1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Updates February 2011 Page 2

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

1st Battalion Newsletter

February 2011

Company A, Company B, Company C

Able 6

Able Company Families and Friends,

As many of you already know, A Co changed commanders on Jan 20th 2011. With the change of command the
company name has changed to Able Company and a new graphic to represent the Co is in the works. There has been
a lot of change throughout the Company in the last 30 days with the addition of 1SG Mosher who is currently changing
over with 1SG Stoen, LT Powers in 1st PLT, LT Herron in 2nd PLT, LT Bryant as a targeting officer in the Co HQ and
SSG Boyd as the new PSG for 2nd PLT. The pace of operations has not diminished any and in the last 30 days, the Co has
been able to finish transitioning of 3rd PLT and the Co HQ to the Bagh-e-Pol power plant. Additionally while this movement
was going on the company was able to build a small checkpoint for our ANP brothers as well as move 2nd PLT to
a small school where they now reside. 2nd PLT has worked diligently to improve their force protection by adding concrete barriers
and lots of concertina wire. We will continue to work to improve all of our fixed sites as well as to establish communication
between 2nd PLT and their families back in the states as quickly as possible. It is a privilege to serve
with the men of Able Company and I look forward to meeting their friends and families this summer as we redeploy.

Sincerely,

ABLE 6

Change of Command

Able 7

ABLE Family,

Well, this will conclude my Newsletters as the 1SG of ABLE-Company. I will be replace by a capable and very competent 1SG,
1SG Frank Mosher. You will not have to worry while he is at the helm. I had taken my R&R at the beginning of the month.
While I was away the Company had done some changing. We had the Headquarters and 3rd Platoon move from
one location to another. They moved to a future Power Plant that will offer light to the surrounding villages.
This will significantly help with winning the hearts and minds of the civilian populous. Second Platoon moved from
its location to another. They are living with very little, but I want you to know that under the circumstances
they have not shown any letting down. This has become a standard with this Company. They have
made me proud in their perseverance. You should all be very proud of them. While, I was away we gained a platoon
from Charlie Company. They are slowly adapting to being in Able Company. We will welcome them as we
would any of our existing Platoons.

I want to thank you all for all of your support you have shown me and your soldiers during this deployment.
It has been very inspirational to me, to be a part of such a great unit. I have seen you lend a helping hand to each
other when needed, come together for picnics, and show some dance moves at our Battalion Formal. We have
grown as a family. I wish you all well. I want you to know that your families are thinking of you each and every day.
We all long for the day we can say goodbye to this place and hello to you all. Again, I want to thank you so much.

Able 7 out.

1st Platoon

Greeting to the family and friends of 1st Platoon.

In my first full month as 1st Platoon PL I have come to understand one truth in Afghanistan, the soldiers working out
of CP 7-2 are diligent, well trained, and dedicated to completing our mission in Afghanistan. Soldiers like
SGT Valdez and SSG Livengood continue to impress me everyday with their leadership and management of the
soldiers in their squads. Following a grueling patrol schedule it was my pleasure to see their soldiers enjoy some well deserved
down time during a Afghani feast prepared by our ANCOP partners. The soldiers purchased a goat at a the local market
and the ANCOP prepared a meal in true Afghani tradition. As we transition from the cold dormant winter
months into a more active spring season the soldiers of 1st Platoon continue to focus on fighting the enemy while still
helping the local people. This was evident during a humanitarian aide distribution at a elementary school in Mir Bazaar;
it was a great opportunity for the soldiers to transition from warriors on the battlefield back to the compassionate fathers,
brothers, uncles, cousins, and nephews you all know and love at home. As PL I have the distinct
privilege of always having at least one soldier by my side during patrol; while dismounted this soldiers is my RTO.
PFC Santana, my RTO, amazes me with his ability to quickly transition from a constant fun loving jokester inside the
wire to a mission oriented disciplined soldier while on patrol. The soldiers of 1st platoon thank you for your support
from home and stand ready to continue complete our mission for the second half of the deployment.

2LT Trevor Powers

ABLE 1-6

1st PLT Soldiers distribute school supplies

Out on patrol

During the last month 1st platoon has been hard at work gaining the trust and respect of the people through constant patrols,
OPs and, TCPs . CPL Aycock frequently passes out shoes, socks, and toys to the local children; becoming a favorite
of the local children in Mir Bazaar. Soldiers always gather a crowd when distributing candy, pens,
and crayons. The day to day living conditions have also improved. Progress has been slow but COP now has indoor
restrooms furnished with hot water showers. We also enjoy the fact that we have now have AFN TV. The soldiers enjoyed
watching their favorite teams in the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl. SPC Anderson went to the E-5
promotion; he will hopefully be putting on SGT stripes in the near future. On a more somber note, we ask that your
prayers go out to the families of CPL Coddington and CPL Aycock who both recently left on emergency leave. Both
soldiers are at home with their families and would appreciate your thoughts and prayers. The remaining soldiers’
sprits are high and moral is good; getting better especially as the soldiers and NCOs rotate on R&R. Soldiers are beginning
to see the light at the end of the tunnel as we approach the halfway mark in our deployment. In summary
the soldiers of 1st platoon are doing well, working hard, and trying their best to make a difference both on the COP
and when working with the local people.

SFC Leland Davis

ABLE 1-7

2nd Platoon

2nd Platoon families and friends,

I hope that this message finds you well. The month of January has introduced many changes for the platoon and
your soldiers have managed to pass every obstacle that has appeared in their way. 1LT Tilston, the previous Platoon
Leader for 2nd platoon, has moved up to assume the position of Company Executive Officer, and SFC Jones has also
been moved to take on the position of Company Headquarters Platoon Sergeant. I am now the new Platoon Leader of
2nd platoon in the place of Lieutenant Tilston. My name is 1LT Fox Herron and after working with your soldiers for the
last three weeks, I can tell you that I am extremely proud to lead your soldiers for the remainder of this deployment.
My Platoon Sergeant, SSG Boyd, is equally proud to serve among the men of 2nd platoon. In addition to adopting a
new Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant, we have also moved to a new location. We now base our operations out
of a small Strongpoint in the village of Sayrah Kalacheh.

Though the men were without many amenities that they had previously enjoyed, they have overcome adversity and
now our living conditions have improved as we have a new kitchen trailer and cook, heat in all of our living areas, and
even a shower tent. While conditions were poor for a while, the platoon can now say that we are not doing too
bad for ourselves and have settled in to our new home.

Though I know you are already aware of this, the men of 2nd platoon represent the best of what our country and our
military has to offer. As I have had the privilege of getting to know each one of your soldiers, I have learned much
about the families and friends they have left behind. Al-though we have never met, I can tell from our discussions
that the strength and bravery our young men display every day out on patrol and defending our Strongpoint is mirrored
in their family members and friends back home who wait eagerly for their return. Thank you for your support of
your loved ones, whether you express it through mail or phone calls or internet messages.

Sincerely,

Able 2-6

SGT Manglicmot demonstrates a detention hold to the ANP during a class

2nd Platoon Families and friends,

I am SSG Boyd, the new Platoon Sergeant for 2nd platoon.

This past month has been a very trying time for the men in 2nd platoon as we have moved to Sayrah Kalacheh into a
school along with our Aghan National Police counterparts. As we left all of the amenities behind that we have acquired
over the past six months, many of the men found themselves doing things they never imagined they would
ever do. For example, having to defecate into a plastic bag and then having to burn it. Believe it or not they don’t
mind making what we call poo stew because it keeps them warm. All joking aside the life experience and maturity
gained will be priceless memories upon our return home.

We hope to improve the bond we have with the ANP and their proficiency during the next few months. Since we
have moved to a new location your husbands and son’s seem to have found a renewed sense of purpose due to
their new surroundings and patrolling rigorous terrain that hasn’t been patrolled by Coalition Forces in several years.
In the upcoming weeks we plan to deliver thousands of pounds of Humanitarian Aid to the surrounding villages
and more importantly a village which houses 170 families in which most of the residents are disabled. Thank you for
all of the love and support that you send. I look forward to keeping you up to date on the many experiences that the
men of 2nd platoon endure.

Sincerely,

ABLE 2-7

3rd Platoon

Greetings to all 3rd Platoon Families.

January was a busy month for us here in Bagh-e-Pul. Perhaps best of all, we were also able to get our phones and
internet back up and running. We know it was hard to be out of contact with your loved ones for a few weeks, and
we appreciate your patience and sacrifice. We also appreci-ate the care packages sent by so many of you. Nothing
raises a soldier’s morale like hearing his name at mail call. January also saw 3rd Platoon finish moving into the Russian
Silo complex, now known as the Bagh-e-Pul Power Plant or ‘BP3,’ where we recently held a company Change of Command
ceremony, bidding farewell to CPT Ian Pitkin and welcoming CPT Ryan Calhoon. Providing a huge boost to
morale, we are finally down to proving Force Protection for only one location. This means that we are free to get back
outside the wire on patrols again. We know that doesn’t sound very reassuring to those of you back home worrying
about us, but we also know that taking the fight to the enemy is better than waiting for them to bring the fight to us.
Already in just a handful of missions, your husbands and sons have captured three weapons caches, arrested nine
people and gathered valuable intelligence on insurgent activity in the area. The enemy is in for a rude awakening
when they resume fighting this spring. 3rd Platoon is doing amazing things for the people of Afghanistan, and we are
proud of our accomplishments, but it is even better to know that we are now on the downhill side of the deployment.
We still have work to do here and we are staying focused on the mission, but we are counting down the
months until we are back home with you, our families.

Since Christmas, our platoon has completed the movement to the newly formed base at the Russian Silo. The company
also is proud to announce that our medic, SPC Galan, is now SGT Galan and PV2 Abreu of 2nd squad has been promoted
to PFC. I know being in Afghanistan takes away from Family time but it is necessary. The lessons we learn here
keep us alive as we fight the War on Terror. Third platoon, Alpha Company, 1-22 Infantry has conducted dismounted
and mounted combat patrols in western Kandahar City, Sub-district 7. We are steadily advancing toward making
our soldiers part of the most prepared organization in Af-ghanistan. Although the last six months have taken your
soldiers away, it is our obligation as leaders to ensure that your soldiers are trained to anticipate and react to the incredible
opportunities and inherent dangers associated with a deployment. In closing, we are a platoon that continues to thrive
in uncertainty based on our core competencies and self-confidence. I could not be more proud to
be a member of such an incredible platoon and company of professional Soldiers, non commissioned officers, and officers
I am proud of our platoon as we continue to live out our motto: “Deeds not Words”.

Able 3-7

SPC Gorsuch being promoted

Punishers

Greetings from 3rd Platoon, 552nd MP Company,

We hope this newsletter finds all of our new friends and families of 1-22INF well and in good spirits. We continue
to take the mission at hand here in Kandahar day by day, patrol by patrol. The Punishers were just able to enjoy an
all American taste of home with the good ole Super Bowl! 1-22INF sure has taken care of us during our wonderful
stay here in Kandahar by providing us with AFN television, very nice gym equipment, and most recently hooking us up
with SPAWARE. The soldiers really can appreciate being able to keep in touch with their families and friends more
frequently now.

As 1-22INF has taken care of us, we continue to provide for them with continuous missions, operations, training for
ANP, and direct information to the local population with our constant boots on ground. As you can see from the
pictures, our main focus here has been to train up the ANP (Afghan National Police) and not just make them better
police officers, but better soldiers as well. So far we have completed numerous training areas with our ANP partners
such as Defensive Tactics, First Aid (self and buddy aid), Search and Seizure of Vehicles and Persons, and Ethics.
Our future goals include Literacy Training, Community Policing, and Counter IED patrolling. We partner with two
Police Stations and a total of 10 ANP Check Points; totaling around 200 ANP.

As the Winter Season begins to draw to a close, we prepare our ANP partners, as well as our own soldiers, for the upcoming
hectic Spring Fighting Season. We have made a lot of progress during these winter months in making an ANP
footmark into areas which in the past have been Taliban safe havens. We recently built a brand new ANP Check
Point, fully refurbished an entire Police Station, and are now looking at establishing an OP (observation Post) in an
area that is starting to flood with the opposing team. Look for great things from the Punishers and their ANP counterparts
in the upcoming months! Thanks for all your support and keep us in your prayers! Thanks for being a second
family to the Punisher Platoon!

Very Respectfully,

1LT Brandon LaMar

Peacekeeper 3-6

SGT San Nicolas and SFC Mobley goofing off at the Silo

Commander's Desk

Blackhawk Families and Friends,

This is the first time I have been able to address all of you in full, and I would like to start this by telling you that your
Soldiers continue to perform exceptionally well for the Raider Brigade in the Arghandab River Valley. Blackhawk
continues to be the standard bearer of the brigade. Even with BH6 enjoying his leave and BH7 at home as well,
Blackhawk continues to make a vast difference in our AO through effective partnership with our Afghan Army and
Police partners. Since the last time BH 6 addressed you we have found dozens of enemy caches that will no doubt
help save US and Afghan lives in the coming months. There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the mission
we are undertaking is making a difference everyday that will carry on well past our re-deployment. Please continue
to support your loved ones as we enter the seventh month of our tour in Afghanistan strong. Finally, I would
like to commend you for your strong support of BH7 and his family as they get back up on their feet. You continue
to prove the comradely of Blackhawk Company is not limited to Afghanistan.

Sincerely,

1LT Joshua Brooks,

Blackhawk 5

As most of you know, 1SG Cutter’s family suffered the loss of their home to fire. 1SG Cutter has been on leave and is
preparing to return to the Company at the end of the month. Thank you all for the strong support you have
shown to 1SG Cutter and his family during this difficult and trying time. In his absence the Company has continued
to uphold the Blackhawk standard. COP Durham and Strong Point Simmons both continue to improve both in
living conditions and force protection. The Soldier’s of Blackhawk Company have continued to set the tone
within the western Arghandab. Your Soldier’s continuous efforts have led to some of the largest cache finds in the
Arghandab, and the shear amount of material that has been secured is a direct reflection of your Soldiers diligence.
Working with our Afghan partners to improve their effectiveness and coaching them to assume a greater role
in the security of the area has paid large dividends. Black-hawk Soldiers are continuously partnered with ANSF and
they have shown a vast improvement. Blackhawk Company will continue to develop our partners and try to improve
their quality of life as well. The season is beginning to change here and your Soldier’s needs may have changed.
As always Soldiers appreciate care packages with snacks and candies, but with the change in season your Soldier
may need specific items. Please consult with your Soldier to address spring related needs early.

Blackhawk 27

2nd Platoon

As time passes and we get deeper into the deployment, 2nd Platoon, continues to conduct operations in the Arghandab
river valley. January has seen numerous junior leaders step up to fill leadership roles to continue operations while personnel
rotate out on leave. 2nd Platoon’s strength lies in its junior leaders and Soldiers who are capable of sustaining
operations and fulfilling the duties of their leadership in their absence. The Soldiers of 2nd Platoon maintain a high
operational tempo, and continue to find hidden weapons and material denying the enemy the use of weapons
against us. As the season changes, it has begun to warm, and the Soldiers are enjoying a respite from the cold
weather. Bearing this in mind, Spouses and Families supporting their Soldiers, should begin to look to spring and
forecast the needs of their Soldier in preparing care packages. Soldiers will need foot powder, baby wipes, insecticide,
and articles needed to sustain combat operations of longer duration than during the winter. The Platoon FRG
banner has arrived and is on display in the Platoon area. The Platoon appreciates all that the FRG, Spouses, and
Families have done to support their Soldiers and continue to do daily. We have said farewell to one of our Squad
Leaders, SGT Dillon, who has performed superbly for the Platoon and the Company. The Platoon would like to thank
SGT and Mrs. Dillon for their leadership and support of the Platoon, and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

-Spartan 7

SGT McGregor and 2nd squad are thrilled to step off on patrol today

To all first platoon family members and friends,

We hope this letter finds you well as we pass the halfway mark of this deployment; not much has changed since our
last publication. We continue to log long patrols day in and day out, keeping our area safe and the Taliban guessing.
We make continuous improvements on our COP, which already has been deemed the standard for all other COPs
in the Arghandab River Valley to follow. We’re sure that mid-tour leave was an enjoyable time if your soldier has
already taken it and if not he will be home shortly. As you most likely already know, we received SPAWAR connectivity
a couple of weeks ago, along with webcams for streamlined chatting. Hopefully this has made keeping in
contact with your soldier easier and more consistent. It is still ridiculously cold here at nights, more often than not
dipping down into the 20’s. We continue to receive mail and packages on a regular basis, some arriving in as many
as 9 or 10 days, so please keep sending.

Please continue to pray for our just efforts here in Afghanistan, and safe return to America.

-1LT Adams and SFC Feldt

PFC Goodson crossing a canal using a one rope bridge

SFC Feldt instructs the Afghan National Army on proper bounding and movement

3rd Platoon

Hey family and friends! It is already February and time is going by pretty fast here. We are half way through the deployment
and that is exciting news. COP Simmons is coming together well, we just got showers built so the guys can
shower more than once a week now. We have a small gym that the guys are taking full advantage and hitting the
weights in their free time. Some other exciting news the Superbowl is approaching fast and we have some Steelers
fans and some Packers fans. Hopefully we will be able to catch the game. Some more exciting news we will be gettin
SPAWARE on the COP and the guys will start having internet access more regularly. So there should be a lot of
Skyping and Facebook updates in the near future. Also, the care packages are getting to the COP a little faster now, so
do continue to send the packages because the guys are loving them. Overall the morale is high here on COP Simmons,
and it’s thanks to the support that y’all as family and friends give to your Soldiers every day. Thanks again for the
sacrifices that y’all continue to make, and for being so strong for your Soldiers.

Sincerely Blackhawk 36,

3rd PLT PL, 1LT John G. Gonzales

PFC Jeffries prepares to fire a 60mm mortar

Hello again to all headquarters families from Cop Durham in the Arghandab River Valley. During the month of January
Headquarters Platoon continued their daily operations around Cop Durham. We participated in the successful
clearance of the town of Takia near Cop Durham. Our Mortar Section also conducted a Mortar live fire in which all
participants received critical training on the weapon system. We also continue to try and improve Cop Durham on
a daily basis. As you should know by now we recently received our MWR internet package called Spawar so that
now the soldiers are able to get online and check emails and chat with loved ones. We continue to push soldiers
out to KAF for appointments or EML and also pick up soldiers as they return. We continue to receive mail here and
the soldiers love getting packages from home. Our outgoing mail here is more of a problem as we usually just transport it
to KAF ourselves whenever we send a patrol that way. We thank you for all your support as we have moved
past the halfway point in the deployment.

Respectfully,

SSG Oliver Waits

1LT Brooks attending a Shura at the ANP compound

SGT Legaspi and SPC Fogel getting ready to step out on patrol

Howdy Cobra Families!

Things are going well for Cobra Company as we continue past the halfway point of the deployment. Platoons are
striving forward in their areas of operations to work with the Afghan Security Forces and the local governments to
help build progress during the winter months. A large amount of time is focused on meeting with elders, talking
to people and embracing the Afghan culture. Building these relationships play a huge role in our success here,
making it harder for the insurgents to keep their safe havens with the local people. Changes continue to happen
for Charlie Company as well. 1st Platoon has moved to join the Company Headquarters and the Stryker Platoon at
COP 9-1. It is great to have more of the Company living together. 2nd Platoon is going through a Platoon Leader
change, as it is time for 1LT Tyler Bryant to move on to another position. He will join Able Company in Sub-District 7
as their Targeting Officer. It has been a pleasure to have Tyler in Charlie Company, and we wish him the
best for his new job. He is replaced by 2LT Doni Wong, a new Armor Officer who joined the Company in the middle
of January. Doni is from California, and excited to lead 2nd Platoon through the rest of the deployment. 3rd Platoon
has moved to Sub-district 7 to work for Able Company as well, living out at CP 7-4 and partnering with the
Afghan Civil Order Police at that location. And in February Charlie Company says farewell to SPC Jamie Perry as he
heads home to end his Army Career. He has served his country extremely well, and I would like to thank him for
being a part of Charlie Company. Perry, great luck for what lies ahead of you. I would like to remind both men
leaving that they will always be a part of Cobra Company, Regulars by God.

We also have had a change in our FRG Leader. Lynell Wisman is stepping down after more than a year of great service
to our families. It has truly been an honor to have a great lady like Lynell to help our Families in Cobra Company;
thank you for all that you have done. Allyson Hedtke will be taking over as the FRG Leader, so be sure to
take the chance to say hello.

I would like to thank all of the Soldiers in Cobra Company for the work they do every day. Deployments are a stressful time
and the workload is not easy, but the fine young men in Cobra Company excel everyday in what they are
doing here. Deployments are even harder on our Fami-lies; thank you for staying strong and supporting us every
day as we continue through this deployment. We have amazing Soldiers and Families in this organization. Thank you again

I hope you enjoy the articles and pictures this month’s newsletter

Isaac J. Hedtke

‘Cobra 6’

Taking a break inside an ANP checkpoint

Greetings Cobra Families and Friends,

Well, another month has passed and went rather quickly. February will definitely be a good month, considering it’s a
very short one. I would like to take the time and thank all families and friends for their continued support to their
loved one. I also would like to reach out and say thanks for the many organizations that continue to shower our Soldiers
with packages and letters. Having your loved one focus on the mission and not worry as much about the home
front will be the key to success. The Soldiers in Cobra Company along with their partners continue to thrive each and
every day to make a positive impact inside their area of operation.

By now all Soldiers that haven’t been on R&R know their scheduled date for leave. They should have informed you
by now on the date they are scheduled for leave. There has been a change within the company with one of our platoons.
Third Platoon is now working for A Company and will be receiving their mail through A Company’s mailing address.
This move shouldn’t affect your Soldiers ability to receive their mail. I sent the mailing address to FRG once
the move was made.

I would like to congratulate the following Soldiers on their new promotion: SPC Casper-Gregg, SPC Diffy, SPC Gorsuch,
SPC Williams and PFC Barto. Also, Cobra Company had the following Soldiers appeared and passed the promotion
board; they are SGT (P) Livingston and SPC (P) Strachan. I know that their family must be very proud of them for their
accomplishment.

Like always, it’s an honor to serve the Soldiers of Cobra Company as their First Sergeant. I take great pride in seeing
how they have developed since the beginning of the deployment. Once again thank you family, friends and FRG for
your patience. CPT Hedtke and I will keep you informed as much as possible with any changes that make affect your
loved ones. If you feel the need to contact me, please do so. We can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.

1SG John Lambert

Cobra 7

Headquarters Platoon

Greetings from COP 9-1 to the families and friends of Headquarters Platoon!

January proved to be another busy month for HQ platoon here at COP 9-1. Your Soldiers have been doing an excellent job
ensuring that COP 9-1 is maintained and protected 24/7. As we progress through the deployment our Soldiers
are getting well deserved time off and the opportunity to finally see their loved ones while on leave. Although the
weather here in Kandahar City has been less than favorable, HQ platoon however continues to combat the elements
for extended amounts of time while on force pro, sergeant of the guard (SOG), or just continuing to build up
COP 9-1. Your continued support is what drives the platoon to endure the many hardships faced and our success can
only be credited to that support.

HQ and CRT platoon played a few football games this month. Little things like sports give the guys a little taste of
being back home. There is always max participation and usually some bumps and bruises due to playing in gravel.
Though everyone (especially COBRA 6) tends to be sore after playing, it is well worth it. Both platoons also find
themselves in the gym throughout the day. As physical fitness is integral to what we do, it also helps relieve stress
built up throughout the deployment. As re-deployment is approaching, our Soldiers will continue to work to ensure
they are prepared for “normal” garrison life.

This month HQ and CRT had the privilege and honor to promoting three Soldiers. PFC Barto, SPC Williams, and SPC Diffy
were all promoted to their new respective ranks. Anytime a Soldier is promoted, it is credited to their hard work
and sacrifice. Both SFC Roberts and I were honored to be able to promote these fine young men.

As we break our halfway mark through the deployment, we will continue to excel here in Kandahar. Though we would
love to be with our loved ones, especially as Valentine’s Day approaches, our mindset will not change. I appreciate
the sacrifice each one of you and your Soldiers have made in order to help the people of Afghanistan. Soon we will be
back at Fort Carson, until then thank you for your limitless support and sacrifice.

Please keep each and every Soldier in your prayers, and take care of each other back home.

Gathering important information about our partners

Conducting security operations near KC University

2nd Platoon

Dear Family and Friends,

We have officially reached the halfway mark of this deployment and are undergoing some major changes to shape
our battlefield for the upcoming spring and summer. While Charlie Company will remain under the Special Troops Battalion,
2nd Platoon is being reassigned under 1-22 Infantry Battalion. Our company commander is going to remain
Capt. Bridon from the 511th Military Police Company out of Fort Drum, New York. It may sound confusing and disorganized
but it should stage everyone in Kandahar City better support the Afghan National Police (ANP) and Afghan
National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) in the upcoming year.

Also part of this battlefield realignment, 2nd Platoon is being handed over to a new platoon leader, 2nd Lt. Doni Wong.
2nd Lt. Wong is a graduate of the University of California Davis with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology
with an emphasis in Law and Society. He is a native of California and attended the Officer Basic Course for Armor
Officers at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Upon graduation he attended Ranger School and graduated in late October in
time to join up with 1-22 IN in Fort Carson, Colorado, and deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 2nd Lt.
Wong plans to build off the platoon’s momentum from their past accomplishments and continue to improve the
quality of life of the local nationals as well as mentor the ANP force and increase security throughout the district.

I will be moving to Alpha Company to serve as an intelligence officer. I would like to take a moment and thank
everyone for the support they have given all the guys in the platoon. Without the friends and families at home backing
these men it would be hard to keep them motivated and focused. It has been an honor to lead your sons, husbands,
brothers, and friends. They are some of the best Soldiers America has to offer.

Throughout Sub-District 3 we are continuing to improve the lives of the local nationals. With the cooperation of the
Ministry of Education and the elders in Shinghazi Baba we have opened a new temporary school and have identified
land to begin building a permanent structure. Already hundreds of children, boys and girls, have been enrolled and
are participating in class five days a week. This is a huge step in educating the next generation of Afghans, which is
vital to the country becoming self sustaining.

We also found a major clinic in Lowy Bala Karz which is being ran by the Ministry of Health but needs some improvements.
Working with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team and the Ministry of Health we are going to
make these improvements so they can continue to serve the locals. Already they provide free medical care for 150
people per day who would otherwise go without.

Finally, we have put a lot of focus on ensuring our ANP have the force protection they need to survive enemy contact
and return fire to win when they are engaged. Of the three ANP checkpoints requiring major renovations two
have been completed and the third is underway. With these improvements, combined with the entire realignment
of Kandahar City, we should be staged for future success this upcoming year.

1st Lt. Tyler Bryant

Enjoying food with our PSS12 partners

SGT Menchaca and SSG Wutzke providing security while EOD clears an IED

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