AT THE BREACH!

RESOURCES:
MilitaryOneSource.com www.fortcampbellmwr.com Financial Assistance Planning: (270) 798-5518 Family Advocacy Program 1501 William C Lee Rd (270) 798-4191/2045 Exceptional Family Member Program 5661 Screaming Eagle Blvd (270) 956-3738

511th ENGINEERS
B A C K T O S C H O O L ! A U G U S T , 2 0 1 1

Message From The Commander

Reaper Family, July has come to a close, August is just beginning, and your Sappers continue to take on any challenge that comes their way. As many of you are probably aware through conversations with your deployed loved ones, the number of missions we are participating in has increased. I would urge you to consider it a good thing; the Soldiers are able to keep their skills sharp, which keeps them safe, and part of our increase is in preparation for assisting our fellow Soldiers as they begin to leave the country. Getting Soldiers home to their families is always a good thing, and I could not be more proud of the important role our unit plays in the successful drawdown. Speaking of drawdown - I understand that as the year continues to progress rumors about dates of our return will increase; Ive heard a few already. Its perfectly understandable that the longer we are away from our home and loved ones the more we want to believe any potential shortening of our timeline. However it is better for us, both at home and forward, to plan for a full twelve month tour and be pleasantly surprised than embrace hearsay and end up disappointed. I can promise you all that the moment myself or the 1SG have concrete dates for our arrival in Kuwait and a reasonable timeline for our return we will share them with the FRG that same day. As you all are aware we have crossed the halfway mark in our deployment. I would encourage you to speak with your loved ones about their futures after we return to Fort Campbell. Though I know it seems like a long way off it will be hear all too soon and having a family plan regarding schools, changes in duty station, or retirement is important. Having a plan in advance is a sure way to reduce the potential stress of changes after your Soldiers returns home, and any less time they have to spend planning after they get back is more time they get to spend at home doing other things. Lastly, I would like to extend a very well deserved thank you id due to the families of the 511th who participated in the July 4th box sendoff from all the Soldiers in 511th. The Soldiers enjoyed the treats and the posters are still hanging in the platoon areas as reminders of home and our families. The FRG co-leaders have done an outstanding job, and we appreciate all the support of our families and the FRG. At the Breach! CPT Walker

WHO TO CONTACT:
FRG Co-Leaders: Meagan Smith (703) 232-8445 Catrina Steffenhagen (931) 538-0586 511engineers@gmail.com If you have any suggestions, feel free to email them to megan.reed@hotmail.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Farewell Letter From the Commander Straight From The Engineers Recipes

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Pictures

Upcoming Events

August Calendar

August FRG Agenda

THIS NEWSLETTER CONTAINS BOTH OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION. THE INCLUSION OF SOME UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION IN THIS FRG NEWSLETTER HAS NOT INCREASED THE COSTS TO THE GOVERNMENT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH DOD 4525.8-M, DODOFFICIAL MAIL MANUAL-AUGUST 2006 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1

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Notes from the 1st SGT

Hello to the families and friends of the 511th. Time is going by really fast! We are just about at the 7-month mark. I really enjoyed myself on R&R. I got a lot accomplished during the 15 days that I was stateside. It was great having a sit-down with members of the Family Readiness Group, the Company Rear-Detachment, and key personnel in the staff sections of the 326th Rear Detachment. Most importantly, I spent time with my immediate and extended family and friends in Chattanooga. Again, I want to thank all of you for your continued support and very kind words to bring back to my Soldiers here in Iraq. It really means a lot, and I look forward to seeing all of you again very soon. Im happy to tell you that the 511th continues to do great things here in Iraq. Im truly proud of this company, and the way that our Soldiers conduct themselves on a daily basis. Some days dont always go as planned. Very often obstacles are thrown in our way that causes us to make adjustments on the fly. It could be weather, changes in enemy activity, or small issues with our equipment. Trust me; Murphys Law has visited us on many occasions. We have always remained flexible, and we have maintained our ability to adapt and overcome. The Soldiers in this company absolutely refuse to lose. Often I ask myself Is it worth it? To be quite honest, some days it is really a struggle to come to a conclusion, even after 22 years and a number of deployments. Talking to leaders and Soldiers in the 511th, we share the same thoughts. What I gather from most Sappers in the company, they think about it after they do P.T., take a shower, and go lie down and relax. Its after talking to your roommate, hearing your wifes or girlfriends voice over the phone, watching your kids grow before your eyes on web cam, or receiving a heartfelt letter from a loved one. You ask yourself Is it really worth it? Well, I found my answer on R&R in a number of ways. I can only hope that my Soldiers experience the same thing. Its the standing ovations in the airport; people who you dont even know coming up to you asking to take a photo with them; others wanting to shake your hand, thanking you for your service to our country; old veterans offering to buy you a beer; little kids giving you a hug and telling you that youre a hero. Its going to your home town, eating at your favorite restaurant, and the staff there tells you that the meal was free. Most of these great Americans really have no clue of what is really going on over here in Iraq other than what they see on the news. Actually, some could really care less. All they know is that you are risking your life and your family is making sacrifices in order for you to be here and get it done. Its seeing all of the things and places that make our country the greatest country in the world. Is it worth it? Hell yea, it is! Those were just a few things that I mentioned. However, there are many more I will share with my Soldiers that can provide them with even more motivation to get up and do it all over again the next day with a great sense of pride in knowing what they will eventually go home, to. I will conclude this newsletter with thanking you for all that you do and the sacrifices that you are making. AT THE BREACH! - 1SG Richardson Reaper 7.

Check out the 326th Engineer Battalion (AASLT) on Facebook!

BNs Normal Page: http://www.facebook.com/ home.php#!/pages/326thEngineer-BattalionAASLT/335444835833 BNs Deployment PageMore Current: http://www.facebook.com/ home.php#!/pages/TaskForce-SapperEagle/142308099170737

Straight from the Engineers Mouths..

If you could say one thing to anyone back home, what would it be?

Thank my friends and family, especially my wife, for sending me care packages and always supporting me while Im deployed. -Marc Jankovich
THIS NEWSLETTER CONTAINS BOTH OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION. THE INCLUSION OF SOME UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION IN THIS FRG NEWSLETTER HAS NOT INCREASED THE COSTS TO THE GOVERNMENT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH DOD 4525.8-M, DODOFFICIAL MAIL MANUAL-AUGUST 2006 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1 511TH ENGINEERS

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Share Your Recipes!

School House Chili Ingredients:
1 Can Diced Tomatoes, undrained. 1 Can Mild Chili Beans, undrained. 1/2 Cup Chopped Onion 1/4 Cup Chopped Green Pepper 1 Pound Ground Beef 1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt 1 to 2 Teaspoons Chili Powder 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper Hot Cooked Spaghetti, optional

Directions: In a blender, combine the tomatoes, beans, onion and green pepper; cover and puree until smooth. In a large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add seasonings and pureed vegetables. Bring it to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. Serve with spaghetti if desired. Makes 6 servings. Lunch Box Handwiches
Ingredients: 1 Loaf (1 LB) Frozen Bread Dough, thawed. 2 1/2 Cups Finely Chopped Fully Cooked Ham 1 Cup Shredded Swiss Cheese 1 Egg Yolk 1 Tablespoon Water

Send Your Recipes!

If you want to share a special recipe that you have, feel free to email Jae at the email address listed on page 1, or you can send them to Megan Reed at megan.reed@hotmail.com. Lets get cookin!

Directions: Let dough to rise according to pachage directions. Punch down; divide into 10 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 5 in. circle. Carefully place one circle on a greased baking sheet. Place about 1/4 cup ham and 2 tablespoons cheese to within 1/2 in of edges; press filling to flatten. Combine egg yolk and water; brush edges of dough with egg yolk mixture. Brush tops with remaining egg yolk mixture. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm or cold. If desired, cool and freeze. Makes 10 servings.
THIS NEWSLETTER CONTAINS BOTH OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION. THE INCLUSION OF SOME UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION IN THIS FRG NEWSLETTER HAS NOT INCREASED THE COSTS TO THE GOVERNMENT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH DOD 4525.8-M, DODOFFICIAL MAIL MANUAL-AUGUST 2006 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1

511TH

ENGINEERS

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MY RO! HE

ur mo s fro raq! ure Pict iers in I sold

SEND IN A PICTURE OF YOUR HERO!

Sometimes, we miss our loved ones so much, and something as simple as a picture can make us feel that much closer to them! If you have a new picture of your soldier (January 19, 2011 or newer), we would love to put it in the newsletter! Send it to Megan Reed at megan.reed@hotmail.com and I would be more than happy to put it in the next newsletter!

511TH

ENGINEERS

THIS NEWSLETTER CONTAINS BOTH OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION. THE INCLUSION OF SOME UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION IN THIS FRG NEWSLETTER HAS NOT INCREASED THE COSTS TO THE GOVERNMENT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH DOD 4525.8-M, DODOFFICIAL MAIL MANUAL-AUGUST 2006 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1

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Upcoming Events
August 13 and 27: Super Saturday! Be sure to have your child registered with CYS. Call (270) 412-0173/4 to schedule. August 27: 326th Half Way Party! September 30: Friday Night Out. Call to register. November 16: Military Spouse Tour 2011! Please sign up ASAP if interested. FRG T-Shirt Fundraiser: Remember there are 3 Youth Small and 5 Youth Medium shirts left! 326 EN Tapestry Throw Fundraiser: These are $40. Please grab an order form if interested! Welcome Home CommitteePlease sign up if interested!

AUGUST 2011
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Friday Night Out

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326 Half Way Party

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August FRG Meeting Notes:

Welcome and sign in! Door prize winner. Go over agenda. Treasurers Reports. Upcoming events. Birthdays. Rear-D Comments. Questions/Concerns!

Lots of from the Reeds! As you can see, were very loveydovey.

THIS NEWSLETTER CONTAINS BOTH OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION. THE INCLUSION OF SOME UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION IN THIS FRG NEWSLETTER HAS NOT INCREASED THE COSTS TO THE GOVERNMENT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH DOD 4525.8-M, DODOFFICIAL MAIL MANUAL-AUGUST 2006 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1