31 December 2009

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

The present that matters
Concord NH Monitor article focused on 10th Mountain Division soldier Justin Coletti and his return from Afghanistan.

Fort Drum FMWR's Photos - Wall Photos
Fort Drum Army Women’s Mentoring Information Session will be held on January 14, 1 pm at the Education Center. Army Women’s Mentoring offers women new to the Army and/or new to Fort Drum a mentor to assist in successfully transitioning to the new environment. Mentors can provide first hand knowledge about Fort Drum and the Army in addition to assisting with personal development, career sponsoring, and job coaching.

Fort Drum FMWR's Photos - Wall Photos
Do your children think money grows on trees? On January 19 from 9 - 11 am at the Army Community Ballroom, a free class is being offered to help prepare your children for managing money. Pre-register by calling 315.772.5196

30 December 2009

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

To Keep Home Fires Burning, Grab That Boa
Lily Burana teaches burlesque classes intended for military wives at Fort Drum.

Troopers PBA Donates Stuffed Animals To Upstate Army Base
The New York State Troopers PBA, through its benefit fund, donated more than 1,000 stuffed monkeys to the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum on Dec. 22.

Upstate psychiatrists give war-weary at Fort Drum a chance to talk, tools to cope
Focus on six SUNY Upstate Medical Center psychiatrists who come to fort rum on a weekly basis to help soldiers with the stress of combat.

New York soldiers get late Christmas present, reuniting with families after year tour in Afghanistan
More than 300 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade arrived home to emotional reunions with their families at Fort Drum early Saturday morning.

Press Release- 3rd Brigade Welcome Home Ceremony Dec. 31

FORT DRUM, NY -- A welcome home ceremony for 3rd Brigade Combat Team
Soldiers is scheduled for 4:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 at Magrath Gym
here.

The flight will consist of 268 personnel who are returning after a
12-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must R.S.V.P. to the Fort Drum
public affairs office not later than 12 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30 by
calling Lt. Col. Paul Swiergosz at 315-778-5759. R.S.V.P. is required so
that we can provide updates to the ceremony time as needed.

Please check out the Fort Drum homepage and our Twitter page to track/be
notified of changes in the ceremony time.

Home Page: http://taskforcemountain.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/10thMountainDiv

28 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

294 Soldiers returning from Afghanistan Saturday
Members of the 3rd BCT returned from Afghanistan on Saturday.

Children share veterans' stories
Fifth-graders at Guardino Elementary School shared the stories of 10th Mountain Division soldiers on Veterans Day this year.

In Iraq, SHS grad misses snow, yule spirit
10th Mountain division soldier Staff Sgt. William Wary focus of Pocono PA newspaper article.


Reunion of soldiers, families at Fort Drum 'the best Christmas present'
CNN story on return of 3rd BCT soldiers.


ON THE SCENE: Warriors in transition
Lake Placid newspaper article on 10th Mountain Warrior Transition unit.

Subject: A Walk for the Wounded - Kilimanjaro
San Juan PR newspaper article on efforts of 10th Mountain division soldier to raise funds for Wounded Warrior Project.

Press Release- 3rd Brigade Welcome Home Ceremony Dec. 29

Media Advisory

Release Number: 0912-16

Fort Drum Public Affairs

3rd Brigade Welcome Home Ceremony Dec. 29

FORT DRUM, NY -- A welcome home ceremony for 3rd Brigade Combat Team
Soldiers is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29 at Magrath Gym
here.

The flight will consist of 292 personnel who are returning after a
12-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must R.S.V.P. to the Fort Drum
public affairs office not later than 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29 by calling
315-777-2705. R.S.V.P. is required so that we can provide updates to
the ceremony time as needed.

Please check out the Fort Drum homepage and our Twitter page to track/be
notified of changes in the ceremony time.

24 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Families cope with being away from loved ones
10th Mountain soldier Private First Class Andrew Bendarski quoted in story.

Medic Treats Himself After Being Shot by Sniper
10th Mountain soldier Matthew Mortensen focus of story about self treatment of wounds suffered in Iraq.

LaFayette community adopts platoon in Iraq; sends tree and packages
10th Mountain division platoon adopted by the town of LaFayette, NY.

Rebecca Leigh Diel and Jerimiah Farmer
Wedding announcement for 10th Mountain division soldier

Christmas for the wounded
Article about Derrick and Michelle Ford, 10th Mountain soldier and his wife about their stay at Fisher house.

Area soldiers send holiday greetings home
10th Mountain soldier Spc. Richard Yow included in article from Burlington Vt television station.

23 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Caring for Washington's warriors away from home
fort Drum and 10th Mountain soldier focus of article about Washington DC Fisher House.

22 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Soldier Not Coming Home for Christmas
3rd BCT soldier finds out that block leave will be delayed until after entire unit returns from Afghanistan

Sky Soldiers assume control of Spartan battlespace
3rd BCT relieved in Afghanistan by members of 173rd Airborne, allowing them to return to Fort Drum.

21 December 2009

Saluting area men and women serving our country
10th Mountain Division soldier Col. Dan Hampton included in list of Pottstown, PA and The Tri County area natives currently serving in military.

Spc. Amanda Sandlin returns home after tour in Afghanistan
Article focused on 10th Mountain Division soldier Spc. Amanda Sandlin who was deployed to Afghanistan.

Female veterans struggle to find services, acceptance at home
Story about 10th Mountain division veteran Genevieve Chase who has founded a group to assist female veterans.

20 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Army testing new camouflage
10th Mountain division soldiers are involved in the testing of new ACU patterns.

18 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

WHS vocalists send holiday spirit overseas

Select Choir performs 'White Christmas' tunes for Internet video feed to deployed family members and friends.

15 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

General Wants Troops Ready for 'Complex Human Terrain'
Brief overview of mission and challenge that awaits 1st BCT in Afghanistan.


Books of local interest

Look at books by local authors, including Ft Drum resident.

Press Release- Fort Drum Financial Readiness warns Soldiers and Families - steer clear of scams

FORT DRUM, NY - The Financial Readiness Office at Fort Drum and the New York
State Attorney General's Office will shed light on the current scams and
consumer rip-offs targeting military members at their upcoming regular
monthly meeting. Tough economic times are often fertile breeding grounds
for illegal activities of this sort, and proactive information sharing is
the best weapon to protect consumers.

Media interested in covering this event should meet at the Fort Drum Media
Operations Center on N.Y. State Route 26 at 1:30 p.m., Dec. 16.

Press Release- 3rd Brigade Welcome Home Ceremony Dec. 16

FORT DRUM, NY -- A welcome home ceremony for 3rd Brigade Combat Team
Soldiers is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 at Magrath Gym
here.

The flight will consist of 302 personnel that are returning after a 12
month deployment to Afghanistan.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must R.S.V.P. to the Fort Drum
public affairs office not later than 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 by
calling 315-408-3087. R.S.V.P. is required so that we can provide
updates to the ceremony time as needed.

14 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Troops settle into Iraq advisory role
Interview with 2nd BCT commander Col. David M. Miller about change in Iraq mission for unit.

12 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Local "912" group collects care packages for troops
Utica NY group collects care packages for ft drum soldiers.

US soldiers reassure Afghan elders worried by withdrawal
Focus on efforts b members of 10th Mountain to help Afghans work for future.

Drum unit to deploy in January
2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 1st Brigade Combat Team — a unit known among soldiers as "Triple Deuce" — has received orders to deploy in January, according to a division press release Thursday.

Drum projects OK'd in House
Constructions projects for Ft drum that were approved in the Senate earlier this year are approved by House.

Dennis J. Hansen

Local Soldier Killed
A Panama City man, serving in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, has died.

The Department of Defense says 31-year-old Army Staff Sgt. Dennis J. Hansen, died Monday at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

Authorities say he was critically injured on December 3rd, during an insurgent attack on his unit in Logar province. Apparently Hansen was wounded by an improvised explosive device.

Hansen was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, of the 10th Mountain Division stationed in Fort Drum, New York.

He joined the military in October 1996.

His previous deployments included 16-months in Afghanistan from February 2006 to June 2007 and four months in Iraq from March to July 2004.

Hansen is survived by his wife, two sons and daughter.

Press Release- Col. Bannister promotion ceremony Dec. 11

Col. Bannister promotion ceremony Dec. 11

FORT DRUM, NY -- Col. Jeffrey L. Bannister will be frocked to the rank
of Brigadier General 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at the Commons here.

Col. Bannister, of Rome, Ga., is serving as the 10th Mountain Division
(Light Infantry) Deputy Commander for Operations.

Col. Bannister arrived to Fort Drum in July. He previously served as
the Executive Officer to the Commander of Multi-National Forces Iraq.

Col. Bannister attended Campbell University in North Carolina, and was
commissioned a distinguished military graduate in 1984 through the
Reserve Officer Training Corps.

The Secretary of Defense announced Aug. 28 that the President nominated
Col. Bannister for promotion to Brig. Gen.

Col. Bannister's biography can be found at this link:
http://www.drum.army.mil/sites/cmdgrp/DCGO.asp

Frocked is a term denoting that a military officer or non-commissioned
officer is authorized to wear the insignia of a higher grade before
their official promotion date. An officer or NCO who has been selected
for promotion may be authorized to 'frock' to the next grade of rank.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must meet at the Media
Operations Center on Route 26 no later than 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11.

Media with queries regarding this release should contact the Fort Drum
public affairs office at 315-772-7267.

Press Release- 3rd Brigade Welcome Home Ceremony Dec. 14

3rd Brigade Welcome Home Ceremony Dec. 14

FORT DRUM, NY -- A welcome home ceremony for 3rd Brigade Combat Team
Soldiers is scheduled for 2 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14 at Magrath Gym here.

The flight will consist of 296 personnel that are returning after a 12
month deployment to Afghanistan.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must R.S.V.P. to the Fort Drum
public affairs office not later than 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 by calling
315-408-3087. R.S.V.P. is required so that we can provide updates to
the ceremony time as needed.

10 December 2009

Press Release- 2-22 INF, 1st BCT to deploy in January 2010

FORT DRUM, NY - The 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 1st Brigade Combat Team has received orders to deploy to Afghanistan in January 2010.

The 2-22nd Infantry will be the first unit to deploy from the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team whose approximately 3,500 Soldiers are preparing for a 12 month deployment as part of the President’s decision to deploy additional U.S. forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The ultimate mission of the 1st BCT and the area they will be deployed will be based on the needs of the Combatant Commander in Afghanistan.

"The top priority in this Division right now is to ensure the preparedness of the Soldiers and Families of the Warrior Brigade as they prepare for their tour in Afghanistan," said Major General James L. Terry, 10th Mountain Division commander.

The Warrior Brigade most recently deployed to Iraq from September 2007 to November 2008. Previously they deployed to Afghanistan in 2003 and Iraq in 2005.”


Ed note: While on active duty, I was assigned to B Co, 2/22 at ft Drum.
Godspeed and good luck. Lead with Courage Triple Deuce.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Afghanistan Surge: For These Soldiers, Lots of Questions, Few Answers
Focus on 10th Mtn unit which is slated to be part of surge to Afghanistan.

From 4-H Club to Iraq
Imlay City, MI native and Ft Drum soldier Jeff Swain focus of article about supporting troops who are deployed.

09 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Shapiro Award goes to Plummer
Retired Ft Drum colonel helped create national Adopt-A-Platoon program and receives local award

McChrystal Says Pieces in Place for Success
Role of 1st BCT's Afghanistan mission laid out in article.

Resident Home for Holidays
Announcement in his hometown paper that that Lt. Ryan Adams will be returning to Ft Drum in early Dec after his deployment in Afghanistan.

Press Release- 3rd Brigade Welcome Home Ceremony Thursday

FORT DRUM, NY -- A welcome home ceremony for 3rd Brigade Combat Team
Soldiers is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 at Magrath Gym
here.

The flight will consist of 305 personnel that are returning after a 12
month deployment to Afghanistan.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must R.S.V.P. to the Fort Drum
public affairs office not later than 12 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 by
calling 315-408-3087. R.S.V.P. is required so that we can provide
updates to the ceremony time as needed.

08 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Soldier's death at Fort Drum may be a suicide
There is an investigation into the death of Tam T. Nguyen at Ft Drum on Nov. 25.

U.S., ISF Combine to Secure Polling Sites
Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division combined with Iraqi federal police to move concrete barriers and cement blocks for increased security measures during the upcoming election at polling sites in the New Baghdad District, Dec. 7.

Fort Drum's 1st Brigade - and Lake Placid Captain - prepare for deployment to Afghanistan
Reporter Chris Morris spoke with one North Country soldier from Lake Placid who will be shipping out with the 1st Brigade.

Press Release- David E. Thomas

Fort Drum Soldier killed in Rhode Island

FORT DRUM, NY - A Fort Drum Soldier was killed in a shooting incident in
Providence, R.I. Sunday, Dec. 6.

Killed was Pvt. David E. Thomas, age 22, of Roxbury, Mass.

Pvt. Thomas served as a multichannel transmission systems
operator-maintainer with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion,
10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).

Pvt. Thomas joined the Army in December 2008 and arrived to Fort Drum in
July 2009. His awards and decorations include the National Defense
Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service
Ribbon.

The Providence Police Department is leading the investigation.

Fort Drum officials have offered their full cooperation.

Waide James

Via Florida Today.com

TITUSVILLE – Services will be held this evening at the Newcomer Funeral Home in Titusville for Waide James, an Iraq war veteran who was stabbed to death Dec. 1 while stationed at Fort Drum, N.Y.

A public service will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home on South Washington Avenue.

James, 20, of Port St. John and fellow soldier Diego Valbuena, 23, were found dead in an apartment complex near the base. They suffered multiple stab wounds. The incident occurred just three days before James’ 21 birthday.

A third soldier, Joshua Hunter, 20, was arrested a day later at a hotel in southern Ohio, and is being held on two counts of second-degree murder.

All three soldiers were veterans of the Iraq war. James, 20, of Port St. John, was getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan when he was killed.

James graduated from Titusville High School in 2006 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 2007. Fort Drum is home of the 10th Mountain Division. James spent 15 months in Iraq.

He served as a motor transport operator with the Headquarters Battalion of the 10th Mountain Division, according to Fort Drum's public affairs office. James received awards and decorations including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and overseas service ribbon.

A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home.

James will be buried with full military honors at the Florida National Cemetery in Sumter County.

Diego Valbuena

Via CBS 12.com



PALM CITY - A Port St. Lucie solider is murdered at Fort Drum, New York. Today, he is was laid to rest in Palm City. Diego Valbuena was murdered on December 1, 2009. The accused killer is his roommate, Joshua Hunter. Wednesday, dozens gathered for his funeral in Palm City. This morning was the mass at Holy Redeemer Catholic church. Then, a full military burial. Friend, Luis Roman, says, "He was just a great guy, he was always smiling, always cheerful, always happy in school. Seriously, he was the best guy ever." "Everybody was at peace because he's fine in New York and we weren't expecting that," says family friend, Carolina Catala.

Joshua Hunter is a Military Policeman and has been charged with two counts of second degree murder. He's accused of stabbing Valbuena and Port St. John soldier, Waide James, to death. Hunter's family says he has not been the same since he returned from Iraq last Spring.

07 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

3500 Fort Drum soldiers ordered to Afghanistan in Spring 2010
Rewrite of Press release from Ft Drum Public Affairs

1st BCT gets deployment orders
Another rewrite of the Press release from Ft drum Public Affairs

Press Release - 1st BCT to deploy in Spring 2010

FORT DRUM, NY - The 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team
received orders from the Department of Defense ordering them to deploy
to Afghanistan in spring 2010.

The approximately 3,500 Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team are
preparing for a 12 month deployment as part of the President's decision
to deploy additional U.S. forces in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom.

The ultimate mission of the 1st BCT and the area they will be deployed
will be the based on the needs of the combatant commander in
Afghanistan.

"The top priority in this division right now is to ensure the
preparedness of the Soldiers and Families of the Warrior Brigade as they
prepare for their tour in Afghanistan," said Major General James L.
Terry, 10th Mountain Division Commander.

The Warrior Brigade most recently deployed to Iraq from September 2007
to November 2008. Previously they deployed to Afghanistan in 2003, and
Iraq in 2005.

06 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Fort Drum events
A link to a post on a blog called Loving a Soldier: Living the Life which details MWR activities for the month of December on Ft Drum.

Families sweet on Sugarplum Ball
Waterrtown Daily Times coverage of the sixth annual Sugarplum Ball Saturday at the Commons.

Mourners remember Montana soldier who died in Iraq
Memorial service for Pfc. Michael A. Rodgers who was killed earlier this month in Iraq.

05 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

New Ways of Treating Soldiers' Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress
Even though it is not directly related to Ft Drum or the 10th Mountain, this is information that is needed.
A look at some new programs the VA Medical Center offers soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

04 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Wife: Iraq war changed soldier accused in slayings
Emily Hunter, wife of accused killer, states that husband suffered from experiences during deployment.

Christmas trees from CNY to brighten up holidays for troops
Trees donated to military posts by local civilians bring a bright spot to season for service members and families.

Families of Fort Drum-based soldiers bracing for impact of Obama's troop surge in Afghanistan
NY Daily News report on how news of upcoming surge is affecting families at Ft Drum

Statement By Major General James L. Terry On Soldier Deaths in Evans Mills

"The entire Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division community is deeply
saddened with the news of the untimely death of two of our Soldiers,
Specialist Waide James and Specialist Diego Valbuena.

Words cannot express the sorrow I personally feel for these Soldiers,
their Families and their fellow Soldiers who knew and served with them
in peacetime and combat. Their loss is incalculable.

I ask our North Country neighbors to join with the 10th Mountain
Division in offering our heartfelt condolences and support to the
Families and friends of these Soldiers in this very difficult time.

As the Senior Mission Commander here at Fort Drum, I have pledged our
full support to the civilian law enforcement agencies charged with the
responsibility of investigating our Soldiers' deaths and appreciate
their professionalism and support to our Soldiers and Families."

03 December 2009

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

In Fort Drum, Soldiers Prepared For Deployment
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.

One final push ... troops steeled for action
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.

Drum troops watch speech, anticipate deployment
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.

Reaction to Obama's West Point speech on Afghanistan: 'It's crunch time,' says local veteran
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.


Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.


Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.

02 December 2009

10th Moutain Daily Roundup

Augusta family fears deployment instead of retirement
Sharon Quick, spouse of Army Sgt. James Quick, is focus of story about possible deployment of troops to Afghanistan.

Vet, activist, lawmakers split on Afghan plan
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.

Troops, Families Brace for Afghan Surge
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.

US troops hopeful Obama plan will wind down war
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.


Strain of Military Service Meets Resolve
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.

PFC. MARC SILVESTRI U.S. ARMY, BRONZE STAR WITH VALOR
Story focused on 10th Mountain soldier.

DeRidder man leads efflort to provide a touch of home to deployed troops
Louisiana man adopts Alpha Company 2/87 Infantry

GOVERNOR PATERSON DIRECTS FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF
NY state flags to be flown at half staff in honor of Ft Drum soldier Michael Rogers


Morale at Fort Drum questioned in shadow of Afghanistan fight
North Country NPR blog focus on Task Force Mountain blog question about morale on ft Drum.



Press Release: Fort Drum Soldier found dead in barracks Nov. 25- Tam T. Nguyen

FORT DRUM - A Soldier assigned to Fort Drum's 1st Brigade Combat Team
was found dead in his barracks room Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Pfc. Tam T. Nguyen, 19, a native of San Jose, Calif., served as an
infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment.

Pfc. Nguyen joined the Army in August 2008 and arrived to Fort Drum in
April 2009.

Pfc. Nguyen is survived by his mother and father.

Pfc. Nguyen's awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and
Parachutist Badge.

The cause of death is under investigation.

01 December 2009

Michael A. Rogers

Via U.S. Department of Defense News Release

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Michael A. Rogers, 23, of White Sulphur Springs, Mont., died Nov. 27, at Forward Operating Base Hammer, east of Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-7267.


Also see the following for news on this.
Montana News Station
ABC 50
Watertown Daily Times
Syracuse.com


10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Obama, Karzai hold videoconference, talk strategy
Article on talks between Obama and Karzai, part of article has quotes from 10th Mountain soldiers on rumors of extension of deployment for them due to surge.

DRUM AWAITS NEW AFGHAN ORDERS
Watertown Daily Times article on how news of possible deployment of units from Drum is affecting troops and the post.
 
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