Our enemies have made the mistake that America’s enemies always make. They saw liberty

and thought they saw weakness. And now, they see defeat. - George W. Bush, President of the United States

Edition in Remembrance of 9/11

HOME OF THE 1ST STRYKER BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION

“ARCTIC WOLVES”

Volume 1 Issue 3

1/25 SBCT COMMANDER

Col. Todd R. Wood

Here in Afghanistan we have undergone many changes since our move to Masum Ghar. First and foremost, we have regrettably experienced the loss of six great Soldiers from our ranks since our last issue of this newsletter. The Soldiers of 1-24 IN, 3-21 IN, and 1-5 IN, have each been struck by the tragic loss of Soldiers and our thoughts, prayers, and our sincerest condolences go out to the loved ones of these he-roes. We also remain ever mindful of our wounded recovering in hospitals. Our hearts go out to all of the families and friends who felt firsthand these tragic events. Soldiers from the affected battalions now dedicate each mission to those they have lost from their ranks and are more determined than ever to ensure they accomplish them. As I mentioned, we have completed our migration from FOB Lagman to our new brigade head-quarters here at FOB Masum Ghar, which is located all the way on the other side of Kandahar City from our original lay-down site in Zabul Province. Here in our new location we are fortunate to have many of the same enablers – small, specialized elements designed to perform their specialties in support of our missions helping secure the Af-ghan countryside and bring hope and improvements for the citizens of Afghanistan Thanks, again, to our Rear Detachment Chain of Command and our outstanding family readiness group network. Your support is essential for enabling us to conduct daily operations here. I also extend our thanks to the entire Fairbanks-North star Borough Community. We know and feel the care and concern that leaders of the local community are providing for our loved ones who wait for us in Alaska. I thank you each for your support! Arctic Wolves! Colonel Todd Wood

Families and Friends of the Arctic Wolves:

1/25 SBCT Command Sergeant Major Command. Sgt. Maj. Bernard L. Knight

To the 1/25 SBCT Family and Friends: We continue to operate within a furious operational tempo here in Afghanistan. Our Soldiers have recently completed their migration from our primary brigade headquarters at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Lag-man to here in our new location, FOB Masum Ghar. All of your Soldiers continue to perform to a high standard and you can rest assured their morale is as high as it has ever been. We now have the majority of the Soldiers of the brigade arrayed here in Kandahar Province, but we con-tinue to have 1-24 IN at FOB Lagman in Zabul. However, you can rest assured that everything is being done to take the absolute best care possible of all of your Soldiers. In just the short time we have been here, we have seen the completion of the SPAWAR internet café, opened our own Masum Ghar, Soldier-run P.X., and more improvements are on the way. As always, we all thank each and every one of you for your outstanding support, especially on behalf of our Soldiers. I am constantly amazed by the continued outpouring of letters, care packages, e-mail, Skyping, and phone calls. We do our best to keep information and images flowing back to the homefront by way of our brigade Facebook page, as well as the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS). Since our last update we have suffered the losses of five additional Soldiers. We extend our sincerest con-dolences to the loved ones and friends of 1SG Elwell, PFC Springmann, PFC Cordo, PFC Mullins and SPC Green, and Pvt.. Wood. This is not a mission to be taken lightly and it can bring with it a heavy cost. These patriots have given everything to defend our nation and to bring hope to the people of Afghanistan. We will never forget their sacrifices, nor will our grateful nation, to which they truly forever are now heroes. Once again, to all the supporters of this fine brigade, please keep all of our Arctic Wolves’ Soldiers and Families in your thoughts and prayers. ARCTIC WOLVES!

Command Sergeant Major Bernie Knight

The long, winding, and peril-

ous route, taking the runners

to the top of Masum Ghar,

ascends and descends for

more than 300 feet through

moon dust, loose gravel and

small boulders before finally

coming to an end at the heli-

copter landing zone. Finish-

ing first for the men’s division

was CPT David Vasquez

followed by LTJG Eric Kne-

bel. For the women’s division,

finishing first was SSG Mi-

chelle Fisher followed by MAJ

Chi Nguyen. Leading the way

for the mighty Warrant Officer

Corps was CW2 Luis Marti-

nez and WO1 Omar DeLeon.

The feelings for the day were

ultimately summed up by

CW2 Ty Worthington who

stated “this was a great way

to honor our fallen comrades

and those who paid the ulti-

mate sacrifice on 9/11.”

Story By CW2 David Cramton and CW2 Jack Ivy FOB Masum Ghar-

To commemorate the tragic events that occurred on Sep-tember 11, 2001, the 1-25th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, currently deployed to FOB Masum Ghar, Afghanistan, held the first annual, and hopefully, the last Awesome Masum Ghar Run. The run was or-ganized and sponsored by the Top of the World Warrant Officer Association (TOW-WOA) Forward. The presi-dent of TOW-WOA, CW3 William “Chip” Steele, pre-sided over the festivities of the day and was the driving force behind this historic event. In the shadows of the Tarnak Ranch, where the planning for the heinous acts that oc-curred on September 11, and forever changed the world, gathered over eighty Sol-diers, Sailors, Airmen, civil-

ians and Afghan National Army Soldiers prepared to conquer the treacherous mountain of Masum Ghar. Chaplin MAJ Herb Franklin gave the invocation and was followed by General Ahmad Habibi, the 1st Brigade 205th Corps ANA Commander. General Habibi spoke from his heart to remind everyone in attendance that the events that took place on that early morning will not be soon for-gotten, and that the struggles we currently endure are not just purely American strug-gles, but the struggles of the Afghan people and a global war on terrorism. COL Todd Wood, commander 1-25th SBCT also gave an emotional speech in remembrance of our lost comrades in arms and all the families that this tragic event touched. COL Wood reminded everyone of our fallen and wounded brothers and sisters and dedi-cated this run to their mem-ory.

9/11 Awesome-Masum...Ghar run

The Wolves’ Den Inside your Aug.

Issue

BSB Medics 4

5-1 CAV looks to

the future with

5

Romanians honor

Stryker Soldiers

6

Female Engage-

ment Team

6

Marks‟ brothers

reunited

7

BSB does chicken

right

8

Running with the

pack Photo page

9

NCO Spotlight 10

Combat Medic 11

Retention Update 12

Fantasy Football

Returns!

13

Wounded Soldier

returns home 14

Canadian TOA 15

116th TOA 16

Page 4

By Pvt. Andreka Johnson 1/25th SBCT PAO FORWARD OPERATING BASE MASUM GHAR, Afghani-stan – Throughout history, brave men and women of the armed forces have given their lives in defense of freedoms that we Americans enjoy today. These fallen heroes may no longer be with us, but even in a deployed environment, the Arctic Wolves of 1st Stryker Bri-gade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, take time to re-member their sacrifices. “As we observe the 10- year anniversary of 9/11, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives and the brave men and women of our armed forces who fought for our country and those who continue to fight,” said Col. Todd R. Wood, com-mander of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team1/25th SBCT, 25th Infantry Division. “We will do this to dedicate this day to their memories and all the lives that have been al-tered by the event set into motion ten 10 years ago.” Using remembrance of the fallen as motivation, Soldiers with the, Brigade Troops Battalion ,1/25 SBCT, Brigade Troops Battalion and Afghan National Army’s, 1st Brigade, 205th Corps, gathered together to conduct a commemorative three-kilometer run at FOB Masum Ghar, Sept. 11, 2011 in remembrance of the victims that who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001. “I think this was a great way for all of us to unite as one,” said Sgt. Juan Munoz, a network communications specialist with the 1/25th SBCT. “I was able to show my respect to those who sacrificed their lives from the tragic event that occurred nearly 10 years ago and to this very day while hav-ing fun at the same time.” Also in attendance and participating in the run was Brig. Gen. Ahmad Habibi, commander of the Afghan National Army’s 1st Brigade, 205th Corps. “I would like to send my condolences for all the men and women who gave their lives for this very effort,” he told those gathered. Shortly after the run, the run participants and others who wished to, were able to attend a memorial service held by Maj. (Chap.) Herb Franklin, the 1/25th SBCT chaplain. In addition to Brig. Gen. Habibi, several Soldiers from his

brigade also joined their Arctic Wolves counterparts bringing

a degree of closure to the events of ten 10 years through

camaraderie and partnership in remembrance.

Page 5 The Wolves’ Den

Task Force Bobcat launches Operation KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Sep. 10) – Task Force Bobcat, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, has launched a major disrup-tion operation here over the last 48 hours in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province. This operation, launched just before the 10-year anni-versary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center commenced with a series of battalion-level air assault missions into the area known as the Horn of Panjwa’i and involves nearly 1,500 Soldiers partnered with mem-bers of the Afghan National Army. Numerous weapons caches and suspected insurgent detainees have been captured.

… Air-Assaults

into the

Horn Of Panjwai

treating injuries,” Cowles said. Once trained, the midwives can better treat things like pregnan-cies and other overall health issues, according to Cowles.

She said the medical staff, with help from their Bulgarian mili-tary counterparts, has also begun efforts to improving the Af-ghans‟ ability to conduct ultra-sounds. “It‟s a slow going process but it‟s improving and that‟s what

matters,” Cowles said. “[Medical programs] continue to be beneficial to bridging woman‟s healthcare with their cultural beliefs.” Medical outreach programs dedicated to the Afghan people have become an important part

of life in Afghanistan and serve as a reminder that as the war continues so does the growing positive relationship between U.S. and Afghan forces. “We have established a very good working with Afghan Army‟s 205 Kandak,” said Lt.

Col. Barnett Gibbs, physician to the 25th BSB. “We are success-fully improving their ability [to take] care of themselves.”

When Pvt. Liliana Nunez joined the Army in 2009 with the hopes of being a combat medic, she had one goal in mind; help save the lives of the men and women

defending her freedom. After deploying to Afghanistan with the 25th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and 25th Infantry Division earlier this year, the Brownsville, Texas, native, and her fellow medics from the 25th

BSB sprang into action provid-ing care to a number of sick and injured Soldiers. But that wasn‟t enough for the 25th BSB, medics who sought to bring a healthier lifestyle not only to U.S. forces but to Af-ghan women and children as well.

In order to reach the Afghan women and their children, the 1-25th SBCT medics opened their doors and their minds to start a regularly scheduled Kandahar Regional Military Hospital women and children‟s health clinic.

“Our goal is to help train the Afghan National Army mid-wifes and to help improve the overall health of the Afghan

women and chil-dren,” said Capt.

Marilyn Cowles, physi-cian assistant and An-chorage, Alaska,

native assigned to the

25th BSB. “We are trying to get them to have faith in their own medical system.” “It‟s interesting to go out and get a closer view of their culture,”

Nunez said. “It‟s something that you would want to do again and again.” Twice a week local villagers gather at a local forward operat-ing base and are shown ways of promoting better health in women and children through a

number of hands-on training events. “It‟s important educational train-ing that aids in diagnosing and

Stryker Medics deliver aid through understanding

The Wolves’ Den

Story By: Sgt. Thomas Duval

Page 6

By Capt. Mike Newman, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment Unit Public Affairs Representative

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FRONTENAC, Afghanistan--

Communication on the battlefield is crucial to mission success. For the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Medical NCOIC, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Martin II, it is critical to have network connectivity

between the Aid Station and the Squadron Tactical Operations Cen-ter.

Martin is the medical platoon sergeant for Headquarters and Head-quarters Troop, 5-1 CAV and he recently explained that having

connectivity means more than talking to the TOC. “During the last few weeks with connectivity we have developed medical health engagements plans, increased our supply request by

75% and developed a working relationship with multiple Interna-tional Organizations and non-governmental organizations,” said

Martin. Connectivity up to this point, for the FOB Frontenac Local Area Network had been based around a copper wire system, known as

Cat 5. This system was adequate, but had many limitations to in-clude shorter distances that could be covered and signal loss.

Furthermore, the squadron Aid Station presented a unique chal-lenge, due to its distance from the TOC. They had no network ac-cess and that became the number one priority for the squadron

communications shop – Cat 5 cables, switches, a LAN, routers for internet connectivity, a Command Post Node, Secure Internet Proto-col Router and Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Access Point,

Secure Internet Protocol Router, and Non-secure Internet Protocol Routers.

The aforementioned terms are often heard within the Squadron S-6 shop, but one word, more than any other that will guarantee to get the attention of any communications savvy Soldier is fiber, and

more specifically, fiber-optic communications. Therefore, the mis-sion for the 5-1 CAV S6 shop became plain and simple … get fiber

to FOB Frontenac. Fiber-optic cable is made of glass, is highly flexible, and about the size of a human hair. Fiber is a dramatic improvement over tradi-

tional Cat 5 cable. With fiber, there is little to no loss of signal. With fiber, it is possible to support a run of up to two miles. This is a far

increase compared to the maximum 250 feet of Cat 5 cable. Fiber

enables network managers to troubleshoot much easier than with Cat 5.

Sgt. Kenneth St. John is the Senior LAN Manager in HHT, 5-1 CAV. He is thrilled when he got word that the Fiber Team was on their

way to FOB Frontenac.

“This is a huge deal for us” said St. John. “The fiber will help us troubleshoot a lot faster and it makes the network a lot more stable. And as a bonus, Sgt. Haring and his guys trained my guys how fiber

works and even shared their termination techniques.” The Aid Station was not the only section with a need for network

access. Several other buildings on the FOB need critical communi-cation links. Getting fiber installed does just that. It allows various enablers to complete their mission and provide their contributions

faster and more efficiently. The S-6 shop doesn’t have the equip-ment, materials, and more importantly, the specialized Soldiers who

install fiber on a daily basis. Sgt. Todd Haring is a cable maintainer specialist in Bravo Company, 422nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, and served as the Team

NCOIC for the FOB Frontenac fiber-optic mission. The 422d ESB is a National Guard unit based out of Nevada. What is unique about Haring is that he installs cable for a living back home in Las Vegas.

He is a senior technician and cables casinos and commercial indus-tries throughout the city. His experience is a vital asset to the team. His team stays busy and is always on the go expanding the infra-

structure all over Afghanistan.

“The actual amount of cable we have run so far would probably fill a

C-130, with more than 4,000 feet of fiber currently being installed

here on Frontenac,” said Haring. “A fair guess would be thousands

of miles so far and probably thousands more to come. Our biggest

goal for our current mission here in Afghanistan would be leaving

each job with a reliable infrastructure. We try to provide the current

needs and foresee any future applications that will be needed down

the road, and build accordingly. We hope what we do here will help

open new communication lines up among each unit and across the

battlefield.”

Page 7 The Wolves’ Den

Story By: Maj. Joel Anderson

FORWARD OPERATING

BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan

- Romanian Forces held a sol-

emn ceremony here Aug 6 to-

gether with departing Ameri-

can allies of the Arctic Wolves

Brigade to take time to honor

their successful recent partner-

ship.

Led by Col. Marius Harabagiu,

commander of the Romanian

1st Mechanized Brigade, the

Romanian Forces assigned to

Combined Team Zabul, pre-

sented one of the highest mili-

tary honors that can be

awarded to members of a for-

eign military – the Romanian

Land Forces Emblem of Hon-

our.

As the names of the 1st Stryker

Brigade Combat Team, 25th

Infantry Division Soldiers se-

lected to receive this award

were called one-by-one by the

Romanian commander, the

seven distinguished recipients

stepped forward and were pre-

sented this prestigious medal

by Haribagiu. Among the re-

cipients was Haribagiu‟s coun-

terpart, Col. Todd Wood, com-

mander of the Arctic Wolves.

The 1/25th SBCT has departed

Zabul province in order to be

realigned under a new force

structure, which has taken

them to Kandahar province

with a new brigade headquar-

ters at Forward Operating Base

Masum Ghar.

able to express opin-ions about everything ranging from women’s rights to being taught how to aid them-selves and their fami-lies. The women always seem to enjoy speak-ing with the female engagement teams,” said Maj. Maria Rodri-guez, the 1/25 SBCT provost marshal and FET leader. “They are excited for the oppor-tunity to voice their concerns and to feel included in the decisions being made throughout their country.” “The important part of the meetings is that both sides walk away with a bet-ter understanding for each other’s needs,” Rodriguez continued. “It’s inspirational for both parties, and it feels good to know we are making a difference in the lives of our Afghan counterparts.” This passion for human interaction and genuine kind-heartedness is what

Story By: Pfc. Andreka Johnson QALAT CITY, Afghanistan – A select element of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and the brigade’s Female Engage-ment Team spent their day recently providing outreach to a group of Af-ghan women in Qalat City in Zabul province. One of the goals of the FET is to lis-ten to the needs of the women and to provide a voice to the female popula-tion. Due to their cultural beliefs, Af-ghan women are required to keep their faces covered and are prohibited from talking to males, including the predominantly male U.S. military. This most recent meeting was a chance for members of FET and the local women to discuss new projects and future opportunities to come to-gether with a sense of community. “One of our biggest concerns right now is health care,” said an Afghan woman. “We want to know how to take care of ourselves and our fami-lies without having to depend on the local hospitals because of how things are for us right now.” Most importantly, the women were

gives FET its advantage in engaging the local people. “They have helped us a lot,” said an-other Afghan local. “They are really great about teaching us new things and listening to any ideas that we may have.” As the 1/25th SBCT continues daily operations in southern Afghanistan, Rodriguez and the FET plan on dedicating many future operations toward improving the rights and safety of the female population in Zabul prov-ince, Afghanistan.

Romanians honor Stryker Soldiers during award ceremony

Arctic Wolves Female Engagement Team reaches out to local Afghan women

Page 8

‘Malcolm in the middle’ on the frontlines in Afghanistan

actually see his younger brother on the July 6. During their time together at COP Zerok, Capt. Marks was able to watch his brother operate as an artilleryman as a number one man on a howitzer and they even fired 6 or 7 mis-sions together, even shoot-ing day and night in sup-port of the maneuver op-erations …a once-in-lifetime opportunity, while he was there. They spent time together during Mal-com’s guard shifts in one of the COP’s guard towers. The brothers were able to spend three days together before Mitchell was re-quired to return to his as-signed location at Strong Point Tarnak, back down in the Dand District of Kanda-har Province. “It was good to talk with him and visit while de-ployed,” said the older Marks brother. “He has a great section and platoon and they are grooming him to be an outstanding

artilleryman. While I was there I learned that his sec-tion was rated the best out of his entire battalion’s eight sections.” As for Malcolm, he actually is "in the middle" and not just the middle of the Af-ghan theater of operations. Mitchell Marks is the old-est, followed by their sister, then Malcolm, and then there are two younger, half-brothers who live in Idaho, behind Malcolm. There are also two additional half-brothers living in California, as well as even more step siblings. Therefore, it has been common down through the recent years and even more so, due in part to the recently-departed or cancelled tele-vision series of the same name, “Malcolm in the Mid-dle”. On the Fourth of July, this

year, it was Malcolm AND

Mitchell in the middle…of

Afghanistan.

STRONG POINT TARNAK, Afghanistan – Captain Mitchell Marks, Battalion Fire Support Officer for the Bobcats of 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, recently had an opportunity for a unique family reunion in the middle of Afghanistan, of all places. Marks’ brother, Private First Class Malcolm Marks was also deployed to Af-ghanistan and assigned to a different area of opera-tions. Pfc. Marks was as-signed to the Regional Command East area of operations, as a member of 2nd Platoon, Alpha Battery, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Ken-tucky. The journey for Capt. Marks to go see his brother was quite an experience, to say the least. He left on a Thursday and made through the mazes of the sprawling coalition airfield bases at Kandahar and Bagram Airfields, respec-tively, with no complica-tions. However, once he got to Sharana, he was virtually stranded there for 4 days trying to get to Combat Outpost (COP) Zerok. He actually was able to fly from Sharana to Zerok to on a helicopter on the Fourth of July, but the aircraft was unable to land because the actual guns, the M119A2, 105mm howit-zers of the younger Marks’ unit were “hot” or prepared to fire on command. Capt. Marks was finally able to get out and on the ground at COP Zerok to

“He has a great

section and

platoon and they

are grooming him

to be an

outstanding

artilleryman.”

Page 9

Story By: Maj. Joel Anderson

Page 9

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD,

Afghanistan – Soldiers in the Brigade Support Battalion,

primary logistics providers of 1st Stryker Brigade Combat

Team, 25th Infantry Division, recently showcased their

culinary skills for the soldiers in the battalion and some of their

friends and neighbors on

Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

First thing in the morning, the Opahey Battalion, began apply-

ing their logistical wizardry right off the bat by setting up

their Containerized Kitchen Tent right out back of the bat-

talion‟s tactical operations cen-ter. Next, a select group of

helpers, mainly from the bri-gade feeding team, spread out

to the four corners of Kanda-har Airfield, rounding up sup-

plies and provisions.

What was the occasion?

“We just had quite a bit of meat [left over that] we had

gotten to barbecue on the Fourth of July, but because we

had a lot of people out on combat logistics patrols, as well as people fixing down equip-

ment and running a lot of other missions, [we weren‟t able to

use it all],”

said Capt. Leisa Murray,

Support Operations Fuel and Water Officer-In-Charge.

“So we thought, „Hey, let‟s round up everyone who could-

n‟t take a break on Monday and let them have some tasty

treats, too.‟”

Those who didn‟t have a

chance to previously enjoy the Fourth of July greatly

appreciated the gesture.

“I was moving from Forward

Operating Base [FOB] Lagman to here on KAF on Sunday and

Monday, so I didn‟t get over here or anywhere, to have any

Fourth of July feasting,” said Spc. Maria Montano, with

brigade logistics (S4). “So I‟m really excited that my BSB

buddies decided to throw this little party. It really made my

day and I know this is really going to give a good morale

boost to a lot of Arctic Wolves who have been really gettin‟

after it.”

The highlight from the event

was definitely the chicken.

There was also steak and sau-sage, but the winner, as well as

crowd-pleaser, was, hands-down, the chicken.

When asked if there was a

secret recipe, Sgt. 1st Class Lynette Ross, BFT noncommis-

sioned officer in charge, whis-pered, “If I told you, I‟d have to

get Special Forces after you.”

Several people in the crowd

speculated about just what had gone into the “bird” to make it

so tasty. Overwhelmingly, most folks said they detected just

enough black pepper to add some much welcomed flavor.

Other comments included, “I wish we had our cooks cooking

for us every day… BSB does chicken right… DE-EEe-

licious!”

All-in-all, the event was a great

opportunity for Opahey Force Providers to come together

with some of their friends and neighbors here on KAF. How-

ever, there was a lot more to it

than just food and fun.

The logisticians of 25th BSB truly know how to support the

force of the Arctic Wolves…day-in and day-out, from the

Last Frontier of Alaska to Free-dom‟s Frontier here in Afghani-

stan.

BSB does logistics…and chicken… right! Story by Maj. Joel Anderson

“If I told you, I’d

have to get Special

Forces after you.”

-SFC Ross

Page 10

Page 11 The Wolves’ Den

Story By: Sgt. Thomas Duval FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan - In southern Afghanistan, finding time to celebrate a momentous occasion can be difficult and at other times completely impossi-

ble. On July 1, the soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, cleared their calendars and shifted focus to celebrate a benchmark reached by one soldier. Soldiers, peers and mentors gathered at Forward Operating Base Lagman, in Zabul province, Afghanistan, for the promotion of Sgt. 1st Class Penny Barber to the rank of master sergeant. Al-though reaching the respected rank is an accomplishment that very few soldiers will reach in their careers, it‟s even rarer

among those who share Barber‟s military occupational specialty as an internment/resettlement specialist. With her promotion, the Potsdam, N.Y., native became one of only 36 I/R specialists who currently possess the rank of master sergeant. “It was difficult to reach master sergeant, but it was well worth the hard work and persistence,” Barber said. “I am very proud that I accomplished this major task in my military career.”

As the detention operations non-commissioned officer in charge, she is responsible for the health, welfare and rehabilita-tion of U.S. military prisoners as well as detainees. Although the task may seem simple, there is a lot that goes into being a suc-cessful I/R specialist.“While deployed, we provide guidance to the command on when and how we can take a detainee into custody,” Barber explained. “We are also responsible for train-ing the soldiers who possess different MOSs on how to guard,

care and watch over the detainees. We teach the soldiers when to use force and when not to on an unruly detainee.” According to Barber, the demanding day-to-day operations of the career field is one that very few can learn to live with. Long hours, extended trips away from home and the nature of dealing with prisoners often force soldiers to change their career path or even get out of the Army altogether, she said. Although the race or sex of a soldier has no effect in most career fields, Barber said being a female „prison guard‟ definitely adds

to the already challenging MOS.

“It is hard being a female in my career field because most [military] inmates and detainees don‟t give you the same respect that they would a male NCO,” Barber said. “With this being a male dominated field, you as a female have to prove yourself every day.”And prove herself is what she has done.

“She is passionate about her profession and takes personal pride in her work,” said Maj. Maria Rodriguez, the 1/25 SBCT provost marshal and personal friend to Barber. “She is dependable and an extremely hard worker. She is a role model to career Army women of all ranks.” Barber said her motivation came from wanting to prove that fe-males can accomplish just as much, if not more, than the male non-commissioned officers.Barber earned the respect of her fel-

low soldiers by turning what many might see as stumbling blocks into stepping stones, which she has used throughout her 19-year military career to reach what some would call an unimaginable feat. “Master Sgt. Barber has done what very few in her ranks have been able to do, and it‟s a result of hard work and dedication,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Bernie Knight, 1/25 SBCT senior non-commissioned officer in charge.Her dedication and hard work

has not gone unnoticed. “Master Sergeant Barber is a no-nonsense NCO,” Rodriguez said. “She is not afraid to take the hard right and voice her objec-tion to an injustice or what her many years of experience has told her won‟t work … She is dependable and an extremely hard worker. She has been a dual military spouse, a single mom, has been deployed twice and had to make hard decisions. She does not shy from speaking about her experiences with mothers who

struggle with the same challenges today. She speaks to them about options and ways to reach your career goals while being a responsible parent.” Throughout her lustrous career, Barber has overcome every ob-stacle that has come her way, but as she looks ahead, there is one challenge that still awaits. “I have always wanted to be a first sergeant and lead a company of soldiers,” she said. If Barber accomplishes her goal, she will add to her already large footprint imbedded into the Army's cor-

rections program.

Page 12

Army Medic and aspiring artist uses Afghanistan as her canvas

Page 13 The Wolves’ Den

By Sgt. Thomas Duval

1-25th SBCT PAO During the 16th century art-

ists and painters like Michel-angelo and Leonardo Da Vinci

used their talents to bring life to canvases and walls.

Their ability to bring beauty and color to these surfaces

sealed their places in history and provided a benchmark for

the aspiring artists who fol-lowed

Since that time the techniques and equipment to create and

display art have changed, but the desire to add life to an

object has not, at least not for U.S. Army Pfc. Lisa Kiefer.

Kiefer is a medic and amateur

painter serving with the 25th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st

Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and 25th Infantry Division.

“It‟s something I enjoyed doing at a very young age and some-

thing I found I was naturally talented at,” the combat medic

said. Currently deployed to Afghani-

stan the Concord, N.C, native often spends her free time dis-

playing her artistic abilities on paper and any other canvas she

can find. Along the way she has found a way to brighten an oth-

erwise dark situation. “You really can‟t put into words

her artistic abilities,” said Sgt. 1st class Ashley Barrett, the 25th

BSB, noncommissioned officer in charge of personnel manage-

ment. “It‟s breathtaking.” A recent painting portraying the

unit‟s mascot and combat vehicle on a protective concrete wall,

demanded more than 40 hours of free time, all of them after her

normal duty day was over. Her hard work and dedication, has paid off by catching the

attention of many Soldiers, pro-

viding them with a sense of mo-tivation; something that can be

hard to come by during a de-ployment.

“Soldiers come up to me all the time and tell me all the time they

admire my work, but to me it‟s not a big deal. It‟s just something

I love doing,” Kiefer said. “I‟m glad it‟s making a difference.”

Kiefer said painting releases stress and helps her forget about

all the conflict that surrounds her. “I get to put my music on

and just do my thing,” she said with a laugh. (I changed

“controversy” to “conflict”, because it made it sound like she

was somehow controversial) Her love for creating personal

masterpieces began way before her desire to be a Soldier, and is

something she says she will al-ways make time for.

Although her work may never demand the same attention as

the renowned 16th century artists or be found displayed

next to the Mona Lisa, Kiefer said she is just happy making her small mark in Afghanistan.

Army Retention Policy continues to change. This is unfortunate for our Soldiers who have been con-sidering further service, but keep putting it off. The new IN/OUT CALL Milper Message (MILPER 11-255) was released on 17 AUG 2011. Under this new message approximately 78% of the Soldier’s in the Brigade who are in the reenlistment window (ETS prior to 2012 SEP 30) now find themselves in an over strength MOS. This limits these Soldier’s to the Army Training Reenlistment Option. Soldiers in the window with an over strength MOS can reenlist for a shortage or balanced MOS provided training seats are available; training seats are extremely in short supply, and are given on a first come first serve basis. The large number of MOS’s now listed as over strength is a reflection of the Army’s force shaping.

The new Fiscal Year that starts in October is not anticipated to bring any relief to our current reenlist-

ment posture. We can expect to see most of these force moderators to remain in effect at the start of the

new FY, as well as see further moderations in the coming FY. Because of the evolving changes we continue

to see it is not suggested for a Soldier to wait around for a better deal. The times of waiting for more money

and better options no longer exist. If staying with the Army is the right thing for you as a Soldier NOW is the

time to reenlist. For more information on how this effects you or your Soldiers please see one of the Brigades

Career Counselors.

“STAY WITH THE PACK”

The following Soldiers extended their commitment to the Stryker Brigade

SFC Streeper

SGT Anderson

SSG Schuchardt

SGT Sanchez

SGT Schmidt

SSG Geer

SGT Cypert

SGT Robinson

SFC Shannon

SPC Oster

SPC Bookout

SPC Becher

SSG Weathers

SPC Riddick

SPC Menke

SPC Epshteyn

SPC Knapp

SPC Rhienhardt

SGT Horn

SPC Buenrostro

SPC Hawthorne

SGT Sastamoinen

SPC Davis

SPC Torres

SSG Skidgel

SSG Brady

SSG Adkins

SGT Aponte

Story By: Sgt. Thomas Duval

When the National Football

League signed its new collective bargaining agreement earlier

this month to secure a 2011 NFL season, the players, own-

ers and coaches weren't the only ones relieved.

Many of the nearly 4,000 Sol-diers deployed to Afghanistan

with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry

Division, based out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, welcomed

and celebrated the momentous occasion, whether it was with a

small fist to the sky or a tear of happiness shed in the dark

confines of a tent. For the players the images of

playing in Sunday and Monday night games mixed with the

large salaries and game bonuses drove up the intensity of ex-

citement. For the Soldiers who work what sometimes seem

like endless days; however, the new CBA means another year

of fantasy football. “I‟m very excited, it‟s a once a

year thing where I can put on my thinking cap and have fun

doing it,” said 1st Sgt. Eric Mroz, civil affairs specialist

assigned to B Company, 489th Civil Affairs Battalion, out of Knoxville Tennessee, attached

to the 1-25th SBCT. “It‟s a relief to have the fantasy

league back. It gives me some-thing to take my mind off of all

the stress that comes with being in Afghanistan,” said Sgt.

Victor Saucedo, 1/25th SBCT personnel NCO.

Finding time for fantasy football is difficult for many Soldiers

and with the security of the United States resting on their

shoulders it may seem petty and unimportant to some. But

for the Soldiers, getting a break

from the long, stressful days and nights plays a vital role in

their morale and welfare which translates into better perform-

ance on duty. “It‟s important for everyone to

have some sort of outlet and fantasy football is an outlet to many Soldiers during their time

away from home,” Moraz said. “I‟m excited for the upcoming

season.” Sgt. David Joehnk, a radio operations maintainer

assigned to the BTB, 1-25th SBCT said. “It helps distract

the mind from everything that‟s going on around the Soldiers

and it gives them something to relate to a time when they

were back home relaxing,” For some, the season supports

a sense of familiarity and brings with it a reminder of home and

helps pass the time during an otherwise difficult year.

“During previous deployments fantasy football helped make

every Sunday come quicker and made the time go by faster and

everyone knows during a de-ployment you want the months

to fly by,” Mroz said. Although it‟s just a game, many

of the Soldiers have taken pride in their preparations for the

upcoming season and often spend any free time getting ready for their rapidly ap-

proaching drafts. “Whenever I have free time I

try to go back and adjust my roster. It has become impor-

tant to keep my undefeated streak going,” Saucedo said

with a laugh. “It‟s more than a game. It‟s a hobby.”

Being the tactically trained professionals they are, the 1-

25th SBCT Soldiers aren't let-ting the fun get in the way of

the work and progress that needs to be made every day.

“Our work is always the num-ber one draft pick when it

comes to a deployment,” Saucedo said. “With a hobby

like Fantasy football we can work hard and still have fun.”

Deployed Soldiers embrace NFL’s new bargaining agreement

Page 15 The Wolves’ Den

S-6 is ready for some football

Vikings-Packers rivalry

member,” a hero‟s welcome “

I would say there were 50 people there - at least,” said Cyndi Raugh, wife of Lt. Col. David Raugh and the 5-1st FRG Senior Advisor, “it

was amazing.” “These guys are going over there, and whenever they get hurt,

they‟re not going to be able to have the big moment at the AHA [administrative holding area] or at the gym that most have gone

through [when they return home],” Raugh said. “This is an opportunity to change something that really affected Lizz

and her family,” Raugh said. “This is a great opportunity to let them know that they are part of the 5-1, that we are family and that we

care about them.” “I feel that this is more than just a unit,” said Raugh, “it‟s like a fam-

ily.” Maria Sutherland, a Gold Star wife and care team member said she

agreed with Raugh. “We were never part of 5-1, my husband died when it was still [4th

Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment].” She said her and her son love how the 5-1st has incorporated them

into their family. She said “(My son) knows he has this great support system, and

knows he doesn‟t have to worry about me.” And even thought the Knights had only been a part of the 5-1st family

a short while, Mrs. Knight said, “It was really cool to see everyone there [at the airport].”

The Knights said they were grateful for the support and that this unit and FRG was one they felt really cared for the Soldiers. Mrs. Knight said they also have an effective Facebook page that helps bring them closer together.

“If someone is going to the movies, they invite others; they have softball games, and potlucks on Fridays,” said Mrs. Knight. “This FRG

has their stuff together.”Knight said she would like to show the same kind of support to other returning Soldiers. “We will definitely be

there for anybody else that comes home, to return the favor,” she said. After all was said and done and after everyone had gone home;

with the satisfaction of the Knight‟s knowing they were cared for and a part of the family; Beem settled down to write to her husband who

is still deployed with the unit in Afghanistan.Beem said she wrote “to thank him for making her a better person and tell him it was because

of him she knew this had to be done.” “Thank you Brian for your service,” she wrote. “Because of you, I was able to touch hearts tonight.”

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Sgt. Anthony Knight, an infantryman

with 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division here boarded a plane with his wife Renee and daughter,

Addison. They were heading back to Alaska. Knight had been released from

the hospital at Fort Lewis, Wash. after receiving treatment from inju-ries sustained during his deployment to Afghanistan.

As the Knights exited the plane just past midnight at the Fairbanks International Airport, they were greeted at the plane by a few familiar

faces including his commander, first sergeant and the squadron‟s care team coordinator – a routine greeting party for service members

returning home. The three escorted the Knight family to the elevator and down to

the terminal and baggage claim floor. When the elevator door opened to the baggage claim area, the unexpected happened. Nearly

50 people from Knight‟s unit and local community had taken time out of their lives to show their support, greet Sgt. Knight at the airport and welcome him home. Capt. Roger Dallman, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Rear Detachment Commander, gave most of the

credit for this warm welcome to Lizz Beem, wife of Staff Sgt. Brian Beem and the 5-1st care team coordinator, and the rest of her team.

“At [3:00 pm] that day we found out when he was coming back,” Dallman said. “Lizz and her care team did most of the work.”

Beem felt it was important to show each and every Soldier, single or married, that they were part of the 5-1st family and that they were

cared for. “I knew there was a need,” Beem said. “My husband is a wounded

warrior, now on his third deployment and we never had a homecom-ing.”The unit‟s Family Readiness Group, care team, members of the

Veterans of Foreign Wars and many others had come out to make sure that this hero had the welcome home every Soldier in the U.S.

military deserves.They came out to show support for Knight, his wife and daughter, for their own loved ones currently deployed and those

who had served in the past. The 5-1st has a saying they have adopted and made into their unit logo as well as their way of life: “M.S.H.,”

which stands for “Make Stuff Happen” and they did just that. When the members of the FRG and care team learned that one of

their own was coming back from deployment early due to an injury, they jumped into action. With fewer than 8 hours to prepare, they

contacted friends, family and other members of the local community they knew would like to help give their Soldier, their “family

Story By: Staff Sgt. Patricia McMurphy

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Standing amidst the

shadow of the Canadian flag, the 1Royal 22e Regiment closed the book on its long-storied mission in Kandahar

province, Afghanistan, during a transfer-of-authority cere-mony inside the New Canada House on Kandahar Airfield,

July 7. The ceremony marked the end of a six-year journey where

Canadian forces operating as Task Force Kandahar, helped secure and improve security throughout the southern prov-

ince of Kandahar, particularly the Panjwa‟i District, which was once perceived as the most dangerous and fierce dis-

trict in Afghanistan. “We have flattened the fighting season … from destroying

opposition to ensuring security and stability … the districts of TFK are much better off in terms of security and pros-

perity,” said Brig. Gen. Dean J. Milner, TFK commander. “We held the line,” said Lt. Gen. Marc Lessard, the head of

Canadian Forces Expeditionary Command, referring to his unit‟s ability to hold and secure what once was an insurgent

strong hold. “Remarkable progress has been achieved in enhancing security and governance.”

After arriving in Afghanistan less than three months ago and working shoulder to shoulder with Canadian forces, the

Alaska-based 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infan-try Division, assumed responsibility for the war-torn dis-

tricts. According to Col. Todd R. Wood, commander of the 1/25

SBCT, the “Arctic Wolves” will work to ensure insurgents don‟t re-establish a foothold in Panjwa‟i, Dand and Daman

Districts and will strive to connect lower- and higher-level governance's.

“The level of commitment from Canadian forces as well as Regional Command South has made the area a much safer

place not only for our soldiers but for the people of Af-ghanistan,” Wood said. “Our soldiers are excited about the

way ahead and are prepared to overcome any challenges that they may face.”

The ceremony was at times somber for the Canadians who also used the occasion to commemorate the lasting legacies

and memories left by soldiers and civilians who paid the ultimate sacrifice while on the forefront of counterinsur-gency.

Senior leaders in attendance included RC South com-mander Maj. Gen. James Terry. Terry emphasized the fact

that Canadian forces have forever sealed a meaningful place in history and offered a substantially improved position to

the 1/25 SBCT Arctic Wolves from which to operate. “This is the time ... this is the place … and we are the

team,” Terry said. Although the ceremony signaled an end to Canadian com-

bat operations in southern Kandahar, it‟s not the end of the red maple leafs proud tradition in Afghanistan. Instead, the

U.S. ally will relocate to Regional Command North to con-duct training and continue to “Climb to Glory,” a motto

proudly earned and inherited from the U.S. Army and RC South Headquarters‟ 10th Mountain Division.

Story By: Sgt. Thomas Duval

Page 18

Maj. Joel Anderson

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan – A transfer of authority ceremony was held near here to-day, at the Afghan National Army‟s (ANA) Camp Eagle.

This historic event took place between two highly revered and decorated Army units in recognition of the Arctic Wolves‟ of 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infan-

try Division transfer of authority over operations in Zabul province to the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT).

During the ceremony the 1/25th colors where cased for the relatively short ride to their new home, the new brigade headquarters at FOB Masum Ghar, located in the Panjwai District of Kandahar province, which they recently took

over from departing Canadian Forces. “The previous team did an excellent job and they achieved a lot,” said Zabul Provincial Governor Alhaj Mohammad

Ahraf Naseri. “The security of the province improved and the partnership of coalition forces with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan improved for the fu-

ture.” Maj. Gen. James L. Terry, commanding general of Regional Command South, 10th Mountain Division (LI), spoke on

the significance of each unit‟s sacrifices, as well as their past missions and future challenges. “Due to the Arctic Wolves‟ efforts the citizens of Zabul

Province are now much better off,” Terry said. “The Stonewall Brigade will now pick up where they leave off.” “It is not what you do, it is what you leave behind,” said

Terry to both the incoming and outgoing units. Terry also briefly touched upon force realignment plans that had been long-since decided upon which brought about this change

in operational area responsibility.

Colonel Todd R. Wood took the podium next and thanked

the Arctic Wolves‟ Afghan partners and the 116th for their great support. In particular, he praised Gov. Naseri‟s leader-ship in support of the people of the province and for his

mentorship. “We have had a great experience here in Zabul. We will miss our friends and partners,” said Wood. “The 116th Stonewall

Brigade is a great unit that will continue to help take this province to great new levels.” “Everybody has worked hard to make this province better

and the 116th will continue what we have started,” said Wood. Finally, the Stonewall Brigade commander, Col. Blake Ortner said, “The Afghan people are a great people and they have

the ability to do anything,” said Ortner. “We will work to-gether to build a better future for Afghanistan, especially the children.”

“I look forward to working with our partners in making Af-ghanistan a better place,” he said. The Arctic Wolves will continue their mission and now op-

erate throughout the southern Afghan province of Kandahar. The newest additions to the Arctic Wolves areas of Afghan operations are the districts of Dand Panjwai. They are work-

ing to increase the capacity of the government of Islamic Re-public of Afghanistan and mentor the Afghan national security forces.

1/25 SBCT Relinquishes authority to 116th IBCT

Page 19

REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN COMRADES

SFC. Kenneth B. Elwell 3-21 IN

SPC. Douglas Green 3-21 IN

PFC. Brandon S. Mullins 3-21 IN

Tyler M. Springman 3-21 IN

PFC. Douglas Cordo 1-24 IN

Unit Public Affairs

Representatives

* 2-8 FA: Capt. Angela Chipman

* 1-24 IN: 1st Lt. Mathew Rogers

*3-21 IN: Capt. Chad D. Wriglesworth

*1-5 IN: 1st Lt. Mathew R. Burke

*5-1 CAV: Capt. Mike Newman

*BTB: 2nd Lt. John Conway

*BSB: 1st Lt. Stephen T. Leader

STRYKER CREED "Strike First - Strike Hard!"

Strike Fear in the enemy's hearts and minds; I am a lethal and skilled war fighter with un-

matched intestinal fortitude. Being a disciplined, professional soldier, I live

the army values. Committed to my fellow soldiers, unit, and

country, I am ready to answer my nation's call - NOW!

Tough, both physically and mentally, and in-stilled with the Warrior Spirit, I can accomplish

any mission - anytime, anywhere!

www.facebook.com/pages/125-SBCT-Arctic-Wolves (1/25 SBCT “Arctic Wolves”) See our photos on Flickr and the Bde Shared Drive:

\\150.196.177.200\BDE Special Staff\PAO\PHOTOS

1/25 SBCT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

MAJ. JOEL ANDERSON PAO OIC

MC1 FARRUKH DANIEL

PAO NCOIC

SGT. MICHAEL BLALACK PRINT JOURNALIST

SGT. THOMAS DUVAL PRINT JOURNALIST

PFC ANDREW GEISLER

PVT. ANDREKA JOHNSON

PRINT JOURNALIST

Have photos or a story ideas? Email us!

joel.b.anderson@us.army.mil

farrukh.a.daniel@afghan.swa.army.mil

michael.d.blalack@us.army.mil

thomas.duval@us.army.mil