October 2011

OEF XI-XII DEPLOYMENT NEWSLETTER

The Deployment Experience

My 1st Deployment
SPC Ryan Beaubeouf F Co. 2/87 INF Where to begin, lets start off with the day I received orders for Operation Enduring Freedom XI-XII. I knew that I would be deploying soon but it didnt really hit me until the day I received my orders. Now begins the rush to get everything done before I leave in March. Ever since I received orders to deploy the tempo at work had never slowed down. Our platoon spent numerous hours working late to get ready for this deployment. Once we got everything packed and secured the tempo began to slow down. Once we finally got time to spend with our family, which equaled to be about a week before we left, I spent more time trying to prepare myself for deployment than preparing my family for my absence. Lets just say if I could go back and redo everything I would because I feel like I didnt prepare my family as well as I should have. When we first arrived in KAF I was in total shock and I think everyone who hasnt deployed before was. I mean honestly I didnt expect to see all the commodities (KFC, TGIF, etc). Then when I got to FOB Pasab things kind of calmed down a little as far as things to do and see. After the weeks started rolling by I realized that this isnt as bad as I expected. The worst part for me this deployment is not being able to be there with my family when they need me the most. So in a lot of aspects deployment is rough on you but as a guy with a wife and two kids it has been harder on them. Overall this experience has been tough but fun at the same time. It has definitely been a learning experience and something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

outer walls giving parameter security, guard towers on avenues of approach, an elevated crows nest for over watch on the battlefield below. A city lies before your eyes to the direct south west, a maze of corridors, alleys, houses and shops, a bustling bazaar, with the days harvest and trade for sale.

As a company we have accomplished many things we were never able to accomplish on our last tour. We have reopened a school for the children of Senjaray. Yet our enemy seems defiant in randomly attacking this place, there are Afghan police that fight for that ground to make sure the citys children get an education. Last deployment we were partner with Afghan police and their Army but they acted like adolescent children having to be led and watched in their own country. Here our partners have taken the step to defend and better themselves. On Patrols they walk in formations mimicking our movements, they have qualified medics in their own group; we have trained them how to handle site exploitation and clear routes for patrol movements. Yes, our partners have come a long way from two years ago but unlike our last deployment the Taliban have taken the fight in this area kinetic. Whereas last time it was route clearance and IED threats every time we walked out the wire.

MY SECOND DEPLOYMENT

Alpha Company 2-87IN, Cop Senjaray, when you see our home driving on Highway One, you imagine a fortified castle. With its

Our company leads the battalion in high value target apprehension in our area; we have hit the enemys heart. We have gained the support of a majority of the population offering cash for work on projects they want that improve their lives, from lights in their bazaar so business keeps going when the sun goes down, to micro grants for people who want to open a business in the area. All of this accomplishment hasnt come easy, every day when we go out to help

The Deployment Experience

these people there are some who dont want change, who want to remain controlling so we fight, but this time with our ANA and ANP partners by our side fighting with ferocity to overcome our enemy. To give the city of Senjaray, Monja and Zoldags people a chance to improve their way of life. As this is my second deployment I am proud to have accomplished so much with this company.

MY SECOND DEPLOYMENT

This is my second full deployment and I would have to say that it is going a whole lot better than my first (knock on wood). My first deployment, I was assigned to a large office, so this time its nice to be with a small group. One thing I have noticed is that no one really has a problem with any one and we all get along just great, which is cool due to the large amount of paperwork and the willingness for us then to work as a team. I have spent the last part of my deployment working on mail. As the summer leaves and it begins to get colder, its nice to feel a cool breeze when walking outside. So, many of my days are spent sweating to death as I sort, load, unload and sort again our units mail for a few hours a day. When I am not sorting and distributing mail, I work inside the office on finance actions, monthly reports, ERB Updates, promotions, uploading documents to soldiers OMPF (Official Military Personnel File), USR (Unit Status Report), FLAGs and well, all actions period. Sometimes the work is over whelming and to tell you the truth, sometimes I find myself trying to find ways to keep the office laughing (which is something we all do). I work with a bunch of crazy guys and thats the best part. Well be in the middle some kind of paperwork issue; everyone is stressed out, going nuts and not even thinking clear anymore when someone will bust out with some kind of crazy remark or joke and well all smile, let out a deep breath and once again we are back in the game.

SPC David Welch HHC, 2-87IN S-1

Deployments suck, case closed. They suck for the soldier, and their families. Sometimes the only thing that can keep you going are the moments when you dont think about the fact that you are in a third world country, far away from your family (to include pets) and even your favorite fast-food joint. Just thinking about a seven layer burrito is making me hungry. So, to the family, friends and even people I dont know, take it easy and Happy Holidays! SPC Reinaldo Romero B Co 2-87 IN 3BCT

MY FIRST DEPLOYMENT

My first deployment has been filled with many different experiences and people that I probably wont forget. There have been times of joy, coupled with the great sadness of losing fellow soldiers. I will take away from this deployment many lessons on how to become a better soldier for my remaining time in the ARMY. I think the single most important lesson Ive learned is that your value to the fight is not always determined by your proximity to the enemy.

Having been a part of the Company Intelligence Support Team (CoIST) for the company has been an incredible experience. When first placed in the position I worried about making the wrong decisions that would determine the life or death of my fellow soldiers, but quickly learned my role, and realized the absolute necessity of an

The Deployment Experience

intelligence section in an Infantry Company. The job is not an easy one, and reporting to the Commanding Officer is a bit challenging, but the proficiency and accuracy of the information I was able to provide helped me earn the respect of my Chain of Command. I learned the value and importance of targeting and intelligence packets which helped the company in finding and eliminating the enemy. By spotting and tracking trends in the enemys battle rhythm, this helped prevent soldiers from becoming victims of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). I also became acutely aware of the entire battlefield, and the ripple effects our actions had on the surrounding area. This deployment has given me a new idea of what it means to be a soldier, and added skills that could never be learned in any other environment, under any other circumstances. Im thankful for the opportunity my leaders gave me, and for the support offered from my NCOs, and everyone in my command staff, I also look forward to new challenges in my Army career. Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common goal, and is one of the Armys core values. We sometimes forget teamwork is also the fuel that allows common people to achieve uncommon results. Whether youre the first man in the patrol element, or the man behind the wire standing guard duty, were all part of the team.

Feedback from Facebook

As the Battalion comes another step closer to returning home, we still find the support we receive to be of the strongest caliber. Being away from our loved ones during the Holiday Season makes us think about what we are missing, and what we are fighting for. The Catamounts wish each and everyone of you Happy and Safe Holidays.

CHAPLAINS CORNER
PERFECT PICTURE
One of the most popular books ever written, which changed so many lives including mine, was a book called PILGRIMS PROGRESS, written by Paul Bunyan during his third term in prison. At one point in this story, while the Pilgrim is making his journey to the City of God, he falls into a deep, miry, muddy hole called the Slough of Despond. He cannot get out by himself, but when he begins to cry out then Help (a picture of the Holy Spirit) reaches down and lifts him up from his despondency. If we were to translate Bunyans Slough of Despond into todays term, we would call that muddy hole, the pits. Many people may believe that there is something ethically, morally, or spiritually wrong with one going through the pits. It might be translated as evil and suffering. But there is no way a person can go through this life without spending some time in the pits. When we look at lifes challenges through a religious aspect, there are two different types of religions in the world. One is focused on trying to get oneself out of the pits by ones self effort. The other one is focused on getting out of the pit with someone elses help. When we go through the muddy hole during our lifes journey, how do we handle or manage ourselves to get out? We have a tendency to judge too soon when we encounter difficulties. There was a man in China who lost his horse. As a result, his neighbors said that is too bad. One day, he bought a good horse at a reasonable price, so his neighbors said that it is good. The next day, his son fell off from the horse back and broke his leg. People said it is too bad. The very next day, war broke out and all young men in town were drafted except the young man who broke his leg. All remaining neighbors said good for you. This parable is repeated in todays reality. Not every suffering moment is evil or good. When we face suffering, we need to be patient and try to figure out the bigger picture. When we deal with the problem of evil and suffering, we must think about divine providence in our practical life. The problem of evil and suffering can be an endless argument when we approach a philosophical explanation. There is hope that God can even use our suffering as a channel of blessings beyond ourselves well being and imagination. In the book of Ruth, what if Ruth did not have to face her husbands death? What if she just lived a happy life at her hometown? What if she was fertile and had a child? When she had to go through all these sad experiences and disadvantages, God was with her. He turned every painful event to her blessing. Ruths life journey was a part of a divine redemptive plan for the entire world. We cannot be quick to judge Ruths painful experience with good or bad when she confronted suffering each time. Her greatest reward from her faithfulness was that she became the great-grandmother of King David. Catamount Soldiers and families just celebrated Thanksgiving far away from home and loved ones. We may have hard time to be thankful in our current situation. If we are thankful for what we see, we may have less reason to have thankful heart. In the midst of war, though we are separated from our loved ones, away from our comfort zone, and staying in a limited place, we must see clearly contrast between the object and shadow of a perfect picture that delineate our lives. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:3-4)

HUGS FROM HOME

We love and miss you daddy (SSG. Woodbury) Can't wait for you to come home! Love your wife and son.

Thanksgiving Dinnermissing Lt. Best from 2-87 Fox!

HUGS FROM HOME

Eric we missed you during hunting this year, but don't worry the deer knew you were gone. Thank you for all you do. Love your Family"

HUGS FROM HOME

HUGS FROM HOME

Uncle Billy, when I grow up I want to be just like you!!!

We miss you 1SG Bill Hight! Be safe! LOVE YOU!!

HUGS FROM HOME

...and a special hug to Private Mike Hankins!

The love of family and friends will travel any distance! We hope you can feel our love and appreciation for you especially during this holiday season because we are certainly sending it your way every hour of every day! We're counting on you to celebrate the gift o f each other this year. Take care of one another physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We'll keep those home fires burning for you ...we promise! Much love and many hugs to each one of you! Merry Christmas...Happy Hanukah .....gifts of the season! 201 2 will bring you home, so it will be a VERY Happy New Year! Meanwhile know that we are very proud of you!

HUGS FROM HOME

Aaliyah & Aunty Brit - looking for cold weather hat Aaliyah - Heeey Uncle Josh - it's me:)

Mom & Brit Happy Thanksgiving 2011

Aaliyah & Papaw explaining to Papaw how to grill:)

Mamaw & Aaliyah - We love you, Uncle Josh!

Catamount Admin (S-1)

The S1 Section has had a busy month during October. Over 680 End of Tour Awards processed during this period, with 310 of them being completed and ready for presentation. The Awards Clerk; SPC Buckland established a comprehensive awards tracker that displays up to date processing that could be viewed by everyone in the battalion. All this was accomplished with SSG Garza being on R&R leave during the first third of the month and the OIC; CPT Stewart being on leave during the last third of the month. SSG Stephens filled in as the OIC and carried out the missions OPTEMPO seamlessly. SSG Garza stepped into the NCOIC role as soon as he came back from leave and piloted the S1 Section to produce 10 Purple Heart and Over 30 Combat Badges during this period. SPC Welch prepared during the month for a Postal Inspection for the FOB Pasab Post Office. The inspection went extremely well, and SPC Welch received a Superior rating for his upkeep of the BN Mailroom. If the Noncommissioned officer is considered the backbone of the Army, then SSG Gummel should be considered the st backbone of the S1 Section. Having been newly promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant on October 1 , SSG Gummel took on the task of updating over 530 Enlisted Record Briefs with a total of 1036 awards and ribbons that were omitted. As a new augmented person to the S1 Section, PFC Costello volunteer to relieve SPC Wagoner as the LNO in KAF, so that SPC Wagoner could be home for the birth of his child. Although an Infantryman by trade, PFC Costello not only excelled at LNO position, but he performed at Junior Noncommissioned Officer Level. PFC Costello was able to account for all Catamounts in his AO and report to the BN Strength Manager; SSG Gummel, not once but twice daily. All and all, the S1 Section was able to run on all cylinders even when intricate parts where on leave and or place in positions of greater responsibility.

CATAMOUNT STAFF UPDATE

Catamount Staff (S-3/ S-2)

Family and friends of the Catamounts, the Staff has been diligently providing support to the Battalion in a number of ways the past few months. Despite the long road ahead, we are continuing to do the behind the scenes planning and proud to be in the support role for all of the Catamount Companies. Consistently providing logistical, planning, administrative, and communications support where and when ever needed. The team in the Current Operations Cell, led by Staff Sergeant Laird, has spent every day assisting the platoons as they run missions throughout the Catamount Area of Responsibility by being the eyes and ears for the Commander and relaying information to anyone that needs it. Their first thought every day is who else needs to know, and making sure that whoever needs any bit of information receives it in a timely and professional manner. Our Future Operations or Plans Cell, labor every day, planning a variety of mission types from Air Assaults to Humanitarian Aid operations. The efforts of all soldiers of varied skills, experience and talents combine to make a team capable of doing anything set before them. The staff has had a few new faces added as well as a few move on to the next chapter in their career. First, the addition of Major Kirby Dennis, who has taken over the position of the Battalion S-3 from Major Arieyeh Austin. With the departure of Major Brandon Dewind, Major Austin has moved up into the Executive Officers spot, and taken the responsibility of supervising the staff. Major Dewind is now the Spartan Executive Officer in the Spartan Brigade. We have also had to see the Battalion Fire Support Officer Captain Alex Kerr move on to take command of a Field Artillery Battery at 4-25. Captain Lateef Clemencia departed to attend the Captains Career Course, and we wish him the best of luck.

The Staff continues to put the needs of the companies first in everything we do, and will continue to support them in any way possible.

CATAMOUNT STAFF UPDATE

CATAMOUNT COMMO SHOP (S-6)

The Catamount S-6 section has been working diligently to keep the Battalion talking. We have a few of Soldiers recently promoted. Specialists Orlicki and Rodriguez both were promoted to Sergeant, and PFC Salerno was promoted to Specialist. The guys are motivated and ready to take on any task presented to them. Hopefully in the coming months there will be more promotions in the section or at least promotable status for the guys in the shop. The Soldiers have been taught, and

learned a lot about themselves and their jobs during the last few months. We will be losing CPT Ellis next th month so he can take command of the 710 Signal Company. The new Battalion Signal Officer will be CPT Edwards. Thank-you all for your continued support and we all cant wait to see you when we return home.

Staff Sergeant Alphonza Whitmore Catamount 2-8N

CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS SHOP (S-9)

The TF Catamount Civil-Military Operations (S9) section advises the Battalion Commander on all Afghan Government and Development issues within the battalion area of operations. CPT Taylor and SSG Burch work with brigade staff, company project managers, local national government officials, local national contractors, and civilian agencies such as USAID and Spirit of America to develop project ideas and social programs that will help increase the long term stability and welfare of the people in Eastern Zhari District Afghanistan. To date, the S9 section has helped the community by building six schools, three bridges, several miles of irrigation canals, and starting small businesses for several locals to run and operate. Ongoing projects include a new health clinic, a major bazaar refurbishment, and the installation of solar lights along the main highway and in populated areas. Each of these projects requires massive coordination to ensure proper funding is allocated and that the local government supports the ideas and is both willing and able to sustain them in the future.

Key to the success of these projects is SSG Burch, the Civil-Military Operations NCOIC. Every project proposal in the battalion passes through his hands. SSG Burch handles the Commanders Emergency Relief Program (CERP) which serves as the primary source of funding for these projects. He manages information on the CIDNE database, assists the companies in creating Statements of Work and contracts for each project, and balanced the Commanders CERP Checkbook which currently exceeds $2.5 million. Through SSG Burchs coordination with the finance battalion, brigade staff, and division resource management, the process for approving project proposals and drawing funds is seamless and efficient for each of the Catamount Project Managers and Pay Agents. SSG Burch also serves as the Battalion Claims Manager where he meets weekly with local Afghans who file petitions for monetary payments of battle damages incurred from company missions. In this aspect, SSG Burch serves as a liaison to the Afghan Zhari District Center and endures long days certifying valid petitions and denying false claims. As an 11B, SSG Burchs training in civil-military operations was limited, but he has shown tenacity, perseverance, and a strong desire to learn. This effort has paid off as he effectively advises companies on the regulations governing the CERP program outlined in the Money as a Weapon System-Afghanistan (MAAWS-A) SOP. Captain Derek E. Taylor Catamount 9

CATAMOUNT STAFF UPDATE

CATAMOUNT MEDICS
Medics are responsible for providing first aid and frontline trauma care on the battlefield. They are also responsible for providing continuing medical care in the absence of a readily available physician, including care for disease and battle injury. Combat medics are co-located with the combat troops they serve in order to easily move with the troops and monitor ongoing health. These courageous men and women provided medical support for over 75 Wounded in Action (WIA) and several other non combat related injuries and illnesses. The medics have helped 50 of those 75 WIA return to duty and have gone on every patrol the Catamounts have conducted so far in this deployment to total over 1100 patrols. The Medical Platoon has trained over 20 ANA and 2 ANP on life saving skills to include performing level I self aid and buddy aid under stressful conditions in a tactical environment. Our ENDSTATE for this operation is to enable an Afghan to care for an Afghan consistent with the best interest of the patient. We provided an overview and instructions for the successful preparation and execution of the ANA/ANP to teach Afghan First Responder to their own forces. Now we are coordinating to move the ANA/ANP medics across the BN AO in to the villages to interact with the local population and provide minor medical care with the supervision of our medics and providers. This initiative is moving the ANA medics to earn confidence in their medical skills. The ANA medics were able to conduct a combined medical engagement operation that the US is not allowed to conduct. The training that this ANA/ANP received equipped them with the tools and knowledge to conduct this operation. Another tool that has been very successful to us is the opportunity to interact with the local populace females. We were able to accomplish this with the support of female medics from C CO 710. The BN medical platoon was able to set up the female engagement team that conducted over 30 female engagement

missions. Also with the support of MAJ Childs the BN Surgeon and the female medics we were able to educate local females from Zhary Dasht on how to safely deliver a baby. The female engagement team was able to educate approximately 60 women and 15 young female girls and deliver over 80 birthing kits. Zhary Dasht is a camp of poor displaced Afghans from other parts of Afghanistan. This training will assist future mothers who do not have sanitary birthing environments.

CATAMOUNT STAFF UPDATE

Overall the platoon has been able to help the battalion in every line of effort, lethal and non-lethal. This has been made possible by all our medics and medical providers who are making great sacrifices to make the difference in Eastern Zhary District.

First Lieutenant Jose Trinidad Catamount Medical Officer

MORTARS/ CATAMOUNT PSD

Over the last few weeks the Battalion Mortar Platoon has been focused on our upcoming company change of command layouts. The guys have done a great job of making sure that all of the hundreds of pieces of equipment that we have in the Platoon are all accounted for and properly documented. I'd especially like to recognize SSG Mertz, SGT Schultz, and CPL Howard for their tireless efforts above and beyond what is expected to ensure that we're ready for the change of command in December. I couldn't ask for a better group of guys to have working for me! In addition to the preparations for the Change of Command the guys have been busy conducting mounted patrols with our Battalion Commander and Command Sergeant Major throughout the Battalion area of operations. In the past week we've conducted two complete battle field circulations (kind of a tour to see how things are going throughout the area for you non Army-types!) with two different General Officers from Division Headquarters, to include the Division Commander. Just like with the layouts the guys conducted both missions perfectly and earned praise from the Battalion, Brigade, and Division Commanders. Besides the constant admin and mission related things we've been up to I had the pleasure of promoting four very deserving guys in the last month or so. SGT Schultz, Sgt Volker, CPL Howard and SPC Paniccia. All four of these guys have been performing at the level they are at now for the past few months and now their rank has finally caught up with their responsibility! These guys have done a GREAT job representing the Battalion's high standards to visitors both from

inside and outside the Brigade and Division. I couldn't be prouder of the job that they're doing. That's all for now but I'll be sure to keep you guys up to date on the goings on in the platoon.

CATAMOUNT STAFF UPDATE

SCOUTS
During the last few months, the 2-87 Scout Platoon has recognized some outstanding individual as well as platoon accomplishments. Numerous Soldiers were promoted including SPC Miya, SPC Arienza, and SPC Nicely. SPC Holmes was awarded a battlefield promotion due to his outstanding performance and leadership abilities. Three Soldiers were promoted from Specialist to Sergeant and joined the ranks of the NCO Corps. We would like to congratulate SGT Blais, SGT Ballou, and SGT Sturtz. SGT Perry passed the board making him promotable, and SGT Helton was promoted to Staff Sergeant. During the month of October, SSG Zuniga was inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, a prestigious award recognizing overall knowledge and leadership abilities. Specialist Mason was awarded with Honor Graduate for his efforts while enrolled in FAST class, a program which ended up raising SPC Masons GT score above his goal. In addition, numerous Soldiers have enrolled in online college courses which will enable them to expand their base of knowledge in preparation for the future. Within the last month, two of our Soldiers have re-enlisted and one has extended including SGT Ballou, SSG Smith, and Doc Fowler. We would like to thank these men for their extended service to this great country and the Soldiers in this platoon. The platoon has been extremely successful in the past months due to the hard work and dedication of each Soldier. On multiple occasions, the platoon and individual Soldiers have been commended by both the Battalion and Brigade chain of command. After months of non-stop missions, our pace has slowed down a bit. During some well deserved down time, the 2-87 Scout Platoon has been testing its weapon systems at the ranges and are especially proud of the successes and accuracy of our Sniper section. During these ranges we continued to improve on our accuracy and our ability to engage targets with increased effects especially at ranges exceeding 1,000 meters. We continue to improve our marksmanship and shooting techniques every day. Along with the ranges and schooling our Soldiers have attended we have also been giving classes on new communications equipment, medical classes and biometrics. These classes will prove extremely beneficial in the following months as we continue to conduct complex and challenging missions.

CATAMOUNT FACES

TEAM APACHE/ ADIRONDACK

TEAM BLACKHAWK

TEAM COMANCHE/ CREEK

TEAM DESTROYER

TEAM HURON

FIGHTING FOX

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Battalion would like to congratulate all of our promoted Catamounts:

From SPC TO SGT

SEAN BURKEY LEONARD BYRNES ELISHA OLGINE ADAN LARES JAMES RADOVICH
From PFC TO SPC JASON JEFFERY JOHNSON MICHAEL BRANDON RIVERA THOMAS MARIO RUIZ WILFRIDO DEAN STONE PATRICK MATTHEW THOMAS EDWARD THOMAS BRITTEN JULIUS STEVEN EIFERT BRON ANDREW MANCHESTER SETH SEAN HICKS AUSTIN NATHAN HUDDLESTON ANTHONY JACOB MASON MARK RAYMOND TAYLOR RANDOLPH DIAZZAMBRANA CHRISTIAN KYLE ROBERT MONTGOMERY JOSHUA RAYMOND ZUNIGA GREGORY ZACHARY BLAYLOCK TAYLOR CHRISTOPHER HEISLER STEVEN STEVE PANICCIA CHAD ANTHONY WHITE ANDREW DERRICK AYERS NAZER BROZOWSKI WESTWATER HERNANDEZ LUDEKE MOINET NABOR NIX LANNING THOMPSON WALTON DEAN SALERNO CAMPBELL CRISP KOENIG REICH SEBES VANHORN WILSON

From PV2 to PFC IAN MACK JOHNATHAN TACK CHRISTIAN WORKMAN CHRISTOPHER STAMOS KYLE FAIRCLOTH JOSHUA ALLYN EDDIE BRAVO IVAN NELSON RICHARD WOOD PHILLIP ALLEN JOSHUA KELLER MICHAEL HENRY

From PVT TO PV2 MICHAEL HANKINS RAFAEL MORAN

The Battalion would like to congratulate all of our Catamounts on the awards they have earned:

Purple Heart

SPC Justin Baldwin

Army Achievement Medal

SSG Michael Mata SGT Sir Charles Bernard SGT Zebedee Brockel SGT Kossi Kunka SPC Alejandro Alfonso SPC Ryan Beaubbeouf SPC Paul Cockrum SPC Nathan Sturtevant

Combat Infantrymens Badge

PV2 Phillip Allen PFC Timothy Apusen 2LT Peter Bauleke SPC Keith Beaulieu SPC Peter Bragan PV2 Eddie Bravo PFC Michael Brozowski PVT Brono Clesca SPC Robert Cogswell PFC Justin Colleti 2LT Gregory Durso PFC Steven Eifert PFC Devin Glofelty PVT Michael Hankins SPC Rende Johnson SPC Frederic Krause SPC Jeremy Lettsome PV2 Ian Mack

SPC John McFerron PFC Matthew McGee PFC Garret Minton PVT Rafael Moran SGT Angel Morocho PFC Julius Nabor SPC Andelo Nieves SGT Juan Quizphi PV2 William Robertson PFC Cody Rosenberry PFC Robert Ross PFC Pedro Ruiz 2LT Matthew Song PV2 Christopher Stamos PV2 Johnathan Tack PFC Michael Woodard PV2 Christian Workman PV2 Matthew Zoe Combat Action Badge

1LT David Kitcho TSGT Daniel Horgan SGT Rafreal Brandford SSGT Toby Chism SRA David Hoots SPC Justin Baldwin SPC Richard Wood

SPC Axel Gibbs-Small SPC Robert Ranck SPC Kenneth Temen SPC Brenden Thomas PFC Isaura Quintanar PFC Andrew Williams PPV2 Dominic Ellis

Combat Medical Badge SPC Jose Sanchez PFC Cody Uselton

CATAMOUNT RETENTION

Seasons Greeting to my Catamount Family. I enjoyed my Thanksgiving with A Co and C Co. We are getting close to Jan 31st and that is the last day that FY12 soldiers can reenlist. If you are thinking about getting out, come see me. I want you all to know all your options, so that you make an educated decision. Have a safe and blessed Holiday Season.
SSG Anthony Nelson 2-87 IN BN Career Counselor anthony.nelson3@afghan.swa.army.mil

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PLATOON SPONSORS: FROM BAE SYSTEMS: Robbie Bergin Doris Newhart Brian Luschen Gregory Fedor Suzanne Lupo Eric Eaton Tara Feathers Peter Patten Jerald Homsher Oswego University Elizabeth Wealtherby Jefferson Co. Historical Society William G. Wood Cindy Pinney Debra Hayes Martin Hayes Sharon Cronk Carla Sives Nicole Darrow Stephen Kupski Mike Reagan Long Shot Bar and Grill Dennis Kriowx Tamber Norton

Thank-You to the following for your continued support:

SAMs Club of New Port Richey, FL Store #6448 Orlando Harley-Davidson Debbie Wilson (Southborough, MA) Lisa Braccio and Geralyn (Southboro, MA) Erick Carannante (Troop 182) Ladies at Goebel Senior Center, CA Ms. Whiting (Cohoes, NY) Mobile Entertainment Gaming Systems from USO Juston Reynolds USO Programs Manager Richard McCarty, ARR USO Center Manager Annapolis High School Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary (Phoenix, AZ) Watertown City Hall (Watertown, NY) Amvet Post #8 (Malone, NY) Connection Pointe Church (Brownsburg, IN) Calvary Baptist Church (Marina, CA) Church of Good Shepherd (Arcadia, CA) Orleans United Methodist Church (Orleans, MA) Judi Alexander (Acworth, GA)