1. Dear Families and Friends of the “Triple Deuce” Team,
It’s hard to believe that it has been a little over 2 months since the last newsletter. The entire
battalion continues to remain busy. Our primary mission remains unchanged: we are still advis-
ing, assisting, and enabling the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) here in the Gelan and
Muqor Districts of Afghanistan. The entire team is doing this very well and we have seen im-
provements. Here are some simple examples of how the ANSF are getting better. The Army,
Police, Civil Order Police, and Local Police are now all coordinating, synchronizing, and sup-
porting each other. The ANSF have taken ownership of the security in both districts, which
was previously our responsibility. The ANSF will execute independent operations: zero coali-
tion force presence. These simple examples are positive steps forward; we continue to execute
our mission with the ANSF to ensure they are fully independent in executing their mission and
way forward as Afghans securing Afghanistan.
On another note, we continue to reduce the size of this FOB every day, which takes a tremen-
dous amount of time and effort. Since the last newsletter, we deconstructed and relocated over
15 hard-standing buildings while descoping and consolidating over 20 living areas. We exe-
cuted this downsizing while never missing a beat with our primary mission. It is through the
dedication and focus of SFAAT Blue 2, SFAAT Green 2, SFAAT Gold 2, E/2-22, A/2-22, B/2-
22, and HHC/2-22 that we are able to accomplish all our assigned missions. Hard work, dedi-
cation, and mission focus are traits all our soldiers are demonstrating each day.
Additionally, I would like to thank all the families and spouses at home. Your mission is in-
credibly important and difficult. It is your devoted support that allows us to remain focused on
the mission at hand, knowing that everything at home is being taken care of. We very much
look forward to returning to Fort Drum and reuniting with our families.
Since our last newsletter we have had a few changes:
A/2-22 Changed Command from CPT Dan Braner to CPT Jeb Townsend
B/2-22 Changed Command from CPT Austin Miller to CPT William McMurray
HHC/2-22 Changed Command from CPT Ross Pixler to CPT Dan Braner
Thanks for all the support,
LTC Brett Funck
“Deeds, Not Words!”
Commander’s Corner
“ D E E D S , N O T
W O R D S ”
NEWS FROM THE FRONT
2 N D B A T T A L I O N , 2 2 N D I N F A N T R Y R E G I M E N T
J U N E 2 0 1 3
2. Words from the CSM
P A G E 2J U N E 2 0 1 3
Greeting from FOB Warrior! Since the publishing of the last newsletter, the heroes of Triple
Deuce have been extremely busy. The soldiers of CFT Courage continue to amaze me on a
daily basis, and I couldn’t be prouder of all they have accomplished thus far. I have no doubt
they will continue to set the standard across Regional Command East (RC-East).
As we continue to focus on the main effort of advising and assisting the Afghan National
Security Forces (ANSF), I am happy to report that our counterparts are heading in the right di-
rection. Each day the ANSF grow stronger, become more confident, independent, and continue
to demonstrate to the enemy that they are ready to take control of all security in Afghanistan.
Since the deployment, there have been numerous Soldiers across the footprint that have
been recognized for their many accomplishments. To date, there have been numerous promo-
tions, 108 Combat Infantryman Badges, 46 Combat Action Badges, 11 Combat Medical
Badges, and 43 impact Army Achievement medals awarded for actions in Afghanistan. Credit
must also be given to all the leaders within the Battalion for fostering an outstanding Command
climate that has been conducive to Soldiers wanting to remain a part of the Army family. As a
result, the Battalion achieved 100 percent of our fiscal year reenlistment goals in only eight
months. Congratulations to all who have decided to continue their service in the United States
Army.
Finally, congratulations to SSG Davis on becoming a member of the SGT Audie Murphy
club: job well done! Also congratulations go out to SGT Gasper and SPC Stogel for winning
the April NCO and Soldier of the Month competitions, respectively, and to CPL Newton and
SPC Haughton for winning the May competitions. Many thanks go out to the team back home
to include all of our family members and friends of the Courage Battalion. We thank you all for
the many care packages, prayers, and support that you all have provided during this deploy-
ment. Know that we would not be able to accomplish our mission if it weren’t for your contin-
ued love and support.
“Deeds not Words”
Courage 7
3. P A G E 3
J U N E 2 0 1 3
As summer nears, the Soldiers of Headquarters
and Headquarters Company are staying busy
with an ever increasing workload. The face of
the FOB is continually changing as buildings are
moved, people relocate offices and change posi-
tions. Keeping everyone up and running has been
a tremendous task, to which the Soldiers of Hell-
hound company have risen to and taken head on.
Despite working hard, they’ve had
some time to engage in recrea-
tional activities, to include Bible
Study, Triple Threat Club, and
basketball and volleyball tourna-
ments.
On the evening of 21 April, over 60 Soldiers from HHC
were awarded their respective combat badges: the Combat
Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, or Combat
Medic Badge. These badges will identify their wearers as
Soldiers who have not only deployed, but have also exe-
cuted their assigned duties under enemy fire. Over 60,000
Soldiers have been awarded their Combat Badges in
Afghanistan; the Soldiers of Hellhound Company are
proud to stand amongst them.
On 18 April, the Soldiers of Hellhound Company gathered to say goodbye to an outgoing Com-
mander and welcome a new one. CPT Ross C. Pixler passed the guidon of HHC to CPT Daniel
R. Braner, former Anvil Company Commander. CPT Pixler is leaving the Battalion to become a
Tactical Officer at the United States Military Academy. His hard work, leadership and dedication
to Hellhound company will be sorely missed. Incoming
commander CPT Braner is excited and enthusiastic for
the opportunity to command Hellhound Company. He
is joined by his wife, Jackie, who has stepped up to be the
FRG Leader, and their dog, Matilda.
Change of Command
Combat Badges Awarded
H E L L H O U N D F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P
HELLHOUND COMPANY
4. New Additions to
the Company
P A G E 4J U N E 2 0 1 3
Two Soldiers were selected to represent HHC in the FOB Warrior NCO/Soldier of the
Month Competition. SGT Andrew Bergman and PFC Adam Schoenherr, both of the BN
Mortar Platoon, participated in the competition. The competition consisted of a knowledge
board, mile run in kit, stress shoot and Warrior Tasks lane. When the dust settled, PFC
Adam Schoenherr took third place for Hellhound Company. PFC Zachary Carothers, also
from BN Mortars, will be representing the Company in the May competition.
Hellhound Company is proud to have two
new additions to the Company: 1LT Jason
Seyler and SGT Jared Moxley. 1LT Seyler
joins the Company’s S-2 shop, replacing 1LT
Hickman, who will be leaving for 1BSTB.
SGT Moxley moved over to the BN Mortar
Platoon from Anvil Company. Hellhound
Company extends a warm welcome to 1LT
Seyler, SGT Moxley and their family. SGT
Moxley is joined by his wife, Carly, and his
six-month-old son, Jimmy.
Outdoor Gym A Huge Success
In order to consolidate workspace and change things up a bit, the FOB Warrior gym was moved
from a standing building to an outdoor setting. The result has been a resounding success, with
many Soldiers taking the opportunity to enjoy the weather while exercising. The gym enjoys a
full complement of dumbbells, benches, squat racks and barbells. The gym recently held the
FOB Warrior Triple Threat challenge, where contestants had to Dead Lift, Squat and Bench
Press 300 lbs. Here are a few pictures of the club and some Triple Deuce Soldiers enjoying the
new gym.
SGT Bergman competing for the top slot
Re-enlistments
SPC John Tomlinson of Hellhound
Company’s Counter IED Platoon will be
re-enlisting on 01 June. He will be ex-
tending his contract for four years and
moving to Fort Benning upon his return
from this deployment. Congratulations
to SPC Tomlinson for his decision to
continue his career in the Army!
Triple Threat Club
US advisers congratulating Afghan Soldiers
graduating the Fire Direction Cell course
Soldier/NCO of the Month Competition
H E L L H O U N D F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P
5. ‘DEEDS, NOT WORDS!’
Anvil Company Combat Infantryman’s Badge Awardees
Friends and Family of Anvil Company,
There has been a ton of activity since our last newsletter in April. Our Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) counterparts have been growing
and learning each day. The progress that they are making is astounding, which can only be attributed to the hard work of the Soldiers of Anvil
Company and SFAAT Gold 2. The members of Gold 2 have been advising the Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) for 4 months now,
and have made leaps and bounds in increasing security for the people in the area. ANCOP police officers now execute unilateral patrols in Gelan,
and operate effectively on their own. This is an enormous step in the right direction towards the overall goal of handing the security of Afghani-
stan off to the ANSF.
We would like to congratulate some of our soldiers on their pro-
motions this month: Loc Nguyen and Aaron Rosario were pro-
moted to Sergeant, while Aaron Young and Zebulan Dumont
were laterally promoted to Corporal.
Multiple soldiers have decided to reenlist this month. We would
like to thank the families of SSG Fereria, SPC Sell, SGT Vice, CPL
Young, and SGT Nguyen. These soldiers have re-committed
themselves to the safety and defense of our great nation, and their
families’ support and assistance cannot be understated. Again, we
would like to thank the friends and families of these soldiers for
their continued support.
SSG Fererria receives the Oath of Reenlistment from 1LT Petullo
ANVIL COMPANY
J U N E 2 0 1 3
A N V I L F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P
6. A number of soldiers have been recognized for their achieve-
ments while here in Afghanistan. The Company currently has 66 Soldiers
that have earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Action
Badge, or the Combat Medic Badge. These badges are marks of honor for
these Soldiers as a testament to their bravery and dedication to duty dur-
ing confrontations with the enemy. Also, Anvil Company was able to
show its excellence when we swept the competition for the Soldier of the
month. The competition consisted of seven events, each designed to test a
soldier’s ability
to operate under
difficult condi-
tions. First came
a board to test the soldiers’ knowledge of the Army and of our current operating envi-
ronment. Then came a 1 mile run in full kit, followed directly by a qualification stress-
shoot. Following the stress-shoot, Soldiers had to put an ASIP radio into action, pre-
pare and call a 9-line MEDEVAC. After the 9-line was called up and approved, the sol-
diers had to show their knowledge of trauma treatment by caring for a casualty, and
evacuating them using a SKEDCO. SGT Gasper took the award for NCO of the
Month for 2nd
Platoon, and SPC Stogel took it for Soldier of the Month for Gold 2.
Two of our soldiers also entered into the “300 Club”. This exclusive club requires
soldiers to bench press, deadlift, and squat at least 300 pounds in each event. Con-
gratulations to SSG Fields and SGT Aidinovich, both of whom easily lifted the heavy
weight.
As with most organizations, personnel changes have to occur. For Anvil
Company, we have had a few leaders change positions. SSG Fields has joined 3rd
Platoon as a Maneuver Squad Leader from 2nd
Platoon and SSG
Wood has joined 2nd
as a Squad leader as well. SSG Wood comes to us from the Battalion TOC, and we are excited to have him join us.
As the Army continues to decrease it footprint in Afghanistan, we
must do so also. Over the next coming months, we will be downsizing many of
our services here on FOB Warrior, and space will quickly become a commod-
ity. Your continued support to the Soldiers through packages, emails, letters,
etc. is absolutely critical to morale and greatly appreciated, however, we ask
that our family and friends back home understand that as our time grows
shorter so will the quantity of our mail that we’ll be able to receive and store.
Please have any groups or organizations wanting to support the troops coordi-
nate directly with the Command Team so that we can manage these items as
our footprint condenses.
Here at Anvil Company, we talk on a daily basis about how much
support we get from home, and how much your thoughts and prayers mean to
us. Be confident that your loved ones are working hard, staying safe, and making
a difference in the world. As always, we would like to close this newsletter with
an enormous “Thank You” to everyone back home. All of us are proud of the
mission we’re accomplishing and look forward to our reunion when we return
home.
“DEEDS NOT WORDS”
-CPT Jeb Townsend
Members of 3rd Platoon prepare for a patrol
SSG Ramsey maneuvers his Weapons Team
(Photo by “Doc” Diaz)
2-22IN Memorial Day “Murph” Contestants
ANVIL COMPANY
J U N E 2 0 1 3
A N V I L F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P
7. B U S H M A S T E R F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P
Green 2 and Blue 2 continue to provide the Afghan National Security Forces with crucial
training: counter-IED efforts, communication methods, driver’s training, and the proper imple-
mentation of artillery and mortar assets. This training assists and prepares the Afghan National
Security Forces toward gaining competence and confidence to take full responsibility for security
in Ghazni Province. Operation Azadi, a large Afghan National Army operation in the districts of
Muqor and Gelan, was a resounding success. This success was a direct result of the dedication
of U.S. advisors, and sets the stage for future triumphs over the Taliban in our Area of Opera-
tions.
2LT James McClair joins Blue 2 as 1LT Daniel Dross transitions to FOB Ghazni to assist
with mentorship of the Afghan Uniform Police Provincial HQ. 1LT Trevor Sparkes joins Green 2
from A/2-22 IN as 1LT Cory Curran transitions to an Assistant S3 Operations position in the
CFT Courage TOC.
SFAAT 8 (GREEN 2) AND SFAAT 9 (BLUE 2)
Refocused as a Counter Improvised Explo-
sive Device (C-IED) platoon, 1LT Grube and SSG
Pratt led 3rd Platoon to FOB Ghazni to work
with combat engineers of 1st Brigade Special
Troops Battalion (1BSTB). Third Platoon assumed
a significant role in the efforts to advance secu-
rity and the ability for Afghans to freely travel
along Highway One. Highway One, a major route
which vertically bisects Ghazni Province, connects
Kandahar with Bagram. From Ghazni City, 3rd
Platoon continues to work hard. Their interaction with units outside 2-22 IN and their perform-
ance in northern Ghazni is a significant asset to Cross Functional Team (CFT) Warrior.
After repositioning to FOB Warrior in the
middle of March, Bushmaster Company quickly
reinvigorated efforts to enable the advisement and
mentorship of Afghan National Security Forces
within the districts of Gelan and Muqor. Over
the past several months, the platoons of Bushmas-
ter Company conducted over 35 missions in sup-
port of SFAAT Blue and Green teams.
As the mission set evolves, additional
changes occur within Bushmaster Company. It is
with full hearts that we bid farewell to CPT Austin
Miller as he moves north to assume a second
command, of Headquarters & Headquarters Com-
pany, 1st Brigade Combat Team (HHC BDE). CPT
William McMurrey assumed command of B Co on
09 May 2013.
Additional changes include 2LT Anthony Day
assigned to be the Platoon Leader of 2nd Platoon,
replacing 1LT Andrew Davis who is moving to
assume the role as the Executive Officer for Anvil
Co. 2LT Sean Cochran assumes the role of Pla-
toon leader for 1st Platoon. 1LT Thomas Wong
assumes the role as B Co. Executive Officer as
1LT Michael Rowen transitions to become an S3
Assistant Operations Officer in the CFT Courage
Tactical Operations Center.
CPT Will McMurrey
COMMANDER’S NOTE
PROMOTIONS, RE-ENLISTMENTS, AND BABIES
Promotions: (PV2 to PFC): Hoover (PFC to SPC): Brannon, Carnahan, McAlister; (SGT to SSG): Deyo.
Re-enlistments: SSG Davis, D. (2 yrs, FT. Drum, College Incentive), SPC Welsh, J. (4 yrs, FT. Stewart),
SPC Porter, J. (2 yrs, FT. Benning).
Baby Bushmasters: CPL Burnett, Z. (Girl) 09 May 2013 - Elizabeth Michelle Burnett 7lb, 4oz.; SGT
McManus, A. (Girl) 30 April 2013 - Charlotte Rose McManus 8lbs, 8oz.
BUSHMASTER COMPANY
“OPERATING FROM FOB GHAZNI”
(Left to Right): 3/B conducting dismounted clearance; 2/B playing a few innings of wiffle ball
to break up the patrol schedule; 2/B clearing near Hwy 1 in Muqor district.
I look forward to working with the families and members to fortify and refine the
already established strong foundation of Bushmaster Company. - CPT McMurrey
J U N E 2 0 1 3
8. J U N E 2 0 1 3
Soldiers of Eagle Forward Support Company continue to maintain excellence here on FOB Warrior. As
our Battalion continues to move forward with our Security Force Advise and Assist mission, Eagle
Company continues to fix, fuel, move and feed the entire operation allowing for mission success. Our
soldiers are truly the reason we are winning this fight here in Ghazni. There has been so much change
since the last newsletter, it’s hard to know where to begin. While our Battalion continues its opera-
tions, regardless of what challenges arise, Eagle Company continues to stand tall, adapt, and overcome
every single obstacle.
There is much to be proud of and, even though there is still a stretch of road to travel, I’m confident in saying that there is no other Company within
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, more motivated, dedicated, or prepared for the current mission. The team is providing the best
possible logistical support for the Task Force. Here are just a few of the highlights over the past couple months.
Our Soldiers are continually working hard and improving themselves. Several of our Soldiers have recently been promoted or reached promotable
status. SPC Lehman and SPC Roach took their first step to becoming future Non-Commissioned Officers by going to “The Board” and earning their
promotable status. SGT Chatmon and SGT Gains were both promoted to Staff Sergeant. PFC Parrish and PFC Smith were both recently promoted
to Specialist. Our Maintenance Platoon (“Wrenches Not Words”) welcomes a new Platoon Leader, 1LT Black, to the Eagle Company team. SGT
Charlton has flawlessly stepped up into his new roles as Platoon Sergeant and Maintenance Control Sergeant. SSG Paul and SGT Garcia returned from
their mission of supporting Bravo Company at COP Muqor. They were joined by SPC Sailor and proudly represented EAGLE company at FOB AR-
IAN by establishing and training up their DFAC setting ARIAN up to be self sustaining. The trio once again returned back to FOB Warrior to assist
SSG Wroten in support of the task force. Our Field feeding section is together once again.
It’s good to see the all the training prior to deploying is now contributing to the successful mission of providing logistical support to the Task Force.
Another huge task is the retrograde of the millions of dollars’ worth of equipment that has been supporting the warfighter over the years. As our
mission winds down, this equipment now needs to be returned in a organized and efficient manner; SSG Chatmon is doing an out-
standing job of getting all of this equipment turned in. He spent several weeks at Bagram joining SPC Lee to re-
ceive the equipment that has been shipped by the Distribution Platoon, lead by SSG Amos and LT Caballero with
the assistance of SPC Nord and SGT Abadilla. With every truck that leaves, we know that we are that much
closer to leaving and everyone here is counting down the days and weeks until our return to FT Drum, the other
half of our team, and our loved ones back home.
- CPT Scott Fisher
COMBAT ACTION BADGES
M A Y 2 0 , 2 0 1 3
EAGLE COMPANY MAINTAINS EXCELLENCE ON
FOB WARRIOR
The Combat Action Badge is a military badge worn by U.S. Army sol-
diers. The emblem features the M9 bayonet, the M67 fragmentation
grenade, and the oak wreath which symbolizes strength and loyalty.
In keeping with the spirit of the Warrior Ethos, the Combat Action
Badge provides special recognition to Soldiers who personally engage
the enemy, or are engaged by the enemy during combat operations.
E A G L E F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S G R O U P
EAGLE COMPANY
J U N E 2 0 1 3
9. Chaplain’s Corner
P A G E 9
J U N E 2 0 1 3
In many different parts of the
country, June brings about the
end of a school year. Not
only is there the end of
school nationwide, but there’s
also Fathers’ Day (11 June)
and Flag Day (14 June), just to
name a few. June-August are
some of the busiest months
of the year. Oh, how fast
time does go by when you are
having summer fun. And YES,
Fort Drum has many different
Don’t blink your eyes for one second be-
cause, if you do, life will pass you by.
Dream big and never stop giving 100 per-
cent in whatever you are doing. I recently
read a great poem by Harvey MacKay that
said, “Time is free, but it’s priceless; You
can’t own it, but you can use it; You can’t
keep it, but you can spend it; Once you’ve
lost it you can never get it back.” Dream
big, have fun this summer, and may God
Bless you all!
- Chaplain Jason Byers
There are many ways to
raise the morale of a Sol-
dier, and one of those is
through their stomach.
We recently received a
gigantic box of cookies in
the mail from the 2nd
Battalion, 22nd Infantry
Regimental Society. This
organization comprises of
current and former mem-
bers of the 2nd Battalion,
22 Infantry Regiment. The
cookies were definitely a hit
for the Soldiers, and even
CSM Manning couldn’t re-
sist. Thanks to all those
veterans from the past, and
present for serving in one
of the greatest battalions in
the Army. HOOAH!!
footballs. The Soldiers loved
receiving the footballs and it
definitely brought smiles to
their faces.
We were also blessed to
receive two large boxes of wif-
fle balls and bats from the AM-
VETS Post 88 of NYC. By
these kind donations from peo-
ple back home the Soldiers can
partake in some favorite pas-
times. The above mentioned
may often seem simple to
some, but for deployed Sol-
diers it means the world.
A break in the monotony;
a moment of peace; a
period of time just to get
away from it all. We say
“Thank You!”
This month we received a large
shipment of Footballs in from
Miss Dawn Esposito. As we all
know, Miss E is VERY resource-
ful in her endeavors to care for
the 2-22 IN Soldiers. Through
her most recent acts of gener-
osity Miss E worked with other
caring organizations to provide
the Soldiers here at FOB War-
rior no less than 50 regulation
Blessings From The
States (Sports Frenzy)
Veterans Supporting Veterans
opportunities for good family fun. This brings
home a Scripture that I pondered over this
month. The Scripture is James 4:14, “Yet you do
not know what your life will be like tomorrow.
You are just a vapor that appears for a little
while and then vanishes away.” You don’t have
to know this Scripture to know that life is short.
To know that we are here today, but could be
gone tomorrow. The question is “What holds
us back?” What holds us back from dreams and
aspirations in life? What holds us back from
being the best at anything and everything we set
out to do?
10. Deployment Address:
Last Name, First Name
Company, Task Force 2-22
FOB Warrior, Afghanistan
APO AE, 09311
This publication is for the friends and family
members of 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regi-
ment. We continually strive to inform those in the
US of our current mission, and everyday way of life
while deployed. Each company has told their sto-
ries in this newsletter for that
particular
month.
“Deeds, Not Words”
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June Update- OEF XIII
“Lead With Courage”