Wrangler Magazine (1st Qtr FY 10)

1st Qtr/FY 10 Oct. - Dec. 2009

Table Of Contents
The Brigade Throws A Fiesta To Remember 10
Wranglers Host Botswana Forces 11
This Is Daddy 12
Quartermasters Celebrate Family, Fun And Halloween 13
Fear Factor Contestants Overcome Gastronomical Challenges 14
Wranglers Paint Faces For Fall Festival 15
Wranglers Help Save Honey Bee Hive 16
Wranglers Get MADD And Make-A-Difference 17
What Does The USO Do For You? 18-19
The Nerve Center Of The Wrangler Brigade 20
Wolfpack Soldiers Help Tutor Students 21
418th Transportation Company Supports Friendship Day Parade 22
Surprise Redeployment For The Postal Platoon 23
In Service To Our Nation 24
Through Tragedy There Were Heavy Hearts And Swift Action 25
Halloween Party With a Country Touch 26
Wranglers Build A Big Wall To Protect The President 27
Wranglers Forward March Through Dallas 28
Making-A-Difference At Meridith-Dunbar Elementary School 29
Temple Leadership Visit Wrangler Brigade 29
53rd Quartermaster Company Returns From Afghanistan 30
Wrangler Brigade Sponsors Fort Hood Safety Day 31
Wranglers Give Students A Tour Of Army Life 32
Wrangler Families Counted Their Blessings On Thanksgiving 33
Better Opportunities For Single Soldiers 34
Dining Facilities Cheer Soldiers 35
Wolfpack Soldiers Compete For The Commander’s Cup 36-37
664th Ordnance Company Returns In Time For The Holidays 38
Santa’s Workshop Delivers A Wrangler Christmas To Fort Hood Families 39
553rd CSSB Displays A Special Kind Of Teamwork 40
Vets, Wranglers Pay Homage Leading Up To Holiday Season 41
Wolfpack Leaders Get Facials To Raise Funds For Soldiers 42
The Wrangler Holiday Ball Celebrates The Season In Style 43-44
602nd Maintenance Company Changes Command 45
Santa Claus Delivered Soldiers Home For Christmas 46
Page 2


Brigade Commander’s Corner
who wear the 4th Sustainment Brigade Our Soldiers and their Families are
patch, we are also members of another all in some phase of the deployment
kind of Family – the Wrangler Family. cycle: preparing for deployment,
These men and women, who we serve deployed, or resetting for the next
alongside every day, are our brothers and rotation. No one is exempt from this, not
sisters in arms. They are the leaders and the brigade commander or the youngest
subordinates who make our formation private.
great.
I want to re-emphasize the importance
As leaders, we take many of making quality time with family your
precautions to ensure that the needs highest priority. Time is precious and
of our Soldiers are met. We try hard given the nature of our responsibilities
to balance the need for training and being able to spend that time with loved
deployments with the absolute necessity ones is priceless. Your sacrifices, and
4th Sustainment Brigade of recovery, relaxation, and rejuvenation. those of your Family, epitomize the true
Commander
Col. Ron Kirklin We have been at war for more than eight spirit of selfless service.
years and it has taken its toll.
Team Wranglers – I am extremely A new year is upon us with new
proud of our great Soldiers, civilians, Each of us need to stay attuned to challenges and I know that we will
and our Families. I am equally proud the people around us and likewise seek meet these challenges head on. I feel
of the work we have done to fulfill our help for yourself if need be. If you or a strong sense of comfort and pride in
commitment to the 4th Sustainment someone you love feels alone, neglected, the knowledge that the 4th Sustainment
Brigade and Fort Hood. Your dedication depressed, or despondent, know that Brigade will endure and thrive in 2010,
to the Wrangler mission is exceptional there is help for you here in the Wrangler and I firmly believe that it will be a much
and uncompromising, and I am humbled Family, and across Fort Hood. better year for our brigade family.
to serve you as the brigade commander.
Remember to take a few moments Thank you for all you do each and
My wife Phyllis and I know that from time to time to step back from every day and for your ongoing commitment
our Families are very often our greatest the daily grind. I encourage you to find to each other and the Wrangler team.
source of comfort and strength. They something that allows you to safely Wrangler 6.
keep us connected to our hometowns, our disconnect from our intensely busy Army
friends, and our relatives. For those of us life to refresh yourself. Just Get It Done!

“The Wrangler” is authorized for publication by the 4th Sustainment Brigade for any interested personnel.
The contents of “The Wrangler” are unofficial and are not to be considered the official views of, or endorsed
by, the U.S. Government, including the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, III Corps, or Fort Hood.
“The Wrangler” is an Army-funded publication in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1.
“The Wrangler” is published quarterly by the 4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office.
The brigade Public Affairs Office is located in room 106D at building 39044, Fort Hood, Texas, 76544.

Brigade Commander Brigade Sergeant Major
Col. Ron Kirklin Command Sgt. Maj. Erik R. R. Frey

Chief of Public Affairs Multimedia NCO / Layout & Graphics
Sgt. 1st. Class Erick Ritterby Sgt. Angiene L. Myers

Public Affairs Specialist Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
Pvt. Amy M. Lane Pfc. Sean McGuire

Page 3


Brigade Sergeant Major’s Corner
of commitment that you show on a daily Always remember that an engaged
basis as we face the challenging mission leader never walks past a problem.
of supporting all of the units here at Fort Your Soldiers must believe that you are
Hood. It is a huge task and I am dedicated to looking out for them and that you are
ensuring that we stay focused on our most truly concerned about their welfare.
precious resource – taking care of Soldiers As their leader, you need to earn your
and their Families. Soldier’s trust.

The 4th Sustainment Brigade The Wrangler Brigade is successful
prides itself on its leaders, especially its because we empower our Soldiers to
noncommissioned officers. Our Wrangler make the right decisions, and make
NCOs set the example for all leaders on post no mistake about it, the rest of the
because they engage their Soldiers all the installation looks to us to know what
4th Sustainment Brigade way down to the lowest level. That is how right looks like.
Command Sergeant Major
Command Sgt. Maj. Erik R. R. Frey
we take care of the needs of Soldiers and
their Families. As we begin the next chapter for
I am still honored and indeed privileged the 4th Sustainment Brigade, I ask that
to serve as your Command Sergeant Major. Engaged leadership helps us identify you all stay focused on what makes our
I will continue to work hard to improve those Soldiers who may be on a path to unit the greatest on Fort Hood. If we
the quality of life for the Soldiers, Family making poor decisions. If you are a first-line continue to do that, then we will fulfill
members, and civilians who make up the supervisor, you should know your Soldiers our obligation to serve and protect this
Wrangler team. better than anyone. If you’re engaged with great nation.
your Soldiers, you will be the first to notice
I am extremely impressed with the level if something is wrong. Wranglers Lead The Way!

WWW.HOOD.ARMY.MIL/4SUS
Page 4


The Next Chapter in Our History
point. We are improving our processes as intervention and mentorship from our
well. I have seen drastic improvements leaders, as well as the implementation of
in day-to-day administrative operations various suicide training and awareness-
within each of our staff sections as building programs we’ve managed to
they strive to build and improve their mitigate a lot of the risks caused by
systems and become more organized. war - both physical and mental, but this
This was initially a struggle for us having continues to require a lot of diligence and
restructured ourselves after a 15-month patience from all of us. We have reduced
long deployment. The flexibility and the stigma associated with seeking help
patience I’ve seen within each staff office and fostered an environment where
as everyone learns to work with one Soldiers can seek the care they deserve.
another in regular and systematic ways
leads me to say that we are definitely on Our transition now is from resource-
the right path. building and strengthening to developing
the individual, squad, platoon and company
Having successfully completed a competencies through aggressive training.
4th Brigade Troops Battalion reset phase in which we fielded new Each of our companies are conducting
Commander
Lt. Col. John J. Hickey III
equipment, rotated forces to not only training events that are focused on meeting
best suit our requirements but to meet requirements established by their Mission
To the Soldiers, Families, and the needs of the Soldier, and having Essential Task List (METL) and on the
civilian staff of the 4th Brigade Troops sent many of you to various schools Training, Tactics, and Procedures (TTPs)
Battalion: and training venues to broaden your relevant to today’s unique operational
leadership skills and technical ability, environment. We are also planning for
This letter is a bit longer than each of you should be proud of what you major collective training events such
previous ones, since I feel you deserve have done. I can assure you that I am. as Convoy Live Fire and an FTX. Our
a detailed description of where I believe We’ve had our challenges along the way reflexive fire training was the next step
we stand during this new year and where too, and no great endeavor is without in our progressive training plan to train
we are going. As the commander of a a fight. We’ve had to take a close look advanced skills – not just individual but
1,247 Soldier strong Troops Battalion at how we take care of our returning
managing and executing all types of Soldiers with emotional wounds. With See BTB Page 6
support throughout Fort Hood, I have
been upfront with my commanders,
senior noncommissioned officers, and
staff about where I believe our strengths
are and what areas we can improve. This
is to share some of that with all Soldiers
directly.

Right now we are facing a unique
situation that is both complex and full
of opportunity. We are a sustainment
force in a time where logistics is
more important than ever. Our fight is
absolutely full-spectrum and we have to
be prepared. I believe we all recognize
this and have been putting 110% in
planning and executing creative and
relevant training. This is our strong

Page 5


BTB Continued from page 5

more collective training as well. We will
continue to build on our After Action
Reviews and Lessons Learned to develop
and deploy the best training possible.
Our primary goal here is to become
immediately available for deployment and
mission assignment when our time comes.

We have to continue to keep a
relentless pace here, whether in the
field or in the offices. If the heat feels
excruciating or the rain is pouring, we
keep on training with the spirit and
motivation of true warriors. Why should
we not relent? I’ll tell you why, when
all is said and done, we have to look at
ourselves and ask the hard questions.
The battle grounds today are more
unpredictable than ever. Whether you are gratitude for all you do. I see the hard job. I know as dedicated members of the
transporting supplies, managing postal work our Family Readiness Group (FRG) Wolfpack and Wrangler team you can
operations, conducting airdrop missions, leaders put into programs and services for appreciate when I say that we still have a
or providing communications or building a strong and supportive network lot of hard work ahead of us, and yet we’ve
maintenance support, our response on the at home and for supporting loved ones done so much. Our goal is to become fully
ground will reflect our own capabilities when deployed. I will do my best to keep capable to execute worldwide any task that
to successfully execute a modern-day our Families informed on the status of we are given at full-speed.
support and sustainment mission. upcoming deployments, but I also ask for
your continued flexibility in the process. To all of the Soldiers of the Brigade
As we close a chapter together we For as you know, there is no deployment Troops Battalion, once again I want to
enter a new one. We are presented with new timeline that is set in stone. thank you for what each of you brings
opportunities for growth and development, to the table. It remains a great honor for
and to really make a difference like many of To my Leaders, continue to lead from me to serve with you. Let’s keep going
you already have. the front and by example first. Let’s make strong,
this year even better than the last.
To the Families, we owe boundless Bottom-line for all of you, great “Wolfpack!”

Page 6


To All My Wolfpack Leaders And Troops
for this year, and on a daily basis I see what I also want to make sure that
you are doing. I recognize the tremendous everyone understands that your leaders
sacrifice you have all made in trying to are there to support you, and you need
get things kicked off, such as our reflexive to support yourself too. If you have
fire training, ranges, and various battalion questions or feel you need training in an
events, to build our overall Espirit de Corps. area, it is your responsibility to go get it.
Because each one of my noncommissioned “Just get it done,” as our brigade motto
officers plays a unique role in this battalion, says. We have a big year ahead of us.
you may not always get the recognition Keep up a culture where your best hard
you deserve. Drive on and stay motivated work is expected and where the difficult
anyway. Someday you’ll look back at the but right path is always preferred over
things you’ve accomplished and you’ll be the easy wrong. Finally, complaining is
proud of yourself. That’s what you should just not accepted. Our battalion depends
strive for, to do right by your Soldiers all the too much on us to get things done and
time, even when others aren’t looking. I feel we simply don’t have time to complain.
confident in the leaders we’ve emplaced to Try to see the bright side of things, and if
4th Brigade Troops Battalion execute our demanding tasks and missions. there is a real problem then your chain of
Command Sergeant Major
Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Coleman I also like the no nonsense approach many command will help you get things sorted
of you take within your Platoons in getting out. Stay focused, and stay motivated.
I just wanted to take the opportunity things done, from Soldier readiness to PT
to let every single one of my leaders know tests. These things may seem small now but Good job on a great quarter, and let’s
that I’m proud of you, each and every one as we gear up for another deployment you’ll just make 2010 even better.
of you. We are real busy right now trying to be glad to have gotten these things out the
implement an aggressive training strategy way. “Wolfpack!”

DID YOU GET YOUR DEPLOYMENT DVD?
COME TO THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AND GET YOUR COPY
BUILDING 39044, RM 106D

DVD includes: Wrangler Yearbook, Wrangler Newsletters, and all Wrangler Videos

Page 7


Greetings From Leopard World!
work. The field training exercises will on our Army Family ties by establishing
be conducted locally on the Fort Hood new friendship and life-long bonds.
training areas. The remaining companies
in reset will continue to focus on training, Please remember that this command
personnel readiness (physical, mental, and supports the Soldiers and their Families.
spiritual conditioning), and equipment. If you are having trouble or difficulty with
a person, an organization, or an agency
If you want to know the specifics for within our military community please seek
your Soldier’s company training dates, our assistance in resolving your issues.
please contact your Family Readiness Fort Hood has many great people and
Group Leader. They will have dates and organizations to help you. You might be
the specifics as it relates to each of our surprised by the support you will receive;
ten companies. Training schedules are most times the key leadership is unaware
also available for your planning, and you of your problems. So please give us the
can view them at your company orderly opportunity to help our Army Family. It’s
room or online at AKO. It is my goal that an honor to lead the finest Soldiers in the
we give you and your family as much U.S. Army. “Look Smart - BE SMART!”
533rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
Commander predictability as possible.
Lt. Col Matt G. Melvin

I sincerely hope you have fully We have some great opportunities
recovered from the holiday season. 2010 for fun within the battalion. We are
looks to be an even more exciting year sponsoring a ski trip this spring. Our goal
for our battalion. We have grown in size is to provide an affordable trip, with great
to nearly 2,000 Soldiers – ten companies value, to our Soldiers and Families. If
strong. We are even larger when we you love to cook then please enter into
include our Family members. Our our Iron Chef competition, and compete
Soldiers continue to exceed standards to win some terrific prizes. The grand
and perform their mission requirements prize is a weekend stay at the historic
with the professionalism of superior Driskell hotel in Austin, Texas. We are
Soldiers. I am extremely proud of our always looking for new ideas and new
Soldiers and the important work they do places to share within the Leopard Family.
every day. Our Soldiers are successful Please share your ideas through your FRG
because of the support of our Families leadership or company. We want to build
and the sacrifices that they make each
day. Thank you so much. You and your
Family are such an important part of this
outstanding organization. Please continue
to be involved; we need your help.

Units who have completed reset
will begin to conduct more training in
the field environment in the next several
months. Those units will be working on
command and control, convoy operations,
and defensive operations. Our Soldiers
deserve the best training that we can
provide, and that is my intent for every
Soldier. We have to be prepared for any
environment, and that takes a lot of hard

Page 8


Hello Family And Friends Of The
Leopard Battalion
places throughout the Army. For those who You constantly demonstrate
aren’t staying here don’t let yourselves professionalism; knowledge in the
become complacent. Stay on top of your profession of arms; innovation in
Soldier skills and stay sharp at your job. resolving complex issues; persistence
You will be called upon to help when in conquering challenges; but most
the Nations calls for the mighty Leopard importantly you have embraced the
Battalion to deploy in harm’s way. warrior spirit to win! The Soldiers in our
battalion, along with our Families and
To say that I am proud to be part of friends make up an amazing team. God
your success here is an understatement, bless you!
but I expect to see the same quality of
work in 2010 as I did in the previous “Ask We Do”
months. Knowing what you are capable
of doing as Soldiers, I have faith that
you will all succeed when you work your
hardest.

We have made many
533rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion accomplishments over the past three
Command Sergeant Major months, and will make many more in the
Command Sgt. Maj. Edaward C. Morris
months ahead. We will continue to stay
I wanted to pass on a couple of notes very busy maintaining our equipment and
on how the battalion is doing and tell supporting daily training requirements.
you how proud I am of every Soldier. We The bottom line up front is that Leopard
find ourselves quite busy these days. The Soldiers are doing an excellent job
highlight of our schedule right now is conducting their daily mission and
convoy live-fire exercises and battle drills supporting the Wrangler Brigade. NCOs
that will get our Soldiers ready for future and Soldiers will continue to train for a
deployments. Even with a demanding possible rotation to the National Training
mission, we continue to provide the Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. We can’t lose
Wrangler Brigade with the best food, fuel, focus on our future missions.
ammunition, supplies and maintenance
support that the Army has to offer.

I would like to take a moment to talk
about safety. It’s important that every
Soldier understands why it is important
to stress safety. Don’t be your own worst
enemy by being careless and endangering
yourself or your fellow Soldiers.
Continue to conduct risk assessments
before every mission.

That being said, now we have to focus
on the battalion’s future. Some people are
retiring, others are nearing the end of their
contracts, and some are moving to other

Page 9


The Brigade Throws a FiesTa To
rememBer Article by Sgt. John Ortiz
Public Affairs NCO

performance was Dan Walker said, “It was a very good
special because performance. It was great that people came
it was the first out and learned a little bit more than what
time performing they knew before.”
in front of the
military,” said Walker, who married into the
Gomez. Hispanic culture said, “One of the
biggest things people need to understand
For fellow is that there are a lot of different cultures
dancer Tyaisa other than from Mexico. From Puerto
Williams, who Rico to Nicaragua, people from all the
joined at the different countries come together and
request of her make up the Hispanic culture.”
best friend Elisa,
A brightly-colored papier-mache covering a cardboard shape known as a pinata hangs performing “But really it was a great that
from a tree near the Freedman Dining Facility during the 4th Sustainmnet Brigade is something the [brigade] command came out and
Hispanic Heritage Month observation. The pinata originates from Mexico and is a
significant tradition for different celebrations and special occasions. she just does. sponsored the event, although everyone
As a Creole wears the same uniform, it is really the
FORT HOOD, Texas –With swirls of descendent, Williams loves everything differences in the people behind the
colorful dresses descended from the inner Hispanic, “My family likes the food and Army Combat uniform and the U.S.
states of Mexico, the 4th Sustainment culture, and performing is another way to Army nametape that makes the Army
Brigade ushered in the sights, sounds, and get to know and understand the traditions great as a whole,” said Walker.
smells of the Hispanic culture for more than and the customs behind the
100 individuals at the Wrangler Freeman Hispanic culture.”
Dining Facility.
Sgt. 1st Class Livier Lazaro,
Hispanic American Heritage Month, who was the narrator for the
established in 1989, was set aside to performance, loves describing her
acknowledge and celebrate the diverse background and her culture.
Hispanic cultures of American society.
“I love it when I perform
For five dancers of a local ballet and show off our dresses and
folklrico group, the opportunity to perform I absolutely love teaching the
traditional dances from the Mexican cities audience little tidbits; about
of Vera Cruz, Chiapas, and Jalisco in the history and meanings of
front of a military crowd was a different the different songs and dresses
experience. to the beat of the song and the
background,” said Lazaro.
“Performing was fun and really great
because it is a part of my culture,” said Elisa “It was exciting to perform
Gomez, who has been performing for the for Soldiers,” she said. “It was a
last 10 years. privilege to even be asked, since we
have never done this for a military
“Through our group, we have crowd.”
performed throughout central Texas, and Dressed in festive costumes two young dancer performed for
the Soldiers of the 4th Sustainment Brigade during the Hispanic
they are all different experiences. But this Audience member Maj. Heritage Month observation celebration.

Page 10


Wranglers host Botswana forces By Sgt. John Ortiz
Public Affairs NCO
FORT HOOD, Texas –Col. Ronald the Botswana service members. Ideas that were shared included secure mail delivery
Kirklin and Command Sgt. Maj. Erik R.R. to Army post offices, the new eagle cash card, logistical support for units, and the
Frey, the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th “Backbone of the Army” .
Sustainment Command (Expeditionary),
commander and command sergeant major,
along with members of the brigade hosted
the deputy commander of the Botswana
Defense Force, Maj. Gen. Otisitswe B.
Tiroyamodimo and several aides met
Monday for a logistical briefing at the
Wrangler Brigade headquarters. During
the presentation, officers of the brigade
gave an overview of the Wrangler mission
on Fort Hood, along with several lessons
learned throughout the unit’s 15-month
deployment in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom as the first sustainment brigade
charged with a theater-support role.
Throughout the presentation, ideas and
questions were bounced off the Wranglers
in order to improve the quality of life for

Page 11


‘This is daddy’ Article By Amanda Kim Stairrett
Killeen Daily Herald

FORT HOOD, Texas – His wife and The deployment was scary at first, away. She hung photos above his crib
son. Mexican food. The Dallas Cowboys. Lopez said while riding a bus from and told him: "This is your dad."
Green grass. Seeing the sky. Spc. Robert Gray Army Airfield to Kieschnick
Jonathan Lopez missed a lot of things Physical Fitness Center. He didn't get Lopez would call home after long
while he was in Iraq. used to it, but he did get more familiar missions to talk to Beatrice and she
with roads he navigated almost every day would put Jonathan on the phone.
He got them back Thursday. as an "88 Mike" – an Army truck driver. She told her husband that their son
recognized his voice.
Lopez returned to Fort Hood with Lopez, an El Paso native, graduated
about 300 from the 13th Sustainment early and started out life after high The first-time father was frustrated
Command's 96th Transportation school as a computer engineering student that his job kept him from experiencing
Company and 81st and 151st Movement at the University of Texas at El Paso. many important firsts with his family:
Control Teams. Soldiers from the 81st School was easy, though, and after two first birthday, first steps, first high-five
were welcomed at a morning ceremony, semesters he wanted a challenge. Lopez after a Dallas Cowboys touchdown.
while the rest arrived later that afternoon. joined the Texas National Guard.
Beatrice recorded short videos of
Fifteen Jonathan and sent them to her husband.
months It may have only been five seconds of
later he video, "but it was the best five seconds of
switched to the day," Lopez said.
active duty
and, from He was nervous to see his family as
influence the bus that carried him and his fellow
from his soldiers to the gym crossed from West Fort
stepfather, Hood to main post. He was worried that
who is an maybe his little boy wouldn't recognize
88 Mike him.
in the
National "My heart's already pounding right
Guard, now just thinking about it," Lopez said.
Lopez
became Once the soldiers arrived, nervousness
Spc. Jonathan Lopez, 96th Transportation Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment a truck made way for excitement as they formed
Support Battalion, hold his son, Jonathan Nicolas Lopez, while reuniting with him and driver. up and ran into the gym, which was packed
his wife, Betrice Lopez, at a homecoming ceremony at Kieschnick Physical Fitness
Center. with screaming soldiers, family members
Lopez and other loved ones.
The 96th Transportation Company deployed from Fort Hood a year ago, just
deployed to Iraq in early October 2008 – its a month after his son, Jonathan Nicolas, Lopez didn't see the neon, handmade
sixth tour to Iraq since 2003. The company's was born. He went home for leave in signs his grandmother and little sister
tours last anywhere from six to 12 months. March to El Paso and saw his son for the waved. His first glimpse of his family came
Its previous deployment was nine months, second time. By the time Lopez returned as Beatrice maneuvered through the mass of
while the current one lasted 12. Thursday, Jonathan was a high-five people toward him.
slapping, walking 1-year-old.
The 96th is a combat heavy equipment Lopez immediately took his son in his
transport, or HET, company, meaning the Beatrice, Lopez's high school arms and quietly spoke to him, running his
soldiers haul the biggest equipment in the sweetheart and wife of two years, made fingers along his little face. Beatrice pointed
Army like M1A1 Abrams tanks that can sure little Jonathan knew who his daddy at her husband and told her son: "This is
weigh more than 60 tons each. was even though he was 7,000 miles your dad. This is daddy."

Page 12


Quartermasters Celebrate
Family, Fun, and Halloween
Article by Pfc. Sean McGuire
Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
FORT HOOD, Texas – With
Halloween just around the corner, the
157th Quartermaster Company, 4th
Sustainment Brigade invited its Soldiers
and their families to a night of costumes,
fun, and games.

Members of the company
transformed their company area into a
jungle of fun which featured stations for
creating cupcakes, temporary tattoos, egg
races, fishing and bean-bag tosses; all
with prizes for the winners.

Through everything set up by the
157th Company Commander and Family
Readiness Group, everyone came out of Madeline Johnston, the daughter of Capt. Jason Johnton recieves a temporary lizard tattoo on her hand the
the event with smiles on their faces and 157th Quartermaster Company’s Halloween Fest.

candy in their pockets.
company’s Halloween Fest was a first. Family Readiness Group member
Langley Crawford said the FRG along
“We had a great turnout for the
Davis, who attended the event with with her husband, James, set up the
event,” said Capt. Jason Johnston, the
his wife and seven-month old daughter, event, hanging up black sheets to add the
company commander. “At one point I
said the event was great. “I love being scary effect, the fog machine, hay and
counted over 20 children at the different
able to spend time with my family and everything else that brought the visuals
stations playing games.”
having them come out and experience of Halloween out.
this event was awesome.”
“From a father’s perspective I wanted
to make the event more “I've had
about fun than candy,” a good amount
said Johnston. “As a of positive
commander I wanted to feedback from
do something that would the Soldiers.
strengthen our FRG I think it's
program, and having fun important for
and interacting with one them to see
another is the best way the company
to do that.” give back to
the families of
Joining in on the Soldiers,” said
fun was Pfc. Chris Johnston. “My
Davis, a laundry family enjoyed
and clothing repair the event, they
specialist assigned to always like
the company, whose doing things at
Pfc. Chris Davis stands with his wife Jessica and their seven-month old daughter Faye During the 157th
participation in the Quartermaster Company’s Halloween Fest after finishing stations to win candy. daddy’s work.”

Page 13


Fear Factor Contestants Overcome
Gastronomical Challenges
Article by Michael Heckman
Sentinel Staff

FORT HOOD, Texas – What would down the soup without losing it. Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Troops
you eat and is there anything you wouldn’t Battalion, was declared the overall winner
do for $500? What about $300 or $200? At the far end of the course, they and won $500.
reversed direction and crab-walked 50 yards
The menu for about 30 contestants before turning around and combat-rolling “I won the $500 but walked away
brave enough to enter the Fort Hood to the finish line: all while being shot at by with a little bit less of my pride,”
BOSS Program’s “Fear Factor” contest Book said. He slurped down the worm
grinning, gleeful paint ball triggermen.
held Friday at Patton’s Inn included combination in 68 seconds and did well in
night crawlers, crickets and a hot, If the (raw) egg broke, in addition to the other events.
spicy jalapeno and habanero soup the yucky mouthful, the contestant was
Despite Harmon’s warning, Book said,
BOSS president Kelli Harmon warned eliminated.
“The money was more on my mind than the
contestants “... will have you in the
A similar version of the challenge whole ulcer thing.
bathroom for a week.”
“Bobbing for random
Another disclaimer she
insects and the mystery meat at
issued suggested contestants
the bottom of the ice chest ...
should thoroughly chew
I had to stop; I got a massive
the short, crunchy worms
headache,” he added. He sucked
partnered with night
up and spat out eight random
crawlers for consumption in
objects.
another challenge.
“I’m taking a couple of
“If you don’t chew
buddies out to party and the
them they could eat a hole
rest of the money goes to my
in your stomach,” she said.
car,” he said of plans for the
The nightcrawlers weren’t
compensation for indignities
the Canadian variety, which
suffered.
can reach up to 14 inches
A judge verifies that a contestant has swallowed all of the nightcrawlers and other worms
long fully extended. The he put into his mouth. The contest winner, Pfc. Christopher Book, 4th Brigade Troops Second-place winner Spc.
ones contestants chewed to Battalion ate a cup-full in 68 seconds. Casey Bell, a wheel mechanic
varying degrees measured required contestants to run the gauntlet with for the 565th Quartermaster Company,
about six inches. a cricket in their mouths. If the cricket was 553rd Combat Sustainment Support
dead when its carrier crossed the finish line, Battalion took home the promise of $300 for
Overall, the lumps to be swallowed he or she was eliminated. his “cast iron stomach.”
were considerable. Before the challenges
began, BOSS vice president Gary Many of the crickets failed to survive He said he entered the contest for three
McClendon said his crew had assembled the course. reasons: “One, I didn’t have anything else
about eight pounds each of night crawlers going on today and; two, I’ll pretty much
and crickets. During one of the final challenges, do anything for money; and three, it sounds
contestants had to submerge their heads like fun.”
Each event is timed, so it’s (results are) in ice chests or buckets filled with ice and
based on your time and the amount of each freezing water containing crickets, worms He said the only things he would rather
product consumed,” McClendon chuckled. and other unidentifiable objects. The “catch” not eat include animal genitalia and live
was spat into an adjacent tray to be counted spiders.
In one event, contestants had to by judges.
swallow about a fourth of a cup of spicy Of pre-event preparations, he added,
“soup” before putting an egg in their mouths After the last challenge ended, Pfc. “I didn’t take any Pepto-Bismol or
and running about 100 yards. Many didn’t Christopher Book, Headquarters and anything else.”

Page 14


Wranglers Paint Faces
For Fall Festival Article by Pfc. Sean McGuire
Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist

FORT HOOD, Texas – With a
couple of humvees and simple supplies,
the 49th Transportation Battalion Rear-
Detachment along with two Movement
Control teams, the 80th and 259th,
created its own fun for students at
Meridith-Dunbar Elementary School.

The school’s Fall Festival showcased
various activities like jumping balloons,
hot dogs, and even horseback riding.

The Soldiers present from the 4th
Sustainment Brigade moved to create
a backdrop station, complete with
humvees, outside in the parking lot
to paint camouflage faces and teach
participating students how to use a radio
Capt. Monique Whyte, the 49th Transportation Battalion Rear-Detachment Commander, Paints the face of 6th
using a mock radio setup. grader Xavier Howard during the Meridith-Dunbar Elementary School’s Fall Festival.

After the student’s fun was complete, saying, “Last year it was
they left with goody bags filled with almost shutdown due to
Army One Source items and candy, and low test scores.”
with the effort of Soldiers - a view of
what the Army is really about. Changes came
making the school
“Our mission was to show what the an elementary school
Army has to offer through training in housing pre-kindergarten
the field, radio communications, and through 3rd grade
riding in a humvee,” said Capt. Monique classes, along with
Whyte, the 49th Transportation Battalion bringing in new people
Rear-Detachment Commander, who led like Instructional Coach
the charge for her unit’s participation in Susan Riley who works
the festival. alongside its teachers.

Whyte said the Temple school “We try to do
is their adopted school and every things for the kids every
Wednesday Soldiers come to read to the month, something they
students and assist in school activities. and their families can
have fun with here.
“The school goes way back, 40 or 50 This time it’s the fall
years ago. It first was a high school and festival,” said Riley Staff Sgt. Larry Garcia, a member of the 80th Movement Control Team,
then went to a middle school,” Whyte about the school’s puts the finishing touches to pink flowers on the cheek of five-year
Aaniyha Holmes during the Meridith-Dunbar Elementary School’s Fall
said of the school’s history. She went on efforts for the event. Festival.

Page 15


Wranglers Help Save Honey
Bee Hive
Article Capt. Ariana Roscoe
4th Brigade Troops Battalion

FORT HOOD, Texas – Four Soldiers Soldiers and the
assigned to the Brigade Troops Battalion, volunteer beekeepers
4th Sustainment Brigade were given the three hours, with
‘Outstanding Commitment to a Job’ Team Soldiers first lifting the
award on Oct. 23 for assisting in the safe conex with the attached
extraction of a eight-foot wide bee hive bee hive using a Kalmar
underneath a storage container at the Rough Terrain vehicle
Department of Public Works recycle yard designed to lift large
containing thousands of live honeybees containers and gently
that had produced more than 40 lbs of stacked it on top of two
fresh honey. other conexes so the
bottom of the conex and
The Soldiers were nominated bee hive was exposed Workers with the Fort Hood Department of Public Works and the 4th
Sustainment Brigade work to carefully extract a eight-foot wide bee hive
for the award by Anne Hamilton, an for safe removal. underneath a storage container at the Department of Public Works recycle yard
entomologist for the national resources containing thousands of live honeybees that had produced more than 40 lbs of
fresh honet
department within the Fort Hood The volunteer
Department of Public Works. beekeepers and DPW Entomologist donned preventive medicine physician with Carl
bee suits, removed the honey-loaded bee R. Darnall Army Medical Center and
“Honeybees are on the decline comb and then gently swept all of the bees local rancher Jerry Massar helped remove
in most areas of the country,” said into a commercial hive box. the hive.

Saving the honeybees Mrs. Hamilton requested for the
that occasionally build Hood Hero award recipients who helped
their hives underneath remove the bee hive for Staff Sgt.
storage containers on Demetrius Edwards, Sgt. Jarvez Wilkes,
post have become an Sgt. Cory Akridge and Spc. Mazeveylnn
important undertaking to Edwards Soldier’s citation to read in
personnel at the Natural part: “The Soldiers demonstrated calm
Recourses Division in professionalism and skilled handling of
DPW, particularly because the equipment and performed duty under
honeybee populations across extraordinary circumstances.”
the United States
Two workers with the Fort Hood Department of Public Works
carefully transplants a piece of the bee hive into containers to are declining, as
transplant their hives to a safer location
much as 70 percent
Hamilton. “But here on Fort Hood we in some areas,
have a unique environment for bees, because of what biologists
though they clash with missions, if they have termed Colony Collapse
are in a public place we have to either Disorder, in which the worker
kill them or remove them. Sometimes bees abandon their colonies for
removal, unfortunately, is not possible.” unknown reasons.

Luckily in this case, removal was Hamilton also attributed
possible. the success of the removal to An eight-foot wide bee hive containing thousands of live
bee conservation volunteers, honeybees set up operations underneath a storage container
at the Department of Public Works recycle yard that had
The removal process took the thanking Dr. Art Baker, a produced more than 40 lbs of fresh honet

Page 16


Wranglers get MaDD anD
Make-a-Difference Article by Sgt. Angiene Myers
Multimedia NCO

KILLEEN, Texas – Wranglers conditions, repaint
assigned to the 157th Quartermaster the ones that loss
Company, 4th Sustainment Brigade their color, and
supported the national Make-A- place flowers in
Difference Day by adopting the Killeen memory of the
Mothers-Against Drunk Driving individuals who
organization. lost their lives to
drunk driving.
MADD, a 90 percent volunteer
driven organization was founded in 1980 Katarina
and has a three-part mission: stop drunk Martinez, an
driving, serve victims of drunk driving, administrative
and prevent underage driving. assistant with
MADD was very
As a part of the Make-a-Difference pleased to see
Day, Soldiers stopped by several memorial Soldiers taking
sites along roads to replace crosses time out of their Soldiers with the 157th QM Co., 4th Sust. Bde., repaint a cross signifying a life
that have been damaged by weather weekend to come lost due to drunck driving. The roadside cross had been damaged by weather.
out
and offer support to the Combat Service Support Battalion.
organization.
Gooding talked to her company
“I was really excited commander, Capt. John Johnston about
when I saw they adopted my getting involved with the national day
program. I’ve only lived in of giving back to the community, and he
Killeen for two years and it’s gave her a full list of organization that
nice to see Soldiers want to needed support. MADD was on the list
work within the community,” of organizations and they haven’t been
said Martinez. adopted by a unit on post.

“Unfortunately I see a lot “I like to help people, it’s just
of private’s that come to my my nature. I guess it’s because I’m a
Alcohol Awareness Education Christmas baby. I like to give, give, and
for Minors so I think it awesome give,” said Gooding.
to see Soldiers come out and
be a part of stopping drunk “I have my 13-year old with me.
driving and preventing underage I like to teach her the value of giving
drinking,” she continued. because it doesn’t just look good but it
makes you feel good too,” she said.
At the forefront of the
unit’s Make-A- Difference “It feels good knowing that you help
Day was Spc. Maria Gooding, somebody in the time that you have here on
a native of Barbados currently earth,” said Gooding. “If you didn’t make
Soldiers with the 157th Quartermaster Company replace an assigned to the 157th a difference in somebody’s life, you didn’t
old cross with a new one at a memorial site set up by Mothers
Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Quartermaster Company, 553rd have a purpose”

Page 17


What Does The USO
Do For You? Article Capt. Ariana Roscoe

FORT HOOD, Texas – How many Soldiers are often involved in USO at the Houston Airport entered my mind;
of us can claim to know what the USO operations but the organization is run and so naturally, my own assuredness in
stands for, its core missions, and what solely by retired military and purebred the validity of my benevolent thoughts
kind of involvement they will have with blue suitors. The USO, it should also be caused my answer to radiate confidence
our battalion? Most hands I imagine noted, is a separate entity from the Moral as I rather blurted out, “I think so!”

“For one, you guys
are always at the airports
around the United States
giving us all a place to relax
some between flights. You
guys give concerts oversees
for deployed troops too.” I
said.

Hubbard did not look
offended, thankfully, as her
organization does much
more than that.

The USO Website
states, in short, that its
mission is to “support the
troops by providing morale,
welfare and recreation-type
4th Brigade Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers lend a helping hand by loading trucks with refreshments services to our men and
provided by civilian non-profit organization, USO. women in uniform.” This
eagerly arise in response to the first part Welfare and Recreation agency or MWR support of course is not
of the question and blank stares transpire – that amusing place downrange from limited to friendly, and much appreciated,
from the second. I will attempt, therefore, which most of us have at least rented airport relaxing areas and free-of-charge
to dispel some common myths about the movies. hot ticket concerts. Though these help
USO and enlighten eager readers about make the USO famous.
the organization and what they can look Mrs. Isabel Hubbard, a coordinator
forward to. for the Fort Hood USO, asked me if I “We are in essence wherever the
knew what the primary mission of the Soldier is,” said Hubbard in response to
To begin with, the United Service USO was during a conversation we had my narrow riposte.
Organization is a private, tax-exempt, while a handful of Soldiers from Brigade
nonprofit organization, which means Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment With the USO operating more than
that all funds which are donated to this Brigade were loading two trucks with 135 Soldier support centers and ten
charity can be filed as a deductable on cartons of Girl Scout cookies from the mobile canteens around the world, she
annual tax claims. USO storage area. was certainly on point, and Soldiers are

The organization is also run by Memories of warmhearted smiles and See USO Page 19
civilians contrary to popular belief. welcoming hugs from USO volunteers

Page 18


USO Continued from page 18

Sweet is planning
on utilizing the USO for
FRG functions and all
redeployments. We recently
witnessed valued USO support
for our Welcome Home
ceremony for the 81st Postal
Company, 96th Transportation
Company and 151st
Transportation Company.

Hubbard said she is
thrilled to have established
such a good relationship
with the battalion and Mrs.
Sweet, and that she looks
forward to continued efforts
in supporting the most
important aspect of our
4th Brigade Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigad Soldiers helped pack an assortment of Girl Scout Cookies onto a Army – the Soldiers and their
truck from the USO storage area. Families.

in a multitude of places on Fort Hood So how will the Wolfpack Battalion “It is nice,” she said, “to be able to
and surrounding areas at any given time. decide to utilize our local USO? Mrs. work with someone like Mrs. Sweet who
Roberta Sweet, the BTB Family Readiness really cares and is willing to take the
For example Soldiers are at gyms Assistant has already begun making plans time to pick up the phone to make that
on post being welcomed home from with USO administrators for future support. contact with us for support.”
an overseas deployment
by overjoyed Family
members and friends.
Often, somewhere within
these crowds are USO
crewmembers with flags,
manning refreshment
tables.

Soldiers and Families
gather together for Family
Readiness Group functions
and unit esprit de corps
events. The probability of
finding USO presence is
very high. The list of places
where USO support can be
found is endless; and yet,
it is really up to the unit to
decide when and where they
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and
would like USO support. recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform.

Page 19


The Nerve Center of the
Wrangler Brigade

FORT HOOD, Texas – Soldiers
of the 4th Sustainment Brigade built a
mobile Tactical Operations Center or
TOC. The mobile operations center will
operate exactly as a TOC would in a
deployed environment.

The TOC, in terms of logistical
support, is a centralized location
for monitoring the battlefield as it
relates to operations such as refueling,
maintenance, airdrop missions, and
supply convoys.

It is also the unit’s main hub
for sending and receiving important
dispatches and for surveying the status of
current missions and enemy intelligence. Soldiers from the 104th Engineer Bde., 62nd Engineer Battalion worked hard to build the foundation for the
Tactical Operation Center which will support a fully operational work-space area.

All of these actions help primary phase and is now overseeing the actual of our briefings here,” said Ziaee.
leaders make knowledgeable decisions as construction phase being done by the
they maneuver through obstacles within 62nd Engineering Battalion. as he handed me a diagram of the
their logistics footprint. end state product,
“This is going to be the place where
Through high-tech communication we will manage and control all activities When the unit’s first fully
platforms such as the XXI Battle within the Brigade, and we will hold all operational TOC is completed there
Command Brigade will be 32 workstations with
and Below (FBCB2), networked computers on a
a real-time automated series of raised platforms.
computer system
networked through The largest challenge
satellite signals, currently in the building of the
leaders are kept TOC is connectivity.
abreast on multiple
regions and missions “We are working with
simultaneously. Fort Hood's Information
Management Team to increase
Sgt. 1st Class our capacity for the number
Kayhan Ziaee, of ports we can activate,” said
Operations Non- Ziaee.
commissioned
Officer in Charge, “This place is going to
has played a large A Soldier from the 104th Engineer Bde., 62nd Engineer Battalion hammered away at the be the nerve center of this
foundation for the Tactical Operation Center. After completion, the TOC will have 32
role in the planning workstations on a series of raised platforms. brigade.”

Page 20


Wolfpack Soldiers And Students Team Up

FORT HOOD, Texas – Four Soldiers
from 418th Transportation Company
assisted students from Nolan Middle School
with their car wash and provided regular
academic tutoring during the week.

Though the Adopt-A-School's primary
mission is to provide academic tutoring,
Soldiers have assisted the school with a
variety of events.

"The Soldiers are a big help to us and
we like them to be here for these kinds of
activities, just to give a helping hand," said
school Academic Advisor and Outreach
Coordinator, Tracey Griffeth.
Wolpack Soldiers and Nolan Middle School student prepared themselves for the next car during the schools car
wash. The event was intended to raise funds for the community service organization, United Way. The Soldiers
The Soldiers, dressed in civilian attire, and students raised more than $700 in the car wash.
helped the students wash around 25 cars.
in either a math or a science class, or both. to our tutors. They make a huge difference.
The middle school began its The kids say to me, 'Miss, I’m getting help
relationship with the 418th Transportation "There are challenges with math and from the Soldier today,'" said Griffeth.
Company and Brigade Troops Battalion, 4th science across this district, actually
Sustainment Brigade in August of 2008 and across the state. It's not a unique
there are currently 13 all-volunteer Soldiers phenomenon here," said Griffeth.
who provide a full day of tutoring every
Wednesday at the schools. Griffeth said if she could she
would have at least one Soldier in
Adopt-A-School is a major effort every one of her classes because of
within the Wolfpack Battalion, which the positive difference they make.
currently sends a total of 40 volunteers
at four different schools within Killeen, "I see the kids are depending
Nolanville and Temple. on them more. Every Wednesday
instead of coming to me for help Wolfpack Soldiers and the Nolan Middle School student
worked hard to wash all the cars that lined the schools
Volunteers are asked to provide tutoring with their math assignments they go parking lot.

Page 21


418th Transportation Company
Supports Friendship Day Parade
Article by 2nd Lt. Bryan Langley

FORT HOOD, Texas – Soldiers our service," said
from the 418th Transportation Company Pfc. Amy S. Davis
provided support for the Florence of Clarksville,
Friendship Days Parade on Saturday, Kentucky.
October 10.
Particularly
The 64th MP Co., 720th MP BN impressed was ten
contributed an M1117 Armored Security year-old Skyler
Vehicle to the parade, but required Devinney, son
transport to and from the town. As of local resident
a result, the transportation company Staff Sgt. Kelly R.
assigned three Soldiers to drive an Devinney of the
M1070 "HET" tractor and trailer for the 46th Chemical Co.
task. Soldiers of the 418th Transportation Company, 4th Sustainment Brigade
"It was provided support for the Friendship Day Parade by transporting an M1117
Armored Security Vehicle to Florence, Texas.
The Soldiers were impressed by awesome," said
the support they received from other Skyler.
participants. As Spc. Christopher M. Van Buren of
Florence being a small town, the Chesapeake, Virginia, remarked, "It was
"They all said they appreciated us, parade did not take long. short. I was kind of surprised."

Page 22


Surprise Redeployment
For The Postal Platoon
Article by Sgt. 1st. Class Erick Ritterby
Chief, Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 4th Despite
Sustainment Brigade received a big the short
surprise Nov. 3 when cheers and tears notice, Team
erupted within the Kieschnick Physical Wrangler
Fitness Center. The Wrangler family pulled it
welcomed home 16 Soldiers of the Postal together, and
Platoon from the 502nd Human Resource the returning
Company. Soldiers and
their families
The redeployment was a pleasant received
shock for Lt. Col. John Hickey, a proper
commander of the Brigade Troops and formal
Battalion. welcome
home
“I wasn’t expecting them for another ceremony.
Upon arrival at Kieschnick Physical Fitness Center the Soldiers of Postal Platoon,
four-to-five days,” said Hickey. The battalion 502nd Human Resource Company, saluted the U.S. Flag as the Brigade Troops
color guard Battalion Color Guard rendered honors.

The top officer of the battalion was there
received a phone call informing him to greet them with more than 30 family Kirklin. “As for your families, I want you
that the platoon had touched down at the members and friends as well. to know that you are special to us, and
you make the Wrangler family strong.”

Col.
Ronald
Kirklin
also joined
Hickey in
welcoming
home the
Soldiers.
The
Wrangler
brigade
commander
huddled both
families and
The 16 returning troops were reunited with their families after a brieff ceremony that
no more than five minutes. Soldiers
together for
airport on West Fort Hood. Hickey and a few words before he released them to
his Soldiers only had minutes to prepare go home.
the gym for their arrival.
“Everyone in the brigade is proud
The Postal Platoon was deployed for six months
“They must have had a chance to of what you have accomplished during in support of the War on Terorism. When they
piggyback home with another battalion your six-month deployment, and no deployed, the Soldiers fell under the command of
the 15th Sustainment Brigade, but they return as
on an earlier flight,” said Hickey. one can take that away from you,” said members of Team Wrangler.

Page 23

Wrangler Magazine (1st Qtr FY 10)

Wrangler Magazine (1st Qtr FY 10)

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