POWER 6 LTC ZAN HORNBUCKLE

COMMANDER’S CORNER

SERGEANT MAJOR’S ZONE Hello. My name is Richard Mulryan and I am the Battalion CSM as of this FEB. As I entered the battalion areas and started looking at the unit from an outsider's perspective I sought out the lead-ers. The strong formal leaders as well as the infor-mal leaders. I was amazed to see just how many strong and competent leaders this battalion is fortu-nate to have. Of course, we are losing some key lead-ers in the immediate and near future, but I am confi-dent that we will again grow our own leaders and

continue our mission. Speaking of our mission, the battalion is extremely busy wrapping up the learning lessons from our gunnery and Power Focus training exercise so we can use these lessons on the next training event, Raider Focus. To sum up what I've seen over the last month, I can say that I am truly impressed with the honest effort and learning curve the leaders and Soldiers have demonstrated. From our brand new Sol-diers to the more experienced Officers and Sen-ior NCOs there is shared learning applied. We are a strong unit, we are a learning unit, and we are committed to excellence. One of the lessons learned from the previous command

team that being addressed directly with

our current leaders is how to we involve, support, and inform the Families so that we can be a truly complete team. Several initiatives have been started. Some will succeed, some will not. It all depends on Family member and friend input. I ask each Family member and friend of the battalion to engage us, provide input or feedback so we can make our Family Support Group just as strong as each company is. We are truly committed to you, try us and find out for yourself. My Family and I are truly blessed to be in such a great battalion. We look for-ward to working with you and helping each other out as Families do. Speed and Power, CSM Richard Mulryan

POWER 7 CSM RICHARD MULRYAN

Building 648, Warrior Road

Fort Stewart, GA 31314

912.767.4595 ph

www.facebook.com/369AR

Looking back over all of the things that we as a Battalion have accomplished in the last quarter is amazing. We came right out of the holiday break and started weapon ranges, FiST Certification, Squad training, live fire exercises, platoon training in the simulators, and our en-tire preparation task for gunnery. Our Sol-diers’ efforts during gunnery were exceptional ending with platoon level live fire training. The pace and level of proficiency at which we accomplished these task are a testament to the professionalism, discipline, and hard work of our Soldiers, Leaders, and Families that make this organization one of the best on Ft. Stew-art. I am proud of our accomplishments, and I encourage everyone to keep up the hard work. I have the upmost confidence in our lethality as an organization and I look forward to improving our war fighting capabilities dur-ing Raider Focus from the 28th of April to the

9th of May. I am excited about NTC that will take place around the end of July until the beginning of September and have the highest confidence in our ability to be suc-cessful while we are there.

For our Family members, please take note of the Company FRG Leaders listed within this newsletter, along with our face book and vFRG pages. If you need anything, from information about upcoming FRG events to in-formation about resources available to you on post, please reach out to your FRG leader or our Battalion FRSA. They are wonderful resources and stand by ready to assist in any way.

Thank you for all that you and your Fami-lies do for our battalion and this nation.

Speed & Power,

LTC Zan Hornbuckle

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Page 2 - Hurricane Prep

Page 3- Family Programs

Page 4 - Aztec Company

Page 5 - Battle Company

Page 6 - Cobra Company

Page 7 - Dark Knights

Page 8 - Enforcers

Page 9 - HHC Hellcats

Page 10 - Chaplain’s Corner

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE 3-69 ARMOR REGIMENT

HURRICANE & EMERGENCY PREPARDNESS

The summer months are approaching and before we know it the Battalion will be at NTC training. As you prepare for NTC and the summer months, it is important to remember that Hurricane Season is upon us. Although the typical season

runs from 1 June through 30 November, a hurricane or other natural disaster could occur at anytime. Therefore it is always best to be prepared to execute an emergency plan at a moment’s notice.

The 2014 season is expected to be a normal year and is anticipated to bring a total of 9 or more named storms, 3 hurricanes, and at least

1 major storm. However, trying to predict exactly what the season will bring is difficult. It is also unknown how many of these storms will impact the Coastal Georgia area directly. Families will need to be prepared in advance in the event that they need to execute an

evacuation plan– especially while their Soldier is away from station.

In a coastal community living at or below sea level, our greatest threat is storm surge - a rise in sea level above the usual tide level as a hurri-cane or other intense storm moves over water, causing flooding when the storm comes ashore. If a major storm is predicted to come ashore in

our area, many areas will be asked to evacuate due to flood risk. It is crucial that if and when the call for evacuation comes that Speed & Power Families are prepared in advance and ready to leave.

During the event of an evacuation Families will need to be prepared to leave the area and head west. A kit with supplies for each Family member

for at least three days or more is essential. Families could spend days on the road before reaching an evacuation shelter.

We are asking all 3-69 Armor Families to make the month of May “Hurricane/Emergency Preparedness” month in your home. Get informed, create a Family Plan and make your own Emergency Kit. Whether you live on- or off-post, locate your evacuation shelter and plan your evacuation route in advance. If you have children, be sure to educate them on your severe weather plan. Pet owners need to be sure to locate a shelter in advance that will allow animals as these shelters can be limited.

For more information on emergency preparedness or how to create your own emergency kit, please visit the 3ID Website at: http://www.stewart.army.mil/dptms/hurricane/default.asp for a host of useful information and downloadable materials; the Red Cross website at: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster or see our digital library of Emergency Preparedness materials located at www.issuu.com/369bnfrg/stacks.

BN FAMILY READINESS Statutory Volunteers are the glue that holds our FRGs together. Vol-unteering allows you to connect with other Soldiers and Families from within your Company and Battalion and make it a better place. However, what many often do not realize that volunteering is a two-way street and it can benefit you and your Family as much as your unit. Dedicating your time as a Volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills. Volunteering helps you make new friends and contacts One of the best ways to meet people and make new friends and is get involved within your FRG or installation community. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities. Volunteering increases your social and relationship skills While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to prac-tice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts. Volunteering can help you get a paid job in the future Volunteer work can help Family members fill gaps in their resume, or for some, give them jobs to include on a resume if they have never worked outside the home. Volunteer work is considered the same as having a real job except you are working for no pay. Volunteers can include their volunteer position with job responsibilities and the number of total volunteer hours donated to the position on a resume. Even small volunteer roles can show potential employers that you are responsible, that you can manage time, and for some roles you may su-pervise other volunteers in a leadership capacity or manage money. Volunteer expenses are tax-deductible When volunteers donate their time and energy to an organization they sometimes incur expenses. Volunteers have to drive to the volunteering location and sometimes they put children in childcare while they volunteer. Volunteers can track the miles that they drive to, from, and during volunteer work and deduct those on their annual taxes – this mileage is considered an In-kind donation. Other expenses such as childcare, background checks, or if the volunteer had to purchase any items in order to volunteer such as a uniform can be deducted. Volunteer work can lead to awards Much like a Soldier who excels at their job, dedicated volunteers who contribute a significant amount of time, effort, goods, or that contributed to overall improvement or wellness of the organization are often recognized with official awards. Awards vary from Company, Battalion, or Brigade Certificates of Achievement; Division level awards, and even official Army awards for Public Service. Although many volunteers do not do what they do to receive recognition, it is always great to know that you are appreciated for what you contribute to your

community. Official awards also look great on a resume as well!

The Battalion and Companies are currently in need of a few good volunteers in various volunteer roles. We have immediate openings in the following areas: Battalion Treasurer Oversees the daily operation of the FRG Informal Fund Bank Account. Makes deposits, writes checks when needed, and com-pletes a monthly report for the Commander. Since the FRG can-not maintain more than $10,000 in their account and do not spend money on a frequent basis, this position allows the volun-teer to be involved in the unit without a huge time commitment. BN Co-Treasurer Covers down for the Treasurer in the event that they are inca-pacitated or away from the installation for an extended pe-riod. Requires less time commitment than the Treasurer

position, but it still an important part of the team.

Family Care Team Volunteers FCT Members help to assist other Family members

and Soldiers in the event of a crisis situation such as a serious wounding or a death of

their Soldier, Child, or Spouse.

Situations vary, but common tasks include arranging for meals, handling phone calls and visitors, arranging for childcare or trans-portation of children, and common household chores to assist the Family. Although it is a hard job, it is an extremely important one as we want to ensure that Speed & Power Families have a warm blanket of assistance when needed. Please consider this very im-portant position. For more information on Care Teams click here. Company Level Positions There are a variety of positions at the company level that our Leaders need assistance with such as Key Callers, Treasurers, Hospitality or Welcome Chairs, Fundraising, and more. For more information on how you can help please contact your FRG Leader for more information.

BN FAMILY PROGRAMS EMILY HARRISON & SGT GIBSON

BUILDING 648 912-767-2350

formation out to our platoon key callers and we will conduct a call out before the end of Raider Focus. These calls will be brief and their main purpose is to ensure cor-rect contact information. The next FRG meeting will be during our after op-erations maintenance on May 14th. We will go over our training calendar during that meeting and we will be looking for feedback on the call-outs conducted during Raider Focus. The meeting will be at 1800 and it will be held in the BDE Classroom. I would like to close by saying how much I appreciate the support you have shown your Soldier throughout the last few months of training. There is much more training necessary as we prepare for NTC, and I ask for your continued support. We would not be a strong organization without the backing of our loved ones. Very Respectfully, CPT William Corson Jr.

Aztec Soldiers & Families, I would first off like to thank all those who participated in the Company Organizational day on April 11, 2014. It was a great event filled with bowling, pizza, and team building. I know that some Soldiers did not have an opportunity to participate be-cause of vehicle services. I am working with platoon leadership to schedule a platoon organiza-tion day. Due to our green cycle training it may not be possible

to get a make-up org day; however, Battalion is planning an organization day for June 13th which I’m sure will be a great event. Before we began bowling at the Org day I briefly covered the training schedule out to NTC. My main goal for this FRG is to provide the Families with information regarding their Soldier’s work schedule. I know that Julie pushed the Training Calendar out to the Families and I urge everyone to print out the calendar, read over it with your Soldier, and ask any questions you may have.

My second goal for this FRG is to ensure every Family member knows who to call when

they have an issue. The way to accomplish this task is through platoon key callers. The

company chain of command has worked hard to put together call out ros-

ters. Julie and I will be getting this in-

NEXT AZTEC FRG MEETING:

MAY 14, 2014 @ 6:00 PM,

IN THE BDE CLASSROOM

AZTEC COMMANDER’S CORNER

AZTEC 6 CPT WILLIAM CORSON

AZTEC COMPANY, 3-69 AR BUILDING 649 CQ: 912-767-7220

BATTLE COMMANDER’S CORNER

BATTLE 6 CPT JONATHAN BATT

Battle Families!

Thank to all those who could come out to our last FRG meeting! To

those who could not make it, our next meeting will be on 08MAY14

at 6:30pm. The location of the meeting will be finalized soon so

watch your email inboxes! At the next meeting, our FRG Leader

Mrs. Haily Green will be discussing the redeployment of our Soldiers

from Raider Focus and the events in the month of May. While we

will be hard at work in Raider Focus, I hope you come out to meet

the rest of our Families and have some fun!

Respectfully,

Battle 6

BATTLE COMPANY, 3-69 AR BUILDING 649 CQ: 912-767-5355

NEXT BATTLE FRG MEETING:

MAY 8, 2014 @ 6:30 PM

LOCATION TBD

BN REAR D COMMANDER CPT GARBY RUIZ

BN REAR D NCOIC SFC SCOTT ROWLETTE

As we head into Raider Focus and then to training at the National Training Center (NTC), a Rear Detachment will be in place at the Battalion and Company level serv-ing as a vital communications link between the deployed unit and Fam-ily Members. RDC’s and RDNCOICs work together to help Families solve their problems at the lowest level so that problems and anxieties do not overflow to the deployed Sol-dier or require the attention of the deployed Commander. CPT Garby and SFC Rowlette will be here to assist you as the BN Rear-D. In the coming weeks we will release more information to Families about the Rear D Chain of Concern and to access assistance when you need it.

outside help from battalion or other companies. We had the fewest tank crews that failed to qualify on the first time through in the Battalion.

Gun Table XII: The platoons were able to conduct a live fire platoon exercise where they were able to maneuver down the lanes and conduct platoon live fire as one unit. The platoons and crews of Cobra Company executed flawlessly throughout and showed the true ability of our Soldiers.

As much as you want to know what we have done, I am sure you want to know what we are going to do next. Cobra Company will be going to the field from 02-09 May as part of a Brigade Level exercise where we will be able to maneu-ver as a company for the first time in preparation for a deployment to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA. In June, Cobra Company will begin preparation of equipment and systems for NTC rotation to ensure our success. Also during June there will be an opportunity for Soldiers to take leave to be with their families before we ramp up for NTC.

Respectfully, CPT Steve Hardwick

Friends & Family of Cobra Company and Speed & Power Battalion, Over the past couple of months the Soldiers of Cobra Company have performed exemplarily and want to take the time to high-light their accomplishments. The Soldiers as part of tank crews executed our first gunnery in almost two years and did so with the professionalism and ability of seasoned tank crews when the majority of our crews have never executed gunnery. Gunnery consisted of:

Gunnery Skills Test and Gun Table I: the individual prerequisites to include disassembly, assemble and functions check of the M240 and M2 machine guns and crew evacuation drills

Gun Table II: execution is done without live rounds in order to hone the skills of the crew in execution of commands to include procedures when a round does not fire in any of the weapon systems.

Gun Table III-IV: the first live round gun table that the Soldiers shot where crews start to build a cohesive team as they work through malfunctions and issues that cannot be identified prior. Gun Table V: the last practice live round table before qualification. Cobra Company also had a family day during this table which was a great success as the turnout was better than anyone initially expected

which shows the great support our Cobra Company Families have for our Soldiers.

Gun Table VI: This is where the rubber meets the road and the Cobra Company Soldiers

stepped up to the plate and performed how only Cobra Company can. Cobra

Company was able to execute this range with zero

COBRA COMMANDER’S CORNER

COBRA 6 CPT STEVE HARDWICK

COBRA COMPANY, 3-69 AR BUILDING 649 CQ: 912-767-7225

Dark Knight Soldiers and Families,

There has been a lot of hard work in the Dark Knight Company recently. We came out of the field

in early April after shooting a precision gunnery. Dark Knight Soldiers did outstanding! Every

single Dark Knight contributed to the great training and became more proficient at their craft. As

we look forward, we are excited to get after the maneuver training while at Raider Focus, our next

field exercise. We will spend time working on our tanks and training for an austere environment.

From there, we continue to prepare for the National Training Center in California. These are ex-

citing times to be a part of the Dark Knight Family and both the First Sergeant and I appreciate

the dedication from our families. We couldn’t do this great training without you.

– Knight 6

DARK KNIGHTS COMMANDER’S CORNER

As the First Sergeant of D Co, 3rd CAB, 69th

AR, I would like to thank all of the Family

and friends of Dark Knight for supporting

family day activity March 2014 gunnery.

We had the largest turn out in the Battalion

(67 family members and friends) which

really shows the love and care the Family

gives unselfishly to the Soldiers in this

great unit. I would also like to welcome

PFC Rankin, PFC Burling, PFC Davila, PVT Cearnel, PVT Crawford and their Families to the Dark

Knight team. They arrived to the Company during gunnery and they are a great addition to the unit.

The Commander and I recognized we have a strong foundation to build on and with outstanding Sol-

diers like SSG Villegas who made the promotion list for Sergeant First Class, we are on track for

greatness in Dark Knights! Upcoming events are Raider Focus in May and the National Training

Center, Fort Irwin CA in August.

– Knight 7

FIRST SERGEANT’S ZONE

DELTA COMPANY BUILDING 649

CQ: 912-767-3158

KNIGHT 6 CPT MICHAEL PULTUSKER

KNIGHT 7 1SG BRYAN GREENLEE

ENFORCERS COMMANDER’S CORNER Enforcers’ Soldiers and Families, Over the last few months Echo Company has expertly sustained 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th

AR throughout gunnery and many other training exercises. The field maintenance teams went along with each of the maneuver companies to troubleshoot and diagnose vehicle faults. The main-tenance platoon’s hard work and dedication ensured that the M1A2 Abrams and M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles were brought back into the fight. The distribution platoon has been running resupply missions almost constantly to ensure that the battalion’s vehicles are fueled, Soldiers are fed, and ample supplies are on hand. In support of gunnery, the logisticians of the distribution platoon successfully supplied over 79,000 gallons of fuel and over five short tons of ammunition. The field feeding section provided first rate meals to the over 651 Soldiers that were deployed to the field. Currently Enforcer Soldiers are diligently working to complete equipment services and multifunctional distribution support for small arms ranges. The tank and Bradley services are very intensive and require a lot of coordination, planning, and man-hours to complete.

The services for these systems include removing the engines from the hulls, changing over 50 gallons of oil, replacing air and oil filters, and cleaning the engine hull. These services

are essential to preventing unnecessary wear to the engine and transmission while en-suring a long service life.

Echo Company is prepared to support the battalion during all upcoming missions to include the deployment to the National Training Center (NTC) at Ft. Irwin, CA.

The Soldiers are also excited to take part in the upcoming brigade field training exercise known as Raider Focus. Enforcers are leading the way in sustain-

ment operations and will complete the mission to keep 3-69 in the fight.

Respectfully, CPT Orlino

ECHO COMPANY BUILDING 647

CQ: 912-767-4850

ENFORCER 6 CPT BRIAN ORLINO

Hellcat Soldiers & Families, HHC had an excellent turnout for the Family and Org Day on April 10th. I really appreci-

ate the effort that the Soldiers and Families have put forth during this Train-up for NTC.

Gunnery was an opportunity to stress our systems and become more proficient at our profes-sion. Range operations for the entire battalion were coordinated and executed by members of

HHC and that is no easy task. The Scouts conducted Warpaint Focus with 5-7 CAV and well on their way at being experts in the business of reconnaissance. The mortars executed an entire train-up and certification in the past quarter and supported every single Bradley and Tank gunnery that 3-69 held. The medics became more proficient at providing care in an austere environment and will be more than ready to provide care on the battlefield. As you all know we have both Raider Focus and NTC on the horizon. I look forward to these events as it will be an opportunity to excel and become masters of our craft. The FRG will be holding its next meeting the 21st of MAY at the Educa-tion Center. I look forward to seeing you all there. HELLCATS! CPT Randy Shed

Mother Nature was not kind to the Mortars during their M2 range. Although it rained for the majority of the day and were forced to do a “check fire” they were still able to conduct some significant training running several com-panies through the range, qualifying several Soldiers in preparation for Raider Focus and their eagerly anticipated trip to the Mojave Desert. The Scouts are earning their money as they have just started their wheeled gunnery, reports from the front lines are saying 5-7 Cav doesn’t hold a candle to 3-69 Scouts… get r’ dun. The rest of the sections have been diligently working hard during recov-ery, cleaning, accounting for equipment and preparing for their next training exercise. The company is running at 66mph just trying to stay one step ahead, there have been bumps in the road but we have done a course correction and continue to move on without skipping a beat.

HELLCAT COMMANDER’S CORNER

FIRST SERGEANT’S ZONE

As you all know I am preparing to PCS to Ft. Benning to rejoin my Family, it has been a long 4 years away from them and I am anxious to get home. I would like to say to all the Soldiers of HHC 3-69 I enjoyed my time being your First Sergeant. You always kept me on my toes and made my job interesting. This is a great company with a lot of outstanding Soldiers in it and you will be successful at whatever task or mission you are faced with. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Hellcat 7 out

HHC, 3-69 AR BUILDING 650

CQ: 912-767-5277

HELLCAT 6 CPT RANDY SHED

NEXT HELLCAT FRG MEETING: MAY 21, 2014, TIME TBA EDUCATION CENTER

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

It has been said that there is always something new in life around every corner and turn of the calendar. New things, in fact, are so much a part of our lives that

we often take them for granted. We all have had new things– cars, clothes, homes, technology, and experiences.

As I write these words, I reflect on being new as well. As the new Chaplain to the Sol-

diers of the 3-69 means that for me all things are new! For others, however, all things are not new anymore and life may have seemed to settle into a series of daily duties and re-

sponsibilities that can seem old.

If this is you, let me encourage you with the words of Revelation 21=5: Behold I make all things new.

God can make these days ahead and these everyday experiences new. The wonderful news of Revelation 21=5 is not

only can God make your experiences new, but He will also make you new as well. Will you allow Him to do this for you today? This is my prayer for each of you as we go forward. Blessings in all things, CH Yeargin

POWER 28 CPT CHRIS YEARGIN

BN CHAPLAIN OFFICE BUILDING 650 912-767-3303