Chemical Corps Regimental Association March 2017 Newsletter 2017 CBRN Exhibition Fort Leonard Wood, MO Special Interest Articles: 2017 CBRN Exhibition Fort Leonard Wood, MO Individual Highlights: Chemical Regimental Office 2-3 Testing of New Equipment 4-5 Chapter News 6-9 Graduations 10 Order of the Dragon Recipients 10 Chemical Past 11 From Gas attacks to CBRN 12-13 Response Red Dragons Gathering 14 Anniversary Coin and Cookbook 15 The 2017 CBRN Exhibition will be conducted at Fort Leonard Wood, MO 27-28 June. The Exhibition is again sponsored by the CCRA and will be conducted the same week as the CBRN Conference and Chemical Corps Regimental Week Anniversary Celebration. If your company, command, or activity is interested in having an exhibit please go to this link: http://www.cbrnexhibition.com/ Highlights of the week are as follows: - 26 June: Regimental Run; Exhibit Setup; CBRN Exhibition Welcome Reception - 27 June: CCRA Corporate Breakfast; CBRN Exhibition; CCRA Members BBQ - 28 June: Sunrise Service; CBRN Exhibition; Sibert Awards Presentation; Hall of Fame & Distinguished Member of the Corps Induction Ceremony; - 29 June: Green Dragon Ball CCRA 16-17 Memorial Grove 18 Chem Comm Book 19-21 Cathy Griffin Regimental Gift Shop 22 1
From the Chemical Regimental Office CBRN School Assistant Commandant BIO on Colonel D. Sean Crockett COL D. Sean Crockett is a 1995 graduate of Auburn University, where he received a Regular Army Commission. After the Chemical Officer Basic Course, COL Crockett s follow-on assignment was with the 1 st Battalion, 41 st Field Artillery, 3 d Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart, Georgia. Upon completion of 18 months on staff, he was assigned as Platoon Leader and Executive Officer in the 92d Chemical Company, 3 rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Following the Chemical Captains Career Course and Combined Arms Staff Services School, COL Crockett was sent to the Soldier Biological and Chemical Command (SBCCOM), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he served as an Aide-de-Camp for the Commanding General. After 12 months of service as the Aide-de-Camp, COL Crockett assumed Command of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Technical Escort Unit, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. At the conclusion of his Company Command tour, COL Crockett was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 25 th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where he served on the Division Staff as the Deputy Division Chemical Officer. After 18 months of service on the 25 th Infantry Division (Light) Staff, he transferred to the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Headquarters, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, where he served an additional 18 months as the Deputy Chief, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Division. Upon completion of his three year tour in Hawaii, COL Crockett returned to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, with an assignment to the newly established 20 th Support Command (Chemical, Biological, Chemical, Radiological and High Yield Explosives or CBRNE). During his tenure with the 20 th Support Command (CBRNE), he held multiple positions with the G3 Operations Section, from Deputy G3 to the Force Integration Officer. COL Crockett completed his tour at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, with a 9 month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he served as the Deputy J5 Science and Technology Officer and WMD Planner for Combined Joint Task Force Troy, Multi-National Corps Iraq in Baghdad, Iraq. After his second tour at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, COL Crockett went to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to attend the Command and General Staff Officers Course. At the conclusion of his assignment to the Command and General Staff College, earning a Masters Degree in Business and Organizational Security Management, he was assigned to the 83d Chemical Battalion, Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he served as both the Battalion S3 (Operations Officer) and Battalion Executive Officer. 2
After completing his assignment with 83d Chemical Battalion, COL Crockett was re-assigned to the 48 th Chemical Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. He was initially assigned as the Brigade S3 (Operations Officer), then transitioned to the Brigade Deputy Commander position. COL Crockett left Fort Hood, Texas, in June 2012 for his assignment as the Commander, 23d CBRNE Battalion, at Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington. As part of a DA initiative, COL Crockett re-located his battalion in January 2013 to the Republic of Korea in support of the 1 st Armored Brigade Combat Team and the 2d Infantry Division. After completing his battalion command tour in Korea, COL Crockett returned to the States and an assignment to the Pentagon with the Department of the Army Staff, G-3/5/7. Concluding his assignment at the Pentagon, COL Crockett was assigned as a student at the Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Upon graduation from the Army War College, COL Crockett re-located to Fort Leonard Wood, MO., where he is currently assigned as the Assistant Commandant, U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) School. COL Crockett is a graduate of the Chemical Officer Basic Course, Airborne Course, Chemical Captains Career Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Technical Escort Course, the Command and General Staff Officers Course, and the Army War College. His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3-OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2-OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3-OLC), Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the German Efficiency Badge (Gold). He wears the Multi-National Corps Iraq as his Combat Patch. 3
Dragon Soldiers Test New Equipment The Chemical Corps constantly seeks to improve its ability to detect and assess possible chemical threats, and to provide maneuver commanders with faster and more accurate options. New equipment for this mission is constantly proposed, developed and tested. In October 2016 a major test of CBRN equipment was conducted by Soldiers with the 83rd Chemical Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia, and the 110th Chemical Battalion, Joint Base Lewis- McChord, Washington. The activity was part of the Army Warfighting Assessment (AWA 17.1) at Fort Bliss, Texas. The exercise was rigorous and realistic, involving response to simulated chemical attacks. Maj. Damian Dixon, a member of the Joint Program Executive Office, discussed how this assessment allowed military personnel to identify capability gaps and highlight benefits gained from new capabilities. This CBRN excursion introduces new and exciting equipment to our high-speed chemical Soldiers, said Dixon. Throughout the four days of testing, we ve had an opportunity to provide some realistic training on equipment like our Talon robot with sensors, which will enable the user to get chemical analysis on a target without sending a Soldier into the suspected contaminated area. Pvt. Matthew King, a chemical operations specialist with the 83rd Chemical Battalion, was a front-line Soldier assessing some of the developmental concepts and capabilities. The Talon system has been around for some time now, but manufacturers recently made a CBRN Talon for chemical Soldiers, said King. Now it has chemical, biological and radiological detectors on it, which is beneficial because you don t have to worry about your battle buddy or anyone going down-range and getting injured. It makes you feel much safer. Equipment assessed during the simulation included M53 protective masks and the Powered Air Purified Respiratory system. Leaders used and assessed the Nett Warrior system, an integrated dismounted leader situational awareness tool using digital-referenced geo map and secure radio communication. Extensive feedback was collected from Soldiers who used the equipment. Pfc. Adam Yocum and Pvt. Matthew King, chemical operation specialist with the 83rd Chemical Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia, ensure that the Talon robot is decontaminated after completing a chemical analysis 4
Sgt. Thomas Byots and Pfc. Quentin Freeman, chemical operations specialists with the 110th Chemical Battalion, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, enter a simulated Biological facility during the Army Warfighting Assessment. Pfc. Adam Yocum, chemical operations specialist with the 83rd Chemical Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia, makes certain that personnel involved in the mission aren t contaminated Separately, Chemical Soldiers of Fort Hood s 181st Hazard Response Company, 2nd Chemical Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade, tested the Next Generation Chemical Detector system (NGCD). Air Force and Navy personnel assisted, to identify any joint operational gaps between the services. The NGCD can detect and identify nontraditional agents (NTA), chemical warfare agents (CWA), and toxic industrial chemicals (TIC) in air and water as well as on land, personnel, equipment and facilities. Similar testing efforts are planned for 2017, with equipment that has been improved based on results of the 2016 testing program. Pvt. Matthew King, chemical operation specialist with the 83rd Chemical Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia, monitors the Talon robot safeguarding that the decontamination process. By Walter J. Eldredge 5
Chapter News Ozark Chapter: Annual Ozark Chapter Chemical Corps Regimental Association Golf Scramble Who: Open to all CCRA members and friends of the Chemical Corps What: Captain s Choice/Scramble format, four person teams, shotgun start When: Friday, 30 June 2017, check in begins at 1200, tee off at 1300 Where: Piney Valley Golf Course, Ft Leonard Wood, MO Why: To raise money in support of the Ozark Chapter Events, Corps, Soldiers, Civilians and our local community Register: www.ozarkccra.org Like us: www.facebook.com/#!/ozarkccra Cost- $55 per person with online registration, $65 for Walk-ons (online registration closes 20 June) Price includes greens & cart fee, post tournament luncheon, and awards/prizes Prizes for 1st, 2 nd, and 3 rd place teams Raffle for door prizes Longest drive and closest to the pin prizes (M&F) For more information, contact one of the following Frank Lewis Vice President, Ozark Chapter CCRA Email: operations@ozarkccra.org 573-528-2097 Phil Pennington VP Events Coordinator, Ozark CCRA Email: events@ozarkccra.org 573-452-8843 Golf attire required, collared shirts, slacks or shorts, no spiked shoes, must be 7 years old or older The 2017 Ozark CCRA Regimental Week 5K Fun Run/Walk Supporting the CBRN Regimental Week June 24 th at the Memorial Grove Corner of Nebraska & Pine Street, FLW, MO Registration online until June 20th: www.ozarkccra.org Cost is $20 pre-registration, $25 walk-in, $35 families Sponsored By: Walk-up registration begins at 7:00 AM Run/Walk begins at 8:00 AM T-shirt sponsorship $150, cut off date June 5 Mile Marker sponsorship $50, cut off date June 5 6
MG Gerald G. Watson Chapter: 7
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JBLM Chapter: Notes from the Northwest CCRA President I would like to invite anyone in the Pacific Northwest to join our CCRA chapter and to help us build upon and participate in our events. Next on the Horizon, we have our annual Chemical Ball on May 19, 2017. If you would like to go, please reach out to me and I will attempt to get you and your guest tickets if tickets are still available. If you are already a member of our chapter, I would like to hear from you on your ideas to build the chapter including but not limited to fundraising, fun runs, picnic/bbq, etc. William Al Jackson President JBLM CCRA Chapter fb..com/jblmccra (360) 539-8110 9
Chemical Classes Graduation Chemical AIT and ALC: CO. B 84 th Chem Bn Class 07-17 April 13, 2017 Co. C 84 th Chemical Bn Class 08-17 May 2, 2017 Co. B 84 th Chem Bn Class 09-17 May 23, 2017 CBRN ALC Class 0005-17 May 24, 2017 CBRN ALC Class 006-17 July 14, 2017 CBRN ALC Class 007-17 September 21, 2017 Order of the Dragon Recipients Honorable Order of the Dragon: CPT Michael C. Moore SFC Brian C. Gilmer MAJ Floyd Dale Estes Jr. MAJ Charles B. Priest SFC James Martin MSG Rodney Nation CPT Christopher J. Woloszyen Ms. Teresa L. Dillion MSG Christopher L. Carlock SFC Michael E. Markham CSM Julie R. Jones SFC Matthew J. Yakely Ancient Order of the Dragon: SFC April Garvin-Williams Mr. Conrad F. Whyne Carol Ann Watson Award: Mrs. Janai Nicole Deitt Mrs. Tanya Kay Chadwick 10
From the Chemical Past Symbols of the Chemical Corps The tree trunk, as depicted on the Corps crest, was officially recognized in 1923 as a feature of the 1 st Gas Regiment s coat of arms, as a single tree trunk, gas wrecked and shot marked, commemorating the Meuse-Argonne battle and drawn so as to recall the regimental numeral 1. The dragon, as a symbol of the Chemical Corps, was also officially recognized in 1923, although it had earlier been associated with the Army Gas Service. It was placed on the crest of the 1 st Gas Regiment to represent the emblem of sovereignty and also of fire and destruction. The Corps colors of cobalt blue and golden yellow, shown here on the crest of the 1 st Gas Regiment, were taken from the colors of the American Chemical Society in 1918. Our Corps insignia, the crossed retorts and benzene ring, was adopted in World War I. The retort is a basic container used in laboratory experiments, and crossing a pair of retorts followed the model established for other branch insignias. Benzene, with bond of carbon and hydrogen atoms forming a six-sided ring, was the first chemical diagrammed to show molecular composition. Therefore, the insignia combines the basic testing implement of a chemist with the basic method of indicating chemical formulas. The Chemical Corps motto, Elementis Regamus Proelium, Let Us Rule the Battle by Means of the Elements, first appeared on the Chemical Warfare School crest in 1934. It was incorporated into the design of the regimental crest in 1986. By Kip Lindberg. 11
CSRM (R) George L. Murray Photo Courtesy CCRA mentorship and support of Chemical Corps Soldiers: February 2 nd, 2005, the Chemical Corps Regimental Association (CCRA) approved a new awards program. One of the awards developed and approved at this time was the Command Sergeant Major George L. Murray Award. LTC (R) Don Killgore stated that the original intent was to present the award to the best Chemical Corps NCO each year. later expanded to include the best Chemical Corps NCO and Soldier each year. In an article written for the Guidon, MSG (R) Joseph Baker explained the evolution of the award: The competition started as a concept that would bring a representative from chemical units to Fort Leonard Wood, where they would compete in several events over a one-week period and put their skills and knowledge to the test. Because of the cost involved and the ongoing operations in Iraq, the competition was tailored so the events could be done at the Soldier s home station. The decision on what to name the award and who to model it after was the easy part. A bust was created in the likeness of retired CSM George L. Murray, for what he has meant to the Corps and for his continued George Murray entered the military in 1937. He is a Pearl Harbor survivor, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was the first honorary command sergeant major of the Corps, and today serves in an emeritus capacity. He became an integral part of getting the Chemical Corps Museum established, and to this day, continues to mentor chemical Soldiers of all ranks with his knowledge and experience. With that, the CCRA had an artist commissioned to create the bust making it a reality. In keeping with the standard set by CSM (R) Murray, the criterion for the award was designed to challenge them at the skill level of their particular rank. The process is described as follows: 12
Units were allowed to recommend one Soldier and one NCO to represent their unit in the competition. Those competitors had to have a letter of recommendation from his or her chain of command and a letter of endorsement from a sergeant major or higher. They also had to submit a packet for review to the US Army Chemical (now CBRN) School. This packet included a completed Common Task Test performance sheet, an Army Physical Fitness Test Score Card, a weapons qualification card, and a biography of the Soldier. The last step was an online test that questioned their knowledge in areas from basic Soldier skills to chemical knowledge Failure in any one event could remove the Soldier from the competition. The Dragon s Peak Competition, held in conjunction with Regimental Week separates who is really operating at the top of their game, stated by Brigadier General Thomas W. Spoehr, former commandant 2008 Dragon Peak Competition Photo courtesy of the Fort Leonard Wood DOIM Visual Information Center Photo Lab USACBRNS. The 2008 Dragon s Peak Competition hosted 27 Soldiers and NCOs vying for top honors. The event included an Army fitness test, M4 and M249 weapons qualifications, a daytime land navigation course, a written exam on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear material, a nighttime land navigation course, a 12 mile ruck march, evaluations on ability to administer first aid, disassemble and reassemble an M249 squad automatic weapon, conduct a patrol and completion of a physical endurance confidence course. Dragon Soldiers and NCOs continue to live up to the ideals and standards set by CSM (R) George L. Murray and enrich the history of the Chemical Corps. See also: Regimental Week 2008 by Sergeant Major Gwendolyn Evans. Army Chemical Review Winter 2008. New Award Honors Chemical Corps Best NCO, Soldier. By Master Sergeant Joseph Baker. Guidon. Thursday, 26 May 2005. Compiled by Christy Lindberg, Historian, USACBRNS 13
The RED DRAGON REPORT 2017 Red Dragons Gathering June 27- July 1 Branson, MO The 100 th Anniversary gathering of Red Dragons will be in Branson, MO June 27-July 1. We will be joined by 50 active duty soldiers from the 2 nd Chemical Battalion. It s important for these soldiers to meet the senior veterans, especially those from Korea and Desert Storm, to show them the history that makes Red Dragon such a proud name. We will visit the Chemical Corps Museum, lay a wreath at the Red Dragon monument, and attend the Chemical Corps Green Dragon Ball at Fort Leonard Wood. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO ONE Make your hotel reservations no later than May 15. Call 800-335-2555 and ask for Renee. BE SURE to say you are with the Red Dragons in order to get our special rate of $83.70 (two queen beds) or $89.28 (King bed.) We will be at the Savannah House, 165 Expressway Lane, Branson, Mo. 65616. TWO Send me money! By June 1, please send a check for $75 per person to cover the banquet, hospitality room, refreshments, etc. Send your check to Red Dragons Association 1455 Spanish Lakes Ave St. Gabriel, LA 70776 THREE Bring your Sunday go to meetin clothes for the Memorial Banquet and the Green Dragon Ball. FOUR Bring small items to donate for the raffle on Thursday night. 14
To all of our Dragon Soldiers, Family members, and Friends the CCRA Gift Shop will be putting together a cookbook in celebration of the 100 th Anniversary of the Chemical Corps. Please help us make this event a success. Submit as many recipes as you would like by email or in person. Submissions can be dropped off at the Cathy Griffin Regimental Gift Shop located at 495 S. Dakota Avenue, Bldg 1607 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473 or emailed to ccracookbook@gmail.com. Please share with everyone and help us get the word out. For more information please call 573-329-6566. 15
About the Chemical Corps Regimental Association (CCRA) Chemical Corps Regimental Association National 14296 S Dakota Avenue Building 1607 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473 PHONE: 573-329-0600 FAX: 941-329-6295 E-MAIL: ccramanager@embarqmail.com The purpose of the Association is to promote the heritage, history, esprit and professionalism of the United States Army Chemical Corps, and advance scientific, literary, educational, and artistic endeavors of the Chemical Corps. Help increase CCRA Membership! Do you know any Dragon Soldiers, Active, Retired, or former Dragon Soldiers who are not members of the CCRA? Get them on the web site and get them signed up! Please Make Sure Your Contact Information is Current The CCRA wants to keep in touch with you! Please make sure as you move around or change email addresses that we have current information on file. You can drop an email with changes to our Business Manager or to any other of the email addresses listed above. Donations... If you wish to provide a donation to the CCRA, you can send your check payable to CCRA to: We re on the Web! See us at: www.ccrassn.org Chemical Corps Regimental Association PO Box 437, 495 S. Dakota Avenue, Bldg 1607 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473-0437 CHEMICAL CORPS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION DONATIONS Detach Along This Line and Mail to the Address Above Name (Last, First, MI): Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Home Phone: Work Phone: Cell Phone: E-mail: Rank: Active Duty: Reserve/NG: Retired: Veteran: Civilian: Donation: $250 $100 $50 $25 Other: $ Donations to the CCRA are tax deductible The CCRA is looking for articles that we can publish in the Quarterly Newsletter Please forward your articles to dmkhooah@gmail.com. If you have photos with your articles, please include them in your email. Thank you for your support 16
Be A Part Of The Continuing Tradition And Support Our History! Be A Member And Join Today! CCRA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION New Member Renewal Corporation Change of Address Rank/Title: First Name: Last Name: Email Address: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone Number: Chapter Affiliation: Duty Status: Active Duty Retired Reserve/National Guard Other Branch of Service: Army Active Guard/Reserve Air Force Marines Navy Coast Guard Veteran Other CCRA Individual Membership Annual Membership ------------------------------$25.00 Lifetime Upgrade -------------------------------$ Annual Expiration Date Lifetime Membership CBRN AIT Student -------------------------------$99.00 E-6 or Below and/or CBOLC Student -------$125.00 All Others(military,civilian,retirees)------$150.00 CCRA Corporate Membership CCRA Chapters National Capital Region Chapter (D.C.) Ozark Chapter (MO) MG Gerald G.(Jerry) Watson Chapter (AL) JBLM Chapter (WA) Golden Wyverns Chapter (SC) Mountain Warrior Chapter (FDNY) Area 52 Chapter Yankee Chapter Mid-America CBRN Response Enterprise(IL) Bluegrass Chapter (KY) Annual Corporate Membership Lifetime Coporate Membership 50+ Employees --------------------------$300.00 50+ Employees ------------------------$3,000.00 49 or Less Employees -----------------$150.00 49 or Less Employees ---------------$1,500.00 Payment Information Enclosed is a check/money order. Amount $ Check # Bill my credit card. Visa MC Amount $ CC# Expiration Date: Signature: Completed forms can be mailed or delivered with payment to the CCRA Office or Gift Shop located in the Post Museum. Memberships can also be purchased online at www.ccrassn.org. Mail: Chemical Corps Regimental Association P.O. Box 437 14296 S. Dakota Avenue, Bldg. 1607 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473 Fax: 573-329-6295 Phone: 573-329-0600 Please make check or money order payable to the CCRA. If you are mailing this please DO NOT send cash. : MAILED: YES/NO MEMBERSHIP # 17
Chemical Memorial Grove Improvement Projects Fundraising We are currently seeking donations to facilitate the improvement of the Chemical Memorial Grove. Our memorial Grove is a longstanding institution honoring fallen Dragon Soliders. The grove was relocated to Fort Leonard Wood from Fort McClellan in 1999 and is in close proximity to our Museum. Our goal is to complete several Grove improvement projects in preparation for the Chemical Corp s 100 th anniversary in the Summer of 2018. We need your help to make these improvement projects a success. Please visit our donation page ( http://ccrassn.org/memorialgrovefundraising.htm ) to view a description of each project and to make your generous contribution. If you have any questions please call or email the CCRA Business Manager, Johanna Nard, at 573-329-0600, or ccramanager@embarqmail.com. 18
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Cathy Griffin Regimental Gift Shop POSTER FOR SALE!!! This poster print is 24x36, Item #2039, and can be yours for only $29.99 plus $10.00 shipping. If you have any questions or would like to purchase this poster print please contact the Cathy Griffin Regimental Gift Shop at 573-329-6566. 22