1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Unit Updates May 2011 Page 3

Another extremely productive month for your Soldiers. We continue to take the fight to the enemy within southern Kandahar City.
You should all understand that your Soldiers displayed conspicuous bravery during a brazen enemy attack within the city.
Members from 2ND PLT, 1PLT 170th MP PLT, Mortar PLT, and the Headquarters element quickly and decisively
engaged and destroyed enemy threats. I am extremely proud to know that the enemy cannot and will not defeat our forces.
We have absolutely made a profound difference in this country during our deployment.

We are now in the final weeks of our deployment. This time proves critical for all of us as we prepare equipment
and personnel for return, while simultaneously ensuring that we conduct a professional and detailed handover
with the incoming unit. We have accomplished so much and established life long relationships with each other and
Afghans alike. It will be a heartfelt farewell when we depart, but it will be completed with the knowledge that we
put our full effort forward.

I am humbled by all of your support to the Soldiers of Dealer Company. You have made the difference and ensured
our morale remained high. In less than a month, we will return with our heads held high because of all the
lasting accomplishments during the past year. Your Soldiers made history in Afghanistan.

We are finally at the end!!!! By time you read this the first of our Soldiers should be on their way if not close to
being on their way home to our loved ones. We still have a lot of stuff to do in order for us to get out of here.
We have packed and sealed our first container with all of our personal gear. We still have a couple more to go
which we will start packing here in the next week.

Your Warriors are going out and doing great things everyday helping the local populace. If you could only see what
your Soldiers go out and do everyday it would amaze you as it does me.

With that being said I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Soldiers of Dealer Company. The last six
months that I have gotten to spend with them will stay with me forever. They are some of the most professional
and well disciplined group of men that I have had the opportunity to serve with. Their integrity and personal courage
is that of a true Soldier. I am honored to have been able to serve with them.

I know you have heard me say this in the past newsletters but I am going to say it again. I can’t THANK YOU enough
for all the support that you gave your Soldiers throughout the deployment. Without your support and prayers, this
past year would have been difficult for us to accomplish. The care packages, the emails and the phone calls helped
us to stay motivated and focused on our mission here. You are what drove us to excellence each and everyday.

May has been great, but extremely busy month for Headquarters Platoon. This month is where headquarters makes
its money. Dealing with all the redeployment packets, maintenance, property, and most importantly, packing all of the
containers for the long journey home to Fort Carson. SGT Johnson has been busy conducting all of the HAZMAT involved.
The rest of the platoon is busy helping pack all of the equipment and personal items that are numerous. The
maintenance team has been busy inventorying their tools and ensuring all vehicles are fully mission capable for the
new unit. SPC Veal has a huge task ahead as he ensures all arms room equipment is accounted for and packed in the
proper containers. SGT Harris is in the same boat with all of the commo equipment. The Headquarters Platoon has
done an exceptional job during this deployment and continues to shine as we conduct operations and administrative task
simultaneously. We thank our Families and friends for the support we have received over the course of the
last year and we look forward to seeing all of you again next month. Headquarters will continue to uphold the tradition as
“the back bone” of the Death Dealer Company.

SPC Davis and SPC Veal talking it up while pulling SOG

SGT Gangl and SPC Davis turning wrenches on the MATVs

HQ's barbershop

SGT Harris fixing the Blue Force Tracker in the TOC

The past month has been a busy and hot one for the Reaper Platoon. Knowing we are in the home stretch keeps us fo-
cused and determined to not only continue to disrupt the Taliban, but also get home to our loved ones to make up
some missed time of joy and laughter.

Word on the street is that the Taliban has had severe difficulties in their recruiting efforts courtesy of your Reapers! They
have tried to make a push back in, but we are everywhere and their efforts have been in vain. We’ve discovered and
removed their caches and IEDs and we continue to hunt them down leaving little to no places for them to hide. In essence,
this year, your boys have taken as their own what was once considered a sanctuary and support zone for the Taliban.

Our partnered Afghan National Police have come a long way also, conducting patrols on their own while giving the best
they have to patrol with us. Some of you will see that some of your loved ones will return with Afghan “Man Dresses” as
they have developed quite the professional and personal relationship with our Afghan counterparts. PFC Flores, known
for miles around as “Ali Shah”, has become nothing less than a celebrity in Malajat. We will miss our Afghan brethren to a
degree, but we are ready to be by our true Families’ side.

Today we packed bags for shipment and it was a welcome release as it has made this whole move real. We often talk
about our love for the Reapers’ Lair. ACS 4 has not been the same home, but we have effectively been able to operate out
of here. Something we had doubts about at one time, plus isn’t it nice to be able to get emails from the boys?

We are out in sector quite often. We conduct 48 hours patrols often and try to refit in this heat spiking over 100 degrees.
No worries, as you can see in these photos, we find ways to cool off and have fun out here. We even had a new
Lieutenant, LT Redding, shadow our Platoon to gain some combat related experience to prepare the Regulars of the
future for such an event. Yes, he was extremely hot!

We sent a lot of boys home on leave this month. CPL Roantes, SPC Haynes, SPC Leroux and I went and have returned.
Currently SGT Montemayor, PFC Anastasi and PFC Kimbrough are still home with loved ones. All of you will have them
in your loving arms soon enough. Again, thank you for all of your support. Without it, this year would have been a lot more
unbearable. Be proud of your boys and what they have accomplished as it was nothing short of historical. I hope to
see most of your upon or return.

May has been an excellent month for the Soldiers of Second Platoon. While we continue to build strong bonds, and
strengthen ties to the local population, we are still showing the people that their way of life and security are most important
to us. Many of our patrols have lead us into unknown territory this month, we have ventured further into
the more populated areas of Kandahar City. We have made lots of progress with the villagers and elders of our
area, helping them improve their quality of living with projects and Key Leaders Engagements. We continue to look
to the horizon for our TF 2-8 brothers to come and continue the fight. We know now when we will be heading
home and we are preparing ourselves for that time. We have done lots of work to prepare for our long awaited
homecoming. We also know that there is still lots of work to be done before we can be reunited with our Families.
The Soldiers continue to strive daily to improve the areas security and infrastructure to better enable our ANSF partners,
to take control from NATO forces. We will continue the fight here until our last day with boots on ground. Our
best wishes to all of our loved ones, we will be seeing you soon.

Our Military Working Dog Fletcher showing
that even K-9's can be cool on hot days

Second Platoon Soldiers preparing to search a
building during Operation Counterpunch

1LT Kyle West showing that even a hard days work
can look easy

SPC Cortes at ease with the local populace
and sharing a laugh

1st Squad taking a stroll through the Yahk Kariz area

SPC Rutland showing some kids that peace
is a universal symbol

A sincere hello to all 3rd Platoon’s friends, Family and loved ones back in the States, as the deployment nears the
final stages, bags begin to get packed and stored, the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon are still busy with the many tasks of the
final deployment months. The last month has seen a drastic change in the local terrain, as the weather warms and the
spring rains have turned the area into a vast expanse of lush farmland. Some additional members of 3rd Platoon have also
joined us on patrols, the 4-legged kind that seems to always want to jump in the many canals and rivers that dot the
area. The weather has also gone to a comfortable 106o degrees’ during the day; as patrols and training continue with
our embedded Afghan partners even with the heat, SFC Morales and our platoon medic have been taking the necessary
steps to ensure all Soldiers are healthy and ready to take on the heat, as well as the enemy.

In the last month, 3rd Platoon has also contributed to the welfare of the numerous farming villages in the area with
humanitarian aid drops of food, toys, school supplies as well as farming equipment to the many Families and farmers that
make up the majority of the Diablo’s area of operation.

All of us here on ACS-5 are greatly looking forward to the arrival of our replacements and cannot wait until we are
able to display to the following platoon all of the progress that we as a collective have accomplished in our surrounding
areas during our time spent here. The sense of pride that all of us here in 3rd Platoon feel from our countless time
spent in our battle space is overwhelming as we prepare ourselves, our Afghan partners, and the local populace for
the arrival of our replacements. All members in our platoon here are absolutely astounded looking back on the positive
impact that we were able to make in these peoples day to day lives due to the deterrence of the enemy’s presence
here in southwest Kandahar. Even more as we head into the final days of our deployment, we know that the reunion with
our Family and loved ones is just around the corner.

3rd Platoon would like to thank all our loved ones, Families, and friends waiting our arrival back home. Special
thanks to the Family Readiness Group, your hard work and dedication does not go over looked. Soldiers of 3rd Platoon,
stay strong, continue to be the best, thank you!

Easter Sunday was celebrated at ACS 5 with two dinners, one for 3rd squad and another for 1st squad later
in the evening after patrol. Both squad enjoyed dinner with some music in the back ground and story
telling from Soldiers to Soldiers

The temperature is rising in Kandahar City and so too is the energy and effort being put forth by the Rogue Platoon
Soldiers. There have been several positive signs developing in the last month. Our last Soldier completed his Rest and
Recuperation. We have already had multiple appointments with customs to ship equipment containers and some of
the nice-to-haves that we can live without for the time remaining. And finally, we have begun to focus on preparing
for our upcoming relief in place by the unit that will replace us. Despite all of the additional work associated
with redeployment, the necessity for regular patrols and interactions with our partnered ANP and local villagers remains high.

Highlights from the past month include a new police station commander, additional bunkers at the Provincial Reserve,
and a new member to the Rogue family, SPC Kim, who is our new cook. While preparing for the incoming unit
means an additional focus so the new unit is properly received, these efforts are a welcomed sign that our mission
here is approaching complete. Yet make no mistake, Rogue Soldiers have been working hard conducting patrols during
the heat of the day and the dark of the night. They continue to bring the fight to the enemy as they make their
area responsibility a safer place for villagers.

The Rogue Soldiers are not winding down, but speeding up as they begin their sprint to the finish. We look forward
to seeing all of our Families and friends and are very excited that this is the last Newsletter that you will receive
from the Soldiers of the Rogue Platoon.

1st Squad and ANCOP partner help villagers with a HA drop. Supplies for students and food for families
members were distributed throughout South Spin Zarat

This edition of the Eliminator newsletter and company update will be the last for a couple months as we wrap up our
mission in Afghanistan, redeploy to Fort Carson, and head in different directions for block leave.
This is both an end and new beginning for many of us in the Forward Support Company. For some, this is
a first deployment and for others this may be yet another check for countries served throughout a memorable career.
Whatever case each Soldier falls into, it is quite clear that their accomplishments over the last year
have been incredible and the self sacrifice not even questionable.

It is truly noble for Soldiers and their Families to volunteer to serve during this period in American history. This year,
while deployed to Afghanistan, the single biggest threat to our nation and the modern world was neutralized. This year
is marked in history with our support of the Afghan people in Operation Enduring Freedom as well as the death of
Osama Bin Laden. We look forward to a rewarding welcome home at Fort Carson as our Families that supported each
and every one of us were the true backbone of our mission. You, the Friends and Family of Eliminator Company, gave us
strength and courage in order to complete every mission here in Afghanistan. We thank you!!!

As we start to filter back home, complete re-integration training, and begin moving in different directions to the next
point in our careers, remember where you come from and bring the lessons learned from your past to your next
assignment. Look forward to your next adventure. In the words of the American theologist, Henry Ward Beecher, “God asks
no man whether he will accept life. That is not the choice. You must take it. The only question is how”.

This will be the final submission for our newsletter for the deployment. We can now start the official count down to our
return! The Soldiers and NCOs in the FSC are hard at work loading containers and completing many
administrative requirements before we return to Fort Carson. Looking back on the deployment we faced many difficult
situations. We banded together to overcame those situations and grew together as a team. I can say that I learned a
lot about the Soldiers and NCOs in this unit. It has definitely been a pleasure to be surrounded by such great, hard working Soldiers.

I would like to congratulate the following Soldiers on their promotion’s effective May 1, 2011. SPC Dietrich was laterally
promoted from Specialist to Corporal, PFC Gassie, PFC Lara and PFC Scott were all promoted to Specialist . Congratulations!

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank all of the Families that have supported us over the course of the deployment.
I know you all cannot wait to see your loved ones, as I am sure they cannot wait to see you either.
Thank you all again for your support throughout this deployment, we’ll see you at the special events center soon!

Facebook-1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment or Regulars By God
Facebook-1st BCT, 4th Infantry Division or Raider Brigade

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.

Hello Families. The time has come that we are planning our transition back home. As a platoon and a company we
overcame many obstacles, but here we stand grounded in discipline and focused on our mission. Our Soldiers in the
Headquarters Platoon have accomplished several mission essential tasks, which range from our tactical operations
section improving communications measures, security management, and route planning procedures. When it
comes to the Battalions Food Service Operations, we supported thirteen combat out posts, in which two locations
ordered directly from our Prime vending source and increased the morale of over 500 Soldiers. Our Logistical Support
Specialists “Supply” acquisition demands were fast paced and well organized. The tasks and coordination procedures
provided by the company command team were well planned and direct. Our company humbly awaits our
transition home to the arms of our loved ones, and we thank you for your Prayers!!!

The HQ Platoon takes some time to get together for a
picture for Families and Friends at home

SFC Sykes has the privilege to pin SPC Scott at
ANCOP located in central Kandahar City

As the mission is winding down, the Dirty Platoon is gearing up for redeployment. We’ve packed our bags, and everyone
is eagerly awaiting for our replacements to hit ground so we can begin training them to take over operations
when we leave. The workload however will remain constant and we will still be sweating from the mission prior to
getting on the plane home. This past year has been filled with new experiences we’ll never forget, and will hopefully
use to strengthen our futures. The Soldiers from this platoon have worked hard for the entire time they’ve been on
ground. Every day we receive a new task and every day we complete it without fail.

SSG Wheatley, Cargo Section Leader writes, this month in the Cargo Section we have continued to get ready to redeploy
and have started the process of packing up. We continue to stay vigilant while on patrol and make sure all
Cargo is properly loaded up for the check points. We also drafted a continuity plan which is like a “how to” for the
incoming unit, which will make their lives much easier. Since we are about to go home, the Soldiers in the Cargo
Section have begun picking up the pace when doing PT. They have increased their intensity when working out and
have incorporated Cross Fit into their regimen to prepare for the high Colorado altitude. This month, our Platoon
Leader returned from R&R and SPC Chilson was able to go home where he still is and will see his son graduate from
High School, which is a tremendous blessing!

Ammo Section, led by SSG Shores has continued to lead the way out on mission, and provide necessary ammo resupply
to several checkpoints, as well as maintaining 100% accountability of the ammo we have stored here at FOB
Walton. Just as Cargo section, SSG Shores has been incorporating more intense squad PT to get his Soldiers ready
for the Colorado altitude, and the proof is in the pudding, as I saw a weight change in several Ammo Soldiers
when I got back from R&R. CPL Dietrich entered the NCO Corp in May and we congratulate him
on his promotion.

POL Section, run by SSG Sawyer, has been busy packing MILVANs for redeployment. SSG Sawyer has been
taking care of his UMO responsibilities for redeploying the Company’s equipment, leaving SGT Juarez to run
the day-to-day operations of the squad. The POL Section has still been busy with fuel, receiving and issuing
over 80,000 gallons throughout the Battalion. The section also celebrates SPC Diaz (9th), SPC Kalert (13th),
and SSG Sawyer (26th) birthdays this month.

Soon enough we’ll be kicking it at home with our amazing Friends and Families, who’ve stood behind us this entire deployment.
Thanks to you who have held down the home-front, and welcome us back with open arms.

PFC Watkins and SPC Murphy play around while
packing their connex for redeployment

Dirty 2-7, along with his crew and dismount team, SGT Phipps, SGT Session,
SPC Kirby, SPC Way and SPC Mallet

Friends and Family, this is the final chapter of the legacy we have bestowed upon this land, this mission and the people
of Afghanistan. Our legacy and impact on this country is not one that is written in history books, but one
that is written in our memories, our lives, and our friendships. It has not been an easy path and we have had our struggles
and our victories, our losses and our triumph’s, but we have done it together. Through teamwork
and necessity, we have outshined the entire BDE with our unprecedented 98.1% Operational Readiness Rate, on the
largest fleet in the BDE, for the entire year. Be mindful that the Army standard is 90%. This does not just
happen. This is no easy task. The men and women of this platoon made that happen through their tenacity and willingness
to accomplish all tasks no matter what. They were not alone though, because of the phenomenal support from
Family members, friends, moms, dads, sisters, brothers, and loved ones, we all had the courage and strength to go every day, to make
something of nothing, and accomplish our mission the best we could knowing that our efforts would be rewarded, not by medals or
ceremonies, but with loving arms upon our return. We are on our way and will see you all soon after this newsletter gets published.

This last month has been full of packing and cleaning, re-organizing and more cleaning. It makes it a lot easier to do
when you know that “home” is on the backside of all the work. The platoon has been busting their butts to get
everything in order for the new unit to ensure that they get the best maintained fleet in Afghanistan. I think some of the
troops made it very personal to hand over a much better product than when we took over nearly a year ago.
The painful struggle caused by poorly maintained equipment can be a moral killer when first arriving to theater and this platoon
made extra efforts to ensure that didn’t happen. I am proud of all of them for taking ownership and initiative
to better the handoff with TF 2-8.

I usually mention certain exceptional craftsmanship or maintenance accomplishment for the month but I struggle
to pick which one to talk about as all of the mechanics, clerks, NCOs and leaders in the Maintenance Platoon
have truly stepped up to meet this year long challenge head first and far surpassed my expectations. I do want
to take a moment to recognize some of the driving force behind this platoon and Maintenance Section.

SFC Scopazzo, for those of you who don’t know him, is a former Drill Sergeant and a truly phenomenal NCO,
one of the best I have worked with in my career without question. He is a hard and fair Platoon Sergeant and has
led this platoon to successes that I thought would not be possible. I know the men and women of this platoon will forever
be changed by his leadership and mentorship. SFC Zimprich was sent to me from heaven I think. I honestly think
that God felt sorry for me being on my 4th deployment to the Middle East and sent me SFC Z. He was reluctantly placed
on KAF for the year to serve as an LNO for all things maintenance and honestly we would not be where we are
without him. His efforts directly contributed to our accomplishments and this platoon and I will forever be in his debt for
his hard work and dedicated service to the unit and this platoon. These two men have affected so many Soldiers over the years
but their true impact has been that the realization of great leadership is not in what you say or how many
regulations you can quote but it is in actions. Their actions will be echoed in this platoon and its Soldiers for years to come.

I write you from a wooden box that is both my bunk and my office from the Afghan Police Station that is our Combat Out
Post (COP). The Afghans call it the “White Castle” on the side of the hill. It may be small and not be much to look at, but it is what
2nd and HQ Platoon calls home. We just completed the Relief in Place (RIP) process with Lightning Troop in Kandahar City.
Lightening Troop did a great job this past year and we learned more in our first week with them then we did the entire month
we spent in NTC. They are true professionals. Task Force 1-22 Infantry has done a great job integrating us into their unit. We feel
as much part of them as we do our parent unit. Their attitude and support is a mark of professionalism.

The Troop has been busy patrolling the city and the “green zone.” Kandahar City is an oasis town in the middle of the
desert similar to Las Vegas, minus all the fun stuff. The “green zone” is the farm fields and orchards that are supported
by the 3000 year old canal system. I mention the canals because the platoons have to cross them every day.
After each patrol, you will see wet boots drying out on the terrace. The men are staying busy by patrolling and pulling
guard duty. This has left little time for Skyping back home.

Our biggest enemy is the heat. With the 70 plus degree difference from Alaska to Kandahar, the Arctic Warriors are
slowly adjusting the heat. To everyone’s surprise, it is not a dry heat but rather, a very humid heat from the “green
zone.” We are taking the patrols slowly and adjusting. I must admit, I have not sweated non-stop for days on end in a long time.

The food has greatly improved since we got our own cooks. Previously, we had some cooks from another unit and they
were creative in their art of food burning. Now we have great cooks and while the men aren’t excited about the
meals, they are no longer afraid of them. But don’t worry about the men getting fat this year; we are burning calories
faster than we can consume them thanks to the heat. You can already see the men losing the Alaskan winter blubber
we put on. This time next year everyone will look like a J-CREW model in uniform.

Since our arrival to Afghanistan, Apocalypse Troop has gone in circles trying to keep up with TF Regulars and trying not to act too
much like the new kids on the block. The Troopers are continuously drinking form the fire hose, trying to learn as much as we can
before TF Regulars redeploys back home. Coming from Alaska, there has been a multitude of changes that we are still getting
used to. The temperature was 85 degrees colder, we don’t have a lot of traffic in our small community so the traffic that comes with a
large city has been something out of the norm, and of course the cultural differences are just a few of the changes
that we are trying to adapt to. Getting used to the food is something that can’t be trained at home station. Many of the new
Afghan dishes have not necessarily agreed with all of us. Though we are fighting through it, the food sometimes gets the better of us.

With our Troopers being acclimatized, the mission set now is thankfully getting easier. The Soldiers in Apocalypse
Troop are eager to get into sector to capture/kill the enemy that they have been trained to fight. The support of TF
Regulars has been phenomenal. Being detached from your unit brings many questions about what your fate is. Coming
into theater, we didn’t know what we were getting into when being assigned to Task Force Regulars. Now that we
are here and not making as many mistakes, Apocalypse Troop will be in a better position to serve TF Talon. The true
professionalism and guidance we have received from the Regulars has definitely set us up for success.

In closing, I would like to extend a thank you to the Soldiers and Families of the Regulars for your service. We appreciate
all that you have done during your tenure here in Afghanistan. To pick up where you left off and keep the same pace,
and same level of professionalism will truly be hard to replicate. I wish all of you a safe redeployment and a great block
leave density, which is well deserved.

The warriors of 1/A/5-1 CAV, working as members of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), have occupied
checkpoint 8-1 , District 8, Kandahar, Afghanistan.

The rough living arrangements that the warriors of Mortars and 1st have at CP 8-1 have really brought the platoons
together. Through their combined efforts the two platoons have revamped the defensive posture of the CP enabling
your warriors to sleep more comfortably at night. Also a mobile kitchen trailer was brought in to provide the soldiers
substantial meals after long hours in the hot Afghanistan sun.

1st Platoon must also battle the many orchards in our area. The trees are so low that the WARPIGS must stoop to see
where they are going. The many mud walls separating one orchard from another have also proved difficult for the
shorter Soldiers, AKA their Platoon Leader.

1st Platoon “The WARPIGS” has a clear mission set: Find the Taliban and enable the local police force to destroy
them. Using our superbreconnaissance skills 1st Platoon has captured one Taliban fighter that will never be able to
harm Americans and ANSF again. The platoon has also removed over 50 pounds of explosives from the area.

“The WARPIGS” not only continue to thwart the efforts of the Taliban but also build relationships with the people.
On several occasions SPC Alvarez and SGT Alamillo have used yellow jugs as drums while the children of Afghanistan
walk along side the patrol and serenade them with the sweet melodies of Afghan poems.

The men of 2/A/5-1 CAV, working as members of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), have settled into
their positions within Police Sub-Station 8, District 8, Kandahar, Afghanistan. The platoon continues to establish a
good report among the local national population who reside in the surrounding areas of Sara Ghundey and Karghanak.

Comfortable living arrangements and easy access to internet sources help bring balance to a rigorous patrol schedule.
Soldiers enjoy three hot meals a day, shower/ laundering facilities, and a modest gym. While there is little time
for R&R, Soldiers are able to contact loved one’s on a near regular basis, greatly augmenting moral at the police sub-station.

2nd Platoon “The Horsemen” has a clear mission set: Protect the local populace, while enabling local police forces to
defeat Taliban activity in the area. The platoon has already provided medical aid to numerous person’s in the villages,
while disrupting insurgent operations in the area. 2nd Platoon continues to demonstrate its’ signature aggressiveness
in the face of an enemy threat while simultaneously promoting positive relations with the local citizens.

The men of MTR/A/5-1 CAV, working as members of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), have been
working hard to develop a safe, livable Check Point while maintaining a strenuous pace on patrols in Mirza Mohammad Kalacheh.

The Mortars have been the resident carpenters of Check Point 8-1 constructing numerous bunks to clean up the
tight living space. The men are working through the rigors of a busy patrol schedule littered with PCCs/PCIs, mission briefs,
and review of emerging enemy TTPs.

The Reapers have also welcomed numerous outside resources on their patrols recently including combat camera,
USAID, PSYOPS, and FET teams. Their efforts have allowed the freedom to maneuver to the north for all
Coalition Forces, and created a safer environment for the Afghans of MMK.

Also, the Mortars have welcomed 2LT Buchal to the team as the new Troop Fire Support Officer/Platoon Leader. He
will now try to fill the big shoes of SFC Osborne as he hands off the reigns after 6 months without a Platoon Leader.

SFC Osborne conducting SLE

Newly promoted PFC Nguyen pulls security
on patrol in MMK

On patrol in Sub-district 8 Kandahar, Afghanistan

We have certainly stayed busy over the past month, which makes the time fly by. Our Soldiers have worked hard to
keep themselves focused and stay sharp as they approach the final months of deployment. The enemy made every
attempt to separate both us and the Afghan National Security Forces from the people, but they failed miserably. The
residents of Kandahar City remained convinced that their security forces are prepared to defeat enemies of Afghanistan.
I’ve seen a significant increase in the professionalism and competency of the Afghan National Police (ANP) and
the Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP). Everyday, they lead our Soldiers through the streets, seeking criminals
and insurgents, and the residents express their gratitude through chai and gifts of cold drinks.

Here at Police Sub Station 3, in southeast Kandahar City, we are getting ready to say goodbye to 2nd Platoon, C Company
as they wrap up a year-long deployment. I can say we appreciate everything they have done and it will be tough to
see them go. 2nd Platoon has maintained their lethality, and stayed flexible, and created solid relationships with the ANCOP.

As “Cobra’s” 2nd Platoon prepares their ANCOP to carry on without them, 3rd Platoon, 511th Military Police Company
carries on with their ANP development and security patrols. 3rd Platoon “Strike Fear” are led by the ANP each day on
multiple patrols, in order to meet with local residents and discuss their concerns. 3rd Platoon continues to assist the
ANP in improving their skills, acquiring the right supplies, and protecting the population. Though we are a few
months behind the Task Force, we look forward to a safe return to beautiful Fort Drum, NY. We appreciate your
continued support, and you should be proud of what your Soldiers have accomplished!

As we approach the final 100 days, the Strike Fear MPs are holding the line and are fully prepared to finish strong in
Sub-District Three. The days are extremely hot and well above 100 degrees but that does not alter our ability to complete the mission.
Your MP Soldiers are working extremely hard and live the Warrior Ethos on a daily basis. The Commander and I are
constantly impressed with our Soldiers spirit to achieve nothing less than victory.

I would like to personally congratulate SPC Drumm, SPC Savoy, CPL Fimpel, SPC Garcia and CPL Piper that have
made cut off and have just pinned on or will get promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Job well done and well deserved!
Additionally, I would like to congratulate our newest group of Soldiers that have attained their promotable status because
they have shown the potential to be a leader of Soldiers. These Soldiers appeared before a panel consisting of the
Battalion Command Sergeant Major and the First Sergeants. They were questioned on basic and advanced
Soldier skills. Congratulations to SPC Whitcomb, SPC Plata, SPC Santos and SPC Ngirchomlei.

I would like to welcome our newest members of the Strike Fear MP Company, which were late deployers from Fort
Drum, NY. SGT Mettler, SPC Yates, SPC Summerall, PV2 Bonsall and PV2 Poteau. Welcome to Kandahar and the team.

Lastly and most importantly, I would like to thank our Family members that are back home and patiently waiting for
our return. Thanks for the letters, packages and constant e-mails that keep your Soldier motivated to complete this
very demanding and extremely important mission.

During the month of May the Soldiers from 1st PLT 2ND SQD 511th MP CO have continued to maintain focus to help train,
coach and mentor our partnered Afghan National Police. We continued to focused on the areas that help improve and
hone their skills and allow the police to lead from the front and be the face of security for their country. While working
side by side with our partnered ANP, we have forged a personal and professional relationship that will last for a life
time. Not only have the ANP improved on the security of their area of responsibility, we have been able to pass on
skills that could not be taught but only learned through personal experiences and interaction with ANP and the local
populace. On a personal level, I think that our experiences and lessons that we have learned and the relationships that
we have built has definitely set a path for the way ahead in the efforts for both of our countries during this conflict. Even
with the uncertainty of the future of Afghanistan the foot-print that we have set forth has already begun to show that
things have become stable and that there has been a turn-around in the attitude and the thinking of the local populace.
I also believe as we continue to work hand in hand we will be successful in building a stronger Afghanistan.

ANP conduct search in Malajat to protect the community

Greetings to all! 3rd Platoon is back and moving faster than before. With the constant patrols through our area of the
city 3rd Platoon has been keeping busy. We are down to 103 days and a wake up, and if we keep up this mission
pace we will be home in no time at all.

I would like to welcome back PV2 John Johnson and PFC Addison Conniff from their much needed R&R leave. They
were missed, but now back in the swing of things. 3rd Platoon has been conducting a lot of mentorship training
with the Afghan National Police and Bacha Khan’s (the richest man in Kandahar City) security guard force. They
have been conducting training on weapons and movement techniques. Your Soldiers have done a great job training
them. The Afghan forces have caught on very quickly. 3rd Platoon has also conducted Humanitarian Aid distribution
as well as school supply drops throughout the villages and schools in our Area of Operation. The local people,
especially the children, have been very happy and excited to receive their supplies.

Overall, the Soldiers have been doing a great job. They are tired from working so hard and for so long. But, they know
that in the end they will have accomplished so much in such a little time. They are excited that are time is dwindling down
and look forward to the day that they are reunited with their loved ones.

SGT Hodges, 2nd Squad, builds relations
with local school children during a school supply drop

SPC Cartwright, 1st Squad, provides security
for MG Terry's visit to Sub District 3

Since the last newsletter, the Dragon Slayers have remained busy in Kandahar City. All of our efforts are aimed at building a
more professional and competent Afghan Police Force. I believe that over the past 12 months we have
moved them closer to this mark. Although not perfect the people of Afghanistan are beginning to see the police as a
viable option for providing security in the city. This has been through the tireless efforts of the Soldiers of this company.
Day or night our Soldiers conduct patrols in the city center to extend the reach of our Afghan Police Partners.
The relationships that the police have build has paid huge dividends during the summer months.

In the rural countryside of our environment, our efforts are focused primarily on security for villagers and preventing a
negative influence from swaying public opinion. Again the Soldiers assigned to the 170 Military Police Company have
no concern for time. Day and night they are in sector aggressively protecting the populace. We have built enduring
relationships that our Soldiers will miss in the near future.

We have surpassed our 11 month mark and are currently in the right seat of our RIP with the 411th Military Police Company.
Although it will be great to return to Washington State and reunite with family, we will not be able to make up the sense
of pride we feel every day here in Afghanistan. This has been a tough fight and our Soldiers have fought well.
I have no doubt the 411th Military Police Company will pick up where we left off and progress the security even
farther than we have. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this task force and we will be forever grateful
for the leadership we were provided.

First, let me say that it was good to see the new MP company in theater since it meant our departure in the near future.
Although going home will be easy, the sense of accomplishment will forever live within our hearts.
TF Regulars is a premier organization that I am proud to have been a member of. As a Military Police Company,
we have done more on this deployment than others will do in two. We have had our good and bad times while still
operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization. Each Soldier will depart with a little piece
of Afghanistan in their heart but. These pieces have been earned and learned through the good times and bad times.
The most satisfying is the learned ability to adapt and over come any task given. We will now focus on
how to return to our Families and reintegrate to being home.

Lets welcome the new members of the “Regulars by God.” 411th Military Police Company (Grizzly) is stationed out of
Foot Hood, Texas. First Sergeant Jason Copeland is ready to lead from the front and provide knowledge of the Military
Police five battle field missions. His Soldiers are eager and willing to learn, improve, and work with the Afghanistan
National Police and the local populace to create a better country.

It has been great and I wish all in the BN the best on their future endeavors. God bless and stay safe for your last
few weeks in country.

With only a week left until the Archangels fly home, the Soldiers are focused on making certain that the 411th Military
Police Company are prepared, fit, and ready to conduct combat operations in Kandahar City for the upcoming
year. The hard work of the Soldier’s of second platoon did not go unnoticed. The streets of Kandahar City are better
today for their efforts! The 411th MP Co is more prepared because of the work that the second platoon Archangels
have put in all year long. The importance at this point is for leaders to continue to instill a sense of insurgency in their
Soldiers. The people of Kandahar and the Afghan Police will depend on these Soldier’s and their work until the day they depart.

1st Squad is currently conducting police mentorship operations at Police Sub Station 2. The Soldiers live, patrol,
work, eat, and sleep by these Afghan National Police on a daily basis. Just by the mere presence of the Soldiers, the
ANP have grown into a more effective police force. The police watch, learn, and mimic how our Soldiers react during
stressful situation, conduct pre-combat checks and inspections, and generally how they carry themselves in a
professional manner. The Soldiers of 1st Squad have also assisted and partnered with these police during many
operations in order to bring peace and stability to the people of this storied city. Recently, these Soldiers responded
when the Afghan Police were pinned from intense fire. The Soldiers of 1st Squad responded with incredible speed and
fire allowing the ANP to gain fire superiority over the enemy. The Afghan Police now have a sense of incredible
pride due to the training and mentorship provided by these Soldiers.

2nd Squad continues to conduct dismounted combat operations in southern Sub-District 2 focusing on securing the
populace in the villages of Haji Arab and Modir Kelache. The leaders have partnered with the village elders and
Wakil’s in order to increase their legitimacy and thus the local government’s authority. The Soldiers recently conducted
a two day operation in the villages in which they embedded at a police check point. Because of this 2nd
squad was able to saturate the area with Coalition and Afghan presence in which they provided a much needed
sense of confidence and security amongst the people. The great work by these Soldiers has most certainly paid off!
There has not been a single enemy significant event that has occurred in the Archangel AO in the past few months.

The Soldiers will be able to fly home with a much deserved sense of pride and accomplishment!

The Soldiers of the Ghostrider Platoon continue to do outstanding work for the people of Afghanistan and the Afghan
police, all while preparing their area for the incoming unit’s arrival. The tempo of operations remains high, the temperatures
remain high, and the Ghostriders continue to perform at the highest level, even as redeployment approaches.
They are not slowing down, but sprinting through the finish, with long hours of patrolling, preparation, and assessments
being completed with the incoming unit. Along with the regular requirements of patrolling and interacting with the
populace, there is the added requirement to prepare equipment and belongings for shipment back to Fort Lewis.
Although this all makes your loved ones very tired, these steps are absolutely necessary to ensure that the new unit
is as well prepared for their next year in Kandahar as is possible.

It was with welcoming arms that we received the 411th MP Company, the Grizzlies. With their arrival marks an outstanding
sign that the end is approaching. Our mission also changes slightly to ensure that readiness and capability of
the Grizzlies to conduct their mission as successfully as possible. Yet make not mistake, the Ghostrider Soldiers remain
vigilant and professional at all times.

Much work has been done over the past year with Ghostrider Soldiers initially partnering with multiple police substations
across the city and finally focusing efforts on one smaller area as more units arrived. The contributions that
have been made by the Ghostriders with respect to securing local villages and developing the Afghan police are significant.
And although there are still improvements to be made, the relationships that have been formed and the
work that has been done to improve Soldiers’ quality of life while deployed will vastly benefit the 411th MP Company.

Some of the Ghostrider Soldiers are looking forward to driving their own vehicles again. Others are looking forward to
a cold beer or stake dinner. We are all anxiously looking forward to seeing our loved ones who have done so much
to support us over the past year. All of your support, though perhaps not always acknowledged, be it a letter, package,
email, or phone call, was greatly appreciated and made this deployment easier with your reminders of the better things
in life. We look forward to seeing you back in Washington. You should be proud of all of the hard work, blood, sweat,
and tears that your loved ones have committed to accomplishing the mission that our great country sent them here
to do. It has certainly been a job well done!