“PRIDE OF THE DAKOTA’S DISPATCH”

2ND BATTALION 147TH FIELD ARTILLERY FAMILY NEWSLETTER

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM II, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9 15 June, 2004

Greetings:

Hello once again from the warm sands of Iraq. We hope this newsletter will find each of you in good health and enjoying the beautiful June weather back home. Our newsletter is written with the hope that it will help to shed some light on daily life here in Iraq and give you some insight to how we are all doing.

Weather:

With high temperatures, strong winds, and lot’s of lose sand, we experience several Iraqi dust devils a day. The strong winds mix with heat rising off the ground and create a concentrated swirling wind. Many times the dust devils pop up unexpectedly and roll over our tents, our convoys, and can even catch you walking to chow. They haven’t been strong enough to do any real damage but they sure shake the tents and raise the dust as they pass over.

Figure 1 Iraqi Dust Devil

Going, Going, Gone to the Chapel:

While home on R&R 1LT Marin Yost had big plans! He decided to get married. 1LT Yost married Lori Kwasniewski on May 25, 2004. We wish the new couple all the best as they begin their life together. (or in this case, apart for a few more months)

Martin and Lori Yost: May 25, 2004.

Battalion Commander’s Corner: LTC Jeffrey P. Marlette

This newsletter I want to focus on a subject that we have been stressing to our soldiers. The subject is: “Don’t let your guard down.” As we are nearing the completion of our sixth month of deployment and fifth month in country, we are facing a new challenge. For us, the newness and initial excitement of the deployment has begun to wear off, the prospect of deploying back home still seems far off and so we find ourselves in what many feel is the hardest part of our deployment; “The Middle Months.” I’m sure this true for our families as well.

Our challenge and yours, is to continue to keep doing those things that have brought us success this far. We can never assume that we fully understand our mission or take anything for granted. We must stay on top of our game and always keep our head in the game. We need to continue to focus on the little things. We need to continue to rely on each other and to have faith in our training. We need to dismiss rumors and focus on the facts as we get them from our chain of command.

For our families, you too need to keep doing those things that have brought you success this far. Continue to build and rely on your support systems. Continue to be involved in the Family Support Groups. Continue to take extra precautions to protect you and your family. (wear your seat belts, eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and take care of yourself) Continue to realize that the only true source of information is through the chain of command and the Rear Detachment. Between now and the time we come home, you will hear many different dates and guesses as to when we will come home. I will tell you that the actual date will not be known until a very short time before we deploy home. Anyone that is giving you dates at this time is just guessing. The best we can tell you at this time are that our orders call for us to spend 365 days in country, with a return shortly after that. We hope this to be worst case, but we are planning and preparing for that to be a reality. Please don’t fall prey to the ups and downs of the rumor mill.

Lastly, I want to continue to thank you for your support to the soldiers. Our family members continue to step up and to take care of their problems at home. You have been so great about telling us how you have solved the problem rather than unloading your problem on the soldiers. Our soldiers have been uplifted by your bravery, strength and commitment to them. You have given them the confidence to know that they can focus on things here in Iraq, because you are taking care of everything back home. I just can’t begin to tell you how much that means to us. You truly are our strength and we applaud you for all you do.

Battalion Command Sergeant Major: CSM Schwebach

The month of June is half over already. We started the month out with memorial services at the chapel. We were very proud to display our battalion colors next to the US flag. Our soldiers paid tribute to all the service members that have fallen for our country. The news of the death of former President Reagan prompted yet another memorial service. We celebrated his accomplishments in the eighties, which seem so long ago.

President Truman proclaimed 14 June as Flag Day (flag birthday) in 1949. We will observe it here while continuing our missions. The rules for flying flags in a foreign country make it difficult for us to honor our flag properly. We will all do this in the privacy of our tents.

Our men maintain good attitudes and focus. I am reassured that everyone is able to contact home on a regular basis. Our families must be doing an awesome job in the day-to-day operations in order for our men to focus. Thanks to our friends and families for your never ending support.

We are having two non-commissioned officer induction ceremonies this month. SP4 Shedd from Charlie and SP4 Rabine from HHS will be promoted to Sergeant (E-5). This is a special time in their careers. We will have pictures of the induction ceremonies for all to share in the next issue.

We have a lot of meetings and briefings daily. There is not one thing that happens without the subject of safety. Our leaders are committed to ensure our men have the proper equipment and training to do their job. This heat makes our jobs more difficult to do those missions. We consider everything in our risk assessments that could endanger our soldiers. We then adjust or engineer ways to minimize that danger.

A few weeks ago a fire broke out in a nearby tent. The cause was a faulty appliance. Since then the fire department has been doing tent inspections to prevent this from happening again. I am pleased to say that our battalion passed with ease. I was impressed with both the interior and exterior. There were a few minor issues that will be corrected like smoke alarm batteries and placement of the fire extinguishers. These soldiers must really keep things clean at home by the looks of things here.

I am very proud of our enlisted soldiers and NCOs. They have been so flexible and understanding throughout this whole operation. I have not seen anyone fighting nor have I heard a cross word said to a fellow soldier. This is evidence that our men have molded into a great unit that care for each other and the mission they are doing. The First Sergeants and I have been so blessed to work with these professionals. It makes our job easy!

Chaplains Corner: MAJ Lynn Wilson

"There was a river going forth from Eden to water the garden; leaving there it divided and became four branches" (Genesis 2:10). We in the 2-147th are fortunate to be involved in a great cause-the cause of bringing freedom to a land that has known mayhem and murder ever since the regime Saddam Hussein began. But there is an added benefit of being in Iraq, and that is to be so close to many of the sites mentioned in the Bible.

Today I want to talk about the Garden of Eden, who many believe was in this country of Iraq. Scholars disagree just where Eden was, but some scholars believe it was right here. One of the rivers mentioned in Genesis is located in the land of "Havilah" (Genesis 2:11). Havilah means sandy-land and that sounds like here! Some believe Eden was in Ethiopia, others say the ancient land of Cush-now called Saudi Arabia, or here in Iraq. I personally believe it was in South Dakota, as I have been to Eden (South Dakota) many times!! JUST KIDDING!! We do know one of the rivers (Genesis 2:14) is the Euphrates, so Eden must have been in this general area. Because the Bible does not say how large the Garden was, it may also be possible that it spread across not just one country but a number of them. No man has ever discovered any trace of Eden, but we know it existed because the Bible says it did.

However we soldiers are looking forward to one day getting back to our "Eden's", "Webster's", "Sisseton's", "Watertown's", "Aberdeen's", "Roslyn's" or where we may hail from!

May the Lord Jesus watch over us and our families in the meantime!

Chaplain Lynn Wilson

STAFF / TOC News:

This month we are featuring the S-4 Section (Supply and Logistics)

Hello from the Battalion Supply Team! My name is CPT Jason Kettwig, I am the BN S4. I would like to take a little time to tell you about the Battalion Logistical Team and the services that we provide to the soldiers of the 2nd Battalion. If we were to publish an S4 Mission Statement it would read: 2/147th FA S4 Section provides logistical support to the batteries and battalion staff in order to facilitate any mission that is required of the battalion. Examples of logistical support that we have provided since we mobilized are providing food, water, clothes, vehicle repair parts, air conditioners, and wood. To go along with these supplies we also provide guidance and expertise in the areas of property accountability, transportation, and unit movement.

I would like to take some time to introduce the members of the team and give you a brief description of the great work that they do everyday. First the Elder statesman of the team, the man of wisdom and experience Chief Warrant Officer 3 Johnny Dosch (aka The Junkyard Dog). Mr. Dosch is the Property Book Officer. His duties include maintaining accountability of all the vehicle, weapons, other military equipment and civilian equipment that we use here to accomplish our mission. Since we have been in Iraq, Mr. Dosch has overseen the acquisition of 48 military vehicles, countless weapons systems, refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units; all essential pieces of equipment in the missions we find ourselves in right now. Next, we have one of the newest captains in the Army, Nathan Moore. CPT Moore provides us with a lot of experience he is a West Point Graduate and served on Active Duty for 3 years. He has served in many capacities since we deployed: the Ammunition Officer, the Kuwait Rear Detachment Commander, the Civil Affairs Officer, and Battalion Logistical Officer Forward. His vast experience makes him a very important member of the team. He has proven that he can adapt to any mission with very little prep time. Next, the life of the party, king of the one liner SFC Charles Bacon (aka. The Traveling Man), SFC Bacon is the S4 NCOIC. SFC Bacon is the father of the operation. He takes care of all the soldiers on the team and is instrumental in ensuring that every mission is completed on time and that the proper supplies reach the soldiers in need. The team’s squad leaders consist of SGT Adam Koll, SPC Evan Brandlee, and SGT Chad Clemens. SGT Koll (aka DA Koll Train) spent some time on his own at the beginning of the operation while he was doing a wonderful job as part of the rear detachment in Kuwait. We are all happy to have SGT Koll back at home with us where he is now part of the Logpac team which is responsible for delivering the supplies to our outlying units. He also has the additional duty of HHS Armor ensuring that the batteries weapons remain fully functional. SPC Brandlee (aka Slick) has the glamour job of the team. He currently is part of the Battalion Commanders Gun Team. This job allows him to travel the country and see many sights that others of us will never get to see. When he is not out on the road he helps out with any mission that needs to be accomplished from loading logpacs, maintaining vehicles, and doing some carpentry work, this soldier does it all. SGT Clemens (aka. Rambo) is a vital member of the Logpac team where he drives the fuel tanker to the remote locations. He also is instrumental in the acquiring and loading of supplies for the Logpac missions. To round out this team we have four specialists: Jeff Jungers, Ben Helder, Travis Heasley, and Jason Everson. SPC Jungers (aka Iceman) is a mainstay in the motor pool. He is there to help SFC Bacon accomplish a wide range of missions to include ice runs, laundry details, ammunition inventories or any other emergency missions that come up on a daily basis. SPC Helder (aka Lurch) and SPC Heasley (aka Uncle Two Cracker) have been tasked out to provide convoy security for Kellogg, Brown and Root convoys. By all accounts they have done a great job and have done the S4 Team proud with there non standard mission. SPC Everson (aka Pigpen) has become a major benefit for SSG Walker the HHS Supply Sergeant. He has learned to help with almost any task that needs to be accomplished in a supply room.

In closing, I would like to mention how proud I am to be a part of this fabulous supply team. The backgrounds of the soldiers on this team run the entire spectrum of experience and training. So far in this mission we have supported everything that has been thrown at us and have improved the systems that we use to accomplish this mission. A goal of ours from the start has been to never allow logistics to get in the way of the accomplishment of the mission. To date we have met this goal and will continue to do so through the hard work and dedication of the members of this team. NO TASK TO TOUGH!! The 2nd BN 147th FA Supply and Logistics Team

BATTERY NEWS

Alpha Battery: CPT Lucas Lentsch/1SG Michael Jensen

To all our friends, family, and neighbors: The intent of this writing is to convey back to the home front the experiences of these South Dakota Citizen Soldiers who have been called to serve. Battery A, 2^nd BN 147^th Field Artillery is headquartered out of Sisseton with a detachment in Watertown. Soldiers are from several North Eastern South Dakota communities.

Home is where the heart is. These days we seem to find ourselves talking about what we are going to do when we get home. What favorite restaurant we plan to go eat at or where we plan to visit seems to be reoccurring topics. The citizen soldier’s sacrifice is real. It’s not something we talk about often. Who sacrifices more? The answer: our families. The soldiers have each other, and our families are left to go on without our physical presence.

Having been on Active Duty for six months, we find ourselves enjoying the feeling of mission accomplishment. This past week, we finished our work at an ammunition depot where we spent the last 42 days. With a three-day turn around, we find ourselves the night before a major battery convoy north to another ammunition depot. The interesting part of this mission is that we will be working with Bulgarians and Lithuanians to accomplish this Captured Enemy Ammunition disposal. As we prepare to spend the next few weeks working yet another successful mission, we reflect on the challenges that we have encountered. The knowledge that one gains in a short period of time really seems to show through as the soldiers prepare for movement. With a sharper senses and situational awareness, the men know what to do.

Growing up in a Christian family, I remember hearing from my Dad, “A family that prays together stays together”. Prayer has found its way into our operations. More and more of our unit members are saying prayers before meals. What started, as an extra thought, has become main part of our convoy briefs. Prayer is powerful…Dad, you were right! This family of men, joined with a common cause, is growing a bond of friendship and trust within faith. This fraternity of sorts, being American Soldiers, is unlike anything I have ever been part of. The face of mortality joined by a spiritual bond seems to pull our unit in new, successful directions.

A few words from SSG Christopher Premus

Being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom has been rewarding and humbling. The rewards are seeing the countries infrastructure progressing more and more. Every time we go down the road we notice new power lines going up and bridges being built. Oh I almost forgot, Iraq has its road construction season too, no matter were you going I guess you never get away from that.

Humbling, this word can describe many things over here in Iraq. The first thing that comes to mind on my list is poverty. Poverty is wide spread in Iraq, kids with rags for cloths and no shoes on there feet standing along the road begging for food. That is humbling. Going out to villages and have a father with a blind 4 year old asking if we can help the child, and then look him in the face and tell him no, that’s humbling.

Living here teaches a person not to take life for granted.

Until our safe return, we remain your faithful South Dakota Citizen Soldiers.

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

Bravo Battery: CPT Steven Siemonsma/1SG Wayne LaBelle

I would like to send out a heart-felt hello from Central Iraq to all the family, friends and neighbors of Bravo Battery. First of all, for those of you who do not know, I am the very excited and enthusiastic “new” Battery Commander. I would like to take just a few lines to attempt to give all who read this news letter some insight on who I am, both personally and professionally.

First of all, I am married (Heidi) with 1 daughter (Hanna) and another on the way due in August. We moved to Watertown just 2 short years ago and love every minute of it. My wife is a stay at home mom, but if you ask me she is the hardest worker amongst the two of us. As many of you out there can attest to, staying at home and caring for the children is among the hardest work a person can do. So I would like to say on behalf of myself and everyone here, we appreciate everything you wives are doing! We would not be able to accomplish our mission without you. Now, I don’t want to forget the fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and friends! As a son and friend to some, I also appreciate what those family members and friends mean to those of us serving over here in Iraq. You provide a means to support our wives and children in a way that only family can do, so thank you for your sacrifices.

The purpose of letting you know who I am personally will hopefully give some insight on how I am professionally. There is a deep appreciation that I have for the families back home, but rest assured the same holds true for each and every soldier that is with me over here. I promise to look out for their well-being and promise to have nothing but the members of Bravo battery interests at heart. I will do my best to bring each and every soldier home to their loved ones upon completion of our current mission supporting OIF II.

The Change of Command ceremony took place the night of 11 June 2004 and it was with great honor and pride that I took command of Bravo Battery. I am fully aware of the great reputation that this Battery has and I am looking forward to being part of the tradition. There are numerous things that have happened and I fully intend to begin writing about them, but I would like to focus on those events that are to happen yet in the future. CPT Frank Sullivant spent the last two and a half years as the Battery Commander and I would like to thank him for the outstanding job of bringing this Battery to the point it is at today. He is an outstanding leader and person and I would like to wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Figure 1 Bravo Battery in formation for the Change of Command Ceremony (11 June 04)

Now, as the Battalion begins to receive rest and relaxation (R&R) slots, you should be seeing more and more of our Bravo Battery soldiers again on the streets of the communities in numerous cities throughout South Dakota. It is our intent as a Battery and Battalion to attempt to get as many of our soldiers home on R&R that is physically possible. This program is controlled at a much higher level than we are at, but we will continue to do all that we can to get the soldiers home on leave.

The Battery is fully engaged in Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) convoy escorts and MSR patrols. This mission is a vital part of the success here in Iraq. We are responsible for a stretch of road to ensure that items such as Food, bottled water and equipment that is needed further north is secure during the trip. There are more camps than I can count that depend on this service day in and day out and they would not be able to remain functional nor would the soldiers be able to sustain without this mission. Just to give some insight on how much the guys have been working here are a few numbers that we are extremely proud of: First, we have completed 676 total KBR missions to date, and have driven a total of 105,750 miles. A very impressive number when you consider the amount of time and days we have been in country.

I would like to close by letting everyone know that the guys continue to work day in and day out and they understand that we have a responsibility to our family and friends to come home safe, so we are very focused on our current mission as well as the safety of all. We would like to thank all the family and friends there at home for supporting us with care packages and letters. We would just ask that you continue doing what you are doing, and keep up the great work.

Sincerely,

The newest member of Bravo Battery

CPT Steve Siemonsma

Charlie Battery: CPT Troy Ness/1SG Myron Simons

Greetings and hello from the sand box. Wind and temperature are the biggest environmental problem we face now. Temps are around 120 degrees during day and 85-90 degrees at night. Sandstorms occur frequently and create a brownout just like the white out we get during a blizzard back home. We are doing okay as much as can be expected for the conditions that we are in. Most of us are in hard billets (buildings) but those that are currently in the “escort service” are living in tents.

Moral has its ups and downs all the time, we cannot nor will we speak for the battery on this. You family members just keep sending letters and care packages from home, that is the best support and moral booster we can have. Luckily the technology we now use allows us to communicate better than our forefathers did by writing letters only.

Our leave program is rolling along quite nicely; some of you have already had the opportunity to see your service member. The amount of soldiers returning home is currently unknown due to the number of leave slots available for the battalion. Presently about 20 percent of the battery has went on leave for various reasons and hopefully more will be able to in the next few months.

The newest father in our battery is Matt Opbroek, he and his wife Jennifer had a baby boy Christopher Michael born on June 15, so our congratulations go out to them. We are also looking forward to some more up coming births from the wives of SSG Steven Woodring, SSG Paul Saville, SSG Norman Siebrecht, SPC Colin Williams, SPC Roger Rose, SPC Brent Hartman, and SFC Jerome Gruenwald is expecting a grandchild, which we will report later as these event happen.

We of the 2/147^th FA would like to send out our dearest sympathy to those who have had love ones leave us and to our families that have had trying times. We wish we could be there to comfort you in these times of need. Although we are not there, we think of you always and you are always in our prayers and thoughts. We would also like to say we are sorry we missed some of the important days like the birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays but we will be home soon and we will be there for the next ones.

For those of you wondering about the “escort service” we are referring to convoy security missions. Escort security missions are going on daily here in Iraq. Rising up early and returning late each evening keeps us busy which makes the time go somewhat faster. The communication barrier is somewhat of a challenge but has been overcome by the quote from president Theodore Roosevelt “speak softly and carry a big stick.” There are a few locals that speak some American and we have learned some Arabic so that helps.

HI FROM BRANDON VOSS LOVE YA

Curt Hamburger says hi and to tell his sister Melody, that the pickup can only have 3000 more miles on it when he gets home. Here’s a hint Melody unhook the speedometer cable, he won’t know the difference.

The suggestion was just brought up that the families back home need to start writing a newsletter to us, so we can be up to date on the latest happenings back home. The family support group should be on top of this already.

Our battery cooks just seem to stay busy all the time as they are with Alpha battery serving a little pot with every chicken. But seriously they are doing a great job preparing meals for hungry troops every day without any complaint.

During our off time the soldiers can be found watching TV, writing letters, using the internet, lifting weights, and pulling jokes on each other. Just this morning Shawn Evans woke to find that duct tape was used to restrain him in his bed, just one of many pranks being pulled around here. Many more are sure to come in the future. There will be some retaliation in the future for the 1SG and others.

Chad Ketcham says he sends his love to his family back home.

We will hopefully send more letters in the future. Take care and keep sending mail from home.

SSG Dwight Aymar

SGT Shawn Evans

Headquarters Battery: CPT Charles Hauck/1SG Bruce Brekke

Contacts:

Alpha Battery SGT Steven Despiegler PO Box 10 Sisseton, SD 57262 605-698-7312 (P) 605-742-0237 (F) steven.despiegler@sd.ngb.army.mil	Bravo Battery SGT John Berndt 115 S. Roosevelt Road Aberdeen, SD 57401 605-626-2270 (P) 605-626-2407 (F) john.berndt@sd.ngb.army.mil	Charlie Battery SPC Brett Engelmann PO Box 47 Redfield, SD 57469 605-472-2828 (P) 605-472-4375 (F) engelmab@sd.ngb.army.mil
HHS SFC Chad Haaland 1900 West Kemp Avenue Watertown, SD 57201 605-882-9324 (P) 605-882-9334 (F) chad.haaland@sd.ngb.army.mil	FAMILY SUPPORT Michele Anderson Camp Rapid 2828 West Main Street Rapid City, SD 57701 1-800-658-3930 (toll free family support line) 605-737-6069 (P) 605-381-2159 (M) Michele.anderson@sd.ngb.army.mil

Mail:

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:

Rank/Name Rank/Name Rank/Name Rank/Name

HHS 2/147^th FA A Btry 2/147^th FA B Btry 2/147^th FA C Btry 2/147^th FA

CSC Cedar II CSC Cedar II CSC Cedar II Camp Navistar

APO AE 09331 APO AE 09331 APO AE 09331 APO AE 09317

Web Sites:

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. As we move on and time permits, the newsletters will be posted there along with pictures from your soldiers.

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 Informaton: www.military.com

Trip to Disney World: www.shadesofgreeen .org