1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Unit Updates April 2011 page 3

Impressive achievements over the course of the past month by your Soldiers. Our partnerships with Afghan
Security Forces and government officials continue to pay huge dividends as we separate the insurgency from
the local population. Your Soldiers make gains that cannot be lost. That’s important
as we defeat our enemy.

For the majority of the month I returned to Colorado Springs for R&R Leave. I would like to publically recognize
for CPT Calvo, my Executive Officer, for assuming control and maintaining our operational momentum. He led the
Company with distinction and I appreciated that.

The hot weather continues to build here in the Kandahar Province. However, your Soldiers remain focused and
disciplined as we pursue the enemy. You must understand the level of determination showcased on a daily basis by the Dealers.

Over the course of the next month we will begin the process for redeployment. It is important to understand that
you should always check with an official channel if you receive any details about that event. Moreover, it is critical
that our forces maintain our operational focus while simultaneously completing all necessary steps to return to
Colorado. That’s a day that we all are anxiously awaiting. However, we must complete our mission and establish a
solid platform from which our replacing unit can succeed.

Well another month has gone by and we are as strong as ever. Your Soldiers are staying motivated and busy to
help the time go by. Some help put up additional tents on ACS 4 and others have helped to build a new DFAC
out at the Provincial Reserve. The Aid Station on ACS 4 got a much needed, and I do mean a much needed new roof.

I would like to take this opportunity now to thank Seth Carpenter for all the Care Packages that he sends to the
Soldiers. I will put three to four packages in the MWR and within 30 minutes they are gone. The Soldiers and I are
grateful and appreciate all the different stuff that you send. I also want to send a BIG DEALER WELCOME AND
CONGRATULATIONS TO SPC Fisher and his wife who welcomed a son that was born on 10 April 2011 at 1710hrs,
9 lbs 1 oz and 21 in tall. Also to SGT Tolios and his wife who welcomed a son that was born on 22 April 2011 at 0148
hours, weighing 8lbs 3oz, and 21 ¼ inches tall.

I would like to end this month with saying thank you to all the Families for the continued support and to the Soldiers
for staying focused on their missions and getting their work done over here. The months have been long, and we
have very few left. I am amazed at how your Soldiers continue to do their work without missing a beat, knowing
that they will be back your way soon. The time will be here quickly to start the pack up and to start our new mission
back home, again thank you for your continued support.

The Headquarters Platoon this month has been very busy ensuring that all the assets needed to run the day to day
operations are in place for the rest of the company. There was a turn in of much of the ACU pattern uniforms and
equipment that had to be turned in and run through the Headquarters Platoon. CPL Rytky has had a busy month
finishing up the 100% inventory of all the companies property which is quite extensive and spread out across Kandahar
City. SSG Pierce lent a hand, ensuring that every one of the items was accounted for and processed. SGT Johnson
has been busy as the COIST NCO, ensuring that the follow on unit has the best possible intelligence products to fall in
on, and guaranteeing the maneuver platoons have intellectual products to help target their respective areas of operation.

CPL Hebbelthwaite and SPC Fisher, “The TOC guys,” have continued to do their duties with the utmost professionalism
and will be missed when they go on leave. The Night Battle NCO, SSG Reich has been working the TOC at night
and has been doing an exceptional job. SPC Veal has been busy ensuring all the weapon systems are ready for redeployment.
1LT Paredez has been task saturated as he is filling his normal duties and that of the Company XO’s.
Currently, the recently promoted CPT Calvo has been filling in on the Company Commander’s position while
CPT Olberding is on a much deserved R&R. 1SG Rothgeb has been ensuring the intent of the mission is followed and
that the COP is maintained to the highest standard. 1SG even put together a new tent for needed living space here at ACS-4.

The mechanics have been conducting fulltime maintenance on the vehicles to ensure that the follow on unit gets the
best possible equipment to fall in on. SPC Martin has been fixing generators and ensuring that the electrical wiring is
professionally done. SGT Gangl has been doing maintenance both here and at the Provincial Reserve while their
mechanic is on R&R. SPC Davis has been driving the acting commander around and also completing his job as a mechanic.
SSG Craig has been running the maintenance crews to ensure that the inventories are complete on the thousands
of tools that are ready to turn over.

Overall, the Headquarters Platoon is performing their jobs exceptionally well while the temperature in Afghanistan
slowly rises. The next couple of months will be busy as they pack up the property, account for property, maintain
equipment, conduct patrols and ensure every moving piece on the board has the utilities it needs to conduct missions
and manage their administrative tasks. Soon, we will be redeploying to Fort Carson and this can be the most challenging
time during a deployment. We ask that all of the Families continue to support their Soldier and keep them in
their hearts and prayers as we come down to the finish line.

Another month down as we near the home stretch in our deployment. As always, the men of the Reaper Platoon are
performing exceptionally well. While the past month was perhaps quieter than others, your boys continue to keep
the enemy at bay. As the key players in company operations, along with countless hours in our daily patrols, our
platoon is denying the enemy the opportunity to use our platoon’s turf to stage attacks and gain sanctuary. To say
the least, we are working hard everyday to make what is commonly known as the “fighting season” a difficult one
for anyone who desires violence. With the days becoming longer and the temperatures climbing to near unbearable
heat, the Reapers continue in stride, and as their platoon leader, I am proud to work with each and every one of them.

In April, we were happy to send a few more of our brothers home for some much needed R&R. SFC Marceau, SPC Gates,
and SPC Leroux were able to go home to their loved ones. Each of those guys deserve their hard-earned leave
and we look forward to their return in the days and weeks to come. With the Platoon Daddy on leave, SSG Ray Rodriguez
(1st Squad Leader) has been functioning as the Platoon Sergeant. With this role, SSG “Rod” has done an outstanding
job, and I’m sure through the amount of administrative work he has undertaken, he will now (more than ever) value his role as squad leader.

SPC Smith recently attended a class on customs training at Kandahar Airfield. He and other members of the company
will be responsible in the coming months for performing customs inspections on our gear going back to the states.
It is a welcome sign to all of us both stateside and overseas, that the day draws near that we will all again be reunited.
Until then, your boys will continue getting at it over here. Regardless of what you hear on the news, or
through the rumor mill, your husbands, sons, fathers and brothers are without a doubt making a difference here.
Thanks for all the love and support from each of you. God bless you all. Reapers Lead The Way!

SGT Jones gives a block of instruction on the M4 Carbine to Afghan National Police counterparts

April has by all accounts flown by for the Soldiers of 2nd Platoon. While we continue to push forward and begin our
final countdown to our long awaited reunions with friends and Family, we continue to keep our focus on maintaining
and improving the relationships we have developed with our ANSF partners and the inhabitants of our operating area.

With spring’s arrival, everything has become green and active within our home away from home. The local people
are active with their crops and businesses which offers multiple opportunities for our Soldiers to interact and
show genuine interest in the day to day lives of the people we’re here to secure. We’re confident that the gains we’ve
made over the past months and the relationships we’ve established will leave no room for the return of terrorists
to our new home.

We all anxiously await the arrival of our brothers in arms from 2ND Brigade so that we can show them the great
things we have accomplished, and prepare them to continue along a path that will guarantee future success here
in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Our best wishes to all our loved ones, we truly will be home soon.

During the month of April, we have been keeping busy with several projects inside our COP, with training our ANSF
partners, and with continuing to develop working relationships with the local people. Classes are taught to our ANSF
partners in a variety of subjects that will build the foundation to a better Afghan future. Soldiers from both 1st and
3rd Squad have been working incredibly hard while still conducting day and night patrols within Malajat, Afghanistan.

As redeployment continues to get ever closer for Dealer Company, the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon continue to seek out
the enemy while still maintaining the battle of hearts and minds in the local community.

The Soldiers of 3rd Platoon also wish to thank all the friends, Family, and loved ones back in the States for their support.

SPC Joel Palomegue demonstrates how there is no language barrier between friends

The Soldiers of the Rogue Platoon continue to do outstanding work mentoring the ANP at their police substation
and bringing the fight to the enemy throughout the platoon’s battle space. The Platoon has been the go-to platoon
for many situations throughout Kandahar City. Much like MP life in garrison, when there was a problem, the MPs
were called. When demonstrators threatened key personnel in Kandahar City, the Rogue Platoon evacuated them.
When key infrastructure was threatened with possible explosives, the Rogue Platoon brought the Military Working
Dog Team to sweep and clear that infrastructure. The Platoon also remains ever vigilant and prepared to respond to
significant activities throughout our battle space and the areas around us when needed.

As the Platoon continues to bring the fight to the enemy, its Soldiers are also growing excited as they begin with
some of the redeployment tasks such as packing and shipping extra uniforms and equipment. Contact has been
made with the unit that will replace the Rogue Platoon and they will be warmly received upon their arrival. The work
does not stop at the end of the deployment though. The Rogue Platoon is already beginning some of the training
and classes necessary for us to patrol the roads of Fort Lewis 3 months after our redeployment. But, until redeployment,
friends and enemies can rest assured that the Rogue Platoon will remain ready and able to secure the
populace and destroy the enemy.

Construction was completed on the new Weaver DFAC in honor of SGT Jason Weaver, KIA 3 MAR 11

ANP assisted Rogue Platoon Soldiers in the construction of the new Weaver DFAC

Rogue Platoon Soldiers visited a local elementary school and discussed the value of education with the students

A Rogue Platoon Soldier provides over watch from a position above Kandahar City

Happy Easter to all our friends and Family members who tune in every month for updates about the
Forward Support Company and our continued mission here in Kandahar, Afghanistan. It seems
like our time here is quickly fading, but with it there is still a tremendous requirement for mission support. Both
Families and Soldiers must remind each other to “Finish Strong” and gather momentum for the next couple
months and into re-deployment.

During the month of April, we saw the temperature increase to almost one hundred degrees, a drastic change
from the previous five months. With the increased heat comes the increased need for all three platoons to focus
on the needs of Soldiers throughout the Battalion, and to support them with daily resupplies of water, food and fuel
for their air conditions and generators, as well as repairing those same pieces of equipment. With activity increasing
across our AO, our support requirements continue to be daunting, but your trained and well equipped Soldiers
persevere daily.

Memories of our time here continues to grow, and friendships built among the Soldiers will be long lasting. As R&R
leave starts to conclude this month, our company will again be complete, and we will focus on finishing our mission
in Afghanistan together. We have started communicating with our replacing unit so that we can know how to
best integrate them into their future home. The expansion of FOB Walton seems never ending as it continues to
get amenities which improve moral and allow for better communication back home. With the new additions came
the ability to use a firearms range. The company went through a weapons qualification course which helped update
their personal records and prepared them for future promotion boards. The Canadian Training team on FOB
Walton also conducted a foreign weapons familiarization range where Soldiers fired military weapons used by other
NATO forces deployed to Afghanistan. It was fun for all who participated!

As always, I want to thank all of you for your dedication to your Soldier and to the 1-22 Infantry,
Forward Support Company team. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns.
With March behind us and April rapidly coming to an end, you can see the excitement
on the Soldier’s faces as the end of our deployment nears. The Soldiers in this unit have been doing an
outstanding job of “finishing strong.” They continue to rehearse battle drills, conduct pre-combat inspections, and
perform risk assessments; all key tasks that keep your Soldiers safe.

We are entering the home stretch of this deployment and everyone will be very excited to march into the Special
Events Center upon our return. Although we are just about finished, there is still a lot of work that needs to be
done. There will be containers that need to be packed as well as redeployment tasks that will need to be completed
before our return. This unit will complete these assigned duties on top of the unit’s mission of resupplying the Battalion.
I know the Soldiers in this unit will come together as they always do to complete all tasks that are assigned
to them, no matter how tough it may be.

I would like to recognize the following Soldiers for being promoted from Private First Class to Specialist effective 1
April 2011. SPC Neal, Chase; SPC Taylor, Montera; SPC Velazquez, Jorge; and SPC Seger, John. I would like to congratulate
these four outstanding Soldiers’ on their well deserved promotions!

Thank you for your sacrifice and commitment to your Soldiers.
God bless every one of you as we finish this deployment.

The Headquarters Platoon has had an excellent last couple of months with several significant events and memories.
Not only did the Platoon celebrate a great Easter holiday with each other, but we were able to provide support forward
and allow 1-22IN Soldiers the ability for a home cooked meal with some traditional holiday candy. Soldiers
had the opportunity for Easter services which many chose to take advantage of.

At FOB Walton, the new coffee shop and sand volleyball court is now open and available for Soldiers to unwind.
New showers and laundry facilities continue to make it easier for us to manage time to focus on the support forward.

Two events this month deserve great recognition within Headquarters and the company, extended through our
friends and Families at home. SPC Finnigen has taken on a huge responsibility while SFC Sykes has been on leave. She
has taken on the duty for ordering and maintaining accountability of Food Service Ordering and Operations for
the Battalion. On top of these great feats, she also became a United States Citizen! SPC Finnigen spent several days at
Kandahar Airfield finishing up this lengthy process and she was sworn in on April 22nd, 2011. We thank her for her
service to our great country. In addition to such a great month, the company executive officer was promoted from
1st lieutenant to Captain. CPT Thadd Wilson has been the XO for over a year and has definitely been a tremendous
asset to the HQ’s Platoon and especially the company. Congratulations to CPT Wilson and his Family and friends back home.

Thank you for your day to day support for us and our enduring mission here in Afghanistan. We can’t wait to see
you once again here in a couple months. God Bless and see you soon.

Congratulations to SPC Finnigen as she just recently became a citizen of the United States

SPC Martinez conducts a PMCS on his Maxx-Pro during the platoon maintenance day

The “Dirty” Platoon was extremely busy the months of March and April as we continue our daily Combat Logistics
Patrol operations while being tasked for other missions. We have begun the process of preparing gear and equipment
for the trip home. We’ve also been conducting 100% maintenance of all of our vehicles, ensuring that the incoming
unit is set up with an astounding fleet. The months are going by and we continue to work and improve ourselves
every day to ensure our success in Afghanistan.

The past month was a good one for the Cargo Section. PFC Velazquez and PFC Seger were both promoted to Specialist.
That leaves us only one PFC in the section, which is PFC Lara. His peers constantly joke with him about this!
SPC Seger had an enjoyable R&R, a birthday on 30 March, and recently returned to us as the gunner for the Platoon
Leader’s vehicle. In dedication to SGT Turnipseed, every- one in the section grew a mustache and we captured the
Kodak moment. Check out the photo, it is funny! We are continuing the mission and remain extremely vigilant in the
few months we have remaining. We all look forward to returning home safely to our Families.

Ammo Section went to the range at the end of March to zero and qualify our weapons. We finished with 100 percent
of the section qualifying, where the highest scores went to SSG Shores with 40/40 and SPC Hanrahan with 38/40.
PFC Kirby was promoted to Specialist, and SGT Turnipseed and SPC Kirby received Purple Hearts for wounds
sustained from direct fire. SPC Dietrich also received an Army Achievement Medal for his work with the platoon’s
communications. We have been busy reorganizing and turning in excess ammunition, along with packing our gear
for redeployment, and ensuring our fleet of LMTV’s and Maxx-pro’s are 100%.
This month we celebrated two birthdays: SPC Kirby and SPC Marshal.

POL section has been busy these months as well, completing the load-up of the Battalion’s bags for redeployment,
finishing the 100% accountability of equipment, servicing vehicles and issuing over 100,000 gallons of fuel for the
Task Force. SSG Sawyer went on leave in late April, leaving SGT Juarez, who recently returned from leave, to manage
the section. SGT Bangura has recently been put in charge of creating the manifest for each CLP, and he’s doing an
outstanding job. POL Section continues to stay on top of their game, completing all assigned tasks and always staying ahead of the game.

SPC Mowery's hard work performing maintenance on cleaning the condensers and filters

Maintenance Family and friends, your Soldiers have been doing a phenomenal job this last month. Continuing to
focus on maintenance of company equipment, they are also beginning to prep for redeployment. SGT Ferguson
and SGT Lanier have the GSE section working hard to ensure all power generation systems are ready for reset.
Also, with the weather quickly getting hotter, they have SPC Taylor and SPC Mowery working hard on maintaining
vehicle air conditioning systems and refrigeration units. Wheel and Track Section continue to work side by side to
quickly service and repair all company and Battalion vehicles. SGT Stachowski has done an outstanding job as the
NCOIC for all services; taking a small group of mechanics and completing all service ahead of schedule. “GREAT
JOB.” SGT Syroka and his NCO’s continue to work hard on improving the recovery section’s capabilities. They have
performed a wide array of different missions from recovering damaged or stuck equipment, to constructing obstacles,
to improving security at other locations. They have demonstrated their ability to think outside the box in order
to quickly execute all assigned missions. PLL continues to perform a job that usually gets little to no recognition,
however, without them maintenance would fail. Their duties include processing needed repair parts and ensuring
that they are separated and shipped out to the correct locations.

As each Soldier looks forward to coming home, they still understand that we are not home yet. Keeping focused on
security and mission accomplishment is still their main priority. They have assisted other platoons that are short
handed with tower guard and continue to provide force protection and maintenance support at other locations
within the Battalion. All Soldiers in the Platoon keep driving forward every day
continuing to build capability and improving themselves.

As your loved ones finish their last month in Afghanistan, I must once again reflect on the many tremendous
things the troopers accomplished. In Spin Boldak, they executed a combination of doctrinal counter-insurgency
and traditional cavalry tasks: connecting the populace to the government, disrupting insurgent supply lines and collecting intelligence
in a strategically vital border area. In just three months, the men enrolled eight thousand Afghans and
Pakistanis in the national biometrics database along Highway 4 and made a considerable contribution to our understanding
of local tribal dynamics. Transitioning to Kandahar City, they proved their credentials as dismounted dragoons
in a complex mix of orchards and built-up urban terrain. Conducting over 1,250 dismounted patrols in
seven months, the troopers walked some 10,000 kilometers while reducing over fifty caches and IEDs and disrupting
insurgent attacks. Simultaneously, they radically transformed atmospherics inside their areas of responsibility,
increasing trust in their national and municipal leadership and organizing systems of governance. Through it all, they
maintained their professionalism while attacking every problem with the same panache and “can do” attitude
that has characterized the Second Regiment of Dragoons since they earned their spurs in the Seminole War.

It is a military truism that the greatest measurement of a unit’s effectiveness is not in its equipment, weapons, vehicles
or radios, but in its membership. Since 1862, Troop L has faithfully served the United States, its members distinguishing
themselves in nearly every major conflict faced by the nation. Your loved ones can proudly stand by their
forbears who preserved the Union, secured the West, went to France twice and destroyed the Iraqi Army twice,
earning five of the Regiment’s twenty Medals of Honor in the process. Justly tired after their many labors in Afghanistan,
your loved ones yet remain undaunted and Always Ready.

The men performed magnificently when called, consistently producing superior results in the face of any challenge.
RED, WHITE, BLUE, THUNDER and DIABLO: all earned their places at the Regiment’s table in Fiddler’s
Green. I am in awe of each and every one of your loved ones. Likewise, I am in awe of you, those who supported us
through thick and thin, when our tempers were short, the telephone service was spotty, the internet connection was
shot and the mail stalled.

I just want to thank you for all the support you have given us throughout this deployment which had a great impact
on our Trooper’s morale. As we start preparing for redeployment, I can honestly say that L TRP has accomplished
all missions to the highest standard and your support has been greatly appreciated.

Looking back at the beginning of our deployment, L Trooper’s were responsible for over 100 km of HWY 4 and
all towns and villages that bordered the highway. When the word came down that we were moving to Kandahar
City to fall under TF Raider. From day one TF 1-22 received us with open arms and insisted that whatever we needed,
TF 1-22 would do everything in their power to get it for us. This turned out to be true. I can honestly say that we had
the best of both worlds by having our own Squadron and TF 1-22 there to support us. Thanks Sabers and Regulars.

As we got settled in here at PSS-8 in Sub-District 8 Kandahar City, I believe that L TRP has made a significant impact in
the security in Sub-District 8. Whether it’s sitting down with local elders, or sitting down in the local barber shop
for a fresh haircut, the Trooper’s of L TRP have given the people of Sub-District 8 a future to look forward to. I could
not be more proud of what the Troop has established with the security and gaining the trust of the people in Sub-District 8,
a job well done. Finally I want to say thanks to all TF Regulars for making us feel like part of your Family which
includes all Staff Sections, fellow Commanders and First Sergeants, and LTC Padgett, CSM Coston, MAJ Alfeiri, MAJ
Sandoval and SGM Moser. This tasking has been a great experience for L TRP, and I want to say again thanks to TF
Regulars for assisting in making this deployment a successful one. I ask that you continue to get after the enemy and
have a safe trip home. This is Lightning 7, I’m off the net!

Another month down and 1st Platoon enters its final month of deployment to Afghanistan. The platoon continues
to make great strides operationally, finding caches of insurgent equipment, training our Afghan counterparts,
and engaging with the local populace. That said, the platoon is now knee deep in preparation for the new unit,
A Troop, 5-1 Cavalry from Alaska and 1-25 SBCT. The platoon is fully ready to conduct a solid hand over of the AO and
equipment and show our Stryker brethren from Alaska how to achieve operational success in Kandahar City’s Sub-District 8.

Excitement for going home continues to grow in the platoon as we ship home all our connexes and get our bags
down to the bare essentials here at Police Sub-Station 8. More than ever now, our thoughts turn to our loved ones
at home and our reunion soon to come. The platoon’s operational edge hasn’t diminished and we’re ready to return
home. That said, it’s been an honor to serve with 1-22 IN and help shape the destiny of Western Kandahar City with
the Regulars. The battalion took us in seven months ago like one of their own and we couldn’t be more proud than
to serve with this outstanding unit. Hopefully we’ll cross paths again in the future.

The Platoon decided to pass on swimming with the children

The Troopers of White Platoon are nearing the end of their time here in lovely Sub-District 8 of Kandahar City, but this
fact hasn’t reduced the Platoon’s motivation or its effectiveness. In fact, it has served to refocus us and ensure
that we are deliberate, aggressive and focused on the mission. The fruits of our labor can be seen across our Area of
Operations. Elders who were afraid to talk to us at the beginning are now on a first name basis with us. Nearly
every patrol involves Chai with our partners at the local ANP Checkpoint. The ANCOP that we work with on a daily
basis are now fully immersed in our organization and integral during each and every patrol. As always, we could not
accomplish this mission without the love and support of friends and Family back home. The mission is difficult both
mentally and physically, but my Troopers are more than up to the task. Toujours Prêt! (Always Ready)

Another day in the wondrous vacation land we fondly call Kandahar Afghanistan. Whether we are walking the streets
of the bazaar, drinking Tea with the local people that we protect in the village, or are cooling ourselves in the clear
waters of the orchard irrigation system, Thunder platoon is still winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people
every day. The Troopers are growing more and more excited to reunite with the loved ones they miss so dearly. As
we continue to approach the end of an experience that will last a life time, we are continuing to help stabilize a country
who is still in need of a helping hand and the assistance of the United States Army’s Elite Cavalry Organization. My
time with Thunder has impacted me to the core, and I am blessed to work so closely with the Mortar Platoon. We
will continue to do our part in winning the war and are still looking fondly to the future in anticipation of coming home
to Germany. Know that your love and prayers are the fuel that sustains Thunder during our long days outside our COP
among the people. Toujours Prêt! (Always Ready)

CPL Robinson after treating a
young boys cut hand

Thunder waiting
to go on mission

Thunder looking cool
for a group photo

SPC Kubiak posing
with a young local

In the past 30 days, we have certainly made some significant improvements to our Police Sub Station and our
Afghan National Security Forces partners. Our ANCOP platoon rotated in early April, and our newest partners come
to us much more prepared, bringing with them an ambulance, a mobile field kitchen, 2 “Humvees” and a great deal
of training and real-world experience. They are very eager to conduct patrols while partnered with 2nd Platoon of
Charlie Company (“Cobra”). They are certainly the most energetic group we’ve had, playing volleyball every afternoon
while they listen to their version of party music. 2nd Platoon “Cobra” has been very busy, patrolling each night
into the next morning. Their efforts have certainly prevented the enemy from affecting the residents of Kandahar
City. While Cobra’s time here grows shorter and shorter, they are absolutely still focused on the task-at-hand, and
we all appreciate their dedication. Though they remain focused on the mission, I assure you they look forward to
seeing their friends and Family again!

Our ANP have grown in size and developed professionally as a force. In just a few weeks, the commander, Colonel
Nematullah, has recruited 30 more policemen and increased the force protection posture of the Police Sub Station
from which we all live and work. With help from 3rd Platoon, 511th Military Police Company (“Plug Uglies”), the
ANP are becoming better at conducting patrols and protecting the people. Though the police still struggle to obtain
supplies and equipment, 3rd Platoon Uglies continue to find ways to make the best use of limited resources.
Everyday, the Uglies and their ANP partners patrol the streets and villages of southeastern Kandahar City, and
develop lasting relationships.

Another month has come and gone and the Strike Fear MPs have maintained their sector with extreme diligence and
pride. The mission operation’s tempo has increased as well as the temperatures, which are now well into the 90’s
in Southern Kandahar. Our Soldiers have stayed the course and continue to accomplish great tasks to support
the Afghan National Police development and the Counter Insurgency efforts. When the hard missions get accomplished
above the Army standard, the Commander and I ensure that the hard working Strike Fear MPs get what
they deserve and are properly recognized. I would like to personally congratulate the 3rd Platoon “Plug Uglies” for
providing quality training to the Sub-District 3 Afghan National Police over the past month, resulting in the ANP
winning the 504th Military Police Battalion ANP Annual Skills Competition for Kandahar, Afghanistan. The ANP
that were trained, truly stood out and above their peers. With all training and running countless missions, comes recognition.

Congratulations to SFC Evans and SSG Vetter, who were recognized for their dedication and accomplishments by
receiving Coins of Excellence from the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) Deputy Commanding Officer, Brigadier
General Banister. Job well done! The time left on deployment may still seem short, but there is plenty left to accomplish
in Kandahar. I am more than confident that the Strike Fear Soldiers will continue their tradition of maintaining
the standards and remain focused with the current mission on hand. Finally, I would like to thank all of our
Family and friends at Ft Drum, New York, for the letters and care packages that keep us motivated. The 511th Military
Police Company truly appreciates your support!!!

During the month of April 2011, the Soldiers from 2nd Squad have helped prepare 11 Soldiers and 3 NCO’s for
their respective Academy training. From the previous group that graduated, they said the training our Soldiers do
on a daily basis helps while they are in the Academy, especially since most of these guys are just starting out. They
like the level of training that is taught to them. In the next couple of months it is our goal to give more in depth
classes as more and more ANP graduate from the Academy.

SSG Waters, 2nd Squad Leader, receives some chiropractic instruction from Ahmed

Greetings!! From 3rd Platoon 511th MP CO. We are all doing well and very excited that we only have 135 days left
until we are returning back to the “frozen tundra” we love to call home, Ft. Drum, NY. A lot has happened since the
last news article. I would like to welcome two new Soldiers to our Platoon: SGT Roscoe and SPC Schnurer. They are
coming in on the downward end to our deployment, but they were still taken in as Family and they are doing great
things. We had one wedding earlier this month. I would like to congratulate SPC Baker (3rd PLT) and SPC Hoskins
(2nd PLT) on their wedding. We wish them all the luck in their marriage and a safe trip back to Afghanistan from their R&R.

The Plug-Uglies have been conducting a lot of training to help build up the strength of the Afghan National Police.
Their hard work has paid off. Their ANP’s recently took first place in a “Skills Challenge” competition which consisted
of several policing tasks testing their competence and basic police knowledge. The Soldiers are continuously
making improvements around the Police Substation. PVT John Johnson and SPC Gary Cartwright built two guard towers
for their Afghan counter parts. Even though they are not professional carpenters, their Afghan counterparts love
them and they were put to use quickly.

3rd Platoon is down to eight people left to go on Rest R&R. So folks, if they haven’t been home yet, they will be home
very soon. I would like to welcome back 1LT Baum, SGT Hodges, and SPC Allen back from leave. They all had fun
and wish they could go back home.

Once again, I would like to thank all the Family members for your support. We love you and miss and can’t wait for
our return.

First, I would like to start off by thanking the Nemesis Team for the warm welcome. Our transition to TF Regulars
has been absolutely seamless and we are proud to be a part of an organization who cares and supports us as their own.

We are on the latter end of a deployment that has been marked by tough tribulations; however, we have had our
share of great experiences. Our original mission to Afghanistan was to conduct police mentorship in Kandahar City.
Although we do continue to make significant strides in police mentorship, the Soldiers of the 170 MP CO have focused
a lot of energy into improving the quality of life for the Afghan People. Each Platoon has built strong relationships
with villagers inside Kandahar City, which has proved to be the most rewarding experience of our deployment.
The Soldiers of this Company have refurbished schools, emplaced elaborate canal networks and helped farmers
increase crop production in the short time we have been here.

The people of Afghanistan are the same as any people across the world. They are honest, sincere, and work hard
for their Families. The only difference is the fear they harbor for insurgents that seek to destabilize their villages and
Afghanistan as a whole. We have also conducted our fair share of operations to reduce the reach of these insurgents
and to prevent them from intimidating the people. Fear is all they have to offer. Through relentless pressure on insurgents
and improving the quality of life for the Afghan people, I truly believe Afghanistan is a better place because of
the 170 MP CO and TF Regulars.

Soon we prepare to head back home after a year long deployment to Afghanistan. This has truly been a learning experience
for the Dragon Slayers. We arrived here in June 2010 and were the only Military Police Company in the entire city.
We had to adjust and overcome the fact that we had 14 Police Sub Stations and only six squads to mentor Afghan
National Police. Many units arriving in theatre didn’t realize we performed over six RIP’s with different companies.
And now it has come time for us to be relieved in place.

As we draw down to the next unit’s arrival, we will maintain and improve on what we have done in Police Sub Station 2.
Being the senior enlisted in the company, I need to ensure that we do not let the following things fall off since
we are short timers: Complacency and not adhering to Standards, which will get Soldiers hurt.

The Dragon Slayer’s Leaders will engage our Soldiers and keep their minds here in Kandahar City until mission complete.
We will enforce all standards that are emplaced by Regional Command-South. This comes down to the NCO’s
making corrections on the major and minor violations of the standard (Eye Protection, Uniform Wear, and Patrol
Gear). When we don’t enforce things like those named, we are not be doing our jobs as Soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers
and Leaders. Making our Soldiers follow these things will ensure that they follow standards regardless of who is around.
Plus, this equipment is protective gear which will mitigate injuries that can happen on our last month in sector.

As we close down a long year of Operations in southern Afghanistan, 2nd Platoon is looking forward to returning
home to friends and loved ones. As we prepare for the packing process, RIP, and transition back stateside, we are
continuing to push the insurgents hard and develop the Afghan National Police’s ability to operate independently.
The tempo of the missions has not relented with the deployment winding down. However, the benefits for the
difficult and taxing work has most certainly paid off. 2nd Platoon has made evident progress here and will continue
to make progress in the last month of combat operations. Remaining vigilant and focused on the tasks at hand is the
primary focus for our leaders.

1st Squad is embedded at Police Sub-Station 2 in Kandahar City in order to develop and train the police to ultimately
take control of the country. The Soldiers of the squad work tireless hours as they conduct partnered operations and
training with their Afghan brothers. The Squad has guided and mentored the ANP of PSS 2 through three village clearance
operations, countless area security operations, and day to day police administrative work. The training is focused
on basic police tasks, community policing, dismounted combat patrols, IED defeat tactics and mounted
police patrolling in addition to several other key police tasks. The police at PSS 2 have made a noticeable change
for the better in light of the training and presence of these Soldiers. Specifically, the police now have the confidence
to conduct dismounted patrols during night hours in some of the more dangerous areas of the district where in
months past they would not dare travel. But most importantly, the police have received long hours of mentorship
on crime scene exploitation, evidence collection and questioning, which allows criminals and insurgents to be processed,
punished, and sent to prison for a long period of time.

2nd Squad is working out of ACS 2 and conducting dismounted combat operations at a relentless pace. The
squad focuses most of its efforts on two villages: Haji Arab and Modir Kelache in the rural portion of southern sub
district 2 of Kandahar City. The squad has worked to refurbish the Haji Arab school, employed locals to build canals,
and conducted other projects which have strengthened the relationship between the local government and the local
populace, while weakening the ties to the insurgency. The Soldiers have additionally built a police checkpoint in Haji
Arab and train them to protect the populace.

This month has been an extremely busy month for the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon. As the weather increases, so does our
optempo. The Platoon has been busy patrolling the villages in the southern area of Sub-District 2 and mentoring
the ANP at the checkpoints throughout Sub-District 2. 1st Squad has made great strides in the southern area by holding
regular shuras with village elders from the various villages. Meanwhile 2nd Squad has improved the force protection
capabilities of the checkpoints in the northern part of the district.

Down in the southern portion of our district, 1st Squad, led by SSG Ranker, has spent countless hours walking to the
different villages and talking with the people there. They have built a rapport that is essential to the continued cooperation
between Coalition Forces and the local population. Along with holding these engagements with the people of
these villages the members of the squad have assisted several families with their sick children and played with the
kids during breaks in the patrol. They are laying the groundwork for the incoming unit to have a successful mission.
The Soldiers of the squad have performed exceptionally well and continue to put their all into the mission until
we reach the finish line here shortly.

SSG Taylor, has been hard at work with their ANP partners at the checkpoints in the city. They received a change of
mission at the end of March and began work on the checkpoints. They had previously conducted general support for
our parent Battalion, the 504th Military Police Battalion. Since their change of mission, they have been hard at work
mentoring their ANP partners. During their daily visits to the checkpoints, they teach classes and help the ANP improve
their force protection at their checkpoints. They also conduct TCPs at the different checkpoints to disrupt the
insurgents and also to engage the local population in that area. They have made great strides during this time and
their ANP counterparts are very appreciative of their help and mentorship.

The Soldiers of 3rd Platoon are some of the hardest working Soldiers in the company and are always ready to meet
any mission head on and make it successful. We came here a little over ten months ago, knowing we would not
have an easy mission, but were ready to accomplish it and make Kandahar a secure and stabilized place for the people
here. As our time draws to a close here and we anxiously await redeployment, all of us in 3rd Platoon can look back
on our deployment and accomplishments and hold our heads high knowing we came here and did an outstanding
job under some of the most arduous conditions.