Inside this issue:

Presidents Message 2

Retiree Appreciation

Day (RAD) -

August 6, 2011

3

Third Regional

Atlanta, GA—2011

3

Third Regional

Atlanta, GA—2011

Pictures

4-5

Competing for the

Title: Best Warrior

6-7

Competing for the

Title: Best Warrior

Pictures

8

Lieutenant ColonelKenneth R. Pierce IIIReceives Colonel Carl F.Eifler Award

9

Upcoming Events 9

Spring 2011

Competing for the title: Best WarriorBy Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg, Public Affairs Specialist | 143d

Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

CAMP BLANDING, Fla.—Imagine in a span of

three days you run for two miles; walk in boots

carrying heavy gear for more than six miles;

navigate through dense woods for hours day and

night trying to find metal posts camouflaged in

the brush; race over large wooden hurdles; crawl

on your belly under low obstacles; and endure

even more hardships. Nine men accepted these

challenges to compete for the title of Best

Warrior.

The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) held its command-level Best Warrior Competition

Feb. 28 to March 4 at Camp Blanding, Fla.

“This year’s Best Warrior Competition has been the most competitive Best Warrior Competition that

the 143d ESC has sponsored thus far,” said Command Sgt. Maj. James Weaver, the most senior en-

listed Soldier for the 143d ESC.

Along with three other Soldiers, Sgt. Kendrick L. Dixon competed in the Noncommissioned Officer

of the Year category of the competition. A motor transport operator from the 803rd Quartermaster

Company, this was Dixon’s first time competing for the title. “It was intense,” said the Dallas, Texas

native with a smile.

Boasting about 73,000 acres total, Camp Blanding offers a variety of training locations and topogra-

phy. There are eight lakes including the 2,000-acre circular Kingsley Lake, and numerous ponds and

streams. A diversity of trees including oaks, pines and cypress trees constitute the thick woods.

Day One:

All competitors had previously competed within their own unit and were selected to continue to this

level. The Best Warrior hopefuls arrived Monday at Camp Blanding in time for an orientation meet-

ing and in-processing for the next three days of events. The competition would wrap up Friday at a

morning awards ceremony recognizing the achievements.

“It was overwhelming at first, but I welcomed it,” said Staff Sgt. Don L. Holder, a human resources

specialist from the 518th Sustainment Brigade. “I felt like I was representing my unit.” Holder, a

Fayetteville, N.C., native, would claim the title “NCO of the Year.”

Spc. David Moore, 528th Transportation Company

Detachment, climbs an obstacle March 1.

Page 2 SPRING 2011

President’s Message

It’s been a busy spring for your Sunshine Chapter! The 236th Army Ball will help bring to a close a

great operational year for the Chapter. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our great volun-

teers, our Executive Committee and our Board of Governors for their continuing of our great record

of supporting our Soldiers and their families.

The Sunshine Chapter was proud to support the dining out of the 2-124th Infantry

Regiment, FL ARNG that welcomed the local unit back from their deployment in Iraq. It was a

great event AUSA was glad we could help and welcome them home! We also supported the 143rd ESC, our local Army Re-

serve unit, in their Best Warrior competition.

The Chapter was well represented at the 3rd AUSA Region meeting in Atlanta this year. The Sunshine Chapter was again

recognized as the Best Chapter in the 3rd Region in our size category! Well done! Region Awards were presented to Wells

Barlow and Debbie Berry, who were in attendance. Other Region Awards will be presented in the future. The Greater Atlan-

ta Chapter did a superb job – We will host the Region meeting next year, and we’ll need your help and support!

Spring also means that we awarded our annual scholarships – to the UCF Army ROTC Detachment and family members of

our Members. We awarded five scholarships to our Members and many in support of UCF’s Army ROTC Cadets this year.

In conjunction with the scholarships, we also provided awards to a number of local JROTC detachments. Your Chapter pro-

vided 72 Future Soldiers recognition at a ceremony prior to an Orlando City Soccer Game in May. This was in support of our

great Orlando Recruiting Company, who is doing an outstanding job of providing future Soldiers and Leaders for our Army.

Jan Drabczuk helped set up our annual Military Appreciation Night – a multi-service event this year that was a lot of fun.

Mona Collins, our Chapter Treasurer, was recognized for her great Chapter work (with a 3rd Region Award) and for her unbe-

lievable support of Operation Give Back, the successful 5/10K run held at UCF to support our Wounded Warriors.

On 4 June, the Sunshine Chapter was proud to participate in the Home At Last ceremonies that turned over a home to SGM

Patrick Corcoran and his family in Oakland, FL. We’ve been involved in the Home At Last program for over three years and

De Voorhees did a lot of this year’s heavy lifting to make our part of the program and project a success – Thanks De! And

that’s not all of our activities supporting our great Soldiers and Army, but you get the idea! The Sunshine Chapter is out there

making a difference.

As I close I’d like to thank John Reams for his great work on membership, Mike Johnson for his years of help with our Golf

Tournaments and Karin Zielinski stepping up to the Chapter Secretary duties. A big thanks to Jan Baka and Jovanna Nelson –

the leads for our great Army Ball – always an evening to remember! Finally my personal thanks to all our Chapter Members

and Corporate Members, we couldn’t help support our Army and tell the Army’s Story without your support!

Regards,

Matt

Page 3 SPRING 2011

2011 3rd Region Annual Meeting, hosted by Greater Atlanta Chaptered April 28-29

The 2011 3rd Region Annual Meeting, hosted by the Greater Atlanta Chapter, was conducted April 28-29. The Sunshine

Chapter was well represented and recognized. For the 3rd year in a row, the Sunshine Chapter took Best Chapter in the

Medium Size Category which is a tremendous feat which can only be accomplished through the dedication of our many

volunteers.

The meeting allows Chapters to participate in business meetings with National, exchange ideas, provide recognition to key

contributors and better prepare for continued support to our soldiers and their families.

Although General Gordon Sullivan was unable to attend in person, his video message provided great encouragement for all

attendees.

The Sunshine Chapter is already preparing for the 2012 3rd Region Annual Meeting which will be held in Orlando, FL.

The Chapter previously hosted in 2006. Photos Page 4—5.

Awards Received:

President’s Trophy—Trophy Entrusted Yearly to the Care of the Outstanding Merit Chapter in the A.U.S.A Third Region

Third Region Patriotism Award—Debbie Berry

Third Region Patriotism Award—Shelley Claudin

Third Region Patriotism Award—Jan Baka

Significant Achievement Award—Mike Genetti

Significant Achievement Award—De Voorhees

Significant Achievement Award—Wells Barlow

RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY (RAD) by Bo Terry

The next Central Florida Retiree Appreciation Day will be held on August 6, 2011, at the DoubleTree Hotel at the Entrance

to Universal Orlando, 5780 Major Blvd, Orlando, Florida. We will have a morning Speakers Program that will begin at

9:00 a.m. with the "County Fair" immediately following the morning program.

The "County Fair" will consist of various organizations such as Veterans Affairs, TRICARE, Delta Dental, Defense Fi-

nance and Accounting Services (DFAS), Social Security Administration, ID Cards, Commissary and AAFES and many

more (organizations subject to change). The "County Fair" will allow Retirees and Family members a chance to talk to

representatives on personal issues and receive one on one counseling. The Hotel has offered attendees the government rate

of $89 per night (plus tax).

If you want to make a reservation you will need to do so by calling 1-800-327-2110 prior to July 20, 2011. Please advise

the Hotel you are with the Southeast Retiree Appreciation Day group (code FSM) to ensure the government rate. Parking

for

attendees staying overnight at the Hotel is complimentary, attendees who come for the day will be charged a $5 parking

fee. Limited rooms are available so please make your reservations early. If you have questions concerning the RAD please

call the Fort Stewart Retiree Service office at (912) 767-5013 or 3326.

Page 4

Third Regional Meeting 2011—Atlanta, GA

Page 5

Third Regional Meeting 2011—Atlanta, GA

Page 6 SPRING 2011

Day Two:

The first full day of competition, the troops took an Army Physical Fitness Test, endured a

“mystery event,” wrote an essay and appeared before a board of sergeants major.

The mystery event proved to be a confidence course with obstacles for troops to maneuver up,

under and over.

“The confidence course was fun,” said Dixon. “The excitement everybody had, the motivation

everyone had, made it seem like a unit out there. It wasn’t even a competition anymore.” The

competitors were timed as they raced in pairs through the course.

Although he beat out four others for the title “Soldier of the Year,” Spc. Mitchell W. Reynolds,

a generator mechanic from the 175th Ordnance Company, admitted the confidence course was

difficult for him.

“It [the event] was one and a half or two hours after our PT test [APFT],” said Reynolds, a

Bisoce, N.C., native. “I didn’t realize exactly how fatigued I was until I was into the course. I

was probably more drained from that than any other event.”

During the exam, board and essay portion, Soldiers were assessed on their knowledge of such

subjects as current events, military courtesy, military justice and U.S. Army history.

Day Three:

The competitors began the day with a two-hour land navigation event.

Using a compass, map, protractor and pencil, competitors navigated through a 1 square mile area of forest searching for their

four designated “points”–metal posts hidden in the trees.

“The land navigation was the best. I enjoy map reading,” said Holder. “I looked all this [Camp Blanding area] up on Google

before coming out here.”

Several of the other competitors disagreed with Holder’s sentiment. “Land nav is not something reservists practice all the

time,” said Sgt. Ted Lewis, a supply sergeant from the 416th Adjutant General Co. and a Tuscaloosa, Ala., native, who compet-

ed for NCO of the Year. The next event was another “mystery.”

The competitors were transported to a Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) site to conduct urban warfare tactics.

Divided into squads, competitors entered a building and “cleared” rooms of possible enemies. They also displayed their urban

warfare skills by detaining and searching a role-player.

Competitors were also evaluated on their knowledge of warrior tasks, like evaluating a casualty and rendering first aid. The

day finished with a return to the land navigation course. Flashlight in hand, Soldiers again trudged the thick forest alone for

hours, this time in the dark. Again, they had two hours, but this time only three points to find.

Competing for the title: Best Warrior Cont’ from page 1

(Left) Spc. Mitchell W. Reyn-

olds, 175th Ordnance Company,

and Pfc. Steven Payne, 861st

Quartermaster Co., climb ropes

as quickly as they can on a timed

obstacle course March 1.

Page 7

Competing for the title: Best Warrior Con’t from page 6

Day Four:

Before the sun rose, competitors were already trekking down a 10-kilometer road, load-

ed down with a rifle, an advanced combat helmet, and 35 pounds of gear on their backs.

Although the troops had three hours to complete their journey, all competitors finished

in less than three hours.

The rest of the morning and much of the afternoon was spent at the weapons range. The

Soldiers were given time to zero (calibrate) their weapons, before qualifying on their M

-4 rifle. They were required to shoot at pop-up targets simulating enemies while lying

in a prone position first with their weapon supported on a rifle rest and then without

support. Finally, the competitors shot while kneeling. To qualify, Soldiers had to hit at

least 23 out of 40 targets. I really enjoyed the camaraderie, said Reynolds. “[I enjoyed]

meeting Soldiers from different units. Everyone brought different attributes to the ta-

ble.”

Day Five:

Friday morning, the competitors, supporters and competition workers came together at an

awards ceremony recognizing their hard work and achievements. Weaver along with the

143d ESC commander, Col. Mark Palzer, presided over the ceremony.

“Over the course of the competition all of the competitors learned the importance of be-

ing the ‘total Soldier,’” said Weaver. “If they didn’t already know it, they quickly real-

ized that they must possess the skills to excel in all events in order to be competitive and

win the overall competition.” Palzer congratulated the competitors for a job well done

and gave an inspiring speech about the Army. It’s Soldiers who win wars, and Soldiers

who win hearts and minds, he said.

“I am proud of each competitor,” said Weaver. “Every one of them was highly motivated.

They gave everything they had to win.” Weaver thanked the staff of Camp Blanding for

their support. “The Camp Blanding Training Site is a much better location to conduct the

Best Warrior Competition than the sites that we selected for the past two years,” said Weaver. “The training areas here at

Camp Blanding coupled with the support that the Camp Blanding support staff provided were superb.”

The competitors agreed.

“Man, I loved it [the location],” said Dixon with a smile. “Let’s come back. We can do it [the competition] again in two

weeks, if you all like.” Reynolds and Holder will represent the 143d ESC at the next level, the 377th Theater Sustainment

Command’s 2011 Best Warrior Competition scheduled for April. The winners of the 377th TC level will continue to the Ar-

my Reserve Command-level BWC in June. “It would be cool to see more Soldiers come out [next year],” said Reynolds.

“You won’t realize your strengths or weakness a lot of times until your abilities are tested.”

Others expressed their plans to return. “I look forward to next year,” said Lewis. “I know my weaknesses now. I plan to

train for them and help other Soldiers to compete.” Soldiers competing at this level represented the following units within

the 143d ESC: 803 QM Co., 416th AG Co., 175th Ordnance Co., 518th Sustainment Bde., 282nd QM co., 528th Transportation

Co. Detachment, 143d ESC Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 861st QM Co., and 558th TC Det.

Competing in the NCO of the Year

category, Sgt. Ted Lewis, 416th Adju-

tant General Company, rests his head

after completing the 10 km road

march at Camp Blanding, Fla. March

Left to Right: Col. Mark W. Palzer,

143d ESC commander, presents

awards to Spc. Mitchell W. Reyn-

olds, 143d ESC soldier of the year,

and Staff Sgt. Don L. Holder, 143d

ESC NCO of the year, at an awards

ceremony March 4.

Page 8

Competing for the title: Best Warrior Con’t from page 7

Staff Sgt. Don L. Holder, 518th Sustainment Brigade, plots

his course during the night land navigation course March 2.

Spc. Mitchell W. Reynolds, 175th Ordnance Company,

runs to the end point after completing the land navigation

course March 2.

Sgt. Ted Lewis, 416th Adjutant General Co., kicks a door

open while Sgt. Kendrick Dixon, 803 Quartermaster Co.,

waits to enter a building during Military Operations on

Urban Terrain (MOUT) March 2.

Spc. Cleophus Higgins, 282nd Quartermaster Company,

fires at a pop-up target with his M4 rifle March 3 during

the 2011 Best Warrior Competition.

Sgt. Ted Lewis, 416th Adjutant General Company, circles

bullet holes on his target with a pencil March 3. Competitors

“zeroed” or calibrated their rifles before moving to the

qualification range.

Page 9 SPRING 2011

Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth R. Pierce III Receives Colonel Carl F. Eifler Award

On May 15th, 2011, the National Military Intelligence Association pre-

sented Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth R. Pierce III the prestigious Colonel

Carl F. Eifler Award. The Colonel Carl F. Eifler award is nominative

annual award recognizing the most deserving Army Reserve Intelligence

Professional. From November 2010 to January 2011, LTC Pierce

deployed to Iraq as the Intelligence Chief, Deputy Commanding General

for Detainee Operations, United States Forces - Iraq. He made

significant contributions to the intelligence support to detainee operations

by quickly identifying inefficiencies within the intelligence cycle,

implemented immediate corrective actions and established a new

intelligence system which streamlined the intelligence process whiling significantly increasing the collection, analysis and

dissemination

capabilities for the Deputy Commanding General for Detainee Operations. LTC Pierce is assigned as the Remote Director of

Intelligence, Joint Reserve Intelligence Center, Orlando for the United States Army Reserve Element CENTCOM J2/JT

under the Military Intelligence Readiness Command and is a EXCOM Member with AUSA Sunshine Chapter.

Colonel Carl F. Eifler enlisted in the United States Army Reserve as a private in 1928 and received a commission after

completing his officer training through correspondence courses. In 1942 while assigned to the Office of the Coordinator of

Information (COI), later renamed the Office of Strategic Services, General William Donavan directed COL Eifler to

establish and train a paramilitary unit in the China/Burma/India Theater. COL Eifler and his unit, called Detachment 101,

established a school to teach selected indigenous people all aspects of espionage and sabotage. During World War II,

Detachment 101 and its agents were responsible for rescuing over 200 downed airmen, sabotaging the railroad system, and

clearing the enemy from more than 10,000 square miles. They were credited with 5,428 Japanese kills and 10,000 wounded,

while the detachment itself experienced only 22 American and 184 indigenous people killed. COL Eifler received the Air

Medal and the Legion of Merit for his acts of bravery and was inducted into the Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame in

1988.

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 15, 2011 | Navy Ball

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Orlando/120333667999745

For details about all upcoming events,

please visit the Sunshine Chapter website:

www.ausa-sunshine.org