standard - Second Infantry Regiment

THE BLACK SCARF
STANDARD
NEWS FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS OF TASK FORCE BLACK SCARVES
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4
DECEMBER 2 0 0 8
Back in Black, Back in Iraq
This issue…
Charlie Rock on the Range
Spotlight on Success
Getting Ahead Financially
FOB Iskandaria
Mail Never Stops in Iraq
Staying Active in Schweinfurt
Food for Thought: Space-A
Black Scarves Kids Corner
TF Command Team
2
2
3
4
5
5
6
6
7
Initial movements started in mid-November; however, following
Thanksgiving, the Black Scarf main-body was ready to move.
Over 700 Soldiers traveled by bus from Schweinfurt to Ramstein
Air Force Base. From there they traveled by plane to Kuwait. But
the traveling was not complete. Over a two week period, groups
of Soldiers moved from Kuwait to Baghdad International Airport
by plane and then to either FOB KALSU or FOB ISKAN by
Helicopter. With all these moving pieces, it is a great testament to
the leaders and planners of the Black Scarves that the movement
mission was a success. Special thanks to Delta Company, the
FRGs, and the Schweinfurt Garrison for all their support in
pushing the battalion forward.
DECEMBER 2 0 0 8
Page 2
Charlie Rock Hits the Range
By 2LT William Atwell, C Co Fire Support Officer
On 30 November, Charlie Company started
their push from Schweinfurt in order to
participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their
first stop was Camp Buehring, Kuwait. All the
main-body Soldiers were on the ground by 3
December. Charlie started conducting training
missions and getting their Soldiers ready for
movement into Iraq.
In
addition
to drivers
training, the main training
event in Kuwait was the
weapons range.
Charlie
soldiers confirmed zeroes on
their
M4
rifles,
squad
automatic weapon (saw)
systems, and M240B machine
guns. All soldiers zeroed
with ease, and are extremely
comfortable and capable with
their weapons.
As Charlie Company takes residence at
Forward Operating Base Kalsu, they are truly
ready for the challenges ahead of them.
Everyone in Charlie would like to say thank
you to their families everywhere for their
support thus far. We miss and love you all.
Charlie Rock!
Spotlight on Success: SPC John Love
Above/Left: While Soldiers fire, their
squad leaders or team leaders
coach them on their shoot technique.
Basic rifle marksmanship is the
cornerstone of any fighting force.
Below: Behind the firing ranges in
Kuwait, Camels graze in the open
desert.
By 1LT Alex Willard, Bravo Company Executive Officer
You do not have to be an NCO to lead with distinction. SPC John Love is a prime
example of this. A 24-year-old native of Knightstown, IN, SPC Love served as the
acting Team Leader in 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company from mid October to
early December. SGT Fillmore was sent on the deployment advance party and SPC
Love stepped in to fill the role, eager to take on the extra responsibility. Although
he is new to the Black Scarves family and a recently promoted SPC, Love has shown
his ability to lead soldiers. Preparing any size unit for a deployment is a daunting
task; however, SPC Love rose to the task and led his team
from Schweinfurt to Kuwait. He also showed his leadership
ability by taking his Soldiers to a small arms range earlier this
week in order to confirm zeros and continually train on
weapons along with the rest of the battalion. SGT Fillmore
returned to 1st Squad upon the unit’s arrival in Kuwait and
reassumed his position as Team Leader. Prior to joining the
Black Scarves, SPC Love was assigned to the 2-9 Infantry
(Manchu) in Korea. He is happily married to his wife of one
year, Sara. We are all proud of his leadership potential and SPC Love gives a brief refresher class on operating
his commitment to the Black Scarves. He is truly a valuable the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon before going
to the range
asset to the LEGION!
DECEMBER 2 0 0 8
Page 3
Getting Ahead Financially: Combat Pay, Opportunities and Entitlements
PFC Marcus Aaron, Human Resource Specialist
Deployed soldiers will receive specific pay in addition to their base pay. Many soldiers commonly refer
to this as “combat pay”. Combat pay is classified by finance as hazardous duty and imminent danger
pay. In addition to combat pay deployed soldiers are given numerous options available to maximize
their income. This includes the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the Army’s version of a civilian 401K, which is
always available to the soldier and the Savings Deposit Plan which is only available when a soldier is
deployed in a combat or hazardous duty location.
The Savings Deposit Plan is a program envied by financial management experts from all levels and the
SDP is only available to uniform service members when deployed in combat zones or hazardous duty
locations. The Savings Deposit Plan offers a 10% guaranteed interest rate and compounds at a 2.5 % rate
quarterly (per Executive Order 11298). Soldiers can deposit up to ten thousand dollars that will incur
interest earning a maximum of 1,000 dollars. Soldiers are authorized to make deposits after 30
consecutive days deployed in an area where they receive hazardous duty pay. Deposits can be made at
the deployed soldier’s finance office in cash, check, or the preferred method, allotment, and must be no
less than five dollars and in five dollar increments. The soldier can continue to deposit and incur
interest until 90 days after re-deployment.
Another program provided to soldiers regardless of deployment status is the TSP. It is easy to make
contributions to your TSP through www.mypay.gov. TSP is a low cost way to invest your money for the
future. Advantages of tax deferred or tax exempt contributions are also included. You can transfer or
rollover other qualified plans into the TSP. There are six funds available to choose from with various
risk and return potential. After separation/retirement from the military you have the option of keeping
the TSP account or transferring the account to another qualified plan or IRA. See your Army
Community Services Financial advisor (Mr. Daryl Jones in Schweinfurt) for more information on
investing.
Additionally in January look forward to a 3.9 percent pay increase for the fiscal year 09 and adjusted
BHA rates based upon the soldier’s location. For more information on the SDP, TSP, and “combat”
incentives visit your local finance office, contact your Rear-D S1, PFC Pumilio at 314-353-8364.
Above: The Eagle Cash Card is a cash
management tool designed to support U.S.
military personnel deployed in combat zones
The card gives soldiers the ability to shop at
certified shops and vendors. Below: Soldiers
from D/208 Financial Management Company
count money-on-hand before issuing casual
pay to Soldiers who do not have access to
Eagle Cash Card kiosks.
“COMBAT PAY”
•The Service member will receive Hardship Duty Pay in the
amount of $100 per month, which is pro-rated, daily rate is
currently $3.33.
•Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay is given in the amount of
$225/month if the soldier spends 1 day or more of that month in
theater.
•For single soldiers Meal Deductions will stop and Basic
Allowance for Sustenance (BAS) begins in the amount of
$294.43
•For married soldiers who qualify, Family Separation Pay will
begin in the amount of $250 per month if the soldier spends 1
day or more of that month in theater.
•Federal income earned in hazardous duty zones is tax-free for
enlisted soldiers.
•Defense Travel System - during the re-integration process the
soldier can choose to scan his/her orders into the DTS system
and receive entitled Per Diem of $3.50 per day in theater.
•While it might be tempting to use the extra pay from combat on
luxury items, with the global financial crisis, now is a great time
to save and invest to ensure financial stability for your future.
DECEMBER 2 0 0 8
Page 4
Forward Operating Base Iskan
By 1LT Adam Seybert, Medical Platoon Leader
After a full week on the ground at Forward Operating
Base (FOB) Iskan, our confidence levels are high. We
have no doubt that FOB Iskan is fully capable to
provide the support needed for Bravo Company and
the other elements living here.
FOB Iskan is located approximately 60 km south of
Baghdad in the Babil Province. FOB Iskan is also home
to a thermal power plant that provides 65 percent of
the electricity to the region and nearly all of the
electricity to Baghdad.
Facilities include 24-hour laundry Internet and phone
services, a USO center, and a pleasant chapel. FOB
ISKAN also has an MRW facility with a robust gym
and a recreation center that includes ping-pong, pool,
and card tables as well as a lounge room with an
extensive selection of DVDs and books. For chow,
FOB ISKAN has a pleasant dining facility that serves
breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a midnight
meal for Soldiers returning from missions. With all the
amenities FOB ISKAN offers, it is a comfortable home
away from home. In our next issue we will be
featuring FOB Kalsu, where C/1-2 IN, C/1-10 CAV,
the BRT and HHC are located.
Top Right: Soldiers enjoy lunch in the Dining Facility. The
wood paneling makes dining feel more like a comfortable
church pot-luck than the typical rushed military meal. Left:
The main treatment room of the fully stocked SSG Michael
R. Hullender Memorial Aid Station. Above: Smoke stacks
from the power plant. The fully operational power plant is a
sign of industrial progress for Iraq. Below: The 24-hour
MWR gym contains everything from cardiovascular
equipment and free weights to combatives and aerobics
mats.
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY
HOLIDAY SEASON…
…and a wonderful
new year
DECEMBER 2 0 0 8
Page 5
Rain or Shine: The FOB Iskan Post Office Gets the Job Done
By: TSgt, Chyrece Campbell, Weapons Intel Photographer
With the holiday rush being over, FOB Iskan averages 48,000-50,000
pounds of mail processed every month. SSG Victor Zapana, the
NCOIC of the FOB Iskan postal office oversees such a supportive
operation. Due to the holiday rush, SSG Renee Robinson was sent
here TDY from Tallil AB, Iraq to help process mail. “Being here has
been a great experience. I am getting excellent hands-on training
and knowledge doing my job,” said SSG Robinson. “At Tallil, KBR
handles the mail and I am really enjoying collecting and processing
mail which is my MOS,” SGT Robinson added. The biggest
question that most soldiers ask is how long the mail takes to get
Above: SGT Bernadette Perez (Postal
back home. On average it takes three to four weeks to get to the
Clerk) shakes hands with a member of 3-7
IN as he mails a last minute package to the
states. The reason it takes so long is that the mail does not leave
states. Below: The final stamp is made
here every day. Mail leaves here about every five days on a convoy
before a package is loaded for shipping.
to FOB Kalsu. It travels by convoy to FOB Kalsu then FOB Adder
then Kuwait before it is sent off to the states. At each base it stays
from two to five days on average. Letters, picture CDs and thumb
drives up to 13oz can be mailed for free. MPS to MPS is also free.
All other items you must pay by weight and distance as if you are
mailing from the states. Soldiers are reminded to check with the
Post Office for mailing restrictions. As SSG Zapana explains, “The
biggest issues we have are people mailing non-mailable items like
Cuban cigars and weapon magazines.”
The postal office hours of operation are Monday to Saturday 0900-1200 and 1330-1630.
On Sunday’s the hours are 0900-1200.
Getting Involved: Agencies & Events in the Schweinfurt Military Community
By CPT Josh Buchanan, Delta Company Commander
One month into the deployment of the Black Scarves, one can still find many ways to get involved. The
experience and knowledge gained by the agencies in our local garrison community over the last two
deployments are clearly evidenced in the number and quality of programs available to our Families.
Highlights of agencies and events in the Schweinfurt Military Community include the Operation Walk 4
Freedom (Health Promotion); affordable trips to Christmas markets in Rothenburg, Nuremburg, and
Bad Wimpfen; winter sports trips to the Dolomites, Austria, and Garmisch (Outdoor Recreation/MWR);
and a single Soldier trip to Prague (B.O.S.S.). Events specifically planned for Black Scarves Families
include a baby CPR class in early January, sponsored by the American Red Cross and Army Community
Service; Christmas cookie party in the Yellow Ribbon Room, sponsored by the FRG; holiday dinner at
Ramon’s Sports Bar & Grill, sponsored by the FRG; and company-level FRG Meetings during the first
week of January. Inquiries about any of these events
Soldiers and family members
are welcomed by both the sponsoring garrison
conduct an initial fitness
assessment for Operation
agencies and the D Company cadre. It is the goal
Walk 2 Iraq. Of the hundreds
of those Black Scarves Soldier Teams in
of individuals that signed up
Schweinfurt to see that each Family in Task Force
across Schweinfurt, more than
70% were Black Scarves. Up
1-2 Infantry is well informed and thoroughlyfront, 2LT Edgar Lunaogando
equipped to thrive in uncertainty.
Getting
leads the way. We would like
involved with the quality agencies and events in
to welcome 2LT Luna back
from OCS and congratulate
the Schweinfurt Military Community is a solid
him on his commissioning.
start.
DECEMBER 2 0 0 8
Page 6
Food for Thought from the Black Scarves’ FRST
By Mrs. India Cook, Family Readiness Support Technician
Looking to take a trip or go home for the Holidays? Why not
utilize the military space-available system (Space-A)? There are
five easy steps to have you on your way to your destination of
choice, and for only $35.00 a person.
1. Obtain a memo stating your status as a command-sponsored dependent residing OCONUS and that
your sponsor is currently deployed. This document will allow you one round-trip at Category IV
instead of Category V in a 12-month period. Your Family Readiness Liaison can assist you in obtaining
this memorandum.
2. Sign up (online or using the Space-A Travel AMC FORM 140) no more than 60 days out from your
estimated departure date.
3. Call or check the message board for flight “show time” for your preferred destination.
4. Arrive at the terminal in plenty of time beforehand and declare yourself “present” to a passenger
service representative.
5. Wait until your category number is called during the roll call, and then proceed to check in in order
to be manifested on flight.
All information, including a brief from the 723rd Air Mobility Command is located on the VFRG
website, under the “Space-A” Tab. Happy trails!
The True Meaning of Christmas
By Katelyn Palmer
“Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la la”! Oh, hi! I am here to tell you
the true meaning of Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is not
presents, toys, cookies and treats – not even Santa Claus. The true meaning of
Christmas is Jesus who was born on Christmas Day. That’s who started it all!
Now I will tell you a thing that I enjoy doing during Christmas:
Katelyn Palmer is 9 years old
and is the Daughter of
Caroline and CPT Tim Palmer.
The Count Down Christmas Tree
Supplies
- Bubble wrap – make sure the bubbles are not popped
- Christmas stickers
- Construction paper
- Permanent marker
First, get an adult to help. The parent will cut the bubble wrap to where it
looks like a Christmas Tree with a stump. Then, you have a choice to make
between using your own numbers or Christmas stickers. Use your permanent
marker and put the dates on them, 1st to the 24th.. If you want to make your
own numbers, then use your construction paper and ask your parent to cut
out 24 circles, but not too big – about the size of the bubble on the bubble
wrap. You can use crayon or markers and decorate the circle, but make sure
there is enough room for your number! Then use tape or glue and tape/glue
number 1 on that point of the tree. Then, go in order all the way to 24. Take
yellow construction paper and ask you parent to cut out a star for your
Christmas Tree! Glue it on the back of the point of the Christmas Tree and
“Presto”! You have a Count Down Christmas Tree. Now you can pop a
bubble on the date each day until Christmas! I hope you had fun. Bye!
DECEMBER 2 0 0 8
From the Commander
Page 7
Sergeant Major Says…
By Lieutenant Colonel Steven Miska,
By Command Sergeant Major Noe R. Salinas,
Task Force Commander
Task Force Command Sergeant Major
Black Scarfettes, Members of the Black Scarf I hope this letter finds you and your families in great
Kid’s Club, Friends, Family, Loyal Supporters health and ready to enjoy the holiday season. Again
of Task Force Black Scarves,
you can’t believe how proud we are of the men and
Lots of things have changed for the task force as women of Task Force Black Scarves. Since we arrived
we deployed into Babil Province. We detached in Kuwait, the battalion has continued to set the
the Annihilators, A/3-66AR, to 1-77 Field example, whether in training or receiving new
Artillery to deploy to Wasit Province equipment, the Black Scarves are ready for any
approximately an hour drive to our northeast. challenge. Now that we have all made the journey
We received the Brigade Reconnaissance Troop forward to Iraq the mission continues. We have
and C/1-10 Cavalry into our formation. Both moved all soldiers and equipment to the appropriate
company
formations
have
tremendous locations and have successfully conducted two (reliefs
leadership and are hungry to make a difference in place) RIPs with two different battalions. Currently
as we maintain a fragile peace in a former
the Battalion Headquarters, B Co and a small portion
devastated area of Iraq.
of HHC reside at FOB
Much like Baghdad on our
ISKAN. The soldiers here
last deployment, Babil
enjoy all the same features
Province has both Sunni
that most FOBs’ have. We
and Shia populations who
have our own Dining
have witnessed significant
Facility, Internet Café with
tragedy. We stand with
phones and a Chapel with
our Iraqi partners to
a Coffee bar provided by
continue developing the
the Chaplain and his
rule of law for all people in
assistant.
Our
MWR
Iraq. Although much has
facility has both a full
changed,
the
primary Above: LTC Miska and CSM Salinas uncase the battalion basketball court and a
colors on the airfield at Forward Operating Base Iskan
principle under which we
workout gym. The FOB
operate remains holding the honor of the has paved roads so running is also an added feature.
regiment high. We miss you all as the holiday Our three companies living at FOB KALSU are A Co
season approaches, wishing we could celebrate 3-66, C Co, and HHC. They also enjoy the same
under the mistletoe and in the presence of our features except their FOB is much larger. LTC Miska
families and friends. Although separated by and I try and spend an equal amount of time between
thousands of miles, we hold you close in our both locations, ensuring our soldiers are cared for. As
hearts as we maintain the peace in a land we continue to learn about the people, terrain, and
described in stories of the Bible. With the ruins growth in this area, we also continue training our
of ancient Babylon a few kilometers to our soldiers on new equipment—ranging from radios to
south, the austere landscape and significance of some of the largest vehicles the Army has ever had in
our mission keeps the formation steady. Your its inventory, the MRAP’s. They are a great tool that
soldiers continue to perform with excellence, provides added protection when our soldiers are
and we stand proud of our families who hold conducting patrols.
the faith in our communities in Germany and So to wrap up this month in a nut shell, the men and
throughout the United States. Thank you for all women of TF 1-2 continue to accomplish the mission
of your support. We feel it and appreciate the and look forward to new challenges, but we also think
of all of you. Again, thanks for all your support, and I
love and prayers you send.
wish you a Happy Holiday Season. Hope you enjoy
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
the pictures in this newsletter.
Noli Me Tangere! Back in Black!
Blackhawks!
DECEMBER 2 0 0 8
Page 9
BLACK SCARVES
CONFIDENT, STRONG, READY
UP COMING FAMILY READINESS
GROUP MEETINGS
A Tank:
Wednesday, 7 January
1730, BN Yellow Ribbon Room
Thank you for your
continued support.
B Co:
Monday, 5 January
1100, BN Yellow Ribbon Room
HHC:
Tuesday, 6 January
1800, BN Yellow Ribbon Room
______________________________
Soldiers and Civilians of Task Force Black Scarves
T CH FOR LI E
E
C Co:
Thursday, 8 January
1730, BN Yellow Ribbon Room
©
ACS Deployment Support Group : 24 DEC
31 DEC, 7 JAN and 14 JAN
WILD TIGER
Baby CPR Class 05-09 JAN
IRAQ’S FAVORITE
ENERGY DRINK
Schweinfurt Community Forum 13 JAN
TF 1-2, 172nd BCT
ATTN: TF Black Scarves PAO
FOB KALSU
APO AE 09312
A fragrance by Antoine Priore
[email protected]
The Standard is an authorized publication for
Department of Defense members. Contents
of this publication are not necessarily the
official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S.
Government or the Department of the Army.
The editorial content of this publication is the
responsibility of the Task Force Black Scarves
Public Affairs Office.
“There are some days
that even an energy
drink can’t get you
through.”
“For all the others…
there’s Wild Tiger!”
BRING IT ON!