Issue 1, July2015 READY NOW

Ready Now Issue 1, July 2015

READY NOW “Daggers” bring in

Victory Week with a bang!

Soldiers of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division participate in a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) June 9, 2015 at Fort Riley, Kansas. The

CALFEX demonstrated the capabilities of the Dagger Brigade to its surrounding community partners and

showcased the equipment, facilities and training available at Fort Riley. (Cont. on Pg 2)

Issue 1, July 2015

Table of Contents

299th Brigade Support Battalion Pages 3-11

Informing the Dagger Community on the issues and events throughout the brigade

The Ready Now is a command information publication authorized under provisions of AR 360-1, published monthly for the members and families of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. Contents of Ready Now are not

necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, 1st Infantry Division, or the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team. Editorial content is prepared, edited and provided by the Public Affairs Section of the 2ABCT,

1ID. To email suggestions, please contact us at [email protected]

2ABCT Commander Col. Miles Brown

2ABCT Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Orvis

2ABCT Public Affairs Officer Capt. Ed Alvarado

2ABCT Public Affairs NCOIC

Staff Sgt. Tamika Dillard

Follow the Dagger Brigade at www.facebook.com/2abct1id and at www.flickr.com/photos/2abct1id

1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment

Pages 12-14

1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment 5

1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment Page 16

2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment Page 17

5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment

Page 18-20

82nd Engineer Battalion Page 21


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“Dagger” Soldiers demonstrate combat readiness for local leaders, partners

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By Staff Sgt. Tamika Dillard 2ABCT Public Affairs

As the Soldiers and civilians on Fort Riley celebrated the 98th birthday of the “Big Red One” and the 240th U.S. Army birthday, the Soldiers of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division helped fire things off larger than the fireworks on the Fourth of July.

The brigade’s Soldiers conducted a combined arms live fire exercise June 9 on Fort Riley as part of “Victory Week” celebrations. More than 100 leaders from the Flint Hills and Fort Riley’s community partners witnessed some of the Army’s most advanced equipment and highly trained Soldiers as they synchronously maneuvered, engaged and destroyed identified objectives at the post’s Range 18 maneuver training area.

“This exercise was a way of showcasing to local partners and America how significant and valuable the training areas and ranges on Fort Riley are for the units stationed here,” said Lt. Col. Andy Sanchez, commander for 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd ABCT.

Late last year, the brigade covered more than 75,000 acres of training area as they conducted a two month-long situational training exercise and a full-scale combined arms live fire, which led to combat readiness certification earlier this year at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California.

“You have tanks and Bradley’s, close combat air, unmanned aerial vehicles and artillery fire working together in concert with each other,” Sanchez said. “The training that is required to get to this point is just invaluable. This is as close to the real thing as it gets.”

Weston Graves, a 16-year-old high school student and family member of a Fort Riley Soldier, agreed with how real this experience was for him.

“This was the first time I have experienced anything like this…and my father is in the military,” Graves said. “You could feel the guns shooting and hear it all and even with ear plugs my ears are still ringing.”

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“It’s real,” Graves added, “Not just a ‘Call of Duty’ game.”

For two local Kansas television news reporters it was an experience they said they will not forget.

“This was a very exciting exercise,” said WIBW Channel 13 reporter Monte Thompson. “Being this close and personal helped me to identify the noises I use to hear in the distance when I attended K-State.”

KSNT Channel 27 News reporter Katya Leick added that the next time she is invited to attend and cover an event like this, she would bring family and friends.

“I have never see anything like before,” Leick said. “This was an awesome and memorable experience for me.”

Despite not having as much area as other Army installations, combined arms units here can safely and effectively conduct training missions, whether small or large as we demonstrated today with the CALFEX, without having to leave Fort Riley, said Sanchez.

Sanchez added, “Our units gain very invaluable training at Fort Riley and because of that our Soldiers are Ready Now!”


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By Capt. Ed Alvarado 2ABCT Public Affairs

The 299th Brigade Support Battalion “Lifeline,” 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team held a ceremony Monday to recognize two companies with S.A.B.E.R awards for their strict compliance with Army Regulation 600-85 Army Substance Abuse Program.

Sober Army Bravely Expedite Readiness, or S.A.B.E.R., is a competitive program, sponsored by ASAP, developed to recognize elite group of Soldiers that are committed to a higher level of personal and professional development with a “Team Attitude.”

Units are eligible to receive awards for meeting the requirements of no drug or alcohol incidents, establishing the required number of Gatekeepers, implementing the hours of training and receiving a green rating on the

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inspector general’s inspection.

Those units that meet these requirements for two quarters receive the gold streamer, which was presented to Bravo Company.

Those units that meet these requirements for three out of four quarters are eligible to compete to guard the encased saber, which was presented to Charlie Company.

“The saber gives our Soldiers a sense of satisfaction, that their efforts are being noticed,” said Capt. David Draper, commander of the Charlie Crimson Knights. “It gives us a sense of pride in keeping it, something we can thump our chest about.”

Currently, Charlie Company holds the distinction of being the first unit in the 1st Infantry Division to earn the

“Lifeline” Soldiers earn S.A.B.E.R. milestones

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privilege to guard the saber four times.

“The saber signifies the dedication our Soldier’s have for each other, they know they can call someone,” said 1st Sgt. Kent Smith, senior noncommissioned officer for Charlie Company. “It’s a significant win, its not mine or the commanders, it’s something the company has earned.”

Highlighting the success of the S.A.B.E.R. program is the competitiveness of earning the opportunity to guard the saber within the 1st Infantry Division.

“It is possible based on the second quarter awards that we will have five companies competing to guard the one encased saber at the end of the third quarter,” said Nicole Sizemore, the prevention branch chief at ASAP. “This too is a first, never have we had that many units competing at this level.”

According to Sizemore, seven units in the division qualified for a S.A.B.E.R. award this quarter, in which four were represented within the Dagger Brigade.

Col. Miles Brown and Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Orvis presented the encased saber to Charlie Company, for a record setting fourth time within the 1st

Infantry Division. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Ed Alvarado)


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By Capt. Dominic Warren 299 Brigade Support Battalion

A local Enterprise Elementary student was presented the Soldier Award on behalf of the Soldiers of Alpha Company, 299th Brigade Support Battalion “Lifeline”, in a ceremony April 20, 2015.

Mariah Brackett , a fourth grader at Enterprise, is the fourth recipient of the award, given annually to a student who best exemplifies the Army Values in daily life.

“It was our privilege to recognize a young student that embodies the seven Army Values,” said 1st Sgt. Gerald Sydnor, Alpha Company’s senior noncommissioned officer.

Enterprise Elementary has been an active partner with the company and the 299th BSB for the last five years. Soldiers routinely help with extra hands in special activities, events, fun rewards and participation in classroom activities.

“Young children at this age are still growing into their character and are very impressionable. It’s an honor for our unit to be partnered with Enterprise Elementary School,” said Sydnor.

Nicole Demars, a fourth grade teacher at Enterprise Elementary, believes that the five year partnership has been strong and nothing but positive for the students.

“Lifeline” Soldiers Recognize Enterprise Student

“Our children need involved adults in their lives,” Demars said. “When our Soldiers are here, they are touching the life of a child through the gifts of time and attention.”

“Many parents and patrons notice the Soldiers and express their appreciation of having them in our community and district,” said Demars. “The partnership builds pride in our school, community and district; and also supports our military and their involvement and acceptance in our community.”

The Enterprise partnership is one of 22 school partnerships the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team has with the local communities within Clay and Dickenson County.

“We recognize how the Army affects our local communities,” said Lt. Col. CJ King, Lifeline’s commander. “We must take the time out of our schedules to recognize people in the local community who support the military and who also embrace the ideals that the Army espouses.”

The command team of Alpha Company, 299th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored

Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Capt. Dominic Warren and 1st Sgt. Gerald Sydnor, presents

Mariah Brackey with the Soldier Award during the school’s annual spring music program April 20 at

Enterprise Elementary. Each year the battalion presents the Soldier Award to the student who demonstrated

strong academic performance as well as having character aligned with the Army Values. (U.S. Army photo by

Capt. Alexandra DeAngelis)


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What’s Coming Up?

Family Golf

Family Golf at Custer Hill Golf Course every Sat-Sun until Oct. 31, from 2pm to close. Pay for the number of holes you play. Rates at

low as $4.

For more events and information, visit

rileymwr.com or follow the Fort Riley MWR

Facebook page.

No Dough Dinners

RSVP for free dinner on July 13 and July 29 at 251

Cameron Ave. on Fort Riley. RSVP your

attendees on the USO Fort Riley Facebook page!

“Lifeline” Spouses BRO Out

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By Capt. Andrew Cochran 2ABCT Public Affairs

Fort Riley, Kansas—The cool morning air slides across the pair struggling to cross the sand. Cries of encouragement are heard from the crowd. The most intense calls come from the one closest to her: “We’re almost there, baby, we’re almost there! Keep your head down and keep moving forward!”

With sides heaving and a final grunt, Tammie Martinez pulls herself out from under the barbed wire and to victory. Beaming, Sgt. Moises Martinez helps his wife to her feet.

“That was fun!,” Tammie shouts.

Spouses and their Soldiers continue to climb, crawl, run, cross and jump obstacles during the 299th Brigade Support Battalion’s first John/Jane Wayne Spouse’s Day.

Events included conquering Fort Riley’s Obstacle course; a lunch of hamburgers, fruit and chips; and experiencing Riley’s Close Combat Tactical Trainer and Engagement Skills Trainer.

The commander of 299th BSB “Lifeline”, Lt. Col. C.J. King, told spouses and Soldiers there wasn’t any pressure to do anything they didn’t want to do.

“You’re going to have a lot of fun today, and the reason we are doing this is more than just having fun with your spouse,” King said. “There is value in relationships between spouses being built horizontally across our organization.”

“Six months from now, you might see someone you meet today in the store or the post office and say ‘Hey, don’t I know you from…’ Then, you’ve already got a friend in the making,” said King.

That was the goal for Katie Guerra, a former service member who thought of the original idea for the spouse’s day.

Demonstrating the slow way and sure way to conquer the “Weaver” obstacle, Lt. Col. C. J. King and his wife

Samantha descend together one log at time during 299th Brigade Support Battalion’s John/Jane Wayne Spouses Day May 8, 2015. “After today, hopefully when a spouse is having a bad day while their Soldier is deployed or out at the National Training Center, there is somebody else here at Fort Riley that spouse knows he or she can reach out to and have a good day instead,” King said. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Andrew Cochran)


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Cont. “Lifeline” Spouses BRO Out

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“I wanted the spouses to get together, get to know one another and build a better support system for each other,” Katie said. “I thought of the obstacle course as the original idea and it morphed into doing more team building exercises.”

Around 40 spouses and their Soldiers attended the event. Katie and her husband, Sgt. Jesus Guerra, liked the participation from Lifeline’s spouses with trying out all the obstacles.

Katie’s favorite obstacle was “The Tough One,” a combination of rope climb, log walk, and cargo net climb and descent.

“I’m impressed with what she went through,” said Sgt. Guerra. “She is afraid of heights, and for her to conquer that fear, it is great to see.”

Other spouses chose different skills-builder obstacles for their own reasons. For Tammie, it was getting dirty beneath barbed wire.

“My favorite obstacle was low crawling in the sand with my husband,” Tammie said. “I had fun doing all of the obstacles together with him.”

With all the fun completing the obstacle course, both Martinez’ said the fun was being out there together.

Summing up the completion of the obstacle course, Sgt. Martinez believed the whole event was great for showing the spouses something about the Army other than the normal work center.

“This is a great thing to do for the spouses as they see what our Soldier’s do during training rather than what we are working on in the motor pool or the office,” said Sgt. Martinez.

Working together, Tammie Martinez and her husband Sgt. Moises Martinez, a motor transport operator, low crawl under barbed wire at Fort Riley’s obstacle course during the 299th Brigade Support Battalion’s Spouses

Day May 8, 2015. Around forty spouses from across the “Lifeline” battalion participated, having fun while at the same time learning more about each other. (U.S.

Army photo by Capt. Andrew Cochran)

Not one to miss the action, Pvt. Amber Whitaker, a motor transport operator with A Co, 299th Brigade

Support Battalion, and her son go through the “Over/Under” at Fort Riley’s obstacle course during the John/Jane Wayne Spouses Day May 8, 2015. The

day was designed to be a combination of fun family time while experiencing some of the training Soldiers do to protect the nation. (U.S. Army photo by Capt.

Andrew Cochran)


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1st Infantry Division’s Commander’s Cup

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By Capt. Tineal Suggs HHC, 299 BSB

Each year, units across the division participate in sports activities to earn one of the Division’s most coveted awards: the Commander’s Cup. This award is not easy to win. It can be best described as a sustained event rather than a short-lived victory. There are several sports events over the course of the year where unit teams practice a few days or weeks, play a couple of games, and have the opportunity to win a trophy.

The events during Victory Week are an example of such events. In order to qualify for this award, a unit has to participate, as well as place, in a number of events over the course of 11 months. These events are divided into three categories: Intramural Sports, Special Events and Athletic and Recreation Representative Meetings.

Units receive points for participating in each event as well as winning 1st place. Because of the wide variety of sports and activities available, winning the Commander’s Cup says a great deal about the character, morale and level of teamwork of a unit.

During 2014-2015 year, 299th BSB participated in the Basketball league, finishing 1st and 3rd during the regular season and then winning the championship. 299th also had a team

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participate in the Flag football league, winning 1st place during the regular season and winning the championship.

The battalion won the Turkey Bowl Football tournament, and played in the Dodgeball tournament placing 2nd. 299th had Soldiers participate in the 10-5-2 Prairie Run, a 10-mile run event as well as the Holiday Hoops Basketball game.

299th also participated in the Softball League. Additionally the unit received points for attending the A&R Rep meetings. The Commander’s Cup was awarded to the 299th Brigade Support Battalion in recognition for its outstanding teamwork and stands as a symbol of pride within the unit.


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quarterly, semi-annual, and annual weapons gaging and services throughout the brigade. During the National Training Center rotation, the Small Arms Repairers were able to repair 25MM Feeder Systems, Turret Power Boxes, Gunner’s Hand Stations, CDR’s Hand Stations, Turret Processor Units, Power Control Modules, Sight Control Units, Color Displays, Fire Control Electronics Units, and Analog Input Modules for 1-18IN, 5-4CAV, and 1-63AR operating from the BSA or providing support on site from the respective maneuver battalion’s UMCP.

Armament repairers enjoy what they do for two reasons: they get to be a part of the greatest fighting force in the world, and their job enables them to pursue their passion for all things weapon related. Armament Soldiers have a variety of options to include: becoming a senior NCO, a 913A Armament Systems Repair Warrant Officer, studying in the field of weapons manufacturing and gaining employment in a corresponding civilian field.

B Co, 299 BSB Armament Section vital to Dagger success

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By Capt. Daniel Romero B Co, 299 BSM

Bravo Company, 299th Brigade Support Battalion is proud of the Armament Section and its direct impact on the brigade’s combat readiness. The section expertly displays its responsibility to provide support and sets up a forward-deployed shop for every gunnery the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division conducts. As each maneuver battalion rotates through their planned gunnery, the support can extend in the field for over two and a half months. This demonstrates the dedication and selfless service the armament section has in representing the 299 BSB.

The Armament shop consists of two very different enlisted MOS’s: 91G Fire Control Repairer and 91F Small Arms Repairer. The Armament Soldiers cross training among themselves, due partially to limited personnel but also for professional development reasons because the two MOSs combine at the SSG level.

In executing their duties, Fire Control Repairers utilize the Direct Support Electrical System Test Set (DSESTS) to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair Line Replaceable Units (LRU’s) in the brigade’s combat vehicles. The DSESTS repair program has saved the BCT over $9.2 million this fiscal year alone by repairing equipment instead of replacing it.

Some LRU’s, such as the Target Acquisition System (TAS) for a Bradley, cost roughly $500K to order new versus a repair cost of around $30K. The DSESTS can be used in the section’s shop or loaded into a M934 expando van to be taken anywhere the mission requires. Most recently, Armament Soldiers provided on-site 24/7 support for 2-70 Armor’s Gunnery at the Douthit Multi-Purpose Range Complex from mid-May to early June and the section is preparing to support 2-70AR at the National Training Center throughout the month of July.

Small Arms Repairers work on weapons that vary from a 9MM pistol to a 155MM Howitzer or an ACOG scope. They are also responsible for the

Above: The armament section works side by side with the TACOM team to conduct the MWO for

all 2ABCT M240s and M249s.

Below: SPC Ellison repairs a recoil mechanism, component of a M242 ammo feeder for 1-63 AR.


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Crimson Knight’s Leader Development

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By Capt. David Draper C Co, 299 BSB

I am a firm believer that the best leader development occurs when you don’t even know it is happening. Leader development is a result of many small parts summing to a whole. Often times we get stuck in the mindset that leader development is its own task that needs to be tackled through programs, reading assignments, symposiums, briefs, guest speakers, and so on.

The effectiveness in setting Soldiers down and trying to develop them with talk pales in comparison to the effectiveness of action. In order to develop leaders you need to take individuals out of their comfort zone and force them to experience new things and collaborate with others. Without these two ingredients, experience and collaboration, leader development does not occur. This is exactly what the Charlie Company Crimson Knights set out to do: Leader development through experience and collaboration.

Charlie Company executed three events over the last two months with the purpose of improving Esprit de Corps and developing junior leaders. These events were a History Run on Main Post, a tour at the Eisenhower Museum, and what we call the Crimson PT Challenge.

The History Run was identical to the

weekly Brigade History Run with 1st Replacement Company. This PT was simple

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and effective leader development, and more importantly, Soldiers didn’t know it was leader development. Platoon leaders shared responsibilities as they briefed the historic significance of the various sites, hence development for the platoon leaders as well as the Company.

Additionally, Soldiers were enabled to see that not all PT has to be according to a manual. It is acceptable, in fact encouraged, to step away from the norm and experience new things. And finally, it was collaborative in the fact that everyone participated as a team: NCOs led cadence, officers briefed unit history, Soldiers left their comfort zone on Custer Hill, and training followed the 8-step training model (yes the officers conducted a reconnaissance and rehearsal). All this leader development occurred with something as simple as a one hour PT session. Yet if I asked any of our Soldiers after that PT session what they thought of the leader development they just received they would give me blank stares. None of them was conscious it had happened. That doesn’t mean it was any less effective though.

Shortly after the History Run, Charlie Company visited the Eisenhower Museum. This was planned prior to NTC as a time for the Company to get together in a social setting and reflect on the Army as a profession. Since the Eisenhower Museum in Abilene is free to active duty Soldiers and easily available, it seemed foolish to pass up the opportunity. With that in mind, Charlie Company organized a day at the


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Cont. Crimson Knight’s Leader Development

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Ike Museum followed by lunch at a local favorite establishment, Mr. K’s Farmhouse.

Again, this event was an experience outside the norm for our Soldiers and it was collaborative in a way they don’t typically see. The uniform was civilian attire, simple for most, but challenging for others. Rank was obviously still present during the event, but it wasn’t as blatant in this environment as it is in duty uniform. Lunch was an opportunity to bring everyone together and interact. Furthermore, lunch provided the Company an opportunity to be seen and heard in public as young professionals. All these small parts created a sum that was leader development. Again, it wasn’t going on in the back of anyone’s mind, but it still happened.

The final leader development Charlie

Company recently executed was our Crimson PT Challenge. This was designed to be a team-building event focused on junior NCOs and their teams/squads. The PT event wasn’t anything elaborate- it simply focused on obstacles, teamwork, and competition. The entire event consisted of a HMMWV push, litter carries, water can carries, low crawl, Soldier’s Creed, Big Red One (BRO) Charge, and a 2.5 mile run. Teams competed for time and points. The leader of the winning team nominated the teammate he believed to be the MVP, and that Soldier was presented a Company Coin. The Soldiers truly enjoyed the event. Why? Because it was a

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challenging experience outside their comfort zone and it forced teamwork (i.e. collaboration). Winners earned recognition and one particular winner earned a Company Coin. All these factors, when summed up, resulted in leader development.

This successive training and leader development has led the Company to a new idea, and possibly our best leader development opportunity yet. We are still in the planning phase now, but it will be called the Order of the Crimson Knights. The purpose of this program is to challenge Soldiers, no matter what their motivations are, in order to achieve higher standards in basic Soldiering. Requirements for the Order of the Crimson Knights will be: 270 or higher APFT with 90 points in each event, Expert M4 Weapon Qualification, 12 Mile Road March, Written Test, and Board. Soldiers who meet these challenging, but feasible, requirements will be awarded an Army Achievement Medal, Company Coin, and Certificate as members of the Order of the Crimson Knights. My goal is to create this program without advertising it as Leader Development. I want the actions of the program to result in leader development.


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Cantigny Dining Facility

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By Tineal Suggs HHC, 299 BSB

Over the past six months, Cantigny DFAC has undergone a series of renovations, giving it new equipment and a drive through, in addition to enacting a new menu and receiving new management within the facility.

Dedicated to making the facility more appealing to Soldiers while retaining healthy food selections, the Dining Facility now resembles a commercial restaurant, which can compete with other on-post fast food restaurants. Future proposed changes to the dining facility will result in a fresh paint job and an upgrade to the electrical system.

Additionally, one side of the dining area will have a sports theme while the other side of the dining area will be decorated to honor the Big Red One. All of these changes allow busy Soldiers to spend minimum time getting their food without sacrificing quality, price, or a pleasant customer experience.

As part of our support to Victory week, our outstanding 92Gs, led by WO1 Iwai and SFC Dunbar, put together a special meal in

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commemoration of the Army’s Birthday and our Big Red One’s Birthday. The Victory Meal was designed to please the Soldiers’ preferences and suggestions they have left in the Dining Facility comment box.

In honor of the upcoming Independence Day Weekend, the Dining Facility will be hosting a special meal on July 2nd, just prior to the four-day weekend. A flier with the details will be sent out once the menu has been finalized. Early proposals for the menu include red meat, poultry and seafood as well as a variety of fruits, vegetables, and deserts. Come kick off your Fourth of July festivities with a healthy meal in a pleasant environment and at a competitive price.


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Constitution and World War 1 – Never

Broken by Hardship or Battle

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Part of a Historical Series on the 1-7 FA

By 1LT Lawrence Divine 1-7 FA

The 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery was constituted in the Regular Army on 1 July 1916, as Battery A, 7th Field Artillery and organized in July at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

On 8 June 1917, the regiment was assigned to the 1st Expeditionary Division, later re-designated the 1st Infantry Division, and began a long tradition of service with the Big Red One. The unit arrived in France in 1917, and received its baptism of fire near the city of Luneville.

On 22 October 1917, Battery A fired the first aimed American artillery round of the war. The 7th Regiment fought in seven World War I campaigns and adopted the motto “Nunquam Aerumna nec Proeilo Fractum,” Latin for “Never broken by hardship or battle” from a citation

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presented to the division by Marshal Ferdinand Foch, Commander of all French forces.

The Battalion was awarded the French Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) twice as well as the French Fourragere. The 7th Regiment returned to the United States in September 1919 after occupation duty near the German city of Coblenz. A Battery was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont during the inter-war years, remaining part of the 1st Infantry Division.

Next Month: Part II – WWII and the Occupation of Germany in the “Lucky 7th”

Upcoming Events

Who: 1-7 FA Soldiers, Family Members, and Guests. What: Family Activities and Food When: 10JUL15 @ 1000hrs. Where: Lightning Field, 1-7 Motor Pool, CFF/EST Trainer. Why: To strengthen the bond between Soldier and Family by hosting family oriented activities, such as sporting events, a fun run, bounce house, and a themed pot luck.

Molly Pitcher Day K-State Men’s Basketball Team Who: 1-7 FA Soldiers and Families What: Basketball Camp. When: 9 JUL 15 from 1500-1700hrs Where: Long Gym Why: The K-State Men’s Basketball Team is hosting a two-hour basketball camp for Soldiers and family members who are able to participate in order to promote the partnership between the team and the First Lightning battalion.


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“First Lightning” Welcome New

Commanders On 16 June 2015, 1-7 FA BN conducted a Change of Command Ceremony for Bravo and Charlie

Batteries and Fox Company. Friends and family gathered on 1-7 FA BN’s Lightning Field at 1000hrs for the ceremony. CPT Richard Karmann of Bull Battery, CPT Zachary Busenbark of Cold Steel

Battery, and CPT Michael Mills of Freedom Company all relinquished command during this ceremony. Notable attendees included 2ABCT Commander COL. Brown, COL. (Ret.) Seitz, CSM

(Ret.) Young and his wife, Betsy.

1-7 FA Battalion Commander, LTC James Collins, passes the guidon to the new

Freedom Company Commander, CPT Jacob Castoreno.

1-7 FA Battalion Commander, LTC James Collins, passes the guidon to the new Cold Steel Battery Commander,

CPT Nicholas Molnar.

1-7 FA Battalion Commander, LTC James Collins, passes the guidon to the

new Bull Battery Commander, CPT Joshua Herzog.


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“First Lightning” In Action

1-7 FA BN provides a period cannon detail for the 1st Infantry Division Run on June

12th, 2015. From left to right, SPC Spears, SPC Main, and SGT Smith. Not pictured,

1LT Craft and SPC Martinez.

LTC James Collins leads the First Lightning Battalion under the cross-

cannon display. 1-7 FA BN provided two Paladins for the cross-cannon static

display for the 1st Infantry Division Run.


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“Vanguards” In Action


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“Dragons” In Action


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“Strike Swiftly” In Action

The 1st Infantry Division Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year were

revealed during Victory Week. Spc. Zack Crisman was named the Soldier of the Year

and Sgt. Devin McClain was named the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Both are assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion,

70th Armor Regiment.


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Partnership proves no obstacle for Soldiers, K-State cheerleaders

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By Staff Sgt. Jerry Griffis 1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs

Cheerleaders from Kansas State University visited Fort Riley April 23 to get hands-on experience at the Fort Riley Confidence Course.

K-State’s athletic department has an ongoing community partnership with the Soldiers of 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. The two organizations routinely participate in events together.

“What is great about this is we expose some of these athletes at K-State to the Army and our Soldiers have a blast because it’s great to come out to an obstacle course and watch other people do it,” said Lt. Col. Bradford T. Duplessis, commander, 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt. “I think it’s a win-win.”

The cheerleaders started the afternoon listening to a safety brief and then conducted stretching with the Soldiers. The cheerleaders were placed into groups and then paired up with small groups of Soldiers from 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., at each station along the course.

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“We have had a few Soldiers come to our practices and work out with us and it has been fun watching our team and the Soldiers interact,” said Michael Kearns, assistant cheer coach at K-State. “They have been building relationships that I know are going to last a long while.”

Many of the Soldiers, such as Spc. Rose Marzheuser, a petroleum supply specialist with 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., were excited to see the cheerleaders try something Soldiers do on a regular basis.

“I thought everybody would be nervous to talk to each other, but actually combining the cheerleaders and the Soldiers worked,” Marzheuser, who is from Sarasota, Florida, said. “We all cheered each other on with the events and it was pretty cool.”

Dani Ruoff, head cheer coach for K-State, said the team had been looking forward to this day for a while.

“The team has actually been a little bit nervous about it, which I think is awesome,” Ruoff said.

Ruoff said the confidence course provided a good opportunity for the cheerleaders to work together as a team one

A cheerleader from Kansas State University climbs a rope April 23 on the

confidence course at Fort Riley. K-State’s athletic department has an ongoing

community partnership with Soldiers of 5-4 CAV. The rope climb is the beginning portion of the “Tough One.” (Photo by

Staff Sgt. Jerry Griffis, 1st Inf. Div)


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last time before tryouts. It also provided an opportunity for some competition among the cheer team.

When asked which event was the toughest, everyone, to include both cheerleaders and Soldiers said “The Tough One” was the hardest. The Tough One comprises a rope climb and a walk across elevated beams to a ladder that leads up to a cargo net that must then be climbed down.

“I am kind of scared of heights, so overcoming the height part was probably the toughest for me,” Katy Fernandes, cheerleader for K-State, said. “I was so scared, but once I got over it I was fine and I thought ‘it’s not that bad.’ ”

After the confidence course was over, the cheerleaders ate Meals, Ready to Eat, tried on military uniforms and viewed demonstrations of U.S. Army vehicles and weapons.

“I think what is important about the partnership is we have Soldiers who are about the same age group as these athletes out here and so what we try to do is show the diversity of the squadron, the diversity of the Army, because I think that is important in our partnerships too,” Duplessis said. “I think this just further connects the ‘Big Red One’ with the community.”

Cheerleaders from Kansas State University maneuver through “The

Tough One,” April 23. The cheerleaders were partnered with groups of Soldiers

during physical training exercises conducted with 5-4 CAV. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Griffis, 1st Inf. Div)

A cheerleader from Kansas State University pauses while climbing beams on “The Tough One,” April 23 on the

confidence course at Fort Riley, Kansas. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Griffis, 1st Inf.

Div)


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Local students visit the “Longknife” Squadron

As the School year draws to a close, the Longknife Squadron had visits from both Blue Ridge and Chapman Elementary Schools. Students were introduced to a variety of Army vehicles with a

static display that consisted of a M88, M3A3 Bradley, M109 Paladin, M1064/M113, and a Scout HMMVW. Students also took part in events such as face painting, drill and ceremony, military history, and even some savory pre-packaged Army food. Students and faculty had a great time

and learned a lot from the Troop representatives.


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“Blue Babe” In Action

Issue 1, July 2015 Ready Now

22

Around the Brigade

The Dagger Brigade passes through a Paladin static display during a brigade run May 21, 2015.

“Longknife” Soldiers of the 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment conducted a TOW and Javelin Range, ranging targets up to 2,000 meters away.

The last flight of the Kiowa helicopter flew over the Dagger Brigade before the 1st Infantry

Division’s Victory Week run June 12, 2015.

Maj. Christopher Dempsey buddy carries a Soldier and the brigade colors, April 28, 2015. The Historic Run,

conducted every Tuesday, is intended to welcome incoming Soldiers to 2ABCT

1-18 IN conducted a SHARP Awareness run April 30, 2015. Families were invited to participate on the fun

run/walk and PT challenge.

Spec. Kaipo Holi, a Cav Scout fom 5-4 CAV, recites the poem inscribed at Global War on Terrorism Monument

on Fort Riley April 28, 2015.

Issue 1, July2015 READY NOW

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Transcript of Issue 1, July2015 READY NOW