The Mountain

Warrior
 Brigade Commander
and Command Sergeant
Major’s letter

To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen,

Marines and Civilians of Task Force
Mountain Warrior:

Amazingly, six weeks have quickly passed since my

last letter to the members of Task Force Mountain Warrior.
Thankfully, the average temperature in N2KL has dropped from 110 to 98 degrees
during this same time (not enough of a drop, but we’ll take it). We saw our first
substantial rainfall since our arrival in Afghanistan – to the tune of 3 inches in 90
minutes – and you continued to work 18 hour days to assist our Afghans partners
to stand on their own. Over the last six weeks, you’ve poured your hearts and
every effort into giving the Afghans the opportunity to vote. You continue to make
history. And, what you did to give the Afghans the opportunity to vote is especially
noteworthy.
Regardless of what is written in news commentary, the August 20th Afghan
Elections were historic and in N2KL, successful. Your heroic and tireless efforts
gave thousands of Afghans the right to vote and choose their local and national
leadership. During the lead up to the elections, you and your ANSF partners spent
countless hours connecting with the Afghan people - speaking with village elders,
tribal leaders and key Afghan government officials – often times fighting against
insurgents to bring these people together. In most of our valleys, villages and
population centers, you helped pull together large Shuras to talk about the privilege
of voting. These Shuras brought together mullahs, tribal leaders and local elders
that had previously been uninterested in connecting to their government. You
worked hard to support the Afghan elections and built momentum towards change
in the process. You also conducted numerous combined operations to reduce the
enemy threat to the election process. Despite the grim predictions and a final
push by the Taliban miscreants to disrupt voting on Election Day, you bolstered
the courage of your Afghan partners and showed them how success can be theirs’
through teamwork. Some local Afghans have since come forward to work with
Coalition Forces in hopes of continuing this momentum and progress. Thank you
for all of your incredible efforts to give the Afghans in N2KL the chance to vote. If a
run-off is required after Ramadan, I am confident that we will further strengthen our
connection with our Afghan partners and the Afghan people in N2KL.
Ramadan, a month-long time of reflection for the Muslim world, observed by
a daily fast from sun up to sun down broken every night with an Iftar, or celebratory
meal, began on August 22. All of you have done an outstanding job of helping
observe these traditions, respectfully showing the people of Afghanistan that we are
guests in their country, while also continuing to help our ANSF partners hunt down
our collective enemies and build local government capacity. It is incredibly difficult to
conduct operations to kill and capture high value insurgent targets while minimizing
2
disruption in the lives of local Afghans, yet you’ve been highly successful in doing it.
Your discipline and professionalism is the difference. It has shown the locals that we
will maintain the moral high ground – regardless of how hard that may be.
We have an incredible team – it is evident to everyone who gets the chance
to see you all in action. Hard work, discipline and teamwork are the foundations of
our culture - each and every one of you does whatever it takes to help the trooper to
your left or right flank accomplish this difficult mission.
As we enter the third month of deployment as a full unit, I ask that you be even
more vigilant. Take care of yourself and take an extra few minutes to look after your
battle buddy. Take some extra time to ensure your equipment is straight and you
fully understand the task at hand. Please also take time to remember the Mountain
Warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Keep their families and
loved ones in your prayers. I am proud of your tireless efforts in service to our
Nation and I am proud to serve with each and every one of you. Thank you for all
that you do and thanks to your families for their own sacrifice and commitment to our
mission. It is an honor to serve with you.
Led By Love of Country!

Colonel Randy A. George

To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Civilians of Task Force Mountain
Warrior:

We continue to make great sacrifices in order to make Afghanistan a safe

and thriving country. I am proud of all the hard work and extra effort by all. Con-
tinue to look out for each other and never forget that you all represent America and
Americans. I have received many great ideas from all levels that have improved
our quality of life and standards. Keep them coming. We are always open to doing
things better. Leaders, keep on giving that tough love in order to ensure our service
members and civilians are safe and doing the right things. It starts with you! Don’t
ignore standards ozr allow complacency. Continue to Create, maintain, and most
of all enforce OUR standards. Keep encouraging our servicemembers to improve
themselves as time permits through good PT, education and other opportunities. We
want them to be tough, smart, and well rounded. Maintain your weapons proficien-
cy; we must all strive to be experts. Know all your weapons systems. We are always
representing. Look, act, and think like a professional at all times. Think through ev-
ery decision and everything you say. Keep your billets and work areas clean, neat,
functional, and secure. Take pride in everything that you do. Don’t forget Families.
Keep them informed. As always, stay safe!

-CSM Charles V. Sasser, Jr.
3
 Contents Chaplains Corner:
By Maj. Paul Madej

4 1-12 Smoking cessation program Three months

have already

5 New equipment on frontlines passed since

our final flight

6 Local businessman helps girls school deployed from

Fort Carson to
Afghanistan. In
7 984th MP trains ANP that time, the
prayers you
offer for those
8 Life in the Korengal Valley
What it’s like on the frontlines
here and those
back home are
heartfelt as we work tirelessly to succeed at the
10 Bullet Points: News from the AO mission before us. In my travels on your behalf I
meet Soldiers who are impacted by what everyone

11 TF Lethal Medics work to save lives else does in the Task force. Let’s continue to focus
on the work ahead, knowing the importance of our
mission and its impact upon those we serve with.
12 Korengal Mortars
Soldiers give gift of speech Moutain Warrior Staff:
1-32 Soldiers help locals Maj. T.G. Taylor - Public Affairs Officer
13 Fallen Heroes
Honoring those we’ve lost
2nd Lt. Elizabeth Silver - Deputy PAO
Sgt. Michael Masterson - NCOIC
On the cover: U.S. Army Soldiers with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Spc. Eugene H. Cushing - Editor
Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, based at the Korengal Valley, Pfc. Elizabeth Raney - Print Journalist
fire mortar rounds at insurgent fighting positions in Kunar province,
Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley, Aug. 15. The B Co. mortar team is one of
the most active in Afghanistan. Since arriving in June, the mortarmen
have fired more than 1,100 rounds. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew
Moeller, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

FOB Ramrod launches smoking cessation program

Story by Air Force SrA. Erica
Picariello
1-12 IN, 4th BCT, 4th ID Public
Affairs Office
The Red Warriors of 1st Battalion,
12th Infantry Regiment at Forward
Operating Base Ramrod launched
a “smoking cessation” program on
July 5, giving deployed soldiers the
tools they need to free themselves
from nicotine addiction.
“The smoking cessation
program here helps soldiers kick
their nicotine need,” said 1st Lt.
Marshall Jackson, 1st Battalion,
12th Infantry Regiment medical
officer.
“We provide personnel
information on how to kick the
habit, live a healthier life and give
4
a nicotine patch to help reduce
symptoms of physical withdrawal,”
said Jackson. The class is aimed at
helping Red Warrior Soldiers live a
healthier lifestyle during a stressful
time in their lives.
“In addition to a class on how
to live a healthier lifestyle and
the patch, we also can prescribe
Wellbutrin to aid in reducing the
psychological effects of nicotine
withdrawal,” Jackson said.
According to the Food and
Drug Administration, Wellbutrin,
a drug also known as Zyban, is
a medication that was found to
significantly decrease nicotine
withdrawal symptoms such as
nicotine cravings, irritableness,
insomnia, fatigue and headaches.
“Soldiers in a wartime
environment have enough hazards
to their health, without adding
to it themselves,” said Jackson.
“Smoking, as we all know, can
lead to lung cancer, will decrease
proper hydration, and take away
from normal body functionality.”
While deployed, service
members often travel many miles
on foot, increasing the importance
of proper hydration and personal
endurance.
“When Soldiers are nicotine
deprived they display flu-like
symptoms, become jittery, anxious,
and temperamental,” said Jackson.
“If we eliminate this addiction,
then Soldiers can improve their
health and constantly keep a clear
head without needing a chemical
to balance them out.”
New equipment on the frontlines

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Mark A. Eckstrom, of Frazier Park,

Calif., the first sergeant for Company A, 2nd Battalion,
12th Infantry Regiment sports the new plate carrier after
hiking a mountain in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province. Many
of Eckstrom’s Soldiers have received the new plate-carrier,
which allows them greater freedom of movement, making it
easier to get to the fight.

Story and Photos by Army Spc. carriers

Eugene H. Cushing
TF Mountain Warrior Public
Affairs Office
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd
Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment,
assigned to Task Force Mountain
Warrior, were among the first
Soldiers in the Army to receive
new equipment intended to lighten
their load and make their missions
easier.
The equipment issue included a
new individual body armor, boots
suited to the mountainous terrain,
and other equipment like lighter
sleeping systems and knee pads.
U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Mark A.
Eckstrom, of Frazier Park, Calif.,
the first sergeant for Company
A, 2 Bn., 12 Inf. Reg., said the
difference between the new and
old equipment is remarkable.
Eckstrom said the new equipment
provides greater freedom of
movement in addition to being
lighter, allowing Soldiers to
maneuver easier in the mountains
of eastern Afghanistan.
Eckstrom also described
a visible difference between
Soldiers wearing the new plate
and the
previously
issued
Improved
Outer
Tactical Vest.
U.S. Army U.S. Army Pfc. Alexander Bishop, a fire support officer assigned
Pvt. Mark to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, assigned to
A. Haas, Task Force Mountain Warrior, maintains his guard before moving
of Omaha, through a small village and heading up the mountains in the Kunar
Province of Afghanistan. Bishop is wearing some of the new lighter
Nebr., a gear issued to select units serving in Afghanistan.
gunner
assigned to A
Co., received the new equipment pouches specifically designed for
before deploying to Afghanistan. the different types of ammunition
He liked the boots included in the that Soldiers use depending on
issue because they are better suited their job in the unit.
for the terrain of Afghanistan. “It allows you to be more agile,
“They have a better grip, and and also allows you to place your
form to the rocks a lot better,” pouches so you’re not all bunched
he said. “You don’t get as many up,” he said.
blisters.” Eckstrom felt the new equipment
U.S. Army Sgt. Dustin M. has given his Soldiers a definite
Kaminiski, of Chicago, Ill., a advantage.
team leader for A Co., said the “Without the equipment, we still
new equipment allows full range would have been doing the same
of motion and doesn’t restrict missions,” he said. “It lets them get
movement or circulation. to the fight a little bit easier.”
“It’s lighter,” he said. “It helps Task Force Mountain Warrior is
you breathe easier.” currently on a 12-month rotation
The team leader went on to in support of Operation Enduring
say the plate-carrier came with Freedom.
5
 Local businessman helps girls school
Story by Maj. T.G. Taylor
Task Force Mountain Warrior
Public Affairs Office
Photos courtesy of U.S. Army

A local businessman and

contractor in the Alingar district
delivered school supplies to the
Parwai Girls School on Aug. 17
with the help of ISAF forces to keep
more than 50 children supplied for
one year.
Abdullah Ajabgul, the owner
of Homyoun Rafi Construction
Company, identified the students’
need for supplies while constructing
a protective wall around the school
as a Commander’s Emergency
Relief Program project.
Abdullah brought the need to the
attention of Afghan Security and
ISAF forces, which were able to
secure donations for the girls from Abdullah, the owner of a local construction company, distributes school supplies to the
non-governmental organizations. students of the Parwai Girls School in Laghman province, Afghanistan Aug. 17. The school
supplies are enough to last the fifty students of the school an entire school year. Task
“Mr. Abdullah was the one who Force Wildhorse assisted Abdullah in obtaining the supplies, which he then delivered and
identified the need here at the distributed.
school,” said U.S. Army Capt. Doug
Moore, the CERP project manager
for Task Force Wildhorse. “The vast majority of people in Laghman
According to Moore, education
is an important part of life in are interested in progress and education is a
Laghman province and is helping to
defeat the enemies of Afghanistan. big part of that,”
“The vast majority of people in
Laghman are interested in progress
- U.S. Army Capt. Doug Moore
and education is a big part of that,”
said Moore. “The Taliban would not Students of the Parwai Girls School show off their new school supplies in the Alingar
district of Laghman province Aug. 17. The supplies were delivered and distributed
allow girls to attend school in the by Abdullah, the owner of a local construction company who identified a need for
first place and are only interested supplies while constructing a protective wall for the school.
in manipulation to achieve their
own end of gaining power.”
Abdullah’s work on the school
wall was an important project
for the security and safety of the
students. The school supplies were
an added bonus of the project.
“Boundary walls are a big deal
in this area because they delineate
property lines and provide security
for the children who attend the
school,” said Moore.
“The headmaster brought the
need for the school supplies to the
attention of Mr. Abdullah after his
company began constructing the
wall and we were very happy to
help out.”
ISAF forces gave the supplies to
Abdullah who then delivered them
to the school and distributed them
to the students, said Moore.
6
MP’s train ANP to take charge of security
Story and photos by Spc. Eugene
H. Cushing
Task Force Mountain Warrior
Public Affairs Office

Afghan National Police in the

Kunar province and U.S. Army
Military Police assigned to Task
Force Mountain Warrior have
been conducting election-focused
training in the Kunar province, to
keep the area secure during the
August elections.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Michael T.
Nicholson, the platoon leader for
2nd platoon, 984th Military Police
Company, 759th Military Police
Battalion, led his unit in focused
district partnership training with
the police force at the Shigal
district center. U.S. Army Cpl. Nicholas E. Cox, of Indianapolis, Ind., a team leader for the 985th Military
Nicholson, of Burnsville, Minn., Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, assigned to Task Force Mountain
explained the goal of the training Warrior, demonstrates the proper use of an IV bag to officers of the Afghan National
was to ensure the ANP stations Police during training conducted at the Shigal District center in Kunar province.
were able to effectively operate on
their own.
U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher C.
Silva, of Boston, Mass., a squad U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher C. Silva, of Boston, Mass., a squad leader for 2nd platoon,
leader assigned to 2nd platoon, said 984th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, assigned to Task Force
the mission in Shigal consisted of Mountain Warrior, discusses training opportunities with Afghan National Police Maj.
two days of meetings and training Sali Mohammed, operations officer for the Shigal District police station.
with the ANP. He said the first day
involved meeting with the police
chief and his officers, and assessing
the station’s armament, personnel
and facilities.
“The second day we finished the
assessment and started training for
the elections,” he said.
According to Silva the training
included conducting personnel and
vehicle searches, reacting to IEDs,
conducting checkpoints, reacting
to small arms fire, searching
buildings, first aid, emergency
response, crowd control and force
protection.
Silva said the reason behind the
training was to get the Afghan
people to run their own elections, individual police stations and train other potentially dangerous items.
and that the elections will not be an the rest of their units. “I enjoyed working with the
International Security Assistance U.S. Army Cpl. Marcus R. Afghans,” he said. “That was the
Force led event. Bennett, of Thermopolis, Wy., first time I got to get out and teach
Afghan National Police Maj. a team leader assigned to 2nd them.”
Sali Mohammed, the operations platoon, had spent a lot of time on Nicholson described the Afghan
officer for the Shigal district police the road as a military policeman police his platoon worked with as
station, said the training was highly before coming to Afghanistan motivated and willing to learn.
beneficial. and was able to share some of “They’re very friendly,” he said.
Mohammed explained that the his experience with his Afghan “They share everything they know.
Afghan police officers attending counterparts. Bennett said he taught They’re willing to try the stuff
the training were going to take the Afghan Police how to search we teach them so it’s been very
what they learned back to their for weapons, explosives, drugs and positive.”
7
 Living life in the Korengal Valley
Story and photos By U.S. Army
Sgt. Matthew Moeller, 5th Mobile
Public Affairs Detachment
As bullets started to rain down
on Baker Company’s position,
a Soldier sighed, and said,
annoyingly, “Well, here we go.”
Over the next twenty minutes the
service members fired everything
from bullets to curse words at the
invisible enemy attacking from the
surrounding hills.
“Just once I’d like to come out
here and not get shot at,” said
an exasperated U.S. Army Sgt.
Graham Mullins, of Columbia,
Mo., using a four-foot stone wall
for cover. “Just once.”
Near the end, two F-15 fighter
jets pummelled the insurgent
forces with 500-pound bombs,
and an eerie silence fell across the
battlefield. For the U.S. service
members, it was just another
morning in the Korengal Valley.
“This place is definitely its own
monster; there are a lot of other
dangerous places in Afghanistan,
but I would say this place lives up
to the hype,” said U.S. Army Capt.
Mark Moretti, B Co. company
commander, and New Windsor,
N.Y., native.
Seeing some of the toughest
fighting in Afghanistan on a daily
basis, many Baker Co. Soldiers
U.S. Army Spc. Jesus Sanchez, a native of Mesa, Ariz., watches for suspicious activity, what
during an early morning patrol in the Kunar province, Afghanistan’s infamous Korengal
Valley, Aug. 13.
8
U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Roberts, a native of Houston, Texas, scans the hills surround-
ing the volatile Korengal Valley in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, during an early morn-
ing patrol, Aug. 13.
find humor in the idea that many of
their fellow Soldiers are envious of
their assignment, who often refer
to the almost constant battle as the
‘infantryman’s dream.’
“I would tell them to seriously
reconsider their thinking positions,”
U.S. Army Spc. Guadalupe
Gardenias, a B Co. Soldier, said,
laughing.
Living in conditions that rival
the third-world villages they patrol,
the tiny U.S outposts dotting the
valley walls are in stark contrast
to other American mega-bases
in Afghanistan, such as Bagram
Airfield, which offers everything
from personal internet to American
fast food restaurants.
Here, if a resupply helicopter
gets cancelled, Soldiers miss not
only letters from home, but risk
having to ration their food.
At the Korengal Outpost, Soldiers
use outhouses and hope to shower
once a week to conserve water. At
nearby Restrepo Outpost, Soldiers
lack any running water, and eat
field rations for every meal.
“The conditions out here are
tough, and it’s a tough fight,” said
Moretti. “But given the chance, I
don’t think anyone would want to
leave.”
Despite daily gun battles, poor
hygiene and tortuous terrain, the
men of Baker Co. seem content
living their life in the Korengal.
When asked if they would take
an easier assignment, the answer
was always the same. “Not unless
everyone else came with me.”
“Before I came into the Army
a lot of people would talk about
brothers in arms, and I thought
it was kind of cheesy, but being
out here, I can definitely say that
it brings us a lot closer, cause no
matter what we say or what we
do, nobody besides us is going to
know what we went through, and
it was like.”
 Images from the Korengal
By U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Moeller, 5th Mobile Public
Affairs Detachment

U.S. Army Soldiers patrol a tiny village in the Korengal Valley, Aug. 17.
A U.S. Army Soldier with Baker
Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry
Regiment, descends a rocky staircase
while on patrol in the Kunar province,
Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley, Aug. 17.
The 4th Infantry Division Soldiers have
seen some of the toughest fighting in
Afghanistan since arriving in the tiny
valley in June.

U.S. Army Spc. Guadalupe

Gardenias calls in
coordinates as fellow
Baker Company, 2nd
Battalion, 12th Infantry
Regiment, Soldiers watch
for suspicious activity,
during a routine patrol
in Kunar province,
Afghanistan’s Korengal
Valley, Aug. 18.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Baker Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry
Regiment, patrol the Korengal Valley, in Afghanistan’s Kunar province,
Aug. 18. The 4th Infantry Division Soldiers have been battling anti- U.S. Army Spc. Jesus Sanchez, a combat medic, and Mesa, Ariz.,
Afghan forces in valley since arriving in June. native, along with fellow Baker Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th
Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Soldiers climb down
an ancient staircase to the Korengal Valley floor in Afghanistan’s
Kunar province, Aug. 17.
9
 Bullet points: News around the AO
Afghan citizens and Afghan National Police defend polling sites
Story by 2nd Lt. Liz Silver village of Kowlak, Dow Ab district, ballots have surfaced in Laghman
TF Mountain Warrior Public Nuristan province yesterday. After Province, where recent shuras
Affairs Office approximately seven anti-Afghan between Governor Lutfullah
forces attacked the local polling Mashal and ANSF commanders
Citizens of Nuristan and site, several Afghans aided Afghan have produced positive and
Laghman provinces along with National Police in returning fire, encouraging results with the local
Afghan National Police have causing the AAF to disperse and population.
defended polling sites and election run away from the scene. The people of Afghanistan have
materials from anti-Afghan attacks The ballots and polling site were shown that they care about free
in preparation for tomorrow’s unharmed. and fair elections, and have chosen
vote. Similar reports of villagers to work with their police to defend
The first incident occurred in the protecting polling sites and their right to vote.
Afghan citizens prevent death and injuries by turning in IED to ANP
Story by 2nd Lt. Liz Silver National Directorate of Security Improvised explosive devices
TF Mountain Warrior Public representatives and disarmed the are frequently emplaced in the
Affairs Office device preventing death, injuries Kunar province by anti-Afghan
and damage to the citizens of forces that do not care about killing
Citizens of the Asmar district Asmar district. innocent Afghans.
turned in an improvised explosive Afghan National Police have Local citizens, with the help of
device to Afghan National Police received counter-IED training Afghan National Security Forces,
after it was found buried under a from ISAF forces in the area in the have again proven to be the key
busy road Aug. 16. past months. The training proved element in defeating the enemies
Afghan National Police beneficial as ANP were successful of Afghanistan.
responded to the scene, along with in their efforts on Aug. 16.
Afghan government, ANSF, and ISAF hold shura in Dowlet Shah
Story by 2nd Lt. Liz Silver Dowlet Shah sub-governor of life for citizens in Dowlet Shah.
TF Mountain Warrior Public Mohammad Arif Kahn, Afghan Mashal pointed to construction
Affairs Office National Police Chief Gen. projects and operations designed at
Omer Yahr, Afghan National improving security in the province
Government officials of Laghman Army Kandak commander as signs that the government is
province, with the assistance of the Mohammad Jahn, and Laghman responsive to its citizen’s needs.
Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Provincial Reconstruction Team Mashal, along with Yahr and
Team and Afghan National Security commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Jahn, called on the citizens of
Forces, met with over 200 mullahs Col. Ben Ungerman. The Afghan Dowlet Shah to aid Afghan
and village elders on August 15 at government officials encouraged National Security forces and ISAF
the Dowlet Shah District Center to all citizens to vote, stating that the soldiers in security, stating it was
discuss security, development, and democratic process is supported by the responsibility of Dowlet Shah
the upcoming elections. Islamic values. They also discussed citizens to improve the future of
Officials at the shura included ways to help improve the quality Laghman province for their children.
Afghan citizen turns over IED facilitator to Afghan National Police
Story by 2nd Lt. Liz Silver Afghan National Security into their own hands, which
TF Mountain Warrior Public Forces, along with International provides ANSF and ISAF with
Affairs Office Security Assistance Forces, freedom of movement and security
expressed pride in villagers taking for the villagers. Second, it shows
A citizen of Sundurwa village control and responsibility of their our effort to build relationships
stopped anti-Afghan forces from communities. with the villagers has paid off
emplacing an improvised explosive “The bottom line from this event and they believe it is in their best
device on a highly travelled road is two things,” said Lt. Col. Mike interests to work with us and turn
yesterday in the Alingar province. Forsyth, commander of Task Force in anti-Afghan forces.”
The captured man was taken to Steel. This is the third time in five days
Alingar Police, and transferred “First, it shows that Afghans villagers in Nuristan and Laghman
to the Laghman province ANP don’t want anti-Afghan forces to provinces have prevented anti-
Headquarters for questioning by a use their villages as a safe haven Afghan forces from attacking their
counter-terrorism team. and have decided to take actions villages.
10

TF Lethal Medics work to save lives
Photos by Army Spc. Eugene H. Cushing
TF Mountain Warrior Public Affairs Office

Castellanos gives comfort to the girl while treating her burn.

Her brother, who brought her into the clinic, looks on.
U.S. Army Sgt. Rene Castellanos inspects a burn from a
cooking stove on a young Afghan girl’s foot after her brothers
brought her to the clinic on Combat Out Post Honaker-Miracle
for treatment. Castellanos, of South Pasadena, Calif., is the
senior line medic for Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry
Regiment, assigned to Task Force Mountain Warrior.

Castellanos and Spc. Henry D. Schorsch bandage the girl’s foot

after treating the burn. Schorsch, of Jourdanton, Texas, a combat
medic, is also assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry
Regiment, currently assigned to Task Force Mountain Warrior in
Eastern Afghanistan.

Castellanos treats the young Afghan girl’s burn,

while her brother assists in providing care.
Castellanos understands why simple care like
this is necessary in the austere environments of
Afghanistan. Without proper treatment the burn
may become infected and cause the girl to lose
her leg or even death.

11
 Korengal Outpost mortar team fire at anti-Afghan forces
By U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

A Korengal Outpost based U.S. Army Soldier with Baker Company,

2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division,
calibrates a 120mm mortar tube before firing mortar rounds
at insurgent fighting positions in Kunar province, Afghanistan’s
Korengal Valley, Aug. 15.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry

Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, based at the Korengal Valley, fire
mortar rounds at insurgent fighting positions in Kunar province,
Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley, Aug. 15. The B Co. mortar team is
one of the most active in Afghanistan. Since arriving in June, the
mortarmen have fired more than 1,100 rounds.

Soldiers Give the Gift of Speech

Story courtesy of the U.S. Army
Soldiers from Task Force
Mountain Warrior’s, 1st Battalion,
32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 10th
Mountain Division, recently
helped a local village elder named
Jallal in the Kunar province,
regain his voice.
While patrolling during a Key
Leader Engagement February 9,
the elder’s situation was brought
to the Soldiers’ attention. Jallal’s
voice box had been removed as
part of a cancer-removal surgery
in Pakistan.
After hearing of the man’s
situation, 1st Lt. John Carlson, a
medical platoon leader with Task
12
Force Chosin, felt that something
had to be done.
With the help of fellow 1-32nd
Infantry Regiment Soldiers,
Carlson decided to try to acquire
an electro larynx, an artificial voice
box which costs around $600.
After Carlson’s first attempt to
acquire the voice box failed, Maj.
Jennifer Bell, the Brigade Surgeon
for TF Spartan, felt she could help
with the situation.
She turned to a friend in Chicago,
who was eager to help, and the
artificial voice box was on its way
to the C Co. Soldiers, arriving at
Combat Outpost Monti April 26.
The Soldiers of C Co. taught
themselves to properly use the
device, so they could teach the elder.
When Jallal was handed the new
device, the Soldiers all gathered
around to watch the joyful
expression on his face. Jallal’s
family was in awe as the man spoke
for the first time in years.
When Coalition Forces returned
to the village, Jallal approached
the Soldiers and greeted them with
his new voice.
According to Jallal, through
the device he received, it’s the
small things in life, such as gifts
like these, which really make a
difference.
Thanks to the dedication and
cooperation of the C Co. Soldiers
and caring people, Jallal proudly
remains the voice of the Anar Kowt
village.
Fallen Heroes- July 12 through August 27

PFC MATTHEW E. WILDES

B CO, 1-12 IN
TF RED WARRIOR
8 December 1990 - 27 August 2009

“Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let
me be glad that such heroes have lived.”
- Gen. George S. Patton
13
 Awards this month

Daniels’ Dilemmas

Sir, I have to be
Sir, can I honest with you. What do
talk to you? This isn’t working you mean
out for me. Daniels?
Sure. Go
for it.

When I Took this Job I Wasn’t expecting

us to move operations. Now I know overseas
labor costs are cheaper, but I don’t exactly
agree with the way this company is going.
Also I was expecting more oportunities for
I Thought
networking. As such this is a letter declaring you’d under-
my two weeks notice. stand. Have a
good day Sir.
Oh
geez

By Pfc. Jeremy Sprague

2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment

14
 Retention NCO’s Letter:
By Master Sgt. JAMES L. PUGSLEY
Senior Career Counselor

Choosing the Right Reenlistment Option

Reenlistment Options are you should keep in mind. ations that effect what
designed to give you the That is, in some cases the options may be best for
opportunity to have input most desired option, such us and our families.
in the direction of your as an assignment you When the time comes
military career. Eligibility always wanted, may not for you tomake your
for the various options be the best choice career choice use your Career
depend on several factors wise. For example, if you Counselor to guide you
such as how many times are in a MOS that con- through what options are
you have reenlisted, cur- tinuously has high cut-off available and which one
rent length of service, scores you may is best for you.
rank, etc. want to reclassify into an-
With all the factors in- other specialty to increase Led By Love of Country!
volved in option quali- your chances
fications it is important for promo-
you utilize your Career tion. This
Counselor as your prima- is just one
ry source for determining example of
which options you quali- possible fac-
fy for.Especially since the tors to con-
rules for qualifications sider when
change constantly. Once making your
the options you qualify choice. All
for are identified there is of us have
one thing unique situ-

MSG Pugsley 4th IBCT, 4th ID FOB Fenty 831-6051 james.l.pugsley@afghan.swa.army.mil

SFC Davis 1-12 IN FOB Ramrod 841-6011 edward.davis@afghan.swa.army.mil
SFC Cabana 2-12 IN FOB Blessing 481-2155 stephen.m.cabana@afghan.swa.army.mil
SSG Gutierrez 2-77 FA Bagram 431-5102 luis.a.gutierrez@afghan.swa.army.mil
SSG Herron 3-61 CAV FOB Fenty 831-6058 carmen.herron@afghan.swa.army.mil
SGT Charley 704th BSB FOB Fenty 831-6089 zildjian.j.charley@afghan.swa.army.mil
SSG Berry 4th BSTB FOB Finley-Shields SVOIP 776-9711 martha.e.berry@afghan.swa.army.mil
SGT Lytle 759thMP FOB Fenty 831-6442 kevin.m.lytle@afghan.swa.army.mil
SFC Doney 1-32 IN FOB Joyce 481-3508 leisa.doney@afghan.swa.army.mil
SSG Holman 7-17 CAV Jalalabad 831-6152/6153 shaun.holman@afghan.swa.army.mil

15
 Hey There!
Want to see your pictures in the
Mountain Warrior? Shoot us an
e-mail or send your photos to:
TFMTNWarriorPAO@
afghan.swa.mil and
we’ll make sure they
get in the next issue!