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Hunter Troop Newsletter

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March Newsletter from Iraq

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Page 1: Hunter Troop Newsletter
Page 2: Hunter Troop Newsletter

Dear Hunter Families,  Thank you for taking the time to read our first Troop newsletter for the deployment. I know that there have been a lot of challenges so far but we are all doing very well. Camp Liberty, which is part of the Victory Base Complex, is the largest and best equipped base in Iraq. The Troopers have been taking full advantage of the dining facilities, gym and laundry services to maintain a high quality of life while deployed. Life for HHT is never easy, especially while deployed. The staff sections keep the Squadron running, so a lot of what they do involves long hours. All of their hard work is appreciated though, because without them we wouldn’t be able to accomplish our mission.  The R&R Leave program is finally up and running, so be sure to talk to your loved one about when they expect to be coming home. Due to flight changes and weather delays it is never an exact science, but everyone should have a rough idea of when they expect to be flying. Please note that due to some travel restrictions it will take extra time to process leave forms for trips outside of the United States, so please have your soldier let the chain of command know right away if they plan on going to a foreign country.  The weather is finally getting hot here in the Baghdad area but so far it’s been ok. Everyone has access to plenty of bottled water and air conditioning so even when the heat gets bad we should still be able to handle it. The soldiers have been getting plenty of exercise and thanks to the medics we haven’t seen any serious illnesses. We are doing everything we can to keep them healthy and safe until they return home to you.  Sincerely, Captain Nate Strickland

Page 3: Hunter Troop Newsletter

Here we are, it is the end of March and we have been here for two months. It is weird how time has flown by yet it seems so long since we have seen our families and friends. The Soldiers of Hunter Troop are staying busy with supporting the Squadron in everything from the PSD prepping to go on missions, conducting the missions and recovering equipment after the missions, S6 is ensuring the communications are always up, S1 is processing documents from awards to NCOERs, Medics are training our partnered 4th Federal Police Division on Combat Lifesaver Training as well as running our Squadron Aid-Station and supporting the 2BCT, 1ID Aid Station, FECC is busy coordinating flights and ISR assets, S2 is gaining the Squadron the upper hand by providing intelligence on the enemy and their current TTPs. And as I am sure that you want to know we have started the preparations for our first Environmental and Morale Leave otherwise known as R&R leave. We will kick off the month of April with our first two Hunter Troopers flying out on 1 April. The Soldiers of Hunter Troop continue to amaze me with their Hard to be Humble attitudes and unwavering support of the Squadron as well as the Troop. Nobody tracks what day it is only what they have to accomplish within the next 24 hours. The Soldiers of Hunter are playing a huge part in history as we prepare to close out our mission in Iraq. As I am sure all of you are, I also am proud of the Soldiers of Hunter Troop. I see my Soldiers working hard every day; they never quit and never say a job is too hard. All of you reading this letter have the right to brag that your Soldier is one of a great organization.  Michael D. Guynn1SG, US ArmyHunter 9

1SG’s Corner

Page 4: Hunter Troop Newsletter

Since we have hit the ground at Camp Liberty, Iraq the SABER S-1 shop has worked non-stop to ensure the Squadron troopers receive all the support they need to conduct operations in and around Baghdad. There are currently 11 personnel working in the S1 shop. We are currently running 24 hour operations which consist of two shifts of 12 hours each. The following Soldiers work the day shift. PV2 Tavarez handles all the awards that come into the S1 shop for processing along with any other administrative actions the S-1 shop receives. SPC Whiteside works in the mail room and ensures all your loved ones receive all the mail you are sending them. CPL Todd, the Squadron paralegal ensures all legal issues are taken care of, which include doing power’s of attorney and notarizing documents. We also have the Unit Ministry Team (UTM)consisting of CH(CPT) Chase and SPC Yeo. They are doing an excellent job of lifting the spirits of our Soldiers here on the ground with weekly movie nights and care package handouts. SGT Teller handles any and all finance issues. He has been extremely busy since we got here ensuring that all Soldiers receive the benefits they are authorized while being deployed. SSG O'Neill is SABER Squadron’s career counselor. He advises all troopers on available options regarding to their careers for those who are interested.

CPT WALKER WITH SGT TELLER

Greetings from Iraq!

Page 5: Hunter Troop Newsletter

I oversee the running of the overall S1 shop along with the Squadron Adjutant, CPT Walker. I also process all NCO evaluations, while CPT Walkerprocesses all the officer evaluations. The night shift consist of PFC Brooks who handles all promotions from private all the way up to the NCO ranks.He also processes any other administrative task the S-1 shop receives. SSG Hanshaw is the night shift NCO and his primary job is to ensure that everyone is accounted for and tracks each SABER Soldiers location. He also ensures the night shift runs smoothly. Since our arrival our shop has been blessed with three well deserved promotions. CPL Todd was promoted to SPC on 1 February 2011, and then got lateral promoted to Corporal on 10 March 2011. This doesn’t involve a pay raise unfortunately for CPL Todd, but it does mean he has more responsibility. PV2 Tavarez got his well deserved promotion to PV2 on 1 February 2011 as well. SSG O’Neill our career counselor took a big step up to SSG on 1 March 2011. We look forward to seeing SSG O’Neill do great things in SABER Retention. Our congratulations go out to these three Soldiers. SGT Teller also took a big leap and reenlisted to stay in the Army for another 6 years. With that, he received a nice bonus and stabilization at Fort Hood for 12 months once he returns from deployment. We here at the SABER S-1 shop continue to improve our shop to help better the Soldiers here at the SABER Squadron.

SSG HADDERSquadron S1 NCOIC

Page 6: Hunter Troop Newsletter

Leader Comments:Since our arrival to Baghdad the S2 shop has adjusted to deployment living well. The Junior Analyst have already started to balance work, gym time and personal time to include pick up football games or xbox and ps2. We hit the ground running and started providing detailed analysis and processing Intelligence for the Squadron. Now that the RIP/TOA process is complete the shop will be relied upon for timely and accurate intelligence to support the Saber AO.

Details:CPT Brian Smith celebrated his sons 3rd Birthday over pizza.SGT Randell Conway celebrated his 23rd Birthday.LT Lance Walters was excited to find out his Boys have made it to playoffs in their soccer league. PFC Christopher Gonzales was able to meet his favorite Boxer Oscar De La Hoya.PFC Dionte Davis is excited to be in the gym daily.PFC William Tygart has started to learn a new instrument.

LT Walters waiting for his Pizza and wings.

CPT Smith and SGT Conway stop eating long enough for a photo op.

PFC Davis, PFC Tygart and PFC Gonzales smile for the camera before our nightly meeting.

S2

Page 7: Hunter Troop Newsletter

Since leaving Fort Hood, 6th Squadron 9th U.S. Cavalry Squadron's S-3 section has been hard at work.

While in Kuwait, the S-3 effectively coordinated and facilitated the Squadron’s final training for our deployment. Whether it

was SFC Gold coordinating ammo and ranges in Kuwait, getting soldiers to MRAP drivers training, or battle tracking the

squadron's status on training events, the S-3 stayed very busy in getting the squadron ready for movement to Iraq.

Upon arriving to Camp Liberty, Iraq, the S-3 shop kicked into high gear. Setting up the Tactical Operations Center became the

main focus for the S-3. This task including many long days of downloading connex’s of equipment, building stands, setting up multiple computer systems, radios, and other mission essential equipment while tracking the squadron’s transfer of authority. Now that the TOC is fully operational, the shop is refining the battle tracking process and making sure that the troops and

squadron get the correct information. Even though the S-3 stays busy at work, building camaraderie

staying physically fit is important to the shop. Five days a week, when shift change is complete, the entire shift meets up at the

gym, joined by the FECC and S-2, for a little pt.The highlights of the month for the S-3 were the promotions of PFC Skillern to the rank of SPC and SPC Fleming to the rank of SGT. Additionally, having the TOC complemented by the 25ID

Div. CSM and Greywolf 9 was a boost to our morale after spending so many hours working on the TOC.

S3

Page 8: Hunter Troop Newsletter

CPT Merrill and SGT Watson look over serial numbers for inbound equipment andContainers that are currently in the CRSP Yard.

Currently the 6/9 S4 OIC is CPT Merrill and SSG

Carhart is the section NCOIC. At the moment the

section has identified all the equipment for the

Squadron has arrived from Fort Hood to Camp

Victory, Iraq. Inventories are ongoing to ensure nothing has been left

behind or missing.

SGT Watson checks serial numbers to ensure they match up what’s on the Theatre Property Book.

The Squadron will also be receiving equipment from other Units leaving Iraq. It’s the S4’s job to track where and when the equipment will be arriving to Camp Victory to ensure a smooth transition into theatre.

S4

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The S-6 Shop is off to a great start this tour. Everybody has learned something new whether they are a 25U, 25B, or even a 25Q.

Upon our arrival in Iraq, there were many things that the 25U’s, 25B’s, and 25Q’s had to do in order to get all communication systems up. One major issues, was running CAT5 cable to every office in the squadron and the troops, so everyone could have phones and internet connectivity to communicate. This was a very hectic cross training task considering the majority of the 25U’s have not ran CAT5 cable a day in their life. Despite all the problems we ran into, the task was completed.

S6PFC Butler on his first ever UH-60 flight to Camp Ramadi

Page 10: Hunter Troop Newsletter

During the time the CAT5 was being ran the 25B’s had to image computers for this network and get phones added to

the network. This too was a chaotic task, due to the amount ifcomputer needed to be imaged. There were many more

problems here that we ran into, in which the IMO Soldiers took care swiftly. Despite all those problems during the first stages of HHT 6-9 Cavalry’s deployment , the S-6 shop has over come numerous obstacles and is coming together in

order to accomplish the mission.

S-6 in Motor pool starting BFT install’s

Page 11: Hunter Troop Newsletter

Greetings to all the Saber Medic families We have arrived at Camp Liberty and have started the process of settling in and opening the Squadron Aid Station. A lot of hard work has been completed since we arrived to an empty building a few weeks ago. To start with, we had to find benches or chairs to seat patients on. SPC Kimberly Keiter and PFC Justin Taylor put their woodworking skills to use and built 3 benches out of pallets they found, quickly solving our seating problems. The rest of the platoon went about setting up a

fully functional aid station that now supports the 500 man Saber Squadron.

In addition to running the Saber Aid Station, we have begun training as well. First squad , led by SGT Buddy Stratton, has started rotations in Whitmer clinic, a level 2 healthcare facility. Click on the following lick to view their article: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/iraq/page/8. All the squads will

rotate through this clinic, gaining invaluable skills by training with lab, x-ray and dental.

Congratulations need to go out to SFC Johnson T. and PFC Taylor for well deserved promotions. As the deployment continues keep all of the Saber medics and the whole Saber Squadron in your

prayers. We will see you soon.

Patient waiting area featuring the FRG Valentines

Welcome to the Saber Aid Station

Squadron aid station trauma area SPC White and PV2 Taylor Z, conduct heart attack training at the Whitmer TMC

Page 12: Hunter Troop Newsletter

We are doing great!Here we are in some pictures preparing vehicles

for mission

PSD Platoon

Page 13: Hunter Troop Newsletter

PSD Platoon

Celebrating SGT Marin’s Birthday

SPC Stoltz reenlistment

SPC Roozen’s Birthday

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PSD Platoon

This is the only thing that’s beautiful in Iraq… the sunset.

We all miss you and love you!

Page 15: Hunter Troop Newsletter

Hello to the FRG!

The Soldiers of the HQ Section of HHT have made the transition for Kuwait to Iraq Very well. HQ has been working with

Linguists. Some of them are local nation hires and have been very polite to work with. Everything has been calm and safe

here.SPC Heinrich, SPC Hendricks, SPC Thull, SPC Velarde, SGT Kerr,

and SGT Morris would like to wish their families well, they miss them, love them and we will be home

as soon as the mission is complete for us to come home.