Greetings family, friends, and Soldiers. As the months of August and September have to come a

close, the company has made great strides in our training readiness. We have spent a great deal

of time with training at the squad level, and I believe the Soldiers are seeing great benefits. Our

team in Papua New Guinea finally got to their destination in late August and began construction

soon afterwards. They’ve had some halts on the project due to weather, but from what I am

hearing, the morale is high and they are mingling well with the local population (see photos on

next page). We expect them to return to Oahu around the middle of December, as the project

is scheduled to finish around November 23rd. While they’ve been gone, the company spent a

few nights out in the field at the end of August to train and certify on squad level tasks which the

Soldiers seemed to thoroughly enjoy. The trip out on the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter was also

a great experience for everyone which we’re hoping to schedule more often. The platoons will be spending a few weeks broken up over time in the field over the next quar-

ter. All of

these dates

have been set,

so please make

sure you know

when your

Soldier will be

gone. We’ll

culminate this

with a 48 hour

exercise for

each platoon

in the middle

of December,

before the

Christmas

Holidays. Thanks again

for all of your

support!

From the Commander

PROMOTIONS

Congratulations to the following Soldiers

on their promotions. Well deserved!

-SGT Nichols

-SSG Ordaz

26 September 2013 Volume 1, Issue 3

Warrior Scribe

Inside this

issue:

PAPUA NEW

GUINEA TEAM

1ST PLATOON

2ND PLATOON

3RD PLATOON

MAINTENANCE

HEADQUAR-

TERS

FRG EVENTS

The following Soldiers have arrived to

the unit after 01 AUG. Welcome to

the Warrior Team!

SFC Horn

SPC Mcginnis-Corbet

PV2 Graczyk

PFC Dormeus

NEW SOLDIERS

The Papua New Guinea Team pose for a photo in front of a helicopter in Popondetta.

SPOTLIGHT

1st Squad, 1st Platoon

won the “Best Squad”

award during the August

field exercise. Job well

done!

2

The Dozing Team taking a lunch break with a local (From L to R:

SPC Alede, SPC Bernard, SPC Neilsen, SPC Beverly, SGT Uribe)

Papua New Guinea (PNG) Photos

Members of the PNG team celebrate the 38th Independence Day with some locals.

Lodging site with the team’s flagpole.

3

1ST PLATOON The Shake and Bakes

Platoon Leader Note:

Aloha! I am pleased to announce yet another month of successful Warrior Training

led by the 1st Platoon Shake and Bakes! The First Platoon Shake and Bakes

(previously the Roughnecks) have led the charge during a company FTX and Range

Density weeks. During the company FTX, a squad composed from a combination of

SSG Haley’s and SSG Ordaz’s squad won the company wide squad competition. Sol-

diers in both squads worked extremely hard and everyone in the chain-of-command

was proud of the effort put forth. PV2 Rooney was named “Soldier of the Week” and

was recognized the Battalion Commander. PFC Falk was given a coin by the Brigade

Commander for outstanding effort in the field. The platoon also ran two outstanding

ranges. SGT Orozco was pushing troops with thunderous commands from the tower

and SGT Cook taught an outstanding concurrent training class on various COMMO

equipment. The platoon looks forward to the next month at K-Bay.

-LT David D. Karwick

Above: 1st PLT Soldiers flying to East

Range during the Company FTX

Left: 1st PLT Soldiers

conducting a M249

Range at MCBH

Right: Outstanding

picture of dirty Sol-

diers that deserved to

make the Warrior

Scribe again.

4

Company SQD STX

From 26-29 August, the company con-

ducted a SQD STX (Scenario Training Exer-

cise) at East Range where squads were

evaluated on their Warrior Task and Battle

Drills and on their ability to work as a team.

Our platoon was split into two squads lead

by SGT Page and SGT Rausch. The STX

started off with a thrill as each squad was

transported by UH-60 Black Hawks from

Wheeler to East Range. On the first day of

training, squads conducted “Warrior Stake” stations. Given a map to navigate,

each squad ruck-marched from station to station around East Range where they

were evaluated on their ability to complete different Warrior Tasks to include: Com-

munication, Land Navigation, Medical, Weapons,

Hand Grenades, Chemical protection, and EPW/

Detainee Searching. The second day of training comprised of Squad Patrols

where squads reacted to IED attacks, indirect fire, chemical attacks, con-

ducted route reconnaissance, and engaged

with local populace. The STX culminated

with the Confidence Course where our

squads tested their strength and agility and

worked together to tackle 16 obstacles.

Bruised and battered, the Dirt Dawgs con-

quered each obstacle and in a team-like

fashion crossed the finish line with their

heads held high. At the end of it all, we

were proud to have SGT Rausch’s squad win

3rd Place as one of the overall top performing squads during the STX. More

than improving our tactical skills, the STX strengthened our squad and team

cohesion and built an even stronger bond throughout the Dirt Dawg Platoon.

Koko Head Offsite PT

On the morning of September 13th, 2nd platoon hiked Koko Head Crater

Trail near Maunalua Bay. Rising early to beat the sun and the crowd, the Dirt

Dawgs scaled the 1,048 railroad ties or “steps” to reach the summit (1,028ft).

At the top of the Crater, we enjoyed the breathtaking views of the surrounding

area including a bird’s eye view of Hawaii Kai and Diamond head. There’s always

a sense of accomplishment when tackling one of Hawaii’s beast of nature, and

we cant wait until our next endeavor.

2nd PLATOON DIRT DAWGS

SGT Costello negotiates the “Weaver”

obstacle as the squad follows behind

2nd Platoon enjoys the breath taking view atop of

Koko Head Crater

SGT Parsons & SPC Perry climb

the rope obstacle

SGT Costello, SPC Wilkins, & PVT

Meyer aboard the Black Hawk

SPC Cervantes and SPC French pull

security after being airlifted into LZ Kutree

5

The Warriors of the 561st Engineering Company 3rd Platoon “UNIT” recently returned

from ER Ku-Tree for their squad sticks (SQD STX) certification on Warrior Tasks and

Battle Drills. 3rd Platoon was divided into two squads 2nd Squad 3rd Platoon lead by SGT

Jesus Rodriquez, and 3rd Squad 3rd Platoon lead by SSG David Patterson. The squads,

consisting of 9-12 soldier teams, participated in a three-day-long round-robin-style

course being evaluated on their ability to complete specific Warrior Tasks, Battle drills,

and work as a cohesive team or squad. The SQD STX started with each squad being

flown to COP Warrior by UH-60s, and upon arrival LZ Ku-Tree was secured and set up

initiating the start of Day 1 Warrior Stakes SQD STX.

The first day, 26 AUG 13, was Warrior Stakes, with six separate lanes, consisting of:

Weapons, Land Navigation, Communication, Medical, CBRNE and Detainee OPS. Day

2, 27 AUG 13, was Squad Patrols, utilizing the pre-

vious day’s course in reverse order, with a total of

seven lanes, consisting of React to CBRNE Attack,

React to IED, React to Ambush, Leader Engage-

ment, React to IDF, Bridge Recon, and Movement to

Contact. The third day, 28 AUG 13, consisted of the Confidence Course, allowing for the past two

days of team building and squad cohesion to be displayed. The various squads were transported to

the ER Obstacle Course, and each Lane OC from the previous two days of training evaluated a

squad on the completion of the obstacles with or without faults. Each squad was shown a demon-

stration of each obstacle, the OC then briefed his/her assigned squad on the faults and time penal-

ties for each obstacle. After the briefing of all

the obstacles, each squad maneuvered

through the obstacle course, being assessed

on time of completion with or without faults.

Once all three days of evaluations were

completed the command teams tallied up

the points from each squads participation in

Warrior Stakes, Squad Patrols and the Con-

fidence Course, and ranked each squad according to

their results. 3rd Platoon “UNIT” lead from the front averaging the highest total points and

places of the three platoons of the Warrior O’hana. After all points were tallied, only tenths separated the top four spots with 2nd

Place being awarded to SGT Rodriguez’s squad and 4th Place going to SSG Patterson’s squad. Over all “UNIT” performed well and ex-

celled in all the events. Individual awards were awarded at this time as well. SGT Rodriguez was awarded a brigade coin by COL Diane

M. Holland for his leadership, which was responsible for his squad's runner-up finish. Also, PV2 Drake Davis was awarded a coin for his

outstanding performance as Radio Transmitter Operator (RTO) for all of the “U-Nit” participants in the field. PV2 Drake was key in

the constant communication key leadership from 3rd Platoon was able to enjoy without interruption.

At this time, “UNIT” would like to recognize newly promoted SGT Skinner and

SGT Nichols. Unfortunately the “UNIT” lost both of these excellent soldiers to

1st and 2nd Platoons respectively, however the Warrior family will receive a

chance to experience their excellent leadership in a different capacity with new

brothers and sisters in arms. The “UNIT” did however gain a new NCO in SGT

Deatherage.

3rd PLATOON

“UNIT”

UH-60s landing for 3/561st Warrior SQD STX

PV2 Davis, Drake, RTO for SGT Rodri-

guez’s Squad. PV2 Davis was awarded a BN Coin by CPT Browning for excellent

performance as RTO for 3rd Platoon.

3rd Platoon patrolling during Warrior SQD STX

PVT Nevarius Miles during weapons familiarization

6

Maintenance PLT

“ALWAYS READY”

REENLISTMENT OF SGT ISSAC PATRIS On 7 June 2013, the maintenance platoon headed up to Haliewa Beach Park to enjoy the

waves, sun, and beautiful views of the ocean but more importantly witness the Team Chief of

2nd Platoon, SGT Issac Patris reenlist into the Army for another three year commitment. SGT

Patris had his wife and two daughters present from his immediate family to witness the re-

enlistment ceremony. It was a great experience for all and showed the younger soldiers what

it means to serve our nation for an extended period of time. After the ceremony, the platoon

had a Barbeque with an assortment of local dishes SGT Patris’ family made for us.

WARRIOR FTX In the final week of August, maintenance

platoon as well as the rest of the company

headed out to East Range Training area to

conduct a company field training exercise

for 72 hours. The training started off with

10 minute Blackhawk helicopter (UH-60)

ride out the training area. The first day of

training challenged each soldier of the pla-

toon on an individual and team level for

soldier basic tasks. The second day was

squad lanes where our maintenance warri-

ors found IEDs, reacted to opposing forces direct fire, established an ambush, and maintained

a motivated spirit throughout the whole day. The final day of the FTX was a culminating squad

competition on the grueling obstacle course. Maintenance

platoon was first team to go and had an overall completion

time that put them in 4th place. Overall, the maintenance

personnel that went out and participated in the field prob-

lem bonded as a team and overcame the challenges they

faced because of their motivated spirit.

KAENA POINT RUCK

On Friday, September 13th, Maintenance headed to the

North Easterly part of the island for off-site physical train-

ing. Although it was raining at the beginning of the hike, the

spirit of the soldiers was high. The physical training encom-

passed a 7 mile hike over uneven terrain along the beautiful

coast of the North Shore. The catch? The maintenance warriors were carrying rucksacks with

a weight of 35 pounds or greater. Overall, everyone enjoyed the hike and

was happy that they had the opportunity to see a different part of the is

land while at the same time getting in a good workout

PV2 Hall, SGT Augstin, SPC Domanillo Boarding the

UH-60 out to East Range

Above are the soldiers that participated in

the Kaena Point Off-Site PT

7

Headquarters

“HEARTBEAT!”

The Headquarters Platoon (The HEARTBEAT of the Company!) has had an extremely busy

4th Quarter. The past two months have been a whirlwind of new leadership, new Soldiers, ex-

tensive training, and fully implementing various systems to improve sustainment support

across the company.

Supply: SSG Robles and his wife had a new addition to their family this past month, Caleb

Andres Robles. Congratulations to their healthy new baby. While SSG Robles was out, PFC

Johnson stepped up into the Supply NCO role and expertly handled an emergency transfer of

weapons to the 65th Engineer Battalion.

Arms Room: SPC Cummings PCS’d to Fort Carson this past week and left a vacancy in the

arms room that will be filled soon. SPC Hyde has been a one-man-show with an immense

amount of weapons to repair, deliver, and receive. With the transfer of 66 of our M4’s to a

deploying unit with from the 65th Engineer Battalion, we will receive many new M16’s this

next week. The company heavily relies on SPC Hyde to keep our

weapon systems on line!

COMMO: SGT Brown also had a new baby this month! Tristan King

Brown. SGT Brown flew back to the East Coast to see his baby born

and will return shortly from his trip. SPC Jacobsen has been working tirelessly to ensure our radios and

BFTs are working with proper security from the new 8th MP Bri-

gade. He has been running around fixing computers, installing radios,

and teaching the RTO class which greatly improved the company’s

ability to communicate.

Operations: Wow… through the FTX, recovery, training, finance,

and managing personnel, the operations section is still a strong beating heart of the company!

SPC Rausch and PFC Selau have been working Soldiers pay issues, orders, and actions; SPC Ta-

rubutton filled various roles such as Ammo guru, DTS man, schools, and do-it-all; SPC Man-

ning lives for training management! He is our work horse coordinating land, ammo, and main-

tain all of the stats (DTMS anyone?); SGT Hand has been providing oversight to ensure ser-

vices are

complete

and hi8s Sol-

diers are

trained

MEDIC!!!: We can’t count the amount of times SPC Pitts heard this call for

help during the FTX. He has been a vital part of the company literally pro-

viding the HEARBEAT to the unit.

8

Facebook

Warrior FRG

LEADER: Dana Lashley

360.701.8693

561stfrg@gmail.com

TREASURER: Liz Bartley

ALT TREASURER: Jenna Browning

SECRETARY: Meredith Rice

KEY CALLERS: Dede Nichols

Paige Nieves

Wendy Robles

VOLUNTEERS: Allie Beverly

Josie Patterson

561st Calendar

UPCOMING EVENTS!

25 OCT: TRUNK or TREAT 6 PM @ 561st

Costume Contests, Games, Crafts, Bounce

House, Food & FUN!!

02 NOV: KOA OHANA DAY

What is Koa Ohana Day? Koa Ohana day is an opportunity to get out, get

dirty, and live a day in the life of your Soldier. The

competition will include a chance for each team

to: take a (modified) PT Test, perform a simu-

lated grenade throw, care for a casualty, perform

a 9-line MEDEVAC request, build an item (picnic

table, bench), navigate a skid steer obstacle

course, navigate the obstacle course us-

ing MARCbot and got to the RANGE and Shoot

M9, M4, & M249. We will compete as a team and

prove that we are truly Never Daunted!

This is for ALL SPOUSES!!! f you have any questions or you would like to

register, please contact the FRG:

561stfrg@gmail.com

22 NOV: 84th EN BN Military Ball @ The Hale Koa Hotel

Tickets are on sale NOW!

E7 & Above: $70

E6 & Below: $50

Tickets may be purchased from soldiers'

Aloha Warriors! It has been a busy month for Warrior

Volunteers! We started the month off with a

productive committee meeting. We were able

to discuss the many events on the calendar in

the coming months. Our first event was the Tripler Fisher

House 8K Hero & Remembrance Run. Many

thanks to everyone who was able to partici-

pate and support this amazing event! Members

of the FRG showed their support by attending

the Level 3 Combatives Graduation on 9 Sep-

tember. Congrats to all the soldiers who ac-

complished this mission! The FRG committee

then hosted a SPOUSES Social on 19 Septem-

ber. Volunteers brought fresh baked cupcakes

for everyone to decorate while discussing our

plans for the holiday party! It was a productive

and fun filled evening. (Many thanks to those

who baked, shopped and participated!!!) Our

next event was the Pancake Breakfast… it was

a HUGE success!! Thanks to ALL our volun-

teers who made this event possible. Soldiers

were able to enjoy FRESH, HOT buttermilk

pancakes….right off the griddle! We will defi-

nitely schedule another breakfast event in the

near future. Our next big event will be Trunk or

Treat on 25 October. Do you want to deco-

rate your "trunk"?? We have 4 spots available,

email me for more details

(561stfrg@gmail.com). The much anticipated

KOA Ohana Day will be on 2 November. This

event is open to ALL spouses, so please mark

you calendars!! We will wrap November with

the 84th EN Ball at the Hale Koa Hotel on

Friday, 22 November. Please check out our Facebook Page

for additional information and event details!! https://www.facebook.com/pages/561st-

FRG/288666654533445

Mahalo for All your Support! -Dana

The FRG has several open volunteer positions! We need

YOU!!! If you are interested in joining the team, please email me! 561sftfrg@gmail.com