Commander’s Corner

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

Inside this issue:

The Corner 1

PVT Shafer

Promotion

2

MRT Training 3

Holiday Party 4-5

Speak Kind Words 6

Class A inspections 6

Elaysha’s Birthday 7

Rolling In The Deep 8

Haz 11 9

Birthdays and

Upcoming Events

10

Volume 2, Issue 1 January 2013

Happy New Year Dragons!! I truly hope that everyone enjoyed the holi-

day season and was able to spend some much needed quality time with

their families and loved ones. Along with the New Year comes the tradition

of making resolutions to improve some aspect of our lives. A resolution is a

commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals, projects,

or the reforming of a habit. A New Year's resolution is made in anticipa-

tion of the New Year and new beginnings. Although it has been specu-

lated that up to 88% of resolutions fail, the fact remains that resolutions

are more sustainable when shared, both in terms of with whom you share

the benefits of your resolution, and with whom you share the path of main-

taining your resolution. Peer-support makes a difference in success rate with

new year's resolutions". The take-away from this is that when we involve

our peers, talk with our friends and co-workers, and encourage each other

to succeed, everyone is preparing for success! I encourage you all to en-

courage each other in achieving your goals. Whether it be a promotion,

higher PT score, increased GPA, eating healthier, traveling more, or what-

ever beneficial personal goal you may have, share it with someone and

help each other out to stay on course to achieve your goals. In the end, you

and the persons you help will become stronger together and all will benefit

from the immeasurable rewards of kindness!

As you will come to know, I am a proponent of family readi-ness, our Family Readiness Group (FRG), and all of the re-sources that they offer to the team. Family Readiness is one of my highest priorities and is in many ways equal to the combat readiness. I would like to take this opportunity to re-emphasize the importance of our FRG which was established to provide support and information to our families, including service members (both single and married), and their family members. Our vision is the service member, spouse, and chil-dren form a team to better meet the challenges and unique stressors associated with military service. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have a question or a problem, let us know! We can’t help if we don’t know what’s going on. Please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Hollie Killen, our Family Readiness Leader. She can direct you to a multitude of com-munity and Army programs and help answer any question that you may have. I also encourage you to join our Family Readiness Group – they are a wonderful team of supporting volunteers and a rewarding way to participate in the unit!

Detachment Sergeants Corner

PVT Shafer Promotes by The Gang

Dragon Report Page 2

Well, we all have to start somewhere, as they

say… so D-Detachment proudly wants to con-

gratulate one of our newest members on his pro-

motion to PV2. So far you have shown us your

strong motivation, and your enthusiasm towards

leadership. We truly want to congratulate you,

PV2 Shafer, on your first Army promotion!!

SPC Zwiebach: Congratulations on the first of many promotions!

Sgt Williams: Congratulations, I know you will make an awesome PV2.

SPC Duran: Congrats, Shafer! Keep doing what you are doing.

SPC Rawlins: Shafer got promoted? Stahp!! (moving on up!)

Sgt. McKay: Well deserved! You are doing great things, keep it up!

SPC Boudreaux-Cash: Congratulations Shafer! Yay.

PFC Olivieri: Great job, Shafer!

1LT Wall: Welcome to the big leagues!

SGT Killen: Congratulations on your first promotion

in the US Army. Looking forward to seeing many

more in your career

Shafer is promoted to PV2

Master Resiliency Training by PFC Olivieri

Master Resiliency Training was a week

long class offering tools and tactics on

personal growth, self awareness, and

leadership. The environment provided

an open discussion atmosphere, along

with slides and an informational booklet.

We also had a word game handout that

we all found fun and entertaining. Our

instructors were proficient and offered

personal life experiences as part of their instructional guidance. They

made our experience personal, which helped us to open up with ourselves

and with each other. We enjoyed constructive debates, that ended in

learning more about each other as well as added respect.

Both instructors shared personal experiences and ways they overcame

them using the tools the booklet gave us. Throughout the teachings, there

were many examples of how to hunt for the good stuff, and to recognize

what our personal strengths are, so we can

use them to tackle life’s hurdles, and how to

recognize what our responses are to situa-

tions (such as driving habits, or waiting in

long lines), and what to do to look at each

situation in a better light. It was a very help-

ful class, and provided many tools to be bet-

ter prepared for old and new challenges

from Army life, our personal lives, and the

lives of those around us.

Dragon Report Page 3

Delta Det. MRT Graduation

PV2 Shafer and some guy hiding behind his hand

Christmas Party by SPC Rawlins

Delta Detachment FRG hosted the annual

Christmas party on December 21, 2012.

Family members came together for an af-

ternoon of socialization, a potluck lunch-

eon, and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

We even had a surprise visit from the

Jolly Old Elf, St.

Nicholas himself.

Many soldiers in the detachment were celebrat-

ing Christmas in Germany for the first time as

well as some were celebrating the holidays for

the first time away from loved ones. By hosting

this event, the command team was able to bring

together everyone for a time to celebrate and

focus on the spirit of the season. Families once

again did not let us down with the potluck dinner.

SFC Mott made ribs that need their own award;

Llysa Chandler introduced delicious Rum Balls

that many people made second and third

rounds for; SGT Williams brought a crowd

pleasing home-made macaroni and cheese.

These were just a few of the delicious and cer-

tainly ‘in need of recognition’ dishes that were

brought. SPC Attia gave a memorable speech

on how the holiday season is cele-

brated in his home country, Egypt.

Dragon Report Page 4

D-Detachment and loved ones

Program designed by SFC Victa

Alina with Santa, Frosty, PV2Shafer, and

Dad

Christmas Party continued…..by SPC Rawlins

Dragon Report Page 5

SFC Victa made special program guides, as well as posters, and is the

reason for much of the detailed holiday effects and atmosphere we

enjoyed. (He also prepared delicious meals that cannot be forgotten)

After the visit from St. Nick and the lunch was over, the detachment partici-

pated in the gift-exchange. This little sharing of presents allowed

everyone to be reminded of the reason for the season, giving to each

other. It was a great time of sharing and fellowship amongst this fine unit.

SGT Williams looks on as Santa presents Elaysha with a

Christmas present

Alina and Santa!!

SPC Rawlins is really Santa???

Speak Kind Words by 1LT Wall

LTC Zilhaver sat down to lunch with the Battalion’s LTs during the monthly

Scout Leader 6 day. Written communication was the topic. Whether

through email or text, how we communicate with others is always

important. In today’s age, when everything seems to matter so much, it is

important to remember that being professional, polite, and measured in

our written communication will never do us harm. As we go into this New

Year, keep up the good work! My hope is that this year will be the best

we have ever had.

Dragon Report Page 6

Class A Inspection

Some guy gets straight-

ened up by SGT Williams

SPC Duran wins the 3 day pass

for best uniform

SGT Killen, SGT Williams, and SGT

McKay (photo bomber by SPC

Lang)

The squads and some guy

pointing a finger

SPC Lang and SPC Brazil

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELAYSHA by SGT Williams

Dragon Report Page 7

Elaysha Williams turned 4

years old on December 28,

2012. Her excitement could

barely be contained. She had

a ballerina themed party at Vo-

gelweh Community Center,

hosted by her mother SGT Wil-

liams. There was food, games,

and a big bouncy castle for the

kids to enjoy. After many heart

-felt attempts, with the children

giving 100% of their efforts, the

pink ballerina slip piñata was finally burst open by Michael Mott II, and

the candy poured out.

Elaysha received

plenty of exciting

gifts, but most im-

portant, she en-

joyed her 4th Birth-

day Party! Thanks

to everyone who

came and enjoyed

Elaysha’s celebration with her. She had the

time of her life...so far.

Spc Attia and PV2 Schaffer do dishes

Jayden and Elaysha

Elaysha with her classmates

Rolling In The Deep by SGT McKay

Dragon Report Page 8

On December 2012, 86th Force

Support Squadron (Air Force) held

their Christmas Party at the Officer’s

Club on Ramstein, Air Force Base.

Throughout the night, the guests were

entertained by a local band, partici-

pated in various Christmas themed

games, and had the opportunity to

let down there hair and enjoy each other’s company. The guests also had

the pleasure to listen to the voices of some of the talented member’s of the

86th FSS family. Among them were 12 year old Olga McKay, who after

many requests from the guests finally took her place on stage, picked up

and began singing acapella “Rolling in the Deep” by the famed artist

Adele. You could tell she was a little nervous at first, but as soon as the

words came out of her mouth everyone’s attention was on Olga, the guests

clapped their hands to the beat of the original song but stopped to fully

appreciate the powerful voice of this young superstar. After the last lyric

was sung the guest gave her a well deserved standing ovation, her proud

parents Scott and Svetlana McKay then joined her on stage to congratu-

late her on her performance. The 86th Force Support Squadron com-

mander came over to our table immediately following her performance

and requested Olga’s autograph, with a huge smile on her face she ful-

filled his request and signed his napkin. The night concluded with drinks,

music, and dancing; AADD posters and flyers were posted and designated

drivers were present to ensure everyone arrived home from this joyous oc-

casion safely.

Olga McKay (look on D Det Facebook page for the video)

Haz11 by SPC Brazil

Dragon Report Page 9

From 17 December 2012 to 21 December 2012, I attended Hazardous

Material Driver Training Course (also known as HAZ 11) in Vilseck, Ger-

many. The course was organized via Seventh Army Combined Arms Train-

ing Center, with SFC Curnell as the NCOIC of the program. The course was

instructed by Mr. Ewald, a retired Air Force veteran that has taught the

course for fourteen years.

Drivers are a major factor in the

transport of dangerous goods and

will be exposed to increased pres-

sure and heavier responsibilities. The

level of technical training and legal

provisions will also increase. HAZ 11

is a course that is taught to help

familiarize drivers with the possible

dangers and risks that could arise

during the transport of dangerous

goods. The course also provides

drivers with the basic knowledge

necessary to help implement controls,

minimize accidents, and ensure

relevant safety precautions are taken

to protect the driver and the

environment. After this 1 week course, I am now certified to transport a

variety of hazardous material throughout Europe.

Vilseck firefighter gave a demonstration on what would happen

if you used a water fire extinguisher to attempt to put out an oil

fire.

Upcoming Birthdays & Anniversaries

PFC and Mrs. Boudreaux-Cash 2nd Wedding Anniversary - 18 Jan

PFC Samuels - 17 Feb

SPC Lang - 19 Feb

SFC Victa - 26 Feb

Dragon Report Page 10

Upcoming Events

17 Jan: EST 2000

17 Jan & 21 Feb: Independent & Foreign Films @ K-Town main Library at

Landstuhl

18-21 Jan: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend

24 Jan: M9 Range

2 Feb: Amsterdam Express—Explore Amsterdam with Outdoor Rec.

2 Feb: FRG’s Spouses Coffee/Couponing

14 Feb: Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting @ Armstrong’s Club at

Vogleweh Housing, Bldg 1036

15-16 Feb: Presidents Day Holiday Weekend

15 Feb: Are You Smarter Than a Barista? Test your Presidential

knowledge @ Kleber Java Café and earn free coffee!

16 Feb: Paris Express—Explore Paris, France with Outdoor

Recreation

24 Feb: Sunday Ski and Snowboard Lessons with Outdoor

Recreation

28 Feb: M16 Range