Bulldog Newsletter September 2012

B DETACHMENT

106TH FMCO

FRG NEWSLETTER

This newsletter is for official use only.

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Detachment Sergeant SFC George Drakakis

Detachment Commander CPT Andrew Graziano

“LET’S EAT!”

BULLDOGS

In This Issue:

•In Remembrance

•Bulldogs' Ranges

•CBRN

•Military Schools

•Community Showcase

•Awards/Recognitions

•Volunteering

•Munich Marathon

•Health Tips

•Quiz and puzzles

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“THE BULLDOG FAMILY PUT THIS NEWSLETTER TOGETHER IN THE LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF OUR

FALLEN HEROES.“

SPECIAL EDITION

Tribute to September 11, 2001 PAGE 1

September 11, 2001 will forever be embedded in our memories and history. We are standing together in loving remembrance of those whose lives where

taken from us prematurely. The Bulldogs family takes a moment to look back at that event and the effect it had on us as individuals.

WHERE WERE YOU ON SEPTEMBER 11th , 2001?

“On 11 September 2001 I was a freshman in college as I watched the attacks

unfold. The majority of my classmates lived in the north eastern states. Almost all of

them were affected by the attacks… parents, sport coaches, neighbors, or friends… the

campus was largely empty for the next couple of weeks as students attended funeral and

memorial services.

My brother deployed shortly thereafter in the initial invasion. At this point,

my commitment to service in the Army was concrete. Since the global war on terror began

in 2001, this is the first year that one of the Graziano’s (Dad, Brother, or myself) has not

served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Although the war in Afghanistan and on terrorism is not

over, I am optimistic that we are entering a period where we will enjoy a period of peace.

Daily I train hard to remain ready to prevent future attacks and remember the many

friends I have lost over the last 11 years.”

- CPT Graziano

On any common day we candidly converse about life, family, work,

school, relationships, cars, and finances. Even some conversations can get a little

rough, argumentative, sad, melancholic, and a little selfish. Not that day. That

day the world stopped metaphorically. That day the world felt the reality of the

fact. The Super Power, as we knew it has been damaged to its core. It felt as if

we individually were in denial of the security of been in America as Americans.

And for foreigners, America was not the safe haven it was on that day.

That day was September Eleventh, Two Thousand and One. A very

empty feeling was felt that day. Certainly for me at Thirty One years of age and

it took me a long while to compose myself. Living in Miami, I remember stopping

my car in the middle of the street as soon as I heard on the radio what had

happened. Many other drivers stopped their cars as if they where mimicking my

actions. I saw people trembling in place, others were crying and we were all in

shock . I could not believe what I was hearing. There was a second attacked

shortly after. Our safety has been violated, and there was no one person capable

of explaining why this happened. We had so many questions in our minds but no

one capable of asking.

As selfish human beings as we are, for some time we forgot to realize

the big picture, the most important questions of them all: Who is hurt? Who has

died? How are the victim’s families, friends and acquaintances feeling right

now? How is America going to rebuild, not only its body, but also its security?

Every year on the same memorable date, everyone in the world that has the

ability to comprehend what has happened takes a moment of silence in private, as

if taking back part of our right to feel.

Something is certain September 11 will never be forgotten. It will

never pass to anonymity. It will serve as the glue that makes us individuals more

human and more humble.

Iconic 9/11…I will not forget you.

-SPC Rapizza


September 2012 PAGE 2

“I was in Germany in the power zone and all the T.V.'s were on. My first

thought was, is this a new movie? Then I realized what was going on. I knew the force

protection level was going to jump and I was on leave during this time. I received a phone

call and my leave was canceled. I had to report to work in full battle and draw my weapon.

We were immediately assigned to securing the installation to ensure the Families were safe.”

-SFC Drakakis

“I was a Sophomore in High School, sitting in 1st period..I was in study hall

and the secretary came running in the room and said quick turn on the TV a plane just

crashed into the WTC!!! So sitting there, we all just watched, not sure quite what to think

yet. As I was watching, the bell rang and it was time to move on to the next class so I did

and there was talk about "terrorism." We were all talking about it and the class I was in was

Gym and the teacher was like oh no, it was an accident and so on. I wasn’t convinced… So

right after that I took off to the band hall where I knew it was on TV and I just sat there

and watched... Then I watched as the second plane came in... Complete shock... I didn’t know

what to think... Then not long after, the buildings fell. After that I just watched the news

day in and day out, not quite sure what to think... Was I mad? Yes... Was there anything I

could do about it at the time??? No... However, today I feel that by me joining the Army, I

have made somewhat of a difference. So that kind of helps”

-SGT Hagins


“I was stationed at 177th Finance Battalion in Camp Casey Korea when we got

alerted after midnight. My roommate had fallen asleep with the television on “again”, but

when I looked at the coverage on TV, I really didn't pay attention to it. Once I got in full

battle rattle, as we did for all alerts, and went downstairs I saw a lot of Soldiers crying. The

one that stood out the most for me was my squad leader. Someone very close to her worked in

the Pentagon.”

-SFC Byrd

“Just started 4th grade, was in

the library with my class in St.

Thomas VI”

-PFC Griffith

“I was in 8th grade history.

Thought it was a movie at first.

They turned on the TV right

before the second hit. “

-SPC Michalowicz

“Was currently in Santa Monica

working for a company called

Flying Tiger Films. Everyone was

turn into the TV in disbelief that

this was going on. We didn’t

have any production schedule in

NY that week.”

-SPC Harris

“I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was in 8th grade history, Mr.

Fredrick’s class to be exact. It was clear blue skies and it was our first full week back to

school. Almost everyone's parents already commuted to New York City. So about the same

time it started being televised many kids in my school were being pulled out of class fearing

the worst. We got released from school early that day and it was eerie looking at the sky not

seeing a single cloud except one a big black cloud. My brother’s best friend lost his sister and

a couple of my close friends we're still in commute. It was a very sad day. And still fresh in

my memory. “We remember””

-CPL Braimah

“I was at work at the Gap in

London. Days after the event I

was stressing out trying to contact

close families in New York who

worked at the WTC. The feeling

of not knowing was far worse

than knowing.”

-SPC Humphreys


“It doesn’t seem like 11 years ago America suffered one of the most

tragic days in history. I remember exactly where I was at the time. I was at

work at an insurance company straight out of high school. My sister gave me a

call in tears because her boyfriend now husbands father was a police officer

working at the World Trade Center. Thousands of people lost their lives that

day and the city of New York will never be the same. Known for holding

ground to the 2 tallest skyscrapers in America. As an American it touched my

heart to see those people going through such a horrible thing. The event that

took place on September 11, 2001 definitely had an impact on me making the

decision to enter the military and serve my country. “

SSG Guidry

“I was in the 5th grade, it was a beautiful

day outside and I can just remember my

teacher turning on the TV and we were

told to watch. Parents started picking up

their kids and school was let out early that

day. All the adults were sad and crying but

at the age I was I didn't really understand

the seriousness of what was going on. My

best guy friend was from New York and he

was freaking out worried about his family

back home..” - PFC Rosales

“I was in sixth grade science class, and

it was a nice sunny day outside . I

remember seeing it on TV and watching

the planes go into the buildings and all

the debris fall to the ground on all those

innocent people. I remember being so

worried about my family because I had

heard the debris was and dust was

moving fast and reaching other states.”

-SPC Shaw


PAGE 5 M249 & M9 Ranges

This M249 range was not only a great

experience for me, but it was also the highest I have

qualified on this specific weapon. It also brought a rare

opportunity for me to coach LTC Zilhaver on the weapon

system and the proper techniques to use when firing. Before

proceeding to the M249 range, PFC Park had the

opportunity of giving PMI instructions at the EST 2000.

The PMI was very useful, it taught us how to properly

handle the weapon system.

My first time firing the weapon took some

time getting used to it. However after the first few shots, it

was smooth sailing there on. On the range, the weather

started off great and suddenly turned black within our first

hour. But the weather didn’t stop us from training hard and

getting a 95% qualification rate. The leadership on the

range did a great job coordinating and ensured everyone

fired safely.

Coaching LTC Zilhaver was a great

opportunity for me that don’t come often. It was a great

way for me to interact with my Battalion Commander,

which I have never done before. I ended my day with a big

smile and also received a coin from my Battalion

Commander. -PFC Whyte

On August 30th, Soldiers of Bravo Detachment

participated in an M9 range. All Bravo Soldiers put their right foot

forward, and made this range one of the most efficient. Hard work and

great motivation also reflected in the qualifications. Eighteen out of

nineteen shooters qualified, and now are eager to increase their

qualification score. Credit for such a successful qualification can easily

be attributed to outstanding NCO support with training and re-training

on the M9 weapons system. While a set of Soldiers were shooting on

the range, SFC Byrd led a group of Soldiers in practicing better

weapon handlings skills and shooting techniques. A large factor in such

a successful range was also the training in the prior weeks to the range.

A session at the Katterbach’s EST 2000 gave the Soldiers

afamiliarization with the weapon before they handled the actual

weapon. A lot of Soldiers felt confident with handling of the weapon

because of the prior practice, and NCO support. SPC Shaw said, “This

was the first time I got to shoot the M9 during a qualification, the

training I received prior to the day of the range really helped me to

build a strong understanding of how the M9 pistol works, and how to

successfully qualify.” It goes to show that great trainers, hard work ,

and motivation play key factors in the success of a day at the range.

The safety procedures put in place, and everyone being at the right

place and at the right time, made this range possible with great results.

-SPC Michalowicz

The very dreaded day was upon us. Most of us wish it would rain as hard as possible. Maybe

a thunderstorm could saved us from the GAS CHAMBER. Better known as the CS gas or tear gas, or

scientifically known as the compound 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, this substance is no joke. Needless to

say, its was a very bright day with clear sky and a little humid, but overall, it was a great day to train. We

woke up early, everyone was on time to formation, all the equipment needed was ready to be loaded into the

TMP, our departure was just as schedule and a great beginning for our training . We arrived on time to our

destination, and the set up was a breeze. We had the opportunity to have a trained Medic at our location. We

also had the pleasure of our First Sergeant, highly motivated NCO’s and Specialist to provide the training.

We did our training in the crawl walk run format and after the classroom training, we tried on NBC gear or

better known as J-slist. We started practicing the 9mile walk to the Gas Chamber in a squad, column and

wedge formation.

Our brave Detachment Commander, CPT Graziano, and our Company First Sergeant, 1SG

Fowler, led the way as an example, battling the Gas Chamber first. It was now time for us the Soldiers to

experience the power of the CS gas. The first group went in and without a doubt they showed how braved

they were, embracing the idea that they had a battle buddy to their left and their right to take care of them in

case there was an emergency. After a while, they came out. A lot discomfort were present, but the fact that

they conquered their fears was more than enough to endure the pain they were experimenting. First in line

was SPC Braimah, I was second in line and PFC Rosales was behind me. CPL Braimah was at the end of our

squad. We all embraced ourselves and walked inside the chamber. Almost instantly, I could feel the back of

my neck burning. “How long do I have to suffer before I get out of here?” I thought. After that, we were

asked to pull our mask “half way”, like if that was not as bad as taking the mask completely. “Right” I

thought in a very sarcastic way. But I knew the instructors knew what they were doing so I felt relieved.

After some stretching exercises and training processes, it was our time to get out. I conquered

the gas chamber, with great feeling of accomplishment. My battles and I got out trying not to touch our faces

as specified by our instructors and the leadership. The breeze outside the chamber felt on our face like

needles piercing through our skin, but we were happy to get out in one piece. “A great training” I thought. I

felt very motivated by my peers and by my personal experience after all.

I am a proud Bulldog member and as such we Bulldogs walk together, train together, and conquer together.

We showed we care for each other, and that was enough to keep improving…TOGETHER.

- By SPC Rapizza

September 2012 PAGE 8

Squad formation before entry Wedge formation training

“A family that's goes in the gas chamber together...stays together”

-CPL Braimah

PAGE 5

CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR PAGE 6

From 20 August – 24 August 2012 I was able to experience an Army Residents Course named Field Sanitation. I was able to learn a lot of helpful information pertaining to the some useful information not only applied directly in the field but also just daily life information pertaining to general sanitation matter. The course included different types of sanitation measuring involving how to identify and conduct the required measures properly. Some of the different measures involved understanding how to use preventive medical measures involving the identification of water sources, purification of water, different types insects, different kind of latrines, cold weather injuries, hot weather injuries, how to read the wet bulb globe thermometers, identifing rodents, different diseases that are carried by rodents and insects and different types of chemical treatments involving gear and equipment. The course as whole brought a better understanding to me personally of the great importance of how field sanitation does not have to be applied to prevent bad sanitation in the field but these measures needs to be implemented in our daily mission in life as well.

- SPC Harris

Chemical toilet

Water buffalo

COMMUNITY Show Case 2012

SFC Byrd, SPC Harris, SPC Rapizza and PFC Park pose in front of the

Finance station.

PFC Park and SPC Harris brief COL Lawler (Garrison Commander) on the Finance

Station during the Community Showcase 2012

September 2012 PAGE 8 PAGE 5 Field Sanitation/Community Showcase

PAGE 7

Certificate of Achievement's awarded to SPC Braimah, SPC Johnson, SPC Michalowicz, SPC Shaw

Army Achievement Medal CPL Braimah

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

SPC Michalowicz

Good Medal Conduct SGT Hagins

Certificate of Achievement's awarded for achieving over 290 on the APFT CPL Braimah, SPC Antar, SGT Hagins

PAGE 8 Awards Ceremony

The Bulldog's were being recognized for

the contributions they are making in the Ansbach

Community. To join us on the day was the past

Principal of the Ansbach Elementary School, Doc

Shirley Sheck. It was a great honor to be presented

the Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, MOVSM

by Doc Sheck. The Principal opened her school

doors to us during the month of November 2011. We

started the Mentorship Program and contributed a

total of 238 hours in only 7 months of the school

year.

Top right picture. Doc Shirley Sheck and CPT Graziano Pictures from left to right

PFC Griffith SPC Harris PFC Park

SPC Humphreys

VOLUNTEERING AWARDS PAGE 9

Name Estimate Time LT Newberry 26.2 miles CPT Graziano 13.1 miles SPC Michalowicz 13.1 miles SPC Braimah 13.1 miles SPC Johnson 13.1 miles

HEALTH TIPS FOR EVERYONE

Healthy Lifestyle PAGE 10

COMEBACK PLAN: Sign up for a 5-K

"There's a 5-K almost every weekend," says Luis Manzo, Ph.D., a coach and sports psychologist in New York City. "Find one and just show up. Being around other runners and happy crowds will rub off." Heading out with a friend can also help you recommit to training. Or try some retail therapy: Investing in a cool pair of shoes or downloading new music can get you excited about working out again.

Maintain a healthy weight. The weight that's right for you depends on many factors including your sex, height, age and heredity. Excess body fat increases your chances for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer and other illnesses. But being too thin can increase your risk for osteoporosis, menstrual irregularities and other health problems. If you're constantly losing and regaining weight, a registered dietitian can help you develop sensible eating habits for successful weight management. Regular exercise is also important to maintaining a healthy weight.

D S E U Q E H C B A I V E N E

S N O I T A C I F I S S A L C

R O E R I R I I R M D G K T O

A I C E U C G G J O X O C K L

L T G A S E N D O R R X C Y L

L A N D I S D C H E C K A C E

O L I C E O C P H D C P S P C

D U T U G A X C E U L D H E T

S G N I S R U B S I D A A S I

M E U S O O S U M S C D U E O

D R O S V I H E O A N O I G N

E X C H A N G E C U I L D C S

N D C E N F M D E O T U C R P

E S A N C C I T M D C O A S C

A Q D X C T T D T T S A E I K

Disbursing Voucher Collection TPax DMO DJMS Milpay DIFAS Exchange Classifications Regulations Accounting Check Cash

Questions and comments regarding the newsletter and/or the FRG can be directed to Emily Graziano: Email: [email protected]

Cell: 0151-400-24022

Finance Word Search

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Fun Page PAGE 11

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Bulldog Newsletter September 2012