Centurion Scroll April Newsletter (Vol. 1, Issue 8)
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Transcript of Centurion Scroll April Newsletter (Vol. 1, Issue 8)
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equipment we came together as
a cohesive team, gained fan
support, and turned this late
entry into a winner – a force to
be reckoned with.”
The company that didn’t
exist prior to this deployment
has completed around 3,000
missions, the second most of
any company in the battalion.
Vigilant also has a multi-faceted
mission that includes base
defense,
guardian angel, movements and
even TOC operations in Regional
Support Command-West.
1st Sgt. Hester said it matters
less where the Soldiers come from
than what they do while they are
here.
“When you have dedication and
commitment from your Soldiers
like we have in Foxtrot Company
and the desire to be the very best at
what they do, then you will have
success such as we have had,” he
said. “The biggest take away is, it
doesn’t matter what walks of life
Soldiers come from, they will
always find a way to make new
friends and build strong cohesion
every time and make memories that
will last a lifetime.”
The unit may not have a recent
history, but the 167th
Foxtrot Co.
had a rich saga during World War
I. It is a history not lost on Capt.
Buchta.
“We had a responsibility to
history placed on our shoulders
when the modern day Foxtrot
Company was formed,” he said.
“Tracing specific valorous actions
accomplished by F Company, 167th
Infantry in World War I fighting
alongside the 109th
French Infantry
SEE VIGILANT PAGE TWO
Vigilant ‘mutts’ live up to call-sign HERAT, Afghanistan – One
of the many great scenes in the
movie “Stripes” is when Bill
Murray’s character gives the
“mutt speech” telling the basic
trainees how they don’t fit in
anywhere else and are forced to
come together to create
something special.
In many ways, Task Force
Centurion Prime’s Vigilant
(Foxtrot Co.) embodies that
speech. The 1st of the 167
th
Infantry, the famed “Fourth
Alabama,” has not had a Foxtrot
Company for decades and had to
create one from scratch for this
deployment.
Capt. Kurt Buchta and 1st Sgt.
Michael Hester were tasked with
combining the group of veteran
167th
Soldiers and newcomers
together to form the new
company.
“I equate us to a sand-lot
baseball team getting ready to
play a professional team,” Capt.
Buchta said. “We were put
together from all over the
neighborhood at the last minute,
our equipment was not up to par,
the coaches didn’t know what
positions everybody played; with
a tenacious attitude, a good
amount of practice, and
constantly working on our
equipment we came together as a
cohesive team, gained fan
Task Force Centurion Prime’s
Vigilant (Foxtrot Co.) is led by
Capt. Kurt Buchta (right) and 1st
Sgt. Michael Hester.
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Regiment where two Medals of
Honor were awarded to F Company
Soldiers, as well as the unit being
awarded the French Croix de Guerre;
the realization that we were now part
of something greater than ourselves
became very apparent. I believe that
history will tell the story of our
actions here, and our ‘Fourth
Alabama’ brothers who distinguished
themselves during that conflict will
leave a chair open at the table and
raise a glass with us, for we have
honored them by accomplishing our
mission in their spirit.”
Vigilant made its own mark on
history when it successfully thwarted
an insider, or “green on blue,” attack
when an attacker in an Afghan
National Army uniform fired on
them. They not only protected
themselves and those in their care,
but injured and caught the attacker.
“Vigilant was chosen as a call-sign to
remind us that in this environment it
is our actions that we control, and if
or when the enemy votes our control
provides a marked advantage over
the enemy,” Capt. Buchta said. “This
call-sign, turned mantra has proven
itself reliable.”
VIGILANT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
Task Force Centurion Prime’s Vigilant (Foxtrot Co.) has a multi-pronged mission at Camp Stone.
Special “K” SFC Klaustermeier has
made every modern
deployment with the
‘Fourth Alabama’
Klaustermeier, his fellow Soldiers have opted for the latter and
call him “Sgt. K.” But it’s not his name or even his towering size
that will ensure “Sgt. K” holds a place in “Fourth Alabama” lore.
Since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, units from the 1st of
the 167th
Infantry have been called to active duty four times. Sgt.
First Class Klaustermeier is the only “Fourth Alabama” Soldier
who has served in all four. He helped secure Ft. Rucker with
Alpha Co. in 2001’s “Noble Eagle.” He then went with Alpha to
Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005-2006 for a counterinsurgency
mission. He would return to Iraq in 2007-2008 as a platoon
sergeant with Charlie Co. conducting convoy security operations.
The hardest part each time was leaving wife, Lynn, and
children Chase and Kayleigh, he said.
His current mission in Afghanistan as part of the newly
created Foxtrot Co. has been like a combination of all of the past
deployments with elements of base defense like at Ft. Rucker
and counterinsurgency and convoy operations like in Iraq.
“It’s kind of all rolled into one,” he said.
When you have a name like
“Klaustermeier” and you’re in the
Army, you will either have your
name butchered or shortened. In the
case of Sgt. First Class John
Klaustermeir
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Soldiers, families and friends of Task Force Centurion Prime,
All over Afghanistan this month there is abundant sunshine and warm weather with mostly clear
skies. While there is rain in the forecast this weekend, I am sure things will stay pretty bright anywhere
you see a “Fourth Alabama” Soldier! As I write to you, we have crossed the April 1st mark on the
calendar which leaves us with less than one month of operations remaining here and plenty of smiles on
these Alabama faces to keep things sunny.
Over the next few weeks, the Soldiers replacing us will begin arriving and learning their individual
jobs and the mission that their command will assume from us. To accomplish all of the on-the-job
training required as well as making our individual preparations for leaving, our Soldiers are busier than
ever. Of course, that is a very good thing and I have not heard a single complaint. By the way, if you
happen not to hear from your Soldier as often during these last few weeks it is probably because we will
be moving into temporary quarters and transitioning out of our normal routines.
Although we have not received as many details from Camp Shelby as I had hoped for, I will update
you on as much as we know right now. It now looks like we will be at Camp Shelby between May 8th
and the 12th. Since that is Mother’s Day weekend, I will make every effort to dedicate the time that we
are not out-processing to spend with family! We now expect that our out-processing will take 11 days
but given the large size of our battalion there could be some delay.
As I stated last month, once we leave Afghanistan, my mission is to get our Soldiers back to their
families as quickly as possible while accomplishing all the necessary actions. These actions include
ensuring our Soldiers receive any care or information that they need. I will not get our schedule and
determine how much free time will be available to us until the week before our return to the States.
My best estimate now is that our companies should be arriving at their armories between May 18th
and the 22nd
. We have learned that Soldiers that live out of state a long distance away will be flown to
their home of record. We are not sure yet if this includes Soldiers who live in a neighboring state but are
still within an easy commute of their armory. All other Soldiers must leave Camp Shelby on a bus and
report to their armory where you can expect to have your “Welcome Home” ceremony. Although we
may need a few Soldiers to return to the armory the following day to complete some tasks, I believe that
everyone will be able to go home that first night. I don’t have any new information on the “Welcome
Home” ceremonies at this time, but I should be able to share those details in our final newsletter in May.
Here are two final thoughts. First, we have invested so much of our lives into this mission that
should our leadership see a need to shift these plans to ensure success here, we will drive forward until
our job is finished. Also, please continue to lift the entire “Fourth Alabama” up in prayer daily for
protection in Afghanistan and support at home! We shall drive forward!
J. R. Bass
Lt. Col. J.R. Bass
Commander
Task Force
Centurion prime
10
Csm John black
Command
sergeant major
Task Force
Centurion prime As we approach the closing of another successful chapter in the “Fourth Alabama” history book, here
is a brief summary of previous works. The first chapter began in 1836 in preparation for the Seminole
war of Florida. The setting for chapter two was 1846 in what we now call Texas. These two perhaps set
the stage for future SEC Championships but I digress. The Fourth Alabama is most likely known for
successes during the Civil War where the Fourth Alabama earned 13 Battle Streamers. Worldwide
notoriety came in France in 1917 earning six more Battle Streamers and two Medals of Honor during
World War I.
Each one of these Soldiers here with us today owns a piece of this history book. The Global War on
Terror chapter began in 2001 with companies securing military bases throughout Alabama followed by
Alpha and Charlie companies deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2005-08 including
teams deploying to Afghanistan prior to the Battalion’s present mission. The blood, sweat and tears they
have shed this theater of operations contribute to the lineage of the “Fourth Alabama.” Again I express
my pride for each of these wonderful Warriors who reached deep inside themselves and brought out all
they have to build this team that is so well known and respected throughout Afghanistan. The confidence
that the forces to our flanks have in us is overwhelming. The “Fourth Alabama” is the preferred security
element in Afghanistan. The comrades we have made come from every part of the globe and know us as
their friend. They affix our Tab onto anything imaginable. I’ve even seen working dogs and foreign
aircraft crews with “Fourth Alabama” tabs stuck to them. Many greet us with a “Roll Tide” as if it were a
proper greeting in the English language (it is). One of our interpreters has been known to quote Jeff
Foxworthy which is even more hilarious with an Afghan accent. He has even been trusted to fist fight his
own countrymen in the streets of Kabul alongside our Soldiers. My favorite duty here is to travel the
country and listen to the Soldiers talk about their experiences and how they handle different situations.
Their use of personal vignettes to structure training and future operations is amazing to witness. The
Shonna Ba Shonna (Shoulder to Shoulder) concept has caught on with them and they work very well with
their coalition counterparts.
The impending closure of this chapter is bittersweet. My faith is not to study war, however those that I
study and practice war alongside enhance my faith. I would like to dedicate this article to all the
wonderful Soldiers of the 167th
Infantry with whom I have had the honor of serving with during my 30
years in the Alabama National Guard.
4th
ALABAMA!
CSM John Black
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Cpt Robert jackson
chaplain
Task Force
Centurion prime
As I thought about coming home this story in Scripture came to mind. The Jews were living in exile and God
was promising of the time when they would return home. What excitement they must have felt at the thought of
returning to their homeland! What anticipation they must have had, looking forward to that day when they would
be restored to their people! Times like these stand as reminders to God's goodness. Certainly we are not Ancient
Israel exiled for 70 years, but moments like this (nearing the end of deployment) take me to certain Biblical texts
as I feel similar emotions. We are going home. It won't be long. I may not know the exact hour or day but I know
it will be soon. This reminds me of another homecoming even greater the one that will come at the end of this
deployment. It will be my homecoming with my Lord, who has prepared for me a ". . . city that has foundations,
whose designer and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:10) While over here I have been a sojourner, a wanderer – one
who has been on a mission but will one day return home. Likewise, my journey through this world is as a
sojourner passing through, who, by God's grace, is headed toward his real home. This is what I hope this
deployment has afforded you: The opportunity to grow in your faith and see the similarities that teach us what it
means to be a pilgrim in a world that is not our own. Let moments like this draw you closer to God. May God
continue to bless us all as we near the end, and thank Him for his mercy and grace through the journey. Not just
the journey of deployment, but the journey of life.
Serving Those Who Serve,
Your Chaplain
CH CPT Robert Jackson
Jeremiah 29:14 "...I will restore your fortunes and gather you
from all the nations...and I will bring you back to the place
from which I sent you into exile."
PPOOSSTT--DDEEPPLLOOYYMMEENNTT
YYEELLLLOOWW RRIIBBBBOONN
Yellow Ribbon I: July 13-14
Yellow Ribbon II: August 10-11
Birmingham Sheraton Hotel
Task Force Centurion Prime is on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TaskForceCenturion
NO MORE MAIL AFTER THESE DATES
10 APRIL TO CAMP PHOENIX
6 APRIL TO EVERYWHERE
ELSE
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The next time you’re in the Paul “Bear” Bryant
Museum, you might find 1st Platoon, E Co., 1
st of the 167th
Infantry. The platoon has been honored with its group
picture and an American Flag placed on permanent display
at the University of Alabama destination. This flag was
carried on combat missions by 1st Platoon, Firescout, and
Task Force Pirate. The flag and certificates were presented
as a gift to Nick and Terry Saban by SPC Johnny Box.
Coach Saban then contacted the museum and had space
made available in his section of the museum. Coach Saban
said he was “honored to have received the items from 1st
Platoon, and that they were placed in ‘Nick’s Corner’ of
the museum with honor.” It’s the latest honor the “Fourth
Alabama” has earned in its 150 years.
1st platoon “Evil Angels” operates out of FOB Kunduz,
although the soldiers are already prepping for a move to a
sweet home thousands of miles away in a few days. They
have served as SECFOR, guarding and transporting
personnel travelling to various sites throughout the
Kunduz, Baghlan and Takhar provinces. 1st Platoon is ably
led by 1st Lt. Matthew Canales and Staff Sgt. Jonathan
Thompson.
A U.S. flag and photo from 1st Platoon, E Co., 1st of
the 167th Infantry has earned a place in “Nick’s
Corner of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Museum at the
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Be sure to mark you deployment with:
Smith & Wesson M&P15 MOE rifle
Colt 1911 pistol with engraved handles
Glock G21SF pistol
Smith & Wesson .45ACP
All are engraved with “Fourth Alabama” tabs and/or Task Force
Centurion Prime logos and other special engravings to mark the first
deployment of the battalion since World War II. All, including
knives and accessories, are offered at deeply discounted prices.
Contact Sgt. First Class Easlick at [email protected] before
1 May to order.
A “Fourth Alabama” edition of the Battle Mug is
being offered for $150, nearly half the retail price,
to mark the 1st of the 167
th Infantry’s OEF
deployment. It comes with an M16 handle and rails
that can be tricked out the same as a weapon’s rails.
Contact your company rep or Maj. Tomberlin at
[email protected] before 15 April
to reserve your Battle Mug.
Bottom will have “4th
Alabama” tab and “OEF 2012-
2013” along with custom
serial number (167INF###)
BEER SOLD SEPARATELY!