DOD Brief

DOD Brief

Here's some information about the Screaming Eagles as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan.

CSM Corner (pt. 1)

CSM Michael Sanchez debuts professional developement training for Sustainment Brigade leaders.

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.”

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.”

“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.”

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.

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.

"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.

“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.

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.”

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.”

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.

Ft. Campbell Soldier Saves A Life - Erika Lathon

Ft. Campbell Soldier Saves A Life - Erika Lathon

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.