1. JUST BREATHE FUTURE LEADERS
2nd BCT Soldiers Soldiers complete
conduct NBC training Army's new
WLC curriculum
A3 B3
Fort Drum, N.Y. • March 7, 2013 • Vol. 6 • Issue 9
Historic flag honors nation’s fallen warriors
Sgt. Javier S. Amador man to F Company, 25th Marine
3rd Brigade Combat Team Journalist Regiment, 4th Marine Division.
On Feb. 19, 1945, the battle for Iwo
At exactly 6 a.m. Feb. 27, a very Jima began. Surviving only eight
special American flag was raised at days of brutal fighting through the
Hays Hall, the headquarters of the harsh jungle terrain against a de-
10th Mountain Division (LI). The termined and deeply-entrenched
cannon boomed, and reveille was enemy, Pvt. A’Hearn lost his life.
played as the flag made its way up “He was killed eight days into
the flagpole through the cold, the campaign,” Moretti said. “The
rainy air. day that he died, they were at Air-
At first glance, this flag looks like field No. 2.”
any other American flag that is Airfield No. 2 was a major objec-
raised and lowered at military in- tive located between Hill 362 and
stallations around the world every a terrain feature that became
day. It is only when one looks known as Turkey Knob. The basin
closer that the physical difference that lay between these terrain fea-
is noticed. On the flag, there are 48 tures was nicknamed the “Am-
stars where normally it would phitheater,” and it was there that
count 50. This difference was no the bloodiest fighting of the battle
factory error; it is the correct num- took place.
ber of stars for its time. “In the company commander’s
In fact it is a World War II-era flag handwritten letter, it stated that he
that, after escorting a fallen Ma- was killed during the battalion at-
rine infantryman on his final jour- tack,” Moretti said. “It stated that
ney home from the island of Iwo he was hit by Japanese mortar fire
Jima in 1948, has become some- and he succumbed to his burns.”
thing much more. Now, it is a me- A’Hearn was buried on the is-
morial that honors all who have land and posthumously promoted
given their lives in previous wars to private first class. In December
and those that will be fought in 1948, his remains – accompanied
Sgt. Maj. Mitchell DuVall, left, noncommissioned officer in charge, and Sgt. 1st Class Errick Gordon, right,
times to come. It is something old SGT. JAVIER AMADOR by the 48-star flag – were returned
guide the Soldiers of the flag detail as they raise the 48-star flag at reveille Feb. 27 in front of Hays Hall.
that has become not only new back to the United States where
again, but everlasting. they were buried at his final rest-
Joseph J. A’Hearn was 26 when ing place in his hometown of
he was drafted in 1943. The war his part. So, despite his mother’s didn’t want him to serve,” said Lt. of war, it kind of weighed upon Somerville, Mass. The flag was
had started two and a half years wishes, he answered his nation’s Col. Christopher S. Moretti, chief him that he wanted to serve.” then given to his wife.
earlier, and A’Hearn felt he could call to arms. of fires for 10th Mountain Division A’Hearn enlisted in the Marines
no longer ignore the feeling to do “My great-great-grandmother (LI). “But after two and a half years and was assigned as an infantry- See FLAG, Page A3
‘Peak’ condition Fort Drum
remembers Army
veteran, ‘patriot’
Michelle Kennedy
Staff Writer
Retired Col. George H. Hallanan
Jr., 95, a man who is credited with
assisting in the reactivation of the
10th Mountain Division (LI) at
Fort Drum, died Saturday in Wa-
tertown.
A funeral service was held
Wednesday at the Zion Episcopal
Church in Pierrepont Manor. Hal-
lanan was buried at Church Ceme-
tery with full military honors.
Hallanan was born Nov. 18,
1917, in Red Hook, N.J. He enlisted
at Fort Dix, N.J., before attending
the last U.S. Army Horse Cavalry
Officer Candidate School at Fort
Riley, Kan.
His decision to join the Army
Col. George H. Hallanan Jr. last
continued his Family’s history of COURTESY PHOTO
served as deputy installation com-
military service, dating back to the
mander at Fort Dix, N.J., in 1974.
Revolutionary War, according to
After retiring from the Army, Hal-
his daughter, Felicity Hallanan.
lanan served as special assistant
“We do come from a line of men
on the staffs for Congressmen
and women on both sides of the
Robert C. McEwen and David O’B.
Family who have given to the
Martin, New York’s 26th Congres-
United States through military
sional District, and played a role in
service,” she said. “Military service
the reactivation of the 10th Moun-
is an important part of Family tra-
tain Division (LI) at Fort Drum.
dition, whether you’re wearing a
rank or as a Family Member.”
Hallanan married his late wife,
Alice Marion Williams, on Nov. 7, of the six children – to West Ger-
1942, at Zion Episcopal Church. many.
Throughout his career, Hallanan, “In the early 1950s, refugees
Top left: A Soldier with Scout Platoon of 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
PHOTOS BY SPC. ROBERT YOUNG his wife and their six children, were still pouring over the borders
Team, prepares a simulation Claymore mine during the battalion’s Catamount Peak, a weeklong field
traveled around the world, includ- to escape the Russians.”
training exercise designed to increase infantrymen’s proficiency in small arms and crew-served
ing what was then West Germany. They lived in Munich, and Hal-
weapons, mortars and fighting in urban terrain.. Top right: A noncommissioned officer from B Company,
“Like many veterans, my father lanan remembers her parents pro-
2-87 Infantry, coaches another Soldier on proper firing techniques. Bottom: A mortar team from 2-87 In-
left the active-duty military after viding assistance to refugees.
fantry prepares to fire a training round for a 120 mm mortar system. Catamount Peak kicked off Feb.
World War II,” Felicity Hallanan “That included responding to
20. The brigade will conduct Spartan Peak and Mountain Peak in the coming weeks and months.
said. “When he was recalled dur- the knock of frightened, homeless,
ing the Korean War, we were sent –
my mother Alice and the first three See HALLANAN, Page A4
TIDBITS A2 • NEWS BRIEFS A4 • OPINION-EDITORIAL A9 • PEOPLE B3• HAPPENINGS B5

2. C
A2 The Mountaineer, Fort Drum, N.Y. • March. 7, 2013 March 7, 2013 • The Mountaineer, Fort Drum, N.Y. A3
Mountain 6 - Commander’s Corner Soldiers celebrate This takes ‘nerve’
To the Soldiers, civilians and Family Mem- ticular area, leaders will find guidance in Pol- Policies are general guidance that fit most
Commanding General
bers of Fort Drum, icy 1 to enable them to act within my intent
in any situation.
situations. When the policies don’t fit, I ex-
pect leaders to use their initiative, apply
Black History Month
Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend I am thrilled to be back This week I want to share with you the first METT-TC (Mission, Enemy, Terrain and
Garrison Commander Sgt. 1st Class Luis Saavedra
with the 10th Mountain part of Policy 1, my Commander’s Intent / Vi- Weather, Troops, Time Available and Civilian he came to within a few feet of a
Col. Gary A. Rosenberg Division (LI). I have been sion for this division and installation. The Considerations) and good old-fashioned 10th Sustainment Brigade PAO NCOIC bunker, the enemy tossed out a
Public Affairs Officer
back at Fort Drum for a second part is my philosophy on soldiering common sense to determine what action to grenade that fell in the middle of
little more than three and leading, which I will share in a future take - then take action and not be afraid to Members of the Fort Drum com- his small group.
Lt. Col. David A. Konop
months, and in my opin- Commander’s Corner. do so!
Garrison Public Affairs Officer
munity observed Black History Thinking only of his men, War-
ion, the 10th Mountain Month during lunch Thursday at ren fell in the direction of the
Julie Cupernall Division is still the finest The overarching guidance that applies to My vision for this division and installation the Commons to remember the grenade, shielding those around
Managing Editor war- fighting division in all of my policies is as follows: are immediately below. Please take time to contributions African Americans him from the blast.
Lisa Reape Albrecht our Army and there is no If it’s dumb … it ain’t our policy! Usually read it. have made to society. Warren was awarded the Medal
Staff Writers better place to serve than Townsend policies are emplaced for a good reason. Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, of Honor for his actions that day.
Steve Ghiringhelli here in the North Country. Sometimes these reasons are less obvious or Be proud to be a part of the legendary 10th Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Di- Lt. Col. Gregory E. Sanders,
Michelle Kennedy I have published, and shared with all divi- make less sense with the passage of time. Mountain Division. Our history and reputa- vision (LI) commander, talked commander of 10th Special
sion and installation leaders, Policy Letter 1, Leaders should question those policies that tion are well-known and envied Armywide. I about two of his heroes – Sgt. Troops Battalion, served as guest
This Army Civilian Enterprise Newspaper is
which is my Commander’s Intent and Lead- don’t make sense on the surface. Just try to am proud to soldier alongside you and add William Carney and 1st Lt. John E. speaker for the event. In his mes-
an authorized publication for members of the
U.S. Army. Contents of The Mountaineer are not
ership Philosophy. I have written this policy find out the “why” behind it before you do. to the “Mountaineer” legend together. Warren Jr. sage to Soldiers, Families and
necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by,
to share my intent and vision for the 10th In all cases, use your best judgment and I will give you everything I have, and I ex- Carney was assigned to C Com- friends, he highlighted a few units
the U.S. Government, the Department of De- Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum to take action! I want you to use initiative and pect each of you to do the same as we face pany, 54th Massachusetts Colored with African American Soldiers.
fense, Department of the Army, or Fort Drum. It achieve. This policy is my primary policy let- take action rather than sitting around waiting the challenges of our next Climb to Glory! Infantry. The black sergeant was The Tuskegee Airmen were the
is published weekly using offset method, with a ter and the foundation for all training guid- for instructions. If you act within the spirit of advancing with his unit when he first African American pilots
printed circulation of 10,000. The editorial con- ance, directives and policies for the 10th our mission and intent and use good com- Stephen J. Townsend was shot down during the July 18, trained at an airbase in Alabama
tent of the publication is the responsibility of the Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum. mon sense, I’ll back you up – even if it doesn’t Major General, U.S. Army 1863, attack on Fort Wagner, S.C. during World War II. More than
Fort Drum Public Affairs Office. Printed by Wa- In the absence of a specific policy in a par- turn out as you hoped it would. Commanding Rushing to the flag, he hoisted it 400 deployed overseas and suc-
tertown Daily Times, Inc., a private firm in no
and gallantly led the unit to the cessfully completed missions as
way connected with the U.S. Government, under
written contract with the Commander, Fort
parapet of the fort where he bomber escorts.
planted it. The first African American com-
Drum. The appearance of advertising in this
publication, including inserts and supplements,
CG’s Intent for 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum: We are: As dusk fell, Carney saw a group missioned and warrant officers
does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. of Soldiers approaching and, mis- graduated from Great Lakes Naval
Army, or Watertown Daily Times Inc., of the A combat-ready, dependable, rapidly de- - Mountain Soldiers are the best marks- Supported by a world-class installation taking them for Union forces, Training Station in Illinois in 1944;
products or services advertised. Everything ad- ploying team. We stay ready and deploy men of any division in the Army. and community, where tough, realistic raised his flag, only to be met with they were known as the Golden
vertised in this publication shall be made avail- quickly, configured however the mission re- - Mountain Soldiers are alert, con- training, readiness, rapid deployment a heavy volley of fire. He wrapped Thirteen.
able for purchase, use or patronage without quires. We rapidly press the fight after we ar- fident and always act with disciplined and taking care of Soldiers and their the flag around the staff and Members of the 369th Infantry
regard to race, color, religion, sex, national ori- rive. initiative. Family Members are the top priori- crossed a wide expanse of beach Regiment were the first African
gin, age, marital status, physical handicap, politi-
A Family of skilled, tough, alert and Led by the personal example of ties. while wounded and under contin- American combat unit deployed
cal affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the
adaptable warriors. We live the Army Values decisive, flexible leaders. Mountain Proud of our service as warri- uing enemy fire to bring the colors overseas in World War I. They were
purchaser, user or patron.
and Warrior Ethos and act with disciplined leaders are agile in thought, unafraid ors in America’s Army. We are Sol- safely off the field. nicknamed the Harlem Hellfight-
initiative. We dominate our surroundings, to take reasoned risks and act confi- diers, Mountaineers in the leg- Carney was awarded the Medal ers, because no Soldier was cap-
E-Mail: Lisa.R.Albrecht.civ@mail.mil the situation and the enemy. dently in the absence of orders, when endary 10th Mountain Division … of Honor for his actions that day. tured and no ground was lost
Phone: 772-5469 - Mountain Soldiers are the toughest and orders don’t fit the situation or when now and wherever the future may Warren was assigned as a pla- while they were on the frontline.
Fax: 772-8295 most resilient of any division in the Army. an unforeseen opportunity arises. take us. toon leader with C Company, 2nd During the observance, some
Mailing Address: Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment. Soldiers participated by singing,
10012 S. Riva Ridge Loop While moving through a rubber dancing and reciting the national
Weather
Fort Drum, N.Y., 13602-5028 plantation in Tay Nihh Province, anthem.
Paid advertising: Quote of the Week Vietnam, on Jan. 14, 1969, the
company came under intense fire
“In my heart, Black History
Month should be celebrated not
Fort Drum
782-0400 or 1-800-724-0401
Top: Soldiers assigned to 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Brigade
nnyads.com from a fortified enemy force. He only in the month of February but PHOTOS BY STAFF SGT. JENNIFER BUNN
Ready Rear Force, march single file to the NBC chamber during a chemical, biological, radiological and
maneuvered, with several of his all year long, because black history
Web site:
nuclear training exercise on Fort Drum. During the training, Soldiers enter a building with CS gas to test
men, through the heavy fire to- is American history,” Sanders
“I’ll never ask anyone to do
1st BCT, Bldg. 10305 the proper fit and seal of their individual M40 protective mask and to learn how important it is to keep
www.drum.army.mil ward the enemy positions. When concluded.
anything I wouldn’t do. I’ll never
Social media: their mask in good working order. Bottom left: Pvt. Christian Pittman, an infantryman assigned to A
Company, 4-31 Infantry, treats a simulated nerve agent casualty during CBRN training at the NBC facil-
39, MOSTLY CLOUDY
ask anybody to do more than I
ity on post. Bottom right: Pfc. Brandon Springer, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear spe-
www.facebook.com/drum.10th-
Brunch:
mountain.com
cialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion,
www.flickr.com/photos/drum10th- would do. ” 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2nd Brigade Combat Team Rear, makes sure a Soldier properly donned and sealed his M40 protective
Supper:
mountain
mask during CBRN training.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel
4:30 to 6 p.m.
CG’s Hotline: 772-6666
18TH WEATHER SQUADRON
DETACHMENT 1
Fort Drum journalists earn awards
A CAREER TO BE FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATES FINANCING
during annual competition
PROUD OF
Become a Professional
Tractor Trailer Driver
COTA FLOORING
CARPET • WOOD • TILE • VINYL • CERAMIC
Journalists at Fort Drum recent-
ly won awards in the Department
of the Army’s 2012 Keith L. Ware
inghelli and Jennifer Caprioli to
capture third place in the story se-
ries (civilian) category for a four-
Shooters complete aviation train-
ing at National Training Center.”
Expires 04/25/2013 “Your One Stop Floor Covering Store” Public Affairs Competition. part feature titled “Young Patriots.” IMCOM and FORSCOM may
915 West Main Street • Watertown, NY • 782-5467 Civilian journalists competed at Meanwhile, Sgt. Javier S. Ama- submit up to three entries in each
Installation Management Com- dor, a journalist with 3rd Brigade category to the Department of the
12 Months Free Financing mand, while their military coun- Combat Team, won second place Army level of competition.
Upon Credit Approval
terparts pitted their skills at U.S. in the personality feature (mili- The Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware
CDL A TRAINING Army Forces Command. tary) category for “Bridging Cul- Public Affairs Awards Competition
Michelle Kennedy, staff writer tural Gaps.” recognizes military and civilian
• Student Loans and STORE HOURS:
Mon. Fri. 9AM-6PM, Sat 9AM-3PM with The Mountaineer, earned Cpl. Kam Gerohimos, a Soldier employee print and broadcast
Grants for qualified second place in the personality assigned to 6th Squadron, 6th practitioners for journalistic excel-
applicants
Lt. Col. Gregory E. Sanders, 10th Special Troops Battalion commander,
SGT. 1ST CLASS LUIS SAAVEDRA feature (civilian) category for Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Six lence in furthering the objectives
speaks during the Black History Month observance held Thursday at the
• Approved for “Army chaplain attributes life ex- Shooters, 10th Combat Aviation of the Department of the Army
W Commons. Sanders shared the stories of some great African American
Veteran Training perience to success with Soldiers.” Brigade, took third place in the public affairs program.
ATERTOWN
Soldiers and thanked everybody for supporting the event.
• Local and nationwide In addition, Kennedy teamed up contribution by stringer (writing)
placement assistance
DAILY TIMES with fellow staff writers Steve Ghir- category for a story titled “TF Six FORT DRUM PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
L! Y! E! LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL SPORTS • LOCAL VIEWS
A VE LIT DENC rs!
BI
w w w. w a t e r t o w n d a i l y t i m e s . c o m
TR TA EN ou
FLAG, from Page A1 along with an actual veteran of the
B S NDEP e Y Battle of Iwo Jima. In all, nearly
JO I n B “My grandmother flew it one 300 people were present for the
Ca time,” Moretti said. “And then she occasion. He also received emails
Apply in Person • Daily Tours Available folded it up like a shirt, put it in a from veterans thanking him for his
Mon.-Fri. 11am, 1pm & 3pm • Sat. 10am clothes box and then packed it remembrance.
1-800-243-9300 away.” As the flag was folded and
4650 Buckley Rd., Liverpool, NY After several household moves handed to his mother that eve-
www.ntts.edu and the inevitable geographical ning, Moretti realized that the cer-
MTN Consumer information: ntts.edu/programs/disclosures
separation of remaining Family emony and the flag itself had
Members, the flag, along with all come to symbolize something
of the official correspondence, re- much larger than just a remem-
mained unseen for years until brance of his grandfather. It came
Moretti began his Army career. to signify a remembrance of all of
Pfc. Joseph J. A’ Hearn’s Family re-
With it came the desire to remem- SGT. JAVIER AMADOR those who had sacrificed their
ceived this official remembrance
ber those who had served before lives in each of the U.S. wars.
proclamation signed by President
him. It was then that the flag came Moretti promised his mother that
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, after
back to mind. he would not only fly the flag in
the Soldier’s death in 1945 at the
“I came into the Army in 1987, memory of his grandfather, but in
Battle of Iwo Jima.
and growing up, I had heard about memory of the thousands of fallen
the flag,” Moretti said. “Once I Soldiers who also sacrificed their
began serving, I started search- lives in service to the nation.
ing.” grandfather and to then put the True to his word, the 48-star flag
Lt. Col. Christopher Moretti, left center, 10th Mountain Division chief of
It would be 16 years of search- SGT. JAVIER AMADOR flag away,” Moretti said. “I had no has flown every year since and in
fires, stands in Hays Hall with the folded 48-star flag that traveled with
ing, made all the more difficult be- idea of the steam that (flying the many different countries, includ-
his grandfather’s remains in 1948, while Sgt. Maj. Mitchell DuVall, right
cause of the Family’s geographical flag) had gained. All the leader- ing in Iraq and Afghanistan during
center, displays the only known photo of Pfc. Joseph J. A’Hearn in uni-
separation throughout the New ship, and the local media, the the conflicts. Moretti also is look-
form. From left are Sgt. 1st Class Errick Gordon, Spc. Kevin Villareal,
England area. In 2003, Moretti was press, that was never my intent.” ing at passing the flag down to his
Spc. Joseph Rutherford, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Landis,
attending the Command and Gen- The early morning reveille cere- son, who is currently involved in a
Moretti, DuVall, Spc. Brandon Collins, Spc. Wann Reed and Staff Sgt.
eral Staff College at Fort Leaven- mony at Fort Leavenworth was local ROTC program and has ex-
Thad Harvey.
worth in Kansas. While there, he simple enough, with only his pressed a desire to enter the mili-
went home to Rhode Island on classmates acting as the color tary when he graduates.
Christmas leave, and through a guard. The flag went up and flew When the time comes to pass on
conversation, he learned of the she had saved.” school and honor her father’s sac- all day with the school leadership’s the flag, Moretti said that his son
flag’s whereabouts. After a discussion between rifice on the anniversary of his full support. It was when the flag will be reminded, just as he re-
“I happened to be at my aunt’s Moretti and his extended Family, death. He had no idea that flying was lowered at the end of the day minds everyone else, of the tradi-
house with my mother,” Moretti the decision was made that he the flag would have such an im- that the true extent of the flag’s tion’s message.
said. “They had located some of would be the sole keeper of the pact on both the school and the gaining attention was made ap- “It is not about me,” Moretti
my grandmother’s boxes and said flag. While discussing the flag’s his- surrounding community. parent. concluded. “It’s about paying re-
that they were down in the base- tory with some classmates at Fort “The original intent was for my Along with the CGSC leadership spect to those that came before,
ment, and lo and behold, that’s Leavenworth, Moretti desired to mom to come out and to fly the and the local media, there was also especially those that paid the ulti-
when I discovered all the stuff that have his mother come to the flag, to render honors to my the school’s Marine contingent, mate price.”