The Warhorse Pride is a bi-monthly newsletter produced by the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division, for the Soldiers, Families and friends of the "Warhorse" Brigade.

1. Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div. Vol. 2, Issue 7 March 28, 2014
A Desert Partnership
Pg. 2
Combat engineers, Co. C, 2nd STB explode approximately 1700 lbs. of C4 explosives of an M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) to breach an obsticacle during a
MICLIC live fire at the Udairi Range Complex, Camp Buehring Kuwait, March 12.
nd ABCT PAO
Tankers
come
knocking
pg. 4

2. Warhorse PridePage 2 Vol. 2, Issue 7 March 28, 2014
O
ut on a grenade launcher range, Spc. Nina Bray stands out
from her fellow soldiers. It doesn’t take an intelligence
analyst like herself to notice she is the only soldier with a
hair bun sticking out from under her combat helmet or that at 5 feet 1
inch tall, she is noticeably shorter than her male counterparts.
But Bray, currently deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, with the
HHC, 204th BSB, isn’t afraid of being a little different.
Bray grew up with an independent streak, surrounded by
more than a 100 horses at her family’s home in Reno, Nevada. She
competed in some of the most difficult endurance horse races, setting
records across the United States. As a child, she would wake up early
on the weekends and walk with her dad through their neighborhood,
where the nearest neighbor was two miles away. Together they would
find the most neglected horses and offer their owner what they had in
their pocket to give the horse a better life.
One weekend, they stumbled upon an exceptionally beat up horse.
Bray and her father walked up to the owner’s door, knocked and
when the owner answered the door, Bray told him, “we’ll buy your
horse.” The owner thought for a second and replied “well she just had
a baby; you’ll have to buy both.”
“Without a hesitation I replied, ‘we’ll buy her too’,” said Bray.
She took $150 out of her pocket and the horses belonged to her.
Her family eventually moved to Texas, but Bray stayed in Reno,
not happy with her job, a chance encounter at a recruiting station
propelled her into a new direction.
“I actually went in with my friend and he was trying to enlist,”
said Bray. “My recruiter made me a bet that I couldn’t pass the pretest
for the (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Test), I blew that out of
the water. I made myself a promise that if I scored over a 60 on the
real ASVAB, I would join.”
She got a 72, a score good enough to qualify her to work in the
intelligence field.
She arrived to Fort Carson while the unit was in Afghanistan.
When they returned in the middle of 2012, she learned of a
deployment to Kuwait later the following year.
“The desert, it reminds me a bit about home,” laughed Bray.
Story and Photos by Sgt. Marcus Fichtl
2nd ABCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Forever your own hero
Spc. Nina Bray, intelligence analyst, HHC, 204th BSB, fires an M320 40 mm
grenade launcher during a M203/320 grenade launcher qualification range at
Camp Buehring, Kuwait, March 17. Bray grew up in Reno, Nev., before enlisting in
the U.S. Army, she’s tattooed her life motto given to her by her drill sergeant in
basic training, “forever be your own hero or be someone else.”
Six months through the deployment, she has briefed commanders
on the intelligence situation in the region, traveled across the Middle
East, not on horse but in a Humvee, and developed herself as a
soldier.
And as congress and the Army discuss women’s role in combat,
Bray stands ready to fire her M203 40mm grenade launcher across the
Kuwaiti desert. Not as an exception, but as reflection of the modern
U.S. Army.
“I think having different sexes working side by side balances
things out,” said Bray. “The intelligence shop always works on
products together. One soldier will approach from one direction,
and then I will take it and expand it in a different direction, together
creating a better, stronger product.”
To Bray, it doesn’t matter who inspires her, but what inspires her.
“I don’t really have a female mentor, but my drill sergeant, he
really helped me a lot,” said Bray.
Words that resonated with her inspired her to get them tattooed
on her body.
“Forever be your own hero or be someone else,” Bray’s drill
sergeant told her.
“It brought me out of my shell, I’m more outspoken,” Bray
continued. “It’s something I follow all throughout life. If I’m going
to do something, I’m going to do the best I can and give it my one
hundred percent and modify it, if I have to.”
She leads in life just as she leads by example at the range
qualifying on both the M203 Grenade Launcher and M320 Grenade
Launcher.
And what of the newborn horse, Bray and her father bought years
ago?
The mother died a few days later, but the newborn grew up with
Bray out in the Nevada. Having a short stature, and technically a
pony, but like Bray her size and sex hasn’t stopped her yet.
“I won’t try to be like someone else, I’ll be myself,” said Bray.
Spc. Nina
Bray,
intelligence
analyst,
HHC, 204th
BSB, waits to
enter a M203/
M320 40
mm grenade
launcher
qualification
range at Camp
Buehring,
Kuwait, March
17.

3. Warhorse PridePage 3 Vol. 2, Issue 7 March 28, 2014
Female Soldiers
Women’s observance
Command Sgt. Maj. Ruby Murphy, center left, senior enlisted leader, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, holds her certificate of appreciation as she poses with
females Soldiers during a Women’s Observance Ceremony on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, March 21. Over 100 female Soldiers currently forward deployed attended the
event that featured Soldiers dancing to popular female music and reciting quotes from famous women in history.
Col. Omar Jones, commander, 2nd ABCT, joins female Soldiers in cutting a cake
during the Women’s History Observance on Camp Buehing, Kuwait, March 21.
Female Soldiers currently forward deployed execute a dance in recognition of
the Women’s History Observance on Camp Buehing, Kuwait, March 21.

4. I
n the past 10-plus years since the U.S.
has been at war, soldiers were required
to adapt from conventional warfare to
combating counter insurgency.
As the war in Afghanistan draws down,
the Army is going back to training on their
armored equipment, but the leadership of the
“Demon Dog” Company is ensuring their
soldiers are able to perform critical skills in
both competencies.
Soldiers of Company D, 1st Bn., 67th
Armor Reg, trained on close quarter battle
techniques at Udairi Range Complex near
Camp Buehring, Kuwait, March 13.
The training allowed soldiers to practice
clearing rooms and perfecting dismounted
movements while working in squad-sized
elements.
“The basic reason why you have to know
both sides is you have to be ready and
prepared to deploy anywhere in the world
at anytime,” said Sgt. John Johnson, armor
crewman, Company D. “You never know
what type of environment you are going to
be in.”
The soldiers used simulation rounds to
increase the authenticity of the training.
“Sim rounds definitely increase the realism
of the training,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Nicolosi,
platoon leader, Company D. “The more
friction points we can identify and the more
(standard operating procedures) we can
develop the better trained we will be.”
For most of the junior enlisted soldiers,
this is the first time they have conducted the
Staying trained for
Sgt.AndrewGroeneveld,left,anativeofGrandRapids,Mich.,andanarmorcrewmanassignedtoCompanyD,1stBn,67thArmor
Kuwait,March13.Thesoldiersoperatedinsmallteamsandreceivedanassessmentontheirabilitytoclearroomsandbuildingso
Warhorse PridePage 4 Vol. 2, Issue 7 March 28, 2014
Soldiersof1stBn.,67thArmorReg.,practiceupanddowndrills
priortoconductingclosequarterbattletrainingatUdairiRange
ComplexnearCampBuehring,Kuwait,March13.
ASoldierof1stBn.,67thArmorReg.,loadssimulationroundspriortoconductingclosequarterbattletrainingatUdai
ComplexnearCampBuehring,Kuwait,March13.

5. anything Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
2nd ABCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
orReg.,leadsSoldiersacrossadangerareaduringclosequarterbattletrainingatUdairiRangeComplexnearCampBuehring,
ofpotentialenemythreats
Warhorse PridePage 5 Vol. 2, Issue 7 March 28, 2014
training, and the soldiers are bonding.
“We usually fight with our cannon,”
said Pfc. Richard Dean, armor crewman,
Company D. “Being dismounted, we
are fighting with M4s. You have to be a
cohesive unit to work together; that is the
only way you will survive.”
Instructors knew the soldiers receiving
the training paid attention and could apply
it later on.
“They are soaking it us like a sponge,”
said Johnson. “I think they received great
value from the training.”
And what did Johnson think the soldiers
liked the most?
“It was very life-like, said Johnson, a
native of Houston. “It gave the guys the
experience of getting shot and feeling the
adrenaline rush. It was very valuable to
have the sim rounds.”
Leadership knew having fun was
important, but also that soldiers needed to
be prepared for battle.
“The goal of all our training is that we
conduct it as real as possible, so if they get
into a situation, they will know what to do
based off of muscle memory,” said Nicolosi.
The training is in preparation for a
security-cooperation exercise that will
see “Death Dealer” soldiers partner with
soldiers of the Royal Saudi Arabian Army
later this month.
iriRange Soldiersof1stBn.,67thArmorReg.,stackalongabuildingduringclosequarterbattletrainingatUdairiRange
ComplexnearCampBuehring,Kuwait,March13.
ASoldierof1stBn.,67thArmorReg,preparesto
conductclosequarterbattletrainingatUdairi
RangeComplexnearCampBuehring,Kuwait,
March13.

6. Warhorse PridePage 6 Vol. 2, Issue 7 March 28, 2014
Shots across the AO
The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the
Soldiers of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division. The Warhorse Pide is an Army-
funded news-letter authorized under provision of AR
360-1.
Contents of the Warhorse Pride are not necessarily
the view of, nor endorsed by the U.S. government,
Department of Defense, Department of the Army
or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content of
The Warhorse Pride is prepared, edited, provided and
approved by the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team
Public Affairs Office.
The Warhorse Pride welcomes articles, commentary
and photos from readers. The Warhorse Pride
reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the
publication.
All issues of The Warhorse Pride can be viewed
online from your home computer at www.facebook.
com/2bct4id
Submissions should be e-mailed to the editor:
andrew.a.porch.mil@mail.mil
Col. Omar Jones IV......................2nd ABCT Commander
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lehtonen 2nd ABCT CSM
Maj. Chris Maestas.................................................PAO OIC
Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch..................................PAO NCOIC
Sgt. Marcus Fichtl...............................Layout and Design
Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch............................................Editor
Warhorse Pride
Mortarmen, HHC, 1st Bn., 67th Ar. Reg. fire an illumination round during a night
mortar live fire at the Udairi Range Complex, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, March 17.
Soldiers of the 2nd ABCT and Kuwaiti Land Forces pose for a picture after a
partnership dinner in Kuwait City, Kuwait, March 20. The two sides took time to
speak about partnership activities conducted over the past few months.
Soldiers assigned to 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg., fire their assigned M109A6 Paladin
Self-Propelled Howitzer during qualification at Udairi Range Complex near
Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
Ravenoperatorsfromacross2ndABCTposewiththeirequipmentpriortoconductinga
trainingexerciseneartheKuwaitNavalBase,March16.TheSoldiersoperatedtheRavens
14milesoffthecoastofKuwaitover International waters.
Photo by: Sgt. Marcus Fichtl, 2nd ABCT PAO
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo
Photo by: Sgt. Marcus Fichtl, 2nd ABCT PAO
Photo by: Sgt. Marcus Fichtl, 2nd ABCT PAO

7. Family Readiness GroupPage 7 Vol. 2, Issue 7 March 28, 2014

8. Better Opportunities for Single SoldiersPage 7 Vol. 2, Issue 7 March 28, 2014
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDA
Y
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 MWR TOURS PHONE # 438-3056 I 0800-1700 HRS SAT - THURS
OASIS - MWR PALMS - UDAIRI CENTER
PHONE # 438 - 3202 OPEN 24 HRS
FITNESS CENTER PHONE # 438 - 3130 OPEN 24 HRS
Zydeco Music Night – MWR
Oasis @ 2030
Top 40 Music Night – MWR
Oasis @ 2030
Kuwait Cultural Experience
– MWR Oasis/Stage Area @
1700
Texas Hold em Poker –
MWR Palms @ 1900
Texas Hold em Poker –
MWR Palms @ 1900
Texas Hold em Poker –
MWR Palms @ 1900
Texas Hold em Poker –
MWR Palms @ 1900
Speed Chess Tournament –
MWR Oasis @ 1900
Spades Tournament – MWR
Oasis @ 1900
Soca Dance Night – MWR
Oasis @ 1900
Saturday Night Bingo –
MWR Oasis @ 1900
Saturday Night Bingo –
MWR Oasis @ 1900
Saturday Night Bingo –
MWR Oasis @ 1900
Salsa Night – MWR Oasis
@ 1900
SAAM Observance Skits
( Sexual Assault Awareness
Month ) – MWR Stage @
1800
RC Car Race – RC Race
Track Near Softball Field @
1700
Latin / Tejano Music Night –
MWR Oasis @ 2030
Call of Duty Tournament –
MWR Palms @ 1900
Hip Hop & R&B Dance Night
– MWR Oasis @ 1900
Easter Egg Hunt – MWR
Oasis /Stage Area @ 1000
Dominoes Tournament –
MWR Oasis @ 1900
Buehring Idol Qualifying
Rounds – MWR Oasis @
1900 Home Run Derby –
Multipurpose Field @ 1800
Husafeld Carry Contest –
Volleyball Court @ 1800
Weekly 5K – Eisenhower
near MWR Stage @ 0500
Weekly 5K – Eisenhower
near MWR Stage @ 0500
Weekly 5K – Eisenhower
near MWR Stage @ 0500
Flag Football Tournament –
Multipurpose Field @ 1700
Duathlon – Main Gym @
1800
Deadlift Competition – Main
Gym @ 1800
Army Reserve Birthday 5K –
Eisenhower near MWR
Stage @ 0500
International Night – MWR
Oasis @ 2030
Buehring Idol Qualifying
Rounds – MWR Oasis @
1900
Buehring Idol Qualifying
Rounds – MWR Oasis @
1900
Buehring Idol – MWR Stage
@ 1900
Country Night – MWR Oasis
@ 2030
Weekly 5K – Eisenhower
near MWR Stage @ 0500