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From the Battalion Commander

Command Sergeant Major’s Corner

Spring 2011

2nd Chemical Battalion

Red Dragon Newsletter

Inside this issue:

CDR and CSM’s Corner

1-2

Battalion Fundraiser

2

News from the Companies

3-9

Chaplain’s Corner/Retention Notes

10

Important Contact Information

10

Red Dragon Soldiers and Family members:

It has been a busy winter as the battalion gears up for an even

busier spring and summer. The upcoming training exercises will

give us a unique glimpse into our deployability and readiness. We

are the fastest transforming battalion in the entire division as we've

been recently fielded some of the latest technology in existence.

But alas, as we will be immersed in training, our Red Dragon Vet-

erans will be having their annual reunion right here in central

Texas! I invite each Soldier and Family member to share in the

fellowship with our Brother's in Arms. Last year, we took seven

Red Dragons to the Hills of Tennessee where we spent a wonder-

ful time with many Korean War Veterans.

Continued on page 2

Since the beginning of the year, your Sol-diers have focused on improving their ability to meet current and future mis-sions. They have participated in Home-land Defense exercises, executed a leader field training exercise (FTX), vali-dated squads, conducted a Battalion FTX, supported deployed formations, partici-pated in operations in ARCENT Area of operations (AOR), and conducted two changes of responsibility. All while ac-complishing the standard framework tasks required for day to day operations.

Over the next 90 days we will continue to

support our deployed troops and remain

actively engaged in the ARCENT AOR.

Two of our companies will change com-

mand, one will inactivate, and we will

have one change of responsibility. In ad-

dition the Battalion celebrates its 76th

Birthday (we are the senior Chemical Bat-

talion in the Army) on the 15th of April with

a run and a ceremony. As we continue

our preparations for Homeland Defense

Operations, the bulk of our Soldiers will

deploy to Yakima, Washington for the

month of May (the single largest move-

ment of Red Dragon Soldiers since the

Korean War) and train with numerous

agencies to ensure our ability to accom-

plish the vital mission to the Nation.

Continued on Page 2

All of this is and will be an enormous amount of hard work and no Soldier could ac-

complish much without the support that they receive. The success that we realize

could not have been accomplished without the family members and friends of the 2nd

Chemical Battalion. Thanks to each of you for the wonderful support that you con-

tinue to provide our Soldiers.

Christopher J. Cox LTC, CM Commanding

Red Dragons! “With Fire We Conquer”

From the Battalion Commander Continued...

Command Sergeant Major’s Corner Continued...

“The success

that we realize

could not have

been

accomplished

without the

family members

and friends of

the 2nd

Chemical

Battalion.”

2nd Chemical Battalion Red Dragon Newsletter

We even had FOUR World War II Veterans attend last year and we’re almost certain

to have a few participate this year. If you've never spent time with our nation's great-

est generation, you are missing out on a wonderful experience that only years of wis-

dom and maturity can provide.

This time of year it's warming up a bit and I implore each family and Soldier to get out

and visit some sights in Texas. There are dozens of great day trips that you can do

for not much money (less fuel prices). A trip to one of many Texas state parks can be

great for picnics, fishing, boating, camping or just a relaxing hike or snooze under a

grand Live Oak tree. (Always take a buddy with you!).

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/

If you would like any suggestions, please don't hesitate to ask myself or my wife Fran.

We're here for each of you and want to make your tour of duty at Fort Hood

memorable.

Red Dragons

Command Sergeant Major Kenneth Kraus

Red Dragon Blankets Back By Popular Demand

The 2nd

Chemical Battalion will be taking orders for custom designed blankets with the battalion’s logo as part of a fundraising event. The cost of each blanket will be $30 and all profits will go to the Family Readiness Group funds at the company level. The company that sells the most blankets will make more money for their FRGs. What better way is there to support your Soldier’s company and still receive this great product? These blankets are heavy weight custom woven, made of 100% cotton, with dimensions of 70”x50” (please see below for the de-sign). We can accept cash or checks. Please make checks payable to “2

nd

Chemical Battalion FRG.” If you wish to purchase a blanket, or have any ques-tions, please contact your Soldier’s first sergeant or executive officer.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/

HHD, 2d CBRN Bat-

talion has been extraordinarily

busy over the last few months,

and the forecast going forward

will be more of the same. The

Soldiers, NCOs and Officers

of the headquarters continue

to persevere, and I am incredi-

bly proud of what we have

accomplished through numer-

ous ranges, field training exer-

cises, and mission support

efforts that directly impact the

combat readiness and welfare

of all Soldiers in this great Bat-

talion.

We are fortunate to

have some of the best Soldiers

and Leaders in our Profession

of Arms right here in the

headquarters. Congratula-

tions to our former Detach-

ment Sergeant, SFC(P) Sammy

Martinez, on his selection for

promotion to Master Ser-

geant, and best of luck in his

future endeavors with the 13th

Sustainment Command Expe-

ditionary. With his departure,

comes an occasion to wel-

come our new Detachment

Sergeant, SFC Gregory James,

formerly of 31st Chemical

Company, who has already

proven to be a fantastic addi-

tion to our ranks.

As we forge ahead to-

wards the spring and summer

months, we will unfortunately

have to bid a fond farewell to

a number of fine Soldiers and

Leaders within our staff.

Among them, 1LT Sharp and

SFC Williams will be preparing

to depart for an upcoming

overseas deployment, and 1LT

Corcoran, 1LT May, and SFC

Rawls will be returning to the

home of our CBRN Corps, Ft.

Leonard Wood. In addition, I

would like to congratulate our

recent retirees, SSG Pelligrini

and SSG Nesbitt, for their

twenty fleeting years of de-

voted service to the US Army.

Their hard work and commit-

ment to excellence will leave a

lasting impression on the De-

tachment and the Battalion as

a whole.

As many of our families

are already aware, we are pre-

paring to undertake the largest

concerted deployment that

this Battalion has experienced

since World War II, during the

upcoming field training exer-

cise in Yakima, Washington.

Thank you all in advance for

the long hours, diligent work,

and tireless support, especially

from the families, in the long

months ahead. Your dedi-

cated efforts on behalf of the

HELLFIRE Team will not go

unrecognized, and my heartfelt

gratitude goes out to each and

every Soldier and Family Mem-

ber.

CPT John D. Matsinger III

HELLFIRE!

HEADQUARTERS, HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT “HELLFIRE”

Spring 2011

13th CM Company is a BIDS unit that has a rich history since it first activated 1 JUN 1942 at Fort Rucker, Alabama as the

13th CM Maintenance Company. With CPT Habitzreuther (Horseman 6) and 1SG Urbina (Horseman 7) in command, the

Company has had platoons out in the field monthly over the past year, exercising Soldier

skills such as Urban Operations and room clearing at MOUT sites, Air Insertion, Impro-

vised Explosive Device (IED) defeat tactics, patrol base setup, proper radio usage, move-

ment under fire, movement to contact and mounted and dismounted land navigation

during day and night conditions. The unit conducted and resourced training that led to

the successful OTC JCAD field test in Dugway

Proving Grounds, UT, resulting in commendation

from the office of the Secretary of Defense. The

unit prepares for inactivation now on 6 JUN 2011

in this exciting time of transformation for the Chemical Corps.

With Lily Urbina as the FRG leader, Karen Hunt as the FRG fundraiser and

support from the Soldiers and spouses of the Company, there have been

many fun activities such as roller skating, baby showers and a night at

ChuckeCheese’s just to name a few. All have been funded by fundraisers

such as commissary baggings and Christmas gift wrapping which were also

enjoyed by the Soldiers.

Without BIDS vehicles as of Oct 2010, the “Mighty 13th” has

focused on honing warrior tasks and battle drills of Soldiers

for their next assignments while volunteering at Bonham Mid-

dle School and Killeen’s Second Chance Animal Shelter. The

Company has recently emphasized certification in Combatives

and Combat Life Saver while maintaining proficiency on indi-

vidual weapons out on the ranges.

“Mighty 13!”

13th Chemical Company “HORSEMEN”


Welcome to the Dragon Lair! The Steel Dragons, who are the epitome of soldiers that

comprises of the 31st Chemical Company have rigorously engaged in various training and

community events. In the past eight months, the Steel Dragons participated in the Best Red

Dragon Warrior Competition in which two teams composed of the best physically fit sol-

diers tackled many tasks to include Land Navigation, marksmanship, and ruck march. One

of the teams placed second overall in the Battalion. The Steel Dragons spent a week in

September conducting Platoon level field exercises followed by a week long Company Field

Training Exercise. During the exercise the Steel Dragon honed their skills with performing

Biological Agent Detection and maneuvering across the battlefield in a tactical fashion. The

Field Exercise was closed out with the platoons conducting a dismounted ruck march and executing raid and clearing procedures of the Fort Hood Gas Chamber. The Steel Dragon

Maintenance and Supply Section was designated with the vital role of supporting 20th Sup-

port Command (SUPCOM) with vehicle repair and water and fuel re-supply during Liberty

Focus Fiscal Year 11. The exercise involved the Red Dragon sister battalion from Fort

Lewis; the 23rd Chemical Battalion and elements from the 20th SUPCOM. SSG Jordan Mal-

lory; the 31st CM Co Maintenance NCOIC, SSG Tommy Adams; the 31st CM Co Supply NCOIC, SGT Quinton Nas; of 1st Platoon, and

SGT Corey Simmons; of the Maintenance Section received Certificates of Appreciation and 20th SUPCOM Coins from Brigadier General

Leslie Smith; Commanding General; 20th SUPCOM for their excellent performance and exemplary adherence to duty during Liberty Fo-

cus. Also Steel Dragon Soldiers received a walk-through brief from the Nuclear Disarmament Team at the Tunnel Complex.

The Steel Dragons began November with the charge of the Run To Remember event in memory of the 05 November 2009

shootings which resulted in the deaths of 12 soldiers and one retired Chief Warrant Officer. The event was a great success and the

Steel Dragons set the standard in planning a well organized public event. Also during November, the 1st Platoon (CCMRF) participated in

a Deployment Exercise and Battalion Training Exercise. SGT Quinton Nas and PFC Darren Vardon received 2nd CM BN Coins from

LTC Christopher Cox; the 2nd CM BN Commander. During the month of December the Steel Dragons participated in the Battalion Winter Organization Day, winning Best Company Holiday Decoration Contest and tied with 13th CM Co with the best skit contest.

Steel Dragons also supported 181st CM Co with setting up and tearing down equipment for the WWE Tribute To The Troops on 14

December 2010. The task was daunting, but the Steel Dragons never quit, working long, tiring hours until the job was done. This post

event was enjoyed by families and Soldiers and local supporters of the Fort Hood community. On 21 December 2010, the Steel Drag-

ons sponsored a Company Blood Drive. Eligible soldiers donated blood which was immediately transported to Afghanistan in less than a

week to help save the lives of injured Soldiers deployed. The next day; Steel Dragons volunteered at the Second Chance Animal Shelter;

assisting employees set up kettles, walk dogs and clean the shelter grounds. In appreciation for this effort, the shelter employees topped

off the day with a barbeque for the Soldiers.

The New Year was kicked off with majority of Steel Dragons returning from leave and conducting regular company business.

The Soldiers spent part of January qualifying with the assigned weapons at the marksmanship ranges. Also soldiers received drivers train-

ing on military vehicles organic to the unit. The company has also sent soldiers to Combat Lifesavers Course at the Medical Simulation

Training Center having the highest number of trained CLS Soldiers in the Battalion. The company has the highest re-enlistment rate in

the entire Brigade with a 275% re-enlistment rate and the only company to meets the Fiscal Year goal within the first quarter. In Febru-

ary the company has prepared for the Battalion Field Training Exercise and qualifying on assigned weapons. The 1st Platoon is preparing

to deploy to Camp Atterbury, IN for the Fiscal Year 11 CCMRF Exercise.

The FRG programs welcomes Mrs. Kelly Hollingsworth; wife of SSG

Mark Hollingsworth of 4th Platoon. Kelly is serving as the company’s new

FRG Leader. The last FRG function was held on 17 February at the Phantom

Warrior Bowling Lanes.

In conclusion; the Steel Dragons has its challenges but continues to

seek new challenges, adapts and overcomes adversity. In the coming months,

the Steel Dragons will deploy to Yakima, WA for three weeks. It is the com-

mands aspirations to build a stronger FRG program with a support system

through spouses that will ease the absence of loved ones.

From the Dragon Lair: STEEL DRAGONS!

31st Chemical Company “STEEL DRAGONS”

Spring 2011

31st Chemical Company “STEEL DRAGONS” Continued…

44th Chemical Company “DRAGONS OF HELL”

Greetings from Camp Arifjan,

Kuwait! We are entering our fourth

month of the deployment and things

are moving forward at full throttle.

The Company is conducting weekly

training with the Kuwaiti Army Weap-

ons of Mass Destruction Defense Di-

rectorate and Kuwaiti National Guard

Chemical Defense Unit. Working

alongside another country’s armed

forces is a unique opportunity for our

Soldiers. We are helping the Kuwaitis

become more skilled in the defense of

their country and we are becoming

more proficient in our jobs as we in-

struct their Soldiers.

Over the next few months we

will remain busy and take advantage of

the cooler weather. The Company is

taking advantage of unique training op-

portunities available in Kuwait. We

will be using state of the art facilities to

train on convoy operation and hone

our skills with our individual weapons.

The company will also be conducting

joint training missions with the Navy

Biological and Chemical Laboratory

and with the 1-44 AMD from Fort

Hood. The training with 1-44 AMD

will provide us with the opportunity to

decontaminate a Patriot Missile system

and a Blackhawk helicopter, something

we have not had the chance to do.

In the midst of the training, we

do have a chance to relax and have fun.

Our “Dragons of Hell” Basketball team

is competing in the Camp Arifjan Bas-

ketball League and is currently 5-3.


Radiation Survey training with

the Kuwaiti Army

CROWS II Training and Certification

EST 2000 Training, Camp Buehring, Kuwait Sampling training with Kuwaiti Army

Decon Training with the Kuwaiti Army

44th Chemical Company “DRAGONS OF HELL” Continued...

They have faced some pretty stiff competition but have always

fought to the end in every game. Also, some of the Soldiers

have had the opportunity to take a MWR trip into Kuwait City.

They were able to visit a couple of historic sites before enjoy-

ing a traditional Kuwaiti dinner. We look forward to these

trips on a monthly basis.

The deployment continues to go well. Even though we

are remaining busy and focusing on our mission, our thoughts

are never far from our families and home.

Dragons of Hell! Equal to the Task!

CPT Jason Snelgrove

“Hell 6”

Spring 2011

172nd Chemical Company “STRAIGHT NASTY”

Spring 2011

The “Straight Nasty” Soldiers of the 172nd CBRN Company have been hard at work

through the winter posturing themselves for their upcoming missions. Last fall, we offi-

cially transformed from Mechanized Smoke Generation to Combat Support. Since then

our Soldiers have been training non-stop on their new skills in preparation for our culmi-

nating event in Yakima, WA. During the month of May, the Soldiers of the 172nd will de-

ploy to Yakima Firing Center in order to certify for upcoming missions. They will conduct

Convoy Live Fires, Squad Battle Courses, and a host of CBRN Situation Training Lanes

that force them to bring all their skills together and function fully as a newly re-designed

Combat Support Company.

The last few months have been extremely

busy for our Soldiers. The name of the game has been schools. Schools are

an important part of our unit and our individual development. Since we now

have a new mission, we must retrain at the individual level. Many of our Sol-

diers have been afforded the opportunity to take the Dismounted RECON

Course and the FOX RECON Course (L5) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

These courses enhance our unit’s readiness and provide our Soldiers with

career enhancing skills. Additionally, we have Soldiers enrolled in Combat

Life Saver, Combative Training, Hazardous Waste Operator, and NCOES –

building the basics for future training.

The Company also conducted numerous training events moving us from

individual to team to squad. These events are designed to assess our training

progress and refocus us as necessary. Our Soldiers conducted Team Level

CBRN evaluations in December and Squad Level CBRN evaluations in

March. I could not be more proud of the time and effort spent between

these major events by the Platoons. They have come so far so quickly. I’m

continually inspired by their progress and excited to see them perform in

Yakima.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not all hard work. We had a wonderful Dining In,

FRG Christmas Party, and many “snow days” allowing our Soldiers some much

needed decompression. FRG is continuing to work on developing the networks to

provide the necessary support during our deployment to Yakima. We have an in-

credible group of FRG leaders that I know will care for our families while we are

gone.

CPT Chris Nohle “Nasty 6”


181st Chemical Company “DOUBLE DRAGONS”

Since our last newsletter in July 2010, the 181st Chemical Company “Double Dragons” have continued to lead the way in the 2nd Chemical Battalion. After a fast-paced six months, the Double Dragons have fully transformed from a Smoke/Decontamination Company to a tri-purpose Combat Support Company complete with mounted Stryker NBCRV reconnais-sance, dismounted reconnaissance/hazardous materials response, and decontamination. With constant fielding, training, and mission success, the 181st Chemical Company and all of our Double Dragon Soldiers remain on the cutting edge of the Chemi-cal Corps.

With the support of its excellent Soldiers, over the last six months the Company has fielded and tested the most mod-ern CBRN assets in the Army. In September 2010, 1LT Allison Brown, SSG West, and the Soldiers of 4th Platoon conducted a successful test of the Stryker NBCRV reconnaissance vehicles at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. From October through De-cember 2010, 1LT Victoria Wilson, SFC Randy Gilbert, and the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon fielded the newest HAZMAT response equipment the Department of Defense has to offer. 1st and 2nd Platoon Soldiers, under the leadership of 1LT Diana Pantoja, 2LT Grace Rone, SFC Christopher Martinez, and SSG Niarcos Deshong, trained with multiple Fort Hood Field Artillery units in their decontamination mission. Finally, all 181st Double Dragon Soldiers pulled together to support the WWE Tribute to Troops event, providing free entertainment to more than 80,000 Fort Hood Soldiers and family members.

We would also like to welcome the new leadership who have arrived since the fall: 1SG Max Reano, 1st Platoon Leader Grace Rone, 2nd Platoon Leader Mathew Wiggins, 3rd Platoon Leader Jaciel Guerrero, 4th Platoon Leader Charles Davis, 1st Platoon Sergeant Christopher Martinez, and 2nd Platoon Sergeant Christopher Hartsfield.

Even during this high operational tempo, the Company found time to unwind. Our Double Dragon football team com-pleted a tough season in the Battalion league and will look forward to taking back the trophy in 2011. With basketball season coming up 181 is excited to regain its dominance of sporting events within the 2nd Chemical Battalion. We would also like to thank our Double Dragon families for their support of all of the Company fundraising and FRG events, especially the Halloween and Holiday parties. We look forward to seeing all the families again at our Company Easter Egg Hunt in the spring. In the coming months, the Double Dragons will be working hard to get ready for the Battalion deployment to Yakima

Training Center, Washington. The month-long exercise will be a test for the 181st Chemical Company that will no doubt solidify

the outstanding reputation of our Double Dragon Soldiers. As always, we thank our families for their support of the Company in

all of its mission and the United States Army.

In closing, we would like to welcome our new Double Dragon Soldiers to the family…

-CPT Val Lopez

PFC Joval Alaska PFC Micah Blackburn PFC Mason Butler SGT Terrence Butler SSG Misael Cabrera SSG Luke Campbell PFC Krista Carroll PFC Andrew Christian PFC Whitney Collins SPC Steven Cutlip 2LT Charles Davis SSG Brad Dukes SGT Rachel Ettesvold SSG Camara Garrett PFC Jeffrey Gatlin PVT Scott Gray

1LT Jaciel Guerrero SPC William Gwin SPC Alexander Hamrick SFC Christopher Hartsfield SPC Shwan Hasan SPC Christina Havard PFC Anna Hoffman SPC Joshau Hollis SGT Bobbyjo Hughes SPC Brian Keiser PFC Melianette Luna PFC Roxann Luna SFC Christopher Martinez SPC Dale Miller PV2 Dernika Morgan PFC Zachary Olson

SGT Scott Plavin SSG Nygree Poole PFC Gislaine Powers 1SG Max Reano SSG Terrence Reeves PV2 April Riley SSG Jorge Rivera SPC Eric Rogers 2LT Grace Rone SPC Edward Sauls SSG Jason Sorenson SSG Felix Sotovazquez SPC Mark Thomas SPC Michael Throm SPC Cara Waxter 2LT Mathew Wiggins

Spring 2011

Chaplain’s Corner FAMILY READINESS GROUP

LEADERSHIP

SENIOR ADVISORS:

Michelle Cox: [email protected]

Fran Kraus: [email protected]

COMPANY FRG LEADERS:

HHD FRG: Kim Musser

[email protected]

13th CM CO FRG: Lily Urbina

[email protected]

31st CM CO FRG: Kelly Hollingsworth

[email protected]

44th CM CO FRG: Katelyn Steffener

[email protected]

172nd CM CO FRG : Yvonne Matthews

[email protected]

181st CM CO FRG: Janet Hurley

[email protected]

OTHER IMPORTANT BATTALION CONTACTS

FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANT Kim Russell

254-618-7442 [email protected]

BATTALION CHAPLAIN CPT Mark Musser


MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANT John Freeman 254-317-3519

[email protected]

COMMAND FINANCIAL SPECIALIST SSG Tabatha Carpentier


BATTALION STAFF DUTY 254-285-5358 OR 254-285-5487

What is Life?

As I reflect upon both a deli-cate and simple question, “What is life”, it resonates with me that this is really complex? Why you may ask…well, it is a topic that has been discussed and debated throughout the dawn of human-kind from the Ancients of Old! However, your belief is grounded in either dichotomism—body and soul or trichotomism—body, soul, and spirit. In the Greek language, the basic word for life is zoe which renders many connotations of life thereof. Therefore, you could con-sider that this is the centerpiece for anything pertaining to life in and of itself such as a living crea-ture, procreation, to keep/make alive, and to breath.

As a trichotomist, I believe that we are created in the Image of God—body, have a unique per-

sonality—soul, and are seeking a relationship with God—spirit, in order to have an understanding of what is life? I am reminded of a lyric by one of my favorite contem-porary Christian artists, Mercy Me because they ask upfront, “What is life” (Where You Lead Me)? As a person who once did not have the fulfillment of a true relationship with God, I wrestled with what is life all about? Now, I know…it is not about me…it is about God! As I reflect upon the suicide rate that is inclining right here on our Post, I am saddened by the fact that some people may have never came to this reality—WOW! So, I leave you with this question, what do you think life is all about? God bless!

Chaplain Musser

Please let us know what you think of our new battalion newsletter! Please send all comments and questions to [email protected]. We look forward to your

feedback!

Reenlistment options are only available to those Soldiers who have a contractual ETS date on or before 30 September 2012. The reenlistment options are as follows:

Regular Army

Current Station Stabilization

Army Training

Overseas Assignment

CONUS Station of Choice The Red Dragon Retention Team will help all Soldiers under-stand the criteria for all of the above options. Please make an appointment with SSG Ingram at 254-285-6739 for further infor-mation. Good luck and “Stay Army Strong!”

Reenlistment/Retention Notes


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