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Battalion TOA

COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE-10, TASK FORCE GAUNTLET

On 23January 2014, Headquarters and

Headquarters Battalion 10th

Mountain

Division assumed command from

Headquarters and Headquarters

Battalion 101st Airborne Division. As LTC

Scott Noon from 101st AA said his

farewells and LTC Brian North from 10th

MTN DIV accepted the duty of Operation

Enduring Freedom and Regional

Command-East, the transfer was smooth

and one of the best that OEF has seen.

Headquarters and Headquarters

Battalions had spent months training for

deployment to include tiring days on the

range and in the field in order to be

prepare for the fight. The professionalism

that was portrayed through the transfer

of authority ceremony not only displayed

dedication to the unit, but honor to our

country. Farewell Screaming Eagles,

~ Climb to Glory ~

Things in Afghanistan are going very well for “The Spirit of the

Mountain”. Our Soldiers are enjoying a nice facility to rehearse and are being able to focus mostly on music at this point. I'm very proud of all the hard work that they have put in so far. Much of our preparation thus far has been focused on 3 big ceremonies, two of which involved the Army Chief of Staff, GEN Odierno. Any frustrations our Soldiers have faced they have taken in stride and have found amazing ways to work around obstacles for the time being.

Our team has been able to maintain steady contact with family back home, which has been a great blessing. I know the communication helps alleviate the stress of being away. Overcoming what can be a difficult time difference; our families are adjusting their schedules to support their Soldier-Musicians.

Everyone here is excited about the band and recognizes the important and unique mission and talents that our Soldiers have. I love sitting at a meeting, representing our Soldiers, announcing that I'm with the band and immediately a smile appears on the face of the Sergeant Major or Lieutenant Colonel running the meeting. I’ve heard more than once here, “We can’t do anything without the band.”

On the morning of February 7, we executed a small patching ceremony where I was honored to apply the 10th

Mountain Division patch to the right arm of our six Soldiers as a decoration symbolizing their personal courage and selfless service in deploying to a combat zone with this historic Division. It was a simple, yet significant ceremony for our unit.

I know we have the right team at the right time. These are six of the most dedicated and multi-talented men I have had the opportunity to work with, in and out of the Army. The outlook for this deployment is bright and we look forward to the challenge and the success.

Spirit of the Mountain! Climb to Glory!

1100tthh MMoouunnttaaiinn BBaanndd

On January 23, 2014, Army Musicians from two historic Divisions were able to do something that rarely happens

amongst active duty bands – they shared the stage.

That day on Bagram Airfield, the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of the 10th

Mountain Division (Light Infantry)

relieved the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of the 101st

Airborne Division (Air Assault). To capture the spirit

of the partnership and transition between these two highly decorated units, 3 musicians from each division to form a

single team to support this event.

From the 101st

Division Band, SSG Michael Avant, trumpet, SGT Michael Lamb, trumpet, and SPC Joseph Morris,

baritone, joined 10th

Mountain Division Band Soldiers SSG Luther Smalls, tenor saxophone, SSG Eric Jernigan, tuba,

and SGT Christopher Habeeb-Louks, percussion. Before the ceremony they played upbeat music to entertain the crowd

including featured improvisation solos from SGT Lamb and SSG Smalls in an arrangement of Herbie Hancock’s

Chameleon. They then changed their focus to executing the ceremonial music to the level of excellence expected of

Army Music programs and their respective divisions.

The group had only a few rehearsals to prepare. In fact, the 10th

Mountain Division Soldiers had been in BAF for less

than a week when the ceremony took place. However, thanks to the professionalism and teamwork of both

organizations, the Music Performance Team was well-received by all in attendance.

It was a great day for the Army to see the “Rendezvous with Destiny” intersects with the “Climb to Glory” in a truly

musical and inspiring way.

CORNER

Team Highlander’s journey to Afghanistan started with a select group of Soldiers

leading the way. CH (CPT) Willenberg, 2LT Grierson (CO XO), MSG Steptore (PAO),

SSG Emery (S4 NCOIC), and SPC Meadors (HSC Supply NCOIC), to name a few,

proved to be the correct mix of Officer, NCO and junior leadership. CH Willenberg’s

spiritual guidance and emotional support set the stage for HHBN’s strong base of

stability in a combat environment. MSG Steptore learned in advance what it would

take for the 10th MTN DIV (LI) to ensure the continued cultivation of relationships within the Afghan

population. SSG Emery made certain assigned assets were available and at the ready for Team

Gauntlet’s arrival on Bagram Airfield. Finally, 2LT Grierson and SPC Meadors facilitated HSC’s

smooth transition by inventorying property in excess of 20 million dollar before the company

commander’s arrival.

During Main Body 1 and 2’s travel, we experienced a lot of time for reflection. As our collective

thoughts moved within us, we all had one question, “How could we obtain mission success?” At

one of our first Battalion staff meetings, LTC North and CSM Charles echoed a military truism; no

plan survives first contact. I thought to myself, “Team Highlander has a plan.” We’ve been provided

training assets with coordination by the Battalion staff. We’ve been provided instruction by

seasoned professional NCOs and Officers. We have Soldiers motivated to give their best. We have

Soldiers agile enough to adjust and move towards the objective. We’re ready for the challenge and

we will succeed.

I’m truly impressed with the team we’ve deployed. The same is true of our extremely talented group

of Soldier who are at home on Fort Drum. We are one family and, in a time of need, I can call on

those who support us at home. Without reservation, I know they will hear the call and provide 100%

support. We are 6,550 miles away from Fort Drum and you at home are our foundation; our gratitude

is immeasurable. 1SG Brown and I thank you.

THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE! FIRST SERGEANT’s BUSINESS

Greetings Highlander Team, I would like to thank all our Soldiers, Family Members and Civilian

Support elements for your time and efforts in making this transition to Afghanistan seamless. Like

many of you, I know the physical and emotional toll deployments can bring. I want you to know that

our Soldiers are trained and prepared to defend and support our nation in a variety of ways that will

bring credit upon themselves and our unit. HSC Soldiers have answered the call to duty and are

enthusiastic about the challenges that lay before them.

Our Soldiers are working alongside our joint services (Air Force, Marines and Navy) as well as many

foreign forces with the goal of assisting in the transfer of security responsibilities to the

Afghanistan Forces. Soldiers truly understand the legacy that will be left behind from their individual

efforts; as well as that of our unit.

Finally, I would like to reiterate that Soldier safety is our first priority but not forgetting about our

Soldiers and family members that eagerly await our safe return. We will "Finish the Fight", remain

resilient as we support our nation in its efforts in persevering the well-being of millions of people

throughout the world.

CO

MM

AN

DE

RS

HIGHLANDERS

HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT COMPANY

“My job is people -- Every One is My Business. I dedicate my time and energy to their needs; their

health, morale, discipline, and welfare. I grow in strength by strengthening my people. My job is

done in faith; my people build my faith” Unknown 1SG

Follow Me……

Lead the Way!

On 1 Feb 2014, SPC Nguyen was welcomed into the Corps

of the Noncommissioned Officer. He has earned the right to

be called “Sergeant”. Since arriving in Afghanistan SGT

Nguyen has exemplified the meaning of “adapt and

overcome”, by remaining flexible and adjusting to the needs

of the unit. He deployed with the intentions of being a

liaison officer or LNO. A LNO is a person that liaises

between two organizations to communicate and coordinate

their activities. When it was determined that the unit had a greater need for SGT Nguyen, he was

selected to serve as the Billeting NCO for USAG-Bagram; his contributions will directly impact

Soldier and civilians morale throughout the Forward Operation Base. He has demonstrated the

potential to be a successful leader and will continue to excel in the service.SGT Nguyen says he

draws his inspiration from his wife and is honored and excited with the “charge” of leading and

caring for Soldiers

Patch on My Shoulder…

On 10 Feb HSC Leaders honored their Soldiers by conducting the

time honored tradition of being “patched”. The combat patch

signifies the unit’s active participation or support of ground combat

operations against hostile forces. They have been exposed to the

threat of enemy action or fire, either directly or indirectly. Although

we have many combat veterans within our ranks, the pride that is

felt by a leader who provides their Soldier with this distinguish

honor is unmatched. Many Soldiers see the combat patch as a

badge of honor, believing it complements them as a Soldier by

solidifying their actions taken in a combat environment. Soldiers

will wear the 10th MTN patch with pride as they are aware of the

sacrifices made by their predecessors and are encourage to blaze

trails for future Soldiers that will be given the honor of wearing the

patch of the 10th MTN.

HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT COMPANY

HIGHLANDERS

Commanders Corner

Greetings from the Bigg Doggs! The Bigg Doggs have made a name for themselves here in Regional Command- East (RC-E). The transition from 101st to 10th Mountain was seamless! The hard work and dedication of the Soldiers definitely paid off and the DSC was able to take over the communications infrastructure without any problems. The Soldiers showed their technical expertise and quickly learned the ins and outs of operations here in Afghanistan. Bigg Doggs! The Soldiers are settling in well over here. The conditions and standards of living are good—there are many amenities available for Soldiers to use, to include internet cafes, morale events, and multiple gyms. Additionally, we are working to provide more morale resources for the Soldiers to continue to keep spirits high. I want to extend my gratitude to all the families back in the United States. Without your love and support, the Soldiers of Division Signal Company would not be able to excel. Throughout the stress of pre-deployment training and the deployment itself, you have been there for my Soldiers and I cannot thank you enough for that support. I am proud of my team and all their accomplishments. Their motivation and dedication have made this transition into Afghanistan smooth. Thank you!

CPT Jones Bigg Dogg 6

1SG

Bigg Dogg Family. Hello from Bagram. We (your deployed Soldiers) have arrived and taken over the mission here in RC -East. The transition from our counterparts in the 101st went very well, and our soldiers are managing the change in stride. We are in hardened structures and the living here is not as bad as could be expected. All of our billeting has HOT running water and the Chow at any of the several Dinning Facilities is excellent. I am and you should be proud of all of the Bigg Doggs in the way that they have conducted themselves during the RIP. Now, it is our mission the provide the means for the RC -East Commander to Mission Command his elements on the Battlefield. A mission that is of the upmost importance and that your soldiers will perform admirably with the skill, effort and knowhow that make them Bigg Doggs and Proud of It!! I appreciate the sacrifice that you make every day in supporting you Bigg Doggs as they Support and Defend in honor of our Nation. Know that we are well, and although we Love and miss you. We will continue to march, Shoulder to Shoulder. Bigg Doggs

1SG Frazier Bigg Dogg 7

BIGG DOGGS Division Signal Company

Division Signal Company

BIGG DOGGS

Kweli Kush Kwaza was promoted

from PFC to SPC

Effective 1 Jan 2014

Joshua Edwards Polle was

promoted from SPC to SGT

Effective 1 Feb 2014

Van Lewis Coon Jr. Reenlisted on

13 Feb 2014, adding 6 years of

service to his contract.

Lythell Broderick Lawson Reenlisted

on 17 Feb 2014, adding 8 years of

service to his contract.

Division Signal Company

BIGG DOGGS

Technical Support Soldiers Enable the “Voice of the Mountain”

As the 10th

Mountain Division (Light Infantry) arrived in Afghanistan and transformed into Regional Command – East (RC-E), the signal

Soldiers of the Division’s Helpdesk team became Task Force Technical Support. During the first week at Bagram Airfield, the Technical Support

team of 16 Soldiers created over 1,500 new accounts and moved hundreds of files back and forth across the Atlantic to prepare for the arrival of

the Division staff and the return of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) back to the states.

The Technical Support section not only supports the RC-E Headquarters, but also nearly all of the Soldiers and civilians in the Eastern

region of Afghanistan. The RC-E area of operations is as big as the state of New Jersey and has over 30,000 users and thousands of miles of

network cables. Augmenting the Division’s team at the Technical Support desk are five Soldiers from the 57th

Signal Battalion who arrived in late

January. “They have been very easy to get along with and they learn fast,” said SPC Matthew McCain. “We wouldn’t be able to get things done

as quickly and efficiently without the 57th – the people we support would have to wait a lot longer.”

The Soldiers of the Technical Support section come from multiple different signal military occupational specialties (MOS). Cross-training

and skills development is a top priority for this team composed of Information Technology Specialists (MOS 25B), Cable Systems Installer-

Maintainers (MOS 25L), Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainers (MOS 25Q), and a Signal Support Systems Specialist (MOS

25U). PFC Kyra Studevan, the lone Signal Support Systems Specialist and new to the JAMO section, has been building her skill set since

arriving. “I’ve learned a lot of things including how to image computers and how to put computers on the domain. I’m still learning the process

every day,” she said.

Training and teamwork have produced great successes for the Technical Support section. With over 1,000 trouble tickets resolved since

taking over from the 101st Airborne, the team is on track to break their own record set during pre-deployment training for number of issues

resolved. “These Soldiers deployed with their scholar caps on and put their nose to the grindstone since day one.” said SFC(P) Adelbert Dunn,

the Technical Support Non-commissioned Officer in Charge. “They have been working non-stop to knock out trouble tickets while learning

everything they could from the 101st.”

SPC Lihanna Sukeforth and PFC Ian Duncan prioritize

trouble tickets before dispatching Soldiers to assist users. PFC Rashad Fox conducts the final check

on computers ready to join the network

CJ6