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1TF 1-182 C CO (1207TH FSC)
Feb
ruar
y, 2
011
Welcomed Visitors
CSM Day with 1SG Smith and SFC Eddy
There is an old adage that goes absence makes the heart grow
fonder. This must be true, because over the past few weeks both LTC
Rusher and CSM Day have taken the time out of their hectic
schedules to visit us. Either that or they dropped by to join our
QRF hot team on their really cool patrols in the near desert.
CSM Day took a tour of our Company area and motor pool with 1SG
Smith and SFC Eddy, as well as taking care of some NCO business.
After his briefing and a walk through, the Sergeant Major got down
to his true business here and spent some time with the troops. In
this case, his hosts were the hard chargers of second squad led by
SSG Keveen Barroso. After getting introduced to the men, he joined
them on an exterior patrol.
Sometime afterwards, LTC Rusher made a personal visit to Charlie
Company as well. After inspecting our facilities and speaking at
length with our command section, he also joined the troops on a
similar patrol outside the wire.
In each case, I am fairly certain both men enjoyed themselves
immensely, and in the Task-Force Commanders case, he probably had
to force himself from staying out longer or from taking over for
the driver.
PFC Steven W. White
L to R: SPC Brown, SPC Berube, SPC Santos, SPC Leblanc, SPC
Fredette, SPC Buchanan, SPC Tiner, SSG Beaudoin, SGT White, SGT
White and SPC Paul.
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2With absolutely no help from Mother Nature, the units first
cookout was held on Saturday, January 1st. Although intended as a
New Years Eve gathering, it was delayed for a day when a Kuwaiti
sand storm graced us with its presence.
The party was spearheaded by SGT Steven R. White and SGT Jason
French, both of whom not only organized the event but did all the
cooking as well. The food was a selection of hamburgers, hotdogs,
Italian sausage and pork ribs.
While most were enjoying their dinner, the true Olympians of the
unit were deeply engaged in what some would coin a major sporting
event. After an energetic elimination process, the first ever
Charlie Company / 1207th FSC overseas horse shoes tournament came
to an exciting conclusion. The final moments saw the aforementioned
SGT French along with SGT Jennifer McCoy pitted against the odds on
favorites: SFC Chad Wilson and SGT Terrence Thomas. While these
plucky upstarts gave it their all, the sheer technical acumen and
brilliance of the Wilson/Thomas juggernaut proved to be
overwhelming.
A special thanks goes out to all individuals involved in going
out of their way to make this a joyous occasion, particularly SGT
French and SGT White.
PFC Steven W. White
Unit Cookout
SGT French mans the grill with precision
SSG Barroso enjoying the cook-out
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3 On Friday, 7 January 2011 we commemorated a rite of passage
for many of todays Soldiers. In accordance with Army regulations
and customs, members of the 197th Fires Brigade were distinguished
with our wartime service patch.
While there are many Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers in the unit
who have been deployed previously, this is a milestone for those
first-timers amongst us. The true significance of this patch, which
we are entitled to wear for the remainder of our careers, is that
each individual is viewed as a contributor to the permanent history
of the unit.
PFC Steven W.White
Patching Over Ceremony
CPT Fielder awards the patch to SPC Christopher Fredette
CSM Day awards the patch to 1SG Smith
Company C/TF 1-182 (Formerly known as the 1207th FSC) has added
to its number again. We recently took into our fold two veteran
Soldiers who volunteered to extend their tours of duty. SPC Frankie
Clarke and SPC David Lugo, both from Florida, having served in the
53rd IBCT (Delta and Bravo companies respectively), have become the
newest members of our QRF team.
When asked why they would extend their tours, SPC Clarke said he
felt he could do more in regards to his service in theatre.
New ArrivalsSPC Lugo claims that he didnt want to do his
laundry. Apparently he has let it build up past what most Soldiers
would consider normal.
That aside, both men now play on our company basketball team and
have assimilated pretty well to their new Band of Brothers. They
also welcome the change in mission. Their previous assignment was
on convoy security missions, full of the ups and downs of long
tedious drives. Each is adapting well to the new environment that
Camp Arifjan brings and the relative stability of a set
schedule.
- PFC Steven W. White
SPC Lugo and SPC Clarke
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4Where are they now?Recently we were treated to a welcome visit
by our comrade, Captain Peter Lawrence, the former Commander of the
1207th. The Captain is now a battalion S3 (Operations) officer with
the Camp Command Cell at Camp Virginia (TF 1-103). He decided to
drop by Charlie Company while he was at Camp Arifjan.
The visit proved to be a good chance for CPT Lawrence to catch
up with members of his old command as well as keeping in touch with
fellow Rhode Islanders. In a brief interview with him, I was able
to ask a few questions I thought people might not know the answers
to. I found that while the 34 yr. old native of Smithfield, RI does
indeed miss being the commander of a company, what he misses most
is his wife Tammi and their 4 year old daughter Brenna.
Captain Lawrence (or Mr. Projo, as 1LT Gonsalves refers to him)
already has a long service resume. Upon graduating from High
School, CPT Lawrence attended Norwich Military Academy in Vermont.
Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a chemical officer of the
103d FA BDE. He later went on to work with the 13th Civil Support
Team for four years. After his tour with the CST, he was given
command of the 1043d Maintenance Company, which eventually merged
to become the 1207th FSC that we all know and love.
When I asked what his advice would be to the men and women of
the 1207th, he told me that he intends to intends on spending his
time on his individual personal goals, and suggested that our
Soldiers do the same. He commented that Soldiers should focus
on
self-improvement that would better themselves physically,
mentally and spiritually.
- PFC Steven W. White
CPT Lawrence during an IMT lane at Camp Edwards
CPT Lawrence with friend SPC Fredette
CPT Lawrence demonstrates the face of a warrior
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5This past Saturday (22 JAN) was a banner day for Charlie
Company. The executive officer and acting commanding officer, 1LT
Greg Gonsalves got the chance to perform two of any COs favorite
tasks, promotions and awards.
In a Saturday afternoon ceremony, the unit was brought into
formation by acting First Sergeant, SFC Michael Eddy. SFC Eddy then
turned over the company to LT Gonsalves. At that point SGT James
Giggey , the NCO in charge of all company personnel actions was
called forth to read both the awards and promotion orders.
He then read off the names of SPC Richard Brule and SSG Keveen
Barroso. Both snapped to attention and in unison, quickly moved to
their place of honor.
Attention to Orders called SGT Giggey, as the unit awaited the
forthcoming pronouncement. At this point both men were heralded for
their deeds, which hopefully served to inspire the on-looking
Soldiers.
The XO and acting First Sergeant pinned and tagged each man, the
awardees followed with a customary salute and handshake. After a
round of applause from the ranks, SPC Brule returned to the
formation while SSG Barroso remained in order to help with the
second portion of the ceremony.
After having brought the formation back to attention, the XO
called SPC Sokthey Tum to the front of the formation. SPC Tum, a
veteran of two deployments was afforded a rare honor by his unit, a
lateral promotion to the rank of corporal. This feat is a clear
sign from both the Army and his immediate leadership that
recognizing him as being ready for bigger challenges.
Corporal Tum, now a junior NCO, takes his place within the corps
of NCOs and assumes the responsibility for his men and their
mission. Congratulations to all who were honored on this day.
- PFC Steven W. White
Promotions & Announcements
1LT Gonsalves pins an AAM on SPC Brule
SFC Michael Eddy shakes SSG Barrosos hand after he is awarded an
AAM
SGT Christiano Silva and SSG Keveen Barroso do the honors in the
lateral promotion of CPL Tum.
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6Several members of our team joined other Soldiers here at Camp
Arifjan in a unique flexible marathon inspired event, held in honor
of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The event itself was dubbed a flexible marathon, in as much as
its participants could individually run, walk or use cardio
machines over a three day period until the 26.2 miles distance is
achieved.
The hardy souls who actually performed this arduous feat are:
CPT Brian Fielder, 1LT Michael Bobroff, SFC Deborah Neylon, SFC
Scott OKeefe, SFC Chad Wilson, SGT James Giggey, SPC Andrew
Buchanan, SPC Keri Rambacher and our own PT stud, SPC Justin
Dasilva.
- PFC Steven W. White
The 72 hour Marathon
Kneeling: (L to R) SGT Giggey and SFC Wilson.Standing: (L to R)
SPC Rambacher, 1LT Bobroff, CPT Fielder, SFC Neylon and SFC
OKeefe.
Birth AnnouncementCongratulations to SPC Will Meehan and his
wife Marlena on the birth of their daughter, Alexis Sofia Meehan.
Alexis was born on 25 JAN 2011 at 8:20pm at Kent County Hospital in
Warwick, RI.
SPC Will Meehan and his wife Marlena with their newest
addition.
APFT
In the month of December, we reported on the outstanding efforts
by several of the members of our Company with regards to the Army
Physical Fitness Test or APFT. It seems that while most of the high
scores were achieved in December, the new year brought results
which were more geared towards the more average PT Soldiers.
This is just what the Army Physical Fitness Test is intended to
do, to diagnose those strengths and weaknesses that each Soldier
may have with regards to PT. The majority of the company proved to
be strong with little need for improvement. Of course for those in
the minority, myself included, C Co. has implemented several
methods to help us get to where we need to be, including a remedial
PT Program each weekday at 1600.
The remedial program is being honchoed by SFC Chad Rocky Wilson,
SSG Ryan Beaudoin and SGT Terrence Thomas.
PFC Steven W. White
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7PFC James Roderick came to Camp Arifjan recently as a member of
the ARF team. While deployed in Kuwait he is stationed at Camp
Patriot, which is co-located with the Kuwaiti naval base. Roderick
who back home is a member of Bravo Battery 1-103rd Field Artillery,
took some time to visit fellow Bravo troops here at camp
Arifjan.
While only 21 years old, James already has over 2 years of
service in the Army National Guard. This 13B, Artillery Crew Member
performs a much different task here in Kuwait. In theatre he now
works as part of an elite security force known as the ARF (Area
Reaction force). Each member of the ARF is chosen for his or her
previous high performance and then trained to work together as a
highly skilled team.
Born in Woonsocket, PFC Roderick currently lives in North
Providence. He plans to return home on his two week leave and spend
time with family and friends. When asked about his experience here,
James gave an enthusiastic answer, I really like it, its not an
Artillery mission, but it can be interesting.
When asked how he keeps busy on his off time, James mentioned
that he is getting ready for college after deployment by taking
online courses. Working out a lot at the Camp Patriot gym is
another way to keep productive. James says that he likes KNB, it
has a Dunkin Donuts with iced coffee.
PFC Steven W. White
Soldier SpotlightStarting off the New Year with a day of
cultural exploration, Members of C co. /1207th took a MWR (Morale,
Welfare and Recreation) tour of Kuwait City land marks. The day
trip itself includes not only visiting a noted Kuwaiti restaurant,
but also sights such as the Scientific Center, which holds the
largest aquarium/zoological exhibition in the Middle East.
Also visited was the Kuwaiti national treasure, the Grand
Mosque, which represents traditional Islamic styles, created using
modern building techniques. Finishing up the tour was a visit to
the the Kuwaiti Towers which are the most recognizable landmarks in
the country, standing at over 600 feet tall.
The restaurant visited was the Ofak. It is set in the lower
sphere of the main tower. The buffet enjoyed by all the members of
the tour was described succinctly by one Soldier as One of the best
meals of my life. Though for my part, I cant see how anything could
top the fare in the Zone 6 chow hall.
PFC Steven W. White
A Day on the Town
1st row (L to R) SGT Giggey, SPC Bussiere, SPC Knight, SSG
DupuisBack row (L to R) CPT Fielder, SPC Dasilva, SGT Lowe, SSG
Boyle
CPT Fielder and SSG Dupius with Rose, their MWR tour guide
The Kuwaiti Towers
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8Shout-outs from KNBSPC Kyle Sanville from Pawtucket RI, who now
works at the Camp Patriot Troop Medical Clinic, wants to say hello
to all my friends and family.
SSG Steven Robitaille originally from the 1207th FSC, now works
as the Alpha Co 1-182 training NCO. He wants to shout out to his
two cats razor claw and fangs.
CPL Rossana Urugutia-Castillo who also comes from Pawtucket,
would like to say hello to children: Domenic, Leslie, and Angel as
well as her mom Flor.
SPC James Dorbor Jr., a member of the SPOD security force and
attached to BRAVO Co 1-182 has this to say I want to say hi to my
family members and all my friends; I cant wait to get back
home.
SPC Mathew A. Ferri from Warwick, RI is also a member of Bravo
Co, at the SPOD. His greetings go out to his father Ron and sister
Veronica.
SPC Matthew FerriSPC James Dorbor
SPC Kyle SanvilleSSG Steve Robitaille
CPL Rosanna Ugurguntia-Castillo
L to R: SPC Robert Brown, SPC Chris Leblanc, SPC Francisco
Santos, SPC Steve Berube and SGT Joseph Turner
L to R: SGT Joseph Turner, SSG Ryan Beaudion and SGT Steven R.
White.
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Family Readiness GroupIf you need assistance while defending
the
home front, please feel free to call the Family
Assistance Center.
Family Assistance Center
1051 North Main St
Providence, RI 02904
(401) 275 4194 or (877) 440 7994
Credits: Author: PFC Steven White Design: 2LT Shane Hoover
Photography: PFC Steven White Photography: 2LT Shane Hoover
Photography: SGT Aaron Staley
Any Questions or Concerns:Please e-mail the PAO officer at:
[email protected]
TF 1-182 C CO (1207TH FSC) Currently Reporting From:
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
Our deepest condolences go out to SPC Nikkilee Swider, who
recently lost her mother: Deborah (Gervais) Humphrey Oct 23 1959 to
Jan 2 2011.
Deborah Humphrey, 51, of West Warwick, RI passed peacefully at
Philip Hulitar Hospital. Deborah was a CMT/CNA for many years, last
to work at The Village at Waterman Lake and Heritage Hills Nursing
Center. Deboarh sadly leaves behind one daughter, Nikkilee Swider
of North Providence and her mother Jeanne Gervais of West Warwick,
RI. She also leaves behind two brothers Edward and David Gervais of
Cranston and Johnston RI, as well as two nieces, one nephew and two
granddaughters of North Providence RI. Deborah loved music and the
beach in particular. She was a wonderful grandmother and will be
forever in our thoughts and memories.
Be sure to check us out on Facebook!!There are now 3 Facebook
pages where one can see whats been going on out here. Follow us on
the Facebook page of the 197th FiB at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Granite-Thunder/109224655804175
Just search for Granite Thunder.
Find us on the Facebook page of the 182nd FA Battalion at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/182nd-Field-Artillery/132626463453842
Search for 182nd Field Artillery.
And now, thanks to the efforts of several of our Soldiers,
Charlie Company TF 182 now has its very own Facebook page. Find us
at:http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/C-co-TF-1-182-Camp-Arifjan/110720475667027
Facebook search C Co. TF 1-182 Camp Arifjan.
L to R: SPC Andrew Buchanan, SPC Chris Fredette, SPC Matthew
Tiner, SGT Steven R. White and SPC Thanooe Paul
Our Deepest Sympathy
