Outstanding Bliss Soldiers

FORT BLISS ONLY AUTHORIZED NEWSPAPER Iron Focus 17 3A Thursday, June 1, 2017 Concordiaʼs veterans remembered 1B Connect with the Bugle at: Fort Bliss Community Life @FortBlissTexas 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss fortblissbugle.com Click on the e-edition >> URBAN TRAINING Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr / 24th Press Camp Headquarters A Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, prepares to fire a M240B machine gun during urban warfare training at Orogrande, N.M., May 22. The Soldier participated in Iron Focus 17, a brigade-level training exercise that allows commanders to exercise their systems and processes, as well as conduct battle tracking and forward support distribution. It also allows them to gauge the status of their readiness and validate processes to ensure they are prepared for worldwide operations. For more on this story, see page 8A. Fort Bliss remembers fallen By Sgt. Kelsey Miller 1st BCT, 1st AD Public Affairs Memorial Day is a special day when we take time to honor and remember the more than one million men and women who died in the service of our country. Formerly called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, a chance for some to halt their busy schedules to give thanks to those who gave all. In keeping with that tradition, Maj. Gen. Pat White, commanding general, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, and Soldiers assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st AD, hosted the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery here Monday. As we take this day to remember our country s fallen, and look back through our history to honor all those that gave their lives for our freedom and our liberty, let us recommit ourselves and remind all Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, White said. I cannot emphasize enough how our observance of this day, understanding and respecting its true meaning, is so important to all of us, our wonderful community, and our future generations. See FALLEN Page 2A Outstanding Bliss Soldiers 3-41 Inf. Regt. supplies both Soldier, NCO of the Year Spc. George Kinsey, SoY, known for discipline By Virginia Reza Fort Bliss Public Affairs On May 25, Spc. George Kinsey, a native of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, received the Best Warrior Award for winning the title of 2017 Fort Bliss Soldier of the Year. He represented Fort Bliss in the Best Warrior Competition May 14 through 18, at III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas, where he took third place overall. Kinsey is a Soldier assigned to a specialty reconnaissance platoon with 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, a unit that only accepts selfsufficient and self-disciplined Soldiers. A panel selects Soldiers for the unit after they undergo and surpass numerous demanding tasks. The recon platoon is full of remarkable Soldiers, said 1st Sgt. Imari Jackson, 3rd Bn., 41st Inf. Regt. They are a great example of what a Soldier should be. When these guys go back to their unit, they take back what they learned at recon to recreate the same atmosphere to try and motivate other Soldiers who may not be as inspired. During his high school years, Kinsey competed in wrestling and track and played the tuba in the marching band. Some of his favorite things to do See SOY Page 4A Spc. George Kinsey, Fort Bliss Soldier of the Year, right, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, is congratulated for earning the Best Warrior Competition Award by one of his battle buddies, Spc. Christopher Witt, also assigned to 3rd Bn., 41st Inf. Regt., 1st BCT, 1st AD, during a ceremony May 25 at the Ready First Parade Field on East Fort Bliss. Kinsey represented Fort Bliss at the Best Warrior Competition at III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas, where he placed third overall. FORT BLISS Friday Saturday Sunday Mostly sunny Hi 87, Lo 68 Mostly sunny Hi 92, Lo 69 Sunny, hot Hi 95, Lo 72 Sgt. Vincente Torres, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, poses for a photo in front of a Stryker Combat Vehicle here April 24. Torres is the Fort Bliss Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and was the Fort Bliss Soldier of the Year last year. Unit News... 3A Community... 1B Sports... 7B Off Duty... 8B Commercial Classifieds... 10B Army Classifieds... 10B Hardworking warrior 2017 Fort Bliss NCO of the Year By Virginia Reza Fort Bliss Public Affairs When he arrived in the United States five years ago, Sgt. Vicente Torres headed to the recruiting office in Austin, Texas, to sign up for the Army, only to be turned down because he didn t speak English. His dreams of becoming a Soldier were crushed. He gave up hope for a military career and began working in construction. For the next two years, Torres studied hard to learn the language by reading books, watching TV and listening to the radio. One day he passed by the recruiting office and decided to give it another shot. A couple of months later, Torres enlisted in the Army and attended basic training. On May 25, Torres received the Best Warrior Competition Award and an Army Commendation Medal for winning the title of 2017 Fort Bliss Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Last year he was the Fort Bliss Soldier of the Year. The 23-year-old NCO is assigned to a specialty reconnaissance platoon with 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. The platoon requires the utmost in disciplined individuals. Leaders select Soldiers for the platoon See NCO Page 6A

2A June 1, 2017 FORT BLISS BUGLE MEMORIAL DAY AT FORT BLISS Flags are lined up at Fort Bliss National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday. Sgt. Kelsey Miller / 1st BCT, 1st AD, Public Affairs Maj. Gen. Pat White, commanding general, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, speaks during the Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Bliss National Cemetery Monday. Memorial Day is a time to pause and remember those who came before us and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. FALLEN Continued from Page 1A As the 1st Armored Division Band played, about 1,000 citizens from the El Paso community came together to pay their respects and remember the fallen. Veterans, family members, Boy Scout troops, service members and Gold Star families were scattered throughout the audience. They spoke amongst themselves with fond memories of friends and loved ones lost. Many laid pennies atop the gravestones as they walked by, a symbol of their appreciation. A solitary chair rested at the front of the stage draped in a POW and MIA flag. What we must do is remember the sacrifice, said Glenn Powers, a guest speaker at the event, and the Deputy Under Secretary for Field Programs and Cemetery Operations. We must remember what they did, why they did it and appreciate what it means for us. Today is a day for all of our men and women who have served faithfully and moved on, Powers said. We remember. Memorial Day was originally dedicated to honor the fallen during the Civil War. As the years have passed, it has come to mean much more. This day is more than just honoring those who gave all; it is a time for all Americans to rededicate themselves to the ideals that America represents, and teach our children about the sacrifices of those who came before. Spc. Nicholas Acierno / HHC, 16th Eng. Bn. Spc. Nicholas Acierno / HHC, 16th Eng. Bn. Soldiers assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, participate in the Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Bliss National Cemetery Monday. Spc. Nicholas Acierno / HHC, 16th Eng. Bn. A man visits a grave at Fort Bliss National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday. The Fort Bliss Bugle is an unofficial publication authorized by AR 360-1 and printed each Thursday in the interest of the Fort Bliss and El Paso, Texas, communities. The contents of the Fort Bliss Bugle are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army or The Laven Group, LLC. The appearance of advertising in the Fort Bliss Bugle does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised. Any article or service advertised in the Fort Bliss Bugle will be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to any non-merit factor of consumers. 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FORT BLISS BUGLE June 1, 2017 3A Training is the oil that keeps the engine of our Army running Stand To!: Cyber sextortion 7A Unit Briefs Call for platelet donations: The Hospitals of Providence Blood Bank/ Donor Center is issuing an urgent call for platelet donors in the community to help pediatric oncology, adult oncology and neo-natal patients in need of this lifesaving product. Anyone willing to donate platelets must be 17 years or older, in healthy condition and over 110 pounds. Donors can call 577-6676 or 577-7305 to schedule donation. Salute to the military: The George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, is a member of the Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to military personnel and their families this summer. Free admission to all three museums is available through Sept. 4, to any bearer of a common access card, a DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card. This includes active duty U.S. military Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve (on orders), U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps and up to five family members. A family member may include a spouse, child, aunts, uncles, or grandparents. Iron Focus 17 When it comes to planning, understanding drives options By Abigail Meyer Fort Bliss Bugle Editor DOÑA ANA, N.M. Standing next to a chia pet in the training areas near Fort Bliss, you can t see much. Climbing up one of the thorny hills, military vehicles are barely in view, scattered across the desert. Largely concealed by the landscape, you can make out a few M1A2 Abrams tanks or radio antennas here and there. On May 18, this quiet patch of desert was 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division s staging area for hours or days before they received a mission from their higher headquarters, and they had prepared for months to get there. The 1st Bn., 37th Amor Regt. Bandits worked hard to participate in Iron Focus 17 as a cohesive battalion after reactivating in 2015 and transferring back to U.S. Forces Command in December. This is the first time the battalion s really fought as a battalion, said Lt. Col. Kristopher Howell, commander, 1st Bn., 37th Armor Regt. During the AWA (Army Warfighting Assessment) and NIE (Network Integration Evaluation) missions, it was smaller groups going out to test things and the actual battalion hasn t done a cohesive exercise it was like, How do we start back at the basics? and it was a progressive training plan that hits the gates and meets the objectives to get to where we re at. Iron Focus 17 is a brigade-level training exercise that allows commanders to exercise Photos by Abigail Meyer / Fort Bliss Bugle Editor Pvt. Marc Breen, an armor crewman assigned to 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, prepares a radio before a mission during Iron Focus 17 near Doña Ana, N.M., May 18. their systems and processes and to gauge the status of their readiness while validating processes to ensure they are prepared for worldwide operations. Howell took command of the unit about three weeks ago, so he had to get familiar with the unit quickly. I wanted a baseline of knowledge of where my platoons were at, which are really my building blocks of what I maneuver as a battalion and then assess where we re at, Howell said. I m very happy with where we re at. We ll make some mistakes out here, but it s been that progressive training, everything from understanding maneuver, tasked down to the Soldier level and those expectations, all the way up to the Army level. Getting those nested has been a huge focus of mine. Army preparedness starts at the individual level. From Soldier, to platoon, to company and so forth, Soldiers train at each level while complexity increases. The opportunities for continued training are endless, especially prior to a mission during field training exercises. So if it looks like I m going to be doing an attack, then that s all I might know, said Capt. Mitchell Jordan, commander, Company B, 1st Bn., 37th Armor Regt. I know there are certain specific aspects of conducting an attack that my guys need to work on so I ll issue out priorities of work, which right now are security, communication, rehearsals, medevac rehearsals, react to CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) attack rehearsals. Mission planning done in tactical operations centers follows a specific guideline the military decision making process it s the military s way of analyzing the mission and putting all the pieces together, said plans Staff Sgt. Marcus Flowers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, sets up a quick erect antenna mast system during Iron Focus 17 near Doña Ana, N.M., May 18. From left: Maj. Matthew Perdue, battalion operations officer, Maj. Brice Roberts, battalion executive officer, both assigned to 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, and Lt. Col. Kristopher Howell, commander, 1st Bn., 37th Armor Regt., discuss plans for an upcoming mission during Iron Focus 17 in the training area near Doña Ana, N.M., May 18. officer Capt. Michael Blair. They (operations staff) build understanding so our companies are not maneuvering into the unknown and they give me options to then maneuver companies and the platoons, Howell said. With that I give options to the brigade commander with everything I can offer. Howell charges his Soldiers to create simple plans that are wellenabled, and focuses on using the most current information available. Simple, so we re not tripping all over each other trying to get through the battle space. You can get hung up if you get too fancy, I know there are certain specific aspects of conducting an attack that my guys need to work on so I ll issue out priorities of work, which right now are security, communication, rehearsals, medevac rehearsals, react to CBRN attack rehearsals. >> Capt. Mitchell Jordan Howell said. So they really build understanding which then drives options our biggest thing is once we gain understanding, ensuring its currency, that we re not working off understanding from two hours ago it s hard. Iron Focus 17 wrapped up last week. Next, the whole brigade trades the Chihuahuan Desert for the Mojave Desert as the unit heads out to National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, this August. NTC is a true understanding of who you are as a leader and what your unit can do, Howell said.

4A June 1, 2017 FORT BLISS BUGLE SOY Continued from Page 1A on the weekends were hunting and fishing with his father. From about the ages of 15 through 21, Kinsey was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, a U.S. Air Force civilian auxiliary, where he said they participated in search and rescue, land navigation and learned about air space engineering and leadership. The activities helped prepare him for a military career physically and mentally. When Kinsey graduated high school, he worked at several occupations for six years before enlisting in the Army. My boss didn t know what he wanted to do when he grew up, so we did a little bit of everything, Kinsey said. Farming during harvest season because he owned a farm, we did logging to provide wood for the construction industry and plowing during winter. On the construction side we did siding and roofing, but that is not where my heart was. The 26-year-old joined the Army two years ago and recently reenlisted for four more years to qualify for the U.S. Army Airborne School. So far, basic training and his current platoon have been right up his alley. Kinsey said he particularly likes environments that require a lot of discipline. I like to know the task, the purpose, the schedule, knowing what to do or know I m going to be taught how to do it, Kinsey said. I was welcomed into the platoon had solid leadership who said what they meant and meant what they said. They gave me opportunities I would not have had otherwise. Challenges on how to get ahead in the Army, such as having to compete to get into specific schools, staying fit and ready for promotion boards, learning new things and applying them every day are some of his favorites; however, last minute changes are his pet peeves, Kinsey said. His military dream job is to join a Ranger battalion and Kinsey does not mind working hard to get it, he said. Kinsey is very quiet and calm, comes across as very shy, Jackson said. He is a crazy hard worker. Never complains about anything a very good kid. I wish there were more like him. Kinsey is married to Christina Kinsey, a nurse, and they are expecting twins later this year. They were married in 2015 after he finished his first rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. Kinsey wants people to know he is just a regular guy who was able to push harder than other competitors. He encourages other Soldiers who want to advance in the ranks, to partake in Army competitions as they prove who has heart, who is trained and helps them improve as Soldiers to get to the next level. Whether it was by heart, mentality or by preparation, I m just a normal guy, Kinsey said. I don t think I m better than anyone else. I just do my best and do what I m told. From left: Command Sgt. Maj. 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FORT BLISS BUGLE June 1, 2017 5A

6A June 1, 2017 FORT BLISS BUGLE NCO Continued from Page 1A through rigorous tests, such as recon operations, including air, field road marches, stalk lanes for snipers, interviews with platoon leaders and more. The recon unit is made up of 30-plus guys who want to be the best of the best, said 1st Sgt. Imari Jackson, assigned to 3rd Bn., 41st Inf., 1st BCT, 1st AD. When these guys get up for PT (physical training) in the morning, they do nine-mile runs and race at the end. They are self-sufficient and operate in smaller groups. They will sit and hide for days. Since joining the Army three years ago, Torres other accomplishments include speedy promotions, Air Assault School, the Expert Infantryman Badge and his selection as the 2016 Fort Bliss Soldier of the Year. Next, he is scheduled to attend the Master Fitness Trainer Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. Torres, a native of Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico, has also picked up more English along the way. When I first joined the military my English was at about 30 percent, Torres said. I understood more than I spoke, but now I can speak back. It was rough, but I was determined and it was definitely worth it. Torres is highly intelligent; English is just not his first language, Jackson said. The most challenging part of his journey has been not having his friends and family close, said Torres, who has 11 siblings. Unlike his siblings, most of whom attended college, Torres said school was not for him. Even as a young boy he always dreamed of being a Soldier. The physical fitness and discipline in the Army have been the most rewarding attributes for him, Torres said. The fitness was easy, as he grew up playing soccer and basketball and enjoys running. He claims the discipline made him a better person and helped him grow up. I think the Army helps you transition from a kid to an adult. You pick up good habits, like being on time and being responsible for your actions, Torres said. In his spare time, Torres volunteers at St. Mark Catholic Church. Through the church, he volunteers at an immigration facility where detainees live. This is where he met a 12-year-old boy from Honduras, who lost both his arms when he fell off a train while traveling by himself to the U.S. The boy s story and others like it, keep him going back to help church members clean the facility, donate clothes, food and other necessities, Torres said. Torres leads one of the youth Bible study classes, on occasion teaches catechism, serves as an usher and collects offerings during services. Torres also spends a lot of time working on personal development. I want to be a better person; a better Soldier; a better son; a better employee; a better everything, Torres said. I try to work on that a lot. Sometimes it s not easy and I struggle, but discipline will take you anywhere. You just have to focus on what you want and that is how you will get there. Sitting on the couch watching movies or playing videos is not his thing, Torres said. I d rather pick up a book and learn new things. I don t like wasting my time, he said. Torres was recently introduced to network marketing self-development. He spends as much time as possible reading about it. He has attended several classes and conferences From left: Spc. George Kinsey, Fort Bliss Soldier of the Year, Sgt. Vincente Torres, Fort Bliss Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, both assigned to 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, talk with Command Sgt. Maj. Danny Day, command sergeant major, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, here May 25. Kinsey and Torres, who competed in the Best Warrior Competition at III Corps Fort Hood, Texas, told Day it was extremely challenging. and said he really likes it. This is what he plans to do when he either leaves or retires from the Army. The network marketing allows you to set your own schedule, and if you really work hard, you can become very successful in a couple of years (while) at the same time changing a person s life in a positive way, Torres said. As much as he loves the Army, he said he is not quite sure if he will stay or leave during his reenlistment window. It s all going to depend on when he marries, as he is a family man and does not want to be away from his family. I challenge myself to be better every day, Torres said. Every time I run or do anything, it s me against me. I m not better than anyone. I just strive to be better than myself, if that makes any sense. Torres considers El Paso his second home. He currently has a girlfriend, friends everywhere and thanks God for all he has and helping him grow spiritually. CHANGE IS COMING. Our Military Retirement Comparison Tool can help. We want you to feel confident in your choice. 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FORT BLISS BUGLE June 1, 2017 7A Where You Come First! LIFE IS FULL OF FIRSTS firstlightfcu.org 1-800-351-1670 PICK UP A COPY OF THE Stand To!: Cyber sextortion By U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command Special to the Fort Bliss Bugle What is it? Cyber sextortion is a crime in which a criminal uses the threat of releasing sexually explicit pictures or videos to the public to extort money from a victim. In perpetrating this crime, the criminal will approach the victim over social media and seduce the victim into engaging in an online sexual act. Once the victim has sent a compromising photo or participated in a sexually explicit video chat, the criminal will threaten to publicize the material unless the victim provides money or favors. What is the Army doing? Army Criminal Investigation Command has issued warnings via press releases to the Army community to spread awareness of this crime and prevent Soldiers from becoming victims of it. CID s Computer Crime Investigative Unit is promoting internet safety by posting recommendations and advisories to strengthen cyber security posture and prevent computer crime before it occurs. CID has published information to combat these scams and warned victims not to send money, and to stop corresponding with the scammers. CID encourages victims preserve information received from the scammer, such as social networking profile, email accounts used, and where money was directed to be sent and to report these crimes. Notification to law enforcement is important as victims are at risk of further exploitation, which can include demands for additional payments, more sexual images, sensitive military information or access to Army systems and facilities. What continued efforts are planned for the future? The Army will continue to encourage the community to use the CID Lookout Program and warn individuals to remain cautious of online communications and not to share intimate, personal information with anyone, especially strangers. Previous and current cyber-crime alert notices, cyber-crime prevention flyers, information about computer security and other related scams will be continually updated at the Army CID Computer Crime Investigative Unit website. Why is this important to the Army? Sextortion scams affect the unsuspecting Soldiers, Army civilians and family members who are potential victims due to their security clearances, and any operational security knowledge which could be of interest to the extortionist. Resources: U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command Army Social Media Report a crime: Service member or Army civilian victims: Email: CCIU at usarmy.cciuintel@mail. mil Call: 1-844-ARMY-CID (1-844-276-9243) Others: Notify the local police department Email: DHS Homeland Security Investigations at assistance.victim@ice.dhs.gov Get Information @ FBI s Internet Crime Complaint Center Related documents: U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command s Cyber Sextortion Prevention Flyer Joint Service Sextortion Brochure Related STAND-TO!: Online Romance Scams Related articles: Army CID warns Soldiers to beware of sextortion scams CID cyber tips: Protecting your online identity