Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Duke Brigade Leading Charge to Charity
You make a life by what you give."
Winston Churchill
By Pfc. Charles Wolfe
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – The Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, are donating some of their pay to help others and they are breaking records doing it.
3-1, dubbed the “Duke Brigade,” has pledged more than $86,000 to the Combined Federal Campaign in five weeks, surpassing their annual goal with three weeks left in the annual charity drive.
“I’m always about helping people and giving myself to others to help people,” said 1st Lt. Joy Crowder, a native of Harker Heights, Texas. “There are people out there who really need that money for whatever it may go to - healthcare or food, whatever it is.”
To stress the importance of the chance for so many to donate to a worthy cause, Crowder turns to one of her favorite historical figure
“I would have to quote one of the great leaders of our time, Winston Churchill, who said, ‘You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give,” Crowder said.
Crowder is just one of many Soldiers who donated to the CFC this year. The CFC ensures the Soldiers’ money goes only to the charity of their choice. There are 2,260 organizations in the CFC’s most recent catalog, giving participants in the drive a wide range of causes to support. According to the CFC’s official website, an organization need only be recognized as a tax-free, non-profit group by the Internal Revenue Service to apply for a spot in their roster of charities. With groups supporting everything from medical supplies for poor countries to saving music programs in public schools, the CFC is the largest annual workplace charity campaign in the world. Federal employees working in all corners of the world can find the right outlet for their philanthropy.
Deployed throughout Eastern Afghanistan, Soldiers from 3-1 are focused on a broad mission, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and the Afghan people. However, they continue to support important causes back home.
These troops have surpassed last year’s earnings and have a chance to lead all Fort Hood units for the second straight year. Soldiers from all over the brigade are making their contributions felt.
“I know Duke Brigade Soldiers are into giving because they give 100 percent every day,” said brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Orosz. “The program is successful because leaders are contacting Soldiers and telling them about the Combined Federal Campaign.”
With the CFC drive not yet over for 3-1, Orosz encourages his Soldiers to continue their generous streak.
“With a little more than two weeks remaining, I know the Duke Brigade can be number one at Fort Hood and throughout Operation Enduring Freedom,” Orosz said.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
B Troop 6-4 Cav Trains ANSF forces
If the video says it is unavailable at this time try link: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=49069
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Thank you God, we love baby steps

http://www.yllescasfamily.blogspot.com/
So, depending on how he does between now and then will determine if we fly Tuesday. The other update is really quite exciting. They told us this morning that he had been quiet during the night and did not move. However, when I walked into the room and started talking to him, you could see his eyes moving behind his lids and he started moving his shoulders!!!! I couldn't believe it! I talked to him about the girls and he would move them even more. He even had tears coming from his eyes when Barb and I spoke to him. I asked him to squeeze my fingers and he would ever so slightly. The neuro dr came in and examined him and said that with everything he's been through, things are just going to take time. I told him to try to open his eyes. You could see him moving his shoulders up and down like he was trying to get them to open. You can only imagine how heavy is eyes are. They did have to sedate him a little when they thought we were flying, so he did go back to sleep for awhile. But right before we left him so he could go to surgery, I started rubbing his cheeks and forehead with my fingers and he again fluttered his eyes and moved his shoulders! This is such exciting news. I know it's baby steps but anything positive like this is HIGHLY encouraging! So, please keep praying that they will find what's causing his levels to be high and be able to fix the problem and that his neuro status continues to improve. God is good and He will provide.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Brian Williams NBC broadcast
Warning, it may be hard to for some to watch.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Come Before Winter
Reporting about getting aid to Afghanistan before winter.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/10/14/robertson.wv.afghanistan.pt1.cnn?iref=videosearch
MAJ Aylwand and PRT, LTC Petrovia, Col Spiszer. LTC Perez
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Patrick Mancuso - Marrow Transplant Recipient
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)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Operation Cup Cake and Bread Baking Troopers
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.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Task Force Raider Remembers Fallen Soldier

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.

6-4 Medics Helping Locals
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.”
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
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
“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
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Video: 6-4 CAV Medics in Afghanistan
Monday, August 4, 2008
Afghanistan Video
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.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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.”
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Requests and Happy Birthday
". . . Let me tell you how the cook decorated. He took some zip lock bags, we made red frosting (we only have black/red/green food coloring, the liquid, which makes the frosting a runny consistency). So, he filled a zip, cut the corner of a second zip, stuck in the giant tip (very limited tips - most of them are toooooooo big) then squeezed the first bag into the tip of the second . . ."
Clever cook.
I know what you're thinking, but we've already got the supplies covered. Some of us got to clean out our closets of decorating supplies from lives long past (and best forgotten) .
Angel in Desert Camo" WILL have cake decorating supplies for AUGUST.






Send what you can to the address on sidebar, and we’ll get these things boxed up and off to these warriors. More will be listed as the rest of the 6-4 Trooper contacts check in. It’s going to take some time for me to get used to calling their units Troops.
- Small paint brushes 1” and 3"
- Bed Sheets
- Shower Curtains
The brushes are used for cleaning weapons and “dusting areas”. Okay, I don’t know about you, but I’m going to request pictures of 1SG Johnson “dusting areas”. That I need to see.
The Flat bed sheets are not only used for beds, but seem to come in handy for all kinds things.
Clear shower curtains just are not the best for these guys. For the length of the deployment, it is very important that the guys have some place to go for some personal time. Personal space is
hard to come by, but helps recharge. If we can get enough bed sheets, this is one of those “unexpected uses”.
This picture sent from a previous blogger to give you some idea of the uses for the shower curtains and sheets. This was for officers, so don’t expect such luxury for the majority of the troops.
There is a special request for spices to SPICE up the meals that are prepared for these warriors. If possible, large containers of one kind of spice will better serve the purpose, but we’ll send on the regular sized bottles of spices. These people are serious about doing their very best for their people.
Let’s get these warriors settled in and then get down to the support they will need for the long haul. Everything we do helps make day to day living a little more bearable, and reassures these warriors that there are AMERICANS that support them in every way possible.
- Lemon Pepper
- Lawery Seasoning Salt
- Garlic Powder
- O’Bay Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Kosher Salt
- White Pepper
- Onion Pepper
- Gumbo Powder
- Curry Powder
- Cumin
- All Spice
- Paprika
- Chili Powder
- Thyme
- Chinese Five Spice
- Tarragon
- Nutmeg
- Powdered Ginger
- Dill Weed
- Bay Leaves
- Whole Cloves
- Cayenne Pepper
From previous deployments, we've been told to please try not send those face shredding disposable razors.
For our warriors, as always,
Gratitude and Prayers.
