Tuesday, December 29, 2009

594th Soldiers return home


Christmas treat as families reunite with loved ones
Private First Class Shawn Denham
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. December 24 – Cheers erupted from the crowd gathered outside the main doors of Hanger three as the airplane opened its passenger doors to release the Soldiers returning from Kuwait.
Children and adults waved tiny American flags while calling out to the Soldiers making their way down the exit ramp off the plane. Tears could be seen in some people's eyes as they were about to be reunited with their loved ones after a year of separation.
Soldiers of the 594th Rear Detachment, 106th Transportation Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division were welcomed home by friends and family at a reception ceremony here, Dec. 24.
Amanda Capps, wife of Specialist Randell Capps II, waited with 19 other family members for her husband’s arrival.
It was bad at times waiting for word from her husband, said Mrs. Capps. “I’m glad he’s home, I missed him.”
Her husband had wanted to join the Army since high school, she said.
“Once we discussed it, it seemed like the option for us. It was something he wanted to do,” she said.
Coping without a spouse was difficult. “Pick your battles, don’t fight over little things. It’s the big picture you need to worry about,” Capps said.
“We’ve been nervous. We were all proud though, makes you proud to tell people,” said Cynthia Capps, Randell Capps sister.
Randell Capps Sr. said the family had discussed future plans together before deployment, but not being able to be there for his son had weighed heavily on his mind, he said.
“You never realize until it’s your son or daughter and you hear something on the news. Then you worry for them, never able to get it out of your mind,” he said.
Capps mother, Misty Head, said the family was relieved for their son’s safe return.
“I was scared for him. You stay that way. There are a lot of sleepless nights but you’re proud of them at the same time,” she said.
Finding support groups and other families to communicate with is good for coping during deployment, Mrs. Head said, “Try to keep everybody close.”
Danielle Buccellato, mother of Specialist Christopher Allard, showed no signs of worry over her son’s career. Being a police officer gave her an understanding and acceptance of what her son was facing.
“I don’t think negative, I don’t worry,” she said. “I’m just very proud of what he does and hope he makes it a career. They need people like him.”
The internet had made staying in contact easier, she said.
“It’s been hard but I’m proud of him,” said Tifani Griffith, Allard’s girlfriend.
Talking about what was going on and staying in contact as long as possible made it easier to handle, said Griffith.
“I’m glad he’s home” she said.
The 594th Rear Detachment had been stationed in Arifjan Base, Kuwait, said Lieutenant Colonel Mary B. Taylor, commander of the 106th transportation Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.
The Soldiers had been deployed for a year in the region to pull security for convoys, she said.
Taylor said families of Soldiers preparing to deploy should take steps to ease the transition.
“Make sure you’re linked in with the Family Readiness group in your company so you know what assets are available for the family while the Soldier is deployed,” she advised.
It is important to make sure all personal affairs are in order, she said.
She was proud of their mission and safe return, said Taylor, “Since 9/11, we’ve always had Soldiers from the Sustainment Brigade deployed, unlike other Brigades.”

Monday, December 21, 2009

Developing Strong Bonds


Soldiers learn parental skills for military family life; gather together for weekend retreat
By Private 1st Class Shawn Denham
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. December 18 – Soldiers and their families from the 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division attended the Strong Bonds Family Retreat in Gatlinberg, TN Dec. 18-20.
“Strong Bonds retreat is an initiative Army wide to encourage families to be equipped with relationship skills,” said Captain Michael J. Krog, chaplain for the 106th Transport Battalion, 101 Sustainment Brigade, 101 Airborne Division.
The classes teach parents how to be parents and not just friends, Krog said. The retreat focused on getting families to communicate better and deal with problems head-on. Issues such as lengthy deployments and growing up separated from family members are major concerns for Army families.
“Parents are the primary influence for values. Pass on your values to your children, and don’t hesitate to get help when needed,” Krog said.
The brigade chaplains presented slideshows and discussion groups focused on accepting changes, enhancing communication and passing on family values.
It is incredibly important to pass on your values to your kids, Krog said.
Passing on values is important to her family, said Staff Sergeant Penelope James, platoon non-commissioned officer for the Brigade Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division and a single mother of two teenagers.
“I want them to think nothing negative, try to show them something positive,” she said.
A single mother of two teenagers, James said her children enjoyed the event and were eagerly discussing future events.
“I had a wonderful time and believe me, I'm going to come to more. This was just excellent, this type of stuff I think works,” James said.
“I thought it was good, especially for parents,” said Sergeant First Class Michael Bonfardine, Brigade Troops Battalion career counselor, 101st Sustainment Brigade, and father of three children.
Bonfardine said parents have a deep impact of children’s lives. “Kids are what you make of them,” he said. “Parents need to work together for structure and discipline.”

Sunday, December 20, 2009

“Lifeliners” spread Holiday cheer


Sustainment Brigade donate food clothing to area shelters
By Sergeant First Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade
FORT CAMPBELL, KY, December 20, 2009 – First Sergeant Danny Jones is a big advocate of getting Soldiers to volunteer their time and talents in the local community. While the opportunities here in Clarksville are limited, he believes in the making the most out of what is available.
So when a chance to spread some holiday cheer for the less fortunate presented itself, he did not hesitate to get his “Angry Dawgs” in on the action.
Soldiers from the 101st Brigade Troops Battalion (“Angry Dawgs”), joined fellow Soldiers from the 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, in collecting almost 3,000 canned goods and perishable items. They delivered the items to Loaves and Fishes, a homeless shelter for Clarksville’s less fortunate residents.
They also collected and donated more than 30 coats for children and adults to the Salvation Army at the company level, Jones said.
“We did this enormous food drive and it came out perfect for the holiday season,” Jones said. “We know there are going to be some needy people that needed those big mass meals, so we figured this would be a quick and inexpensive way for the Soldiers to give back.”
Staff Sergeant Kevin Burtnett, S-3 operations Non-Commissioned Officer for 101st Sustainment Brigade, and several Soldiers dropped off the items at the shelters.
“It’ll help out a large number of homeless and needy people to be fed. It’s just Soldiers doing what they can do to help the community,” he said.
Inexpensive indeed; each Soldier was asked to donate one canned food or perishable item for the food drive. And each item can go a long way to feeding those in need this holiday season, said one Loaves and Fishes official.
“(Loaves and Fishes) reaches deeper into the community than most people realize,” Assistant Food Supervisor John Carrothers said. “The soup kitchen feeds a lot of the indigents, but we also deliver a lot of food to the community. We feed a lot of people who otherwise would not have a place to eat.”
Carrothers said a sergeant from the brigade volunteered to help at the shelter, and asked if he could bring some more Soldiers on board. “I said by all means,” he said.
Everyone is welcome to volunteer at the shelter, Carrothers said, and every food donation is accepted. Loaves and Fishes, however, do not accept clothing items, he said.
Jones praised the unit NCO for their support in the food drive.
“They did this without any incentive for themselves. It was a just a desire to give back during this season,” he said. “That makes it so easy without having to twist anyone’s arm to get involved or give an explanation.”

Friday, December 18, 2009

Dining Facility Receives General’s Best Award


‘Best Thanksgiving Dining Facility’
PFC Shawn Denham
101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division

FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky Dec 15 – Soldiers of the “Lifeliners” Dining Facility gathered around the commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, as he handed them their hard-won Thanksgiving award to the DFAC manager.
Major General James Campbell presented the 101st Sustainment Brigade Dining Facility, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, with the General’s Best Thanksgiving Dining Facility Award.
DFAC Manager, Sergeant First Class Macy Fleming, received the award Dec. 15 during an impromptu ceremony.
This is the second Thanksgiving award the DFAC has received, said Sergeant First Class Keva A. Wallace, assistant manager at the DFAC. “We were quite surprised because we beat all the dining facilities on base,” she said.
Wallace said the displays and carvings also contributed to the award.
Wallace said the Soldiers of the DFAC appreciated the award. “They’re excited, it means something to them,” she said. “It makes them feel that they achieved something. We appreciate all the hard work the Soldiers put into this. It’s a team effort.”
The award had a special meaning for Specialist Thomas N. Lester, DFAC rations specialist.
“It’s nice to know you go into this post-wide competition and come out with a win,” he said.
A normal workday for DFAC Soldiers begins at 5 a.m. and end at 6:30 p.m. For this meal, the Soldiers spent all night working hard to prepare the Thanksgiving feast, Lester said.
The work paid off, he said “It puts our names and our faces out there. It gives us a big morale boost.”
SSG Alex J. Thibodeaux, training NCO for the 101st Sustainment Brigade DFAC, said the award is a great accomplishment for the dining facility as a whole.
This year’s decorations were different than last years, he said. While last year’s theme was more traditional, this year involved an edible theme. Gingerbread decorations, melon carvings and Soldiers dressed as Native Americans were on display in the DFAC.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Charlie Battery Soldiers visit Alexandria

By Captain Nathan Minott
Charlie Battery Commander,
2-44th ADA

Soldiers from Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery from Fort Campbell, Kentucky visited their benefactors in Alexandria, Kentucky to thank them for their continued support of the Battery. Fourteen Soldiers were selected to represent the battery in this second visit to a city that adopted the unit in 2005. Since the relationship began, the city has sponsored individual soldiers through two deployments in support of OIF. Business owners, teachers, students and staunch supporters from Alexandria make up the group know in Alexandria as “Charlie’s Angel’s.” These were the supporters that Charlie Battery Troops thanked.
The Day started with a visit to the Ft. Thomas VA medical center. The hospital houses veterans from Ohio and Kentucky who have fought in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Veterans, workers and volunteers alike received thanks from Charlie Battery Soldiers for their service to the nation. The Soldiers then proceeded to visit five surrounding schools, K-12 to meet with students and discuss what it is like to serve in the Army. The elementary schools held special assemblies with a question and answer session and one even had Soldiers sing Christmas carols with the students. The trip ended with a steak dinner at the local VFW with 25 hand selected students from across the city. Gifts for each of these children and others were collected in a battalion wide toy drive. Each student received a personalized gift from Soldiers, returning the feeling that our Soldiers felt when they received care packages and letters addressed to them in Iraq. An additional 150 toys were given to the organizers of the event to hand out to needy children in the city.
The event is just one more in a long line of planned interactions between the city and Charlie Battery. Plans have been made to begin a letter writing campaign with one of the elementary schools, while the unit remains at fort Campbell, Kentucky. This will foster a closer relationship with the students, allowing children to place a face to a Soldier’s name in future support activities.

Friday, December 11, 2009

"Lifeliners" brings holiday joy to families


Teams up with Operation Homefront for toy giveaway
By Private 1st Class Shawn Denham
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. November 4 – The 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division volunteered with Operation Homefront and Oak Grove, Kentucky, Wal-Mart to provide toys to children of deployed Soldiers.
About 40 soldiers volunteered to assist the project, and about 750 family members attended the event. The Soldiers handed out toys and maintained the displays, while spouses of deployed Soldiers selected from hundreds of name brand toys for their children.
The Fort Campbell chapter of Operation Homefront provides services to Soldiers and their families during deployment.
The group worked with Wal-Mart to plan the event to show support for the Soldiers while Operation Homefront coordinated the volunteers, said Tina Englen, chapter president of Operation Homefront
The event was a huge success, Englen said.“It was non-stop all day. Incredibly busy,” she said.
“Oak Grove Wal-Mart has been incredible. They supplied anything needed,” Englen said. “We didn't know how many volunteers we were getting,” said Englen, “We're volunteer heavy. Red Cross supplied volunteers too.”
This is the first time Operation Homefront has sponsored such an event. Englen said they hope to have more in the future.
Englen said Operation Homefront was thankful to the United Korean Church of Oak Grove, Kentucky, for donating their building for the event and to Oak Grove Wal-Mart for the donating of the toys. “It was definitely not possible without them,” she said.
Sergeant Ty M. Peasley and Specialist Jonathan C. Leroy, motor transportation for the 594th Rear Detachment, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division teamed up to hand out toys at the event.
“I'm here to help other people out, make sure they enjoy the holidays because I know how it is, being away from family members,” Leroy said, “I’d come back if another program was done,”
The turnout was good, Leroy said, with a steady stream of families coming through.
“It's nice knowing your family is being taken care of,” said Peasley,
“It's working out well,” Afreeca A. Blackwell, wife of a deployed Soldier said, “I think it’s cool. We don't really have the money so this helps out.”
The children would love the toys, she said. “It's lonely, and just the absence of your husband around the holidays makes it a difficult time of year.”
“This is telling them over there a big 'Thank you',” Peasley said, “Everyone taking care of each other. That’s what families do.”
Only a few toys were left over from the hundreds on display, she said, the remainder would be transported to Fort Campbell and donated to Soldiers on base.

Monday, November 16, 2009

“Lifeliners” pay tribute to fallen comrades


By Sergeant 1st Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., November 16, 2009 – Heidi Nutt said she never thought she’d be a widow by the age of 32. Ed and Bonnie Brown said they never thought they’d bury one of their children.
“It’s just not natural,” Bonnie Hunt said.
The two families were drawn together Nov. 12 as the 101st Sustainment Brigade paid tribute to their fallen Soldiers at a special Memorial Ceremony conducted at the Brigade headquarters.
The Brown’s youngest son, Private First Class John E. Brown, was killed April 14, 2003, at the age of 21 in Iraq. Brown’s husband, Sergeant David T. Nutt, died exactly one month later at the age of 32.
“Ceremonies like this it’s good to know that after six years they’re still being remembered,” Bonnie Brown said. “We cry, but it’s still good to know they’re being remembered.”
Both families laid special memorial bricks at the brigade monument. In all, 14 bricks were placed there to honor the fallen Soldiers who’ve died since 9/11.
Sustainment Brigade Commander Colonel Michael Peterman in his speech reminded attendees of the importance the Veteran’s Day weekend.
“It takes an extraordinary person to say, ‘I will defend,’ and an equally important person to say, ‘I will support my spouse, child, friend, relative … in support of that defense,” Peterman said. “The families and friends gathered here today who no longer have their loved have our utmost respect, gratitude and appreciation.”
Both families agreed that the loss of their loved ones has not gotten easier with time.
“You’ve always got a hole in your heart, but you learn to deal with it day by day,” Bonnie Hunt said.
“You have good days, and you have bad days,” Ed Hunt said. “You might hear a song, or see somebody that resembles them or whatever, and it just brings everything back.”
For Heidi Nutt, she sees her deceased husband every time she looks at her 11-year-old daughter. And just sharing that brings her to tears.
Still, she said, she’s does not want sympathy. “That’s what I say, ‘don’t feel sorry for me,’ she said.
Bonnie Hunt said while ceremonies like this one make her feel good that people remember her son, she also wonders what might have been.
“He was my baby. He would have made a wonderful daddy,” she said.
The names of the fallen 101st Sustainment Brigade Soldiers since 9/11 include:
*Staff Sergeant Alicia Birchett
*Corporal Sean Grilley
*Private First Class John E. Brown
* Lieutenant Colonel Kim S. Orlando
* Sergeant David T. Nutt
* Private First Class Daniel R. Parker
*Sergeant Amanda N. Pinson
*Staff Sergeant Joseph P. Bellavia
*Corporal Jason J. Beadles
*Corporal Carlos M. Gonzalez
* Second Lieutenant Joshua C. Hurley
* Staff Sergeant Johnnie V. Mason
* Specialist Maurice J. Johnson
* Specialist Thomas A. Foley III

194th Military Police Company receives Eagle Award

En route to J. P. Holland award finals
By Private 1st Class Shawn Denham
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. November 12 – Reaching the top in the Army requires dedication, determination and hard work.
That concept paid off for the Soldiers of the 194th Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, when they received the Forces Command Eagle award Wednesday, November 4.
“We’re the best MP company under FORSCOM,” 1st Lt. Nathaniel Y. Han, executive officer of the 194th MP Company said, “It’s awesome, not only to the company but to the battalion.”
1st Lt. Christopher M. Gasser, 3rd Platoon leader, 194th MP Company, compiled a book of the 194th’s achievements, which ranged from physical fitness test results to shooting scorecards and field work.
Gasser said each MP Company submits a book of their yearly achievements for review by a board on their base. Only one book is chosen out of six from Fort Campbell, he said.
The 194th had multiple achievements, both in garrison and downrange over the past year, Han said. Every achievement is recorded in the book.
“It’s been a great learning experience to get to tell the story of the 194th,” Gasser said, “I hope that we win the J.P. Holland award for the entire Army.”
“It’s driven by these young sergeants, these young leaders,” Han said, “It’s just amazing, I’m just honored to be surrounded by professional people.”
Soldiers with the 194th MP Company are still aiming higher. The winner of the Brigadier General Jeremiah P. Holland award for the best MP Company in the Army will be announced November 15. The Eagle award places the 194th closer to overall victory.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Narowski: Teens not invincible

Calls driving while texting, “Ridiculous”

By Sergeant 1st Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, KY, November 8, 2009 – Army wife Kelly Narowski concluded her three-day visit to the 101st Sustainment Brigade Saturday with a presentation about At-Risk Behavior aimed specifically at teens.
She touched on some very familiar themes-speeding, drinking and driving, and wearing a seatbelt while operating a vehicle- but she also included a special message about the danger of driving while texting.
The main point she wanted to get across to teens: “You’re not invincible.”
“I hope they realize that …they can be disabled or hurt really badly from a car crash if they don’t think first,” Narowski said. “I’m a live, rolling example of why you should always wear your seatbelt, and why you should not drink and drive.”
Narowski, paralyzed from the chest down as a result of a driving accident 11 years ago, called driving while texting a “huge cognitive distraction.”
“It’s completely ridiculous to think that you can text and drive,” she said. “It’s important that we convince them not to do that because it’s extremely dangerous.”
She presented her final presentation at the Family Resource Center Saturday morning, complete with the graphic British Driving while Texting Public Service Announcement .
“I asked one of the students what they thought of the presentation, and they said it was much more effective than what they were shown in school,” she said. “I saw a girl in tears when she saw that piece.”
I asked one student what should I change about my presentation, and he said absolutely nothing.”
Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD) and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in 2007 released results of a national survey conducted with more than 900 teens with driver’s licenses from 26 high schools across the country. The survey revealed 37 percent of those surveyed actually engaged in instant or texting while driving.
Narowski said Texting while Driving currently is illegal in 18 states and the District of Columbia in the U.S, and she believes it will be illegal in all 50 states.
Narowski said she believes there are several factors as to why teens text while driving, including decision-making skills and life experiences.
“A teen-ager doesn’t have the same decision-making skills as someone who’s older, and their judgement isn’t as good sometimes,” she said. “Secondly, when you’re young, you haven’t seen a lot of tragedy. So you feel invincible and that nothing bad can ever happen to you. It’s happens to other people, to other groups, but not me.”

Monday, November 2, 2009

Brigade Fall Fest a “Frightfully” good time


By Sergeant 1st Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., November 2, 2009 – Rain didn’t stop the fun and festivities the 101st Brigade Troops Battalion had in store for the kiddies.
The BTB, part of the 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, had worked along with the 106th Transportation Battalion and the 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion for months on planning their outdoor “Fall Festival Block Party.”
The festival was scheduled to be held in the Brigade’s quad area, but was rained out. Instead of calling it a day, organizers moved the event inside between all three battalion headquarters.
“We did have skating, but that was the only event that got canceled because of the rain,” said BTB Commander Lt. Col. Rob Davis.
The battalions came up with a variety of age appropriate activities to entertain both the Soldiers and their families, ranging from arts and crafts, and “Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin” for children ages six and under, to X-Box competitions and movies for the older kids and teens.
“Fall Festival” was not only about celebrating Halloween; it was a way to celebrate families and team-building as well, Davis said. “It’s about building stronger bonds and getting to know each other better as we get ready to deploy.”
129th CSSB Family Readiness Group Advisor Paula Rickleff said the brigade wanted to do a big event, which led to the collaboration between the battalions to host the festival.
“As you can see, it’s chaotic,” she said. “We had planned for inclement weather, and the rain makes it extra busy.”
Rickleff agreed with Lt. Col. Davis’ assessment of the event’s impact and meaning to the families.
“I’ve run into several people that I had no idea they were part of the Sustainment Brigade outside of my battalion just by having a function like this,” she said.
Many of the Soldiers and their children really got into the Halloween spirit, wearing costumes that ranged from the simple to the elaborate.
“Some of these costumes look professionally done. It’s like they’ve been planning for this all year,” mused Sgt. Jermaine Brown, BTB S-6 Non-Commissioned Officer In-Charge.
Others just enjoyed spending time with their children. Sgt. Karl Lawrence, who is assigned to the 372nd Company, 106th Transportation Battalion, said he missed trick-or-treating with his children last year because he was deployed to Iraq.
“It’s just a treat to be here with family,” he said.
Brigade Commander Col. Michael Peterman said he was very impressed with the festivities.
“This is as neat an all-around event as I’ve ever seen,” he said. “We have to enjoy it while we can because the fact is, many of us won’t be here next year.”

“Lifeliners” validates “Rakkasans” weapons


Maintenance company ensures 3rd BCT’s weapons are functional for upcoming deployment

By Private 1st Class Shawn Denham
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. October 28 – Inspecting a disassembled M-249, Sgt. 1st Class Joseph W. Allen identifies a malfunction. He exposes the worn retaining spring by removing the gas cylinder assembly, and replaces it with a new spring.
“Springs are a main problem, nothing serious,” said Allen, non-commissioned officer in charge, 584th Maintenance Command Armament, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st. Airborne Division.
The unit assisted the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade “Rakkasans” Infantry Brigade Combat Team in validating and repairing their machine gun weapons systems as they prepare for an upcoming deployment in January 2010.
The week-long validation process includes testing M-249s, M-240s and the M-2 Browning heavy machine guns assigned to the 3rd BCT.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Andrew L. Johnson, the senior armament systems technician, 101st Sustainment Brigade, SPO Maintenance Branch, said each battalion has a day to validate their weapons systems.
The intent was to ensure the weapons were fully functional and flawless in performance, he said.
Johnson said this type of validation process was new to the unit. “The first time I did this was at Fort Bragg,” he said. “I’m the only person who’s done this before. Everyone else is new.”
Staff Sgt. Samuel C. Hookfin, the armament non-commissioned officer with the SPO Maintenance Branch, said the validation process was successful. “So far it’s going fine, one or two minor hiccups. Other than that, it’s good to go,” he said.
Hookfin’s job was handling parts requests, ensuring all weapons receive any necessary replacement hardware.
“I get my hands dirty every now and then,” Hoofkin said.
“Rakkasan” Soldiers, however, were the best gauge of the validation process.
“It’s fun being able to do stuff like this,” said Pvt. Donald J Lewis, Combat Medic with the 3rd BCT, “it’s my first time since basic training actually firing a live round.”

Monday, October 26, 2009

Brigade Resiliency Team addresses safety

By Private 1st Class Shawn Denham
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. October 21 – The 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, has initiated a new program designed to identify, aid and assist at-risk soldiers in regards to personal safety and mental welfare.
The Brigade Resiliency Team is part of a base wide initiative that will attempt to focus on bringing all units together to actively give aid to at-risk soldiers and their families. The program is also a direct response to recent incidents both on and off post during the past several months, most recently during the Columbus Day weekend.
“Soldiers are our greatest asset, and we have to exhaust every resource we have to protect them,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffery W. Duncan, chaplain’s assistant for the 101st Sustainment Brigade Unit Ministry Team.
The Resiliency team will consist of several key leaders within the brigade. They include the following members:
• The brigade surgeon leads the individual teams, and offers both medical and psychiatric referral to health care providers.
• The brigade Judge Advocate General (JAG) notifies the brigade surgeon of potential at-risk Soldiers, as well as refer the Soldiers to health care providers.
• The brigade Chaplain conducts confidential one-on-one counseling with the Soldier and offers assistance according to each situation. A chaplain’s assistant can act on the Chaplain’s behalf in their absence. A ‘duty to warn’ exception is in place in the event of a soldier possibly being an active danger to himself or those around him.
• The Military Family Life Consultant’s purpose is to grant families of at-risk soldiers guidance and counseling. The intent of the program is to protect the soldier, his family, career and overall unit welfare and readiness.


According to the Brigade Resiliency Team Standard Operating Policy (SOP), possible causes related to self-endangerment include debt, divorce or other family issues, religious conflicts, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, Driving Under the Influence, unsafe driving practices and workplace issues.
Duncan said the team’s goal is to open lines of communication between the soldier and the chaplain, directing the soldier to aid if needed.
Captain Jesse P. DeLuca, brigade surgeon for 101st Sustainment Brigade and leader of the 101st Sustainment brigade Resiliency team, said the program actively searches for people who need assistance or guidance as soon as a problem arises.
“It’s not like we need to advertise and say 'come to us', because that’s a step backwards,” he said. “It’s the people that may not know about us we need to seek out,”
“It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength and being able to train properly,” DeLuca said.

Monday, October 19, 2009

A different Approach to Safety


716th MPs use relevant issues during “Safety Day”

By Sergeant First Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., October 15, 2009 – During a recent Brigade level “Safety Day”, the 716thMilitary Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, decided to take a different approach to reach out to Soldiers.
Instead of using tried-and true slide presentations discussing topics like Extreme Cold Weather and Seatbelt Safety, the MP’s used “bonding events” … flicker ball, sit-down meals, small group discussion, and even watching the movie, “Stand By Me” together as a unit.
It was part of a “Holistic Approach” employed at the various battalions to address at-risk behaviors that have recently plagued the brigade.
The battalion conducted their “Peacekeeper Safety Round-Up” in which Soldiers and their squad leaders addressed personal and professional safety issues, identified Soldiers most prone to high risk behavior, and team building exercises.
“We want to hear from the Soldiers. Let them tell us what solutions we can come up with as leaders to help them,” said Sergeant Major William T. Griffin, S-3 Operations Sergeant Major for the 716th MP Battalion. “It gives us a better understanding of our Soldiers.”
Sustainment Brigade Safety Officer James Jennings said the brigade is working with the Installation Risk Reduction Program to address the issues.
“Law enforcement usually tracks traffic-related incidents, the medical community tracks health and behavioral issues. And of course safety, vehicle, and personal safety issues are tracked by the safety office, but we still might not always be able to connect the dots to at-risk behavior,” he said.
“The bottom line is that we have to realize how to deal with those individuals in situations where their own behavior becomes the focal point.”
Fifteen Fort Campbell Soldiers have died in the past four months due to some form of at-risk behavior, according to statistics provided by the 716th MP Bn. Two of those deaths occurred during the recent Columbus Day four-day weekend. Those behaviors have included suicide, vehicle accidents, and drug overdoses. At least three deaths are still pending autopsy, according to statistics.
The Soldier-led discussions proved successful within the 716th MP Bn. The Soldiers there did not use the sessions to complain about problems, but spoke honestly about their issues and concerns, and went as far as offering ways to resolve them and boost unit morale.
“Instead of just checking the block, or going through a slide show that was put together, we’re talking about serious issues that impact us on a personal level,” said Specialist Christian Stahl, an MP with the 561st Military Police Company.
“Rather than watching some video about a car crash that happened in Britain, we’re talking about what happened to me on 41-A yesterday at Arby’s. It’s more personalized, it’s more localized and I think a little more constructive. We have a little more feedback, because at the end of an hour-long slide show no one wants to raise their hand and bring up any questions.”
Sergeant Joseph Locurto said the group sessions were the most effective means to tackling the issues.
“Doing it this way in this type of forum, it’s more of a constructive forum. We’re all understanding and seeing what the issues are instead of what you only see. We’ see it from everyone else’s point of view and hopefully it gets sent to higher and will be addressed,” he said.
Sergeant Major Griffin said the purpose of approaching “Safety Day” the way they did was to give Soldiers and squad leaders a way to articulate their concerns.
“We want them to have critical thinking and have them and solve some of these issues on their own. It’s not a squad leader preaching to his Soldiers, or a day to beat Johnny down. We wanted that interaction with the Soldiers, and it has to be a heartfelt, passionate discussion,” he said.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Combat Medic uses skills to save NCO’s life


By Sergeant First Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., October 8, 2009 – Specialist Timothy Lee has used his skills to save the lives of Iraqi nationals while he was deployed in theater. He recently used those skills again, this time to help save the life of a fellow Soldier here at Fort Campbell.
Specialist Lee, who is assigned to the 2-44th Air Defense Artillery Battalion, used CPR to save the life of fellow battalion Sergeant First Class Peter Kelly. He received an Army Commendation Medal for his actions.
Major Robert “Sean” Newell, Battalion Executive Officer, 2-44th ADA, said Lee’s actions that day were in keeping with the Army Creed.
As Soldiers, we are never to leave behind a fallen comrade. On that day, (Lee) exemplified that,” he said.
Specialist Lee said he was returning to his barracks Monday morning, October 7 from his overnight duty as the medic at the Expert Field Medical Badge Course. As he got out of his truck, he said he was told a medic was needed to help a Soldier who was on the ground across the street.
“I got there and there were about 10 Soldiers huddled around (SFC Kelly). He was on the ground and he didn’t have a pulse,” Specialist Lee said.
Specialist Lee said he began to administer Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation to SFC Kelly in an attempt to revive him. He continued to do so until an EMT unit arrived and took the sergeant to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital.
Sergeant First Class Kelly was later transferred to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. He is listed in serious condition.
Specialist Lee, who has been in the Army over two years, said he used the life-saving steps to treat SFC Kelly … skills that all Combat Medics learn in their Advance Individual Training. These same skills are what the medics are using as they compete for the right to wear the EFMB badge.
“It’s about them using those skills and being proficient with them in a combat environment,” he said.
Asked if he thought his skills made a difference in saving the sergeant’s life, Lee answered humbly. “I think so,” he said.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Leadership through Humility


MP Company Captain to represent Sustainment Brigade for MacArthur Leadership Award

By Sergeant First Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, KY., October 4, 2009 – When Captain Michael Cotovsky learned he was being nominated to represent the 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, at the Division-level Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Awards, he did what he normally does in these instances.
He gave to the credit to the Soldiers under his command.
“(The Soldiers) are extremely professional and are always trying to do what’s right,” he said. “They always want to represent the company well, and when they’re given a task, they get after it.”
Captain Cotovsky was recognized by Sustainment Brigade leadership and his company this past Friday. He and his company recently returned from a one-year tour to Iraq five months ago.
The award was created in 1987 by the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Foundation to recognize company-grade officers who demonstrate MacArthur's ideals of "duty, honor, country." The award sustains and promotes effective junior leadership in the Army.
716th Military Police Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Michael Dolata said Captain Cotovsky, commander of the 194th Military Police Company, represents the best example of an officer who takes care of both the Soldier and their families.
During their deployment, LTC Dolata said the company worked alongside the Iraqi Police and the Marine Corps conducting training and law enforcement. All the Soldiers who deployed came back, he said.
“We only select the best MPs to serve here,” he said. “The Cotovsky’s are a super part of the 194th.”
Captain Cotovsky’s wife, Catherine, said her husband she was not surprised about the nomination, nor his non-chalant attitude toward it. It’s just part of his personality, she said.
“He would never ask any of his Soldiers to do things that he would not do himself,” she said. “I think they see that in him and respect him for it.”
“The job’s never done,” Captain Cotovsky said. “There’s always work to do.”

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Leaders take “Staff Ride” lessons to heart


Officers, NCO learn from Battle of Shiloh

By Sergeant 1st Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, KY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 – First Lieutenant Chidiebere Kamalu’s first “staff Ride” in his military career took place some very hallowed ground in Tennessee.
He and 60 other officers and senior non-commissioned officers of the 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, spent two days learning about the Civil War at Shiloh National Military Park, the site of the famous “Battle of Shiloh.”
“The lessons from a century and a half ago are relevant in today’s army,” the assistant Officer-in-Charge of the S-2, 716th Military Police Battalion said. “In terms of intelligence, logistics, command and control, all of those things were big issues then, as they are today. I really learned a lot about those aspects.”
Sustainment Brigade leaders uses Leadership Professional Development, or “Staff Rides,” as a means of mentoring officers and NCOs under their command using history. Groups will travel to a historical landmark, where the Soldiers will be given an impromptu history lesson of what happened there.
The lessons learned from previous battles such as Shiloh help leaders and Soldiers as they fight future wars, said Sergeant Major James E. Davis, financial management operations Sergeant Major for the 101st Sustainment Brigade Financial Management Company.
“Shiloh was a logistical challenge, and we were able to discuss its advantages and disadvantages for both the Union and Confederate Soldiers,” he said. “We bring leaders here to discuss tactics, operations, and what the residual effects of the battle were.”
The Battle of Shiloh, commonly known as the Battle of Pittsburgh Landing, was a major Civil War battle fought in Western Tennessee April 6-7, 1862. The Confederate Army achieved some success on the first day of battle, but was ultimately defeated by General Ulysses S. Grant and his Union forces.

Navy Captain Steven Knott, an instructor at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pa., said while war fighting tactics of the 19th Century differ from today, leadership issues remain the same.
“The human element of war does not change,” he said. “It’s all about leadership dynamics. When you go back and look through a historical lens and see how people were facing what I believe was the most dangerous time in history of the republic and how they dealt with a crisis of that magnitude, a lot can be learned from it.”
Fellow instructor and former Sustainment Brigade Commander Colonel James Scudiere said wanted the Soldiers to think about what they do and how it is done.
“What we saw here are folks trying to fight a war while conducting a military campaign,” he said. “The armies have to go from place to place and come up with a game plan, while requiring logistics support and sustainment.”

Monday, September 28, 2009

Transportation Soldiers sharpen driver’s skills


By Sergeant 1st Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade
FORT CAMPBELL, KY, September 28, 2009 – Mike Johnson has never been in combat, but he wants to give Soldiers a leg up when it comes to sharpening their driving skills.
“I want my Soldier in my Army to have control of everything in every given moment, so when things break bad, they can get out of town as smoothly and aggressively as possible,” said Mike Johnson, a driving instructor with Evolution Performance Driving School.
Johnson and his team of world-class driving instructors recently helped Soldiers with the 106th Transportation Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division prepare to tackle the hazardous driving conditions that await them in their upcoming deployment.
The Soldiers spent one week at Saber Army Airfield learning the nuances of evasive driving … skills and techniques that promote offensive and defensive driving should the need arise.
Johnson said the key to being successful is to look at what a skilled evasive driver brings to the table … or behind the wheel.
“I look at this from a driver’s standpoint: if I’m the gunner, I want my driver to be aggressive, yet smooth so I can actually function with my weapon,” he said. “If the driver is jerking me all around inside the vehicle, I’m shooting the ground, in the air, and I’m not effective.”
Soldiers learn both offensive and defensive driving skills using a typical civilian Sedan, then graduating to the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle and the 1088 Fuel Tanker. Classroom learning was followed by hands-on driving on an obstacle course specifically designed to sharpen the driver’s skills.
Second Lieutenant Brandon Croke said it’s very likely that the Soldiers will have to put their training to use as they prepare for the rugged terrain of their next deployment.
“When Soldiers are driving around on post, it’s not at high speed and they learn how to get from point A to point B. To have this type of stressful situation, where you’re forced to maneuver, forced to brake, and the serpentine, it’s just preparing them for any type of danger they might see downrange,” he said.
Specialist Billy Ward said the most important thing he learned from the training was to look down the road well in advance.
“That was you can react quicker to any obstacle that might come up,” he said.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

We have Facebook!

As your Brigade Public Affairs Officer, it's my duty to ensure that the Lifeliners message and stories are out in the public. Y'know, telling our stories, both positive and informational, to the general public. One of the great ways of doing so is social networking. It is with great pleasure to announce that the 101st Sustainment Brigade (Lifeliners) has its own Facebook page!

What is so cool about this? Well, it's a way of keeping in contact with those you've served with over the years here at Fort Campbell. Also, it's a means to keep you updated on the many events and activites happening here within our Brigade as we prepare to head back into the fight.

And it's something to have pride in.

I encourage everyone to get on board and check us out. To do so, go to your Facebook page (if you have one) and in the search box on the right side (the one with the blue tab bar), type in 101st Sustainment Brigade -Lifeliners. The Deathstar should automatically come up and you're in.

Show the Brigade some love and become a friend.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Warriors Bring in Top MP Award in XVIII Airborne Corps

By 1LT Chris Gasser
101st Sustainment Brigade
FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky, September 22, 2009 -The 194th Military Police Company from Fort Campbell, KY was recently named the FY 09 XVIII Airborne Corp Freedom Award winner for excellence among Army military police companies.
The annual presentation recognizes the best Military Police Company in XVIII Ariborne Corps. The Fort Campbell based company is assigned to the 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade.
"The 194th Military Police Company winning the Freedom Award is not only a reflection of the excellence and commitment to selfless service by the unit as whole, but also a testimony of the many individual achievements of the Soldiers and leaders during the last year,” said Master Sergeant Frederick L. Darden, 716th Military Police Battalion operations NCO.
The Fort Campbell military community continues to benefit from 194th Military Police Company’s service and dedicated law enforcement support.
“The 194 is truly a great unit with many accomplishments over the last year,” said Colonel Mary A. Maier, Commander 16th Military Police Brigade (Rear), before presenting the commander and first sergeant with the Freedom Award. During FY 09 the 194th MP Company extraordinarily completed a 13-month combat deployment with zero losses; produced the 18th MP Brigade Soldier of the Year, the 101st Sustainment Brigade NCO and Soldier of the Year, and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) NCO of the Year.

"These Soldiers worked incredibly hard," said Captian Michael J. Cotovsky. He added that, “family members and Family Readiness Group members also played a significant role in helping the Soldiers accomplish their mission and win the Freedom Award. We've got a lot of Soldiers and family members who pour their heart into making a positive difference in everything they do. I am truly grateful to be working with some of the finest Soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers, officers and families in the Army. We're looking forward to the future.”
To compete for the award units submit a packet that details their achievements in areas such as mission accomplishment, training, physical fitness, retention, weapons qualification, education, community service and family readiness.
The Brigadier General J.P. Holland Award is named after the former USAREUR provost marshal from 1953 to 1955. Holland sponsored the award after his retirement in 1969 to promote esprit de corps and professionalism in military police units throughout the active army.

Best of the MPs


716th Battalion Soldiers train to be SRT elite

By Sergeant 1st Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

Sergeant Jeremiah Smith is trying to become part of a very elite unit within Fort Campbell’s Military Police community.
He and members of the 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, took part in a three -week long Special Reaction Team training. It afforded the Soldiers a chance to enhance their skills, as well as gave them a chance to be chosen to become part of the post’s military-style Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit.
It’s an experience the sergeant says he hopes his fellow classmates truly appreciate.
“This is a very special unit,” he said. “We are the last resort when all other means failed. I hope they take to heart that this type of training is meant to be last chance, and that we need to try other means to resolve a conflict before coming to these kind of special tactics.”
The training utilizes the standard crawl-walk-run approach: intense classroom teaching and slide show presentation, followed by hands-on field exercises, and finally, testing on what they’ve learned.
One particular exercise, Live Fire Room Entry Evaluation, proves challenging to the MP’s as they learn not only to rely on their own skills and teamwork, but to also focus on the details.
“Any of the big things, like safety violations, missing targets, moving with the weapon on safe … that cannot be tolerated,” said Craig Sachau, one of the instructors from the U.S. Army Military Police School, based out of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. “You want to ensure that small things don’t snowball into bigger things and somebody getting seriously hurt.”
Sachau and his partner, Scott Langley, said roughly 29 MP’s from the ranks of private to captain began the course two weeks ago. Many of them have returned from combat deployment, and will be heading out again.
At the time of this writing, five of them had been dropped from the training.
Langley said the instructors stress safety without going overboard.
“We try not to make safety rules that apply just to shoot-house, but in the real world also,” he said. “Some of the things we were yelling at them about in the shoot-house, we wouldn’t want them doing anywhere.”
It took Specialist David Moske of the 194th Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, two tries before he passed the Shoot-house exercise, but the lessons he learned are invaluable.
“This is more about focusing on being more precise and not just taking everything out,” he said. “You gotta watch what you’re doing and there more strict parameters on what you have to do.”

Note: The MP’s are scheduled to graduate this Friday. The Ceremony will be at the 716th MP battalion.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

“Lifeliners” Remember 9/11


By Specialist LaTwanya Robinson
101st Sustainment Brigade
(photo by PV2 Kylee Burnham)

When Captain Tanya Bindernagel first joined the Army in 2001, she said it was for the experience. Things quickly turned real for her following the events of September 11, 2001.
She said she spent the entire day glued in front of her television set. A Delayed Entry Program recipient who attended basic training at Fort Jackson, SC in November, she said she never considered backing out of her enlistment.
“It made me more excited to leave,” Captain Bindernagel, chaplain for the 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, said. “Nothing in our training seemed general; everything had a purpose.”
The battalion chaplain joined hundreds of Soldiers of the “Lifeliners” brigade as they marked the eighth anniversary of the September 11th attack during a special luncheon at the Cole Park Commons.
Brigade Chaplain Major Sun Macupa said the Brigade Unit Ministry team organized the luncheon with the purpose of remembrance and reflection, as well as instilling a sense of camaraderie.
“It was important to hold this luncheon and other events like it because it’s shows how much the Brigade cares about the soldiers, physically, mentally and spiritually,” she said.
Fort Campbell Installation Chaplain Colonel Ken Brown was the keynote speaker for the event, and reminded Soldiers to keep going through the difficult periods.
“We have seen hard times before and we have come through those times, just as we will again and again. Never come down from the wall,” he said.
Sept. 11th had special meaning for other brigade Soldiers as well.
Private First Class Lyle Johnson, a Motor Transport Operator with the 129th CSSB, was in the eighth grade when 9/11 occurred. He said he remembers being given a choice: stay in his history class and watching the events unfold during that day, or continue on with his regular class schedule.
PFC Johnson said he chose to stay in his history class and “take pages of notes on what
he was hearing and seeing on the news.”
The 22-year-old Soldier from Post Falls, Idaho, said 9/11 had some influence on him joining the Army in 2007.
“I feel it’s important to remember the bravery that was shown that day by the officials that died attempting to save lives,” he said.
SFC Kim Bell, a Platoon Sergeant for the 101st Sustainment Brigades Integration and Reception
Team, was stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and was in-processing a Soldier there when heard news of the attack. He said his unit instituted an alert, which meant all soldiers assigned to his unit had to report in to work, and security had increased.
It was a late night for SFC Bell, as he stayed at work longer than usual, he said.
SFC Bell, who joined the Army in January 1992, said the most important thing to remember about what transpired on 9/11 is that we are fighting for freedom.
He also recalled having mixed emotions.
“On one hand, I was saddened with what had happened and felt the deep sense of loss
that sparked a wide range of feelings. But on the other hand, it made me ready, ready for
war,” he said.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

“Lifeliners” look to take “Showers in a Box”


Portable showers boost morale, health for combat Soldiers
By SFC Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, KENTUCKY, September 12, 2009 – One of the Army’s most effective tools in combating terrorist in Iraq and Afghanistan doesn’t use bullets … it takes a gallon and half of water instead.
The Bath Portable Unit – also known as “the shower in a box” - has proven not only effective in saving lives through sanitation, but also provides a much need morale boost to those Soldiers who don’t have access or the ability to take a hot shower daily.
“If you can imagine being in one of these remote outposts where you’re constantly sweaty, itching, and your skin is starting to crack and bleed, how good it feels to use one of these showers, and come out feeling clean and totally, refreshed,” said Chief Warrant Officer Two Josh Hughes, Field Services Officer in Charge of the 101st Sustainment Brigade Support Operations (SPO), 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.
Brigade leaders were given a demonstration of one such Shower unit from U.S. Thermal Inc.,an Ohio-based manufacturer this past Wednesday.
Sustainment brigades as a rule do not deploy as an entire organization into theater; they can augment Brigade Combat Teams and other units in remote locations. The brigade is looking to purchase these several of these units as they prepare for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan next year.
Sergeant Major Fred Stewart, Supply and Services Sergeant Major for the SPO, said each unit weighs less than 75 pounds and comes in two bags. It takes only 15 minutes to assemble. Once it’s ready to operate, four Soldiers can shower at the same time within the individual shower stalls.
SPO Supply and Services NCOIC Sergeant First Class Mark Surber said having the portable shower units at the remote site makes it easier for the Soldiers because of the difficulty of getting fresh water to the Soldiers.
“We can’t always get water to them using trucks because of the terrain,” he said.
Mr. Hughes said many Soldiers in remote Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) go for several days without a hot shower, and resort to having their buddies pour bottles of water over their bodies in an attempt to clean themselves.
He also said the showers help cut down on the spread of infections. “There are a lot of germs and bacteria the Soldiers are exposed to because of it. By controlling infections, we’re savings lives as well,” Mr. Hughes said.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Bringing “Safety” Home


Army wife finds her niche through life-altering injury

By Sergeant First Class Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade

FORT CAMPBELL, KY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 - It all started 11 years ago, on September 27, 1998 … that’s a date Kelly Narowski will forever have etched in her memory.
Back then, she was 25-years-old, three months into her exciting new life in California, a career as a personal trainer, and a great boyfriend. An automobile accident involving her and a friend she was driving home and left her paralyzed from the chest down changed everything that day.
Now age 36, Narowski, has since created a new life for herself, one that involves sharing her story with anyone who will listen, about practicing safety behind the wheel. She also views her injury differently.
“I don’s see it as a depressing thing anymore. Now I just see it as a huge inconvenience in my life,” she said. “I don’t concentrate on it because it’s negative, and negative energy won’t change it.”
The wife of an Army Lieutenant Colonel stationed at Fort Lee, Va., Narowski recently visited Fort Campbell and shared her story with Soldiers of the 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, during a recent brigade-level “Safety Standown.”
She began sharing her experiences four years ago by working with a non-profit organization, “Think First,” a Chicago-based group comprised of neuro-surgeons who have treated victims of Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injuries. She first began speaking at various schools, and eventually began talking to Soldiers while she and her husband were stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Her message is simple: take responsibility for your life and make your personal safety a priority. Not doing it, she said, can turn a car into “a two-ton killing machine.”
Narowski’s presentation is not standard by any means: she wheels around the floor talking to the Soldiers, offering a mini biology class on the functions of the brain and spine using replicas, and shows how they are impacted after sustaining a traumatic injury.
She also includes several short video presentations, including a traffic accident involving a baby. The images had a definite impact on several Soldiers, who bristled in their chairs and shook their heads in disbelief as images of the infant being strapped onto a gurney, eyes wide open, flashed across the screen.
Nawarski also touched on other traffic accident factors such as fatigue, cell phone and texting while driving. Nothing is left untouched and there’s no beating around the bush in her message. “You gotta tell it like it is,” she said. “To sugar-coat it would not be getting the true message across. Some people are harder to reach than others, and so you need to tell it like it is.”
Finally, she shares her own story.
Narowski’s friend drank too much that afternoon when she got behind the wheel of her Jeep Wrangler. She realized they she’d be better off letting Kelly drive, who had only “had a couple of drinks and was slightly buzzed,” she said.
By her own admission, the two drinks had “impaired her judgment.” Narowski was not wearing a seatbelt when she took a curve too quickly and ended up smashing the jeep into a guardrail. She was thrown from the vehicle and suffered numerous injuries, including broken ribs, collarbone, back, and a spinal injury.
She described the first year adjusting to life in a wheelchair as “extremely difficult.” “I didn’t want to live like this, and then you realize you have two choices: you can either get on with life or lay in bed for the next 50 or 60 years,” Narowaski said.
Getting on with life meant re-learning how to take of herself. She learned to put her pants on without bending her legs, how to eat properly, and how to get around. The journey has paid off: she’s since learned to drive a car, has gone skydiving, and even took a trip overseas by herself.
She said she often wonders whether or not her message has reached her audience. A Soldier walked up to her after her presentation and thanked her. That’s when she knows she’s made a difference, she said.
“That makes me feel good, like they got something out of it,” she said. “They were reminded of how important a smart decision on the road is.”

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Lifeliners run for Spiritual Fitness


By SFC Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office
(photo by SPC Robinson)

Fort Campbell, Ky., August 28, 2009 – The Army’s mission is to ensure that Soldiers are physically and mentally prepared for the rigors of combat. Spiritual preparation, however, is the chaplain’s job.
The 101st Sustainment Brigade Chaplain’s Office took a page from the Army’s physical fitness doctrine to get Soldiers both physically and spiritually prepared last Friday by sponsoring a brigade “Spiritual Fitness” four-mile run.
The run is part of Brigade Commander Col. Michael Peterman’s overall objective to ensure that Sustainment Soldiers are spiritually tough, as well as mentally and physically.
“These events are important to every organization to remind people that the Spiritual aspect if being a Soldier has to be nurtured while we’re back here in garrison,” Col. Peterman said. “Most of the Soldiers have multiple deployments, so as we heal and grow them spiritually, it will be critical for the next combat deployment and we’ll have a great resource.”
“People go to different churches on Sunday, but events like this, this is the best way for Soldiers to get together,” said Sgt. Maciej Andrzejczuk, a Soldier assigned to the FSC Company, 326th Engineer Battalion. “The purpose of it was to raise the spirit of Soldiers. I like that.”
Soldiers took the early morning brisk run down to the Sabaluski Air Assault School, down Ashau Valley Road to the Division Parade Field, and back to the Sustainment Brigade headquarters. Afterwards, they were treated to a continental breakfast, as well as some brief words from Col. Peterman and Brigade Chaplain, Maj. Sun Macupa.
“When you have faith in God, it will drive your life in a positive direction,” Maj. Macupa explained. “There’s a lot of Soldiers who are losing it spiritually in some aspects of their lives, and they run into a lot of stresses and temptations that they don’t know how to deal with.”
“We try to teach them that while there are problems in life they’ll run into, they can stop, take some time and get a perspective on where their strength comers from. There’s always a way to get out of the problem.”
Unlike the Brigade Combat Teams, Sustainment Brigade Soldiers are constantly deploying in and out of combat theater. Soldiers with the 101st Sustainment Brigade have recently returned from a deployment from Afghanistan and currently are slated to begin re-deploying back to Afghanistan starting in 2010.
“We’re a little different than most brigades on this post. We’re on a different cycle than most, and we’ve got to stay on the spiritual fitness road to ensure we have resilient Soldiers and families for the future,” Col. Peterman said.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Best in class


Sustainment Brigade MPs take top honors in state law enforcement competition
By SFC Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office

FORT CAMPBELL, KY., August 28 – For the past four years, Fort Campbell has been at the top of the heap when it comes to law enforcement. This year was no different.
For the fifth consecutive year, Soldiers with the 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and the Fort Campbell Provost Marshal’s Office took home top awards at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Challenge.
The MP’s won first place honors in the state Governor’s Highway Traffic Safety Award, and finished third on the national level in the Military Police category of all branches. They’ve finished in the top three both state and nationally since the inception of the competition five years ago.
“Our traffic section really love what they do, and take a personal interest in trying to protect folks on the roadways of this installation,” said Maj. Darrell Sides, Fort Campbell provost marshal. “There’s so much focus on safety in the military; it’s part of a culture, and our Soldiers are somewhat on the spear when it comes to traffic safety.”
The Provost Marshal’s office is primarily made of civilian police officers who work hand-in-hand with the 716th MP Bn. Besides providing law enforcement on the installation, they also assist the battalion in training and skills as they deploy to Afghanistan.
The International Association of the Chief of Police hosts the Tennessee Law Enforcement Challenge. The provost marshal’s office spent two months creating their book of their accomplishments over the past year.
Cpt. Matthew Cain, 163rd Military Police Detachment commander, 716th MP Bn., said the book consists of Standard Operating Procedures and data relating to traffic enforcement on Fort Campbell, including speeding and Driving Under the Influence citations.
The book is submitted it to the Governor’s Highway Safety Office. Once reviewed at the state level, it is then sent to the national level, where the IACP reviews it to determine their winners.
Interim Deputy Provost Marshal Maj. Keith Shumate said the number of traffic fatalities involving Soldiers under the influence of alcohol has dropped drastically reduced from the previous re-deployment, going to two from 13.
Cpt. Cain describes the joint training between the brigade MPs and the Provost Marshal’s office as “crucial” in preparing the Soldiers for deployment downrange.
“I think it goes hand-in hand. The skills they’ve used on the road when making traffic stops can be used in a variety of ways, and it definitely gets the Soldiers in the right mindset when they deploy and vice-versa,” he said.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Health and Wellness for military wives

Calling all military wives!

A nationally syndicated health and wellness show is looking for a military wife who has taken charge of her health and lost a great deal of weight since her husband’s most recent deployment overseas. If you’ve lost more than 50 pounds, we want to hear from YOU! You may have the opportunity to share your inspirational story with the rest of the country.

Filming is fast approaching, so please contact Jed Strong on or before September 5th - the sooner the better! You can reach Jed via email at jstrong@zoco.com or by phone, 212-259-1546.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Creating Strong Army Family Bonds


It is with great pleasure that 101st Sustainment Brigade Army Chaplain Sun Sim Macupa has contributed this piece about maintaining our relationships within our families.

Historically, Strong Bonds retreats have consisted of a hotel to stay in, some free time to enjoy with your spouse, and lots of listening to a Chaplain speak. It’s a good deal because the Army pays for soldiers to both enjoy time with their spouse and to get solid training. As with all programs, there are improvements made over time that help to make the program better. The weekend of August 7-9, 2009 proved to be a new stage in the development of Strong Bonds at Fort Campbell as members of 326 Engineering Battalion became the first group to go through a new track called Active Relationships.
Chaplain (CPT) Eric Light led the group and received training on this material earlier this year. “I like this material because it is so interactive” said Chaplain Light. The program uses group activities to help participants think through what they are being taught. Typically, the leader will conduct 15-20 minutes of lecture every hour with the remainder of that time being used to either discuss a topic and report the findings back to the group or to practice a relationship tool. “I find that there are plenty of folks out there who know more than me. It is great to hear these soldiers and spouses talk about all of their struggles and what they did to overcome their circumstances. They actually learn from one another and it bonds them together in ways we could not manufacture otherwise.” Commented Chaplain Light.
This was the second time Active Relationships was used at Fort Campbell. Chaplain Light also used this material to teach a Deployed Spouses one day event held at the FRC on July 29. “I have received positive feedback from everyone who has been in these trainings.” Said Chaplain Light. Here is what others had to say about this retreat:
“This seminar helped me a lot with communication barriers. It helped to understand that I need to take the feelings of my spouse into consideration. It also helped me to express how much I appreciate everything my wife does for me and our household.”
“I believe this program has great value and that if couples will use it on a daily basis there would be fewer marital problems.”
“This was a life changing event.”
Ultimately, the goal of Strong Bonds is to deepen and strengthen relationships. The Army invests heavily into insuring that these programs give soldiers the tools they need to have healthy, productive marriages. The soldiers and spouses of 326 Engineering Battalion received the tools to accomplish that goal, now they now must simply make the choice to use them.

551th MP deploys


The following article comes from the 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade:

551st Military Police Company OIF Deployment Article


After an intensive training cycle in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 551st Military Police Company deployed to Iraq in the early morning hours of August 13th. This deployment marks the unit’s second deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, in addition to a previous deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Under the command team of CPT Robert Eyman and 1SG Ivan Cornier, the 551st Military Police Company will move forward with the training and development of the Western Baghdad Iraqi Police to enhance the existing security and police capabilities in Iraq.

Soldiers and their families gathered at the 551st Military Police Company as Major General John Campbell and Command Sergeant Major Vincent Camacho expressed their appreciation for the unit’s service. They noted that very few individuals today choose to volunteer and serve their country in a time of war and the Soldiers of the unit deserve a debt of gratitude for their willingness and sacrifice. Major General Campbell also noted the importance of the 551st Military Police Company’s mission in the current efforts of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He said that training Iraqi Police is necessary for stabilizing Iraq and is critical with the shift in focus to operations in Afghanistan.

Command Sergeant Major Camacho encouraged the unit to take care of their buddies and focused on the importance of the Family Members, those present and those unable to attend the farewell ceremony. Command Sergeant Major Camacho promised the Soldiers he and Major General Campbell would help watch over their Families, but that each Soldier should keep their Families informed throughout the deployment.

The ceremony ended with Major General Campbell and Command Sergeant Major Camacho shaking each Soldier’s hand, personally expressing their gratitude for each Soldier’s service.

The 551st Military Police Company will be under the command of the 8th Military Police Brigade and 93rd Military Police Battalion for a 12-month deployment.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Welcome Home Soldier



The following story appeared in the Associated Press on Monday about the Welcome Home Ceremony for Vietnam Vets. Enjoy!



Fort Campbell welcomes home Vietnam vets

AP – Mike Dross, right, of Louisville, Ky., hugs another former soldier during a ceremony welcoming them home …
By KRISTIN M. HALL, Associated Press Writer – Sun Aug 16, 8:08 pm ET
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – Tears filled the eyes of some Vietnam veterans who were warmly greeted with cheers from their family and friends Sunday in an re-enactment of their original return from the war, when they were often met with angry demonstrators and harsh headlines.
The ceremony was a first for the 101st Airborne Division and the Army, said Maj. Patrick Seiber, an Army spokesman based at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
"Our hope is that other units and other posts will follow our lead in having this type of ceremony," he said.
Mickey Leighton, a 72-year-old Army veteran from Naples, Fla., said listening to the applause and praise from the community was very emotional.
Leighton, who started his military career at Fort Campbell in 1956, served two tours in Vietnam including the Tet Offensive. He returned in 1972 in the midst of angry anti-war protests that often placed blame on the individual soldiers.
"We were treated very shabbily," he said. "In some cases they would throw eggs at us, they would throw empty beer bottles at us and they would call us baby-killers."
He said many soldiers would immediately change clothes because they didn't want to wear their uniforms in public in the late 1960s and early '70s while traveling home after returning from war.
"Never in the history of the military have I known of any division or any military installation providing a specific welcome home for Vietnam veterans," Leighton said. "This is very touching."
In contrast, Fort Campbell soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are welcomed back with a ceremony after every deployment, with many completing three or four tours since the wars began.
Army leaders and the community around Fort Campbell collaborated for the Vietnam ceremony, Seiber said. The 101st Airborne Division Association, a group for former soldiers from the division, helped to organize and get the word out.
"I can't think of a better community to do this in than the Fort Campbell community," Seiber said.
Although many veterans had ties to Fort Campbell, the ceremonies included those from almost all the services. Many wore pieces of their old uniforms such as pins, awards and ribbons. Relatives filled the bleachers holding up signs that read "Welcome Home" and "Thank you for your service."
Gene Jones, 67, of Louisville, went to war in 1964 and 1965 with the 101st Airborne. He spent two years in the hospital recovering after he lost his leg in the fighting.
"The American public didn't support the war," he said. "I was there because I thought I was doing the right thing," he said.
"Evidently I was doing the right thing because of the turnout like this. We were long due," he said of the ceremony. "It brings tears to your eyes."
Seiber said he expected more than 1,500 veterans to participate during multiple ceremonies.
Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, said the time had come to do the right thing.
"We realize that many of you did not receive the honorable homecoming you deserved as American heroes," Campbell said. "We wanted to make sure that another day doesn't go by when you did not have a proper welcome home."

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Welcome Home Ceremony an "historic event"

By SFC Pete Mayes
101st Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

FORT CAMPBELL, KY., August 16, 2009 - When Sergeant First Class Kim Bell returned to the U.S. after a lengthy tour to Afghanistan last February, he said the cheers he received from supporters at the airport left the self-described "tough guy feeling" a little misty-eyed.
It's those feelings that he wants to share with other military veterans - those from the Vietnam War era.
The Fort Campbell Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony is meant to do just that: give those heroes the welcome back they never received. More than 600 military veterans are anticipated to attend Sunday's event.
"We're finally honoring those who've not been recognized and paved the way for guys like me," SFC Bell said.
SFC Bell is doing more than just spouting words about honoring the veterans. He's the project manager for the event, which is being sponsored by the 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
His job is to work side-by-side with the 101st Airborne Division Association and set up both Hangar 3 (where the veterans will be marched in and honored) and Freedom Fighter Gymnasium for the free barbecue dinner.
He and his team have been working tirelessly for months on this endeavor. Various meetings, checking and re-checking all the resources needed for this event,and still maintaining his daily duties at the brigade.
Still, SFC Bell recognizes the significance of this day, particularly during the Army's "Year of the NCO" observation.
"This is the first time, to my knowledge, that we as a nation have done something like this for our Vietnam era veterans. It's an historic event, and I'm glad to have been apart of it."
The Welcome Home Ceremony is part of the Fort Campbell "Week of the Eagles" activities. The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m., and the reception will follow at 6p.m.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Week of the Eagles - Day One





The Sustainment Brigade Golf team, led by COL. Michael Peterman, are lighting up the course during the first day of the Week of the Eagles activities.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Tickets still available for the Dining Out

Just a quick reminder to everyone that tickets are still available for the Gertsch Dining Out on Monday, Aug. 17. The event will be at the Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville, Ky. The doors open at 5 p.m., with a formal receiving line at 6 p.m., and the formal dinner at 7 p.m.

Former 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) Command Sergeant Major, CSM Marvin Hill, will be the keynote speaker. CSM Hill currently is the Central Command (CENTCOM) Command Sergeant Major under former Division Commander Gen. David Petraeus.

Tickets are on sale for $30. Call Sustainment Brigade S-3 Operations Analyst Brent Holman at (270) 412-4239 for more information.

Visit from TACOM Commander


Maj.Gen. Scott West, commander, TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, presents a coin to 2LT Tabitha Cooper of the 326th Engineer Battalion. The commander met with 101st Sustainment Brigade Commander, COL. Michael Peterman, as well as other brigade leaders and discussed the brigade's operational readiness.

Lifeliners lead the way!







1SG Shannon Tutor of Alpha Co., Brigade Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade,(middle photo) leads Soldiers as they hit the roadways with new 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) Commander Maj. Gen. James Campbell (top photo) during Thursday's Division Run. The run kicked off the Week of the Eagles festivities, which will run from Aug. 14-20 at Fort Campbell.