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Tiger Brigade Watches the LSU Tigers

A Helping Hand from Home

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256th Brigade Combat TeamPublic Affairs Office

Saturday, January 15, 2005 Volume 1.....Issue 11

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TIGERTIGERTracksTracks

Best Friends Remember the Fallen

Soldiers of the Tiger Brigade, I amproud of each and every one of you and thejob that you have accomplished up to thispoint. But we must keep in mind, that there isso much more that we have to do. Let's keep

the "OneTeam" and the256th BCTfamily together.

Withthe recent lossof our Soldiers,we all cametogether asone family andtook care ofeach other dur-ing the difficulttime. To me,that is what makes

the Tiger Brigade so special. We work as a

team and are there for each other during tryingtimes. We cannot lose that. To the families ofour fallen brothers: Know that this is a hardtime for you, but I would like to thank you foryour support of all of the states of the 256thBCT. You all have accepted the constantchanges throughout this process, and I knowthat they have been hard to keep up with fromday to day.

As time goes by please maintain thatstability, and Soldiers, let's keep that "OneTeam" spirit.

As thisedition of theTiger Tracksgoes to presswe are againsaddened bythe loss of 9more TigerSoldiers whomade the ulti-mate sacrificefor their coun-try and theirfellow soldiers.

In two separate attacks, members of Black Sheep (C2/156) and Charlie Rock (C 3/156) gave their lives insupport of Iraqi Freedom III. The losses have hit theTiger Brigade hard. In addition, the families and thecommunities of these Soldiers have had to bear aheavy burden. We loved them, too, and will never for-get them. We remain committed to the cause that theyso courageously died to advance.

But the enemies of freedom underestimate our col-lective resolve. From the pain and sorrow we find strength.In the midst of their grief, the families find the grace and for-titude to lift us up. I call your attention to the letters from theBergeron and Murphy families included in this edition.They epitomize strength of faith, strength of family, strengthof conviction and strength in the values and principles wehold dear and are sworn to defend. They inspire and moti-vate us beyond that which mere words could describe. Aswe close ranks as an extended family, it galvanizes us asa fighting force. As our Commander in Chief has assert-ed, "… we will not falter, and we will not fail".

These are historic times. The next two weeks willbe critical to setting conditions for a successful election. Bythe next edition, I will be able to report that the people ofIraq have had the opportunity to vote in free elections. TheTiger Brigade continues to conduct full spectrum opera-tions in support of this most worth while goal. Our enemieswill do everything possible to attempt to disrupt these elec-tions and it is therefore a most dangerous time. It is imper-ative that we maintain a high state of security and forceprotection during this period.

To the Families and TroopsBG John Basilica, Jr.256 BCT Commander

CSM James Mays 256 BCT Sergeant Major

The Tiger Tracks January 15, 2005

Page 2

The Tiger Tracks is a publication of the 256thBrigade Public Affairs Office. This Soldier andFamily Support Group newsletter contains officialinformation and complies with the provisions of AR360-81 and AR 25-51. Questions or concerns canbe directed to the editor attaysha.deaton@us.army.mil.Commanding General: Brig. Gen. John Basilica Jr.Editor: 2Lt. Taysha DeatonPhotographer/Co-editor: Sgt. Thomas BenoitPhotographer/Video editor: Spc. Chris FosterStaff Writer: Spc. Erin Robicheaux

By Lt. Col. Robert Baker256th BCT Chaplain

I want to take this opportunity to sin-cerely thank the wonderfu l people ofLouisiana. Your support for the 256th BCTduring these times of trouble and loss hasbeen t ru ly phenomenal . December andJanuary have been terrible t imes for us, as wehave lost several Soldiers.

Your prayers and support have been whatkeeps us going here in Iraq. The letters, gifts,and phone calls demonstrate to us just howlucky we are.

I have been greatly blessed to serve aschaplain in this brigade for the last 18 years.You, the Soldiers and famil ies of the 256thBCT, are the best folks on God's earth. Thewords in this column can never come close toexpressing what deep and heartfelt love weSoldiers here in the 256th have for you. Onceagain thanks to you all. May God bless youand yours and give each of you a prosperous2005.

Meet Your Ministry Team (Part II)By Maj. Whit Gallaspy

Our Tiger Brigade is blessed with sevenunit ministry teams, each consisting of a chap-lain and an assistant. The assistant is the "eyes,ears, and right hand" of the chaplain. As a gen-eral rule, the first contact a Soldier has is withthe assistant. The responsibilities of the "56Mike" are many.

Since chaplains are non-combatants, theirassistants must serve as personal bodyguardsfor their bosses. In addition, they must beskilled at vehicle operation, maintenance, andnavigation. Administrative duties, procuringsupplies, and maintaining inventories also add totheir workload. They are trained in the arrange-ment and preparation for any type of worshipservice including Islam, Jewish, and Christian.

The assistants receive extensive training

in crisis intervention and critical incident man-agement, as well, and assist in mass casualtyscenarios. Alcohol, drug, and suicide preventionare other subjects that they are well versed in.

Both the chaplains and their assistantsmust be very open-minded and receptive to allreligions and denominations.

Our Brigade Chaplain is Lt. Col. RobBaker (Full Gospel) of Stonewall, La. His assis-tant is Sgt. 1st Class Ken Bucy (SouthernBaptist) of Temple, Ariz. Supporting the 1088thEng. Bn. and Task Force Bandit is Maj. MikeGillett (Evangelical) of Duluth, Minn. His assis-tant is Staff Sgt. Jeremy Breaux of DenhamSprings, La.

The famous "Fighting 69th" is watchedover by Capt. Alejando Sanchez (RomanCatholic) and assisted by Sgt. Bob Flores(Roman Catholic) of Brooklyn, N.Y. The 199thteam is Maj. Orlando Madrid (Southern Baptist)of Alexandria, La. and Spc. Keith Istre(Charismatic Roman Catholic) of Mermentau,La. Representing the historic WashingtonArtillery, 1/141 Field Artillery (FA), is Capt.Jessie Staunton (Conservative Baptist) ofRockyford, Col., and Spc. Gerald Falgout(Roman Catholic) of Houma, La. The 1/156Armor, is supported by Capt. Tyler Wagenmaker(Christian Reform) of Beaver Dam, Mich. andSgt. Micah Woods (Charismatic) of Greenwood,La.

The Abbeville based Infantry battalion,2/156th is staffed by Maj. Jim Lucas (Lutheran)of Elkhart, Kan. and Spc. Jay Bradley(Nondenominational) of Lafayette, La.

The mission of the chaplaincy can besummarized as "nurture the living, care for thewounded, and honor the dead." The point ofcontact (POC) for the Tiger Unit Ministry teamsis your immediate supervisor or the ChaplainAssistant. These talented Soldiers stand readyto serve and epitomize the motto "Pro Deo etPatria."

Meet Your Ministry Team

Chaplain’Chaplain’s Corners CornerThe Tiger Tracks January 15, 2005

Page 3

By Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th BCT PA Staff Writer

If you ask most fathersthroughout the world, they wouldprobably testify that saying goodbyeto their children and allowing them tobe on their own for the first time is atough thing. For years, they nurturethem, watch them learn and grow,and finally one day must step backand trust that they have made all ofthe right decisions regarding the wel-fare of their kids. When the TigerBrigade of Louisiana left home todeploy to Iraq, such may have beenthe feeling of Maj. Gen. Bennett C.Landreneau, Adjutant General for theState of Louisiana.

Last week Landreneau andCommand Sgt. Maj. John Morrow,Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Stateof Louisiana, paid a visit to Brig. Gen.John Basilica, Jr. and his Soldiers ofthe 256th Brigade Combat Team(BCT). The purpose of the eventwas to get a hands-on picture of thehard work that the Tiger Brigade hasbeen doing since arriving inBaghdad.

The distinguished guestsbegan their visit at Camp Tigerlandby taking the grand tour with Basilicaas their guide. They were shown the"hot spots," such as the MWRFacility, the gym, Tiger Plaza, thenew chapel and the Onwardi-Shondee Troop Medical Clinic(TMC).

To continue, they spent theday with troops from 1st Battalion,141st Field Artillery (FA) Regiment.After having lunch and a short brief-ing by Lt. Col. Jordan Jones,Commander of the 1/141,Landreneau and Morrow were takento the M109 A6 Paladin firing positionand able to meet the Soldiers that

make it all happen. He was so excit-ed as a result of his tour inside theHowitzer that when he emerged heexclaimed, "I almost shot that thing!"

Following this potentiallyearth shaking experience, the visi-tors circled the perimeter of Tigerlandto meet the Soldiers standing guardfrom their towers, then headed to theBrigade Interrogation Facility (BIF),where the 1/141 has been makingoutstanding strides in gathering intel-ligence from detainees to focus themission of the 256th.

Operated by Soldiers ofService Battery, 1/141, the BIF is anintegral part of the operations atTigerland. Sgt. 1st Class VernonDunn from New Orleans, La. showedLandreneau and Morrow around thefacility and also explained to themthe different levels of force that maybe used at any given moment. But,as the night warden, he does all thathe can to ensure that it doesn't haveto come to that.

"We always have moreSoldiers (guards) than detainees," hesaid.

Maj. Darren Ledet, of BatonRouge, La. is the Human IntelligenceCoordinator for the facility. He over-sees the collection and exploitationof human intelligence gathered forthe brigade. Ledet also ensures thateverything is in order so that theprocess of determining innocence orguilt of a detainee is a smooth one.

"We see this through all theway up to the court system," heexplained to Landreneau andMorrow, "that's why it's essential tohave a complete packet on the per-son from the patrol on up."

At the end of the day, Landreneau explained his abundantsense of pride for the Soldiers of the256th BCT.

"I'm just overwhelmed by theprofessionalism of the 256thBrigade. Everywhere I've been theSoldiers seem so focused, so dedi-cated, so committed to doing themission."

The following day was spentwith various units of the TigerBrigade, beginning with the 1stBattalion, 156th Armor Regiment.After breakfast with the troops andreceiving a briefing by Lt. Col.Thomas Plunkett, commander of the1/156th, Landreneau and Morrowwent to Geronimo's Motor Pool to geta firsthand view of what the troopshave been working on.

They were escorted byMaster Sgt. Billy Myers fromNatchitoches, La, BattalionMaintenance Technician for 1/156th.As part of his tour, he introducedthem to Sgt. 1st Class David Shaw,from Rosepine, La. Shaw exhibiteda project that he and some of his fel-low Soldiers have been working on.They designed a kit to go in back ofan up-armored humvee that providesfor extra protection for the Soldierswhen they go out on missions.

After bidding farewell to theSoldiers of Task Force Geronimo,Landreneau and Morrow spent timewith the Soldiers of Task Force Steel.The 2nd Battalion, 156th InfantryRegiment troops appeared thrilled bythe visit. They showed their guestsaround the motor pool and as theywere having lunch together, they pre-sented them with a gift to take backhome to Louisiana with them.

Upon arriving in Baghdad, both the Maj. Gen. and theCommand Sgt. Maj. lost their lug-gage, and though showed up inthe end, the Soldiers of 2ndBattalion felt it in their hearts togive the visitors a gift; an outfit

MG Landreneau & CSM Morrow

TTAGAG VVisitisits s TTiger Brigadeiger BrigadeThe Tiger Tracks January 15, 2005

Page 4

more fitting for their new environ-ment. As Command Sgt. Maj.Homer Stelly, Bn. Sgt Major,explained to everyone, "wethought that you could hang thisin your office back home." Theywere presented with anauthentic Iraqi headdressand robe, complete withthe patch of the 256thBrigade on the sleeve.The Louisiana leadershipwas genuinely touched bythe sentiment, and was allsmiles after viewing theirgifts.

Next they werewhisked away by the logis-tical masterminds of theTiger Brigade, the 199thForward Support Battalion(FSB). Lt. Col. JamesWaskom, commander for199th FSB, not onlybrought them around tomeet troops, but they alsoparticipated in an awards ceremo-ny for four of their Soldiers.Landreneau awarded each withtheir respective honor and thankedthem for their service to the peopleof Iraq, as well as to the citizens ofthe United States. The recipientswere as follows: CW3 ParnellSumbler from Alexandria, La. ArmyCommendation Medal (ARCOM);Sgt. Bryant White from Shreveport,La., ARCOM; Sgt. John Beesonfrom Alexandria, La., ArmyAchievement Medal (AAM); andSpc. Harold Baylor fromAlexandria, La., AAM.

Perhaps the highlight of their day, though, was the Retention Ceremony held in the Tiger Den Dining Facility. Along with special guest, Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu (D),Landreneau and Basilica facilitat-

ed the ceremony. Over seventy ofthe one-hundred and four Soldierswho extended their service raisedtheir right hands and took an oathof extension.

Landrieu was part of the

Congressional Delegation, whichconsisted of senators from severalstates. They came to Baghdad tomeet with local leaders and tohave dinner and conversation withSoldiers from their states.

Landrieu expressed herpride for the troops of Louisiana."It's so impressive, that thesebrave men and women would raisetheir hand and sign up for (up to)six more years." She said, "It'sgoing to be tough, it may even getharder before we win, but ultimate-ly freedom and democracy will pre-vail and it will be a great gift to theworld."

She also expressed hersorrow of the Soldiers that the brigade has lost since arriving into Baghdad.

"Our hearts and gratitude go out to the families for what

they've given in upport of thisoperation."

When the news ofthe most recent attacks that killedseven members of the TigerBrigade came in, Landreneau and

Morrow rushed to the sidesof the friends of the fallenSoldiers. Morrow explainedthat as his heart was feelingthe pain of the accident, healso knew that he had to betough for his guys.

"I felt such a deep loss. Ifelt like I needed to bethere," he said, "but at thesame time I knew that I hadto keep strong, keep theleadership going so that they(the Soldiers) can move outto do their missions."

Morrow said that he could-n't really describe what hewas feeling that night.

"It's a tremendous loss feltand I really don't even have

the words to put forth on this. Butthe sun's going to come up in themorning and we've got to beready for it."

Along with the sorrow alsocomes pride in their Soldiers, andas Landreneau said, they couldn'tbe more proud of the job that the256th has done thus far.

"I'd have to say that thedetermination and dedicationstands out most. Whether you'rein the motor pool watching themechanics do the marvelouswork and getting equipment backup, or you're watching teams asthey prepare to go out on theirmissions, it's all about the profes-sionalism of the Tiger Soldier."

Louisiana Leadership, Sen. Mary Landrieu, Maj. Gen.Bennett C. Landreneau, and Brig. Gen. John BasilicaJr., discuss the activities of the Tiger Brigade.

Continued from page 4The Tiger Tracks January 15, 2005

Page 5

By Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th BCT PA Staff Writer

When Gen. Robert E. Lee was in commandof the units of Louisiana prior to the Civil War, heprobably didn't know what legacy he was leavingbehind by referring to the collective Soldiers theway that he did.

The Washington Artillery, which has evolvedinto the 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery (FA)Regiment of the 256th Brigade Combat Team(BCT), used a tiger as their mascot. They were thebeginning of what eventually became the confeder-ate artillery, hence Lee referred to all units ofLouisiana as "Lee's Fighting Tigers."

Around the turn of the century, long afterWilliam T. Sherman, the first president of the thenLouisiana State University War College, left tobecome a Northern general for the Civil War, theestablishment began looking for a mascot for theschool. In light of the history of the tiger and theassociation that it had with Louisiana already, LSUbecame known as "The LSU Fighting Tigers."

Fast forward to January 1, 2005. It's NewYear's Day and the Louisiana Tiger Brigade isdeployed to Baghdad, Iraq. Being a National GuardUnit, the brigade is full of Soldiers who are full-timecollege students, many of them at LSU. Not onlythat, but the die hard fans of the LSU Tigers, in gen-eral, grace every corner of the 256th BCT.

In previous wars or conflicts Soldiers mayhave missed the opportunity to catch such an eventas the Tigers playing in the Capital One Bowl onNew Year's Day. But thanks to the technology ofsatellite television, not only did the Soldiers of theTiger Brigade get to watch the LSU Fighting Tigers,but they got to watch them from the Tiger DenDining Facility in Camp Tigerland, located inBaghdad.

Lt. Col. Mark Kerry from New Orleans and of HHC 256, says that this one is a game to remem-ber.

"This is a historical event. The Tiger BrigadeSoldiers are doing battle in Iraq and are able towatch the LSU Tigers as they do battle on the playing field."

He also said that it means that much moreknowing that the LSU Tigers get their lineage from

the 256th Brigade Combat Team's heritage.Soldiers who saw the game in the dining

facility were also in for another Louisiana treat: the favorite dish of many of the Cajun Soldiers, gumbo.

As one Soldier said, "if I could have a realbeer right now, I'd almost feel like I were at home."

Just down the road from the Tiger Den wasanother LSU viewing party.

On any given day one could walk into theroom of Sgt. First Class Damon Hebert, from Erath,La., and Sgt. First Class Daniel Rachal, fromAlexandria, La., and feel as if they had just walkedinto an LSU Tiger gift shop. Blankets hung as cur-tains, banners, pillows, vehicles flags, an "Eye ofthe Tiger" flag, license plates, Mike the Tiger stuffedanimals, footballs, and even a purple and goldChristmas tree with the matching Christmas stock-ings are laid out like a shrine to the football team.

It was no surprise that on this night theirroom was filled with the ultimate necessity for anyLSU Football Game, the Tiger fans.

"It's amazing to be able to watch a gamethat's going on back home while we're here, I didn'tthink that we'd be able to do that."

Staff Sgt. Jared Robinson from Jennings, La.and of HHC 256 is grateful that he got the chanceto not only watch the game, but to watch it with hisfellow Soldiers. "It wasn't necessarily the dec-orations in the room that made watching it enjoy-able as much as it was the personalities in theroom."

During halftime, Hebert called his fiance,Theresa Schembre, from Metairie, La., who wasalso watching the Tigers in the Capital One Bowl.The couple, who will be married after Hebert returnshome, met at, where else, an LSU football game.

Although the outcome of the game wasn'twhat the Soldiers of the Tiger Brigade would haveliked, according to most they still enjoyed thechance to watch it. As Lt. Col. Kerry implied at thestart of the night, the two Tiger affiliations havemore than just a name in common.

"They are currently the national champions,and we think we're pretty good too."

CapitCapital One Bowlal One Bowl

The Day the The Day the TTiger Den Siger Den Stood Stood StilltillThe Tiger Tracks January 15, 2005

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LSULSU Photo Photo AlbumAlbum

Sgt. 1st ClassDaniel Rachal andSgt. 1st ClassDamon Heberthold up a bag ofthe Louisianabrand Zapp'sPotato Chips. Forthe special occa-sion of the CapitalOne Bowl, Zapp'smanufactured the"Tiger Tators," inspecially designedLSU packaging.

Soldiers of the Tiger Brigaderelax and enjoy watching,their namesake, the LSU

Tigers, in the New Year’s DayCapital One Bowl.

Maj. Blaine Kelly, Commander of HHC 256, is an obvi-ous Iowa Hawkeyes fan who hungMike the Tiger from the ceiling of theTiger Den Dining Facility. Kelly showsno mercy as he points a gun at thealready strangled LSU icon.

The Tiger Tracks January 15, 2005

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By Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th BCT PA Staff Writer

Albert Einstein once said, "The world is a dan-gerous place, not because of those who do evil, butbecause of those who look on and do nothing."

When Maj. Geary Masonfirst left his home of New Orleans,La, in 2003 for Afghanistan, heknew that evil was lurking in everycorner. Rather than let it slide, heset out to make a difference.Shortly after arriving in his area ofoperation, his heart took over andhe helped to launch a campaignthat is still going strong. Eventoday, as he sits in his office atMerrill Lynch, Mason is not throw-ing in the towel in fighting the waron terrorism.

Mason is the BattalionExecutive Officer for the 2ndBattalion 20th Special Forces Unitof the Mississippi National Guard.

"At the beginning of our tour we were told toestablish a rapport with the people of our area," hesaid, "but the problem was, we didn't have anything tooffer them."

With guns blazing and a will on fire he and hisSoldiers began emailing and writing letters to co-work-ers, families, friends, and companies back home. Theyrequested items such as school supplies and clothes,that would allow them to help give the locals aroundthem a better quality of life. They received overwhelm-ing support and Mason says that the people were verygrateful.

"To the people of Afghanistan it was almost likesomeone came to their front door and told them thatthey'd won the sweepstakes," he said.

Now that Mason is back home, he is helping the256th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) to bring the samegoodwill to the Iraqi people.

Along with a group of business leaders from theNew Orleans area, he has formed Operation HomeFront Support. Meetings are held every two weekswith the Board of Directors, in which Mason is the pres-ident, and they discuss ways to help the cause of theSoldiers overseas. The operation was recently

approved as a 501 C3 organization, making all donations tax deductible.

The basic concept is for the members of OHFSto maintain contact both with the public and Soldiersand to be the middleman in getting the troops what theyneed to earn the trust of the local nationals. The group

does this, partly through drivesat schools and companies, forexample. There are a few mailcenters set up, and all donationsare sent out at no cost to thecontributor. Mason says he feelsthat it was just common sense.

"It's all about winning thehearts and minds of the Iraqipeople, that's how we're going towin this war," he said.

Soldiers of the 256thhave regularly been distributingtoys and various supplies thathave been sent over from thecitizens of the New Orleans, La.area. As a result of OHFS,many of the people in the

Baghdad vicinity now have an abundant supply oftoothbrushes, clothes, shoes, toys, non-perishablefoods, and school supplies, just to name a few.

Master Sgt. Wilton Gibson from Jeanerette, Laand of HHC 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment,says that he and the Soldiers in the battalion CivilAffairs Section have already shown the people of Iraqthe generosity of the United States Citizens as a resultof the clothes, toys, and school supplies donatedthrough Operation Home Front Support.

"We've distributed the items that we've receivedto various schools and communities," he said, "wecommonly give the Soldiers going out on patrols thesupplies to hand out to families in their areas of respon-sibility."

Most recently 2nd Battalion participated in amedical screening clinic for refugees of the attacks onFallujah, and clothes and school supplies, as well astoys for children were given out.

Mason says that starting this was a no-brainer. "Having been there, I saw the need on a regular basis.I would feel guilty if I were at home doing absolutelynothing about it."

A Helping Hand fromHome

Operation Home Front SupportOperation Home Front Support

1Lt. Kaylor Fredrick of HHC 2/156th InfantryBattalion, gives candy and stuffed animals tochildren who were forced out of their homes inthe attacks on Fallujah.

The Tiger Tracks January 15, 2005

Page 8

HOOAH LA!

They say our men and women have been deployed to this land of riches and ruins, of sand and oil.So that we here at home won't have to fight the waron American soilLike their grandfathers before them they will go to warTo give to others what America stands forThis is the true measure of a manTo fight for freedom in a foreign landLike others, they responded to Liberty's callTo bring justice and meaning to the lives of those whodid fall.Our prayers to the Father and our letters in the mailWill go out to Iraq daily and without failThey will be gone for about a year you seeBut, we'll send care packages often to this foreigncountry.We'll be sure to send tuna, crackers and candy barsAnd we'll all ride around with yellow ribbons on ourcars

We'll proudly dis-play support for ourtroops from thehomelandAs they fight,rebuild and maketheir beds in thesand.We love you andmiss you and can'twait to seethe day you all comehome to us safely.

We'll dance in the streets and have a big paradeWe are extremely proud of our 256th Infantry Brigade"Godspeed" Cajun soldiers as you spice up Iraq.

HOOAH Louisiana, "They've Got Your Back!"

By Amy ConwayVery Proud Sister to Pfc. Ryan Grant C Co. 1088th Engineers and to my other boys: Spc. Ricky Saurage,

Spc. Jeff Angelloz, Pfc. Josh Anderson, Pfc.Joey Foureaux and Spc. Leigh Dupree - I love you ALL!

Weathering My StormBy Sgt. Victoria J. CareyHHC 199th FSB

The journey of any distance begins with a single stepand ends the same way.

One day, I started out on a journey and a storm cameinto my life.

The thunder roared and the lightening flashed. Thewinds blew hard ands the rain poured down. The

clouds were so dark that I could not see. I looked around and realized I was not alone.

I asked for guidance and God blessed me with you. I asked for support and was given your friendship. We all may endure many storms in our lives in one

form or another, but they will not stay.

For I will be there for you every step of the way,just as you were there for me.

Many of us take for granted the friends that have been bestowed in our lives.

Always remember it is never too late toSay thank you to the many friends that have endured

the storm with you.

I want to say thank you, for my storm has passedbecause I have friends like you to help me weather

my storms.

God Bless

From Families and Soldiers

ContributionsContributions

Pfc. Ryan Grant C Co. 1088th Engineers

The Tiger Tracks January 15, 2005

Page 9

Staff Sgt. Jeanne Crochet, ofCharlie Med 199th FSB, examinesa child with cold symptoms. Thelittle girl and her family arerefugees of the attacks onFallujah.

Capt. Michael Benoit, B Bat. 1/141FA and Capt. Vaughn Leatherwood,HHB 1/141 FA warm their hearts by

a bon-fire.

Maj. Gen. Bennet C.Landreneau and CommandSgt. Maj. John Morrowadmire their newwardrobes, courtesy ofCommand Sgt. Maj.Homer Stelly and theSoldiers of 2/156th.

U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu shares her Iraqexperiences with the Soldiers fromher home state of Louisiana.Landrieu assisted Maj. Gen.Landreneau in a re-enlistment cere-mony, and swore in over 70 Soldierswho opted to extend for six or moreyears of service in the LouisianaArmy National Guard.

Soldiers at Their Best

256 BCT256 BCT Photo Photo AlbumAlbum

Page 12 Photographs by Erin Robicheaux

Soldiers at Their Best

256 BCT256 BCT Photo Photo AlbumAlbum

The SergeantMajor’s Club:CSM HomerStelly, 2/156th;CSM JamesMays, 256thBCT;CSM JohnMorrow, Senior Enlisted Advisorfor La.;CSM Gary

Ermatinger, 3/156th

1st Sgt. Albert VanZant,A Co. 1/156th, grabssome take out and a chatwith Maj. Gen. BennettC. Landreneau, AdjutantGeneral for La.

U.S. Senator, MaryLandrieu (D-La.) has a Cajun feast of gumboand New OrleansKing Cake with Soldiersof the 256th BrigadeCombat team.

2 Lt. Taysha Deaton, 256th BCTPublic Affairs Officer, and heruncle, Staff Sgt. Mike Dugas,3/156th, work together to bringpackages to the Soldiers of theTiger Brigade. The packageswere gifts from citizens ofLouisiana who participated in“Operation Adopt-A-Soldier.”

Page 13Photographs by Erin Robicheaux

Sgt. JeraldHolmesB Bat, 1/141New Orleans,La.

“I brought myfavorite t-shirt to workout in. Itmakes me feela little like I’mat home in the gym when I’m wearing it.”

Sgt. Hector “TheBeast” SaillantHHC 199th Miami, Fla.

“I brought my favoriteheadband of my daugh-ter’s. She wore it inmy wedding.”

Sgt. ChrisCharrierHHC 2/156New Iberia, La.

“My daughtersgave me astuffed bunnyrabbit for Easterand asked me totake it with me.I’ve had it withme since we were

first mobilized.”

In Their Words

SoldierSoldier ’’s Vs Voiceoice

Staff Sgt. Paul BreauxHHC 256S1/Personnel ServiceSpecialistChurch Point, La.

"My little girl and little boyslipped her stuffed PoohBear and his football awardinto my bag without meknowing. So I have thatand also my New OrleansSaints flag."

Sgt. KacieChampagne256 MI SupplySt. Martinville, La.

"I have a pictureof my son in mynightstand. It'sin a frame thathas a recordedmessage from him."

Sgt. Marcus ZebbsHHC 1/156Mansfield, La.

“My grandfather gave me aleatherbound Bible before hedied, so I brought that with mefor the deployment.”

Did you bring something special with you thatmight make you feel closer to home?

The Tiger Tracks January 15, 2005

Page 14

In Memory Sgt. Craig NelsonHHC 1/156th By: Trey Harold HHC 1/156th Scouts

On how SGT Nelson cameto be known as "Murm:"

"It started when we both hada summer job at Barksdale AirForce Base. A military doc said thathe had a heart murmur so I startedcalling him "Murm" and it stuck.""The platoon meant absolutelyeverything to him; it gave him asense of belonging, it gave himfriends, and it gave him a reason tosmile."By: Donald Ray Henry II HHC 1/156th Scouts

"I have known Murm for thir-teen years…it all started in the 3rdGrade when I was the new kid…Heloved his country and would oftenshare how he couldn't wait to serveit and how much he wanted to fightin a war. So, it was no surprisewhen he enlisted in the NationalGuard. He got four others to joinand would have died for anyone inthe platoon."By: Spc. Ray AlexanderJacobson, HHC 1/156th Scouts

"He loved being a scout,loved the history and heritagebehind it. He even had the story ofthe Fiddlers Green framed on hiswall. One of the most importantthings about being a scout was theplatoon that he was in. I know nowthat he is truly happy dancingaround and telling jokes again, but Iwill miss my friend."Sgt. Armand Frickey C Co. 2/156th By: Spc. Jeremy VoisonC Co. 2/156th

"He always wanted to be theonly medical officer with a CIB on

his scrubs. SGT Frickey was anoutstanding american and an excel-lent soldier. He was a wonderfulhusband who loved his wife.Someone said of him: everyoneshould have a Frickey in their lives." Sgt. 1st Class Kurt JosephComeaux C Co. 2/156th By: Spc. Henry Arnold C Co. 2/156th

"SFC Comeaux never puthimself first before anything. Whenwe first got the call I couldn't handleit at first, but after talking to himabout it, he made me believe thateverything would be okay and that Iwould be okay. He will always be inmy heart and will never be forgot-ten."Spc. Kenneth Vonronn HHC 1/69th, attached to C Co.2/156th By: Staff Sgt. Albert DelaunayHHC 1/69th

"I remember SPC. Vonronnas a 19 year old kid who grew up tobe a 20 year old man. What Iremember most was the way he litup when talking about being in theBradleys and the guys and mis-sions and how he loved his job andwanting to be the best at it. He wasa great medic and friend and will begreatly missed by the Blacksheepand the Medical Platoon."Sgt. Bradley Bergeron C Co. 2/156By: Spc. Jeremy Bergeron C Co. 2/156th

"Back home Brad was justone of those good old boys whowas just as laid back as they come.He loved to hunt and fish and heloved his girlfriend. He talked abouthis family a lot and how he wasthinking of proposing to his girl-friend when this was over. Todescribe him in just a few simple

words would go as follows: 'Hewas dedicated to his job, committedto his platoon, took pride in hiswork, always there to lend a hand.'" Sgt. Warren MurphyC Co. 2/156th By: Staff Sgt.Terry NaquinC Co. 2/156th

"Murphy's father said in anewspaper that he was 'one hell ofa man'… and he was. He nevermoaned or complained much, hewould just grab his boots, ruck-up,grab his weapon, flash a toothysmile, and march out the door. Heloved being a grunt and said thatthe dismount world was where hebelonged. The Blacksheep willnever be able to play MaddenFootball, eat a cola flavored gummycandy, smoke Marlboro 27's, with-out cracking a smile and gettingmisty eyed."Sgt. Huey Pierce LongFassbender III C Co. 2/156th By: Spc. Jonathon Boudreaux CCo. 2/156th

"We all drew strength fromyou, you gave us all so much.When I wanted to give up it wasyour words that kept me going. Nodoubt the only reason I'm still hereis because you kept me strongwhen I needed someone to talk to.I love you and miss you."Staff Sgt. Christopher Babin C Co. 2/156thBy: Staff Sgt. Howard Turner C Co. 2/156th

"He will be rememberedas someone who like his hob, butloved the people he worked with.He was an outgoing person whonever met a stranger, and nevermade enemies. He will be misseddearly both on and off the battle-field."

From Those WhoKnew Them Best...

Best Friends Remember the FallenThe Tiger Tracks January 15, 2005

Page 15

SGT Craig NelsonSGT Armand FrickeySFC Kurt Joseph ComeauxSPC Kenneth VonronnSGT Bradley BergeronSGT Warren MurphySGT Huey Pierce Long Fassbender IIISSG Christopher Babin

Page 16

In Loving Memory

Fallen SoldiersFallen Soldiers

A Soldiers Story

I was that which others did not want to beI went where others feared to go And did what others feared to do

I asked nothing from those who gave nothingAnd reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal

Loneliness.....Should I failI have seen the face of TerrorFelt the stinging cold of fear

And enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments Love I Have Cried, Pained, and HopedBut most of all I have lived times

Others would say were best forgottenAt least I am able to say that

I Am Proud of what I was....A Soldier

-Anonymous

Created by Thomas Benoit