Download - Jan Feb 2012- 101st BSB Newsletter
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“This is the newsletter of the 101st BSB that contains both official and unofficial information. The inclusion of some
unofficial information in this FRG newsletter has not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DOD
4525.8-M.”
The Guardian January-February 2012
GUARDIAN SOLDIERS & FAMILY MEMBERS,
It’s with great pleasure that my wife Maureen and our
four children join the Guardian Battalion Family. I’m ex-
cited to be part of a unit with such a proud history and
great reputation. The Guardians have proven time again
worthy of living up to the Big Red One motto of: No mis-
sion too difficult…No sacrifice too great… DUTY FIRST! Thank you for your service,
shared sacrifices and commitment to each other, our unit and the Army.
I also want to express my thanks to LTC Grubbs for welcoming me to the Battalion
and for a great transition process. This is a strong team. Our initial priorities include:
receiving tactical equipment, refining and re-establishing home station administra-
tive, maintenance, supply, training management and Family Readiness systems and
beginning home station training (taking it slow during the RESET period) while we
continue to provide uncompromised direct support to the DEVIL Brigade.
Though our tasks during the RESET phase are many; I am committed to ensuring
systems that achieve maximum predictability for our Soldiers and Families. No Sol-
dier operates in a vacuum and the support of our Families and loved ones is critical to
getting the job done. I appreciate all that our Families do to set the conditions for the
success of our Soldiers and Team.
It’s an honor to have the opportunity to serve and lead this fine Battalion! I look forward to continuing to meet
our Soldiers and Family members as I circulate through the unit area and at future events.
GUARDIAN 6
Jim Waddick
LTC, MS
Commanding
Portons Les Fardeaux…“Let us Carry the Burden”
101st BSB
“Let Us Carry the Burden”
From the Battalion Commander:
HIGHLIGHTS
BN CDR Message 1
BN CSM Message 2
BN Chaplain 3
HHC 4
Alpha Co. 5
Bravo Co. 6
Charlie Co. 7
Event Info. 8-10
It is with great sadness that I write my final installment of the Guardian Newsletter.
What an amazing 31 months it has been! As a commander, I could not have asked for a better team of
Soldiers, leaders and Families to serve.
There is a lot I could say but, I think one statement will cover it all—Thank you!
Thank you for the countless hours spent serving our Nation and not receiving the proper thanks for
what you do every day. Thank you for volunteering to serve when our Nation is at war and knowing
that you are putting yourself in harm’s way. Thank you for sustaining the Devil Brigade regardless of
the mission. Thank you for doing everything that was asked of you and doing this with a quiet profes-
sionalism and maintaining a level of discipline that earned us the respect of the entire brigade.
To the Families, who didn’t volunteer and don’t get paid, thank you for supporting your Soldiers, the battalion and being there
for all of us each and every day. We are better because of you. I have served in many units throughout my career and I have
never served in a unit that is so much like a family and it is that way because of the time and sacrifices that you make for the
battalion, the Army and our Nation.
It is sad for me to say farewell, but I know that you will enjoy serving with LTC Waddick. Please give him all of the support
that you gave me throughout the last 31 months. It has been a true pleasure to serve you.
Guardian 6, out
JIM WADDICK LTC, MS Commanding
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PAGE 2 THE GUARDIAN
From the Command Sergeant Major: Guardians,
Since our last newsletter, we have been very busy with a lot of
hard work to reset the battalion. It is always difficult to tran-
sition from a war time mission to a garrison environment. So
many of you are on orders to new assignments and I wish you well at your
new duty stations. Reorganizing equipment, personnel, and files is always
time consuming and most of us do not enjoy change. I want to take the time
to highlight some events that went well for the battalion. The battalion ball was amazing and I
personally had a lot fun at it. You made it a wonderful event. The change of command cere-
mony showed your discipline and commitment to the Army standards. I was very pleased.
I would like to take this time to thank all the
Families for supporting your Soldiers through the
late nights, deployments, and schools. Your love
and devotion carry us through some of our tough-
est times. Your ability to be a single parent and
carry all the families’ burdens through these tough
times always amazes me. You are definitely a
great part of the Guardian family. Thank you!
Time has flown by so quickly that it seems like I just in-processed into our great battalion a few
days ago. Alas, it has been almost three years and it has been an honor to have served with all
the awesome Soldiers in this great battalion! Your abilities and accomplishments will be re-
membered for years to come. I only hope that you will remember the team work and espirit de
corps that you incorporated into our last three years. Thank you for all the great contributions
each one of you made during my time here. Thank you for your service to our nation and the
Army. Only 1% of our nation serve in the armed forces and most of you joined during war. I
will not say goodbye, but I will see you on the high road again some day.
“Guardian 7” Jeffrey O. Adams (signing off)
Command Sergeant Major
CSM Jeffrey Adams
Some of our Soldiers went before the promotion board this month and I’d like to
CONGRATULATE SPC Wilborn who is now promotable !
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So what is your theology? First, what is theology? Noun: The study of the na-ture of God and religious belief. Religious beliefs and theory when systemati-cally developed: “Christian theology.” What a person believes is who they are and who they are is what they believe. While on my way to PT, I heard James McDonald give this little sermon note: Dog Theology V.S Cat Theology “Dog theology:” You feed me, You shelter me, You clothe me, You must be
God! “Cat theology:” You feed me, You shelter me, You clothe me, I must be
God! Which theology have you adopted? Humorous I must say, but as we do a
survey of our own heart, and if a mirror could reflect the moral character of the
person beneath the skin, uniform and titles, what do you see? Society tends to
tell us we are special, unique, etc., but the truth is, you’re not! You’re not a
snow flake, “one-of-a-kind” so rare and special, entitled to the world and perfect beyond reformation but sim-
ply a normal person living with other normal people full of flaws and in need of improvement, to become bet-
ter and stronger in your faith, your love for your family and a devotion to where God has called you to be. An-
other identity issue I have encountered is that people lose sight of the true meaning of life by being their job.
Psychologically, they have misunderstood that work is just work and not who they are. In recognition of this,
they neglect their families, relationships and even their own well-being. This is not smart nor is it effective or
efficient for the survival or prosperity of any unit. Your net worth is beyond the materialistic. The moral integ-
rity of who you are as a person is what matters. Another thought I have for you this year is to understand that
God does not need you but that you need Him. Dreaming big is good but dream in such a way that it is not
self-centered nor unrealistic. The difference that separates those who fail and those who succeed is utilizing
failure as a learning tool to grow and to see dreams as a goal within the proper limitations of one’s self. Keep
your eyes and hearts centered upon your faith in God and watch His power work in your life. Remember the
achievements acquired and what is done will be forgotten, but the integrity of a person lives forever! Be that
example and be that individual part of a big team to do the impossible. There is strength in numbers and wis-
dom in the word of God.
“ 1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers. 4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”
HAVE A GREAT 2012!
Respectfully, Chaplain (CPT) Adriatico
Chaplain’s Corner
Chaplain Adriatico
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Upcoming Company Events:
March 17th- Hurricane Challenge (St Patrick’s Day 10K/2 mile run)
April 2nd- Annual Pie in the Face!
June- Spouse Challenge! Do you have what it takes to spend a day in your spouse’s boots?
Check out Fort Riley MWR for area events at www.rileymwr.com and also on FACEBOOK!
PAGE 4 THE GUARDIAN
HURRICANES-January/February 2012
As we enter 2012, I’d like to welcome all of our new Hurricane Soldiers, I look forward to meeting all of you!
During our first FRG meeting on 24 January we voted on a change to our SOP and it now includes a baby gift
for Soldiers welcoming a new addition to their family. We always look forward to meeting new families and
Soldiers who are interested in volunteering their time, talent or ideas with us; if you have something to share
or would like to contribute to our mission please join us at one of our volunteer meetings. Our next meeting
will be held on February 16th at El Tapatio on 6th Street in Junction City at 6 pm; if you will be attending
please text or e-mail so that we can ensure we have enough seating available. This meeting is very informal
and serves as a forum to brainstorm ideas for future unit family events to have in lieu of a formal FRG meet-
ing. If you are new to the battalion, we hope you stop by at one to share ideas; CPT Alvarez is always in at-
tendance and can answer any questions you may have! If you have any questions, you can contact me via
one of the methods listed in the page footer. ~Lacey
To become a volunteer or for assistance with any matter, please contact your Family Readiness Group Leader:
Lacey Kopecky, 785-317-2660, [email protected]
Hurricane’s, Family & Friends:
Happy New Year! I hope that everyone is enjoying the beautiful
weather while it’s here. Things at work have been pretty busy and the
company is working hard to re-establish systems so that we can de-
velop a battle rhythm that provides Soldiers and their families a little
bit more predictability in the coming months. Every section has
worked hard since returning from block leave and I appreciate everyone’s positive attitude and
hard work over these past few weeks as we drew our vehicles from LBE, conducted 100% inventories and took over
Devil’s Den dining facility. Everyone is doing an outstanding job! Our FRG has been working hard to plan out several
events through the summer, I encourage everyone to provide your support as much as possible. I would also
like to congratulate our FRG leader for receiving BDE and DIV volunteer of the quarter awards. Thank you
Lacey for your dedication to the unit and their families!
Keep up the great work! “HURRICANE 6”
CPT Alvarez, CDR 1SG Posta
Lacey Kopecky,
PFC Brinson
35F
Brookville, OH
PFC Winecoff
25B
Columbus, GA
SSG Niebels
92M
Kanorado, KS
SFC Copas
25B
Sioux Falls, SD
PV2 Farley
25U
Eatonton, GA
PVT Mohammad
92Y
Clearwater, FL
PV2 Dowie
25U
Orlando, FL
SPC Rosales
25B
EUA Beach, HI
Congratulations
to our recent
WLC graduates:
SGT Poole
SGT Simon
SPC Strader
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ALPHA COMPANY, 101st BSB
From CPT Bender, Alpha Co. CDR:
PAGE 5 THE GUARDIAN
I hope everybody had a great holiday and New Years and has begun 2012 off
to a great start. For Alpha Company, we began the new year welcoming in a new
battalion commander and starting to settle into our daily routines now that the
block leaves periods are complete.
The next few months will begin to get a bit busier as we will begin focusing
on training and sending Soldiers to schools, such as, the Warrior Leader’s Course,
Advanced Leader’s Course, and the Senior Leader’s Course. The next few months
will also be a great time for Soldiers to focus on individual civilian education as
well, in which I encourage everybody to take full advantage of and strive for excel-
lence.
Avalanche is still looking for someone who is motivated to assist the com-
pany as a Family Readiness Group Leader. This position can be a very fulfilling
and rewarding experience that has a direct impact
on all of our Avalanche families. In the upcoming
months, we will be looking at different events or
functions that we can do as an FRG, ensuring that
we can take full advantage of the opportunities
that are offered to both Soldiers and our Families
here in the Fort Riley area.
If you have some good ideas that we can do as an FRG or are interested in
helping out with the FRG, in any capacity, please let us know.
AVALANCHE!! Captain Michael Bender
CPT Bender and 1SG Hollifield
Congratulations to SGT Murillo and his wife
who welcomed Cesar Omar Murillo, born
on November 26, 2011
6For assistance from your FRG, call Jessica 785-461-5091 or Email: [email protected]
GOOD DAY, BULLDOGS!!!!!
We have survived the
Holidays and a plethora
of 4-day weekends with
ZERO incidents!!! That’s
the Bulldog Spirit! Keep
up the good work Bull-
dogs.
Things are progressing at a break-neck pace. We
bid farewell to the best when 1SG Saroglou de-
parted. A true Bulldog if ever there was and a Bull-
dog for life!! BULLDOGS, HOOAH!! The Bulldogs
also welcomed 1SG Swarts to the Dog House! We
have nearly doubled in size since our redeployment.
We continue to receive equipment and Soldiers.
This makes for a very exciting time for the Bulldogs.
This also means that we need to be extra vigilant as
we are working more and more with Soldiers that we
don’t know and equipment that is in need of some
BLC (Bulldog Loving Care). Bulldog sub-hand re-
ceipt holders are busy locating their equipment.
Squad leaders are chasing down information on
their new charges and the Bulldog FRG is preparing
to bid farewell to our fearless and diligent, FRG
Leader: Mrs. Jessica Supanich. We want you to
know that your hard work and long days and nights
serving the Bulldog
Family are appreci-
ated. You will forever
be a Bulldog in our
hearts! While Mrs.
Supanich’s departure signals a closing of a chapter
in Bulldog history, it also opens an opportunity for
another spouse to step up and undertake an adven-
ture unlike any other. Please, raise your hand if this
sounds like something that you want to do.
The Bulldogs Bid
Farewell to:
LTC Grubbs
MAJ Neill
1SG Saroglou
Hail to:
LTC Waddick
MAJ Rozhon
1SG Swartsl
Bulldog 6, Out!
From the FRG Leader, Jessica Supanich
PAGE 6 THE GUARDIAN
I hope you all had a great holiday! I know Bravo Co. has received many new Sol-
diers and spouses (Welcome!) in the last 2 months and I do apologize if you have not yet
been contacted by the FRG. The unit is still trying to get a complete roster together, but as
soon as I receive it you will be contacted! All the FRG positions currently need to be filled
so if you are interested please contact me and I can answer any questions you may have.
The positions available are: Funds Custodian, Alternate Funds Custodian, and Key Caller.
As some of you may have heard, we are scheduled to PCS to Fort Drum this spring. My husband is leaving
in April for school and will report straight to Drum after that. I will remain the FRG Leader until around mid-
March and then I will be stepping down. The kids and I will remain in the area until school is over in May.
Thank you to everyone who has been an active supporter of the FRG, past and present. I appreciate all the
help you have given, volunteer time you have donated, and your presence at monthly meetings. If there is
anything I can do for you between now and March, just let me know!
Our next FRG meeting will be held on February 16th at 6 p.m. in the ACS Annex on Huebner Rd. On-site
childcare will be provided with prior registration. Your child must be registered with CYSS to use this care,
also please bring each child’s shot records with you that evening.
I have been granted an extension this time until Feb 13th for FRG childcare for our meeting, but please get
signed up soonest.
Bravo Bulldogs Rock!!!
From CPT Thomas, Bravo Co. CDR
CONGRATULATIONS!
Promotions: PFC to SPC:
SPC Jette, SPC Kavanagh, and SPC Vargas!
7email: [email protected] or call 785-239-9527 for assistance
As January comes to a close, the Cyclones have been getting back into the swing of
things, as work days have transitioned from half-days to full-days. The reintegration process is
now complete and the Soldiers along with their squad leaders and platoon leaders have been
working very closely with unit supply to complete the change of command inventories. Al-
though we are short on personnel because of schooling, the remaining Cyclones have been
working diligently to complete all missions and tasks.
We would like to congratulate the newly promoted NCO's in our company. SGT Allen
(Evac Platoon), SGT Andrews (Treatment Platoon), and SGT Newman (Evac Platoon). Once
again, we would also like to congratulate SGT Kenney (HQ Platoon) and SGT Kuchenbecker
(Treatment Platoon) on achieving the same accomplishments during the deployment. Great
Job!
We have many people leaving whether that is transferring to another post or ETS-ing
out of the Army, but we also have new Soldiers and NCO's arriving. CPT Charles (PA) de-
parted our Cyclone family and we will miss her knowledge and her mentorship to the medics.
SFC Hamilton, SFC Warren, SFC Wright, and SSG Elssesser will PCS this month and will be
missed due to their leadership and dedication over the years. Good luck!
We welcome SPC Aguilar, SPC Al-Mohareb, PFC Ramirez, and PFC Phyall to our com-
pany! I would also like to welcome Amber Alfred and Carla Devries as our newest volunteers to
our company FRG. I am excited to welcome CPT Kelley but sad in the same regards to leave
the Cyclone families. I would like to thank the Cyclones for all their hard work and making my
time in command easy. I will soon depart Charlie Company as I transition to IACH for my
HFPA internship and I wish all Cyclones and CPT Kelley the utmost success in their future!
~CPT Li, Cyclone 6
From CPT Li, Charlie Co. CDR: PAGE 7 THE GUARDIAN
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Search: 101st Brigade Support Battalion
Guardians
Are you a new Army Spouse?
Army Community Service (ACS) has all the resources you need
to successfully adapt to military life! Call today: 785- 239-9435
WELCOME NEW GUARDIAN SOLDIERS & FAMILIES!
If you are new to 101st BSB and/or are not sure who your
FRG Leader is, please contact:
Mrs. Hope Stanley
Battalion Family Readiness Support Assistant
(FRSA) 785-239-1772 or [email protected]
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