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.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Combat firefighters deploy to Afghanistan


The following report was written by Jake Lowary of the Leaf-Chronicle. Its focus is on the 508th and 550th Engineer Battalion (Firefighters) as they prepared to leave Fort Campbell for a deployment to Afghanistan, where they are poised to make history as the only Army firefighters deployed to theater for their specific firefighting duties.


Firefighters deploy from Fort Campbell
Soldiers leaving for Afghanistan to take on that specific purpose

By JAKE LOWARY • The Leaf-Chronicle • August 7, 2009


For the first time in the Global War on Terror, trained Army firefighters deployed to Afghanistan from Fort Campbell on Thursday.
Eight soldiers with the 508th Engineer Detachment, who are all trained firefighters and EMTs, set out for Afghanistan, making them the first unit of trained firefighters to deploy with that specific purpose to a combat zone. Today, seven more soldier-firefighters with the 550th Engineer Detachment will also deploy for 12 months.
Many of the soldiers in the 508th were making their first trip overseas. The unit has been training since it was reactivated at Fort Campbell in 2006 as part of the 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade.
"I hope I get to do some firefighting," said Sgt. Robert Brown, who is beginning his first deployment.
Soldiers trained as firefighters have deployed before, but not in that specific skill set. They have always been reallocated or reassigned to other units specializing in other tasks.
Brown's excited that the last six months of hard training are about to pay off.
"It's good they're using us for what we're trained to do," he said.
The soldiers are deploying on 12-month orders. Initially they will be in Kandahar, but each detachment could end up at different forward operating bases.
They work much like other firefighters. They often train and support their civilian counterparts at Fort Campbell, but now they are wearing full body armor and carrying a semi-automatic assault rifle.
"The difference (between a civilian firefighter) is you have the possibility of going into a building with live ammunition or other ordnance," said Spc. Robby Rothwell, who's also beginning his first deployment.
Staff Sgt. Wayne Keaton used to be the non-commissioned officer in charge of the unit before handing over to Staff Sgt. Derek Caterinicchio.
Keaton said there's potential danger around many different turns, but the 508th has trained on every type of vehicle and aircraft they might encounter while deployed.
"They're definitely ready to go," he said.
Keaton said the Fort Campbell firefighters have been more than helpful in getting the 508th trained and ready to go.
"It's a symbiotic relationship," he said.
Deploying for the first time can be tough on the mind. No matter how much training a soldier gets, there is always an unknown.
"There's always the thought in the back of your mind you don't know what it will look like or be like," said Spc. Armando Uribe, 23.
Uribe and Rothwell have known each other for several years and are each other's battle buddy. The brotherhood among the men is thick, Rothwell said.
"We've gone into burning buildings together," Rothwell said. "There's nothing I wouldn't trust these guys with."
Even though they have each other to get them through, the harsh reality of a deployment set in before they left Thursday.
"Actually setting my will for the first time," Rothwell said. "That was pretty scary at 25."

Jake Lowary covers military affairs. He can be reached at 245-0719 or by e-mail at jakelowary@theleafchronicle.com.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Sustainment Brigade fondly remembers MG Schloesser



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

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schoessler’s ability to effectively lead Soldiers and establish order out of chaos epitomized his tenure as commander of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell.
That is what Soldiers from the 101st Sustainment Brigade said they will remember most about the former Division commander.
The “Lifeliners” Brigade was among the many Screaming Eagles who bade farewell to MG Schoessler during last week’s change of command ceremony. Many of the brigade’s Soldiers had deployed with him to Iraq and Afghanistan.
SSG Andrew Waychoff, a platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, Brigade Troops Battalion described the environment in Afghanistan as chaotic when they first arrived.
“There were some crazy things going on, but everyone felt more at ease when (Schloesser) got there,” he said. “There were no real standards in place, so when he and the division came in, the standards were better enforced, and people knew what they had to do, which was doing the right thing.”
Maj. Gen. Schloesser has served at Fort Campbell five times since 1984, twice with the 101st. He assumed command from Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner II in November 2006.
Soldiers said they could always count on him being there for them, whether in garrison or combat theater.
101st Human Resources Company leaders remember MG Schloesser coming to Iraq in January 2008 to spend time with the Soldiers stationed there in Bilad. The general personally handed out coins, promoted a Sergeant to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and awarded a Soldier a Combat Action Badge.
“That spoke volumes about him. He’s in Afghanistan, and he took time to visit us. That meant a lot,” HR Co. Executive Officer 1LT Davis said.
HR Co. 1SG Shannon Tutor called the former commander, “a Soldier’s officer” who lived and enforced the values he expected of his troops.
“Absolutely. Without a doubt. He’s always been that way. And his history in the division is phenomenal,” he said.
1SG Tutor first served under Schloesser when he was a commander at the Aviation Brigade, and said he was a stickler for training.
“Everyone there trained their butts off. And that was prior to Sept. 11th,” he said. “That was some of the most intense training as far as aviation experience at that time, but he was right there, along with us.”
As Maj. Gen. Schloesser prepares to head overseas for his next duty assignment, Sustainment Brigade Soldiers said they are confident in the abilities of the new division commander, Maj. Gen. James Campbell.
“We’ve never had a bad commander in the 101st,” SSG Waychoff said.