1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Unit Updates August 2013 Page 2

Family and Friends of Able Company,
Greetings! I hope all is well in the United States while we continue to do great things for our Country. There have been some developments
in Able Company since the last time a newsletter was published. The most obvious one is that CPT Thies and Wendy Thies have
transitioned as Commander and FRG Leader to take the helm of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and Jillian and I have
been privileged by this welcomed responsibility. I truly look forward to meeting and thanking each of you for your support
and dedication.

The Soldiers have earned their keep in this challenging environment. Since the last newsletter, the Company has
conducted Platoon Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercises; a Scenario-Based Training Exercise in which they evacuated
notional non-combatants from a hostile environment; and went through the daunting tests required to become an Expert
Infantryman. Able Company outperformed every other unit in the Brigade and in Kuwait during EIB Testing and out
of the 93 participants, 20 Soldiers can now bear the mark and pride of an Expert Infantryman. In the months ahead,
the Company will conduct Air Assault operations and Company Maneuver and Live-Fire Exercises.

The incredible Soldiers of Able Company have distinguished themselves as true representatives of the United
States, particularly as we continually seek to train alongside our Kuwaiti Partners. I would like to extend special thanks
and recognition to the Soldiers and Leaders of our CRT, who work tirelessly through the night to ensure that our Bradley
Fighting Vehicles are ready to accomplish any mission in this harshly unwelcoming environment. In respect of the Kuwaiti
celebration of Ramadan, and in avoidance of the extreme summer temperatures, Soldiers have been provided the opportunity
to focus on personal professional goals and enjoy the recreational activities afforded them on Camp Buehring
and in Kuwait. Redeployment is now on the minds of many of the Soldiers, to include 1SG Overway’s and mine. We will do
our best to keep the FRG and Rear Detachment informed of flights and manifests. As always though, until we are home
with you Able Company will stand READY and ABLE to defeat the enemy and accomplish the mission.

Able Company has kept the pedal to the metal throughout this deployment with individual, team, squad, and platoon training.
Additionally, we have completed one of the best training events an individual Infantryman can participate in; Expert Infantryman Badge
testing. Although this was “only” two weeks of training and testing process, our Soldiers have been training on the individual
tasks since we arrived in theatre and it really showed with 20 (Officers, NCO’s and Soldiers) earning their coveted EIB.
The number 20 may not sound like a lot with a company of 93 that started testing, but the entire 1-22IN Battalion had
53 total recipients.

I am extremely proud of every Soldier for putting forth their maximum effort throughout the event and they
should be proud of themselves. Our NCO’s and Soldiers that already had an EIB were graders and evaluators on the testing
lanes, and were commended by all levels of leadership for the professional execution of the testing.

The following Soldiers earned the coveted EIB during
1-22IN Regiments testing in July 2013:

1LT Berce (Fastest 12 mile Ruck March

1LT Parker

1LT Schmitz

SSG Auclair

SSG Faddis

SSG Olson

SSG Rutherford

SGT Allen

SGT Arivizu

PFC Aprishko

SGT Klotz

SGT Noga

SGT Romiti

SGT Spahn

SGT Whitaker

SPC Lennon

SPC Sanders

SPC Bosselaar

SPC Holmos

PFC Westrick

Hopefully this newsletter finds you doing well back home. By the time this newsletter hits publication we will
have been in country for 6 months. HQ Platoon has been very busy these last months with Expert Infantry Competition,
VBS2(Virtual Simulator) Trainer, Platoon Live Fire, and Fire Support Classes.

In June, Able company had the change of command ceremony. We welcome Cpt. Kay as our new Company
Commander. He brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise that will continue to help Able Company succeed.

The next couple of months will be full of training events and preparations for redeployment. Counseling packets
have been fully updated, driver’s training was completed, and the medics conducted Raider First Responder
Certification and Re-Certification. Able’s Mechanics have been on reverse schedule working tireless
hours completing M2A3 Hull Services and gun services. After winning Brigade Best Competition, Able Fist has
continued to fine tune their skill set with Leader Professional Development classes on CCA, JFO, Coordinated
Illumination, RTO, Call for Fire, and Fires planning. Able Fist looks to become a 3-peat Best Fist Champion upon
arrival at Fort Carson in the fall.

HQ Platoon looks to continue MWR trips in the coming months to provide excellent opportunities for the soldiers
to the experience local culture.

I hope everything is going well for you back in the States and hope you look forward to next month's newsletter
for more up to date information on life in Kuwait.

Since our last newsletter, 1PLT has conducted a PLT Live Fire Exercise, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge test and multiple other
training exercises. We would like to take this time to welcome SSG(P) Daniel Rocks as the new Platoon Sergeant for 1PLT.
Prior to taking the platoon, SSG(P) Rocks served as a Squad Leader and Bradley Commander for 1PLT.

A few weeks prior to this newsletter being written, 1-22IN awarded EIBs to five soldiers in 1PLT – SSG Faddis, SSG Rutherford,
SGT Whitaker, SPC Holmes and PFC Westrick. We would like to formally congratulate each of these Soldiers. Prior to EIB testing,
1PLT took part in a PLT Live Fire Exercise. Mounted crews from 1PLT maneuvered 6 kilometers across rugged desert to a village
complex, where dismounted SLs led Soldiers to clear a series of 10 buildings. 1PLT’s Soldiers did very well during the exercise and
were commended by the Battalion S3.

In the upcoming weeks, 1PLT will conduct training covering Squad Attack, Movement
to Contact and Air Assault Operations. Thank you again for all your prayers and support.
See you soon!

Since the last newsletter, Soldiers in 2nd Platoon have accomplished many great things on this deployment to Kuwait and
have been continually recognized for their actions.

Throughout these last few months, the Platoon has been able to conduct a wide variety of training events, which produced
some excellent results. Some of these events include; Platoon Live Fire, joint training with National Guard units, Mission
Readiness Force rehearsals, and Expert Infantryman’s Badge testing. As we approach the final few months of the deployment,
there are still numerous training events planned for 2nd Platoon as we continually strive to improve our skills as Infantrymen.
As many of you know, deployments are not only difficult for Soldiers, but for family and friends as well. We ask you to be
strong and patient for only a few more months as we will return shortly.

We would like to recognize the following Soldiers for earning the coveted Expert Infantryman’s Badge: SSG Allen, SSG Olson,
SGT Klotz, SGT Noga, SGT Arvizu, SPC Aprishko, and SPC Lennon. We would also like to congratulate the following Soldiers
on their recent promotions: SPC Lennon, SPC Aprishko, and SSG Allen.

We’re well over halfway through the deployment and everyone is looking forward to getting back to Colorado
and our families. We have been busy since the last newsletter conducting multiple training events. First we had
an Air Assault in June simulating an Non– combatant Evacuation Operation and a lot of our soldiers got to experience
their first helicopter ride. This was followed quickly by an intense 2 week Expert Infantryman’s Badge training period
in July. From the 22nd through the 27th of July Twilight Platoon tested to earn their EIBs. The week started with an
APFT and Land Navigation Test (both day and night). Over the next three days our soldiers were tested on 30 different
tasks on three separate lanes. The test concluded with a 12 Mile Ruck March that started at 0200 in the morning on the 27th.
SGT Romiti, SPC Sanders, SPC Bosselaar and 1LT Schmitz successfully passed all the tests and completed the Road March
in under 3 hours and earned the coveted Expert Infantryman’s Badge.

We’ve had a few promotions in the past months. PFCs Vordermark, Garcia and Newman have all earned their
promotion to Specialist. PVT Boles has also been promoted to PFC. Additionally, we have 3 new soldiers in
the platoon and would like to welcome SGT Romiti from HHC, who is now a Gun Team Leader in Weapons Squad,
PVT Brown, a rifleman in 2nd Squad and PFC Combs, an assistant gunner in Weapons Squad. SPCs Williams,
McKean and Bosselaar have all passed the promotion board and will soon earn their promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

In the two months since the last newsletter we have done so much, and in doing so have gained a wealth of doctrinal
knowledge making us a very capable unit. All the while we continue to conduct daily operations in support of regional security.

In our last newsletter I stated it was getting hot, temperatures reaching 100 degrees routinely well if you can believe
it the heat has only increased. We routinely see temperatures of 119 degrees in the shade but the Soldiers continue to
work hard despite the harsh desert environment.

Blackhawk company was selected to conduct a combined Kuwaiti and US Army live fire operation. This was a great event
for both countries, it was the first time we have conducted a such a large operation with the Kuwaitis in at least nine years.
In preparation for this we conducted platoon live fire exercise testing the platoon’s fighting ability. Probably the most
rewarding training we have been able to conduct was Expert Infantry Badge Training, during EIB candidates test on 36
individual Soldier tasks. By demonstrating a mastery of individual skills infantryman are awarded the coveted EIB
(a silver musket on a blue back ground), generally only about 18% of infantrymen earn the EIB. This year we had 16
Soldiers from Blackhawk earned the EIB becoming part an elite brotherhood among infantryman.
Congratulations to all the new EIB awardees! You earned it!

As we enter the last third of the deployment I would like to extend my gratitude to all the friends and families who continue
to support us during not only this deployment but in everything we do. Just so you know, the constant flow of packages and letters are
greeted with big smiles. Just like you, we are counting down the days until the welcome home ceremony and can’t wait
for the day when we see you again. I personally can’t wait to enjoy a home cooked meal with kids and beautiful wife.

Headquarters Platoon, Blackhawk Company, has spent several weeks conducting rigorous training.
Your soldiers have been facilitating and conducting Operation Desert Centurion, Expert Infantryman
Badge training, Non- Combatant Evacuation (NEO) training, Battalion Organizational Day, and react to a gas attack.
We have also successfully completed a transfer of equipment we originally signed for over to another BN
(1-66 Armor) in our BDE for their use in various other missions.

With temperatures regularly reaching above 120 degrees, Soldiers are able to beat the heat by hydrating
frequently and avoiding work outdoors when the heat rises to much. When training for multiple hours, the
unit switches to reverse cycle, allowing Soldiers to sleep in the day and train at night.

There is more planned for what lies ahead. We still have Combatives Training along with more Virtual
Battle Space training and a NEO exercise. Recovery is scheduled periodically.

I would like to congratulate newly promoted Soldiers of Headquarters Platoon. SPC Bradley became an E-5,
PFC Schmidt became an E-4, PFC Flowers became E-4, and PV2 Amaechiokonji became an E-3.
Their dedication has been instrumental in the accomplishments of the Platoon. Additionally, SSG Cimino
has been selected to become a Warrant Officer as he will soon attend Flight School to become a helicopter pilot.

Thanks for the ongoing support from friends, family and loved ones back home. The ongoing encouragement
is necessary for the moral and the continued results of the Platoon. It is a privilege to be a
part of Headquarters Platoon as I look forward to the final months of the deployment.

I’d like to take this time to introduce and welcome the newest members of our Platoon to the Black Sheep family:
SFC Jones, SGT Bruce, and SPC Lee. I look forward to the shared experiences ahead as we continue further into our deployment.

During the past 2 months we have had several unique training opportunities that have expanded our
capabilities both as a mounted and dismounted fighting force.

In Operation Desert Centurion 1-22 integrated mechanized infantry, armor, artillery and aviation into an exercise that
involved engagement of stationary targets. This operation prepared us for future operations and has strengthened our skills and abilities.

Not long after Desert Centurion the Black Sheep where at it again during Operation Raider Response, a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation
(NEO) which tested our ability to evacuate non-combatant personnel from potentially hostile environments. The Black Sheep were
the first in and last out as we provided security, assisted with the processing of personnel, and collected, managed, and reported intelligence
gathered from the local nationals which lead to concurrent on-site security operations.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate our recipients of the Expert Infantryman’s Badge: SGT Pierce, SPC Yeatts, SPC Buck,
and SPC Heineman. The EIB historically has had a very high attrition rate. No matter the outcome, all Soldiers who
participate in EIB come out of it having learned a vast amount of knowledge. The train-up and testing process hones the fundamental
skills that are required of an Infantryman, and I know that the Black Sheep are better capable of handling
any task that is required of us in the future.

The Blackhawk Company, 2nd Platoon Spartans send all their best to families and
friends back home from Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

2nd Platoon has continued to train and stay busy over the past weeks. The Spartans played an integral role in a Brigade level,
combined- arms live fire exercise called Operation Desert Centurion. During the Operation, the mounted sections
maneuvered their Bradley Fighting Vehicles with M1A2 Abrams tanks while engaging targets. Following Desert Centurion,
the Spartans successfully executed Operation Raider Response, a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) training exercise.
The most recent training that the Spartans participated in was the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) testing. Over a two
week period, the 29 EIB candidates from 2nd Platoon completed a 6 day train-up on all the tasks associated with EIB and
the following week completed EIB testing. The testing week consisted of a physical fitness test, land navigation testing,
lane and task testing, and a 12-mile forced road march in under 3 hours. EIB testing historically has a high attrition rate, but all soldiers
that participate in EIB gain a better understanding of the tasks associated with being an Infantryman.

Upon completion of EIB testing, 6 soldiers were awarded the coveted EIB. We would like to congratulate the recipients:
SSG Waeltz, SGT Farris, SGT Johnson, SPC Pancoast, PFC Gialluca, and PFC Krohn on reaching this huge milestone
in their careers as Infantrymen. Over the next few weeks, 2nd Platoon will participate in an urban tactical training exercise
here on Camp Buehring with the intent of improving the Spartan Platoon’s ability operate in this complex environment.
The Spartan Platoon would like to thank the families for their continued support and will continue to tackle
each task they are given, executing to the best of there abilities.

3rd Platoon, Blackhawk Company, “The Outlaws,” remain vigilant in their duties at Camp Buehring. The Outlaw Platoon completed
Operation Desert Centurion. This successful training event achieved the goal of increasing regional stability through partnership with
allied nations. Following this event, Outlaw Soldiers participated in a simulated Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation. During this
training, soldiers learned the basics of managing the uncertain situations that an evacuation operations present. Your soldiers
performed well above standard accomplishing all tasks assigned. As many of you know the Regulars Battalion recently conducted Expert Infantryman’s Badge training. Three Outlaw Soldiers held up to the rigors of the training. These Soldiers are
SGT Beckmann, SPC Dufault, and SPC Musgrove.

The Outlaw Platoon is proud to welcome SFC Romero as their Platoon Sergeant. He is a capable leader chosen ahead of his peers
to take charge. This change in leadership came as SFC Lemaster moved from our Platoon to take on more responsibility in the Battalion.
The Outlaws are proud to have served with this distinguished leader. SGT Beckmann recently passed the Staff Sergeant promotion board. Additionally, SPC Harding and SPC Gualtieri passed the Sergeant’s Promotion Board. These young leaders have proven
themselves capable of taking on more difficult tasks and responsibilities in the future.

Looking into the near future, the Platoon is preparing for another upcoming partnership opportunity. We will focus on urban
operations and continue to strengthen our regional bonds. Ultimately, this enhances the larger mission of regional stability.
As always, The Outlaw Platoon will continue to successfully execute all assigned missions and make their Army and Family proud.

As we approach the last couple of months of the deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield, I want to express how proud
I am of the Soldiers of Cobra Company!

These men have done so much in the past six months I don’t even know where to begin. From the moment we set foot on the
ground, it has been a non-stop roller coaster ride. The last three months have been chalked full of Emergency Deployment Readiness
Exercises at the Kuwait Naval Base, Humanitarian Aid dispensing drills, and most importantly, the transition from tanks to Humvees
in support of the Camp Buehring Quick Reaction Force. Whatever the mission, Cobra Soldiers are ready to step up to the task.

As we move towards the final months of this deployment, the pace will not slow down. The Soldiers of Cobra company
will engage in recertification of first responder training, Level I Combatives certification, gunnery skills testing, warrior
task training and un-stabilized machine gun familiarization before we pack our containers for the trip home. This will maintain
proficiency in current tasks and prepare us for any operations in the future.

Congratulations to SPC Sanchez of the CRT for his promotion to Sergeant. This is a huge step for a young enlisted Soldier
and a great success for the Regular Battalion.

To the families back home, thank you for the continued support you have given your husbands and fathers throughout
this deployment. Your efforts have ensured these men have had the care and affection they need from half way around the globe.

The Soldiers of Cobra Company will continue to exceed all standards and push the envelope.

Well we have certainly come a long way since my last note. We have completed gunnery, a combined arms live fire
exercise, a humanitarian exercise, and a joint mission with the BSB and Navy. Recently, we have taken over the Quick Reaction
Force for the Camp, which means that we now provide constant and reactive security for the entire camp. I am very proud
of all the guys in the company for their hard work and dedication to duty as fellow Cobras and Regulars.

At gunnery we had an overall superior average of 852 and that is a tribute to the hard work that the NCO corps has instilled
in their Soldiers with everyday training and standards . The conditions were very harsh with the wind reaching gusts of over
30knots at times and the blazing heat reaching temperatures that surpassed 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The platoon live fire exercises
were exactly the same type of conditions with additionally having to train from within a sandstorm. I can proudly say that there
were no heat injuries for any of the training events and that is due to the fact that the platoons look out for one other and mitigate as much
risk as possible. Upon returning from platoon life fire exercises Cobra Company was called upon once again to begin the QRF mission,
which we were handpicked by the Brigade Commander to do. That says quite a bit about the quality of the Soldiers in Cobra Company.

The guys have put in a lot of long hours and yet they press on. I applaud them for being disciplined enough to do that.
I can tell you all that it is not easy and I thank all the family members for supporting our Soldiers. We cannot continue to thrive
in our daily tasks and drills without the support from home. The motivation would be hard to come by if the guys had to worry about
family all the time. Thanks again for your support!!! Looking forward we are now well over the halfway point
and almost all of Cobra company should be back before Halloween.

With the summer months coming to an end, Soldiers are finally able to enjoy some outdoor activities without the constant
120+ degree temperatures. Having completed tasks such as supporting the BSB in a joint mission and completing
vehicle transfers to 1-66 AR it has become prevalent information that our time in Kuwait is drawing to a close. This does not
change our mission or mindset as we must stay focused in order to prevent complacency and accidents.

The platoon is working diligently while spearheading another mission as the Camp Buehring QRF. They have had to move the
Company as well as their own dwellings in order to facilitate a more effective unit. The platoon is adjusting quite well
to the new Company Headquarters and has begun additional training and inspections to accommodate the new mission. Training and
inspections have included Combatives, Raider First Responder, CBRN, Rollover safety, Arms room inspections, M1151 (Humvee)
Services, PHA, and additional core competency training specific to their PMOS.

The platoon understand that the time is now to step up and maintain the high standards that have been held up until this point. There is no
room for error and we must continue to train hard and maintain our focus as we begin to train alongside new units and soon our
replacement counterparts. The platoon is dedicated to their training and have the leadership in place to uphold the Raider standard.
As this newsletter reaches home we maintain our place and continue to strive for a better tomorrow.

I would personally like to thank the friends and family who have supported each of us throughout this deployment and extend
my deepest gratitude for the sacrifices made.

As always, First Platoon has been incredibly busy since the last newsletter. Since early May, we have fired tank gunnery, conducted
a platoon live fire, drawn six up-armored HMMWVs, conducted a mission that consisted of loading vehicles onto a ship,
and changed our mission completely by becoming the Camp Buehring Quick Reaction Force.

May, June, and July consisted of rapidly increasing temperatures (eventually reaching nearly130 degrees Fahrenheit) and almost daily
sandstorms. Before the incredible heat and high winds came, however, we had the pleasure of experiencing multiple rare torrential
downpours and lightning storms while out in the field. Despite the constant adversity from the weather, First Platoon has continued
to perform admirably in any task that is thrown its way. We have experienced an almost one hundred and eighty degree change in
mission while going from firing tank gunnery and live fire exercises to performing the camp quick reaction force role in the span
of only three months. Our ability to do this successfully is a testament to the dedication and ability of the Soldiers
of First Platoon and all of Cobra Company.

There have also been numerous opportunities for Soldiers to decompress have some fun. Everyone in the platoon has continued
to improve their level of physical fitness by going to the gym regularly and participating on one of the company sports teams
for the 1-22 IN Battalion’s Birthday tournament. Many Soldiers have demonstrated their work ethic and willingness to serve others by
accumulating one hundred hours or more of volunteer time at the USO.

On behalf of all of First Platoon, I would like to thank again all of our friends, family, and the
Charlie Company FRG for all of your continued support during the deployment.

Since the last time I wrote we have completed Gunnery Table VI, Platoon Live Fire, a mock APS5 draw, the drawing of
our HMMWVs, the turn in of our beloved tanks, a training missions with the BSB (Brigade Support Battalion) and
the start of our new mission, the QRF (Quick Reaction Force) for Camp Buehring.

During Table VI, all of the crews earned their tanker boots and the platoon average was an 865 out 1000. SFC Kovalchick’s crew,
consisting of SPC Shae, SPC Tickle and PV2 Mills shot the highest in the platoon with a score of 911, earning them the title
of qualifying “distinguished” and an AAM (Army Achievement Medal). To close out our tank training we completed a
platoon live fire which involved all four tanks engaging different targets at the same time. We were able to fire
a combined number of fifty eight main gun rounds!

Soon after this, Charlie Company began to shift its mission towards the Camp’s QRF. We had to draw six HMMWVs
for this mission. Additionally, we signed over all of our tanks to 1-66AR as soon as they touched ground, close to a month ago.
Soon after the sign over, the platoon was part of a company mission to provide security for the BSB as they trained for a
humanitarian aid mission in which they had to load onto ships, ready to be shipped anywhere within our area of operations.

Now that 1st Brigade has taken overall command of the Camp, we have truly picked up the QRF mission for the camp.
We have begun to slowly acclimate ourselves to the ever changing time schedule demanded of us, and the men do it
without a complaint. Even though the schedule has been demanding, we have been able to make a company trip down to one of
the southern camps that had a pool and movie theater for an extended weekend. Additionally, we have been
able to get the men on multiple MWR trips into or around Kuwait City which is always a morale boost.

Looking into the future, we will continue to assimilate to our new schedule for QRF while still maintaining
our operational flexibility. When not on our cycle for QRF we will be able to train on subjects that we did
not have time for during the beginning of the deployment, such as getting the men Level One Combatives certified.

The Platoon has accomplished a variety of tasks since Gunnery. SSG Johnson and his crew SGT Vega, PFC Molina
and PFC Odegard scored the highest in the platoon during the final table VI of gunnery, qualifying distinguished.
The whole platoon earned their tanker boots by qualifying first time. Since gunnery, the platoon has successfully completed a platoon
live fire in which our 4 tank platoon maneuvered and fired live tank rounds at enemy targets. Collectively, the platoon fired over
60 tank rounds. The platoon live fire concluded our last training exercise on the tanks. Soon after that training exercise,
our company mission shifted and we focused on preparing to be Camp Buehring’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF). We signed
over the tanks to 1-66AR as soon as they arrived last month and promptly signed for 6 HMMWVs and began preparing for
our new mission. We then successfully trained with Brigade Support Battalion and validated Operation Raider Hope,
which was a contingency humanitarian operation prepared to deploy by sea to a host nation and provide aid. Now that
our Brigade has taken command of the camp, our company and our platoon has adapted and remained flexible. We are
aided in tasks across the camp in order to maintain the successful operation of Camp Buehring.

Although the platoon has accomplished so much, we have still set time aside to relax, get off camp and explore Kuwait City.
We also spent one day off and had a platoon party, grilled some hot dogs and hamburgers, and played some volleyball.
We continue to take trips to a few Kuwaiti malls and history museums. We have also taken some trips to a larger camp with a
pool. Many Soldiers in the platoon are close, if not already, to reaching over 100 hours volunteering their
personal time at the USO.

Coming up, the platoon is continuing to adjust to the new mission and remain flexible. Now that the platoon is settled into
the new living area, we will begin a new cycle rotation as the Quick Reaction Force but maintain our mission readiness
by training during the time we are not actively involved in the QRF mission.