Inside this issue:

Transitioning Home Unit News The Kid Zone Coming Home Old Glory

2 3-17 18 19 20

1 S T B AT TA L I O N 1 2 T H I N FA N T RY R E G I M E N T ( L I G H T )

Volume 1, Issue 6

The Red Warrior Path

October 2012

http://www.facebook.com/ one.twelve.infantry/info

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Transitioning Home by LTC Scott Green

As I write this letter, preparations are already underway for our return back home. I cannot tell you how excited all of us are to complete our mission here and return home to all of you. Despite our pending return, your Red Warriors continue to work diligently to put the finishing touches on everything here and transition operations to our Afghan partners in good order. This month has been filled with activity as we work to insure the success of our transition. As a part of our work CSM Marble and I have had the opportunity to present End of Tour awards and deployment coins to almost every Soldier in the Task Force. We still have a few locations to visit but, by and large, we have been able to meet and talk with everyone of our companies. I have to tell you I could not be more proud of our Red Warrior men and women. As I think back to where we started when we arrived to where we stand today, I am amazed at all they have accomplished. Their continued dedication to the mission, relentless drive, and selfless service are unparalleled. As we begin our transition back home, I encourage everyone to take advantage of the redeployment classes and other resources available. In this, sometimes, turbulent time where we are trying to get reacquainted with one another, life back home, and the changes that have occurred since we left, I believe communication enables us to work through the stresses. As CSM Marble and I talk to the team, we encourage them to communicate with their loved ones back home about how to begin to come to grips with the things that have changed and what their plans are to deal with those changes. I urge you to communicate with your Soldier and engage him or her in these topics as you converse. Again, the chain of command is committed to ensuring we have the smoothest transition back to home life as possible. I have seen and heard a lot of talk about notification of returning flights. Please monitor the Battalion Facebook page and the vFRG site for the latest updates for flights. Your Soldier continues to be the best source of information about his or her perspective redeployment flight/ date. We will do our level best to make sure accurate redeployment ceremony times associated with flights are posted. However, the Rear Detachment and the FRG will not have the most current information about which Soldiers are on which flights. That is why I continue to stress communication between you and your Soldier. Finally, as this is my last letter to all of you who have provided much appreciated support over this deployment, I want to say thank you one more time. The things you have done to support your Soldier and the Red Warrior Family have been integral to our success in this endeavor. CSM Marble and I greatly appreciate all you have done. Again, thank you and we cannot wait to see you when we return. Led By Love of Country.

Your Soldier continues to be the best source of information about his or her perspective redeployment flight/date.

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THE RED WARRIOR PATH is published by 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment (Light) for the families and friends of Red Warrior Soldiers. 1-12 Infantry (L) is part of Task Force Mountain Warrior (4 IBCT, 4 ID). The task force is currently deployed to Afghanistan, Regional Command East, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Contents of THE RED WARRIOR PATH are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government or the Department of Defense. Please send all questions or comments about THE RED WARRIOR PATH to CH (CPT) A. Lamont Risner at lamont.risner@afghan.swa.army.mil . ON THE FRONT COVER: Second Platoon Soldiers of Charlie Company, 1-12 Infantry (Light) partner with Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) while conducting an on-site inspection of the Naray Village Pipe Scheme.

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Easy Company by CPT Alex Bonilla

Albeit a rainy day, the 1st of October was a happy one We proudly promoted now SGT Eddy Carpenter and now SPC Marcy Glad. Saludos! Hello, that is, from FOB Bostick! We hope this newsletter finds you wellenjoying the season change. Here at Bostick, we too are slowly but surely adding layers to our uniforms as the days get a bit cooler, the rain more frequent, and the nights downright COLD! But, lets face it these are all good signs! We are that much close to being home with you! In the meantime, as you know, your Soldiers are busier than ever! The Distro crew continues to sling out stuff day and night, non-stop! The DFAC section is constantly receiving, sorting, distributing and making fabulous food. The Maintenance men and women are still turning wrenches, changing oils and working their handy-man magic on anything around the FOB. Finally, Headquarters is the glue that holds it all together providing all the necessary paperwork, and the much needed comic relief! Albeit a rainy day, the 1st of October was a happy one - We proudly promoted now SGT Eddy Carpenter and now SPC Marcy Glad. These two were just two of the recipients of battlefield promotions that we were authorized to execute. A battlefield promotion, as defined by ArmyTimes, is a, policy [that] gives commanders a special tool to recognize enlisted Soldiers for extraordinary job performance under combat conditions. Interestingly, [w]hile battlefield promotions were common during World War II and some later conflicts, sources say the pilot program, which started in April 2008, is the first time such promotions have been authorized since the Army centralized the management of promotions after the Vietnam War (www.armytimes.com) Congrats, SGT Carpenter and SPC Glad!

Soldiers of Easy Company stand tall during an awards ceremony at which LTC Green and CSM Marble presented them with medals for their hard work during the deployment.

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No mission is too tough for Easy Company, 1-12 Infantry (L). Whether preparing containers for air retrograde from FOB Bostick (left), keeping vehicles fueled and ready (below), assisting Afghan our Afghan partners with repairs (opposite page, top), or literally changing the landscape at FOB Bostick (opposite page, bottom), the Soldiers of Easy Company get the job done!

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The Easy Company command team: CPT Bonilla, 1SG Johnson, and 1LT Readinger (Company Executive Officer)

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Dog Company by CPT Adam Marsh

A snowstorm or a mechanical or administrative problem could change flight dates and times at a moments notice... The time we have all been waiting for is finally here! This is the last newsletter from Afghanistan. As I sit writing this, I know that most DOG Soldiers will be home in less than 40 days. It has been a long deployment full of ups and downs, a lot of uncertainty, a lot of moving around, and a few close calls; but the Warriors of DOG CO performed admirably. I am extremely proud of what these great Warriors have accomplished; they continue to impress me every day with their commitment to do their duty. They have earned my respect and admiration. I am extremely honored and humbled to have led these Warriors in battle. It is something I know none of us will ever forget. The 1SG and I would like to thank all the Families for your support and patience through these trying times. I know Soldiers volunteer to do this job, but Family members are often left to take care of the Family, the household, the bills, and worrying about our safety while we ride around in helicopters, shoot cool guns, and blow stuff up. In actuality, you who stayed behind had the more difficult task. I wouldnt want to trade places with my wife; I know she had a rougher time with this deployment than I did. So, thank you Babe! And to all the Families, Thank you for your service and sacrifice. As the FRG finds out more about flight schedules and arrival times they will do their best to keep Families informed. Please remember that like everything else in the military, it is all subject to change. A snowstorm or a mechanical or administrative problem could change flight dates and times at a moments notice, so please continue to be patient. Were almost there and were moving as fast as we can. We will be coming home to a well deserved vacation, but there will be a few administrative tasks required before leave starts. All Soldiers will have to attend reintegration training. Some of the training can be done with Family members; homecomings are a joyful and sometimes difficult time all at once. There are a lot of emotions and changes to adjust to, so just remember youre not in it alone. There are many resources available prior to and after we get back to help with any problems that may come up. We are all Family and weve all been taking care of each other. That wont stop just because weve re -deployed. If you need help please just ask. So in closing, send no more mail to the APO, fill the car with gas, fill the fridge with beer, and get the women and children off the streets because we are coming home!

CPT Marsh and 1SG Davila pause for a picture while readying Company D for redeployment to Fort Carson.

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(above) Dog Company Soldiers fire an anti-tank missile from COP Kalagush. (below) CPT Marsh congratulates some of his troops after their promotions.

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(above) Shenanigans at the COP Kalagush dining facility. (below) Siesta time for CPT Rubley.

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Charlie Company by CPT Brian Sbertoli

One of the final tasks Charlie Company has been focused on during October is the progression and completion of two civil construction projects...

With October quickly coming to a close, the month has served as an important milestone for Charlie Company here at FOB Bostick in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. The company has been busier than ever, maintaining a steady operation tempo, preparing and transitioning Charlie Company-held outposts to our partnered Afghan forces, and aiding in the process of closure of FOB Bostick. The Company has been able to effectively accomplish all this, while at the same time, preparing for the Companys re-deployment to Fort Carson. One of the final tasks Charlie Company has been focused on during October is the progression and completion of two civil construction projects in the neighboring village of Naray. In the picture on the front cover, Second Platoon Soldiers, partnered with local Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP), conducted an on-site inspection of the Naray Village Pipe Scheme. Upon the completion of the Pipe Scheme, quality drinking water will be distributed throughout the village.

Village leaders, Afghan Uniformed Police, and Soldiers from Charlie Company discuss projects and issues that affect the local population.

A soldier from Charlie Company keeps watch at night at Observation Post Mustang in Kunar Province (Photo Courtesy of Reuters, Tim Winborne)

Also, construction on the Naray Micro-hydro Electric Plant (MHP) came to a successful completion after many months of labor. The MHP will allow the village to take advantage of the water supply from the Kunar River, providing electricity to the village. As Charlie Company deployed to Afghanistan back in March, one of the goals the Company aimed to achieve was the successful transition of American held outposts to partnered Afghan National Army forces. Over the past week, Charlie Company handed over responsibility of a very important Checkpoint to the Afghan National Army (ANA). First Platoon spent three days conducting Operation New Path, focusing on training and

familiarizing the ANA Platoon with the Checkpoint. Target Reference Point (TRP) training was the central point of focus, as First Platoon led the ANA in conducting battle drills and even incorporating the Afghan D-30 cannons into the training. As October passes and the calendar shows November, Charlie Company will prepare to say goodbye to the Afghans we have worked hand in hand with for the past eight months. With our farewells said here, we look forward to saying hello to our friends and Family back in Colorado. As always, Charlie Company would like to thank everyone back home for the continued support over the past months.

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Bravo Company by CPT Patrick Yun

We are now in the final few weeks of the deployment and everyone is anxiously waiting to see their Families and friends. Howdy from COP Monti! First and foremost, I am please to say that this is the last article I will be writing while Bravo Company is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The members of Bravo Company are sincerely thankful for the tremendous support and care that constantly finds its way to us from you all back in America. Your phone calls, emails, letters, care packages, and silent prayers mean so much, and we are grateful for them. We are continuing to grow closer to the day that we arrive back in Fort Carson, CO and reunite with all of our Family and friends. Your Soldiers have been busy finishing packing and preparing our battle space for the new incoming unit. October has seen a significant change in weather for COP Monti. The temperatures peak in the 70s now (rather than 100s with stifling humidity) and the nights are comfortable and even chilly sometimes. Rains come more often, which signals the arrival of the coming winter. Soon, well be turning up the heat coming from our Chigos and keeping the doors closed to save the warm air. Two of Bravo Companys platoons have spent several weeks at a small mountain-top outpost in northern Kunar. The outpost has spectacular views of the Upper Kunar River, the mountains that flank it, and the snow-capped peaks of the Hindu Kush mountains deep in Nuristan Province. The majestic panorama would remind any American visitor of the view from Pikes Peak. Although the air is colder at altitude and the autumn rain often chills our Soldiers on guard, the tremendous vista and the opportunity to get away from the hot and humid valley floor are worth any temporary discomfort. After eight months of hard work, 1SG Ralston has taken COP Monti to a new level of cleanliness, functionality, and organization. Each passing day brings new improvements that make the lives of our Soldiers easier, better, and cleaner. A fresh layer of gravel blankets each thoroughfare, a new latrine has replaced 1st Platoons old latrine, and a new DFAC opened after seven months of tireless coordination, management, and hands-on work. It seems that autumn in Northern Kunar is coming to an end and the cool winter breeze is right around the corner. We
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1SG Ralston stands in front of a purple plume of smoke.

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Bravo Company (continued)

(Continued from page 11)

...it is with much satisfaction that we can look back and say that we fought the good fight, we served with honor...

are now in the final few weeks of the deployment and everyone is anxiously waiting to see their Families and friends. These last few weeks are going to be long, but, before we know it, we will be standing in formation in the Special Events Center waiting to be released. We are thankful for all the support you have given us over the past eight months, including your patience and understanding. For those of you that stood for us, hopefully are prepared to

stand by us as we return to you and start our lives again. We have all changed in some ways during this deployment, but I am confident that with your unwavering support, we will find our way back to our normal routine, as though we had never left. As we return to Fort Carson and many of us look to go our separate ways, it is with much satisfaction that we can look back and say that we fought the good fight, we served with honor, we took care of each other, and we made a difference, however small it may be, during our time here in Afghanistan. Only a little while longer and well be home!

P.S. A huge shout out and congratulations to our newest precious additions to Bravo Company: SGT Kristopher Mosley and Lia Mosley had a healthy baby boy: Landen Ryder Mosley, 9 pounds, 6 ounces and 20.75 inches on 02 October 2012. SGT Brandon Workman and his wife Bailee had a healthy baby girl: Haven Elaine Workman, 5 pounds, 9 ounces and 18.5 inches. Congratulations again from all of TF Red Warrior!

(above) Welcome to Landen Ryder Mosley, a new member of the Bravo Company Family.

(right) Soldiers of Bravo Company stand tall on a mountain top in Kunar province.

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Alpha Company by CPT Erik Norman

Due to the commitment and hard work contributed by the Soldiers of Alpha Company, we will soon return home, with great pride at a mission accomplished.

Friends and Family of Alpha Company, it has been a busy few months for us here in Northern Kunar Province. Last month, we transitioned Combat Outpost Pirtle King and Observation Post Bari Alai to the Afghan National Army. The men did an excellent job helping them take over the sustainment and defense of the two positions. Thanks to our Soldiers hard work, the Afghan National Army is in great position to provide long term security and stability in Ghaziabad District. As we get closer to redeployment, the men can't help but become more and more The Plaque that was located at COP Pirtle King until it was transferred to the Afghan excited to see loved ones once National Army. again. The Company is buzzing with plans for first meals, makeup birthdays and anniversaries, and block leave agendas. As well, we have spent some time reviewing our accomplishments throughout our time here. 1SG Timmerman and I could not be prouder of what the Company has achieved in these nine months. Due to the commitment and hard work contributed by the Soldiers of Alpha Company, we will soon return home, with great pride at a mission accomplished. Thanks for your support throughout this deployment. We will see you soon!
One of many scenic views from OP Bari Alai.

(left) SPC Benson and SPC Bowling after being promoted. (right) A Camel Spider found on OP Bari Alai.

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3RD Platoon ready for redeployment.

2ND Platoon just prior to transferring COP Pirtle King to the Afghan National Army.

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Men from 2ND Platoon visit OP Bari Alai.

Men from the Alpha Company Fire Support Section.

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HHC by CPT Dennis Hall

We look forward to seeing all of you soon, but remain focused and committed to completing the mission... Hello again families! We have had an outstanding month here in Hammer Company highlighted by the departure from theater of our first group of Soldiers headed home. I cant tell you how happy and relieved I am to know that soon these men and women will soon be safe and sound at home with their loved ones. They did an amazing job helping the battalion accomplish the mission and you should all be very proud of them as they arrive for a much needed break. As for those of us still at FOB Bostick, the tempo has been fast and furious for the last several weeks. We have been hard at work gathering up property from around the FOB and flying it out as fast as the aircraft can take it. 1LT Vennekotter and SSG Lambert have been working around the clock to ensure every item we own gets out of here quickly and in an orderly fashion. I cannot thank them enough for the tough hours they have put in making sure our property books stay current. In another good news story, we have finally been able to pull our Scouts and Mortarmen off of the mountaintop observation post that they had occupied for the better part of three months. During that time, these men lived in the most rugged conditions with no running water, no prepared meals, and no internet access or television entertainment. I am so proud of them for taking on this job without complaint, even when there seemed no end in sight. They had an incredible effect on the enemy, at great risk to themselves, to provide a secure environment for the rest of us to conduct our business. We all owe them a great deal of gratitude. Finally, the staff has done an amazing job planning the incredibly complex task of departing FOB Bostick and its several outstations in a manner that limited risk to the shrinking numbers of U.S. Forces. It is overwhelming to consider all of the factors that had to be calculated in order to accomplish this task. Only the staffs commitment to working as a team and putting in endless hours of analysis has made our departure possible. Please remember these men and women who were working behind the scenes when you welcome home your loved ones. This should be the last installment of the newsletter, which is great news for us all! We look forward to seeing all of you soon, but remain focused and committed to completing the mission and keeping each other safe over the next few weeks. I would also like to say that without all of your support from back home, we could not have accomplished all that we have here. Our families and friends have earned my heartfelt thanks and admiration. Now, get yourselves ready to celebrate because well be home soon! Hammer Time! H6

Members of the HHCs Scout Platoon stand vigilant guard above the Kunar River Valley with their Afghan National Army partners.

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Coming Home
by Kelly Youens How simple my life is now you are here, How I cherish each breath, How I crave the light and laughter you have brought me. I have fallen in love without taking a step, Fallen into the sweetest of dreams, How I hope no one wakes me. The simplest gesture wraps itself around my heart, Where I will hold it forever. Each time we say goodbye a part of me weeps, Though I know it is not forever To my aching soul it is an eternity. I see my happiness shine in your eyes, Every time you hold my hand my heart skips a beat. How sweet life is to be yours; How meaningless life is without you. They know nothing of the loneliness before you Nothing of the empty tears I cried day after day, How did you do it, I ask myself, How did you banish the fear, the darkness? You have made me see that nothing is that bad, That I am strong and worthy of happiness, You have saved me from myself. Everyday I wake up and smile to myself Knowing you are waiting for me, Knowing you can't wait to see me. How would I go on if you were not there to hold me up, To bless me with your love and light? How I am glad you have found me My life is now complete... I am home.

Red Warrior Reconnection Workshops

Workshop 3: 06 & 13 NOV, 1830-2030 Where: HHC Conference Room Contact: Leah Fuller, 1-12 IN Family Readiness Support Assistant 719-503-4108