396TH TRANSPORTATION COMPANY

Big Wheels
V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 4 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 3

HIGH ROLLER AWARDS (DECEMBER) SGT Tonneson SGT Riley SPC Watkins SPC Powers SGT Ackley S SGT Rios SPC Fortune

A New Year
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty. -John F. Kennedy (CSSB), Task Force Chain, has entered the country motivated and with high expectations, 396th Soldiers are already stepping up to the plate. One noticeable difference in missions since the 157th CSSB arrived has been the utilization of our entire fleet of vehicles, come our new battle buddies and we look forward to working with them and sharing our vast knowledge we have gained through our experience throughout this deployment. 396th TC continues to succeed in-andout of the wire. Leaders have ensured

HIGH MILER SSG Harris

Company Miles 20,472

which has afforded drivers the opportuthat numerous Soldiers have been nity to operate various types of given the opportunities to attend civilwheeled platforms. ian and military education courses. Another change to Task Force Chain Promotion and Soldier of the Month has been the addition of the 514th Mili- boards have been held every month tary Police Company. The 514th MPs allowing our soldiers to succeed and have demonstrated their willingness further their careers. and proven abilities with the battalions As our seventh month in Afghanistan demanding requirements. We are lookpasses us by, Soldiers of the 396th TC ing forward to working with them. can almost feel the American soil 396th has become the big dogs on cam- beneath their feet. We are eager to pus, so to speak. As the other complete the mission and return home original companies have all served to our loved ones. their tours and departed, Big Wheels -SGT Wilkerson, Ashten In the last couple months a new has assumed the role as the veterans of the battalion. Our soldiers have eagerly battalion has assumed command over the 396th TC, the 157th Com- helped the new companies integrate bat Sustainment Support Battalion into the fight. We would like to welThe decrease in temperature and the ongoing snowfall has not slowed down the force of the 396th Transportation Company (TC). The start of a new year has made the Soldiers jump into high gear. Missions have picked up to an all time high with the drawback in Afghanistan approaching. Convoy Escort Teams (CETs) are moving large sums of retrograde and sustainment supplies throughout the battle field.

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Commanders Corner
ity. Although frustrating and filled with disappointment, there will always be a time when opportunity presents itself. Ultimately, we as individuals are responsible for taking advantage of those opportunities. What we can do is place ourselves within a position to capitalize on a particular moment. These actions continue to resonate throughout the 396th Transportation Company (TC). In addition to conducting the mission at hand, Soldiers continue to place themselves in positions for professional growth and personal advancement. These examples are evident when Soldiers are seen in the education center completing college courses, attending a promotion board for advancement to the next rank, attending worship service on Sunday morning, or participating in a local 5K run. Have been giving opportunities, Soldiers of the 396th TC continue to surpass the standards that have been set before them. -CPT Willson

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. -Unknown There are many things within ones personal life and professional career that are outside of our control. Not having the ability to directly decide a particular outcome can be frustrating and challenging on many different levels. There are many things that we want to happen, although we are not the final decision maker or approval author-

First Hand from the First Sergeant

healed and integrated we become, the easier it is to find and stabilize that deeper, higher, larger The difficult parts of our personality and connection. One could call this larger connecthe wounded aspects of our ego cause us to tion a spiritual connection with God, Wholebe preoccupied with nonproductive sabo- ness, Ultimate Reality, Christ Consciousness, taging thoughts and feelings that dont All That Is or the ultimate Truth from your allow us to relax. Ego could be defined as spiritual tradition. It is these uncomfortable our conscious mind or our conscious expersonal issues that keep us blocked from openperience of our own identity. When weve ing to the grace and wholeness that is always integrated these painful parts of ourselves available to us. When we have a more healed or painful parts of our ego enough, we are ego, life feels easier and we dont experience able to relax, sink down and live from extreme ups and downs. This allows us to grow into who more of our greatness. Sinking down into we came to be. This encourages the unveiling of our our greatness allows us to go beyond the deeper wisdom, inner mystic and inner guidance. We ego into a larger context that contains all feel more in harmony with all of life. A relaxed ego can aspects of who we are, including our ego, be flexible and is not preoccupied with itself. Therefore, body and our spirit. The more refined, we can be self reflexive rather than self conscious and

Let go of the Ego so you can grow!

always concerned with how we are doing. A relaxed or healed ego can move well through life. The person with a relaxed ego is able to find his or her place in the world. From this more healed state and in our own unique way, we can take appropriate actions to help ourselves and others.

HIGH OP-TANE
As 396th reaches the latter half of the deployment, all of Operations is continuing to stay motivated and upbeat to ensure convoys operations continue to run smoothly and without any delay. From the heart of the 396th Transportation Company (TC), we would like to thank you again for all the support you have given us during these long months. We would also like to congratulate and recognize SPC Voth who was named the157th CSSB Soldier of the month for January, she will compete in the battalion Soldier of the Quarter board, and was selected as Task Force Chains enlisted representative to attend a question and answer forum with the Chief of Staff of the Army, GEN Raymond T. Odierno. Additionally, SPC Roberts continues to keep the company communication section operating superbly, SGT Ackley keeps all weapons ready for any mission and SGT Rios will not let any personnel action go uncorrected. The company travelled over 2,000 miles during the month of January and escorted the most National Afghan Trucks (NATs) in the battalion. Congratulations are in order for SGT Williams, who was selected as operations High Roller for the month of February. This section continues to perform at the highest level, which has enabled the company to surpass all expectations. BIG WHEELS! -SFC Lapsley

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BULLDOGS
For the month of February, the Bulldogs have been polishing their trades, preparing for upcoming missions, executing necessary company taskings, and conducting maintenance on vehicles and equipment to ensure proficiency in our trade. As transporters, we are fully aware that our vehicles are instruments that make our jobs successful, along with our training and hands on experience. The Bulldogs have completed several convoy escort missions and now are working hard executing a company tasking helping out Bagram Airfields Ammunition Supply Point. The Bulldogs would like to thank all family members for their sacrifices and understanding thus far this deployment, because with you by our sides anything is possible. Your letters, pictures, and care packages have kept us moti-

SPC Mandelik was named the High Roller for the month of February; congratulations SPC Mandelik! The Bulldogs would like to congratulate SGT Lewis and SGT Crowley, who have been operating the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) system in support of missions throughout Regional Commands vated and determined to get back to our loved ones (RC) South, pulling the heavy load. All arms. In recognition of actions on the battlefield, SPC Her- Soldiers are performing superbly, at a high tempo, utilizing training and skills that have nandez Eliel was presented a Army Achievement Medal and was named High Roller for the month of prepared them for this deployment. The team is constantly improving. January due to his continued dedication to the mis-SSG Grimes sion. SPC Hernandez also attended a recent promotion board and excelled, therefore becoming promotable. The Bulldogs would like to recognize SPC Mandelik Lindsey who was awarded a coin from the 3rd Sustainment Brigade Commander and Command Sergeant Major, Colonel Novack and CSM Daniels.

BONE CRUSHERS
As February comes to a close, the Bone Crushers have continued to complete missions exceptionally well. We continue to emulate the Army Values, always ensuring that our actions while conducting full spectrum operations create a positive rapport with the local population. We've continued to develop Soldiers with great leadership potential into strong unique, and adaptive leaders. Leaders that fully understand the dynamics of the battle field is what the Army continues to call for, therefore we take great pleasure in welcoming the following newly promoted Sergeants (E-5); SGT Butler, SGT Daniels, SGT Marquez, and SGT Wilkinson to the ranks of the U.S. Army Non Commissioned Officer corp. On this occasion I would like to take the opportunity to recognize the teams ability to multitask which has enabled the 396th TC to fulfill its operational necessities such as retrograde, security, and sustainment. The Bone Crushers are lucky to have SGT Love as their Assistant Convoy Commander. SGT Love, a leader with unquestionable character and strong family values, has made sure that we always maintain the combat readiness demanded to conduct operations throughout RC- East. For the month of January, SPC Bowen was awarded the "High Roller" in recognition of his superior knowledge on multiple weapon systems. Congratulations are in order for PFC Quijano, who was selected as the "High Roller" of the month. Family members, loved ones, and friends can rest assured that the Bone Crushers will continue to operate with effectiveness, always ensuring that the safety of our Soldiers is not overlooked. This is my commitment to you, to my country, and every one in my team . Thank you for supporting our team! -SSG Barrero

OUTLAWS

Do your duty in all things. The Outlaws are doing well. For the month of February. This has been a You of January we took a break from the road as busy month for us as we conwe were tasked out to perform guard duty tinue to provide security while cannot do for the Host National Truck yard. It afescorting equipment throughout more. forded us the opportunity to send some of the region. In order to stay You our Soldiers to specialized training to better proficient in first aid our medic should prepare them for upcoming missions such as has volunteered his time to to give a shout out to SPC Fredy Marin never Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station for receiving the companys High Roller conduct several classes for us (CROWS) training. This system allows the while on mission. It has been a wish to do award for the month of January. As we roll gunners to operate a weapon system remotely into February what better way to start off the cold winter so far and we have less.
from inside the vehicle. Aside from having to perform guard duty, maintenance is an ongoing endeavor and we have been extremely busy ensuring that our vehicles continue to stay mission ready. We also participated in the M16 qualification range this month to ensure that our Soldiers stay proficient with their individual weapons. The Outlaws would like month than with promotions. Congratulations are in order for SSG Shawn Oncza for his recent promotion. SSG Oncza is the Assistant Convoy Commander for the Outlaws and has done an outstanding job for us. We would also like to give a shout out to SPC Enrico Quezada for receiving the companys High Roller award for the month had plenty of snow. The snow capped mountains that surround -Robert Bagram are a beautiful sight to see. We would like to thank our E.Lee families and friends for the support that they provide us. We love you all. -SSG Bowden

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DOG POUND
The Dog Pound has successfully completed multiple missions in the months of January and February, covering more than 1,000 miles throughout Regional Commands (RC) East and Capital. Our team has proven to be a valuable asset to the 396th Transportation Company (TC), spearheading the units mission by providing security for National Afghanistan Trucks (NATs) during this highly visible retrograde operation supporting the US draw down. In addition to successfully completing the challenges of the daily tasks of convoy security, three Soldiers have been promoted from SPC to SGT: SGT Stewart, Mitchell, SGT Wilkerson, Russell, and SGT honor for their devotion to the mission. We are wrapping up the last couple of months here, and as I look at the Dog Pound I cant help but become overwhelmed with pride. This exceptional and very passionate group of Soldiers makes a team. A team that takes care of each other and in doing that they take care of this unit, thus making them the very Wilkerson, Ashten. A very heartfelt congratuheart beat of the 396th TC. lation is sent out to these newly promoted Non Commissioned Officers and their families for -SSG Baker this milestone in their careers. After a very demanding couple of months, the Dog Pound has awarded SPC Wagner and SGT Jackson as January and Februarys High Rollers. There are no two Soldiers more deserving of this

ROUGH RIDERS
During the past two months the Rough Riders enjoyed a change of pace, travelling to new Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), experiencing different terrain and new locations. The Rough Riders are looking forward to continuing missions and capturing all the experiences this deployment has to offer. In addition to providing gun truck support during retrograde operations, the Rough Riders have recently been tasked with operating Palletized Load Systems (PLSs), which has assisted the transport of equipment for units who are deploying and redeploying. The bottom line, if its got a steering wheel and tires, the Rough Riders will drive it. Noteworthy achievements by Soldiers within this Convoy Escort Team (CET) include SGT Tonneson being promoted to E-5, PFC Flannery for his promotion to E-3, SPC Wood for this selection as the High Roller for January, SPC Gargis as Februarys High Roller recipient and SGT Wooten for his 40/40 qualification at the M16 range. For the month of February, the theme for Friday Nights Lights was a Marti Gras. Soldiers enjoyed a good laugh, some snacks, a game of washers and tossing a couple of bean bags around. The Soldiers within the Rough Rider CET are doing extremely well, and will undoubtedly finish this deployment strong.

Thank you for your continued support. -1LT Liberator

Maintenance
Initiative and leadership has shown the Maintenance team how to become a leader instead of a follower in our chosen field of endeavor. The past two months weve accomplished every mission with a can do attitude; there has been no task too difficult. Individually, the Soldiers of the maintenance team went above and beyond the call of duty and single handedly added to their performance in other areas besides the normal day to day work. SGT Wilkerson did very well at the range, firing 40 out of 40, SGT Davidson attended and successfully attended and completed a military educational class, and SPC Flores completed two courses that has added to his proficiency as a equipment receiving parts specialist. PFC Baker was awarded the High Roller for the month of January, SPC Cotton was awarded the High Roller for the month of February, and last but not least SGT Mcinnis, SGT Wilkerson, SPC Fellows, and SPC Watkins successfully completed three hours of college education. SPC Hunter is now SGT Hunter after being promoted at the beginning of February. He also competed in the body building competition and placed second. Dur-

The greater the difficulty, the greater the victory -Cicero

ing the 3rd Sustainment Brigade Commander visit, COL Novack recognized SGT Hunters achievements by giving him the Brigades coin of excellence. All sections continue to excel within their areas of expertise and we look forward to continuously doing well in support of the mission. We would like to take the opportunity to thank the maintenance families at Fort Stewart for their support and prayers. -SFC Gasu

396th held their monthly Friday Night Lights celebrating everyones birthdays for the month of December by sharing cake and singing them all a Happy Bithday!

January Birthdays
SGT Young Pfc Livingston Spc Peterson Sgt Patterson Spc gullotti Spc fellows Spc Watkins Spc Campbell PV2 schapp Sgt Hawkins Sgt Kershaw Ssg miller Spc rael Ssg Johnson Spc hall Sgt reid Sgt marquez Pfc mead

February Birthdays
SGT STOCK SGT STEWART SPC GILL PFC MACIEL SPC FORTUNE SGT WATSON SPC LEBRON SPC FLORES

PFC ADAMS PFC BAKER SPC BLOMBERG SPC MARIN SPC ROVERE SPC WAGNER SPC WOOD

HIGH MILER
SSG MILLER

SPC COTTON SPC GARGIS SGT JACKSON SPC MANDELIK SPC QUEZADA SGT WILLIAMS

HIGH MILER
SPC CROWLEY

SPC GUEST SPC HALL SPC PUGH SGT TREADWELL SSG HARRIS
.

Congratulations to those who re-enlisted!