Volume 3, Issue 1. Army Families are the best! Pg. 12. May 2013

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1 Vanguard Voice Volume 3, Issue 1 Army Families are the best! Pg. 12 May Volume Issue 1 May 2013

2 Vanguard Voice Volume 3, Issue 1 Table of Contents Page 3 Message to the Troops from Vanguard 6 and Vanguard 7 Page 4 US, Afghan Soldiers train for better security Page 5 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment Photo Page Page 6 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Photo Page Page 7 Mustang distribution platoon The Smooth Sounds of TF Vanguard S6 Click the photo to hear S6 sing the Dog Faced Soldier Song. receives medical evacuation training Page 8 Patriot artillerymen advise, assist as ANA accelerate capabilities Page 9 Afghan soldiers zero in on rifle marksmanship to improve security Page 10 Maintainers provide weapons training to ANA Page 11 Gone, but not forgotten Page 12 Chaplain s Corner Page 13 Safety Tips / 4IBCT Safety Office Page 14 National Sexual Assault Awareness Month / Sgt. Rodric Booker, a petroleum supply specialist SHARP Page 15 About Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month / Equal Opportunity Page 16 2 Contact Us! May 2013 Cover Photo: with a Security Forces Advise and Assist Team, shakes hands with a soldier from the Afghan National Army s 4th Brigade, 203rd Corps Garrison Support Unit, which the SFAAT is partnered with, at an ANA fuel supply point. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elvis N. Umanzor, 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. Public Affairs)

3 To all our Vanguard Soldiers, Families, and Friends, greetings from Afghanistan, COL Kimo Gallahue Commander, First, CSM Hummel and I would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude for the outstanding support of our friends and Family members back home. Your support is the foundation of our success. The dedication and determination of our Vanguard Soldiers is truly amazing. Our Task Force Vanguard Soldiers have hit the ground running and they are having a very positive impact on the people of Afghanistan every day. They are helping to provide a safe and secure environment for the Afghan people while training the Afghan National Army and Police to operate at an ever increasing level of proficiency. Our great American Soldiers are consistently doing the right thing in the face of many challenges and we could not be more proud of them. As our footprint gets smaller, we will have to live, eat and do some things differently. Our Soldiers, civilian employees and contractors will have the amenities, accommodations and services necessary to complete the mission while keeping within established quality of life standards. Rest assured we have everything we need to stay connected, healthy and happy. As we look forward to the rest of our deployment, we know our Soldiers will continue to maintain the highest standards and accomplish every assigned mission while truly making a difference here in Afghanistan. We have no doubt that our extraordinary Soldiers will overcome any and all adversity and conduct themselves with the professionalism, dedication and pride that distinguishes them as Vanguards. Again, thanks so much to all for the outstanding support we have and will continue to receive. We encourage everyone to follow the Vanguard Brigade on Facebook ( This is a great way to see photos, videos and stories of your Soldiers in action. Vanguards, Out Front! COL Kimo C. Gallahue and CSM Alan K. Hummel Task Force Vanguard Command Team 3 May 2013 CSM Alan Hummel Command Sergeant Major, Task Force Vanguard

4 US, Afghan Soldiers train for better security Vanguard Voice Volume 3, Issue 1 By U.S. Army Sgt. Bob Yarbrough 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. Public Affairs CAMP MAIWAND, Afghanistan Ten Afghan soldiers from the unit responsible for the security of Camp Maiwand, Logar Province, Afghanistan received training to improve their entry control point procedures on April 2, at the main entry point of their home base. Prior to the training, the U.S. Security Forces Advise and Assist Team assigned to Camp Maiwand worked alongside the Afghan Garrison Support Unit in overhauling security on their main entry point. U.S. Army Sgt.1st Class Luis Robles, a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico, and the 4th Brigade Garrison Support Unit advisor with SFAAT 1, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said, One thing I ve noticed since we started working on the ECP was that they took ownership, and started doing it themselves really quickly. As an advisor, that s something you look for. The training consisted of three U.S. Army noncommissioned officers training five Afghan National Army NCOs, and five ANA privates on the proper procedures for stopping a vehicle approaching the gate to their base, and what to do afterwards. This included searching both military and civilian vehicles, and searching individuals who either arrive in those vehicles or on foot. Robles was the lead instructor for the morning s training. He gave the first block of instruction, which was on vehicle checkpoint procedures. He instructed the Afghan soldiers on how to properly stop a vehicle and what to look for in and around the vehicle. He explained the differences between searching a military vehicle and a civilian vehicle, as well as why all searches are important and should be conducted in a serious and thorough manner. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Lucas Worthy, a native of Stuart, Fla., and a military policeman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th IBCT, instructed the ANA soldiers on searching an individual. He expressed the importance of using another soldier as an added security measure, and demonstrated proper techniques for disarming and disabling a possible threat. With this training, the Afghans are steadily improving, Worthy said. They already showed signs of knowledge of what they re doing. I think they ll be able to pass it on to their soldiers and it will be really effective. U.S. Army Spc. Josue Rivera, an infantryman with HHC, 4th IBCT, and a native of Lansdale, Pa., explained the importance of being watchful while on guard, and reporting anything suspicious. Rivera also went through what it means to be properly relieved of Sgt. 1st Class Lucas Worthy, right, a native of Stuart, Fla., and a military policeman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and U.S. Army Spc. Josue Rivera, an infantryman with HHC, 4th IBCT, and a native of Lansdale, Pa., demonstrate search procedures for their class of Afghan National Army soldiers, April 2, 2013, on Camp Maiwand, Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Bob Yarbrough, 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. Public Affairs) guard duty. Rivera gave this training, and also served as the assistant instructor for Worthy s class on searching individuals. The day s training concluded with the standing orders that apply to all guards. This training was valuable because the Afghans worked hand in hand with us and helped to secure the FOB better than it was, said Rivera. Afghan National Army Staff Sgt. Ainudin Characiawall, an infantryman in a security coy with 4th Brigade, 203rd Corps, and a native of Kabul, Afghanistan, said, It was very good, we learned many things today like how to stop the vehicle, how to search the vehicle, and how to search a person. Characiawall added, It will help everybody, especially us, so when the enemy comes, we know how to act against them. The ANA soldiers present were assessed on their ability to properly search vehicles and individuals, and were presented with certificates of training during a ceremony that doubled as the official opening of their main entry control point. ANA Col. Muhammad Zaman Malang, Garrison Support Unit commander for the 4th Bde., 203rd Corps and Robles cut a ceremonial ribbon to commemorate the partnership and hard work that went into improving the entry control point. The training and ceremony marked a step toward complete mission readiness and independence for the ANA s 4th Bde., 203rd Corps. 4 May 2013

5 Vanguard Voice Volume 3, Issue 1 Cottonbalers By God, Damn Fine Soldiers 5 May 2013

6 Vanguard Voice Volume 3, Issue 1 Can Do 6 May 2013

7 Honor And Courage Mustang distribution platoon receives medical evacuation training By U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Arber 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. UPAR FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK, Afghanistan American Soldiers from Distribution Platoon, Company D, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, received medical evacuation, or MEDEVAC, training, March13, at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province, Afghanistan. The training involved preparing simulated casualties for extraction and loading them onto a helicopter while the rotors were spinning, providing realistic training for the Soldiers by creating noise and confusion, which makes communication more difficult. U.S. Army 1st Lt. Matthew Mellor, the distribution platoon leader from 6th Sqdn., 8th Cav. Regt., said the training allowed them to synchronize their tactical and technical procedures and see what works best for the MEDEVAC flight crew as well as figure out what works best for the platoon when it comes to MEDEVAC situations. The training provided by the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, covered the capabilities of the MEDEVAC UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and provided emphasis on what information the flight crew needs ahead of time to ensure maximum efficiency when evacuating casualties from the battlefield. The training built confidence within the Soldiers ensuring they would know what to do in the event a MEDEVAC becomes necessary, said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Kirven, the distribution platoon sergeant from the 6th Sqdn., 8th Cav. Regt. She added the training provides peace of mind, knowing how quick the Black Hawks can make it to them at any location in the area they operate. The Distribution Plt., conducts logistical resupply missions to the combat outposts within Logar Province, bringing the Soldiers food, supplies and mail. They are currently scheduled for a nine-month deployment. Soldiers from Distribution Platoon, Company D, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, practice loading a simulated casualty into a medical evacuation UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, March 13, 2013, at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Matthew Mellor, 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div) 7 May 2013

8 Duty The Spirit of 76 Patriot artillerymen advise, assist as ANA accelerate capabilities By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Elvis N. Umanzor 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. Public Affairs FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK, Afghanistan U.S. artillerymen from 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, observed as Afghan National Army artillerymen conducted training on the 122 mm D-30 howitzer, March 25, at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province, Afghanistan. (ABOVE) Afghan National Army artillerymen from Field Artillery Coy, 4th Kandak, 4th Brigade, 203rd Corps, conduct training to speed up their firing capabilities on the Soviet 122 mm D-30 howitzer, March 25, 2013, at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province, Afghanistan. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Barkey, a Yukon, Okla., native and an artilleryman with 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, attended the ANA training to assist and advise the ANA upon request. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elvis N. Umanzor, 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. Public Affairs) U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Kuhnert, a fire directions sergeant, with 1-76 FA, said the ANA is in charge of planning and conducting their own training, and the ANA artillerymen know what to do, but are working on their speed. Kuhnert, a Pinckneyville, Ill., native, said the ANA have the technical skill, but spending time to double check and do everything perfectly was costing them valuable time. During the training, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Barkey, a Yukon, Okla., native and a cannon crew member with 1-76 FA, watched an ANA fire chief go over load and fire procedures repeatedly with his team. Barkey said the fire chief was very good, after observing the fire chief stop the training to demonstrate to his team how to load the chamber faster. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Keldrick Keys, a native of Meadville, Miss., and the battalion fire control sergeant for 1-76 FA, advises the fire direction center. He said their goal is for the ANA FDC and the artillery planning cell to split into two groups. This would allow two FDCs per battery and enhance their capabilities. We are strictly advising, added Kuhnert. If they have any questions, yes, we are here to help. (RIGHT) Staff Sgt. Ryan Barkey, a Yukon, Okla., native and a cannon crew member with 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, observes an Afghan National Army artilleryman during ANA training on the Soviet-made 122 mm D-30 howitzer, March 25, 2013, at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province, Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elvis N. Umanzor, 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. Public Affairs) ANA artillerymen from Field Artillery Coy, 4th Kandak, 4th Brigade, 203rd Corps, have been training on the Soviet howitzer before the Vanguard Brigade arrived in theater about a month ago. Right now they can shoot from a fixed site with no problem, said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Juan Lozano Jr., a San Antonio native, and the battalion master gunner for 1-76 FA. 8 May 2013

9 One Team, One Fight Afghan soldiers zero in on rifle marksmanship to improve security By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Elvis N. Umanzor 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. Public Affairs Afghan National Army soldiers with the Security Tolai, Garrison Support Unit for Camp Maiwand, Afghanistan, conduct M16 rifle marksmanship training to enhance their accuracy on Forward Operating Base Shank, April 22, ANA leadership and U.S. Soldiers with 4-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, provide training. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elvis N. Umanzor, 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. Public Affairs) FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK, Afghanistan The gray sky gave notice of rain showers, setting the wet and cold training conditions for 10 Afghan National Army soldiers who rode out to a firing range here, April 22, to conduct marksmanship training. The ANA soldiers arrived at the firing range, accompanied by their U.S. Army counterparts, eager to start training as they quickly put on their protective gear and listened attentively to the range instructions given by U.S. Army Capt. Nicholas Cherry, the commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Many of the ANA soldiers were firing for the first time since basic training, but had trained on rifle marksmanship fundamentals two weeks ago. Marksmanship training like this will help the ANA Soldiers protect themselves and the Afghan people, while helping to prevent civilian injuries. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Lucas Worthy, a native of Stuart, Fla., and a military policeman with HHC, 4-3 BSTB, said the ANA soldiers quickly became proficient with the washer drill and now we are going to test their eye sight. Worthy added the training would help them be more accurate by improving their target acquisition. Cherry, a Duluth, Ga., native, is partnered with the ANA commander for the Security Tolai of the Garrison Support Unit for Camp Maiwand, Afghanistan. One of the things he [the ANA commander] requested was to conduct marksmanship training with his soldiers, so 9 May 2013 were able to facilitate that utilizing our range, Cherry said. As the light rain began, the ANA firers took their positions and chambered a round into their M16 rifles. U.S. Soldiers with 4th IBCT stood behind them to coach and advise, as the ANA fired their first three rounds into the paper targets. After their first three rounds, all the weapons were cleared and the firers and advisors moved to check their targets. The ANA commander, along with the other U.S. advisors, showed the ANA soldiers their shot groups and what adjustments would need to be made for them to hit the center of the target. Everyone moved back behind the firing line and made adjustments to their weapons and firing positions, before shooting again. Soldiers shot from three positions. They shot lying on the ground, known as the prone position, from the knee and then standing. The firing rotation continued until every ANA soldier fired. U.S. Army 1st Lt. Adam Steveley, a platoon leader with HHC, 4-3 BSTB, said the marksmanship training would help the ANA increase their security at the entry control points and while on patrols. The biggest thing it does for us is, it builds our relationship before we go out on a partnered patrol, the Cincinnati, Ohio, native said. Soldiers from HHC, 4-3 BSTB, and the Security Tolai have been training together since the Vanguard Brigade arrived here. ANA soldier Noorullah, with the Security Tolai, said he was happy to be working with the U.S. Soldiers, and the marksmanship training would improve their accuracy and help provide better security for Afghans and their camp. Pfc. Gustavo DeFreitas, left, an infantryman with 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and an Afghan National Army soldier check a paper target during ANA rifle marksmanship training on Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, April 22, This training increases accuracy and helps prevent civilian injuries. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elvis N. Umanzor, 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. Public Affairs) w e

10 Maintain Maintainers provide weapons training to ANA U.S. Army Sgt. Sarah M. Bailey 703rd BSB, 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., UPAR CAMP MAIWAND, Afghanistan U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Samuel Caffrey, a Hastings, Pa., native and an armament repairer with Company B, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, trained Afghan National Army soldiers on how to disassemble and reassemble the M4 and M16 rifle, the M249 squad automatic weapon and the M240B machine gun at Camp Maiwand, Afghanistan, April 16. The training is one of the many ways Co. B, in conjunction with U.S. Army Security Forces Advise and Assist Team 1, with 4th IBCT, is assisting the Afghan National Army. Over a period of three days, Caffrey trained the Afghan National Army soldiers on how to break down and care for weapon systems, so they can operate them more efficiently. The main thing is they know how to operate these weapons, and they can take that knowledge to take care of their own, said Caffrey. Caffrey s lesson plan included hands on training that allowed the ANA soldiers to break down the weapons to a level they hadn t done before. This training is much more in depth than we have had, said Shafiullah Armani, an infantryman with the ANA 5th Kandak, 4th Brigade, 203rd Corps, I want to learn this so I can teach my friends. U.S. Army Capt. John Rawlinson, a native of Kingsville, Texas, and the executive officer of SFAAT1, has been actively engaged with assisting the ANA for the past two months and has seen the progress the ANA soldiers have made. They have never seen the weapons broken down to this level, and they are eager to learn, he said. CAMP MAIWAND, Afghanistan U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Samuel Caffrey, a Hastings, Pa., native and an armament repairer with Company B, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, shows an Afghan National Army soldier from 4th Brigade, 203rd Corps, how to disassemble and reassemble the M249 squad automatic weapon at Camp Maiwand, Afghanistan, April 16, (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Sarah M. Bailey, 703rd BSB, 4IBCT, 3ID) An Afghan National Army soldier from 4th Brigade, 203rd Corps, disassembles an M16 rifle while U.S. soldiers from 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, observe, April 16, 2013, at Camp Maiwand, Afghanistan. The training is one of the many ways soldiers from Company B, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th IBCT, and U.S. Army Security Forces Advise and Assist Team 1, 4th IBCT, are assisting the ANA. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Sarah M. Bailey, 703rd BSB, 4IBCT, 3ID) 10 May 2013

11 A tribute to fallen vanguard heroes Pfc. Barrett L. Austin, 20, of Easley, S.C., died April 21 in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained when his vehicle was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, April 17. He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard, 32, of Selah, Wash., died April 23, in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y., and attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. 1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of Fairfax, Va., died April 23, in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y., and attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. 11 May 2013

12 SSG Andre Gambrell, TF Vanguard Chaplain s Assistant Chaplain (MAJ) David Trogdon TF Vanguard Chaplain For more than 22 years, my wife has been a real Army Wife and my children have been a part of an Army Family. My years as the Soldier, husband and dad of an Army Family, as well as my 4 deployments, qualifies me to make this statement, Army Families are the best! I am convinced that Army Families are the best and here are my top ten reasons: 10. Army Families don t post on Facebook about how much they miss their spouse when he or she goes away for a whole three days. 9. Army Families can actually find Afghanistan on a map, haven t forgotten September 11 th and live everyday with the reality that we are still very much a nation at war. 8. Army Families know what PX, POV, PT, PFC, CDR, BDE, CSM, 1SG, MWR, ACS, DFAC, FRG, PCS and ETS mean without having to buy a vowel. 7. Army Families still know how to stand and be respectful when our National Anthem is played. 6. Army Families actually may have lived in more than one city, county, state or even country. 5. Army Families know how to celebrate and even enjoy Christmas in the middle of summer or birthdays months later after their Soldier s redeployment. 4. Army Families often spend more time together over Skype and Facetime than other families do when they are still together in the same house. 3. Army Families know how to survive when everything breaks down and everything falls apart right after their Soldier leaves for a 9 month deployment. 2. Army Families know they are a part of a larger Family and are willing to help each other through the many difficult and sometimes painful moments of deployment and military service. 1. Army Families know what sacrifice and serving our Country truly means and still love their Soldier during the good times and especially during the hard times! Perhaps now you can see why I believe that Army Families are the best. While the Army may not have issued us a Family, Army Families are a gift from God. April is the Month of the Military Child, May has Mother s Day and June Father s Day, but every day of every month should be Army Family Appreciation Day. Why? Because Army Families are the best! CH (MAJ) David Trogdon TF Vanguard Brigade Chaplain 12 May 2013

13 Desert Environment Hydration, sun screen, shade Gusty winds/sand Storms Shield personnel & equipment from weather elements/sand Heat in Afghanistan deg hydration, wear protective clothing, seek shade and use fans/airconditioning Hourly fluid intake not to exceed 1 ½ quarts & Daily not exceed 12 quarts Don t wait to feel thirsty Monitor you urine color, if dark, you need to drink water Drink frequently, eat meals, add salt If using Camel Back ensure to drain it every night Perform heavy work in the cooler hours of the day Minimize heat stress by decreasing work pace and/or increasing rest periods Critters Poisonous snakes, scorpions, spiders, centipedes, mosquitoes, rats, and sand flies protect against animal bites and insect stings use caution where you step and put your hands, use insect repellent, shake out clothing, check socks, boots, and bedding Flash flooding in low ground areas Stay on high ground during flooding conditions, use caution crossing bridges and streams Aggressive Driving Habits Wear seat belts, drive defensively, and constantly be alert for the unexpected Vehicle Pedestrian Collisions Always give way to pedestrians and expect the unexpected Convoy Operations Convoys in Wardak/Logar are high risk operations Stress detailed precombat checks, safety briefing, PMCs, complete risk assessment of hazards or threats identified along the route, check personnel rest, brief assistant driver responsibilities, use experience drivers when possible, leaders enforce requirement to wear seat belts, maintain communications Safely clean weapon, magazines, and ammunition as necessary IED Stress the need for constant awareness for potential explosive devices Accident Reporting Reported all accidents/ indecent through your chain of command Fratricide Caused by: Poor control of fire % maneuver, direct fire control failure Buddy System Establish a buddy system and provide guidance on the issues buddies should help each other with, enforcement of water consumption, proper eating habits, personal hygiene, watching for sunburn, fatigue, sickness, heat weather injury Safety is a frame of mind, so concentrate on it all the time Courtesy of Mr. Anthony Woodard TF Vanguard Safety Manager anthony.woodard@afghan.swa.army.mil 13 May 2013

14 April National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, known as SAAM, is an annual campaign to raise awareness and educate communities on the prevention of sexual violence. The Army in conjunction with the Department of Defense is implementing the new 2013 SAAM theme - "We own it... We'll solve it... Together" - that is designed to strengthen our collective moral and ethical commitment, in keeping with Army Values and our Warrior Ethos, to show respect and dignity for every Soldier, DA Civilian, their family members, and the nation we serve. The Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, known as SHARP, exists so the Army can prevent sexual harassment and sexual assaults before they occur. Our goal is to eliminate sexual assaults and sexual harassment by creating a climate that respects the dignity of every member of the Army family. Additionally, we strive to: Reduce the stigma of reporting Protect the victim Increase prevention, investigation, prosecution and victim care capabilities Increase training and resources Refine and sustain response capability Sexual harassment and sexual assault are inconsistent with Army Values and will not be tolerated. One assault is one too many. We must foster a climate of trust that respects and protects our Soldiers, civilians, and family members. We are aggressively implementing and expanding the Army's comprehensive Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program. SHARP is a commander's program. We are committed to ensuring engaged leadership at all levels to prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment. We will hold offenders appropriately accountable. It is critical to good order and discipline that commanders retain authority and responsibility for the prevention of and response to sexual assault and the disposition of sexual assault cases. Army leaders at every level must: Establish a command climate of trust and accountability Reinforce that command climate with continuous education and training Use command climate surveys and other appropriate tools to ensure sustainment of the right environment within their organizations Your Brigade SHARP Sexual Assault Response Coordinator is: SFC Matthew D. Smith matthew.d.smith@afghan.swa.army.mil 14 May 2013

15 Vanguard Voice Volume 3, Issue 1 About Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A rather broad term, Asian-Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island). Like most commemorative months, Asian-Pacific Heritage Month originated in a congressional bill. In June 1977, Reps. Frank Horton of New York and Norman Y. Mineta of California introduced a House resolution that called upon the president to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. The following month, senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Both were passed. On October 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the annual celebration. Twelve years later, President George H.W. Bush signed an extension making the week-long celebration into a month-long celebration. In 1992, the official designation of May as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month was signed into law. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. To learn more about Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month please visit the web site hosted by the Library of Congress: Web Site. Your Brigade Equal Opportunity Advisor is SFC James Ward James.J.Ward@afghan.SWA.army.mil 15 May 2013

16 Maj. Eden, the only combat stress therapy dog in the Afghan theater of operations, visits the Task Force Vanguard Joint Operations Center on Forward Operating Base Shank. (Click for more photos) Produced by the Task Force Vanguard Public Affairs Team: Follow us on Facebook! Public Affairs Officer: MAJ Matt Fontaine Public Affairs NCOIC: SSG Elvis Umanzor Broadcast NCO: SGT Bob Yarbrough 16 May 2013