6-4 CAV Bostick Fiddler's Green

6-4 Cav opened the new MWR facility on FOB Bostick this Thursday. Fiddler’s Green was assembled from lumber recycled when the floor boards of tents were recovered prior to the start of our latest barracks construction project. Recycled materials were key to the project to allow it to be built rapidly without “stealing” wood from barracks construction projects on the forward Ops.

Members of all of the organizations on FOB Bostick were present for the event, from the left Roland from KBR, Lance CPL Maltry from the USMC ETT, LTC Markert, 1LT Mayberry who runs FOB Bostick for the Squadron, SSG Baker who supervised the project for the Mayor’s Cell, and SSG Winger from our supporting EOD team.

The new facility provides access to TVs, tons of books, a great movie room, and place to play games, and a porch outside for BBQs and such. It is a significant improvement over the tent that it replaced.

Our thanks to the Soldiers who suggested it and everyone who had a hand in getting the hard work required to build it completed.



Soldier’s from 6-4 Cav check out the new MWR center named Fiddler’s Green in recognition of our Cavalry heritage.



The origin and author of "Fiddler's Green" is unknown. It was believed to have originated in the 1800's and was composed as a song sung by the soldiers of the 6th and 7th Cavalry. Its first known appearance in published form was in a 1923 Cavalry Journal.

"Fiddler's Green"

Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green
Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped,
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddlers' Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell
The Infantry are seen.
Accompanied by the Engineers,
Artillery and Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddlers' Green.
Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene.
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he's emptied his canteen.
And so rides back to drink again
With friends at Fiddlers' Green.
And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to get your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And go to Fiddlers' Green.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Krause, calling in adjustments to practice mortat fire, is one of four soldiers in the reconnaissance platoon who has served previous dedeployments.
Michael Gisick


http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=57881




Friday, October 3, 2008

Recon soldiers carve out life at Hatchet

By Michael Gisick, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, October 4, 2008


NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan — A few of the soldiers in the reconnaissance platoon say they can see the image of a wolf in the rocks on the mountainside across the ravine. But Pfc. Byron Norris isn’t one of them.

"I don’t know," the 19-year-old says. "Sergeant Leach says he can see it."

"I can’t see it," Pfc. Jonathan Wilson, a baby-faced, cigar smoking Californian, chimes in from his vantage point a few feet away. "I cannot see that wolf rock."

Over the past three months, Wilson and Norris estimate that they’ve spent an average of about eight hours a day staring out from a fortified position on their mountainside, watching the other mountainside. They look for movement, change, anything that hasn’t always been part of a landscape they’ve all but memorized, wolf rocks or not.

And inevitably, in all those hours, they daydream about seeing something else on the mountainside: their enemy.

"I just want the experience, to know what it’s like," Norris says. Wilson adds that maybe it would be good to get attacked, but preferably only once.

It’s one of the great cliches of a war zone — the young soldiers hoping to see action, while the troops who have tell them it’s nothing to hope for, but say it in such a way that it sounds like they’re keeping a secret.

"Being still a wet-behind-the-ears lieutenant, I’m anxious like a lot of these guys to see what it’s all about," says 2nd Lt. Damien Kuhn, a 23-year-old West Point grad.

"I’m not," says Staff Sgt. Daniel Krause, the platoon sergeant, sitting nearby as he and Kuhn share the overlapping hours of their respective day and night shifts in the outpost’s command shack. If this were one of his two prior tours in Iraq, Krause adds, he "probably would have gotten blown up like 10 times by now."

The reconnaissance platoon, part of 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, arrived at Combat Outpost Hatchet in July. Another U.S. outpost a few miles away was attacked several times in early September. But despite Hatchet’s location a few miles from the Pakistani border, all has been quiet. With the other outpost set to close, and a nearby U.S. checkpoint turning over to the Afghans, Krause says that could change, though he thinks Hatchet would be a tough place to attack.

And it’s not going to get any easier. Besides their guard shifts, the soldiers spend hours a day improving the base, which was set up just a few months before they arrived.

They’ve filled hundreds of sandbags and dozens of Hesco barriers, sometimes using duffel bags. They’ve cleared brush, leveled ground and dug paths out of the mountain. Helicopters are their only source of supply, bringing everything from food and water to lumber and generators. Helicopter day tends to be an especially long one.

"We don’t get a lot of sleep, but I guess that’s the usual side effect of a deployment," says Spc. Brandon Koellecker, 22, of Hiawatha, Kan.

All the work has led the soldiers to jokingly refer to their outpost as "the slave camp," though some say they aren’t really joking.

At any rate, it’s certainly no Club Med. Though an engineer unit that arrived recently has built a few latrines and the beginnings of some barracks huts, most of the soldiers are still living not so much on the mountain, as in it. Dwellings go by such descriptions as "the small cave over there," "the larger cave next to the small cave" and "the cave with the blue tarp."

There is a sort of shower, but they have to hike down to the river to bring water, so most stick to baby wipes. There’s no television and little electricity, though a satellite phone allows them to call home every week or so.

"It’s an extra challenge to motivate them to do all the work when we don’t have the looming prospect of getting attacked," Kuhn says. "I mean, we know it’s there, but that sense of reality hasn’t really sunk in."

And Krause, for one, says he hopes it doesn’t have to.

"They don’t know what it’s like to get hit," he says. "They all wish for it, but they don’t really know. And they don’t really want to."


© 2008 Stars and Stripes. All Rights Reserved

Photo Gallery: http://www.stripes.com/08/oct08/hatchet_gallery/

Chaplain (aka Julia Child, reincarnated) reports on the September Birthday prep:

Nope that ain't no shadow on his upper lip. Does anyone have a hair net for that upper lip?

"Operation Bday Cake went off very well. We used 4 boxes of Pillsbury Plus (chocolate types) in each sheet cake. I made a Hersey frosting that used nearly an entire can of choco (not to worry-we have plenty) I think I will make a HUGE batch off Homemade Hot Chocó for the guys one of these days, all it takes is lots of milk a bit of sugar along with the choco sometimes we add a pinch of cinnamon and to spice things up, the Italians often like to add some cyan pepper. I made the boarder this time, not bad for a first try!
SFC Collins discovered that the COPs cannot bake after all, SPC Judice tried, but it flopped. So “Operation CupCake” is now back on line for all outlying areas."

Afghanistan Memorial Service PV2 Michael Wayne Murdock

PV2 Michael Wayne Murdock was born on July 7th, 1986, in North Carolina where he spent his youth. He entered the U.S. Army on the 20th of July, 2006.

During his time in service, Private Murdock attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon completion of his initial training, Private Murdock served as a Fire Direction Specialist in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1-6 Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd IBCT, 1st Infantry Division. In April of 2008, Private Murdock was re-assigned to A Battery, 1-6 Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd IBCT, 1st Infantry Division. Private Murdock deployed to Afghanistan in July of 2008, serving as a Fire Direction Specialist with 2nd Platoon, supporting Task Force Raider, 6-4 Cavalry Squadron, in the volatile Nuristan Province. Private Murdock trained, deployed and fought side by side with his fellow Redlegs in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM IX.
Private Murdock distinguished himself as a courageous and loyal member of the REDLEG Family, and will forever be remembered as a brave hero to us all.

PV2 Murdock’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, the Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.

PV2 Murdock is survived by his mother, Jennifer Tripp and his father Walter Murdock from North Carolina.

Raider Family . . . Prepared and Loyal

I had emailed Cpt Bessey, something to the effect that their far flung troop must sometimes feel like they're re-living the computer program "Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego". I also sent him a Don't Mess with Texas Stickers.

Bessey replied:

"I promise never again to "Mess with Texas" in anyway, shape or form. Speaking of messing with people from that state, 1SG Mancuso is typically on my left hip, barking at me to do this and that. Carmen SanDiego, as I remember, was much saucier than him but lacked his undeniable ability to make stuff happen while caring for hisSoldiers."

From Simone Mancuso's latest caringbridge update, it is apparent the whole Mancuso family have that undeniable ability to "make stuff happen".

Thursday was Patrick's 6 month mark, which is exciting and we celebrated a little.

He's doing well, has a couple issues with his skin, but that is probably from being outside.

I am in contact with Methodist weekly through e-mail or phone and he saw a Doctor from San Antonio this week on Ft Hood and had labs done again. Since he is going to school now they try to keep the trips to a minimum so he doesn't miss to much school and his Doctor lets us see the Oncologist from Wilford Hall at their monthly visit to Fort Hood.

We have to go back to San Antonio on the 7th of October.

I can't say we are back to normal and I know that will still be a while. There is always fear in the back of our minds, but it feels like we are moving in this direction.

We went to Austin today, Patrick has been invited to become a Student Ambassador and go to China next summer.

Nervous about this, but we do not know what the future holds and want him to live, laugh and love.

He had his interview today and absolutly wants to go, so now he's just waiting to find out if he's been accepted, which we probably find out in the next couple of days.

He got the invitation about 2 months back and we went to the informational meeting a couple weeks ago. Since he has to raise part of the money, we will see how bad he wants to go.

On our way back we stopped in Georgetown and my Truck Battery died, nothing.......... What a day, I actually had to call some friends, since we could not jump start it. Anyway, they brought an extra Battery, lucky for us or we still be there.Thanks Brian and Wendy!!! I came home and went straight to Wal-mart to get a new one. I miss my hubby, but on days like this I really miss him.

I know I said it before, but Killeen High School has a Blood and Marrow Drive on Monday and Tuesday, if you can please make some time and go. Patrick is on the Student Counsil now and he will be around on Tuesday.

It is really important to him, so maybe some of you can make it. Thanks!!!

Simone Mancuso

href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/patrickmancuso">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/patrickmancuso

Fateful day brings COP Lybert back to war’s reality
By Michael Gisick, Stars and Mideast edition, Thursday, September 25, 2008

(See video at end of story, pictures in previous post.)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Fire had swept through the pine forests blanketing the mountains around Combat Outpost Lybert a few years ago, before the Americans arrived.

According to the stories they’ve heard, the fire was set by loggers from Pakistan trying to eliminate their competition. If so, it worked. Broad swaths of scrub, blackened stumps and skeleton trees remain.

The Americans move slowly up through this ghost of a forest in the gray dawn, struggling against the altitude and the incline and their packs and weapons. One of the first things the Marine Corps lieutenant who works with the Afghan soldiers here taught the newly-arrived Army lieutenant was how to tell the Afghans to slow down.

The bullets that rained on Lybert four days earlier came from up this way, at least some of them. But the only presence the patrol finds amid the scattering of abandoned huts and clapboard goat corrals on the mountain is one lone wanderer, wearing brown "man-jammies" and faded yellow shoes decorated with colorful, washed-out polka dots.

This man says he is from Pakistan and has come in search of his lost herd. The U.S. interpreter struggles to understand his dialect, but the Afghan commander, a stubble-faced man with a tattoo of a snake coiled around a dagger on his forearm, doesn’t believe the story.

First this man says he’s a Pashtun, the commander, Taj Mohammed, says. And then he says he is a nomad.

"Next he will say he is British," Mohammed concludes.

"He looks pretty clean to be a goat herder," Army 2nd Lt. Chad Lorenz adds.

The Afghans decide to take him back to the camp for questioning. Escorted by an Afghan soldier with a quiver of rocket-propelled grenade rounds strapped to his back, the man follows the patrol as it heads back up against the mountain, his bound
hands folded in front of him like a monk with a mystery.

A quiet start

Lybert was built in 2006 as the U.S. military began to step up its presence in Afghanistan’s eastern mountains. Like many U.S. bases, it was named in memory of a soldier — Staff Sgt. Patrick Lybert, who was killed in these mountains in June 2006.

Despite its proximity to the border — and to other U.S. outposts that come under frequent attack — until recently the troops at Lybert had seen relatively little action. The U.S. unit that left Lybert earlier this summer reported only a pair of attacks during its year at the COP. A platoon from 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment took over in July, and their first few weeks at the outpost led some to expect a quiet deployment.

"It was like a ski resort without the resort," says Staff Sgt. David Joslin, a medic. "It was just beautiful mountains, scenery, get up and see the patients every morning. It was like a normal day-to-day life."

Through July and August, Joslin’s aid station saw about 500 sick-call patients from the nearby villages. They were simple people, Joslin says. Sometimes the men would get upset when other men received two kinds of pills and they’d only gotten one kind.

Routines set in. Pvt. Michael Murdock, a 22-year-old artilleryman from North Carolina, fell out with the mortar crew, deciding he wanted to reclassify to the infantry. Pvt. Scott Stokes, a 43-year-old single father who’d found out he could still join the Army a year earlier when he attended his daughter’s graduation from basic training, grew close to the young North Carolinian.

"He always told me he wanted to go back home and marry my daughter," Stokes says. "So that was fun."

The first sign of trouble came on Aug. 29, when a trio of bullets narrowly missed soldiers sitting on a porch in front of Joslin’s aid station. Fitful, half-hearted attacks continued for the next week-and-a-half. A mortar round one day, a few gunshots the next, ricocheting down from the surrounding peaks.

But as it turned out, that was only a prelude.

"How I look at it, the Taliban pretty much saw an opportunity that we were trying to calm down and let the [Afghan army] take over a little bit," says Sgt. Ken Dicristofano, a mortarman who had taken Murdock under his wing. "They saw their chance and they went for it."

Sept. 11 attack

The attack started around mid-morning. It was mostly small arms, a few mortars, maybe a machine gun, the soldiers say.

Murdock was in his barracks hut, putting on his body armor, when a bullet cut through the plywood wall and hit him in the side. Along the Hesco barriers and razor wire, the bullets were coming in from three directions while the soldiers fought back. The Afghans manned one end of the camp and the Americans the other. Bullets crashed through the aid station’s window as Joslin and his medics struggled to keep Murdock alive.

"Five seconds can seem like an hour, especially when there’s a soldier in front of you dying, and you’re waiting on a helicopter and you’re trying to do everything you’ve been trained to do to save a life," Joslin says.

The attack continued for two or three hours. Apache helicopters and a slow-flying A-10 arrived and drove the fighters from the mountains, setting new small fires.

Murdock was medically evacuated, and later declared dead at Bagram Airfield.

Reinforcements from Lorenz’s platoon of infantrymen arrived at Lybert two days later and began their dawn patrols in the surrounding mountains. But the decision to close Lybert later this fall had already been announced in the villages, even before the Sept. 11 attack.

Officers say the base is not well situated to guard a nearby pass through the mountains on the border, a fact that might account for the relatively spare history of attacks on the base. And with U.S. troops spread thin across eastern Afghanistan, the soldiers are needed elsewhere.

"When they came down and said we were moving, we were a little upset," says Staff Sgt. Michael Bannin, 27.

The more experienced soldiers say they’ve seen changes in the younger troops since the attack, a new reality setting in. In the last days of COP Lybert, the reinforcements spend many of their evenings talking on the phone and watching DVDs. The artillerymen mostly keep to their barracks hut. Murdock’s corner remains empty.

"Unfortunately, the 11th made it real," says 1st Lt. Ian Lipsitz, 24, who leads the artillery platoon. "Real personal for us, real definite that we’re out here fighting a war."

Pictures from Stars and Stripes

All pictures Michael Gisick / S&S

Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Troop C, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment prepare for a patrol at Combat Outpost Lybert in Northeastern Afghanistan. The platoon was sent in to reinforce the outpost after it was attacked on Sept. 11, killing one soldier.

Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Troop C, 6/4 Cavalry Regiment during a patrol in northeastern Nuristan Province near the Pakistani border. Fire swept through thr mountains here several years ago, reportedly set by Pakistani loggers aiming to eliminate their competition.

Sgt Ken Dicristofano, front, ducks away from a mortar blast at Combat Outpost Lybert.







Afghan soldiers question a man found wandering near the site of an attack on a U.S. outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

Pvt. Kirk Goff scans the surrounding hills during a patrol near Combat Outpost Lybert.

Operation CupCake Flies Again

Is it that time, again?

The Operation CupCake "cooks and delivery" troopers are still at it.

For those new to G&P, the 6-4 CAV kicked off operation cupcake, to deliver home made, okay, "FOB Bostick made" cupcakes to birthday troopers out on the COPs, OPs, and firebases.

Thanks to requests from their officers; cup cake condoms, cake mixes, and a hand mixer (yes, they are all mixed with a hand held mixer), cup cake pans, and a lot of love ---- were soon on their way from TankerBabe. The cooks work their magic, and these troopers are treated to a bite of "Happy Birthday" ! ! ! ! Yep, no matter how far out in the boonies their mission takes them.

We Luv You Guys ! ! ! !

Patrick Mancuso - Marrow Transplant Recipient

Patrick's parents. 1SGT Mike Mancuso Senior NCO Crazy Horse Co 6-4 CAV, 3-1 ID

Simone Mancuso Great mother, and warrior on the home front.



What the press release does not say is that Patrick's Dad, 1SGT Mike Mancuso, deployed to Afghanistan as the Senior NCO of Crazy Horse Company 6-4 CAV, 3-1 ID; as his parents were waiting to hear if the transplant was successful.








The Scott & White Marrow Donor Program is pleased to honor Patrick Mancuso at the Lone Star Circle of Life Bike tour for his efforts in educating the central Texas community about the need for people to join the registry.

Patrick, his friends and his family, worked very hard to add hundreds of people to the registry during the time Patrick needed a transplant.

Patrick continues his support of the National Marrow Donor Program by agreeing to be the Honorary Race Director for the 2008 Miracle Match Marathon to further educate the public as well as raise funds to tissue type people for the registry.


Here is Patrick's story:

"Hello, my name is Patrick Mancuso and I am the first Honorary Race Director for the 2008 Miracle Match Marathon.

I would like to tell you about the race I have been running for the last few months -the race against cancer.

In November of 2007, I began to become very ill. After several doctors' visits, I was told that I was simply suffering from inflammation or growing pains.

After much persistence from my mother that it was something more serious, more tests were done and on December 4, 2007, I was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukemia knows as Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).

I was immediately transferred to a hospital in San Antonio where my doctors started me on chemotherapy treatment. After my first round, it was clear that chemo alone did not work and I needed a transplant soon.

My doctors searched for a life-saving marrow donor, while I had to continue to undergo three more treatments of chemo as well as cranial and full body radiations.

As a result, I became very ill and had hard time dealing with the side and after effects. Throwing up and hardly eating became a routine.

My match was found and after all the preparations I received my life-saving marrow transplant at the Methodist Children's Hospital in San Antonio in March of 2008.

Since then, I have been on the rocky road to recovery and it's been very had at times.

I am still dealing with the after effects of chemo and radiation, which is normal, since recovery can take up to a year.

The good news is that I am recovering better than any one could have imagined and my last count on August 22nd was 100%donor cells!

I was able to start school again and am still trying to be a normal 14 year old, playing XBOX and my favorite sport - football!!!

Recovery has been very frustrating for my family and friends, but I am very lucky to have their love and support.

I am also very anxiously waiting to meet my marrow match. She sent me a card before my transplant, but it has only made me more excited to meet the person who has given me another chance at life.

Check out the Lone Star Circle of Life Bike tour site: http://www.sw.org/web/patientsAndVisitors/iwcontent/public/biketour/en_us/html/biketour_localevents_temple.html

And Patrick's careingBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/patrickmancuso Where you can leave a message for Patrick, his brother and his parents (1SGT Mike and Simone Mancuso)

Operation Cup Cake and Bread Baking Troopers

"Some of the more than 200 cup cakes the cooks from Dakota Troop, 6-4 Cav prepared and shipped to the forward OPs this week. The cup cakes were shipped forward to celebrate all of the August birthdays, and to give everyone a fresh piece of home baked cake to enjoy the celebration with. Cooking that many cupcakes was not easy, but getting them onto the helicopters was even harder, don’t worry though the Raiders are all about Birthday cake for everyone, even if we have to fly it in. Next month we will try to ship them to C Troop in Goshta!" LTC James Markert





Operation Cupcake
Happy Birthday Troopers !

Chaplain Ron Cooper and LTC Markert worked with the cooks of Dakota Troop to have birthday cakes for the July birthdays at FOB Bostick.

But, they wanted to spread the good times for all of 6-4 CAV. Tanker Babe rushed the necessities for Operation Cupcake to LTC Markert, and the race was on.

What a success ! ! !

How great for the troopers out in the field to have a sweet reminder of their birthdays, prepared and delivered especially for them.

I'm sure they are enjoyed by all the warriors (I'm assuming that the 6-4 birthday troopers shared. LOL), and remind the troopers that they are not forgotten.

Thanks Tanker Babe, http://tankerbabelc985.vox.com/library/post/64-cav-operation-cupcake---nuristan-province-afghanistan.html

and all the warriors who prepared the treats in theatre.

We're hoping for pictures of the new Major (Chaplain) Cooper in his camo apron, as he helps with the preparation of birthday cakes.


FOB Lowell will soon have fresh bread.


Alpha Troop, 1SG Baker, has received a bread machine, bread mixes, small bottle of oil, and various measuring utensils.

Between bouts "taking care of the bad guys", they are reading the bread machine instructions, and I'm sure trying to figure out all the measuring utensils. Pictures are promised.


Some of the mixes were cinnamon raisin, so there should be sweet smells around FOB Lowell, soon.

Next good news from ADAMS and OLD BAY Seasonings.

2 days 7 hours till first UT football game.
Hook 'em Horns !


Gratitude and Prayers,

Haole, out.

Task Force Raider Remembers Fallen Soldier

The boots, dog tags, weapon, and Kevlar are displayed above a photo of Pfc. John Alexander Mattox of 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division representing his absence during a memorial service paying tribute to the fallen comrade.

Story by Jessica DahlbergPosted on 08.18.2008 at 05:28AM

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — A lone rifle sits on a wooden platform as Soldiers trickle in to find seats. Music softly resonates in the air, and not a word is spoken above a whisper. The sun glints off identification tags hanging on the rifle -ID tags that once belonged to Pfc. John Alexander Mattox.

Mattox, a Soldier and friend of 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, is remembered among the Task Force Raider Soldiers in a service held Aug. 16, 2008.

“Pfc. Maddox is exactly the kind of Soldier I think about when I think about 6-4,” Lt. Col. James Markert, commander, said.

Mattox died on Aug. 9, 2008. His death was noncombat related, but it still leaves an impact on his fellow Soldiers.

During the service, friends of Mattox told about how he was a good, solid man and a strong and courageous Soldier.

According to Sgt. Richard Kaye, Mattox was a good Soldier who was very motivated to do his job and to do it right, and because of his sense of humor it was never boring when Mattox was around.

To honor Mattox, all the Soldiers solemnly stood as his name rang out during the last roll call. When the last echo died out and no one responded, shots were fired to honor the fallen Soldier.

Mattox joined the Army Oct. 17, 2007, and deployed to Afghanistan June 2008 with his Task Force Raider family, who will miss him as they continue to work in Afghanistan.

Soldiers pay their last respects to their fallen comrade, Pfc. John Alexander Mattox, Aug 16, 2008. A memorial service was given to honor the fallen Soldier.

A Soldier hangs his head in prayer during the benediction to Pfc. John Alexander Mattox. The memorial service was given Aug. 16, 2008, to honor the fallen Soldier.

6-4 Medics Helping Locals

Pfc. Charles Wolfe
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

JALALABAD, Afghanistan - In the rural mountainous province of Nuristan acute or primary medical care has been nearly nonexistent for the local population in the past. Local Afghans have long been without reasonable means to cure and prevent disease, treat wounds or receive medications.

A multivitamin, something simply attained in the United States, is a distant afterthought in Nuristan. The Soldiers of the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division’s medical platoon offer a chance to change this traditional deficiency.

“We are really making a difference here,” Sgt. 1st Class Adrian Davenport, 6-4 Cav. Medical Platoon Sergeant, said. “The Soldiers are starting to recognize the locals and when they see the kids at the gate they all wave.”

Armed with bandages, ibuprofen and various balms and creams, the 6-4 medics open a morning sick call for local nationals of every age and gender. The clinic starts with a short screening process, where a medic determines who can be given simple drugs, like aspirin or vitamins, and who needs more attention.

The platoon’s work goes beyond the scope of just health care. By offering free medical services to resident Afghans, the Soldiers build a relationship with locals, thus adding to the positive and progressive work of the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. The Soldiers are reaching out to the locals in the area and the children are taking notice.

“The children go home and tell their little friends about it, and the next morning we have an abundance of kids outside,” Davenport said.

The medics work together with the 126th Forward Surgical Team, who can provide surgical care to Soldiers and locals in need. The Soldiers begin the local national sick call around 9:30 a.m. everyday.

The locals appreciate the medial help, but they get more from 6-4 than just medicine.

“They all appreciate the care we provide,” Cpt. Amanda Cuda, family physician for 6-4 said, “but I don’t know if the kids like the medial treatment or the toys and candy more.”

Necessary is in NEED

B Troop TF 6-4 CAV has built new latrines. But they need 8 new toilet seats with lids. Yeah, I can just hear the wives and mothers now, LIDS? ? ?; but 1SG thought of it first.

"I had one more thing to add to my last list if you dont mind, we just built a new latrine and don't want to install the old toilet seats because they don't have lids. I was wondering if you could get a hold of 8 new toilet seats with lids. The lids are very important as the new latrine has a vent system in that prevents the odor from collecting in and remaing inside. I know you are probably thinking we are a bunch of men here and we will never remember to put the lid down any way but I think with a little practice and a little yelling on my part we will eventually get it right."

If you have a trooper in B Troop, TF 6-4 -- go ahead and send the requested item to them at their APO address, otherwise, contact us by email with a phone number and we will contact you with the address to send them directly to the 1SGT. HWahine2008@aol.com

I'm requesting pictures from the 1SG. I gotta see all the lids down before I'll believe it.

Haole out

Don't Mess With Texas!

Below are some pics of the 6-4 CAV Apache Troopers we are supporting. Thank you for the pictures, guys!

More video from 6-4 CAV Medics (B Roll)

6-4 Medics, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division30 Jul 2008 AF


B-roll of the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment's medical platoon administering care to local Nuristan children. Scenes include Soldiers bringing children into the clinic, examining the children's wounds, eyes and ears and an interview with a medic.

To view the entire video:

CLICK HERE

Video Location:AF
Unit(s) Involved:• 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment Medical Platoon (US)
Interviewee(s):• Sgt. 1st Class Adrian Davenport (US), 6-4 Cav Medic
Submitting Unit:3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry DivisionUnit Splash Page!-->
Video ID: 43184
Filename: 0808/DOD_100023829.wmv
Size (bytes): 10537484 (10.05 MB)
Length: 6:38
Date Taken: 07-30-2008

Dukes Remember Fallen Four

Soldiers salute their fallen comrades one last time at the end of a memorial service on Aug. 7, honoring four soldiers who were killed when their vehicle was struck by an IED

U.S. Army/Staff Sgt. David Hopkins

By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins
1st Infantry Division public affairs.

By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins1st Infantry Division public affairs BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — Amongst the bolder-ridden mountain slopes of the Kunar province, soldiers gathered at a forward operating base to pay their final respects to four fallen comrades on Thursday.

“Second Lt. Michael Girdano, platoon leader, Alpha Company, Special Troops Battalion, Spc. William Mulvihill, wheeled vehicle mechanic, Headquarter and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, Pfc. David Badie, combat engineer, Alpha Company, Special Troops Battalion, and Pvt. Jair Garcia, squad automatic gunner, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, died when the vehicle they were in struck an IED in the Kunar province in northeastern Afghanistan on Aug. 1.

"2nd Lt. Girdano, Spc. Mulvihill, Pfc. Badie and Pvt. Garcia’s actions are an inspiration to us all and their names will forever be etched in the history of the Big Red One,” Capt. Brian Corbin, Alpha Company’s commander, said.

One by one, friends and leaders stood before the crowd and spoke of the fallen soldiers’ life achievements within the Army and in their personal lives. The reoccurring theme was that of dedication and sacrifice.

Everyone has to make decisions in life and according to Corbin, the soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division who died Aug. 1 made the decision to sacrifice in order to protect others.

“There comes a time in our lives when we transition from childhood to adulthood, and once we make that transition we are faced with two paths. One path is a path in which freedom and security are provided by the blood, sweat and tears of others. The second is a world in which we make a stand and say: ‘Follow me, for I will protect you from those who mean you harm.’ It takes a special person to choose the second path and most shy away. Lieutenant Girdano, Spc. Mulvihill, Pfc. Badie and Pvt. Garcia not only accepted a challenge, but they embraced it,” Juranek, said. “These men, without hesitation, completed the most dangerous of missions. Their daily endeavors to save lives provided the Blue Spaders with freedom of movement through the most volatile province of Afghanistan.”

According to Corbin, not many people knew Girdano on a personal level because he arrived at the unit on a Thursday and deployed with them on the following Monday, but he said he was a good leader and a good man who was always willing to listen and accept advice from others.

Mulvihill is remembered by a friend as being a dedicated soldier who was ready for his mission and who was proud to follow his family tradition in the military.

“I asked him how he felt about going to Afghanistan, and he said to me that even though he was a little nervous that he was ready and willing to go do his job wherever he was needed. He also explained to me that his siblings were in the military and he was proud to be doing what he was doing.” Sgt. Holly Princevalle said.

Baddie was known by his friends as a caring person who touched the lives of those around him.

“He showed genuine care and concern for those around him,” Henderson said. “You will be missed. We will cherish the friendship. You have put a special mark in our hearts. All those who knew him will never forget him. The platoon will never be the same without him.”

Garcia will be missed by his fellow solders and friends, but he also left behind family that was near and dear to him. “He was a very caring and loving son, father and husband,” said Pfc. Hessbroo.

“He was the kind of person who knew how to brighten your bad day. If you knew Jair Garcia like his close friends did you knew his pride and joy was his 9-year-old son. Garcia instilled in his friends that when things go wrong you shouldn’t go wrong with them. He was an older guy who had a lot of wisdom about things and became a role model for many of us. Jair Garcia is now in a place where the grass is greener and at rest. He will be missed by many and missed by all.”

At the close of the service small groups of soldiers went to where the boots, weapons and identification tags of the fallen soldiers were displayed and they said their good-byes in their own, quiet way.

Even after the loss of their four comrades the soldiers of Duke Brigade are ready to finish what they’ve started.

“To the men of 1st platoon Alpha company, Special Troops Battalion: In my 11 years of service I’ve never met a braver group of men. You, like our fallen brothers, are warriors, guardians of freedom. Let’s remember these brave men by carrying on the work they have begun,” Corbin said. “Let us complete the mission.”

6-4 Cavalry Fends Off Atack

By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins1st
Infantry Division public affairs

NURISTAN Province, Afghanistan — As the sun descended in the western sky, crouching down on the jagged mountain ridges of the Nuristan province on Aug. 2, 1st Infantry Division soldiers of 2nd Team, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Hood guarded the walls of their Combat Outpost, scanning the rocky slopes for anti-Afghan forces. They are trained to spot danger and act against it to protect their location and their fellow soldiers.

Then on the slopes above their position, a figure appeared, lurking among the boulders. Moments later another appeared. Before long there was a full attack on the outpost and its forces comprised of American and Afghan National Security Forces, were fighting for their lives.

By the time the battle was over, only one Afghan soldier suffered minor wounds while more than 20 insurgents were dead while countless others scrambled up the mountain nursing possibly fatal wounds.

At about 6:30 p.m., Sgt. Ian Boone and Pfc. Marco MaldonadoGacia were guarding the outpost when they first spotted enemy forces.

“I could not identify them as hostile until they bent down and picked up their weapons,” Boone said, recalling the first moments of the battle.

MaldonadoGarcia spotted them soon after and took the first shot, breaking the silence with the defining roar of his M-14 sniper rifle, killing an attacker 700 meters up the slope.

“This was decisive because from that moment on the enemy was on the defensive and no longer on the offensive,” Capt. Robert Yllescas, the unit’s commander, said.

Then Boone began to lay down suppressive fire.

The outpost was attacked by small-arms fire, rocket propelled grenades and PKM machine guns, landing many direct hits inside the camp, but none hitting the soldiers inside.

When the attack started, many of the soldiers were faced with the realities of war for the first time.

“You could see the shock in some of the soldiers’ eyes, as if they were asking the question: ‘Is this another test fire or is this for real.’ You could see fear in others’ eyes as they pondered the question of whether or not they would live to see another day,” 1st Sgt. Howard Johnson Mullens said. “And then, as if a switch was suddenly turned on, everyone was flawlessly executing the training they had received prior to deploying. Soldiers performed the defense drills to perfection. It was amazing; it was textbook execution.”

Field Artillery Soldiers Man "Gun Line in Afghanistan

Field Artillery Soldiers Man ‘Gun Line’ in Afghanistan
By Army Staff Sgt. Adora Medina Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 8, 2008 – From a distance the barrels of the howitzers can be seen above the barriers surrounding Forward Operating Base Kala Gush. The weapons are ready to fire at a second’s notice, providing fire support to the immediate area.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Valdez, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, gun line NCO in charge, gets mission information from the Joint Operations Center on the radio, at Forward Operating Base Kala Gush, Afghanistan, July 30, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Adora Medina, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

The “Centaurs” of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, are responsible for manning the “gun line” 24 hours a day. Two artillery teams work around the clock, maintaining their weapons while waiting for fire missions.

“I work on the gun line, and the mission is pretty much to support any troops outside of the wire with our cannon fire,” Pfc. Eric Coates said. “We’re thoroughly trained, and we can do any mission that they send down to us. [Our cannon fire will] be accurate, that’s for sure.”

The long hours spent on the gun line can seem tiresome, but the Centaurs stay alert and ready to take immediate action. Pfc. Jackie Noah recalled the first fire mission the Centaurs completed during their deployment to Afghanistan.

“We were providing security for our fellow soldiers and keeping the enemies’ heads down, making sure [coalition forces] made it out alive,” Noah said. “It feels good to know that you’re helping the people that are forward of our position and doing everything we can to help our fellow soldiers.”

Many challenges come with the mission; for some on the gun line, it’s adjusting to the long hours. Others say the restricted environment takes some getting used to, but mainly, the soldiers just miss their families.

To cope with these challenges, the artillery soldiers find creative ways to pass the time. Some are musicians; some are artists; and some are writers. Regardless of the hobby, they all manage to come together to throw around a football, hit golf balls into a mosquito net, or swing at a punching bag made of sandbags, rocks and tape.

“Well, for anybody that’s coming to Afghanistan, make sure you bring a hobby with you because the mountains start closing in on you after a while,” Pfc. Thomas Brooks said jokingly. “It gets pretty small so you have to keep yourself occupied. Just keep an open mind, and just trust everybody that’s around you.”

For the remainder of the deployment, the soldiers believe things will only improve as time goes on. Staff Sgt. Anthony Salyer, one of the howitzer section chiefs, said he is grateful to work with such a dedicated team. “

They’re excellent with team work,” Salyer said. “They’re always looking for ways to help out each other, the team and the mission. They’re just a good group of guys, very willing to work, always wanting to learn new things. It’s only going to get better with this group of guys. It’s going to be a cake walk. Friendships are going to build stronger, and we’re going to work better as a team and get the mission done.”

(Army Staff Sgt. Adora Medina is assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.)


Army Staff Sgt. Jerome Edwards, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, looks through the scope of a mortar tube to ensure accuracy, at Forward Operating Base Kala Gush, Afghanistan, July 30, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Adora Medina, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division




Army Pfc. Thomas Brooks gets mission information from the Joint Operations Center, at Forward Operating Base Kala Gush, Afghanistan, July 30, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Adora Medina, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

Rest in Peace

(Click on image to view larger)

God Speed

Sergeant Douglas J. Bull

Private 1st Class David John Badie

2nd Lieutenant Michael R. Girdano

Specialist William J. Mulvihill

Private Jair De Jesus Garcia

Video: 6-4 CAV Medics in Afghanistan

Package of important free healthcare provided to local Afghans by the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. To see the video:

CLICK HERE

LTC Louis Winkler, MD, USA (Ret), former Brigade Surgeon, 173rd Abn Bde: "The final lesson of Vietnam must be that there is a need for physicians who are well trained in both field and clinical medicine- specialists in combat medicine- to serve as brigade/division/corps surgeons. It is illogical to expect a fully trained pediatrician, internist, or surgeon with only the basic medical officer course to function in this capacity. A highly motivated physician will learn his duties on the job, but this is not optimal nor effective. In order to insure that physicians are prepared for these tasks, formal recognition should be given to the specialty of Combat Medicine just as for Aviation Medicine and Preventive Medicine. A training program and career pattern should be established. This specialty should be encouraged in time of peace as well as times of conflict. Only this way will the lessons learned in Vietnam not have to be relearned in the next conflict."

***God bless our medics.***

Afghanistan Video

We cannot imbed the video, because the owner of the YouTube will not allow it. But here is the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF8oxIA-htc

You will probably recognize some parts of it. It is a very good compilation of video and stills.

Big Red One takes command in northeastern Afghanistan

Written by Staff Sgt. Adora Medina 3rd BCT, 1st ID Public Affairs
Sunday, 27 July 2008

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (July 26, 2008) — When the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team paratroopers set foot on Afghanistan soil 15 months ago, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division “Big Red One” was just re-activating at Fort Hood, Texas. Throughout the 173rd’s deployment they fought to reform Afghanistan while 3rd BCT, 1ST ID was training to take their place.
On July 24, at Forward Operating Base Fenty, a transfer of authority gave 3rd BCT, 1ST ID the opportunity to put their training to work and continue the mission the 173rd has been doing for more than a year.

“We understand that while [we] have been handed a difficult mission, we are well trained and capable,” said Col. John Spiszer, Task Force Duke commander with 3rd BCT, 1ST ID. “The task is important to our nation, to Afghanistan, to the people of [northeastern region of Afghanistan] and to each other. We look forward to the challenges ahead and will continue the work of Task Force Bayonet.”

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston also attended the ceremony. He came to Afghanistan to assist the Afghan National Army’s Sgt. Maj. of the Army Rashan Safi in developing the Afghan non-commissioned officer corps. Despite his busy schedule he stopped by, attended the ceremony and talked with the TF Duke Soldiers about the mission ahead. “The Army’s been asked to do a tough mission and of course we’ve asked [3rd BCT, 1ST ID] to also do a tough mission,” said Preston. “I’m very proud of all of them and what they’re going to do and accomplish over the next 15 months. I’m very confident that this brigade, the Soldiers and the leadership are going to do a phenomenal job over the course of their deployment.” The unveiling of the Big Red One colors symbolized the beginning of TF Duke’s command over the northeastern area of Afghanistan. As the light infantry brigade picks up where the 173rd left off, they plan to build on the foundation laid by the paratroopers during their time in Afghanistan.

“My intent is to continue on the same path that the 173rd Airborne Task Force Bayonet did, and to continue making improvements, carrying the ball the next ten yards, so to speak, because they’ve got a good plan and a good strategy that they’ve been executing,” Spiszer said.
The paratroopers are now headed home to their families in Europe after executing a mission of sacrifice and perseverance.

“Thanks to the magnificent paratroopers of the 173d and Task Force Bayonet for their blood, sweat and tears; fighting for a noble cause. Never before have I known such a brave group of Soldiers,” said Col. Charles Preysler, TF Bayonet commander. “Their tenacity and resolve, while fighting in some of the toughest terrain on earth, is humbling to me as leader. I am in awe of their accomplishments and am proud to have walked the same ground they have.”

Families tied by war: Brothers in arms cross paths in Afghanistan

Written by Air Force Staff Sgt. Rachel M. Martinez 455th AEW Public Affairs
Monday, 28 July 2008

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (July 27, 2008) — Twenty-one year old Senior Airman Matthew Delgado made one last trip home before deploying in May. He was set to deploy to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, and didn’t expect to see his family for months. Half-way into his deployment rotation, he was surprised when someone knocked on his barracks door and told him his brother was waiting for him at the PX here.

Army Pfc. Jerin Delgado, 26, arrived at Bagram July 18 with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas, as they transitioned to a forward operating base in the region. The two brothers, from Cedar Hill, Texas, were able to spend a few days together catching up.

“Of all places to run into your family -- on the other side of the world in Afghanistan -- how often does that happen?” said the Airman. “I felt a little closer to home when my brother came.”

Senior Airman Delgado is deployed to the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here. Even though he is scheduled to deploy to Iraq in 2009, he volunteered for this deployment.

“I wanted to do my part in the war against terror. I deployed here to [provide] force protection,” said Airman Delgado, who performs F-16 maintenance inspections at his home station, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas. “I feel my mission is very important over here. We are the first line of defense for this base.”

Private First Class Delgado is a combat medic, providing care to injured Soldiers on the front lines. Despite his brother’s dangerous job, Senior Airman Delgado said he doesn’t worry too much.

“We both try not to think about it, because that makes things worse,” he said. “I know my brother knows his job very well and I think that he will be fine.”

Likewise, Pfc. Delgado believes his brother can hold his own. “If anything happened, I know he could handle it,” he said.

Along with being brothers in different armed services, comes some rivalry.

“[We have] all the normal older brother [versus] younger brother rivalry,” said Senior Airman Delgado. “I think it is standard across the board. Of course Army and Air Force – we all know of the rivalry there – but it is all in fun.”

Rivalry aside, the Delgado brothers said they both signed up to serve their country – and that’s what they are doing here with the added perk of serving together.

Can't get enough of these

Right now, as the troops are settling in, they need flat (not white) bed sheets, and solid colored shower curtains.

They also need all the single serve drink mixes, you can pack into an FRB. Please limit the amount of lemonade you send. For some reason, lemonade is sent the most. Your trooper may request some brands, but if possible send the propel or gatorade (powdered) mixes. These and any of the enriched mixes will help. The altitude these guys will be working in saps their strength, so all the healthy things we can get to them the better. I take the snack size plastic bags, and fill it with an assortment of the individual packages. This way, each trooper will get an assortment, instead of being left with all the lemonade boxes. : )

If you can, the enriched power gels are good. Google gel protein, and you will find some sources. But they are expensive, so warn your trooper to use sparingly. But with the altitude, they exhaust easily, and forget to eat. Hence, the healthy protein bars, and the protein gels.

Baby wipes, Baby wipes, Baby wipes, Baby wipes, Baby wipes, Baby wipes, unscented. I break the larger packages down to single packages. I get the quart bags with the zipper (easier for big hands to use). I put a stack of 3/4 inch to 1 inch in each bag, fold the top over (to remove as much air as possible), and zip them up. This way, the trooper can grab one or two paks to take with him when he is "out and about". Your trooper may advise different. They will become the experts on what works and what does not work for them.

Don't forget ! ! ! If your trooper is "out and about", good quality jerky. Your trooper may have a preference for a local brand. If not, Whittington's jerky in Johnson City, Texas, makes a great jerky, and will send it directly. If you like, I get a wholesale price, and I go down to their store regularly. This way, you will not to have to give your trooper's address out. Remember, do not spread that address widely. Guard your trooper's security, and the spam mail from blogging the mail pipeline. JUNK MAIL thrives on web sites. ALWAYS remember OPSEC regulations, too. More on both of those later.

6-4 CAV has Deployed

6-4 CAV has deployed to Afghanistan, and have arrived safely.

They are settling in, and moving out to join the fight.

God Bless all of them,

and their families.

"And although we may do our best to avoid trouble, sometimes trouble insists on finding us. When tha happens, warriors flip the switch and act decisively --ruthlessly if necessary -- to preserve and defend the things thay hold dear. and when the fight is over, they turn off the switch and continue to cherish the things they value enough to defend. That's what makes them warriors. And that's what makes them the good guys" --Michael D. Janich