1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Updates October 2010 Page 3

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

1st Battalion Newsletter

October 2010

D Company, FSC, L Troop 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

Hello from our brand new operating base!

We “cut the ribbon” to what is called ACS-4 on October 9th, 2010. Please know that this event did not include
anything spectacular save toasting with cold bottles of water. The process lasted about three weeks as we awaited
this new build. I am happy to share with all of you that it is a nice place to call home. We will have plenty
of improvement projects to complete before we consider it truly finished.

Along with establishing a new base, we welcomed a couple of new units under the Dealer Company guidon.
First, the Battalion Mortar Platoon led by 1LT Dunkin and SSG Strickland will prove an extremely valuable asset
and combat multiplier. They will live and operate out of our location. We also received a Military Police (MP) Platoon
from Fort Lewis. These Soldiers are led by 1LT Moyer and SFC Vader. This element will help us professionalize
the Afghan National Police while simultaneously sharing lessons learned from earlier operations. I am happy
to have them. They currently occupy our old headquarters location at the Provincial Reserve. Together with one
MP Platoon, we also received one MP Squad from Fort Drum. This element is led by SSG Jurecki. They will live
and operate out of ACS-4. Again, they will focus on improving the Afghan Security Forces from a MP perspective.
Well, one receiveth and one taketh away…unfortunately, the new force organization required us to part with
2nd Platoon. Please know that they will continue to live and operate out of ACS-2, but they will take direction
from a Military Police Company. I know 2nd Platoon will do a phenomenal job for that MP unit commander.
In addition, they are only five minutes up the road from our location. Therefore, 1SG and I will always be able to
help them out if required. 3rd Platoon remains at ACS-5 and word has it that they have improved that living space
to a very comfortable standard. 1st Platoon is currently occupying a strongpoint just north of ACS-4.
They will remain at this location in order to conduct missions in the northern part of our area of operations.
In the future they will live and operate out of ACS-4. Don’t let them fool you…their compound has a stream
running through it and a deep water well. We also welcomed a new platoon leader to our formation.
1LT Greg Galeazzi will assume the call sign Dealer 16 and work with SFC Marceau to continue
the accomplishments of that platoon.

With the force realignment we are now in charge of a Kandahar City sub-district. We will continue to
conduct operations to improve the security for the local population while also helping increase the effectiveness
and capabilities of our partnered Afghan security forces. We won a strategic victory here in Malajat.
Now we will hold that terrain and protect the population.

1ST Platoon continues to get after the fight in the central section of our area. They are currently building effective
partnerships with an Afghan National Police unit that resides just around the corner from 1ST Platoon’s Shangrila.
Also, three Soldiers from 1ST Platoon received recognition from GEN Casey, the Army Chief of Staff.
PFC Gates will receive his Combat Infantryman’s Badge. PFC Anastasi will receive his Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
PFC Gleba will receive his Combat Medic Badge. This is a great honor to have GEN Casey present these awards.
Don’t worry; we will get pictures to those Soldiers.

2ND Platoon is a significant operational loss. They have collected a wealth of battlefield knowledge over the course
of the past three months. However, I am confident that they will continue to set an impressive example for the MP unit.
1LT West and SFC Grimmett will maintain the same area of operation. In fact, our areas share a common boundary.
Therefore, our operations will prove mutually supportive. 2ND Platoon will continue to build solid relationships
with village leaders and improve their partnered Afghan Security Forces.

3RD Platoon operates without a fault. They moved to a new location, established themselves, and immediately
improved the life support at ACS-5. 1LT Denn and SFC Morales continue to get after the fight while establishing
effective relationships with local leaders. They maneuver inside of villages and rural areas.

I cannot say enough about our Company Headquarters element. They balanced a wealth of tasks as we reset
our battle space. 1LT Calvo and SSG Pierce did a fantastic job maintaining their footprint at the Provincial
Reserve while we moved into ACS-4. They needed to track our movements, forward reports, receive resupply,
and secure that location. Upon receiving the call to move, they immediately began moving an enormous amount
of equipment to our new base. Their hard work paid huge dividends for us over the course of the past few weeks.
No words can express how proud I am about our achievements. Leaders at national levels speak about
our operations inside of Malajat.

Earlier this week two Senators stopped by ACS-4 and joined us on a dismounted patrol around our new base.
SEN Udall from Colorado and SEN Whitehouse from Rhode Island asked questions and spent time talking
to Soldiers. I appreciated their visit as it demonstrated the level of interest our Congressional leaders have
in our operations. Bottom line; your Soldiers continue to accomplish great things. We will maintain this
in the upcoming months.

The Afghan winter is fast approaching as temperatures drop into the 50s at night. However, the day time
still proves extremely warm. Personally, I am looking forward to cooler temperatures all day.

I thank each and every one of you for your continued support to my Soldiers. Letters and care packages go
a long way to improve morale. I would like to thank Mr. Tom Moody for volunteering the Crestview Hospital
(Crestview, FL) to support Delta Company. His group has sent almost 20 packages to our Soldiers.
Great work, Tom! I pray every night for your Soldiers and your Family Members. The days continue to pass by
quickly for us. We remain extremely busy as we conduct operations. Your Soldiers achieve so much…trust me.

All the best,
CPT Ethan Olberding
Dealer 6

Hello to all of the Dealer Family,

First off I would like convey to all the families how proud I am off all the Dealer Soldiers; they are truly the best
our great nation has to offer. We are starting our third month in Afghanistan, and most are working on their third
or fourth living area. All of our great platoons are housed in SAFE, defendable locations; some have it a little better
than others with internet access, running water etc.. But all are doing well and making do with what they have.
We are striving to get the internet and all other standards of living improved at all locations.

With our company spread out over four locations it is a challenge to see all of your great Soldiers as much as I
would like. I do my best to get out to at least one location a week and spend a night or two with them.
However with daily contact between the Platoon Sergeants and myself, I keep a close eye on all our Soldiers
and ensure all needs are met and as many of the wants as possible. One of the big topics I try to keep up on
is who is getting mail and who is not. If you would be willing to send a letter or package to a Soldier please
send me an email and I will get a name to you.

I would like to finish with this: all of yall are truly the Wife, Son, Daughter, Father, Mother, Brother,
or Sister of the greatest Soldier I have had the privilege to serve with in my 20+ years of service to our great nation.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES
AMEN.
CHARLES R. JONES 1SG, USA First Sergeant

To the Families of 1st Platoon (“Reapers”):
Greetings from sunny Afghanistan!
As many of you know from the occasional email, letter, or phone call, our platoon is certainly busy over here.
Many hours of hard work are being spent protecting the people of Afghanistan. The days are long and our
partnership with the Afghan Security Forces is a challenge. None-the-less, the spirits are high among the men
in the Reaper Platoon. We pass our time playing board games, or sharing stories of home around a fire.
As always, the letters and packages from you keep smiles on our faces and help us to look forward to a
speedy return to all of you back in the states. Thank you all for the much appreciated prayers and support.
We’ll be in touch when we can.
On behalf of the men from the Reaper Platoon,
1LT Greg Galeazzi and SFC Keith Marceau
Platoon Leader Platoon Sergeant

1ST platoon, 170 MP Company, also known as the Rouge platoon, deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McCord Tacoma
Washington on 18 June 2010 to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The Rouge platoon consists of 33 Military Police Soldiers
and 2 Medics of which over half are on their first combat deployment. The Rouge platoon is headed by 1LT Moyer
the platoon leader, SFC Vader the platoon sergeant, SGT Wright 1st squad leader, and SSG Soto 2nd squad leader.
Upon initial arrival into Afghanistan 1st platoon had the responsibility of mentorship for 4 Afghan Police stations
and their corresponding check points. The Soldiers of 1st platoon hit the ground running. From day one
it has been extremely demanding, but as in everything that we do the Soldiers of the Rouge platoon have answered
the challenges. 1st platoon continued to operate within the four districts they were responsible for over
the past 3 ½ months. In early October the battle space underwent realignment. With some personnel and
equipment shifts, 1st platoon found a new home working for Delta Company, 1-22 IN commanded by CPT Olberding.
The platoon’s current mission is continued mentorship/ partnership with Police Sub district 6.

During the month of October, 3rd Platoon continues to work hard each day to strengthen the security
and stability of Southern Kandahar City as well as the confidence and proficiency of the Afghan National Police.
Every member of the platoon has contributed to building stronger relationships among the Afghan National
Security Forces and citizens of Afghanistan. 3rd Platoon continues to conduct partnered missions, patrols,
and training with the Afghan National Civil Order Police, living and working by their side.

Early this month, the platoon was pleased to begin R&R rotations home and abroad, starting with SGT Bailey
and SPC Stinnett. Although it's always a struggle to fill in for the duties of departing soldiers, each certainly
deserves some time off for their constant hard work, and we will be happy to welcome them back after a
couple weeks of rest and relaxation.

3rd Platoon was fortunate to welcome SPC Grigg, SGT Tackett, and PVT Hammond this month. SPC Grigg
had to deploy late, but after two months, the platoon is happy to welcome him back. SGT Tackett joins
the platoon after completing his assignment at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA and now works
as a team leader in 3rd Platoon. PVT Hammond from Echo FSC is the platoon cook, and recently came to
the platoon to replace another soldier for his R&R. Good meals are vital for health and morale in Afghanistan,
and the platoon has appreciated PVT Hammond's hard work and good attitude.

As the deployment progresses, the soldiers of 3rd Platoon continue to demonstrate their strength, commitment,
and determination to accomplish the mission and take care of their comrades.

**********************

Welcome Friends and Family to another glimpse into Eliminator Company.

During the last month we have improved our life support needs, increased the efficiency of our patrols,
and have had some memorable events that will last a lifetime. Your Soldiers continue to inspire me day to day
on the continuous hard work that they perform in order for us to succeed.

We now have fully functional “hot showers”. This has been a priority as the night time temperatures dip into
the fifties even though the day is still in the mid nineties. We currently have a contract under way for three
shower trailers and a septic tank to get installed as well. Those should be complete by this time next month.
A master electrician came out to Hotel California and completed installation of wiring and continuous
power supply. Our operating base is now safe from power surge issues and electrical fire problems.
This fix allowed us to install three new American made laundry machines so Soldiers can spend less time
hand washing clothes. God bless our grandparents for the diligent work they did washing clothes by hand!
We still keep the hand washing boards and ringers available for back-up and there are a select few who actually
enjoy the “classic” way of washing and drying clothes. Also of note is an upcoming improvement in our
MWR computers. There are a couple sponsors for our company that are donating web cams for all of our computers.
There will now be nearly no waiting time to get on and video chat with family and friends. Last and definitely
not least in the quality of life arena is mail. Mail comes in on a regular basis ranging between ten and fourteen days.
Everyone has been getting mail and the supporters from Any Soldier and Soldier’s Angels send packages
for those that only get one or two each time. There are numerous family supporters as well that donate their
time putting together packages for the Company and we all greatly appreciate your efforts.

There have been some notable and memorable events over the past month. SGT Palacios has cracked the code
on getting fresh fruits and vegetables as well as fresh cold cuts for sandwiches from the distributer down
to each company and platoon location. For many, it had been over two months since eating a fresh piece
of fruit and now sandwiches replace the monotonous MRE! SGT Palocios is now working on getting charcoal
for forward locations so they can expand on their cooking capabilities. This time of year is also the season
for enlisted Soldiers to think about extending their career with the Army. Just this month we have had six Soldiers
raise their right hand and volunteer to maintain a future in the Army. At such a historical time, these Soldiers
have exonerated selfless service to our Great Nation by vowing to serve in the future. This month I had the privilege
of promoting seven motivated and hard working individuals. It was also a special time for PFC Madden.
His father, 1SG Madden, was able to fly from his location in northern Afghanistan to attend his son’s promotion
ceremony and pin on his new rank! They spent a week together and were able to share stories of their
unique experiences. Lastly, this month celebrated the ritual of the dawning of our combat patch.
This event signifies the milestone of serving in combat and allows for each Soldier to wear the 4th Infantry Division
on their right sleeve. For many in our formation this was a first time event and for all it was memorable.
We conducted it at night in full gear with torches lit and inspirational bagpipes audible in the background.
Each leader was afforded the opportunity to place the “Ivy” symbol on the shoulder of their Soldier.

There are many people to thank among you who have taken the time to read this month’s newsletter.
It is you that supports these fine men and women who diligently perform their jobs day to day. It is you
I thank for the moral and ethical lessons our Soldiers have learned and put to use every day making decisions
that may affect them and fellow Soldiers for years to come. Your Soldier’s work is proof that our country
is the greatest nation and that we can and will endure in any situation.
Thank You and I hope you enjoy this month’s history in pictures!

THE DIAMOND’S CUT

Another month has passed by quickly and the Soldiers will tell you they are so busy that the days just seem
to fly by. We are definitely set into our battle rhythm as we continue to do our daily resupply and are busy
with promotions and reenlistments. In September we began the GT improvement class to help Soldiers improve
their GT score. I would like to thank SGT Nicolas from the maintenance platoon for volunteering his time
to assist with teaching this class.

The quality of life here at Hotel California has changed and continues to change for the better. We were recently
able to install two shower trailers so the Soldiers can take a hot shower. Currently contractors are installing
three more shower/toilet trailers for the Soldier’s convenience. CW2 Smith coordinated for civilian electricians
to do some much needed electrical work on the hotel. These civilian electricians have made conditions here
at HC safer for everyone. They have installed lights in dark stairwells, cut off the 220 power and installed
110 power, rewired junction boxes and numerous other tasks.

The headquarters platoon has been doing a great job providing much needed supplies to the unit as well as
cooking up some great Army chow. The distribution platoon continues to do an outstanding job
with their daily resupply missions, while the maintenance platoon works hard to keep their vehicles on the road.
In addition to maintaining vehicles the maintenance platoon worked diligently on preparing gun trucks
so they could provide their own security for recovery missions.

I appreciate the hard work and effort the Soldiers of this unit put forth on a daily basis as they
continue to serve with honor.
First Sergeant Calvert
Eliminator 7

It is official that the company will have to move from Hotel California to a new location.
The entire platoon wishes that we could sign petitions to keep residing here at Hotel California especially
with the new addition of the sanitation tent, the hard wood floor dining area equipped with tables and chairs,
an actual containerized kitchen and last but not least we now have hot showers. Now that football season
has officially taken off, the MWR is the prime spot for cohesion. Most of the games come on in the wee hours
of the night, so it is a sacrifice to catch your favorite team at play. The night of the 5th of October 2010
was a historic occasion because we conducted a combat patch ceremony. For the first time deployers,
it meant that now they don’t have to walk around without a patch on their right shoulder and they could
take more pride in themselves for the sacrifice they have made. Those that have multiple deployments are grateful
as well to have received another combat patch but it is nothing like your first time. It was memorable though!

It has been business as usual for the crew at Hotel California. PFC Alcorta has been busy signing out
sensitive items and organizing the containers to make it more efficient to prepare storage areas for Soldiers
going on leave. The first two Soldiers in the shoot for leave are PVT Hill and PFC Watkins. They both
are ecstatic and have been counting the days until they will get on the bird. PVT Hill is taking his first trip to
Germany with hopes of eating some exquisite food, drink some beers and hopefully meet Mrs. Right!
PFC Watkins will be returning back to his hometown of Cleveland Ohio. PFC Watkins plans on spoiling his wife
by taking her on a surprise shopping spree to the mall and spending quality time with the rest of his family.

SPC Finnigan has been pondering over the idea of improving her GT score to change her Military Occupational
Specialty or to reenlist. SPC Finnigen has stepped up to the first cook position this month and has performed
her duties flawlessly. SPC Finnigen is a single parent whose motivation is to return home to her new baby girl.
SPC Goods, AKA DOC Goods, is our high speed combat medic that spends countless hours as a sick call medic
taking care of all Soldiers medically. SPC Goods also go on patrol with the distribution and maintenance platoons.
SPC Matin has been doing an awesome job at area 7-2. His motivation is reuniting with his family and trying
to figure out which restaurant he will take his wife out to. PVT Hammond spent some time this month with
the crew at Hotel California. PVT Hammond often talks about that he would like to have a son so that he
could name him junior. For now, PVT Hammond’s motivation is his beautiful Dodge Charger that is equipped
with 22inch rims. SGT Burse is a self sufficient Noncommissioned Officer that has been taking extra care
of his area at 9-1. SGT Burse is a serious family man who is very passionate about automobiles. SGT Burse
has several hot ideas for improvements to his Expedition once the deployment is complete. SPC Ramirez
wants to serve at Hotel California but unfortunately duty calls for him to perform his duties at site 8-1.
PFC Ortiz is always full of positive energy and it is contagious. PFC Ortiz wants to be airborne and get stationed
overseas. PFC Ortiz’s motivation is his wife and baby girl, Lily. The day and night shift duo of CPL Hamic
and SGT Durance are both dedicated professionals that have manned their post in the Tactical Operation Center
with upmost diligence.

After performing their duties for a little more than two months now, each of them could perform their tasks
with one hand tied behind their backs. PFC Scott worked part time in the MWR as a monitor but now she is back
with the dining facility crew being the mother of the area. She is constantly yelling at Soldiers to wash their hands
and bring her items that she need to prepare or serve meals. Hotel California’s original first cook SGT Smith
got the opportunity to run his own show by going forward to area ACS 4. SGT Smith set up a new dining
facility area that provides ACS 4 with quality meals instead of the MREs that they were use to eating.
PFC Murphy has been doing a phenomenal job at Provincial Reserve and he admits that he really misses his
new wife and the rest of the platoon. PFC KO has remained highly motivated. I am often hearing words of praise
of how well he does his job. Unfortunately his time in the service is getting short because he is planning on
getting out of the military. SPC White has continued to work hard and flex his new Specialist rank when
Soldiers try to leave his dining area untidy. SPC White plans to reenlist soon to serve more time at FT. Carson.
SPC white will be the third Soldier to go on leave. He will return to Ft. Carson to see his wife and new born baby.
SGT Taylor takes initiative and does what needs to be done without waiting to be told what to do. SGT Taylor
is self motivated and everyday he talks about going on leave in December and re-enlisting for Fort Polk.

SSG Rivera has been on top of his game by going from site to site to check on Soldiers and to get three
Soldiers license to drive the fork lift to facilitate upload and download of food and water delivery. Of note,
SSG Rivera’s sister is getting married in December. SSG Rivera also tries to find someone to challenge him
at working out every day. SGT Crosby motivates not only the Soldiers but the Afghan interpreters as well.
SGT Crosby is a true example of doing more with less. Lately Sgt Crosby talks about settling down and
getting married. SPC Gombar stood out amongst his peers and received a coin from the ISAF Command
Sergeant Major for providing exceptional service not only to the Soldiers but to the Afghan counter parts
at Police Sub Station 3. SGT Rivers went to Kandahar Army Airfield; she got the opportunity to work
directly for the S4, SFC Zelinsky, and make necessary contacts with BSB personnel to order and ship out
vital classes of supplies in order to support the task force.

SSG Thomas paid a visit to Hotel California to make sure supply accountability and the sending/receiving supplies
are working correctly and efficiently. SGT Palacios moved from the Afghan National Civil Police site to Kandahar
Army Airfield to work at the class I yard to ensure every class I request that gets sent up, get filled and shipped out
in a timely manner. He has done an incredible job. He facilitated the requisition of fresh fruits, vegitables, and cold cuts
out to the check points and police sub stations. This was the first time many Soldiers have had a piece of fresh fruit
in over two months. SPC Felix has moved from Hotel California to the Afghan National civil Police site to fill
SGT Placios’ shoes and she has been doing a superb job preparing and serving meals. The astonishing
Female engagement team members, SSG Soto, SPC Metts and PFC Olsen have been very busy venturing
into the Mir Bazaar village to talk to female Afghans to gather intelligence and check on their living conditions.
Another major task of the Female Engagement Team was to conduct searches of female Afghans at check points;
surprisingly they allowed the FET to talk to them openly with positive feedback. The FET conducted searches
of over 200 Afghan females without incident. A special congratulation is in order for CPL Hamic, SGT Taylor,
LT Wilson and CPT Rossol for having birthdays in the month of October.

SFC James Jarmon
HQ Platoon Sergeant

Maintenance Platoon Family and Friends,
I once again have the pleasure of updating you on the outstanding work your Soldiers have accomplished
this past month. As always, every Soldier in the Maintenance Platoon has worked together to accomplish
every mission assigned, no matter how difficult or time consuming the task. Each Soldier has contributed
in some way to its accomplishment.

The platoon has taken on the full time job of force protection and the added mission of managing the
MWR Facility. Every Soldier is performing several different tasks a day while at the same time providing
the best maintenance and recovery support for the Battalion. When not working or on guard each Soldier finds
different ways to keep themselves motivated, by working out in the gym, chatting on the computer or phones
with family members or watching a movie. But as always mail is the number one morale booster for the platoon.
So far SPC Beebe and SPC Brookshire are leading the Platoon in most boxes received. This month
we were also privileged to learn about SPC Beebe’s escapade with a vicious beaver in the local swimming hole
when he was ten.

With every deployment there brings the earning of the combat patch that every new Soldier desires, myself
and CW2 Smith were honored to present each Section Sergeant with the 4th ID combat patch and were equally
honored to observe them present each one of their Soldiers with their patch. Every family member can be proud
of their Soldiers accomplishments, they have worked hard and I am confident they will continue to excel in all
missions assigned.

In closing I would like to welcome to the Maintenance Platoon family Lily McBroom who was born on the
28th of September and Asher Jones born on the 2nd of October. We look forward to the birth of
Kason Wiblishouser coming up in the near future. Congratulations to all families!

SFC Scopazzo
Maintenance PSG

Well, it’s been roughly two and a half months since we’ve been on ground, and boy does time fly when
you’re having fun. The Dirty platoon has been accomplishing missions daily as we continue to supply the Task Force.
A fellow officer once told me why he has so much respect for support platoons, and it never really occurred to be
until now how true the statement was. He explained to me that although very important to the success of a
military force, the ‘grunts’ goal is to fix and engage the enemy with force. However, our goals are the same
but executed in a different manner in that we embody selfless service; always putting the betterment of other
Soldiers before ourselves so they can be better prepared to fight a relentless enemy. We travel these roads
for our brothers and sisters in arms.

The hours have been longer, and the missions have been dangerous, but fortunately we have been protected
from harm and no Soldier has been injured from a combat related incident. Our CLP team has sharpened
their skills and become a formidable unit during our patrols. On several occasions we have been challenged
by the enemy, but we came out unscathed. We have learned the intricacies of Kandahar city and even
pushed out into the Arghandab River Valley to help our Blackhawk Company. In addition to the normal
resupply CLPs we’ve also helped several 1-22IN units relocate to better position themselves in our
area of operation. The openings of new check points keep us on our toes as we are called to load heavy
equipment and transport it through arduous terrain, normally unfit to traverse.

This month we are especially pleased to begin sending soldiers home for R&R. This is a great time for
Soldiers to see their families, but also brings new challenges to the platoon, tackling additional load shifts
and filling in gun crew positions in the absence of those individuals. We are excited for those Soldiers
to go home and rest a couple of weeks, and we are equally as excited for them to come back to us
as everyone here has their role to play.

The bond I’m beginning to notice among our platoon is essential to our lengthy stay here. The down-time we do
receive is enjoyed by some with a group playing Xbox, some sleeping, watching movies, or just talking
or working out. We trust each other more, and rely on one another more, which leads me to believe that the
success of our mission will be that much more in our grasp. The stories are beginning to gather within the platoon
and we’ll have enough to write a novel upon our return home.

1LT Jason Underwood
Distribution Platoon Leader

**********************

Four months down, eight to go!

While many days since we departed on June 6th seemed long, the deployment races past. Elections security
was a resounding success. For the first time, no violence marred election day in Spin Boldak district.
In every village, the locals expressed their gratitude to the men of Lightning Troop for their hard work
leading up to and on September 18th.

Anyone familiar with L Troop understands how proud we are of our regiment’s distinguished history.
Authorized by an Act of Congress dated May 23rd, 1836, the 2d Cavalry Regiment is the oldest
continually-serving regiment in the United States Army. However, Congress only authorized ten companies.
A few weeks ago, we discovered that Companies L and M were authorized in 1862 as part of a general expansion
of the Army’s regular cavalry regiments during the American Civil War (or War of Northern Aggression
for those of Southern extraction). According to Dave Gettman of the 2d Cavalry Association, L Company
began organizing and recruiting in October 1862. So, we planned a troop BBQ and 148th birthday
celebration with near beer, horseshoes, and cornhole for this week…

One Army saying goes, “Plan early, plan twice.” This plan was no different. Last week, we received orders
to lend a hand to our infantry brethren up north. The past several days passed like a storm as the troop
moved from Spin Boldak to join 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, and assume responsibility for three Afghan
National Security Forces checkpoints and police stations in Kandahar City. It is a much different fight here,
but the troopers are excited about their new mission alongside new Afghan partners. We are eager to
pick up the ball, move it down the field with our own trademarked combination of cavalry panache
and can-do attitude, and demonstrate yet again that the Dragoons are “Always Ready.”

I cannot adequately express how proud I am to command L Troop. Your husbands, brothers, sons, grandsons,
and fathers are doing an amazing job here. They maintain their endearing confidence and supreme
professionalism in the face of every challenge.

Thank you so much for your support! God bless you and please keep us in your prayers.

Light ‘em up!
Ed Mikkelsen
LIGHTNING 6

Family and Friends of Lightning Troop,

I cannot be happier in all the effort the troopers put forth in preparing and relocating to our new area
of operations in Kandahar City. As we get ourselves established, I cannot thank TF Regular enough
for the warm welcome to their team. Since our arrival, we have fine tuned the force protection measures
at our new home alongside a platoon of military police, making it safer for all of us. I first thought that mail
would be a problem for us, but thanks to the hard work and coordination of SABER Squadron, mail will only
be a few days late. As for living conditions, we are improving things at our combat outpost; please bear in mind
it is more austere here than at Spin Boldak. However, the troopers’ morale is still high
as they look forward to our new mission.

We still have the means to communicate with our loved ones, though not in the comfort of air-conditioned
housing units. The main drawback is that we now have limited times when we can talk or SKYPE with you
due to the number of personnel here versus limited computers and phone lines. Finally, I want to thank all
our supporters for the massive support you have given L Troop. I do realize that this is hard on all of us,
but our troopers really appreciate all you have done for us during this deployment.
Thank you again,

Talmadge M. Ruffin
1SG, USA
LIGHTNING 7
“Light ‘em up!”

1st Platoon is excited by our new mission in support of Task Force Regular. Not surprisingly,
our infantry troopers are eager to work for an infantry battalion. We may be a small platoon,
but we are more than ready to start tackling the problems of Kandahar City.

In Spin Boldak district, we tested the limits of our Stryker reconnaissance vehicles, taking them over terrain
previously thought impassible by wheeled combat vehicles…and some terrain that really was impassable
by wheeled combat vehicles. The platoon did an amazing job engaging the populace, partnering with the
Afghan Border Police, and disrupting insurgent traffic throughout the district. More importantly, the platoon
became a cohesive combat outfit. The junior leaders and troopers demonstrate amazing resiliency, initiative,
and leadership every day. My platoon sergeant SSG Jon Wesserling and I could not be more proud
to lead this group of Dragoons into Kandahar City.

With our new mission come new challenges for 1st Platoon. While we regularly conducted foot patrols
in and around Lowy Karez, the new dismounted focus will allow us to truly embrace the “rifleman” aspect
of our Dragoon heritage. Also, even though the more austere living conditions here may distress our families more,
the support from Task Force Regular is excellent. The men can hardly wait to begin patrolling in earnest.
LTC Padgett and his staff welcomed us with open arms, giving 1st Platoon confidence that however long
our mission lasts, our service will remain consistent with the finest traditions of the Army and our two storied regiments.

2LT Andrew Gregory
LIGHTNING 11

Dear Old Friends and Family of Lightning White Platoon and our new Friends and Family from the Regulars,
Greetings from Kandahar City! As some of you might already know, L Troop, 2SCR, recently moved from
FOB Spin Boldak to a Combat Outpost (COP) in Kandahar City to support operations there. It certainly is
quite a scenery change, as we have traded small villages, deserts and mountains for the hustle and bustle of a major city.
However, our troopers’ mission, focus, and professionalism have not changed at all, and your sons, fathers,
and husbands continue to distinguish themselves in all that they do. Their flexibility will ensure that no matter
where Lightning Troop is sent, we will successfully complete the mission.

As Dragoons, your troopers are equally as comfortable on foot as mounted, and we will certainly put some miles
on our boots in the coming weeks. We are proud of the recent promotion of Private First Class Toth to Specialist,
and welcome Private Singleton back from a well-deserved R&R. As Lightning White soldiers continue
to rotate home for well-deserved leave, the platoon continues to live up to our unit’s motto, Toujour Prêt
(Always Ready). Your continued support and prayers are always appreciated,
and we thank 1-22 IN for the warm welcome.

Very Respectfully,
2LT Edwin den Harder

Hello New Friends & Family of The Regulars and Lightning Circle,
Mortar Platoon, along with the rest of L Troop, 2 SCR, left Spin Boldak for the busier realm of Kandahar City.
L Troop, having distinguished itself continually in S.B., was called on to help bring the same stabilization techniques
and mission flexibility to a new area and people. It is a change of scenery, but our men and the daily mission’s
outcome will remain the same: relentless and successful. Our comfortable home and lifestyle has transitioned
to something leaner. In these well-stocked COPs (Command Outposts), if we didn’t already know each other
extremely well, we will now.

Recently, CPL Salabarria was promoted to Sergeant thanks to his hard work, natural leadership, and terrific energy.
It was great to see him recognized for his great dedication.

While we miss our 4/2 SCR brethren, we received a tremendous welcome from 1-22 Infantry and the Raider Brigade.
We are now serving under Regulars, by God!

1LT Mark Osmack

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