It has been a month since the

536th Maintenance Support

Team (MST) arrived in Camp

Marmal. The MST has impacted

Regional Command-North by

providing maintenance capabili-

ties to Coalition Forces such as

the Mongolians and Croatians.

Additionally, 536th MST Soldiers

are assisting other military units

around Camp Marmal lacking

maintenance support.

The team from

Schofield Barracks,

Hawaii is composed of

20 Soldiers who are

motivated and hungry

for work. Thus far, the

MST completed more

work orders than the

previous unit during their entire

tenure at Camp Marmal. 536th

Soldiers have been extremely

busy under the vehicles, fixing

air conditioned jobs, conducting

services on generators, weapons’

annual gauging, and maintained a

grueling training schedule for

theater requirements during the

first month in Afghanistan.

With the continuous

flow of work orders coming in to

536Takes Charge

TF Hannibal

S P E C I A L

P O I N T S O F

I N T E R E S T :

536 Patching

Ceremony

In-Gating

Hairatan Day

Care

Perspective of a

Soldier

Introducing TF

Hannibal S6

‘The Daily

Show’ visits

524th CSSB

Mazer-e-Sharif is one of the distribu-

tion hubs in Northern Afghanistan.

These Soldiers closely monitor upload

and download of hundreds of tanker

trucks and thousands of gallons of fuel

per month. Afghan truck drivers pa-

tiently wait outside the

base every evening for

the Soldiers from Task

Force Hannibal to arrive

and begin the escorting

process.

SGT Richards, the in-

gating NCOIC, leads his

in-gating team outside

the wire (on foot) dressed

in “full battle rattle.” His

Soldiers see a huddle of

about 25 Afghan truck

drivers waiting right out-

side the gate. The drivers

gather to receive instructions

displaying a number and instruc-

tions in English. After an initial

brief through a local interpreter,

drivers line up their trucks for

inspection and move to the fuel

point under the watchful eye of

an escort. Drivers either drop off

fuel and head back out for an-

other fill up, or pick up fuel for

distribution to outlying

FOBs.Proper handling of the local drivers and keeping a friendly relation-

ship with the local population can make a difference in the battalion’s abil-

ity to obtain crucial information about the hostile environment surrounding

our Soldiers on a daily basis.

SPC Gerda Ngir-

chokebai from the island of Palau is

awarded Solder of the

Month for HHC. SPC Ngirchokebai is cur-

rently serving in the

HHC Supply Section.

the shop, the first month has

flown by really quick. The units

goal is not only to surpass the

total number of jobs completed by

the previous unit, but perform at

higher level producing better

quality repair jobs. The 536th

MST really takes pride in their

work. They are hoping to get

their name out and assist any unit

in need of help in order to accom-

plish the mission here in Afghani-

stan.

Soldiers from the 536th pose after

their Patching Ceremony

Meet The “In-Gating” Team!

Message from the Commander P A G E 2

Hello to our

family and

friends back

home! As

we work to-

wards finish-

ing up our

third month

here in Af-

ghanistan, your Soldiers continue to per-

form exceptionally well as they continue to

provide superb support to all units and coa-

lition forces throughout Regional Command

- North (RC-N). As you might guess, our

efforts focus on sustaining ongoing opera-

tions. We have also been working dili-

gently to reduce the amount of excess mate-

riel within our area. TF Hannibal is the

lead organization for managing retrograde

of materiel and containers throughout

Northern Afghanistan. We have made very

good progress to date and expect to make

achieve greater amounts of cargo moved

through the rest of our time here.

TF Hannibal recently completed what

might possibly be the single greatest con-

tribution to coalition forces that we make

during our deployment. As several coor-

dination activities failed, our Dutch part-

ners found themselves in jeopardy of

meeting their redeployment window.

With 65 20ft containers of cargo and sev-

eral armored vehicles left to move from

an outlying Forward Operating Base back

to Camp Marmal, the battalion staff and

the 1245th Transportation Company

planned and executed a short notice mis-

sion to bring the cargo and vehicles back

in time for redeployment. That convoy

represented the largest single movement

of cargo to date for the 1245th TC and the

mission was executed flawlessly. Many

and much larger convoys have been exe-

cuted regularly throughout the Army's

history, but the challenges of poor and

narrow roadways here in Afghanistan

make convoy operations difficult at best.

We continue to take care of and support

each other here. Everyone seems to be

doing well and in good spirits. We hope

things are going well there as well. We

all speak regularly about our families

back home and appreciate the difficulties

you face, particularly those who are go-

ing through pregnancies, are facing

health issues and those who are wran-

gling kids without your spouse there to

support. In many ways, you're job is

much more difficult. If you have a good

support system of family members and/

or neighbors great! I would like to con-

tinue to offer those who are not leverag-

ing the FRG system and/or Operation

Home Fires to please do so. FRG mem-

bers and our Rear Detachment personnel

will continue to reach out as they are

there to support you, our families.

We truly appreciate the support from our

friends and family back home and con-

tinue to look forward to our reunion next

Spring.

Take care and God bless.

LTC D

The Soldiers of the 524th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion con-

tinue to sustain operations in Regional Command-North through selfless

service and dedication. Despite the physical and mental challenges associ-

ated with deployment, our Soldiers continue to persevere and meeting

each challenge with excellence. In addition to primary military duties, our

Soldiers are continuing their self development through college and mili-

tary correspondence courses, GT improvement, and required training certi-

fications. Our Soldiers also continue to strive for physical excellence. Every member of the 524 th CSSB is lean and mean and seek to

improve the current 281 company Army Physical Fitness Test average. Several of our Soldiers are expecting new editions to their

families in the coming days and weeks. Although, they cannot be physically present, we are all anxiously waiting and supporting each

other as we wait for the birth of the newest members of the Make Away family.

On 1 September 2013, we will promote SSG Charles Smith to Sergeant First Class and SPC Angelica Blair to Sergeant. Congratu-

lations to both, these promotions are long overdue, and well deserved. SSG Smith will also reenlist on his promotion day. SGT Erika

Carranza and SPC Angelica Blair won the last NCO and Soldier of the Month boards and will participate in the 101st Sustainment

Brigade Quarter boards in October at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

Despite the long work days, our soldiers still find time to participate in other

activities. CPT Frank Guizar, SFC Tyronn Green, SGT Brandon McDowell, and

Breyanna Romero volunteer at the USO to help build morale for all coalition

forces, DOD civilians, and contractors on Camp Marmal. SPC Mariah Keen and

LT Kashayla Stanford participated and won the Woman’s 500 Pound Club lift-

ing competition for their prospective weight categories. SSG Charles Smith won

the USO three point shoot out and HHC beat the 536th Maintenance Support

Team during the battalion basketball tournament.

I would like to close by thanking the families back home for all you do, care

packages, and letters you have been sending. Keep them coming!

Make A Way

“Hannibal 7”

Message from the CSM

Hairatan Port

Daycare

Afghanistan that we are here to

assist. Additionally, these inter-

actions can provide the female

citizens with healthy/positive

female role models.

It’s vital for coalition forces

to maintain these types of engagements, create a good working

relationship with the Afghans and continue to enhance our com-

munity relations which will hopefully give the Afghans a hope-

ful outlook towards their financial and educational future once

US/Coalition forces depart. By MAJ Lashell Davis

In late July, Taskforce Lifeliner and Hannibal fe-

males visited the Hairatan, Afghanistan Port Daycare.

This visit was an effort for JCOP Hairatan Soldiers to

show their support for the citizens of Hairatan.

The Hairatan Port Daycare is utilized by both port em-

ployees and local residents. The center currently serves 50

children ranging in the ages

from infants to 11 years old.

The center offers an educational

curriculum consisting of read-

ing, writing, math, history and

languages.

The purpose of the visit was

twofold: first, for female Sol-

diers to interact with female

Afghans that work outside of

home. The other purpose was to

deliver school supplies to the

daycare and distribute candy to

the children.

This event was good for the

Soldiers because it gave them

the opportunity to have positive

interaction with the people of

Afghanistan and it also pro-

moted the continuous relationship building with the citizens, in

particular Afghanistan women who work outside the home.

By conducting these types of key leadership engagements/

humanitarian assistant efforts and interacting with the Af-

ghanistan citizens, we can foster/promote a clear, honest and

compassionate working relationship to show the people of

P A G E 4

Straight from the Top! Soldiers, Family and Friends of

HHC 524TH, CSSB

I hope all is well back home.

We have made it through an-

other month, which means we

are one month closer to coming

home. Once again I have to re-

port that your Soldiers are doing

well and making amazing pro-

gress on trying to get US forces

to a point we can meet the con-

ditions of pulling out of Af-

ghanistan.

As I look around our area of

operation, I am constantly

amazed at the amount of STUFF

we have moved out of theater. It

is our primary job to move

“logistics” in, around, and out of

theater. Your Soldiers are re-

sponsible for making that hap-

pen, at least in northern Af-

ghanistan. Your Soldiers may

not realize the progress, but

from my position I get to see the

bigger picture. You all should be

proud of what your Soldiers

have accomplished so far; I

know the Commander and I are.

We seem to have Soldiers

scattered all over the Camp

Marmal/Pratt area doing a

plethora of things in support

of this operation. Some of

these areas include but are

not limited to, In-gating

(escorting) Afghan fuel and

supply trucks, oversight of

food, fuel, and every other

class of supply that is cur-

rently under contract by

FLUOR.

I cannot express my many

thanks for all the support that

you are providing your Soldiers

here in Afghanistan. To see the

smiles on their faces daily when

they receive their mail from

back home is amazing; you truly

are their backbone which keeps

them going.

SFC David E. Briggs, HHC,

524th CSSB First Sergeant.

August proved to be quite the

month here in Afghanistan for the

Warrior team. As the temperature

climbed so did the workload and

the successes of each section

within HHC. HHC began the month with a successful change of command, fare welling CPT

Rainey who immediately following flew back to Hawaii to join his wife for the birth of his

son and begin his new job at the 45th Sustainment Brigade. The Support Operations section

continues to plan and coordinate the important mission of organizing and moving equipment

out of Afghanistan as this war draws to a close. Our food service personnel continue to en-

sure the quality of nutrition that our warriors and all other service members here at Camp

Marmal receive is of the highest quality. Our Soldiers continue to act as Force Protection

enforcers, safeguarding this camp and protecting against insider-threats that have been mak-

ing the news recently. Just this past week, The Daily Show host, John Oliver and some of his

comedian friends stopped by and paid the 524th a visit. They were only scheduled to stay

with us for an hour but ended up staying much longer as they were impressed and amazed at

the professionalism and technical expertise that the HHC Soldiers demonstrated to them.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that if you have any questions at all, feel free to con-

tact me directly at brian.w.smith@afghan.swa.army.mil.

CPT Smith

Warrior 6

From the Tiger’s Den P A G E 5

1245th Transportation Company,

524th Combat Sustainment Support Battal-

ion, 101st Sustainment Brigade out of Okla-

homa works closely with local Dari and

Pashtu truck drivers. Some of the compa-

nies young men and women exhibited feel-

ings of culture shock in the very beginning

months of arrival, but leadership since then

has seen those feel-

ings of uncertainty

evolve into crea-

tive interaction

with “Host Na-

tional” drivers.

1245th Transporta-

tion Company’s

unique role paints

a picture of their

interaction with the

Afghan people for

family and friends

back home, dis-

playing an impres-

sive ability to util-

ize creative methods of commu-

nication while sharing the ut-

most respect and concern for

each other’s safety.

Imagine a location set

in the picturesque valleys of the

Hindu Kush Mountains. Mem-

bers of the 1245th Transportation Company

briskly walk to an assortment of tactical

military vehicles as the sun sets quietly in

the west, and the twilight displays colorful

blue, purple and red hues. Soldiers work

methodically to prepare their vehicles;

checking the oil, cleaning their windows,

and gearing up for the long trip that lays

ahead of them. Directly behind the 1245th

sits a parking lot full of colorfully ornate

Host National Afghan vehicles.

While the Afghan culture is very

different from their Oklahoma culture, the

small contingent of 1245th Soldiers respect

the Afghan people. There are times when

things go awry but for the most part every

challenge is worked in cooperation with

Afghan drivers. A meeting with the Host

National drivers before each meeting can be

a somewhat of chaotic scene often referred

to as “herding cats.” After the initial infor-

mation is distributed, local nationals

promptly begin to ask numerous

questions, usually about fuel. After

their meeting, Afghan drivers con-

tinue to prep their vehicles, ensuring

that their loads are secure and just

like U.S. forces, checking their vehi-

cle’s maintenance. Many drivers

exhibit a sense of great pride in

their vehicles, ensuring they are

washed, fueled, and very clean.

After vehicle checks are

complete, Soldiers stand around and

visit with other crews and friends.

Often there is a lot of laughter and

joking and routine to

throw around a football

after all checks are com-

plete. Afghans have taken

an interest in 1245th’s pre-

mission football game and

are intrigued by how the

ball spirals through the air.

Some of the local drivers are between

the ages of 14 and 15 years old, as

relationships are built, they show a

desire to interact and throw the ball

around with the 1245th Soldiers.

Most Soldiers encourage them to

participate while friends stand guard

and keep their distance.

1245th Soldiers are periodi-

cally invited for an Afghan meal, an

interesting experience. Drivers invite

Soldiers for a cup of chai tea; all sit

around the trucks and sip tea while

sharing through broken English or

interpreters. While awaiting direc-

tions from 1245th’s Soldiers, the

Afghans will usually sit on the

ground, spread a blanket out, and

wait. Their lives appear to be very

nomadic; they do not live in one

area but move around all over the

country. Afghan’s travel with all

their bread, fruits and vegetables

and are always looking for a dinner

partner. Their diet primarily con-

sisted of sheep, beef, potatoes, to-

matoes, onions, and bread. The

food is typically prepared in

pressure cookers, and served

as a stew or soup.

While Afghan culture is

very different from that of

America, the people are

extremely kind and helpful;

they are continually help-

ing one another out on the

road. They seem to live

very simple

lives not bound

by a culture

demanding

materialistic

belongings, a

possible side

effect of a tribal

lifestyle. Over

the last eight

months, the

1245th Trans-

portation broth-

ers and sisters have performed ex-

ceptionally alongside their Afghans

drivers with whom they have built

great relationships. They continue

to impress all with the respect they

show to the Afghans. The 1245th

Transportation Company Soldiers

are setting the standard here in

Afghanistan.

Written By: 1LT Queton, Warren

P A G E 6

As I walk through the gate to board the plane headed back to Hawaii I hear my

son’s voice in the distance say “Why is he leaving us mommy”. Not being able to

communicate often with my wife and son, sharing a bay full of males with mini-

mal personal space (while sleeping in cots), eating below-

average chow off of a MKT, working endless hours, all while

being in an active combat zone, are just a few of my horrible

expectations during pre-deployment preparation. My wife

consistently attempted to persuade me that expecting the

worse and hoping for the best was the correct mind set to have

leading up to deployment. So I did just that and was she ever

correct. By the way, I am SPC Vega, Peter and I am an intelli-

gence analyst for the 524th CSSB S-2 shop.

As I took my first steps into Afghanistan off of the plane it

instantly hit me. It hit me hard and fast and unexpectedly. This

“it” that I speak of was the 10-15 mph gust of 115 degree heat

that gave me such a warm welcome into Afghanistan. Within

20 minutes upon arrival I was already tasked with a detail to

watch weapons while the rest of the company went to unload

bags. As I watched everyone work and move around in the

cooking sun, I began to appreciate sitting there and watching

those weapons just a little bit more then I normally would.

However, I soon came to realize that getting acclimated to the weather was proba-

bly the hardest task that I would have to do within the next few months.

Everything in Camp Marmal and about this deployment has exceeded my expecta-

tions by a long shot, so far. All those expectations I had during pre-deployment

were helpful to build the right state of mind leading into a combat environment,

but were absolutely incorrect. There has not been a day in which I have not spo-

ken to my wife and son. I sleep on a comfortable mattress with about 6x6 feet of

personal space, in which I own proudly, within fortified plywood walls. Not to

mention the fact that I get sufficient sleep on that wonderful twin size mattress on

a daily basis. The work load has started to become a lot less heavy as I continue to

become comfortable with my role. Most importantly, I eat above-average chow

three times a day.

PFC Peter Vega from Fort Meyers, Florida

serving in the S2 of Task Force Hannibal

Expect the Worst, Hope for

the Best…..

P A G E 7

My job duties allow me to get a better understanding of the culture

of Afghanistan due to the fact that I conduct nightly interviews

with local truck drivers. As a result of these interviews, I have

gained a new perspective of the Afghan culture. Contrary to popu-

lar belief, the locals of Afghanistan are not too different from

Americans. There are some cultural differences and norms; how-

ever, overall they simply work in order to support their families

and loved ones just as the American

culture does. Also, the combat envi-

ronment is not as kinetic as I imag-

ined. However, as the S-2 analyst I

am obligated to condone compla-

cency no matter the situation or en-

vironment in which you are in.

From the outside looking in I would

say that it appears that the 524th

CSSB as a whole has transitioned

well into command here in RC

North. However, I would like to

highlight the success and determina-

tion of the S-2 shop. For those that

do not know what the S-2 shop is

responsible for, I briefly give you a

general understanding. The S-2 is

responsible for collecting informa-

tion on the enemy in order to pro-

vide security and intelligence to subordinate units and/or friendly forces. By giving accurate and rele-

vant intelligence, it increases safety and situational awareness for operations outside and inside the

wire. The 524th CSSB S-2 shop has been doing this with a rather unique composition of personnel.

Our NCOIC, Sergeant Colon, Jennifer is an Electronic Warfare specialist, while our other intelligence

analyst was originally a laundry service specialist. That leaves Captain Wilson, Timothy and myself

as the only Intel qualified personnel for the shop. However, that has not hindered our capabilities, at

all, to achieve our commander’s intent or to provide support to our subordinate units. In my personal

opinion, I think the S-2 shop has not only upheld but exceeded the standard bestowed upon us and is

only the beginning of the strides we are taking in order to progress as a team.

I am in no way too relaxed to forget about the importance of the mission, but I am grateful for the

conditions and the outcome of this deployment up until this point. I encourage soldiers of all ranks to

embrace this deployment and capitalize and the opportunities given in order to expand your horizon.

Whether, that is professionally, educationally, spiritually, culturally, etc. There is ample amount of

resources to progress in ample amount of ways during this deployment. Most of all stay alert and stay

alive and from the words of our Battalion Commander, LTC James M. Droppleman, “Do the right

thing. And treat everybody with dignity and respect”.

SPC Vega, Peter

P A G E 8

Caption describing

picture or graphic.

Inside Story Headline

Introducing Task Force Hannibal’s S6

One of the first rules in warfare is to take out communications

in order to cripple your opponent’s ability to control the battle

field. During the Civil War the Signal Corps used flags and

torches to communicate. The signalman would stand atop the

high ground for all to see, signaling ground movements from the

commander to the troops. Subsequently, he was usually among

the first to be targeted. The Signal Corps has come a long way

from flag and torch in the civil war, expanding to signal

satellites afar. The one constant is that in combat we are always

in the fight.

Today we live in a time where multimedia communication is

king. It would be difficult to find someone who doesn’t e-mail,

Skype, or use Social Media from a computer or a handheld

device. The American Soldier is no different; however, instead of Skype, we Video

Teleconference and instead of Gmail we use the Global Enterprise Network, but not even

the Army can resist the force that is Facebook (search the 524th CSSB on FB)!

The Signal Corps is one of the finest branches in the U.S. Army. We enable everyone in the

army to communicate in order to accomplish their missions. Signaleers make it possible for

other Soldiers to communicate on and off the battlefield. We can set up our own computer

networks – even in a deployed environment – to communicate with those we hold dear back

home. The S6 Soldiers of Task Force Hannibal are leading the way using all available

methods of communication.

Task Force Hannibal’s S6 shop is made up of eight Soldiers responsible for keeping the

lifeblood of the battalion flowing throughout Regional Command-North, Afghanistan. SGT

Houston Lister and SPC Shantia Williams serve the battalion as Signal Support Systems

Specialist; they install, operate, and maintain designated radio systems providing technical

assistance and training for communications equipment. SGT Lister and SPC Williams allow

Task Force Hannibal Soldiers to maintain an important lifeline to battalion headquarters

while traveling on the road. SPC Nakia Williams and SPC Breyanna Romero are Task

Force Hannibal’s two Information Technology Specialists who maintain the battalion’s

computer networks allowing personnel to send messages throughout Afghanistan. As the

Army begins a major push to withdraw forces and equipment over the next eighteen months,

CW2 Darren Duncan and SGT Brandon McDowell provide Sustainment Automation

Support Management to the ever increasing retrograde mission. Finally, SFC Tyronn Green

and CPT Frank Guizar lead the shop by providing purpose, direction, and motivation.

These are the Soldiers who connect you your families via video teleconference. The

Soldiers who link the war fighter to higher headquarters. The Soldiers who complete the

phrase “shoot, move, and communicate. You can talk about us, but you can’t talk without

us! We are the Army

P A G E 9

Task Force Hannibal Entertains

‘The Daily Show’

Task Force Hannibal troops stationed at Camp Marmal Afghanistan were

treated to a visit from the comedians representing Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily

Show.’ The day began with comedians Rory Albanese, Elliott Kalan, Adam

Lowitt and John Oliver taking the time to meet and greet

many of the Soldiers from HHC, 536th Support Maintenance

Team, and 1245th Transportation Company. After getting

the feel for the Army’s body armor, the distinguished visi-

tors were afforded a extraordinary opportunity to get hands

on instruction from SFC Welsh on the Army’s .50 cal, 249,

and M4. Afterwards, 536th MST and 1245th TC were able to

show off their vehicles, allowing members of ‘The Daily

Show’ cast and crew to explore an array of military vehi-

cles. Rory Albanese immediately climbed strait up into the

gunner’s turret, taking full advantage of a rare photo op.

During the evening’s performance, John Oliver joked about the oddities of Military life and the basic

rules of living in Afghanistan. He left the crowd in tears and expressed his joy and thankfulness for the

opportunity to bring a bit of laugher and relief to the troops based at Camp Marmal, Afghanistan.