1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Updates March 2011 Page 2

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

1st Battalion Newsletter

March 2011

A Company, B Company, C Company

Able 6

Greetings Family and Friends of Able Company.

The company has been very busy since the last installment of the newsletter. Tragically, the Company lost two great Soldiers
since the last newsletter. On Feb 21, SGT Sisson died in his sleep at the Sayrah Kalache strong point.
The cause of death is still unknown but is being investigated to determine the cause of death. On Feb 27, CPL Wilfahrt
was killed during a dismounted patrol. CPL Wilfahrt was assigned to 3rd PLT, 552nd MP Co, which is attached to Able Company.
While on patrol, CPL Wilfahrt was struck by an IED which killed him and wounded SGT Williams. SGT Williams is expected
to make a full recovery. Our prayers go out to the Families of SGT Sisson and CPL Wilfahrt.

2nd PLT has moved again and is now based out of the Russian Silo in order to increase our flexibility and to increase
the amount of combat power the company can put out in sector. All of the platoons have been diligently patrolling
and have uncovered numerous caches and identified multiple IEDs. We continue to partner with the Afghan National
Police and the Afghan National Civil Order Police in order to increase their capabilities and to help them become a more
professional force. Our partners have come a long way since we first arrived in country and will continue to improve
so that one day the full responsibility of security in the city can be handed over to them.

We still have a ways to go on this deployment, but the end is getting closer. We receive more and more tasks daily
pertaining to redeployment and the tasks associated with it. The company should arrive back in Colorado Springs in
early July in preparation for a well deserved block leave.

Sincerely,
Able 6

From the Top

Able,

This is my first Newsletter as the First Sergeant of Able Company. I have spent the last month getting to know the Soldiers
and Leaders of the Company. ISG Stoen could not have given me a better group of Warriors.

The company suffered two great loses this month. SGT Robert C. Sission on 21 February 2011 and SPC Andrew C. Wilfahrt
on 27 February 2011. They will be forever remembered. Our prayers go out to their Families.

We have seen some more changes this month. We have moved Second Platoon from the Sayarah Kalache Strong
Point to the Bag-E-Phul Power Plant (BP3) with the Company Headquarters and Third Platoon. The power plant
that is located at BP3 has been turned on and is currently providing power to thousands of Afghan families throughout
the Company’s Area of Responsibility. Finally, the Company has made the transition into the MULTICAM uniform.

Several of our Soldiers were recognized for the great things they do for their fellow Soldiers and the Army every
day. 1LT Lucas, SPC Stewart, SPC Van Buren and PFC McKean-Hogan all received the Army Achievement Medal
for exceptional duty performance. SSG Mosteller, Third Platoon Sergeant was promoted to Sergeant First Class (SFC).

SPC Stewart has put countless hours and hard work into designing the Company’s logo, that you see above,
a company hat, as well as our shirts. He has done an outstanding job.

V/R
Able 7

1st Platoon
“The Highwaymen”

Greetings to the Family and friends of 1st PLT, ABLE CO.

The soldiers of 1st PLT, ABLE CO. have significantly increased their efforts over the past month to protect the
Afghan civilians living in Kobay, Mir Bazaar, and Souf. The beautiful spring weather in Afghanistan has unfortunately
brought an increase in insurgent activity; but 1st PLT stands ready to fight diligently until we return to Colorado in June.
1st PLT was recently honored by our Afghan National Police brothers with a large feast at their remote checkpoint; ANP
put on this feast to honor 1st PLT’s quick reaction time when insurgents attacked the ANP with small arms fire.
The children of Mir Bazaar were extremely excited to have CPL Aycock return from leave; the Soldiers of 2nd SQD
were also happy to have him back so they could point in his direction when children approach the TCP yelling for John.
1st SQD welcomed a new squad leader, SSG Hudson, into their ranks during the last month; SSG Osborne moved
from 1st SQD to Weapons Squad. SSG Hudson has already impressed the chain of command with his work ethic and
disciplined approach to leading Soldiers. The COP has seen major refurbishment efforts over the past month spearheaded
by SPC Shackleton and SPC Stone. SPC Stone has shown his ingenuity and craftiness remodeling the sensitive
items connex and 1st PLT’s Tactical Operation Center;all his hard work will definitely be appreciated by the incoming unit.

During a recent visit from the Division Command Sergeant Major, PFC Santana, SPC Stone, PFC Beckham, and
PFC Krumpleman all received challenge coins. This honor shows the higher command’s appreciation of 1st PLT’s hard work
at CP 7-2. This occasion was significantly more joyous than the days following the Super Bowl as every Soldier in the
PLT avoided SFC Davis who was still recovering from watching his beloved Steelers get crushed by the Packers.
SPC Latta recently led his team during a two day OP operation on Fish Mountain. The Soldiers tactically moved to the top
of the mountain and remained in place for 72 hours. This mission was designed to observe insurgents moving
through the green zone under the cover of night.

The Soldiers of 1st PLT, ABLE CO. stand ready to complete our mission here in Afghanistan. Kandahar has already
switched from a cold rainy winter to a hot sun baked spring. The Soldiers continue to drive on through all adversity
and remain focused on helping the people of Afghanistan live in peace and prosperity. Their efforts during the
Afghan surge will be remembered as the turning point for Operation Enduring Freedom; the Soldiers have brought
these war torn people a real chance to enjoy the freedoms Americans often take for granted. These brave Soldiers are
the pride of the United States of America.

2LT Trevor D. Powers
‘ABLE 1-6’

2LT Powers shows an Afghan boy how they ride bikes in Boston

PFC Southern and PFC Santana work as a team searching for possible IED's with the PSS-14

SPC Latta leads his team, PFC Bruce and SPC Carlson, during an OP on Fish Mountain

2nd Platoon

Platoon Leader’s Comments:

March has certainly been a busy month for the Soldiers of 2nd Platoon! Your Soldiers remain focused on the mission
at hand and vigilantly patrol Kandahar City in the final months of the deployment. Whether it be discovering enemy
weapons caches or speaking with the village leaders in our area of responsibility, 2nd Platoon leads the way. The
recent celebrations of Now Ruz, the Afghan New Year, has introduced many security concerns throughout the city.
Your Soldiers’ increased patrols through the area have directly contributed to a safe and successful Now Ruz celebration
for the residents of Kandahar and have increased their faith and trust in the Afghan National Security Forces
and national government.

Thank you for the support you continue to give the Soldiers of 2nd Platoon. Every letter, e-mail, package, or answered
phone call means more than you can understand. Your strength throughout the deployment has been an inspiration
to the platoon and we sincerely look forward to the reunion that will occur in a few short months when we return.

Fox Herron
1LT, IN
Able 2-6

1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Able Company

The month of March has also introduced several changes. Of these changes, the most significant has been the platoon’s
relocation to the Bag-E-Pul Power Plant. This move allows us many mission capabilities we did not have before
and will only increase security throughout our patrolling area. Another change is the uniform that the platoon is
now wearing. The switch from ACU pattern to Multicam uniforms gives us greater concealment and advantage over
the enemy out in the field. Many of the Soldiers have begun to count down to redeployment to Fort Carson, Colorado.
They can’t wait to be back with their loved ones. Thank you for all of the support and prayer’s that you send
our way, it is greatly appreciated by all of us in 2nd Platoon.

Jason Boyd
SSG, US Army

2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Able Company

1LT Herron hard at work

3rd Platoon

This month, our platoons continue to improve the living conditions at the newly formed base Bagh-e-Pul Power
Plant. 2LT Jesse Coyne is on R&R this month and a proud father of a new baby boy. The company also is proud to
announce a new platoon sergeant, Staff Sergeant Timothy R. Mosteller, is promoted to Sergeant First Class and
PFC Benjamin R. Miller has been promoted to Specialist in third squad. Also, Private First Class Stephen A McKean,
third squad M240B gunner, was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for his successful completion of the 5 day Common
Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) class at Kandahar Airfield. SGT Berea T. Faiai and his Family committed
another 4 years of his service and reenlisted for Schoefield Barracks in Hawaii.

The weather warming up in Afghanistan has brought an increase in insurgent activity; 3rd PLT is always ready to
take the fight to the enemy. The NCO leaders of Third Platoon have ensured that their Soldiers are trained to anticipate
and react to the incredible opportunities and inherent dangers associated with a deployment. The lessons we are
learning here will keep us alive as we fight the War on Terror. The Soldiers and NCOs of 3rd Platoon, Able Company,
always remain ready and geared up in the face of the enemy as we conclude our mission here in the scorching sun
baked spring in Sub-District 7, Kandahar, Afghanistan.

In closing, we’re a platoon that continues to thrive in uncertainty based on our core competencies and self-confidence.
I could not be more proud of being 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.”

SFC Timothy R. Mosteller
Able 37

ANCOP with SGT Mikschl, SGT Galan, and SGT Faiai having chai with Afghan locals

LTC Padgett promotion of SFC Mosteller

CPT Calhoon with SGT Faiai displaying his re-enlistment certificate

SFC Mosteller with interpreter Mustafa and ANCOP conducting KLE with local elder

3/552nd MP Co, “Punishers”

Greetings from 3rd Platoon, 552nd MP Company!

We hope this newsletter finds you all well and looking forward to the last few months that your Families and friends
will be away! The weather is starting to take a huge turn for the warmer side which is both a relief and an unwelcoming
feeling. The cold has come and gone with little issues, but now that the warm weather is here, we will
have our work cut out for us as we wrap up this deployment.

As some of you may have heard, on February 27th of this year, 3rd Platoon, 552nd MP Company, lost an outstanding Soldier
while on a Dismounted Combat Patrol in the streets of Kandahar City, Afghanistan. CPL Andrew Wilfahrt was
Killed in Action when his squad was hit by a command detonated IED. He was just four days away from going
home on leave to see his Family in Minnesota. He was a tremendous asset to this Platoon, but more importantly,
he was an amazing person and friend to every single Soldier and leader of this platoon. Our platoon took a knee to
honor the life of CPL Wilfahrt and held an incredible memorial service at one of the FOBs in Kandahar; but soon
after were out in the streets and fields of Kandahar patrolling once again.

Our platoon has come to realize that with every bad event, there are good ones to follow. This thought process is
what helps each and every one of us to get on with the next day and honor CPL Wilfahrt the way a true American
should be honored. As you can also see, four Soldiers, SPC Akers, SPC Oliver, PFC Berg, and PFC Coronoado, are
awarded the Army Achievement Medal (AAM) for their recent outstanding performance while on patrols and during operations.

SPC Akers has taught 3 weeks of Medical Courses to our Afghan National Police (ANP) counterparts and helped a
team of the ANP take 2nd place in a medical competition. SPC Oliver, PFC Berg, and PFC Coronado all assisted in a
raid on a known Drug Dealer/possible Taliban member in our AO. Through their attention to detail and continuous
perseverance, we were able to detain four individuals and send them to the local ANP prison to be processed.
Stories like these are what we are striving towards for the remainder of the deployment. We wish you all the best of
luck and thank you so much for all your prayers and support!

1LT Brandon LaMar
Peacekeeper 3-6

CPL Wilfahrt saying hello to the camera on a patrol back in February

SPC Akers, SPC Oliver, PFC Berg, and PFC Coronado, receive their awards with their squad

SPC Akers gives first aid to a local national girl while on patrol

From the Commander

Another good month has passed, and we are down to just a few more to go. The guys are very good at what they do now,
but we must guard against complacency and distractions from the task at hand. The last 90 days of a deployment tend to
be the toughest, but we are hitting our stride and moving on all cylinders as we anticipate the enemy’s return. Your
husbands removed the enemy from his stronghold back in October and ever since have been preparing for him to
come and try to take it back. We have prepared by patrolling for more than 200 hours a week to master the terrain
and prevent the enemy from entrenching himself in our backyard.

We continue to build close relationships with Afghan civilians, Police, and Army. The civilian leadership rarely allows
a patrol to pass through town without enticing them in with tea and cookies. We have introduced freedoms
and infrastructure improvements that these villagers never thought possible, and they know aren't under enemy
rule. Our relationships with the Afghan Army and Police Forces continues to grow as we build bridges between
those tribally diverse groups and achieve cooperation levels uncommon in the rest of the area.

We are training the Afghan Forces on a daily basis so that one day soon they will lead and plan the missions and our
presence will no longer be required. This month, 1SG and I handed out our company poker chips to each platoon
individually and were able to express how much we appreciate the work the men are doing. We cannot thank them
or the Families enough, for the sacrifices you make.

Sincerely,
CPT Rudy

From the Top

Hello Blackhawk Families! Since we have last talked, the weather here has changed for the better. During January and February
we had rain most of the month, but during March, the temperature has already reached 80 degrees.
Your Soldiers continue to conduct missions everyday and have improved the local area by overseeing projects such as
building mosques, wells, and homes. We continue making it harder for the enemy to operate in our sector by finding
caches daily and COIN operations. The Soldiers’ living conditions continue to get better everyday. At COP Simmons,
they have expanded their compound to receive and partner with an Afghan Army Platoon. This is sure to help the Platoon
with patrolling and base defense.

We have begun to get accountability of our equipment, inventory some of our gear, and pack our early redeployment
containers. As you well know by now, we should either be home or waiting to fly home by the 3rd week of
June. Our last EML flight will leave KAF before the end of April. For B CO, all Soldiers that go home on EML will return
back to Afghanistan to finish our fight. Within the next month, 1/320th FA will be replaced by 3-71 CAV, and that is
who we will fall under for the remaining time of our tour.

Many of our Soldiers have already come down on PCS orders and I expect that to continue till we get home in June.
At this time, I do not know what our block leave dates look like, as soon as I get confirmation your spouse will know. I
appreciate everything the ladies of Blackhawk have done for us up to this point, we just could not do our job if we
didn’t have your support! As always, it is my greatest military honor to be the First Sergeant of Bravo Company
“Blackhawk.” God bless you all for your sacrifice.

Sincerely,
1SG Cutter

HQ Platoon

Hello once again to all the Headquarters Families of COP Durham here in the Arghandab River Valley. We have been
very busy here since our last letter. During the month of March, the weather has begun to start heating up, but the
Soldiers are still doing the right thing by not getting complacent. We are approximately 90 days until we are home.
The Soldiers are starting to pack up their duffle bags with all of our old ACU uniforms and cold weather gear to send
home early and to have everything ready for the unit that will be replacing us. Also, during the month of March, the
Soldiers went to ranges to make sure their assigned weapons are functioning properly.

During the upcoming month of April, we will continue our busy schedule. We are still sending Soldiers out for leave
from Terra Nova and KAF as well as our almost daily trips around the Arghandab Valley for movement of personnel
and supplies. We will also continue our busy patrol schedule and will continue to prepare for any larger company
level operations we could be sent on. As we get closer to that redeployment date, we will become extremely busy
with cleaning and accounting for all our equipment, which will probably start in late March. It will not be much longer
until we are back home in Colorado Springs.

Until then, we look forward to your continued love and support.

1LT Brooks and SSG Griffin

SGT (P) Pilant building improvements for COP Durham

1st Platoon, “Thebans”

To all 1st platoon Families and friends

Greetings from all of your Soldiers at COP Durham! As the spring season begins and the leaves return, the warm
weather is a welcome change from the bitter cold that we’ve endured for the last several months. Thankfully the
majority of the rainy season is over, and we no longer have ridiculous amounts of mud on our boots and water in the
COP. We have traded out our multiple layers of snivel gear and hand warmers for Army Combat Shirts, and we will no
doubt be wishing it weren’t so warm very soon. The Thebans are performing admirably on a daily basis, finding
caches and munitions on patrol and denying the enemy the means to fight as the fighting season approaches. As the
enemy adjusts, we will continue to remain one step ahead of them and ensure that we are victorious and end this
deployment exactly as we have performed throughout. We continue to improve our Combat Outpost daily, building
on what has already been deemed the standard for living conditions and combat operations in the Arghandab
River Valley. We recently erected a Raid Tower, which will allow us to see much of the area around the COP and
greatly improve our force protection capabilities, as well as several tents in preparation for 2nd Brigade’s arrival and
eventual Transfer of Authority in the coming months. There has been much uncertainty as to where we will finish
the rest of our deployment, but it is looking favorable that we will indeed remain here at COP Durham, which is welcome
news considering the amount of times the company has shifted around.

This is historically a difficult time for the Soldiers, as the majority of them have already been home with you on
leave and it seems that there is no end in sight to the deployment. The days seem to drag and the monotony of
combat operations takes its toll on each and every Soldier. Please be patient if it seems that your loved one is edgy or
frustrated; it is perfectly normal in this stage of the game. It is imperative that you continue to support your Soldier
by any and all means necessary, with emails, letters, packages, etc… All of your help is greatly appreciated

As always, know that your Soldier is in the best of hands, and that he fights for an honorable and just cause.
Thank you all for all that you do.

Blackhawk 1-6 and 1-7

SGTs Wilson and Blue halt for a photo with one of the local goodie cart merchants

2nd Platoon, “Spartans”

March brought changes to the “Spartan” Platoon. We officially transferred authority from 1LT Groat to our new Platoon
Leader 1LT Lisius. 1LT Lisius has been immersing himself in the day to day operations, tactics, techniques, and
procedures of the Platoon and our Operating Environment. While the Platoon was apprehensive about saying goodbye
to 1LT Groat, the Soldiers and NCOs are steadily becoming acquainted with and building their relationship with 1LT
Lisius. One of our major tasks this month has been ensuring the smooth transition between Platoon Leaders. The
Soldiers and NCOs have accounted for property, cleaned and prepared organizational, theater provided, and individual
equipment to be transferred to our relief and return to Ft. Carson.

We have continued to conduct security operations in the Arghandab River Valley with our Afghan National Army and
Afghan National Police partners. Our partners have been in a transition period as well, with many NCOs reaching the
end of their service, and man new NCOs in their places. The ANA received new Soldiers, back fill the vacancies, and
we have begun bi-weekly training events to capitalize on their prior training and to equip them with the skills necessary
to operate within the Arghandab River Valley and to partner with Coalition Forces. We said goodbye to the ANA
2nd Platoon Leader, Spin Agha, as he took command of the ANA contingent transferred to COP Simmons in support of
3rd Platoon “Outlaws.” Spin Agha has been a resolute member of the partnership between 2nd Platoon and the
ANA; his leadership and presence will be missed.

Our Soldiers have continued their steadfast performance of their duties while training and mentoring our Afghan National
Security Force partners. As the leaves are returning and the temperature has risen, our Soldiers continue to
demonstrate their patience, resolve, and professionalism. With the end of the tour nearing, the Soldiers and NCOs
are anticipating their return to Family and friends. As the anticipation builds, new challenges emerge. Soldiers,
NCOs, and Families must remember that while the end is in sight, we must fight complacency. NCOs are reiterating
and reinforcing the standards to protect our Soldiers from shortcuts, mistakes, accidents, and negligence.

SPC Aiava attended SGT promotion boards and has been promoted to the rank of corporal. Each 2nd Platoon Soldier
received Company coins from Blackhawk 6 and 7 for their performance thus far and their continued perseverance.
To the Families, Thank You, for your continued support of your Soldier and diligence in maintaining the home front.

Spartan 7

SFC Niles with a new ANP RPG gunner conducting TCP operations

Spartans pose with the 5th Connecticut Regulars Colors

3rd Platoon, “Outlaws”

Hello Family and friends,

This is SFC Asberry, and I’ll be the acting PL while 1LT John Gonzales is on R&R. I spoke with him 3 hours ago and was
informed that Disney World is just as he remembered. It’s spring time here and it’s starting to warm up. Although our
pool is still under construction, we have the Arghandab River to keep us cool.

I’m sure by now you have all heard the exciting news that we will be returning back to Fort Carson at the end of June.
We are looking for a very strong turnout for the FRG. The majority of the guys have returned from R&R, and we are
sending the last few out as we finish. Some other exciting news is SPC Brenden Simmons and his wife have added a
new edition, a baby boy, to their Family. SPC Evans and his wife also added a baby boy to their Family. We are all excited
to meet the newest members of the Outlaw Family. Continuing with more exciting news, SPC Craven was promoted
to CPL, and is now an E-4 promotable.

With our redeployment being pushed to the left, that leaves us with only 3 months until our return back home.
We must, however, remain mission focused with our heads in the game. It’s the fourth quarter and the enemy is still
out there. Please continue to support your loved ones by sending care packages and Oreo Cookies. The cut-off date
for care packages should be some time around mid-may.

The internet and free phones are working great here on COP Simmons, and the 1SG and CO are continuing to support
all of us here by ensuring that your Soldiers have adequate time to call home, Skype web-cam and just catch up on a regular basis.

Once again, thanks for all your support that you, as Family and friends, provide to your Soldiers each and every day.
The Soldiers’ job performance and motivation is a direct reflection on the phenomenal support they receive from
their Family and friends back home.

Blackhawk 34’s Words of Wisdom!
“Drill SGTs lead the way”

The Outlaws receiving their Company Coins from the Co and 1SG

SPC Craven being promoted to Corporal

SPC Hoggard and PFC Samuela, crossing a river, it was a little chilly that morning

From the Commander

Howdy Cobra Families!

April is almost here, and it looks the part here in Afghanistan as things have begun turning green. And with that,
we are another step closer to being home with the Family and friends that we love.
These final months are very important in a deployment. There are numerous things going on to prepare for the
redeployment, yet we still have to focus on finishing the deployment strong. Across the company, platoons are
looking at what they need to accomplish before we leave theater. These include finishing projects, building relationships
with the people, establishing a government, and effecting how the insurgents can operate. We will focus
our efforts to ensure we can accomplish the goals we have set before we leave.

The 1-22 Infantry yearbook is coming! I am sure you have seen a flyer or email about this by now, but I think it is
important to talk a little bit about it here. First off, this will be a great way to help document the work we have
done here in this deployment to Afghanistan. The book will be an item to keep showing Family and friends decades
from now what your Soldiers did during this year. Not to mention, your Soldiers have put some good effort
into this product. Articles have been written and pictures have been compiled. We currently are on round three of
individual photos, since we are now in multicam uniforms, and the other rounds changed due to the change in backdrop.
If you don’t get enough photos of your Soldier during the deployment, don’t worry, we have a few more
now at the Company. The yearbook will be a nice way to help remember this year.

Allow me to take the time to remind each and every one of you how great your Soldiers are doing out here. Hard
work does not even begin to describe the amounts of effort they daily put into operations and other tasks here in
Afghanistan. As we look across the areas we operate in, we are seeing the effects of this hard work as areas become
safer and our partners develop into more professional forces. A great reason for their success here is the support
they feel from home, so thank you for everything you do. Loved ones at home truly influence the battlefield
with the care and support sent to Soldiers.

Isaac J. Hedtke
Cobra Commander

From the Top

Time is moving along and we have a few months left before we are back together at Fort Carson. The Soldiers are very excited
as well knowing that we are close to coming home. I continue to remind them that we must continue to stay focused so we can
complete our important mission here in Kandahar City. The weather in Kandahar City has been getting warmer, which
is a good sign we are getting much closer to joining our loved ones we left back home.

R&R continues to move along rather quickly for our Soldiers to spend the much needed rest and quality time with their
loved ones. Soldiers that are scheduled for R&R in April have their date when they are planning to take leave. By
now, they all should have informed their loved ones when they are expected to arrive. Both packages and letters are
still coming out to the Soldiers locations in a timely manner. Sometime soon, the Soldiers will inform you on when you
should stop sending packages and letters out to them as we get closer to redeployment.

The 2011 Sergeant First Class board list was recently released and Cobra Company had three SSGs selected from
the SFC list. I would like to congratulate SSG(P) Frazier, SSG (P) Jordan and SSG(P) McSpadden for an outstanding job on
being selected from the SFC list. Also, I would like to congratulate SPC Morris (HP PLT) and SPC Tupou (CRT Section)
on their recent promotion to Specialist. These two Soldiers worked very hard during the deployment to earn their promotion.
The Family members for both our newly promotable Staff Sergeants and the recently promoted Specialists
should be very proud of their accomplishments. Overall, this has been a very good month for Cobra Company.

CPT Hedtke and I will continue to keep our Soldiers informed and dispel rumors whenever they surface. It’s always
an honor to serve the Soldiers and the Family members of Cobra Company as First Sergeant. Once again
thank you, Family, friends and the FRG for your patience. We are almost there.

1SG John Lambert—Cobra 7

1st Platoon

Dear Family and Friends back home,

It is getting exciting as we pass under 90 days until we return home, however, the last 100 days of a deployment
can still be a dangerous time. Traditionally, the Taliban like to hide during the winter months as they build back up
their capability. This year, however, they have had nowhere to run and hide, nowhere to store weapons for the spring,
and they do not have any support from the population. The so called fighting season begins in March, usually
around March 21st, the Afghan New Year. This year, however, it has been business as usual for us. So far, there
have been no signs of the Taliban resurgence, and Kandahar City has never been more secure. There will still continue
to be small attacks and we will probably find a few more IEDs, but these are more like last ditch efforts than anything else.

We will continue to bring the fight to the enemy these last two and a half months and return home safely.

1LT McCartney
SFC Belanger

SSG Rigge meeting with local ANP to discuss checkpoint operations, and to enjoy a sweet cup of chai

2nd Platoon

Dear Family and Friends back home,

This will be my first article to you all back home as the new platoon leader of Second Platoon. As always, we have
been busy continuing the mission in Kandahar City to convince the local population to support their government.
Since the last newsletter back home, the Soldiers of Second Platoon continue to make leaps and bounds in expanding
the capacity of our partnered Afghan National Civil Order Police or ANCOP forces. The Soldiers are doing an excellent
job at mentoring our partners in regards to operations in the district to improve security, but they have also built
a stronger bond with them developing close friendships. This has been noticeable as Soldiers continue to refine
their Pashtu and Dari and the ANCOP learn and use more English. The local populace also displays their growing connection
to the Soldiers of Second Platoon as they consistently wave at our patrols and greet the Soldiers with conversation,
Chai and food. The children have also grown fond of the Soldiers as they have stopped throwing rocks
and instead show the thumbs up symbol and run out to shake their hands or follow them on patrol. The weather
has also grown increasingly warmer as spring has come in full swing. The fields have begun to populate with many
different crops such as wheat, onions, okra, mint, potatoes, and rice. The boom in agricultural growth illustrates a
complete turnaround from the dirt lots they were just a month ago. The rains plus the recent sunshine will not only
bring a greener Afghanistan but a great harvest for the farmers in the near future.

Among the recent changes in the country, there have also been changes within the platoon. Congratulations to Private
First Class Christopher Metzle, who was promoted from Private on March 17th. Congratulations to Specialist
Waylon Stone and Armando Sanchez as well, who were both promoted from Private First Class on March 17th.
These Soldiers have displayed the dedication and upheld the standards required to progress in rank and accept the
new responsibilities bestowed upon them by the United States Army. Congratulations all!

We have passed the half way mark and as you all know the Soldiers have received word of an earlier redeployment
back home. However, even with the great news, they continue to maintain their focus on the matters at hand in order
to ensure everyone’s safe return home. Many Soldiers have gone on leave with a few still waiting to go. We hope
that their time at home was well spent and look forward to the return of those on leave back to their extended Family,
Second Platoon. As always, we appreciate all of your support from home and continue to look forward to reuniting
with our loved ones.

1LT Wong & SSG Wycoff

SGT Mitchell talks with ANP during Checkpoint Operations in Kandahar City

SPC Sanchez is promoted by his Squad Leader SSG Almonte and his Team Leader SGT Dorado

SPC Gonzalez with one of our interpreters "Keith" interacts with the local food stand

SFC Mobbley and SSG Wisman pose during the platoon's ERE pack-out at FOB Walton

3rd Platoon

Dear Family and Friends back home,

Throughout the month of March the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon have continued to build on the record of success that
we had been steadily accumulating throughout our deployment. Setting now into our relatively new role of owning
our own checkpoint, as the weather gets warmer we continue to patrol aggressively throughout our area of responsibility.
Our Soldiers have shown remarkable endurance and steadfastness as they carry their weapons, gear, and
heavy responsibility on foot patrols that can last as long as twelve hours. In addition, we continue to build and maintain
strong relationships with our Afghan partners, having responsibility for mentoring not only the Afghan Police
alongside which we live at our own outpost but also those of two other smaller outposts within the city. Every single
day, 3/C works to make the Afghan National Police and Afghan National Civil Order Police a little bit more competent,
confident and professional.

This month saw the first steps that we are taking to prepare for our redeployment back to the United States. We
are now beginning to pack bags full of items that we will no longer need, such as ACU-patterned equipment and cold
weather gear, and load those bags into shipping containers for transport back to Fort Carson, Colorado. In order to
protect the gains that we have made in this deployment so far, we do not allow these tasks to interrupt our aggressive
patrol cycle, and though it makes an already full schedule that much more grueling, it is a labor of love as each task
brings us one step closer to being reunited with our Family and friends at home. As we continue to prepare for our
redeployment, we will not allow ourselves to be distracted from the mission at hand; we still have several more
months ahead of us, and they are likely to be among the hottest and most difficult of the deployment.

HQ Platoon

Dear Family and Friends back home,

We would like to take the time to introduce ourselves, 1LT Robb Myers, Cobra FSO, and 1LT Dan Denn, Cobra Intel Officer.
Dan and I arrived to Cobra Company at the beginning of the month and are both happy to be here working
with Cobra. I was previously a platoon leader in Alpha CO, 4-42 FA, and Dan was a platoon leader in Delta CO, 1-22 IN.
1LT Kyle Hackbarth will be moving to Bravo CO, 4-42 FA, and Dan and I will be handling all of the lethal and nonlethal
targeting for Cobra Company.

Steady state operations continue within Cobra HQ PLT. During the past month, Soldiers have been going on leave
and thoroughly enjoying their time spent at home with loved ones. Soldiers will continue to go on R&R over the
next month, while the rest of us continue to move forward with daily operations. With less than 90 days left in country,
the morale of the platoon is definitely high, and Soldiers are staying focused to complete the mission we have before us.

The HQ platoon continues to support the maneuver PLTs in all operations across Kandahar City. HQ PLT has been able
to plan numerous operations throughout the city within the last month leading to great results. We are currently
conducting more than 10 projects within the district, to include government, roadway, and school rebuilding and
refurbishment. Our effort to support the maneuver PLTs has been resulting in great successes for Cobra Company.
Here at COP 9-1, improvement to the living conditions are an ongoing task. SGT Borawski coordinates with local contractors
on a daily basis to ensure our trash, water, and sewage systems are all serviced, and provide the Soldiers
here with a sanitary living environment.

SSG Hood created a wooden unit crest for Cobra Company, and it is now on display in front of Cobra TOC. This past
week, a windstorm ripped down the HQ living tent, however, thanks to the quick work of PFC Noga and SPC Morris,
the tent was rebuilt and is actually an improvement from the last living quarters.

All of these accomplishments are a great example of the dedication HQ Soldiers have to the Cobra team and the
overall mission. As the days begin to count down, I am confident that the morale will continue to rise and Cobra
HQ will continue to complete many tasks to improve the quality of life for our team, and to help improve security
and development operations throughout Kandahar City.

1LT Myers & SSG Frazier

The new Cobra Unit Crest created by SSG Hood

Using the forklift to take down the ripped tent

Squad Leader SSG Almonte makes a call to the company
as the patrol moves dismounted through Kandahar City

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