1. The Lions RoarThe Official Magazine of the 35th Signal BrigadeFort Gordon, Ga. Utmost of Our Ability 1st Quarter FY 13

2. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityThe lions RoarBrigade CommanderCol. Thomas A. PughBrigade Command Sergeant MajorCommand Sgt. Maj. Angel J. RamosBrigade Public Affairs OICCapt. Devon O. ThomasBrigade Public Affairs NCOICSgt. Dianne M. CarterThe Lions Roar is an authorized publication produced in theinterests of the Lion Brigade community. The Lions Roar is anunofficial publication of the 35th Signal Brigade located at FortGordon, Ga. as authorized by AR 360-1. Opinions expressed arethose of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the viewsof the U.S. government, Department of the Army, Department ofDefense, U.S. Army Forces Command or the U.S. Army SignalCommand.Comments and submissions should be sent to Sgt. Dianne M.Carter at (706) 791-9316 (email: dianne.m.carter.mil@mail.mil).Photos, unless otherwise credited, are the property of the U.S.Army. The Lions Roar has the right to edit all submissions.Cover Photo: Photo by Spc. Rich, 51st ESBMajor Rospendowski and Capt. Matthews run along a route during51st Signal BNs Mercury Challenge II event on November 19, 2012. 2 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 3. The Lions Roar 1st Quarter 2013Lt. Col. Calondra L.Fortson, battalion com-mander and CommandSgt. Major Andy Frye,of 67th Signal Battalion,case the battalion colorsin preparation for the up-coming deployment Dec.20, 2012 at AlexanderHall, Fort Gordon, Ga. The 67th Signal Battalion Prepares For DeploymentStory and photos by Sgt. Dianne M. Cartertheir achievements. All his family plans to send lots of pictures, lettersPublic Affairs, 35th Signal Brigadeand care packages. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the most valu- During the Christmas holiday season, most families are able player of our teamour family members. Deployments are asbusy buying gifts, last minute preparations for family gatherings much a hardship on the family members as it is on our Soldiers. Weor planning trips out of town to visit relatives.acknowledge that they are our rocks, our resilient partners that enable This holiday season, Soldiers and families of the 67th us to accomplish the mission as ambassadors of this great nationtheSignal Battalion (Expeditionary), 35th Signal Brigade, are busy United States of America. During our absence, we thank our families incherishing their last few days together and making last minute advance for their sacrifices and steadfast support, said Lt. Col. Calon-preparations for their upcoming deployment.dra L. Fortson, battalion commander, 67th ESB. For the past few weeks Soldiers in the battalion have Some familiar questions many spouses have often asked arebeen on block leave to spend quality time with their familieshow to support their Soldiers and make the time go by faster? The an-and mentally prepare for their mission. The time off gives the swers to most questions can be found through their Military Resources.Soldiers a chance to relax and celebrate the holidays with their The 67th ESB Family Readiness Group can be contacted through Mr.families.David Fortson at FRA.67ESB@ gmail.com. The Army Community Ser- First Sgt. Todd R. Daniel, of C Co., explained thatvice is the heart of every military installation and hosts a wide variety ofblock leave presented a few challenges for the company. They support and volunteer services for families and can be reached at (706)did their block leave in rotation and this was a learning experi-791-3579.ence that allowed them to plan out how they will rotate teamsand shifts during deployment. For the Soldier that have deployed, this is just anotherdeployment but for some of the Soldier this is something theyhave never experienced. Training has prepared them for theirSoldier duties but they wonder what to expect on a day to daybasis. Daniel said most of the Soldiers that havent deployedworry about the conditions of where they will stay and if theirnine month deployment could get extended. I am not worried about the deployment. I havedeployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. This will be my third deploy-ment, so I know what to expect, said Sgt. Thomas E. Powers,assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 67thESB. Powers stated that he receives a lot of support from hisfamily during deployments. Both his parents are prior militaryand understand the demands of his job. His wife, Michelle, Soldiers and Airmen load equipment into the back of a C-17, Dec 31, 2012. Thekeeps him up-to-date with the milestones his three young chil- 67th ESB equipment is being transported to different locations throughout thedren make in his absence. His sister, Glenna, and her children Middle East.Skype with him as often as possible, so he can keep up withTHE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 3 4. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our Ability Contents:Brigade CommanderCol. Thomas A. Pugh Page 6Command Sgt. Maj.Angel J. RamosPage 7 Check out our pictures on Flickr @35THSIGBDERetentionMaster Sgt. Shelia J. Obleton Page 41 http://www.flickr.com/ photos/35thsigbde/The Lion BrigadeResilience is on the Web@ Sgt. 1st Class Rowan H. Stevens Page 41 www.facebook.com/35thSignalBrigadeEqual OpportunitySgt. 1st Class Jennifer Berry Page 42 Become a Fan of the 35th Signal Brigadeon Facebook!SHARPSgt. 1st Class Michael T. Perkins Page 42 4 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 5. The Lions Roar 1st Quarter 2013Page 8 Page 22Soldier / NCO of the Quarter Conquering Mount RainierPage 9 Page 24Brigade Dining In Terrain WalkPage 10Page 32Veterans Day At Harlem Jimmie Dyess DaysMiddle SchoolPage 13Page 34Soldiers Lend Helping Hand Jingle JammingPage 16Page 39Off Duty ResiliencyFRG Helps Military Families Wrap Up Holiday ShoppingPage 19Page 4450th Awarded Environmental Chaplains CornerCompliance Award THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 5 6. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityFrom the Happy New Year! 2012 wasCommandertained constant contact with 518th Signal Most of you have already madeanother year of excellence for THE Lion Company and began to deploy a platoonyour New Years Resolutions, but I encour-Brigade. Whether supporting Operation from C Company in December.age each of you to resolve to strengthenEnduring Freedom (OEF), Exercise Vibrant The 67th Signal Battalion complet- your Physical, Emotional, Social, FamilyResponse, multiple XVIII Airborne Corpsed a culminating training event in October and Spiritual resilience. This will makeJoint Operational Assessment Exercisesthat not only validated systems, but alsous stronger as individuals, and will help us(JOAX), or conducting dozens of trainingensured that leaders at all levels were able meet, and overcome, personal challenges.exercises in the continental United States, to handle a variety of possible issues in aIt will make us stronger as a team and willSoldiers of the Brigade proved time and deployed environment. As mentioned, theenable us to exceed mission expectations. Ittime again that we are the Armys premier Battalion began its deployment to supportwill also make us stronger as a communitycommunicators.OEF in December. and will ensure support structures are in Although 2012 ended with a much As with 2012, our primary objec- place to support our Soldiers, Civilians andneeded holiday period, the majority of ourtive for 2013 is to sustain the most capable Family Members as we rise to overcomeSoldiers on Ft Gordon were focused on Signal brigade in the Army. We will ac-any challenge that awaits us in 2013. Bythe deployment of most of the 67th Signal complish this by continuing to focus on ourfocusing on our People, our Teams and ourBattalion and a platoon from C/63rd Signalthree Lines of Effort: Community, we will continue THE LionBattalion. They join the Soldiers of the PeopleResilient Soldiers, Civil-Brigades proud tradition of excellence.518th Signal Company currently deployed ians and Family Members who are aggres-Thank you for all your sacrifices in Servicein support of OEF. As we move into 2013,sive and adaptive professionals, physicallyto our Country.please keep these Lion Brigade Soldiers and fit, experts in their field, masters of thetheir families in your thoughts.fundamentals and prepared for the competi- Utmost of Our Ability! Toward the end of 2012, our tion of their lives as part of a team.communications support training missions TeamsExpeditionary by cul-THE Lion Brigade!increased significantly. This was most no-ture: trained, ready and well-led, with well L6ticeable at Ft Bragg and Joint Base Lewis-maintained equipment,McChord, where the 50th and 51st Signal prepared to deploy any-Battalions provided outstanding communi-where in the world andcations support to multiple organizations.achieve mission successOf particular note, 50th Signal Battalion on arrival.supported the XVIII Airborne Corps JOAX, Communi-and 51st Signal Battalion sent B CompanytyA strong combatto the National Training Center at Fort multiplier created byIrwin, CA to support 2nd Brigade, 10thsupport and involve-Mountain Division (Light Infantry). ment in FRGs, installa- In November, the Soldiers of thetion programs, the local63rd welcomed a new Battalion Command-community, the XVIIIer, LTC Michael Martel and his wife Moi.Airborne Corps and thePhoto by Sgt. Dianne M. CarterThe Battalion bid farewell to LTC Keith and Signal Regiment.Col. Thomas A. Pugh, 35th Signal Brigade Commander, shakes hands andStephanie Garwold. The Battalion main-welcomes participants of the August in Army Boots program at the Bicennte- 6 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 nal Chapel Oct. 23, 2012, Fort Gordon, Ga. 7. The Lions Roar1st Quarter 2013Backboneof the ArmyGreetings Lion Brigade! From deployed in support OEF; C Company 63rdthe 50th Signal Battalion.October to the eve of the New Year, LionESB deployed to Southwest Asia to support In the first quarter, the BrigadeBrigade Soldiers continued to dominate. OEF in December. 67th ESB conducted aconducted the NCO and Soldier of the50th ESB participated in the XVIII Airborne CTE in October and began their deploymentQuarter Board. SGT Nicholas Moore wasCorps JOAX, and is still ready to deployin December to support operations in South-selected as the NCO of the Quarter and SPCfor any severe weather mission. 51st ESB, west Asia and Afghanistan. I am confidentRichard Ayers was the Soldier of the Quar-which completed NTC 13-01 by provid-that these soldiers have the ability and the ter. These 63rd ESB Soldiers representeding support to 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain know-how to accomplish any mission given themselves extremely well and should beDivision (LI) in October, supported the to them. proud of their accomplishments. Congratu-62nd Medical Brigade exercise in October In October, 63rd ESB hostedlations again on your hard work ethic andand November and the 593 SustainmentAugusta in Army Boots. Eight civiliandedication to maximize your opportunitiesBrigade in December. 63rd ESB and 67thleaders from the Fort Gordon community as a Soldier and NCO. All Soldiers andESB provided communication support to received Army training for a day. After theNCOs should strive to reach their potentialthe Fort Gordon Network Enterprise Center training, the participants stated they gainedin the Army profession.and provided cable support to the 7th Signalmore respect for the daily sacrifices our As I close, I want to focus on theCommand.Soldiers incur in a deployed and garrisonStandards and Discipline of Army Profes- HHC and B 63rd ESB are ready to environment; furthermore, the Brigade hassion, which sustains and strengthens thedeploy at a moments notice for the Com-continued to support the community withNations trust and confidence in Americasmand and Control CBRN Consequence events such as the Veterans Day program at Army. Army professionals must exerciseResponse Element-Alpha (C2CRE-A) mis- Harlem Middle School and the Habitat for stewardship of the Army Profession, rec-sion. As the 518th TIN Company remainsHumanity project aided by the Soldiers ofognizing that maintenance, supply, train- ing management, personnel and property accountability, coaching, counseling, and mentoring are essential to sustaining and developing the disciplined practice of our duty. Standards are describable, measurable, meaningful, and achievable. Discipline is to be demonstrated by performing the right actions and taking ownership and account- ability for results. I am extremely proud of multitude of the accomplishments of this Brigade. I am and honored to serve as your Brigade Command Sergeant Major. Thank you for all you do. We MUST Coach, Teach and Mentor! Photo by Sgt. Dianne M. CarterLion 7Command Sgt. Maj., Angel J. Ramos, the 35th Signal Brigade Senior NCO, speaks tostudents at Harlem Middle School. THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 7 8. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilitySoldier of the Quarterthese things, I feel, would di-off post.a company, battalion or evenrectly influence the morale and Housing and barracks brigade and core level. Justcohesiveness of the units underare another thing that come to something as simple as trying tomy command.mind. Mainly focusing on the spruce up the outside or addingSpc. Richard Ayers, Amenities on post and barracks since the housing has kitchenettes to the rooms would63rd ESBthe general outward appearance recently switched over to pri- speak tons to the Soldiers.of a post is the first thing thatvate contracting and is already The final thing that When talkingpeople look as when they first in the process of being reno-I would focus on would be to about the quality of get to a new duty station. It is vated. The barracks on the other have more events catered to life there are a few something that can leave a last- hand can sometimes become athe families. The more that we things that come toing impression and sometimes cause for concern. Soldiers want can get families involved into mind. I believe that ultimately determine whether something they can be proud of the military lifestyle the better it is an integral part or not the Soldiers and theirand call their own. If the Soldier and easier things will be. Itof a well oiled, fully missionfamilies will enjoy or dislike the is ashamed to show somebodywill allow for more close knitcapable unit. That is why if Itime that is spent on the post.where they live, sometimes community as well as allowingwas sergeant major of the ArmyIf the Soldiers and their family that can pose a problem. Asmore Soldiers spouses to meetthe three things that I would doenjoy it then it can pour over tosergeant major of the Army, Iand become friends to give theto improve the quality of lifehow the Soldier works and howwould make it a point to try and spouses a sense of belonging aswould be to increase the amount willing they may be to re-enlist improve some of the barracks. Iwell. The more family orientedof amenities that are on post,to stay. It also doesnt hurt that know from personal experiencewe can be, from a Soldier and aimprove the housing and bar-Soldier could get everything that a happy Soldier is a produc-domestic point of view, the bet-racks, and to have more eventsthat they need on post and betive Soldier and a productiveter.geared towards families. Doingable to save money versus goingSoldier will do great things for NCO of theQuarteressence taking away from otherspeople. While a victim is nevervolunteer activities and clubsidentity. If we can make all per-at fault in a crime, we also all can help. We cannot expect all Sgt. Nicholassonnel realize this then we canhave a personal responsibility Soldiers to figure these out on Moore, 63rd ESBbegin to prevent future attacks. to look out for ourselves andtheir own. We must give them Another way this protect ourselves when we can. options and positive encourage- Sexual harass- education helps is by identify-Beyond individual action, thesement. I know of a 1SG in 551 ment and sexualing trouble behavior in others. If crimes can be avoided with that takes his Soldiers out on assault are very se- Soldiers and especially leadersgood command policies. excursions every weekend, it rious problems thatrecognize harassment early on it As an organizationalshows true caring and support. stem from many can be confronted and eliminat-leader this problem requires Harassment and assault smaller issues. Aed from habits. Education is the more than education andare serious issues that have toBDE CSM must look at assault/ beginning of the solution but it responsibility; it also needsbe stopped. The current educa-harassment as the end results ofrequires individual engagement alternatives. We have to ensuretion we do alot, but much is stilla problem process. Just as youand action as well.that soldiers have activities that left to do. Responsibility of alldont treat a runny nose instead Every assault is onare productive and safe. In this individuals can go far to stopof a cold, we must think thesome level a failure of indi-stressful occupation we all need the situations that these crimessame way. To address these is-viduals. The assaulter may haveoutlets for our stress, encourag-occur in. Last we need alterna-sues requires a approach taught failed to control themselves,ing coping strategies that dotives or stress vents to removeat all levels of the services.and often bystanders failed to this is essential. We need morethe motivation from these wouldTeaching and education are thepay attention. Most assaults had competitive events and group be criminals. As a BDE CSM Ibeginning. What must be taughtsignals that should have beenvolunteer activities. Better gym feel this would be the only wayis first to always think of peopleidentified early on. A battlefacilities that are capable of to remove these crimes from ourthe same, we cannot dehuman-buddy could have spoken outother competitions could helpArmy.ize people. Harassment is at itsor acted early on to save twotremendously, for example hand ball, racquet ball, and even table8 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 tennis. Having organizational 9. The Lions Roar1st Quarter 2013 Brigade Dining InStory and photo by Capt. Devon O. ThomasPublic Affairs, 35th Signal BrigadeContinuing Army tradi- Defense and the nation havephy. According to Bryan, goodwill attend a future 35th Signaltions and leader development, realized the importance of cyber leaders understand that taking Brigade dining in, and they willthe 35th Signal Brigade hosteddefense and Bryans contribu-care of Soldiers is the most be talking about your accom-a dining in and a leadership pro- tions played an integral part, important part of the mission, plishments.fessional development session said Col. Thomas A. Pugh, 35th and great leaders are gentle The Burmese lionfor brigade leaders Nov. 8 at the Signal Brigade commander.giants who have the vision to [the brigade unit insignia] is aGordon Club. In addition to Pugh, look ahead and backwards plan. perfect symbol for the bri-Retired Maj. Gen.Ramos, and the command teams Leadership is a sacredgadeit will never fail, saidJames D. Bryan, a formerfrom Forts Gordon, Bragg, andhonor and opportunity, said Bryan. There will never be onecommander of the brigade ledJoint Base Lewis-McChord Bryan. unit, not one company, or oneprofessional development ses- attended both events. Command As the dining in guest platoon that will never fail asion during the day and was Sgt. Maj. Ronald S. Pflieger,speaker, Bryan talked about themission.the guest speaker of the dining the U.S. Army Signal Center of importance of the dining in tra- Bryan is the presidentin the evening. Bryan also ledExcellence and Fort Gordon,dition, leaders commitment to and chief executive officerthe Army Task Force to rede-and Signal Corps regimentaltheir Soldiers and the personalof Bryan Business Manage-sign, reorganize, and re-equipcommand sergeant major, wascommitment each Soldier has to ment and Technology, whichthe Army Signal Regiment to also a distinguished guest.the Army team and one another. provides advice and assistancesupport the new expeditionary In the leadership Think of all of the in the areas of business leader-modular combat brigade con- development session, Bryan Soldiers who have gone before, ship, management and businesscept, and is considered a pioneer encouraged the brigades seniorand who are here now, saiddevelopment for the federalof army cyber defense.officers and NCOs to write Bryan. Fifty years from now,government.The Department ofdown their leadership philoso- the next generation of SoldiersRetired Maj. Gen. James D. Bryan, a former commander of 35th Signal Brigade, now a business leader within the federal government, speaks to the audi-ence during the dining-in Nov. 8 at the Gordon Club. THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 9 10. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityVeterans Day at Harlem Middle School Command Sgt. Major Inspires StudentsStory by Sgt. Dianne M. CarterPublic Affairs, 35th Signal Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Angel J. Ra-mos, the 35th Signal Brigade Senior NCO,was a guest speaker for the Harlem MiddleSchool Veterans Day program held Nov. 7,2012 at Harlem, Ga. The Harlem Middle Schools Vet-erans Day program was held to show ap-preciation for veterans and connect studentswith the Soldiers currently serving in theCentral Savannah River Area community. I am Command Sgt. Maj. AngelRamos and I am proud to be on the frontlines for America, said Ramos. I want tothank all the veterans in the audience forleaving the path for people like myself andmy Soldiers to follow in your footsteps. Ramos began by challenging thestudent body to a contest to see if they could Photos by Sgt. Dianne M. Carteryell Hooah louder than his two platoon Command Sgt. Maj. Angel J. Ramos, the 35th Signal Brigade Senior NCO, speaks to students atsize elements of Soldiers. On the first try, Harlem Middle School.the Soldier shook the walls with a thunder-ous Hooah. Once the students heard the you and see our future leaders; some of you set the example that it doesnt matter whatSoldiers, they came back in full force withwill join the military and some will go onyour background is; you can become any-a Hooah that would make any Soldierto universities. All of you have the ability to thing you dream of. Children look up to usproud. become anything you want, as long as youas their mentors, said Sgt. 1st Class Tammy Ramos told the students that heput your mind and effort in the right place, L. Boyd, a platoon sergeant with C Co.,lost his father early in life and how hissaid Ramos. 63rd ESB.mother raised nine children alone, in the The two platoon size elements of At the end of the schools Veteranspoorer section of town. Then he explainedSoldiers, assigned to the 63th Signal Bat-Day program, students lined up with a newthat his mother, with little formal educa- talion, gave a demonstration of drill and found glimmer in their eyes and gave eachtion, instilled the values and discipline that ceremony to the students to show students Soldier an American flag, along with manyallowed him and his siblings to succeed in how important discipline is and what can be smiles as bright as the sun.life.achieved from it. Being a veteran myself, I am heav- I look at each and every one of It is important for our Soldiers to ily involved in all the veterans programs inCommand Sgt. Maj.the area. I received the call from the schoolAngel J. Ramos, of for help with the flags and I immediatelythe 35th Signal Bri- agreed to provide the 600 flags for thegade, speaks to Milton school, said Milton C. Keene, commanderC. Keene, commanderof the VFW chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 6445,6445 , and another lo- located in Harlem Ga. I have a granddaugh-cal veteran at Harlemter that attends the school, and my daughterMiddle School. Thisattended this school before her, so it iswas part of the HarlemMiddle School Vet- important to help this community.erans Day Program It was amazing to have the Sol-held Nov. 7, 2012, atdiers out here. They were so professionalHarlem, Ga.and articulate. They were great role models for our students. We try to teach them to give back and this was the ultimate way for them to do that, said Carla F. Shelton, principal of Harlem Middle School.10 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 11. The Lions Roar 1st Quarter 2013Culinary Arts WorkshopFood Service Contractors Work Side-by-Side with Army Food SpecialistsStory by Capt. Devon O. Thomas andSgt. 1st Class David G. Hall35th Signal BrigadeThe 35th Signal Bri-Soldiers putgade food service specialistsin to prepareand Fort Gordon food service and displaycontractors attended the Hulseythe items& Blackstone Culinary Arts will certainlyWorkshop from Nov. 13 to Nov.provide a21 at dining facilities through- home awayout Fort Gordon, Ga. from homeThis years workshopatmosphere.is the first where Fort Gordon food service contractors learned According toculinary techniques side by side Thomas O.with food service specialists of McMillion,the 35th Signal Brigade. the assis-The collaboration has tant projectbenefited the Soldiers and Con-manger ofPhoto by Sgt. 1st. Class David G. Hall, 35th Signal Brigadetractors, and will also benefitHulsey and Sgt. Gabriel Earle, a food service sergeant with the 35th Signal Brigade, demonstrates how to pre-Fort Gordon Soldiers, civiliansBlackstone, pare garnishments to Spc. Angel Richard, a 35th Signal Brigade food service specialist, while Maj.and Families who attend thethe Hulsey Gen. LaWarren V. Patterson, the Commanding General of the Signal Center of Excellence and FortDining Facilities during this& Black-Gordon, and Ronald S. Pflieger, the SIGCoE command sergeant major, watch during the Hulsey andtime honored tradition, said stone Cu- Blackstone Culinary Workshop Nov. 20, 2012.Sgt. 1st Class David G. Hall,linary Artsthe 35th Signal Brigade chiefWorkshop has been a vital that food service contractors are the SIGCoE Command Sergeantfood operations sergeant. Theproject for the Army Thanksgiv- trained on advanced culinaryMajor, attended the workshoplong hours and arduous working meals on Fort Gordon forarts techniques and ensures thaton Nov. 20, and told all of thethe food service contractors and four years. The program ensures each perspective dining facilitycivilian food service contractors has immaculate food displays to and Soldiers how appreciative showcase during the holiday.they were for their dedication I am proud of theand commitment. They present- work and ed Coins of accomplish-Excellence to ment of all I am proud of the the 35th Sig- involved work and accomplish-nal Brigade and I believe ment of all involved and I food service that this will believe that this will cer- specialists. certainly go tainly go down in history down in his- as one of the best Thanks- "These 10 tory as one giving meals for the Fortdays were of the bestGordon community, said instrumen- Thanksgiv- McMillion.tal in my ing mealsfood service for the Fort development. Gordon Ive learned community, said McMillion. a great deal and Im proud ofValerie Mott, a Food Service Contractor who works at Dining Facility 4, Maj. Gen. LaWarrenwhat we have accomplished,teaches Spc. Robert Yarbrough, a Food Service Specialist with the 35thSignal Brigade, how to prepare a decorative turkey during the Hulsey & V. Patterson, the Command-said Pfc. Javohn A. Pinson, aBlackstone Culinary Arts Workshop Nov. 20, 2012. The program ensured thating General, U.S. Army Signal food service specialist for thefood service contractors were trained on advance culinary arts techniques, Center of Excellence and Fort brigade.which allowed Fort Gordon dining facilities to have food displays to show- Gordon, and Ronald S. Pflieger,case for the Thanksgiving holiday.THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 11 12. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our Ability HHC Welcomes New First SergeantStory by Sgt. Dianne M. CarterPublic Affairs, 35th Signal BrigadeThe Headquarters and Headquarters Com-and youre it, said Command Sgt. Major the heartbeat of the brigade, Smith said.pany of the 35th Signal Brigade held an Angel J. Ramos as he welcomed the new He stated that his motto is Mission First,Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony first sergeant. Soldier Always, which means that SoldiersNov. 6, 2012 at the Bicentennial Chapel, After the ceremony, Berry spoke can expect full support while they work toFort Gordon, Ga.to his troops one last time. He said the time accomplish the mission on a daily basis.The ceremony was held to welcome thehas come to say goodbye to a great organi-Berry will move forward in hisincoming 1st Sgt. Gary F. Smith, and to bid zation. He thanked Col. Thomas A. Pugh forcareer and assume position as the new firstfarewell to the outgoing 1st Sgt. Roberto A.his leadership and the opportunity to lead. sergeant at the Noncommissioned OfficersBerry.He attributed his success as a professional Academy at Fort Gordon, Ga. 1st Sgt. Smith, we are glad to NCO to his Soldiers.1st Sgt. Berry has done a greathave you and your family on board. I know Then Smith walked to the podium job here and I know you will be missed. Thethis move was hard for you because youand spoke to his Soldiers for the first time. NCO Academy is getting a great noncom-wanted to stay in a line company. We need He thanked his family for their support.missioned officer, said Ramos.the best and the brightest leading our troops To the men and women of [HHC] you are1st Sgt. GaryF. Smiths wiferecieves flow-ers to welcomeher as a newmember of theLion Brigadefamily.1st Sgt. Roberto A. Berry speaks to the troop onelast time.12 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 13. The Lions Roar 1st Quarter 2013 Soldiers Lend Helping HandStory by Sgt. Dianne M. CarterPublic Affairs, 35th Signal Brigadehumanity and the community, said WigginsABERDEEN, N.C.--It is a beauti-ful day to work outside, someone shoutsI like to volunteer because it isthrough the pinging of hammers hittinggood for the community and is good citizen-nails and the whining, grinding sounds of ship, said Markia Childers, fiance to Sgt.the circular saw as it cuts through the wood. Daniel Lewis. I can imagine the feeling ofThe saw and hammers are beingthe family walking into the new home forused by nineteen Soldiers assigned to the the first time and how their eyes would light50th Signal Battalion (Expeditionary), 35th up with joy.Signal Brigade, who volunteered Oct 16, The new homeowners are also re-2012 in Aberdeen, N.C., to construct andquired to contribute 300 sweat equity hoursSpc. Christopher S. Leigh, 25 Q assigned to Braise the walls of a house being built for theCo., and Spc. Rudy L. Frias, a 25 Q assigned to per each adult family member and 60 sweatHabitat for Humanity Project. C Co. 50th ESB, nail the framework of an innerequity hours for each teen in the building ofOne day Lt. Col. Chris OConnor,wall together. This is part of a volunteer effort oftheir own home.along with his wife and son, came out tonineteen Soldiers of the 50th ESB to constructI love it when Soldiers come out.and raise the walls of the future Thomas familyvolunteer for a day, said Judie Wiggins, home in Aberdeen, N.C., Oct. 16, 2012.They are younger, physically fit, and geta volunteer coordinator for Habitat for things done faster than most, said DanHumanity. He informed us he was the For a family to qualify for a homeAaron, a retired Colonel, now works as acommander for 50th ESB and thought histhey must have a need for affordable, safecrew chief on site and a board of directorsSoldiers would like to do some volunteerhousing, and six good faith hours of hard member for Habitat for Humanity of the NCwork.work to prove they can physically helpSandhills.A perfect way for us to give back in the construction of their home. Then For more information on how toto the community, said Lt. Col. Christhey are obligated to complete 15 hours ofvolunteer or apply for a home please callOConnor, commander of 50th ESB. The Homebuyer Education Workshops, have 910-295-1934 or view the website at http://great thing about habitat for humanity is the ability to pay for the habitat home, andwww.sandhillshabitat.org.that you are building homes with the people a willingness to partner with habitat forwho are going to live there and you can seeit in their eyes. The pride and gratificationthey feel is tremendous.This is the third time Soldiers fromthe 50th ESB have volunteered with ourorganization. Today they are helping us tobuild house 208 for the Thomas family. Thehouse will be a five bedroom and two bathhome designed to meet the specific needs ofthe Thomas family, said Wiggins.I dont get many chances to docarpentry, said 1st Lt. Jared C. Long, 1stplatoon leader for B Co., I enjoy comingout here and having a chance to do somecarpentry work with the troops.Wiggins explained The Habitat forHumanity of the NC Sandhills is currentlyworking on building a subdivision of 22homes to provide an opportunity for home-ownership to families who cant afford aconventional bank loan for a home and whohave a need for adequate affordable shelter.So far, they have built 210 homes in theSandhills area and only had to do foreclo-Soldiers assigned to 50th Signal Battalion (Expeditionary) construct the inner walls of the house. Thissures on four homes; the foreclosures wereis part of a volunteer effort of nineteen Soldiers of the 50th ESB to construct and raise the walls of thefuture Thomas family home in Aberdeen, N.C., Oct. 16, 2012.completely refurbished and resold. THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 13 14. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our Ability A Glimpse into the Life of a SoldierThe Meaning of the Military Family1st Lt. Brian J. Martinwould quickly find, though, that the military leisurely. But listen to the men freezingHHC, 50th ESBis more Stripes than Rambo: filled with aim-together in a guard tower, sweating in a The legendary General George S. less kids, pranksters, and barracks lawyers.hostile desert, or trying to keep sane on thePatton once spoke glowingly of war, saying: While some had the same goals I did, many long hours of deployment. Their differencesIt brings out all that is best; it removes all had no goals at all, except to make their in those moments are but a memory; all thatthat is base. Patton, who fought in threebeds real neat and stand up straight (to para-matters is what unites them. And time andwars and boasted the proud lineage of a phrase Forrest Gump). Certainly, none of us time again, they carry each other through.Confederate Colonel for his grandfather,resembled General Patton. In the end, perhaps Patton wasrepresents what many think of when they Military service, though, even in right. War can bring out the best in us, andhear the word Soldier. Yet, most who servethe course of a few small years, has the ten- not just for those rare heroes of legend. Warare not bred to fight, like Patton. Those dency to alter your outlook on life. Wherebrings out Americas best by challengingwho answer the call for their country are once you viewed a man as completely alien ordinary, common men and women to stepoften extraordinarily common. They areto youset apart by differences of cultureforward and answer the call, often withoutfathers and mothers; tradesmen and farmers; and beliefyou come to think of him asany knowledge of what that choice entails.students and doctors. Some are polished.family. Of course, family is a term eas-No books will be written about these few;Others are entirely unrefined and immature. ily sentimentalized; but those who serveand their names will not appear in theBut I would count even the least of these astogether are indeed bonded in a special way.footnotes of history. Even so, the one half ofthe greatest our country has to offer.This is not to say they get along at all times. one percent that chooses the path of military When I first enlisted in the Army After all, many families are dysfunctional. service makes sacrifices and endures hard-with goals of earning college benefits andStill, family is family. What has amazed me ships above and beyond what the averagesaving money, I anticipated little in com-most in my time in the Army is how quicklycitizen can imagine. They are, withoutmon with other Soldiers, whom I expecteddifferences shrink away in suffering. It is question, the greatest among us; and I willto be the gung-ho heirs to Audie Murphy. Ieasy to argue over pettiness when you liveforever be proud to call them my family.Low-Density TrainingStory by 1st Lt. Dana N. WhiteHHC, 50th ESB The HHC Hellraisers have been focusing heavily oncounseling and offered recommendations to strengthen their writingmeeting the Commanders Intent on Low-Density Training dur-skills. One sustain in the training was the level of knowledge of theing Sergeants Time Training. The Electrical Maintenance Shopinstructor, while one improve was more hands-on training. The(EMS) trained 10 Soldiers on Troubleshooting Signal Systems. The Soldiers would like to be given time to correct their mistakes andtraining lasted 28 hours, and was conducted by two civilians, Mr.re-submit.Paul Martin and Mr. Fred Fisher, of CECOM (Communications The Motorpools Low Density Training focused on theElectronics Command). One sustain on noted on the After Action components of the HMMWV. The instructors were the NCOs ofReview was the in-depth explanations, which helped the Soldiersthe Motorpool section. They trained 36 Soldiers for 3 hours, andlearn signal flow from system to system. One improve on the train- despite the training being short, it was very focused and actuallying was more time. Since all Soldiers in the EMS Shop are nothelped improve HHC Readiness, with two vehicles getting repaired.familiar with all types of signal equipment, they recommended an One sustain for the training was that it was entirely hands-on, andintroductory course on the types of signal equipment frequentlyone improve was that it was too short. The Motorpool NCOs haveutilized in the Battalion. noted these comments and will make the low-density training lon- Human Resources (S-1) conducted training on writing ager and more in-depth next time.counseling statement. The instructor was SPC Borrero. There were Low-density training ensures that all non-signal MOSnine Soldiers present during this training. SPC Borrero had the Sol- Soldiers remain proficient in their skill set. The Soldiers were mo-diers write their own counseling as practice, and then critiqued the tivated and enthusiastic about the training, and provided valuable feedback in the AAR. Low-density training is a tool that sustains proper readiness for the company and the battalion.14 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 15. The Lions Roar 1st Quarter 2013Bravo Prepares for Sandyand gets Struck!Story and Photos by Sgt.Robert Duttry2nd Plt., B Co., 50th ESB During October, 2nd Platoon, Bra-vo Company, 50th Signal Battalion (Expe-ditionary) trained at an astonishing rate bycompleting three different field exercises. The 50th Signal Battalions valida-tion on 2nd platoons severe weather mis-sion package was the first of the three exer-cises. During the Battalion alert, the platoonwas marshaled, and embarked on a 100 miletactical convoy; better known as the BMO500. Once on site, the platoon validated sixdifferent systems on four different networkconfigurations in less than 27 hours. Thisincluded a full internal network valida-tion with data and voice being transmittedover Line of Site radios between the JNNand CPN teams. The platoon successfullyaccomplished the mission by completingall three phases and all fragos the Battalioncould throw at them. The following week JNN 5713and CPNs 57132 and 57133 successfullyconquered the 35th Signal Brigades Opera- The LOS team sets up a 15m mast.tion Lightning Strike. Upon receiving a0600 Operations Order the teams diligently Immediately after they pushed LOS services tions mission was to have all assemblagesworked through the Unit Loading Area from the HCLOS V3 to both HCLOSup and provide the DTAC with communica-Control Center process, and made the 0800V1s. Then CPNs dropped STT links and tions. The sections self-imposed objectiveroll out to the training area. Once on site, maintained services from the JNN via LOS.was to have 100% communications withinall the soldiers went directly to completing Once this was successful, all teams droppedan hour.the task at hand. The JNN and both CPNs STT services and remained a valid LOSCommunications were up along with twoachieved NIPR and SIPR voice and data. network. These hardworking teams suc-DRASH tents, fiber optic cabling was laid, cessfully completed every task placed upon and a 10k generator and all other electronic them by Brigade OCs and were even homeequipment were appropriately grounded in for dinner.approximately 90 minutes. The time line Within a day of completing thewas not fully met, but the mission was a Lightning Strike this platoon was called success. The JNN section did beat their upon again to support The 82nd Airbornepersonal record of setup, and continue to Division DTAC (Division Tactical Com-strive to achieve full communications in mand Post) operations. Their mission is to under an hour. supply the Division Headquarters with tacti- All in all, this highly trained group cal communications in the form of unclas-of NCOs and Soldiers are ready to assume sified and secret voice and data while the and accomplish any mission this great na- HQs conduct airborne operations. This tasktion asks of them. was solely given to the JNN section. OnceJNN Section waiting for further orders duringthe JNN team hit the ground they immedi-DTAC.ately began their operation. The JNN sec-THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 15 16. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityOff Duty ResiliencyStory by Major Mike Donahueand strength and to seek selfHHC, 50th ESBimprovement with our APFTs there are mental obstacles that When people ask me you must overcome no matterthe question why do you likehow hard or what distance youto run? I normally give thenare running. It wasnt until Imany different answers. Some ran that 5k with my son that theof them range from the benefitsmotivation and the desire to rungained with living a healthy life- outside of the Army kicked in.style; the challenges associated After we completedwith the terrain and weather that race together, I said that Iconditions during a trail run; the wanted to try to run a 10k racephysical and mental condition- (6.2 miles) and then eventuallying that it requires to accom- a half-marathon (13.1 miles)plish a fast 5k or slow 50k; which occurred just a few shortor it could simply be a way in months later. After the comple-which to socialize with friendstion of the 13.1 miler, the nextor to relieve stress. People are big mental and physical barriersurprised when I tell them thatwas to jump up to a full mara-I have only been running since thon (26.2 miles). The desireAugust 2008. The decision to to continue to pursue longerbegin running outside of Armyand longer runs was tied into Holiday Lake 50k+ (mile 19 of 34)PT was made when my 12 yearthe question that I kept askingold son showed an interest inmyself; what am I capableintroduced to Ultra-Marathons;Area. I chose to assist the Au-trying out for the cross country of accomplishing physically which is any distance greater gusta Warrior Project becauseteam at his middle school. Atand mentally and where is mythan the traditional 26.2 miles of their reputation of being thethat point we decided to registerbreaking point? Since I neverbut is normally associated with community leader in support-for a local 5k race and the ad-had the opportunity to attend a 50k, 100k, or 100 mile run. Ining warriors, veterans, and theirventure began. any of the high speed ArmyFeb 2010, after I was immersedfamilies. That organization was Being in the Army we courses such as Ranger School into the running community in vital in helping bring the Trag-always run for physical train- or the School For Advanced Lynchburg, Virginia during an edy Assistance Program for Sur-ing for motivational reasons Suffering, I always wondered ROTC assignment, I completedvivor (TAPS) program to Fortor in order to train; whetherwhat it would take for my mindthe Holiday Lake 50K. UponGordon and continues to orga-its a 2 mile fitness test or a 4and body to say enough is completion, I still wonderednize and promote a community-mile validation run. As we all enough. In Nov 2009, I finished though; what is the mind andbased Wounded Warrior centerstrive to increase our stamina my first marathon and was body capable of?of excellence, bringing together a team of dedicated govern- Running for the Local ment and community leaders to Wounded Warriorscollaborate, share knowledge and initiatives, and develop best Knowing that I wasnt practices to maximize resources beat up to badly physically and world class support for our or mentally from that event,Wounded Warriors, veterans and I wanted to know what else Itheir families. could do for the challenge; not When I asked Mr Jim only for myself but more so for Lorraine, the Executive Director the community. I heard about afor the Augusta Warrior Project, 24-hour endurance race in South about what we as a community Carolina so figured instead ofcould do for our Warriors, he suffering for nothing I would stated simply by spreading the try to raise some money for the word about our program. His Trail Running in South Carolina in preparation for the 24 Hour Wounded Warriors and theirprogram seeks ways to collabo- Endurance race. families that live in and aroundrate and cooperate with current the Central Savannah RiverWounded Warrior programs and16 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 17. The Lions Roar1st Quarter 2013explore new medical, housing, temperature; and how longtransportation, vocational train- can I go! The answer wasing and family support roles forsimple when I reflected overthe Augusta area, ensuring that on our local Wounded Warriorsthey provide the gold standardand their families. After 11:00of care to help the nation heal hours of running there was anthose returning from war. incredible amount of emotion In the weeks prior to that seemed to hit me as I hitthe 24-hour endurance race, I the 50 mile point. I began totook donations from over 80 contemplate how much of ourSoldiers and leaders within physical fitness was more men-the 35th Signal Brigade total-tally challenging than physicallying over $1,300. Many of thechallenging.Soldiers were willing to donatemoney per mile that I ran and My Toughest Challengeothers were just willing to hypothermic or on my hands failure as an excuse or even acontribute what they could forIn Feb 2012, I com-and knees puking my guts out limitation for what we what canour community. The thoughtmitted to running the Lynch-and I will tell myself this isnt potentially be achieved. Wethat I knew would cross myburg Ultra Series and the nearly as bad as the time that I owe it to ourselves, our Sol-mind throughout the race wasEco-X Sports Beast Series.did. When I reminisce on diers, leaders, and loved ones tohow long can I do this for. I These annual series of 4 or 6 those moments and tell myselfbe resilient.expected, based on my previousUltra-Marathons test even the that it can always be worse andSir Winston Churchilllong run, to do at least a 50ktoughest runners endurance,there is always more room to stated that Success is not(31.1 miles) and was even moregrit, and sanity. Each race struggle and suffer, I tend to see final, failure is not fatal: it ismotivated to excel because this transverses through some of my success rate, and more im-the courage to continue thatevent was a great opportunity tothe most beautiful and rugged portantly, my morale increase. counts. We all fail at thingsraise money and awareness for country the Virginia Blue Ridge But how can we apply our les-in life but what is that drivinga local organization. I kept in Mountains have to offer. I wassons learned into our personal force that motivates us to re-mind that every mile, no matter able to complete the Lynchburglives? arm, re-group, and re-engage?how monotonous and agonizingUltra Series consisting of 4 runsLike all good Soldiers, we takeit would become, would mean in 31.51 hours; 150.25 miles, Linking Off-Duty Resilienceour mental or physical lessonsmore of a donation for our War- and spanning over 26,760 feet to Readiness learned from our training eventsriors.of elevation gain. My failureand apply them to the next train- We started the 24 hourhit during race # 5 and unfortu- How does this help meing or real world mission eitherrace at 4:00 in the afternoon and nately, just after a mere 6 hours as a Soldier, leader, husband, individually or collectively.the temp was a balmy 94 de- into the 38 hour cut-off, I had and father? While running forOur Soldiers are the mostgrees with 85% humidity. Thereto quit the Grindstone 100 mile the past 4 years I pondered on critical weapon system on thewere a number of thoughts thattrail run.when I was going to meet fail- battlefield and those of us thatflashed through my mind at this Physical and mentalure. Failure is something that dont learn from our mistakespoint such as: Am I going to challenges occur in many things is difficult for us to comprehendand failures will only hurt thelet my supporters down; I amthat we do each and every day and accept and if we do not trainteam. Soldiers want to be agoing to make it because of the in the Army whether its beingour bodies and minds, it willmember of a winning team, todeployed overseas and separat-inevitably occur. What knocksbe challenged and motivated,ed from our loved ones, trainingus down will only make usto learn and grow, and they de-to deploy on our respective stronger and we need to ensure serve leaders that lead from theinstallations, or if its just physi- that we will not use a onetime front in everything that they do.cal training at oh-dark-thirty insweltering heat or in the bonechilling cold. We have all saidat one point, most likely in ajoking manner, that it can al-ways be worse or hey, at leastthis isnt as bad as.. I haveviewed my running endeavorsin a similar manner and whenI am conducting Army trainingor a real-world deployment, IllMy first failure - The terrain profile depicting 23,200 feet gain overreflect back to a certain racethe Grindstone 100 mile course which is part of the Eco-X SportsThe never-ending staircase on the where I may have been pure ex-Beast Series.Promise Land 50khausted, over-heated, borderline THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 17 18. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityBravo Company Learns Combatives Level 1Story and photos by 1st Lt. Jared Long1st Platoon Leader, B Co., 50 ESBBravo Company, 50th ESB brought the smoke once againthis past September with a freshly revamped Combatives Level 1course. The course was instructed by Combatives Level 4 Instruc-tor Sgt. 1st Class Jay Hartman. He and his assistant instructors put22 Soldiers of Bravo through the paces during two separate oneweek iterations of the course in September of 2012. Throughout thecourse, Soldiers learn to be the instructors for others. They learnedthe basic positions, moves, and tactical skills that every Soldiershould know and how to teach them to their peers, leaders, andsubordinates.The physically rigorous course began with a warm-upeach day that by itself could be a complete workout. One Soldierfrom 1st Platoon, Spc. Robert McLean said, I think its a great fullbody workout because it works all of your muscles and you evenget to work together on some exercises like buddy drags to buildteam cohesion. The nature of close quarters combatives requiresthat Soldiers learn to fight through the pain and fatigue of whatcould potentially be a fight for their life in a real combat situation.The basic skills they learned taught them to achieve and maintaindominance over their opponent through body positions and submis-sion techniques. The first several days of the course included stepby step instructions from subject matter experts like Sgt. 1st ClassHartman and his assistant instructors. The students execute thesetechniques over and over again until muscle memory takes over andthey can perform the moves while still being able to teach as theygo through the motions.The second part of the course focused on the actual tacticalskills necessary for Soldiers to subdue opponents and hostile per-Sgt. 1st Class Jay Hartman instructs Spc. Orientae Miller, a 25L from 1stsonnel with non-lethal force. The students went through a gauntletPlatoon, Bravo Company, on the proper way to subdue an aggressor. Photoof drills to prepare them for the final skills tests at the end of theby Spc. Christopher Leigh.week. The tests included simulated close quarters environmentswhere the students were presented with both hostile and non-hostile tions the students had to make on-the-fly decisions about who waspersonnel. In order to pass the course and receive their certifica- hostile, who was not, and how to best subdue the hostile opponentwhile maintaining situational awareness. Staff Sgt. Michael Radleyof 1st Platoon said he learned a lot from the tactical combativessimulations where I was forced to make split-second decisionsabout taking down somebody not knowing who was the good guyor the bad guy. This kind of simulation is the cornerstone of thetraining and prepared the students for more real-world scenarios. Soldiers who sweat and bleed together will always worktogether better than those who have not shared hardship. The Sol-diers of Bravo Company received outstanding training that not onlyincreased their physical and technical combatives skills, but it dras-tically improved unit morale and cohesion. Spc. Orientae Millerfrom 1st Platoon stated I had a lot of fun but still learned plenty ofnew skills that I will definitely use in the future. Now that theseSoldiers are certified, they will be sought out to teach their fellowteammates and continue to set the company and battalion up forsuccess.The graduating Combatives class and Instructors after completing thecourse.18 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 19. The Lions Roar1st Quarter 201350th SignalReceivesEnvironmentalComplianceAwardStory by 1st Lt. John P. Elco Team. The Team inspected aHHC, 50th ESB total 165 organizations on FortBragg, and the 50th SignalOn the Wednesday Battalion was one of only twobefore Thanksgiving, the Fort organizations selected to receiveBragg Garrison Commandsthe Environmental ComplianceSustainability Management Award. Maj. Michael Donahue,Council conducted their 3rd the BN Executive Officer; 1st Colonel Jeffery Sanborn, the Fort Bragg Garrison Commander, awardsQuarter 2012 meeting and re-Lt. John Elco, the Battalion Major Donahue, 1st Lt. Elco and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Takyi receivesquested the presence of the 50thMaintenance Officer; and CW3 the Environmental Compliance Award.Signal Battalion (Expedition- Maxwell Takyi, the Mainte-ary). Foremost on the meetings nance Technician, all attendedmental Compliance Standards CW3 Takyi and Master Sgt.agenda was the recognition of the Council Meeting and ac- and Regulations are enforced by Byrd) assist with courtesy pre-units with an exemplary perfor- cepted the award from the Fortthe inspected organization, withinspections and the coordinationmance on their annual environ-Bragg Garrison Commander, a special emphasis on Motor of a CAT Team inspection, it ismental inspection, conductedColonel Jeffrey M. Sanborn. Pool and Arms Room Opera- the Company Representativesby the Fort Bragg Compliance The CAT Team inspec-tions. Although the Battalion that have shouldered the burdenAssessment and Training (CAT) tion is verification that Environ-Representatives (especially and have made the 50th SignalBattalion (Expeditionary) intoone of the two organizationsselected by Garrison Commandas examples for the rest of FortBragg to follow. Those Company Envi-ronmental Compliance Repre-sentatives are Staff Sgt. Danielsand Sgt. Derossett of HHC; Sgt.Werner and Spc. Gray of AlphaCompany; Sgt. Jones and Sgt.Bradshaw of B Company; andSgt. Stone and Spc. Helmig of CCompany. Company ExecutiveOfficers were also involved inthe preparation and CAT Teaminspection and they are 2ndLt. Romine for HHC, 1st Lt.Fenton for A Company, 1st Lt.Glass for B Company and 1stLt. Nimmo for C Company. 1st Lt. Elco and CW3 Takyi pose with the Environmental Compliance Award.THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 19 20. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityMercury Challenge IIStory and Photos by Capt. Nicholas Matthews51st ESB On 19 November 2012, 28 officers from the 51st SignalBattalion (Expeditionary) participated in a day-long Officer Profes-sional Development Event. This event, unlike others, did not takeplace in a classroom and focus on one topic for all to discuss, butrather broke the mold. This OPD placed officers in an uncomfort-able environment and challenged them with a variety of technicaland tactical tasks all while under physical stress. The 51st SIG BN (E) officers linked up at 0600 at the bat-talion headquarters on a record-breaking rainfall and windy day atJoint Base Lewis McChord prepared to take on the 10 mile MercuryChallenge II. The commander wanted an event to test the mentaland physical toughness of officers in the battalion while expandingtheir Soldier skills. As Lt. Col. Lamy would say, The Purpose of MercuryChallenge is to get out of the office, have fun, push through thesuck, and learn more about yourself and your fellow officers. Each company provided a team of four, while warrantofficers and staff formed additional teams. All teams began at thesame start point, uniform consisting of ACUs, 35lbs ruck sack andweapon. Each team moved to a series of points as fast as possible,competitively and complete several tasks. The first task requiredthe teams to load and operate a SINCGARS, ASIP radios request-ing information for the next task. After receiving the necessaryinformation, the teams continued movement to a qualification range to repel normally. Moving another two miles to the confidenceand conducted a scored 25-meter M4 qualification stress fire.course, the completion between Team Apache and Team CobraFirst, to arrive was team WO (Warrant Officers). As intensified. As each team arrived, they dropped their gear, receivedeach team arrived they received the range and safety brief and thenthe range and safety brief and then conducted the confidence coursequickly moved to the firing line to see the large, deep puddles at as the rain continued to fall. Teams were beginning to tire witheach point. Each participant executed the standard 40 round qualifi- each obstacle but Team WO remained in the lead with Team Pan-cation and once each team member was complete, they moved back ther closing in. What the teams did not know was the score fromto their gear and moved on to the next event. First out was teamWO followed by A CO (Team Apache), C CO (Team Cobra), andTeam Panther +1 (S3 Team and XO). The third event was 2 miles from the range and with allteams relatively close, movement fromone point to the next became increas-ingly important. As the teams movedinto event 3, Team WO maintained thelead with Team Panther coming insecond. The task, conduct a 35ftAussie rappel was daunting forsome requiring teams totake penalties asthey opted1st Lt. Hendel and 1st Lt. Turchany establish defensive position during force of force training as executed using a paintball. Photo taken by Spc. Rich 51stSignal BN (E).20 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 21. The Lions Roar1st Quarter 2013Capt. Matthews , the Alpha Company Commander, executes Aus-sie rappel. Photo taken by Spc. Rich 51st SIG BN (E).Capt. Perez, 1st Lt. Manuel, 1st Lt. Ramos and 2nd Lt. Montelongo receiveAussie seat instructions from 1st Sgt. Demick at the Aussie rappel lane.the previous events pushing C CO to the top based on their highit out taking out the Battalion XO, Battalion S3, and S3 Operationsmarksmanship scores and repel operations.Officers. Once completing the paintball, everyone returned to the After completing the confidence course, each team ma-battalion area for a barbeque and announcement of the winner.neuvered the last 2 miles to the post paintball range. Coming in Each team performed exceptionally and overcame each challengefirst was Team WO with Team Panther one minute behind. Shortly but Team Cobra rose to the top taking first place for Mercury Chal-thereafter, the paintball competition kicked off with the final twolenge II.(Team Cobra and Team Panther) battling it out. Team Cobra pulled THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 21 22. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityConquering Mount Rainier Washington States Highest Mountain1st Lt. Jose Ramosmuniz ,PL, A/51st, scales Cathedral Gap of Mt. Rainer.22 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 23. The Lions Roar 1st Quarter 2013Camp Site located at High Camp with a view of the CascadeMountains.Photo by the GuideCapt. Jonathan Perez ,commander, 1st Lt. Jose Ramosmuniz,Story by 1st Lt. Jose Ramos Platoon Leader, and Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Searle, Platoon Sgt., reach thePlatoon Leader, A Co., 51st ESB Summit of Mt. Rainer and proudly display their guidon. The leadership of A Co, 51st SB personnel, relieved the 44th ESB as part of day ordeal would not be an easy feat, but(E) never backs down from a challenge.the drawdown of Forces in Theater.we continued to push on, gaining altitudeTherefore, when someone suggested climb- Redeploying a Company without with each step in both daylight and dark-ing Mount Rainier, Washington States the immediate assistance of a staff provedness, on rocks and snow. After spending thehighest mountain and the most glaciated to be a strenuous process, which left little to first night on Camp Muir, roughly 10,000peak in the continental U.S., Apache leadersno time to train on specific mountain climb-feet above sea level and a five hour trek, weCapt. Jonathan Perez (Commander), 1st Lt. ing skills, so we relied heavily on our usual took some classes on basic mountaineeringJose Ramos (Platoon Leader) and Sgt. 1stmilitary physical training along with Cross-and emergency procedures should the needClass Timothy Searle (Platoon Sergeant) Fit and weightlifting to prepare for thearise during our summit attempt. Immedi-jumped at the chance. The arrangementstask which we committed to. We departed ately after, we ascended an additional 1,000for the climb started during their deploy-Seattle at dawn on September 13 anxious tofeet in hopes to acclimate to higher eleva-ment in Afghanistan, which the Company, face this new challenge. As we started ourtions and improve our breathing. We spentaugmented by some Air Force and Armyascent, we quickly discovered that the three- our last night at High Camp located onthe Ingraham glacier before attempting oursummit and then the arduous journey backdown this majestic beast. Summit day started at 0100 with aquick breakfast and a final gear check. Wespent over 6 hours overcoming multiplehurdles to include glaciers, crevices, androck walls all before reaching the crater rim.Once there, the sight and sense of accom-plishment was priceless. Just as the sun wascresting over the horizon, we took pictureswith the company guide-on and with fellowclimbers as we towered over every land-mark in the state enjoying the view of ayears worth of planning. Conquering thismassive and dangerous volcano goes downin the books for Alpha Company Leaders.Death Before Dishonor! Photos by Capt. Jonathan PerezCamp Site located at High Camp.THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 23 24. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityStory by Spc. Christian McDuffieTerrain WalkC Co., 51st ESBfamily issues to seekinghelp for mental issues such On 26 September as Post-Traumatic Stress,2012, all Soldiers stationedfinancial management, toon Joint Base Lewis-transitioning from the ArmyMcChord participated in to a civilian life.a terrain walk. This event Instead of focusing onallowed Soldiers to familiar- the negative, the theme wasize themselves with manymuch more positive andof the often-overlooked uplifting: the bond betweenservices on Joint BaseSoldiers and the com-Lewis-McChord. Soldiers munity around them andwent from one side of the the resources available forpost across to the other, vis-recreation and self-aid. Atiting civilian agencies fromthe end of the terrain walk,areas such as the Morale, there werent tired faces,Welfare, and Recreation Soldiers from C Co. 51st Signal Batallion (E) receive a brief from the CRC representatives. weary from lectures read(MWR) program, Child and verbatim from Power PointFamily Assistance Center (CAFAC), and unit and its ability to fight, let alone due toslide shows written by people hundreds ofArmy Community Service program (ACS), that Soldier taking their own life. This yearmiles away. This time it was more per-to learn about the opportunities these groups over 200 Soldiers have been lost to suicide. sonal, just like this war on suicide. JBLMoffer. Additionally, Soldiers made stops to Suicide is a dangerous enemy that requires Soldiers, Charlie Company Soldiers, allsee other military personnel, to include theconstant vigilance and all Soldiers to be on traveling together, bettering themselves asChaplain, JAG, and Soldiers of Madiganguard to protect each other. individuals and as a whole. Charlie Com-Army Hospital. All of this was in support In a written statement, Gen. Lloyd pany Soldiers were involved, answeringof a week-long stand-down in which allJ. Austin III, Vice Chief of Staff of thequestions and asking plenty of their own toother activities were put to the side in orderArmy stated, "Suicide is the toughest enemy increase their wealth of knowledge and taketo focus on a growing problem in the Army: I have faced in my 37 years in the Army." it back to their units and to their families.suicide.Suicide is an enemy and must be combatted Together we are stronger, as a squad, a Suicide has been an issue ofas such. This is the reason for the terrainplatoon, a company, a battalion, as a brigadegrowing concern in the Army and thiswalk and safety stand-down. The weeks and as a team. This is definitely the mostyear the casualties its caused have been atevents were not oriented solely at pointingeffective tactic I have seen so far. Suicidean all-time high. The loss of a Soldier isthe finger at suicide and trying to preventis characterized by dissonance between analready a staggering blow to the morale of a it, but taking the aggressive standpoint as individual and those around them, which Soldiers are taught causes them to distance themselves. This from Basic Combat week, we have come closer to closing that Training onwards: gap. We all wear the same flag. Our chests take the fight to the all read U.S. Army over our hearts. We are enemy. This week, all a member of one team and it is as this the Soldiers of one team that we will win this fight. Charlie Company, and across JBLM, were armed and with something in- finitely more useful than cards or acro- nyms: knowledge. Agencies informed the Soldiers of theCapt. Rohn, comander of Charlie Company 51st Signal Batallion (E), and 1st numerous opportu-Sgt. Shriver discuss the information provided by the Army Community Ser-vices Financial Readiness section. nities the Army offers, from dealing with Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Shoffner gives Soldiers a brief24 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 about the Family Life Center and Chaplain services. 25. The Lions Roar 1st Quarter 2013NTC Rotation 13-01Story by 2nd Lt. Victor TurchanyPlatoon Leader, B Co., 51st ESB Bravo Company, 51st Signal Bat-talion (Expeditionary) deployed to Fort Ir-win, California in support of National Train-ing Center Rotation 13-01. This rotationwas the second largest rotation executed atNTC requiring extensive communicationsupport above what 1/10 BCT could organi-cally provide. A significant challenge forthe Swampdogs as they would deploy, asBravo Co. STTs are the first to be set-up and validated during RSOI.12 separate teams across the NTC area ofoperations supporting 62 Security Force ments with their equipment troubleshootingcontinuous efforts during the SWITCHEXAssistance Teams but one they were eagerand providing technical expertise in installa-paid dividends as they seamlessly installedto take.tion operations.the network. Once communications were Upon their arrival, Bravo Com- The company sliced off to its established, they transitioned becomingpany began validating their communicationssupporting elements and relied heavily on an integral part of daily operations leadingequipment prior to executing the standard their previous training as they deployedto the Soldiers receiving tactical trainingMILES induction. Based on the extensive separately from their company headquartersthat compliments their technical knowl-training the Soldiers received at homein multiple convoys. As expected, all of ouredge. The Swampdogs executed tacticalstation and the additional configuration of teams executed flawlessly as professionalsground convoys, perimeter defense op-their equipment, Bravo Company was able and brought adulation to the unit.erations, MEDEVAC operations, casualtyto complete the 1/10 BCT NTC sponsored The convoys to separate locations evacuations, medical reaction tasks suchSWITCHEX in just a matter of days. Once went off without a hitch, and the Soldiersas administering first aid, all in the simu-complete with their own equipment, theinstantly began setting up their equipmentlated deployed environment. The scenarioSwampdogs assisted the remaining ele- and establishing communications. Theirbased training provided invaluable realistictraining for the Swampdogs which theyperformed admirably.The communication mission was acomplete success. The proper preparationby the Bravo Company Soldiers and theirstrong desire to excel were the corner-stones of this success as exhibited in thenumerous Certificates of Achievement andcoins received from supporting units. TheWarfighters continuously went out of theirway to let both the Battalion and CompanyCommanders know how thankful they werefor the Swampdogs dedicated customerservice that allowed them to command andcontrol their elements. Their efforts playeda critical role in the overall success of theentire NTC rotation. We are all proud of thejob that our Soldiers did and we thank youfor your continued support.Move aside and let the Swampdogsthrough!2nd PLT, SGT Basgall (Right) teaches and mentors SPC Domme(Left) as they establish comms with their STT on FOB Spin Buldak.THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 25 26. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityArmy Warrior TaskTrainingStory and photos by Sgt. 1st Class John StocktonA Co., 51st ESB The Alpha ing on the basic SoldierCompany Apaches oftasks of Shoot, Move51st Expeditionary Sig- and Communicate. Thenal Battalion continued commander, Capt. Perez,their RESET phase of theidentified the battle drillsArmy Force Generation related to Chemical/Bio-(ARFORGEN) this pastlogical attack and Firstquarter with individual Aid for the subject mat-task training, both tech- ter experts to train. Spc.nical and tactical. While Herrera, the companys Sgt. Bisogna gives a block of instruction on Land Navigation to Soldiers of A/51st during anthe bulk of the SoldiersCBRN specialist, taughtArmy Warrior Task round robin.assigned to commu-identification of CBRNnication assemblagesmarkers and maskingthe Soldiers trained onreceived their new equip- procedures while Sgt.over 20 individual tasks,ment training on theirMoore a prior servicebut most importantly, itupgraded Command Post Navy Corpsman taught gave the opportunity forNodes and Joint Network Life Saving Steps andthe Soldiers and NCOsNodes, the low-densityEvaluate a Casualty. The to get out in the woodpersonnel and selectSoldiers trained on theline and focus on tactics.25Qs conducted Army move and communicate The advantage of theseWarrior Task (AWT)portions simultaneouslytasks trained togethertraining. as they learned all of encourages Soldiers The company the individual tasks thatto think about how themaximized their person- support moving as asimple mission of mov-nel by selecting outgo- fire team dismounted,ing from one point to theSpc. Herrera (A/51st) demonstrates how to prop-ing NCOs who were navigation, react to next requires numerous erly dawn and clear your protective mask during andue to PCS and did notcontact, calling up SI-individual skills, which CBRNE block of instruction.require the NET classes TREP/SPOT reports, and are perishable. to conduct round robinvisual signaling within The impor-style refresher train-the squad or team. In all, tance of these refreshers proved to be valuable to the Soldiers, especially after returning from a deployment. Soldiers are often times given the block of instruction without having the frame of reference to under- stand the information, which was not the case on a bright sunny dayA training aid is visible in the distance for a SITREP practical here at Joint Base Lewis-exercise during an Army Warrior Task round robin.McChord, Washington.A Soldier from A/51st identifies a terrain feature during the Land Navigation block of instruction during an Army Warrior 26 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 Task round robin. 27. The Lions Roar 1st Quarter 2013Strong Bonds RetreatStory and photos by Chaplain, Capt. Hyuntae KimUnit Ministry team, 51st ESB WELCHES, ORE--51st Signal Battalion (Expeditionary),35th Signal Brigade, based in a Joint Base Lewis-McChord hostedStrong Bonds training from October 27, 2012 to October 29, 2012 atthe Resort at the Mountain, Ore., for approximately 40 Families tostrengthen resilience and coping skills. The goal of the Strong Bonds Program is to equip Familieswith the skills to improve their relationships and to obtain symmetrywith family and their military career. Chaplain (Capt.) Hyuntae Kim, assisted by Pfc. Ludlowand Spc. Davis of the battalion unit ministry team, led the event.Spc. Davis kicked off the event with an icebreaker, which allowedthe couples to become comfortable with the environment as theytransitioned into the training. The focus of the training centeredon increasing communication skills in order to develop stronger Chaplain Kim talks about relationships and building stronger bonds in a mar-riage.relationships through the discussion of the differences between menand women. The video "Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage,"reinforced the differences and introduced tools or approaches tocommunicating better with your partner. The responses to the videoknowledge and experiences to include coping skills, and solutionswere very positive. they used to solve problems. "The most helpful portion of the training was the video and This discussion time complimented the instruction allow-discussion time," a participant said. ing families to share their own, real life experiences as stated by Chaplain Kim augmented the training by providing advice,one family member, "The talk time we had with groups was helpfuladditional skills and spiritual guidance for making a better marriage in helping me appreciate my relationship more."and family life. Families were given time to discuss and share their After the training, families took advantage of family timeon Sunday afternoon to work together using the new tools or skillslearned over the previous two days. "Everything was very helpful. All of the training was righton. I would really like to apply the advice in our daily lives," saidone participant. The resort, located in the Western Highlands of Mt. Hood,the highest mountain in Oregon allowed families time together toenjoy the sites, relaxing, shopping, or taking advantage of the onsitespa, golf course, or available hiking and mountain climbing. Thelodge provided a breadth of choices and balanced the instructionperfectly. Child Care provided by Kids on Site proved invaluablefor approximately 50 children, allowing couples to focus on thetraining and spend one on one time together if they desired. "The child care offered throughout the retreat absolutelysupported me and my spouse to reconnect," one participant said.Sgt. 1st. Class BradleyTHE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 27 28. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our Ability 51st ESB Battalion RideStory by Staff Sgt. Dennis McVeyBN motorcycle mentor, 51st ESBThe 51st Signal Bat-talion (Expeditonary) Motor-cycle Mentorship Program wasestablished in April 2011. Thepurpose of this program is tohelp Soldiers who own motor-cycles gain more experience andbuild confidence in their ridingabilities.On 14 September 2012,51st ESB had 10 motorcycleriders participate in their secondannual Battalion Ride. Beforethe ride began, Command Sgt.Maj.Henry Montoya addressedall riders and explained the pur-pose of the mentorship programto ensure they understood itsimportance. Prior to roll out,Command Sgt. Maj. Montoyabriefed all riders on the routeand sequence of events for thePhotos by Cpl. Michael Warrenday. Staff Sgt. McVey, the BNCommand Sgt. Maj. Henry Montoya (25X), briefing motorcycle riders from 51st Signal Battalion on the impor-motorcycle mentor, ensured thattance of safety. all riders understood motorcycleunderstood the different riding safety measures which included: procedures between group and pre-ride inspections,overview individual riding. of proper personal protective After making it to the equipment and safe riding tech- RAM for lunch Command Sgt. niques. Maj. Montoya spoke to all the After ensuring allriders and their family members riders were well prepared for to build motivation and espri de the ride. Command Sgt. Maj. corps between all the riders. Montoya led the motorcycle The Battalion Ride group out of the 51st ESB park- was an outstanding morale ing lot on a 90-mile route that booster for all the riders and went through Yelm and passedtheir family members. The next through Tumwater. The ridersride will be in late October for then went to lunch at the RAM Bravo Company riders and all in Lacey. SSG McVey pulledother riders that would like to rear security for the group toparticipate. For more informa-Command Sgt. Maj. Henry Montoya 25X, Spc. Raymond Valenciagould, ensure that all riders main-tion contact Staff Sgt. McVey,25Q, Staff Sgt. Jimmy Solano, 25B, Staff Sgt. James Mueller, 25Q, SSG tained a comfortable pace and the BN Motorcycle Mentor atRaymond Valleau 25S, Sgt. 1st Class, Jonathan Hegyi, 25W, Staff Sgt. Jen-nifer Ewerds, 25Q, and husband, Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Bradley, 25W, andto make sure that no rider wasdennis.j.mcvey.mil@mail.mil.Staff Sgt. Dennis McVey, 25L, leave the battalion area for the 51st Signal left behind. During the ride,Battalion Motorcycle Ride. mentors ensured that all riders28 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 29. The Lions Roar 1st Quarter 2013Charlie Companys Combat LifesaversStory by 2nd Lt. Paul E. Baker a 40-question test and practicalharder. Its no joke.C Co., 51st ESB exercise. Of the 40 total Sol- For the practical diers in the class, eight receivedOn 30 October 2012, exercise, the course instructor perfect scores on the written testCharlie Company, 51st Sig- organized a squad lane. As theand on the practical exercise.nal Battalion (Expeditionary)squad advanced on the lane, All eight Soldiers are assignedsent 28 Soldiers to a four-day they encountered enemy fire to Charlie Company, 51st SignalCombat Lifesaver (CLS) courseand sustained multiple casual-Battalion (Expeditionary). Spc.offered by 201st Battlefield ties. After fixing the enemy, Christian McDuffie thoughtSurveillance Brigade (BfSB)the Soldiers assigned the role of the instructors challenged usmedics. The instructors design CLS addressed each casualtys to think outside the box. Youthe course specifically for non- injury in order precedence. Incant always go with conven-medical Soldiers to train on order to simulate combat stress,tional methods in order to savelifesaving procedures. Accord- the instructors utilized rubber lives. You have to go withing to the course student guide, weapons and fake injuries, andwhat happens in that moment.the combat lifesaver is a bridgerequired the squad to pull allIts definitely a class in criticalbetween the self-aid/buddy-aid casualties up a hill on a SKEDthinking.(first aid) training given to alllitter. After attending theSoldiers during basic train- Soldiers from the classcourse, the 28 Soldiers from Photos by Spc. Christian McDuffieing and the medical training sounded off, stating that the Charlie Company are CLS Spc. Kendrick Davis (right) securesgiven to the combat medic.practical exercise was the best certified for one full year. Aftera pressure bandage from his CLSThe 201st BfSB organized the bag while Spc. Jesus Ortiz applies portion of the training. Thisone year, the certification is no digital pressure to the Spc. Don-class in accordance with Armyis all new, Spc. Neekol Paynelonger valid and they are re- nellys wound.Medicine (AMEDD) standards.said. In my last CLS class [2quired to recertify. However, ifDaily classes occurred fromyears ago], they only taughtleaders plan appropriately, they Approximately 150900 to 1530 and were broken PowerPoint slides, gave a NPA can schedule a one-day re-cer-to 18 percent of deaths due toup between PowerPoint slides (Nasopharyngeal Airway), andtification class that will enable ground combat are from injuriesand hands-on instruction. Thestuck you with an IV. Thisthe active CLS certifications tothat a CLS is trained to takeculmination of the training wastraining is a lot better, a lot remain active for another year. care of. Of these preventable deaths, approximately 9 percent are from a single bleeding wound on the casualtys extrem- ity, a wound treatable with a tourniquet from the Soldiers improved first aid kit (IFAK). The 201st BfSB medi- cal operations NCOIC believes that units should strive to have a minimum of 50 percent of Sol- diers to be CLS certified. With this, many combat lifesavers, all Soldiers can help to bring the 15 to 18 percent of deaths down to zero. Again, Spc. McDuffie chimed in, I felt the impor- tance of CLS skills, fitness, marksmanship, and everything that we do in the Army. It all comes into play. Thats why its important to train everything.Pfc. Roy Collins treats Spc. Donnellys arterial wound. The water bottle (right) is simulating the arterial bleed,which can lead to death within five minutes.THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 29 30. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityChange of Command CeremonyA Company, 51st Signal Battalion (Expeditionary)Story by 1st Lt. Anthony C. ManuelA Co., 51st ESBOn October 29, 2012,ceremony began. over the ceremony was Lt. Col.Capt. Nicholas E. Matthews, On the morning of David R. Lamy, Commanderincoming Commander, took his November 30, 2012, Capt.of 51st SB(E), and in specialfirst step towards command byJonathan Q. Perez, outgoing attendance was Col. Thomas A.beginning his change of com- Commander, stepped foot in hisPugh, Commander of 35TH SIGmand inventories. After severaloffice one last time and beganBDE.weeks of long hours staringpacking his personal belong- During this time hon-at hand receipts and verifying ings as he reminisced through ored ceremony, Lt. Col. Lamyequipment, inventories finally two years worth of memories spoke to the audience about thecame to a halt and preparation as Commander of the Apaches.type of leader Capt. Perez wasfor the Change of CommandPrior to PT formation, theand commended him on his ex- Apaches donned their newceptional leadership these past Apache shirts and followedtwo years and was eager to see through with the traditionalCapt. Matthews in his new role warm up exercises. The battle as Commander. tested Apache 6 led one final Capt. Perez walked charge with the sound of famil- to the podium to speak to his iar cadence and battle cries of Company one last time and the Soldiers of A Co. expressed his thanks to the On a rare sunny Wash- Apaches and hoped he had Lt. Col. Lamy, Commander of 51st ington morning at Joint Basegiven something to everyone to ESB, bestowing the guide on toCapt. Matthews, incoming Com- Lewis-McChord, A Co 51sttake away from his short time as mander. SB(E) held a Change of Com- Commander. mand Ceremony November 30, After taking command tinue its storied legacy of being 2012. The company conducted of A Co, Capt. Matthews spokethe best in the Lion Brigade and the ceremony to welcome the to his Company for the first officially signed in as Apache 6. new incoming commander, time and humbly conveyed his Death before dishonor! Capt. Matthews, and bid willingness to serve all the sol-Spc. Lamb presenting flowers to out- farewell to the outgoing com- diers and family members of thegoing spouse Marlyne Perez, Capt.mander, Capt. Perez. Presidingmighty Apache tribe and con-Perezs wife. Photos by Private 1st Class Ludlow, Chaplains Assistant A Co 51st SB(E) formed up in preparation for the Change of Command ceremony.30 THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 31. 35th Signal BrigadeUtmost of Our AbilityColonel Thomas A. Pugh, the 35th Signal Brigade Commander, passes the Battalion Colors of the 63rd Expeditionary Sig-nal Battalion to Lt. Col. Michael P. Martel, the new 63rd ESB Commander, as the outgoing Battalion Commander, Lt. Col.Keith A. Garwold (far left), looks on during the 63rd ESB Change of Command Ceremony on Barton Field on November2, 2012. The 63rd Signal BattalionWelcomes New CommanderStory by Sgt. Dianne M. CarterPublic Affairs, 35th Signal Brigade The 63rd Signal Battalion (Expedi-his Soldiers and their Families. I believe this before you as your commander. Serving youtionary), 35th Signal Brigade, held a Changetrait to be his real key to success. and this battalion is a responsibility I takeof Command Ceremony November 2, 2012 Garwold commanded the 63rdvery seriously. I promise I will give youat Barton Field.through deployments and redeployments ofmy best every day and I ask the same from The ceremony was to welcome inA, B and C Companies, all at different timesyou.the new incoming battalion commander, Lt. in his 2 years as commander. He also most Martels most recent assignmentCol. Michael P. Martel, and to say farewell recently prepared, certified and deployed the was the S6 for the 75th Ranger Regiment,to the outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Keith 518th Signal Company to Afghanistan.where he deployed five times in supportA. Garwold. Garwold walked to the podium to of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation During this time honored ceremony speak to his battalion one last time. TheEnduring Freedom as a Joint Special Opera-Col. Thomas A. Pugh, commander of 35th63rd has completed its missions, learnedtions Task Force J6.Sig. Bde., spoke to the audience about theand grew. Despite the operational tempo, the Today, the 63rd ESB stands readytype of leader Lt. Col. Garwold showed dur- battalion put dozens of its Soldiers names to add another line to its extremely impres-ing his two years in command of 63rd ESB. on the commandant lists, honor graduate sive lineage, said Col .Pugh. It will do so Lt. Col. Garwold drilled and exer- status at the NCOES schools and led the with Lt. Col. Martel at the helm.cised his companies to technical and tactical Lion Brigade both years in retention.excellence and then individually deployed After taking command of 63rdeach one, said Pugh. Keith Garwold is a ESB, Martel spoke to his battalion for thequiet, but affective leader, who cares aboutfirst time. 63rd, I am honored to stand THE LIONS ROAR 1st Quarter 2013 31 32. The Lions Roar 1st Quarter 2013 Jimmie Dyess DaysStory and photos by Capt. Devon O. ThomasPublic Affairs, 35th Signal Brigade A Company,active in the Boy Scoutsand B Company, 63rd and a physician at theSignal Battalion (Expe- Medical College ofditionary), 35th Signal Georgia, who appreci-Brigade, supportedated the communicationJimmy Dyess Days Oct. displays of the unit and5 to 7 at Barton Field by respected how disci-providing communica-plined and professionaltion support and educat-63rd ESB personneling hundreds of Boy were briefing the BoyScouts from Georgia and Scouts.South Carolina about I have beentactical communicationreally impressed with thesystems.genuine care they pro- Spc. Winton C. Gilmore, an information technology specialist from A Co., 63rd Signal Battal- Boy Scoutsvide these Boy Scouts,ion (Expeditionary), briefs Boy Scouts on the satellite transportable terminal on Oct. 6, 2012, during Jimmie Dyess Days on Barton Field. Units from 63rd ESB briefed hundreds of Boywere shown how 35th Fisher said. I think it Scouts a day during the event.SIG BDE units support is a great example forbrigade combat teamsthe youth, and I think itand corps level assets. shows how great Sol- The A Co., 63rd team of Sgt. Marius E. an information technolo- Gene Fisher isdiers are.ESB command post nodeYinh, a cable systemsgy specialist from B Co.,installer-maintainer, andwho described capabili-Spc. Winton C. Gilmore,ties of the Joint Networkan information technol-Node, with Spc. Codyogy specialist, showed A. Turney, a microwaveBoy Scouts and volun-systems operator-main-teers how the satellitetainer.transportable terminal Helping outfunctioned and demon-the kids makes you feelstrated how CPN phones good about yourself,worked by callingTurney said.another CPN located on Spc. Denys C. Uwitonze,Barton Field.an information technolo- There were gy specialist from B Co.,some kids who were 63rd ESB, demonstratedreally into the technicalhow SINGCARS radiosaspects of our equipment worked in a Humvee.and asked a lot of ques- One Boy Scout hastions, said Yihn.been in the Humvee forSoldiers from B Co., hours, asking how SING-63rd ESB encountered CARS and how Armyover 300 people on Sat-communications work inurday alone. general, said Uwitonze.Sgt. Marius E. Yinh, a cable systems installer-maintainer from A Co., 63rd Signal Battalion Meeting and He wants t