1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Updates March 2011 Page 1

As we approach our final 90 days in combat, I’ve challenged each and every Soldier and leader in Task
Force 1-22 to ‘Finish Strong’. Easy to say but tough to do, it will require a tremendous effort and focus
from every Soldier in the Task Force to avoid complacency and win decisively.
This month, we welcomed a new partner to the fight as the 1st Kandak (Battalion), 2nd Afghan National
Civil Order Police (ANCOP) Brigade, commanded by COL Raisan, conducted a relief in place with
3-2 ANCOP Kandak in Kandahar City. COL Farooq, 3-2 Kandak Commander, has been a phenomenal
partner over the course of the past nine months and the impact his unit’s had on Kandahar City’s security
will endure long after they leave. I especially appreciated COL Farooq’s unquestioned support
to our Soldiers and his mentorship as he helped us see opportunities through “Afghan eyes” that we
otherwise would have missed. I have no doubt that the partnership we’ll form with COL Raisan and
his team will be just as strong…it must be for us to defeat the insurgency and bring a lasting peace to
the people of Kandahar City.

Earlier this month, Task Force 1-22 and the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT) hosted
NATO Senior Civilian Mark Sedwill as part of his farewell tour of Afghanistan. Ambassador Sedwill
visited the Bagh-e-Pul Power Plant and was briefed atop the old Russian silo overlooking Kandahar
City and the Arghandab River Valley. Ambassador Sedwill was thoroughly impressed with our combined
“CIVMIL” partnership and the incredible opportunities we’ve brought to the people of Kandahar City…
mainly through the hard work and dedication of the Soldiers who interact with the people
every day. Ambassador Sedwill closed his visit by expressing his sincere appreciation for our collective
efforts to secure the population while enabling governance and development efforts.
I’d also like to welcome some new partners in the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team: John
McNamara, Jordan Stewart, Matt Flynn, and Ann Sullivan. Our new KPRT partners have a tremendous
level of experience and background working with the US State Department and various aid
agencies throughout the world. Their collective experience will prove invaluable as we work to improve
the governance capability and capacity of Kandahar City’s sub-district managers and civil servants
to better connect them with the people they serve.

As I’ve challenged every Soldier in Task Force 1-22 to ‘Finish Strong’, I challenge all of our Families to ‘Finish Strong’ as well.
As we get closer to redeployment, our Families and loved ones will undoubtedly deal with a new series of stressors very different
from the ones they’re currently facing…but remember you’re not alone. The best way to mitigate some of the anxiety tied to the
‘unknowns’ is to stay informed and involved with your supporting Family Readiness Group. As most of you already know and
have experienced, we have an outstanding Rear Detachment, led by CPT Brandon Chapman and SFC Battaglia,
supported by phenomenal Family Readiness Groups who are waiting to reach out to you if/when you have an issue or a question.
One of the best ways to stay informed is through our battalion’s virtual Family Readiness Group website.
This website is updated with the latest unit information and the only site Family Members can view updated flight information as we begin
our redeployment…so log-in and join today (authorization from your Soldier is required unless you already have an AKO account).
I cannot thank our Soldiers enough for their continued service, unquestioned sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to winning
this fight in Afghanistan. Each and every one of our Soldiers should be incredibly proud of the foundations they’ve built and the
relationships they’ve established in Kandahar, Afghanistan. For our Families, friends, and supporters, a tremendous ‘thank you’
as well for your continued love, support, and prayers while we are away…“we could not do what we do as well as we do it without
your support.”

May God continue to bless Task Force ‘Regulars’, our Soldiers, and our Families.
Regulars, by God!
LTC Clay Padgett
Regular/Nemesis 6

Amidst the foam and confetti, COL Farooq (left) presents a framed certificate of appreciation
to MAJ Mike Garling (middle) as a memento for their friendship and his service to the people of Kandahar City

(Left to right) COL Raisan (CDR, 1 KDK/2 ANCOP BDE), Mirweis (TF 1-22 Linguist), BG Habibi (CDR, 1 BDE/205 ANA Corps),
MAJ Mike Garling, COL Farooq (CDR 3 KDK/2 ANCOP BDE), and LTC Clay Padgett, following HHC's
Change of Command ceremony

From the “Regulars” Command Sergeant Major corner, greetings and salutations. Your Soldiers and loved
ones have performed superbly for the past eight months. And as some of you may know, we are scheduled
to deploy back to our home duty station a month earlier than projected. Therefore, the next few months
will be extremely stressful and rewarding. During this time, some of our Soldiers may want to reduce the
weight of their protected gear, or buy eye protection that may not protect their eyes. Naturally the First
Sergeants, Commanders, and the old Sergeants Major will direct and preach all day the importance of
wearing every piece of protective gear provided. The unit’s leadership will do everything possible and legal
to fix deficiencies in the wearing of protective gear, but an email, phone call, or letter from a family member
telling their Soldier and loved one to wear every piece of his or her protective gear: priceless!
Lastly, this month we have seen some phenomenal Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers promoted to
the following well deserved ranks: (Specialist to Sergeant) -SGT Eli D. Salaz; SGT Kyle M. Hartle; SGT Richard
F. Newton; SGT Woodrow L. Sease; (Sergeant to Staff Sergeant) -SSG Teddy W. Angulo; SSG James A.
Smith; SSG John J. Vallejo; SSG Saul Martinez; and (Staff Sergeant to Sergeant First Class) -SFC Timothy R. Mosteller.
Congratulations to all!

From the
Commander:

Hammers, I have learned February is the rainiest month in Kandahar and then, as soon as March hits, it all
stops and the sun starts to blaze again. We have received more rain in February then they have had in twelve years.
It has made for some muddy situations around COP ANCOP and the outlying city. All I can think of is how much fun
it would be to have my jeep here to play in it. I’m sure our poor guard force who keeps us safe 24/7 is not so thrilled with the
rain as it makes for some cold shifts, especially our night shift who doesn’t get to see the sun, but keeps the rest of
us safe while we sleep.

The concentration here for the past two months has been inventories. The incoming commander is going through all
the equipment I am signed for as a commander and ensuring it is still there before he takes over. That makes for
some very long days of reading off serial number after serial number. The numbers actually infiltrate your
dreams and give you nightmares. HHCs are infamous for having very large property books filled with weird equipment
that makes figuring out all the other stuff that goes with it a pain in the neck. Construction continues here as
we build for not only our future, but for those who follow on and will replace us here. The walls of our new brick
buildings are going up. Last month you saw some pictures of the concrete being poured. It has finally hardened
enough to build on.

Hopefully we will move into them before we leave. If not, at least we have improved our position here to make it
better for the next unit. It’s a mark of pride to leave a place better than the way you inherited it.
This will be my last entry as Commander of Hammer Company. It’s time for someone new to gain the experience of
commanding an impressive organization like this. CPT Ian Pitkin, joined by his Family, will assume the duty. I wanted
to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the Soldiers and Families of Hammer Company. It has
been a wild ride and I will never forget the experience and people I met here. Continue to support the FRG the best
you can. Of the two companies I’ve commanded, this FRG has come together and surpassed all my hopes in assisting
the Soldiers deployed and Families waiting for us back home. The Soldiers I’ve commanded, despite some troubles
here and there, have made my life worth it and given it meaning. So I must first thank them for that. Second, I
have to thank CPT Banuelos, my XO, and 1SG Hise for making all my wild adventures possible. Finally, I must thank
COL Martindale & LTC Padgett for giving me the opportunity to do what I was trained to do and lead Soldiers in
combat, not every commander has that honor or responsibility. I’m truly honored history will remember my name
as being a “Regular.”

From the Top:

Oh, the joys of 8 months into a deployment. The daily challenges are the nonstop 24/7 logistic support operations.
COP ANCOP totally runs on Soldier Power!! Soldier Power is the most effective and reliable method.
The achievements we make each month never cease to amaze me. This month alone, the daily routine of escorts
and building projects, to not only make our life better in a couple of months but for the gaining unit coming in as
well, required an extraordinary amount of man power. To give you an example of Soldier Power, the daily Battalion
Operations always takes a handful of personnel to maintain; we constantly have force protection of the perimeter,
kitchen patrol (known as KP), and daily escorts which include building contractors, port-a-potty trucks, water
trucks, food delivery trucks, and our trash truck. In these past two months, three new facilities went into
construction. The facilities will house over 70 personnel once completed. There is a long process to have these contractors
on ANCOP which includes gathering biometric information into the HIIDE system, patting them down,
taking away their cell phones, and issuing them badges for working here. The contractors alone number over 40 a day
this month.

All in all, if it wasn’t for the Soldiers, the COP would have lit on fire by now and burnt to the ground. Their pride in their
living conditions and concern for their own safety helps keep this little outpost operational. There is always something
to do here to make this place just a little better. At this point, I need to stop and take a moment to thank
the Seth Carpenter Boy Scout Troop 313 from Pelican Rapids, MN. These Great Americans of “Care for Our Troops,”
are working to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, and provided all of HHC with neck gators. Thank you so much for the
boxes of gators and goodies!!

In closing, Hammer Company will be having a Change of Command sometime in March. We will be losing a great
Company Commander and my good friend, MAJ Garling. Hammer 6 and I have shared what a lot of Command
Teams’ dream. We have been through so much in our tenure together. I wish him the best wherever the Army sends
him. Hammer 6, you will be greatly missed! Hammer Company will be welcoming CPT Pitkin and Family.
As the 1SG, I will ensure our Company is off to a fresh start, with him in the lead, to bring us on the journey
home. As they say here in Afghanistan, we do things here Shana-ba-Shana (shoulder to shoulder). We will not only
finish our job here but make it a better place for all in Kandahar City.

Headquarters Platoon poses for a quick photo in the rare occasion
we are all in one place at the same time

Hello to the Family and friends of the Raider Brigade!
Things have been mighty busy here in the Kandahar Province in the cold and wet month of February as it transitioned
into spring in March. Here is your monthly SITREP through the eyes of 1-22 IN’s own Scout platoon. We continue
to travel Kandahar proper and its outlying communities visiting our brothers and sisters and supporting operations
as they unfold. The Raider Brigade has one of the largest area of operations in theater, but that seems to
have little impact on the success we continue to achieve day in and day out. We escorted General Petraeus and
General Terry so they could see the gains made in the Arghandab Valley, such as better relations with the local
population and improved infrastructure. All continues to go well as we carry out our missions from day to day.
The Scouts continue to run split sections for COL Martindale and CSM Kinloch. We’ re always going in different
directions to cover as much terrain as we can. COL Martindale finally got to go home for some rest. He left the BDE
in good hands with LTC Padgett acting as the Brigade commander. We were happy to finally welcome a Regular back
into our mix and escort him around the battle field. Recently, we have begun running air missions into our ever
expanding area of operations in preparation for new projects and responsibilities. We love and miss you all but will
remain steadfast and loyal until our duty here is done.

Riding into the sunset, the Scouts head back to CNS to refit for the next day

There has been a lot of change over the past two months for the Blood medics. In addition to the weather in Kandahar
shifting from its winter setting to a very wet spring, directly into summer mode, the Main Aid Station team bid
farewell to LTC Elden Rand. LTC Rand completed his six month tour of duty with the Regulars and has returned
home to his wife, Wendy, and two daughters, Maddie and Sophie. We all wish him the best and absolutely appreciate
the leadership, hard work, long days, and countless sanity-saving conversations “Blood Sorcerer” gave the Platoon
from August to January.

In LTC Rand’s stead, the team has welcomed MAJ Kevin Akers, also of San Antonio, Texas. Unlike LTC Rand,
MAJ Akers specializes in infectious disease. Here’s to hoping he doesn't have to fall back on that specialty! He'll be with us
through redeployment and, with him on the team, we’re looking forward to continuing to do great things across the battlefield.

As always, us Medics continue to improve our foxholes and have meaningful impacts across Kandahar City. Our latest
major tasks have involved training our Afghan counterparts and preparing for the soon-to-arrive hot weather months.
Of course, we continue to improve ourselves as well. Speaking as a proud platoon leader, I’d like to highlight the
following medics for stellar performances in the past month: SPC Danetaras reenlisting for 5 years and deciding
to attend Mike 6 (licensed nurse practitioner) school. SGT Hartle promotion from E4 to E5. SGT Newton promotion
from E4 to E5. SGT Biggers promotion from E4 to E5. SSG Martinez promotion from E5 to E6. SSG Thomas completion
of his Associate’s degree

Mortar & Sniper Families, February and March have flown by, I feel like I just wrote the last news article a day ago.
With increased operations to get after the enemy and fielding of new equipment and uniforms, we continue to maintain
a positive control over our sub-district. Another sure sign the deployment is nearing the finish line is talk of redeployment.
The next unit has already begun coordination for their equipment to be sent to Afghanistan and the main body personnel won’t be
far behind.

SSG Donley and SGT Garcia, along with 4 other Soldiers, were chosen to conduct an out of sector mission to support
1st platoon in the clearance of a village in the Arghandab River Valley. The section flew in Chinook Helicopters
and provided overwatch with their 60mm mortar tube while 1st platoon cleared the village. The village was
cleared without a single shot being fired and even ended with a dinner prepared by the locals.
Another major, but important change this month is the fielding of new multicam uniforms and equipment. The
new uniforms are similar to the old woodland BDUs and are extremely effective. During the clearance operation,
Soldiers on a ridge could not be seen by the maneuver teams clearing the village. Also issued were new ruck and
day packs, which help to distribute the weight of equipment more effectively.

The men here at ACS 4 continue to maintain a positive outlook as they continually talk to the locals in our given area.
The villagers seem to enjoy talking to your loved ones daily, as they say they feel safer when the patrols are out. Rest
assured that your Soldiers are doing great things that will have a lasting impact on the people of Afghanistan.

SPC Parham and PFC Chacon get the 60mm mortar in action during an out of sector mission

I hope all is well back home in the USA. Everything here is going well for the Punisher platoon. The past month has
been full of events keeping us very busy. February was full of clearance operations that called for the Punisher Platoon
to help support the effort. All of the Soldiers in the platoon have been performing flawlessly. Their nonstop focus
on the mission at hand, and individual duties as Soldiers in the ACP, through the long days and sleepless nights,
proves that they are motivated, dedicated, and ready to accomplish the mission. The Soldiers
continue to develop and expand their knowledge on a daily basis.

The Soldiers have been conducting training between missions in the following areas: First Aid, crew served weapons,
anti-IED devices, mounted and dismounted movement techniques, and correspondence courses to further their
career development. Training in these areas has improved vigilance and situational awareness in all of the Soldiers.
Unfortunately, there were a few attacks on some of the other units in the local area of operations. The Punisher
Soldiers were always there to support the other units with security, recovery, and any other needs the units may
have. Although there has been an increase in attacks throughout our Area of Operation, the Punisher Platoon
remains motivated.

With Soldiers on leave, the Soldiers still here have been able to fill into the open positions with no negative effects
on the mission. This is achieved through their excellent abilities to work as a team. The Soldiers dedication and
commitment to performing in a professional manner, make it a great honor for any of us Soldiers to serve in this particular platoon.

SPC Garcia performing maintenance on his M240B prior to the out of sector mission

We are past the half way point of this deployment. The Headquarters Platoon has been busy: fixing guard towers,
escorting, looking for things, moving things from here to there, and the list goes on and on day and night, and yes it
will stop. The Soldiers have been hanging in there and pushing themselves to make things happen, but two Soldiers
that have gone above and beyond have been SGT MacDonald and SPC Topham. They are in charge of the
care, maintenance, and accountability of all sensitive items in their arms room. They also pull guard, get tasked with
details, and are the crew of the Company XO, CPT Banuelos. I met SGT MacDonald four years ago back at Fort Hood
when he was in the PSD. The only thing that has changed about SGT MacDonald has been his rank. Other than that,
he has not changed one bit. The one thing that I have always liked about him has been his no nonsense way of
thinking. He has always been quick to fix things that are wrong. The bad is how old he acts. Put an M4 and a ruck
in front of him and he has no problem figuring out what to do with it. Sit him in front of a computer and you see the
light go out. Poor, poor Mac. I met SPC Topham a little before I met SGT MacDonald. He was a Private at the time
and new to the Scout Platoon. SPC Topham is a very innovative person. He has proven himself time and time again.
From fixing his car to fixing the Military vehicles that we drive on mission, there is nothing too big or too small.
Now, SGT MacDonald and SPC Topham are the company’s armorers and this company would not be able to take the
fight to the enemy if it was not for them and their skills at fixing the equipment. Just don’t put a computer in front of
them and they will be ok.

SPC Topham works hard to catalog all the weapons we have in HHC at his makeshift office in his tent

February and March were two very busy month for FET. Without our SSG around, SPC Metts took charge of her
section and led them on multiple successful missions over a 2 week period in SD6 and SD2. While hanging out at
ACS4 with SPC Cotoio and the local interpreters, SPC Metts celebrated her birthday Afghan style with cake, cookies, and chai.

The entire FET was assembled for a large scale clearing mission in SD2. This mission required an early wake up in
the rain and the use of night vision goggles, which requires some coordination. With that said, we had a few wipe outs
along the path but we made it through the mud and dark and kept pushing through the day until we were complete and caked in mud.

Another trip outside the wire took the FET to the disabled village, where there are plans to start a sewing school/business
for the women. We got to speak with the two talented women who intended to teach the rest of their
village so they can use their new skill to earn an income to help support their Families.

The day SSG Soto returned from Texas, she hadn’t even unpacked from home before she was already packing her
overnight bag for a high speed mission with SPC Cotoio. They pressed on for 24 hours straight in the cold until they
finished clearing and were ANCOP bound for a hot shower and rest.

The Team has come a long way from the start of this deployment; we have grown into a successful cohesive group.
Each day we improve and produce impressive results. Despite the eight months we have spent here, the Team
never ceases to amaze with their level of commitment and dedication. We will continue to work hard as the end of
the tour comes nearer, and home inches into our grasp.

Again, another month passes and it brings us to one thing… The Coveted Newsletter! The months have brought many
changes, intriguing and memorable events, and straight up just goofy morale building laughter. Typically known as the
“Month of Love,” February is a month that holds a little more meaning to SFC Andreas, mostly due to it being the
month of his birth. If you haven’t done so already, please take a second to wish him a Happy Birthday. The love
month also brought us a well deserved promotion. SGT Montano, our very own Paralegal, was promoted to Staff
Sergeant, effective 01 February. He keeps this battalion on point when it comes to tracking and processing every single
15-6 investigation and all legal actions. Please help me to congratulate SSG Montano on a well deserved promotion.

While we are dedicated to our administrative duties and work extremely hard at our responsibilities, the S1 Crew
works just as hard in the gym. SFC Andreas and SGT Gezymalla showed us that anything is possible as they joined
the “ANCOP 1000lbs Club.” This accomplishment is achieved by lifting a total of 1000lbs divided between one
rep Bench, Squat, and Dead-lift. Cheers to them on the feat so many have attempted but few have achieved.

Besides getting huge, we also seem to find the hilarity in the little moments shared out here. Much of this month’s
morale boost came to us via a little Starbucks commercial entitled “Starbucks Berries and Cream” and as a bonus “the
Little Lad Dance.” If you are unaware of what these short video clips are exactly, I challenge you to go to YouTube
and search for these short comedy clips, then picture your S1 Crew reenacting them at the most random of times. No
matter what you think, it seems to always bring a smile to everyone’s face when they need it the most.

Don't mess with.... the ANCOP S1 Crew
They're ready to go in the new MULTICAM uniforms

SPC Williams, SPC Soriano, and SPC Franks
prepare to lower the flag as the sun begins to set

SPC Franks gets ready for his guard duty shift.
It is the duty of every Soldier to help defend the COP

But in all seriousness, this is also a memorable month because it marks the last month MAJ Garling will be in Command
of Hammer Company. This event may mean more to some Soldiers than others, but it holds a lasting significance
to me. Being deployed twice with the “Regulars,” this is the second time I served under MAJ Garling’s command
while in a combat zone. The first time while being assigned to 1st PLT “Black Sheep,” C CO, 1-22 IN, and cross
attached to Echo “Killer” Company, the Engineers, during Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09. It was truly a privilege to
serve under him when we tracked and detained insurgents and found and exploited weapons caches, however, it has
been nothing but an honor to serve under his command yet again during combat. Please help me to thank and wish
MAJ Garling the best as he continues his career and moves on from the Regulars Family

First and foremost, we would like to welcome CPT Madetzke and SPC Soriano back to ANCOP HQ from their
brief time at home with their Families. With SFC Varcasia enjoying his R&R with his loved ones, SFC Nice is taking on
the responsibility as the S-2 NCOIC. As the Battalion Intelligence Team, it is our responsibility to provide the Battalion
Commander and the companies with actionable intelligence, ultimately assisting the war fighter. As the S2 Shop
enters the month of March, we continue to refine products in order to determine the enemies’ location—as the Regulars
like to say, “They can run, they'll just die tired.”

SPC Williams and PFC Erb continue to provide current operations with support from the “Eye in the Sky” -these
gentlemen are doing an outstanding job. And of course, who can ever forget about our resident PowerPoint Technicians?
SPC Grady and SPC Franks, who provide the Battalion Commander with a combustible mixture of Analysis
and PowerPoint slides that are aesthetic to the eyes. Due to his busy schedule, 1LT Heifetz is taking a brief hiatus
from cutting hair in order to make the necessary requirements requested by our senior leaders.

Last, but not least, 1LT Wang (LT Wayne) who helped structure detainee operations is making it the standard for the
entire Raider Brigade. All this cannot be accomplished without the perseverance and education of our civilian
counterparts: Dan, Craig, Patrick, Griffin, Shemol, Monica, and Bob (New York’s Finest).

Hello again from the S3 shop, located here in beautiful Kandahar City, Afghanistan. There have been many challenges,
which the Soldiers in the S3 shop have tackled with enthusiasm. Several of the key staff members participated in
leave during this month, including MAJ Sandoval and SGM Moser. During the time they were gone, the shop ran like
clockwork and did not miss a beat. This is a testament to the hard work put in by the NCOs such as SFC Lant, SSG Kling,
SSG Monge, SGT Avila, SGT Shields, and SGT Hardt. Despite the types of issues that arose on a daily basis, their
leadership could always be counted on to handle things. We will soon lose one of our stellar NCOs, SGT Hardt, due
to retirement. His hard work and dedication will be sorely missed. We wish him and his wife, Korin, success in the
future and hope they know that our prayers will be with them.

As the big green machine always continues rolling along, we also welcome CPT Ingram and his wife Lisa, coming to
us from STB and 2LT Landes, his wife, Nicole, and their 2 month old baby girl Regan to the S3 Family. We look forward
to working with our “Newbies” and also look forward to meeting their Families at some point after we redeploy.
I would like to take this time to say “thanks” to all the Family members that support us while we are away from home
during this deployment. It is no small task what we are doing, and we would not be able to succeed without knowing
that all is well back at home. Being a Soldier during this time of war is a trying time that has the potential to strain
relationships. Sometimes, as Soldiers, we may not convey our appreciation like we should due to the time we have to
invest while conducting operations.

The TF 1-22’s S4 shop has been working harder than ever over these last two months! Proposing to my new fiancé,
Monir, and enjoying leave with my Family and friends, I am well rested and glad to be returning from leave to join our
phenomenal team once again. With countless tasks and logistical operations, the KAF ALOC and ANCOP ALOC are
leading the way in displaying hard work and determination to make sure we do more than what the Battalion requires
of us. I am very proud to work with everyone in this outstanding logistical team.

Busier than ever, our S4 team has had several events come up such as: fitting our Battalion with the new Multicam
uniform, supporting two additional Military Police Companies, organizing and preparing for redeployment, and the
innumerable amount of daily tasking and responsibilities that we already perform. With several of our team members
going on leave to enjoy time with their loved ones, the rest of us have gladly taken up additional duties to help the
team not lose the rhythm that we operate in. As always, our team works more than what a staff team is expected to work like.

Pushing all supplies from our Battalion HUB, SFC Zelinsky and the team at KAF continue to drive and push everything
needed to include supplies, equipment, and personnel for our Soldiers to conduct operations. Even though a few
members of our team are saddened by the Pittsburgh Steelers losing Super Bowl XLV, we continue to stay motivated
as we work through our long days.

At the ANCOP ALOC, SSG Kincheloe and I have been busier than ever supporting the Battalion in whatever way we
can. Buried deep into contracts and funding, SSG Kincheloe continues to push the Battalion to the right path,
making certain that we do everything the right way so we do not have to do things twice. As SSG Kincheloe goes on
leave to visit his loved ones while stopping by in Australia, I definitely have my work cut out for me as I will be performing
both of our responsibilities, much like SSG Kincheloe performed while I was on leave.

Working as a true team, we have been coordinating with various elements for both coalition forces and civilian personnel
and have been executing with success. We will continue to support the Battalion logistically at all costs to ensure
we get our job done successfully. I pray that our loved ones stay safe, as we are still deployed, and remind them
that we will be coming back home to them soon. Once again, I am extremely proud of our team and what they
have done so far what they will continue to do!

Cranes work in unison to put up
T-walls around our perimeter

ANCOP ALOC had to surround Crazy Joe
to make him feel like he had multicams too

As we say bye to another month in our year long tour, we welcome the warming weather. During the past month,
the S6 shop has a new understanding of how just a little rain can effect all network equipment. The shop has
worked around the clock trying to keep the network running during this rainy season. This has been an unparalleled
learning experience that none of us will soon forget. The spirits are high in the S6 section as we march through
the months thinking about going home and spending time with our Families. This past month, we pushed two of our
S6 Soldiers, SGT Moore and SPC Hairston, to FOB Frontenac in support of the expansion of the Regulars’ area. The two
Soldiers will work around the clock maintaining the STT providing NIPR, SIPR and Centrix to 2/SCR in their daily missions.
I want to thank all the S6 Soldiers for the hard work they provided running the change of command inventory, as it is
a slow and time consuming process. We look forward to welcoming back SPC Iban and CPT Holm as they come back
from R&R, and wish an enjoyable R&R to SGT Grissom and SPC Jemison.

I want to take a moment to recognize the hard work and the great help of 1LT Izraelevitz. We at the S6 shop wish
him good fortune on his new assignment in the S3 shop. We want to welcome our new company commander, CPT Pitkin,
to HHC as we look forward to working with him. Lastly, we thank MAJ Garling for all his wisdom and leadership
as he departs HHC to do bigger and better things in the Army.

SGT Fisher always working hard and keeping
the S6 personnel on track with daily duties

SSG Barron and SPC Hewett working
on the inventory for the change of command

Hello Hammer Company Families! Thanks to all of the Families who made it out to February’s meeting at the Fort
Carson USO and the Battalion’s Homestretch Event. We also had an awesome meeting Friday, March 11th at
the Best Western. It was a Pizza Pool Party! We voted and decided on a homecoming t-shirt and finalized the design.
It is now up for sale. For anyone that is ordering t-shirts out of state we will not be using COD! We will be accepting
shipping costs at the time of purchase. Please check out the Facebook page for details on how to order, or
shoot me an e-mail.

In April, we are having a joint meeting with Able Company on Saturday, April 16th at 11am at the Country Buffet. It is
$9 for adults (this includes the buffet, drink, and tip) and $2-$5 for children depending on their age. We are also putting
together an Easter event on Saturday, April 23rd at noon at the FRC. We will be dying and decorating Easter
eggs and having an Easter egg hunt! Don’t forget to log in to Facebook and order a 1-22 IN BN
Year Book as a keep sake for the years to come. Message From Hammer 6: Family and friends of the Hammer
Company, thank you for all the support you have shown me over the past 15 months in making this readiness
group a success in supporting the troops and the Families in the states. Please continue to support this organization.
The leadership we have in place has made my command time here easy by allowing me to focus on the
fight. I’ll miss you all. Keep the Yellow Ribbons on the door until we are all home.

MAJ Garling has the honor of pinning
SGT Montano to Staff Sergeant on JCOP ANCOP

SGT Gezymalla and SFC Andreas prep for
their "ANCOP 1000 Club" Bench set

KAF ALOC continues to grow in size to
support all the companies in the Battalion

SGT Denetdale asks questions and takes notes from a
local villager on how to improve conditions in the village

I know how much this quote confronts the thought process and perhaps the world view of most of us. You are likely
asking yourself, “Is the Chaplain really saying that I/we should rejoice in the tough times that this deployment is producing?”
The short answer to that question is yes, and I ask that you please give me a chance to explain my reasoning for this.

I do not like going through difficult or trying times any more than anyone else. But when the tough times, the deployments,
of life come our way;I feel that we shouldn’t just strive to make it through them and that is it. My hope
is that all of us have used this deployment, or at the very least will use the remaining few months, to grow. I believe
that every day from now on each of us should make a conscious decision to not just make it through the rest of this
deployment, but to thrive in the midst of it.

My fellow Regulars, my prayer is that we have and will continue to use the difficulties that this deployment has
brought us to grow. To grow spiritually closer to God, to grow in our love and appreciation for our loved ones that
are far away, to make some incredibly close friends, and to get into better shape...just to name a few positive outcomes
that we can achieve during this deployment if we are willing to work for them. We can rejoice in the trials of
life because it is often through those difficulties that God uses to develop our perseverance, strengthen our character,
and give us an even greater hope and eagerness in the future than we ever had before.
The end of this deployment is in sight. Let us all make the most of the days remaining to serve our country and our
God to the fullest by continuing to grow as the people that He created us to be!
Keep persevering Regulars… this deployment will be over before we know it!