1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Unit Updates April 2011 Page 2

The month of April has flown by as the company has been busy flooding our area of operations with patrols to keep
the enemy off balance. The weather is heating up, the water in the canals is rising and the fields are getting greener daily.
With the poppy harvest on the horizon, we are working to disrupt INS cells to set conditions for our upcoming RIP.

This month, we had the opportunity to promote two of our platoon leaders: 1LT Powers from 1st PLT and 1LT Coyne
from 3rd platoon were both promoted from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant, signifying their ability to take on
additional tasks as well as their proven leadership ability.

We continue to partner with Afghan National Security Forces on all of our patrols. Our biggest partner is the Afghan
National Police, and they have been doing a great job. The ANP have been working very hard to earn the respect
of the people and then to develop relationships with the populace. The ANP have gained a lot of respect from the
people in recent months as they received a large number of calls from locals warning the ANP of IED locations. We still
partner with the Afghan National Civil Order Police daily, but they have taken on responsibility primarily on our traffic
check points . This month, we changed out the one of the ANCOP BNs known as Kandaks. The departure of the
old Kandak saw the departure of some really good relationships, but we will continue to work to build new ones.

This month, we were able to celebrate Easter with a visit from the Chaplain as well as a special meal that included
ham and additional desserts. The holiday was a good opportunity for the platoons to come together briefly before
heading out on patrol again.

This month the company has won a victory that has been in the works for eight months. We have elevated
our dining experience from powdered eggs and food boiled in a bag (that our cooks SSG Rivera and PFC Hill
did a phenomenal job of making edible), to real eggs, actual fresh fruits and vegetables, ice cream, salads, and
MEAT. We are living the high life and the taste of victory has been delicious.

We held a Soldier and NCO of the month competition for bragging rights in the company. It consisted of both a
board and hands on testing. The board tested our Soldiers’ knowledge of common tasks, current events, and
military history. The hands on portion had them disassembling and reassembling multiple weapon systems that they
handle on a daily basis. Every Platoon was able to send one Soldier to represent them. Every Soldier that came
did a great job and deserves acknowledgement for their efforts. However, we could only have one winner from
each category. The winners of this month’s Soldier and NCO of the month were SPC Long from Peacekeeper Platoon
(MP’s) and CPL Chaires from Vagabonds Platoon (2/A). Congratulations to them both.

Able Company received five new additions this month. I would like to welcome the Family and friends of SSG Temple,
PVT Frickey, SPC Gebhart, SGT Karnap and PVT Robinson.

I would also like to say congratulations to the spouses of SGT Williams, 1LT Lucas and 1LT Coyne for the little new
additions to their Families.

Greetings to the Family and friends of 1st PLT, ABLE CO. The hot Afghan spring has officially arrived at CP 7-2. This
drastic increase in temperature has all the men dreaming of summer days at home with Family and friends. While
the days grow longer and sweatier, the light at the end of the tunnel begins to show. For some units, the end of deployment
triggers complacency and laziness, but thankfully, 1st PLT ABLE CO has the best team leaders, SQD leaders
and Platoon sergeant in the Army. When others may lose focus and start to only dream of home, the enlisted
leadership of 1st PLT increases the constant pressure on the men to remain mission focused, as they continue
preaching attention to detail.

The NCOs of 1st PLT suffered a major morale loss during the past month as the famed ‘NCO Trailer Park’ officially
became a thing of the past. This great loss is not in vain, because the QRF 2 Afghan National Police will soon have
new living quarters. The NCO Trailer Park connexes are being moved to QRF 2 as ABLE CO continues to equip our
Afghan National Security Force brothers. Giving these brave Afghans the best possible equipment will allow them
to continue the fight long after the last US Soldier leaves Afghanistan.

Soldiers living together in a warzone form bonds that will last their entire life. Small events often best illustrate this
deep trust, even though it may appear insignificant to an outsider. One of these events recently occurred on CP 7-2,
as SFC Davis actually let PFC Hower cut his hair. This small event embodies the trust every man places in their fellow
warrior; having a crusty old platoon sergeant let a young private cut his hair truly shows the bond between brothers in arms.

SSG Hudson’s arrival to 1st PLT has sent shockwaves through the platoon power structure, not the military
power structure, but inside the XBOX UFC Undisputed rankings. PFC Aiello, PFC Sojourner, and PFC Krumpelman
have been knocked out as PLT UFC champions, but only time will tell if SSG Hudson can keep his newly acquired
championship. When not pulling tower guard, keeping Afghanistan safe or sleeping, these soldiers can be found
training in the 1st SQD tent to beat their new SQD leader. The Family and friends of 1st PLT, ABLE CO keep the men
motivated during difficult times and give them hope for the future. The men appreciate your support and your love,
and look forward to a joyful reunion in the near future.

CPL Coddington, SSG Osborne and 1LT Powers search for IED triggermen locations

SSG Hudson, SPC Stone and SSG Osborne check the horizon while searching local vineyards

Greetings Family and friends of 2nd Platoon, Able Company! As change has been a common theme throughout
this deployment, April was no different. The beginning of the month introduced many new challenges. The political
activism sparked by the Koran burning in Florida enraged many Afghan citizens. Your Soldiers continued to engage
locals during patrols following the incident, and communicated support of their right to peaceful protest. Offering
assistance wherever needed, our platoon has also provided extra men for security on installations throughout the company
area of operations. We have also received two new attachments: SSG Secrist and his military working dog Kira.
Their added capacity to detect IEDs introduce a new and essential capability to our platoon patrolling force.

Your Soldiers are doing a stand-up job here as we approach the last two months of the deployment. Soon they will
resume their normal duties as fathers, husbands and friends. We are all very eager to return to the United
States and be with you once again. Until then, we will continue to accomplish the mission here – never forgetting our
duties to our Country and to those who so faithfully support us in everything we do.

The month of April has been different than any other month here in Afghanistan. Our Platoon has been separated
for most of the month, we have been helping other platoons provide force protection until they receive all of
their personnel back from leave; all the while, we continue to bring the fight to the insurgents on a daily basis. Since
our move to Bag-E-Pul Power Plant, the men have enjoyed many amenities not previously afforded to us at Sayrah
Kalacheh. They now get 3 hot meals a day, the ability to shower daily, real toilets and washers and dryers. Thank
you for all of the support and prayers that you send our way, it is greatly appreciated by all of us in 2nd Platoon.

SSG Boyd shakes the hand of
a child after giving him a pen

PFC Moreno becomes a chew toy for
a military working dog

I would like to begin this month’s newsletter by expressing my gratitude to all of you. I was promoted this month from
2LT to 1LT, thanks entirely to the constant hard work of 3rd Platoon. Yet in a larger sense, the credit for my promotion
is due in equal measure to the efforts of you, the Families and friends at home. It is your support for your Soldiers
which motivates them to not only succeed, but excel, and for that you all have my deepest gratitude.

This month was the busiest of the year so far for 3rd Platoon. The expansion of our patrol time has allowed us to
keep constant pressure on the enemy, which is ever more necessary as our time here grows short. It may not seem
like a good thing, to increase patrol time as the tour winds down, but there is a saying: “If you are not maneuvering on
the enemy, he is maneuvering on you.” 3rd Platoon cannot, and will not give the enemy even the slightest advantage.
Our efforts of this past winter have thrown the enemy off his game, and we intend to keep it that way. To
that end, this month we began training and operating with several new pieces of equipment which help to give us the
edge. SPC Miller has become our resident expert with the Markbot, an IED-interrogation robot, which allows us to
uncover and defeat IEDs from a safe distance. Affectionately known as “WALL-E” by the platoon, in Miller’s skilled
hands, he has already been used to locate an IED which was later safely destroyed. We have also been trained on
the ‘Goldie,’ a new ultra-lightweight mine-detector. With this new training, and the constant application of everything
we have learned so far, 3rd Platoon is in the best possible position to put ‘The Hurt’ on the enemy.

We look forward to May, and to drawing ever closer to coming home, but rest assured that we will not cut corners
or get complacent. With your support, 3rd Platoon will continue to do what we do best.

This month, I am proud to announce the promotion of my platoon leader 2LT Jesse Coyne to 1LT. In my absence as I
took a long-anticipated R & R leave, our platoon continued force protection at the Bagh-e-Pul Power Plant and combat
patrols throughout Sub-District 7 of Kandahar City. The weather is heating up here, which has brought an increase
in insurgent activity. The combat hardened Soldiers and NCOs of 3rd Platoon are proactive in taking the fight to the
enemy. By continuing to capture weapon caches, arresting persons of interest and gathering valuable intelligence on
insurgent activity in the area, the NCO leaders of 3rd Platoon have ensured that their Soldiers are anticipating the
enemy’s plans and are always staying one step ahead. 3rd Platoon is doing amazing things for the people of Afghanistan,
and we are proud of our accomplishments, but it is even better to know that we are now on the downhill side
of the deployment. The Soldiers and NCOs of 3rd Platoon, Able Company, remain ever ready to face the enemy. In
closing, we still have unfinished work to do here and we are staying focused on the mission, but we are counting
down the months until we are back home with you, our Families. As ever, I could not be more proud to be a member
of such an incredible platoon and company of professional Soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Officers.
I am proud of our Platoon as we continue to live out our motto: “Deeds not Words.”

As the weather is starting to make it’s way back up to the 100 degree mark, the Punisher Platoon continues to make
progress with their ANP counterparts as we dominate our district within Kandahar Province. Visions of redeployment
are setting in as July is creeping toward the horizon. The past month or so has been fairly quiet in our area of operation
with a heavy focus on training our ANP partners to get them ready for the transition of a new unit in a few months.

We are focusing our training on Escalation of Force and Force Protection (defensive posture) within each check
point and Police Sub Station. ANP are showing initiative by having a “steady trigger finger,” but we want to ensure
that they are shooting at the right people, all the time! With the warmer weather upon us now, there is a lot more
movement at night, so the Force Protection, or defensive posture, is being adjusted to over watch “hot” areas during
hours of limited visibility.

This past month, four Privates First Class were promoted to the rank of Specialist: SPC Adkins, SPC Jeanise, SPC Coronado
and SPC Neils. All four were promoted as they hit their 2 year mark in the Army. The Punisher platoon will
most likely have zero privates when we redeploy in July as we only have three left to promote! Along with the promotions,
SGT Mitchell earned his promotable status as he excelled through the E-6 board this past month. The Soldiers
of the Punisher Platoon continue to strive for individual success as well as mission success while deployed to Afghanistan!

We appreciate all your support and really do feel privileged to be a part of this great Company and outstanding Battalion.
Continue to pray for the all the Soldiers in Able Company and the Punisher Platoon as we are looking forward
to being home with all of our friends and Family in a few short months!

SPC Sitzes gives a class on Force Protection and Escalation of Force to ANP in a guard tower

Another good month has passed and by the time this gets to you we will be looking at another 7 weeks or so. The guys are
very good at what they do by now, but we must guard against complacency and distractions from the task at
hand. The last 60 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.
Our relationship 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 were proud to assist other units by leading your men in 2
out of sector missions and 3 internal clearance operations. The Families and the Soldiers will finish strong and
we are proud of them.

Well, another month has come and gone which is making us all happy. The Soldiers continue to excel every
day with their missions and COP improvements. The company was selected to do two out of sector
missions this month, one being an Air Assault to disrupt the Taliban, and 3 in sector clearing missions. At this point we
have pushed all remaining Soldiers out on EML. The company did very well to ensure your Soldier was home on or
about the date you wanted.

The company now falls under 3-71 CAV who just recently took over for 1-320th FA. We have had a great relationship
with “Top Guns” and it was an honor to fight along side of them for 7 months. Now, we look forward to working with
the "Titans.” We have said good bye to Blackhawk 1-6, 1LT Ben Adams, who was selected to take over as the Scout
Platoon Leader after 21 months as a Blackhawk. 1LT Adams has done a great job as a Platoon Leader in Blackhawk and
he will be missed. Taking over the honor of Blackhawk 1-6 is 1LT Brandon Landes; this young man has impressed me
from day one and I know he will excel and do great things in 1st Platoon and for the company. Welcome to the team
Sir! We also received 3 new PVT’s that were sent to the “Outlaws,” PVT Jamie, PVT Harding and PVT Rosario.
Welcome to the team men; continue to do what you’ve been doing. As of right now, nothing official has come down
about our block leave dates. I am expecting it to begin around 13 July and end 11 August. As soon as I find out, we
will get it out to you. We have not had any additional Soldiers come down on PCS orders at this time, but I expect we
will still have a few before we return. As you all know, we are down to less than 60 days remaining in country, we are
all excited but still have a mission to do here. I am keeping the boys focused on the mission so we don’t have any com-
placency. If you are having any issues with something I can fix, please email me. Order your yearbooks!!!
Ladies thanks for all you do, nothing is harder than the job you are doing now. We will be home
soon! As always I am honored to have served you and your Soldiers during this deployment, and am extremely proud
to be BLACKHAWK 7.

Hello from COP Durham. During the month of April, the Headquarters Platoon has been busy keeping COP Durham
running while helping conduct numerous operations throughout our area of operations as well as an air assault
outside of our AO. Also, during this month, we began the process of packing our containers and ensuring that they
are in proper condition for redeployment. These tasks help remind us that redeployment is just around the corner. As
we get further into April and early May, the tasks of packing these containers and sending them off for the US will
increase, but even the task of preparing to head home won’t distract us from the mission at hand of helping to
secure the Arghandab River Valley.

During April, we also saw the battalion we were under, 1-320th Field Artillery of the 101st Airborne, conduct a Relief
in Place with 3-71 Cavalry from the 10th Mountain Division. 3-71 is the third battalion chain of command we have operated
under since we arrived in Afghanistan. The relief in place was smooth and we saw very little interruption to
the operations we were conducting during that time. We look forward to operating with 3-71 for the duration of our
deployment in the Arghandab.

Hello again from COP Durham in the Arghandab Valley. Headquarters Platoon has been busy during the month of
April. On a daily basis, most of the Soldiers are kept busy with regular COP improvement tasks and also running various
types of convoys around the Battlefield. Also during the early part of April, Headquarters participated in an Air
Assault that lasted a couple of days. That was a big success and a nice change of pace for most of the Soldiers here.
There was also a pretty major change to Headquarters Platoon in the last 2 weeks. SSG Griffin was sent over to 3rd
Platoon at COP Simmons to help them with their intelligence gathering and tracking and to help run their Command
Post. His leadership and work ethic around COP Durham will be missed.

For the rest of April and on into May, we will continue our COP improvement and preparations to receive our replacements,
hopefully in early June. A lot of our work over the next few weeks will focus on getting our equipment
cleaned, documented, and loaded into containers for the eventual move back to Ft. Carson. We will also continue
our almost daily convoys around the Battlefield to move equipment and personnel and receive and distribute supplies
to other locations.

I would like to start by saying I am honored to have the opportunity to serve with the Soldiers in 1st Platoon, Bravo
Company, and thank 1LT Ben Adams for his service in the company.

Throughout the past month, the Soldiers of 1st Platoon have worked tirelessly to improve the security within the
area. No wall, river, or flooded field has stopped your Soldiers from completing their missions and further developing
the human network. The continued rise in temperature, matched with an increase in rain, has created an extremely
humid atmosphere. This humidity and the actions of the enemy has had little to no effect on the morale of
the men. Along with the temperature rise comes an increase in the local populace’s activity. This brings a multitude
of new faces to our area which requires more interaction with the local populace (Yes, this does mean our chai
tea intake has also been on the rise). Over the past month, your Soldiers have completed multiple clearance operations,
to include a company air assault mission. They have proven their diverse skill set and the ability to accomplish
whatever mission is put on their plate.

As spring continues, the light at the end of the tunnel gets larger. We continue to strengthen the force protection at
COP Durham and refine our operations to prepare for the upcoming relief with 2-4 ID. Even though this tour is coming
to a close, our Soldiers continue to maintain their focus and motivation to close out strong. They refuse to let up
on their operational tempo and continue to drive toward mission success. Our effects within the area are large in
scale and easily seen. Always know that your Soldiers are positively effecting the lives of many Afghan citizens and
constantly improving the security within the area. With improved security comes more freedom of movement for
locals to farm their orchards. We also are continually developing our Cash for Works Program, which provides an
incentive for locals to improve their communities. This simultaneously improves their well being and increases
their support for our cause.

Please keep in mind that with the end of the tour approaching, your Soldiers are becoming more and more
tired. Your support is what keeps them motivated to succeed and focused on the mission at hand. Thank you for
your support and all that you do. In the end, your wellbeing is the basis of all that they do. As always, know that
your Soldier is in the best of hands, and that he fights for an honorable and just cause.

2nd Platoon’s, “SPARTANS,” March responsibilities involved leaders transitioning in and out of the platoon,
training ANA and ANP counterparts, and becoming more acquainted with the local Afghan Police. With the 10
month mark in sight, most of the operations consist of property/equipment accountability, patrolling and redeployment
tasks. As we push into the final stages, redeployment operations will increase as 2nd Platoon’s patrolling
operations will start to focus on the incoming units’ patrolling startup. With the final people going on mid-tour R&R,
operations become tight, but junior NCO’s like SGT Ha- worth and CPL Jones are stepping up to fill the roles of
leaders. Relations with the local Afghan citizens are ever on the rise as they start to see more and more every day
how their Police and Army brothers increase in their capability to operate independent of their Coalition Forces Partners.
It has been an absolute honor coming to know the Soldiers of 2nd Platoon, albeit testing at times as the new
leader. The SPARTANS are keeping their heads up and their rifles at the ready to take the fight to the enemy.
With the soldiers we have in this platoon, there is no mission that we cannot accomplish.

PFC James provides overwatch for fellow Soldiers crossing the Arghandab River

The SPARTANS have had a difficult month with such great numbers on leave and re-assignment of personnel to other
duties. With the accelerated redeployment cycle, many Soldiers leave dates were condensed. PFC Kenney, and PFC
Stennet from 1st Platoon were attached to the Platoon and were essential to the SPARTANS maintaining operations.
They were an asset and will be missed. SPC Santiago and PFC Molina were re-assigned to 3rd Platoon to assist them.
SPC Santiago and PFC Molina likewise are sorely missed, and the Platoon awaits their return during redeployment.
As 1LT Lisius stated above, many key leaders are on leave, requiring subordinates to rise to the challenge of filling
their posts. SGT Haworth has assumed the duties of 1st Squad Leader and has performed admirably. SSG Walker,
from HQ’s Platoon, has filled in as both the Alpha & Bravo Section Sergeant. SGT Rivera has filled in the role of 2nd
Squad Leader and likewise has performed admirably. As personnel return from leave, the Platoon will become
whole again. This will be our last month in which Soldiers rotate home on R&R. The Platoon is conducting operations
in earnest to deny insurgents a receptive home to return to. As such, we will continue our heightened operations
tempo into the coming months in order to prepare for our transfer of authority and redeployment.

DOC Poole assists an interpreter in
crossing the Arghandab River

SGT Haworth gives updates and guidance
on his first patrol as a Squad Leader

Can you believe it’s May already? Time is going by quick, and in a month and a half your Soldiers will be home. That
has to be exciting. Even though the redeployment date is approaching quickly, your Soldiers are more focused than
ever. They are accomplishing every mission given to them with perfection. The support that you all provide along
with the excitement of returning home soon has served as a catalyst for your Soldiers to be motivated and ready to
accomplish every mission required of them. At the beginning of the month, your Soldiers conducted an Air Assault
mission, clearing a village that was known to harbor Taliban. They did a phenomenal job clearing the village and
secured some enemy weapons during the clearing operation.

Some other exciting news is that SGT William Dougher got married while on R/R. Also during the month of April, third
platoon received three new Soldiers from FT Carson: PV2 Rosario, PV2 Harding and PV2 Jaime. Also, just so you all
are tracking, the cut off date for mail has passed. So all mail sent now will be forwarded back to the Soldiers home
of record. Once again, SFC Asberry and myself want to thank you for the tremendous support that you have provided
your Soldiers during this deployment. Also, thanks for being such strong pillars for you Soldiers and for the
sacrifices that you all continue to make throughout this Operation Enduring Freedom Deployment.

Conducting a short halt, SGT MckElroy
briefs his guys on a change of plans

PFC Molina pulling security along the
Arghandab River Valley during a short halt

As we approach the final stretch of the deployment, Team Cobra is working as hard as we ever have.
The Platoons are conducting operations at a very high operational tempo, keeping the pressure on the
Insurgents as we enter spring. We are meeting with people, training our partners and making the areas better
through projects big and small. The fact remains that we have to be out in sector with our partners and with the
people to make a difference in the area. On top of that, Soldiers are beginning to receive additional tasks to complete
for redeployment. This keeps us busy, and helps everyone sleep well when they get to their cot.

Kandahar City has been in the papers more recently too. From the riots for the Koran burning, to the assassination
of the Provincial Chief of Police, to the prisoner escape in the city, to the death of Osama Bin Laden, numerous headlines
have been made. Each time, we surge into the area to help keep the peace and to support our partners with protecting
the people. Daily, your Soldiers are a part of a very important piece of Afghanistan’s history. Through all of
these events, we have been able to make the best out ofthe situations, ensuring the security forces here continue to
take steps forward.

I know I said earlier that it was hot, but I lied. NOW it is hot. We will all come home with great sun tan lines where
our uniform allows them. Keeping our ACs working is key to our being able to cool off for a bit, allowing us to relax
between missions.

We are getting closer to coming home, and with that starts the rumors of timelines. I know everyone has their own
countdown that they are tracking, but I urge everyone to remain flexible. In the month of May more information will
be put out to the Soldiers and to their Families. As soon as 1SG and I get information, we will put it out so we can all
plan accordingly. I hope all the Families enjoy getting ready for our return; I know the Soldiers are looking forward to it.
We will continue to push, however, making sure we get on the bird out of here and knowing that we did everything
we could to leave Afghanistan better than when we arrived in an effort to set it up as best as possible for 2BCT 4ID.

Well, it’s almost May, and the weather in Afghanistan is warming up very quickly. The Soldiers are reminded
daily that water consumption is very important in staying hydrated. As we move forward with our upcoming redeployment,
the Soldiers are definitely staying focused with their mission. Everyday, I hear Soldiers talk to their Battle Buddies about their
plans once they get back home, but I remind them that it’s not over until we step foot on the plane back to Fort Carson,
CO. The emphasis that’s stressed is not to take any shortcuts now, and to stay that way until we get on the plane heading home.

All Soldiers are either on R&R or have returned back to theatre. I’m glad they had the opportunity to spend time with
their Family and friends that supported them through this deployment. Many of the Soldiers, when not conducting
combat patrols, take the time to keep themselves in shape by lifting weights and running inside the outpost. They all
know that once we get back to Fort Carson, physical fitness will be a part of their daily lives again. They have been keeping
updated with the sporting events by watching the NBA Playoffs, MLB games or their favorite TV shows. Please discontinue
sending packages and letters out to the Soldiers as we get closer to redeployment. It takes time for these items
to reach Soldiers and we want to ensure that the Soldiers don’t have packages floating around in theatre as we begin
the redeployment process.

I would like to congratulate SSG Wycoff on his promotion sequence number selected for promotion to Sergeant First
Class. This is definitely a rewarding rank as he enters the first phase as a senior Non-Commissioned Officer. Also, I
would like to congratulate the following Soldiers for recently passing the promotion board: SGT(P) Fontanez, SGT(P)
Mitchell, SPC(P) Fleury, and SPC(P) Williamson. They all did an outstanding job in preparing themselves for the promotion
board. As we continue to get closer to redeployment, both CPT Hedtke and I will keep families posted through the FRG. It’s
been an honor to serve the Soldiers and their Family members of Cobra Company as First Sergeant.

By the time you read this, it will be May already. It has been quite nice that these last few months have sped by.
We are all looking forward to returning home safely to be with our Families. These past few weeks, 1st Platoon has
been extremely busy preparing to move in with our ANP partners from PSS 12. The new police station is finished
and we will move there to help better advise and assist the ANP on daily operations, as well as set our replacements
up for success by ensuring that they will have everything that they will need there. Even though we will be separated
from the company again, 1st Platoon has excelled at operating at platoon locations. Even with all that is going
on in preparation for the move, 1st Platoon has also conducted two operations clearing compounds that support
and facilitate Taliban activities. All were extremely successful and showed how effective our Afghan partners are
to the local population.

In the last month, a new commander was chosen for PSS12, and along with him came many new ANP. Even
though we were sad to see some of our old partners that have been with us since October go, the new ANP are looking
even better in just a few short weeks. It has been a huge victory for us and the people of Sub-District 9 because
they have an increased confidence in their police force and are more comfortable in their daily security.

Pretty soon, we will be starting to pack to head home and the last two months will continue to fly by. As we find out
any more information about our return, we will continue to pass that to the Soldiers so they can tell you when you can
expect them so that you can start making plans for leave after our return. Again, thank you for all of your support
during this deployment. It has made your Soldiers lives so much easier and allowed them to stay focused throughout.
We will see you all soon!

SGT Meeks and SGT Mitchell talking with an Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) agent

Another month has passed, and that means another round of updates for our Family and friends waiting for us back
home. The country has made leaps and bounds in improving the district with the agricultural side in full swing. After
a few weeks of heavy rain, and some hard work by the Afghan people, the fields have turned from fields of dirt to
beautiful fields of green with a variety of crops. The Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) from the previous
cycle are on leave as a new platoon of ANCOP have replaced them. The new ANCOP have picked up right where
the last group left off without missing a beat. 2nd Platoon continues to build a strong partnership with our ANCOP
partners both in their professional development and also on a personal level as our working partners. The district
has grown to recognize the patrol and to greet them as such. During missions, the Afghan people often show support
for the patrol on the now hot days, and offer cold drinks to the Soldiers. The current tempo of our operations
remains high even towards the end in order to ensure that the momentum and gains made are not lost. The Soldiers
of 2nd Platoon have stepped up to the challenge and have excelled at setting the example for other districts to follow.

Within the past month, there has also been a change of rank within the Platoon as Private First Class Jason White
will be promoted to Specialist. His new rank will be effective May 1, 2011. Congratulations to PFC Jason White for
his pursuit of continuous improvement and dedication to the standards. He will accept new responsibilities with his
new rank that he will undoubtedly be able to excel at. The Platoon also has a new member, PVT James Derozario, who
has quickly learned what it means to be a medic in a combat environment with close mentorship from SPC Michael Gonzalez.
PVT James Derozario has quickly showed great initiative helping both the Soldiers at our home, Police Substation 3,
as well as the Afghan people within the district. Welcome to the family.

We are quickly approaching the end of the deployment here in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Soldiers,
as always, look forward to reuniting with all of you back Home, but continue to keep the mission on the forefront
of their minds. All Soldiers have gone on their leave as we wait for the last few to return back to their deployed
brothers in Second Platoon. As always, we appreciate your exceptional support from Home and continue to look forward
to reuniting with our loved ones. Deeds not words!

Team Leader SGT Dorado drinks chai and builds
relations with some of our Afghan neighbors

PVT Derozario provides medical aid to a local man while
on mission to build relations and gain intelligence

SSG Wisman and an ANCOP Soldier help a local man fix his stalled truck at a TCP

Throughout the month of April, the boys of 3rd Platoon, Cobra Company, continue to drive on with thoughts of the
deployment’s end being near. The new high temperatures and longer patrols aren’t enough to slow these boys down.
Our checkpoint here at 7-4 has been the hot topic of the month. We have made several different changes to it
which include more personnel manning and a variety of operational shift changes. But again, our Soldiers maintain
they’re abilities to remain flexible and strong.

Knowing that we have such little time left here in Afghanistan has been our platoon’s motivation. We are continuing
to drive on month by month by not slacking and by doing things to keep ourselves up-beat and happy. Whether it be
tossing around the football or playing a friendly game of volleyball with our partnered Afghan National Police. One
of the biggest changes that occurred during the month of April is that we got a fresh new group of Afghan National
Civil Order Police (ANCOP). We are excited to work with these new Soldiers seeing how they are more motivated
and overall better trained. They are led by their new high speed commander.

Congratulations this month to the newly promotable SPC (P) Fleury. He has proven himself to have what it takes to
become an NCO. SPC(P) Fleury did extremely well at the April promotion board. But, SPC(P) Fleury is only one of
the great Soldiers that we have here in 3rd Platoon , Cobra Company. We would like to again thank all Family and
friends for their support and let it be known to them that their loved ones are part of an outstanding Platoon and will
be kept safe until our triumphant return here soon.

As we begin our 60 day countdown left here in Afghanistan, each Soldier in HQ platoon is faced with the difficult
task of not becoming complacent and keeping focused on the mission at hand. Our last Soldiers have gone on R&R
and spent much deserved time home with their loved ones. With R&R completed, it just proves that we are one
step closer to completing our mission here in Afghanistan and moving to be back home in Colorado.

The HQ Platoon continues to support the maneuver platoons in all operations across Kandahar City. HQ Platoon
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 platoons has been resulting in great successes for Cobra Company.

Here at COP 9-1, improvements to the living conditions are an ongoing task. HQ platoon will also begin company pack
out within the next few weeks. This will be a grueling process as we pack up all company equipment and ensure it is
ready to begin shipment back to Fort Carson. Although pack out will no doubt be stressful and include long hours, I
have no doubt that morale within the platoon will skyrocket, and that each individual Soldier will accomplish
these challenging tasks with smiles on their faces, because they will know that they are that much closer to being back
home with their loved ones.

I am proud of each and every Soldier serving in HQ Platoon. Each of these men have taken on great challenges here at
CP 9-1. Whether it is force protection, RTO, building up rapport with the local national contractors in order to improve
quality of life, or anything else that is asked of them, they accomplish each and every mission to the best of their
ability and with minimal guidance. I ask that you continue to support these fine men as our deployment winds down
and prepare for our soon arrival back home.