TheTHE OFFICIAL DEPLOYMENT MAGAZINE OF THE 172ND SEPARATE INFANTRY BRIGADE

THANKSGIVING

Battlecry

THANKSGIVINGPAKTIKA 2011

Editorial Team Maj. Joseph BuccinoEditor-In-ChiefTF Blackhawk Public Affairs Officer

Staff Sgt. Charles CrailLayout Editor/Writer/Photographer TF Blackhawk Public Affairs NCOIC

Spec. Robert HollandEditor/Writer/Photographer TF Blackhawk Public Affairs NCOIC

Contributing EditorsSgt. Andrea MerrittWriter/Photographer7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spec. Jacob KohrsPhotographer55th Combat Camera

Spec. David BarnesPhotographer982nd Airborne Combat Camera

BattlecryTheNOVEMBER 2011

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Blackhawk Friends and Families,

As we reflect on this very traditional and very American holiday, hopefully we all realize that we have much to be thankful for this year. Wonderful spouses and children back in Grafen-woehr and Schweinfurt give us reason to stay focused until the mission is complete here.

We should be thankful for the great German communities that open their doors to us and continually serve our families while we are deployed. Finally, we should all be thankful for the tremendous leaders and Soldiers at all levels within this brigade; the team

leaders and squad leaders, platoon leaders and platoon sergeants, com-pany commander and first sergeants continually lead and care for our Soldiers.

There is much to be thankful for. Our generation of Soldiers fighting here in Afghanistan is quite similar to previous generations of patriotic Americans, serving their country in time of conflict, often putting them in faraway places during the holidays. The selfless service demonstrated by your Soldiers everyday should cause us all to reflect on how thankful we should all be to live in such a country were so many young men and women volunteer to serve.

Even though many of the TF Black-hawk Soldiers are separated from their families during this Thanksgiving, I can tell you they had the opportu-nity to share a fantastic Thanksgiving meal with their extended 3500 Sol-dier strong Blackhawk Family here in Afghanistan. The cooks across the bri-gade made us feel as if we were eating dinner home, they all did a great job.

I would like to wish you all a very happy holiday season.

BLACKHAWKS!

THE BLACKHAWKMESSAGES FROM THE 172ND SEPARATE INFANTRY BRIGADE

COL Edward T. Bohnemann

Edward T. Bohnemann

MESSAGES FROM THE 172ND SEPARATE INFANTRY BRIGADE

Blackhawk Families and Friends,

It’s a tough day to be away from our Families on Thanksgiving and the Christmas season. Birthdays, anniver-saries, the first day of school for our children, just to name a few significant dates are not easy either. Whether it’s their first deployment or fourth or fifth, it gets no easier.

These Soldiers definitely display the 4th Army Value of Selfless Service at times like this. They make the best of the situation at hand. One Sergeant on an observation post hilltop for a week straight with no computer, no phone access, no TV, perhaps put it best:

“I really miss my family, wish I could be with them this Thanksgiving, but I got a job to do and at least I am with my Brothers up on this hill”.

All of our Blackhawk Soldiers show-case Selfless Service daily and live the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. It is what makes them special and among the less than 1% of our population who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq. You can and should be very proud of these great Soldiers. We thank YOU our families for the sacrifice and support you pro-vide us as we continue to get after it. You keep us safe with your prayers and well wishes.

Hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving pictures of Your Hero’s serving at the point of the spear for their Nation.

BRIEFSCSM Michael W. Boom

Michael W. Boom

The Thanksgiving season is upon us. Very soon we will quickly transition into

the Christmas season. Most of you reading this will not be with your husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, son or daughter, mother or father this holiday season. For some of you, this will be your first holiday season apart, so it may not be the most thankful Thanksgiving for you and your family. However, that does not mean that we all cannot be thankful. And it does not mean that we cannot make this a truly special Thanks-giving. With a little creativity and imagination, this could be the most unique and special Thanksgiv-ing you have ever had. No mat-ter what you are facing or what struggles you are having, there is always something for which we can be thankful. More importantly,

we should give thanks and make that thanksgiving known. It does our hearts good when we express thanksgiving. Laughter may be the best medicine, but maintaining a thankful heart and thankful attitude has to be a close second. It really does our perspective good to be continually filled with thanksgiving and gratitude for all which we are blessed. The ancient Hebrews knew very well the value of and need for giving thanks. They dedicated entire songs to this very topic and they made it a point to sing these songs on a regular basis when they gathered together. Even in our music culture today, there are a number of songs that deal with the idea of expressing thanks. I started listening to the radio on a regular basis in the early 70s (yes I do realize that was well before many of you were born).

My grandfather gave me a clock radio that had real hands on the clock and only picked up a.m. radio stations. Thinking back through the years, I can come up with a number of songs that have the idea of being thankful or express the words “thank you” in them. If you want to play a fun little game, get with your friends and see how many songs you can come up with that express the word or the idea of thanks. You may be surprised how many songs have that theme. No matter what genre; rap, hip-hop, rock, pop, country, dance, Chris-tian or classical; being thankful is a regular feature of our music. If it is good for our music, then it must be good for us as well. We have a need to be a thankful people. Now let me see if I can practice what I am preaching here in a way that is meaningful for all. On

As For Me and My Brigade, We Will Be Thankful

Chaplain (Major) Kevin Forrester

As For Me and My Brigade, We Will Be Thankful

behalf of the entire Blackhawk brigade, let me express to you how very grateful and thankful we are for each and every one of our Fam-ily members. It is never lost on us here that it is you who typically have the greater struggles through the course of this deployment.

Each of you with children have to keep the kids on track and make sure all the necessary things happen that ensure the kids get what they need and get where they need to go. It is you who have to learn new skills, develop new routines and totally change your world while we are deployed. We are here doing what we trained to do; conducting operations in combat is really not very new for us. You are the ones who share your love with us and provide us with the encouragement and hope we need. It is you, the Blackhawk Family members who, while decid-edly shorthanded, are continuing to make everything work and keep-ing everything on schedule. Each of us here owes you a big debt of gratitude even if all of us are not married. When you keep things going back home and ensure that all the trying situations you face work out, it is a real boost to your spouse or parent down range. When we know that you are making life work out back home, you make our burden lighter and we are able to focus more and give attention to the mission down here. When you keep the home working, you help keep us focused on the things that we must accom-plish here.

Even the single Soldiers benefit when their married counterparts are

able to sleep each night and work each day knowing their Family back home is making it through. For doing all these things with grace and love and all the charm you can muster even in tough times, we give you the thanks you deserve. We are a thankful brigade. But we know our thanks can never be enough for all that you do for us that is a direct blessing to us. There is a great song I have been singing in the church for about the past 20 years. The song is called “Thank You Lord” by Dennis Jerni-gan. The opening line of the song is a line that expresses well our gratitude and thanksgiving for you from this entire brigade. It goes like this, “For all that You’ve done, I will thank You, For all the You’re

going to do, For all that You’ve promised, And all that You are Is all that has carried me through.” While this is a song presented to the Lord, the sentiment that it expresses fits very well you who remain behind and keep everything working while we are deployed.

You are the ones who have helped carry us through this deployment thus far. You are the ones that have given us the assurance that we can have full confidence in what you are doing back there that will make sure the kids, the cars, and the bills are taken care of. For that reason, we as a Brigade give to you our heartfelt thanks. This Thanksgiv-ing and always, we are thankful for each and every one of you.

Spc. Dustin Huckabee504th MIAll wheel vehicle mechanicTampa, Fla.

“I am thankful for the support of my family through this deployment. I’m thankful for a very hardworking crew that helps accomplish the mission on time.”

Sgt. Michael DeanMaintenance Shop ForemanHHC, 9th EngineersPoughkeepsie, N.Y.

“I’m thankful that I have a good team working underneath me and I’m thankful for being alive.”

Sgt. 1st Class John DurousseauBattalion Motor Sergeant1-77th FAOpelousas, La.

“I’m thankful to have survived another deployment. This is my seventh deployment and out of seven, I have lost no Soldiers. I’m also thankful to celebrate 20 years of support from my wife. I’m thankful for the fine NCOs and Soldiers who support me in all the decisions that I make.”

Sgt. 1st Class Richard ShawverPersonnel NCOICHHC, 172nd Support BattalionPicayune, Mississippi

“I am thankful for many things this Thanksgiving, that the good Lord gave me the opportunity to wake up again this morning, walk, talk and breathe. I’m also thankful for my family who supports me, and my Soldiers who support me as well. Without them I couldn’t do what I do.”

Spc. Dillon GatesHuman resources specialistHHC, 172nd Support BattalionCarrollton, Texas

“I’m thankful for my fiancé, family, my NCOs and all the Soldiers who support us out here.”

Spc. Paulette ReklaiPassenger terminal clerkA Co., 172nd Support BattaliionRepublic of Palau

“I’m just thankful I’m alive and here with my unit. I have some people I’m close with to be around for the holidays.”

Dear Captain Brian SullivanWe are so proud of you and thankful for the sacrifices you are making for us and our country. We love and miss you so much!

Our holiday celebrations are on hold till you come home but our appreciation of you and all our military is eternal. God Bless you all each and every day.

Love, Mom, Dad, Nora, John, Tyler and the Sullivan 7

Dear Tim... All of our love to you this Thanksgiving, we are so thankfulfor you and proud of your gift and sacrifice to all of those here in the US. Here’s to good times, love and friendships that bind, character that counts, family and an awesome God who watches over us and knows our every need! Counting the days until you’re home again... Happy Thanksgiving!

Love, Dad and Mom, Beckie, Toby, Nick and Lanie

Dear John,We love you so much! I couldn’t ask for a better husband or father of our children. Stay safe and we’ll see you soon.

Love,

Nicole, Sydney and Morgan

PFC Jonathan RhoadsHappy Thanksgiving to my husband, PFC Jonathan Rhoads! I am so thankful for what you sacrifice for our country and our family, and my love is always with you. Love, Kate Rhoads.

Spc Jonathan Martinez,Happy Thanksgiving, we love you and miss you always..be safe and we will see you soon..God bless you!!!

Love You Always,Mom

PFC Meister,Happy Thanksgiving Baby! I am so thankful for everythingyou do for me. Thanks for being my hero! I love you! Stay safe and come home to me soon!

Yours Always,Sarah

Sgt. Jeremy BergmannService Battery motor sergeantService Battery, 1-77th FAWarner Robins, Ga.

“I’m thankful for my wife who supports me. It’s my fourth deployment. Also for my children and the thousands of Soldiers between Afghanistan and Iraq I stand next to that won’t be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families.”

Spc. Willie CessorLNO1-77th FACuero, Texas

“I’m thankful for being alive, being able to wake up everyday and getting to see this beautiful country.”

Sgt. 1st Class Jaime WhittimoreECP Platoon SergeantService Battery, 1-77th FACleveland, Ohio

“I’m thankful that my wife and daughter have given me support through my fifth deployment and that the Soldiers at the ECP do a good job at the main gate everyday so far through the deployment.”

Cpl. Charmaine Goron-SandersArms room NCOICService Battery, 1-77th FAJacksonville, Fla.

“I’m thankful for another year. This is my third deployment. I’m thankful for the support of my family. It can be a little stressful in this environment. I’m also thankful for the good leadership.”

Pfc. Xin Yi LiBiometric System operatorService Battery, 1-77th FABlounts Creek, N.C.

“I’m thankful for my NCO, my parents, my fiancé Daniel Olson. I had emergency leave for my father who passed away and my NCO supported me, my parents supported me then and when I deployed, and my fiancé is here and he gave me a lot of support.”

1st Lt. Joshua LazzaraECP OICService Battery, 1-77th FAVincennes, Indiana

“I’m thankful for my son Rocco, my daughter Audrey, my wife Melissa, my dog Mabel and my great friends and family.”

SGM James WinslowThanksgiving provides us with another reason to smile and another reasonto be grateful.

Thinking of you and missing you much,

Kristen

Michael Moody,Happy Thanksgiving, hun. I hope you have a great day! Molly and I miss and love you so much, and can’t wait to see you again soon.

Love, Sarah

1LT Van Meter,“You are our hero! We love you, miss you, and are so proud of you!”

The Van Meter boys getting ready to deploy at the Blackhawk kids Deploy for a Day.

PFC Dustin Berry, Dustin we are honored to call you son, brother, grandson, andboyfriend! We are proud of all you have done, and all you continue to do. We are thankful for your willingness to set yourself aside to join the fight to protect our freedoms, and thank you son for being the awesome, and inspiring young man you have become. We love you and continue to pray for you and your brothers in arms.

God bless you and protect you,

Mom, Dad, Anthony and McKenna, Mike and Momma Farmer, Chelsea, and of course Tara Elise

PFC Brent Van Sant,Happy thanksgiving, I love & miss you so much & cannot wait for you to be home. I’m so very grateful to have you in my life & I am thankful for all you do. I love you, forever yours, Amy.

SPC. Derrick A. Odom!We would like to wish a happy and safe holiday greetings to SPC. Derrick A. Odom!!! We all miss u back at home and we cant wait til u come back to us safe and sound!!! We luv u loads!!!

Sgt. Jean BasbasCamera Room NCOService Battery, 1-77th FAJacksonville, Fla.

“I’m thankful for my husband’s support during this year-long deployment. It can be stressful out here and it makes a difference when your loved ones and family show support. Simple things like getting mail, a letter or a card, are important as far as my morale. Love and support are really important to me. I’m thankful God is watching over us and keeping us safe here with our day-to-day routines.”

2nd Lt. Jessica LynchBrigade Environmental Science and Engineering Officer172nd Support BattalionSan Antonio, Texas

“I’m thankful for the bountiful support of my fellow soldiers, peers and superiors alike, who have made this deployment a positive experience. But most of all I am thankful for my family back home. Love you all!”

Sgt. Rosanna CowleyTraining room NCOICHHB, 1-77th FAPineville, La.

“I’m thankful for my kids and that I get to go home for Christmas.”

Cpl. Shannon WillinghamSupply sergeantHHB, 1-77th FAPendleton, S.C.

“I’m thankful for being alive and that I haven’t been blown up yet. I’m thankful for my family sending me care packages and being able to stay in contact.”

Staff Sgt. Shalarn JohnsonBattalion Supply NCOICHHB, 1-77th FACharleston, S.C.

“I’m thankful to be alive, for my husband and two beautiful kids. I will really be thankful once I make it home safe.”

Spc. Mariah HughesHuman resources specialistHHB, 1-77th FAGermantown, Ill.

“I’m thankful for my friends and family back home and their support.”

SGT Melvin SmithHappy Thanksgiving to you my love. We are so proud of you, you are truly this family’s hero.

Stay safe and remember i am with you every hour, every minute and every second of the day.

Mind, Body,SoulDein”Household6”

1LT Guillermo Luna,A day like today we join our lives under God’s blessing, all these years we’ve been married have been the most amazing and exciting of my life. I thank God for giving me a wonderful husband like you. I Love You w. all my heart.

Happy Thanksgiving Day! and Happy 11’s Anniversary!

dear daddy,i wish you a happy holidays!!! mommy and me are thinking of you all the time and we cant wait to hold you in our arms again...

we send you all of our love...YOU ARE MY HERO DADDY!!!

your son elijah

SPC Robert Metz, As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day 2011, we are very thankful for our freedom and thankful for your service; protecting ournation and helping the people of Afghanistan. We are thankful that Godcontinues to give strength and courage to you, the Black Scarves, your 172nd Battalion, and gives guidance and wisdom to the Army leadership. Be strong and focused on accomplishing your mission successfully. We are proud of you!! We love you always.

Dad; Mom; Shari; Kendra; and Cash.

Captain Jeremy Scherbarth,Happy Thanksgiving Captain Jeremy Scherbarth!! From Hunting Camp and Home- we send our love...

Mom, Dad, Matt and Will

SPC Paul J Frabizzio,Happy Thanksgiving my love! I have so much to bethankful for this year. We have had so many wonderful moments this year & I know we have just scratched the surface! I can’t wait until we get to spend every holiday together (all in the same year lol) I miss you!

love you with all my heart, your wife Paige.

Spc. Malaya PetersonHuman resources clerkHHB, 1-77th FAOakland, Calif.

“I’m thankful that no one has gotten hurt since we’ve been here.”

2nd Lt. Nina MartinBattalion chemical officerHHB, 1-77th FAHampton, Va.

“My family has been very supportive of me thus far in my life with all the radical decisions that I’ve made. I wish them a happy Thanksgiving. I’m also thankful for dark chocolate. Please send more Mom and Dad.”

Sgt. 1st Class Michael CreelBrigade Aviation Element communications chiefHHC, 172nd Inf. Bde.Hesperia, Calif.

“I’m thankful for my wife and son’s support and my office’s overall help and support as well. Without them, the mission wouldn’t happen.”

2nd Lt. Lashana LloydBattalion adjutantHHB, 1-77th FAClio, S.C.

“I’m thankful for all the prayers everyone is sending up for me and the Soldiers in the unit.”

Spc. Joseph ForbesHelp desk technicianHHC, 172nd Inf. Bde.Washington D.C.

“I’m thankful that my family is doing well. My daughter’s birthday is in two days. I’m thankful that I will be coming home later next year.”

Pfc. Brady MyattAllied trades specialistB Co., 172nd Support BattalionAustin, Texas

“I’m thankful it’s been a smooth year so far. I’m thankful for my battle buddy. He’s an excellent welder. I’m thankful for my family and my battle brothers and sisters.”

Sean Wiggin,To our son Sean Wiggin, we wish you and your battle buddies a Happy Thanksgiving! We’re all very proud of you!

All our love, Mum, Dad and Tiffany

Ian,Happy Thanksgiving Ian! We love you!

-Daryl, Mom and Dad

Joe Buccino,My wonderful son Joseph,

I wish you a very quiet, blessed and happy Thanksgiving Day.

You are always in my heart, my mind and daily in my prayers.

Take care of yourself and please be safe.

Much love, MOM

Spc Foor MichaelWishing you a Happy Thanksgiving Day! The miles between you and home are not that far; especially when you walk with us daily. The smile we have grown so accustomed to, your voice is embedded deep in our hearts.

Stay Safe. We Love You and you are a Blessing.

From,Grandma Bonny, Grandpa Ben, Dad, Mom and Joshua

Abraham Lam Yuen,HAPPY HAPPY THANKS GIVING TO OUR SON ABRAHAM!

We are very Thankful for you and Blessed to have an Awesome Son! Our thoughts and prayers are always with you! Have a awesome happy thanks giving day son! We love and miss you dearly! We are so Proud of you!

Be SAFE! God Bless you Son and your fellow Bravo Company!

Love Mom, Dad, Jacque, Josh, Antonio and all the families from New Zealand and Australia!

Spc. Jason PutnamAllied trades specialistB Co., 172nd Support BattalionAugusta, Maine

“I’m thankful for friends and family. I’m thankful that it’s been a safe year. Nobody I know has been killed or injured in the line of duty.”

Capt. Sean GrubofskiBrigade fire support officerHHC, 172nd Inf. Bde.Camp Douglas, Wis.

“I’m thankful for my family, my wife. I’m thankful for the support of my family and the country that we live in.”

Spc. Katherine ElmoreMultichannel transmission system operator/maintainer57th Signal Co.Sedolia, Colo.

“I’m thankful for my family. I’m thankful that I have a job. I’m thankful for all the interesting people that I’ve met since I joined the Army.”

Sgt. Pamela WoodSupply sergeant57th Signal Co.Lake Orion, Mich.

“I’m thankful for the military getting me out of all the trouble I could have gotten into back home. I’m thankful I got to deploy with my unit, the 57th Signal Company. Thankful for my family and son for being supportive while I’m deployed. Thankful for the food. I can eat as much as I want. I feel bad for the people at COPs that can only eat so much food. I’m thankful for my Soldier. She’s outstanding and there to help me out even though it’s not her MOS.”

Sgt. Clyde LynchPassenger NCOA Co., 172nd Support BattalionBrooklyn, New York

“I’m thankful for good friends and family and basically everything in life.”

Spc. Brendan SpencerMedic / Pharmacy NCO, FOB Sharana Medical Treatment FacilityC Co., 172nd Support BattalionHinckley, Utah

“I’m thankful for my family, especially my wife for supporting me while I’m here.”

Pfc. Ascension VasquezTurrett repairerB Co. 172nd Support BattalionRound Rock, Texas

“I am just thankful for being here and serving my country.”

Pfc. Heather OhalaSmall arms / towed artillery repairerB Co., 172nd Support BattalionEgg Harbor Township, N.J.

“I’m thankful for serving my country and making my family proud.”

Pfc. Jonathan StormesAir operations assistantHHC, 3-66 ARLewiston, Idaho

“I’m thankful for my fiancé, we actually just finished planning our wedding. I’m thankful I was able to go home on leave and see my family. I love them and I miss them.”

2nd Lt. Joshua KiserAssistant S4HHC, 3-66 ARColorado Springs, Colo.

“I’m thankful for friends and family back home and the good Soldiers I have to work with out here.”

Spc. George GaiUnit supply specialistAttached to HHC, 3-66 ARSioux Falls, S.D.

“I give thanks for my family giving me support while I’m here doing my job.”

Pfc. Curtis LewisTankerHHC, 3-66 ARAugusta, Ga.

“I’m thankful my family is taken care of and don’t have to worry about anything while I’m here. I’m thankful for my health.”

Spc. Cedric BaileyTankerHHC, 3-66 ARCharlotte, N.C.

“I’m grateful I get to do this again for my family. This is my third deployment. I get to come over here and protect their freedom.”

Capt. Giles WrightAssistant operations officerHHC, 3-66 ARFrankfort, Ky.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my country and the support I receive from my loving family to do so.”

Spc. Esdras LebranchePAC NCO504th MIFort Pierce, Fla.

“I’m thankful to spend the holidays with friends. Even though I’m away from family, I’m with my battle buddies.”

Spc. Tauheed WoodCommunications NCOIC504th MIHouston, TX

“I’m thankful for another day and being alive. I’m thankful for my family being safe and well back in the States and good friends to spend deployment with.”

Staff Sgt. Angel RodriguezBrigade Intelligence Support Element NCOIC504th MIBayamon, Puerto Rico

“First of all, I’m thankful for my family. That’s the key to who I am and without their support I don’t know where I would be. My wife is my best friend. We share everything and she brings me back up when I am down. I am lucky. I’m thankful for my two beautiful kids. I do everything I do for my country and family.

Sgt. Christian OrcuttAll Source NCO504th MIGuilford, Conn.

“I’m thankful for my family, girlfriend, and job. They make what I do worth it. They are very supportive.”

Spc. Steven KehrliImagery analyst504th MIMount Vernon, Wash.

“I’m thankful for my family always being there for me.”

Sgt. Hensel SurielSignal Intelligence Analyst504th MIBrooklyn, N.Y.

“I’m thankful for my wife and two beautiful kids. My wife makes my life easy and my kids bring a smile to my face.”

Sgt. Michael WexlerSignal Intelligence Analyst504th MIPhiladelphia

“I’m thankful for family and just being here, waking up everyday in one piece being alive.”

Spc. Alex LiddleLinguist504th MIWatertown, Tenn.

“I’m thankful I get to be with my wife here in Afghanistan. I’m also thankful for the support we both get from our families.”

Spc. Cody AllenCBRN specialist504th MIClifton, Idaho

“I’m thankful for family and friends. Friends get me through a lot and family is always there supporting me.”

Spc. Raine DurhamBrigade Civil Military Office data managerHHC, 172nd Inf. Bde.Columbus, Ohio

“I’m thankful for my family, unit and country.”

Staff Sgt. David ParkerOperations sergeantHHC, 172nd Inf. Bde.Lynchburg, Va.

“I’m pleased I’m still alive. I’m obliged I have an stupendous assemblage of populaces I toil with for this deployment.”

Sgt. Damien WellsDining Facility NCOHHC, 3-66th ARBelleville, Ill.

“I’m thankful to be still alive and still happy.”

Spc. Robert LoweChemical Equipment RepairerA Co., 1-2 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Ashburnham, Mass.

“I’m thankful for my friends being here and that everybody has stayed safe so far.”

Pfc. Nicholas TostadoBradley mechanicA Co., 1-2 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Walnut Creek, Calif.

“I’m thankful for my wife and that everybody here being safe.”

Spc. Brandon RawsonFood service specialistHHC, 3-66th AROmaha, Nebraska

“I’m thankful for my awesome family and their support and having good friends on this COP.”

Pfc. Nathan BurtonInfantrymanA Co., 1-2 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Shawano, Wis.

“I’m thankful for the guys in my group. On the COP we became like family. We don’t have family here so it’s like having family away from family. I’m grateful to have brothers here.”

Shout out to SPC Christopher S. DeLa-no, We are so proud of you, we miss you and we LOVE you! and to you and the WHOLE UNIT! HAPPY THANKS-GIVING AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SEVRICE. Love Mom, Dad, Megan, Jimmy, Samantha, Randy, Deb-bie, Kathryn & Zachary DeLano -- To: SSgt. Scott A. Finster, FOB Connolly Hope you have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. Hope you get lots of turkey and all the goodies to eat. (Turkey MRE’s????) For us, our thanks will come when you and all your fellow Soldiers are able to complete your jobs and come home safely. Take care of yourself, Son. We love you. Mom and Dad -- My Sweet Honey Bunny (SPC Kevin West) We Love you so much and wish you a very Happy & Safe Thanks-giving. R&R can’t come fast enough. Our Love Denise, Leighann, Ally and Cheyenne -- Sgt. McPherson we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving, we love and miss you sooooo much! See you soon! H+B+D+Mom+Dad+S+V+B+A!!!!!! -- Happy Thanksgiving Spc Michael Wasson.....we love you and miss you so much! Stay safe! Love Mom, Dad, Kristen & Ryan -- Happy Thanks-giving brother, So proud, so proud, so much love, Gods speed home, your brother Guy -- Joseph, I wish you and the Blackhawk community a Happy Thanksgiving and I’d like to thank each of you for the work you are doing to bring freedom to Afghanistan and may it be said there that “America is

great because America is good”. May God bless each one of you this Thanks-giving season and give you the courage and determination to finish your terms there according to His perfect will for the lives of each one of you. From your uncle, Louis Rocha -- SPC Roger Gonza-les, Happy Thanksgiving from your dear friends here in Naurod, Germany!! We all wish you the best and hope you enjoy Thanksgiving! Just a couple more months till you give us the pleasure of your com-pany! We all miss you! Happy Thanksgiv-ing! Josh, Gabi, Tom & Tati and Nadine. Thank you very much! Josh Barrett -- SSG Tim French - I am so thankful to have you as my big brother. Thinking about you today & everyday. Love, Tess -- Mentzer, we love and miss you, always in our prayers, GODSPEED Blackhawks...... -- CPT Mark Gerasimas Mark, we are missing you today as families gather

to give Thanks. You are here with us, even if we are separated by distance. May you find some peace this day, to be Thankful for your many blessings. Your future holds so much as you remember your family, Katie and little Alexis who will be making her arrival soon!! May God hold you and your fellow soldiers safe in the palm of his hands, to bring all of you home to your loved ones. We Thank God for you my son and for what you and your soldiers are doing for all of us back home. Be Safe Always!! All our Love- Mom and Dad -- Happy Thanks-giving, and Happy Birthday SPC. Bran-don Lindsay....Love Mom..I miss you so much..xoxoxox -- First of all, I want to wish everyone in the 172 IN a safe and blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am thankful for all of you and your ef-forts to keep our country safe. God Bless you each and every one and your fami-

lies. And I want to wish my son SFC Ronald Becker Jr. a safe and blessed Thanksgiving. Your family loves you and we are so very proud of you, Ron. We think of you and pray for you everyday. May God bless you and the 172 and keep you safe. Love ya lots, Mom Nancy Becker -- Hey baby! I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. I miss you! Thinking of you! Hope to hear from you soon somehow. I’m still here for you! Hugs and Kisses baby! XOXOXO Krista -- Zach -- We’re so thankful to have been blessed with a son as wonderful as you,

MESSAGES FROM THE BLACKHAWK HOMEFRONT TO THE FRONTLINES

we are so very proud. Looking forward to the day we can again spend Thanksgiving and Christmas together as a family. Know your always in our hearts and on our minds. Love Always - Dad, Mom and Maggie -- To SPC Erwin Villamil (1-77 Field Artil-lery Falcons), THANK YOU for being a wonderful husband, partner and friend. Thank you for working so hard for me, for our family and for our country. Rain or shine, you go into the big bad world and fight for us. You endure stress and sleepless nights, you do your job with no complaints and I could never express to you how much I love and respect you for that. Thank you baby for being the man you are. I wish I could be with you this Thanksgiving but I’ll be seeing you soon. Love always, Vanessa -- Donnie

Meyers, We are all so proud of you! And want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, or as your Naine says, “Happy Turkey Day!” Stay Safe and much love! Mom & Dan -- Hi Donnie! Thank you for your service to our country and that you are willing to be away from family and friends to do a very important job for America. I hope you have the best Thanksgiving possible and know that we are grateful for you and all the service people so that we can sit at our Thanksgiving table in peace! God Bless and come home safe and soon! With heartfelt love, Jim and Linda McCormick -- Happy Thanksgiv-ing Ryan! We all love you and miss you so much. Thanksgiving isn’t the same without you. Love Mom, Dad, Kay, John, Jessica, Laura, Erin, Grandma and Grandpa and Ashly -- Jose Pizano Happy Thanksgiv-

ing to our men & women 4 serving n 4 standing watch 4 us. Thank u 4 being our guardians of freedom and maintain-ing the American way of life. My son is with A-Co, 2-28, TF-366. -- Heather Rus-sell Whiting HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all those serving and know that you will be missed greatly at your familys table this year. Thank you all !!! Hello to our son in B co, TF 3-66 -- Ricci Pizano Happy Thanks-giving Jose’! We wish you and all of your friends a very Happy Thanksgiving and know that we are alll thinking about you, A-CO, 2-28, TF-366. God Bless You, with love from your family who misses you very much!!! -- Mark Bohnemann Thank you all for your incredible work that you do! We all miss you back stateside! --

Pfc. Yaroslav SobalDriverA Co., 1-2 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Dekalb, Ill.

“I’m thankful I have good battle buddies next to me. I’m thankful that I didn’t have to lose anybody close to me.”

Spc. Kevin ManigaultInfantrymanA Co., 1-2 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Bronx, N.Y.

“I’m thankful for another day, waking up this morning, still being here.”

Pfc. Kiwan KwakDriverA Co., 1-2 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Riverside, Calif.

“I’m thankful for the life God and my family has given me so I could experience happiness.”

Spc. Zin HtutGunnerA Co., 1-2 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Philadelphia

“I’m thankful for a wife and family that support me.”

Spc. Robert ‘Jesse’ HollandPublic Affairs SpecialistHHC, 172nd Inf. Bde.Irasburg, Vermont

“I’m thankful for the construct which embodies the leadership I am under. I am thankful for this time in Afghanistan to hone my skills as a journalist.”

Spc. Jacob KohrsCombat CameramanHHC, 172nd Inf. Bde. (Attached)

“I am thankful that in a few short weeks I will be home and able to be warm. It’s been fun working with the Blackhawks, I’ll miss them.”

Pfc. Andrew PeytonInfantrymanA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Dayton, Ohio

“I’m thankful for my family, my wife and kids, being there to support me.”

Sgt. William PielWeapons team leaderA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Kissimmee, Fla.

“I’m thankful for my wife Skye always sending care packages for the guys. She takes care of me and supports the guys and the mission. She makes sure I’m worry free.”

Pfc. Michael RidgwayJoint fires observerA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Council Bluffs, Iowa

“I’m thankful for my health.”

Pfc. Zachary TothInfantrymanA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Bladenboro, N.C.

“I’m thankful for my wife and family.”

Capt. Steve RogersThe people’s executive officerA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Austin, Texas

“I’m thankful for Skype. I get to see loved ones. I think Skype is the coolest thing ever invented. I got to see the little guy walking.”

Pfc. Alejandro GiraldoInfantrymanA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66West Palm Beach, Fla.

“I’m thankful I got to see my whole family while on leave.”

Pfc. James BradfordMedicA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Tampa, Fla.

“I’m thankful for supportive parents, good friends and a good roommate.”

Pfc. Cameron SoperBradley mechanicA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt.Amarillo, Texas

“I’m thankful that I was able to meet my brand new nephew. My sister just had a child and he took to me really well.”

Sgt. 1st Class Jason ElemenPlatoon SergeantA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66San Jose, Calif.

“I’m thankful for a loving wife and family that take care of me. Without them, I would be totally lost.”

Pfc. Isaiah CalixTrack vehicle repairerA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66San Diego

“I’m thankful for my girlfriend and my family. Without my girlfriend, I would be doing any of this. I’m also thankful to the Army for giving me a job.”

Pfc. Chad HoerterInfantrymanA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Wausau, Wis.

“I’m thankful for the people back home who support us by sending random care packages; people from all over the States we don’t know helping us out.”

Spc. Johnathan WiselyCommander’s driverA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Cottage Grove, Oregon

“I’m thankful for being able to look down at the grass and not up at it. Everyday above ground is a good one.”

SUPER-THANKSGIVING

The most “super” Thanksgiving of all took place on Forward Operating Base Super FOB. You heard right, Super FOB.

No one is quite sure why this place is named Super FOB, but the name conjures images of cape-toting troopers flying to the rescue of waylaid villagers in the surrounding countryside.

“Trust me, I’ve wish I could change the name,” said Lt. Col. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force 3-66 during a recent conversation about sending CBS news to the FOB for Thanksgiving coverage.

“But we just can’t have that name on national television,” Taylor concluded.

Lucky for the troops there, The BattleCry staff thinks the name and the Soldiers of company A, 1-2 are just swell.

Staff Sgt. Charles Crail Public Affairs NCOICHHC, 172nd Inf BrigadeWinston-Salem, N.C.

“I’m thankful for every chance I get to go outside the wire and photograph our Soldiers and the people they meet. The joy from meeting the children of this land and having the opportunity to photograph them with our warriors is beyond description.”

Pvt. Steven MannMortarmanA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Las Vegas

“I’m thankful for being with all my friends and being able to deploy with great guys.”

Cpl. Randy McKenzieMaintenance shop foremanB Co., 9th Engineer BattalionIrving, Texas

“I’m thankful for the people we have here and the great guys who send care packages. It’s good for everybody and it shows they care about our morale.”

Pvt. Manuel ValdezRiflemanA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Gainesville, Ga.

“I’m thankful for my buddies in my platoon.”

Pfc. John WilliamHeadquarters radio transmission operatorA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Mt. Holly, N.J.

“I’m thankful for good family, good friends, good support.”

Pfc. William KrebaumRiflemanA Co., 2-28 Inf. Regt., TF 3-66Santa Barbara, Calif.

“I’m thankful to be here alive and kicking. We hit an IED the other day. I’m really thankful Osh Kosh makes good trucks.”

GAME DAY

What’s Thanksgiving without sports? For some troops, ESPN and football on TV was enough to help digest the feast, but for a few at FOB Kushmond, they needed more.

Enter the Afghan equivalent of American football; volleyball. Under a slowly setting afternoon sun, Team Kush took it to Team ANA in the rematch of the century. Skinning by with a 15 – 12 victory, Team Kush took home the Turkey-Day Trophy; a random rock picked up by a Soldier.

Spc. Eleroy Snedden Combat engineerB Co., 9th Engineer BattalionEwa Beach, Hawaii

“Im thankful for the internet. I’m a Facebook fan. I’m able to keep in touch with the family. I’m also thankful for the support of the chain of command.”

Spc. Zachary KrokCombat engineerB Co., 9th Engineer BattalionNapoleon, Ohio

“I’m thankful for all the battle buddies I have here. We have so much to deal with. I’m thankful for the wonderful MWR . It helps keep us sane out here.”

Pfc. Billy Joe GrooverCombat engineerB Co., 9th Engineer BattalionCanton, Ga.

“I’m thankful for the partnership with have with 1-77th FA and the 172nd and the many opportunities they provide us to serve the people of Afghanistan. I’m also thankful for good friends.”

Pfc. Thomas DehartCompany coistB Co., 9th Engineer BattalionSt. Joseph, Mo.

“I’m thankful for my battles that came over here with me. It’s great to be at the same place, the same COP with everyone else.”

Spc. Juan GilCombat engineerB Co., 9th Engineer BattalionNagua, Dominican Republic

“I’m thankful for the team we have here and the people who support us with care packages.”

Pfc. John GuingaoCombat engineerB Co., 9th Engineer BattalionLos Angeles

“I’m thankful I have battles to help watch my back, thankful for Task Force Black Lion who takes care of us, the leadership and most of all my wife. She is the inspiration and motivation I need to get through this deployment.”

THANKSGIVING SPREADS

Without Walmart even close enough to fly to, what’s a Brigade to do when it comes time for holiday decorations? Enter the ingenuity and creativity of the modern food service Soldier.

Creating from virtually nothing, Soldiers of the Blackhawk brigade were able to turn dining facilities, from the smallest to the largest, into cornucopias of festive Thanksgiving celebrations.

Pfc. Adam Hallneck Field artillery cannon crewmemberA Co., 1-77th FAPalm Springs, Calif.

“I’m thankful for my family back home and life itself.”

Pfc. Anthony ShakeField artillery cannon crewmemberA Co., 1-77th FAPortland, Oregan

“I’m thankful for the gym. It’s a productive way for me to use my down time.”

Spc. Adam DayCombat engineerB Co., 9th Engineer BattalionMidlothian, Va.

“I’m thankful for my wife and my family, the organization I work with and my leadership, but mainly the love and support of my family.”

Spc. Anna RuhstorferMedicHHC, 9th Engineer BattalionPerry, Mich.

“I’m thankful for my awesomest family.”

Pfc. Collin DyeMedicB Co., 9th Engineer BattalionMega, Ariz.

“I’m thankful for my Soldiers all being alive and safe out here.”

Pfc. Catherine UribeMilitary Police554th MP Company, attached to 9th Engineer BattalionMarysville, Calif.

“I’m thankful for the family support I have.”

Our Thanksgiving heriTageFor Native Americans, Thanks-

giving is a story of survival and their contributions to Ameri-

can values and culture go far beyond maize and headdresses.

On 18 November, the brigade celebrat-ed these contributions with a National Native American Heritage Month luncheon on FOB Sharana. According to Sergeant First Class Clint K. Miller, the brigade’s equal opportunity coor-

dinator and the event’s organizer, the Native American experience is at once complex and transparent. “The Native American qualities of faith, God, and love of Family held the Native Ameri-cans through unthinkable hardship,” said Miller. “These are a people with a deep love, loyalty and conviction who would not succumb to staggering violence and sadness.”

Guest Speaker Sergeant Elmer Parrish,

57th Signal Company, a descendant of the Commanche and Apache tribes, appreciated the purpose of the event. “Looking back at your heritage and the difficulties your people faced make you appreciate your role in society all the more,” he said. “For millions of Americans, Thanksgiving is a story of victory, but for Natives it is a tale of struggle and hardship.”

Over 4 months ago, Task Force Black Knights said good bye to their friends and Families, boarded a plane and arrived in Afghanistan.

They knew that they’d be gone for a year and would miss birthdays, holidays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This is the sacrifice we all make when we choose a profession of service to our Nation. Much attention recently has been focused on the thanks owed to our service men and women. On this Thanksgiving, I would like to focus on what we, as American Soldiers serving in Afghanistan, have to be thankful for.

First, we are thankful for the incredible support and backing of the American people after 10 years of war. When Sergeant Matthew Harmon was laid to rest in Minnesota in August, over 1,000 people attended the event including a Governor and a Congressman. This is an incredible show of support and solidarity a full decade into the longest war in American history. Our fathers had to deal with a very different experience after Vietnam and we are incredibly grateful that American people have been much more supportive of the Soldier during this period of conflict.

We are thankful that we have some of the best technology that America can buy to keep our Soldiers safe on the battlefield. Our nation and the American taxpayer have spared no expense to give us the very best armor available. Our Mine Resistant Vehicles are great pieces of equipment and have saved the lives of countless Black Knight Soldiers. In the last 100 days over 40 Soldiers have been wounded in our area, mostly by road-side bombs, but only a handful of these have been life altering wounds. If we were in the same vehicles that we had even five years ago, our casualty

ENDURING FREEDOMENABLED THROUGH ENDURING SUPPORT FROM HOME

Black Knights! Mounted and Ready!

numbers would be much higher. We are therefore thankful for the incredible investment that our Army and the taxpayers that support it have made into constantly improving and upgrading the quality of our vehicles.Most importantly, we are thankful for our Families. We could not be able to do this without your love, support, and loyalty. It takes a special woman to volunteer to serve on a CARE team or drive a Family to Landstuhl Medical Center to visit a wounded Soldier. Not only have they shown incredible support to us over here in Afghanistan but the support that our Families have provided to one another in Grafenwoehr has been absolutely outstanding. Thank you for your care, concern, and compassion. We could not do this without

you.

Finally, we are thankful to be called American Soldiers. That is a title that carries great honor and prestige both at home and in every village we visit in Afghanistan. The Black Knights are proud to be a small part of the half of one percent of the US population who volunteered to serve our nation in a time of war. We cherish the opportunity to fight for peace and for a better future for our children so that other Americans celebrate these holidays safe at home.

We appreciate holidays like these because we have missed so many. Although we will not have the opportunity to enjoy this Thanksgiving with our Families, the Black Knights still have a great deal for which to be thankful. We are honored to be a part of history here and to be counted among the great American fighting men and women who have made similar sacrifices throughout history when the Nation called.

Happy Thanksgiving!

KNIGHTS

BLACK SCARVESON THE MOVE ACROSS AFGHANISTAN

With Thanksgiving upon us, we would like to take a few moments to thank all Families and friends of the Black

Scarves for your support. The Soldiers of the Black Scarves are in good spirits because of the constant reminders you send from home. The mail that the Soldiers receive is also a true testament of your strength and support.

You will be happy to know that the new dining facility that has been under construction for many months was open in time for Thanksgiving dinner. The Soldiers were excited to enjoy this meal with their extended family here in Afghanistan, and we can assure you that they will have plenty of food to fill them up. We would also like to take this

Brian D. Woodall

opportunity to thank every one of the Soldiers in the Battalion for their constant support and mentorship toward our Afghan counterparts. The time and effort they have dedicated to making the Afghan National Army a stronger entity is evident on a daily basis. You should know that the hard work our Soldiers are doing has helped the Afghan Soldiers make great strides.

Thank you again for all your love and support. Your strength at home gives us strength abroad,

and although we cannot physically be with you this Thanksgiving, we are thinking about you and looking forward to seeing you before long.

Back in Black! Earl B. Higgins

SCARVES

Commanding a company of American infantryman in a cursed landmass along the Pakistani border provides a unique

perspective on life, death, and gratitude. Combat in isolation brings with it many elements, both light and dark, unknown to most of the American population. During this holiday weekend, I focus on the positive, specifically the twin promises of hope and familial bonding.

My Soldiers celebrated Thanksgiving in our brand new dining facility on COP Zerok. This new building allowed us to enjoy the large traditional meal provided by our cooks SPC Amon, SPC Pina and PFC Jones. Big plans are in store for the DFAC as we prepare an outdoor deck with patio furniture and large television screens.

The brigade commander air lifted a large feast into Observation Post Twins for our contingent celebrating on there. On behalf of all the Soldiers at Twins unable to contact the outside world, I want to thank our Families for their support.

“Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you. You must travel it by yourself. It is not far. It is within reach. Perhaps you have been on it since you were born, and did not know. Perhaps it is everywhere - on water and land.”

- Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

“Song of Ourselves”

Cpt. Craig A. Halstead Commander, Bravo Company, Task Force 2-28

Recently the Bushmasters and a platoon of Military Police from Task Force Gila held an official graduation ceremony, celebrating the

successful completion of a one-month Afghan National Police training academy held at Zerok. The Afghan Policemen were very thankful for the professional training and will utilize what they learned during daily operations in the Zerok and Naka districts. The senior Afghan leadership were impressed with the professionalism and capabilities trained, noting that this training academy will continue to ensure success in eastern Paktika.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving too, we’d all like to give a warm welcome and congratulations to SFC Dustin Humphrey and his wife, with the delivery of a new born daughter Ashlyn on November 14th. I wish Ashlyn, along with all of you, the best in life, in love, and in war.

LIONS

THANKSGIVING FORKLIFTTHE LARGEST AIRDROP IN THANKSGIVING HISTORY

“Uh oh. That didn’t sound good,” said U.S. Army Maj. Michael Laporte, the 172nd Infantry Brigade support operations officer, as he watched from a tower overlooking the drop zone.

Once on the ground, the 9th Engineer Bn. Soldiers ran over and inspected the new piece of equipment. Although the packing material encasing the equipment broke during landing, the forklift remained in tact.

Every shadow of doubt about the operation’s success disappeared when the Soldiers were able to start up the forklift and use it to load boxes onto the trucks.

“It went excellent,” said Laporte, a Pleasantville, N.Y. native. “When it came out, it didn’t look good, but we pulled off the drop and they were able to pick up kicker boxes using the forklift.”

The company’s material handling equipment contract expired Nov. 19, so the forklift was necessary to help complete task they conduct around FOB Curry on a daily basis.

“Our daily (combat outpost) sustainment task include picking up supplies from the (helicopter landing zone), recovering container delivery system drops and also moving equipment around the COP,” said Andover, N.J. native U.S. Army 1st Lt. Timothy Smith, executive officer for B Co., 9th Engineer Bn.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE CURRY, Afghanistan – With the inhospitable, mountainous terrain

surrounding FOB Curry making vehicle maneuver nearly impossible, units have to rely heavily on air assets to receive supplies.

As done many times before, Soldiers from B Co., 9th Engineer Battalion, waited Nov. 23 at the drop zone near the remotely located FOB for their incoming delivery.

The unit usually recovers water, food, fuel and other classes of supplies from the drop zone, but this delivery was unlike all others and was the first of its kind in the history of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“Today we air dropped a 16-foot platform carrying a 4k all-terrain forklift. It is one of six platforms ever dropped in theater,” said Eagle, Colo. native U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chelsea Craig, 11th Quartermaster Detachment “Riggers” commander. “It is the first forklift dropped in theater and weighing in excess of 15,000 pounds, it is the heaviest platform ever dropped.”

As the C-130 Hercules aircraft flew overhead, the back hatch opened and the crew pushed the platform carrying the historic load from the plane.

Within seconds, three parachutes opened and the platform descended onto the drop zone. Upon landing, the platform made a loud cracking noise as it came in contact with the earth’s surface.

TALONS

Thanksgiving is a time for citizens all across America to reflect on our beginning as a nation and give thanks

for the many blessings we enjoy.

Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the winter holiday season and provides an opportunity for Soldiers, Sappers, Signaleers, Analysts & Collectors, Military Police, and Family members to focus on what is important.

“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be ex-pected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as

from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.”

– Theodore Roosevelt.

On behalf of Task Force Gila we would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy the well-deserved time with your Family and friends as we continue to assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) in bringing security and stability to the People of Paktika Province.

Happy Thanksgiving!! The Pilgrims were the First to Cross!

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turned into a weekly occurrence here at FOB Boris. While sitting with our fellow leaders of the Afghan Kandak, local workers and interpreters we began to explain to them about our upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and how the Pilgrims sat and had a feast with the Native Americans, much like we were doing with all of them. It instantly became clear to all of us

that we needed to follow in our forefathers’ footsteps and have a true Team Boris Thanksgiving. Instantly, the various Afghan leaders began talking about what traditional Afghan dishes they could each make and bring to the Team Boris Thanksgiving. Due to our operations, we planned to celebrate one day later, holding our Thanksgiving feast on November 25th rather than November 24th.

Since that night, the idea has grown and became a reality when we celebrated on November 25th. Each one of the Afghan elements prepared a traditional Afghan dish to add to the Thanksgiving meal. We sat together, just as the Pilgrims and Native Americans did, enjoying a buffet of American and Afghan foods while celebrating all that we have to be thankful for in our lives.

As the year comes to an end and the holiday season begins to set in, we reflect on the past year, the blessings

we have in our lives, and how appreciative we are of it all. Over the last four months the men of Forward Operating Boris have created a tight bond forged by heavy combat. Team Boris is made up of soldiers from Bravo 1-77 FA, Charlie 2-28 Infantry, 57th Signal Battalion, and the Afghan National Army’s 2nd kandak, 2nd brigade, 203rd Corps. Additionally, we have a mix of interpreters, local national workers, and US civilian contractors. The incredible thing about our team is how close knit everyone has become, making it nearly impossible to tell who is from which unit or organization. While we are away from our family and loved ones, it is this bond that helps remind us of all that we have to be thankful for in our lives.

As we were nearing the Thanksgiving holiday, 1SG Jackson and I sat one night having kebabs and chai with our Afghan colleagues and began talking about how essential our partnership with the Afghans is. Here we were sitting around sharing a meal, much like the first Thanksgiving, something that has

A Team Boris ThanksgivingBy Captain Brian Jenson

Commander, B Battery, 1-77 Field Artillery

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