BN Commander and Senior Advisor Words

FEBRUARY 1, 2012 MONTHLY ISSUE

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BN CSM 2

Chaplain’s Corner 2

HHB Hardcore 3

ALPHA Apaches 4

BRAVO Bulldogs 5-6

GOLF Ghostriders 7

Calendar 8

Current Events 9-12

Inside this issue:

Soldiers and Families of the

Black Dragon Battalion:

I am honored to serve as your new

Battalion Commander. It is truly a

high honor to command the very

best our Nation has to offer, and I

also want to recognize that we can-

not do what we do without the sup-

port of our families (spouse, chil-

dren, parents, siblings, and the list

goes on). Although I have had a

chance to meet a lot of you at FRG

meetings, unit Christmas Parties, or

around the Battery/Company Area,

I have not had the opportunity to

meet all of you personally, so I would like to introduce myself and

my family.

I am from Richmond, VA, and received my commission in

the Field Artillery from the University of Richmond’s ROTC Pro-

gram in 1993. I have spent most of my career either at Fort Hood,

TX, or Fort Stewart, GA. While at Fort Stewart, I met my beautiful

wife and best friend, Jessy. I knew she was the right one for me

because, after knowing me for only six short weeks, she waited for

me an entire year while I deployed to Kuwait for a routine training

mission that ended up turning into the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Jessy has served in the medical field for over fifteen years, first as a

Respiratory Therapist and now as a Physician’s Assistant. We were

married in 2005, our son, Davis, was born two years later, and four

months after Davis’ birth, I left on a 15-month deployment to Iraq

as part of our “Surge” strategy.

Following my return from Iraq, Jessy, Davis, and I moved

to Washington, DC, for two years where I served as a Congression-

al Fellow and then as an Army Liaison in the House of Representa-

tives. Although this was a great experience, I always looked for-

ward to returning to serve again with troops in the field, which is

one of the reasons I joined the military. Life has been very busy

since we assumed command on December 7th, but we love serv-

ing as part of the BLACK DRAGON Team!

Within the battalion I tell the Soldiers that we need to fo-

cus on three things. First and foremost is resettling our families

and ourselves following the recent deployment. Being gone a year

and all the train-up that goes along with a deployment puts a strain

on the soldier and the family. Take the time we have now to recon-

nect and re-energize, and to maximize the opportunities here at

Fort Hood, the local area, and the Central Texas area. Stay in con-

tact with your FRG Volunteers and Leaders to make sure you know

what is available to you; they have access to lots of information

about a variety of opportunities. Second, we must focus on redraw-

ing our equipment. We left a lot of equipment behind in the care of

civilian contract maintenance teams and, as we get that equipment

back from them, it will take some hard work to get that equipment

ready for training.

Although this will require some hard work, I

don’t anticipate it requiring any extra hours – we will not keep

anyone past the duty day unnecessarily. Third is specific train-

ing on our weapons systems. Right now, with most of our

equipment still in the care of the civilian maintenance team, we

have the opportunity to focus on some of the basics of training

that are not always given the level of priority they deserve. So,

during the next month, the battalion will be spending a lot of

time training for or going to weapons ranges. While this will

make for some long days, none of this training will require Sol-

diers to spend the night away from their families – that is our

pledge to you.

We are currently working on the training plan for the

next quarter (April – June). At that time we will have our how-

itzers and other heavy equipment back and we will have some

overnight field training. We will publish those dates through

the unit FRG groups as soon as we can so that you can know and

plan well in advance of any overnight and extended training.

Before I close, I do want to address the question of

what the battalion’s next mission might be. At this time we have

not received any word about future deployment. As we have

recently returned from Iraq, the planners in the Department of

Defense that look strategically at the allocation of troops will

start to make plans that may involve us at a future date and

time. What that mission may look like, if and when it comes, is

still unknown. Stay in touch with our FRGs because once I know

something official I am committed to informing not only the Sol-

diers but their families as well.

In closing, thank you for everything you do - we truly

could not accomplish our mission without you and your sup-

port.

Will and Jessy Johnson

PS. We have expanded our Social Media presence. We have a

new FaceBook Page in addition to our FRG FaceBook Group.

We have also reactivated our Twitter Account for those of you

“Tweet.” We are always posting events, opportunities, as well

as updates about the battalion and your BLACK DRAGON Sol-

dier! See below links or just type in 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Ar-

tillery Regiment and “like us.”

FRG FaceBook Group www.facebook.com/#!/

groups/582black.dragons/

Battalion FaceBook Page www.facebook.com/#!/pages/5th-

Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-Black-

Dragons/288593261191191

Twitter Account: @5th82fa

The most important idea is to identify the primary reality of our lives. Most Soldiers hear media reports about

changes in the economy and the United States Army. Reality is a step away as we receive new Black Dragons and

old Black Dragons join another unit or depart the military. Continue to show genuine concern and pride for your

unit and your Battle Buddy now, not when it is too late! We succeed or fail on our ability to come together as a

Team. Unity and integration from the newest Black Dragon Private, to the Battalion Commander is a must. Every

Soldier in the battalion has a critical role to play in the overall success of the organization. As we ramp up for bat-

talion and brigade Field Training Exercises, Artillery Gunnery, Small Arms Ranges, and the Joint Readiness Center

we remain ever vigilant and prepared for when our Nation calls us. We must continue to take care of Soldiers and

their family members. FRGs you are doing a magnificent job! We also have a lot of Black Dragon “Babies” that we

have added to our ranks. Also a lot of spouses have been added to our realms. Congratulation to all, to include the

new Inductees into the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy club.

Throughout my 26 years of service I have seen our Army and Military go through many changes, as we adapted

to remain our Nation’s and the World’s premier land force. The one constant through all of these adaptations and

changes is Soldiering. Soldiering remains the one constant no matter how the military adapts or how the economy

rises or recesses. Soldiering, that ability to carry forward no matter what, is our foundation and is rooted in peo-

ple like the Soldiers and the Leaders in this battalion. The only definitions of progress that will finally matter are

the testing of our skills during our upcoming training. Congratulation to all Soldiers whom has completed any

school during this quarter, knowledge is power and you are empowering yourself and your family...

Hooah from Black Dragon 9 Battalion CSM

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BN CSM Words

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

PERFECT LOVE—“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect.” (1 John 4:17)

At some point in our lives we have all dreamed about “happily ever after.” Maybe you daydreamed about the

perfect woman, or you patiently waited for the knight on the white horse that would sweep you off your feet. While

for many the idea of perfect love is Cinderella or Prince Charming, it might surprise you to know that mine is found

in Adam and Eve.

Kind of a bad choice for “perfect love,” you might say, but while it is true that Adam and Eve are best known for

the single worst mistake in history, as the first couple (literally) ever to fall in love, their relationship was part of

God’s handiwork.

Just like many love stories today, my wife has never worn a glass slipper to a ball, and I have never trotted in on

a white horse to save her from the wicked queen. In fact, we bicker from time to time, we don’t usually go dancing

on Friday night, or awake every morning to a romantic breakfast in bed. Rather, she claims I’m a huge nerd be-

cause of my love for Star Trek, and I complain she doesn’t spend enough time at home. Then there’s the snoring,

and fights over the remote control…well, you get the picture. But while we two are far from perfect, we know that

God created our marriage in His perfect way…as only He can do.

God tells us in 1 John 4:12, “if we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us.” So even

though Adam probably forgot to take out the trash, and Eve forgot to wash his leaf now and then, and they occa-

sionally got on each others “last nerve,” their marriage was created to be perfected in love, because God both cre-

ated it and was invited to be part of it.

Don’t stress over living up to the fairy tale. You love story was designed by God. He wrote it, and He will per-

fect it if you invite Him to be at the center of it. The truth is, Happily ever after doesn’t always come with ball gowns

and white horses. Most of the time it comes with sweat pants, minivans, diapers, and even arguments…but that’s

ok, because if it comes from God, it’s designed as a perfect love story.

CH (CPT) Robert D. Patterson

Battalion Chaplain

5-82 FA, 4BCT, 1st Cavalry Division

(254) 287-9574

HARDCORE News

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Next FRG Meeting scheduled

23 February 2012

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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN

As a special service, Hood Happenings magazine is delivered with the Fort Hood Sentinel newspaper on the second Thursday of each month, to Fort Hood residents. BLORA Marina Operational Adjustments Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) Marina has made two important operational adjustments that are designed to enhance Marina support for users. One change includes increasing wet storage slips from 37 to 84, which will provide increased support to boat owners. The second adjustment includes the relocation of boats from the BLORA Marina and offering complete boat rental operations at Recreation Equipment Checkout (REC), and the rental of kayaks and boat slip rentals at the BLORA Admin Office. Patrons may call 254-287-4126 or come to Recreation Equipment Checkout, Bldg. 4930 on Clear Creek Road, across from the Clear Creek PX to obtain more information on boat rental opportunities for fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, and boating equipment. BLORA Paintball Course Closure Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area Paintball Course is temporarily closed until further notice, due to pending construction. For additional information, call 254-287-2523. Fort Hood Family and MWR is on Facebook!

Be a Fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/FortHoodFMWR

Links for these sites are also posted on HoodMWR.com

Up to date event and program info, pictures from events, exclusive videos and giveaways! Now - June 30, 2012 - Walk to Afghanistan

Do the unfathomable: Walk to Afghanistan!

Information packets and training logs are available at any Fort Hood physical fitness center

Log 7,720 miles within the year

Mileage will be awarded for walking, running, biking, swimming and participating in aerobic classes

Program is self-directed and based on honor system

For more information, call 254-285-5459

Now- While Supplies Last – Free Pie

Who doesn’t love pie and who doesn’t love it when things are free?

A lovely partnership between Family and MWR and USO present an opportunity to enjoy free pie.

Get your FREE piece of the pie with the purchase of lunch at Club Hood, Phantom Warrior Lanes or the Sportsmen’s Center (Weekdays, 11 am – 1:30 pm)

Its easy as pie to receive a whole, FREE pie with the purchase of a lane during Family Night (Mondays, 5 - 9 pm) at Phantom Warrior Lanes.

This special treat is available while supplies last.

Now - February 29, 2012 - Unlimited Golf Special

Drive on out to the Courses of Clear Creek to take advantage of the Unlimited Golf Special

Now until February 29, 2012; Monday – Friday; from noon on, play as long as you can for only $20 - $24 per person (golf cart included)

Courses of Clear Creek is open to all and locate on Battalion Avenue at Clear Creek Road, Bldg. 52381.

Unlimited Golf Special not valid on weekends and federal/training holidays.

For more information, call 254-287-4130.

Fort Hood Family and MWR

February 2012

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BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN

February 9 - Hood Howdy

Hood Howdy- A Texas Style Info and Mini Job Fair

A Family friendly event, full of information to get to know your new hometown and neighbors – Chambers of Commerce, over 100 area businesses and agencies, door prizes and refreshments.

Stop by the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation room for your chance to win a iPod Touch 32GB! Also check out the mini job fair and other activities occurring throughout the day.

Free and open to the public.

10am – 2pm Club Hood

Bldg 5764, 24th Street and Tank Destroyer Boulevard

Brought to you by the Family and MWR Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program. For pro-gram info call 254-287-4471

February 14 - Celebrity Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Club Hood presents ““Celebrity Mystery Murder “ Dinner Theater

Make this a Valentine’s Day you’ll never forget! Bring your sweetheart or a group of friends for a delicious dinner and evening of entertainment.

6 pm Cocktails (additional cost associated)

7 pm Dinner & Show

$37 per person(includes dinner & show)

London broil, twice baked potato and Normandy-blend vegetables; or Cornish hen, rice pilaf and parsley-buttered carrots. Both selections are accompanied by a tossed garden salad, delightful strawberry shortcake and tea/coffee/water.

R.S.V.P. by calling 254-532- 5073/5329

Open to all 18 years of age and over

Club Hood is located at 24th Street and Tank Destroyer Boulevard, near the East Gate.

March 1 - 31 – Big Bass Contest The heaviest fish caught during the month of March wins a Shakespeare Rod and Reel Combo!

Preregister at the Sportsmen’s Center Pro Shop, $2/person

Fort Hood Fishing Permit required – permits can be purchased at the Pro Shop; 16 years and under, no per-mit required.

State of Texas Fishing License required.

Fishing must be done at any lake on Fort Hood and weighed-in at the Sportsmen’s Center

Open to all

Fort Hood Family and MWR

February 2012