15 Nov Daily Roundup

Ultimate sacrifice ‘A legacy of freedom and a lesson of sacrifice'
There was a ceremony at the Worchester Ma veteran's memorial to dedicate a flagpole in honor of former 10th Mtn soldier SFC Jared Monti.

Marathon man
Short article and picture of Stow OH native and Ft Drum soldier Carl Berg, who comlpeted the Road Runner Akron Marathon on Sept. 26.

Soldier with local ties hurt in Afghanistan
Ft Drum soldier, Staff Sgt. Jared Schneider, was wounded during a Nov 9 Rocket attack in Afghanistan.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Soldiers put skills to work
Officers from 1st Brigade Combat Team do volunteer work at Watertown's Urban Mission, clearing dead brush and repairing the outdoor donation shed.

A Veteran's Day remembrance
User submitted photo by Francene Perreault of son at gravesite of his best friend.

Fort Drum honors veterans
Coverage of Veteran's Day ceremony at Ft Drum.

Fallen soldier's family accepts medal for valor
Family of Staff Sgt. Wesley Hunter accepts Bronze Star Medal with “V” device during Veteran's Day Ceremony.

PHOTO: 2nd BSTB Takes Command
2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team assumes duties from 82nd Airborne unit in Iraq

Barge Matal: 'It's a place we never want to go back to'
Story of platoon from 10th Mountain Division at Barge Matal, Afghanistan.

Ambassador Karl Eikenberry congratulates America’s newest citizens
10th Mountain soldiers gain citizenship in ceremony in Afghanistan.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Families Share Feelings On Loved Ones' Deployments
Tyler Morning Telegraph article on families a deployed 10th Mountain soldiers.

Lowville urged to help promote Drum
Article on Town Hall Meeting conducted in Lowville by Ft Drum officials.


Upstate Medical branch funds needed
SUNY Upstate Medical University seeks funding from State to open branch campus on Ft Drum.

True meaning of hero sometimes lost
USMC honors father of Jared Monti, 10th Mtn division soldier with was awarded the Medal of Honor

American Fork teen seeks to honor fallen soldier
Neighbor of fallen 10th Mtn soldier seeks to have street renamed in honor of Sgt. Nathan Barnes.

Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton Gets Called to Duty By the USO and Will Spend Thanksgiving With Troops
Miss USA will be at Fort Drum to serve Thanksgiving dinner to soldiers and families of the 10th Mountain Division.

Interview With MG Terry

MG Terry: Hello Jon, it's good to speak to you. I understand that you are an Alumni of Ft Drum?

Jon: That is correct Sir. I served with the 10th Mountain Division from Feb of 1991 until June of 1994. I started out of 1st Bn, 87th Infantry and then went to Somalia with B Co, 2nd Bn, 22 Infantry.

MG Terry: It sounds like you were leaving as I was coming into the unit. Who was your 1ST SGT when you were with Triple Deuce?

Jon: That was now retired SGM Burnell Haney.

MG Terry: It's a small world. He's my fishing guide now and he also works downstairs for me.

Jon: I met him again when I was activated here with the 107th MP company in 2002. He introduced me to Col Steele who felt the need to, once he found out I was in Mogadishu with SGM Haney, do his best to break my ribs with his ham hock sized fists.

MG Terry: You know that Col Steele was a pulling Guard for Hershall Walker in college right?

Jon: I have to admit that at the time, I wasn't very interested in college football.

MG Terry: I understand that you have some questions for me.

Jon: First sir, I want to thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. I have to admit that I am a little surprised and a bit intimidated that I have you on the phone with me. I was expecting more of an e-mail style interview where I could send you the questions and have you answer them at your convenience.

MG Terry: You don't need to be scared Jon. I'll go easy on you. (Laugh)

Jon: Thank you sir. I appreciate that. I would like to touch on several areas, to include your military experience, current operations and your personal life, if you have no objections.

MG Terry: I am looking forward to your questions.

Jon: This is a return to familiar terrain for you, in that you have served at Ft Drum previously. What are the biggest changes that you have seen since your return to Fort Drum, in the post?

MG Terry: As I said, I was up here at Fort Drum with 2/22 first from 1994- 1996 and we were the first off the deck of the Eisenhower and into Haiti. Then I came back in 2004 as Assistant Division Commander- Operations and in 2006-2007 I was in Afghanistan with the Division. I went by my old quarters from when I was with 2/22 and they are being renovated into Junior Enlisted quarters. On post we now have a Material Support section that works with the units returning from down range and
makes sure that their equipment is ready to go the next time that they have to deploy. We also have an increased amount of medical care available for the soldiers and families, where we used to have to go off post for most of that care in the past. We also now have a separate Installation Command as so that we don't have to pull soldiers from the Division command for a Rear Detachment. The Garrison commander now also works with Installation Command.

Jon: Your previous posting was with Tradoc (Training and Doctrine Command). When you were there, what were your major duties, in the realm of policy and procedure that helped train the new warriors entering the service?

MG Terry: Well, I was actually in acquisition and I worked with the new equipment that was being tested. I had a BCT that tested the equipment and we were there to determine how to fit the new equipment and its capabilities into doctrine and what doctrine needed to be adjusted to make sure that we got the most advantage out of the new equipment and how to allow the soldiers to network and spread intelligence and information quicker and easier.
Jon, you've heard about the Land Warrior system, right?

Jon: I have and if everything works the way it is expected, it will be a great piece of equipment for our troops that will help cut down on any friendly fire incidents.

MG Terry: Not only friendly fire incidents, it will increase the capabilities for our soldiers, in allowing them too know where civilians are, their fellow soldiers and where hostile forces are in a moment's notice.

Jon: How did that assignment prepare you for taking command of the 10th
Mountain Division?

MG Terry: It gave me an understanding and knowledge of how the new equipment would work and affect the current doctrine. It also gave me an insight into the way doctrine may be changed and adapted to give us more success in the future.

Jon: What is the biggest change that you had to make mentally, to prepare yourself for this assignment?

MG Terry: Well, I have to say that the Division staff has been great and worked incredibly hard to ensure that the transition was smooth. The biggest change was accepting the role of Senior Mission commander for Fort Drum and ensuring that we are working with and integrating the civilian population of the North country into Fort Drum. We have a unique relationship here with the neighboring communities and ensuring that they were kept up to date and informed is one of the important
tasks that we have to keep focused on every day.

Jon: In regards to operational deployments, where do you see the division, 1 year from now?

MG Terry: You know about operational security and the fact that we don't have the ability to announce everything that you may want to hear.

Jon: With the future always changing and people having a "need to know", I understand that you are limited in what you can say.

MG Terry: Well, without going into specifics, I know that the Division headquarters element and 2 brigades are going to be training up for another rotation through Afghanistan. Other than that, there is always the possibility for some things to change.

Jon: The 4th BCT, currently at Ft Polk, is supposed to be transferred to Ft Drum in the upcoming future. How is the preparation of the post for their transfer going?

MG Terry: Jon, looking forward, I do not foresee the 4th Bde leaving Fort Polk and joining us here at Fort Drum. To the best of my knowledge, there are no plans to move them up here.

Jon: The post used to have an active "club scene" with the Pennants and Spinners clubs for soldiers to go to at night for entertainment and to get away from the barracks. With the closing of the post to non military personnel in 2001, the clubs were closed. Now that there has been an easing of the restrictions on non military personnel coming onto post, are there any plans to reopen the clubs, possibly at another location(s)on post? Or possibly expanding the Winner's Circle?

MG Terry: I remember the clubs well, and right now the post museum and USO clubs are in the old Spinners building...

Jon: I have to admit, I'm not sure what is even in the old Pennants Club anymore.

MG Terry: I still get my haircuts at the barber shop there, and I am pretty sure that there is a Subway and an Anthonys Pizza located there now. But right now we don't have any plans to open any new clubs on post.

Jon: I remember many times being in at the club for closing and having the Bn and Division staff duties there to give drunk soldiers a ride back to their barracks as so that the commanders wouldn't have to come down to the MP station to pick up their troops. It did have a large effect in reducing the number of soldiers who had their pictures in the Blizzard (now Mountaineer). Your predecessor MG Oates had the pictures, name and circumstances of anyone who was arrested for DWI printed in the paper.

MG Terry: We are always concerned about the number of DWI incidents and we do have programs in place to help combat that. Right now if someone who has been out and having a good time feels that they have had too much to drink, we have a Soldier Ride program that has staff duties at the various units going out and getting the soldiers who feel that it wouldn't be safe to drive home.

Jon:Switching gears a little, Gen. Stanley McChrystal's report on Afghanistan states that without an Iraq type surge, the war is unwinnable. I have a couple of questions about that report and the strategies being used in that country. The
first is, when talking to the deployed soldiers and commanders of 10th Mountain Division units, do they agree with Gen. McChrystal's opinion?

MG Terry: (laugh) There are a lot of considerations that go into an answer on this question...

Jon: (Interrupting) I understand, and I do apologize for putting you on the spot here. We just went from a friendly game of catch to my throwing a fastball high and inside.

MG Terry: That is honestly a question that will need to be answered by the President and his advisers. I wouldn't want someone to take anything I say to have the appearance of presuming to set policy. When I was over in Afghanistan in Oct, I did talk to some of the commanders and the troops about their mission and they are confident that we will complete the mission and be successful. When I was over there, I was briefed about the recent moves into Logar and Wardak provinces and what the troops are doing to take areas that were formerly in the hands of Taliban and Anti government forces and bring security and a sense of stability to areas that have not had any for a long time.

Jon: There was a story in Mid October that some soldiers currently deployed to Afghanistan are starting to question their mission in that country due to repeated deployments to that country. Other than the letter to the troops from Col Haight, how would you respond to those reports and what can we do to stem any increase in that attitude?

MG Terry: General Casey has stated he has set a goal of 1 year in country and then 2 years at home for soldiers and we are working hard to ensure that we are able to meet that goal. We realize the hardships and we each and every day we do thank the soldiers and their families for their sacrifices.

Jon: When you visited the troops recently, what was the feeling that you got from them about their morale and their support of the mission?

MG Terry: We understand that the multiple deployments have taken a toll on the troops and their families. Some soldiers are on their second, third, and fourth tours but the troops were telling me about the changes that they have seen from one tour to the next. Afghanistan is nowhere near what it used to be and the soldiers that are over there can tell you that the conditions have improved.

Jon: While you were in country, what did you hear from the troops and the commanders concerning the training and conduct of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP) forces that were working with the soldiers on the ground?

MG Terry: From the commanders that I spoke to over there, the ANA troops are motivated, well trained and equipped, while there is potential for some improvement in the ANP troops. While I was over there, I spoke with 2 ANA and 1 ANP commanders and had a good discussion with them about several topics.

Jon: MG Oates had a semi regular blog that he used to communicate with the soldiers and families of the North Country and Ft Drum. With the rise in the use of blogs to communicate with people back home, and social networks like Myspace, Twitter and Facebook, do you have plans to expand the 10th Mountain and Fort Drum's presence on the internet?

MG Terry: I have to admit, my wife and kids are a lot more internet savvy than I am, they are the ones who are always online. Certainly the Internet is an important part of people's lives these days. We are planning several things, in fact, we have a Twitter Page now (located at http://twitter.com/10thMountainDiv). I think we are one of, if not the first Army command to be on Twitter.
I have some pressing appointments, and am going to have to wrap this up soon.

Jon: I understand completely, I only have a couple more questions for you Sir.

When not "on the clock", what hobbies or activities do you do to relax and take your mind off of the pressures of command?

MG Terry: As I told you before, I have your old first sgt as my fishing guide and I am enjoying the trout fishing. I also have a Brittney Spaniel, but the Grouse and Pheasant are not cooperating this year. I also do a lot of reading, mostly on planes, and I do a lot of PT.

Jon: Nobody told you that they deploy to warmer climates every fall because they refuse to go through cold weather training up here?

MG Terry: (Laugh) Nobody told me that. I'll have to see what we can do to get them into a school.

Jon: Do you have any messages for the soldiers and families of the 10th Mountain Division that you would like to release at this time?

MG Terry: I have been in the military for 31 years and one of the major reasons I stay is because of the soldiers. I have always said that to be a good leader, you have to be subservient and follow before you can lead. We have some of the best soldiers anywhere and I will be going to the dedication of the headstone for SFC Monti soon in his hometown.

Jon: Sir, it has been a pleasure speaking to you and doing this Interview.

MG Terry: It was enjoyable for me as well.

Jon: Lead with Courage Sir.

MG Terry: To the Top



Editor's note. This interview was done on 3 Nov 2009 over the phone and
it took appx 40 minutes.

10th Mountain Daily roundup

NY Post Report Says Fort Drum is Essential to Troop Increase for ObamaVideo report on WWNY TV about how the 10th Mountain will fit into any Obama surge in Afghanistan.

Events will honor veterans across north country this week
Listing of Veterans day ceremonies in the North country, including an event on Ft Drum.

JOHN BOGERT: Aunt turns loss of Joseph Anzack into gain for his fellow soldiers
Relative of fallen Ft Drum soldier gives students opportunity to thank soldiers for their service and sacrifices.

Purple Heart recipients share a special bond
Story on how uncle and nephew share bond of having shed blood for their country in combat.

Fort Drum Press Releases

November 9, 2009

Media Advisory

Release Number : 0911-03

Fort Drum Public Affairs

Official welcome home ceremony for the 10th Sustainment Brigade

FORT DRUM, NY -- The 10th Sustainment Brigade headquarters will uncase
its colors and be officially welcomed home 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at
Magrath Gym here.

The 10th Sustainment Brigade recently completed a 12 month deployment in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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

Media interested in covering the event should be at the Media Operations
Center on Route 26 no later than 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event.






November 9, 2009

Media Advisory

Release Number : 0911-03

Fort Drum Public Affairs

Official welcome home ceremony for the 10th Sustainment Brigade

FORT DRUM, NY -- The 10th Sustainment Brigade headquarters will uncase
its colors and be officially welcomed home 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at
Magrath Gym here.

The 10th Sustainment Brigade recently completed a 12 month deployment in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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

Media interested in covering the event should be at the Media Operations
Center on Route 26 no later than 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

10th Mountain Division Daily Roundup

Fort Drum officals to give updates at Lowville event
Officials from Fort Drum officials will hold a town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the large group instruction room at Lowville Academy and Central School.


Fort Drum official to host info session at Gouverneur
Fort Drum's garrison commander, Col. Kenneth H. Riddle, will be at at Gouverneur High School to host a meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Expert Infantryman Badge earned with skill and sweat
62 infantrymen from the 1st Brigade Combat Team received their EIB last Friday after a week of testing.

Maj. Gen. James L. Terry works to keep morale up at Fort Drum
Syracuse Times Reporter does article with MG Terry concerning casualties, deployments, and new equipment available for troops.

Keeping them warm
Mother gets aid from community to send hand knitted items to son assigned to 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment.

Memorial unveiled to honor veterans
Gold Star Mother of fallen Fort Drum soldier at ceremony to unveil memorial to soldiers in hometown

On-post child care center construction will start soon
In about 18 months, fort Drum will have another child care center available to the soldiers and dependents of Fort Drum to use.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Monti ceremony off until spring
The Nov. 14 ceremony honoring war hero and Medal of Honor recipient Jared C. Monti has been postponed until next spring. However, the headstone will still be unveiled on Veterans Day.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Drum chief urges NNY: prepare for deployments
10th Mountain Division commander urges local businesses to prepare for the economic impact if Ft Drum is tapped for surge in Afghanistan

Colonel: unit is making progress
3rd Brigade Combat Team commander speaks about the time left on unit's Afghanistan rotation, and letter to troops that ended up in USA Today.

Delta VSA supports local student veterans
10th Mountain Division soldier mentioned in San Joaquin Delta College paper.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

RI guard tests new high-tech war weapon
Rhode Island National Guard's 103rd Brigade Field Artillery upgrades their weapons to new and improved equipment at Fort Drum.

Should Obama order Afghan war troop surge? Troops say maybe not.
10th Mountain division soldiers quoted in piece against surge in Afghanistan.

Unbeaten Westmoreland honors ex-Bulldog Boise
10th Mountain Division soldier and former football player serves as inspiration for local team in championship game

Jared Monti to be honored at Veterans Day ceremony
Medal of Honor winner to be honored with new gravestone on Veterans Day in his hometown, 10th Mountain Division commander MG Terry will be attending

Local veteran reflects on Iraq
Interview with 10th mountain soldier Pat Hoffman about his service in Iraq.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Merrick & Company Awarded New Contracts
A contract for service at Ft drum was awarded to Merrick and Company for work at Ft drum. There Military & Government Facilities division will be handling the work.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

The families on Obama's front line
BBC reporter travels to Ft Drum and looks at the repeated deloyments and how they have affected Ft Drum families.

COP Carwile Improves to Safely Accommodate TF Spartan Infantry Soldiers in Wardak
Story about D CO 2/87 and life on a Combat Outpost.

Logar Citizens Receive Veterinary Care for Livestock for First Time in Baraki Barak
Czech and 3/71 Cav soldiers provide security during mission to provide veterinary aid to livestock at the Baraki Barak District Center, Oct. 25.

Interview with the General

Just a heads up for anyone who wants to know.

I will be conducting a phone interview with MG Terry in the next week and posting it to the blog in the near future.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Artillerymen interact with local shopkeepers
Battery B Soldiers with 4/25 Field Artillery spoke to the local shopkeepers and interacted with the villagers of Zaywalat which is outside of Combat Outpost Garda, during a patrol on Oct. 24.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Catamount Soldiers disseminate radios, broadcasts positive message
Soldiers from D co, 2/87 gave radios to villagers in Ab Naray in Wardak province, Oct. 25.

Robert K. Charlton

via ABC 50

A Fort Drum soldier has died in a hospital in Germany after a non-combat related incident in Afghanistan.

Spc. Robert K. Charlton, 22, of Malden, Missouri, died Tuesday at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, according to military officials.

His injuries were sustained in Wardack, Afghanistan on October 23rd.

He joined the Army in July, 2007 and arrived at Fort Drum in November that year.

Spc. Charlton is survived by his mother and father.

You may also find additional coverage at the following webpages.
fox4kc.com
kfvs12.com
watertowndailytimes.com

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Heard Up North: Welcome home, Drum-style
NPR story about how we welcome home our returning soldiers at Fort Drum

Gen. Terry visits deployed troops
Watertown Daily Times recaps trip 10th Mountain CG took to Afghanistan last week.

First reported here and blogged by me on 27 Oct

Community Comes Together to Build Home for Wounded Warrior
Sgt. 1st Class Roy Mitchell receives new home from charitable organization

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Soldier Dad Surprises Daughter At School
Father returning from Iraq visits daughter at school in Sanford, Fla.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Around Tech Valley
Diverse Construction Group LLC, Redwood, won a $9,333,200 contract from the U.S. Army's National Guard Bureau in Latham for the construction of the Maneuver and Training Equipment Site Phase III at Fort Drum.

Afghans attacked by insurgents: Soldiers provide life-saving treatment, so that others may live
Medics from 1/32 Infantry treat local civilians injured during Taliban attack in Afghanistan.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

New division commander visits Afghanistan to highlight troops’ ‘Climb to Glory’
Division Commander visits with soldiers of 3rd BCT, congratulates troops on mission

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

A close call on a mission to find IEDs in eastern Afghanistan

Reuters reporter tells of counter IED mission with 3rd BCT unit.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Rutgers Gameday
Army Black Knights Football team to wear 10th Mountain patches on their uniforms against Rutgers this weekend.

Task Force Mountain Warrior Continues to Assist Pakistani Refugees
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment spearhead effort to provide food, medical help, and shelter to Pakistanis who have fled their country into Afghanistan.


Give McChrystal a Fighting Chance
3-71 Cavalry Squadron operations in Baraki Barak given spotlight as part of argument to support increase in troops deployed to Afghanistan.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Gouverneur sees big increase in kindergarten enrollment

Gouverneur Central School's Superintendent Christine J. LaRose states that Fort Drum families have led to increase in class sizes in lower grades when compared to previous year's totals.

Daily Roundup

Stop-loss program pay now available
Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain and other military units are now eligible for a payment of $500.00 for every month that they were kept in the military under stop loss orders.

U.S. forces struggle with Washington’s perceptions and reality in Afghanistan
10th Mountain soldiers attempt to continue mission in Afghanistan with an increasing burden of regulations from Pentagon and White House.

Fort Drum Daily Roundup

Brigade returns after year in Iraq
Soldiers of 10th Sustainment Brigade participate in redeployment ceremony at Fort Drum to celebrate return from Iraq.

Families 'Walk to Iraq' for physical, mental health
Family members of 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Family Readiness Group formally begin effort to log 5,896 miles of walking to maintain fitness and show support for deployed troops.

Send 50,000 troops to ensure victory, bring fighters home
USA today Letters to the Editor concerning 10th Mountain troops in Afghanistan and letter from Spartan Brigade commander to troops.

Combat's positive effects examined
Researchers from University of North Carolina-Charlotte and Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program study positive mental health effects from combat deployments.

On patrol with the roadside bomb hunters in Afghanistan
Combat Engineers assist 2/87 Infantry locate and disarm roadside bombs.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Local Paragraphs
The U.S. Army's Contracting Agency, North Region, based at Fort Drum, awarded a $349,750 contract for a motorcycle simulator to Simulator Systems International Inc. Tulsa, Okla.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Candidates differ on strategy to pursue in Afghanistan
Candidates for House seat that represents Fort Drum comment on their ideas about Afghanistan policy.

Army Brigade Will Not Go to Iraq in January as Scheduled
Due to success in stabilization of Iraq, 1st BCT orders for deployment are cancelled.

Commander's letter tackles troops' morale in Afghanistan
3rd BCT commander, Col. David Haight, sends letter to troops after unit's Chaplain advises him of concerns about mission

Colonel to troops: 'I'm proud of you'
Col. David Haight's letter to the troops

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Task Force Muleskinners Depart
10th Sustainment Brigade completes duties at Camp Taji, Iraq and transfers mission to Utah based 96th Sustainment Brigade.

Soldier show entertains at Drum
Recap of event at Fort Drum's McGrath gym.

Afghan National Security Forces, ISAF Partnership Increases Road Safety in Wardak
Afghan national security forces and soldiers from 2/87 Infantry conduct security checkpoints in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Legion posts assemble kits for returning soldiers
Jefferson County American Legion posts band together to make sure that troops returning from deployment have necessary cleaning and hygiene supplies for use in the immediate days after return to Fort Drum.

US military says Afghan force numbers no secret
Pentagon says it doesn't hide number of troops being deployed to combat areas, includes references to Fort Drum soldiers in Afghanistan

Army Family Covenant and U.S. Army Soldier Show Oct. 14
U.S. Army Soldier Show wil be performing on October 14 at 7 p.m. at the Magrath Sports Complex for Fort Drum soldiers and Families.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

More Fort Drum Soldiers Return Home
550 soldiers from the 10th Aviation Brigade return home after their latest deployment

Talking to the Taliban
10th Mountain division soldiers change focus and look to convince Taliban fighters to stop fighting and integrate into Afghan society.

Sharpshooter from Norwalk describes deadly Taliban battle
Story about Oct 3 battle in Afghanistan that involved Sgt. Derek Brookshire, who told family about it via instant messaging with his brother.

ANA, U.S. Forces conduct Operation Wake Forest
Combined Joint Task Force 82 story about Afghan National Army and U.S. forces who cordoned off the village to search for enemy combatants.

U.S. Army police mentor team, provides aid, training to ANP
3rd BSTB soldiers provide Afghan Police with first aid training.

Dogs of war: Carlotta native trying to take pets home
Story about Fort Drum soldier who is attempting to bring two dogs from Afghanistan to the US.

Officers attend penal law seminarFort Drum police receive training from state Division of Criminal Justice Services about how to identify and prosecute human trafficking.

short vacation

I will be back on Tuesday, Oct 13.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Photo montage of arrival of Sgt. Aaron Smith's remains in his hometown

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Candor Town Talk: Candor soldier showered with love
Soldier returning from Iraq deployment received welcome home from friends and neighbors in his hometown.

Chaplains tell of disillusionment among US troops
Soldiers showing stress of repeated deployments begin to ask questions about mission in Iraq.

US Dept of Defense - Division Commander Focuses on Immediate, Future Fights
MG Terry looks at communications with other division commands to better transition between units in future Afghanistan deployments.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Defense bill includes $92M for Fort Drum
The federal budget for the next fiscal year includes money for several projects for Fort Drum that were included by former rep John McHugh

US soldiers pay the price for extended tours of duty in Afghanistan
Article looking at length of tours for soldiers in combat zone and their time at home between deployments.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

300 Fort Drum soldiers return home from Iraq
10th Avn Bde soldiers welcomed home after Iraq deployment.

Disenfranchised by Dave and
Military ballots at risk in New York's special election
Commentary about possible problems with having votes of deployed soldiers counted in special election for seat of former Rep. John McHugh, now Sec of the Army

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Ithaca band Bone Jar to play at Fort Drum
Ithaca hard rock band Bone Jar will be at the 2nd BCT motorpool, Bldg P-10192 on Thursday, 08 Oct to play for deploying 2nd BCT members. It starts at 2 PM.

Soldiers Say Success Depends on Afghan Forces
NY Daily News reporter Stephanie Gaskell with story reporting several soldiers in Afghanistan are asking that more Afghans are trained to do the missions that they are currently engaged in. Quotes from 10th mountain soldiers in the story.

Elmira Heights soldier wounded in Afghanistan attackSoldier wounded in same attack that kiled Sgt. Aaron Smith identified in his hometown paper.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

No news other than that of Sgt Smith's passing

Aaron M. Smith

Via DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Oct. 2 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked their unit using small arms fire.

Killed were:

Sgt. Aaron M. Smith, 25, of Manhattan, Kan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Pfc. Brandon A. Owens, 21, of Memphis, Tenn. He was assigned to the 118th Military Police Company, 503rd Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.

For more information regarding Sgt. Smith, media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 778-5759; regarding Pfc.Owens, media may contact the XVIII Airborne Corps public affairs office at (910) 309-2843.

Also see 9SYR.com
Syracuse Post
Soldier From Manhattan Killed In Afghanistan
Fort Drum soldier killed in Afghanistan
Kansas soldier from Drum is killed in Afghanistan

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Fruitless battle against invisible insurgents of Badam Kalay
UK Times story about 2/87 Inf battle against Taliban forces.

Fort Drum Blizzard news
Post community honors retiring Soldiers
Eleven members of Fort Drum Community retire from active duty.

Fix or repair daily - Mechanics keep Blackhawk running
2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry mechanics given spotlight in effort to keep unit mobile.

Quick reaction force serves as guardians, ambassadors of peace
277th Aviation Support Battalion soldiers fill infantry role as QRF at Contingency Operating Base Speicher

Colin G. Knight

Via Summit Daily News of Frisco, Colorado

Medically retired 10th Mountain division soldier passed away in Syracuse NY on August 29th, 2009. He will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors Nov. 17.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Hearts and minds
Soldier tries to win over Afghans
Story about Jewish 10th Mountain Division soldier deployed to Afghanistan
Tattoos and the Army: a long and colorful tradition
Article about how tattoos are used by soldiers to identify who they are and what they have done, several 10th Mountain soldiers quoted in article.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Military voters may be shut out in special election for N.Y.'s 23rd Congressional District
Former Justice Department Official who enforced the federal Voting Rights Act has concerns that Gov Patterson's deadline for special election doesn't give deployed voters time to receive and return absentee ballots.

US Dept of Defense - Commandos Set to Return to Dramatically Improved Iraq
Division commander makes obersations of change in Iraq since last time 2nd BCT deployed to the region.

Paying the price for a ‘moment of absent-mindedness’
Stars and Striples article about Sgt. David Breeden who returned from deployment and was convicted of animal abuse after killing two dogs in his garage.

Military life consultants start at two area schools
Carthage and Indian River central school districts officially welcome counselors to assist students whose family members and friends are deployed.

Large crowd welcomes home twin soldiers
Wounded soldier from 10th Mountain Division is a guest of honor at a welcome home party in KING CITY, Mo.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Drum bids soldiers farewell
Fort Drum holds deployment ceremony for 2nd BCT, which is to deploy to Iraq for a 12 month rotation.

Sex assault conviction a shocking end to military career
Story about Fort Drum familywho was affected by the actions of service member with his neice.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup (27-28 Sept)

Soldiers get EMS training before deployment to Iraq
Fort Drum medics receive an emergency medical technician training program in Clark Mills NY.

Despite changes, a couple’s commitment is constant
Stars and Stripes article about a soldier and wife from Fort Drum and their port deployment adjustments.

A family at odds with the system and a sick child in need of care
Stars and Stripes story about a Fort Drum soldier's battle with Tricare to get medical care for his son who has MD.

Single dad looking for a way to provide a home for his son
Stars and Stripes story about a single parent soldier assigned to Fort Drum.

Sea Girt camp offers R&R for wounded warriors
Wounded Fort Drum soldiers get a trip to the Jersey Shore for the weekend thanks to the Wounded Warrior Fund.

Soldiers in Afghanistan rap on MRAPs
Comments from 10th Mountain soldiers in Afghanistan on the mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles

Drum housing needs assessed
Conversations at the quarterly Jefferson County Job Development Corp breakfast focused on upcoming housing needs for Fort Drum due to expected troop movements.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Fort Drum Soldiers Deploy To Iraq...Again
WWNY TV story about the deployment of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team to Iraq.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

Ceremony honors six soldiers killed in Afghanistan
The names of six recent casualties are added to the Memorial Garden adjacent Division Headquarters on Fort Drum.

Frustration mounts in Afghanistan for soldiers from Fort Drum-based 10th Mountain Division
2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment's Bravo Company is the focus of a NY Daily News Story about how they have seen a spike in casualties due to IEDs in Afghanistan.

High Speed Dirt: 3-71 sling loaders enjoy rush of selfless-service
Spotlight given to resupply efforts done by 10th Mountain Division's 3/71 Cav in Afghanistan.

10th Mtn. Div. Soldiers Remember, Rededicate Outpost for Latest Medal of Honor Recipient
Soldiers from Company C, 1/32 Infantry and Troop B, 3/71 Cavalry rededicate a Combat Outpost in Afghanistan to SFC Jared Monti

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

SERVING THE NATION: Kaleb A. Kumpula
Willits CA newspaper article about soldier being assigned to the 10th Mountain Division after completing Basic Training.

INJURED SOLDIERS HIT POOL
Watertown Daily Times article concerning new Physical Therapy regimen being offered to injured soldiers at Fort Drum.

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

In 17 seconds, they can have a rocket launched
NHANG field artillary soldiers receive training with new equiptment

10th Mountain Daily Roundup

No new news today.

Daily Roundup (20-21 Sept)

Soldier returns from Iraq to wed in Syracuse, just before his twins are born
Deployed soldier able to return early from Iraq to be wed in hospital


Soldiers' brain injuries from blasts in Afghanistan take a toll
NY Daily News story on how TBI injuries are affecting a unit in Afghanistan

U.S. troops in Afghanistan react to Gen. McChrystal report that war is unwinable without more forces
Gen. Stanley McChrystal states more troops needed for Afghanistan, 10th Mountain soldier quoted in article

Jeremiah Monroe

Via U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release

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

Pfc. Jeremiah J. Monroe, 31, of Niskayuna, N.Y., died Sept. 17 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

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

More stories about Pfc. Monroe can be located here.
The Post Star
9WSYR.com
Wten.com

Funeral of Pfc. Jeremiah Monroe covered by local newspaper

Daily Roundup

Outnumbered 20-1 and out of ammo: NY soldier on third tour in Afghanistan has seen war at its worst
NY Daily News story about 2/87 Inf soldier, Staff Sgt. Danny Acevedo.

Daily Roundup

President Obama awards posthumous Medal of Honor to Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti
NY Daily News article by Stephanie Gaskell and Richard Sisk about SFC Monti


Implementing 'Smart Power' in Afghanistan Poses Challenge for the US
Article about how the change in Afghanistan strategy is affecting soldiers, includes comments from 10th Mountain soldiers.

Jared Monti’s soldiers watched him give his life, and it changed theirs
Story about how SFC Monti died and how it affected some of the men who were with him at that time.

Troops in field memorialize Medal of Honor recipient
Story about 10th Mountain soldiers at the dedication of Combat Operating Base Monti.

Medal of Honor Ceremony remarks
The President's remarks from the Medal of Honor presentation for SFC Monti

Daily Roundup

Anti-war dad says it's time for soldier son to leave Afghanistan
NY Daily News article about father of 10th Mountain Division soldier currently deployed to Afghanistan

NCCC Tunes4Troops first shipment arrives in Afghanistan
Charity sends first shipment of DVDs and CDs to deployed troops, charity was given idea by chaplain assigned to Ft Drum

Bremerton Man Will Join President for Medal of Honor Presentation
Veteran of combat mission that earned SFC Monti the Medal of Honor to attend presentation ceremony

Daily Roundup

News spends 17 hours with brave 10th Mountain Division troops in hunt for bombs in Afghanistan

NY Daily News reporter does route clearing mission with 3-71 Cav

Spc. Daniel L. Cox

Via KOAM TV

"I thought they had the wrong house" - father of Parsons soldier killed in Afghanistan

JORDAN AUBEY and NINA CRISCUOLO contributed to this story

"I thought they had the wrong house," Kim Cox, the father of Daniel Cox, told us. "There were two Army informant officers and a Parsons police officer."

Daniel Lee Cox, 23, a Parsons High School graduate, was killed in a weekend attack by enemy forces in Afghanistan.

News of Daniel Cox's death brings numbness to his parents. For friends, it's a remberance of the good times.

"We were in the mall over in Joplin one time,'" says friend Jordan McRay, "and he got, like an orange julius, and the girl was like 'can I keep the change?' He was like 'can I get your number?'"

Cox, 23, was approaching his fifth year as a soldier in the Army.

"The order and all that good stuff, and the ability to actually be who he was and the desire to take the fight to the other person was really what got him to sign up for his mountain infantry and all the good stuff," says Matthew Burks, another friend.

It was good and exciting for Cox, until the signs of battle began leaving noticable scars.

"It was after his first or second tour that when he came back, you could just tell, you could see it in his face, you could just see the stress," says McRay. "It's almost like instead of aging three or four years, he aged ten or 15."

"It's very difficult to get who you were out of the other experiences," says Burks. "It kind of smothers who you start out as."

Cox was paying the price of being a soldier.

Now he has made the ultimate sacrifice but his dedication will never be forgotten.

"He was a hero," says his mother, Sharon. "Definitely a hero. A good-hearted person."

On Saturday, Matthew Burks planned on getting married, but as it stands now, he will be Cox's pallbearer the day before.

"He was severely disappointed that he wasn't going to be home for my wedding," Burks told us. "But, he isn't going to miss it now."

Cox was a student at Parsons High School and graduated in 2005.

He enjoyed working with his hands and football, but he dreamed of being part of the 10th Mountain Division.

Teachers Diana Brenn and Mark Pound are morning the loss after just receiving the news of his death on Monday.

"I thought I could get through the day," says Mark Pound, who is a coach at Parsons. "I'll be alright. I just feel for Daniel's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."

"I couldn't believe it," says Diana Brenn. "I couldn't believe because, that just didn't like something we would ever hear about him."

Teachers say Cox decided to join the Army during his senior year at Parsons High School.

"He went to our football coach and he had him make out a plan to work out so that he could go into boot camp and be strong at boot camp," Brenn says. "He followed that plan and he was very anxious and excited about going into the military."

"He came back to school once, after he finished his training with them, and you've never seen a prouder person," Pound says. "And he was proud to go to Afghanistan. He told me when he was going."

Teachers say comfort still lies in knowing Cox was doing exactly what he wanted to do.

"He was never afraid - he wasn't afraid of it at all," says Brenn. "Matter of fact, he had an attitude that he was going to go over there and he was going to take care of business."

Cox was killed Saturday afternoon after enemy forces attacked his patrol vehicle when it struck an explosive device.

The Army is investigating the incident that also killed one other solider.

Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen

Via Democrat and Chronicle.com
A Rochester man was one of two soldiers killed Saturday during fighting in Afghanistan.

A U.S. Army spokesman at Fort Drum in Jefferson County announced Monday night that Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen, 29, of Rochester, was killed in Wardak province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised-explosive device and small arms fire.

Specialist Daniel L. Cox, 23, of Parsons, Kan., was also killed in the attack.
Both soldiers served as infantrymen with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade combat team, which deployed in January 2009.
Allen joined the Army in May 2002 and arrived at Fort Drum in May 2008. This was his third deployment.
Allen’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Air Assault Badge.

He is survived by his wife, three children and parents.

Daily Roundup

High on mountain, a lonely outpost in Afghanistan for soliders from 10th Mountain Division
Short NY Daily News Story about life at a combat outpost in Afghanistan

Daily Roundup

'Bullet Magnet'-Sgt. Camacho has earned 5 Purple Hearts in 5 years
Daily News story focused on 10th Mountain Division soldier Sgt. Brandon Camacho

Daily Roundup

Drum tries to tackle suicide problem
Fort Drum Commanding General leads talk about Suicide Awareness during event on post to gain awareness of resources available for troops.

Queens staff sergeant hunts bombs on battlefields of Afghanistan
Article about 10th Mountain Division soldier, Staff Sgt. Robin Torres, who is assigned to 3/71 Cav.


Family members revel in the greetings in the News from their loved ones serving in Afghanistan
NY Daily News article about family response to greetings from NYC natives assigned to Ft Drum's 10th Mountain Division

Daily Roundup

NY soldiers far from home: 9/11 close to home reminder for service in Afghanistan
NY Daily News article with a focus on 10th Mountain Division soldiers from NJ, Long Island and NYC.

2009-2010 Fort Drum Recreation Permits & Access Passes Available
Fort drum announces requirements for hunting, trapping, and gaining access to local training areas.

Daily Roundup

NY's 10th Mountain Division leads deadly eight-year hunt for Osama bin Laden in eastern Afghanistan
NY Daily News announces a 2 week series with 10th mountain division troops stations in Afghanistan.

Daily Roundup

Gates to explore adding stateside DoD schools
Secretary of Defense looking into the possibility of opening more Department of Defense schools at bases which see a high rate of deployment among the soldiers stationed there.

Governor orders flags at half staff
NY State flags will fly at half staff Wednesday in honor of Sergeant Darby T. Morin, 25 of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Daily Roundup

U.S. Military Challenge Allegations of Misconduct at Afghan Hospital
Military officials state that the unit which entered the hospital did so in cooperation with the Afghan National Army, the Afghan National Police, and the staff of the hospital. They were searching for an insurgent commander was in the hospital and explained these concerns to hospital staff before seeking permission to enter the hospital.

Fort Drum fire department receives national accreditation
After an 18 to 24 month review and accreditation process, Ft Drum Firefighters are certified by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.

Daily Roundup

U.S. troops stormed Afghan hospital, aid group says
10th Mountain Division soldiers are accused of tying up hospital guards and entering women's wards in violation of local customs while searching for Taliban fighters in Wardak province.

Fort Drum Spouse, Soldier Sound Off About Afghanistan War
Differing views on the Afghan War from a Ft Drum Soldier and Spouse.

Daily roundup

He could not leave a comrade behind
Boston Globe story about the life of SFC Jered Monti, who earned the Medal of Honor in 2006.

Daily roundup

Official: Drum can handle counseling
The behavioral health chief on Fort Drum states in article that the Ft Drum community has the resources to assist soldiers and their families with services related to mental health, substance abuse, family counseling, social services Substance Abuse, family, marriage and child therapy.

Post efforts aim to deter suicide
The division and installation staff announce that this week they will be focusing on the resources available for soldiers and their families to prevent suicides.

More Drum troops heading to Afghanistan
The Department of Defense announces 10th Combat Aviation Brigade and the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters will be deployed to Afghanistan. The deployments will be in late 2010 and 2011 respectively.

Daily roundup

Sept. 11 concert benefits wounded Army veterans

10th Mountain soldiers will be guests at a concert on 11 Sept. The non profit charity will provide training fellowships and work for severely-disabled Army veterans nationwide, beginning about Oct. 1.

Terry takes command of 10th Mountain Division

Via Newsday

Maj. Gen. James Terry assumes command of the 10th Mountain Division. He's replacing Maj. Gen. Michael Oates.

Daily roundup

Via Internet, Auburndale soldier's family watches his promotion in Iraq
Family watches as 10th Avn Bde commander receives promotion in Iraq via webcam

Area soldiers use leave time to sharpen emergency medical skills
Medics with with local EMTs to prepare for upcoming deployment

Expansion begins
Updates on several construction projects on Fort Drum

Spc. Abraham Sherrod Wheeler

Via The State
Just before he died, Columbia soldier Spc. Abraham Sherrod Wheeler III commented on his Facebook page about the soaring U.S. death toll in Afghanistan.

“Man, so many soldiers fallin all over this ... country,” the 22-year-old Wheeler wrote Aug. 22 on the social networking Web site. “My heart goes out to them.”

On Monday, the Pentagon announced Wheeler died last week when a roadside bomb struck his vehicle during fighting in rugged Logar province.

Wheeler’s name now is listed among 47 U.S. service members who died in August — the bloodiest month since the United States started fighting in Afghanistan in 2001.
August’s toll surpasses July’s record 44 deaths. So far this year, 179 U.S. service members have been killed in action in Afghanistan.

That compares with 116 U.S. combat deaths in Iraq this year, according to the Web site icasualties.org, which tracks deaths of U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Wheeler, assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, died Friday in the same blast that injured CBS correspondent Cami McCormick and two other soldiers.

McCormick suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to her legs and arms, CBS reported. She was being treated at the U.S. military’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The two soldiers were treated for minor injuries and returned to duty.

Three Afghans believed to be responsible for the bombing were apprehended by U.S. soldiers and are being detained at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, CBS added.
Wheeler also is the 16th member of the U.S. military with S.C. ties to die in Afghanistan; 62 have fallen in Iraq.

Abraham Wheeler Jr. said he last talked to his son Wednesday, just two days before the blast.

They talked about “general things,” said Wheeler Jr., a retired carpenter. But his son, whom friends called “Rod,” was excited about a 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme he was restoring.

Wheeler Jr. said he wanted to get the car repainted in time for his son’s homecoming this fall.

Spc. Wheeler’s unit deployed to Afghanistan in December, but rumors were flying that the troopers might be leaving Afghanistan in late October, the soldier’s father said. Wheeler said his son was home in late June for two weeks’ leave.

The 62-year-old Columbia man was home last Friday when an Army casualty officer and a chaplain showed up at his front door.

“I knew when I pulled the curtain back what they were here for,” Wheeler said. “My legs felt like they just went out from under me. My hands and arms were shaking, I could barely unlock the door. Then I walked back to the couch and sat down.
“I’ve never had a feeling like that ever. My heart, it felt like it had fallen down to my foot.”

Wheeler said his son joined the Army in 2007, two years after graduating from Ridge View High School. At 6 feet, 2 inches and 260 pounds, his son played defensive end for the Richland 2 school, Wheeler said.

In their last phone call, Wheeler said his son mentioned that “things were getting a little hectic, but he told me not to worry because he would be all right.”

But on his Facebook page, Spc. Wheeler said the fighting was grim.
“Fallen comrade ceremony,” Spc. Wheeler said in an Aug. 25 entry about a fellow trooper, Cpl. Darby T. Morin, 25, of Victoria, Canada, who died Aug. 22. “That ... don’t really hit you ova here until it’s someone u kno personally. R.I.P. Darby.”
Three days later, Spc. Wheeler was dead.

Services are pending, the family said. Bostick & Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Cpl. Darby T. Morin

Via Newzjunky

FORT DRUM, N.Y., August 26, 2009 — Cpl. Darby T. Morin, 25, of Victoria, Canada, a 10th Mountain Division soldier from Fort Drum, died of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over on Aug. 22 in Logar province, Afghanistan.

Cpl. Morin served as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).

He deployed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team in January in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Morin joined the Army in March 2004 and came to Fort Drum in April 2008.

He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Cpl. Morin's awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge.

Pfc. Brian M. Wolverton

via Ventura County Star

A jet carrying the remains of Army Private 1st Class Brian M. Wolverton of Oak Park taxied slowly on the tarmac at the Van Nuys Airport on Thursday morning.

The 21-year-old soldier’s family — his mother, Miriam, father, Christopher, brother Michael, 17, and grandmother Silvia Yin — stood in a row with Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Brentlinger, a casualty assistance officer, at their side. Brentlinger, members of an Army honor guard and other military personnel saluted as the plane came to a stop and its rumbling engines were quieted.

The 2006 Oak Park High School graduate was killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 20 after insurgents attacked his unit. He died from wounds suffered by indirect fire. Funeral services are scheduled Saturday in Westlake Village.

“His heart is in the right place,” Miriam Wolverton said about her son before the plane arrived. She said he often helped younger soldiers in his unit get out of jams with his own advice and advice culled from his mother. “He likes to help people,” she said.

Meanwhile, 38 members of the volunteer Patriot Guard Riders Southern California Chapter, many of them war veterans, waited near their motorcycles to help escort the fallen solider home.

Wolverton served with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y. He completed combat training in June.

‘A way of honoring Brian’

The call sign for a plane carrying a fallen soldier is “hero,” and thus the flights are known as hero flights. In February, an 18-year military ban on news media covering the return of war dead was lifted. Under the change in policy, the military grants access only with the consent of the service member’s family. Miriam and Christopher Wolverton gave their permission for coverage of Brian’s hero flight home.

“It’s a way of honoring Brian,” said Christopher Wolverton, who served three years in the Army. “It’s a free country and the story of our soldiers and the way they are treated, I think it’s a story to be told.”

The hatch of the Falcon 20 cargo jet opened, a member of the honor guard walked to the side of the plane. Wolverton’s casket, draped with the flag, was escorted by a member of his unit.

At Brentlinger’s signal, a black hearse pulled into position.

Wolverton’s casket was lowered from the plane onto a stand. The honor guard surrounded the casket and escorted it to the hearse, as family members wiped away tears.

Wolverton received an associate’s degree in 2008 from Moorpark College. Cultural anthropology sparked his interest and he hoped to major in the subject, Christopher Wolverton said.

In high school, his son ran track, specializing in hurdles but also participating in relays and sprints. As a child he spent six years playing baseball in the Agoura Pony League. While Wolverton attended Moorpark College, he returned to Oak Park High School as an assistant track coach.

A number of Wolverton’s friends told his parents how charming he was. His former track coach told his mother that her oldest son acted mature for his age. To his parents, Wolverton was a typical teenager. His mother joked with him, asking why he didn’t turn on the charm at home.

Wolverton also loved video games, often playing them with his younger brother.

“He was mostly like a friend to me,” Michael said.

The family would travel to Mammoth Mountain once or twice a year to ski.

“Brian had gotten quite good over the years,” Christopher Wolverton said. “He could zip down anything.”

Wolverton was a fourth-generation member of the military. Although his father, grandfather and great-grandfather served, Wolverton’s announcement of joining the military one day in January came as somewhat of a surprise. He had talked about it casually.

He reported for basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia.

“I was very proud of him,” Christopher Wolverton said.

Escort of Patriot Guard Riders

Once the casket was placed in the hearse, military personnel snapped into a salute as civilians placed their right hands over their hearts. Brentlinger escorted the Wolverton family to the hearse. The black limousine would take them to Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park.

Outside the aviation facility, members of the Patriot Guard Riders put on their helmets and prepared for the procession. The group was invited by the family to participate. Craig “Gunney” Donor, the chapter’s captain, said the group was happy to be of service to the families of fallen soldiers and to show their respect.

“They are never easy,” Donor said of the processions. “It’s very emotional for us whenever we see a young person’s life cut short.”

Justin Pellerin’s family remembers fallen soldier

Via The Keene Sentinel

Last week, Melissa Farmer got a phone call from her son in Afghanistan.

He didn’t talk much about war. Instead, plans were spinning in Justin Pellerin’s head: When he got home, should he be a state trooper or a police officer? Or would he go to college, maybe become a physical trainer?

Pellerin, an Army infantryman from Concord, was killed Thursday by an improvised explosive device in the Wardak province of Afghanistan.

He was 21. His wife of a little more than a year, Chelsey Pellerin, turned 21 last week.

“You just assume it’s not going to happen to you,” Farmer said Saturday, sitting at her kitchen table in Concord next to her husband, Dale, her siblings and her mother. “He was so tough — that’s what we held onto.”

Pellerin was deployed in January and was due home in December. Military officials Saturday confirmed his death and said an IED had exploded near his vehicle, but said they could not yet provide further details about the incident.

He is the 30th soldier from New Hampshire killed in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2002. The principal at Concord High, Gene Connelly, said he believes Pellerin is the school’s only graduate to die in either conflict.

“I’m just heartbroken for (Chelsey), and for his family and friends,” Connelly said. “It’s just — he’s so young.”

Pellerin, who grew up in Concord and has sisters ages 14 and 9, was “always around a whole bunch of kids,” Melissa Farmer said. A camera ham who enjoyed attention, he’d do impassioned Enrique Iglesias impressions while singing karaoke, his family members recalled. A competitive guy, he liked being tough; if he got hurt, he’d show off his scars.

He was smart, but he grew disinterested in school, Farmer said, and he began talking to military recruiters when he was 16. He graduated through an alternative diploma program with the intention of joining the Army.

“He was really looking for some direction, and he knew he could do good things in the service,” Farmer said. “And he ended up being really good at what he did.”

Her son was proud of that, she said. “Of course, we were really proud of him, too.”

Chelsey Pellerin, who met Justin near the start of high school, said a number of their friends had talked about joining the military. But they talked about joining for mechanics, she said, and she was taken aback when Justin enlisted in the Army as an infantryman.

“I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to kill him,’” she said Saturday.

“You don’t do infantry.”

Pellerin shipped off to Georgia in the summer of 2007 for training, his family said, before ending up at Fort Drum, N.Y., that fall.

He came home when he could — it was about a seven-hour drive — and though he always stopped by to visit his family, it was Chelsey he saw the most, his parents said.

“He was in love, you know?” said Dale Farmer.

“We didn’t consider ourselves just married,” Chelsey said. “It was, ‘Hey, you’re my best friend, no one can ever take your spot. You’re my best friend.’“

For months, there was talk of Justin deploying, but “the date kept switching,” Chelsey said. For a while, he thought he was going to Iraq.

“It really was December before we knew for sure,” Melissa Farmer said.

They drove down to Fort Drum before he left in January, to say goodbye.

Justin wanted to use his training — “He was a very good shot,” Dale Farmer said — and if he had qualms about going, he didn’t share many with his family.

“He was most concerned about how we felt. Definitely,” Melissa Farmer said. “He didn’t even want to tell me he was going into the infantry.”

It was the same when he got to Afghanistan, deployed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. When Justin called, he didn’t say much about what he’d been doing. “Especially with me, he didn’t want to tell me anything,” his mother said. “He would say, ’It’s really bad.’“

Daily Roundup (23-28 Aug)

Catching up for time missed, I will be back to the daily posting of news soon.

Appreciate military spouses who also serve
Letter to the Editor of the Watertown daily Times thanking Fort Drum families for their service.

1-star selections announced by DoD
Col. Jeffrey L. Bannister, 10th Mountain Division deputy commander (support) has been announced as 1 of 39 colonels selected for promotion.

Maj. Gen. Oates Posts Final Blog
Outgoing division commander asks for suggestions and advice to his replacement, Maj. Gen. James Terry.
PROGRAM SERVES SURVIVORS
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michael "Sonny" Mitchell interviewed about Survivor Outreach Services for family members of fallen soldiers.

Daily (covering 15-22 Aug) roundup

Reporter's Notebook: In Afghanistan, Itching for a Fight that Never Comes
4/25 Artillery Battalion with a new role in Afghanistan.

Woman aims to fund aquatic therapy pool
Watertown Woman looks to help soldiers who have suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries recover.

Kharwar Flood: Supporting the rule of law in a distant insurgent haven
Fort Drum's 3/71 Cav operating in Afghanistan.

U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan look to ensure safe presidential election
Ft Drum's 3rd Brigade Combat Team conducting security mission during the Afghanistan election.

Soldier's Wife Waits for Husband's Safe Return
Wife of deployed soldier talks about husband in Afghanistan

Miller soldier to be buried today in Arlington
3rd Brigade Combat Team's PFC Matthew Willard will be buried at Arlington National Cemetary

Philadelphia port to handle military cargo again
After a 2 year hiatus, Philadephia's port returns to the mission of transporting military cargo, the first load will be of 10th Mountain eqpt to either Iraq or Afghanistan

Gen. Oates prepares to leave Fort Drum
General Oates prepares to leave Fort Drum after almost 2 1/2 years as commander of the division.

Sister, Brother Reunite in Iraq
2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment pilot, meets sister assigned to Mn NG 34th Infantry Division in Iraq.

Sorry for the absence

Unexpected family issues kept me away, I hope to be back on a regular posting schedule very soon.

Daily Roundup

Editor: I am looking at the layout of the site and it is starting to look cluttered and chaotic. Starting today, any stories not about fallen heroes will be in a compact form, with a synopsis of the story below a link to the story.

New campaign streamers available now for unit flags
The current campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan are now going to assigned to a time period and if a unit has had multiple deployments in more than 1 time period, they will be authorized a streamer for each time period.

Warriors train on the bayou
The 1st BCT has deployed to Ft Polk to trainup for a deployment to Iraq.

1-71 Cavalry recognizes Soldiers for extending contracts
Leaders of 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment recognized 32 service members who extended their current enlistments at a breakfast ceremony on July 23.

110th Transportation Company Soldiers hit road for Iraq
On Aug. 5, Fort Drum bid farewell to the 110th Transportation Company as they left for a tour in Iraq.

Tennessee officials name bridge for 10th Mountain Division Soldier
A bridge outside Smyrna, Tn was named after Raymond Neal Mitchell III, who was killed in action on Jan. 6, 2007.

VA outreach aims at seamless transition
The Obama administration's Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced several changes to the transition from active duty medical care to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mountain Community Homes announces new construction complete in Rhicard Hills
New home construction in the Rhicard Hills community was completed with the announcement of with 526 new homes built for soldiers and their families.

Directorate of Logistics will undergo conversion
The Directorate of Logistics is reorganizing into Directorate of Support Service, which will focus on support services including laundry, bulk petroleum, personnel movements, unit movements, Railhead Operations, to name a few tasks and the Directorate of Materiel, which will focus on materiel support like Supply Support Activity, Ammunition Supply Point, Central Issue Facility, heavy mobile equipment repair, left behind equipment, predeployment training equipment and National Maintenance Program, among others.

3rd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers will defend democracy in Afghanistan
3rd BCT and NATO troops will be a final backup and also supply fire and air support if needed to Afghan National Army forces who will be responsible for local security during the elections.

War story, love story

Via The Independent

Call it fate, God, the universe working in the mysterious way it does, but something cosmic was going on for Ferris Butler and Laura Sauriol. Something was going to bring these two together.

It is a love story that started with a war.

Butler, a Port Tobacco native and graduate of Maurice J. McDonough High School, was a first lieutenant. with the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division when he was deployed to Iraq in February 2006.

The Butler family has a long tradition of military service. Along with his older brother, Fenoy, a member of the U.S. Navy, Butler is the ninth generation to enlist in the military — although his father insisted that Butler earn his college degree before signing up.

That a war was raging made little difference in Butler's decision.

"It was a deciding factor," he said of enlisting in a wartime Army. "There was no way I wasn't going to do it."

He was stationed south of Baghdad, in Yusufiyah, one of the towns that made up the "triangle of death," an area that was heavy with combat and violence.

Meanwhile, on the home front, Mount St. Mary's University student Laura Sauriol was seeking volunteer opportunities.

The Damascus-raised accounting major read a newspaper article on Operation Second Chance, a nonprofit group started in 2004 by Cindy McGrew, a Montgomery County resident, to help wounded service men and women.

"Laura is my right hand," McGrew said. "She is more than I could ever ask for. She is always helpful, always cheerful."

Sauriol was assigned to Ward 57 of Walter Reed Medical Center. Basically, she was a gofer and she loved every minute of it.

"I was instantly hooked on the hospital visits," Sauriol said.

If a patient recovering from battle wounds needed or wanted for something — a stroller for a visiting child, shorts that were more accommodating for their wounds and new hardware, anything really — it was Sauriol who was running out to pick it up.

Still, for Walter Reed's Washington, D.C., location, Sauriol wasn't running into any Maryland soldiers. That changed in December 2006.

While on patrol driving a Humvee, infantry leader Butler's front tire detonated an improvised explosive device — better known in American vernacular as an IED.

"It came up through the floorboard," Butler remembered. "My legs from mid-calf down were just shredded. Destroyed."

A stay at Landstuhl, Germany, led to a transfer to Walter Reed and the beginning of a four-month stay to salvage what was left of his legs. His parents, Fenoy Sr. and Carole visited almost every day and Sauriol began popping in each week.

When they first met, Butler admits he wasn't at the top of his game. Not only had he suffered devastating injuries, he was on powerful painkillers.

A raven-haired beauty shows up at his bedside asking if there was anything she could do, offering to bring him food. Real food from a restaurant? He was smitten.

"Not only was I getting food from an actual restaurant, here's this cute girl," Butler said.

But she was all business and had an unofficial rule not to let herself develop romantic feelings for any of the soldiers she met.

"But to be fair, he was heavily medicated at the time," said Sauriol, who was still juggling school with volunteer work. She wished Butler luck and continued her routine visits around Ward 57 while finishing up school.

Butler, 31, would embark on a mission to save his legs. Sure, veterans with artificial limbs would stop by his hospital room telling him life wasn't over just because of his injury, but Butler was determined to salvage his legs.

"I came in with 10 toes," he said. But he would undergo surgeries that he said "whittled" away those digits.

Soon enough, it was decided to amputate to his mid-right foot. He was still fighting to keep the left foot and spent time in a wheelchair.

The youngest of three boys, Butler grew up spending time outdoors, fishing and doing all that guy stuff. He couldn't exactly go mountain climbing in a wheelchair.

He had fought to keep his useless left foot, undergoing 52 surgeries and for what?

"It was absolutely miserable. It wasn't a foot, we called them hoofs," he said. "I was getting out of that wheelchair. It was like seeing the light at the end of the road. My 53rd and 54th were, ironically, elective amputations.

"I gave it the old college try, but it was limiting me. I still wear a size 9, even though [the foot] is fake," said Butler, while Sauriol stifles a laugh. "I haven't looked back since."

His left foot and ankle were amputated in January 2008 and he began his recovery and physical therapy, staying on the medical center's campus.

He was hanging out on post one day in February when the cute girl breezed in from out of nowhere.

Seeing Butler's new amputations, Sauriol, 22, decided they had some catching up to do.

One March night, while picking up dinner at a restaurant (the selections were slim. It was a Friday during Lent) Sauriol called Butler and asked if she could bring him dinner too? (It was lobster ravoli from the Macaroni Grill.)

March Madness was raging at the time, so for the next two months Friday night basketball and dinner became a ritual.

Soon, Sauriol started seeing Butler in a new light.

"He was so funny, so sweet," she said.

They hugged at the end of each "date" but one night Sauriol got butterflies in her stomach and that was it.

They soon made an "official" date and things just started coming together. Sauriol landed a job with a federal agency in D.C.; Butler got a condo in Rockville, was promoted to the rank of Captain and interned for a while in Sen. John McCain's office.

He just had one more thing to do.

While still in a wheelchair and with the moral support of a few friends, Butler went to a jeweler and designed an engagement ring for the cute girl. Now, he needed a perfect place to propose. Why not the White House?

Getting permission from former First Lady Laura Bush, the couple took a private tour of the executive mansion during the Christmas season winding up in the Blue Room in front of the Christmas tree. No dummy, Sauriol knew something was up. The president's photographer was clicking away like mad and they were alone in the Blue Room.

She said "yes," by the way.

Searching for a venue to hold the quintessential Maryland wedding, the couple eventually landed at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville. It was perfect. On the water, they could even have a crab feast at their reception if they wanted.

Touched by their story, management of the beach club opted to not only host the wedding, it will foot the bill and allow the couple to invite those who were with them each step of the way along the bumpy road that led to a bridal path.

Butler works with a nonprofit to further education about amputations and he and Sauriol have taken mentor training courses to better help the injured troops admitted to Walter Reed. Butler is now one of those guys coming into a newbie's room to tell him or her that life isn't over just because of an injury.

"So much of who I am today is because of those guys," he said. "It's that ‘Life's not over' mentality. All these things go through your head, ‘How am I ever going to love again?' ‘How is anyone going to ever love me again?'"

Day by day, little by little, Butler got his life back on track and it took him along a new route. He'll retire from the Army later this year and from there who knows what will happen? But Butler and Sauriol are in it together.

"Life is what you make it," he said, laughing at using a cliché before adding another. "With Laura, I have nothing but a positive outlook."

Colonal Haight: "3rd Brigade Spartans are in Contact with the Enemy on a Daily Basis"

Via WWNY TV

The 10th Mountain Division is routinely called upon to serve and represent the United States overseas and its presence in Afghanistan has been a valuable asset to the people and the nation, who rely on American soldiers for training, economic and infrastructal development, as well as security.

Colonal David Haight, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team commander, spoke about his unit's role in supporting the Afghan National Security Forces and how they have been battling insurgents to ensure a functioning government, a better quality of life for residents of the region and living in towns and villages to help keep those residents safe.

Haight says that a main quality of those serving in the brigade is experience and knowledge to adapting to several challeges, including climate changes, a different culture and lifestyle and an elusive enemy that changes tactics, but uses familiar weapons.

"35 percent of this brigade served in Afghanistan in the previous 16 month tour...there are many things that are hard to adapt to."

"The enemy is here and it does not like the fact that we have wrestled two provinces out of its control and it is desperate to get them back...they are trying to disrupt the elections."

The 3rd Brigade is no stranger to loss as 19 soldiers have been killed since May 2009 that were part of the brotherhood and team.

Colonal Haight says that there is nothing more heart breaking when a commrade falls in battle, but what we must do is honor those who have fallen by taking care of their families, remember them so that their sacrifices were not in vain and that the resolve to prevail will strengthen.


Ed note: On the WWNT website is an audio link to the interview that I would recommend listening to for any readers.