1HBCT Newsletter January 2012

Welcome Home Devils!!

4-4 Cavalry Regiment

2-34 Combat Arms Battalion

1-5 Field Artillery 1-16 Infantry Regiment

101st Brigade Support Battalion

1-1 Special Troops Battalion

HHC, 1st HBCT, 1st ID

Dawn of the Devils

Dawn of the DevilsVolume 2, Issue 1

The Dawn of the Devils is published in the interest of the Sol-diers, Families and Friends of the Devil Brigade. Contents of the

Dawn of the Devils are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, De-partment of the Army or 1st Infantry Division. All editorial con-tent of the Dawn of the Devils is prepared, edited, provided and

approved by the Devil Brigade Public Affairs office.

1/1 HBCT CommanderCol. Michael Pappal

1/1 HBCT Command Sergeant MajorCSM John Jones

Public Affairs OfficerMaj. John Mini

Public Affairs NCOICStaff Sgt. Robert Dedeaux

Public Affairs NCOStaff Sgt. Melissa Crawford

Public Affairs Journalist/EditorSgt. Kandi Huggins

Public Affairs BroadcasterSgt. Summer Woode

1/1 HBCT FRSANoel Waterman

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uty First. Devils!

It is great to finally have all of the bat-talions from the Devil Brigade back at Fort Riley as we publish this first new Fort Riley version of the Devil’s Dawn newsletter!

I want to thank all of the Families for their support of the Brigade throughout our different deployments. Without your love and support we could not have accom-plished some very difficult missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The letters, care packages, positive comments on Facebook, and wel-come home greetings really made a differ-ence and will never be forgotten.

We will remember all those members of the Devil Brigade who have paid in blood the price that sometimes comes with the missions and operations that we have been given to further out national interests. I thank all of those who have supported each other through each of those hard times. Our fallen heroes will never be forgotten and our support to their Families will continue.

Our Rear-Detachment operations were truly outstanding. LTC Timmerman, LTC Schmidt and their team of outstanding lead-ers and Soldiers could not have done better. The welcome home ceremonies were

particularly memorable and would not have been possible without the Rear-D’s first-class support for reception and integration. There is a special emotional boost that my wife and I got each and every time we watched Soldiers and Families reuniting. Thanks to all of those who helped make these events successful, memorable, and efficient.

As we bring the entire brigade back togeth-er, I want to emphasize resiliency. Resiliency is the power to bounce back into shape. Some-times that takes a little time and we all need to be aware of that and be patient and adaptable to a changed situation. If you need help or you know someone who needs help then see your chaplain, doctor, NCO, or friend to get the help needed. There is nothing wrong with getting help to work through an issue before it becomes a problem. Different units are at dif-ferent stages of the resiliency and reintegration training, but one thing remains constant—the strength of the Devil Brigade is with its Sol-diers and Families. We all support each other and make each other strong.

Please take a moment to read the pages containing the Soldier testimonials on what makes each of them Army strong. For each Soldier the answer may be a bit different, but I think you will see that a recurring theme—the importance of leaders building teams and be-ing engaged with their subordinates. I expect all leaders in the Devil Brigade to remain engaged with their subordinates and help keep them strong, resilient, and safe as we reinte-grate as a unit and with our Families at home.

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7First, I would like to say thank you to every

Soldier and family member of 1st Brigade. I’ve been with the brigade off and on since

being stationed at Fort Riley 10 years ago and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. During my time with the ‘Devils’, I was given the opportunity to witness this brigade’s growth from various per-spectives – first as the 1st Sgt. for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, to the operations Sgt. Maj. during Operation Iraqi Freedom 1.5 to helping the brigade reset from the transition teams mis-sions back to a heavy brigade combat team as the brigade’s Command Sergeant Major.

When I first joined the Army 30 years ago, my initial plan was to serve one term and get out so I could finish college. After my first enlistment I came down on orders to go to Hawaii as a cavalry scout and because I enjoyed what I was doing, I decided to reenlist. I realized then that the mili-tary and the military Family was what I wanted and the experiences I’ve had because of that choice have been priceless.

I’ve seen the Army go through numerous changes, during my time in service, and it is currently changing as I leave—changing for the better. Every change the Army has made has made it and its Soldiers stronger, better and more efficient. And as the brigade undergoes its stages of resetting and rebuilding, I know it will transi-tion with the new Army in continuing to produce the best Soldiers in the U.S. Army that anyone has ever seen.

I’ve served in major divisions before, but never one so prestigious and honorable as the 1st Infantry Division because it takes care of its Sol-diers and Family members with pride and honor.

From the first time I stepped in 1st Brigade in 2002, and even through the times I left, I always felt I came back to Family because that is the one thing I’ve always felt this brigade was—a Family, a close-knit organization. And from experience, I’ve learned that when you take care of your Family, you take care of the Soldiers, the mission will always get accomplished.

If I never leave anything else with the Sol-diers, I would like to say that everyday you put

that uniform on, put it on with pride. Be proud of who you are with your name on the right and U.S. Army on the left. You represent the Army, your country and the Big Red One with honor. You uphold the core values instilled in every one of you from basic training to the day you will re-tire. Although the wording of those values have changed from the time I first enlisted 30 years ago until now, every one of you is a testament to what it takes to be a Soldier – having loyalty, duty, re-spect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

It has been a great pleasure serving with each and every one of you. I hope the Soldiers and leaders always uphold the standards and teach our Soldiers, present and future generations of the brigade, the legacy we uphold every day we wear the Big Red One patch so we never lose the history and sacrifices the Soldiers and families have en-dured in order for us to be as great as we are now.

No mission too difficult. No sacrifice too great. Duty First. Devil 7 Out.

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Dawn of the Devils January 2012

In Remembrance...

“We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them.” -- Francis A. Walker

Sgt vorasack xaysana 2-12 cavSGT Amaru Aguilar 4-4 CAvSPC Adam Hamilton 4-4 CAVPFC Gustavo Rios-Ordonez 4-4 CAVSPC Nicholas Hensley 4-4 CAVPFC BRICE SCOTT 4-4 CAVSPC CHAZRAY C. CLARK 4-4 CAVSGT JAKOB J. ROELLI 2-34 CABSPC ROBERT E. DYAS 2-34 CABSPC GARRET FANT 4-4 CAVSPC adrian mills 272nd mp co1LT DUSTIN VINCENT 1-5 FAPFC CODY NORRIS 2-34 CABSFC Dennis murray 2-34 cabsgt ryan sharp 2-34 cab

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Man on the Street

Sgt. Richard Baggerly, Charlie Co, 1-1 BSTB

“Living the Warrior Ethos and doing the right thing all the time. That includes showing up for work on time, doing what you’re told and follow-ing the rules. You have to have honor and integ-rity.”

What does it mean to be Army Strong?

Spc. Devine Pfeifer, HHC, 1-1 BSTB

“It means doing your best, being all that you can be and giving your all, all the time. Come to work with a good attitude and do everything to the fullest. Don’t ever slack on anything.”

PV2 Tessla Vetor, Alpha Co., 101st BSB

“Showing cohesion throughout the Army and working together as one.”

Spc. Christian Vonoot, Bravo Co., 1-1 BSTB

“Being Army Strong is when the commander has a relationship with the unit and builds camaraderie. You know your commander cares about the Sol-diers when he or she can roll up their sleeves and have fun with the troops. It sets an example for future leaders.”

Spc. Donald Stafford, Charlie Co., 101st BSB

“The sacrifices that all of us make deploying, going overseas, working together as a team and while accomplishing the mission.”

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“Chaplain’s Brief”

Prior to our departure from Iraq, every soldier within the brigade received the Chaplain’s “Reunion Brief”. I reminded the married soldier’s to prioritize taking care of the needs of their spouse and for the single soldiers to do the same in their relationships with their sig-nificant other. The way to have a successful relationship is to think of others rather than to think of self.

This principle is applicable to both the soldier and to the spouse. As each person in a rela-tionship thinks of the other person, taking care of the needs of the other person, then rela-tionships will be strong and healthy. Therefore, as we continue the process of readjusting to being back in the States with our loved ones, remember to take care of each other’s needs: or as I taught during my classes, papa takes care of MAMA’S needs, and mama takes care of PAPA’S needs.

Focus on what you can do for your loved ones and have a great year in 2012.

CH (MAJ) Peter O. Dissmore1/1 ID Brigade ChaplainFort Riley, KS 66442

785-239-2513

[email protected]

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Fort Riley ManSpouses

Local chapter of MANning The Homefront

Group of male significant others of Soldiers.

Activities we have done int he past include paintball, golf, driving range, and monthly gatherings at Kites in Junction City.

Our monthly gahers are Kites are usually the 1st Monday of every month from 1830 to 2030. We meet in the back room or on the restau-rant side.

Our upcoming events:

Jan 9th we will be meeting at Kites for our gathering.

Jan 10th we will be at the USO from 9 to 11. It will be a game day. All types of games available.

Jan 26th Poker night at the USO from 18 to 20. Prizes to be awarded at the end. Food and drinks to be provided. RSVP appreciated for the poker night.

Point of Contacts

Jeffrey Crippen (785) 307-4393

Kayden Ten Eyck (503) 888-3518

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by Sgt. Summer Woode, 1st HBCT PAO

Soldiers of the 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st In-fantry Division, bid farewell to Lt. Col. Brandon Grubbs as he relinquished command to Lt. Col. James Waddick during a change of command ceremony on January 11 at Fort Riley Airfield Hangar. Col. Michael Pappal, commander of 1st HBCT, spoke about his working relationship and previ-ous encounters with the outgoing commander. “They say that the Army is a small place. I’ve served with Lt. Col. Grubbs twice before. First, when we were observers/con-trollers at the National Training Center and later when he was part of the 3rd Infantry Division’s G-4 shop.”Pappal said when he saw the list of battalion commanders, prior to him taking command of the ‘Devil Brigade’, and read Grubbs’ name, he knew he did not have to worry. Grubbs’ leadership proved the commander’s initial confidence to be valid.“Grubbs and the ‘Guardian’ battalion not only sustained the brigade, but conducted tactical missions to support brigade opera-tions in Kirkuk,” Pappal said.With accomplishments, such as leading and conducting the first battalion field training exercise in five years and transforming the “Guardians” from a forward sup-

101st BSB Changes Command

port battalion to a modular brigade support battalion, Grubbs’ leader-ship made a lasting impact on the battalion and he will now have the chance to leave his footprints on the brigade. Grubbs will now act as the Devil Brigade’s deputy commanding of-ficer. As the DCO, he will focus on resetting the brigade, now that all battalions have returned from their respective deployments. Upon his new role at the brigade, Grubbs reflected on his time as the commander of the “Guardians.”“I have to say that this has been an experience of a lifetime and I count myself truly blessed to have worked with such a fine team of Soldiers, such as the “Guardians,” said Grubbs.“When you look at all of the tasks that were ahead of us, it would seem that it would be impossible, but the “Guardians” made the seemingly impossible possible,”

Grubbs continued.Grubbs’ successor, Lt. Col. James Waddick, commented on his eager-ness to lead a unit of their caliber. “It’s an honor to have the opportu-nity to serve and lead a unit with such a proud history and rock solid reputation,” Waddick said. “I look forward to our team con-tinuing to move out and tackle the challenges of resetting and training, as we prepare for future mission sets, maintain unit readiness and continue to provide uncompro-mised direct support to the Devil Brigade,” said Waddick.As 101st BSB adds a new chapter to its history book and strives to maintain the professionalism the battalion is known for, Grubbs gave advice for the new commander.“Congratulations, I know you will do well in command. Enjoy ev-ery minute of it, before you know it, you will be standing up here again,” Grubbs said.

Colonel Michael Pappal, center, commander of the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Divi-sion, passes the ‘Guardian’ colors from Lt. Col. Brandon Grubbs, outgoing commander, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st HBCT, to Lt. Col. James Waddick during a change of command ceremony at the Fort Riley Airfield Hangar, January 11, 2012. Grubbs, who has had an impresive career as the Guardian commander, said it was an experience of a lifetime and he counted himself blessed to have worked with such a fine team of Soldiers.

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LTC Brandon Grubbs and CSM Jeffrey Adams, command group of 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st HBCT, presents Ms. Elizabeth Peterson and Ms. Nicole Fountain, both employees of Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) with certifi-cates of appreciation at the CYSS central registration office, January 10, 2012. Peterson and Fountain work with 101st BSB as the primary coordinators for the Kids On Site childcare services through the CYSS and also help in making arrangements for childcare provisions for the FRG meetings and extending support to families with deployed Soldiers.

Two Child, Youth, and School Services employ-ees received a token of appreciation from the leaders of the 101st Brigade Support Battalion at the CYSS center January 10.

Elizabeth “Beth” Peterson and Nicole Fountain were recognized for their outstanding support of the unit during its deployment, in support of Operation New Dawn, by being surprised and given a framed certificate of achievement from the unit.

Peterson and Fountain are the primary coordina-tors for the Kids On Site (KOSCC) childcare services through CYSS. Through the course of the deployment they made all arrangements for childcare provisions for Family Readiness Group meetings, extended free child care support to families with deployed service members, offered FRG training courses, and provided contract services for the 101st BSB unit ball on Dec. 16, 2011.

Lt. Col. Brandon Grubbs, the outgoing commander of 101st BSB, Command Sgt. Major Jeffrey Adams, senior noncommissioned officer, along with the lead-ership from the 101st BSB rear-detachment, surprised the ladies at the CYSS building and presented the

certificates.

Sonya Douglass, the Director of CYSS, was the only other one who know about the presentation of the certificates that morning. When Grubbs arrived at CYSS with his leaders, he requested to see Petersen and Fountain. “I told them that I had some ‘unfin-ished business’ with Beth and Nicole that I needed to resolve before I changed command the next day,” said Grubbs.

“These ladies know what it means to provide great customer service,” said Grubbs. “They have always gone out of their way to assist our Battalion with utmost professionalism to ensure the childcare needs of our Families were being met. I cannot say enough good things about the positive impact that they had on 101st BSB during the past year.”

Hope Stanley, the 101st BSB Family Readiness Support Assistant, worked closely with Fountain and Peterson before, during and after deployment and said that they each sought to meet the needs of everyone requesting service if at all possible.

CYSS EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED BY DEVIL BRIGADE FOR SUPPORT

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‘Devil’ Family Readiness Group

Colonel Michael Pappal, commander, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, congratulates Kellie Kidd and Monika McDwyer for receiving the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award at the 1st ID Headquarters on December 15, 2011. The award is given to Army spouses whose achievements and performance contribut-ed significantly to the quality of life for the Soldiers and families of the 2nd Battalioni, 34th Armor Regiment.

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‘Devil’ PAOEmail: [email protected]

Read the Post paper online! http://www.1divpost.com/

KEEP INFORMED AND UPDATED WITH 1ST BRIGADE BY FOLLOWING US ON THESE WEBSITES:

1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley: www.riley.army.mil.

Click on Units, 1ID Brigades, 1HBCT or just click on this link: http://www.riley.army.mil/Unit-

Page.aspx?unit=1bct

Facebook: www.facebook.com/1HBCTDEVILBRIGADE?v=wall&ref-sgm

vFRG website: Family Members and Approved Personal can also go onto the vFRG and log into

their Soldier’s BN’s vFRG site, where more information can be found. www.armyfrg.org

Documents

1HBCT Newsletter January 2012