Volume 1, Issue 1
TTTHEHEHE PPPACEMAKERACEMAKERACEMAKER PPPRESSRESSRESS Following the 864th Engineer Battalion During Its Time In Afghanistan
TASK F ORCE P ACEMAKER
Special points of in-
terest:
Pacemakers Uncase Their
Colors in Afghanistan
(pg 1)
Welcoming Baby
Pacemakers! (pg 4)
Walk to Afghanistan a
Success! (pg 5)
Commander’s Corner 2
SGM’s Foxhole 3
HHC Regulators Monthly
Update
4
FSC Providers Monthly
Update
5
585th Roughneck
Monthly Update
6
617th Trailblazers
Monthly Update
7
84th Trojans Monthly
Update
8
Inside this issue:
On February 16, the 864th Engineer Battalion
“Task Force Pacemaker” conducted its Uncasing of
the Colors and Assumption of Responsibility Cere-
mony at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Paktika
Province, Afghanistan. In attendance was the review-
ing officer, Col. Douglas M. McBride, 593rd Sustain-
ment Brigade CENTCOM Materiel Recovery Element
(CMRE) commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric
Taylor, 593rd Sustainment Brigade CMRE command
sergeant major.
The conclusion of the ceremony symbolized the as-
sumption of their responsibility and authority as Task
Force Pacemaker -CMRE.
During the ceremony, McBride stated the following
in reference to Task Force Pacemaker being chosen as
one of the engineer units to fall under CMRE opera-
tions: "The 864th is the second CMRE engineer bat-
talion to arrive in Afghanistan. We requested this
engineer capability in order to meet the base closure
and base transfer requirements that must be met in
order to close
The conclusion of the ceremony symbolized the as-
sumption of their responsibility and (cont’d pg 2)
Pacemakers Uncase Their Colors In
Afghanistan
28 February 2013
Commander’s Corner: A Letter From LTC Henderson, Commander, Task Force Pacemaker
It's a great day to be a Pacemaker! On behalf of all the Pacemaker Soldiers,
Family, and Alumni, I want to congratulate COL McBride and the 593rd Sustain-
ment Brigade (CMRE) on a very successful tour and for all their steadfast support
to the Pacemakers as we deployed to Afghanistan. God Speed to you all as you re-
deploy and reunite with your Families. We also want to welcome COL Heussner
and his 43rd Sustainment Brigade from Fort Carson, CO. We look forward to serv-
ing with you.
On February 16, the 864th Engineer Battalion, “Task Force Pacemaker”, con-
ducted its Uncasing of the Colors and Assumption of Responsibility (con’t. pg 3)
Lt. Col. John Henderson and
Command Sgt. Maj. Christo-
pher Tipton uncase the 864th
Engineer Battalion “Task
Force Pacemakers” at the
Uncasing of the Colors Cere-
mony in Paktika Province,
Afghanistan on February
16th, symbolizing the as-
sumption of their responsibil-
ity and authority as Task
Force Pacemaker. (593rd
Public Affairs Office
(Uncasing cont’d) authority as Task Force Pace-
maker -CMRE.
During the ceremony, McBride stated the following in
reference to Task Force Pacemaker being chosen as one
of the engineer units to fall under CMRE operations:
"The 864th is the second CMRE engineer battalion to
arrive in Afghanistan. We requested this engineer ca-
pability in order to meet the base closure and base
transfer requirements that must be met in order to
close out operations in the Combined Joint Area of Op-
erations-Afghanistan by the presidential mandate. This
request for additional unit capability came at a time
where the Commander in Chief wanted to decrease
unit strength in theater. This took
special permission up through the
Chief and Staff and Secretary of De-
fense to gain approval for this critical
CMRE asset."
Task Force Pacemaker’s main focus,
while under CMRE command, is to pro-
vide engineering support to base clo-
sures and base transfers to the Afghan
national government. The decision to
deconstruct or transfer the forward op-
erating bases and combat out posts is a partnership
that starts with a discussion between commanders and
leaders at the provincial and district level. It is final-
ized by the ministers of the government of Afghanistan
through the Base Closure Commission. As of December
1, 2012, 370 bases have been transferred and 230 have
been closed, according to Col. McBride.
“This is certainly a historic phase of Operation En-
during Freedom, and the Soldiers and families of Task
Force Pacemaker are honored to be a part of the CMRE
and this daunting and complex mission,” stated Lt. Col.
Col. Douglas McBride, addresses the 864th Engineer
Battalion during the Uncasing of the Colors Ceremony
on February 16th. (593rd Public Affairs photo/SSG
Daniel Balda)
Deploying, however, is nothing new for the combat-
proven 864th Engineer Battalion. This is the fifth de-
ployment for Task Force Pacemaker in the past 10
years, its fourth deployment to Afghanistan, and its
third to Paktika Province. During this deployment,
Soldiers of Task Force Pacemaker will serve jointly
with Airmen from the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron
based out of Andrews Air Force Base, Washington,
and the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron based out of
Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in addition to “Seabees”
from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 out
of Barksdale, La.
It’s been 22 months since the Pacemakers returned
from their last deployment to Afghani-
stan in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom where they upgraded and
maintained combat out posts and
placed miles of concrete barriers, con-
structed tactical operation centers, bed
spaces, and miles of Hesco Barriers,
“What's ironic about this mission is
that the 864th Engineer Battalion
built most of the bases on previous de-
ployments that they are now charged
to take down. It has truly gone full circle for this com-
bat tested battalion. Under the outstanding leadership
of Lt. Col. Henderson and Command Sgt. Maj. Tipton,
they are more than up to the task. They are trained,
validated, and ready to get after this important mis-
sion at a critical time in our nation's history," McBride
said during the ceremony.
When asked how he felt about the eventual retro-
grade and removal of buildings and structures his unit
constructed during his last deployment with the 864th
Engineer Battalion, 1st Sgt. Raymond Washington,
585th Engineer Company first sergeant, responded
with the following, “over a year ago, I remember con-
structing several checkpoints, bed down areas, and
strongholds for combat units in Afghanistan during
Operation Enduring Freedom 10-11. I feel very good
about some of the very structures that the 864th Engi-
neer Battalion constructed last deployment being ret-
rograded and removed. I am honored to be part of the
CMRE element that will be doing this mission. I am
proud to be one of the first units to begin ‘to turn out
the lights in Afghanistan’.”
At the conclusion of his remarks during the
ceremony, Henderson stated, “Task Force Pacemaker
is exactly where we need to be right now to support
our Army and Nation, setting the pace for the respon-
sible retrograde of United States Forces.”
“This took special
permission up through
the Chief and Staff and
Secretary of Defense to
gain approval for this
critical CMRE asset.”
PAGE 2 THE PACEMAKER PRESS VOLUME 1, I SSUE 1
A reenlistment during this period of time with our
nation at war, is even more distinctive and shows
that our Soldiers knowingly and willing accept the
risks and hardships associated with our service. I
want to thank all of the supportive Family members
of these Soldiers whom have dedicated their lives to
this great service.
Task Force Pacemaker continues to operate at a
high standard and I am humbled to be associated
with our team. I consider it a privilege to serve be-
side our Soldiers and Airmen each and every day. I
cannot tell you how our standards and discipline sets
us apart from any other organization in the Army.
You should be proud of your men and women here, as
we continue to make history “Setting the Pace!” as we
did in Vietnam and are doing here in Afghanistan.
Finally, I cannot overstate how important your sup-
port will be to us all. I hope the upcoming Spring
Season will be an enjoyable one for all of you and
your children as you can a relax with Spring Break
and enjoy the beautiful Washington weather ;-).
― )يضبط االيقاع; يستخدم مثال, يضبط الوتيرة Set the Pace!)
CSM Christopher D. Tipton (Pacemaker 7)
(Commander’s Corner cont’d) Ceremony at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Paktika Province, Afghanistan.
Task Force Pacemaker’s main focus is to provide engineering support to the CENTCOM Materiel Recovery Ele-
ment (CMRE) for base closures and base transfers to the Afghan national government. This is a historic phase of
Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Soldiers and families of Task Force Pacemaker are honored to be a part of
the CMRE and this daunting and complex mission.
This is the fifth deployment for Task Force Pacemaker in the past 10 years, the fourth deployment to Afghani-
stan, and the third to Paktika Province. The warrior ethos is ingrained into the DNA of this unit. We have dili-
gently worked to train as we fight, and now the time has come (again) to fight as we have been trained. On this
tour, we are proud to serve jointly with our Air Force teammates from the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron based
out of Andrews Air Force Base and the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron based out of Minot Air Force Base. Addition-
ally, we are looking forward to serving with the “Seabees” from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 out of
Barksdale, LA who are scheduled to join Task Force Pacemaker this summer.
I could not be more proud of our Soldiers and Family members for the perseverance that they have shown over
the past 5 months to get ready for this deployment. Thanks to all of you for your hard work, patience, and contin-
ued support to our Soldiers. Getting here on short notice was a great accomplishment, but it only marks the be-
ginning of our mission here, which is the beginning of the end of the longest war in our Nation’s history. Task
Force Pacemaker is exactly where we need to be right now to support our Army and Nation, "setting the pace" for
the responsible retrograde of US forces. I am absolutely confident that we will "RISE To The Challenge"… we will
accomplish our assigned missions, and we will serve with distinction just as our fellow Pacemaker Veterans and
Alumni have done for the past 70 years. SET THE PACE!!
) نبضاتالقلب تحيات منظم (Greetings Pacemakers), I want to
first extend my thanks and gratitude to the Family mem-
bers and friends of Task Force Pacemaker for your sup-
port to our Soldiers and Airmen as we embark on this mis-
sion to conduct retrograde operations as part of the CENT-
COM Material Recovery Element (CMRE) here in Af-
ghanistan.
Overall, the preparations for missions and projects in
the Area of Operation are going extremely well. It has
been a overwhelming effort of all the Soldiers and Air-
men working diligently on establishing our combat
power. The Commander and I are really proud of the
accomplishments of our Soldiers and Airmen as they
keep up a positive sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
We are also very proud of
each and every one of our
Soldiers who were selected
for promotion and re-
enlisted over the past few
months– we had some great
Soldiers raise their right
hand and recite the oath.
Any reenlistment and/or
promotion are special and
show a commitment to our
Army and to the nation.
Command Sergeant Major’s Foxhole A Letter From CSM Tipton
PAGE 3 THE PACEMAKER PRESS VOLUME 1, I SSUE 1
Upper Left: CPT Joles and 1SG Wong, HHC Company
Command team, uncase the colors of their company
during the uncasing ceremony on 16 February.
Left: SPC Hyden, medic out of HHC, speaks with COL
McBride during his visit and tour of the Task Force
Pacemaker area of operations.
Greetings from the Regulators at FOB Sharana. Since
hitting the ground, HHC has been busy setting up the
Battalion’s tactical operations center and coordinating
upcoming missions. We have occupied a temporary area,
and are transitioning into more permanent living and
working quarters as other units depart country. Our Sol-
diers are doing well and getting acclimatized to the area
and preparing for our future missions. The weather in
Sharana has been cold and damp and reminds many of us
of Washington. As do all of the care packages Soldiers
have been receiving from home. Thank you to the Regu-
lator families and friends for your continued love and sup-
port for our Soldiers.
New
and
Expecting
Mothers!
The Pacemaker family
wishes to offer support
through the Pacemaker
Pregnancy Support Group!
Check it out on Facebook!
Search Pacemaker Preg-
nancy Support Group.
Headquarters and Headquarters Company
Regulators!
And the Pacemaker Family Expands!
PAGE 4 THE PACEMAKER PRESS VOLUME 1, I SSUE 1
The first month of deploy-
ment is a crucial time for a unit.
It is a time that essentially out-
lines the basis for future success.
Since the Providers have hit the
ground in Afghanistan we have
expeditiously worked in establish-
ing our area of opera-
tions so that we have a
solid foundation for fu-
ture operations. Over
the past month, we have
made dividends in logis-
tical operations to
include the fabrica-
tion of half a dozen
dump assets utilizing
flatracks, and inven-
tories of over 25 mil-
lion dollars in prop-
erty and acquiring
remote, field feeding
equipment. Our accomplish-
ments thus far have truly ex-
emplified our innovative and
agile capabilities, which have
allowed us to quickly react and
adapt to any situation. With
each and every new mission, FSC
Providers continue to lead the way
and set the pace!
PROVIDERS!!
away from Joint Base Lewis
McChord. From all the Pace-
makers deployed, thank you for
all of your support!
While Pacemaker Soldiers are
deployed overseas in Afghani-
stan, loved ones are showing
their support for their
loved ones by “walking
to Afghanistan”. Es-
sentially, supporters
of the Pacemakers get
together and walk for
either a certain time
or distance. After
each event, the miles
are logged and tallied.
Companies have a
friendly competition to
see who can log the
most miles. Supporters are even
sending in miles from places
The statistics are in!
Other units: 12 miles
FSC: 205.8 miles
617: 170.5 miles
585: 78.5 miles
HHC: 168 miles
Rear D: 2 miles
Grand total: 636.28 miles!!
Forward Support Company
Providers!!!
Pacemaker Families and Friends Walk to Support
Soldiers Deployed
PAGE 5 THE PACEMAKER PRESS VOLUME 1, I SSUE 1
SFC Wheeler shows off his skills in the
in handling the 10K Forklift.
SGT Bell and 1LT Manzano stand in front of
the HEMTT PLS.
Pacemakers “Walk to Afghanistan”!
Roughneck Family and Friends,
True to the Roughneck standard,
it has been another busy quarter
for us in our transition from JBLM
to FOB Sharana. Roughneck Sol-
diers hit the ground running after
returning from a well deserved
block leave. The first week back,
Roughnecks were busy at the
range to ensure all Soldiers quali-
fied on their individual weapon
systems for the upcoming deploy-
ment. In addition, Soldiers com-
pleted all mandated training and
worked hard to guarantee all nec-
essary supplies and equipment
were packed for the deployment.
In mid January, the advance party
consisting of CPT Lin, SFC Jones,
SSG Greene, SGT Molstad, and
PV2 Douglas, departed JBLM for
FOB Sharana and set the ball in
motion for the Roughnecks. These
five individuals accomplished a
tremendous
amount of
work to pre-
pare for the
arrival of the
rest of the
company by
securing the
Roughneck
living area on
FOB Sharana,
the company
operations
facility, sign-
ing for vehi-
cles and
equipment,
and complet-
ing many
other mission essential tasks.
Back on the home front, Rough-
neck Soldiers continued to work
hard on final pre-deployment
tasks. Soldiers and their families
were able to enjoy a final four day
weekend together for Martin Lu-
ther King’s Day and then dark and
early in late January, Roughnecks
said their
“see you
laters” to
our fami-
lies and
departed
JBLM.
The
Rough-
necks had
a long
journey
and en-
countered
many de-
lays from
JBLM to
FOB Sha-
rana. In Bagram, Roughnecks
received theater training. Despite
less than ideal weather conditions,
Roughnecks stayed motivated and
disciplined and, as always, gave
their 100% effort to get
the most out of the
training. After almost
two weeks in transit,
all of the Roughnecks
finally made it to FOB
Sharana, our home for
the next eight months.
Since arriving at FOB
Sharana, Roughnecks
have remained busy
preparing vehicles and
equipment for the up-
coming missions. In
mid February there
was an Assumption of
Authority ceremony
during which Colonel
Douglas M. McBride
Jr, 593rd Sustainment Brigade,
CENTCOM Material Recovery
Element (CMRE) Commander,
officially welcomed the 864th Engi-
neer Battalion into theater. The
864th Engineer Battalion is the
second CMRE Engineer Battalion
to arrive in theater to begin the
deconstruc-
tion proc-
ess to close-
out Af-
ghanistan.
Since the
864th Engi-
neer Bat-
talion is
not replac-
ing another
unit, there
are many
prepara-
tory steps
which have
to be taken
before we
can break
ground and begin missions. 585th
Soldiers have been fortifying the
company area to support the mis-
sions we are going to undertake,
performing maintenance on vehi-
cles to get them up to combat
speed, and analyzing our projects
and assets. Of note, the Rough-
necks will be gaining 2nd Platoon
from 617th Horizontal Engineer
Company led by 1LT Jacobs and
SFC Armijo in order to accomplish
the full scope of projects on FOB
Sharana.
Especially while deployed, the
leaders of the Roughneck family
are exceptionally grateful for the
support of the friends and families
of our Soldiers. We know behind
every Soldier is a support system
who makes it possible for our Sol-
diers to continue to do great
things. We could not have
achieved anything without your
love and support and we thank
you for that.
Sincerely,
CPT Brandon J. Mackey
Roughneck 6
585th Engineer Company
Roughnecks!!
PAGE 6 THE PACEMAKER PRESS VOLUME 1, I SSUE 1
SPC O’Quinn fixes a gator.
SPC Poli, SPC Camunas, and SGT West practic-
ing using a tourniquet.
Greetings from Sharana! I am
happy to report that the Trail-
blazer Family is settled in For-
ward Operating Base Sharana and
ready to start our first missions.
Over the past couple of weeks the
Company has been going through
many bases and training events.
We spent approximately a week in
Manas, Kyrgyzstan where we did
some training and acclimated to
the new time zone and weather.
From there we spent some time in
Bagram, Afghanistan where we
received additional training and
then finally made it to our home,
FOB Sharana, where we were met
by our Advance Party (LT Kut-
nink, SSG Braithwaite, SGT Lugo,
SGT Berger, SGT Morales, SGT
Ballard, SGT Perez, SGT Hernan-
dez, SPC Decirce, and SPC Dun-
can). The Advance Party did an
excellent job setting up the condi-
tions for our Company and we
could not be happier with their
performance.
Most recently, we have been con-
ducting rehearsals and Pre Com-
bat Inspections and Pre Combat Checks (PCI/PCCs) for our upcoming mis-
sions. Our Soldiers are also getting familiar on new equipment to include the
Mine Resistant Vehicle (MRAP) which is the safest and best vehicle you can
have in Afghanistan. Each platoon has received an extremely important mis-
sion which they will all be executing in the next couple of weeks. We also
recognized some Soldiers for their hard work with Company Coins. SGT
Hernandez, SGT Miligy, SPC Duncan, SPC Simmons, and SPC Zornes re-
ceived Trailblazer Coins from the Company for their outstanding perform-
ance and overall team work.
Lastly, I would just like to take a moment to say thank you to all the Trail-
blazer Families. Your enduring and selfless support is what keeps your Sol-
diers motivated and ready to perform any mission. The Company would not
be able to function without your help and support. Please feel free to contact
me if you every have any questions or concerns. Trailblazers Clear The
Way.
CPT Karoline M. Hood
Trailblazer 6
617th Engineer Company
Trailblazers!!
PAGE 7 THE PACEMAKER PRESS VOLUME 1, I SSUE 1
Have a Question Regarding Your Soldier’s Company’s FRG?
Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA)
Karyn Hubbell [email protected] or 253-966-7019
864th ENGINEER BATTALION FRG LEADERSHIP
Senior Advisor: Amy Henderson [email protected]
HHC: Rowan Jones [email protected]
FSC: Sandra Robinson [email protected]
557: Christy Mahn [email protected]
585: Stacey Mackey [email protected]
617: Holly Phelps [email protected]
617th Soldiers zero their rifles.
On 16 February, 617th
Uncased their Colors,
officially recognizing
the change from transi-
tion oriented to mission
oriented.
The Soldiers, Sergeants, and Officers of the 84th Engineer Detachment have all finally arrived safely in Re-
gional Command (RC) East, Afghanistan. Without skipping a beat, the team immediately went to work. CW2 Erick
Hume (Detachment Commander), SFC Ramon Villa (Detachment NCOIC), SGT Luis Sanchez, SPC John Lampman,
PFC Wesley Rivera and PFC Sue Lao flew out to numerous Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to conduct thorough re-
connaissance to provide the steadily arriving “Pacemaker” companies with clear and accurate information to help ac-
complish the overall mission of closing the FOB’s.
Remaining on FOB Sharana SGT Rafael Picon and SPC Joseph Myrum started the important mission of sur-
veying the FOB by block while simultaneously providing the 864th Battalion with postage pickup and delivery. Approxi-
mately one month after the first group arrived SSG John Ingoglia, SSG Michael Sogge, SGT Ryan Swanson, SGT Ta-
batha Kearney, SPC Geary Boling, PFC Mason Babb and
PFC Daniel Burnside arrived in theater. SSG Ingoglia,
PFC Babb and PFC Burnside swiftly departed to many
other FOBs to conduct their recon of the area.
Only a week after returning from conducting
recons, a recon team left to conduct the first GPS Survey
and base recon. With the rest of the detachment on Sha-
rana, the priorities shifted towards completing all the re-
con’s by block. With the help of the newly arrived Airmen
the Detachment was able to complete mission ahead of
schedule.
Just as the recon crew returned, the “Trojans”
were finally moved in to their permanent quarters. Wast-
ing no time necessary improvements to the living area
have begun to improve the Soldiers’ quality of life. Also
acquiring new offices and many computers the team is up
and running and fully functional, ready to support the
Task Force Pacemaker mission.
As the detachment master driver, SGT Picon has been training Soldiers on the proper way to operate and
maintain both tactical and non tactical vehicles. On the sixteenth of February the 864th Engineer Battalion conducted
the “Uncasing of the Colors” ceremony. This is the second time the Detachment has unfurled its colors in combat and
the fifth time the battalion has done so in the War on
Terror. The commander of the CENTCOM Material
Recovery Element (CMRE) was present and honored
two members of the detachment, SPC Lampman and
PFC Lao, with the CMRE coin.
New missions coming to the Detachment
daily, SSG Sogge, SGT Kearney, and SPC Boling will
soon be heading to conduct more initial FOB recons.
The remainder of the detachment will continue their
efforts at Sharana while welcoming SGT Brandon
Mangiapane and PFC Damien Francis. All in all the
Trojans are on their way to a busy and fulfilling de-
ployment while serving a very important role in an
unprecedented Presidential level mission.
Set the Pace Trojans!
PAGE 8 THE PACEMAKER PRESS VOLUME 1, I SSUE 1
Trojans survey all types of buildings and structures
during recons.
The Trojans play a vital role for deconstruction operations.
Based upon their observations, companies can properly pre-
pare for later operations.
Shots from Around the Battalion Area
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The Pacemaker Press is an authorized
newsletter for members of the 864th
Engineer Battalion “Task Force Pace-
maker.” Contents are not necessarily
endorsed by the Dept. of the Army,
Dept. of Defense, Skynet, or the U.S.
Government. Content is reviewed,
edited, and approved by the Battalion
Public Affairs Officer (PAO). For
questions, comments, or concerns,
please contact the Battalion Public
Affairs Officer.
Public Affairs Officer: 1LT Elizabeth Lewis
Building on the Streets of Sharana
Stairs that many Soldiers walk each day
View of the Sharana Scenery
Pulling Guard during the
Uncasing Ceremony
A Platoon Leader stands in front of her platoon, ready to lead.
Vehicles still need to be fueled!