Bn jul 2012 newsletter

541ST COMBAT
SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT
BATTALION NEWSLETTER
JULY 2012

The inclusion of some unofficial information in this FRG newsletter has not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DoD
4525.8M, Official Mail Management Manual.

PACESETTERS

LTC CAIN

Dear Family and Friends of the
Pacesetters,

Although I thoroughly enjoyed my
mid-tour leave last month, it is
great to return to my deployed
Pacesetter family as we continue
our efforts to “finish strong.”
Returning to a deployed
environment can be mentally
taxing and emotionally draining; however, it also provides a great
opportunity to reflect on the true reasons why our men and women
continue to make important sacrifices in their service to our nation. I am
always humbled by my interactions with our Pacesetter Soldiers, NCOs
and Officers. I truly believe they are an amazing group and represent
the best in all of us. Their dedication to our nation and fellow Soldiers is
remarkable. They are selfless and loyal, and I consider myself fortunate
to lead the Pacesetters throughout Operations NEW DAWN and SPARTAN
SHIELD.

It is hard to believe that our time in theater is nearing an end. I have
told the Pacesetters to avoid counting the days. Instead, make every day
count. I can assure you that they have been doing just that. Although,
we are less than 60 days from our redeployment date, the Pacesetters
continue to make a difference. Throughout the past month, the 541st
CSSB has played a key role in the reception of over 2,000 vehicles and
almost 20,000 pieces of equipment throughout the Army Prepositioned
Stock replenishment efforts. Their efforts ensured 1st Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Cavalry Division made it home to their families in a timely
fashion. The selfless service and dedication demonstrated by the
Pacesetters made this happen. Additionally, our team continues to


support multiple other important efforts throughout the CENTCOM AOR.
Needless to say, they are definitely making every day count!

Our Battalion staff continues to work hard to prepare a seamless return
to our families anxiously standing by within the Fort Riley community. I
want to take this time to personally thank each and every one of our
family members for your support and prayers throughout this
deployment. We could not have accomplished all of the monumental
tasks without your support. My goals are for the Battalion to finish
strong and return every member of our Battalion back to you, safe and
sound!

I assure you that the staff here and our rear detachment at Fort Riley are
working hard to ensure the Battalion puts the same level of effort into
our homecoming as we have into this deployment. I look forward to
seeing each and every one of you at the “Finish Line.”

Again, thank you for your support and we all look forward to reuniting
with our loved ones very soon.

May God continue to bless the Pacesetter Team. No mission too difficult,
No sacrifice too great. Duty First!

All my best,

LTC Bill Cain


PACESETTERS

CSM Witzel

Hello to the Pacesetters and Families

Another month has come to an
end bringing us that much closer to
getting back home. June was very busy
for us. We said goodbye to the 22th QM
Company as they completed their
deployment and returned back home to
their loved ones. It was a bittersweet
moment. On the one hand we bid farewell to a hardworking and
motivated group while on the other hand it we remained excited to get
Soldiers back home safe and sound.

During the month the Pacesetter team proved its mettle in
assisting the 1BCT, 1Cav in transferring their property as they completed
their deployment and head back home. The team was ever professional,
capable, agile and motivated. Great work!

As the 4th of July approaches it is important to take a few minutes
and ensure we have a safe and enjoyable celebration. Enjoy the day of
barbecues, fireworks and camaraderie but be safe during the season. The
weather is hot and dry. Be vigilant!

The team here is winding down while the Rear Detachment is
spinning up. We have many new members to the Pacesetter family. Hello
to all. There is much left to do so remain focused and finish strong.

No mission too difficult, No sacrifice to great. Duty First!

CSM Bryan Witzel
Pacesetter 7


RAP WITH
THE CHAP
“The LORD watches over you; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun will
not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.”
Psalm 121:5~6 (NIV Version)

This bible verse has great meaning because as we near the end of this deployment,
many Soldiers are growing tired and weary. However, this verse encourages the
Pacesetter team to rely on God’s strength to get them through any personal or
professional challenges they may be facing. Allowing God into their lives helps our
Soldiers to “Finish Strong.” With God, the hot desert becomes bearable. With God,
the loneliness associated with missing families and loved ones can be overcome. With
God, all things are possible.

In Psalms 40:1~5; King David says, “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me
and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set
my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in
him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to
those who turn aside to false gods. Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have
done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and
tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” Please think about this verse
as well in order to get you through any life’s troubles you may be dealing with, just as
King David did.

The King David gives us an eternal principle regarding our circumstances. The King
David was in a bind. He was at a low point in his life. It would have been easy for him
to look only at his circumstances, which may have caused him to go into a deep
depression. However, he chose to look up to the Lord. This bible verse is a reminder
to us that we have choices in our lives. One of these choices is to look around at our
circumstances and be depressed. The alternative is to have a more joyous outlook on
life by looking up to the Lord. He always hears our prayers
and shares our burdens. He will help us if we put our trust
in the Lord, Our Savior.

May God continue to bless each and every one of you!

CH Joung, Yong
At Camp Virginia in Kuwait
ch.yong1238@gmail.com


PACESETTERS

HURRICANES

Being given the privilege of commanding HHC, 541st CSSB for the past
6 year has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. As I prepare
to change command in just a few short weeks, I’ve thought often about
the Hurricane Soldiers and Family Members. Seeing how well-trained,
mature and dedicated our Soldiers are reminds me every day how
extraordinary the members of the US Army truly are. I can’t think of a
better group of individuals I would want to deploy with, no matter
what the mission or location is. It has been my pleasure and honor to
be a part of such an outstanding organization. Every one of you should be proud
of yourselves, both Service Member and Family Member alike, for an
outstanding job well done. As I move on to whatever assignment awaits me
next, I want you all to know I will be forever grateful for the amazing
opportunity to be a part of such a unique organization. Thank you all from the
bottom of my heart. Stay always safe and strong.

Larry Cook “Hurricane 6”
CPT, QM
Commanding

“Hurricanes”

As we prepare for redeployment back to Fort Riley, I want to take a
7 moment to thank all the Soldiers and Families for the outstanding
work and support that has been provided during this past year. The
professionalism and commitment to duty that our Soldiers in HHC have
shown is among the best I’ve witnessed in over twenty years of service
in the Army. This would not have been possible without the love,
support and patience that the many Family members and friends.
We’re almost through the home-stretch and will be home before most
of us realize it, so just remember to stay focused and finish strong.

Kevin Phelps “Hurricane 7”
SFC, USA
First Sergeant

“Hurricanes”


For the month of June the S2
continues to operate at a steady
pace as 1LT Smith, Joshua provides
support for the OSC-I mission in
conjunction with planning and
preparing for redeployment.
Additionally; he is synchronizing
with his counterpart at the AFSBn
SWA to ensure the transition of the
98th SMC is seamless.

1LT Smith (S2) and CW2 Dickinson (S6) before the Company Volleyball Game.


PACESETTERS

The S3 Section’s mission is never done, even though it is time to wind things up in

preparation for the Battalion’s redeployment we still manage to leave our mark.

When the word of our possible redeployment came down, the S3 Section took the

reins of our redeployment package and has worked diligently with other staff

sections to ensure the entire end of mission requirements were completed. As we

wait patiently on our approval of our expected departure, we the S3 section continue

to coordinate with our rear detachment in order to ensure Non Commissioned

Officers on the back log are enrolled in schools. We have ensured that the 541st

Combat Sustainment Support Battalion as a whole has the required trained personnel

to fulfill Fiscal Year (FY) 13’s Mandatory Training needs.


The S4 Section has been very busy this past month! We have been
preparing for the change of command ceremony scheduled for the month of July
between the outgoing HHC Commander and the incoming Commander. We are

CPT Ellenburg
very sad to see our outgoing S4 OIC, CPT Ellenburg, leave. She will be taking
(Outgoing S4 OIC)
over duties as the Commander for HHC, 541st CSSB. On another good note, the
S4 family welcomes 1LT Tagulao to the S4 section taking over for CPT Ellenburg
as the new S4 OIC. SFC Graves is excited to teach another Officer the ways of the
supply world!
We have been tasked to conduct additional missions to allow for the
smooth transition for the transfer of authority (TOA) of 98th SMC and getting
geared up for redeployment. SSG Walcott has been extremely busy managing the
changeover in the battalion’s fleet. He has been such a great facilitator in
1LT Tagulao acquiring all the necessities needed for the quick, “get it done now” missions.
(Incoming S4 OIC)
SGT(P) Magee has been working diligently as the S4 representative working
between Camp Virginia and Camp Buehring. SGT Gearhart and SGT Magnus
have been working for the ARCENT Dining Facility (named the Oasis). SPC
Dodson was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for
volunteering over 100 hours at the USO. SPC Dodson dedicated his free time to
serve and assist the Camp Virginia USO during his free time. In doing so, he was
recognized for his selfless service. Now, the S4 is highly engaged in preparing to
redeploy back to Fort Riley, Kansas. We all cannot wait to get back to our family
SFC Graves
(S4 NCOIC) and friends!

SSG Walcott SGT(P) Magee SGT Gearhart SGT Magnus SPC Dodson
(Fleet Manager) (Supply NCO) (Food OPS NCO) (Food OPS NCO) (Supply
Specialist)

PACESETTERS

SSG Anderson, 1st CAV Soldier, and local nations prepare to load a M1 Abrams
tank.

541st CSSB Team SPO, 98th Maint Co, and Soldiers from the 1/1 CD units, lead the way for its
participation in the Army Pre-positioned Stock-5 (APS-5) turn in on Camp Buehring from 29 May-
30 June 2012. They maintained 100% property accountability and transported equipment from
Camp Buehring to Camp Arifjan for reset and re-issue.

CW2 Tanner surprise birthday party came with a fully ignited cake.
t

CW2 Tanner, celebrated his birthday “TEAM SPO STYLE” as he turned a new age of
(@!#%$#). Chief your secret is safe with us!


PFC Punto presented Pacesetter of the month by LTC Cain.

PFC Punto was presented the Pacesetter of the Month, by LTC Cain, for his active
participation the APS-5 turn in located on Camp Buehring. He was responsible for
submitting 370 rolling stock (RS) packets and 1929 non-rolling stock (NRS) packets in a
timely manner to AWARDS and PBUSE operators, worth well over 10 million dollars.


PACESETTERS

The month of June the S6 has been stretched thin working long arduous hours.
1LT Oates has assumed the BDE S6 OIC duties due to emergency circumstances
at BDE. SSG Aguirre and SPC Spillane have been setting the pace in Camp
Buehring providing outstanding signal support for the BDE elements located
there and the BN’s APS5 mission. SPC Gabel the “One Man Wrecking Crew” is
working in Camp Virginia on the clean up of the battalion’s footprint there.
While CW2 Dickinson, SGT Andrews, and PFC Mardoyan keep the battalion
talking here at Arifjan.


The Wolverine
98th Support Maintenance Company,
Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring—Kuwait

APS-5 Mission in full swing
Just as the month of May came to an end,
the APS-5 retrograde mission kicked off in
full swing. The Allied Trades Platoon,
headed by 1LT Kaizer and SFC Drummond,
tackled the fast-paced job and did it with
proficiency. From one major processing job
to another, the team was always ahead of
schedule. It was already known that the
task was to be an enormous undertaking,
even months before it began. The mission
drew a lot of attention so naturally; many
rehearsals were conducted throughout the
month of May before actual execution.
(Left pic: 1LT Kaizer briefs an overview
and answers questions as he will take the
reins in this mission; Top right: a panel of
senior leaders and key personnel are the
audience; Bottom right: 1LT Traverzo,
Automotive Platoon Leader and RPAT OIC,
briefs his piece of the pie regarding
theater provided equipment)

Initial days. We’re past the halfway mark now!
Oh, the memories for
…
…

Headquarters, those who have been to
Camp Virginia.
Do you recall
Camp Anaconda (Balad),
the random Iraq before the days these
motivational PT bases were referred to as
conditioning FOBs (forward observation
that came out
base). This painted T-wall
of nowhere?
barrier became a landmark
on Anaconda during
Operation Iraqi Freedom II
(2004). A maintenance unit
Here’s AUTO had it painted, making their
platoon attending
location indisputably easy
the RPAT
Academy training to find. The wall has been
in February of this preserved and relocated to
year. Not only the front of our future
has 98th become
battalion here in Kuwait.
expert at this, we
run the Academy
now. The inclusion of some unofficial information in this FRG newsletter has not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DoD

Just about every month, Camp unbearably hot. There were
PAGE 5K
14 RUN...times two Arifjan hosts a five kilometer PACESETTERS
two runs within weeks of each
run within the post. Sometimes other this month. One was at
they’ll host longer routes but the end of May, celebrating
the 3-miler is the norm. Besides Memorial Day and the other on
getting a decent cardio workout, May 14 recognizing the Army’s
a free t-shirt seems to be an birthday. (Below, 1LT Jimenez
incentive for many. Runs such displays his collection of t-
as these are open to everyone shirts that he’s collected from
on post, service members and the runs he participated in.)
Department of the Army
civilians alike. The start point,
like a pep rally, is filled with
music to pump you up. Right
before the “On your mark, get
set, go!” signal, a prayer is said
and a salute rendered to the
flag during Reveille. Then, it’s a
race against time before the
morning gets

1LT Erhard
stands with
newly promoted
PFC Guerrero.
Congratulations!

PFC Thomas and
PV2 Kohlmeyer
pose while on an
ice run.
Ironically, ice is a
HOT commodity. 402nd Army Field Support Brigade’s CSM Canterbury
(center) and 98th’s 1SG Fox (second from right) pose
while observing an AMATS class.

The morning began with waiting at tables and chairs set
MWR tour to Kuwait City up right beside Green Beans Coffee at the PX. Our group
A group of eight from our company had the opportunity was huddled in one area while two other groups gathered in
to travel to the heart of Kuwait this month. On the spots of their own, each of us waiting for our assigned tour
agenda for this particular trip: The Kuwait War guide. One by one they arrived, each with separate itineraries
Museum, the Science Center and the Radisson Blu Hotel than the next. One group, I overheard, was headed to the
restaurant. mall, which the guide explained to us later wasn’t unlike a
mall in the states except in architecture. And, the sports
stores are incredibly partial to soccer shoes and attire. Not
surprising in a country that televises soccer daily. The mall
wasn’t on our list; however, we’d see a few of them along the
way surrounded with a more metropolitan view than what
we’re used to. We traveled via a truncated bus on the
highway. The drive started out with a barren landscape on
either side of the road but eventually became populated with
more indigenous housing structures, very square in geometry
and solid in structure. As rural turned into urban, buildings
and houses got bigger. At one point a series of mansions
were posed off to our right and they looked nearly identical.
We were told a very wealthy man housed each of his four
wives in them; one spouse could not live more lavishly over
the other, so the story goes. It was in a residential
neighborhood that our bus came to a halt. The first stop was
the Kuwait House of National Works War Museum (continued
The inclusion of some unofficial information in this FRG next page) not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DoD
newsletter has

T h e W o l v e r i n e

where we immediately began snapping pictures after exiting the bus. We hadn’t even made it into the museum proper
before stopping in the gift store. Before going on the narrated tour, the group of us sat down in a comfortable room
and exercised the custom of sipping some hot sweet tea offered in small almost toy-like glasses. The museum is an
educational statement that houses a no-holds-barred look at Kuwait’s history and events surrounding Iraq’s invasion of
the country. Through its renditions, pictures, and displays, our departure left us with a much more sobering sensation
from when we first entered.
After leaving the memorial museum we loaded in the short bus and headed toward the water. As we closed in to
our destination, palm trees and seawall set the background. It was the Arabian Gulf and it was filled with boats and
Wave Runners on this day. It was a beach kind of day, ideal for this trip. The bus had parked, and like our first stop at
the museum, our cameras were immediately employed coming out of the vehicle. We were at the Science Center
which was wisely located against the inlet. We circumnavigated around the building, enjoying the picturesque sites
and docked examples of wooden-frame boats, before entering. Not unlike being in a mall, we window scanned a few
minutes—a candy station, 3-D theater, and hands-on museum being eye-catchers among the stores, but since we were
on a schedule, we hit the highlight of the stop—the Aquarium. Roaming through the dark halls of glass and fish was
no different than visiting one at home; it was a refreshing feeling, really. The main attraction was the large tank full of
exotic fish and sharks with a couple divers among them, cleaning the rocks. The tour guide waited for us at the exit.
When she tapped on her watch we knew it was time to go.
The final experience was topped off with a lunch trip,
taken place at the Radisson Blu Hotel restaurant. Wanting
a little morsel of everything, we collectively decided on the
buffet. All dishes tasted as exquisitely as they were
displayed. And the dessert bar?…a motley chock full of
irresistible calories. At the end of the feast, we all
unwound with a diversity of after-meal drinks, ranging
from tea to cappuccino to thick Turkish coffee. Right
outside the hotel was the Al Hashemi II, a structure deemed
the largest wooden dhow (sailing vessel) in the world.
With its affiliated Marine Museum and homage to its
maritime heritage, we spent our last hour (and final camera
battery life) walking through the tribute. Although we had
only been away from base for about six hours, the day was
very fulfilling. Return to base brought us back to reality
and our barren environment, but at least for a moment,
although brief, it felt like a vacation.

Outside and aboard the Al Hashemi II

Perspective

Wooden sailboats on
display
Dessert!

Buffet—Radisson Blu,
Kuwait City

Overlooking Kuwait City from
Arabian Gulf

PACESETTERS
“…….What kind of training, son?”
“Arrrrrrrrrrrmy training, Sir!” ——Stripes (1981)

The Company conducts IED and Rollover Training

SPC Woods is postured through a Soldiers get a refresher lesson on VBIEDs (vehicle born improvised
machine gun ring mount in an up- explosive devices). The instructor in the left picture holds up a mock
armored HMMWV displaying the electronic detonator; the right picture portrays a mortar propellant
practice of watching your 5s and 25s. hardwired to the device in the vehicle’s trunk.
When you're on a mounted patrol (in a
vehicle on a convoy, for example) and
you come to a stop in the road, you
make two passes with your eyes. One
pass is for immediate harm to you—
things within 5 feet of you, like IEDs
and mines. The second pass is 25 feet
from you, and involves stuff like
fortifications, people, possible threats
and so on. Every time you stop, you
employ this visual screening of the
environment.
A realistic look at a destroyed HMMWV. SPC Huerta and 1LT Jimenez pose
at the ready position with
simulated rifles in hand.

ROLLOVER
TRAINER

For this training event, Soldiers buckle in
inside a chamber which is framed exactly like
the inside of an MRAP vehicle. The point of
this exercise is for the Soldiers to react to the
simulated MRAP being toppled to its side or
upside down from, for example, an IED blast or
being in an accident. The slides above show
members of GSE platoon strapping in their
seatbelts. Once settled and buckled in, the
machine is rotated belly side up. The slides to
the right exhibit Soldiers safely exiting the
vehicle, helping their comrades’ exit, and
pulling security as protocol.

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