1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Updates February 2011 Page 3

Greetings to All Dealer Company Family and Friends,

I am honored to start off this month’s correspondence paying tribute to an exceptional Senior Non-Commissioned Officer;
1SG Charles Jones. 1SG Jones recently changed responsibilities and will begin a new position as the
Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment First Sergeant. I cannot thank him enough for
the guidance and support he provided to me over the course of the past year. Countless times I sought his advice
and always received honest and thoughtful feedback. Every Commander should relish the chance to serve with
someone possessing the same caliber as 1SG Charles Jones. He will excel in his new position. He will be missed
by the Soldiers of Dealer Company. I know that we will definitely maintain ties in the future.

Although we said goodbye to one fantastic leader, we also welcomed a new one; 1SG Joseph Rothgeb. 1SG Rothgeb
arrives after serving on the Brigade Staff in the Operations Section. He brings an enormous amount of experience
and intellect to the position of the “Top” Soldier in the Company. I am confident that he will become a combat
multiplier within this formation.

Over the course of the past month your Soldiers contributed to success on the battlefield. We conducted several
large scale operations focused on disrupting the enemy within our battle space. Soldiers discovered and reduced
weapon storage locations, detained enemy combatants, and continued to develop strong relationships with our
partnered Afghan Security Forces and local villagers. I am consistently proud of their accomplishments. Security
improves within our area of operation because of the hard work and dedication displayed by your Soldiers. As
warmer weather approaches we know that we will be-come more occupied. Your Soldiers stand prepared and
experienced with this fight. They will succeed. They do succeed every day.

Our locations improve on a daily basis. For example, we are putting the final touches on an improved shower facility
here at ACS-4. That’s a pretty big step for us. Our computers continue to see tons of usage as Soldiers enjoy the
Skype function. All things considered, our home gets better every day.

I am proud of your Soldiers and thankful for your support. We’re past the halfway mark of our deployment. Your
Soldiers have come a long way over the past six months. They have grown in ways never expected. I am humbled
by their efforts. I am proud to serve as their Commander.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family members. We look forward to continued
success here in Afghanistan.

With Every Good Wish,

DEALER 6

Hello to all of the Dealer Family,

I would like to start off by introducing myself I am 1SG Joseph Rothgeb. I took over for 1SG Jones in early January.
I am from Colorado, Fountain to be exact so I am right at home when we are there at FT. Carson. I have 16 ½ years
in the Army. I am on my 3rd deployment; the other deployments were to Iraq. I am married and have 3 wonderful
children. My wife’s name is Suzie, my kids name and ages are Olivia 15, Corey 13, and Autumn 7.

We are starting our seventh month here in Afghanistan, as you already know all are housed in SAFE, defendable locations.
We are improving life everyday in all the locations we now have internet access and gym equipment, running
water etc. We currently have the last of the showers going in here at ACS 4. Once that is complete we will start on
other projects to make life a little better in each location.

With our company spread out in four different locations it is hard for me to get to know all the great Soldiers that are
in the Company. I plan on visiting each location as often as I can to get to know each and every individual Soldier in
the Company. I do talk to the platoon leadership as often as I can in order to keep up with the Soldiers and make
sure that their needs are met. One thing that I like to keep track of is the Soldiers moral. I like to keep up with who is
talking to their families back home and how often. So if your Soldier is not calling or writing please don’t hesitate to
contact me; and I will make sure that a phone call or a letter is sent out within 24 hours.

I would like to convey to all the families how grateful my family and I are to be part of the Dealer Family. If there is
anything that me or my family can do for you please don’t hesitate to ask. If you would like my wife’s contact information
please send me an e-mail and I will get it out to you. Thank you for your support of our wonderful men and women.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES

AMEN.

JOSEPH B. ROTHGEB

1SG, USA

First Sergeant

DEALER COMPANY HQ’s PLATOON NEWSLETTER

The month of January has been the most exciting thus far for the HQ’s PLT. The many people that comprise the
Dealer Company HQ’s PLT have changed out jobs or ro-tated positions. SPC Hebblethwaite has left the Command
Post for the first time since October and went on his first dismounted combat patrol. His job was to pilot the Raven,
a remote control airplane with a camera, in support of our Maneuver PLT’s. SGT Fiskum and SGT Harris have been
conducting their battle change over as the Dealer Company Communications systems representatives. SGT Harris has
also become the daytime Command Post Battle NCO, while SGT Johnson is on R&R.

SGT Tipton has given up the nighttime Battle NCO to SSG Reich, new to HQ’s PLT from 1st PLT, to become
CPT Olberding’s gunner and Radio carrier. SSG Craig, SGT Gangl, SPC Martin (generator mechanic from FSC)
and the maintenance crew have successfully made every vehicle, generator, and air/heater unit fully mission capable within Dealer
companies area of operation. SSG Reich and SPC Fisher (The vampires) have been holding down the command post
at night, while the remainder of the company gets much needed sleep after long days of patrols.

SGT Holland has switched roles with SPC Davis as Dealer 6’s driver, while he is on leave. SGT Day has moved over to 2nd
PLT to be a team leader. 1LT Paredez is on leave and 1LT Quinlan is taking over his responsibilities as lethal targeting
officer and Afghan National Security Force training, maintenance and force pro tracker. SSG Craig became the Paying
Agent for the Commander Emergency Response Program while SSG Pierce was on leave last month. He has done a
great job so far. SPC Minier now works the daytime Command Post and is working hard to make it run smoothly.
Veal continues to fill in wherever he is needed in the HQ’s PLT and recently ran the Company’s weapons through annual services
to ensure they were all fully mission capable.

Overall the Headquarters Platoon proves to be the most versatile PLT when it comes to multi-tasking and job shifting
across the area of operation. They have executed each of their tasks proficiently, professionally, and above and
beyond the U.S. Army’s standard. As Dealer Company reaches the 7th month of its deployment we ask that the
families and friends of these wonderful Soldiers continue to support their efforts in Afghanistan. Thanks for the support
we have received thus far and we will continue to hold you in our prayers and thoughts.

Day Time TOC shift at ACS 4, 1SG Rothgeb, SPC Hebblethwaite, SGT Harris, SPC Minier

1ST PLT 2ND SQUAD 511TH MP CO

During the month of January the 1st PLT 2ND SQD 511TH MP CO has continued to focus time on training with the ANP
Soldiers from PSS 15, Sharan Jaan CP, and Pulhan CP. The training continues to be in preparation for the up and coming
spring season. All the training continues to be focused towards our ANSF partners becoming a self sustainable
force. More specifically the training was tailored to Force Protection, Base Defense, First Responder Medical Training
and Community Policing. The ANP continue to show great motivation while participating in the training and overall
have made a vast improvement over the past month. This not only shows that they are committed to doing their part
in the fight but shows that they are dedicated to making a change for their Country. Currently there are three NCO’s
attending the NCO Leadership Course which should prove to be another enhancer that will help solidify the efforts to
self sustain them as a fighting force. The leadership skills they will learn will prove to be most valuable as the ANP
have begun to conduct patrols with out CF. The big pay off for the month was the Humanitarian Aid that was given out
to the community from the PSS not only did it put the ANP face back into the community, but it allowed the villagers
to see a different side of the ANP which hopefully will build and strengthen the relationship in all the villages they provide security.

January marks the end of our time at the Dealer Company Stronghold, aka the Reapers Lair or Italian Villa. It was a
hard obstacle as we had learned to love the place with no amenities. The last night we had a large barn fire. As we
cooked marsh mellows, popcorn and Portuguese Chourico. There was a lot of laughter involved and many of the men
stood by the fire into the waning hours of the night. It was our home for 4 months. From there we patrolled countless
hours and found many caches of weapons and explosives. As proud as the men were to call this home, we have begun
a new chapter of service to Dealer Company, TF 1-22 and our country. The platoon was necessarily moved to
two locations due to lack of facilities. Myself along with 1st Squad “Rednecks” and “Sheila” moved back home with our
Company Head Quarters at ACS4 and the PL along with 2nd Squad “Wombats and “Koochie Mama” moved to
The Provincial Reserve. This move, although splitting the Reapers up, has led to our ability to be out in sector more than ever
before. We continue to find caches of weapons and explosives and now we are also catching some of the bad guys.
We ended a chapter in partnering with the ANCOP and started to work solely with the Afghan National Police
(ANP). You should all be very proud of your Reapers.

We were able to get back together for a couple days, as we performed partnered patrols with the ANP and helped
build their defense. The guys had fun building the towers and stringing wire. SPC Leroux cooked hamburgers and
hotdogs. We had to wait more than we would have liked, but Leroux has to have his blend of spices just right. All the
boys pitched in and it was nice to bond once again. Seeing Anastasi and Bresino’s smiles and laughter let me know
that although we are apart, the platoon keeps in good spir-its. SPC Small and PFC Tatum kept the laughter going and
the return of SGT Matt Williams brought back personality which had been lost in the Platoon. SPC Bosch made new
friends with the ANP as he always finds a way to get some Afghan Chai. Finally, we were able to take a Platoon photo
with all those not on R&R leave. I hope you enjoy that.

All you must be happy to see the boys are able to make phone calls more regularly and use internet services.
Expect the mail to slow down as they are like kids on Christmas with this new found entertainment. No worries however,
the mail will come again as it always has in the past. We still really appreciate all the support from your letters
and packages and cannot thank you enough. We may all love the hot chow in our new facilities, but we will move
back together to austere conditions soon enough.

We are excited to announce that SGT Matt Williams and SGT Richard Cardenas has returned to the platoon after
being held at Fort Carson for a bit. SGT Williams has assumed the role of Squad Leader for the Wombats and SGT Cardenas
has assumed position of Team Leader for the Rednecks. We have two promotions to Specialist, Long and Gates.
We also just received SGT Montemayor from 3rd Platoon. He will be a Team Leader with the Wombats. We
welcome his wife Maria to the Reaper family. Sadness sometimes comes with the good and I have to report that
SSG Reich was moved to Head Quarters Platoon as he fills a higher purpose as the Company’s Night Battle Captain.
SPC Long also parts the Platoon to assume duties as a Squad Designated Marksman for 3rd Platoon.

We will continue to get your loved ones home for well deserved R&R leave. I am sure to have many more exciting
stories for you in the months to come.

Reaper 7 out.

2nd Platoon

January has been a very busy month for 2nd platoon. We continue our focus on developing relations with the population.
Every day we work very hard talking to village elders and connecting them to the government. During the
month of January we have also spent time training our Afghan counterparts on the basic soldier skills that we take
for granted. Our Afghan counterparts are now proficient in first aid, tactics, and police ethics. Another key task we
have accomplished during the month of January is fortifying our Afghan Police Checkpoint’s around our area. 2nd
Platoon keeps pushing and improving our Area of Opera-tion on a continual basis in order to make this area better.
We will achieve our ultimate goal before we come home. Until then we hope to ensure that all of you are in contact
with your loved ones and 2nd Platoon wishes you all the best.

3rd Platoon

During the month of February, 3rd PLT has continued building on the solid relationships with the villages within their AO.
Humanitarian Aid was given out at the Spin Zarat School, with many happy students receiving pens, pencils,
and notebooks. The female students were also given a chance to speak with members of the FET (Female Engagement Team)
about the issues they face and also to get some pictures with the outstanding female Soldiers. As a
whole, the platoon handled the school event admirable making sure everyone got some of the needed supplies.

New ANCOP (Afghan National Civil Oder Police) arrived to ACS-5 and are learning about the area and the people that
live in the villages. Classes have also given to the new soldiers about the tactics and battle drills that are needed to
defeat the enemy, the ANCOP continue to demonstrate a strong desire to learn and excel.

The platoon welcomed back SSG Fishers from his R&R as well as newly pinned SPC. Pierce from a well deserved
break. PFC Macoco was also pinned by SFC Morales in a small, but fitting pinning ceremony to show the accomplishments
and appreciation for the outstanding work of these two soldiers. The platoon also said goodbye to 1LT. Denn
as he moved onto bigger and better things after finishing his Platoon Leader time with the outstanding Soldiers of 3rd platoon.

The platoon also wishes to express their thanks to all friends and families for the many care packages that have
been received over the last few months and send their love to everyone in the Dealer Family.

SPC Cortes and PFC Nielsen provide over-watch as we maneuver during a dismounted combat patrol

Slayer

Community Policing, Humanitarian Aid, Increased Joint-Security Patrols, and Joint ANSF Operations were a few of
this months highlights for the Slayer element of D CO 1/22INF. Malajat, an area that spans the entire southern
half of Kandahar City, is comprised of approximately 20 villages. Unmanuverable by up-armored vehicles, our soldiers
walk the small routes in order to provide security to the outlying villages. An increase in Joint Patrols provides
more than just physical security to locals living within these areas. It also provides mental and emotional stability and
the freedom to work and conduct organized functions such as weddings. Before, the Taliban had control of this area,
often imposing restrictions upon the local populace preventing them from the “normal daily life” that we sometimes
take for granted. Together with ANP we walk the streets during joint partnered patrols ensuring the community
is aware of the reasons why we are here, and informing them of the Taliban’s plans to disable the government
to further paralyze the freedom they deserve. A part of community policing is involving the villagers in creating
projects for further development of their villages. It’s also about empowering village elders to take control of their
villages in order to deter Taliban activities. Partnering with ANP is vital to this mission. It builds confidence and shows
the people of Afghanistan that many believe so much in creating and building a government that they would sacrifice
their live so their children and grand-children will have a better future. Although we have increased our patrols
and have focused more on ANP training/mentoring, we still understand that the threat is still out there. A few major
joint-operations within our area have successfully led to the capture and detainment of many Taliban insurgents
resulting in a safer and more secure area. Often times we get caught in our military mission and sometimes forget
about the major influence we have on children and young adults within our area. To combat this we have conducted
2 large humanitarian aid drops over the past couple of months providing blankets, schools supplies, and shoes to
50 families residing in Sub-district 6. We have gained tremendous progress since July 2009, all in part to the hard
work of our Soldiers ,and partnered ANP.

Commander Notes

Greetings and salutations Friends, Family, Volunteers and Supporters! We are past the half way point in our deployment
cycle and we continue to improve our logistics and support capabilities. We continue as a strong and durable
company pushing maintenance and supplies “To the Line, On the Line, On Time”. As the holidays passed we began
picking up speed within the company by planning and executing our movement to Fob Walton and picking up
another support location to add to the ever growing support list for the Distribution, Maintenance and DFAC platoon.

Our new home, Fob Walton, awaits us in the month of February. Upon publication of this newsletter we will
have moved and transitioned all our Soldiers and equipment to a larger and more logistics friendly location. Our
new amenities will far outweigh what we currently have at Hotel California. In the end, it is a better move for us
tactically as we look to continue to support the Battalion to our maximum potential. Another new change to our
company this month is the changeover from ACUs to Multi-Cam uniforms. Your Soldiers are currently being
issued a new style and color of uniform and equipment for combat use in Afghanistan. It will be an unfamiliar sight
for many spouses and family members as Soldiers go for R&R leave over the next six months and into our transition home.

Throughout the last six months there are many people that deserve our thanks. To all Family Support Group volunteers…..
Thank You! You do a tremendous job and service to this company. We also thank the many organization
that help with care packages and letters constantly including the USO, Adopt-A-Platoon, Adopt-A-Soldier,
Any Soldier.com and the Red Cross. Most importantly I thank the families. It is you that supports these fine men and
women who diligently perform their jobs day to day. It is you I thank for the moral and ethical lessons our Soldiers
have learned and put to use each day making decisions that may affect them and fellow Soldiers for years to
come. Your Soldier’s work is proof that our country is the greatest nation and that we can and will endure in any
situation. Thank You and I hope you enjoy this month’s history in pictures and each of the platoon’s newsletter submissions!

January Birthdays:

SPC Lopez- January 2nd

SPC Garrett- January 3rd

CW2 Smith- January 7th

SPC Brookshire- January 13th

SPC Delacruz- January 17th

SPC Ducharme- January 17th

SPC Battaglioli- January 18th

SPC Siel- January 18th

SGT Sutton- January 24th

SPC Hamilton- January 27th

January Promotions:

SPC Francisco Ko

SPC Keith Skidmore

SPC Neil Whittemore

SPC Anthony Alcorta

PFC Venus Scott

PFC Darryl Watkins

PV2 Hill

January Re-Enlistments

One of the most honorable duties as an officer is administering the enlistment oath for an enlisted Soldier with the
colors presented. This month, the following Soldiers were able to work duty assignments and bonuses with our company
and battalion re-enlistment NCO to extend their service in the United States Army.

1SG Dennis Calvert

SPC Ko is congratulated by CPT Rossol after his promotion ceremony by SPC Matin

Recent Babies

Special congratulations go out to three families this month with new additions to the Eliminator and Regular Team.
SPC Tom Delacruz and his wife Laura for the birth of their son, Angelo L. Delacruz! He was born January 17th and
weighed 6lbs, 10 oz. SPC Joshua Hamilton and his wife Gennetta also deserve a warm welcome for their new son,
Joseph William Hamilton! He was born on January 27th and weighed 5lbs, 6oz. My apologies for not catching this last
month but we have a belated welcome for Dylan Marley Jones and his entry into the world. He was born to the
proud parents of SGT Michael Jones and his wife Shauna. Dylan was born on December 21st weighing 8lbs. We wish
you all the best and look forward to meeting your new family members upon return home!

As always, I want to thank all of you for your dedication to your Soldier and to the 1-22 Infantry, Forward Support
Company team. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns.

The Diamond’s Edge

1SG Dennis J. Calvert

With January finally behind us we will begin our move to FOB Walton within the next few days. Life for your Soldier
will improve significantly once we move to FOB Walton. It continues to grow every day. Soldier’s will have access to
the finance office, PX, an upgraded gym, contracted laun-dry service, two barber shops, and a dining facility that
offers four meals a day. Your Soldier’s force protection requirements will decrease significantly, not only improving moral
but allowing us to continue focusing on supporting our Battalion.

I would like to congratulate SPC Battaglioli, SPC Daniel, SPC Ducharme, SPC Marshall, SPC Mitchell, SPC Mowery,
SPC Murphy, SPC Perez, SPC Weaver and PFC Byelick on their promotions effective
1 February. Also I would like to congratulate SGT Phipps for being awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his
efforts as the company retention Noncommissioned Officer. Congratulations are also in order for SPC Cerventes,
SPC Delecruz, SPC Ducharme, SPC Mitchell, SPC Skidmore, SPC Weaver, PFC Frye and PFC McKinney who were
awarded Mechanic’s Badges for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity.

I would like to close by saying thank you to all of the spouses and family members who continue to support the
great Soldiers of this unit; we cannot do what we do here without you.

-Eliminator 7

Head-Quarters Platoon

SFC Sherwin J. Sykes

Hello from Hotel California in Afghanistan. The Soldiers here are in high spirits. We have reached the six month
mark and are currently counting down the days that we will see our loved ones again. While our mission continues,
we are growing closer together as a unit and constantly learning from one another.

We will have various missions this month as we transition to our new location at FOB Walton, once there we will continue
to support all of our forward locations. We foresee the month of February to fly bye. As our duties increase,
our motivation does the same; we are all encouraging one another to keep looking forward and take each one mission at a time.

The Soldiers can’t wait to watch the Super bowl and enjoy the food that will be served. We will have pizza, chicken wings,
mozzarella sticks, onion rings, jalapeno poppers, assorted snacks and beverages. Things are changing daily
for us and we’re adjusting as needed to maintain mission proficiency. We also would like to say Happy Birthday to
SPC Finnigen, as she celebrated her special day with family and loved ones on 3 February, 2011. We would like to say
thanks to Family, Friends, and all sponsorship programs that have sent care packages for your Soldiers and for the
support that you’ve shown to our Company. We thank you for your Blessings and Prayers; they were well received and
appreciated. God Bless you all.

Proverbs 3:13 NIV

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding.

Maintenance Platoon

Family and Friends of Maintenance Platoon

I would like to thank all family, friends and volunteers for providing the gifts, treats, cards and other items that made
being separated on the holidays a little easier. The Platoon and I greatly appreciate all that you do for us and we
would not be able to complete our mission without the love and support that you provide each and every day.

With a new year comes change. For us this means the long awaited move to a new location. As we start the process
of moving we still continue to provide the Regulars Battalion the best maintenance and logistical support possible.
We currently have Soldiers located at different locations in order to service and quickly repair mission critical equipment
ranging from power generation systems to the Battalions Assault CP vehicles. Our Soldiers located at KAF
work diligently to ensure all parts and supplies are quickly received and separated for delivery to our location. The
success of the Battalions maintenance program has been due to the combined efforts of all these truly amazing Soldiers.

In closing, I once again want to thank all the family and friends of maintenance platoon for their support. We look
forward to our new home at FOB Walton and will keep you updated next month on our progress.

Chief Out!

The Dirty Platoon

The Distro Platoon wishes a Happy New Year to all families and friends of Echo Forward Support Company. This New
Year will bring many new challenges and obstacles for the Distro Platoon to defeat and overcome through our perseveranc
and dedication to the mission. The New Year has already issued a challenge with the non-stop movement of
supplies throughout the AO, paired with the Company’s move to FOB Walton, where the Distro platoon will once
again rise to the task and juggle the two tasks. Soldiers are strengthening themselves mentally and physically every
day for the road to completion, as we are passing the half way mark in Afghanistan.

This month the Cargo section had a series of injuries and we are hoping the Soldiers heal quickly. SPC Cooper was
not able to come back to us due to a back injury. Also, CPL Jennings injured his shoulder and remains at KAF for therapy.
We miss them! We also celebrated SPC Siel’s birthday on 18 January and we continue to prepare for the upcoming move
to FOB Walton in the near future. CLPs have been keeping the platoon busy and making the time fly by.
Fortunately for the section, SPC Chilson has recovered well from his injury earlier this tour, and is back to spearheading
the load-up for our CLPs and our move to FOB Walton.

Ammo section celebrates the birthday of SPC Sergio Lopez on January 2nd, a valued member of the Ammo team and
the Platoon Leader’s gunner. Ammo sections continues to play an integral part in the loading of supplies and executing
the mission, as PFC Kirby has recently took over communications for the platoon. SPC Whittemore and SPC Marshall
have been given the task of driving for SSG Shores and me. We have the utmost confidence in these young
Soldier’s abilities to excel beyond our intent.

I look forward to updating you on our continued progress during this deployment and how we are doing at our new
location at FOB Walton. Take care and thank you for your support at home.

1LT Jason L. Underwood

SGT Bangura and SGT Davis pose for a picture in front of their Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle

SFC Jarmon and his platoon stand ready for a promotion and re-enlistment ceremony at Hotel California

CW2 Smith administers the oath of office to members of the Maintenance Platoon whom have re-enlisted

1LT Underwood administers the oath to Soldiers in his platoon that have re-enlisted over the last six months

Friends and Family of the Regulars,

Happy New Year to you all from Sub-district 8! The Troopers of Lightning continue to work side by side with the
Regulars team to help bring security and development to the people of Kandahar City. As Lightning 6 enjoyed a
much deserved R&R leave, I took the reins as the Troop continued to increase patrolling in order to disrupt enemy
activity. The month of January proved to be another busy month for us with several operations and frequent patrols.
As a result, we continue to see improving relationships with our neighbors and the local elders.

The weather is starting to change as it gets closer to spring. The end of the month brought a fair amount of rain
to an area that has been in a drought for many years now and a sense of relief to the farmers that live in the area.
The warmer temperatures are welcomed as the Troop continues to patrol daily through the many orchards of
western Kandahar. This is not the only change that we have encountered, though. We welcomed 2LT Raymond Fletcher,
our new Mortar Platoon Leader, and we prepare to farewell 1LT Mark Osmack, the outgoing Mortar Platoon Leader,
as he moves on in his career.

Regardless of changes that may come, the Troop remains focused on the current task at hand as we draw near to
our time to redeploy.

William B. Webster

Lightning 5

Light ‘em up!

Toujours Prêt!

Hello again from Lightning 7,

The Troop has completed another busy month ranging from patrolling their assigned sectors, COP improvement,
and the completion of two ANP check points. Since we started our aggressive reconnaissance, the Troop as a
whole has found numerous caches which have assisted in the security for us and the local Afghan populace. I would
like to congratulate our newly promoted soldiers who include PFC Javien Brown, PFC Pierre Singleton,
PFC Christopher Hughes, SPC Anthony Marvin, SPC Anthony Saunders,
SGT Kevin Mettler, SGT Kyle Connell, and SSG Jason Lewis. As the end of our deployment nears,
I could not be more proud of our Troopers as they continue to stay focused on
the mission and have not become complacent. Finally, I want to welcome Lightning 6 back from a well deserving
R&R leave. Unlike Nemesis 3, Lightning 6 was unable to enjoy another two week vacation in Kuwait. The TF is happy
to have these two great Americans back with the team.

Talmadge M. Ruffin

Lightning 7

Light ‘em up!

Toujours Prêt!

1st Platoon

Greetings to the friends and family of the Regulars from 1st Platoon Lightning Troop 2 SCR in Kandahar City!

The platoon continues to hit its stride as the Holiday Season fades away and we enter our eight month here in Afghanistan.
January saw the platoon continuing to engage the population, train our Afghan partners, and increase security
here in Western Kandahar City. Morale remains high as the platoon gets closer to redeployment and everyone is enjoying
a bit more free time thanks for new additions to the Red Platoon family. Over the last month, the platoon welcomed
PFC Charles Russell from Pennsylvania, PFC Joe Vega from Texas, and PFC Christopher Bollinger from Georgia.
In addition, SGT Christopher Day from Headquarters Platoon moved down to Red Platoon’s Alpha Section. The recent
additions continue to integrate themselves well and provide support for the platoon’s long patrol schedule and
rotation of tower guard at PSS8. Hardships aside, the platoon continues to perform well and pass the days ever
more quickly until redeployment. Soon Regimental and Squadron leaders will finalize the redeployment orders
allowing soldiers and families to plan for post deployment leave.

LT Gregory, Platoon Leader

Dear Friends and Family of the Regulars,

It is time for another update from Kandahar City! The Lightning Troopers of 2 SCR continue to put the miles on their
boots through daily dismounted patrolling of their area of operations. We have had some great successes interdicting
the flow of enemy weapons and equipment into Kandahar City, and the villages in our area are continually becoming
more secure. Reporter Nate Rawlings of Time Magazine recently visited CP 8-1, and published a great article about
the Troop, which can be found at http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2042711,00.html?xid=rsstopstories-cnnpartner.

Improvements to the living conditions at CP 8-1 continue with the addition of a shower and toilet trailer and more
workout equipment. Flushing toilets and showers with hot water have been a great boost to morale, and more workout
equipment ensures that we can all pass the APFT after redeployment. The Platoon continues to live and work
shoulder to shoulder with a group of outstanding Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP), and your Troopers
have quickly learned a variety of Pashto and Dari phrases and words to aid operations.

Our Troopers continue to rotate home for well-deserved R&R, with CPL Gerome Payne and SFC Richard Edison
enjoying their time with family. Our prayers and best wishes are with PFC Andrew Cruz and his wife as they eagerly
await the birth of their first child, Emma Lynn, in early February. Until next time, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated
and we will remain true to our motto, Toujours Pret! (Always Ready)

Very Respectfully,

1LT Edwin den Harder

PV2 Hart and SGT Raysor clear fields and orchards ensuring the safety of our neighbors around the COP

Promotions: SGT Aaron Quitugua was promoted to Staff Sergeant

Dear Friends and Family of the Regulars,

Happy New Year to you! We enjoyed our New Year here at CP 8-1 perhaps not in the same fashion and decadence that
has been previously familiar but we found our own ways to celebrate. There were movies and opportunities to relax.
With the New Year comes the knowledge that we are in the same year-group that will see us celebrating what is
truly important; coming home. January bore witness to increased improvements in Kalacheh and the surrounding
areas. It also brought about a new group of ANCOP (a fac-tion of ANCF) to partner with here at the checkpoint. This
new group is seasoned and has shown impressive determination to train and patrol with us.

We also bid adieu to SPC Williams, our medic and welcomed a new member to Thunder Platoon; PFC Phan who
is now our medic. The weather has changed to what is typical across the US and Europe for this time of year.
With the dropping temperatures the Troopers have maintained their high morale and dedication in any and all
weather. This fact is something to truly be proud of. February will be a very exciting month as several of our
Troopers are recognized for their hard work with not only our respect and recognition but also by an increase in rank
and responsibility.

Until the next time,

1LT Mark Osmack

2nd Platoon Diablos

2nd Platoon Diablos continue to be the premiere Military Police asset in Kandahar City. Though the Platoon is split
between two locations the squads are still flourishing at their Police mentorship and training mission.

1st Squad is currently conducting partnership training and patrolling with the ANP of sub-district 8 of Kandahar,
Afghanistan. The 1st Squad element recently welcomed two EPMs (Embedded Police Mentors) to the Diablo family.
The EPMs assist with the training and mentoring of the ANPs. The ANP have grown proficient with the hard work
and diligence of our Diablos and the EPMs.

2nd Squad has the arduous task of mentoring 17 check points in the Arghandab River Valley. They have continued
to fortify their CPs and mentor to the best of their ability over 300 ANP. 2nd Squad has focused their mentorship on
bringing the ANP into a new era of police work and professionalism. The Afghan local populace has welcomed this
change in their ANP and look forward to engaging them on a daily basis.

Notes from Diablo 6 & 7:

Diablo 6 and I are extremely proud and honored to serve with the greatest group Soldiers in Afghanistan. The
Diablos are constantly working seeking better ways to further the ANP progression. Our Soldiers miss their loved
ones, 6 and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for all of the care packages, the kind letters, and the boost of
morale we all receive when a Diablo shares something a loved one sends them. Congratulations to all of our newly
promoted Soldiers they most certainly deserve it.

Promotions & Awards:

SPCs Nguyen and Orzel both received promotable status with stellar performances at the board

SPC Kunstmanis achieved the rank of SGT

9 Diablo’s received their SPC this month SPCs Vanhulle, Veenker, D’andrea, Bryant, Wilson, Whitting, Stanley, Kubik, and Kesler.

Birthdays:

SGT Wood turned 28 on 01FEB11

SGT Hough turned 23 on 31JAN11

SGY Salabarria and SPC Mettler conduct combined training at a checkpoint for ANP and ANCOP