FSC, 326th Engineer Battalion Ghost Riders

OPERATION NEW DAWN JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ

What? Halfway there already!

Greetings from the Forward Support Company Commander. Your Soldiers have made a huge impact on Operation New Dawn. Unfortunately I cannot talk about the specifics, but as you know the Distribution Platoon has been very busy moving vehicles, equipment, and supplies across the battlefield supporting Task Force Sapper Eagle. The Maintenance Platoon has constantly stayed busy caring for and repairing the degraded and battered fleet of equipment that had endured eight years of Operation Iraqi Freedom missions. We also have our field feeding team that runs an entire Dining Facility, managing the workers that serve thousands of meals every day. The Headquarters Platoon continues to ensure that the mighty Gorilla Pack is running smoothly, and gets their mail! Spirits are high around here, despite some of the facilities close down such as the movie theater and restaurants. As a reminder to you back home, Iraq is drawing down, so many of the amenities and comforts that we have will go away over time. So keep sending those care packages! Our environment changes rapidly out here, and that means the conditions for the Soldiers will as well. Ill do my best to keep you informed as to major impacts that may or will affect the Soldiers. So far, the reductions are minimal and have not significantly impacted the quality of life. Here are some fun facts about the deployment so far: I have had to honor to present 19 Soldiers with awards, promote 15 Soldiers, and weve had 5 Soldiers re-enlist. In our limited free time we also play some Softball in the league out here. Our team, which has different players on it every week, always plays everyone that comes out so everyone can enjoy our nations favorite pastime. We also had our first official out-of-the-park homerun this month as well, and we beat our rival team, the HHC Headhunters! I am looking forward to the rest of the deployment as it is going to be an exciting time with a lot of changes that you and your Soldiers will be able to see. CPT Hougnon

01 JULY 2011

Promotions and Awards

THE ARMY GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL WAS AWARDED TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS: SGT PERSINGER, SPC JAGESSAR, AND
SPC MATA

THE COMBAT ACTION BADGE WAS

AWARDED TO SGT ANDRZEJCZUK

THE COMBAT ACTION BADGE WAS

AWARDED TO SPC SWOISH

THE COMBAT ACTION BADGE WAS

AWARDED TO SPC MOATS

PFC SCHUMACHER WAS PROMOTED TO SPECIALIST ON 01 JUNE 2011 PFC TURNER WAS PROMOTED TO SPECIALIST ON 01 JUNE 2011 SPC RIVERS WAS PRESENTED A
COMPANY COIN FOR HIS EFFORTS WHILE ON MISSION

SPC WRIGHT ATTENDED

PROMOTION BOARD ON

THE SGT

From the Hilton to the Motel 6

With every passing week, many of the luxuries we are accustomed to in Iraq are slowly disappearing. The reduction of services is required for U.S. Forces to successfully withdraw by December. In May, several of the vendors and restaurants closed on most U.S. Bases. In June, the Movie Theater on Balad closed in an effort to reduce the number of civilian contractors in country. The hot water in the latrines and showers will be turned off in July to reduce the power consumption requirements. Other amenities such as the library, the education center, and the H-6 Post Exchange are slated to close within the next 60 days. Everyone is dealing with the ongoing reductions in their own way. For some, it is no big deal. For others, the loss of the swimming pool may be a significant emotional event. Deployments can be stressful times for Soldiers and their Families. I truly appreciate every Soldier and Family Member who has continued their commitment to the mission, the team, and the Forward Support Company Family. As the weeks fly by and the living conditions get harder, just remember, we are getting closer to coming home! 1SG Stiglich

28 MAY

2011 SPC LEOPOLD ATTENDED THE SGT PROMOTION BOARD SPC FLEMINGS ATTENDED THE
SOLDIER OF THE MONTH BOARD

SPC SCHUMACHER ATTENDED THE

SOLDIER OF THE MONTH BOARD

SPC TURNER, R. ATTENDED THE

SOLDIER OF THE MONTH BOARD

SGT ANDRZEJCZUK RE- ENLISTED

FOR FIVE YEARS

Please address all requests and comments to 1SG Stiglich at francis.stiglich@iraq.centcom.mil

Ghost Riders

What we do...
Below: CPL McElroy and SPC Sheridan at their home away from home, the Convoy Cafe.

ABOVE: After Military INTEL discovered that Insurgents are terrified of the color pink, the Maintenance Platoon installed the new Model FLA-M1-NGO Anti-Insurgent Device on the front of all their vehicles.

Bean Stew, Bean Chili, Bean Soup, Baked Beans, Refried Beans, Bean Salad, BBQ Beans SSG Frazier making Beans.

CSM Hart and SGT Andrzejczuk speak after his re-enlistment.

Right: SPC Harris and SPC Leopold stay hydrated in the hot Iraqi summer sun. Above: SGT Stoves shares his experiences, thoughts, and ideas with his Soldiers.

Hmm, the red ones match the dress I just ordered and they are on sale for only $245.00, SOLD!

Left: SPC Stohl changing a RG-33L MRAP Tire.

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