Special troopS battalion, 1Sb baGraM airFielD, aFGHaniStan

BATTALION COMMANDER

reliable newSletter JanUarY 2013 – volUMe iv

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK JUST CLICK “Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade”

STB

RELIABLE 6 Dear Reliable Soldiers and Family Members, I am ecstatic to say that 2013 has arrived and is now officially underway. We are all doing well and could not be happier to see 2013 for a number of reasons. The most obvious, is that we will be coming home this year. Your Soldiers continue to amaze me each and every day as they show just how “Reliable” they truly are at accomplishing their mission each and every day. This month was very busy as we accomplished our daily missions and on top of that we said farewell to three different units; the 1st Naval Postal Platoon, the 350th PLOPS, and the 376th Postal Platoon. We thanked them all at their end of tour awards ceremony and wished them good luck as they redeployed back home. At the same time we welcomed the 909th Postal Platoon, the 22nd Postal Platoon, and our own D/230th Finance Detachment from Fort Riley, KS. All of our units arrived safely and are ready to assume their missions in Afghanistan. Along with our new units, we conducted some first time events here on Bagram. Task Force Reliable hosted a Combatives Tournament that was open to all Military Service Members on Bagram. This event was a great way for our Soldiers to interact with other units on Bagram and also a great way to use their combatives training in some friendly competition. The event was open to all Soldiers on Bagram and was divided into different weight classes. This turned out to be a very successful event. 647th hosted a Leadership Development for all the companies. Task Force Reliable is very diverse and the best way I found to have the entire Task Force understand individual missions was to have each company teach us their jobs. The Riggers started their brief with a presentation on their overall mission. Then they moved us into a tent where they build pallets and showed us how they build them. Finally, they had all of us get into groups of four and build our very own pallets. The experts supervised us as we built pallets, giving us tips, advice, and answering every question we had as we went along. The last piece of this training was when they showed us how they pack parachutes for their bundles. It simply amazes me that we have such a unique set of capabilities and that our Soldiers have this kind of impact on our efforts in Afghanistan. The Riggers exceeded my expectations on this event as it was great training and a great way to get the team together for some development. I look forward to our next class with the 444th Human Resources Company as they go over postal operations next month. Finally, thank you to all of our Families and friends at home for everything you do to support us. We could not focus and execute our mission without you. We wish you the best in 2013.

Respectfully, LTC Charles A. Stamm

“Reliable 6”

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BATTALION COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

REQUEST FOR THE NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL: jimmy.plata@afghan.swa.army.mil

RELIABLE 7

Dear Reliable Soldiers and Family Members, The start of a new year signifies change, opportunity, and the excitement of not knowing what lies ahead. Every day brings new challenges and new solutions. 2013 started off with a bang here in Afghanistan as we get closer and closer to redeployment. We have been doing outstanding things without missing a step on our everyday missions. This being a new year, I wanted to do some things differently. To start off with, I had my Operations Section organize a combatives tournament for the entire Bagram Airfield. What better way to start off the year than with Soldiers competing in a supervised event where they get to be the main stage and use the training they’ve acquired through our various classes. Our very own Private Michael Dayton took second place in the tournament for his weight class. For their efforts the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, place winners were awarded Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, and Certificates of Achievement. My next objective was to have our Task Force Units teach classes to us on their specific specialties. I found this was the best way for everyone to understand each mission and just how critical they are to the overall mission in Afghanistan. First up was the 647th Rigger Detachment from Fort Bragg, NC. They did not disappoint, there training was excellent and exceeded all expectations. At the end of the block of instruction we teamed up and rigged our own pallet and my group built our pallet the quickest; I even had time to go help LTC Stamm’s group. The 647th invited me back down anytime to assist in rigging pallets. Our next visit will be to our 444th Human Resources Company. I look forward to learning all the complexities of postal operations and having a better understanding of their mission; which I now know is more than licking stamps. Finally, I’d like to wish you all a prosperous and fantastic 2013. May you all achieve the goals you set this year. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you all very soon.

“Always Reliable”

CSM Thomas R. Moore “Reliable 7”

Soldiers struggle to gain the dominant position for the win.

Competitors sprawl for position as the head referee monitors the match.

Happy New Year to all of our friends and family! It’s been

another great month for the Black Knights here in Afghanistan. Our Soldiers have taken part in many events, activities and missions throughout the holiday season, producing outstanding results every step of the way. Some of the wonderful events included Christmas celebrations, the New Years Eve celebration at the “Clam-Shell,” and the Task Force Reliable Combatives Tournament. Upon arrival, the HHC Maintenance Section was charged with the daunting task of revitalizing a decaying

maintenance program. The section’s first hurdle was to establish a working relationship with the Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) maintenance elements, as well as their civilian counterparts on three outlying Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). Tenant units of these outlying FOBs possessed equipment that had been Non-Mission Capable (NMC) for over 200 days in some cases; neglected to a point that units were in jeopardy of faltering on missions due to a lack of available equipment. SSG Luth developed a maintenance assistance visit schedule that would address the NMC equipment and alleviate any future maintenance related issues of this nature. PFC Bosse attacked yet another obstacle for the section by restructuring the SAMS-E system. SAMS-E is an automated system which is at the heart of all maintenance operations and essential to daily operations. SPC Nelson and SPC Semour are yet two other shining stars within the maintenance section

that have played vital roles in the maintenance sustainment of five supported Units. Despite this being PFC Griffin’s first deployment and initiation into the Army maintenance field, he has proven himself as an essential member of the team. The sections newest NCO, CPL Carder has worked diligently to procure repair parts, greatly reducing wait time and increasing the Units’ Operational Readiness Rates. Shortly after arriving in country it was discovered that the consolidated Petroleum and Lubricants (POL) point was in shambles. SPC Pollard spearheaded the effort in resolving these issues, turning in 825 gallons of used POL products to the Bagram

Hazardous (HAZMAT) Materials Yard and establishing a manageable HAZMAT area. Although Specialist Montalvo is a power generation equipment repairer, she has made great strides in providing necessary assistance in the wheeled vehicle mechanic arena.

The Distribution Section had a successful four months here in Afghanistan. The Durable Distro crew operates out of three locations here on Bagram; the Air Mobility Cell, the Ground Mobility Cell and the Sustainment Operations Center. The Air Mobility Section is responsible for tasking six rotary wing aircraft that moves passengers and cargo throughout Eastern and Northern Afghanistan, as well as to 10 different locations in the Capital. A critical team player in the Air Mobility Section is SPC Joel Dedios. He works hard daily to ensure Soldiers outside the wire receive the air support needed to carry out essential operations.

HHC, STB SPC Mc Cray and SPC Cortez competing in the TF Reliable Combatives Tournament.

CW2 Burke, CW2 Bennet and 1LT Barnes sing Christmas Carols

PFC Bosse and SPC Montalvo assist in the completion of annual service for one of the Command Security Team’s MRAP vehicles

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SPC Dedios was recognized with a certificate of achievement by the 304th Military Police Company here on Bagram, for his exceptional support to their operations.

The Ground Mobility Section is responsible for

truck movements throughout eastern and northern Afghanistan, as well as the Capital. They plan and monitor hundreds of truck movements on a daily basis. One of the keys to their success is the daily distribution meeting. During this coordination meeting the Ground Section brings together units from all over the country and from multiple commands. SPC Demarcus Guice is the key player that ensures meeting success. Without his attention to detail and relentless efforts, the meeting would fail to provide the coordination required in the constant change of ground operations.

This month we had the honor of promoting eight Soldiers, including CPT Ben Brock and MAJ Tim Powlas. Our Humanitarian Assistance Yard Soldier SGT Kiad, SSG Dettman, SSG Lopez and SFC Remily were all awarded Army

Achievement Medals for their great work in bringing the yard up to a commendable level on their last inspection. Additionally three Soldiers were awarded Good Conduct Medals. Most notable was the hard work on behalf of our HHC Mail Clerks, PFC Farmer and SPC Smith, who received Company Coins for Excellence. These dedicated Soldiers were responsible for delivering much Holiday Cheer over the last few months, overseeing postal operations for Task Force Durable Soldiers. They took great pride in their long hours (most days were 18-20 hours) and provided our Soldiers a piece of home for the Holidays.

Best Regards,

“VAN” “TOP” C.P. VAN DELIST ROBERT P. MCELYEA

Captain, Logistics First Sergeant, U.S. Army COMMANDING FIRST SERGEANT

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TF Reliable Commander, LTC Stamm administering the Oath of Office to newly promoted CPT Brock and MAJ Powlas

Newly promoted Sergeants: SGT Kell, SGT Schild, and SGT Torres

HHC, STB

As another month passes, the Soldier’s of the 647th QM Detachment have taken on the mission full steam ahead. We have now dropped over 1,000 bundles and over 1.5 million pounds of supplies and equipment to the War Fighters. While the riggers of the 647th don’t get to see the results of their work, they know they are making a contribution to resupply the Soldiers in Afghanistan.

SPC Sparacino and SPC Hernandez have continued to exercise initiative and resemble the rigger motto of “I will be sure always”. For their hard work and dedication these two deserving soldiers were recognized by the Chain of Command and promoted from Private First Class to Specialist. SGT Cook will be competing for top honors at the NCO of Quarter Board for Brigade where I have the utmost confidence he will do outstanding. SGT Cook will also be attending the Sergeant Audie Murphy Board the following day.

As of 15 January 2013, we will no longer have any Soldiers assigned to Kandahar. As the

small group returns, they have completed the closing of conventional rigging in Kandahar. This requires all Airdrops to be scheduled and conducted here on Bagram. This is a major milestone for our Unit and we can now concentrate fully on the mission from one location.

Loads are prepared for Airdrop

647TH QUARTERMASTER COMPANY

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The 230 FMSU family are proud to welcome four new Outlaws (from left to right) SFC Bounds, SSG Thomas, SSG Green and SGT Moore. These Noncommissioned Officers were late deployers due to unforeseen circumstances but we are glad they are here. Upon their arrival, an immediate impact to the mission was felt throughout the organization. Our command team began its first of many Battle Field Circulations (BFC) with the 176 FMSD in Camp Marmal. The Soldiers were extremely motivated and professional. It was a great way to start the BFC! While this is one of our smallest detachments, they have an enormous responsibility and take great pride in their mission of supporting the war-fighters. During our visit, we had the opportunity to reunite with some old

friends and sister unit, 573 MCT, CPT Schmidt and SFC Brown from our own Fort Carson, CO. Next we went to see the 1/376 FMSD at FOB Fenty. The Soldiers are a close nit group and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. The Soldiers have a tremendous MWR program and have overwhelming support from their home community as indicated by the number of care packages they receive. While trying to keep morale high, we took a shot at their “undefeated” spades team. Their record was short lived after they were handed a surgical shellacking from the Commander and Sergeant Major. Final score: (532 to 41). Don’t worry, the detachment command team was prepared and ensured both Soldiers received spiritual counseling from the Chaplain prior to our departure. The Soldiers names are omitted to protect morale.

176 FMSD 1/376 FMSD

The 230 FMSU and B/15 FMSD Soldiers were in the spirit of holiday celebrations as they celebrate “Operation Santa Claus” with a 4-Mile Road March. SGM La Fond had a unique holiday “Dallas Cowboys” theme, which drew lots of snickering as we knew how their season would end. He even had a small white Christmas tree in his Rucksack with Cowboys ornaments. SGM was over shadowed by the presences of SSG Hedges who carried a full size Christmas tree in his Rucksack and placed second in the rucksack overall decoration competition.

230TH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT UNIT

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The New Year could not have had a better beginning! Our Executive Officer (XO), CPT Summersell, welcomed a baby girl into the world back at Fort Carson on 1 January 2013. Addison Emma Summersell was born at 11:40 am MST, weighing 7lbs 10oz, 19.5in. Jimin (Mother) and baby are doing great!!! This is CPT Summersell's second child. His son, Skyler, is a little over 16 months old now and is excited to be a big brother. Keeping with tradition, Soldiers took the opportunity to celebrate the youngest member of the Outlaw family by smoking cigars and drinking near beer!

The 13 TFMC Command Team (COL Zellars and SGM Tillman) recognized SGT Milton J. Moore and SPC Ongela K. Hilliard for their immediate and continuous impact on FMSU operations.

Sincerely,

Carydaniel Cegledi Commander

230TH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT UNIT

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Greetings from the 63rd Ordnance Company. It’s been a whirlwind few weeks, but our Wolfpack Soldiers have more than met the expectations placed upon them. The mission at the Ammunition Supply Point (ASP) is well under way, and the transition from the 60th Ordnance Company was quick and smooth.

Arriving in Bagram amidst heavy snow, we were able to quickly complete in-theater training and begin our work at the ASP. The 60th Ordnance Company spent a week training us on their SOPs, all while we conducted inventories and served customer units. The professionalism of both organizations shone through as our predecessors prepared us for success in the transition and our Soldiers accepted their new responsibilities with enthusiasm. The company has excelled in taking the lead in ammunition shipments across Afghanistan and in managing and re-warehousing amnesty ammunition stores.

While the 63rd is spread out across seven distinct locations in Afghanistan, Bagram stands as

headquarters and locus of authority for company operations across RCs North, East, South, and Capital. In addition to the ammunition mission, the Bagram detachment has provided material and administrative oversight to subordinate detachments, principally those located at Camp Marmal and Camp Phoenix.

Arrival in theater concluded with the transition of authority ceremony, conducted in concert with the

60th Ordnance Company. Both companies gathered in the ASP motor pool to formally case the 60th guidon, concluding their authority over the ASP mission and uncasing the 63rd’s, initiating our mission in full. The 60th also conducted their end of tour award ceremony, highlighted by the command team and battalion commander’s special recognition of key Soldiers.

As we enter into our time at Bagram, the Soldiers of the 63rd Ordnance Company stand ready and

resolved to meet the needs of local and theater-wide units through superior ammunition support. Wolfpack, no slack.

63RD ORDNANCE COMPANY

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Uncasing the 63rd Ordnance’s guidon during the transition of

authority.

SFC Bush, recognized by LTC Stamm for superior service while

serving as NCOIC of the ASP.

As the hustle and bustle of holiday excitement filled the hearts and minds of the American people back home during the 2012 Holiday Season—so did the anticipation of receiving Holiday Mail, capture the awaiting American Soldier in Afghanistan. With dutiful, hard working Soldiers within the postal community working 24hr operations, the Bagram APO successfully received over 3.7 million pounds of mail that entered the Afghanistan Theater and pushed 1.2 million lbs of mail to the outlying FOBs during the month of December through the middle of January. Mail Call hours have now returned to 0900hrs to1500hrs Monday through Saturday and from 1200hrs to 1600hrs on Sunday.

As another inexhaustible year ends; so did the deployment for the 350th HRC Postal Platoon and the 1st Navy Postal Platoon postal mission in Afghanistan, culminating with a presentation of an end-of- tour awards ceremony presentation led by MAJ Kimberly Burke, Commander, 444th HRC Postal. Extreme loyalty and acting on their military ethos could be considered the definition for those of the 350th HRC PLOPS (Plans & Operations) as they volunteered to deploy providing postal technical support within the Afghanistan Theater conducting postal rodeo missions to those who do not have readily available postal services. Not only did they assist the Bagram area of operation, they assisted FOB Fenty with additional support for postal rodeo missions and conducted oversight at the Regional Mail Distribution Center. Personnel from the 1st Navy Postal Platoon (1NPP) comprised of reserve and active personnel were also a group of volunteers to help with the TF Durable postal mission providing postal services at FOBs Sharana, Salerno, Orgun-E and Postal rodeo missions to three COPS. Both Army and Navy platoon leadership chose two military personnel from each platoon who exhibited honorable military values to receive the Task Force Reliable Coin from LTC Stamm, for their consummate professionalism and dedication to the unit mission. Left to right are SPC Beal, SGT Thomas, PO1 Aveytia and PO1 Dacsin. Both military units will return to Fort Dix, New Jersey for their redeployment processing. The 350th PLOPS will then return to their home station in Dallas, TX to complete their future endeavors such as college and stateside employments, while 1NPP will return to their bases of assignment.

Considering all the vital operations and copious attention to detailed roles and responsibilities within a Military Post Office, the 444th HRC Postal would like to recognize Sergeant Diana Arias-Cruz who assumes the position as the Custodian of Postal Effects (COPE) NCOIC. During her tenure at the Bagram APO, Sergeant Arias-Cruz has done an excellent job and for this she has been recognized for her significant contributions in support of the International Corruption Task Force (ICCTF), in fighting fraud and corruption in the southwest Asia Theater of Operations. Her exceptional performance of duty reflects great credit upon herself, the 444th

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444TH HUMAN RESOURCES COMPANY

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HRC Postal, and the United States Army. Sergeant Arius-Cruz originally hails from Columbia and currently lives in Maryland since 2003. This is the first time she has assumed the duty as a COPE and it has challenged her to learn and hone in on her management skills. This position has helped her develop her leadership and decision making skills. She states that, “taking care of customers is the best part of her job, because she feels she has an important role in the mission supporting the units.”

In other news within the USPS—the price of Postage has gone up effective 28 January 2013, First Class Letters (1 oz.) will increase by one cent from $0.45 to $0.46 and each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.20 (no change). First Class Flats (1 oz.) will increase by two cents from $0.90 to $0.92 and each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.20 (no change). Postcard rates will increase by one cent from $0.32 to $0.33. Priority Mail Commercial Base (online postage) rates will increase by an average of 6.3% and will start at $5.05 (previously at $4.90). Express Mail Commercial Base (online postage) rates will increase by an average of 5.8% and will start at $13.09 (previously at $12.85). First Class Mail International packages will be renamed First Class Package International Service. The service now includes Commercial Base discounts of up to 10% off retail rates. It will also include free electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation International for packages being delivered to Canada. For Priority Mail International Flat Rate service, a special rate will be offered for delivery service to Canada. Mexico is now included with “all other countries”. New Product! A Global Forever Stamp is being introduced to send a one ounce letter or postcard to any country in the world for $1.10

“Mission First, Soldiers Always, Second To None” Where the NCO’s Lead the Way

444TH HUMAN RESOURCES COMPANY

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Holidays in Afghanistan

By SPC Courtney Miller

Holidays are big for everyone. The holidays are hard without your family. Everyone is away and the

holidays just aren’t the same. The Army and our unit try to make everything more like home. No Christmas in Afghanistan would be complete without a ruck march. About a week before Christmas

the Battalion put on a 5K Christmas toy march. A couple of people from the unit, including myself, participated. People were encouraged to donate toys or money to all the needy families back home that didn’t have money for presents. They also had a Best Decorated Ruck Competition. A few people even carried fake trees with lights on them. It was all in good fun.

As a tribute for Soldiers deployed during the holidays, there was a concert. One of the special guests

included Kellie Pickler. They had a comedian and a few celebrities. Some of the Soldiers from our unit enjoyed that. They had a great time and even got to meet and take pictures with a few of the performers.

This year for the holidays the unit tried to do something special. We had a present opening get-together

on Christmas Eve. Everybody sat upstairs in the break room as we passed out presents. There was a small Christmas tree at the front of the room. It had decorations made by the FRG back home. The lights on it were twinkling. The only thing we were missing was a fireplace and stockings. We all waited until they were all passed out, then we tore into the presents. SGT McKeough’s church was nice enough to send us all presents for the holidays. A few of the guys got nerf guns. At the end of the present opening there was a nerf war. Darts were flying everywhere. It was a great time.

The next morning there was an FRG event. They opened presents and anyone who wanted could see

them through Skype. They had a Santa there for little kids. A few of the people from our unit got to have Christmas digitally with their families.

New Years Eve wasn’t a very special event for anyone in our unit. Most people just slept. The base did

have a few things going on for people who wanted to celebrate. The base and the Army are taking good care of us especially around the holidays.

396TH MILITARY POLICE

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The 304th MP BN DET 5 had yet another highly successful event filled month. No matter the situation, whether it’s sub-zero weather or any other challenge, DET 5 performs with great precision when it comes to Customs Operations. We processed and cleared over 16,000 passengers redeploying to the United States along with their 23,000 bags. Additionally, we retained two Soldiers, took flight with the Air Force, and also met the very cool band “Hip Kitty” from our hometown Nashville, TN.

DET 5’s Soldiers are dedicated to their mission as well as their careers within the military. CPL

Barnett’s 6 year reenlistment demonstrates his commitment to make the United States Army a career. There’s no doubt that the Army and CPL Barnett will both greatly benefit from his decision. SPC Fuller also reenlisted for 6 years. Her light hearted but always mission first and positive attitude is always welcomed by all within DET 5. Their commitment to the U.S. Army is an inspiration to all.

During January, DET 5 was fortunate enough to get slots on KC-135 Orientation flights. CPL Brooker,

SPC Elola and SPC Farrell were able to ride along and experience the Air Force’s aerial agility. They learned about many of the Air Force’s capabilities, missions, and the importance of their presence in the skies above. While on their flight they were able to see the refueling of other aircrafts that were currently on mission. “The Air force’s ability to keep flying for an extended amount of time without having to land is a great asset to any force” stated SPC Elola after his trip. CPL Brooker stated that he enjoyed the experience and it would be something that he will never forget.

While always on the forefront of operational readiness, we still like to have a little fun. The rock band

Hip Kitty from Nashville, TN had two great performances on back to back nights here at Manas. DET 5 enjoyed their music and even a moment with the band on stage. After their final performance SPC Lopp treated the band to a tour of the Customs facility and a brief about our operations. We also squeezed in some photo opportunities with our hometown celebrities!

The 304th MP BN DET 5 remains highly motivated and ready to serve.

“SHAKE ‘EM DOWN!”

304TH MILITARY POLICE

CPL Barnett’s (left) and SPC Fullers’ (right) reenlistment!

SPC Elola (left) getting ready for his Orientation flight. Air Forces’ refueling operations (right).

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Friends and family of 267 Signal Company Soldiers, we are four months down in the deployment and still going strong. Despite the expected hick-ups, hang-ups, and snags, our signal Soldiers have now managed to settle in and while not on duty have the ability to enjoy their personal time. The Soldiers have various resources available to them for personal time, ranging from personal laptops to MWR facilities. All of our signal Soldiers do their duty and work for many hours a day, accomplishing necessary tasks for supporting tasks in our area of operations, however, our personal time is effectively ours. Though scattered across Afghanistan, all of our Soldiers have access to some form of recreation beyond their laptops. Camp Pratt Soldiers live in close quarters with each other, having several Soldiers residing in each living area, but do not worry; males and females have their own separate tents. Despite the cramped conditions, Soldiers here do get to have fun as well. Near the Soldiers living area is a small MWR tent for the benefit of the Soldiers. On the base is also a USO with a movie theatre, two bazaars, and a PX.

Recently completed at JCOP Hairatan, home of the majority of 267 Signal company, is our own

personal morale tent, complete with computer workstations, plasma televisions, and heat; critically important during the winter. Significant time was invested in its establishment. Previously, it had been a storage area that was so crowded that you could not walk from one side to the other without wading through equipment and supplies piled waist high. Furthermore, entry and exit from the tent was hampered by the door itself, which was dragging on the floor due to a poorly constructed doorframe, and of course there was the problem with heat. No heating unit was present at the beginning, so we had to find one. The first heater we found took significant maintenance before we found a replacement. The current heater also required a lot of fixing, but now is up and running, and with it the 267th Signal Company’s Morale Tent is both relaxing and comfortable. Special thanks go to SPC Powell who donated the most time to the tent, SPC Cash who completely rebuilt the door to our morale tent from the ground up, and to SPC Gardner who almost literally worked for days to ensure the tent had heat. The Soldiers on this base also have an additional MWR tent, which is used by all personnel on base. Each Soldier at Hairatan has their own room in a tent, which although cramped is their own personal space, which makes life enjoyable.

Sincerley,

SPC Jacobson

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267TH SIGNAL COMPANY

SPC Jacobson of Joint Network Node (JNN) Platoon runs coax cable to the AFN dish to the MWR tent.

SFC Davis of JNN Platoon lends out a hand and assists in running the cable to the newly refurbished tent.

Ready to Rumble -- Captain Jimmy Plata Task Force Reliable held the first ever Army Combatives Tournament, January 11, 2013 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The two day event started with matches in four different weight classes. The winners automatically advanced to the next day, while the losing opponent took on a second fight in order to stay in the tournament. After losing two matches the competitor would be eliminated from the tournament. In order to win the match, the competitors had to make their opponent surrender by “tapping out,” or by having the most points at the end of the bout. Points were received from different reasons, to include achieving a dominant position and escaping a dominant position. “The event was a great esprit de corps builder,” said Pvt. Michael Dayton, 267th Signal Company, 1034th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Task Force Durable. Pvt. Dayton who has been in the Army for two years and stationed at Fort Riley, Kan. is currently serving on his first deployment placed second in the tournament for his weight class. The event greatly benefited Soldiers because it helped us become fearless on the battlefield, explained Sgt. Levi Wilkonsin, 396th Transportation Company, 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Task Force Durable. Sergeant Wilkonsin who is stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga. is on his first deployment and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to challenge himself. “Thank you to the Task Force Reliable Chain on Command for hosting the event and allowing me to do this,” he exclaimed. First place winners in each weight class were awarded Army Commendation Medals while the second place winners received Army Achievement Medals and third place winners received Certificates of Achievement for their motivation and efforts during the tournament. Task Force Reliable is very proud of all the competitors and looks forward to hosting a Reliable challenge in the upcoming months.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Submission by straight arm bar.

Submission by bent arm bar.