the commander out as much as possible.”

Legal expert returns as Indiana Guard Soldier

ABOVE: Indiana National Guard Chaplain Lt. Col. Timothy Childress, Indianapolis, 135th Chaplain Detachment, speaks with Maj. Gen. Kurt Stein, commander of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., about the Theater Gateway resiliency center during a visit to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Sunday, November 11, 2012.

LOWER LEFT: Staff Sgt. Heather Smiechowski, Camby, Ind., 38th Sustainment Brigade, speaks with Maj. Gen. Kurt Stein, commander of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., about ballistic vest warehouse procedures. LOWER RIGHT: Chief Petty Officer John Roberts, Middlebourne, W.V., U.S. Navy theater gateway liaison officer, speaks with Maj. Gen. Kurt Stein, commander of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., about his daily duties.Photos by Sgt. William E. Henry, 38th Sustainment Brigade

News

7

PAGE

THE A ENGER

By Maj. Laurie Fontaine, 38th SB physician assistant Healthy greetings from your BDE PA ! I hope by now you have all seen or received information on how you can contat me if you need me. I will continue to push out a weekly BDE PA email with this information, if you did not receive it last week please make sure to look for it by 1300 this Tuesday ! In addition to contributing to this newsletter, I will try to keep all of you medically informed through the weekly email send out. This month is Diabetes Awareness month as well as the month of the Great American Smokeout on the 15th ! Here are a few of the recent statistics on diabetes from the American Diabetes Assocation (ADA) website: Nearly 26 million children and adults in the US have diabetes. Another 79 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), or simply, diabetes, is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that result from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin. Diabetes is a serious disease. If it is not managed, it can damage many parts of the body, leading to heart attacks, strokes, amputation, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage. But, diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed by properly managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating healthy, being physically active and quitting smoking also can help lower the risk of diabetes and it’s complications. Current medical guidelines are more aggressive with patients with prediabetes than in the past. It is very important that you maintain a healthy weight and to check your fasting blood sugar with periodic physical assessments or as recommended by your health care provider, especially if you have a family history of diabetes. Here is a link to the American Diabetes Association website if you would like to read more !! http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/?loc=GlobalNavDB Let’s make the Great American Smokeout a time for those of you who are on the fence about quitting to take that first step!! Smoking Cessation classes are held every Monday @ 1600 at the TMC !!!!! You can do it....you are Army Guard strong !!!

See you here next month !!!

HealthyTipsBy Capt. Christina Dean, 38th Sustainmet Brigade

Psychological fitness is a total body experience involving a number of factors outside the realm of your physical strength, agility and speed. Psychological fitness involves building your mental, emotional and behavioral abilities in order to effectively cope with unique and continuously evolving challenges in both your civilian and military life. Resilience encompasses the way you process information in a realistic, yet optimistic manner; how you feel about yourself and your surroundings/environment; as well as how you react in response to your thoughts and feelings. Anyone can strengthen their psychological fitness by focusing on the following:• Be aware of yourself and your environment• Your beliefs and attitudes, as well as those that others may have• Your ability to cope with stress in an effective manner• Developing your decision-making skills• Being socially engaged - interact with others Understanding what makes up psychological fitness & how to develop a healthier mental state can improve your readiness to confront common challenges in both your military and civilian life, and allow you to be more resilient in order to “bounce back” during times of adversity.When you think, feel and act in a more positive manner, you are not only helping to protect your psychological well-being and your physical health, but also the health and well-being of those around you. Psychological fitness is important to a warrior’s strength, commitment and health because coping with the stressors and realties of deployment on an ongoing basis requires that you are fit both mentally and physically. This will allow you to perform at your optimal level while also allowing you to be source of strength and support for your fellow service members. Furthermore, reilience allows you to develop leadership skills that you can use throughout your life. After deployment, being resilient both mentally and physically will contribute to your healthy reintegration. Service members can train in many ways to achieve resilience. The following tips can help you manage your stress and increase resiliency:• Exercise often• Talk openly about what’s bothering you.• Be social/ become involved in group activities• Maintain a positive attitude• Be realistic• Attempt to cope with stress in an effective manner – think things through and see other possible perspectives Leaders are a primary influence when it comes to soldier resilience, as they can create a climate of trust, which helps everyone strengthen their overall psychological well-being. Leaders can help to alleviate stress for their soldiers by:• Modeling positive behavior• Providing clear performance goals and expectations• Providing appropriate training• Giving constructive feedback• Instilling a sense of dedication to the mission, as well as a sense of teamwork• Displaying confidence in service members and the unit as a whole• Self-examine their personal leadership style, biases, beliefs/attitudes and understanding of how others may be impacted

Building Resilience

Camp Arifjan Red CrossAnimal Bonding Program

Monday’s at Hospital 0900 to 1000

Wednesday, Dec. 12 Zone 6 Resiliency Center

1000 to 1100

Red Cross OfficeZone 1 Resiliency Center

1130 to 1230

POCMichael Jowers

Team Leader / Station Manager

American Red CrossCamp Arifjan

DSN [email protected].

mil

38th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Linda Clayburn and Staff Sgt. Anthony Beach, take time out to play with two dogs that are part of the Red Cross Human Bonding Program at the Zone 6 Resiliency Center Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The program is designed to give Soldiers an opportunity to pet and play with dogs while away from home. Soldiers from the brigade will be able to visit with the dogs.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tina Eichenour

Soldiers bond with animals

Health and Resiliency

8

PAGE


Members of the 38th Sustainment Brigade have found a passion for running. These four runners ran in the shadow run of the Army Ten-Miler run on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, Camp Patriot, Kuwait. The four finished under one hour and 30 minutes. The group of runners have formed a running club named Kuwait Running Mafia. The club plans on running in more events throughout their deployment in Kuwait. From right to left: Master Sgt. Jeramie Baty, Chief Warrant Officer 4

UPCOMING RUNNING EVENTS: Dec. 21, 6 a.m.

End of the World MarathonDec. 22, 6 a.m.

Day after the End of the World MarathonDec. 22, 7 p.m.

316th ESC Zombie RunJan. 1, 6 a.m.

Metal Saw Texas Marathon

Camp Arifjan, Kuwait - Members of the 38th Sustainment Brigade enjoyed an eight-week flag football season sponsored by the Morale and Welfare office here. The Soldiers were able to form two teams to play a couple nights a week. The teams were made up of Soldiers form various sections throughout the brigade headquarters. Football gave the players a chance to work together outside of their everyday jobs and get to know each other better. For Staff Sgt. Rachel Jensen, human resources sergeant, 38th Special Troops Battalion, expressed about the enjoyment of the game. “For those of us on the staff, every day starts to feel like groundhog’s day. It gave me something to look forward to in the evenings. I think the flag football was great for morale and teamwork. I was on a team with people that I don’t typically work with throughout the day. Regardless of our schedules, we all made time for the games and the practices.” The two teams may not have been champions in the flag football season, but they did win by making morale better, teamwork and memories. “We built up such a great sense of cohesion that people from all of our different sections in the brigade came to our games to include the command staff and players from the other team,” said Jensen. “Even though we had a stunning record of 0-8. Everyone came to watch because we had fun.”

Photo courtesy of Master Sgt. Jeramie Baty

Building teamwork, camaraderie one football game at a time

Runners Log

Soldiers of the 38th Sustainment Brigade play a friendly softball scrimmage at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Friday, Nov. 9, 2012. Soldiers are encouraged to participate in friendly physical activities to increase unit cohesion and moral welfare.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tina Eichenour, 38th Sustainmet Brigade

9

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Tina Eichenour, 38th Sustainment Brigade

PAGE

THE A ENGER

Information taken from www.nationalguard.milNovember 27, 1969Indianpolis — Members of the Company D, 151st Infantry (Ranger) are welcomed home by families, friends and dignitaries including the governor and Indiana’s Congressional delegation following the company’s tour in Vietnam. The last mobilized Army Guard unit to deploy to theater in December 1968, the unit was the only Guard (or Army Reserve) ground combat unit to serve in Vietnam. During its tour Company D had two Guardsmen killed in action along with two non-Guard members. An additional two guardsmen died in accidents, one stateside in an auto crash and one in a non-combat related helicopter crash in Vietnam. While in Vietnam the soldiers in the company were set up in teams of 8-14 men each and they would be flown by helicopter into jungle areas to conduct reconnaissance patrols. Most of their missions were done without getting into fire fights with the enemy, so the Viet Cong were not aware they were being observed. The Rangers returned with their detailed information often used to plan ground raids and air strikes.

Courtesy of Thomas Blandford

A depiction of members of Company D, 151st Infantry, commonly referred to as the “Indiana Rangers,” on patrol in Vietnam. Notice how heavily ladened they are with equipment, allowing them to operate for several days without any outside support.

The dangers of energy drinksBy Lt. Col. Ines Berger, 316 Expeditionary Sustainment Command Surgeon

Energy drinks are now so popular that Americans are expected to spend $9 billion on them this year, making them the fastest growing beverage market in the United States. But excessive consumption of energy drinks may prove harmful to your health. Since they’re marketed as dietary supplements, they contain unregulated amounts of caffeine and herbal stimulants like guarana, which contains two to three times more caffeine than coffee beans do. The total amount of caffeine in one can of cola contains 50 mg of caffeine. Caffeine acts as a stimulant on the brain and heart. Some side effects of energy drinks that are directly related to high caffeine intake are:Inability to sleep and feeling tired the next dayAnxiety and irritabilityHigh Blood Pressure and irregular heart beatsHeadachesDependency and WithdrawalDEHYDRATION The biggest concern that Soldiers and their command have regarding the use of energy drinks, is the fact that it can cause serious dehydration which puts you at a greater risk of becoming a heat casualty. Don’t fall out or fall behind and not complete your mission. Know the facts about energy drinks!

A look back on history

Where to start for educational benefitsCamp Arifjan Education Center - Building 159DSN 318-430-1381Hours of Operation - Sunday thru Friday 0700-1800

10

the avenger

Documents

brigade flag

steel brigade

team effort

national guard soldiers

groups of soldiers

relinquished command

army photo

deedra thombleson