Wolfhound Reenlistment Ceremony

1-27 Infantry “THE BARK”

US ARMY Volume 2, Issue 1 November 2010

Wolfhound News and

Upcoming Events

Reenlist and stay

Army Strong!

Have a happy

Thanksgiving!

Keep up with your

Company’s FRG

Leader to learn about

upcoming events

nearby!

Between October 1st and October 13th, 27 Soldiers from the Wolfhound Battalion

made the decision to reenlist in the United States Army and further their career. These

Soldiers were honored during a ceremony held at COB Speicher on October 14th,

2010 on the Wolfhound Stage. Each Soldier was presented with a 1st Battalion, 27th

Infantry Wolfhound poker chip and a Division coin presented by the 4th Infantry Divi-

sion for their devotion and commitment. The Wolfhound Battalion was proud to have

the largest group of Soldiers reenlist within the Brigade thus far. They were able to

reaffirm their commitment to the Army in front of their comrades, and take furthur

steps in building and continuing their careers. Every Soldier is eventually faced with

the decision to reenlist and for many it can be a difficult decision to make. With the

Army beginning to down-size its person-

nel, and slowly pull out of Iraq, reenlist-

ment options are becoming a bigger issue

among the ranks. As a result of the unsta-

ble civilian economy, Soldiers are begin-

ning to look to the Army as their career of

choice. The job stability, exceptional bene-

fits for Soldiers and Family members

within the ranks, and promotion opportuni-

ties are some examples of what makes the

Army an appealing vocation. This was the

first of many reenlistment ceremonies for

the Wolfhounds, and the Battalion will

continue to reenlist good leaders, Soldiers,

and NCO’s to complete every and all mis-

sions.

LTC BROWN GIVES THE OATH OF ENLISTMENT

TO THE 27 SOLDIERS WHO REENLISTED

ALL OF THE REENLISTEES POSE FOR A GROUP SHOT WITH LTC BROWN AND CSM HIGGS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING REENLISTEES!

SFC Rouse

SSG Cheek

SSG Collins

SSG Exton

SSG Olive

SSG Sosa

SGT Bautista

SGT Berendt

SGT Brocaille

SGT Cox

SGT Finones

SGT Garcia

SGT Lyons

SGT Paul

SPC Duvol

SPC Hallford

SPC Jonas

SPC Kerr

SPC Walz

SPC Washburn

SGT Plasket

SGT Purdy

SGT Schonfeld

CPL Johnson

CPL Moreland

CPL Penfold

SPC Arnold

1-27 Infantry “THE BARK”

Volume 2, Issue 1 November 2010

Page 2

From the Wolfhound Chaplain

Seek Understanding!

He who gives an answer before he hears,

It is folly and shame to him.

The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,

But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?

The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge,

And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge…

- Proverbs 18:13-15

Recently, a soldier asked me how he should address an issue he was

seeing with his wife while they were on Skype. He noticed that she

was becoming increasingly harsh with their children. Her patience

was wearing thin. The soldier wanted to talk with her about it, but

he wasn’t sure how to bring the issue up without it turning into an

argument.

Proverbs is considered ―the Book of Wisdom‖, and as I read

through it, I often see a father instructing his son on how one should

handle the issues that life throws our way. Proverbs 18 has some

key insights into how we should handle conflict and primarily, how

we should handle our tongue. Proverbs 18:22 says this, ―Death and

life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its

fruit.‖ The words we speak can bring about life – Love, Joy, Peace!

They can also bring about death – Separation, Bitterness, Wrath.

So, I turned to this soldier, and told him two things. I said, ―First of

all, your wife needs to know that you love her and that that you

think she is doing a good job. Affirm her in those things. Sec-

ondly, you need to understand the problem, ask her lots of ques-

tions, understand how she is feeling, and only when you fully un-

derstand the issue, then help her with the solution.‖

As we are a few months into this deployment, I encourage you, be

careful with your tongue. Seek ways to affirm your spouse, and

listen to your spouse. Take time to seek understanding before offer-

ing a quick answer.

Staying Busy on COB Speicher

There are multiple facilities on COB Speicher available to Soldiers

that provide entertainment, activities, and ways to keep in close

contact with family and friends back home. One of these facilities is

the MWR (Moral, Welfare and Recreation) building, which is home

to a vast array of pool tables, ping pong tables, video game systems,

and phone and internet rooms. These services are provided to Sol-

diers at no cost, and are open all day to ensure that everyone is af-

forded the opportunity to contact loved ones or just relax and play

some games with battle-buddies.

Besides the many things to do at the MWR facility, there is also a

multitude of gyms and work out rooms that can be found on COB

Speicher. The gyms also provide a safe, and secure environment,

away from the harsh Iraqi elements, such as the heat, sun, and dust,

which can hinder workouts. Many Soldiers who deploy look at this

as an opportunity to achieve their fitness goals, such as gaining

muscle, losing weight, toning up, and looking good for when they

return home. A year is a long time for anyone to be away from

home, but by working out and taking advantage of these gym facili-

ties, time can pass more quickly, and a Soldier can accomplish what

he wants for himself physically.

In conjunction with the MWR, gyms, recreation facilities, and PX,

there seems like there could not be much more to occupy Soldier’s

time, but there is one more facility that attracts Soldiers from all

over the base. The Bazaar is home to many shops and stores that

sell a variety of unique items and gifts, ranging from movies, to

clothes, shoes, room accessories, collectables, and much more.

Many Soldiers take advantage of the vast DVD and video game

collections that local stores sell for very good prices.

There is much to do to occupy Soldier’s time, and to help alleviate

some of the stress that comes with a combat deployment. By taking

advantage of these opportunities, time can pass quickly, and every-

one can have an enjoyable time while deployed.

Chaplain Lowman giving his sermon during his weekly Bible Study group

SPC ALFORD

Page 3

Commander’s Corner

November 2010

Aloha from COB Speicher! The

weather has finally begun to cool

down as the Weapons Platoon returns

and reunites on COB Speicher with the

rest of Able Company. The PJCC has

been closed as a US outpost in yet an-

other important step of transitioning

control of security to the Iraqi people.

The Weapons Platoon did a phenome-

nal job in the final training of the Salah

ad-Din PJCC and the Iraqi people are

now fully prepared to assume com-

plete responsibility of this reporting

and emergency center for the prov-

ince. 1st, 3rd, and HQs platoons are

glad to be reunited with Weapons Pla-

toon here on COB Speicher as we tran-

sition into the next stage of this de-

ployment of advising and assisting the

Iraqi people.

Each of the platoons continue to pa-

trol steadily in support of US Diplo-

mats and Civilian Police trainers and

their efforts have positively impacted

the progress we have seen across

Salah ad-Din province. The pace of

operations and patrols has slowed

down a bit, allowing the Soldiers more

time to hit up the weight room and

enjoy free time playing video games

and watching movies. I’m sure they

have also had some time to call home

and see how their friends and Family

are doing as well.

1SG Malcolm and I had the opportu-

nity to spend two days with 2nd Pla-

toon out at FOB Edge towards the end of

this month. They are excelling in all

their assigned duties at the remote out-

post along the Iran-Iraq border as they

assist 2-14 CAV in their mission in north-

ern Diyala province. They are in high

spirits although they often say they miss

being co-located with the rest of the

company.

Your Husbands and Sons continue to

perform their duties with absolute excel-

lence and I could not be prouder to

serve as their Commander. As we reach

an important milestone, the four month

mark of the deployment, Able Company

has reached a battle rhythm and sense

of discipline that will carry us through

the remainder of the deployment. You

should all see your Soldier here shortly

or you may already have seen them as

several of the Able Company Soldiers

have been returning home for Rest &

Recuperation to spend a well deserved

15-days at home to reunite with friends

and Family and recharge for the remain-

der of the deployment.

Thank you for your continued support

and sacrifice,

Able 6

CPT Hills

Able 6

Able Company

1SG MALCOLM

CPT HILLS

1st Platoon

1LT Murdough

SFC Reddish

2nd Platoon

1LT Stegall

SFC Harmer

3rd Platoon

1LT D’Eredita

SFC Maney

Weapons Platoon

1LT Roberson

SFC Johnson

Page 4

Borzoi Company Commander’s Corner

ALOHA from Iraq! October is finishing up and that means one less month until we are headed

home. Things are going well over here and we are set in a routine that keeps us busy most days.

Luckily, part of the routine is Borzoi Soldiers rotating out to take two weeks of some much needed

R&R.

Our daily missions are pretty standard and

have allowed Borzoi Soldiers to have a daily

and weekly routine to plan around. We have

made a few changes to our operations to

ensure we also keep morale high and to give

us a chance to let out some stress. Of note,

we will be starting an optional weekly pick-

up basketball game every Thursday at 1500

(3pm) and once a month we will take a day

off from all operations to have a Borzoi

Company Day. The day will consist of a

sports tournament, BBQ and any other ac-

tivities to take our mind off being in Iraq.

These activities will officially begin in No-

vember so be sure to check the Company and

Platoon Facebook pages for pictures.

One of our most common missions over here is conducting Key Leader Engagements (KLE).

A KLE generally includes escorting a couple key individuals to meet with Iraqi leaders and discuss

topics that can vary from governance to eco-

nomics to security. Most Borzoi Soldiers,

play a critical part in ensuring all these meet-

ing sites are secure and remain secure

throughout the duration of the KLE—not an

easy task by any means. Although combat

operations are over, there are many threats

that still exist and your Borzoi Soldiers have

done a remarkable job providing security at

these KLEs.

KLEs often give Borzoi Soldiers the op-

portunity to experience some Iraqi cul-

ture. In Iraqi culture it is considered

polite to offer your guests a meal and/or to drink chai (tea) during meetings. Many of our Sol-

diers have had the chance to experience a traditional Iraqi meal and drink some Iraqi brewed

chai. While we all have our own personal favorites, most Borzoi Soldiers generally agree that

the flat bread is a favorite part of Iraqi meals. In addition, Wild Tiger is a popular energy drink

sold in Iraq and is now becoming a favorite among Borzoi Soldiers since Rip Its (a US im-

ported energy drink) are no longer being offered here in Iraq.

We hope you enjoy your monthly newsletter update and be sure to be on the look out for the

Borzoi Company Newsletter that is sent out through the Borzoi Company FRG email at the end

of every month. Also, be sure to check

out the Borzoi Company, 1-27 IN, 2

SBCT Facebook page for weekly updates

and pictures. Finally 1st, 2nd and 3rd

Platoon also have their respective Face-

book pages and provide periodic updates

as well. Until next time, we hope all is

well back home and thank everyone for

their continued support.

BORZOI!

LT Batule & LT Tyson drinking chai (tea)

SGT Bush provides security during a KLE.

Borzoi XO, CPT Flores, conducts a KLE with a local company

in the area in order to identify ways to help the company grow.

Borzoi and Iraqi Army Soldiers take a picture after successfully

locating and destroying a weapons cache.

Wild Tiger—The unofficial energy drink for Iraq and preferred

by most Soldiers.

Commander’s Corner

Page 5

Aloha from the Bayji Oil Refinery.

It’s been a busy and exciting month for Coldsteel as we

have settled into the new leadership and have continued to

make impacts on the Northern Salah Ad Din Province. Our

operational tempo has picked up a little bit as we under-

stand more of the complexities that our area entails. We are

making good headway with our Iraqi partners in the lead

and have been able to conduct daily operations with them.

They continue to impress men of Coldsteel on a daily

basis. As we empower the Iraqi Security Forces, we still

retain our ability to defend ourselves. Recently a clear

message was sent to our enemies that the men of Cold-

steel stand by their Iraqi Partners and each other and will

eliminate any threat with the utmost response necessary.

BG Vandel, Marne 66, visited the BOR this month and

commended the men of Coldsteel for their hard work.

He thanked the men for their tireless efforts and ac-

knowledged the toll accrued by living out at the BOR on

a daily basis. It may be away from the FOB, but the men

of Coldsteel rely on each other for support and to make

the mission happen. When measured up against all the

perks of living on a large base, the close bonds we have

formed out here vastly outweigh any creature comforts

afforded back at Speicher.

This month we had to say goodbye the 1st PLT, 66 Engineers, as they completed their

Anti-Corruption mission and moved on to other priori-

ties. They made an astounding addition to the Cold-

steel team and will be missed. The rest of Coldsteel

will continue their mission to stabilize the Northern

Salah Ad Din Province and assist our partners in any

way we can. The same goes for our detached 2nd PLT,

who continue to make significant impacts out in West-

ern Diyala. We look forward to the day they are

brought back to the Coldsteel Family.

As the Engineers leave, we welcome a new Lieutenant

to the Coldsteel Family. 2LT Duke will begin his transition with 1LT Walters and 1st

PLT this month. It will be a bitter-sweet transition, as

we welcome an experienced Battle Captain onto the

team, but say good-bye to a proven and deadly Cold-

steel Warrior.

Congratulations go out to our newest NCOs who have

demonstrated their proficiency, expertise, and leader-

ship potential to take on positions of higher responsi-

bilities: CPL Shrader, CPL Nuzzo, CPL Lopez, and CPL Diaz. Congratulations also

go out to the newly promoted: SPC Chandler, SPC Dominguez, SPC Hunt, SPC Hall,

SPC Mitchell, and SPC Washburn. Also, we give a heart-warming welcome to the

newest members of the Coldsteel Family: Benjamin Ethan

Williams (09OCT), Kyree Dulyea (13OCT), Heidi Arin

Cook, Kylie Brook Rivas, Elliana Sevilla, and Melody

Gildon.

Lastly, special thanks go out to my predecessor, CPT Webb,

and his predecessor, MAJ Uthlaut, SGT Miller’s Parents,

Mrs. Palumbo, Mrs. Walters, Mrs. Sanson, Mrs. Wilson,

SSG Lewis, Mrs. Vasquez, and my Household 6 for their timely coffee donations. Just

as the darkness was closing in, your packages arrived and brought life-giving caffeine

back to our men. Thanks for your rapid response.

Coldsteel 6

The Coldsteel Flame of Freedom

Combined Planning with ISF

Page 6

“Life in the S1” Commander’s Corner

Watch for Upcoming Issues!

December 2010– Recon

January 2011- S2

February 2011- Mortars

March 2011– S3

April 2011– Medics

May 2011– S4

June 2011– S6

Aloha from Iraq! It’s hard to believe that we are already moving into our fifth

month of the deployment. For this month, I want to recognize the S1 shop, and all

that they do within the Battalion and the Company. Working as the Administra-

tion leaders for an Infantry Battalion is a very much needed and most times, ardu-

ous job. But 2LT Ron Welter and SFC Ty Gage lead their team of Soldiers suc-

cessfully through

every tasking and

issue that hits the

S1 shop. They en-

sure that the Wolf-

hounds have no

issues with admin-

istrative paperwork

ranging from

Awards, to Evalua-

tion reports, and

Personal Finances.

Every Soldier in

the S1 shop person-

ally ensures that

they are an expert

in their field, and

will handle any tasking in a quick and timely man-

ner. The Soldiers in the S1 have daily missions that

typically consist of mail distribution, preparing for

upcoming monthly promotion boards, overseeing

all award’s within the Battalion, finance transac-

tions, and accountability of all personnel assigned

to the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.

If it wasn't for these Soldiers’ hard work and

dedication to excellence, the Wolfhound

team could not focus on the fight as we do.

The S1 shop embodies the Wolfhound spirit

and we are very proud of their accomplish-

ments and dedication to keeping the Wolf-

hounds moving forward in the right direction.

A few of the S1 Soldiers pose with a wall of workout supplements

SSG Olive hard at work

2LT Ron Welter—ADJUTANT

SFC Ty Gage—NCOIC

SSG Jeremie Olive—Balad LNO REP SSG Benjamin Dixon—Reenlistment

SGT Maxon Tom—NCOER’s

SGT Jonathan Griffin—Leave/Personnel Actions SGT Martel Lewis—Strength Manager

SPC Zebulun Alford—Awards/Newsletter

SPC Carlos Duvol—Promotions SPC Daniel Lloyd—NCOER’s/ Finance

SPC Judiah Phillips—Paralegal

SPC Dennis Gil—Mailroom Clerk

1-27 IN S1

SSG Dixon and SPC Duvol reviewing reenlist-

ment paperwork

2LT Welter, the Battalion Adjutant