1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Unit Updates June 2013 Page 2

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

1st Battalion Newsletter

June 2013

Company A, Company B, Company C

ABLE Family,

Greetings friends and family of ABLE Company. I hope everything back in the States is going
well and I know Wendy has been keeping you posted on what is going on in Kuwait
via FRG meetings. I send her up to date pictures on recent training so you can
see how hard your Soldiers have been training.

The last couple of weeks have included Squad Live Fire, Gunnery, various qualification ranges, and
FiST Certification. Lots of time has been spent training and the results can be seen. The majority of Soldiers are
qualified expert on their M4 in preparation for EIB, all crews but two qualified Distinguished during Gunnery,
and Squad Live Fire was a great success with all Squads excelled at the tests I put before them.

ABLE Company will continue to stay in the field as we get ready for Platoon Maneuver and Platoon LFX
in the following weeks. The mechanics have also been working extremely hard making sure the Bradleys are
operational for this training.

I continue to work HQ Platoon hard! They are probably the hardest working, but most underappreciated
Soldiers in the Company. I greatly appreciate the time and effort HQ PLT puts into everything in order to
allow the platoons to train without distraction.

I want to send our congratulations to the McKeans, Southerns and Moseys for the birth of their
children! We are all so happy that everything went very well and the babies are healthy.

Make sure you keep checking Facebook for recent pictures in addition to the FRG meetings. Look
forward to talking to everyone next month!

Sincerely,

CPT Thies
ABLE 6

Able Company Friends and Family-

It is upon us!! The heat that is and it is really starting to get warm over here in the sandbox with an average daily
temperature of 100-105 degrees and surprisingly enough there is a pretty good amount of humidity here as
well, more than any of us expected. Unfortunately it is only going to get hotter as the summer months of July
and August have an average temp in the 130’s.

Our Soldiers continue to do great things to include a week long machine gunners course that was extremely helpful in increasing
our machine gun teams proficiency and lethality, the Bradley crews executed crew gunnery even though it took over
two weeks to complete, with the camels and locals not wanting to cooperate. A bunch of dismount training has taken place
further enhancing the capabilities of our dismounts in both marksmanship and tactical employment of their elements and
most recently a Squad live fire exercise, allowing Captain Thies the opportunity to validate each squad in a specific scenario.

With all the training that has been taking place the Soldiers have still had the opportunity to unwind, relax and enjoy some
of the culture while here in Kuwait. There have been several MWR trips to Kuwait City to both cultural sites such as the National
Museum, the Grand Mosque, the War Museum, and the Maritime Museum. Most of the trips end with a short visit to
one of the 6 malls that Kuwait City has to offer and provide the chance to taste some of the local cuisine or for the less adventurous
Chili’s or Applebee’s which are very popular over here as well. If the Soldiers haven’t taken advantage of this opportunity,
I’m sure at some point they will but by the looks of most of the Soldiers they are all pretty content to stay on Camp Buehring
and utilize the gym as most have really continued their focus on getting or staying physically fit.

In closing, I want to thank each and every one of the family members that continue to support their loved ones while we are
over here. Even though this isn’t the typical deployment we have grown accustomed to over the years, your unwavering support
and dedication allows your Soldier to focus on the current mission at hand and continue to prepare and train for the unexpected.
Thank you.

Sincerely,
1SG Overway
ABLE 7

Greetings from HQ Platoon. Hopefully this newsletter finds you doing well back home. By the time this newsletter hits
publication we will have been in country for over 3 months. The soldiers have been working very hard everyday
and I'm extremely proud of them. Here are some of the major training events that took place last month; Squad Live Fire,
Gunnery, various weaponsqualifications, and FiST Certifications.

Squad live fire tested soldiers on all aspects of infantry-man tactics while incorporating call for fire simulation. During gunnery,
all gun crews qualified distinguished but fell a couple points short for Top Gun to Bravo Company. The end of April brought
another FiST Certification to our table. It was a two week long test which included a PT test, CFF test, graded exam, Bradley
capabilities test, and proper installation of the OE-254 by a 2 man team. I am proud to announce Able FiST has
successfully defended the title best FiST team in the Brigade. They look forward to defending the title again next time.

HQ Platoon has also had the chance to venture off post to attend various MWR trips. Such trips included
the Grand Mosque, Maritime Museum, and the Saraya Palace. These trips provide excellent opportunities
for the soldiers to the experience local culture.

I hope everything is going well back in the States and look forward to next month's newsletter for more
up to date information on life in Kuwait.

Sincerely,

1LT Thomas Pierson
&
SSG Cummins

To the Friends and Families of Able Company’s
1st Platoon,

Since our last newsletter, 1PLT has been busy with multiple ranges, exercises and training. At the time of this newsletters publication,
the platoon has been in country for over three months. In March, the mounted section performed a waterborne operation,
loading Bradleys onto freight carries in the Persian Gulf, illustrating the unit’s ability to quickly deploy and move assets with ease.
In the weeks following, the mounted sections completed gunnery qualification with a platoon average of 935/1000 – an outstanding
accomplishment given newly trained crews.

While the mounted sections were busy conducting Bradley operations, the dismounts were qualifying teams and squads
with multiple ranges, testing the skills and aptitude of each Soldier and NCO. These ranges included team and squad room clearing,
various weapon qualification ranges and MOS-specific ranges.

In the next few weeks, the PLT will conduct a Platoon Live Fire and Expert Infantryman’s Badge qualification. We thank you
again for your support and send our best from Kuwait.

Regards,
1LT Eric Berce
SFC Jeremy Fricke

Greetings to family andfriends of 2nd Platoon, AbleCompany-

For being in country for just over three months, 2nd Platoon has already accomplished many great things.
Since the last newsletter, we have conducted a Bradley Gunnery, numerous training courses, and more recently, a Squad
Live Fire Exercise. The Platoon performed phenomenally in all of these events and are constantly pushing themselves to become
the best at their jobs.

We would like to recognize a few Soldiers; SPC Medina was recently awarded the title of the “Hero of the Week” for the Brigade
for his performance so far in country. SSG Stankan also received this honor for the Battalion. SGT Myler and SGT Crisafulli are
currently attending WLC, we would like to wish them the best of luck.

We hope that all of you are doing well back at Ft Carson and we all look forward to
hearing from you.

Sincerely,

1LT Jay Parker
&
SFC Christian Dumas

Greetings to the friends and family of 3rd Platoon-

The first third of the deployment has been going very well! All Bradley Crews qualified during Gunnery Tables V and VI.
SSG Davis and SGT Romero scored the highest in the platoon with 975 out of 1000 points. It was a hectic few weeks
and we weren’t entirely sure if we would be able to complete Gunnery, but the Crews pulled through and did very well.
Dismounts are in the middle of Squad Live Fire and doing extremely well. 1st Squad is leading the competition for top Squad
in the company, 2nd Squad has received honors for most improved squad and Weapons Squad has proved they are
the best weapons squad in the Company. Weather is heating up, but we’ll continue to train hard in the upcoming months.
After completing Squad Live Fire, we’ll move onto Platoon Maneuver Training and Platoon Live Fire. We also
plan to compete for Expert Infantryman’s Badge in July.

Since the last Newsletter we’ve had a few changes in the platoon, SSG Grant has come to us from HHC and
will take over as Weapons Squad Leader. That however also means SSG Suh is leaving us, he’s head to the Scout
Platoon where he will take over the Sniper Section as a Battalion asset and we wish him the best of luck. PFC
Hoo has left for Headquarters platoon where he was picked to be the driver for the XO and will continue to
work hard for Able Company. Congratulations to SPC Romero, SPC Zavoral and SPC Williams , who have all
earned their promotion and achieved the rank of Sergeant. PVT Boles also also been promoted to Private
First Class and PV1 Ewert has earned his way to PV2.

Hope all is well,
1LT Jason Schmitz
&
SFC Adam Prince

**********************

Since arriving in Kuwait in early February the men of Blackhawk Company have continued to conduct training and partnership
events in support of Operation Spartan Shield, in addition to conducting daily operations in support of regional security.

To answer everyone's fist question, yes it is indeed that hot here but the Soldiers of Blackhawk Company are continually
finding ways to operate in the heat. The desert is a harsh environment which challenges Soldiers at every turn, but your
husbands, friends and family continually rise to every occasion, succeeding no matter the circumstance. We have seen
temperatures well over 100 degrees, thousands of camels, rare rainstorms, dust storms, nomads, electrical storms and
hot winds during our short stay here.

As part of our ongoing effort to maintain the skills and lessons the Army has learned and the attempt
to improve everyday Blackhawk Company has remained busy. In the past few months our Company
has conducted multiple training events focused on maneuvering through open desert with the
Bradley Fighting Vehicle, integrating the light infantry with armored vehicles, culminating with Platoon
Live Fires and Platoon Maneuver Training.

As part of our campaign to keep you connected with your Soldier we have been updating the
Regulars by God Facebook Page with pictures and posts about your loved ones. If you want more of a
certain topic please post your request and we will do our best to accommodate. For the latest update on
your Soldier you can like the “Regulars by God” Facebook Page.

I would like to thank the friends and family of Blackhawk Company for supporting us while we are
deployed, your love and unwavering support keep us going. Thanks for all the mail it makes even the
toughest Soldiers smile. Finally, congratulations to the Blackhawk families who recently welcomed new
babies and we excitedly await those babies due in the near future. Can’t wait to see you at all.

CPT Otis Ingram
Blackhawk 6

Headquarters Platoon, Bravo Company, recently has spent multiple weeks in the field conducting rigorous training. Your
soldiers have been facilitating and conducting Bradley Fighting Vehicle Gunnery, Squad Live Fire Exercises, Platoon Live Fire
Exercises, Platoon and Company Maneuver, Fire Support Team Certification, and Joint Fires Observer Certification.

As the desert summer months approach, the temperatures have been steadily rising. Sometimes reaching
100 degree days. Sand storms have been rolling in, occasionally delaying training. The critters are moving about as
accounts of camel spiders, scorpions, snakes, desert foxes, and camels are typical.

There is more planned for what lies ahead. We still have Partnership Exchanges along with Non-Combatant
Evacuation Operation training. Followed by some much needed recovery time.

Soldiers have been and will continue to be able to participate in resiliency programs on and off of Camp
Buehring. Off Post golf, shopping, and museum trips are scheduled periodically. Along with softball and basketball
tournaments, a full gym, a USO and a theater. Soldiers have the opportunity to take care of and enjoy themselves during
their off time.

I would like to congratulate SSG Romero on being selected for promotion to Sergeant First Class. With his promotion
underway he has been chosen to serve in 2nd Platoon. With his going, I would like to welcome SSG Rodriquez
as the new Headquarters Platoon Sergeant.

Thanks for the support from friends, family and loved ones back home. The continued encouragement is
necessary for the morale and the continued success of thePlatoon and Company. It is a privilege to be a part of Headquarters
Platoon as I look forward to the upcoming months of the deployment.

1LT Kuder &

SSG Rodriguez

The Blackhawk Company, 1st Platoon BLACK SHEEP havebeen busy training a wide variety of tasks and warrior skills
over the past several weeks.

During the month of April we had the opportunity to increase our proficiency with our Bradley Fighting Vehicles
during Stabilized Gunnery.

Some of our Bradley crews have never worked together before so this was a good opportunity to develop cohesion.
Our crews shot very well during the course of training and our high scores were a part of the Company effort to take
the Gunnery streamer from Alpha Company.

Our dismounted soldiers have also been training hard over the past couple months. We have conducted numerous
training events including Room Clearing and Battle Drills. These events prepared us well for the Squad Live Fire Exercise,
in which we demonstrated our boots-on-the-ground lethality and skill.

The culmination of all these training exercises was the Platoon Live Fire Exercise. This gave us the opportunity
to shoot and maneuver our Bradleys on the way to the objective and from there dismount our soldiers to clear a village.
Our soldiers came together and performed magnificently. We have shown to be a very cohesive, competent,
and lethal organization within Blackhawk Company that everyone back home can be proud of.

Additionally, I would like to congratulate SPC Buck for winning the Battalion and Brigade Soldier of the Year
boards. His hard work is an excellent example for others to follow and we are proud of his accomplishments thus far
and wish him the best of luck at the upcoming ARCENT board.

Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of the B CO BLACKSHEEP. I am
proud to serve with such an awesome group of soldiers and look forward to our upcoming time together.

2LT Demarkles
& SFC Fletcher

Friends and Family of the Spartans

The 2nd Platoon Spartans, Blackhawk Company continue to excel in all that they do. Over the last few weeks 2nd Platoon has
completed a multitude of training events. The mounted sections recently completed Bradley Fighting Vehicle Stabilized Gunnery,
qualifying as a Distinguished Platoon with all crews scoring over 900 points out of a possible 1000. Dismounted Soldiers conducted
urban operations training and knock out a bunker training, culminating with a Squad Live Fire Exercise. The Spartans then moved
to the deserts of Kuwait to conduct Platoon Maneuver, where the mounted and dismounted elements were brought together
for training. More recently, 2nd Platoon successfully completed the Platoon Live Fire Exercise.

The 2nd Platoon Spartans would like to congratulate our recent promotions of SPC Anderson, SPC Brewster, and SPC Pancoast
to the rank of Specialist.The Spartans are also proud to announce the recent re-enlistments of SSG Purvis, SGT Sheir, SGT Leal,
SPC Brewster, and SPC Anderson. These Soldiers have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the United States Army,
and the Spartans are excitedto keep them as members of the team.

In the near future, the 2nd Platoon will participate in Operation Desert Centurion. This operation is a combined exercise with
the Kuwaiti Army, fostering the strength and bonds of our allied nations. The Spartans will continue to excel in all assigned tasks and
hope to make our families proud.

2LT Morgan Watkins
&
SFC Charles Buckner

3rd Platoon, Blackhawk Company, sends their regards from Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The Outlaws continue
to achieve excellence in all they do. The Outlaw Platoon’s mounted sections completed their Bradley
Fighting Vehicle’s Stabilized Gunnery, shooting distinguished as a platoon with an average of 937 points out of a possible 1000.
The dismounted soldiers practiced assaulting urban environments as well as dug in bunkers in preparation for their live fire
exercises. The training paid dividends; your soldiers successfully executed a squad live fire lane where dismounted
squads knocked out a bunker. Recently, the platoon utilized lessons learned during these training events to complete a
platoon live fire integrating both mounted and dismounted elements within the Outlaw Platoon simultaneously.

The Outlaw Platoon is proud to report SSG Rodriguez’s selection for promotion by the recent Sergeant First
Class Promotion Board. With his impending promotion, Blackhawk Company chose SSG Rodriguez to serve as the
Headquarters Platoon Sergeant. The Outlaws are proud to have served with this distinguished leader. With his departure,
SSG Miles moved to the Outlaw Platoon to lead first squad. SSG Miles has established himself as an impressive
leader in the Outlaw Platoon, and we are glad to welcome him. SGT Macoco was selected to attend the Warrior Leader
Course on Camp Beuhring in preparation for him taking on more difficult tasks and responsibilities in the future.

Looking into the near future, the Platoon will partner with the Kuwaiti Army for Operation Desert Centurion.
This mission strengthens bonds with the allied nation and continues cultivate stability within our Brigade’s Operational
Environment. As always, The Outlaw Platoon will continue to successfully execute all assigned missions and make their
Army and Family proud.

1LT Harris &
SFC LeMaster

**********************

Greetings from Cobra 6:

The last two months have been high paced and energetic to say the least!

Cobra Soldiers have been up to their necks in maintenance getting ready for the upcoming gunnery operations.
They have done an outstanding job getting their vehicles ready for sustained operations in a harsh and austere desert
environment. Every attention to detail has been paid to ensure these men are confident in their equipment and their needs are met.
Cobra Soldiers have reacted amazingly to every change of plans and every change of requirement. I couldn’t be more proud
of these Soldiers and their dedication to the mission, the company and the battalion as a whole.

For the next few months, Cobra Soldiers will go from adjusting to their new operating environment as a
heavy company to a multitude of vehicle platforms. Cobras have been rigorously conducting physical
training to ensure they are ready for any task if called upon. They are ready to foot march if necessary.
Whatever the mission, Cobra Soldiers are ready to step up to the task.

Congratulations to SGT Shaffer and his wife Jackerin on their new baby boy Daniel. Daniel joins the
Shaffer family as their third child. Daniel Patrick-Lincoln was a healthy 7lbs 10oz and 21 inches. Also a
huge welcome to SSG Johnson and his wife Alisha for the birth of their first child, son Tanner Kevin Johnson,
who is 4lbs 15 oz, 17 inches. We ask for any support for SSG Johnson as Tanner was born 1.5
months pre-mature. Additionally, we are looking forward to SPC Adu and his wife having their first child
in upcoming months.

The Soldiers of Cobra Company will continue to exceed all standards and push the envelope.

COBRAS!

M. Zeke Foor
CPT, AR
COBRA COMMANDER

We are soon approaching the summer months in Kuwait and as the temperatures continue to rise
so do the challenges of the FIST team. Over the past few months the team has continued to maintain
focus and train hard. The team has just completed gunnery and continue to display excellence
as they achieved a rating of “Distinguished” overall throughout the certification.

While our mission hasn’t changed and our training continues the FIST team strives to better
themselves while enjoying their time in a foreign country. The team has participated in Yoga and
Spin classes, they have participated in numerous MWR activities to include Bingo, Movie night at
the theatre, a trip to the history museum and Avenues Mall. The time away allows the team to refocus
and reflect on themselves while enjoying some of the comforts of home away from home.

Having completed one of the core FIST missions in completing gunnery at such a high standard, the
FIST team has now set their eyes upon the coveted Best FIST banner, currently held by A. Co. They
have spent countless hours training on OE-254 setup and tear down, Radio set-up and transmission,
DAGR training, Call for fire training, Weapons breakdown and assembly, PMCS of the BFIST,
along with physical training and platoon tasks. The team is dedicated to their trade and have maintained
constant effort in preparation of this competition.

1LT Valldejuli, Reynaldo R.
FSO

Greetings Friends and Family of First Platoon, Cobra Company!

First Platoon has been very busy since the last newsletter. Our schedule has been packed with training
events, vehicle and weapons maintenance, and the occasional MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) trip.

Shortly after the last newsletter we conducted platoon maneuver training. This was an opportunity for us to
break in our new tanks following services and become familiar with the dry and desolate desert terrain. We
also found time to have a platoon BBQ between two tanks amidst the blowing sand. After maneuver training,
we immediately moved into preparation for gunnery. This included yet more maintenance, as well as
skills training such as vehicle identification, weapons assembly, and bore-sighting procedures. Finally, we
went out to the range and started shooting gunnery. Unfortunately, at the time that I am writing this letter,
the range has become packed with camels and their herders, forcing us to postpone the remaining portion of
gunnery. Interspersed with all of this training, we have also been called upon to practice one of our primary
missions during this deployment, loading the reaction force’s baggage and equipment for air transport, which
we are now able to do quickly and efficiently.

The Soldiers of First Platoon are continuing to take the opportunities that we have here to develop themselves
and have some fun. Since the reinstitution of tuition assistance, many Soldiers are pursuing degrees in a
variety of fields. We have had the opportunity to enjoy a couple breaks from training and experience life in Kuwait
through MWR trips by visiting museums, science centers, and malls.

On behalf of all of First Platoon, I would like to thank again all of our friends, family, and the Charlie Company
FRG for all of your continued support during this deployment.

Sincerely,

1LT Jake Howell
Red 1

Hello family and friends!

I am writing this as we close out our third month on the ground in Kuwait. The Platoon has completed
an APFT, two days of Platoon Maneuver Training, Night Maneuver Training, Gunnery Skills Training
(GST), Table II (dry fire), Table V (live fire with main gun) and now are waiting to compete for Best Tank
during Table VI (qualifying Table) of Gunnery.

With all of the wear and tear on the tanks, the crews have been putting in a lot of overtime on them.
Their hard work did not go unnoticed though and was rewarded with a well deserved BBQ during our Maneuver
Training. The men were also able to test the full capabilities of their tanks during maneuver training.
During GST all the men passed and were able to complete Table II, which lead us into Table V. During
Table V, our “Four” tank, crewed by SFC Kovalchick, SPC Shea, SPC Tickle and PV2 Mills, scored a 919 which
was the highest in the Platoon and the Company. PFC Allen has been working hard in the Arms Room making
sure that the company was ready for gunnery; while SGT Cobbs made sure all of the paperwork was prepared
for the ARCENT inspection which we passed with flying colors. As this month comes to an end we
will be finishing up gunnery and moving on to Platoon Live Fire.

All of the hard work that the men have been putting in has allowed SFC “K” and I some wiggle
room, giving us the opportunity to put the men onto as many MWR trips as possible. As of right now, we
have been on a total of three. They have ranged from the Kuwaiti Museum of Modern Art, to the Kuwaiti
Maritime Museum to three different malls. Getting out has allowed the Soldiers to relax and experience a
different part of Kuwait.

As it starts to heat up here, we have experienced a few dust storms. However, this has not
curbed the Platoon’s motivation to hit the gym on a daily basis, sometimes twice a day if they have the time.

Lastly, I want to personally thank you all on behalf of 2nd Platoon for your continued support and
look forward to giving you insight on the happenings of 2nd Platoon next month.

1LT Matt Marasco
Cobra White 1

Hello family and friends of 3rd platoon "Coyotes",

The Platoon has done outstanding work the last month. SGT Ronald Gorsuch attended the pallet loading class and became
the knowledge source for 3rd Platoon. He, and other soldiers including SGT Shaffer, led the pallet loading during
the re-deployment exercise. During the platoon’s APFT PFC Odegard improved the most out of the platoon from the last
diagnostic APFT with a 20 point improvement. His improvement helped the platoon reach its goal of a platoon APFT
average of 270.5. While conducting training on the loader’s position for the upcoming gunnery, as a driver, PFC Vlasic
continuously exceeded the 4.2 seconds standard for loading SABOT rounds. He set such a high standard for the rest of
the platoon that it instilled a competitive motivation for other crews. SGT Norris successfully mentored his new
loader and driver during the first platoon day maneuver training and completed all the key tasks for training and
qualified with his new crew on Gunnery Table 2 first time. SGT Vega performed well during the platoon maneuver
training while conducting platoon-on-platoon operations. He identified and destroyed 3 tanks without being detected.
In addition, SGT Vega scored the highest in the platoon on the Gunnery table 2 with 907 out of 1000. We also just completed
Table V and are preparing to shoot Table VI.

Even with the platoon working hard training and accomplishing many tasks, the platoon has been able to get off
camp and enjoy what Kuwait City has to offer. Trips to a few Kuwaiti malls and history museums have provided the platoon
some time away and experience with the culture. On the home front SGT Shaffer and SSG Johnson and their
wives have welcomed another child into the platoon family and the platoon congratulates them!

Coming up, the platoon is preparing for the remainder of Gunnery in order to be a fully qualified platoon on the tanks
prepared to shoot the platoon live fire in the next few weeks. Remaining flexible, we are preparing for anything
and everything our mission dictates. We will succeed no matter what that mission is and will stay hungry for more.

Sincerely,

1LT Richard Garcia
3rd Platoon Leader,
Cobra Blue 1

"STAY HUNGRY"

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