1. Liberty Times
TASK FORCE
MOUNTAIN EAGLE
277TH AVIATION
SUPPORT BATTALION
HOT TOPICS
Alpha FRG Meet-
V O L U M E I , I S S U E 2 9 O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2 .
ing: Thursday,
October 11,2012,
Eagle Commander’s Corner
6:00pm..
Bravo FRG Meet-
ing: .Thursday,
October 11, 2012,
5:00pm, at Crescent range qualifying in crew served you can expect for the next year as we get
Woods Community weapons as well as individual weap- combat ready. This overview known as our
Center. ons. Confidence and proficiency in Road to War will provide you some clarity
Charlie FRG Meet- our assigned weapon are fundamen- and predictability based on what we know
ing: Thursday, tal needs to be ready. We did not now. Many other events are also on the
October 11, 2012, have this before but we do now. We calendar and those we will highlight and
4:30pm, at Monu- have also continued to provide ex- push out through all our communications
ment Ridge Com- ceptional service and support as we media. The areas that we are not doing so
munity Center. sent Soldiers to the National Training well in right now are sponsorship, newborn
HSC FRG Meeting: By LTC Enrique Ortiz Center in California to augment Task programs, Single Soldier activities and Face-
Thursday, October Battalion Commander Force Six Shooter for their rotation. book friends. Here is where I need your
11, 2012, 5:00pm at We also just sent a significant num- help. We need ideas that will jump-start
HSC Classroom, Mountain Eagle Families, ber of the Battalion to High Altitude/ these critical programs and ultimately care
20345 Anaconda Rd This has been a great month for Mountain flight training in Colorado. for all our Soldiers and their families better.
Mountain Eagle. We have begun They will sustain the Aviation Bri- I have some ideas but they are likely not as
pushing and challenging our Soldiers gade as they train and qualify in one good as yours since teamwork always deliv-
in an effort to get combat ready. of the toughest environmental flight ers the best solutions. My goal is to have
This push was badly needed since we training modes – Mountain flying. programs that ensure every family coming to
had (key word is had) an organiza- We also provided TF Phoenix, TF Mountain Eagle is welcomed and hosted into
CONTACTS
tional climate that lacked a sense of Knighthawk, and TF Tigershawk Fort Drum; that every newborn and their
urgency and purpose. There were with additional people to set them up family get an A list treatment filled with
BATTALION STAFF
many contributing reasons some for success in their training rotations. fond memories and joy; that our Single Sol-
DUTY DESK
justified and other not but truthfully So as you can see, we are doing well diers are remembered, care and recognized
315-774-1200 with what I like to call the opera- like if their own families were here caring
this battalion had a tough deploy-
ment that will forever be remember tional side. We are moving in the for them; and finally that we grow our Face-
CHAPLAIN right direction on a long journey book in the next two month to over 2000
for the exceptional performance of
(CPT) LOVE your loved ones. My task at hand probably at a slower than desired likes (now at about 750) so that we can share
315-681-0883 now is to change the cultural to a pace but we are getting better every- this tough and challenging journey together.
combat ready unit. This is happen- day and accelerating. A journey that will be marked by selfless
FAMILY READINESS ing now. Although we are not there I share all this with you because I sacrifices by those who are the Strength of
SUPPORT yet I can see the transformation tak- think it is important that you know our great Soldiers – You, the Army Fami-
ASSISTANT (FRSA) ing place and I hope you are seeing it where we are doing good and where lies.
MICHELE GALLOWAY too. I have begun by focusing on the are not. The area where I am not as Please send in your ideas to our Family
315-774-1206 basics. You have probably noticed happy with our progress is our fam- Readiness Support Advisor – Michele Gallo-
that your Soldiers are attending PT ily support program. We have made way at michele.e.galloway@us.army.mil or
MILITARY FAMILY on a more regular basis. Physical great improvements in our Family our Battalion Family Readiness Group Advi-
LIFE CONSULTANT fitness is more that just exercising Readiness Group. We are starting to sor - dianaortiz2410@gmail.com
(MFLC) early in the morning. It builds mo- get volunteers and our teams are I look forward to seeing you on the 26th..
315-405-7449 rale, foster‘s teamwork, builds forming. On 26 Oct, we will have
bonds, tests our determination and our first battalion event at our han- Sincerely,
315-212-6919
commitment and creates the founda- gar. I look forward to this event to Mountain Eagle 6
tion for esprit de corps. We also meet you and to provide all attending
ARMY COMMUNITY
spent most of the last 30 days at the families with an overview of what
SERVICE (ACS)
INFORMATION
AND REFERRAL Family Readiness Group Advisor’s Updates
315-772-6557
1-800-826-0886 By Diana Ortiz parents: HSC: Sasina, Allison & CPT Kevin Kane.
FRG Advisor Sarah & PV2 Erik Sordillo, Kel- Alpha Company:
MILITARY
sey & SPC Christopher Piper, Rachel & SGT Joel Leviten
ONESOURCE Dear Mountain Eagle Families,
1-800-342-9647 Corrine & SPC Jaime Contreras, Bravo Company:
Wonderful news! Ten babies
SPC Scarbrough, PFC Kyle Adams
were born in September! Con- Liliana & SGT Maidenbaum, Charlie Company:
gratulations to all the new PFC Kara McKittrick & Tim Kristine & SPC Arnold Smith
For the rest of the article, go to page 8.
2. PAGE 2
Headquarters & Support Company - Talons
Jose Balp, PV2 Peter Balzi, PFC Owens, PV2 Londrell Campbell,
Cody Barnhardt, SFC Patrice PV2 Jacob O‘Neal.
Brown, 2LT Daniel Carpenter, SPC The next company FRG meeting
Paul Clerkin, PFC Heather Copen- is on 11 October at the HSC, 277
haver, PFC Vernon James, PFC ASB classroom, Building 20345,
Brandon Jones, PV2 Jacob O‘Neal, Anaconda Road (on the airfield). If
CPT Michael Palmieri, CPL Brittany families would like free child care,
Roberts, SGT Allen Saito, PV1 Joey please contact Ms. Michele Gallo-
By CPT Natalie Nissen Sam, SGT Jerry Shore and PV2 Ra- way, 774-1206. Child Care Contracts
HSC Company Commander keem Wiley. must be in thirty days prior to an
Unfortunately we have to say event. Names are due fifteen days
Families of HSC 277 ASB, goodbye to the following Soldiers, prior to an event. HSC is in need of
October is definitely bringing in SGM Randolph Adams, SPC Devin volunteers, specifically key callers.
the fall weather. Children are in Harris, MSG Melvin Pagan, SPC Key callers are the people who have
school and holidays are around the Albert Tremlett, SPC Dana a set amount of spouses/family mem-
corner. We were pleased to wel- Womack, PFC Crystal Gallardo, bers that they are responsible for
come COL(P) Piatt on 12 Septem- 2LT Timothy McDonald, SGT Vic- calling when any information is
ber who presented the FORSCOM tor Molina, SGT Jasmine Moore, needed to be passed out and/or up-
Army Award for Maintenance CW3 Dari Pfeiffer, SPC Scott Stew- dated. If anyone is interested, please
Excellence to Soldiers in the mo- art and 2LT Matthew Vishnevsky. contact myself or our FRG leader
torpool, arms room and Chemical, On 21 September we had the op- Dawnmarie Degrave.
Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear portunity to promote SPC Alexis
(CBRN) room. Alford, SPC Matthew Jeffrey, SPC Natalie Nissen
I would like to welcome the Joshua Seal, PFC Alisha Burgess, Talon 6
following Soldiers and their fami- PFC Bryanna Gibson, PFC Richard (315)774-1465
lies, PV2 Jediel Acevedo, CPT natalie.nissen@us.army.mil
HSC Family Readiness Group Notes
Dawn Marie DeGrave cially during the holiday season. I easy, but crucial position in order
HSC FRG Leader am open for suggestions for any to keep information flowing for our
events/ideas. families. If anyone is interested,
Hello Everyone,
Some of our Soldiers had to go please contact me through email or
Hope all is well with each of
to different areas for training notify through the unit command.
you. The warm summer is gone
which may have caused mixed
and now it‘s almost fall. The
emotions for some families. As the Until next month,
trees are getting beautiful with
FRG leader, I am prepared to help Dawn Marie DeGrave
their different colors. Along with
assist and guide our families with 315-777-6152
this time of year is my favorite
any and all situations that may dawnmarie.degrave@us.army.mil
holiday, Halloween. We will be
come up. I want the families of
doing a Halloween haunted han-
HSC to know that there is support
gar this year within the Battal-
here and we as a FRG team are
ion. Some of it is kid friendly so
here for support any time. I be-
the little ones don't get scared.
lieve that if the Soldiers and fami-
We will also be doing a spe-
lies stick together through any
cial event for our Single Sol-
situation, then we as a group can
diers. For this event, we would
make it through anything.
need some volunteers to help us
On another note, if there is any-
make it memorable. We really
one looking to have some volun-
need to come together so we can
teer time or just wanting to make
get more ideas on what we can
our team better we are in need of
do for the I single TSoldiers espe-
L BER Y TIMES
Key Callers. This position is an
3. VOLUME I, ISSUE 29
PAGE 3
Alpha Company - Atlas
By CPT Bryan Bolin one of you. Jennifer will be sending out
A Company Commander contact emails to everyone and we will
begin to schedule monthly FRG meet-
Soldiers and Families of Alpha Com- ings. I look forward to working with
pany. everyone!
This will be my last newsletter “On our shoulders!”
article before my Change of Com-
mand. I want to thank all of you for
CPT Byron Mulder
all your support over the past months.
I have enjoyed working with you and 315-774-1041
our Soldiers and want to extend my Byron.w.mulder2.mil@mail.mil
deepest gratitude for all your hard
work. It was a pleasure to be your
Commander and I wish all of you the
best of luck.
CPT Mulder will be replacing me.
He and his wife Jennifer are great
additions to the Alpha Company Fam-
ily. I know that Alpha Company is in
good hands and I know you will all
continue to excel.
Greetings Alpha Company Soldiers
and Family Members, my name is
CPT Byron Mulder. My wife Jennifer
and I are pleased to be joining the
Alpha Company Family. Jennifer
will be stepping in as the Alpha Com-
pany FRG Leader and we both look
forward to meeting each and every
Alpha Company Family Readiness Group Updates
Jennifer Mulder FRG meeting on Thursday October 11th at
A Company FRG Leader 6:00 pm. I look forward to meeting lots of
new people and getting to share thoughts
Greetings from Alpha Company FRG! about the future of our FRG. I hope to see
The month of September brought some many of you at the meeting and can‘t wait to
change to our FRG. My name is Jennifer share all the great things that Alpha Com-
Mulder, and I am the new FRG leader for pany and 277 ASB Battalion have planned
Alpha Company. I am excited to be work- for its soldiers and families in the near fu-
ing with the wonderful soldiers and families ture.
of Alpha Company. My husband has been
in the military for 14 years, and we are ex- Our Soldiers, Our Family, On Our Shoulders
cited about our new home here in Fort
Drum, the best kept secret in the Army so Jennifer Mulder
we have been told. A little about myself, I 423-506-0034
am a Pre- K teacher at Po Valley CDC and jenblossom1981@yahoo.com
have a handsome 10 month old son Luke,
and 2 wonderful stepsons Jaxon and Wyatt.
We as a family are looking forward to work-
ing with all of you to make Alpha Company
a strong FRG and a great resource for our
soldiers and families. We will be having a
4. PAGE 4
Bravo Company - Hangar Rats
By MAJ Del Boyer Army Commendation Medal diers we wel-
B Company Commander and the Army Achievement come a new
Medal were awarded respec- child into our
Greetings Hanger Rat Fami- tively to SGT Sanders and PFC Army family.
lies: Kopper as they transitioned out Eli Brook, at a
The summer is officially of the Army. The Army healthy 5 lbs 9
over and the company is con- Achievement Medal was also oz, was born 20 September 2012
tinuing to change in person- awarded to SPC Havens for his at Samaritan Hospital to PFC
nel. We‘ve had a busy couple PCS. David Brook and his wife
of weeks behind us and the We also received and wel- Melissa. Congratulations!
pace shows no sign of slow- comed outstanding Soldiers to
ing down. This past month our formation this summer. We
we‘ve participated in a multi-
tude of ranges and somehow
squeezed in a bit of fun.
1SG Snyder guiding his boat
On 14 September we had a
into the raging might of the
great turnout for our company Black River while SFC Spak
fun day with 58 Soldiers takes the bull by the horns and
working on their team build- SSG Tarlton fears for her life.
ing and communication skills
while whitewater rafting
down the Black River.
The company distributed welcomed 1LT Donohue, SPC
multiple awards this past Haney, PFC Reuger, PFC Muel-
month to Soldiers as they de- ler and PV2 Quintero. Our MAJ Del P. Boyer
parted the unit in route to newest additions are greatly Hangar Rat 6
their next duty station and to welcomed to the family. (315) 772-4239
those leaving the Army. The In addition to our new Sol- del.p.boyer.mil@mail.mil
Bravo Company Family Readiness Group Updates
Karri Boyer We‘d like welcome a new addi- vided. Childcare is free at all
B Company FRG Leader tion to our Bravo family. Eli FRG meetings! Our FRSA needs
Brook, at a healthy 5 lbs 9 oz, was 30 days notice, with names two
Bravo Company Happenings!!! born 20 September 2012 at Samari- weeks prior to each FRG meeting
On September 14, Bravo Com- tan Hospital to PFC David Brook event. Please Email
pany took to the water! 58 rafters and his wife Melissa. Congratula- Bco.277_frg@yahoo.com for
enjoyed the waves and many more tions! more information ASAP.
rallied together at the Dexter raft- FRG Meeting: The next meeting Volunteers Big thanks to any-
ing company grounds to BBQ, will be OCT 11 @ 1700 at the one who said they wanted to help
play, and socialize together. All Crescent Woods Community Cen- with key-calling! Many spouses
together 150 or so from the Bravo ter, on Arbor Lane-just behind the came out to ACS to train and oth-
family enjoyed a late summer day PX and commissary. At this meet- ers are signed up to train at the
on the river! Thanks to the BBQ ing expect to meet & greet others, next class; which is November 9th
experts for cooking! Thanks to all maybe win a prize, celebrate new- @ 2 or 5 PM at ACS. Calls will
families who joined us & those that comers, new babies, and plan for be happening to ‗test‘ our call
provided sides/food & drinks! It fun events over the holidays on the roster. If you are interested in
was a wonderful north-country way! Pastry chefs, bakers, and helping Bravo company, call ACS
afternoon together. candy-makers ~ please bring a little to register for the next class, 772-
Our next company outing is of the sweet goodness from your 0470/2848.
tenatively set for the new Clayton home. Dessert pot-luck for anyone Mrs. Boyer, FRG leader, is al-
L I B E R T Y T I M E S October
riverside pavillion in mid- interested in sharing. Hot and cold ways ready to hear from you – use
—TBA. drinks + table wares will be pro- the above email.
5. VOLUME I, ISSUE 29 PAGE 5
Charlie Company - Ravens
(HCLOS) team, consisting of Specialist Adela Lira to enjoy some great food, and hopefully great desserts!
and Specialist Ramona Gately. The team did an There is also an indoor playground for children. If
outstanding job deploying their equipment and you don‘t think you can make it right at 4:30, that‘s
providing critical communications that allowed ok, the first hour will just be a social hour to enjoy the
Task Force Six Shooter to effectively support the food, so show up when you can! I hope to see all of
ground maneuver elements preparing for future you there.
combat operations during the training exercise. As some of you know, our FRG Leader, Megan
By CPT Matthew Thompson Back here at Fort Drum, the Ravens have been Wilson, has had a challenging pregnancy and we‘ve
C Company Commander all over, supporting numerous aerial gunnery exer- asked for a co-leader to step in to help her out. Jamie
Fall is in the air, but it might feel more like cises, combat lifesaver training, military vehicle Elkhill, Specialist Kevin Elkhill‘s wife, has agreed to
winter to those just returning from training in the driver‘s training, running rifle ranges, and prepar- step in and help out. So I‘d like to personally thank
hot Mojave Desert at our National Training Center ing and deploying another CPN to NTC to provide and recognize her for volunteering her time to help us
(NTC) in Fort Irwin, California. Sergeant Aaron communications to our brigade‘s Task Force Phoe- out and help get the whole team ready to deploy. We
Kalinowski‘s Command Post Node team spent the nix who is supporting our 2nd Brigade Combat are also looking for some Key Callers to help with the
month of September providing communications Team during rotation 13-01. We also sent a team to monthly call out. Fortunately, the Raven‘s are a small
support to our brigade‘s Task Force Six Shooter, support the brigade‘s Tactical Command Post band of brothers and sisters, so that doesn‘t take too
who was providing Aviation support to the 1st (TAC) providing reach back communications to much time, but is still critical to getting the message
Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division our Joint Network Node (JNN) team supporting the out, especially once we deploy.
during rotation 12-10. It was a great training op- brigade‘s Tactical Operation‘s Center here on the We are in a demanding time, an intensive training
portunity for the team, which also consists of Ser- airfield to enable Mission Command for the bri- cycle, which has kept us working long hours and
geant Steven Williams, Specialist Edward God- gade‘s Aviators conducting High Altitude Moun- spending time away from home. It is definitely chal-
frey, and Specialist Shereena Martinek and was tain Environmental Training at Fort Carson, Colo- lenging, but its purpose is to get us ready to go to the
augmented by our High-Capacity Line of Site rado. fight and to ensure we all come home safe. That said,
I‘d especially like to thank all of our family I do sincerely thank all of you for the support you give
member‘s that turned out last month for our FRG to your Soldier, it takes the whole team to fight and
Online VMIS FRG meeting at the company. This month we will be
having our meeting at the Monument Ridge Com-
win, and each of you are a part of that team, and I
recognize the sacrifices that come with that commit-
Volunteer Registration munity Center, on Thursday, October 11, 2012.
We will release at 1530 (3:30 PM) and then meet at
ment, so again, thank you! And I hope to see you all
at the FRG meeting at Monument Ridge on the 11th!
the community center at 1630 (4:30 PM). We will
Visit www.myarmyonesource.com
have a potluck, so please put on your baking or
There are options to Login with your cooking hat and make a special treat and come out
username and password or Register if
you don‘t have a profile. Charlie Company Family Readiness Group Updates
Fill out your information. By Jamie Elkhill Looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday,
C Company Co-FRG Leader October 11th, 4:30pm at Monument Ridge
When you‘ve created a profile, click on Community Center. Please consider becoming
Hello everyone!
―Volunteer‖ on the top right section of a Key Caller for our unit. Communication is
My name is Jamie Elkhill and I
the page. This will take you to the Vol- vital to our unit being a strong family.
am from Hampton, Virginia. My
unteer Management Information System husband is SPC Elkhill and we have a Until next month-
(VMIS) three month old German shepherd
Click on ―Opportunity Locator‖ puppy named Peanut. We have been Jamie Elkhill
at Fort Drum since June of this year. 757-759-1086
Select ―Fort Drum‖ under Military jamie.elkhill@gmail.com
I have almost completed an associ-
Community and ―FRG: 10 AVN– 277‖
ate‘s degree in psychology and would
under the Organization and click Search.
like to continue on to a Bachelors and
Choose the volunteer position you‘d like Masters degree in the same field.
to apply for. When the new page loads, Eventually, I would like to be a coun-
click Apply. selor for both Soldiers and Military
Families.
Check out the FRSA Flash! My ultimate goal is to provide aid
The 277th ASB FRSA Flash has lots of and encouragement to our Soldiers
in-formation and is our Bi-weekly News- who have served overseas and are
letter for our Family Members and Sol- wounded in a way no one can see
diers. If you are not receiving the FRSA directly. I‘m stepping in to help out
Flash, please contact the 277th FRSA Megan while she finishes up her
Michele Galloway at 315-774-1206 or pregnancy and I‘m excited to get to
Michele.e.galloway@us.army.mil. know everyone and be part of the
Raven FRG team!
6. PAGE 6
FORGIVING
DID YOU KNOW?
By SPC Holle, Christopher things that hurt us very deeply. against us. For if you forgive men
Army Community Service Chaplain‘s Assistant Sometimes people make mistakes when they sin against you, your
(ACS) has clinical Military "Forgiveness is God's inven- that upset us. But we must for- heavenly Father will also forgive
Family Life Consultants tion for coming to terms with a give them or we carry the heavy you. But if you do not forgive
(MFLCs) available for walk- world in which, despite their consequence unforgiveness men their sins, your Father will
in confidential consults? If best intentions, people are un- brings. not forgive your sins. (Matthew
you feel you need some- fair to each other and hurt each To forgive someone you must 6:14-15 NIV) It‘s apparent from
other deeply. He began by for- fully forgive them. Some aren‘t God‘s word that we must forgive
one to talk to or are hav-
giving us. And he invites us all clear on how to completely for- others because our God and Fa-
ing marital problems, give. It is not forgiveness if you ther forgives. "Do not judge and
to forgive each other." Lewis
please call them at 315-212 say ―I forgive the person but I you will not be judged. Do not
B. Smedes
-6919 or just stop by M-F There‘s always going to be will let God deal with them.‖ If condemn, and you will not be
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. someone that upsets us and we you want God to judge and pun- condemned. Forgive, and you will
don‘t want to forgive them. But ish them, that is not forgiveness. be forgiven. Give and it will be
ACS also has a Financial this creates a root of bitterness If you say things like, ―I forgive given to you. A good measure,
Readiness Program that that can grow in a person be- the person but I do not want to pressed down, shaken together
provides free counseling or cause of unforgiveness. This see them or talk to them again.‖ and running over, will be poured
advice on financial matters? root of bitterness can block the What if God said to you I forgive into your lap. For with the same
They can provide all types flow of any peace from getting you but I am going to avoid you measure you use, it will be meas-
of financial assistance: pull into your heart. It also blocks and not speak to you, would you ured to you." (Luke 6:37-38 NIV)
the flow of God through you, feel forgiven? Saying you for- Start fully forgiving and you will
credit reports, budgeting,
making it difficult to experi- give a person but still holding see the change it will make in
debt management, invest- anger and hateful feelings to- your life. Above all, love each
ence God's love for others.
ing, etc. Call 772-0050 for wards them is not forgiveness. other deeply, because love covers
Failing to forgive can lead to
more info. depression. Many people have When you fully forgive someone, over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter
yet to forgive others and are anger is replaced with pity for NIV)
unaware of the side effects of them. Until next month,
that are occurring deep inside. We must forgive everyone that SPC Holle, Chaplain‘s Assistant
Behavioral Health Con- Sometimes people do and say offends us, and everyone that sins
tacts: Suicide Resources/
Hotlines CONTACT INFORMATION
BN Staff Duty 774-1200
Connor Clinic Appoint- 24-hour BDE Staff Duty 774-1100
ment Line: 315-772-2778 FRSA 774-1206 email michele.e.galloway.civ@mail.mil
FRG Leaders
After Hours Emergency HSC – Dawn Marie DeGrave cell: 315-777-6152;
Services (Holidays and Dawnmarie.degrave@us.army.mil
Weekends) Before 9:00 A Co – Jennifer Mulder, cell 423-506-0034, JENBLOSSOM1981@YAHOO.COM
pm: Acute Care Clinic, B Co—Karri Boyer-cell: 315-767-6067, Bco.277_frg@yahoo.com
315-772-5236 C Co—Jaime Elkhill cell: 757-759-1086; jamie.elkhill@gmail.com
Megan Wilson-cell: 818-279-3927, M-MURDOCK@HOTMAIL.COM
After 9:00 pm: Samaritan
Medical Center Emer- FRG Advisors
gency Department: 315- Marion Harris - cell: 315-955-9106; MISSA93DE@YAHOO.DE
785-4100 Diana Ortiz – cell: 571-228-1962, email dianaortiz2410@gmail.com
Local 24-Hour Crisis Line:
315-785-4516
National Suicide Preven- BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
tion Lifeline: 1-800-273- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
TALK LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH
NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH
Suicide Prevention Action
Network (SPAN):
STAY HEALTHY THIS MONTH!
ww.spanusa.org
LIBERTY TIMES
7. VOLUME I, ISSUE 29 PAGE 7
October 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 DONSA 6
7 8 HOLIDAY 9 KEY 10 11 12 13
CALLER
CLASS
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 BN ORG 27
DAY
28 29 30 31 Training/Classes
FRG Suspenses
HALLOWEEN BDE/BN/CO FRG Meet-
ings/Training/Events
Community Events Upcoming Key Caller Need Help?
Call or visit Military
Class Dates:
Family Night Every Tuesday, 5-9pm, at October 9th
OneSource to find infor-
the Commons. All Classes are at ACS from mation about taxes, par-
Oktoberfest Dinner Special, October 2-3:30 p.m. or 5-6:30p.m. enting, deployments,
3, 5-9pm, at the Commons. finances, taxes, counsel-
Middle School Dance, Grades 6-8, Oc- Call Mobilization and Deployment to ing, PCS moves & more!
tober 6, 7-10pm at the Youth Center. register at 315-772-0470.
EFMP Support Group, October 9,
Personal Financial Counselor is avail-
6pm, at ACS.
able . Call him at 315-523-3765 to
Federal Employment Workshop, Oc-
help set up a budget, check your
tober 11, 9:30-1130am, at ACS.
credit, develop a plan to get out of
Clothing Give Away Drop Off, Octo-
debt, get started investing, or what-
ber 1-14, 8:00am - 4:30pm, at ACS.
ever you need assistance with. You
can also always call Financial Readi-
ness at 772-0050 for this same type of
assistance.
8. PAGE 8
Family Readiness Group Advisor’s Updates, continued
Receiving these joyous news and a supported each other during the exciting the phone or saw them through Skype
call from a dear military spouse who is nine months. Looking back it was not easy while delivering their baby. Many of
now expecting her fourth child in Thai- to expect your baby in a foreign country these communication channels were pre-
pared through the FRG, as they made
land made me think about how military where most hospitals are off post; they
sure that the Soldier was on the phone or
families experience these important mo- mostly speak Korean and have other tradi- next to the computer and could at least be
ments in life in all kinds of places and tions when it comes to delivering a baby in some way closer to his wife when the
circumstances. It makes a big difference and dealing with pain (the Korean culture baby arrived. Also when Soldiers are
to a pregnant spouse to have a good sup- does not believe in pain management). Also deployed and their spouses have new-
port system when she is moving her home your family is very far away to visit and borns or young children at home it is
from base to base. Sometimes the only support you before and after the delivery. I comforting for them to know that they
can reach out to the FRG in case of a
reliable support a family has nearby is the encountered situations in which very young
family emergency. Through these and
FRG and its members. spouses had literally no one and called me many more actions the FRG members
In our case our family moved seven the day of the delivery of their baby asking can help the expecting mothers feel a bit
times in the past 10 years and I was a me to look after their first son or daughter more sheltered at home no matter where
pregnant spouse in three very different while they rush to the hospital. Another she is.
Family Readiness Groups. In one I was family called me from the government pro- Currently, we have over 30+ Soldiers
and spouses pregnant in our Battalion.
called, welcomed and immediately vided temporary rooms on post sharing with
Lets create a strong team of volunteers to
thrown a baby shower so I got to know me that they had somehow spend their sav- support expecting families during the
other spouses two weeks after arriving in ings and had no money left. I took what I coming months! If you have something
AL. In KS I remember meeting a young could find in our fridge and pantry to make you would like to do like for example
pregnant girl while our husbands were on sure they would have a healthy meal in ad- you can sew blankets, babysit for a few
duty the same weekend and only a few dition we invited them over for dinner. We hours, like to organize Baby Showers or
weeks later she called me up the night she left more food and other necessary items at prepare meals then please share your
interests, gifts and wishes with your FRG
went into labor offering me the option to that shelter to support other expecting moth-
leader. They will be excited to let you
hold her hand and be inside the room ers while they were all alone waiting for the know how you can make a difference!
while she gave birth to her first son at contractions to start and to deliver their If you are one of the expecting spouses
nineteen years of age. It was an unforget- maybe first child. All in all, I look back and need help in any way, please do not
table moment and very dear to my heart. today and realize that although there was no hesitate to contact either your Company
For me it was an exciting first view to the active FRG, our family and other neighbors FRG leader or our FRSA Michele. If we
birth of a baby and for her a needed acted as a small FRG for many spouses. know your needs - we can help!
Wishing you all a wonderful end of
friend in a new place and new stage of What a difference it makes to an expecting
summer and beginning of fall & will see
her life. A year later that FRG group in military spouse or a female Soldier to have you all again at our Battalion Fall Organ-
KS prepared for me a baby shower even people celebrating and supporting them izational Day (October 26th from 2-6pm
though my husband had received orders during this special time! FRG members can mark your calendars!)
and we were supposed to move two be a second family if the first family is far Military Coloring Page for Kids –
months later. In TX the FRG prepared away or unavailable to travel. Contest! Have your kids color the Eagle
Drawing on page 13 in any creative way.
wonderful baby blankets that had a cozy So many small actions can be done!
Write her/his name & age and bring or
soft neutral fabric on one side and the Here are some ideas - supporting an expect- email the colored Eagle to our FRSA
military pattern with the Company crest ing mother during the last months if she Michele Galloway. Our Command Team
on the other side. Three amazing volun- needs bed rest, visiting newly parents at the will choose the 1st and 2nd best & unique
teers created 20 of these very useful blan- hospital, sending a note, bringing a small page.
kets for all the babies born within a year gift, leaving some balloons at their home
in that Company. entrance or offering a meal for the first days Until next month,
The most recent and different experi- - just to name a few.
Diana
ence while pregnant was last year in I have to admit that in between of the
South Korea. There we had no active many moves and various deployments I
FRG so two friends and myself decided have been lucky to have my husband by my
side when I gave birth to our children but I
to throw our own baby shower and we
do know many who had their husband on
LIBERTY TIMES
9. PAGE9
BRAVO PICTURES
SPC Becker clearly not having fun at a company MAJ Boyer, living proof that mid-thigh, baby blue
function. Hawaiian swim suits are in fact still fashionable.
SPC Henderson and crew cooked for the
SPC Torres and wife.
event.
10. PAGE10
CHARLIE PICTURES
230: Specialist David Reynoso graduates from Air Assault 197: Private First Class Landon Griffin and Specialist
school and is awarded his qualification badge by his pla- Kevin Elkhill set up the Satellite Terminal Tactical
toon sergeant Sergeant First Class Ramon Collazo. (STT) for their Command Post Node.
206: Private First Class Alexander Troung receives pre- 223: Sergeant Frank Ervin makes adjustments to his
liminary marksmanship instruction on the M16 rifle before front sight post while zeroing his M16 rifle at the
firing at the range. range.
11. PAGE11
ALPHA PICTURES
Top Left: AH-64 Apache Helicopter re-
fueled by Alpha Company Soldiers.
OH-58D Kiowa Helicopter leaving Al-
pha Company refuel point.
Bottom Left: UH-60 Black Hawk
Helicopter refueled by Alpha Company.
12. PAGE12
HSC PICTURES
PICTURES FROM HSC ORG DAY!
TOP LEFT: FRSA, FRG ADVISOR, FRG
LEADER, HSC COMMANDER AND
BATTALION S1 OIC
TOP RIGHT: LITTLE BOY WHO HAS
HAD HIS FACE PAINTED
MIDDLE LEFT: OUR SOLDIERS AS-
SISTING IN THE GREAT HSC BBQ.
BOTTOM: FAMILIES AND SOLDIERS
PLAYING DOMINOS.
14. PAGE 14
277th Aviation Support Battalion 277th Aviation Support Battalion History
10th Combat Aviation Brigade In February 2006, the 277th Aviation Support Battalion
deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom VII, where it provided combat service and support
to the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Falcon.
The Unit redeployed in February of 2007 after earning the
Lieutenant General Ellis D. Parker Award for best Aviation
Battalion in 2006 and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
20125 Hangar Access Road In October 2008, the 277th ASB deployed to Iraq in sup-
Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield port of Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-11, where it provided
Fort Drum, NY 13602 support and combat services to the 10th CAB, Task Force
Lightning. The unit redeployed in October 2009 and earned
Phone: 315-774-1206
the Lieutenant General Ellis D. Parker award for the Best
Fax: 315-774-1231
Combat Service Support Battalion for the work performed
E-mail: michele.e.galloway.civ@mail.mil
during its 2008-2009 deployment.
“Freedom and Liberty”
