07 July 2010

Edwin C. Wood

Two 10th Mountain Division Soldiers were killed when an
improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Kandahar,
Afghanistan Monday, July 5.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Christopher F. Cabacoy, 30, of Virginia Beach, Va.

Pfc. Edwin C. Wood, 18, of Omaha, Neb.

Staff Sgt Cabacoy and Pfc. Wood served as cavalry scouts with the 1st
Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain
Division (Light Infantry).


Pfc. Wood joined the Army in October 2009 and arrived to Fort Drum April
2010.

Pfc. Wood is survived by his parents.

Pfc. Wood's awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War
on Terrorism Service Medal, and Combat Action Badge.


See also
omaha.com
syracuse.com
newzjunky.com
myabc50.com

Christopher F. Cabacoy

Two 10th Mountain Division Soldiers were killed when an
improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Kandahar,
Afghanistan Monday, July 5.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Christopher F. Cabacoy, 30, of Virginia Beach, Va.

Pfc. Edwin C. Wood, 18, of Omaha, Neb.

Staff Sgt Cabacoy and Pfc. Wood served as cavalry scouts with the 1st
Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain
Division (Light Infantry).

Staff Sgt. Cabacoy joined the Army in March 2000 and arrived to Fort
Drum October 2009. He was previously deployed to Iraq from January 2004
to January 2005.

Staff Sgt. Cabacoy is survived by his wife and son.

Staff Sgt. Cabacoy's awards and decorations include the Army
Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War
on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal,
and Combat Action Badge.

See also
hamptonroads.com
wtvr.com
wvec.com
wavy.com
syracuse.com
newzjunky.com
myabc50.com

05 July 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Helo pilots learn to fly at extreme altitudes
FORT CARSON, Colo. — As 1st Lt. Richard Clark began to lower his UH-60 Black Hawk onto a scrubby, windswept patch 8,000 feet high in the Colorado Rockies, his pilot instructor decided to make a tricky landing a little trickier: On the tandem flight controls, the instructor held his joystick, blocking it from coming aft.

Springfield soldier finally home for holidays (With Video)
It was Christmas time and Chris Cooper, thousands of miles from his Springfield home, had no prayer of returning for the holidays.

Stationed with the Army in Iraq without a leave of absence, Cooper and his family were forced to improvise.

Thanks to the Internet, Cooper found a way to take part in his family’s celebration, at least the best he could.

Seabees Expand Forward Operating Base Griffin, Afghanistan
Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4m, stationed out of Point Hueneme, Calf., are working hard under the scorching Afghan sun expanding Forward Operating Base Griffin near city of Meimaneh in northern Afghanistan.

More than 500 Seabees from NMCB4 arrived in Afghanistan last January, and are currently spread across International Security Assistance Force’s Regional Command – North working on various construction projects.

Currently, the priority for the Seabees on FOB Griffin is building the tactical operations center for 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery from the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team.

Iraq War Soldier Prevails in Three Tours of Duty, Battling Cancer and Pursuing Excelsior College Degree During Deployments
After returning from his first tour of duty in Iraq to Fort Drum, New York, SFC H. Daniel Tulip learned he had cancer of the bladder. His wife Marcie moved into action as his emotional rock, supporting him daily and opting to postpone a major surgery need of her own in order to care for him. After surgery, he was deployed the second time, and then a third time. As a cancer survivor and combat soldier, he took on another challenge during this third deployment: pursuing his college degree with Excelsior College. Back home, his wife remained his base of faith and encouragement.

Blue Star Moms honor their sons in service
Today is a day when the American flag is prominently displayed as the nation celebrates its most patriotic holiday. But there is a small group of Americans who display a different flag that also shows patriotism.

Their banner is the Blue Star flag, which hangs in a window and symbolizes a son or daughter serving with the military in a war zone.

They are the Blue Star Mothers.

One of those Blue Star Mothers is Bobbi Kennedy of Petersburg, who will be praying for two of her sons today - one is about to come back from Iraq while the other is preparing for his deployment to Afghanistan.

03 July 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Death on Facebook
10th Mountain Division soldier, First Lt. Mark Larson blogs on the death of fellow 10th Mountain soldier, First Lt. Joe Theinert and how social media has affected the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

McHugh returns to roots at Ft. Drum
It was a memorable homecoming for Secretary of the Army John McHugh. The longtime North Country Congressman made his first visit to Fort Drum since becoming Secretary as the 10th Mountain Division celebrated an historic milestone.

Soldier to return for visit
Army Spc. Robert Nolan is the focus of this article in his hometown paper.

67 Americans who will not be celebrating the 4th of July
The Madison Independent Examiner's Gregory Patin gives us a touching article on the losses of military personnel in Afghanistan, including 10th Mountain soldiers Lt. Joseph J. Theinert, and Spc. Brian M. Anderson.

25th Anniversary of the 10th Mountain Division
The 10th Mountain Division, the Fort Drum families, political figures and the North Country community gathered on Fort Drum yesterday.

Fort Drum’s annual Mountainfest celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the 10th Mountain Division’s Re-Activation.

From Facebook


1st BCT
1st BCT gives us several videos and pictures from Afghanistan.

2nd Brigade Combat Team
We get pictures of the FRG of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team making welcome home signs and banners.

01 July 2010

10th mountain Division News Roundup



Secretary of Army McHugh to attend Fort Drum fete
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Secretary of the Army John McHugh will be at Fort Drum to help the northern New York military post celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 10th Mountain Division's reactivation.

McHugh, an ex-congressman whose former district includes Fort Drum, will take part in Thursday's festivities featuring a 56-gun salute.

Salute to SPC. Miscevich Berlin
CNN salute from Leesa Kassler to her daughter Specialist Miscevich Berlin, who is with the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division.

New Military Support Group Created in WNY
Catherine Chapman of Amherst and Christina Ball of Royalton are two proud mothers. Chapman has two sons serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan and Christina's son Jeffrey Ball just completed a tour of duty in Iraq, and in now based at Fort Drum.
The mothers have now teamed up to create a new chapter of The Blue Star Mothers of America in the Buffalo Niagara Region.

From Facebook


1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
We get profiles of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rodrigues Ester and Pfc. Shawn Jenkins from the 1st BCT.

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
We get video clips and pictures of the welcome home ceremonies for several units from 2nd BCT.

3-71 Cavalry Regiment
3-71 Cavalry Regiment reminds us of mountainfest.

10th Sustainment Brigade 'Muleskinners'
We have a photo of Major General James Terry, the 10th Mountain Division (LI) Commander presenting the Army Comendation Medal to Sgt. Eric Steinman a military policeman with 511th Military Police Company at the Salute to the Nation ceremony on July 1 for winning the Division NCO of the Year Competition.

1-87 IN/1BCT/10MTN DIV
We get several pictures and video clips from 1-87 IN today.

2nd BN 22nd INF
Triple Deuce sends us some pictures and video clips from Afghanistan on their page.

30 June 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

2 Military Helicopter Pilots Injured In Hard Landing
The Teller County Sheriff's Office is confirming that two pilots were injured in a hard landing of an Apache helicopter west of Fort Carson early Wednesday morning.

An AH-64D Apache Longbow from the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum, New York, made a hard landing south of Pikes Peak at approximately 1:30 a.m. The helicopter went down in Teller County, near Upper Gold Camp Road and Forest Service Road 376. There are no roads within 5 miles of the crash site.

Army to name NY building for soldier killed in '06
FORT DRUM, N.Y. (AP) - The 10th Mountain Division is dedicating a Fort Drum building in the name of a soldier who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for aiding a wounded comrade under heavy enemy fire in Afghanistan.

A ceremony is being held Wednesday afternoon at the northern New York Army post to dedicate the Pine Plains Fitness Center as the Monti Fitness Center.


Public invited to Fort Drum's annual Mountainfest Thursday

Fort Drum is opening its doors to the public Thursday for the annual Mountainfest on Division Hill.

Thursday's event will begin at 11 a.m. with activities including a military equipment display, carnival games and a car show. Admission is free. The evening will feature live music by Jared Campbell, Whitetail and the division band. Visitors can enter the post through the entrance on Route 26 known as the "Gasoline Alley" gate.

10th Mt. Div.'s 2nd BCT returning to Fort Drum
More than 1,000 soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team have returned home from their latest deployment overseas.

About 300 soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment were welcomed back to Fort Drum in northern New York late Monday night by loved-ones and friends.





29 June 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Senate OKs study of Drum med school

HURDLE CLEARED: Move is required step in Upstate Medical University plan to build NNY branch campus

Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, has cleared another hurdle in its efforts to build a Fort Drum branch campus.
The state Senate recently passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, to conduct a study exploring the viability of such a campus. The university-run study is required before the project can become eligible for state or federal funding. The Assembly already had cleared the way for the study.


“A Year at War” Begins in Afghanistan
NY Times pictorial on Fort Drum's 1/87 Infantry.


Shadow Over Afghanistan
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs Story by Spc. Blair Neelands

With an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle high in the sky, soldiers in the UAV platoon of the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, provide a preview of the battlefield to coalition forces in Regional Command-North.

Currently, 17 Iroquois Soldiers are attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team’s 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery in the Faryab province flying missions daily with their RQ-7B Shadow 200 UAV.


Drum welcomes 2nd Brigade home from Iraq

FORT DRUM — Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team marched into Magrath Sports Complex at exactly 9:30 p.m. Monday and spent the next eight minutes taking part in a ceremony to welcome them home from Iraq.


Local Paragraphs

■ FORT DRUM — A new child development center opens today at 4225 Po Valley Road for Fort Drum families. The $8.7 million facility has a staff of 60 employees and can accommodate 224 children up to 5 years old. Interested parents can call Fort Drum Parent Services at 772-8675.


Wounded Warrior Weekend fishing outing in Fair Haven a big success

Twelve Wounded Warriors from Fort Drum arrived in Fair Haven around 10:30 A.M. for a fishing event that was held Friday and Saturday up in the Fair Haven area. The event was put on courtesy of a number of Fair Haven area businesses, charter boat captains and other volunteers.


Nastvogel enjoys fantastic debut
QUEST FOR CHAMPIONS: Fort Drum soldier wins before possible assignment in Cuba
A lot can change in two months.

Black River Boxing Academy's John Nastvogel, who is also an Army soldier based at Fort Drum, decided he wanted to box two months ago.

In his debut fight Saturday, he beat Watertown Area Boxing Club's Andrew Holladay in the 178-pound weight class at the second annual Carmen Basilio Quest For Champions amateur event at the Bonnie Castle Recreation Center.

24 June 2010

SITREP June 24th

BloodSpite here, still holding down Ft Livingroom until your regular bloggers return from TDY

Here's the latest and greatest from Ft Drum and the 10th Mountain!

Officials at Fort Drum in northern New York are set to cut the ribbon on a new addition to the Army post.The 10th Mountain Division is opening the new Fort Drum Labyrinth. Army officials say the labyrinth will be a special place where soldiers and their families can go for mediation, prayer and healing.


Soldiers of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, from the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, have been hard at work on one of the most vital missions of Operation Enduring Freedom – assisting the Afghan National Army as it grows into a force able to secure the country’s borders.

Afghan National Security Forces are beginning to take over reins from the 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment as their training moves into a new phase of instruction. Since being tasked as mentors for ANSF, Soldiers of “Triple Deuce” battalion have performed as hands-on instructors, with the ultimate goal of establishing a standard of education that allows the ANSF to take over the task of training.

A civilian worker was killed while performing his duties on Ft Drum in a fatal accident.

A former Fort Drum captain was sentenced May 21 to two years in federal prison for accepting cash in exchange for steering Army contracts to a particular company while stationed in Iraq, according to documents filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, Manhattan.

Fort Drum soldiers will count on local officials to teach them how to run a town. The 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team will team up with the town to gain experience the unit can take with it to Afghanistan when it deploys in the spring.

18 June 2010

SITREP June 18th

BloodSpite here with another SITREP for the Ft Drum and 10th Mountain Cadre!

A contingent of soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division has started returning to their northern New York Army post after being deployed to Iraq.

Officials at Fort Drum say nearly 100 soldiers arrived early yesterday morning at the military installation's airfield.

Take a tour of Fort Drum's new Riva Ridge DFAC with its manager, Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Fayette.

First Lt. Joseph Theinert, 24, a 2008 graduate of the University at Albany, who died in combat Friday in Afghanistan, will be laid to rest today in his hometown of Shelter Island off Long Island. Called a hero by many, Theinert left his vehicle and ordered his troops to retreat to a safe distance while he disabled an improvised explosive device; he was killed when a second IED detonated. He was the only casualty. He is expected to be awarded a Purple Heart posthumously.

Theinert was a member of the New York Army National Guard who volunteered for active duty with the Army's 1st Squadron, 71st Calvary, part of the 1st Brigade Team of the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum.

17 June 2010

SITREP June 17th

BloodSpite here. Sorry for the delay. I was out of town all weekend. Thats no excuse however, so here's your latest news!



Hundreds line roads in procession honoring Sgt. Erick J. Klusacek, 22, who was killed June 8 in a vehicular accident while serving in Afghanistan.

The brother of a Fort Drum soldier is walking across the country to benefit the Warrior's Wish Foundation. Mark Klodzinski, 23, Ellicotville, Cattaraugus County, began his walk in March. He's the brother of Fort Drum soldier Adam Klodzinski, 24, also a native of Ellicotville. Adam, of the 132nd Infantry who has deployed twice to Afghanistan, said he has another brother, Erik, an Army veteran who was based out of Fort Campbell for eight years.

A Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) from Fort Drum, NY has begun training at the Mountain Post in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum is conducting High Altitude Mountain Environmental Training (HAMET) at the Mountain Post, FT Carson, Colorado.


A soldier in the 10th Mountain Division stands in a field base as a helicopter flies by overhead on June 6, 2010 in Belanday, south of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division have fanned out in the vast hinterlands south of Kandahar, part of a counterinsurgency strategy aimed at protecting Afghan civilians and legitimizing the government of Afghanistan in the minds of the rural local populace. Getty

A 10th Mountain Army intelligence analyst suspected of leaking classified information to Wikileaks has still not been charged with any crime, three weeks after being arrested and put in pre-trial confinement. PFC Bradley Manning, 22, is being held at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and has been assigned a military defense attorney while the Army and State Department investigate claims Manning made to an ex-hacker in online chats that he disclosed classified information.

15 June 2010

10th Mountain Division Soldier killed in Afghanistan


June 15, 2010

Release Nr 1006-01

By Public Affairs

Fort Drum, NY - A Soldier from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th
Mountain Division was killed in Za Khel, Afghanistan, Saturday June 12,
2010, from wounds sustained in an improvised explosive devise attack.

Killed is Specialist Brian Michael Anderson, age 24, of Harrisonburg,
VA.

SPC Anderson joined the Army in March 2008 and after completing training
arrived at Fort Drum in July 2008. He was an infantryman with the 1st
Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment.

SPC Anderson's awards and decorations include the National Defense
Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

He is survived by his mother, father, brother and sister.

Media with inquiries regarding this release should contact Julie
Cupernall, Public Affairs Office, 315-523-4546 or
Julie.cupernall@us.army.mil.



Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO

09 June 2010

SITREP June 9th

Hey Folks! BloodSpite here with another news round up for you!

The local community around Ft Drum has shown its support to the family and memory of First Army Lieutenant Joseph Theinert, was killed in Afghanistan while on patrol with the Bravo Troop 1-71 Cavalry. Lt. Theinert died when an improvised explosive device was detonated during a dismounted patrol.

Sandy Treat is being inducted into Vail's Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame this year as builders of the sport. Treat volunteered for the 10th Mountain Division, the famed soldiers on skis who fought in World War II, and trained and instructed fellow troops at Camp Hale.

08 June 2010

SITREP June 8th

BloodSpite here! Your noble regular blogger is doing well after a very long flight. He has touched down in to the safe and loving arms of his latest training brigade.

That said here's a recent round up of news and informational items!

A New York Army National Guard Soldier serving on active duty, 1st Lieutenant Joseph J. Theinert, age 24, died June 4, 2010 in Afghanistan while assigned to Army's 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry, part 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).

The Kandahar-based commander of Regional Command South, British Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, is expected to be followed by the commanding general of the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division once Gen. Carter's term runs out in the fall, coalition officials say.

Afghan National Police along with Soldiers from Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery from the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team joined forces June 1, to bring much needed medical aid and supplies to a local village that has been plagued by the insurgency in Ghalbala

07 June 2010

SITREP

Afternoon. Bloodspite of Registered Evil filling in for your regular Blogger.

He shall return soon I assure you

In the meantime here's a round up of the latest links regarding Ft. Drum and the 10th Mountain!

The military said Monday it is holding Army Specialist Bradley Manning of the 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division in pretrial confinement in Kuwait and that he is suspected of releasing classified information.

Former Garrison Commander Retired Colonel David Clark has been inducted into the Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame. Clark served at Ft Drum from the summer of 2005 until May of 2008

287 Members of 7th Engineer Battalion returned to Fort Drum at the end of this past month. Welcome home!

27 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

1st BSTB Improves Local Schools
Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, from the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team have been coordinating efforts recently to help improve school facilities in Dehdadi District in Northern Afghanistan.

Three schools they have been working with are the Habiday Balkh Preschool, Primary school and High School.

POINTE-AUX-CHENES
Young soldier making way through military

10th Mountain Division soldier Kevin Fitch is the focus of a story in the Houma, LA newspaper.

From Facebook



2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
Today 2nd BCT gives us photo albums of several transfer of authority ceremonies and also the USO visit of country music artist Michael Peterson.

Hhc Headhunters
Today HHC 2/87 reminds us that today is Division safety day, so if you need to come on post this morning, give yourself extra time. They also remind us that every Wednesday the Watertown Farmer's Market will be open in front of the Dulles State Office Building and that the US army has a youtube channel, which is located Here.





26 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Seniors sew message of support into ties
A spirited group of seniors is using sewing skills to help keep American troops comfortable in the grueling heat and nighttime cold of Afghanistan and Iraq.

So far, the ladies have made almost 80 neck coolers that will be delivered to soldiers deployed with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum.

From Facebook



Northern New York Fort Drum AUSA tells us of the Annual Meeting and Dinner at the Commons Wed. May 26th ... Celbrating 25 years of AUSA at Fort Drum and also celebrating the Army's Birthday.

3-71 Cavalry Regiment
We have news of a "Support our Troops event" at Carthage Central High School and a request to answer an Armed Services YMCA Recognition Survey on their Facebook wall. Visit and show your support.

2-30 Infantry Battalion
4th BCT's 2-30 Infantry Battalion gives us links to the post's newspaper, the Ft Polk Guardian, and we also have a link to job opportunities on Fort Polk. Visit them for more info.

HHC Headhunters, 2-87 Infantry Battalion
The Headhunters give us news of a Family Readiness Group meeting, and a recipe for vegetables cooked on the grill. Check them out for more info.

25 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Distance not easy for new father, husband
fort Drum soldier Matthew Hagarman is the focus of a news Story from the Gettysburg Times.

New Deputy Commander named for 10th Mountain Division
Brigadier General Kenneth Dahl will become part of the 10th Mountain Division command tead as a takes the job of deputy commander. The Army Chief of Staff made the announcement Friday.

Soldiers get history lesson on war tactics
Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it and no one knows that better than troops of the 10th Mountain Division.

For some soldiers of the 3/71 Cavalry Regiment, the tactics in present day Afghanistan and those in the North Country 250 years ago are not that different. That's why Fort Drum hosted a re-enactor from Fort Stanwix in Rome to conduct a class in the weapons and tactics of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.

Could Fort Drum brigades all be home in 2012?
With soldiers, families and civilian employees, Fort Drum is often considered the biggest city in the North Country. But because there's always a brigade or two serving overseas, it's rare that everyone is home at the same time. But, as our Brian Dwyer reports, that's exactly what we could be looking at sometime in 2012.

Arrests Made in Connection to Kabul Suicide Car Bombing
According to the Associated Press, Afghan authorities have arrested seven people in connection to the May 18 suicide car bombing in Kabul that killed three American colonels, two of them Fort Drum based, a Canadian colonel and six NATO soldiers.

From Facebook
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division: 2-22 conducts vital ineventory
1st BCT gives us this story on the actions of Soldiers of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion 22 Infantry Regiment who recently conducted an inventory at Depot 1 in Kabul, Afghanistan. That inventory took more than 100 days complete.

2-22 Infantry mentors Afghan National Army
1st BCT gives us this story on Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 22 Infantry Regiment and their efforts to help in building the Afghan National Army.

Outside the wire
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division's gives us these pictures of their trips outside the wire in Afghanistan.

24 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

U.S. troops, Afghan police storm Taliban stronghold
Article on the actions of Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 87nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Brigade to help bring security to the people of Afghanistan.

Ingenuity, valor and duct tape: A soldier and his green unit overcome an entrenched enemy in Afghanistan
A telling of the story that won SFC Richard J. Olson his Silver Star in Afganistan.

From Facebook
Supply in the Fight
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division gives us this story about the men and women behind the scenes in Bravo Company, 1Brigade Special Troops Battalion. Sgt. Darius Blackwell, Sgt. Jonathan Rawles, and Pfc. Andullia Pablo are the focus of this story.

Ft Drum MWRThe US Army Recruiter the Recruiter Team will be conducting volunteer recruiter briefings 24-26 May at Ft. Drum. Briefings will be held in the 3rd BCT HQs Conference Room, Bldg 10500 on North Riva Ridge Loop at 1000 and 1330 daily. POC is SFC Stuart Whitman 270-304-9303.

23 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Murray veterans preparing memorial
Maj. Gen. James Terry, commander of the Army's 10th Mountain Division, will be leading a dedication ceremony to a new memorial in his hometown area of Murray County, Ga on May 29th.

Hometown hero
SPENCER MAN RECEIVES THE SILVER STAR

Worcester, MA Telegram & Gazette Corp. has article on the award ceremony for Sergeant First Class Richard J. Olson Jr.

Endurance festival slated in Elkhart
Between 20 and 30 soldiers based in Iraq have agreed to do a half-marathon shadow run in conjunction with the inaugural Great Midwest Marathon and Endurance Festival which will be held the last weekend of May in Elkhart, WI.

From Facebook

2nd BN 22nd INF: 1st and 2nd PLT, D-CO
Triple Deuce gives us this picture of 1st and 2nd PLT, D-CO

2nd BN 22nd INF's Photos - HHC
Eleven photos of HHC, Triple Deuce in action.

2nd BN 22nd INF: 2nd Platoon, C Co Update
We get a picture and some news from 2nd Platoon, C Co Triple Deuce here.

2nd BN 22nd INF: 2nd PLT A CO 2-22IN
The Platoon Sgt, SFC William Dunn, fills us in on what he and his men have been doing recently with this note.

2nd BN 22nd INF's Photos - Alpha Company
Alpha Company shows the love with some new pictures in their album.

2nd BN 22nd INF's Photos - Echo Company Deployment
we get a chance to see the people of Echo company in country with this photo album.

Charlie Company
not wanting to be left out, Charlie Co sends photos as well.

22 May 2010

10th Mountain division News Roundup

Back in time: 10th Mt. Div. troops to meet Continental 'soldier'
More than 50 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team will be getting a history lesson from a Revolutionary War re-enactor.

Allegheny Currents: Cuba native commands combat brigade
Col. Patrick D. Frank, a 1985 graduate of Cuba Central School, took over command of the unit earlier this spring after it had returned from duty in Afghanistan. Col. Frank took the reins of the brigade from Col. David Haight, who had been assigned to duty at the Pentagon.

From Facebook
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division's Photos - Outside the Wire
We get 16 new photos from the 1st BCT of them doing missions and patrols.

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division's Photos - Warrior Portraits
We also have a new album on the 1st BCT site with 3 pictures of our warriors in action.
Chaplains provide spiritual guidance on Camp Mike Spann 1st BCT also gives us a story By Airman 1st Class Robert Hicks about the Brigade's Chaplains; Maj. Dale Code, Maj. Simon Obeng and Capt. Brian Hargis.

2nd Bn/ 22nd Infantry Regiment
2nd BN 22nd INF tells us about a fishing outing on 29 May that is sponsored by the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society. Great weather and company expected. Contact Ms Rhonda Cyr, your FRG advisor or anyone within the Rear Detachment.

1-71 Cavalry "Ghost" Squadron
There will be a "Chat Session" with the Squadron Commander and Squadron Command Sergeant Major. Visit their facebook page or log onto the vFRG for more information. Rear Detachment Commander.

3-71 Cavalry Regiment "Titans" 10th Mountain Division,FT Drum,NY
We have 5 new photos of Volunteer Of The Month Desiree Evans. Congrats on the honor.

2-30 Infantry Battalion
News on the 2-30IN Ball is announced for everyone who is interested.

TF Spartan Youtube page
The 2/87 Headhunters bring us news of a Youtube channel for TF Spartan.

2/87 Awards April 2010
The 2/87 Headhunters bring us news of a Youtube video from the April awards ceremony for 2/87.

21 May 2010

10th mountain Division News Roundup

I have added to the pages for fallen heroes Lt. Col. Thomas Belkofer and Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz.

Drum soldier helps poor Afghans
Fort Drum soldier William Seo is the focus of a North Country NPR article.


Pentagon flips on contractor use; insourcing draws GOP ire

Congress looks at the policy to use federal employees instead of private contractors for jobs at Military bases like Fort Drum.

Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff
"I join with all New Yorkers in expressing our sympathy to the family and friends and fellow soldiers of Lt. Col. Thomas Belkofer and Lt. Col. Paul Bartz," Governor Paterson said. "These officers served their country with distinction. We join the Fort Drum community in mourning their loss but we will honor their service to our nation."

From Facebook
2nd BCT "Commando Update"
Today we have the Commando Update from 2nd BCT in Iraq.

The official uncasing of the 1-87 IN Colors at FOB Kunduz.
1/87 uploaded some video from the official uncasing of the unit colors.
This is a ceremony marking the official arrival of a unit, usually done either on deployment or when the entire unit has returned to their home station.

Fort Drum FMWR
Fort Drum FMWR announces that Mountainfest will be held at Fort Drum’s Division Hill on July 1. Opens at 11:00 am and is open to the public.

1-87 IN/1BCT/10MTN DIV's Photos - May 20th 2010
1/87 gives us 25 new photos of the unit on deployment.

2nd BN 22nd INF's Photos - Echo Company Deployment
Triple Deuce also gives us some pictures from Echo Company today.

2nd BN 22nd INF's Photos - 3rd PLT, Bravo Company
And not to be outdone, my old platoon gives us 25 photos of the unit in action, training the Afghans to provide security for their country.

Photos from 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery
and due to my missing this for a couple days, we have photos from 3/6 Field Artillery that were posted on 17 May.

20 May 2010

Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer

Via Fort Drum Press Release

Two 10th Mountain Division Soldiers were killed when a suicide vehicle-born improvised explosive device exploded near their convoy in Kabul Tuesday, May 18.

One was Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, of Ohio.

Lt. Col. Belkofer wwas part of a team from the 10th Mountain Division headquarters to conduct key leader training and set the conditions for the 10th Mountain Division headquarters' deployment to Afghanistan later this year.

===
Lt. Col. Belkofer served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-8 (Comptroller) with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). Belkofer has one previous deployment to Afghanistan from January 2005 to February 2006. He arrived to Fort Drum July 2009.

Lt. Col. Belkofer is survived by his wife and two children.

Lt. Col. Belkofer's awards and decorations include the Bronze Start Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Assault Badge, and Parachutist Badge.


"This is a heartbreaking loss for the 10th Mountain Division and the
entire Fort Drum community. Our thoughts and prayers are with their
families," said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bannister, 10th Mountain Division
Deputy Commanding General for Operations.


Also see www.9wsyr.com

waronterrornews.typepad.com

www.weau.com

www.watertowndailytimes.com

www.syracuse.com

gouverneurtimes.com

WTVG-TV/DT.com

www.wwnytv.com

Updates
0 comments

Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz

Two 10th Mountain Division Soldiers were killed when a suicide vehicle-born improvised explosive device exploded near their convoy in Kabul Tuesday, May 18.

One was Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz, 43, of Wisconsin.

Lt. Col. Bartz was part of a team from the 10th Mountain Division headquarters to conduct key leader training and set the conditions for the 10th Mountain Division headquarters' deployment to Afghanistan later this year.

===

Lt. Col. Bartz served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1 (Personnel) with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). Bartz arrived to Fort Drum June 2009.

Lt. Col. Bartz is survived by his wife and son.

Lt. Col. Bartz' awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal.

===

"This is a heartbreaking loss for the 10th Mountain Division and the
entire Fort Drum community. Our thoughts and prayers are with their
families," said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bannister, 10th Mountain Division
Deputy Commanding General for Operations.


Also see www.9wsyr.com

waronterrornews.typepad.com

www.weau.com

www.watertowndailytimes.com

www.syracuse.com

gouverneurtimes.com

gazettextra.com

www.jsonline.com

www.winonadailynews.com

Wisconson State Jounral.com

www.wbay.com

www.wkowtv.com

www.wwnytv.com

Updates
Wis. Army Officer Killed In Afghanistan Remembered

Waterloo native killed in Afghanistan

Waterloo Mourns Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

House panel OKs $234.7m in Fort Drum projects
A congressional committee Wednesday approved $234.7 million in construction projects for Fort Drum, rubber-stamping the Obama administration's annual budget request and adding a project requested by Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh.


Owens proposes joint training center in Northeast

Fort Drum could become to a regional military training center for the Northeast, if a measure proposed by Rep. William L. Owens becomes law.


Home >Fort Carson soldier cited for preventing a suicide

Spc. Albert Godding receives Meritorious Service Medal for preventing a buddy's suicide in Iraq while assigned to 10th Mountain Division.

Zeroing in to fix Afghan marksmanship
The United States Army Marksmanship Unit, in conjunction with Soldiers from 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y., and U.S. Army contractor MPRI, are working to improve marksmanship on all levels, from basic trainees to NCOs and officers attending combat training.

Fort Drum Soldiers Reflect on Deployment
Before leaving for a year in Afghanistan, soldiers from the First Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum, N.Y., reflected on their fears about deploying.

19 May 2010

10th Mountain Division Facebook Pages

Units









1st Brigade Combat Team
1-87 Infantry Bn
2-22 Infantry Bn
1-71 Cavalry Sqn
3-6 Field Artillery (Strike)
10th Brigade Support Bn
1st Brigade Special Troops Bn

2nd Brigade Combat Team
2-14 Infantry Bn
4-31 Infantry Bn
1-89 Cavalry RSTA
2-15 Field Artillery (STRIKE)
210th Brigade Support Bn
2d Brigade Special Troops Bn
3rd Brigade Combat Team
1-32 Infantry Bn
2-87 Infantry Bn
3-71 Cavalry (SQN)
4-25 Field Artillery (STRIKE)
710th Brigade Support Bn
3d Brigade Special Troops Bn

4th Brigade Combat Team (Ft. Polk)
2-4 Infantry Bn
2-30 Infantry Bn
3-89 Cavalry (RSTA)
5-25 Field Artillery (STRIKE)
94th Brigade Support Bn
4th Brigade Special Troops Bn
10th Aviation Brigade
3-10 GSAB
6-6 Cavalry
2-10 Aviation Regiment
277th Aviation Support Battalion

10th Sustainment Brigade
Brigade Special Troops Bn
548th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
91st Military Police Bn
511th MP Company
7th Engineering Battalion
95th & 520th Engineer Detachment
Other pages

Ft Drum, NY Currently has 2,257 members (19 May 2010)
Fort Drum FMWR
Fort Drum FMWR

10th Mountain Div. (Light Infantry) Veterans
Association of the 10th Mountain Division
Northern New York Fort Drum AUSA




If I have missed any, please leave a comment on this article with a link to that specific Facebook page. Thank you very much.

Fort Drum soldier creates organization to help Afghan people

Fort Drum medic William Seo says his first trip to Afghanistan was eye opening. Horrific conditions. People with nothing. A sight he says he couldn't bear.

"One old gentleman, old man, walked three days barefoot to get a sore on his toe checked," Seo said. "We treated him, but sent him back barefoot. That really hurt."

Joint Security Station Zafaraniya transferred to Iraqi Federal Police
Joint Security Station (JSS) Zafaraniya was transferred to the 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Federal Police Division Monday from soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

“They already have plans on how they are to conduct [security operations at JSS Zafaraniya], how they are going to guard it,” said 1st Sergeant Patrick Murray of Mauston, Wisconsin, battery first sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-15 FA. “I think they will do well.”


A Numbers Game
NY Times column by First Lt. Mark Larson, who is serving with the 10th Mountain Division in Kabul and blogs at www.handfulofdust.net.


Face of Defense: Buddy’s Concern Saves Soldier’s Life

Spc. Albert Godding receives Meritorious Service Medal for actions in Iraq while with 5th Battalion, 25th Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

Fort Drum bomb squad detonates shell in Owasco
Ft Drum based 760th Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assists Onondaga County bomb squad with disposing of a a World War II-era Navy shell.

Fort Drum's 1st Brigade one of first to deploy without stop-loss
Since the days of the military draft, branches of the Armed Forces have been all volunteer. But some military policies have taken away some of that freedom. One in particular, stop-loss, led to some soldiers being forced to serve an extra year or more. But as our Brian Dwyer reports, that program is no more and Fort Drum officials say they're glad it's over.

From Facebook
1st and 2nd PLT, D Company, 2/22 Inf
We have a note about what 1st and 2nd Platoons D Company, 2/22 Inf, have been doing, as well as a group photo for the loved ones at home to see their deployed family members.

0 comments

18 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Afghanistan: Challenges at Combat Outposts
Spc. Joseph Wagner and Spc. Daniel Booles of Delta Company, 2-22 Infantry, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division are the focus of this story on some of the challenges soldiers are facing in Afghanistan.

Students recognized at 11th Annual MAC Honors Recognition Dinner
10th Mountain Division soldier, First Lieutenant Ryan Feeney, was the speaker at the Marcellus Academic Club (MAC) Honors Recognition Dinner in in Marcellus NY.

Fort Drum AUSA Dinner to Celebrate 25 Years
The Northern New York – Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) will host the Annual Meeting and Dinner celebrating 25 years of AUSA on May 26th, 2010.

From Facebook.
1-87 IN/1BCT/10MTN DIV's Photos - D Co.
There are 5 new photos in the Delta Company photo album.

OPERATION “TO THE TOP”
OPERATION “TO THE TOP”, a wellness program provided by this Battalion in support of the unit and our families. Beginning 12 May 2010, individuals with deployed family member’s, may begin tracking the miles of physical activity accumulated each day. From beginning the program will have until 1 May 2011 to meet the mileage goals.

17 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Your Hometown: The lost villages of Fort Drum
With more than 34,000 soldiers, family members and civilian employees, many say Fort Drum is truly the biggest city in the North Country, but Fort Drum wasn't always there. In fact, before Drum was ever thought of, the area was full of communities just like ours. In order for the installation to become what it is, those communities had to be taken over and families were forced out of their homes. In this edition of "Your Hometown", our Brian Dwyer takes a look back at those communities, communities now known as the lost villages.

New XM25 and M240 due to hit war zones soon
Sgt. 1st Class Lang Guereckis, and Sgt. Christopher Shupe, of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, are quoted in this story about new weapons that are due to be fielded soon by the Army.

Weekend Video: The Big Parade
WWNY TV video on the Watertown Armed Forces Day Parade which included units from the 10th Mountain Division.

Learning About Chinooks and Apaches
CW2 Jon Thilges from Task Force 3-10 and CW2 Matt Rood from Task Force 6-6 explain the duties and workings of Chinook and Apache helicopters in this WWNY TV video.

Ten Hut! TV Dinner at the Fort Drum Commissary
Chef Chris Manning gives us food tips from the Ft Drum Commissary in this video clip.

514th Maintenance returns from Iraq
Ft Drum Mountaineer newspaper coverage of the 514th Maintenance Co's welcome home ceremony.

Regional Support Team - South, Kandahar Afghanistan
B Co, 2/22 Infantry's Area of operations, you will see the men and women of Triple Duce in action here.

16 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Dehdadi II Readies for New Troops
Spec. Cynthia S. Teears Van Cleve
1st Brigade Combat Team Journalist tells us of a a small coalition camp named Dehdadi II that is being built to help house the troops in Afghanistan.

15 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Afghan Army Unit Removes IEDs on Its Own
Engineers from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Brigade Special Troop Battalion recently certified 209th Corps Route Clearing Company as ready to conduct mission in their area to remove IEDs that threatened local civilians and soldiers.

Sherpa's Receive Combat Patches
Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team's 10th Brigade Support Battalion gathered April 23, for a special occasion – receiving their 10th Mountain Division former wartime service patches.

And From Facebook.
Females Train to be ANA Officers.
Spc. Blair Neelands tells us about the training of Afghan women to serve as officers in their military.

Five Fronts in the War in Afghanistan
1/87 Infantry's facebook page leads us to this story about the war in Afghanistan, and First Lt. Kyle Brown, 1-87 Infantry is quoted on the article.

14 May 2010

10th Mountain division News Roundup

Showing Appreciation to our Armed Forces
Colonel Erik C. Peterson, Chief of Staff of the 10th Mountain Division, spoke at The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber Annual Armed Forces Day Luncheon Wednesday afternoon which was held at the Best Western Carriage House on Washington Street.

ROTC To Commission 15 Cadets
The Army Reserve Officers Training Corp (R.O.T.C.) program at Canisius College will commission 15 cadets as second lieutenants during its R.O.T.C. Commissioning Ceremony on Friday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
One of those who will be commissioned is Austin D. Roberts, a political science major. He is to be assigned to the infantry division in Fort Drum, NY.

Photos and news from Facebook
1-87 IN/1BCT/10MTN DIV's Photos - C Co
1/87 Infantry posted 13 photos of Charlie company in action.

1-87 IN/1BCT/10MTN DIV's Photos - S4 Shop photos
We also get from them 14 photos of the Bn S-4 shop working hard.

1-87 IN/1BCT/10MTN DIV's Photos - From the Chaplin
The 1/87 Chaplain gives us a handful of photos to comment on as well.

For our loved ones deployed
Triple Deuce gives us a Baker's Dozen of well wishes from the home front for the unit.

D Co FRG Meeting
1/87 also gives of photos from the D Co FRG Meeting.

Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony
The FRG Advisors and FRG Leaders were recognized May 5, 2010 for all their hardwork and support. Well done ladies!

13 May 2010

Press Release- Division Command Sergeant Major Change of Responsibility Ceremony

A Change of Responsibility Ceremony for the 10th Mountain Division Command Sergeant Major will be held 10 a.m. Friday, May 14, at Sexton Field here.

Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth E. Patton will relinquish responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher K. Greca.

CSM Patton will resume his position as the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade Command Sergeant Major. CSM Greca most recently served as the Post Command Sergeant Major for the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, La. CSM Greca also served as the Command Sergeant Major for the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk.

Maj. Gen. James Terry, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division commanding general, will give remarks during the ceremony.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must R.S.V.P. to the Fort Drum public affairs office no later than 4 p.m. Thursday, May 13, by calling Maj. Fred Harrell at 315-772-7267.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Drum jet fuel leak cleanup slated
The federal government has approved a $6.5 million contract with EA Engineering, Science and Technology, Syracuse, to recover nearly all of the estimated 350,000 gallons of jet fuel that leaked from storage containers into the ground at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield.

Next Phase of Fort Drum Fuel Spill Clean-Up Underway
WWNY-TV video clip about the cleanup of fuel contamination at Wheeler Sack Airfueld on Fort drum.

From Facebook
Watertown Zoo "The New York State Zoo" military appreciation day.
AUSA reminds us that the zoo is offering free admission this Saturday, May 15 with your military ID card.

Afghan National Army Troops Receive Vital Training
From Trainee to Trainer
SPC Blair Neelands gives us this about 2nd BN 22nd INF training the Afghan National Army at the the Kabul Military Training Center.

2nd BN 22nd INF, Echo Company FRG craft day
The Triple Deuce facebook page has a new photo album with pictures from Echo Company FRG craft day.

1-87 IN/1BCT/10MTN DIV
There are 2 new photo albums from 1/87 Infantry.

12 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Soldiers weigh in on stress of repeated deployments
Yesterday, David Sommerstein reported on the latest press briefing from Major General James Terry, commander at Ft. Drum. The 10th Mountain Division's headquarters unit is training to take control of Kandahar region of Afghanistan, as most of Ft. Drum's soldiers are either in, returning from, or preparing to go to Afghanistan or Iraq.

Press Release- Fort Drum begins new phase of fuel point recovery

Fort Drum Public Works is launching the next phase of fuel recovery and mitigation of impacts to soil and groundwater at the Wheeler Sack Army Airfield Oasis Fuel Point.

In April 2006, it became apparent that a failed pressure valve allowed about 400,000 gallons of JP-8 fuel to seep into the ground. The fuel was contained to a three acre area approximately 45 feet below the surface.

Since the discovery, a dedicated recovery team has been working to minimize the impact of the leak. Efforts have been underway to address the impacts on the soil and groundwater beneath the site, while also ensuring repairs to the fueling system are complete.

Initial recovery efforts started in January 2007. Since then, roughly 78,000 gallons of JP-8 have been recovered and reused.

Simultaneous to that effort, key environmental consultants have been working to develop an innovative fuel recovery technology, known as Surfactant Enhanced Aquifer Remediation (SEAR) for the recovery efforts. SEAR uses common non-toxic, biodegradable chemicals to separate the fuel from the soil and incorporate sustainable green technologies into the remedial efforts. SEAR will begin implementation at the Oasis Fuel Point in the Summer of 2010, with 90 percent recovery achieved by June 2011.



Media is invited to speak with subject matter experts and to tour the Oasis Fuel Point, Wednesday, May 12 at 2 p.m. Interested media should be at the Media Operations Center on Rte 26 no later than 1:45 p.m.

11 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Without fanfare, milestone reached
In 2007, Chip (Francis) Reiter won the CIF DI pole vault title for Chino Hills High School by clearing 15 feet, the first Husky to win an individual title. He later finished 11th in the state.

At the end of the month, Reiter will be deployed to Afghanistan as part of the famed 10th Mountain Division out of Ft. Drum, N.Y. Airborne-qualified, PFC Reiter is part of the 1st Combat Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry.

Behind the scenes in a well-equipped Army troop
10th mountain Division soldier, Sgt. Jason Goodman, of 1-71 Cav is the focus of an NPR article.

Sessions at the WorkPlace offer help for job seekers
A workshop on resume content, formats and designs will run May 17 and 24. "Navigating the Fort Drum Application Process" will be held May 19 and job searches for older workers will be discussed May 25.

Photos albums from the units
From Forward April 22, 2010
1/87 Infantry has posted new pictures of soldiers from the unit in Afghanistan on their Facebook page.

Life in Afghanistan
2/22 Infantry has a photo album titled "Life in Afghanistan" on their Facebook page.

Outside the Wire
Photos from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Facebook album as they travel outside the wire in Afghanistan.

Around Camp Spann
Photos from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Facebook album showing us some of Camp Spann, their temporary home in Afghanistan.

Uncasing Ceremony
Photos from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Facebook album as they document their assumption of the mission in Afghanistan.

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division's Photos - Happy Mother's Day!
Photos from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Facebook album as soldiers of the Brigade send Mother's Day greetings back to their families at Home.

10 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Drum troops undergo military, cultural training for mission
Soldiers at the 10th Mountain Division are preparing for fall deployments to Afghanistan by undergoing extensive military and cultural training exercises.

Military Notes
Army Sgt. Brian Guenette, son of Denise Delgado and Artie Guenette of Paxton, MA has been promoted to staff sergeant. He is with the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y., and is serving in Afghanistan.

08 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Local soldier receives Bronze Star Medal with Valor
10th Mountain Division soldier, Cpl. Derrick Blackburn, is the focus of a TimesDaily newspaper article.

07 May 2010

New photos from Bravo Company, Triple Deuce on Facebook.

Bravo Company photos
Eight new photos of members of Bravo Company, 2-22 Infantry Battalion ("Triple Deuce"), 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division, who are currently deployed to Afghanistan. these photos are posted to the unit's Facebook page.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Fort Drum Commander Talks About Afghanistan Deployment
WWNY Tv interview with Major General James Terry, the commander of the 10th Mountain Division, who says members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team are settling into their mission in Afghanistan.

Thursday: Iraq Security 'Phenomenally' Improved
Lt. Colonel Brian Kerns, from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team says security in Iraq has greatly improved in this interview with WWNY-TV.

Drum commander: "as busy as it's ever been"
North Country Public Radio article about the Roundtable meeting that was held today at Remmington Pond.

MTSU ROTC commissions 10 into Army
The MTSU Department of Military Science commissioned 10 seniors and May 8 degree candidates into various aspects of the U.S. Army during ceremonies Friday outside the Tom H. Jackson Building on campus. 2nd Lt. Max Underwood will be assigned to Fort Drum after he completes training at Fort Benning.

Staying Mission Capable Through Physical Therapy
Physical therapy technicians assigned to the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team are the focus of a story on DVIDS website.

Bikers Raise Funds To Build A Therapy Pool At Fort Drum
Motorcyclists interested in helping to raise funds for a therapy pool at Fort Drum will be getting together on Saturday May 8th for a benefit run. Registration will be at 10am at Thunderin' Cycles on Old Rome State Rd, Watertown.

Three Fort Drum soldiers to receive awards today
Sgt. 1st Class Richard J. Olson Jr., Cpl. Derrick V. Blackburn, and Spc. Jesse R. Sprint were honored in a awards ceremony today on Fort Drum at 2-87 Infantry headquarters today.

06 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

PFC Andrew Richard Small (IN MEMORIUM)
Facebook page for fallen 10th Mountain Division soldier, PFC Andrew Richard Small, who was killed in Afghanistan on August 11, 2006.

An American Soldier
Private First Class Andrew R. Small, B co, 1/32 Infantry, 10th Mountain Division.

Blog post about Fallen 10th Mountain Division soldier, PFC Andrew Small.

Local New York Army National Guard Maintenance Facility is Best in National Guard
Fort Drum Manuever Area Training Equipment Site Earns Army Award for Maintenance Excellence

The Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site–New York, known as MATES, was named the best medium sized National Guard maintenance facility by the Chief of Staff of the Army and has been awarded the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence.

Notes From Afghanistan. Returning To A New Place
Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division soldier, Major Eric Smith, is the focus of Lakewood, OH newspaper article.

Area Students Receive Awards at SLU Moving-Up Day Ceremony
Brittany R. Parham of Fort Drum was inducted into Who's Who at Moving-Up Day ceremonies held recently at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. Parham is a senior at St. Lawrence. Parham graduated from Indian River Central High School in Philadelphia.. She is majoring in Psychology and History.. The Black Student Union, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Who's Who, and basketball are among the activities that Parham has participated in on campus..

05 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

in service
10th mountain division soldier, Army Spc. Samantha L. Kempson, is the focus of a May 6th article.

SGT David Mullens
This CNN salute is from Stephanie Mullens to her husband Sergeant David Mullens, U.S. Army. He is assigned to 2nd Brigrade Special Troops Battalion 10th Mountain Division.

1BCT Uncases Colors in Afghanistan
CAMP MIKE SPANN, Afghanistan -- The 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team uncased its colors, May 5, during a brief ceremony held on Camp Mike Spann in Northern Afghanistan.

Armed Forces Day parade to be May 15 in Watertown
The Watertown Armed Forces Day parade will be held at 10 a.m. May 15.

Fort Drum soldiers and the 10th Mountain Division Band, as well as a few local bands and community groups, will march down Washington Street from Watertown High School to Stone Street.

Father, daughter serve together in Iraq
Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Richard Secor of the 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, along with his daughter, Capt. Jessica Secor, is the focus of an article in The Daily Herald, which is published in Everett, WA.






Press Release- 2-87 INF Valorous Awards Ceremony May 7

FORT DRUM, NY -- The 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team will conduct a valorous awards ceremony 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 7, at the 2-87 INF headquarters here.

Maj. Gen. James Terry, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division commanding general, will present awards of valor recognizing select Soldiers for their heroic actions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Soldiers receiving awards are:

Sgt. 1st Class Richard J. Olson Jr. will receive the Silver Star.

Corporal Derrick V. Blackburn will receive the Bronze Star with Valor Device.

Specialist Jesse R. Sprint will receive the Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device.

The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.

Awards with a Valor Device denotes those individuals who performed valorous acts during direct combat with an enemy force or accomplishments of a heroic nature in direct support of operations against an enemy force.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must R.S.V.P. to the Fort Drum public affairs office no later than 4 p.m. Thursday, May 6, by calling Maj. Fred Harrell at 315-772-7267.

01 May 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Saturday update: Gresham seeing it all; WRs free-for-all; Character check
West point grad and future 10th mountain division officer, Alejandro Villanueva, is quoted in article about work ethic of Bengals first round draft pick.

Pilot lands on the big stage
Steven Badgley, a US Army helicopter pilot assigned to Fort Drum, will make his professional boxing debut on June 12 at Madison Square Garden.

30 April 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Afghanistan Contractors Rebuild Walls
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan -- Soldiers of Red Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, rode out to check on a school's wall repairs being made by a local contractor in Mazar e Sharif, Afghanistan, April 29.

Sackets attraction marking 25 years
The Fort Drum Fire Department is loaning their fire prevention and safety trailer to Old McDonald's Farm for their opening weekend. The trailer is an interactive vehicle that teaches children what to do in case of a fire.

Leader of men: Michael Blanchard
Future 10th Mountain Division infantry officer Michael Blanchard is the focus of article in University of Montana paper.

29 April 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

From sand in Iraq to Garden stage for soldier
From a "ghetto ring" set in the sands of Kirkuk, Iraq, to a debut at Madison Square Garden amid the lights of Broadway has been quite a journey for U.S. Army helicopter pilot Steven Badgley.

Press Release- 514th Maintenance Welcome Home Ceremony May 1

A welcome home ceremony for 514th Maintenance Company
Soldiers is scheduled for 9 p.m. Saturday, May 1 at Magrath Gym here.

The flight will consist of 197 personnel that are returning after a 12
month deployment to Iraq.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must R.S.V.P. to the Fort Drum
public affairs office not later than 5 p.m. Friday, April 30 by calling
315-772-7267. R.S.V.P. is required so that we can provide updates to
the ceremony time as needed.


Sincerely,
MAJ Fred Harrell
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
10th Mountain Division (LI)

315-772-7267

28 April 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Final results (and pictures) from 'Take a Soldier Fishing' tournament on Oneida Lake
The New York BASS Chapter Federation (NYBCF) held their second annual Take-A-Soldier-Fishing event on Oneida Lake for 80 Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. Many of these soldiers had recently returned from combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The soldiers arrived around 8 am for the morning registration, receiving a free Bass Pro Shops tackle pack, followed by coffee and donuts as they mingled with the boaters for morning introductions.

Press Release- Mountain Remembrance Ceremony

A Mountain Remembrance Ceremony will be held Thursday, April 29, 4:30 p.m. at the Main Post Chapel here to honor fallen 10th Mountain Division Soldiers.

Soldiers to be honored are:

Spc. Alan N. Dikcis, 21, of Niagara Falls, NY.

Spc. Robert M. Rieckhoff, 26, of Kenosha, Wis.

----

Spc. Dikcis was killed March 5 when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Dikcis served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 630th Engineer Company (Clearance), 7th Engineer Battalion (Combat Effects), 20th Engineer Brigade (Combat) (Airborne).

Spc. Rieckhoff was killed March 18 when enemy forces attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenade fire in Baghdad, Iraq. Rieckhoff served as a cannon crewmember with the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).

Media interested in covering the ceremony should be at the Media Operations Center on Route 26 no later than 4:00 p.m. on the day of the event.


Sincerely,
MAJ Fred Harrell
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
10th Mountain Division (LI)

315-772-7267

Home Page: http://taskforcemountain.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/10thMountainDiv
News Releases:
http://www.drum.army.mil/sites/installation/pao/releases/

27 April 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Soldier gets a special gift following deployment10th Mountain division soldier 1st Sgt. Charles R. Wagenbrenner of walked out to his driveway Saturday night to discover a brand-new olive green custom-built Buell motorcycle. The brainchild of his brother, Karl P. Wagenbrenner, the bike was constructed from parts donated by Vietnam, Korea and Desert Storm veterans.

Army offers glimpse at pilot training
Plattsburg NY Press Republican article about 10th Aviation Brigade training at Whiteface mountain.

We Have Met the Enemy and He Is PowerPoint
NY times article about how an essay by a 10th Mountain Division officer has changed policies of several senior officers in Afghanistan.

26 April 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Active duty
Army Pfc. Kristoffer Isaak, of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum N.Y., is serving in Afghanistan. Isaak is a 1999 graduate of Monroe High School. His father is David Isaak of Arlington and his mother is Linda Isaak of San Diego, Calif.

NY BASS Chapter Federation Takes A Soldier Fishing via Fishing World.com
The New York BASS Chapter Federation (NYBCF) held their second annual Take-A-Soldier-Fishing event on Oneida Lake for 80 Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum.

25 April 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Soldiers trade fatigues for fishing poles
Day on the lake for soldiers 4-24-10
80 soldiers from Fort Drum were treated to a day on the lakefront at Oneida Shores in Brewerton Saturday .

This is the second year members of the New York State Bass Chapter Federation took soldiers out on boats for a fishing trip.

Y's Healthy Kids Day gets 'em moving
10th Mountain Division soldiers from Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers helped supervise activities at YMCA activity day

Volunteers take Fort Drum soldiers fishing on Oneida Lake (video)
Until Saturday, Cpl. Thomas Lindskog had never been in a boat. And after his first fishing experience, he can boast catching — and releasing — a sheepshead, four smallmouth bass and two pickerel.

Lindskog, 22, who is originally from around the Mojave Desert in California, recently was transferred to Fort Drum from South Korea. He was with a group of 78 Fort Drum soldiers who netted some fun at Oneida Lake Shores County Park.

The outing, like any operation, began with a briefing on the rules, mainly reminders about New York state laws regarding fishing seasons and wearing life vests. Organizers raffled two Dobyn fishing rods with U.S. Reels, each valued at $400.

The homefront: Soldier on break from war
Another story on 10th Mountain Division soldier, PFC Brandon Arnold, who is home from 2 weeks of leave from Afghanistan.




24 April 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Thanking those who serve
Christian and Hazel Aleman, a soldier serving with the 10th Mountain Division and his wife, are the focus of a story in Maryland Newspaper.

Fort Drum Trains Over & On Whiteface Mountain
When it comes to New York's geography, the high peaks region of the Adirondacks comes closest to resembling Afghanistan.

So, before Fort Drum's 10th Combat Aviation Brigade's next deployment, it's training destination is Whiteface Mountain.

Media joins in Black Hawk fly-along from Fort Drum to Whiteface
Pilot Casey Pfannenstel circled his UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter around the top of Whiteface Mountain, not far above two sightseers who were sitting on the rocky peak taking in the view of the Adirondacks. It wasn't long before the helicopter found a perch of its own, touching down for a third time on a section of the Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway during a training sortie Friday.

This week, the Army's 10th Mountain Combat Aviation Brigade began exercises on Whiteface Mountain, taking advantage of New York's fifth-highest peak as helicopter pilots and crews train to deploy later this year in Afghanistan.

23 April 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Fort Drum transfers 3rd Brigade leadership
Watertown Daily Times coverage of the transfer of command for the 3rd BCT.

Citizenship has its perks: SSO ticket vouchers for each person sworn in Thursday in Syracuse
10th Mountain Division soldier, PFC Wellyston Defaria is pictured during a naturalization ceremony Thursday at the Onondaga County Courthouse in Syracuse NY.

22 April 2010

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

US Army begins chopper training on Adirondack peak
Soldiers from the Army's 10th Mountain Division have begun high-altitude helicopter training exercises on top of Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks.

A spokeswoman with the Fort Drum-based division says Thursday the training flights began this week. Army officials announced plans last month to use the state-run Adirondack ski peak for mountain landings by the division's Combat Aviation Brigade.

Five win volunteer awards at Fort Drum
Five people were honored Tuesday night at the 2010 Fort Drum Volunteer of the Year and Man and Woman of the Mountain Appreciation Ceremony.

Hearts for Heroes effort earns local groups Volunteers of the Month honors
Officials at Fort Drum have named two local groups Volunteers of the Month.

Representatives from the Oneida County 912ers made the trip to Fort Drum for the ceremony Wednesday. The New Hartford Legion also was honored, but could not be in attendance. Colonel Kenneth Riddle personally presented the group with the award.

Retired colonel is chosen as Man of the Mountain
Retired Col. Terrence L. Roche, Carthage, was honored Tuesday night with Fort Drum's Man of the Mountain Award for his contributions to the post.

Press Release- High-Altitude Flight Training Begins in Whiteface Mountain Area

Fort Drum, NY – The 10th Mountain Division Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), 10th Mountain Division is now operating with a special maneuver license for training helicopter pilots at Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondack Mountains. This high-altitude mountainous training is preparation for the brigade’s planned deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) in the fall of 2010.







Whiteface Mountain provides the best and only suitable terrain and altitude to accomplish this training task in New York State. The features of Whiteface provide critical realistic high-altitude helicopter missions the CAB needs to safely conduct flight operations in Afghanistan.







A media opportunity to see a Whiteface Mountain based high-altitude training mission first hand is scheduled for April 23. Media interested in covering this event needs to be at the Media Operations Center on RT 26 not later than 8:30am on April 23.







Due to limited space, all interested media must RSVP no later than 3:30pm Thursday April 22. For more information contact Kae Young, Public Affairs @ 315-772-5463 or kae.young@us.army.mil.
 
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