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"PRIDE OF THE DAKOTA’S DISPATCH"
2ND BATTALION 147TH FIELD ARTILLERY FAMILY NEWSLETTER
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM II, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12 1 August, 2004

Whether you see the glass has half empty or half full, it’s still half. With the passing of July, the first half of our scheduled tour is past. It has gone by quicker than expected and we are looking to knock out the second half and come to our loved ones. We all know it is a long time to be separated from our loved ones and we want you to know that we really appreciate your support and everything your doing at home to help us. By taking care of the little issues on your own, helping each other with projects, sending care packages to our soldiers, etc…all of these action help your soldiers stay calm and allow them to focus on their mission. All of your help is sincerely appreciated.

All of the soldiers in the 2/147^th are doing an excellent job. Usually when we talk about what we are doing, we talk about our KBR escort missions and our Captured Enemy Ammunition activities. This newsletter I want to recognize some behind the scenes players that don’t always get the recognition they deserve.

The first group I want to recognize are our Maintenance soldiers. We could not begin to complete our mission without the hard work, expertise and dedication of our soldiers in the maintenance sections. In each Battery and in the Battalion maintenance section, these soldiers have truly excelled. To date, we are averaging an equipment readiness rate in the 96-98% range. That means that almost every piece of equipment that we have is ready to be used on required missions, every day. These soldiers maintain equipment around the clock to ensure our soldier’s equipment is ready to go. They are simply outstanding.

Chaplain (MAJ) Lynn Wilson and his Chaplain’s Assistant SPC Derek Kleinsasser are instrumental to the Battalion’s success. In addition to meeting our spiritual needs, the Battalion Ministry team is actively involved in conducting required briefings for our soldiers going home on R&R Leave and in counseling with soldiers who may be facing challenging times here in Iraq or at home. Chaplain Wilson is the Battalion songbird, a joy to have around and a valuable asset to the soldiers of 2/147^th. (Even if he does keep some pretty weird night hours)

One other soldier I want to recognize is a soldier who has made a special contribution to the overall wellbeing of our soldiers. SGT Jason Steen is a mechanic by military training, but it is his civilian training and skills that have made a huge difference in the lives of our soldiers. SGT Steen is a heating and cooling specialist in his civilian job. SGT Steen has literally kept the Battalion cool. SGT Steen has traveled to all of our remote sites and spent countless hours ensuring that all of our soldiers had a cool place to get out of the heat and to be able to sleep. There are many things our soldiers would volunteer to go without, but A/C is not one of them. Needless to say, everybody loves to see SGT Steen come to their location.

The last group I want to recognize are a group we refer to as our "Whiz Kids" or "Commo Dogs." These guys keep us talking to each other no matter where we are. Currently, we are spread out in seven different locations. We must be able to communicate effectively 100% of the time with each element to ensure their safety. Without exception, our Commo section has accomplished this task. Another important aspect of their job is to manage the Internet Systems for our soldiers. The most important thing to our soldiers is to be able to communicate home on a regular basis. These guys work hard to ensure that happens. Currently we have two systems and are hoping to buy a third system to ensure that every soldier in every location can stay in touch with their loved ones. Thanks guys for the excellent job you do.

I usually don’t take up this much space, but in light of some recent events, I want to again address this topic. I apologize in advance for preaching a bit, but I feel some people really need to hear this. I cannot stress enough how important your understanding and cooperation in this area is. For whatever reason, some people feel they need to fuel rumors. The bottom line is "Rumors Cause Pain"

All of us, the soldiers and families, are at the most difficult point in this mobilization. This is the middle point we talked about earlier. Home is closer, but is still several months away. Issues tend to be blown out of proportion. In the past few weeks, we have dealt with more sensitive issues than in the entire mobilization to this point. This indicates to us that emotions are running high and that people are in need of support.

As always, rumors have been spread about the Battalion’s return date. One soldier home on R&R announced to the world that the 153^rd was coming home in August and we were coming home in September. There is no truth to such a rumor and the spread of such a rumor only serves to create false hopes and eventual let down and depression. Please plan on us being in country for 365 days (1 Feb 05). That is the best date we have at this time and we have no indication of it being any shorter.

One rumor spread was that only a very few soldiers (less than 50) were going to get home on R&R and that all the Officers and Senior NCOs were taking all the slots. That could not be further from the truth. By the end of August, 182 of our 370 soldiers will have been home for R&R or Emergency Leave. Of those slots, 11 have been utilized by soldiers in the grade of E-7 or above. That means that 6% of the R&R slots have been used by a group that makes up over 18% of the Battalion. I assure you, that the leadership in each Battery and at Battalion are totally committed to all soldiers getting home on R&R, but please also remember that E-7s and above also have families that miss them, that they carry the lion’s share of the stress and worry about their soldiers and that they also need the opportunity to re-charge their batteries. Anyone who would begrudge them that opportunity is simply being naive or immature.

Recently the Family Support Groups were asked to support the purchase of another Internet system that would allow our soldiers better access to e-mail. I want to thank you for your support of that project. From this yet another rumor was started that some didn’t want to support the system because it was going to be put in the TOC and that the soldiers would not get to use it. Again, this could not be further from the truth. The Battery and Battalion TOCs (Tactical Operation Centers) are the most connected places in the Battalion. These locations need to be, because they are the brain center of the Battalion. They are how we keep our soldiers accounted for, supplied, notified in case of emergency and in contact should a threat occur. The systems we are talking about buying are to increase the soldier’s ability to get on-line when they are at remote site. They are not for the TOCs. We are fortunate today to ensure that every soldier in this Battalion can get on-line every single day, if they choose. Many choose not to because of having to stand in lines or the time they can use it, but if they need to get on-line, they can and most do. The new system will be designed to make that access even better.

The last point I need to address is the area of people spreading rumors of what may be going on back home. What goes on in soldiers private relationships is between them and their family or girlfriends. Please don’t spread rumors along these lines. Relationships are a very fragile thing and extra hands in the mix are of no benefit to anyone.

I apologize for how long this has gotten and for preaching a bit, but this is too important of an issue not to address. Again, "Rumors cause Pain. We simply don’t have the time or the energy to give to such things. Thank You for you support in dealing with this matter.

We are nearing the end of yet another month of tour. The first six months have flown by. We can attribute it to tasks that are new to us and the changes that have occurred since our arrival. Believe it or not, every time a new mission starts our soldiers get a renewed sense of vigor with little thought of boredom.

I have recently been on visits to our ammunition holding areas and have seen first hand the cohesion within our batteries and the focus to complete this mission without injuries. Overall success will take hard work, cooperation, coordination, and a little luck. The convoy security missions have not changed much but neither has the focus and diligence of our soldiers to complete their mission everyday without incident.

Our soldiers really appreciate support from home to include letters and packages. Also, I know of many situations where friends and family members have helped our spouses in times of need. Those things do not go unnoticed and debts will be repaid.

Our soldiers continue to do physical training on their own in preparation for the diagnostic test in September. Moral remains high due to numerous slots for R&R leave.

We have noticed the days getting shorter and hope to get a reprieve from the heat. Air conditioning units and plenty of ice for coolers have been necessities. Our units have been experiencing issues with internet and satellites so that may explain for a decline in communications.

Charlie Army Newsletter
(brought to you from 5 locations throughout southern Iraq.)

The Charlie battery personnel working out of Camp Ozzy have been busy for the month of July. When the news came down that Camp Ozzy would soon be closing, the guys turned their focus to packing up camp for relocation. The guys have been busy tearing down dividing walls to reuse the lumber for packing boxes. As you can imagine, there are many supplies needed to support a battery of soldiers. The guys have also been busy cleaning up the rooms that have collected much sand and dust over the past few months.

Charlie Army has been fortunate to get a good number of soldiers home for their R&R and it has been the job of the guys at Ozzy to welcome them back to the sandbox after returning from leave. (Not sure that job has been much appreciated yet!!)

The guys have also been doing the daily tasks of radio watch, tower guard, and chow runs.

R&R has been running smoothly. By the end of August, a good percentage of the unit will have been home on leave. We are trying our hardest to get as many people home as possible. It is nice to hear all the stories people have after they get back from R&R. And yes it is still hot, with no rain in sight. My sweet corn probably won’t grow, again.

SGT Harty; "Hi everyone, and thanks for all the support from the community."

"R.R.R. is coming home for R&R"

SPC Harford: "Hi Missy, Cayden, Silas, and Elliot. Love you all."

SPC Ware; "Hi Stacy, I love you"

SPC Droz; "Hi Mom and Dad, were do’ in great, Kristin, Peyton, Love ya and see ya soon."

SPC Bryant; Shari, Mom, Dad, and family, "Everything’s go’ in good, see ya soon, Love Josh

Note from the Commander: Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Flint, the Battalion Motor Technician, writes this edition. He oversees the battalion’s maintenance operations.

Every military operation throughout history relied on maintenance support from soldiers with specialized skills. The maintenance personnel in the 2/147^th Field Artillery Battalion provide that vital support for "The Pride of Dakotas". They make sure that the vehicles and other support equipment are maintained in top running order. Preventing equipment failure saves lives.

From the time the unit left South Dakota until today the readiness of our equipment has been a continuous battle. The maintenance personnel of the 2/147^th work long hours under harsh conditions to ensure the equipment is ready to perform whatever missions may be tasked to the battalion. Over nine thousand repairs and countless hours were put forth to ensure our soldiers had safe reliable equipment to operate.

There were times when the task seemed nearly impossible; a large percentage of the equipment we received when we arrived was badly in need of repair. The soldiers worked together and repaired the equipment performing repairs that would have been "someone else’s job" during peacetime. In the first six months fifteen engines, four transmission and eight transfer cases were repaired or replace. The mechanics stepped up to the task in a timely and professional manner. The battalion now enjoys one of the highest equipment readiness rates in the Brigade.

Moral remains high amongst the mechanics of the 2/147^th, as they go about their daily duties. The soldiers work through the night in order to ensure the equipment is ready for the following day’s missions. The men enjoy the challenging work and learning opportunities the job provides.

The equipment operators play a crucial role in maintaining the equipment. The before, during and after operations inspections they perform, ensure that problems the vehicles have are identified and repaired. This "team work" is what makes the maintenance program work.

Rest assured the equipment used by your loved ones during our deployment is maintained to the highest standard. The maintenance personnel of the 2/147^th truly are "Steadfast in Support".

Hello to all the families, friends and neighbors of Bravo Battery back in the states from your very own hometown citizen soldiers here in central Iraq. It hasn’t been that long since the last time I sent in an article. Or maybe it just seems like yesterday to me, time just seems to go so fast when you are busy dealing with the day to day issues that a Battery endures. Just the other day we had a family support telephone call and I was pleasantly surprised at how well everyone is doing. I mentioned how much it means to me as the Battery commander of the troops here that everything is being taken care of back home and taken care of with such enthusiasm. I understand that this deployment and being away from family and friends is the hardest thing most of us have been through and I also understand the sacrifices we all make. I want everyone to know how much those of us here appreciate those sacrifices

Just a short time ago, we were informed that there was going to be a mission change for Bravo Battery and that we were looking at doing this change very soon. The intent of the move is to bring Alpha battery back to Cedar and send Bravo Battery up to their location near Najaf. CPT Lucas Lentsch and 1SG Red Jensen have been doing this mission with Alpha Battery and doing an outstanding job of taking care of their troops. They are providing us with everything that we will need to make this transition as simple as possible. I am fully confident in the Battalion as well as Battery leadership to be able to work together to make this Relief in place extremely smooth. The mission that we will be taking over from Alpha Battery will be similar in nature to what Bravo Battery did just a short time ago. We will be providing ASP site security for the civilian contractors while they deplete it of Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) and Captured Enemy Ammunition (CEA). We are not completely sure about the time frame, but we will ensure that the soldiers have every opportunity to contact home and talk to families and friends. I would also like to stress to everyone back home that we are spending numerous hours on the planning and we are leaving no stones unturned. Safety of our soldiers is mission number one and rest assured every step will be taken to mitigate the risks that may be faced during this time.

One thing that we as military members and military family members know, things change and they change fast. I ask the soldiers everyday to remain flexible and I have not once heard any complaints from the soldiers. We as leadership over here in Iraq have nothing but the best interest of the soldiers at heart, and we know we have a mission to do and will do it to the best of our abilities.

Best Wishes,
CPT Steven J Siemonsma
 

Alpha Battery
CPT Lucas Lentsch and 1SG Michael (Red) Jensen

June 28^th, 2004…a day that was met with wonderful anticipation. The transfer of authority this past month to the people of Iraq turned out to be a paradigm shift in how we, Americans and Coalition Forces, are viewed. We are no longer seen as an occupying force. We are viewed as partners in the new Iraq! With tears of joy, many locals showed their emotion towards their newfound freedom.

The month of July has gone by quickly. Rest and Recuperation rotations home are proving to be great for morale! Several of the soldiers returning talk of how the American Public in the airports welcome them upon their arrival in the States. Their hug’s, their thank you’s, their welcome home’s have all been very much appreciated.

Our mission is taking a new direction during the month of August. We will have finished our tour on the Captured Enemy Ammunition, and our Bravo Battery counterpart of Aberdeen, SD will be taking it over. We wish CPT Steve Siemonsma, 1SG Wayne Labelle and the rest of B Battery all the best with the new mission. Additionally, we will assume their mission of KBR Convoy Security. KBR is Kellogg Brown & Root of the Halliburton Company. Their mission within Iraq is to facilitate logistical needs of the military and Iraqi infrastructure. B BTRY has set the standard on KBR, and we look forward to continuing their trademark of excellence. As always, thank you for the many letters, cards, and care packages. Until our safe return, we remain your faithful South Dakota Citizen Soldiers.

Lucas Lentsch, Commander, Battery A, 2^nd Battalion, 147^th Field Artillery.

Promotions this month to the rank of Specialist/E-4: SPC Adam Barker, SPC Gabriel MacMurchy – congratulations!

So far in our newsletters we've covered the sights of the Garden of Eden and the Tower of Babel.  For this newsletter I want us to look at another Biblical site here in Iraq: the ancient city of Ur. 

Genesis 11:26 shows the father of Abram (who's name later is switched to Abraham to signify he would be the father of a multitude).  Abraham's father's name is Terah, whose name may mean a type of ibex or mountain goat. I have walked through this home whose remains are still intact.  Joshua 24:2 says Terah served other gods-he was a polytheist or believer in many gods.  11:27 shows that Terah made a partial break with idolatry (the worship of other gods).  Terah and Abraham come from Ur or Uru-named after a King with a longer version of that name: Urnamu (spelling I'm not sure).  Ur is 125 miles southeast of Babylon where the worship of the moon god Sin was, and you can see the large ziggurat still today where that worship took place.  11:28 mentions Abraham's brother Haran died in Ur.  Genesis 11:31 shows the first stage of Abraham's journey (Abraham's name means the exalted father or the exalted one is my father) as they travel northwest to Mesopotamia to the city probably named after his dead brother Haran, a distance of 600 miles.  No one lives or has lived in Ur for thousands of years now.  But it is a city famous for the great father of the faith: Abraham.  I have both gone and led tours to the ancient city of Ur not far from our base.  WHAT A PRIVELEGE to be in a land the Bible speaks so much about!  We soldiers have that privilege to see these sites, but the sight we still long to see more than all the others . . . is seeing YOU when our mission is done!

Over the next two weeks, out Battalion has been ordered to conduct a Personal Asset Inventory (PAI). This is a program where the battery commanders are required to make sure they have full accountability of all of their soldiers and that each soldier has his all of his sensitive items such as his weapon, protective mask, ID card, and dog tags. While conducting the PAI, we will also provide every soldier the opportunity to register to vote and request an absentee ballot for the November election. Each battery has appointed a Voting Assistance Officer to help ensure that all of our soldiers have the support they need to fill out and submit the forms. Out goal is making sure that 100% of our soldiers are given the opportunity to register to vote and obtain an absentee ballot. If for some reason, the absentee ballots don’t arrive; those that are registered to vote can still submit a special write-in-ballot. So as you can see, we are doing everything we can to make sure our soldiers have the opportunity to participate in our great election process.

Contacts:

Mail can be sent to your soldier at the address below. You can expect it to take 7-14 days for your mail to get picked up by the battalion. Then we must deliver it to the units in their various locations when we deliver other supplies. The mail address for each unit is listed below:

2-147th FA BN: Our web site is: www.DakotaSteelRain.com  at this site you will be able to find links to other battery web sites and pictures.

HHB 2-147FA: www.homepages.dsu.edu/2147fabn/

C 2-147FA: www.147th.com

197th FA BDE web site: ( http://www.nharmy.guard.com/family_services/units.htm )

General Military Information: www.military.com

Trip to Disney World: www.shadesofgreeen.org

Webmaster: Holly Hauck
HHS 2-147th FA BN Family Program
Revised: 10/25/2004.