Volume 1, Issue 7 April 2013

Making Friend A ofDifference a Friend

was flown on February 3rd then quickly shipped home so it could be presented at the Blue and Gold Banquet on February 23. The banquet was held at Shady Shores Baptist Church, which is the charter organization for the Scout group.
SFAT Team 1, under the command of COL Anthony Woods, pose for a group photo after flying the American flag in Afghanistan. The flag would be shipped home to Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop 60 in Shady Shores, TX for Scout Sunday.

The Official Newsletter for the Task Force Arrowhead SFAT Mission

The Arrowhead Insider

Scouts around the world celebrate the first Sunday before February 8 as Scout Sunday. February 8 is the Scouting Anniversary Day and the Sunday before has been designated by the Boy Scouts of America as a day Scouts are encouraged to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting and to attend a worship service if they are so inclined. This year, Scout Sunday was February 3 and COL Anthony Woods team, Team 1, took this opportunity to fly a U.S. Flag to

send home to Cub Scout Pack 60 and Boy Scout Troop 60 in Shady Shores, TX. The flag

CW2 Lester, the S-6 for Team 1, is a Cub Scout leader in the Pack. His son, Bear Scout Jacob Lester, presented the flag on behalf of Task Force Arrowhead SFAT Team 1.

Bear Scout Jacob Lester, presents the American flag flown in Afghanistan on behalf of Task Force Arrowhead SFAT Team 1. Lester is the son of CW2 Michael Lester.

Inside this issue:

News from Around Afghanistan News from Around Afghanistan Message from the Rear Det. CDR & SFAT Advisor Upcoming Events / Support Services Yellow Ribbon #4 Agenda & Flyer Troop Support / Letter from the Editor SFAT Mission / Texas Quote / Contact Info 2 3 4 5 6-7 8 9

News from around Afghanistan

SFAT 2A
On 24 February, 2013, the Security Force Advisor Team 2A, Team Mayhem, conducted a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Nathan Smith, Kandahar, Afghanistan. Team Mayhem was assigned to Camp Nathan Smith in November, 2012 in order to advise and assist the Provincial Response Company of Kandahar. The transfer of authority was made with the incoming Task Force 77 (Lithuanian Special Operations Forces). In attendance to the ceremony: Task Force 77 Commander, LTC Mindogas Kazlauskas; ISAF SOF Chief of Staff, COL Antonio Grillone; Acting Director of ISAF SOF Liaison Element, MAJ Amanda Williamson; 1st Brigade 1st Armored Division Deputy Commander, LTC Chad Arcand; 6/1 Cavalry Regiment Commander, LTC Kevin Wallace; and 6/1 Cavalry Regiment Command Sergeant Major, SGM Uhuru Salmon. During the ceremony, Major K. Ross Walker, commander of Team Mayhem, spoke well of the PRC-K, I regret the fact that Team Mayhem will be moving on, but I know that the PRC-K has what it takes to perform the job well. You have proved your worth in many challenges, and I am confident that you will continue to perform at a high standard throughout the province. The purpose of the PRC-K is similar to that of a police force SWAT team; however, the PRC-K is the SWAT team for the entire province of Kandahar. Their tactics, training, and experience have led them in becoming the most respected police force in Southern Afghanistan.

Team Mayhem, spent four months advising the PRC-K, and during those four months, they made multiple high valued target arrests, found hundreds of pounds of drugs, home made explosives, IEDs, and weapon caches. The conclusion of Team Mayhems performance, has aided in furthering the readiness status of the PRC-K. LTC Kazlauskas honored Team Mayhem by saying, Team Mayhem will be a hard team to outperform. They are well equipped, very knowledgeable, and work hard in everything they do. After their transfer of authority to Task Force 77, Team Mayhem will open up a new chapter in their deployment as the advisors for the 4th Kandak, Afghan National Army at FOB Azizullah. The 17 soldiers of Team Mayhem are excited to move on to new endeavors, but will miss their partnership with the PRC-K. 1LT Octavian Griegos response when asked how he felt about leaving the PRC-K: We built an awesome friendship with them. Unlike many advisor teams, we actually had the opportunity of looking forward to seeing them daily. They have treated us well, and treated us

like family. The officers and patrolmen always assured us that we had nothing to worry about when going on missions. It was a sense of brotherhood that was built rather quickly; at no time with the PRC-K, outside the wire, did we ever feel that they would fail us as brothers in the fight. Their professionalism and sense of mutual respect allowed us to place 100% of our focus on the mission. As the second half of the deployment is about to open up with a new chapter, Team Mayhem is ready to embrace the change. When asked about the change, 1SG James Landers replied, We have gone through a lot so far, and are ready to take on whatever comes next. It is what it is, and we will continue to work hard in the midst of it all.

-1LT Tate Landin Team 2A

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SFAT 5M
Coalition forces mobilized to assist Afghan Border Police establish a new checkpoint to overlook and control a mountain pass near the AfghanistanPakistan border March 25 to April 1 in Spin Boldak district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. ABP leaders planned the construction and location of the checkpoint in order to better secure the area and block an insurgent infiltration route and asked International Security Assistance Force leaders for support in clearing the route to the checkpoint and advising on security matters during its construction. We are building the checkpoint so we can stop the enemy from coming in, said ABP Col. Malmoud Agha, the 3rd Kandak commander. It was an easier route for them to come into our area. The 3rd Kandak was assisted and mentored by Security Force Assistance Team Seven, comprised of members of the Texas Army National Guard, who worked closely with the ABP to examine the area of operations for potential infiltration routes. Intelligence gathering done by the ABP pinpointed the area of the mountain pass as a weakness in the current checkpoint arrangements. [Col. Agha] and I talked and we looked at the alignment of the checkpoints, said U.S. Army Maj. Ruperto Becerra Jr., the SFAT 7 commander from San Antonio, Texas. After the location was decided the SFAT worked with Agha and his staff to coordinate logistics and personnel planning. My staff worked with Col. Agha and went down the checklist of what was needed to build a new checkpoint, said Becerra. He was very proactive. He had already lined up contractors to begin the new checkpoint operation. The ABP live in the checkpoints and rely on the defenses they provide. The policemen assigned to the new checkpoint immediately began constructing living quarters from the ground using earth and wood. It is a testament to the dedication of the men that hold the line and a clear sign that they do not intend to leave. This checkpoint was built to hold to high ground against the insurgents.
-Staff Sgt Shane Hamann DVIDS

SFAT Team 5MMisfits March 2013

SFAT 4
The Texas National Guard and coalition forces celebrated Texas independence from Mexico at Multinational Base Tarin Kowt, on March 2, 2013. This year marks the 177th anniversary of Texas independence. The declaration of Independence came just days before the Battle of the Alamo March 6, 1836 For Texans, Texas Independence Day is like Texas own Fourth of July, said Texas National Guard Security Force Assistance team commander Lt. Col. William Phillips, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. In Afghanistan, Soldiers took time out of their busy schedule to remember this historic event by serving Texan style dishes, flying a Texas flag, displaying a copy of Lt. Col. William B. Traviss "Letter to Gen. Sam Houston" at the Siege of the Alamo and toasting to commemorate the day. One Texas SFAT team member showed of his Texas pride by grilling Texas style hamburgers and sharing some of the history of Texas with the Soldiers and contractors who attended the event.
SFAT Team 4 pose for a group photo on the 177th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence at Multinational Base Tarin Kowt in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, Feb. 21, 2013.

Today was all about Texas, to show (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessi McCorpeople here we are proud of Texas, mick) said SFAT officer, 1st Lt. Patrick Gurski, 56th IBCT.
-Capt. Gina Goris DVIDS

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Message from the Rear Detachment Commander CPT Lee Michael Doyle
Dear SFAT Families and FriendsThe week of April 21st27th is Volunteer Appreciation Week. First and foremost, I want to thank all of you for your continued dedication and support for the mission at hand and your brave spouses and loved ones overseas. All of you have done an amazing job with your family outreach and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. I am fortunate to have such a dedicated and caring team of ladies to work with as the Rear Detachment Commander. Yellow Ribbon Event #4 is rapidly approaching and I am hoping for a large turn-out for this event that will be held on May 4, 2013. Please encourage your families to register through the JSS link provided on the flyer and assist with any questions they may have regarding the event. There will be some good information for all our families as to how this mission will come to a close and the reintegration process. I know all of our families are getting anxious to have their loved ones back home, and we want a smooth transition for everyone. Once again, ladies of the SFAT FRG, congratulations on a job well done and lets prepare to bring our Soldiers home! Keep up the great work, and God Bless all of you. Respectfully, CPT Doyle

Message from the SFAT FRG Advisor Julia McCarthy

Dear SFAT Families, We are another month closer to the long anticipated homecoming of our loved ones. Over the next few months there will be a lot of information coming from the FRG as we prepare to receive our service members back home. The upcoming Yellow Ribbon event that will be held in Austin on May 4th will be an excellent opportunity for you as family members to gain more knowledge of the reintegration process. I encourage you to register for this event as there will be valuable information provided. Additionally, if your contact information has been updated, please let your FRG leader know so that you receive pertinent information. I thank each and every one of you for your continued support of our Soldiers and look forward to seeing you at the next Yellow Ribbon event in May. Sincerely, Julia McCarthy SFAT FRG Advisor

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Upcoming Events and Offers for Military Families

Upcoming Events / Offers for Military Families

Bike Give Away For Military Children
To recognize and thank military children during the month of the Military Child, District 9 4-H members have 100 bikes just for you. 4-H members from 18 counties in the southeast district have purchased brand new bikes and helmets for 810 year old boys and girls who have parents serving in the military. Bikes will be given away at Big Time in D9 on April 27 in Alvin, TX. Contact Brigid to reserve your bike at 254.774.6022 or blmejia@ag.tamu.edu

Texas Military 4-H Health & Fitness Day for Children

Children ages 8-13 are invited to participate in the Texas Military 4-H Health & Fitness Day on June, 18 2013 from 9:30am3:00pm at the Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple, TX. For more information please see contact information below. Call: 254-774-6022 or email at blmejia@ag.tamu.edu or ksatolle@ag.tamu.edu

Texas Military 4-H Science Day

Join Texas Military 4-H on July, 23rd from 9:30am3:00pm for their third annual Science Camp where participants will learn about circuit boards, water conservation, healthy hygiene, and science as it applies to technology and more! This event will be hosted at the Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple, TX. For more information please see contact information below. Call: 254-774-6022 or email at blmejia@ag.tamu.edu or ksatolle@ag.tamu.edu

ACE Fitness
As part of ACE Fitness Joining Forces Initiative in which ACE Fitness professionals have pledged to provide fitness training services (such as personal training sessions or fitness classes) at no cost. In Austin, this Spring Season April/May 2013 Certified Fitness Professional L. Macbeth will be offering Free fitness classes for Military Members and Military Families. For details on the Central Austin class, email L. Macbeth at liluxe@gmail.com. For other locations and providers please visit: http://www.acefitness.org/joiningforces/donation-search.aspx and enter your Zip Code. Pretty Muddy 5K Mud Run & Obstacle Course Date/Time: June 1st, 2013 / Heat: 0945 / Team Household 6 Honeys Location: Skyline Ranch: 1801 E. Wheatland Rd; Dallas, TX 75241 Register at: http://prettymuddywomensrun.com/th_event/pretty-muddy-dallas-tx/ Contact: Jennifer Merrill at jmerrill2@hotmail.com if you are interested in joining the team
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Yellow Ribbon #4 During Deployment

Have you registered for the upcoming Yellow Ribbon Event yet? If you plan on attending, please be sure to access the JSS link provided in the Yellow Ribbon flyer on page 7 and register today! Deadline to register is April 30th!!!

Date & Time: May 4th, 2013 from 8am-4pm Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel; 6121 IH-35 North, Austin, TX Attire: Business Casual
Note: Attendees traveling over 75 miles will be authorized Friday Check-in and those traveling over 150+ miles will be authorized a Saturday stay. Childcare will be provided for ages 0-17. For additional information please contact: SPC Sanders at 512-782-1968; BB: 512-888-8121 or at jean-pierre.p.sanders.mil@mail.mil

The agenda for the event is as follows:

7:00-8:00: Breakfast/ Registration Sign-In /DEERS-ID Card will be located in Crowne Plaza Private Dining Room (PDR) 7:30-8:00: Childcare Drop off for ages 0-5 Crowne Plaza Rooms: Austin & Waterloo Youth Drop off for ages 6-17The Double Tree Hotel (6505 IH-35 North, Austin, TX) 8:00-8:15: FRSA / Vendor Opening Remarks (Salon E) 8:15-9:30: FRG /Forward Briefing (Salon E) 9:30-10:30: Guest Speaker John Baker-Communication 10:30-11:00: Tricare 11:00-11:15: Military Life Consultant 11:15-11:30: Big Brother Big Sister 11:30-11:45: JCEP 11:45-12:00: Crown Plaza Childcare pickup at Crowne Plaza; Youth will have lunch at The Double Tree Hotel 12:00-1:00: Lunch 1:00-1:30: Vendors 1:30-3:30: Whats On Your Mind? 3:30-3:45: Closing Remarks/Travel Voucher
**Throughout the day, if you would like to speak with a personal financial consultant or a military family life consultant in private, please let us know. We have a private room available for such meetings.

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Yellow Ribbon #4 During Deployment

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Troop Support
The members of SFAT Team 4G, under the command of MAJ Tony Fears along with the 56th ID SFAT leadership, would like to personally thank Ms. Barb Grasso, Executive Director of "Americans Thank Our Troops," (ATOT) and her volunteers for the many care packages received in Afghanistan during the months of March and April. Our Soldiers received boxes of generously donated items to include DVDs, jerky, phone cards, batteries, flashlights, tarps, office supply items, toiletries, socks, trail mix, cookies, and oatmeal just to name a few items. These items will all go to great use and your thoughtfulness and support are more than appreciated.
Barb helps sort packages for our SFAT deployed troops

Thank you again for all of your support!

Vince, a volunteer with ATOT delivers DVDs donated from Dearborn Heights and Taylor, TX

Chris & Mike, volunteers with ATOT, team up to tape boxes for our deployed troops.

Letter From the EditorJennifer Merrill

Dear Texas SFAT Families and FriendsThank you again for your patience and support as 1LT Morenoscott and I transitioned the newsletter responsibilities last month. I am honored to be serving as the editor and hope that you are finding the information to be helpful as we begin to prepare for our brave Soldiers to return. My hat is off to all of you who have been sending me stories and pictures of our loved ones as they continue to serve our country. I know all of our families enjoy reading about them and are proud of everything that they are doing. I hope this finds all of you well and in good spirits. God bless our troops and this wonderful country of ours. RespectfullyJennifer N. Merrill SFAT Newsletter Editor

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56th SFAT
56TH IBCT SFAT REAR DET 651 N Red Bud Ln. Round Rock, TX 78665 CPT Leemichael Doyle Phone: 254-423-0095 Email: leemichael.doyle.@us.army.mil

Our Mission
The 56th SFAT REAR DET conducts rear detachment operations in support of Task Force Arrowhead deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from September 4, 2012 until the completion of the mission in order to allow the 56th SFAT Teams to accomplish their mission. This will be accomplished by providing direct support, outreach, and information dissemination to SFAT Families in order to create a climate of mutual and continued support to the 56th SFAT Soldiers.

Together Tomorrow
For suggestions and feedback contact: Jennifer Merrill 56th SFAT Newsletter Editor jmerrill2@hotmail.com http://www.facebook.com/TheArrowheadInsider

Texas Quote for April

A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.
-Former Texas Speaker of the House Billy Clayton.

Do you have a story or event that you want to share with the families and friends of the SFAT teams? Send me your pictures along with a with a short explanation of the picture or event you are wanting promoted, and all consideration and efforts will be made to publish your story! You can also send us your questions or concerns through our Facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/TheArrowheadInsider

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