INSIDE

THIS

ISSUE:

CDR’s

Corner 1

CSM’s

Forum 2

Cobra

Strike

SGT Ramos

Aid Station

3

4-5

What do

you miss

from home?

Photos

6-7

8 -

16

TA S K F O R C E

WO R K H O R S E

D E PA R T M E N T O F

D E F E N S E

The Workhorse Chronicle 0 5 A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 4

The Commander’s Corner

As our deployment comes to a close, I find myself thinking about our time together and the immense accomplishments of the Workhorse team. Nine months ago I could have never imagined what I know to be true today. Most importantly, I never realized the pride I would feel for our Soldiers as I observed them bond together as lifelong friends and trusted battle buddies. Throughout history, Soldiers have deployed to foreign countries out of service

to our Nation and accomplished amazing things; the TF Workhorse Soldiers proved this once again. If I were to review history and not solely focus on the tremendous bravery, patriotism, hardship and accomplishments that inspire us, I would realize an overarching theme shared among the American Soldier. This theme is the real reason why Soldiers willingly give so much of themselves, and I believe myself to be blessed to have witnessed it first-hand. The reason is “loyalty and dedication to their fellow Soldier.” While deployed, Soldiers give more than expected of themselves as they recognize the vital importance of their mission and the value of their Army teammates. Without conscious thought, Soldiers do amazing things for the safety and success of fellow Soldiers as they forge a sense of trust and friendship. This remarkable bond of teamwork is the truest form of success and the aspect I’ll remember long after I forget all the numbers and statistics that typically define a unit’s achievement.

With our past in mind, I reflect upon March 2013 and I can’t help but think about our pain felt by the loss of SSG Marc Scialdo and CW5 Skinny Reagan. While we redeploy, I ask that we keep Marc, Skinny and their Gold Star Families within our thoughts and prayers. The “larger than life” personalities and professional attributes of these Heroes helped to forge who we are today as we accomplished our mission and bonded as an Army Family. They truly were the “greatest of men” and the Workhorse team will forever honor their lives and cherish our memories together.

I look forward to sending our Soldiers home with their hearts filled with pride of their accomplish-ments and excitement for their future. There is often no greater feeling than returning home to loved ones after enduring a long absence. I’m hopeful each one of our redeploying Soldiers will fully appreciate the opportunity and emotions of a joyful reunion. While reunions are easy to glamorize within our imaginations, there’s a reality of life change and emotional differences that should cause us to manage our expectations and be patient with family members as we ease back into the life that we left nine months ago. Soldiers and family members will find that each of us have changed during our separation. This change is both normal and good but will require some adjustments to how we treat each other and care for ourselves. My advice is to simple “be patient and appreciate each other for who they have become. “

Lastly, while I look forward to our remaining time in Afghanistan, I am excited to see our Sol-diers and Families rejoined at the Welcome Home Ceremonies and at our Battalion Social in September. As we return to a “new normal”, we must acknowledge the historical risks typically encountered as Soldiers reintegrate into their former lifestyle. I ask that we continue to look out for each other’s safety by continuing to be the battle buddies we all relied upon in Afghanistan. I thank you for serving your Country so honorably. I am proud to have stood beside each of you and welcome future opportunities to serve together. Sincerely, LTC Andy Gignilliat

WORKHORSE 06

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P A G E 2

“I am proud to be the

Command Sergeant

Major for this great

Battalion. The

Soldiers exhibit pride

in the unit as well as

spirit de corps with

each other.”

-CSM Grant Stange

T H E W O R K H O R S E C H R O N I C L E

The Command Sergeant Major’s Forum by CSM Grant Stange, TF Workhorse CSM

August is finally upon us, this mile-stone marks the final month of our deployment. The Soldiers and offi-cers of the Work-horse battalion have performed amaz-ingly. The summer has been a hot one here, daily tempera-

tures easily surpassing the 100 degree mark. The Workhorse Soldiers have taken it all in stride, never complaining and meticulously completing all tasks that were required. Spirits are high, as individuals have created those bonds that only come with shared deployment understanding. As we begin to ramp up for rede-ploying, I want to take a moment and clearly state the importance for everyone to maintain vigi-lance and safety. We are not home until you are released from the Welcome Home formation. That time will come, but there are so many things we must place our thoughts and concen-tration on. First off, is ensuring our counterparts are fully read in on every function and procedure that we have mastered this last tour. Their success is the truest testament to our legacy. Forget about the expected joys of re-uniting with loved ones for now, place the emphasis and priorities on the seamless and fully trans-parent Relief in Place with our Aviation brothers and sisters. Secondly, leave the infrastruc-ture and work areas better than we found them. This is a must, as it both is a mark of profes-sionalism and also just the right thing to do.

Be proud of all you have ac-complished this last nine months, you should be. We, as a team, accomplished things that many would not think pos-sible. The large amount of fuel transferred and given to the multiple aircraft on Mustang Ramp, giving those assets the ability to serve our fellow Sol-diers and NATO partners in the field was a true victory for the Soldiers of HSC / A Company. The SSA has had a tough year, the amount of product passing through and then adding the Retrograde operations for the region have kept the under-staffed professionals of the SSA fully utilized 24/7. Bravo Com-pany maintained aviation excel-lence with the completion of more helicopter phases than I can keep track of. The flight program of this Brigade is di-rectly linked to the maintenance and back shop support of the Bulldawgs. Soldiers cannot survive without communica-tions that is a fact. Charlie Company maintained commu-nications not only at Kandahar for the aviation brigade, but also supported the other task forces by having equipment and personnel at four other FOBs. Commo was never a concern for the brigade due to the ef-forts and skills of the Soldiers of Charlie Company. FOB Frontenac presented the oppor-tunity for two companies to add to their success by the unified team of A company refulers and B Company armament person-

nel teaming together to sup-port the Brigade in keeping the aircraft ready for any and all missions in their area of operations.

I am immensely proud of all the Soldiers of this great Task Force. The nation called upon you to deploy and you went. You made those personal sac-rifices of leaving loved ones and personal security behind, going where many would not, to support the people of an-other land in their quest for freedom from unjust control. Many years from now, you will look back and proudly state, I was there, I had part of that operation, I did my part. I want everyone to finish their business here, have a safe transition back to our home station and enjoy the reuniting with Family, Friends and fel-low Soldiers. You all deserve some well earned time off, that time will come, first let’s finish our job here profession-ally and safely. CSM Stange WORKHORSE 07

“Cobra Strike” Coverage by: 1LT Donald F. Ingham, C Co Executive Officer

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 4

Charlie Company sol-

diers are a special breed. Be-

cause of their adaptability, in

depth training, and dedication

to mission, they are able to

provide a first rate communica-

tions network for Task Force

Falcon at multiple outlying

bases.

Cobra soldiers at FOB Wolver-

ine operate what is known as a

Command Post Node (CPN).

This CPN gives the entire FOB

the ability to communicate via

email and phone, allowing all

Soldiers to keep in touch with

loved ones back home.

The Soldiers live in a “GP-

Medium” while at Wolverine.

In a remarkable display of in-

genuity, they sectioned off

the tent into 5 small rooms

using sheets of plywood for

walls and bed sheets for

doors. This gives the Sol-

diers an inkling of privacy

that they can enjoy during

their down time. In front of

the tent, there is a small com-

mon area where you can usu-

ally find at least one person

watching the Armed Forces

Network or playing video

games. This is usually the

most anticipated part of the

day for most, as it provides a

mental escape which allows

the Soldiers to take their

mind off work.

While on duty though,

the Soldiers work in an office

adjacent to 1-3 Attack Recon-

naissance Battalion’s S6

(signal) shop. The office is a

small 10x10 room where the

“stacks”, or the actual CPN is

located. This office is where

Soldiers spend most of their

time during their shift, unless

they are out troubleshooting

equipment or lending a help-

ing hand to 1-3 ARB’s S-6

personnel.

There are 5 Cobras currently

stationed at FOB Wolverine.

The Soldiers have proven

themselves to be of the high-

est caliber, able to overcome

any obstacle they face.

Charlie Company’s SPC Maragney (left) and SGT Gustafson (right) at FOB Wol-verine.

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P A G E 4

The Consolidated

Aid Station (CAS) provides

world class medical care to

all tenant units on Mustang

Ramp. Despite the expan-

sive nature of this mission,

Task Force Workhorse pro-

vides the leadership team

and combat medics who

man the CAS. They work

closely with medical pro-

fessionals from across the

Falcon Brigade to provide

an unparalleled level of ser-

vice.

The aid station is

named after SGT Louie A.

Ramos, a combat medical

specialist who was as-

signed to the 159th Combat

Aviation Brigade, Fort

Campbell, Kentucky. SGT

Ramos died on May 26,

2011 of wounds sustained

as a result of an enemy at-

tack. During construction

of the new aid station, our

predecessors, Task Force

Wings, believed it was only

fitting to name the new

clinic after a fallen Soldier

who made the ultimate sac-

rifice.

The CAS provides

around the clock medical

care to include routine

health screenings, physical

examinations, immuniza-

tions, and emergent medi-

cal treatment. In an effort

to maintain their technical

expertise and proficiency,

combat medics undergo

weekly training under the

watchful eye of a phe-

nomenal group of medical

providers and senior medi-

cal specialists. The train-

ing is a conglomeration of

Medical Education and

Demonstration of Individ-

ual Competence

(MEDIC), Emergency

Medical Technician

(EMT) certification, lec-

tures, and hands-on prac-

tical exercises.

The medics also conduct

contingency training

which enables them to

provide primary and sec-

ondary care to casualties

on the battlefield and

conduct evacuations to

higher levels of medical

care. “We are able to

take care of Soldiers in

any medical situation.

The training our senior

medics and providers

give is instrumental in

providing that care,” says

SPC Koleser, a medic

T H E W O R K H O R S E C H R O N I C L E

“Combat Medicine - Conserving America’s Fighting Strength!” Covered by: 2LT Nekena, Chambers Medical OIC

“We are able to take

care of Soldiers in any

medical situation. The

training our senior

medics and providers

give is instrumental in

providing that care.”

-SPC Koleser

Medics bring a patient into the clinic during an exercise.

P A G E 5 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 4

assigned to HSC, 603rd

ASB.

The CAS also provides

behavioral health assistance for

those who may need an outlet

to convey personal concerns

relating to life and operational

stressors. SPC Richardson, a

mental health specialist, states

“We strive to break the stigmas

associated with Soldiers seek-

ing care. To help Soldiers

have a better understanding of

the psychological effects of

war is only part of our job and

responsibility as behavioral

health technicians. It’s all

about having a genuine con-

cern for our fellow Soldier and

his well-being.” The 3rd CAB

Chief of Behavioral Health ser-

vices, LTC Sanchez, feels it is

important for Soldiers to trust

the behavioral health team. He

states, “The only way we can

make that happen is by get-

ting out from behind our

desks and visiting with Sol-

diers in their work environ-

ment. Being a valued and

trusted member of the team is

important, if they see us as

outsiders, our mission is

nearly impossible to per-

form.” The CAS staff strives

to provide America’s most

valued sons and daughters

with exceptional, quality

healthcare service on a daily

basis. Their commitment to

serve this extraordinary group

of professionals is indeed

nothing short of phenomenal.

CPT Ussery triages during a MASCAL exercise.

Medics extricate a patient from their FLA during an exercise.

T H E W O R K H O R S E C H R O N I C L E

P A G E 6

“What do you miss the most from home?” Covered by: SGT Donovan B Co NCO

If we could travel

back in time and ask Sol-

diers from decades past:

“What do you miss the

most from home?” I’m

sure the answers would

surprise you. For in-

stance, if you asked a Sol-

dier from the Revolution-

ary War, “What do you

miss most from home?”

He might say, “I miss

shoes since I had to walk

10 miles, through 3 feet of

snow without them just to

get to the Battle of Tren-

ton. Then I had to fight!”

If you asked a Soldier

from Vietnam the same

question you might get an

answer like, “I miss being

dry since it rains con-

stantly and when it isn’t

raining I’m sweating.”

Drawing from my own

experience in Operation

Iraqi Freedom I, we

missed having real bath-

rooms (burning human

waste really stinks, liter-

ally and figuratively).

Recently, I polled

the Soldiers of B CO

about this very topic. The

obvious answer from most

Soldiers was their fami-

lies. This answer was so

prevalent that I had to

change the premises of the

question to exclude their

family members. The

question then became:

“Besides your family,

what do you miss most

from home?” When I

asked SSG Smith, from

the Quality Control Shop,

the first thing he said was

“The smells from home

like crawfish etouffee.” I

would have to agree; when

they clean the portajohn, it

is enough to make anyone

miss the smell of home.

When SPC Millsap,

from the Avionics Pla-

toon, was asked, she

said, “I miss going to the

beach, I’m a real beach

bum.” SPC Powers,

from the same platoon,

said that he really

missed fishing. I guess

nobody told them about

the enormous pond that

we have here at KAF

(ask your Soldier about

this). SPC Reith said,

“The #1 thing I miss is

golf, then Halo 4.” I

guess we know the first

place he is going when

he returns home.

“What do I miss? The

smells from home like

crawfish etouffee,”

-SSG Smith

The KAF fishing “pond.”

P A G E 7 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 4

CDR: CPT David Hernandez 912-315-2092

david.hernandez31.mil@mail.mil

1SG: 1SG Shane Latty 912-315-2094

shane.a.williams3.mil@mail.mil

603rd ASB Home Detachment Contact Information

603rd ASB Deployed Contact Information

BN CDR: LTC Andy Gignilliat andrew.gignilliat@afghan.swa.army.mil BN CSM: CSM Grant Stange grant.stange@afghan.swa.army.mil BN XO: MAJ Randy James randy.james@afghan.swa.army.mil BN Adjutant: 1LT Marisha McLean marisha.mclean@afghan.swa.army.mil

Check Out More Than 2,500 Photos on Facebook at

“603rd Aviation Support Battalion” To See How Our Soldiers Are Doing in Afghanistan

In the end, if you

look at the amenities that we

have here on KAF, you will

see that we don't have it so

bad. Of course, everyone

misses HD televisions,

wearing civilian clothes,

riding in a vehicle that can

exceed 20 mph, and wearing

their Oakley’s, but we are

well taken care of. When

reflecting on what Soldiers

have endured in the past, we

should be thankful.