THE OFFICIAL

NEWSLETTER OF

FOURTH

SQUADRON, THIRD

U.S. CAVALRY

REGIMENT

Issue 9 - June 2014

Inside this issue:

Recognizing Excellence 2

Command Update 3-4

MFO Tutorial 5

Troop Updates 6-9

Legal Update 10

Chaplain’s Corner 11

FRG Update 12

Page 1

Longknife Herald USBATT 59

Multinational Force and Observers

Page 2 USBATT 59

Multinational Force & Observers

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE

On 27 May 2014,

North Camp Hosted

a Strongman Com-

petition. SGT Joseph

Tichy from the

North Camp Re-

sponse Team, US-

BATT59 won the

75KG to 90KG

weight class.

SSG Lewis, Maddog Troop

SHARP representative, facilitat-

ed a very professional discus-

sion down to the Squad level

during the recent SHARP stand-

down day. SSG Lewis’s profes-

sionalism and dedication al-

lowed Troopers to feel comfort-

able discussing difficult subjects

that greatly enhanced the under-

standing of the Troop as a

whole.

PFC Brooks of Lightning

Troop, continues to display ad-

vanced thinking during all remote

site improvements. He sets the

standard and continuously drive

and motivate his squad which

occupies OP 3-10 at the airfield.

As the Site Commander of OP3-8, SSG Silba’s

squad from Killer Troop provided an exceptionally

detailed, yet concise security brief, in-brief and ori-

entation brief. He ensured that his soldiers were on

hand to escort and field questions of the recce team.

The impression exuded by SSGT Silba and his

squad was that of discipline and professional excel-

lence.”

SGT Ojeda and SPC Dones of

Lightning Troop have stood out as

Team Leaders on OP 3-11. They

have done an outstanding job

identifying the requirements of

TOC operations and sending

timely and accurate reports to

SCC7.

SGT Hernandez of Light-

ning Troop has become

the backbone of resupply

for OP 3-11 by success-

fully completing three

sling load operations as

rigger and one as the in-

spector. SGT Hernandez

ensures his entire team is

capable of supporting

sling load operations and

he places himself as lead

to free up the site com-

mander for other responsi-

bilities.

SGT Warren Grymes, HHT

Training Room NCO, dedi-

cates his time as the GT im-

provement instructor where he

has gone above and beyond,

conducting daily classes from

1900-2100 in the Troop

HQ. This class is open to all

Troopers and is designed to

better prepare Soldiers to excel

in the FAST class.

Greetings Troopers and Family Members of Longknife Squadron,

I’m Colonel Tom O’Steen, the Commander of Task Force Sinai. Along with Command

Sergeant William Gardner, we lead almost 700 Soldiers in support of the Multinational Force

and Observers (MFO) on the Sinai Peninsula. The Longknife Squadron is a vital part of the

MFO, observing, reporting and verifying the compliance of Egypt and Israel within the terms

of the 1979 Peace Treaty. This peace treaty is an important part of America’s foreign policy in

the Middle East. We are also part of a bigger team of around 2000 Soldiers from 13 nations

and Civilians from many countries that operate from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to

Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea in the south; more than 240 miles of desert, mountains, coast-

line and islands that make up our area of operations.

Make no mistake. Egypt is a volatile part of the world and we continue to prepare every day

for dangerous scenarios that can threaten our Troopers. Along with the Longknife Squadron

Command Teams, we balance mission accomplishment, protection of the force and the oppor-

tunity to rest, relax and learn more about this historically interesting part of the World.

I look forward to meeting all the Troopers of 4th Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment and maybe some family members if

the situation permits.

Godspeed to you and your families.

Best in the Desert,

Colonel Thomas W. O’Steen

Task Force Sinai Commander - COL Tom O’Steen

Dear Veterans, Families, and Friends of Longknife Squadron,

Brave Rifles and greetings from the Sinai. It is an honor to be a member of both

Longknife and of the 59th United States Army Battalion (USBATT59) as part of the

MFO Mission. We already completed one of our 9 months which has flown by since

we assumed authority of the mission on May 20, 2014. The Troopers of Longknife

have simply done an outstanding job and I am very proud of them all. We are becom-

ing proficient at our mission to observe and report, we are taking great pride in operat-

ing and maintaining all of our remote sites, at protecting our forces at South and North

Camps, and training hard. All of us are helping to protect the “Credibility” of the MFO

mission. The Force Commander, Major-General Denis Thompson states that credibility

is key to our mission as it, “Speaks to the trust we build with our Egyptian and Israeli

counterparts; our success as a peacekeeping force; and our stewardship of our re-

sources”. As you read this edition, the articles by the Troops: Killer, Lightening, Mad-

dog, and Headhunter – see how their achievements and photos will speak for them-

selves on how we are strengthening and protecting credibility and telling the continu-

ing story of our Squadron.

Each member of our organization continues to build upon our strong reputation and it is an honor to be a member of this

great Team! Thank you Troopers, who accomplish the hard missions each day! Thank you Families, who stand behind us

and support us!

- Longknife 6

OUT FRONT!

USBATT 59 Page 3

USBATT 59 Commander - LTC Charles Moehlenbrock

USBATT 59 Command Sergeant Major - CSM James Walker

USBATT 59 Page 4

As the CSM of Longknife Squadron,

I’ve got a good feel for the moral and

sense of what’s going on with your

Trooper. Most Troopers I speak with

are motivated and are still excited about

being in the Sinai, even after a month;

that’s unusual for a deployment and

we’ll follow up on that in the coming

months. In the Squadron, I would say

that about 70% of the formation has

never deployed before, which is prob-

ably where the majority of the excite-

ment is stemming from. This is a

great experience for all Longknife

Trooper’s regardless of how many

deployments they have under their belt

including me, and this is my 7th. I am

certain they will return a much better

person because of this experience. All

Troopers have the opportunity to bet-

ter themselves whether it’s through

education and or being in the best

physical condition of their lives. Your

Troopers fully understand what our

mission is and how it affects peace in

the region. Your Troopers have the

ability to communicate with you al-

most anytime they need to. We have

WIFI readily available at every remote

site, and on South Camp/ North Camp.

There is no sector more important than

the other, and it takes all of us working

together as a team to accomplish this

mission and that includes you, family

members and loved ones back home. I

want you to understand how important

your role is in keeping our Longknife

Troopers motivated. If you are happy

then our Troopers are happy. You see,

you are a part of MFO, and to us you

are on a remote site called the home

front; continue to send us your observa-

tions and reports because we need you

just as much as the MFO needs us.

Thank you for allowing us to borrow

your Trooper!

Part of the team!

Longknife 7

Page 5 USBATT 59

Each month of the Longknife Herald there will be a fea-

tured story of one of the multinational military contingent counterparts that Longknife works with

here in Sinai. This month we will be focusing on our Ital-

ian comrades. Some of the basic history of Italy can be

found via the internet but what we hope to provide you are

insights to our comrades’ culture as well as military tradi-

tions they celebrate, similar to our U.S. Forces.

The Italian flag, “bandiera d'Italia” (featured top left) is

comprised of three main colors, which is referred to as a tricolor “il Tricolore;” green, white and red. All equal-

ly sized vertical pale, the Italian flag has been in its modern form adopted since January 1st, 1948. Below the

Italian flag are the Italian Navy logo and the Regimental crest of the Brigata Marina San Marco. For who Ma-

rine Officer LT Alessandro Miglietta (pictured with CPT Brent Riedel) servers with when in Italy. Currently,

he serves as the South Camp Liaison Officer along

with Longknife Squadron CPT Brent Reidel as the

other South Camp Liaison Officer. The primary role

of the South Camp Liaison Team is to provide infor-

mation from the MFO Contingents to the Egyptian

LAWIO (Liaison Agency With International Organi-

zations) and Israel. Its main focus is working with the

Egyptian LAWIO in the areas of coordinating of

training, customs and translating all documents per-

taining to the MFO operations.

LT

Miglietta

notes that

similar to our

own U.S. Marine Corps they also have a traditional motto that they

serve by which is “Per Mare Per Terram.” This is Latin for “By Sea, By

Land.” In addition, LT Miglietta explains the logo of the Brigata Marina

San Marco and the symbol of the golden Lion of Saint Mark, traces its

history back to the grate-

ful city of Venice during

which time the Brigata

Marina (Naval Brigade)

fought in October-

November 1917 in de-

fense of the city of Ven-

ice during the Battle of

Piave River. After

which, all the Marines of

San Marco wear a blue beret with the badge insignia (located

on the bottom left) that has a red background identifying them

as specific members of the Brigata Marina San Marco.

MFO TUTORIAL (Italy)

Page 6 USBATT 59

Multinational Force & Observers

Killer Update

Page 6 USBATT 59

Dear Killer Troop Families and Friends,

Your Troopers arrived safely in Egypt and assumed the duties of ob-

serving and reporting in the Sinai Peninsula. The Troop is currently spread

across a 220 mile stretch of desert along the Sinai coast. Squads are operat-

ing independently away from the Troop and Squadron headquarters at

“remote sites”. Let me assure you that your Troopers are in the trusted

hands of well trained and professional Officers and NCOs capable of han-

dling any mission.

Our first week

here was fast and

furious! Most of the Troop arrived on the first main body flight and

had an opportunity to learn from the 6-9 CAV Troopers that we re-

placed. We had three days to prepare for the mission, in-process MFO,

account for our equipment and complete the Combat Water Survival

Test. Everything went smoothly thanks to the efforts of the NCOs

who left a week earlier, now we are all proud owners of the orange

boonie hat. Once all tasks at South Camp were finished, the Troop got

straight to work in the northern sector of Longknife’s Area of Opera-

tion.

While in sector the Troops observe and report personnel, ve-

hicle, and vessel movement identified from their remote sites. The

sites are self-sustaining and have air conditioned barracks rooms, gym

equipment, a fully equipped dayroom, and a fully functional kitchen with eating areas. There have been no complaints; all

Troopers and NCOs enjoy the freedom of operating and maintaining their own site. It will be hard for the 1SG and me to get

them to leave their positions.

By the time you read this message the Troop will have completed its

mission in North Sector and will have transitioned to three weeks of

training and self-improvement at South Camp. During this three week

period Troopers will conduct weapons qualification and train on specific

MFO tasks. Troopers can also use this time for self-improvement and

complete online military or college courses; they can even use this time

to take a trip to Sharm el Sheikh or relax at the South Camp beach. All of the Troopers are in high spirits because of the love and encourage-

ment that you

provide. 1SG

Christian and I

want to thank you

for the support the

Troop has re-

ceived over the last few months, and we ask that keep it going until

we’re back home. Take pride in your Troopers achievements and

know that he is adding to the legacy of the Mounted Riflemen!

Till the Last Man!

Very Respectfully,

CPT Nicholas Cullura

Page 7 USBATT 59

Multinational Force & Observers

Lightning Update

Page 7 USBATT 59

Beginning in May, Lightning Troop successfully deployed to the

Sinai and assumed its part within the Multinational Force and Observers

(MFO) Mission. L Troop arrived in Sharm el Sheikh excited and enthu-

siastic. Lightning Troop hit the ground running, occupying four remote

sites and one Control Center in South Sector. From these Remote

Sites, Troopers observe and report potential violations of the 1979 Trea-

ty of Peace between Egypt and Israel. Within the first 30 days, Troop-

ers trained on “Battle Drills” to prepare for various situations, studied

vehicle recognition, and improved their respective Remote Sites. (Left) Lightning Troopers at OP 3-10, located at the Sharm el Sheikh

airport, conduct aircraft recognition training.

Each Remote Site is placed in a strategic location with a spe-

cific observation mission and special tasks. OP 3-11, located

on Tiran Island in the Red Sea, observes vessel activity with-

in the Strait of Tiran. Living on an island means Air Resup-

ply Operations are extremely important to keep the Troopers

conducting their Mission.

To the right you can see Lightning Troopers conducting a

Sling Load Operation, which facilitates the delivery of re-

sources like food, water, and fuel.

Within days of occupying the Southern Sector, Lightning Troop had MFO Leaders visit the Remote Sites. The Troop had

the pleasure of hosting the MFO Chief of Operations, Colonel Olav Njos of Norway. Colonel Njos was impressed with the

improvements Lightning has made to the Remote Sites and overall operations of South Sector.

(Below) Lightning Troop prepares to occupy North Sector.

The first month of the deployment has been fast, exciting, and suc-

cessful. After three weeks in the South, Lightning Troop was able to

get some much needed rest for a few days. In true Lightning fashion,

the Troopers anxiously went back into Sector, occupying the Northern Sector of Operations. Whether taking college courses,

working out at the Remote Site gym, or enjoying Herb’s Beach on South Camp, Lightning Troop will maintain a steady bal-

ance between work and rest to maintain our Tough, Trained Team!

Death or Glory!

Page 8 USBATT 59

Multinational Force & Observers

Troopers, Family, Friends and Supporters of the Troop,

Welcome to South Camp, Sinai, Egypt! This month has been a historic time for the

Troop as we tread where few Brave Rifles have before. We have begun to assimilate into

the Multinational Force and Observers Mission while continuing to operate at an extreme-

ly high standard.

Despite the new surroundings, Maddog

Troopers have hit the ground running by

leading the way for the Squadron as the

first Troop to execute a training rotation

on South Camp. This month, the Troopers

all re-qualified on their assigned rifles

(M4) and the Machine Gun crews spent

time on the range test firing and qualify-

ing on their M240Ls. In between these

events the Troop found time to conduct a

Combat Water Survival Test, which requires Troopers to swim 50m into

open water, tread water for 5 minutes, float on their backs for 5 minutes be-

fore swimming back to shore, all while wearing ACUs and boots! All the

Troopers were successful, despite

some reservations to begin with!

As you read this, Maddog Troop-

ers have now begun transitioning into

the Southern Sector of the US Area of Operations and currently occupies one Sector

Control Center and four remote sites, to include an observation post on an island in

the Straits of Tiran. The guys are busy executing their mission and doing what scouts

do best; observing and reporting what they see to higher headquarters!

This month Congratulations go to SGT Tyler Cherrington as he was promoted

from the rank of Corporal to Sergeant, BRAVE RIFLES, great job Sergeant!

The first month has flown by for us and as we get into the rhythm of operations

here in the Sinai, I am sure that the pace will pick up even more!

Thank you for all your support, stay safe!

CPT Sion Edwards - Maddog 6

1SG Jose Gonzales - Maddog 7

TREAT ‘EM RUFF!

Maddog Update

Page 8 USBATT 59

Page 9 USBATT 59

Multinational Force & Observers Page 9 USBATT 59

JUNE PROMOTIONS:

PROMOTED TO PV2: PV2 DUSTIN PLANTZ

PV2 ERIC SZYWALA

PROMOTED TO PFC: PFC CHISTOPHER BABINEC

PFC ANDRES COTA

PFC KENDIC HAIL

PROMOTED TO SPC: SPC DAKOTA BUCK

SPC WILLIAM LUNDBLAD

SPC DAULTON NEUMAN

SPC DEREK WILES

PROMOTED TO CPL:

CPL FRANCISCO BAEZ

CPL DENI PAULK

CPL GAUJE RUSH

CPL MILES SYLVESTER

PROMOTED TO SGT: SGT JOSEPH HRYNIEWICZ

SGT ADAM MCHENRY

PROMOTED TO SSG:

SSG JONATHAN MABILANGAN

REINLISTMENTS:

SGT JOHN KOZEY

AWARDS:

SGT JOSEPH TICHY won his weight class

(75kg to 90kg) in the North Camp Strong

Man competition.

HHT Update

Commander’s Corner:

Greetings everyone! Our first month in the Sinai has been an eventful

one. The Troop has put a lot of hard work into integrating with the new

Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) mission and setting a good

foundation for Longknife Squadron. Our Troop mission here is to sup-

port peaceful relations between Israel and Egypt in accordance with the

1979 Treaty of Peace. In future editions of this newsletter I will highlight

our various staff sections to better explain our diverse mission in the Si-

nai. This month alone, we celebrated the Army’s 239th Birthday, facili-

tated visits by multiple VIPs including Army Central Deputy Command-

er, MG Pittard, participated in a five kilometer SHARP run, and transport

supplies to remote Outposts throughout the (MFO) Area of Operations.

Please stay connected to Headhunter on Facebook for more pictures of

the Troop! I wish everyone a happy Father’s Day and thank you again for

all the love and support you show the Troop.

CPT Matt Holler

“HEADHUNTER 6”

Page 10 USBATT 59

Multinational Force & Observers

Page 11

Chaplains Corner

Page 11

Chapel Times: Protestant Non-denominational Services

1000 Saturday

1900 Sunday

Roman Catholic Mass (as available)

Word of the Day

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18)

We all know the importance of having a vision in life. But what is a vision

and how does it affect us? A vision is a thought, an idea, or a mental picture

you have of yourself, your career, your relationship, or anything you desire

to happen.

As I thought about this, I was reminded of an insightful story told by Max

Lucado. It is a story about a group of climbers who set out to scale a large mountain in Europe. He says,

The view boasted a breathtaking peak of snowcapped rocks. On clear days the crested point reigned as

king on the horizon. Its white tip jutted into the blue sky inviting admiration and offering inspiration.

On days like this the hikers made the greatest progress. The peak stood above them like a compelling

goal. Eyes were called upward. The walk was brisk. The cooperation was unselfish. Though many, they

climbed as one, all looking to the same summit.

Yet on some days the peak of the mountain was hidden from view. The cloud covering would eclipse the

crisp blueness with a drab, gray ceiling and block the vision of the mountaintop. On these days the climb

became arduous. Eyes were downward and thoughts inward. The goal was forgotten. Tempers were short.

Weariness was an uninvited companion. Complaints stung like thorns on the trail.

We’re like that, aren’t we? As long as we can see our dream, as long as our goal is within eyesight, there is no

mountain we can’t climb or summit we can’t scale. But take away our vision, block our view of the trail’s end,

and the result is as discouraging as the journey. What’s your dream during this deployment?

CH Rinawma

USBATT 59

1st Lt. David Ziegelhofer

Longknife Public Affairs Officer

South Camp, Sinai, Egypt

Email:

David.r.ziegelhofer.mil@mail.mil

or

sccsql2@mfo.org

LONGKNIFE SQUADRON

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

The two of the most challenging times during a deployment are the first and last

months. The difficulty of the first few weeks derives from finding a new normal. Daily

tasks change as you learn to cook less for dinner, and wash less clothes. New trials arise,

like learning the art of single parenthood, filling the evenings with silence instead of con-

versations, sleeping alone, mailing letters and care packages, and figuring out the best time

and method of communication with your loved one. With each task completed on our things

to do list serves as a reminder you’re in a season of transition.

Whether you are a parent to a trooper, a spouse, or a beloved Army Brat, we all must ad-

just to a new normal. Soon we will settle into a new battle rhythm. And the days and nights

that feel so long will quickly fly. Suddenly this time of separation will end as we are reunit-

ed with our Troopers.

Blessings,

Shelly Moehlenbrock

Message From Shelly Moehlenbrock—LK FRG Leader

“Navagating a New Normal”

We’re On The Web!

www.facebook.com/

longknife4.3

USBATT 59

You can also check out the Task Force

Sinai Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/

Task-Force-Sinai-Best-in-the-

Desert/495829945337