Always Flying September Edition

8/25/2014

Issue #2

Always Flying

Sustaining the Fight

September 2014

1100th THEATER AVIATION SUSTAINMENT MAINTENANCE GROUP TASK FORCE 16

IN THIS ISSUE Commanders Update 1 CSMs Comments 2 Chaplains Corner 3 Company Commander 4 1SG Comments 4 Train As We Fight 5 Safety Officer 6 SARC 7 Transfer of Authority 8 Promotions and Awards 9 Soldier Spotlight: SPC King 10 Morale Welfare and Recreation 11

As I write this weve been on the ground here in Kuwait for about two weeks now. We had a great Transfer of Authority (TOA) ceremony last week, and said farewell to the 1107th TASMG as they made

Commanders Update COL Brian Connelly

their way back home to Missouri. Just yesterday CSM Cruz and I flew to Camp Buehring, in northern Kuwait, to participate in the TOA for the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade. This is significant, as the 1100th TASMG is already working closely with the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) to supply world-class maintenance expertise to keep their fleet in the air and several more of our Soldiers will be sent to Udairi Army Airfield (located at Camp Buehring) in the coming weeks to bolster that mission. To the east in Afghanistan, weve got a detachment of Soldiers doing great work supporting the final Combat Aviation Brigade deployments in that region. Theyre also living up to the

name Task Force Retriever by working the all-important aviation retrograde mission of getting all those aircraft parts separated, sorted, and returned back to the supply system to keep Army aircraft flying throughout the world. And here at Camp Arifjan in addition to the usual aviation maintenance and retrograde missions were assisting the 1st Theater Sustainment Command in the areas of operations, intelligence, training, and much more. 1100th TASMG Soldiers are helping plan aerial resupply missions, update security clearances, and even coordinating the Commanding Generals schedule definitely not things we trained for at Ft. Dix! At this rate we may have to change our motto from Semper Volans (Always Flying) to Semper Enim (Always Busy) but thats the way we like it.

Always Flying! Retriever 6

CSM Lambeth and COL Dippold of the 1107th case their colors, effectively transferring authority to the 1100th TASMG.

Issue #2 Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight

extremely proud of each and every Soldier. Your patience, your focus and your abilities make each and every one of you a true patriot and leader. We have some challenges coming our way but more importantly, we have unique opportunities as we move forward.

To our supportive families: You should be very proud of your Soldier! They are working very hard. We are gainfully employed in each position, enthusiastically learning the specifics of our jobs. We are getting acclimated to Kuwaits weather and the workload is getting steadier. Soldiers are comfortable in their housing and they are well-fed. During their free time Soldiers can participate in a number of MWR activities, such as Bingo night, karaoke, or even catch a movie at the MWR movie theater. Two different colleges offer educational opportunities for our Soldiers, and they can stay in shape by attending a wide variety of fitness classes like Zumba, yoga or crossfit. Soldiers have plenty to occupy their time here.

I will ask you to stay in contact with your loved ones and send them care packages to show your support. Again, I am extremely proud to serve with such an outstanding organization committed to professionalism and completing our mission.

CSM Nilsa M. Cruz Always Flying!

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Command Sergeant Major CSM Nilsa Cruz Soldiers, Families and Friends,

Greetings from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Finally, after a month and a half of training, we are in country. The past couple of weeks were busy for the unit; we completed a Relief in Place (RIP) and Transfer of Authority (TOA) with the 1107th TASMG.

I want to thank the 1107th command team, staff and Soldiers for making this transition so smooth. Thank you for your service and contributions. Safe travels and enjoy your well-deserved time with your families.

We have assumed the mission and are moving full speed ahead. I am

Below: SFC Harris working in the S4 Shop.

Bottom Left: SGT Monzon enjoying the AC in the S4 shop. Bottom Right: CW3 Stahecki stops by for a visit.

Above: Soldiers practice evaluating a casualty at the Collective Task Operations Lane (CTOL) training event.


that can be seen very clearly in the written contributions of Judaism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and many of the worlds religious groups. Even many ethical traditions, fables, and mythological tales contain this age old principle. DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU, or said another way, TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED.

Chaplains Corner CH (MAJ) Lonny Wortham

In the Disney movie Aladdin the character Jafar is the Royal Vizier of Agrabah and is the main antagonist in this 1992 animated feature film. Jafar is characterized as an amoral psychopath who would not hesitate to destroy anyone he perceives as a threat to his own sinister designs. During one of the scenes Jafar announces his belief in the Golden Rule: Whoever has the gold makes the rules.

While this is not the real Golden Rule it does reflect the attitude that some people possess, an attitude of control and dominance. This month I would like to take a moment to remind our readers about the value of understanding The Golden Rule. This phrase has a long and rich history

When I think about people struggling with relational pain or family issues I notice The Golden Rule is often being ignored or even overlooked. When we are impatient or impolite with another person, in that moment we choose to treat someone else in a way that we would not want to be treated ourselves. It is easy to justify saying something in a harsh manner if we are upset, but I know that the recipient of the harshness feels disrespected, unloved and hurt when they are called names, cursed at or yelled at. The challenge I extend to each of you is simple. Lets develop three simple tasks that can shape the way we treat others (coworkers, family members, neighbors, grocery baggers, cashiers and strangers).

Jafar got the message all wrong.

1. Think before you speakthe person who says everything that comes to mind is an insensitive bully. When you hear the phrases, I am just being honest or I am just telling the truth this is often a smoke screen to abuse and mistreat the people around them. So replace quick verbal reactions with well thought out statements.

2. Ask before you assumemany times we make assumptions and think the worst about others instead of thinking the best. This key is critical to implementing The Golden Rule in your life. When we make too many faulty assumptions about others, motives, choices and behaviors we will often assume something negative about the other person. So when you see something you dont understand, ask. When you hear something that you dont like, ask. When you experience something that hurts you or makes you angry, seek healing in place of retaliation.

3. Give what you want to getonly strategic thinking will allow you to succeed with this final task. I remember a time that I felt frustrated with a coworker and it took everything to restrain myself from giving them a piece of my mind. I had to decide within seconds whether or not it was more important to express my frustrations or build and nurture a healthy relationship. I gave that coworker exactly what I wanted in return: patience, understanding, honesty and friendship.

Are you wearing your spiritual JSLIST?

If you treat others the way you would like to be treated you will find that over time your relationships can only get better and stronger.

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all of you for your love and support

Before I go I would like to thank our Family Readiness Group: Mrs. Hash, Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Robert Strahl for the great care package from a Taste of Home. The Soldiers loved everything that you sent and we thank you.

God Bless All of You, TOP

First Sergeant 1SG David White We are now in the next phase of our deployment. Your 1100th TASMG is up and running here at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. All of our training has paid off and prepared us for the next nine months. We had a very successful RIP/TOA with the 1107th TASMG. The 1107th ensured that we knew the lay of the land before their departure. Now we are directly supporting the war fighters with depot aviation maintenance and logistical support all over theater.

Your Soldiers continue to make me proud with their motivation and professionalism. We are looking forward to all of the challenges that lie ahead during this deployment. I want all of the family, friends and loved ones to know that your Soldier is doing a great job. I again thank

Company Commander CPT Marshall Stevens

August was a month of transition for the 1100th TASMG as we happily left the mobilization site at Joint Base Dix-McGuire-Lakehurst for Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and Bagram, Afghanistan. We fell in on the 1107th TASMG from Missouri and quickly integrated into our area of operation. Honestly, I underestimated many of our Soldiers. Working on little sleep, a seven hour jet lag, and 120 degree heat, Soldiers still hit the ground running. The four day relief in place (RIP) was extremely aggressive and left no time to acclimate to the environment. Now, over a week after the transfer of authority (TOA) it is clear that nothing was missed.

Operations are expanding each day. The broad array of skills we possess has made us a sought after resource. Our footprint has expanded to working in theater level operations and logistics cells, aviation maintenance support at Camp Buehring, and retrograde operations throughout the theater.

Soldiers, take pride in what you are doing. This is a volatile area of the world and our footprint here is extremely important to maintaining stabilization. Families, stay involved. The unit Facebook page is excellent and has received great reviews. If you havent liked our page, please do so: www.facebook.com/1100TASMG. I am recommending a family readiness group event (FRG) in the near future, perhaps a lunch.

CPT Marshall J. Stevens Semper Volans!

SPC Stevenson is hard at work in the S6 shop.

SPC Jenkins delivers the mail.

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Send your Soldier a care package: [Soldiers Name and Rank]

1100th TASMG TF 16 APO, AE 09366


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Train As We Fight - Collective Task Operations Lane

Soldiers of the 1100th TASMG underwent their final training exercise at COL Victory at JB-MDL in July. Soldiers had to rely on all their previous training to get through the exercises, which included evaluating and evacuating mass casualties, towing and hitching a disabled HMMWV, and counter-IED procedures. Soldiers also became proficient in various less than lethal weapons systems and room clearing procedures. The training was quite extensive and, at times, exhausting, but the experience gave the 1100th TASMG the tools they need to operate on the battlefield.

Left: SPC Stevenson conducts a radio check in preparation for a convoy.

Right: SPC Adams smiles before the convoy mission.

Below: SPC Brown and SSG Matthews practice room clearing procedures.

Above: SFC Angle inspects the FN 303, a less than lethal weapon system. Right: Soldiers receive instruction on towing a disabled HMMWV.


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PCB Safety Inspection: Buyer Beware CW5 Sam Thomas, Safety Officer

On 15 August, a Fire Captain, along with CPT Stevens, CSM Cruz, 1SG White and several other Soldiers conducted a safety inspection of our permanent concrete buildings (PCBs). The purpose of the inspection was to ensure that all precautions are taken to keep our Soldiers safe from electrical and fire hazards, among other things.

Look around your housing or working areas for any electrical appliance originating from this part of the world. Then look closer for the stylized CE mark near the manufacturers marking and there it is! Great! According to ASG Kuwait, approved electrical appliances must have either a CE or UL marking. So this appliance is totally safe - right? Not so fast there, safety officers! As I found out, the true meaning of CE and its assurance of safety may be iffy.

Soldiers using this type of power strip should exchange theirs for one that is approved by the Fire Department.

Fire Captain, Andrew Smith, announced his displeasure with the majority of the power strips he saw during our safety inspection and recommended their replacement. He has seen these units overheat and their switches fail, posing a serious fire hazard. As before, it seems that undesirable (cheaply made or knock-off) power strips have again made their way into our PX here at Camp Arifjan. These strips are lightly made with light gauge wiring and switch housings that break easily. CPT Smith feels they are inappropriate for our use. And yes, oddly, there is a CE stamped on them.

Hazily defined, CE is thought to mean, Conformite Europeenne, or, European Conformity. Unlike its American cousin, UL (Underwriters Laboratory), the European regulation governing the CE mark (1) provides no clear explanation qualifying its use. Generally, CE may indicate a safe and reliable product; but according to ANEC, the European consumer voice for standardization: BUYER BEWARE! (2)

Post-inspection revealed a furnishing management officer (FMO) on a mission, SFC Zang immediately sprang into action. At Free Issue he acquired a box of Fire Department approved power strips. The plan: a one-for-one exchange with the PCB residents. By the following Tuesday he and other FMOs had scored 20 bad strips, cutting off their power cords with extreme prejudice. Further dissection proved the reported light gauge wiring and easily broken switches. Disaster averted!

But we need to remain on guard. More faulty power strips are still lurking under the beds in the PCBs and under the desks at the Heliport. Well continue our eradication and replacement program.

Please dont compromise your safety or that of others, request a one-for-one replacement from your FMO today.

CW5 Sam Thomas [email protected]

Avoid the Worst, Safety First

The Safety Council meets once a week to discuss important safety issues around the workplace and living quarters.

SFC Zang shows off a number of faulty power strips.


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As the unit Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), it is my duty to ensure the Commanders SHARP policy is implemented and executed. Undoubtedly, the Commander is committed to ensuring that 1100th TASMG personnel live and work in an environment free of sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual offensive words, actions, and innuendos.

Sexual assault and sexual harassment related offenses are extremely serious in nature and have no place in the 1100th TASMG or the Army. Awareness is the key, and if everyone stands up against these acts we can impact tremendous culture change. Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect.

I would like to thank the family members for trusting this Command with the safety of their loved ones. I would also like to thank the members of the 1100th TASMG for being responsible and adhering to the Commanders no tolerance policy on sexual assault and sexual harassment. Yes, we went through some rough training but we got through it successfully, and we shall continue to train until this issue is eliminated within our culture.

MSG Nerissa Bishop No more excuses

[email protected]

I AM the Force Behind the Fight

Sexual Assault Response Coordinator MSG Nerissa Bishop

Soldiers can contact MSG Bishop on Camp Arifjan at 9720-3747. The 24/7 Hotline is also available for Soldiers: 430-7477.

SSG Chinaris is a Victims Advocate and can also assist with SHARP related issues.

Left: SGT St. Preux and PFC Conley at work in the ALAM. Bottom left: SPC Raspberry takes a break for a moment. Bottom right: CW3 Plummer is working on those TPS reports.


The 1100th TASMG formally assumed the mission at Patton Army Airfield, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, taking over from Missouri National Guard unit 1107th TASMG. Brigadier General Daniel Mitchell, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) deputy commanding general, spoke at the Transfer of Authority ceremony, stating one outstanding Army unit has been replaced by another outstanding unit. Soldiers from the 1100th TASMG will have the opportunity to perfect their craft here at Camp Arifjan, as well as other possible locations. Theater aviation support is an essential mission. It directly supports the warfighter on the ground by allowing aviation units to keep their aircraft flying. The 1100th will run operations until 2015, when the 1108th TASMG from Mississippi will take over.

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COL Connelly and CSM Cruz uncase the group colors during the transfer of authority ceremony (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tracy R. Myers, U.S. Army Central).

Members of the 1100th and 1107th sing the Army Song at the close of the transfer of authority ceremony.

BG Daniel Mitchell, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), deputy commanding general, addresses the 1100th and 1107th at the transfer of authority ceremony.

Transfer of Authority


Promotions and Acknowledgements

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SFC Congers wife, Christine pins on his new rank.

Promotions Ryan Jack First Lieutenant Raymond Conger Sergeant First Class

Acknowledgements Special thanks to the National Guard Association of Maryland for donating a set of Maryland flags. The 1100th received a flag for each month were in country, to ensure the Maryland colors are always vibrant.

1LT Jack was recently promoted.


Soldier Spotlight: SPC Teneka King Interview by SSG Robles

SPC Teneka King is originally from Germany but has lived in the US for almost 10 years. She has been a member of the 1100th TASMG for approximately two years. SPC King is a 42A, Human Resource Specialist and works in S1.

As a 42A in S1, what will be your primary duties? I might be working with tracking NCOERs, as well as helping out with processing awards.

Whats the best part about being a 42A? Being able to help Soldiers get their stuff squared away. I like taking care of Soldiers.

You were selected to be a Chaplains Assistant as an additional duty. What can you tell us about that? Its more than I ever thought it would encompass, but I like it because I get a chance to speak with the Soldiers more than I do on the 42A side. Normally you are very busy as a 42A. I get an opportunity to really get to know Soldiers. What they tell me is confidential. If I can encourage people to become more spiritual, I would really like that. I want them to know they are not alone in their struggles.

This is your first deployment. How do you feel about that? Im excited. Ive been in almost six years and this is my first deployment. I feel like youre not a Soldier until you deploy.

What is one of your biggest concerns about the deployment? I dont think I have any. I think its going to be a good experience.

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Do you have any goals for this deployment? I want to finish my Sign Language class. Im taking four different sign language classes, as well as some classes for my bachelors degree. Im also taking an exam to become a certified nanny. I plan to pay off debt too. I hope to come home with a six month emergency fund. Thats definitely one of my major goals.

What are you looking forward to the most on this deployment? When youre deployed you know exactly what youre doing. There is a structured plan, versus home where everything changes all the time.

What will you miss from home while on the deployment? Ill miss my friends and my church.

What kind of activities do you plan on doing over in KU? Im going to work out a lot. I have goal to earn a PT badge. I also want to get into running. Ive always wanted to be an avid runner.

What was it like parting from your family? At first I thought I would be fine, not a problem. Then when everything actually happened, it was more difficult. I had to hold back my tears, and I had to tell my mom to just go. It was also hard to part from my best friend and her children. I was a nanny before I became active duty and if the children had come, I would have been all over the place. Those kids are like my own.

Is there anything in particular you would like to receive in a care package? Since I just became a pescatarian, I would like to receive nuts, dried veggies and fruits.

What are your plans for after the deployment? I would like to find a position as a full-time live-in nanny. I also want to go back to school full-time, but before that I want to go back to Germany to visit friends and family. Is there anything else you would like to add? I want everyone to know that I am always available to talk. I hope I am able to provide assistance and encouragement to those in need. We all go through our struggles. No one has to be alone or ashamed. Im here for you.


Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Bingo Night! Bingo night has become quite popular with the 1100th. Bingo is held every Tuesday night at 1900 in the Community Center in Zone 1. Players have 15 opportunities to win awesome prizes like 1 TB external hard drives, Bose head phones or speaker systems, and blu-ray players, just to name a few. The August 19 bingo game resulted in three 1100th winners: SGT King (sound dock and speaker system), SSG Robles (bug-out bag), and SSG Matthews (Samsung blu-ray player).

Left: MSG Fowler gets ready for another exciting round of bingo. Right: PFC Eskridge, SGT Monzon and SSG Toliver.

Bingo is serious business. Start off with two cards and work your way up to four. If you want to win, you have to

keep up. Faster!

SPC Wentz just needs B5 for the win.

SSG Matthews wins a Samsung blu-ray player.

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Flag Football The Soldiers of 1100th TASMG competed in a flag football tournament here at Camp Arifjan. The tournament was a two game elimination. 1100th TASMG lost the first game, but won the second and was eliminated in the third round. Never fear, the 1100th TASMG flag football team will be back for the regular season beginning in October!

The Awesome 1100th TASMG Flag Football Team

Top row, left to right: SPC Moore, SPC Bell (team captain), SPC Stevenson, SSG Casterline, SPC Rooks, SPC Bell, SGT York, SGT Jackson, and SPC Natt. Middle row, left to right: SPC Raspberry, SPC Adams and SGT St. Preux. Bottom row, left to right: SSG Harrod and SGT Wagner. Not pictured: SPC Reed and SPC McCallister.

Team Captain, SPC Bell gives the team some instructions for the next play.

We want your photos! Please submit a photo to: [email protected] [email protected]

Like us on Facebook!: HHD 1100th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group

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Send your Soldier a care package or letter: [Soldiers Rank and Name] 1100th TASMG TF 16 APO, AE 09366

Birthdays MAJ David Magness 7 September SPC Mervin Allen 9 September LTC MayB Sersland 12 September SSG Michael Casterline 12 September SPC Dimetrius Jenkins 17 September SSG Maximilian Rodela 20 September MSG Harry Newman 24 September SFC Brian Hall 27 September

SGT King enjoys a black bean eggroll from the newly-opened Chilis here on Camp Arifjan.

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Always Flying September Edition