Annually, Soldiers must review their common

combat tasks (Called Army Warrior Tasks and

Battle Drills) to demonstrate their proficiency in

their basic Soldier skills. These tasks include

navigating from one point to another, throwing

hand grenades, donning protective equipment for

chemical, biological or nuclear exposures and

several other events. C Company, TF 3-197 FA

was seeking to find new ways to make this man-

datory training a fun event for their Soldiers.

“Our goal was to try and add some realism to

each task and give a sense of urgency to the exe-

cution of the task. It’s much more dynamic than

sitting across the table from an evaluator and re-

citing the correct answers” said Company Com-

mander, Capt. Adam Burritt. The Company com-

pleted its first iteration of the training that is

scheduled to take place over the next few months.

This competition focused on navigation, calling

in reports like a medical evacuation request, and

interacting with the media.

In the next phase Soldiers will show their prowess

in identifying Improvised Explosive Devices, or

IEDs, as well as hurling grenades. “Conducting

the Army Warrior Task of Hand Grenades does-

n’t involve much less than the actual Hand Gre-

nade Qualification. Most of it has to do simply

with the resources to have the appropriate targets.

Right now we’re planning on locating those re-

sources so that our Soldiers can receive the Hand

Grenade Qualification Badge instead of just com-

pleting the annual requirement” said Burritt.

Not only is this a competition to demonstrate their

proficiency, but the top team will be rewarded at

the end of the competition. Burritt stated, “We’re

not ready to let the cat out of the bag just yet on

exactly what the prize will be, but we will look to

reward the top performing team and hopefully the

top platoon in the company for their hard work.”

Soldiers From C Co work in teams to prepare

for land navigation.

“Shepard Stakes” has C Co Ready

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

C CO completes

MAXX PRO training

2

42ID Commander MG

Wickstrom Visit

2

NH Media Visits

Camp Buehring

3

Sandstorm engulfs

Camp Buehring

4

Sandstorm continued 5

TF 3-197 awards first

CABs

5

Irish sports on St.

Patrick’s Day

6

TF 3-197 NEWSLETTER M A R C H 2 0 1 1 I S S U E 4

SGT St Marie uses a protractor and map during

land navigation as SPC McMahon looks on.

SGT Hyland stands at a land navigation point

during Shepard Stakes.

P A G E 2

“If there is a need for

us to drive these

trucks for a mission

we’ll be ready for it.”

MaxxPro variant of the

MRAP during driver training

with C co Camp Buerhing

MG Wickstrom visits TF 3-197

C Co Completes MaxxPro Licensing On Wednesday, Friday and

Sunday all three platoons of

Charlie Company had a

great opportunity to get

licensed on yet another high

speed Army vehicle. The

International MaxxPro,

Mine Resistant Ambush

Protected troop carrying

vehicle was first introduced

in Iraq and Kuwait Around

February, 2008. This vehi-

cle would help meet the

United States high demand

for this type of vehicle. The

MRAP comes in a variety

of types and configurations

as well as different manu-

facturers. The Caiman,

manufactured by BAE Sys-

tems is what we have been

issued and has been the

primary vehicle we utilize

for our convoy escort mis-

sions and training. The rea-

son for the training is al-

though these trucks have

many similarities, the

MaxxPro has some addi-

tional features such as: hy-

draulic troop loading ramp

in the rear, additional armor

thus requiring air actuated

driver and passenger doors,

and a double sealed gunners

hatch. On the interior some

welcomed upgrades include

cruise control, a smaller

steering wheel, and a more

comfortable seat through-

out. Performance improve-

ments include more options

on the engine, braking sys-

tem, and drive train. This

truck has one less axle and

a bit less suspension in the

back which can make for a

bumpy ride for your passen-

gers. This version of the

MRAP does not have the

troop carrying capacity that

it’s counterpart from BAE

Systems does but some of

its feature make it quite

versatile.

The knowledge-

able instructors from TJ

Figg Inc. were able to get

nearly 63 soldiers through

the class, hands on preven-

tative maintenance checks

and service portion, in addi-

tion to the driving exercises

needed to obtain the Maxx-

Pro license. SFC Wiggin

commented, “If there is a

need for us to drive these

trucks for a mission we’ll

be ready for it.” Although

the days were quite long, in

excess of twelve hours, the

level of motivation the sol-

diers demonstrated was

phenomenal. Soldiers are

eager to learn and train on

new equipment when the

opportunity presents itself.

SGT Fitton, Dennis R II

1st PLT, C Co, 3/197th TF

Photo by PFC King Jason

coin. The coin is given out

by commanders at all levels

to recognize Soldiers who

are performing exception-

ally. He then took the time

to walk through our Tacti-

cal Operations Center

(TOC) and meet some of

the soldiers. Inside the TOC

he was updated on current

Convoy Escort Team (CET)

locations and the TF current

operational picture.

In the morning

MG Wickstrom had break-

fast with all of the company

commanders and 1SG’s.

Since his visit was limited

in time it was quite busy.

MG Wickstrom, the com-

mander of the 42nd Infantry

Division from NY, visited

TF 3-197 on March 27th.

The 42nd ID is the 197th

Fires Brigades higher head-

quarters. That makes MG

Wickstrom the commander

two echelons above our

level.

MG Wickstrom

spent the evening being

briefed on what the TF has

accomplished and what we

expect to do in the future.

While in the conference

room he also acknowledged

the excellence of 3 TF Sol-

diers with a commanders

To see that our higher head-

quarters, two echelons up, was

interested enough in the BN to

come out to Kuwait to give out

some awards and spend time

with our troops says it all.

Thank you MG Wickstrom.

SPC Kaitlin Rorick receives

the Generals coin for excel-

lence. She was one of 3 TF

soldiers to receive the honor.

T F 3 - 1 9 7 N E W S L E T T E R

NH Media Comes to Kuwait to Tell Our Story

P A G E 3 I S S U E 4

On Wednesday March 9th Morning show

host, long time friend, and staunch sup-

porter of the NH National Guard Peter St

James continued his week long visit to Ku-

wait with a visit to Camp Buehring and TF

3-197. Peter was the MC of the going away

ceremony on September 11th at the Ver-

sion Wireless Arena and has been doing a

segment on deployed soldiers every Tues-

day morning for the past couple years. His

visit included some training with CET 34

soldiers in the MRAP rollover trainer, a

visit with CET 04 (SSG Carver) which in-

cluded training in a Caiman MRAP, and two

hours of live radio interviews with Soldiers

from each company in the task force. Pe-

ter stated that his exposure to the Soldiers

doing their jobs gave him a new perspective

on the lives of deployed Soldiers that will

help him as he continues his interviews

weekly on 107.7 “The Pulse” but I believe

his visit was just as important to the Sol-

diers as it was to him. Several soldiers

including MSG Michael Thibodeau from A

Co who said “It’s important for Soldiers,

especially the younger ones and those who

have not deployed before, to see we have

the support of the community”

Peter not only talked to the Sol-

diers about their jobs but also what they

miss most about NH. He updated us on the

latest hunting season, ice fishing, the harsh

winter, and some bills currently in the NH

house. He truly brought a piece of NH to

every Soldier that had the opportunity to

talk to him.

Peter’s visit was followed shortly

after by Union Leader reporter Shawne

Wickham on March 15th. To show another

side to TF 3-197 she interviewed CET 07

(SSG Hannon) and 3 gunners from the task

force who happen to be females. I word it

like that because they are gunners first and

foremost. And they wouldn’t have it any

other way. Shawne’s story on TF 3-197

was printed in the March 16th edition of

The Union Leader. It includes interviews

with SGT Whit Phelps who was preparing

his gun truck for a mission, his first since

returning from a concussion that occurred

on a previous mission in Iraq.

Once again all of the Soldiers who spoke

with her were happy to have some con-

nection with NH. It was obvious that she is

also a supporter of the NH National Guard

and brought a little piece of home to Ku-

wait.

Peter St James from WTPL 107.7

Concord, NH experiences the MRAP

rollover trainer with soldiers from

CET 34. (Yes they are up side down)

Union Leader reporter Shawne

Wickham talks to TF 3-197 CET

gunners. (Left to right SPC Megan

Torres, PFC Jensine Barr, SPC

Theresa Fortier)

SSG Randall Carver explains the

workings of the Caiman MRAP to

Peter St. James, Camp Buehring.

Union Leader reporter Shawne Wick-

ham takes a photograph of CET 07 as

the CET prepares for a recent convoy

escort mission in Iraq.

Peter interviews 1LT Brandon La-

belle live on the radio.

Shawne Wickham talks to TF 3-197

CET 07 CET leader SSG James Han-

non about his up and coming mission.

P A G E 4

“Being deployed to Iraq

before I have seen my

share of sandstorms but

this particular one was

worse than I remember.

In particular its length

was very long lasting 5

plus hours”

SSG Brian McGrath

TF 3-197

March 25th Sandstorm Affects Everyone March 25th started off as a beautiful spring day.

By noon it was 85 and sunny. And at 4:30 it

was a typical late afternoon with temperatures

still around 80 and not a cloud in the sky. This

story will be a pictorial since the pictures show

more than words could ever accurately de-

scribe.

LTC Baker watches as the wall of sand ap-

proaches from the west.

T F 3 - 1 9 7 N E W S L E T T E R

SGM Beecher continues working despite hav-

ing sand blowing around his desk. Masks or

scarves were definitely needed, even inside. 20 seconds later day turned to night and the

automatic lights turned on. (The tent with

the light on is less than 20ft away)

15 seconds later same tent.

And 30 seconds later same tent.

A wall of sand appeared over the horizon just

after 4:30 pm.

Sandstorm (continued from page 4)

P A G E 5 I S S U E 4

The list of names below is a by company list of names

for the soldiers who have had their Combat Action

Badges (CABs) approved. The CAB is a relatively new

award which is presented to those soldiers who have

been in direct contact with the enemy either through

an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), Small Arms

Fire (SAF), or Indirect fire (IDF).

PFC Stephen Patrick watches as the storm as it rolls

up to the billeting area. All of the smoke detectors in

the billets were sounding as the sand filled the air

like smoke.

TF 3-197 Has First 34 Combat Action Badges Awarded

Even dinner was an adventure. After finding the Chow

Hall Soldiers had to cover their food or eat quickly

although I’m sure we all ate our share of sand.

Rank First Last Type Unit Date

SGT PHELPS WITTY CAB A Co. 5-Jan

SPC BELANGER JOSEPH CAB A Co. 5-Jan

SPC SIMMS STEPHEN CAB A Co. 5-Jan

SFC PELKEY DAVID CAB A Co. 2-Mar

PV2 PLAISTED ROBERT CAB A Co. 2-Mar

SPC HUOT CARL CAB A Co. 2-Mar

SGT BERNIER DUANE CAB B Co. 10-Jan

PFC HANSON ERIK CAB B Co. 10-Jan

SPC KEANE RYAN CAB B Co. 10-Jan

SPC GENSEL KURT CAB B Co. 22-Jan

1LT CLAXTON RICHARD CAB B Co. 22-Jan

CPL ELKINS PATRICK CAB B Co. 22-Jan

SPC PELCHAT NATHANIEL CAB B Co. 7-Mar

PFC BRYSON JOSHUA CAB C Co. 5-Jan

PV2 MCMANUS ROBERT CAB C Co. 5-Jan

1LT HESKETH JONATHAN CAB D Co. 5-Jan

PFC MARCOTTE ROBYN CAB D Co. 5-Jan

SPC EVANS RONALD CAB D Co. 5-Jan

PFC PLANTIER MATTHEW CAB D Co. 5-Jan

PFC NEDEAU JOHN CAB D Co. 5-Jan

PVT PATNODE NATHAN CAB D Co. 5-Jan

SPC CARTY ERIC CAB D Co. 10-Jan

SGT CLOW SHAWN CAB D Co. 10-Jan

PV2 BARR JENSINE CAB D Co. 10-Jan

PVT BUNKER JOSHUA CAB D Co. 10-Jan

SSG WHITE ARTHUR CAB D Co. 10-Jan

PFC DEMERS KYLE CAB D Co. 2-Mar

PV2 VANWINKLE CURTIS CAB D Co. 2-Mar

SGT WESTCOTT JASON CAB D Co. 2-Mar

SGT DEMERS JONATHAN CAB D Co. 10-Mar

PFC BESWICK COLIN CAB D Co. 10-Mar

PFC WENZEL ANDREA CAB D Co. 10-Mar

LTC BAKER DAVID CAB HHC 5-Jan

about that has really pulled the mem-

bers of our team into the sport. It’s

played with a wooden stick called a

hurley and a ball called a sliotar. The

object is to get the ball between the

goal posts past the opposing team’s

goalie for 3 points or over the crossbar

for one. It has everything Americans

want in a sport. It’s fast paced, high

scoring, and intense.

In March its only fitting we talk about

a great Irish pastime. It’s as Irish as

baseball is American and its called

Hurling. Several members of the Bar-

ley House Wolves Hurling Team

found out we were being deployed,

and we decided to bring our beloved

sport with us. There were 16 mem-

bers of the team that were to be de-

ployed as part of the 197th Fires Bri-

gade, 6 of them to be deployed with

TF 3-197th. We initially thought we

would be able to practice and possibly

get in a game or two. We set our-

selves a goal, to have the first hurling

match on Kuwaiti soil. Fast forward

to today, we are all spread throughout

Kuwait on different bases. On Camp

Buehring we have started to receive

equipment to make this goal we had

set for ourselves a reality.

Hurling was developed about

2,000 years ago as a way for Irish

chieftains to train their warriors and

keep them fit for battle. Something

The Wolves are always look-

ing for new players, and have drawn

much attention from a recent docu-

mentary the Pentagon Channel aired

as part of their Recon program. The

special called Recon: Two Fields, One

Team as well as any other information

can be found on the teams website

www.hurlingnh.com or you can email

us at barleyhousewolves@gmail.com

TF 3-197 Soldiers & An Old Irish Pastime For St. Patrick’s Day

Members of the Barley House

Wolves practice at Camp Buehring. 1LT David Devoy swings his Hurley

while practicing at Camp Buehring.

TF 3-197 is made up of several units

from NH including 3rd BN 197th FA,

744th FSC, A & B COs 3643rd Brigade

Support BN, and 372nd Signal Com-

pany. It has also been augmented by

members of 1st BN 103rd FA, RI

ARNG and soldiers from the 1st BN

124th IN, FL ARNG that volunteered

to stay on for another year.

If there is anything you would like to

see in our future issues please contact

us and we will try to oblige.

BRIAN.P.CALHOUN@kuwait.swa.army.mil

US ARMY Contact Information

PROMOTIONS

B Co. DIROSA, JAMES SPC to SGT 20110304 A Co. KING, RANDY E JR SPC to SGT 20110305

CPT Brian Calhoun

HHC TF 3-197

Camp Buerhing, KU APO AE 09330

Congratulations!