Commander’s Corner

Dragon Report D e l ta , 1 0 6 t h FM S U

Inside this issue:

The Corner 1

Robert Smalls 2

SHARP Training 3

Operation Dirty

Harry

4-5

Do It Yourself

Maintenance

6-7

From Me to You 8

Employee of the

Year

9

Soldier Spotlight 10

Travel Destinations 10

Baby Showers 11

Welcome Back 11

Birthdays and

Upcoming Events

12

Volume 2, Issue 2 February 2013

Greetings Dragons! Our Detachment Sergeant has some

good words of wisdom for you that are very important, so I’ll

be brief. For those of you with significant others, be sure to

let them know how much you appreciate them during Valen-

tine’s Day. Even if you don’t have a specific significant other,

let your family know how much their support means to you. I

expect everyone to call home or share something extra spe-

cial with their loved ones this month! Also, remember to take

a moment and pay tribute to those that lead in the struggle

for equality in observance of Black History Month. Dragons!

Hello Dragons, this month I’d like to talk about a discussion I had with a fellow Soldier. We talked about what was the best way to accomplish

all missions. The debate centered on effectiveness verses pure effi-ciency. My first response was that anyone seeking to refine a process should study the procedures in place and observe the process in action to identify any inefficiency. The next step should be to change the pro-cedures and analyze the effectiveness of the changes. He countered

with “well what if the process is efficient but not effective?” This small question started my wheels turning and weeks later I was still ponder-ing the question. A little while after that I attended Leaders Profes-sional Development and we were discussing the Army as a Profession of Arms. The question surfaced again and this time there was a more

detailed description of what framed the initial question. The Army is asking this same question of all its leaders. “Should we solely rely on pure efficiency in operations or seek to understand the process in its entirety so that we can then be more effective at what we do?” Let’s take for an example a highly skilled heart surgeon. He can be consid-

ered as the epitome of precision and efficiency by balancing the act of killing a person, and bringing them back to life during a heart trans-plant. But did we ever stop to think that if during previous appoint-ments, the patient could have been identified as a risk and subse-quently placed on a regimen that would not have resulted in surgery?

This does not make him any less efficient as a surgeon but it does ques-tion the effectiveness of the approach. This, in my opinion is the prob-lem we are faced with as an Army. We have highly trained technically competent individuals that can accomplish a broad array of tasks in a wartime environment (ie…surgery). On the other hand we also have to

have the foresight to accomplish Garrison operations that may require more attention to details that don’t affect the end result of our wartime mission; but conversely affect the overall development of an agile adaptable force of Professional Soldiers. With this in mind we should strive to have a baseline of efficiency in all that we do but we must

also be aware of the requirements of our higher echelons of command so that we can make informed decisions effectively.

Detachment Sergeants Corner

Robert Smalls in Honor of Black History Month

Robert Smalls (1839-1916) was a black Ameri-

can statesman who was born a slave and made a daring

escape at the beginning of the Civil War. After the war

he served five terms in Congress as the representative

from South Carolina.

Robert Smalls was born a slave on April 5, 1839.

He was taken to Charleston as a youth. He soon mas-

tered the seafaring art and became the de facto pilot of

a Confederate transport steamer, the Planter. Smalls

never accepted his enslaved condition and was deter-

mined to free himself. He taught himself to read and

write, mastered the tricky currents and channels of Charleston Harbor. Sooner or

later his chance would come: he would be free. He had to be free.

The Civil War brought his chance. On the morning of May 13, 1862, while

the ship's white officers still slept in Charleston, Smalls smuggled his wife and

three children aboard the Planter and took command. With his crew of 12 slaves,

Smalls hoisted the Confederate flag and with great daring sailed the Planter past

the other Confederate ships and out to sea. He hoisted a flag of truce and delivered

the Planter to the commanding officer of the Union fleet. Smalls explained that he

intended the Planter as a contribution by black Americans to the cause of freedom.

Later, President Lincoln received Smalls in Washington and rewarded him and his

crew for their valor. He was given official command of the Planter and made a cap-

tain in the U.S. Navy; in this position he served throughout the war.

-http://biography.yourdictionary.com/robert-smalls

Dragon Report Page 2

Robert Smalls

Sharp Training by SPC Rawlins

Recently, Delta Detachment con-

ducted SHARP Training. The objective

was to introduce the Army’s new poli-

cies on Sexual Harassment and Sexual

Assault. While there were changes, the

undertone was the same. Harassment

and Assault will not be tolerated. What

did change was the emphasis placed on

peer prevention/intervention. We are

stronger together; we must watch out for

our peers and Intervene and Act as necessary.

The motivation during the training was apparent. Many questions were

asked, group discussion was initiated at times to hash out scenarios and formulate

responses. We were able to clear up misconceptions that come from having sol-

diers of different backgrounds. The important part was to clarify what is

acceptable and unacceptable and what are the warning signs that your battle buddy

could be getting themselves into a compromising situation.

The instructor was well versed in the changes that were being implemented.

SSG Nathan Benyo emphasized the consequences of making a poor decision. He

also defended the practice of holding battle buddies accountable for their in-action.

There was a lot of group discussion on this and how severely should an

NCO/Officer ‘scold’ a battle that maybe de-emphasized a situation.

Overall, very impressive course, very knowledgeable instructor and kudo’s to

the command team for ensuring Soldiers stay up to date with latest policy imple-

mentations. Informed soldiers habitually make better decisions.

Dragon Report Page 3

Completed course Soldiers of SHARP Training

Operation Dirty Harry by 1LT Wall and SGT McKay

Dragon Report Page 4

The men and women of the Finance Corps.

have to be ready at any time to perform Finance

missions throughout the world. To do that we must

be trained, especially on our weapon systems.

In keeping with the best traditions of the

Army, D/106th Financial Management Support

Unit conducted a M9 Pistol qualification range at

Breitenwald Range located in Landstuhl, Germany.

There were a total of 21 fires with a total of 17

qualifications (6 Experts, 5 Sharpshooters, and 6

Marksman).

Operation Dirty Harry went off without a

hitch. The day began early with weapons draw at

0530, breakfast, loading the vehicles, and a convoy briefing then we departed for

the range at 0700. Upon arrival to Breitenwald Range setup began, during this time

targets were posted, ammo was loaded, and all range personnel were given a safety

briefing by the range OIC 1LT Wall. After the safety briefing the RSO, SFC Mott,

along with his Safeties (SGT Killen and SGT Williams) were posted in their posi-

tions on the range and the first firing order was issued their ammunition and or-

dered to the firing line. Before record firing began each Soldier had an 7 rounds for

familiarization which was the key to the success and accuracy of all firers on this

day.

Due to the smooth transitions between firing orders and the positive control

of our leaders, Delta accomplished their mission ahead of schedule. We ate sack

lunches provided by Clock Tower Café and then began range recovery operations.

What really stood out was what happened before the range. Conducting a

thorough PMI at the Panzer EST 2000 made all the difference in the world.

PFC Gomez engages his 25m target.

Delta Detachment Soldiers conduct range table rehearsals at the EST 2000 on Panzer

Kaserne.

Operation Dirty Harry-cont.

Dragon Report Page 5

At the EST 2000 we conducted classes on the

mechanical operation of the weapon. We went

over basic marksmanship techniques like

breathing, trigger pull, grip, stance, and sight

picture. We even had a chance to rehearse the

range electronically. This provided invaluable

insight not only to the firers but also to their

leaders. Soldiers needing additional training

were easy to indentify. This made a difference

especially in young Soldiers that had not had a lot of

experience with the weapon. All in all the range was a great

success.

SPC Zayas and PFC Gomez inspecting their weapons.

SGT Williams working on

her shot group.

PFC Olivieri and SFC Mott

spending some quality time.

Do It Yourself Maintenance: The Real Value of the Euro

Dragon Report Page 6

It has been about 4000 miles since I last changed the oil in the

“Beast”. About a month ago I previously discussed with my German

mechanic the price for an oil change. He promptly replied “oh about

160 Euro”. I was confused, but he continued “you buy the oil from

the PX because it’s cheaper and bring your oil filter; I will then

change the oil.” Flabbergasted, I enquired “Will there be any other

services performed like maybe topping off the fluids, rotating the

tires and a fuel treatment?” Now he looked confused and replied “No just the oil change”.Well

it was in that moment that I decided that I would be changing my own oil. I refuse to be a vic-

tim of this hustle in this foreign land. I’m an American dangit!

I was sure nothing has changed with the internal combustion engine that would render

this job too hard for me. So with a determined resolve and my Texan spirit of independence I

set about this task just like any other new task… I Googled “F150 Oil Change”. A quick login

to Amazon.com and about three clicks later the items were on the way.

Of course things never go as planned. I pulled the drain plug so I got a hot oil treatment

all over my fingers. The black gold burst forth with an unexpected trajectory that just cleared

the pan and hit the garage floor. In all the commotion I bumped my head on a frame support,

and cursed everything in my garage out. After I wiped my hands off I figured I’ll put those

nifty gloves on now just in case there was a similar incident with the filter. It looked simple

enough, righty tighty, lefty loosey. So I grabbed the filter with my rubberized gloves and tried

giving it a spin. Only issue was the darn thing wouldn’t budge. Ah! I remembered the filter

wrench. I grabbed it contorted my body in every way possible and soon realized that this filter

is in the most inconvenient location ever. So I squeezed and turned and knocked all types of

dirt loose and into my face, eyes, and hair. I opened the hood tried to grab it from the top.

Nope. Maybe from the side. Nope. Even backwards at an angle. Nope. I even got in and turned

the front wheel to get a better view. Nothing worked. I couldn’t get any grip with the gloves

because the oil had soaked through, I busted all my knuckles, and I was quickly developing

muscle failure in the three fingers that could reach the filter. I cursed the Jiffy lube attendant

back in the states.

Semi defeated I went back to the drawing board and

Googled “stuck oil filter”. There I discovered the old hammer

and screwdriver technique. This entails beating a screwdriver

into the side of the filter and then using it as a handle. Looked

promising, with my jaw set firmly I headed back to the garage.

Well, of course that didn’t work. I basically destroyed the dang

thing and ripped numerous holes in it releasing copious

amounts of oil in the process.

Do It Yourself Maintenance: The Real Value of the Euro

Dragon Report Page 7

When I finally did get the screwdriver wedged in the thing enough to apply pressure I

grabbed a block of wood crawled in from behind and beat the heck out of it. To my surprise it

actually turned a quarter turn! I promptly got down on my back and with my legs wedged up

against the wall I pushed this thing with all my might and it turned a wee bit more. Then it hit

me… From behind I was now moving the filter to the right. RIGHTY TIGHTY! I actually

tightened it down more. With that I laid the wood down, exhaled a deep sigh of defeat, and

crawled up the stairs, beaten soundly by the oil filter from hell.

The next morning I was sore from all of the contorted positions I forced my body into

the night prior. Now I must face the embarrassment of asking the wife for her car keys because

the Beast was deadlined from my “maintenance”. I hopped in the car and got about two min-

utes down the road and realized that it was Sunday. My neighborhood shop and the rest of Ger-

many would be shut down because it was Sunday.

I start back on the “Beast” again and then unexpectedly the chain on the filter

wrench pops apart. I look at the filter and I swear it’s laughing at me. At this point I just lay on

the floor under the “Beast” looking up at the rusting exhaust manifold and enjoying the cool-

ness of the garage floor. I’m smoked mentally and physically. A single negative thought creeps

into my head. I might have to have my truck towed to the mechanic and still pay him the exor-

bitant price on top of a tow fee. I dismiss the thought immediately. My recent resiliency train-

ing kicks in. I hunt the good stuff and say aloud “SFC Mott get off the floor and complete the

mission“!

I grab the busted filter wrench and look it over. It’s not

busted, a link just came loose. I get up and head to my work-

bench. A few taps with the hammer on the vise tightened it back

up. I remember I had success before upside down behind the front

wheel at an angle. So I crawled back under the truck with the

Rocky theme playing in my mind. I busted my knuckles again

placing that chain around the housing but I didn’t stop. I was on a

mission and a little pain wouldn’t stop me. I wedged my body in

between the wheel and the garage wall and pulled as if I were doing a alternate staggered grip

pull up. Then it budged. I couldn’t believe it! I took a 30 second break

to catch my breath and I pulled again with all my might. It budged

again, this time a full quarter turn! After about ten more pulls the filter

finally spun freely. I jumped up and declared victory over the Ger-

mans and the conspiracy to make me dependent on their service. With

my independent Texan vigor renewed I finished up by topping off the

oil replacing the filter and I planned my next maintenance foray.

From Me to You

Dragon Report Page 8

To the Women in my life: Sveta,Olga, Alina…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I love you.

Happy to be with my son, Dontae...

My Special Valentine

From Mom

Happy Valentine’s Day, Abby.

I love you,

Michael

Lay-Lay, Thank you for being

the love of my life!

Happy Valentine’s Day,

Sweety. Love,

Mommy

Happy Vale

ntine’s

Day Chooch

!

Blessed and

grateful

to call you

mine,

Jeff

Te amo mi amor

Happy Valentine’s Day

Jahvangh

Hey shatzi

Happy Valentine’s Day,

ich liebe dich,

Nathan

Ich Liebe Dich

Mauschen,

Fuer Immer,

Mandy

내 가장 소중한, Juyun

및 Jisu에게, 난 널

사랑해! Love Matt

Department of the Air Force Employee of the Year by SGT McKay

On January 8, 2013, 86th Force Support Squadron (Air Force) held their An-

nual Awards ceremony at the Officer’s Club on Ramstein, Air Force Base to cele-

brate the accomplishments of the civilians and service members’ of the 86th FSS.

Amongst the numerous awards being presented that day was the Employee of the

Year award for various employee categories.

Before the awards ceremony began there was a complimentary breakfast

served which gave everyone time to catch up. Amongst the attendees was Svetlana

McKay the budget analyst/projects manager for 86th FSS who had been named the

employee of the quarter (NAF-4/GS-11 category) for the 3rd Quarter FY 2012 and

was unaware of the fact that she had also been nominated for employee of the year.

As the awardees received their awards you could sense the appreciation their peers

have for them.

As the award for Employee of Year (NAF-4/GS-11 category) was announced

the round of applause seemed to go on that much longer and the cheers from her

peers that much louder. It was all for the employee that exemplified the 86th FSS

by putting people first, tak-

ing pride in what she does,

and striving to perform her

mission in a way that ex-

ceeds all expectations. As

Svetlana McKay’s name was

announced she sat shocked

for a moment in her chair

then walked to the podium to

accept her award with grati-

tude.

Dragon Report Page 9

Svetlana McKay receiving the award for Employee of the Year

Travel Destinations by PFC Gomez

Soldier Spotlight by SGT Williams

Dragon Report Page 10

PV2 Kody Shafer is from Enterprise, Alabama.

He entered the Army in May 2012 and completed

AIT September 2012.

PV2 Shafer has been an excellent addition to

Delta Detachment. He has continually shown that

he is the right man for the job. Shafer won his De-

tachment board and came in second at the 106th

FMSU board. He participated in the Army’s Phillip

A. Connelly competition detail for over a month.

On the 11th of January he completed Level 1

Combative Training. PV2 Shafer continues to hit

the mark in all of the tasks that he is given. Despite

his youth he regularly provides sterling customer

service to the Soldiers of the Kaiserslautern Area.

About 50km south of Kaiserslautern, just east of Pirmasens is a little known

park named Erlebnispark Teufelstisch. It is a

beautiful park that is great for kids of all ages.

At the base of the mountain below the

rock formation is a children's park perfect for

family picnics and outings. All around, my

wife and I had a great time exploring this

lesser known part of our community. I would

highly recommend this for anyone in the area. PFC Gomez exploring the rock formations.

PFC Shaefer

Welcome Back

Baby Showers by PFC Samuels

Dragon Report Page 11

On Thursday 17, January Delta detachment

106th FMC organized and held a baby

shower for not one, but two of their soldiers

who are expecting a new bundle of joy to

their individual families. Both families are

expecting baby boys in February. The event

was held at the Mexican Cantina close to the

Vogelweh housing. The atmosphere was

wonderful for both the adults and children in

attendance, the

area was decorated with blue and white balloons and fea-

tured both expecting moms seated at either ends of the

table. Along with the many gifts that were bought for the

families the celebration also featured baby shower games

such as: using a piece of string to guess the size of the

mother’s belly and sniffing baby diapers to guess what

was the ingredient placed in to resemble baby waste. All

in attendance enjoyed the event and we wish both families a safe delivery and re-

covery.

All of Delta Detachment would like to welcome SFC

Victa back from his recent deployment in Support of

NATO missions inside of Turkey. We are proud of

your service and dedication to a good cause. Having

said that, we are glad to see that you made it home

safely and glad to have your friendship and expertise

back in the Detachment.

Best Cake Ever!!

SFC Victa in front of Incirlik Air Base

Mrs. Duran receiving a gift.

March Birthdays & Anniversaries

PFC & Mrs. Gomez 2nd year Wedding Anniversary 18 March

PFC Harris 08 March

Tyre Bethea 15 March

SGT Killen 16 March

Ethan Killen 18 March

PFC Olivieri 20 March

Saul Santiago 20 March

SPC Brazil 22 March

Boudreaux-Cash 26 March

Dragon Report Page 12

Upcoming Events

15-18 Feb: President’s Day Holiday

24 Feb: Sunday Ski and Snowboard Lessons with Outdoor

Recreation

28 Feb: M16 Range

28 Feb: Monthly FRG Meeting

02 Mar: Salzburg Express

15 Mar: BOSS Weekend at Edelweiss

15-18 Mar: USAREUR Training Holiday

23 Mar: Paris Express

29 Mar: European FM Spring Formal