The Dragoon. Highlights in 2d Cavalry History. Newsletter

Transcription

1 2d Cavalry Re giment The Dragoon Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 11 DEC 2013 Col D.A. Sims, 77th Colonel of the Regiment Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. Wilbert E. Engram Jr. Soldiers with 3rd Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon run on Forward Operating Base Pasab during the Holiday Run Dec. 14, The run also known as the Over the Hump run marked the halfway point of 2 CR deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Historical Events 2 Family s First Deployment FOB Zangabad Transfer 3 4 1st Squadron 5 2nd Squadron 6 3rd Squadron 7 4th Squadron 8 Fires 9 Highlights in 2d Cavalry History December 5, 1901; Col. Eli L. Huggins assumes command as the 12th Colonel of the Regiment. Huggins began his career in 1861 as a private in the 2nd Minnesota Infantry. During his career he served in the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish American War, Boxer Rebellion, and Philippine Insurrection. He was wounded three times, spent a year as a Prisoner of War in a Confederate prison camp and was a recipient of the Medal of Honor while commanding Troop E, 2d Cavalry. He retired with 42 years of service, the day after being promoted to Brigadier General. December 9, 1866; Skirmish at Peno Creek Dakota Territory: Twenty Dragoons of Troop C under the command of Capt. Brown of the 18th Infantry went out to the relief of the wood train from Fort Phil Kearney, which was corralled by Indians. They drove the Indians away and in the pursuit of a dismounted Indian, Brown and Lieutenant Bingham, were separated from the command and were cut off and surrounded by a large force. Brown succeeded in cutting his way through to a party of four men, and two of them, both wounded, reached the main body, while Bingham and one man were killed. RSS

2 History Highlights cont... PAGE 2 December 13, 1862; Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. Martin Hagan, Fredricksburg, VA. Having been left behind in charge of a detachment of seven 2d Dragoons in Fredericksburg, VA., when that city was evacuated by our Troops, the men were to remain until relieved. Hagan remained at his post until the Army of Northern Virginia was about to enter the town. He succeeded in delaying the advance by skirmishing until learning that the bridges behind him had been removed and that he was the only Union force left in the city, he concluded to retire. Hagan did this with great deliberation, disputing every foot with a brigade of the enemy s cavalry, until the Rappahannock was reached, when, after seeing his men with their horses well over the river, he plunged in himself under a shower of balls, and swam across without the loss of a man, horse, or article of equipment. December 16, 1944; When the Germans launched their winter offensive the 9th Armored Division, with no real combat experience, suddenly found itself engaged in heavy fighting. The division saw some of its most severe action at Bastogne, with its subordinate units fighting in widely separated areas. Its stand at Bastogne held off the Germans long enough to enable the 101st Airborne Division to dig in for a defense of the city. The 2d and 19th Tank Battalions, 9th Armored Division were formed in 1943 by men of the 2d Cavalry. The 2d Tank Battalion was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and the Belgian Croix de Guerre with Palm for its actions at Bastogne. The 19th Tank Battalion received a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions in and around Luxembourg. Today, the Regiment proudly displays the lineage and honors of both the 2d and 19th Tank Battalions. Become a member of the 2d Cavalry Association - For more information, visit our website at:

3 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 11 PAGE 3 One 2 CR family s journey through their first deployment Spc. James Dingle, a fire direction controller assigned to Fires Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment embraces his family as he reads a sign that his children made for him for the 2 CR return ceremony on Rose Barracks, Germany, Nov 23, 2013, after returning home from Afghanistan. James returned from Afghanistan where he was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Story and photos by Spc. Joshua Edwards Combined Task Force Dragoon F or Spc. James Dingle, a fire direction controller assigned to Fires Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, it s all about duty and family. After getting through this, his first deployment to Afghanistan, it s the latter that he is now focused on. I am looking forward to getting home and seeing how big the kids have gotten, said James. When I left, my son was speaking a few words but every time I spoke to him on the Internet, he was talking so much more. It was the ability to stay in constant contact, not only with his family back home, but with his military family as well who helped him through the roughest times of his deployment. It was mainly the open communication with my family and my buddies down range, said James. The one thing that I enjoyed was that whenever I needed to talk to someone, there was someone there. Having the ability to talk to my peers, my NCOs and my wife was essential. But there were times where it wasn t possible to have that immediate contact with his family. Right at the beginning, I didn t hear from him for the first week or two, said Mrs. Madison Cannon-Dingle, James wife. The kids were getting antsy because they wanted to talk to daddy. That was a little rough. Having two young children with a deployed spouse can be difficult and planning ahead of time played a big part in helping their children get through the deployment. My son, being 2-years-old, doesn t quite understand him being away, said Madison. But we sat our 5-yearold daughter down to talk to her and explain that daddy is going far away to work for a while but we will get to talk to him on the computer. But when they weren t able to get in contact with James using the phone or internet, she went back to a tried-buttrue method. We started writing him letters and included them in the packages that we would send him, said Madison. (They) smelled like my perfume so he would have something that reminded him of home and family. Having an extensive military background, allowed her to not only help her kids, but to prepare herself as well. Madison s father, grandfather and other family members have served in the military and prepared her for what to expect which helps her handle it all with composure, especially, for her children- something that some firsttime spouses have difficulty with at times. Madison s military experience helped her to plan activities for herself and her children to help pass the time while her husband was away. I left myself little things to do, like decorating the house, said Madison. I did a lot of traveling with my kids and two of my friends. Plus, I am going back to school. However, now that James is coming back in time for the holidays, he and his family will have no problem filling the time together. We are going to visit some of the Christmas markets here in Germany, said James. I am just looking forward to spending time with the family. Madison shared that same sentiment. I was mentally prepared for 12 months, but when I found out that he was coming home early, I was shocked, said Madison. I am really excited to have him back.

4 ANA undertake independent operations at FOB Zangabad PAGE 4 U.S. Army Col. D. A. Sims, commander of Combined Task Force Dragoon, renders a salute while the Afghanistan national anthem plays during a transfer ceremony Nov. 27, 2013, at Forward Operating Base Zangabad, Afghanistan. Troopers with the task force held a formal ceremony to honor the Afghan National Army unit taking control of the base. Story and photos by Spc. Joshua Edwards Combined Task Force Dragoon T here have been three Forward Operating Bases in southern Afghanistan turned over to the Afghan National Army from Combined Task Force Dragoon, Regional Command South, in the last two months as the ANA operate independently to secure their country. The Soldiers of 1st Squadron, CTF Dragoon held a formal ceremony and signed ownership papers to allow the ANA to take control Nov. 27, 2013, at FOB Zangabad, Afghanistan. U.S. Soldiers lowered the American Flag and Afghan soldiers raised their flag to show their control of the base. Speeches expressing gratitude for the partnership were made by both commanders during the ceremony. The Commander of 1st Squadron, CTF Dragoon, Lt. Col. Phillip Gage, is confident in the abilities of the 2nd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 205th Corps, who will now run operations there and believes they will conduct successful military operations because of the mentoring, coaching and partnership his team has provided over the past five months. He described a number of positive characteristics the ANA soldiers have displayed to show they are ready for independent operations. I will be the first to tell you that the 2nd Kandak is ready, said Gage. They are ready to assume this piece of tactical infrastructure and continue the mission against the Taliban in western Panjwai. Just like my squadron is combat-ready, we re dependable, we re loyal, we re well-led and above all else we re professional. The 2nd Kandak has demonstrated every one of those qualities in our short time here together. Leadership of both the American and ANA units exchanged certificates and goodbyes. The Soldiers of CTF Dragoon packed up the last of their gear and relocated to a different base with FOB Zangabad safely in the hands of the 2nd Kandak. Commander of the ANA s 2nd Kandak, Lt. Col. Khan Agha, expressed gratitude for his unit s partnership with U.S. forces and how the relationship will be missed. We are proud of you guys for staying so long in Afghanistan, said Agha. Thank you so much for your cooperation and the training you provided for us. We will never forget you and we will remember you guys forever.

5 War Eagle Update PAGE 5 Apache Christmas- Soldiers from Troop A, 1st Squadron pose for the camera during the squadron s Christmas Eve BBQ on Dec. 24, O n Dec. 15, the War Eagles turned over their area of operations to Wolfpack in preparation for redeployment. This involved moving personnel and equipment back to Kandahar Airfield as part of the preparation. Each trooper received a medical screening and classes prior to redeploying. More than half of the War Eagles are back in Germany, with some members of Apache, Bull, and Headquarters Troops making it home on Christmas Eve. The last of the War Eagles should be home in January, to include Comanche Troop! Comanche Troop, currently assigned to 4th Squadron, will return to the War Eagles in January. This is exciting news as the War Eagles will be reunited once again. Comanche Troop has a new command team in Capt. Michael Sims, who took command earlier this month, and Sgt. 1st Class Schultz, the new Comanche Troop First Sergeant. We welcome them and wish them the best as they lead troop into the future. There is much for the War Eagles to look forward to after the deployment. Following redeployment the tempo will be moderate. Work days will begin at 9 a.m. and end with physical training in the afternoons with release around 4 p.m.. This will allow Soldiers to spend more time with Families. We will host a spouse appreciation lunch on Feb. 13 to recognize the great support we received from home during the deployment. The squadron will officially uncase their colors on the Feb. 28 to mark the return from deployment. That evening we will come together for our first Hail and Farewell after our redeployment. On March 7 we will join the Hirshau community in a partnership event which should be a great time. We are also planning a Spring ball for March 28, so ladies get your gowns ready. Once the weather warms a bit, we will have a little fun with a Spouse Spur Ride to allow our spouses to earn their spurs while having a fun time. As you can see, we have quite a few fun things planned. Beginning in early April, we will get back to Army training with small arms ranges and live fire events to keep our skills sharp. Many of our troopers will get the opportunity to attend schools and specialty training. The goal is to get our training done during the week so our Soldiers can spend their weekends with friends and family. Beginning June 13, our troopers will have the opportunity to take two weeks of leave, so start making your travel plans now. Thanks for your support, and see you soon!

6 Cougar Update PAGE 6 General Martin Dempsey (center right), the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia (center left), the chairman s senior enlisted advisor, exchange greetings with Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Spivey (left) and Lt. Col. Charles Svelan (right) in front of the Forward Operating Base Christmas tree. F amily and Friends of Task Force Cougar, The Troopers of TF Cougar remained busy in northern Kandahar during the month of December and throughout the holiday season. Frankly, it s hard to believe the new year is upon us! On Dec. 3, Fox Troop transferred Combat Outpost Jannat to their Afghan National Army partners from the 3rd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 205th Corps. The ceremony was attended by the district governor and Kandak commander and full of symbolism as members of both armies stood at attention and rendered honors as the American flag was lowered and the Afghan flag was raised. The ceremony ended with Capt. Ryan Feeney and 1st Sgt. James Merritt congratulating their partners and vowing continued support in the coming months. This transition was significant because COP Jannat was the last International Security Assistance Force base in the Arghandab District of Kandahar and its transfer symbolizes the proficiency of the Afghan National Security Forces within the district. This also ends a chapter in Fox Troop s deployment as they repositioned to Forward Operating Base Frontenac where they will continue operations. The task force also received a special treat when a USO tour visited Frontenac on Dec. 10. The 18th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman, Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia brought a host of celebrities to the base where they took photos with and signed autographs with our Troopers. Dempsey and Battaglia also trimmed the Cougar Christmas Tree with two specially crafted ornaments prepared by the task force maintenance team. While the visit was short, it was a welcome break for those Troopers fortunate enough to participate. In addition to the senior military leaders, a host of celebrities attended including: Matt Light (New England Patriots), Adam LaRoche (Washington Nationals), Jep and Willie Robertson (Duck Dynasty), Nephew Tommy (Radio Personality), Bridget Kelly (Song Writer) and Alison Haislip (Attack of the Show).

7 PAGE 7 Cougar Update Continued First Sergeant James Merritt (second from left) hands the Fox Troop, 2nd Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon, guidon to Capt. Ryan Feeney (second from right) while Lt. Col. Charles Svelan oversees at the Fox Troop change-ofcommand ceremony on Dec. 17, 2013 at Forward Operating Base Frontenac, Afghanistan. Capt. David Broyles, who had been serving on regimental staff, took command of the troop during the ceremony. The Troopers of Excalibur (Eagle) spent the holidays preparing for the transfer of COP Pacemaker which occurred on Dec. 28. Pacemaker, located in the northern reaches of the Shah Wali Kot District was our squadron s most remote site. Excalibur Troop defended this remote site for more than four months in exemplary fashion, reminiscent of the remote outposts previous generations of Dragoons defended for almost two centuries of service. On Dec. 28, Capt. Parsons and 1st Sgt. Condit lowered the troop flag and the American colors for the last time. Shortly thereafter, the 1st Kandak command sergeant major raised the Afghan colors symbolizing the transfer-of-responsibility for security in the northern half of the district. After weeks of freezing cold temperatures, Excalibur Troop rejoined the task force at FOB Frontenac and began preparations for redeployment. In addition to the transfer of COPs and repositioning of units, Fox Troop changed commanders on Dec. 14. Captain David Broyles took command from Capt. Ryan Feeney in a ceremony on Frontenac. Broyles comes to the task force from the regimental staff and served most recently as a member of a police advisor team serving in Kandahar. Feeney will serve on the squadron staff through the Spring until he departs for graduate school followed by an instructor position at the United States Academy at West Point. As the month closes, Troopers from Hannibal and Excalibur (Eagle) Troops are preparing to redeploy to Germany. They can do so proudly, knowing that they accomplished their missions with honor. Over the course of four months these Troopers conducted hundreds of combat patrols, performed more than a thousand medical treatments, pumped nearly 450,000 gallons of fuel and served nearly 300,000 meals while securing an area of operations that is 3,824 square kilometers. Once home, they ll conduct a thorough reintegration program designed to minimize the common frictions routinely experienced by servicemembers following combat deployments. This innovative approach should result in a more gradual and less stressful reunification of family and friends. We ask only that each of you support your Troopers and the program throughout the reintegration process. In closing we d like to thank all of the family and friends of the task force who have sent the mountains of candy, snacks, books, DVDs, hats, socks and best wishes. Your support means the world to our Troopers and we appreciate everything you ve done to support us! -Cougar 6 and 7. Toujours Pret! Second to None!

8 Wolfpack Update PAGE 8 Kellie Pickler and her band present SPC James P. Fields (Killer Troop) with her guitar after he surprised the audience by performing one of his own songs. W olfpack Family and Friends It has been a December to remember in the Wolfpack. Everything we have done has been in full stride. Winter generally marks a slowing of operations, but the Wolfpack and its Afghan National Security Force counterparts have been busier than ever. The Wolfpack indirect fires team has fired more successful combat missions this month than any other squadron. Wolfpack indirect fires superiority denied enemy forces the ability to emplace improvised explosive devices, establish their own indirect fires positions, and prevented an ambush against ANSF. Such successes caught the attention of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command commander, Lt. Gen. Mark A. Milley. Lt. Gen. Milley made a point to personally award members of the Wolfpack artillery platoon with their Combat Action Badges. December clearly marks the halfway point in the deployment as members of the Wolfpack smoothly execute their day to day operations. While some things stayed the same, other things changed. Iron Troop left Forward Operating Base Pasab and assumed control of FOB Masum Ghar in Panjwai. Troopers from Iron are now living under slightly more austere conditions but it s nothing the boys of Iron Troop can t handle. Iron Troop s movement to Panjwai allows troops from 1st Squadron to withdraw out of the area, putting the Regiment one step closer to mission complete in the Spring. The focus was not always on work this month. The Wolfpack got a special visit from country singer Kellie Pickler, who came as part of a United Service Organizations morale program. Kellie was a 6th place runner up on American Idol, and later won season sixteen of Dancing With the Stars. During her visit to Pasab she rode in a Stryker and even got to fire a howitzer, before giving a performance. Spc. Kingdom from West Palm Beach Florida said it really means a lot that she came out to support all of us while we are deployed, especially during the holiday season, it reminds us that the work we do here matters to people back home. In the spirit of the holiday season, Chaplain Loy Sweezy and Chaplain s Assistant George Grimes handed out Holiday stockings stuffed with goodies for all to enjoy. While it was nice getting stockings from the Chaplain, nothing compared to the inflow of care packages from loved ones. Just like back home, mail activity shot through the roof this month, keeping the mail handlers quite busy spreading holiday cheer. The Wolfpack ended 2013 on a high note with much tactical success and holiday merriment, but is leaning forward into 2014 with its goal of ensuring ANSF are able to secure the country and protect its people.

9 Saber Update PAGE 9 S eason s greetings to all Saber Supporters. December continues to be a busy month, as we have now executed over 2,500 missions since the start of the deployment. Operations will continue through the holiday season, as we cannot let up on the enemy in our portion of Kandahar Province. With our high operations tempo, we have found some time to enjoy the holiday season. The holiday season officially kicked off with a hearty Thanksgiving dinner. A full spread was available to all the Soldiers to have some great food and reflect on what they have to be grateful for in their lives. Gen. Lloyd Austin, Central Command commander, also made a visit. While on Camp Lindsey, he awarded Staff Sgt. Shaun Frank the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his actions during a suicide vest attack in August and seven other Sabers their Purple Heart Medals for wounds received in combat. After the awards presentation, Gen. Austin addressed the Soldiers and took time to answer several questions. His visit was well received and we appreciate him taking the time to greet the Soldiers on Thanksgiving Day. In late November, TF Saber received a grim reminder of the danger our mission presents. There was a suicide vest attack against Outlaw during the final day of Patrol Base Luke closure. All injured Soldiers were quickly evacuated to the Kandahar Airfield A Comanche Trooper observes indirect fire during Operation Saber Blitzkrieg. medical facility; three Soldiers were ultimately evacuated back to Germany. We ask that you keep these Soldiers in your thoughts and prayers as they begin a difficult recovery. Despite this attack, TF Saber continues to be resilient and conduct missions. Moving into December, Palehorse Troop conducted Panther Recon with the Afghan Army in the rugged terrain of Jakan Kalay. This multi-day operation generated new intelligence on the area, as it was the first time in several years any ISAF Soldiers had been there. There was a shuffle with battle space owners to fill the void of Comanche Troop s redeployment and three changes-ofcommand. Outlaw and Nemesis Troops have already begun to patrol new areas while Ghost Troop continues patrols in the same area with great success. Capt. Armstrong assumed command of Palehorse on Nov 29, replacing Capt. Finnie. Capt. Sims assumed command of Comanche Troop on Dec 13, replacing Capt. Lussier. Capt. Wentz assumed command of HHT on Dec 20, replacing Capt. Mazzocchi. We welcome the new commanders to the squadron and wish them the best of luck. In the midst of combat operation, we have had some time to relax. Soldiers had to opportunity to enjoy near beer and holiday festivities during the tree lighting ceremony and bonfire at Camp Lindsey. Chaplain DuWors managed to have a Christmas tree, lights, along with other festive decorations shipped to us. Many of the troop command posts and common areas now have holiday decorations to help spruce up the place and brighten our days. We also conducted a 5K Holiday Run. It was bitterly cold outside, but was still a fun way to break up the monotony of running on a treadmill in a small gym. It was also good to see Command Sgt. Maj. Ochsner volunteer his services as an elf for the event. We have received hundreds of care packages over the past month. We greatly appreciate all of them. Every command post has a box of goodies for Soldiers to grab from. The only down side is the amount of candy everyone has been eating. Seriously, it is difficult to resist grabbing a bag of cookies or a handful of candy bars when walking by a care package (hence the need for a holiday 5k run). It is a good feeling to look back and see how much TF Saber has accomplished so far. It is an even better feeling to see how much closer we are to redeployment. Much of the formation is scheduled to arrive in Germany in the Spring, but plans could change. Stay tuned for more information and don t forget to check us out on orters where we will make every effort to keep you informed on the latest happenings in TF Saber Have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year.

10 Artillery Hell Update PAGE 10 T he successful transfer of Combat Outposts Bagh-e-Pul and Shurandam in the upcoming days will signify major success for the Field Artillery Squadron. Looking forward however, re-organizing and refocusing are two words that will best describe the immediate future for the squadron, as two batteries are slated to redeploy while two will remain to continue what has been a successful deployment. Lt. Col. Steven Fandrich remains extremely busy with the impending elections, conducting daily engagements with Afghan partners and battlefield circulations. With the 2nd Batt., 77th Field Artillery scheduled to replace the squadron in a few months, the command team and staff sections facilitated a Pre- Deployment Site Survey where they shared lessons learned regarding operational procedures, manning and equipment requirements. The squadron additionally celebrated Christmas the only true Army way- with a Holiday 5K fun run. Also significant, in this the season for giving, the word giving could not have been more exemplified than with the visit of five wounded warriors. They have given more than one can imagine, and we were humbled when they shared their experiences and stories of resilience. The squadron commander presented them with honorary spurs and squadron coins as a token of our appreciation for their time and sacrifice. On Dec. 23, singer Kelly Pickler made a USO stop at FOB Walton and performed a fantastic concert and took the time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with our Troopers. Being one of the two batteries not redeploying, it was business as usual for Hellraiser Battery. Hellraiser maintained their normal battle rhythm, consisting of daily base defense, personal security detail and retrograde operations and providing the Quick Reaction Force for FOB Walton. Additionally, Hellraiser Battery conducted over 30 patrols throughout Kandahar, including several joint, dismounted patrols between 6th platoon and Kandahar police substations to clear several historical cache sites. December also saw a spike in retrograde operations at FOB Walton, with over 150 containers of excess equipment, scrap metal and remnants of de-scoping operations. Likewise, Archer Battery s mission remained constant as the dynamic duo of Security Force Assistance Teams and security force platoons work tirelessly to amplify the growth and development of the Afghan Uniformed Police throughout Kandahar. SFAT 501 and 2nd Security Force Platoon broke the 3000 mile marker earlier this month as a result of four months of travelling throughout Kandahar province, providing training and mentorship to several AUP districts. First Security Force Platoon spent three weeks at FOB Lindsey providing security for Counter Improvised Explosive Device training conducted at the JRAC for personnel from several different districts. The New Year will mark the end of a successful deployment for Bulldog Battery as they prepare to transfer control of combat outpost Bagh-e-Pul. As a result of the transfer foundation already laid, Bulldog spent December finalizing their efforts with retrograde operations being at the forefront. Bulldog Battery has successfully retrograded over 125 twenty foot equivalent container units to date and is expected to break the 200 mark. The 955th Engineer Company brought the heavy machinery, including bulldozers, excavators and cranes, to assist Bulldog in adjusting the perimeter to a more sustainable size for our Afghan partners. The New Year will also marks the end of Capt. Riley Redus tenure as Battery Commander, with Capt. Joe Sanders slated to assume command. Capt. Sanders spent parts of December conducting inventories and battlefield circulations to see Troopers detached to other squadrons across Combined Task Force Dragoon s area of operation. Bulldog Battery s hard work at BP3 pleased Brig. Gen. Rainey, the 4th Infantry Division assistant division commander of maneuver, who visited the base for a tour and a briefing on security and transition plans. Similarly, Cobra Battery spent the last month of the deployment reinforcing base defense security measures, de-scoping and retrograding. Cobra also received assistance from the 955th Engineering Company to augment their retrograde efforts. Cobra Battery will redeploy with a new commander as Capt. Jessie Kadel s tenure will end a few days short of redeployment and Capt. Travis Brunson will be in command as the battery makes its way home. Over the course of the next month, Bulldog and Cobra Batteries are expected to have already redeployed while Archer and Hellraiser Batteries are expected to continue operations at the squadron s last remaining tactical infrastructure, FOB Walton.

11 Muleskinner Update PAGE 11 Troops with Combined Task Force Dragoon pose for a photo after a 5K fun run Dec. 14, 2013, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Troops with the task force held the run to commemorate being half way complete with deployment. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Joshua Edwards) T ask Force Muleskinner has undergone a time of great change over the past 30 days and as we face the dawn of a new year we stand stronger than ever before. This month the Muleskinner family has welcomed a new commander to Signal Troop, Capt. Scott Ross, redeployed Muleskinners to home station in Vilseck Germany, and finally came together to honor the life of our fallen Muleskinner, Staff Sgt. Jesse Lee Williams. Our Signal Troop bid farewell to Capt. Ryan McCormick Dec. 16, at his Change-of-Command Ceremony. McCormick led Signal Troop over the past year as they trained for deployment completing the mission readiness exercise in Germany last March and continuing his command with the troop as they deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom last summer. His contributions to not only the Muleskinner team but the entire Regiment have been tremendous as the troop provides communications capabilities to all corners of the Regiment s battle space. McCormick passed the Signal Troop guidon to Capt. Ross who served as the TF Cougar communications officer over the past year. We are excited to welcome Capt. Ross, Jennifer and their Family to the squadron and wish them all the best in the coming months. TF Muleskinner has been fortunate enough to have Families reunite for the holiday season and as we begin to redeploy Soldiers back to Rose Barracks. Every Muleskinner plays a vital role to the mission in southern Afghanistan, but it is important to recognize the even larger role they can play at home. As we all return over the next several months, each Soldier is acknowledged for their hard work in support of OEF and receives the NATO Medal, Afghan Campaign Service Medal, an End-of-Tour Award, and most coveted, the Gold Combat Spur. The Gold Combat Spur is a cavalry tradition and is worn by all cavalrymen in the Army who have served in a combat zone with their respective cavalry units. Finally, this month the Muleskinners honored and remembered the life of Staff Sgt. Jesse Lee Williams, who on December 17, 2013, made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in support of OEF. Williams will always be remembered by the Muleskinners who served alongside him as a man with a positive outlook on all aspects of life, a gogetter attitude, and a constant smile on his face. His memorial service, held on December 21, on Kandahar Airfield afforded the Soldiers of the task force the opportunity to say their final goodbyes and come together, united as one. He will never be forgotten, as he continues to inspire the Muleskinner Family to make progress and not excuses every day.

12 PAGE 12 Downrange Photos Spc. Richard Reilly with 2nd Platoon, Troop O (Outlaw), 4th Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon, occupies a security position during a leader engagement Dec. 15, 2013, at Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Troopers with Outlaw conducted a series of partnered-missions with the Afghanistan Uniformed Police at various security checkpoints throughout the province. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Joshua Edwards) Troopers with Troop P (Palehorse), 4th Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon, occupy a security position during an engagement with local village elders Dec. 16, 2013, at Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. The Troopers conducted a series of partneredmissions with the Afghanistan Uniformed Police at various security checkpoints throughout the province. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Joshua Edwards) Troopers with Troop P (Palehorse), 4th Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon, drive through a village after engaging with local village elders Dec. 16, 2013, at Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. The Troopers conducted a series of partnered-missions with the Afghanistan Uniformed Police at various security checkpoints throughout the province. (U.S.