Alumnus 2LT Michael Baroski featured in his

143d Transportation Command (FORWARD)
Twists & Turns
V o l u m e
1 ,
I s s u e
2
O c t o b e r
2 0 0 5
Soldiers Mourn Loss of Two Fellow Comrades
Special points
of interest:
•
Ask the IG, pg. 2
•
KNB: Meet the
143d TRANSCOM
crew. pg. 2
•
Soldier Spotlight:
2nd Lt. Michael
Baroski exclusive,
pg. 3
•
Fallen Comrades,
pg.4-5
•
Kuwait seems
more like home;
two Soldiers find
common bond,
pg. 6
•
Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel
Feature photo page,
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Battalion and dignitaries gathered Sept. 30 at Camp
pg. 8
•
Illinois National
Guardsmen encase
flag, ready t o go
home, pg 9.
•
Ramadan Reminders
pg. 10
Navistar to honor fallen comrades. Spc. Wendling and Sgt. Wallace. The two Soldiers died when
their humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device. Story and photos, pg. 4
Commanding General Message:
This is my second column in the 143d
Transportation Command’s “Twists and
Turns.” It has been a busy couple of
weeks in the command with some highs
and lows as our Soldiers continue their
hard working at the ports in Kuwait and
on the roads of Iraq. I want to take this
opportunity to thank everyone for their
contributions to our success as a whole.
Movement brings victory!
condolences to the
Soldiers of the 2/127th
as well as to their
families.
I would also like to
say farewell and congratulations to some of
our multi-million mile truck companies and welcome aboard their replacements. In the recent weeks I have atOn Sept. 26 we lost two brave Soldiers tended several mission complete and
award ceremonies. First, the 2168th
from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion,
th
127 Infantry Battalion. Sgt. Andrew Wal- Transportation Company from the
Iowa National Guard led by Capt. Jenlace and Spc. Michael Wendling were
killed in action escorting a convoy on MSR nifer Mlocek and 1st Sgt. Barrry
Bannister, “First Iowa,” have comTampa when their vehicle was struck by
pleted their transfer of authority with
an improvised explosive device. I once
again would like to express my heartfelt
See MESSAGE, pg. 10
P a gP ea g2 e 2 2
KNB: Getting to know the 143d TRANSCOM team
Lt. Col. David Whaling
The continuing adventures from KNB as we continue down the
wild and overgrown unknown operations acronym (UOA) path.
Ask the IG...
Maj. Robert L. Owen
The IG team is here to help
you with many of your problems. After all, that is what we
are here for.
However, there are some
situations which are inappropriate for the IG to deal with such
as OER/NCOER appeals, criminal activities, UCMJ punishment,
and sexual harassment, amongst
others.
The reason these issues are
not supposed to be brought to
the IG is because they individually have their own appeal or redresses built into them. For instance, a bad OER can be appealed by referring it to to Chapter 6, AR 623-105. If you are not
given the opportunity to appeal
the OER, then come see us. We
can help you.
Just remember, if an issue
has its own redress procedures,
use them…not the IG.
First right, then forward!
Junior Promotion
Board
Packets must be turned in
no later than Oct. 18th to
the G-1 section.
For checklists and requirements,
see G-1.
So what is a CLO doing in the Combined and Joint Logistics Operation Center? To know what a
CLO is you have to be thinking about
combined operations. In the true spirit of
working “shoulder to shoulder” with the
Kuwait Navy, the CLO in the CJLOC is the
Coalition Liaison Officer. Actually, there
are four teams of two Kuwaiti Naval officers who cover their
office 24/7. The Kuwaiti teams are from the KNF Operations
staff under the auspices of Lt. Col. Al Owaish. They have
been extremely helpful in all aspects of operations from the
moment they moved into the office.
What the MEU is going on? Just ask Sgt. First Class
Mike Deffendall (aka, MEU Man). His job is the
taming of the Marine Expeditionary Unit – really
supporting the MEU, as they come ashore in an
aggressive amphibious landing with LCAC’s and
LCU’s and AAV’s. The MEU is a self-sustaining
unit – but without the support coordinated and
provided through SFC Deffendall, their landing may not be
so a-MEU-sing.
SBO’s- you’re wondering what that means? It is not even
an acronym unless you are Staff Sgt. Thomas Evans. He works with the LCU’s and LSV’s at the
pier, the RO/RO ramp, and the berthing point.
He’s down at the user level getting the support
and orchestrating the uploads and downloads of
some of the most versatile vessels in the Army’s
Navy. Catch him in action on an upcoming Kuwaiti weekend!
AMMO – OK, give up? Ammunition download and upload
–(not all of these are easy). Master Sgt. Chuck
Klein is his name and ammo is his game.
Whether it’s in the hot lot, cold lot, pier, at the
TCP, ECP, TSA or under the eyeballs of the
QASAS, LFP, NCW, PATFORSWA, KMOD or KMOI
– he’s on it! This is a high stakes mission which
takes intense planning and preparation.
Finally, leading operations and providing a guiding hand
to everything that moves- is the BCOO. Gadzoontheit!! The Battle Captain Operations Officer
is Maj. Manny Ocasio. He has to know all these
acronyms and the different types of missions
which each has it’s own unique set of complex issues and requirements. His OPORDS are C2
(clear and concise) and provides the path to safe and successWhew! Got through the UOA path with only a few scratches –
so now, stay tuned for next month’s exciting KNB adventure…
The Twisted Arrows is published in the interest of all personnel of the U.S. Army 143d TRANSCOM. It is an unofficial publication authorized
under the provisions of AR 360-1. It is written, edited and published by the Public Affairs Office (FWD), 143d TRANSCOM. Email: [email protected].
P
Page 3
Soldier Spotlight
Officer receives recognition for hard work, dedication, and witty attitude
Spc. Crystal Rothermel
Inside a tent at Zone 6, there
sits an officer at a desk within a
kaleidoscope of working Soldiers,
paper shuffling and ringing
phones. Although the environment can sometimes be hectic,
the young, dark haired, witty officer still sits with a smile on his
face. Where this officer travels,
light-hearted humor and professionalism follows.
“If there is a dull moment, then
something has gone terribly
wrong,” said CPT Shane Lucker,
operations officer, 408th Movement
Control Team.
Second Lt. Michael Baroski,
Wilmington, Del., is the assistant
operations officer for the 408th
Movement Control Team. Although he is a newly commissioned transportation officer, he
has earned the respect and loyalty
of his superiors and Soldiers.
“Since the day he came to the
unit, his performance has been
remarkable. He always takes the
initiative and is always seeking
personal growth,” said Lucker,
Baroski’s supervisor and mentor.
“You have to be a good person to
be a good officer. He is one of
these.”
Baroski works every day supervising and managing bus linkup operations with the Kuwaiti
Ministry of Interior and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense, supervising convoy monitoring, tracking
operations at one of the Kuwaiti
ports, and managing the sterile lot
contractors at the Kuwait Naval
Base.
Although these responsibilities
help Baroski’s military career development, his interest in the military spurred earlier in his childhood.
“I was always interested in the
military, whether from my grandfather telling World War II stories,
from watching movies or hearing
Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel
2nd Lt. Michael Baroski, operations officer, 408th Movement Control
Team, was nominated for the Soldier Spotlight by his command.
stories,” Baroski recalls. “I think
as I got more and more into history, I started looking at the military and thought, ‘why not be a
small part of that.’”
What began as a hobby evolved
into a career as Baroski earned a
scholarship through the ROTC
program at Dickenson College, Pa.
He recalls the moment he entered the military because it symbolized a moment of truth. After
talking to friends about the military
for years, he knew it was time to
put the jokes aside and take that
next step, he said.
“I’ve always said that I think
there should be a mandatory service
obligation, like countries in the Middle East,” said Baroski with a smile.
“I can’t be a hypocrite about it. If
you are going to say something,
then you’d better do it.”
See SPOTLIGHT, pg. 7
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
SPC KEZIA PENNINGTON WILL BE BAPTIZED!
16 OCT 2005 SUNDAY
TIME: 0830
ZONE 1 POOL
ALL ARE INVITED TO COME & JOIN IN THE SPECIAL OCCASION!
Page 4
Soldiers gather, mourn, honor lives of two fallen comrades
monies of Wallace’s selfthat it is not easy to sum up a
sacrifice, but Wallace made the
man’s life with a few feeble words,”
ultimate sacrifice Monday when
said Sgt. Jake Paulson about his
he passed his brothers-in-arms
comrade Andrew Wallace. “I know
and took point position on the
I will never do him justice but I
will do my
convoy.
best.
This is about honoring their com“It seems
mitment to this deployment, it’s
unfortunate
“Andrew to
some, Wally to about honoring their commitment for Andrew
that he
his friends and
to their fellow Soldiers– this is
Sergeant Wal- about honoring their contributions passed us
that morning
lace to us
to the freedom of our country and not knowing
here, asked
Iraq.
what lay
me about the
ahead,”
MaNational
Capt. Eric Schack, commander, Co. C
bee said. “But
Guard about
I know that
seven years
he would not have wanted it
ago,” Paulson explained. This conany other way. He would have
versation marked the beginning of
wanted to go through that enWallace’s
military
career.
To
the
Photo by Maj. Jackie Guthrie
trance before any of us if it
ranks of the Wisconsin Guard
Memorials for two fallen Soldiers from the
Wallace brought a positive attimeant we could live.
2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Battalion.
tude, a strong work ethic and a
“We just need to keep him,
corny sense of humor. He also
and
his team’s sacrifices, in our
Maj. Jackie Guthrie
brought his best friend, Sgt. Dan
hearts as we continue forward
PAO, 377th
Kelm.
on this deployment and in life,”
NAVISTAR— Two empty pairs of
Wallace and Kelm, with PaulMabee said.
boots, two Kevlar helmets, dog
son and Sgt. Matthew Mabee, trav“All we can do now is carry
tags, rifles, and two photographs
eled side by side on the roads of
out
our mission, because that
represented Sgt. Andrew Wallace
Iraq, escorting military and civilian
is
what
Andrew and Michael
and Spc. Michael Wendling in a
convoys filled with essential equipWendling
would want us to do,”
memorial service on Sept. 30.
ment and supplies to U.S. and
Paulson
said.
“We cannot let
coalition forces in the North.
Second Battalion, 127th Inour cowardly enemy shake our
fantry, Wisconsin Army National
core values. They want to win
Paulson and Mabee gave testiGuard, remembered the two Soldiers of Company C, who died
Monday, Sept. 26, when their
vehicle struck an improvised explosive device on a routine convoy in southern Iraq.
“This is about honoring Sergeant Wallace and Specialist
Wendling,” said Capt. Eric
Schack, commander of Company
C. “This is about honoring their
commitment to this deployment,
it’s about honoring their commitment to their fellow Soldiers —
this is about honoring their contributions to the freedom of our
country and Iraq.”
Three Soldiers, childhood
friends of the fallen, spoke words
of tribute.
“I’ve come to the conclusion
Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel
Sgt. Jake Paulson, childhood friend of Sgt. Andrew Wallace, pauses at the
memorial to say final words and honor his comrade and best friend.
Page 5
this mission together.
“Let’s honor his memory
and dedication by keeping
him in our hearts as we drive
on and continue our mission
the way he would have
wanted us to,” Schmidtquist
said.
Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel
Maj. Gen. James Kelley, Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella, Brig. Gen. Charles Barr and
other dignitaries paid tribute during the memorial ceremony Sept. 30.
by throwing fear into our hearts.
We need to stand up a little bit
taller now and let them know you
don’t mess with men from Wisconsin, men from the United
States of America, men who are
not afraid to lay down their lives
for their country like Wally and
Wendling.
truly be missed by all of us,”
Schmidtquist said. “It seems
comforting to know that he was
in a truck with his best friend
Jeremy Roskopf.” Roskopf, the
third Soldier in the vehicle that
struck the IED, is receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
“Your death has created a
void in our lives that I cannot
explain,” wrote Wendling’s
father, Randall Wendling in
an e-mail read by Chaplain
(Maj.) Chad Maxey. Struggling through the grief of his
son’s death, he captured his
feelings in a letter to Michael
and sent it to the Soldiers of
the battalion. “It is with great
respect and deepest love I say
to you, you are a hero to all of
us.”
The service continued with
words of scripture, a memorial message and a prayer.
Brig. Gen. Charles Barr,
commander of the 143rd
Transportation Command,
then read from a poem he
and his aide, Capt. Noah
“They were together and makBrusky, wrote to commemo“Gentlemen, I know we will
ing people laugh on the radio
rate the deaths.
never be able to hear ‘Taps’ or see right up to the end. They signed
an American flag again without
up for the National Guard to“Two young men from
thinking of the sacrifices these
gether, they played golf together, Wisconsin’s Infantry were
men gave. We will always reand it is only fitting that they ran killed in combat by an IED,”
member how brave Andrew and
Michael were and how proud we
are of them,” Paulson said.
Describing Michael Wendling,
Spc. Justin Schmidtquist recalled
words that other Soldiers used to
portray him: “Funny, great sarcastic sense of humor, morale
booster, always smiling, very
smart, hard worker, good soldier.
“I first met him in seventh
grade at one of our first football
practices together. Little did I
know that that was the start of
all the fun we would have.”
Schmidtquist said Wendling
was remembered for his made-up
songs and dances, pranks and
sense of humor.
“He was one of a kind and will
Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Battalion, prepare to render final salutes as they pass by the memorials of their two comrades.
Page 6
Kuwait seems a little more like home when two Soldiers find common bond
Spc. Crystal Rothermel
Deployed Soldiers have a certain connection to one another
through training and life overseas
which helps them relate to one
another. Two Soldiers, however,
found a more local connection
which made even Camp Arifjan,
Kuwait seem a little more like
home.
Col. Michael MacNeil, 37th
Transportation Group commander
and Sgt.Pamela Campbell, resources noncommissioned officer,
1644th Transportation Company,
talk about work but even more
unexpectedly, their link to Pekin,
Ill.
“It makes the world seem a little smaller,” Campbell said as the
two immediately began exchanging
Col. Michael MacNeil and Sgt. Pamela Campbell meet at Camp Arifjan.
stories and talking about the Pekin Dragons, the Pekin football
she is just as dedicated a Solteam, and local construction, such Pekin, the local park and the
dier. After graduating from
high school; both are devoted
as the new high school.
basic training and advanced
Soldiers.
individual training at Fort
MacNeil, Pekin native, is curMcNeil is a West Point gradu- Jackson, S.C., Campbell
rently responsible for more than
ate and has served his country
spent two years on active
3,000 Soldiers and the ground
for
more than 23 years. Before
duty as a personnel administransportation between Kuwait
taking command of the 37th
trative specialist at Fort Bliss,
and Iraq. After years of service
Texas. Even as an entry level
and meeting Soldiers from all over Transportation Group he was
Soldier, she worked hard and
the world, MacNeil cannot remem- the executive officer of the 58th
Transportation Battalion and
obtained the highest timeliber meeting another Soldier from
the
installation assistant chief of ness rate of finance transacthe area let alone his hometown.
staff – both at Fort Leonard
tions.
After hearing a rumor there was
Wood, Mo. He also commanded
another Pekin Soldier, he set out
When Campbell began her
the 181st Transportation Battalto find them, he said.
new family, she wanted to deion in Mannheim, Germany and
vote more time to her new
“It’s my hometown, so I had to
served as the transportation
family, but didn’t want her
meet her,” MacNeil said with a
branch chief at the Human Remilitary career to end.
smile.
sources Command in Alexandria, Va.
“I really liked the Army,”
Between the small talk, it was
Campbell said. “So, after
obvious from the meeting, the two
Although Campbell has not
had more in common than just
served as long in the military,
See PEKIN, pg. 10
MEMORIAL
Barr read.
“2-127th Infantry has seen ground combat before,/ Regimental colors bear many steamers of
war./ Civil War, The Great War and World War
Two,/ Heroes to their colors have not been few….
“We remember that they represent Wisconsin’s
best,/ American’s finest Soldiers, CIBs on their
chests./ And as the somber notes of ‘Taps’ the bugle surrenders,/ Saying ‘Farewell brothers Wallace
and Wendling,’ our salutes we render.”
Silence followed as 1st Sgt. David
Christianson conducted roll call, noting the two
fallen Soldiers’ absence. Salutes were fired, the
notes of ‘Taps’ hung in the desert air, and the
men of 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry joined leaders, fellow Soldiers and friends to say good-bye
to Sgt. Andrew Wallace and Spec. Michael
Wendling.
Page 7
SPOTLIGHT
This attitude along with his
dedication made an impression
upon classmates his officer basic
course as well.
“He was one of the smartest
people in our class,” said First Lt.
Adrian Markocic, night battle
captain, 143d Transportation
Command and fellow classmate.
“His scores would come out and
he was consistently at the top.”
In May, 2004, Baroski graduated from Dickenson College with
a bachelor of arts degree in European history and completed the
ROTC program, and earned a US
Army officer commission. Only
weeks after moving to Fort Eustis, Va., he learned of his deployment.
The 408th arrived in Kuwait
last December and Baroski defines the tour as a period of personal growth and professional
development, he said.
The deployment put training
and education to the test, but
Baroski was able to multi-task
and work diligently on the mission and entertain the troops
with random facts, said Lucker.
Although Baroski easily entertains the troops, he is proud of
their accomplishments and focused on the unit’s and Soldiers’
achievements more than his own.
He described the tour with
sincerity and spoke of his Soldiers with pride because the tour
was not always easy.
From the moment the 408th
arrived in Kuwait, they experienced separation, a multitude of
missions and continuous training.
enough for them. It’s been tough
for them,” he said with a more
solemn expression. “You can’t be
doing the same job day in and
day out, it is difficult and people
get stressed out. But we’ve overcome it.”
Amongst the late phone calls
and daily responsibilities,
Baroski found an escape from
the daily grime through one of
his hobbies. He is an avid reader
of military history and historical
fiction.
“Sometimes a good detective
story,” he jutted in, making sure
to add the ‘30s detective
stories
.
as a side-note.
As the year winds down, the
formerly separated unit finally is
working together and reflects
upon the deployment with their
assistant operations officer,
Baroski.
From talking with some of the
Soldiers, it seems there is not a
shortage of compliments.
“His personality would be described as quirky and his professionalism is never doubted by his
seniors, peers, and subordinates
alike,” Lucker said. “The Soldiers
love him because he is one of a
kind.”
While Baroski may have a
reputation for knowing entertaining facts and uplifting any situation, his hard work and dedication is just as appreciated.
“He was always there to encourage us,” said Spc. Michael
Davis, cargo handler, 408th. “He
always told us to look at the
other side of the coin.”
The Soldiers were divided and
sent to different parts of Kuwait;
some worked with the Air Force
at a northern base, some at an
airport bringing Soldiers to and
from Kuwait, while others worked
at ports overseeing missions.
Whether it is part of his duty
as an officer or a personal characteristic, Baroski always seeks
to do the right thing and is easy
going. He has an outstanding
drive and always takes the initiative concerning the unit’s matters, said Lucker.
“In the absence of unity with
their peers, I cannot speak highly
While sitting in his chair,
Baroski jokes about his interests
and diverts attention from himself to his Soldiers, but some
things are concrete. The work
may accumulate, the phone
may not stop ringing, but the
bottle of water sitting on his
desk will always remain, in his
eyes, half full.
MWR Trips
There are two approved
MWR sites:
Al Kout Mall and
the Kuwait Science
Center.
Due to Ramadan, the
trips have been postponed the entire month
of October. November
is booked, however, you
can sign up now to be
on a standby basis.
There is also a trip with
the 143d on Dec. 5.
There must be at least
15 personnel in order
to proceed with the
trip.
Also, bring copies of
cultural awareness
card to G-1 after attending the mandatory
cultural awareness
training.
Page 8
Ms. Sue Payton, Deputy under the Secretary of Defense, visits Soldiers at the
Seaport of Debarkation Oct. 1 to learn about a new decontamination system.
Staff Sgt. Heriberto Concepcion, 143d, is promoted to Sgt. First Class Oct. 2 by wife, Staff Sgt.
Tanisha Concepcion and Brig. Gen. Charles Barr.
Capt. Sidney Harris, 143d, is promoted to
Major Oct. 2 by Brig. Gen. Charles Barr.
Master Sgt. Frank Cervantes,37th
TC GP, is promoted by Command
Sgt. Maj. Tony Baker and Brig. Gen.
Charles Bar to Sgt. Maj. Oct. 1.
Sgt. Steve Bobbert, 143d TRANSCOM,
drives the GL118, part of the new
CASPOD equipment used in the decontamination process at the SPOD.
Ms. Sue Payton sails on Persian Gulf with Navy Warfare patrol
boats during her tour of the Seaport of Debarkation, Oct. 1.
Page 9
Illinois National Guard Flag Encased, Soldiers prepare to come home
Spc. Crystal Rothermel
After more than 12 months, approximately 150
members of the Illinois Army National Guard will
soon be heading home.
The 1644th Transportation Company, headquartered in Rock Falls, Ill., has spent the last
year in Kuwait moving equipment in and out of
Iraq to ensure U.S. and coalition forces have the
equipment they need to stop insurgent activity,
restore peace and rebuild the nation.
These brave men and women successfully conducted more than 244 missions, covering more
than four million miles throughout Kuwait and the
dangerous roads in Iraq. They transported more
than 12,000 pieces of equipment to and from every
major base, camp and air base in Kuwait and Iraq.
Throughout recent award ceremonies, the National
Guardsmen were presented with awards and medals; three Purple Hearts, 136 Army Commendation
medals, Close Action Combat Badges, and 12
Bronze Stars, just to name a few.
contributions, for they have honored the Transportation Corps by their loyal and dedicated
service to our nation.”
Unfortunately, the completed missions did
not come without sacrifices, which is something
these soldiers say they will never forget.
Killed in February by an improvised explosive device was Sgt. Jessica Housby. Although
she did not join them in formation, her sacrifice
was honored by the Soldiers during the ceremony as Goebig solemnly recognized her pride,
hard work, and dedication.
The 1644th is composed of members from
several Illinois National Guard units, but after
the year they spent together, they stood unified
while their unit flag flew above them for the last
time here in Kuwait.
“We may not march the same active duty
soldiers,” said Goebig with a smile, “but we
came over here with soldiers who were working
or were in school, and we did it.”
“I didn’t bring 162 Airborne Ranger Soldiers
here, I brought 162 National Guardsmen who were
great Soldiers,” said the unit’s 1st Sgt.. David Goebig, “And they gave 100% .”
In honor of the sacrifices the Illinois soldiers
have made to the National Guard and the
United States Army, they ended their tour in
song — “The Army Song.”
The unit’s dedication and hard work will not be
forgotten.
“There will be lots of people going home and
thinking this was hard work,” said Goebig. “But
90 days from now, when I see them again, I look
forward to telling them ‘you guys did a great
job.’”
“The contributions of the 1644th to Operation
Iraqi Freedom did not go unnoticed,” Brig. Gen.
Charles Barr told the soldiers. Barr is the comThe 1644th Transportation Company is exmander of the 143rd Transportation Command, the
Questions, comments or PAO coverage, contact Spc. Crystal
143d TRANSCOM
pectedRothermel,
to returnPAO,
to Illinois
in the next few
unit’s higher headquarters while stationed in Kuweeks.
wait. “The soldiers can be proud of their
For questions, comments contact Spc. Crystal Rothermel Cell: 786-3157 or e-mail: Crystal. [email protected]
Page 10
Comedy Central...Live from Zone 6
Ramadan Reminders:
Ramadan, the holiest period for the Islamic faith, and
occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Ramadan commemorates the month in which the Holy
Qur;an was first revealed and in which followers of
Prophet Mohammed were victorious over the Makkans,
at the Battle of Badr.
The exact dates of Ramadan are determined by the new
moon.
Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel
Comedian Dave Attell, host and writer of Comedy
Central’s I nsomniac with Dave Attell, brought
laughs and entertainment to Soldiers Sept. 22. at
Zone 6. As an atypical night drew to a close,
Attell lit up the stage while laughter filled the
Kuwait air .
A fast is also carried out from sunrise to sunset. There
should be reduced traveling off post between the hours
of 1700-1800 due to hazardous conditions caused by
short-tempered and dehydrated local drivers.
While traveling off post or around locals during
Ramadan, remember…
No smoking, No eating, No drinking
MESSAGE
Alpha Company, 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Brigade. They are from the North Carolina
National Guard and are led by Capt. Larry Coleman and 1st Sgt. Barry Marlowe- “Hammer
Down!” Second, the 1644th Transportation Company from the Illinois National Guard, led by
Capt. Maxime Castelyn and 1st Sgt. David Goebig“Thunder!” who completed their TOA with Alpha
Company, 31st Forward Support Battalion. The
31st is from the Alabama National Guard and is
led by Capt. Elbert Davis and 1st Sgt. Richard
Cash-“Rollin’ Thunder!” Thirdly, the 1864th TC
CO from the Nevada National Guard led by Capt.
Neil Oscarson and 1st Sgt. Jared Kopacki“Vikings!” They are in their final stages of their
Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Field Artillery
Brigade, an active component unit from Fort Sill,
Okla., led by Capt. Bryan Coleman and 1st Sgt.
Michael Larsen-“Cobras!” Lastly, I welcome both of
our surge rotational HET units; the 96th and 233rd
Transportation Companies. The 96th HET is an
active component unit from Fort Hood, Texas and
the 233rd is from Fort Benning, Ga., and Fort
Knox, Ky.
Again, congratulations to our outgoing units,
your service and sacrifice will be an enduring
monument to the success of the 143d and the
Global War on Terrorism.
PEKIN
having my baby I joined the National Guard.”
Then she volunteered to deploy to Kuwait.
The two talked about life overseas, past military experiences and of course, their tie to Pekin. From their conversation, it was obvious the
two agreed Pekin is a great place to grow up and
raise a family.
“I love the community,” said Campbell.
“They have a huge park district and a lagoon.
It’s really lovely.”
MacNeil’s Pekin connection spans back further as he recalled some of his earliest childhood memories.
“I remember watching the bridge go up, I
went with my grandparents,” he said with a
smile. “They have since torn that bridge down.”
The meeting between locals was timely.
MacNeil recently arrived in Kuwait and Campbell
is scheduled to leave in October, but only one of
them will return to Pekin.
“I plan on going home, getting another Active
Guard and Reserve job and going back to school
part time,” Campbell said. “I’d really like a degree in marketing.”
After his tour in Kuwait, MacNeil will return
to Germany and will serve seven more years until
he reaches his 30 year milestone. Then he plans
to retire, move to a small town with a warmer
climate than Pekin and teach, he said.
Within a tent at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait the two
Soldiers exchanged stories, shook hands, and
took photos. If for only a few minutes, two Pekin
Soldiers were able to make this much larger
world far away from home appear to be a little
smaller.