10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Enjoy FallFest, holiday shopping Saturday
Are you ready to sample some of the best chili Fort Polk has to offer?

Stop by the chili booths at Fort Polk’s fifth annual FallFest Saturday and vote for your favorite to win the people’s choice award.

Fort Polk News briefs Nov 11-12

Explosion at Drum heard in wide area

Purple Heart recipient on way home to Oglesby
U.S. Army Spec. Seth Holmes will be coming home to Oglesby soon — and wearing the Purple Heart.
Holmes, 28, was wounded in Afghanistan in May 2009 and was awarded the Purple Heart on Oct. 27.

10th Mountain Aviation Takes over Afghan Skies

TF Dagger uncases colors, rolls up sleeves
After training for more than a year to prepare for the mission in Afghanistan, the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion uncased its colors during a brief ceremony on Forward Operating Base Shank Nov. 4.

The battalion, dubbed Task Force Dagger, is part of Task Force Patriot, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, which cased the brigade and six battalion colors during a deployment ceremony at Fort Polk Sept. 30.

Vets on Campus: CNY colleges extend support to returning veterans

Fort Drum Observes Veterans Day

Care packages to benefit deployed service members

Vets of all ages honored at Expo Center ceremony
Last year, Army Spc. Adam Richardson spent Veterans Day in Iraq.

This year, the 2005 West York Area High School graduate was among nearly 1,000 veterans at the York County Veterans Affairs Office's annual Veterans Day breakfast ceremony Thursday morning at the York Expo Center.

Richardson, an active duty soldier stationed in Fort Drum, N.Y., heard about the ceremony from his father and came home to be honored among hometown veterans of all ages and conflicts.

For veterans, leaving family is the hardest part
10th Mountain division soldier, Spc Jessica Dorans, is focus of story.

‘If it goes ‘boom,’ we’re trained for it,’ says EOD Soldier, 705th cases colors, prepares for OEF deployment
Two stories on upcoming deployment of Ft Polk based unit.

Gillibrand among senators visiting Afghanistan, Pakistan

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Graduate students attempt to present Afghan culture to public schools near Fort Drum

Chaplain aids Drum soldiers after loss

Psych study to focus on children of soldiers
SACKETS FAMILIES: Survey aims to gauge social, emotional impact of parents'

SPC Blake D. Whipple

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

Spc. Blake D. Whipple, 21, of Williamsville, N.Y., died Nov. 5 in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 7th Engineering Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Family of Fallen Soldier in Delaware to Receive His Body

Fort Drum soldier's remains return home today

Former student, fallen soldier
SBU remembers Blake Whipple

In memory of a devoted soldier
Mourners honor life, ultimate sacrifice of a special young man

NY soldier remembered as 'fearless,' 'loving'

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Sgt Michael F. Paranzino

A soldier from Middletown has lost his life in Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense says 22-year-old Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino was killed in Kandahar on November fifth, when insurgents attacked his unit.

Paranzino was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

Department of Defense officials have not released any additional details on Paranzino's death at this time.

Paranzino's family tells Eyewitness News Michael leaves behind a wife and two children.

Middletown Soldier Remembered During Veterans Day Ceremony in Newport

A short life, a large loss: R.I. honors Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino

A Community and Nation Honor Fallen Middletown Soldier
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Sergeant First Class Todd M. Harris

A Soldier from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division was killed in Badghis province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday November 3rd , from wounds sustained in a small arms attack.

Killed is Sergeant First Class Todd M. Harris, age 37, of Tucson, Arizona. He was an indirect fire infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1st Brigade Combat Team in March 2010.

Harris joined the Army in February 1998. His previous duty assignments include Fort Campbell and Fort Bragg. He arrived at Fort Drum in August 2009. Harris previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2002, Iraq in 2003 and 2006 and Suriname in 2008.

Harris’s awards and decorations include five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, five Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, the Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. He also completed the basic Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training, and again with the High Risk component, the Infantry Mortar Platoon Officer training, the Advance Leadership Course, the Warrior Leadership Course, the Airborne School, the Air Assault School and the Combat Lifesavers Course.

Harris is survived by his wife, two children, mother and father.

Cary Clack: Veterans Day is bittersweet for granddad


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10th Mountain Division News Roundup

The beginning of our year long journey

CNY Veterans Parade

Crane School of Music to Hold Concert for Fort Drum Therapy Pool

Army puts off training in Forest Preserve

Mount Pleasant honors its veterans with parade

Dunkin' Donuts Veterans Day promotion to provide coffee for troops

Syracuse parade honors veterans

Spouses train for deployments, too
MOUNTAIN RESILIENCE CONFERENCE: Fort Drum event aims to help families through adversity

Kandahar offensive has Taliban feeling the heat, outgoing NATO commander says

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Sorry for the lack of recent updates, life being a pain.

Winter weather 101
SAFETY DAY: Fort Drum families bone up on snow survival strategies

Keuka College adopts Fort Drum troops in Afghanistan
Keuka College has “adopted‚“ two platoons from Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division.

Both platoons — the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) S-3 and the Division of Public Affairs are being deployed to Afghanistan this month.

News: 10th Mountain Division takes command of Regional Command South during transfer of authority

DEC Gives Conservationist Magazines to USO at Fort Drum

CASA begins recruiting on Fort Polk
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), are trained citizens who are appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of a child in court.
Some of these children are those for whom home placement is being determined by the court, but all of them are victims of abuse and/or neglect.
Gayle Hodnett, Executive Director of CASA of West Central Louisiana, has recently been afforded the opportunity to go into Fort Polk with her quest for volunteers.

Mobilizing the Balkh Government
Sixteen keys to vehicles were given to the Balkh Provincial Governor, Usted Mohammad Noor Atta, by Col. Bill Burleson, the Commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, during a ceremony in Mazar-e Sharif, Oct. 26.

Drum's natural resources chief balances needs of ecosystem, troops

Two soldiers remembered at Fort Drum

82nd's Chinn tapped for Fort Polk assignment

A Call to 'Salute A Soldier'

Syracuse Athletics, in conjunction with the 'Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) and the EBV Foundation, has launched a ‘Salute a Soldier’ campaign for the Orange football game against Louisville on November 6. As part of ‘Courage Day’, for every ticket purchased between today and November 5, the athletics department will donate a ticket to soldiers and their families to attend the game. The tickets will be distributed to Fort Drum, the 174th Fighter Wing and other local military units.

Real test of Kandahar progress may be in June

Michael D. Kirspel Jr.

A Soldier from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division was killed near Khwaja Kinti, Afghanistan, October 27, from wounds sustained in an improvised explosive device attack.

Killed is Sergeant Michael D. Kirspel Jr., age 23, of Hopatcong, New Jersey. He was a cannon crewmember with the 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1st Brigade Combat Team in the spring of this year.

Kirspel joined the Army in July 2006. Kirspel's previous duty assignments include Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He arrived at Fort Drum in September 2009. Kirspel had previously deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2007 through November 2008.

Kirspel's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with Valor device, three Army Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, the Marksmanship Qualification Badge and the Driver Mechanic Badge. Krispel was also a graduate of the Combat Lifesavers Course.

Kirspel is survived by his mother and father.

Funeral set for fallen Hopatcong soldier Sgt. Michael D. Kirspel Jr.
Hundreds attend funeral of N.J. soldier killed in Afghanistan
Wharton, NJ, says farewell to hero soldier killed in Afghanistan

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10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Decorated former Drum officer dives into community service

Fort Drum Father and Son Team Run in Army 10-Miler

Army service rifles getting significant upgrades

Army to cut wattage

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

a little good news today.

Six Former Pitt Letterwinners to be Honored at 50th Annual Awards Dinner
Sergeant Major Maria Perez of the 10th Mountain Division's Combat Aviation Brigade will be honored for her athletic achievements while a student at Pitt on Friday, Oct. 29.

FORT DRUM — Families can listen to scary stories at "Campfire Tales" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at McEwen Library at the Pine Plains Activity Center, Conway Road. For more information, call 772-9099.

Charles M. Sadell

Updated with several links.

Fort Drum, NY - Sergeant First Class Charles M. Sadell died Sunday, October 24th, at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland of wounds sustained in a October 5th improvised explosive device attack near Arif Kala, Afghanistan.

Sadell, age 34, of Columbia, Missouri, was an intelligence analyst with the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Sadell deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in spring of this year.

Sadell joined the U.S. Army in 1995. Previous duty stations include Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Dexheim, Germany, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Sadell came to Fort Drum in March 2010. Sadell's previous deployments include a 4 month tour in Saudi Arabia in 1997, a 6 month tour in Kosovo in 2001, and a 12 month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005-2006.

Sadell's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Basic Marksman Qualification Badge. Sadell had completed the Warrior
Leaders Course and the Combat Life Savers Course.

Sadell is survived by his wife, two children and mother.

Service in Weston today for soldier who died from wounds suffered in Afghanistan

Coming home

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Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, October 27, in honor of a Fort Drum soldier who died of wounds suffered in Afghanistan on October 24 at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

examiner.com

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Due to the Press Release on Sgt. 1st Class Sadell, I will not be posting any other news today.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

NSU assists area veterans


Schools: Drum liaison officers are positive addition

10th Mountain Division Band to lead CNY Veterans Parade

BPPJ gets update on Fort Polk affairs

Drum Soldiers Train Afghan Mountain Warriors

Don't Abandon COIN

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Hunting at Fort Polk WMA closed Oct. 30-31
State wildlife and fisheries officials say hunting at the Fort Polk Wildlife Management Area will be closed Oct. 30-31 because of military training operations.

Hundreds expected at Polk's retiree appreciation activities
A host of activities are planned as hundreds of military retirees from throughout Louisiana and Southeast Texas descend on Fort Polk for the 35th annual Retiree Appreciation Day Oct. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event is open to military retirees of all armed services, their families and survivors who live in Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Each year, more than 1,000 guests attend Retiree Appreciation Day activities.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

News: 10th Mtn. Soldiers train tomorrow’s leaders today
To help them achieve success, a group of nearly 40 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment spent the last nine months mentoring, instructing and assisting ANA leaders at the ANA’s basic training program at Camp Parsa.

A Year at War
Some 30,000 American soldiers are taking part in the Afghanistan surge. Here are the stories of the men and women of First Battalion, 87th Infantry of the 10th Mountain Division. Over the next year, The New York Times will follow their journey.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Cross Currents
PFC Mack is part of a story on local citizens in the military.

Soldier wins award for work with Hispanic community
Groups of people all around Frederick know Army Sgt. Jose Ramon.

He works at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick. He volunteers at the Trinity United Methodist Church's Hispanic ministry. He is a volunteer therapist at the Frederick County Health Department. And he is a part-time crisis worker at Frederick Memorial Hospital.

News: ANP Regional Medical Director visits Camp Mike Spann Clinic
Since their arrival to northern Afghanistan last March, the doctors and medical specialists assigned to Charlie Company, 10th Brigade Support Battalion, from the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team have taken on the role as mentors to the medical staff of the local Afghan National Police.

Taliban Influence Grows in North
Col. Bill Burleson, commander of the 1st Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division, is quoted in article.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Khowst PRT member promotes daughter at Kandahar
Capt. James Bennett promoted his daughter, Natasha Bennett, to first lieutenant during a promotion ceremony on Kandahar Airfield.

Capt. Bennett, a member of the Khowst Provincial Reconstruction Team deployed from Fort Polk, La., and a native of Natchitoches, La., was able to travel to Kandahar, where the younger Bennett is a member of the 1-4 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, to pin on her new rank.

News: ANSF, ISAF help construct local school
Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion from the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team helps build school for Afghan children.

Training Afghan to maintain the military vehicles given by ISAF
Soldiers of 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, taught Afghan National Border Police how to maintain the humvee, during a four day vehicle maintenance class at Camp Shaheen, Afghanistan, mid-October.

Nearly two dozen "Wounded Warriors" get taken to hunt deer with muzzleloaders in Oswego
The Salmon River Strutters and the Oswego River chapter of the Nation Wild Turkey Federation used the Albion Fish and Game Club clubhouse Saturday as a meeting point for a “Wounded Warriors” deer hunt with muzzleloaders in various sections of Oswego County.

The two turkey hunting clubs hosted 22 soldiers from Fort Drum for the event.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Drum brigade leaders learn from city tour

Fight-changing gear
10th Mountain Division troops part of drive to update equipment for deployed soldiers.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

41st Transportation Company prepares to move to Fort Polk

Government 101: Fort Drum Learns Local Governance from Community Leaders

Fort Polk Soldiers Deploy To Afghanistan

ANSF and ISAF Help Local School Ease Overcrowding

Afghan Security Forces Assists ISAF

A place of Rest: Local group breaks ground on monument to honor fallen soldiers

Active Army Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Train Together At Niagara Falls


Drive-in honors soldiers' request
'RESTREPO': GIs to be deployed to Afghan region ask film's showing

School Expands in N. Afghanistan
ANSF and ISAF Help Local School Ease Overcrowding
by Sgt. 1st Class John Queen 1/10th Mountain

Tellam: Finding accomplishment in Afghanistan

Chesapeake fundraiser to honor fallen Virginia Beach soldier

News: Citizen Airmen Provide Air Drop Training for Fort Drum-Based Soldiers

A place of comfort
A new outreach center will help Army families cope with their soldiers' deaths

Fort Drum part of New VA Campaign which Urges Vets to Use Benefits, Services

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

On Ft Drum, N Empire State College will hold an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the Army Education Center, 4300 Camp Hale Road, to celebrate 20 years of educating soldiers. The event is free.

Board of Elections gaffe may nullify New York soldiers' overseas absentee ballots

Girls Adopt a Platoon

Skaneateles Girl Scouts are participating in the Adopt a Platoon program for soldiers of the 277 Aviation Support Battalion based out of Fort Drum.

News: Afghan National Army 209th Corps and 1BSBT Female Engagement Team contribute to education

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Military officials promise cuts won't affect families

Hunting, Fishing Permits Now Available For Fort Drum Lands

Feedback: Promoting Veterans' Awareness With Nationwide Bike Tour

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Soldier's complaint probed
WOUNDED WARRIOR UNIT: Rep. Maffei told members have been housed without heat, had pay withheld

Fort Drum wary of wind (turbines) near Wheeler-Sack Airfield


Ed Note: Added word turbines to story headline to make more sense

Clinton E. Springer II

New to the page, a news article on the memorial service for PFC Springer.

A Soldier from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division died in Kabul, Afghanistan, September 24. The cause of death is under investigation.

Deceased is Private First Class Clinton E. Springer II, 21, of Sanford, Maine.

Springer joined the Army in March, 2009. After completing training he arrived at Fort Drum in July 2009. Springer served as an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 22 Infantry Regiment. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1st Brigade Combat Team in January 2010. It was his first deployment.

Springer’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. He had completed the Combat Lifesavers Course this year prior to deployment.

Springer is survived by his mother and father.


A soldier's eternal peace in Falmouth

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10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Coverage of 4th BCT deployment ceremony.

10th Combat Aviation Brigade deploys

Raynham pays fitting tribute to Medal of Honor hero, 10th Mountain division soldier Jared Monti.

Press Release- Deadline for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Extended

The deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to Dec. 3, 2010, allowing personnel more time to apply for the benefits they've earned.

To apply, or for more information on RSLSP, including submission requirements and service-specific links, go to http://www.defense.gov/stoploss .

The deadline extension is included in the continuing resolution signed by President Obama yesterday, providing funding for federal government operations through Dec. 3.

"It's important that all those eligible for this benefit take the opportunity to apply for what they've earned," said Lernes Hebert, acting director, Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management. "We encourage those eligible to apply as soon as possible, to avoid the last minute rush, which can increase processing time."

RSLSP was established to compensate military members whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. Eligible members or their beneficiaries are required to submit a claim to their respective military service in order to receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status. The original deadline for claims was Oct. 21, 2010.

When RSLSP began on Oct. 21, 2009, the services estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries were eligible. Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, the services have engaged in extensive and persistent outreach efforts throughout the year. Efforts including direct mail, engaging military and veteran service organizations, social networks and media outlets, will continue throughout the period of eligibility.

U.S. Department of Defense

Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)



On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/releases/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

After receiving an Operational Needs Statement from the 10th Mountain Division in March 2006, Remington upgrading M24 sniper rifle for the Army.

Picture of Capt. Maria Gregory, the Golf Company Commander, from 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, makes news article.

Fort Drum trops train to avoid IEDS
EVENT AT DRUM: Building relations with Afghans is key, officers say

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Our View: Fort Polk meets the need, as always

Fort Polk Soldiers ready to deploy

Fort Drum's Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers took 15 troops to participate in the annual Patriot Golf Day at Lakeview Golf and Country Club in Auburn on Monday.

Exactly one third of the fourth grade students at Faith Training Christian Academy, where the mascot, quite fittingly, is the Patriot, will have parents deployed to Afghanistan this month with the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, or the Patriot Brigade.

On Thursday, 75 men and women of the 10th Mountain Division aviation unit, 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry, earned their spurs and, on Friday, extended the tradition to 35 spouses as a means to build cohesion before the unit begins a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan within a month.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Soldiers of the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division conducted a deployment ceremony Thursday on Honor Field at Fort Polk. Pictures included at the link.

Nearly 4,000 Fort Polk soldiers to deploy to Afghanistan. Another article on the deployment ceremony with quotes from soldiers.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Fort Drum Families and Soldiers Receive Disaster Relief Kits.

Kits help military families prepare

Soldiers of the signal intelligence platoon from Bravo Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Support the Fight

10th Mountain division soldier, 1st Lt. Samuel "Sam" Kiesill be honored today during a homecoming weekend ceremony at his alma mater, Brunswick School.

Afghan National Army: Taking the lead as trainers, educators after receiving training from the soldiers of Triple Deuce, 10th Mountain Division.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

If you are in the area, stop by to support the 10th Mountain 4th BCT at their Deployment ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 30, at Fort Polk; public invited

The Michigan State University ROTC fitness centerhas been named in honor of 10th Mountain soldier 1st LT Adam Malson. He was assigned to 4/31 Inf and was killed in action in February 2005 while saving a woman from a burning car.

Fort Polk's 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade hosts a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. on 1st MEB Field. The
brigade's top NCO, Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur R. Vanwyngarden, relinquishes responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Edward E. Russell.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

ROTC cadets observe training at Fort Drum
2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment conducted a live fire as well at the event.

Alpha Company, 1-87 among those visited by ISAF CSM at FOB Kunduz

After graduating from training led by 2-22 Infantry Afghan National Army: Taking the lead as trainers, educators

Colonel Willard Burleson of 1-71 Cav does phone interview with WWNYTV

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Help the 10th Mountain's 1st BCT in their effort to focus on Winning Their Hearts and Minds as they collect school supplies for Afghan children.

CNN News salute from 10th Mountain soldierMaj Cornelius Pope.

Resulst from the 14th annual Adirondack Marathon in Schroon Lake where several Ft Drum soldiers participated.

Triple Deuce (The 10th Mountain's 2/22 Inf) gives us Lessons in COIN from an Army Specialist

Mother of Fallen 10th Mountain soldier, Corporal J. Adan "Adam" Garcia Attend Reception at Bush Home

Members od 3/6 Field Artillary help Protect FOB Kunduz In Afghanistan.

Raynham park dedicated to fallen Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

It's marathon weekend in Schroon Lake as members of Fort Drum’s 10th Sustainment Brigade compete as a group.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Ft Drum receives funding to enclose walkways at Warrior Transition Units.

Brigade's kits to benefit Afghan children's education
1st BCT collecting items that soldiers can give to Afghan schools.

Ft Drum community completes 3rd Annual Suicide Awareness Walk at Memorial Park Thursday.

Flags to be flown at half-staff in NY for soldier killed in Afghanistan in honor of Corporal Joshua Harton.

Congress extended a temporary policy that allows service members to roll over additional unused leave.

Soldiers and Boy Scouts Weekend at Black River Drive-In Theatre allows 10th Mountain soldiers to receive a 20 percent discount on concession items for soldiers Friday night.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team help improve schools in Afghanistan.

As Afghan War Lengthens, Fresh Troops Deploy
4th BCT's 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment is the focus of this article

Joshua A. Harton

Fort Drum, NY – A Soldier from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division was killed in Kaftar Khan, Afghanistan, September 18, from wounds sustained in a weapons attack.

Killed is Corporal Joshua A. Harton, age 23, of Bethlehem, PA.

Harton joined the Army in June 2007 and after completing training arrived at Fort Drum in December 2007. He was a cannon crewmember with the, 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1st Brigade Combat Team in April 2010. It was his first deployment.

Harton’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and the Driver Mechanic Badge. He had completed the Field Artillery Cannon Systems Qualification Course and the Combat Lifesavers Course this year prior to deployment.

Harton is survived by his mother, father, and sister.

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10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Army Reserve Cpt Robin Wakefield begins deployment with 10th Mtn Division

HHC, 10th Mountain Division prepares for deployment to Afghanistan.

NYS and NJ Troopers treat 10th Mountain soldiers to fishing trip in Brielle.

Fort Drum welcomes two new generals.

Work to upgrade Drum gates will impede traffic.

Fort Polk chaplain leads LNG marriage retreat.

Soldier Show comes to Ft Drum Wednesday

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Community welcomes home 10th Mountain soldier, Spc Joshua Evan Levine After a deployment to Afghanistan.

Salmon Run Mall designates Sunday, September 19 from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. as ‘Fort Drum Appreciation Day’.

We send them out with warm wishes and heartfelt prayers for their quick return.Afghanistan-bound 10th Mountain Soldiers Prepare to Deploy.

When the war comes homeLife for several 10th Mountain soldiers after their deployment captured in photographs.

Two Local Soldiers Honored with a Memorial Highway as community names bridge for fallen soldiers Sgt. Justin A. Scott and Staff Sgt. Nicholas R. Carnes.
Scott was a member of the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, N.Y.

Carnes was a member of the 2nd Battalion , 138th Field Artillery Regiment, Kentucky National Guard in Carrollton, Ky.

Ft Polk Special Reaction Team students set sights on shooting success.

10th Mountain Division soldier Sgt. Brandon McGuire is part of the History Channel’s program “Sniper: The Deadliest Mission.”

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Fort Polk soldier Jayme Johnson earns top enlisted soldier’s rank.

Garrison Chaplain Col. Lee Dudleyis has 'fundamental' mission
An interview with the post Chaplain.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

The 2nd Battalion of the 30th Infantry Regiment, 10th mountain Division are focus of story "For Men Going to War, Thoughts of 9/11 and One Last 'Date Night'"

Bagram servicemembers, civilians run in honor of 9/11 and story quotesSgt. Jason Carter, an infantryman with the 187th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY.

Rappelling To The Rescueas seventeen U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents trained at Fort Drum.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

We hear about the 1st BSTB Helps Break Ground at Local School in Dehdadi from War on Terror News

10th Mountain soldiers among those getting New Uniforms for Soldiers Deploying to Afghanistan

Welcome Col. Noel Nicolle as Drum gets new garrison commander

Col Nicolle tells us 'THERE IS NO GREATER HONOR' during interview

Veteran recalls attack at Pentagon during Fort Polk ceremony

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

A Co, 2/22 helps train Afghan Army Kandaks to Deploy from Kabul with Fully Trained Mortar Teams.

Leaders remain confident in Fort Polk growth

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

The Contracted gate guards at Drum? Now they Department of the Army employees

Congratulations to 10th Mountain Division soldier SSGWO1 Kyle J. Balonek on his graduation from Fort Rucker, Alabama.

10th Mountain division soldiers Kim McCray and Ray LaFlame met with Shirley Hosler of Saranac Lake, who collected items to send to them overseas.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Army Pfc. Brian Wolverton was honored with a granite memorial with the young soldier's name was unveiled following a ceremony led by U.S. Army and Oak Park Unified School District officials.

The United States Army Band at Fort Drum will perform a concert in the Plowe Park Gazebo, Main Street, Dolgeville, on Sunday, Sept. 12, beginning at 2 p.m.

Press Release- Fort Drum Garrison Change of Command Ceremony

Fort Drum Garrison Change of Command Ceremony



FORT DRUM, NY – U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Drum will conduct a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 9, at Sexton Field.



Colonel Noel Nicolle will assume command from Colonel Kenneth Riddle.



Col. Riddle has led the Fort Drum Garrison since April 2008. His next duty assignment will be as the leader of plans and operations (J3) for Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF)-10, 10th Mountain Division, in Regional Command-South Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom. He will deploy with the Headquarters this fall.



Col. Nicolle’s last duty assignment was Fort Sill, Oklahoma, were he served as Director of Training and Doctrine Development of the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence.



Media interested in covering the Change of Command ceremony should be at the Media Operations Center on RT 26 no later than 9:30 a.m, Thursday, September 9.



Media with inquiries regarding this advisory should contact Kae Young, Fort Drum Media Relations Officer, 772-5463, kae.young@us.army.mil.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

As so that we can have the connector road from I-81 to Fort Drum, Goulds Corners Road use detoured for construction and is expected to reopen late next summer.

Fort Drum will be hosting a Military retiree benefits event on Sept. 11.

Eighty sevenFort Drum soldiers to run in marathon on Sept. 26.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

10th CAB conducts predeployment training at Fort Rucker

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

NY Senator Gillibrand talks to Drum troops.

10th Mountain Division soldier, Army Spc. Christopher Waugh, was welcomed home after a 10 month deployment.

The 10th Mountain's 4/25 FA shows how Artillery thrives on adrenaline, precision


Sgt. Earl Kelleher, aWounded Warrior Serves as Mentor to Local Boy Scouts

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, which is stationed at Fort Polk is scheduled to deploy in Sept., Oct.

Former 10th Mountain soldier, Kenitay Salyers, Receives Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Sept 2004.

A proposed law would allow someone on post to say "Have a beer, soldier" to a servicemember under the age of 21.

The post's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is using Facebook to allow Drum soldiers and families to get out and enjoy local activities.

Emergency Preparedness Kit event is Saturday, Aug. 28, at Fort Polk

Former member of 2nd of the 14th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division Rico Roman makes U.S. paralympics sled hockey team.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Reminding us that winning the hearts and minds of the Afghans is just as important as beating the Taliban, 10th Mountain troops atCamp Spann troops restore water to Afghan community.

No place like home as 10th Mountain division soldier, Spec. William Moss spends time at home while on leave for two weeks before returning to Fort Drum, N.Y.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

10th Mountain soldiers from the 1st Brigade Special Troop Battalion help Afghan National Police Train in Airport Security.

Expanding counter-insurgency in Taliban stronghold Canada's focus this fallas the Canadian Army partners with the 10th Mountain's 1-71 Cav in Afghanistan.

Corps of Engineers looks below the Earth's surface for green energy as new buldings are completed at Fort Drum.

SITREP: August 23rd

BloodSpite with another round of Ft Drum news!

Ferrellgas to host fundraiser for United Service Organization Fort Drum

Mountain Community Homes received the 2010 Private Sector Project of the Year award from the Association of Defense Communities

Steamboat reunion honors 10th Mountain Division Veterans of World War II who gather for the event

A large crowd enjoys the Army’s 10th Mountain Division Band followed by fireworks in Sherrill Saturday night.

SITREP: August 20th

BloodSpite here once again giving the latest Round up on Ft Drum and 10th Mountain News!


As the men and women of First Battalion, 87th Infantry deployed, planeload after planeload, to Afghanistan this year, there was an unspoken question in the air: Who among them wouldn’t make it home? Sadly the question was answered: Specialist Brian Anderson, a 24-year-old from Broadway, a small town in Virginia

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee was joined by federal, state and local officials in the Jefferson County today to mark the beginning of a $55.6 million highway project that will link Interstate 81 and the Main Gate of Fort Drum. This project will improve traffic mobility along the Route 11 corridor and will give an economic boost to the entire Fort Drum area.

"What do the Greek, Mongolian, Latvian and British Armies have in common? They’ve all been in Afghanistan before: the Greeks under Alexander; the Mongols under Genghis Khan; the Latvians as part of the Soviet Union; and the British more than a few times. They are also current members of the International Security Assistance Force, and contribute troops to the coalition mission in Afghanistan" First Lt. Mark Larson is serving with the 10th Mountain Division in Kabul and has written blogs at www.handfulofdust.net has a article featured by the New York Times

The Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopter was fielded July 30 by the U.S. Army’s B Company, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. The 10th Mountain Division is the sixth Army unit to be trained and equipped with the aircraft.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

First Lt. Mark Larson of the 10th Mountain Division tells us about Our Lesser-Known Allies in Afghanistan.

The Association of Defense Communities recognized Actus Lend Lease and the US Army by announcing that Mountain Community Homes Wins Private Sector Project of the Year.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

We hear about how the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment usesAir Resupply Mitigates Convoy Risk.

A Soldier Lost, and Remembered courtesy of the NY Times.

Members belong to D Company, 2-30th Infantry, 4th Brigade/10th Mountain Division win Brothers in Arms softball tourney.

The Watertown Daily Times has a story about how some Soldiers' fishing trips are about camaraderie and fish.

SITREP: August 17th

Stand at ease!

New York National Guard's 69th Infantry Regiment undergoes training at Ft Drum

Ft. Drum Soldiers combat stress and deployments with fishing

Medics push it to the limit to receive the Expert Field Medical Badge

1-71 Scout platoon watches their step in the mountains of Afghanistan

The 10th Mountain, surrounded by civilian hostiles, keeps their heads though sometimes its hard.

NPR radio tells us how Fort Drum troops test trust with Afghan police.

Ft drum soldier Sgt. Adam Woodford earns Top Gun award after 3rd tour of duty.

1-71 Cavalry's Brooklyn-born Army Lt. Col. John Paganini training Afghan National Police to fight Taliban.

During EFMB training at Fort Drum, Medics advance skills, character.

The NY Daily News tells us about 1-71 Cavalry and how they patrol in Afghanistan.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

New garrison commander to lead Drum as of Sept. 9
The post will be getting a new garrison commander Sept. 9.

Col. Noel T. Nicolle will replace Col. Kenneth H. Riddle as the 10th Mountain Division's garrison commander at a Sexton Field ceremony.

Engagement Team Making Significant Contributions in Afghanistan
A four Soldier Human Intelligence Collection Team, operating in northern Afghanistan in support of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, is making significant contributions to securing and rebuilding northern Afghanistan.

“Upon arrival to the area, locals were very hesitant to speak with us,” said HCT leader Sgt. Kristin Barnett. “Over the past couple months this has changed drastically.”

New flag flies at Little Falls veterans memorial
The American flag that had flown over the memorial was presented to David Carpineti to present to his son, Sgt. William Carpineti, who is stationed at Fort Drum. William Carpineti, a 2001 graduate of Little Falls High School who has served two tours of duty in Iraq, raised the flag last Saturday.

Media Invited to Visit Buffalo Army National Guard Unit Training at Fort Drum
The New York Army National Guard is inviting news media to visit Fort Drum on August 18 to see members of the 105th Military Police Company from Buffalo and Rochester conducting Annual Training.The 105th was one of the first New York Army National Guard units to deploy to Iraq; serving there in 2003 during the invasion.

Touch-a-Truck slated Saturday
BIG RIGS IN EVANS MILLS: Family Counseling, USO Fort Drum to share proceeds from event
United Service Organization Fort Drum and Family Counseling Service of Northern New York have teamed up for a fundraiser to benefit the civilian and military communities here.

AFG Community Celebrates Completed Projects in Dehdadi

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs
Story by Spc. Cynthia Teears Van Cleve
DEHDADI DISTRICT, Afghanistan -- The Dehdadi District community celebrated the completion of several projects, Aug. 7, during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Sharabad Clinic in Sharabad Village, Afghanistan.

Emam Construction-Rehabilitation Organization Construction Company employees worked alongside Soldiers of Red Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, to complete several well improvements and upgrading of latrines in villages of Dehdadi District.

SITREP: August 12th

BloodSpite here with another update on the 10th Mountain and Ft Drum!

Ft Drum Troops testing the trust of Afghan Police forces

Former Rep. David O'Brien Martin will be in Watertown today. Mr. Martin,who served six terms in the House from 1981 to 1993 was instrumental in bringing the 10th Mountain Division to Fort Drum.

Army Staff Sgt. Jesse W. Ainsworth, 24, of Dayton, Texas, died July 10 near Walakan, Afghanistan, of injuries from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to Fort Drum and had served two combat tours in Iraq.

Lights, camera action was the scene Monday at the Home Depot in Johnson City where a promotional video was being shot. The shoot is for a day of recognition for the men and women of the 10th Mountain Division who are based at Fort Drum. The event--sponsored by Home Depot and Time Warner -- is set to take place September 3rd in the Johnson City Home Depot's parking lot.

Night watch in Afghanistan: Army Spec. Tehuti Miles of the 1-71 Calvary of the 10th Mountain Division on guard for Taliban foes

SITREP: August 9th

No your noble host has not forgotten about you. He has again been called away. Due to some technical issues I was to be here to help fill in the blanks during his departure, however I wasn't able to login.

The Mechanic got if fixed, and wa-la! Frozen in Drum is not quite so frozen and back in swing!

So without further adieu, lets get you what yer asking for eh?

-BloodSpite

Officials at the home of the Army's 10th Mountain Division say two-member "courtesy patrols" will visit clubs, restaurants and bars in the Watertown area between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The Fort Drum community said good-bye to 100 members of the Charlie Company MEDEVAC, 3-10, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, on August 6th in a deployment ceremony.
The Charlie Company MEDEVAC, 3-10, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division recently returned home from Iraq in October, after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom since October 2008. During their last deployment, the unit flew over 350 medical evacuation missions and transported more than 450 patients.

The company will now deploy to Afghanistan to support a similar operation, working to ensure the safety of thousands of soldiers and civilians.

Families and friends welcomed 276 members of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team back from Iraq at Magrath Sports Complex early this month. The brigade's task was to train Iraqi police and military forces. It deployed in October and returned more than three months earlier than planned. there are still about 900 members of the unit to come home.

Daughter of a 10th Mountain Division World War II Vet is giving back, by arranging a gathering of 10th Mountain Veterans and Descendants of 10th Mountain veterans

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Ghormach Elders Discuss Aid and Security Issues
Village elders from the Ghormach district of Northern Afghanistan met with members of the International Security Assistance Force and a representative from the United States Department of Agriculture recently, to discuss the agricultural needs of the area.

Before any assistants can be provided however, security needs for the district have to be addressed.

"Even though we are the largest agricultural organization in the world," said Merle Parise of the U.S.D.A., to the elders. "We are helpless without your help securing the villages,"

With the combined efforts of the local villagers, the Afghan National Security Forces and the coalition Forces, the district will reach a state of lasting security.

"With security comes the ability for others to come in and do what they need to do to help the people of the Ghormach district," said Lt. Col. Kyle Marsh, commander of 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, of the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.

More soldiers with 2nd BCT return from mission in Iraq
Col. David M. Miller, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, arrived Saturday from Iraq with 375 of his unit's soldiers.

The unit was assigned to eastern Baghdad, where it trained Iraqi military and police forces to protect themselves by working in tandem with the forces during missions.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Panels approve Drum funding
Nearly $235 million in construction slated for next year at Fort Drum cleared a House subcommittee Wednesday, a first step toward securing money for new barracks, training facilities and other improvements.

The House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees military construction approved its spending bill for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, including the money for Fort Drum.

Lattes and Hot Showers in Afghanistan
A popular fake motivational poster here in Afghanistan is one that shows two pictures side by side: one of soldiers in full gear out on patrol covered in dust; the other of two soldiers holding trays of fast food with clean uniforms and big smiles. The caption below reads “Afghanistan: individual experiences may vary.”

This dichotomy is all too true for many soldiers around the country. As a new infantry lieutenant fresh out of Airborne and Ranger School, I arrived at the 10th Mountain Division expecting my experience to be much like the picture on the right. We had all seen images and video of firefights at remote outposts in the Hindu Kush, or house-to-house battles in Kandahar and Helmand Provinces.

Iraq US Troops Drawdown
In this Tuesday, July 13, 2010 photo, a U.S. Army soldier from 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division is seen on board a C-17 aircraft at Baghdad International Airport as they begin their journey to the United States. The soldiers, based at Fort Drum, N.Y., are headed home after nine months in Iraq as part of the U.S. drawdown of forces, which begins in earnest next month. The number of soldiers in Iraq is expected to go from 77,500 currently in the country to 50,000 by September 1.

Owens Announces Panel Approval of $6.7 million Requested for Fort Drum
The House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee approved Congressman Bill Owens’ funding request to construct an Alert Holding Area Facility for Fort Drum’s efforts to prepare our troops for deployment.

Command prepares 10th Mountain Division for Afghanistan
Members of U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) will conduct Unified Endeavor 10-3 Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Region Command - South (RC-S) Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX) July 14- 30 at Fort Drum, N.Y.

The MRX will help the Army's 10th Mountain Division transition smoothly into Afghanistan as it replaces a multinational contingent, led by British forces currently overseeing operations in RC-S under the command of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

SUNY Drum proposal advances
The effort to bring a State University of New York medical branch campus to the Fort Drum region advanced in a House subcommittee, Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, announced Friday.

An appropriations subcommittee approved $250,000 for the initiative, which supporters say will help attract health care professionals to the north country.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Fort Drum Training for NY National Guard Aircrews
New York National Guard Aviation Soldiers will train to prepare themselves for the newly formed Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Explosive (CBRNE) Consequence Management Response Force, or CCMRF. This training of Soldiers and aircrwes will certify three of New York's aviation units to be called to Federal Active Duty if needed to deploy in support of federal missions for any natural or man-made disaster beginning in the new fiscal year, starting October1.

Country superstar at the county fair
Opening for Mr. Jackson will be Timothy ("T. J.") Murphy, a soldier at Fort Drum who is a native of Kittery, Maine.

Mr. Murphy has served his country for almost 25 years and will retire from the military this year to become a full-time country music artist. He's been involved in the business for a long time, performing with his band on and off for the past 17 years.

The Badlands of Kandahar: Counterinsurgency Testing Ground
The Dand-district center is a novelty in the badlands of Kandahar province. As the seat of both the top government official and the U.S. forces based in the area, it's a seductive target for Taliban militants looking to make a statement. Yet its walls lack the extra defenses found at other district centers across Afghanistan's embattled south. On any given day, half of the guard towers are unoccupied and the front gate is left open, manned by a single police officer who casually waves visitors through. So calm is the surrounding area that U.S. Army officers living there are lobbying for permission to go outside the wire without body armor. "If there's an ink spot [of stability] forming in southern Afghanistan, I would say it's this district," says Major Edward Ash of the 1-71 Cavalry, 10th Mountain division.

Training to tackle the Taliban - and cooperate with allies
The Afghan policemen do not seem overly excited by the prospect of going on tour with their American trainers this afternoon.

Outside in Imam Sahib, in the Kunduz province of northern Afghanistan, it's 45 degrees celsius. The local police chief delegates one of his sergeants and two patrolmen to go out, vastly outnumbered by their US counterparts.

Donald R. Edgerton

Sergeant Donald R. Edgerton, age 33, of Murphy, North Carolina, was killed July 10th in an improvised explosive device attack near the city of Charadarre, Afghanistan.

Edgerton was a senior sniper, serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

Edgerton joined the U.S. Army in August 2007 and after completing training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, arrived to Fort Drum in February 2008.

Edgerton previously deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from February to October 2008. In 2009 he completed both the sniper and combat life savers courses.

Edgerton's awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and two Overseas Service Ribbons.

He is survived by his wife, daughter and parents.

See Also
www.watertowndailytimes.com

news.yahoo.com

wwnytv.com

Jesse W. Ainsworth

Staff Sergeant Jesse W. Ainsworth, age 24, of Dayton, Texas, was killed July 10th in an improvised explosive device attack near the city of Walakan, Afghanistan.

Ainsworth was a team leader, serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

Ainsworth joined the U.S. Army in November, 2005 and after completing training at Fort Benning, Georgia, came to Fort Drum in March 2006.

Ainsworth previously deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the first time from March to July 2006, and also from September 2007 to October 2008. He completed both the Warrior Leader Course and the Combat Life Savers Course in 2009.

Ainsworth's awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

He is survived by his wife, two children, mother and sister.

See Also
www.watertowndailytimes.com

freedomremembered.com

wwnytv.com

chron.com

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Two units back on Drum after war deployments
Families welcomed home two units Thursday after yearlong deployments. The 173 returning soldiers of the 630th Engineer Company, 7th Engineer Battalion were deployed to Afghanistan and 154 members of the 543rd Military Police Company, 10th Sustainment Brigade returned from Iraq.

New JCC community survey shows more people optimistic about life in NNY
We are optimistic, with the majority reporting that life in Jefferson County is getting better. We typically think this is a good place to live, a good place to raise children, and a good place in which to grow old. We are concerned about the national economy and think our own economy needs some improvement, but we think we have better shopping opportunities and better access to higher education than we did last year. We think the expansion of Fort Drum has a positive impact on our community.

Geothermal Energy Could Make the Department of Defense a Supplier of U.S. Energy, Not Just a Consumer
The U.S. military’s drive to replace fossil fuels with sustainable energy could result in an interesting twist: the military could wind up being a net supplier of energy to the U.S. electricity grid, in the form of geothermal power tapped from land owned by the Department of Defense (pdf alert).

Since 2004, Fort Drum in upstate New York has been installing geothermal systems in 19 buildings in various stages of completion. Across the country in Texas, Fort Bliss is looking to geothermal for achieving net zero carbon emissions in ten years. There are many more examples in between, and a study by the the Engineer Research and Development Center of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers suggests that that the Department of Defense has enough geothermal resources to produce electricity for the national grid as well as its own bases.

Chowing down in the Army: New Fort Drum dining facilities compete with modern food options, changing tastes
If you served in the military more than a few years ago, or grew up watching old war movies, your image of an Army cook might be a guy in a white T-shirt and apron, glumly pulling KP duty in the mess hall by peeling a sack of potatoes.

The food he helped prepare was likely to be served (and received) with a dose of surly GI attitude. (Think almost any Beetle Bailey comic strip.)

At Fort Drum near Watertown, Specialist Ryan Rumminger is not that Army cook.

Wind study hits a snag
INDIAN RIVER: Drum officials not consulted, see tower problem

PHILADELPHIA — Gaining approval to erect a meteorological tower to assess wind conditions has been tougher than Indian River Central School District officials expected. And the delays in the wind study stem from a lack of communication between the Federal Aviation Administration and Fort Drum about how erecting the tower could affect low-flying aircraft.

"We thought with FAA approval, we could just go ahead with the study," Superintendent James Kettrick said.

FAA officials didn't consult Fort Drum officials directly when they approved a 164-foot-tall meteorological tower to assess wind on district property, and Fort Drum officials have an issue with the tower because its chosen site is close to the flight path of aircraft approaching Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield.

Spotted: People, Places & Things
Army Maj. Cornelius J. Pope has arrived for duty at Fort Drum, Watertown, N.Y. Pope is the son of Barbara Thurmond-Archibald of Bogart and the brother of Eddie L. Berry and Bryant K. Gantt of Athens. He graduated from Clarke Central High School in Athens.

"Assisting Locals, Increasing Trust" in Iraq During Drawdown
Colorful bags emblazoned with cartoon characters such as Winnie the Pooh and Barbie sat in a small, beat-up metal trailer, reflecting the early morning sun; a colorful contrast to the glistening sweat dripping from under the dusty helmets of soldiers working nearby.

The soldiers seemed to be everywhere at once, organizing supplies, arranging lines of concertina wire, and doing everything necessary to prepare for the people who would soon be descending on their temporary camp.

Even as the morning continued to heat up and the sweat continued to pour down, the soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, remained in high spirits, laughing and joking with each other and their Iraqi Army counterparts from 1st Battalion, 25th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division.

BETH WILSON: Meet Me at the Flagpole at Disney
I love Disneyland. Oh, I know it is the smallest of the Disneyland Resorts but I love it. My husband and I have been season pass holders for most of our marriage. Several years ago, we happened to be walking along main street USA when we noticed something happening at the flagpole. The Disneyland Band, the Dapper Dans (barbershop quartet), and a “detail” were surrounding the flagpole. We joined the gathering throng to discover a special ceremony; the Flag Retreat Ceremony.

As the band, the “Dans” and the detail retire, something indescribable happens. Those vets gathered around the flagpole are slow to disperse. Joined by spouses, many wonderful connections are made. Gary spent six years in the Navy, on a boomer. David, who just returned from his fourth tour to Afghanistan, serves with the 10th Mountain Division out of New York. Gerald is a Vietnam era retired Air Force vet — with some great stories to tell. Donald, a World War II veteran, teared up during the ceremony. He landed on the beach on that “Day of Days” and swapped stories with several other Army vets and gave a warm and emotional, “Take care” to the active duty soldiers standing there.

Fort Drum Press Release - Engineer Company Returns to Fort Drum

The 173 Soldiers of the 630th Engineer Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, redeployed from southern Afghanistan on July 8, 2010 after spending 12 months conducting route clearance operations throughout Regional Command - South in both Kandahar and Helmand
Provinces. The company primarily supported 5/2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team along Highway 1 as well as Task Force Helmand, a British brigade-sized headquarters, during Operation Mostarak (Together) in Nad e Ali from February to April 2010. The company lost two Soldiers during the deployment, both due to IED strikes, and had another 11 Soldiers wounded in action. In total, the company found 84 IEDs, 59 UXOs and suffered 55 IED strikes while clearing over 45,000 kilometers of routes during the 5600 hours spent on the road.

Fort Drum Press Release - 543rd Military Police Company Redeployment

Members of the 543rd Military Police Company, 10th
Sustainment Brigade arrived at Fort
Drum from a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan Thursday.

The 543rd deployed in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in July of 2009.

The flight arrived during the evening hours at Wheeler Sack Airfield with 154 personnel. The 543rd successfully trained 10,000 Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police by providing Police Training Teams (PTT) and Military Training Team (MTT) meaning that the company prepared/trained Iraqi police leadership to plan, execute, and sustain independent police operations. PTTs diligently coach, mentor, and train the Iraqi police to take the lead in policing Iraq's citizens through the use of several training tools, including the police essential task list and the police station monthly report (PSMR). With more than 150 police-essential task list training tasks-printed in Arabic and English-the PTTs have a variety of instructional classes to choose from to help the Iraqi police raise the functionality of their police stations and personnel. The 543rd also conducted counter improvised explosive device (IED) and indirect fire (IDF) missions throughout the day and night.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

http://readme.readmedia.com/Governor-Paterson-Directs-Flags-to-Be-Flown-at-Half-Staff/1584617
Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Monday, July 12, in honor of two Fort Drum soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan on July 5.

Staff Sergeant Christopher F. Cabacoy and Private First Class Edwin C. Wood were killed when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. The soldiers were assigned to 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, NY.

Fort Drum's 1st BCT Working With Afghan Security Forces(Video)


The 1st Brigade Combat Team from Fort Drum is working closely with Afghan national security forces in Afghanistan.

The 1st BCT's commander, Colonel Willard Burleson, says morale is good among the troops.

He says soldiers won't see any major changes in strategy now that General David Petraeus is in command.

Burleson also says most of the soldiers are deployed to the northern part of Afghanistan.

Military Notes
Austin D. Roberts of Alexandria was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during an ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) Commissioning Ceremony at Canisius College on Friday, May 21. Roberts graduated from Canisius College on May 22 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He is assigned to the Infantry Corps in Fort Drum, N.Y. He is the son of Stephen G. and Ruth Roberts of Farm Road, Alexandria. Roberts graduated in the year 2000 from T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria.

Dollar$ & $ense - Returning Military Still Have Plenty of Time
As the 2nd Brigade - 10th Mountain Division returns to Fort Drum from Afghanistan, they and other military personnel who served on official extended duty service outside the country for at least 90 days between January 1st, 2009 and April 30th, 2010 have until April 30th, 2011, to sign a contract to purchase or build a home and still get the money, thanks to the Service Members Home Ownership Act of 2009.

Two Fort Drum soldiers killed in Afghanistan loved drama and adventure
Two Fort Drum cavalry scouts died Monday in Afghanistan after an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Staff Sgt. Christopher F. Cabacoy, 30, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Pfc. Edwin C. Wood, 18, of Omaha, Neb., served with 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

Video-link psychiatry offered in Watertown

North country residents hit by a shortage in mental health providers won't have to travel to Syracuse for treatment anymore.

Patients can attend teleconference sessions at North Country Children's Clinic, 238 Arsenal St., with experts at Upstate Medical University, Syracuse.The telepsychiatry facility is at the children's clinic, but is available to other community health care providers, clinic executive director Aileen G.Martin said.

10th Mountain Division News Roundup

Best places to watch the Patriots
ESPN writer Mike Reiss mentions the Ft Drum Commons as one of the best places to watch the New England Patriots.

Despite Hard Conditions, 1st BCT Keeps Spirits High
When President Obama ordered 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, that changed the mission for the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum.

3,500 soldiers of the 1st BCT are in the region, but originally they were scheduled to deploy to Iraq.

Now in Afghanistan, near Kabul, Kandahar and the northern sections, Colonel William Burleson, commander of the 1st BCT says that his soldiers were aware of the tough conditions going in.

But despite that, soldier morale remains high.

See the full interview on Friday, at 5:55 AM on 7 News This Morning.