It’s not the dirt that makes the hill; it’s the Sledgehammer Soldiers that make the hill.
Vol. 23 – August 7, 2009
- IN THIS ISSUE – NTC stories, Court-Martials and more!
- 3rd HBCT RETURNS FROM NTC READY TO DEPLOY The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division returned from the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., armed with a better knowledge of what to expect when they deploy to Iraq in October. The training exercise, which spanned the month of July, was designed to replicate the U.S. government’s current mission in Iraq and give the brigade a better idea of the types of situations and challenges they will likely face. READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1338
- VIDEO: INSIDE THE NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER WLTZ NBC Channel 38 reporter Stefanie Tiso joined the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team in California and featured the Sledgehammer Brigade in a 3-part series.WATCH MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1346
- VIDEO: NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER – BOOTS ON THE GROUND The Sledgehammer Brigade hit the sand of the Mojave Desert just in time to celebrate America’s Independence before training to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The first week in California has been spent getting ready for the intense portion of the training, known as “the box” Pvt. 1st Class Erik Anderson reports. WATCH MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1277
- PHOTOS: 3HBCT SOLDIERS TRAIN AT NTC Photos from the first week at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. SEE MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1292
- 3RD HBCT TANK AND BRADLEY CREWS TRAIN AT NTC As his Soldiers finished setting the final targets, July 7, Sgt. 1st Class Travis Hogan, master gunner for the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, began radioing the M1A1 Abrams tank crews on his firing line to get prepared to fire their main guns. In a few short days, Soldiers of the 3rd HBCT, will be leaving the comfort of the RUBA (Rotational Unit Bivouac Area) and traveling out into the Mojave Desert for 14 days of intensive training during their rotation at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1304
- VIDEO: STEEL ON TARGETS AT NTC The Tankers of the Sledgehammer Brigade verified training completed at Kelley Hill, Fort Benning, Ga. before entering “THE BOX” at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. WATCH MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1313
- LEGAL: COURT-MARTIAL RESULTS SPC Justinmark Cravalho, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, SPC Joseph Galles, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, PVT Matthew R. Gosselin, 2d Battalion, 69th Armor, PFC Edward N. Joseph, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, MSG Bennie E. Hester, 203d Brigade Support Battalion, SPC B.J. Ware, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, PFC Jonathan D. Rimmey, 203d Brigade Support Battalion, SGT Brandon Lopez, 203d Brigade Support Battalion, PV2 Brandon Johnson, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, PVT Jason Major, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, PVT Daniel Loepke, 203d Brigade Support Battalion, http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1270
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- COL. PETER JONES ON TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/PJHammer6 - SHARE THE HILL! Forward THE HILL to your family and friends so they can hear the latest news from the SLEDGEHAMMER BRIGADE. Send them to http://www.hammerpao.com so they can get their very own copy every week.
- HAMMER PAO WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!! You read the news, and we want to give you the news you want to read! If you or other 3rd HBCT Soldiers are doing some interesting training, volunteering in the community, or anything else that people should know about, let us know so we can feature what you do. Email 3hbct3id.pao@us.army.mil with your ideas.
- The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 3rd HBCT Newsletter. This e-mail based newsletter offers information and happenings about the Soldiers of Kelley Hill, the 3rd Infantry Division and the Army. Use the provided links to see related photos and read more about each story on the PAO website, http://www.hammerpao.com.
- This newsletter is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army and their families. Contents of this newsletter are not necessarily the official views of, or are endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or U.S. Forces Command. It is released weekly by the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, Fort Benning, Georgia, 31905. All editorial content of this newsletter is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office of Fort Benning, Georgia. For additional information email 3hbct3id.pao@us.army.mil
12 August 2009
11 August 2009
Summer Recruiting Remains Strong Across Services
July was a boom month for military recruiting, with more than 15,000 young men and women entering the active-duty force, defense officials reported yesterday.
July recruiting and retention numbers released today show across-the-board successes, with a new high school graduation class among the recruitment-age population seeking career opportunities.
"In tougher economic times, youth are simply more willing to discuss options with recruiters," said Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy. "And when they learn the facts, they see the advantages."
All four services met or exceeded their July active-duty recruiting goals, officials reported. Meanwhile, the reserve components signed on almost 8,000 new members, with six components meeting or exceeding their monthly goals.
Only the Army National Guard and Air National Guard fell short of their initial July projections. Officials called this an intentional measure designed to help them manage their end strength, because they're already on track to meet their annual goals.
The ground forces demonstrated the strongest recruiting showings. The Army, with 6,199 active-duty accessions, topped its July goal by 2 percent. The Marine Corps exceeded its active-duty goal by 15 percent, with 3,451 new members.
Both services showed solid successes in reserve-component recruiting, too. The Army Reserve signed on 1,628 soldiers, 123 percent of its monthly goal. The Marine Corps recruited 1,135 members -- 201 percent of its goal.
The Army Guard added 2,562 members to its ranks, and is on a steady track to meet its annual goals, officials said.
Meanwhile, both the Navy and Air Force met their July active-duty goals, signing on 3,421 and 2,654 new members, respectively.
Both services' reserve components met their July goals, with 688 accessions in the Navy Reserve and 907 in the Air Force Reserve.
The Air Guard signed on 832 airmen, 97 percent of its goal.
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
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July recruiting and retention numbers released today show across-the-board successes, with a new high school graduation class among the recruitment-age population seeking career opportunities.
"In tougher economic times, youth are simply more willing to discuss options with recruiters," said Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy. "And when they learn the facts, they see the advantages."
All four services met or exceeded their July active-duty recruiting goals, officials reported. Meanwhile, the reserve components signed on almost 8,000 new members, with six components meeting or exceeding their monthly goals.
Only the Army National Guard and Air National Guard fell short of their initial July projections. Officials called this an intentional measure designed to help them manage their end strength, because they're already on track to meet their annual goals.
The ground forces demonstrated the strongest recruiting showings. The Army, with 6,199 active-duty accessions, topped its July goal by 2 percent. The Marine Corps exceeded its active-duty goal by 15 percent, with 3,451 new members.
Both services showed solid successes in reserve-component recruiting, too. The Army Reserve signed on 1,628 soldiers, 123 percent of its monthly goal. The Marine Corps recruited 1,135 members -- 201 percent of its goal.
The Army Guard added 2,562 members to its ranks, and is on a steady track to meet its annual goals, officials said.
Meanwhile, both the Navy and Air Force met their July active-duty goals, signing on 3,421 and 2,654 new members, respectively.
Both services' reserve components met their July goals, with 688 accessions in the Navy Reserve and 907 in the Air Force Reserve.
The Air Guard signed on 832 airmen, 97 percent of its goal.
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
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09 August 2009
Army Completes Staff Sgt. Maseth Death Investigation
The Army announced Friday that the investigation into the tragic death of Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth has been completed. The extensive, eleven-month investigation conducted by the Army Criminal Investigation Command concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove that any one person, persons or entity was criminally culpable in the death of Maseth.
The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology medical examiner previously found the cause of Maseth's death to be electrocution and the manner accidental. The completed Criminal Investigation Division death investigation concurs with those findings.
"This has been a complex investigation involving numerous people, circumstances and contractual agreements," said Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, commanding general, U. S. Army Criminal Investigations Command. "It was a lengthy, thorough and detailed investigation. Reviewing the many documents and issues did take an extraordinary amount of time, but we wanted to do everything we could to get it right. We owe that to Staff Sgt. Maseth and his loved ones."
The investigation revealed that there were numerous entities and individuals, both contractors and government employees, who breached their respective duties of care; however none of those breaches, in and of themselves, were the proximate cause of his death. The investigation was closed with a finding that there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove any criminal negligence in the soldier's death.
"As with all of our criminal investigations, if new, credible information becomes available, we stand ready to reopen the investigation to pursue the truth, wherever it may lead," Johnson said.
There have been 18 reported deaths due to electrocution in Iraq since March 2003, including 16 service members and two contractors. Fourteen of these cases occurred in the field away from military facilities or in work situations that included performing maintenance on electrical systems.
After a series of electrical accidents and incidents, Multi-National Force–Iraq created Task Force Safety Actions for Fire and Electricity in August 2008 to assess and analyze fire and electrical safety issues in Iraq and then direct actions to remedy those hazards.
As of July 25, the task force has inspected more than 67,000 of the approximately 90,000 pieces of equipment and facilities in Iraq, many of which were substandard structures dating from the Saddam Hussein era. The task force is ahead of schedule to complete the inspections by November. The inspections have led to the correction of nearly 14,000 deficiencies found thus far as the facilities are brought into compliance with the United States National Electric Code. Most deficiencies have been related to electrical grounding and bonding that enables the proper functioning of circuit breakers.
Since Maseth's death, there has not been another confirmed electrocution death of a soldier in Iraq.
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The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology medical examiner previously found the cause of Maseth's death to be electrocution and the manner accidental. The completed Criminal Investigation Division death investigation concurs with those findings.
"This has been a complex investigation involving numerous people, circumstances and contractual agreements," said Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, commanding general, U. S. Army Criminal Investigations Command. "It was a lengthy, thorough and detailed investigation. Reviewing the many documents and issues did take an extraordinary amount of time, but we wanted to do everything we could to get it right. We owe that to Staff Sgt. Maseth and his loved ones."
The investigation revealed that there were numerous entities and individuals, both contractors and government employees, who breached their respective duties of care; however none of those breaches, in and of themselves, were the proximate cause of his death. The investigation was closed with a finding that there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove any criminal negligence in the soldier's death.
"As with all of our criminal investigations, if new, credible information becomes available, we stand ready to reopen the investigation to pursue the truth, wherever it may lead," Johnson said.
There have been 18 reported deaths due to electrocution in Iraq since March 2003, including 16 service members and two contractors. Fourteen of these cases occurred in the field away from military facilities or in work situations that included performing maintenance on electrical systems.
After a series of electrical accidents and incidents, Multi-National Force–Iraq created Task Force Safety Actions for Fire and Electricity in August 2008 to assess and analyze fire and electrical safety issues in Iraq and then direct actions to remedy those hazards.
As of July 25, the task force has inspected more than 67,000 of the approximately 90,000 pieces of equipment and facilities in Iraq, many of which were substandard structures dating from the Saddam Hussein era. The task force is ahead of schedule to complete the inspections by November. The inspections have led to the correction of nearly 14,000 deficiencies found thus far as the facilities are brought into compliance with the United States National Electric Code. Most deficiencies have been related to electrical grounding and bonding that enables the proper functioning of circuit breakers.
Since Maseth's death, there has not been another confirmed electrocution death of a soldier in Iraq.
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04 August 2009
New GI Bill Renews Commitment to Troops, Obama Says
President Barack Obama today saluted the implementation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill during a ceremony at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.
Signed into law on June 20, 2008, the new GI Bill is a Department of Veteran Affairs-sponsored program that provides the most comprehensive educational benefit package for veterans since the original GI Bill -- the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 -- was authorized toward the end of World War II.
Today's new GI Bill, Obama said, was implemented "to renew our commitment to ensure that the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America get the opportunities that they have earned."
Obama observed that his grandfather, who served under Army Gen. George S. Patton during World War II, was a beneficiary of the original 1944 to 1956 GI Bill, which helped to produce a strong post-war economy, as well as the largest middle class in U.S. history. By 1947, Obama noted, half of all Americans enrolled in colleges were military veterans.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is just as important as the original, Obama said, as it also recognizes servicemembers for their wartime service and represents "an investment in our own country."
Obama said the new program will provide today's veterans "the skills and training they need to fill the jobs of tomorrow."
"Education is the currency that can purchase success in the 21st century," the president said, "and this is the opportunity that our troops have earned."
With the Post-9/11 GI Bill, qualified active-duty and selected reserve servicemembers who have served after Sept. 10, 2001, are eligible for 36 months of state-school educational benefits -- the equivalent of four nine-month academic years. Benefits include tuition and fees that are paid directly to the school, a monthly living allowance paid to the participant, and a books and supplies stipend paid to the individual.
And as of Aug. 1, qualified career servicemembers have the option to transfer benefits to their spouses or children. Most servicemembers who have at least six years of military service and are in the armed forces on or after Aug. 1 and agree to serve an additional four years qualify to transfer their benefits.
"We are including the family members who have sacrificed so much by allowing the transfer of unused benefits to family members," Obama said. "And we are including those who pay the ultimate price by making this benefit available to the children of those who lost their life in service to their country."
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, who also spoke at the ceremony, exhorted Post-9/11 GI Bill participants to "make it count; make it count for all of us. Make it count for our country."
Shinseki observed that more than 1,100 private educational institutions have elected to participate in the supplemental Yellow Ribbon Program that permits eligible servicemembers and veterans to attend private colleges and universities whose costs exceed the highest in-state rates at public undergraduate institutions.
Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, VA "will match whatever is contributed by those private colleges and universities, up to 50 percent of those total costs," Shinseki said. "We are grateful that so many schools have joined this effort and we thank them for their support of our veterans."
Former Marine Staff Sgt. James Miller, an Iraqi war veteran who introduced Obama at the ceremony, is taking Shinseki's advice. Miller has enrolled as a full-time student at George Mason University under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. He is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business communications.
"Thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the young veterans of the wars in the Middle East are united here," Miller said. "We have come to gain new skills and to learn new subjects. We are here to pursue educational goals that will prepare us for success in our professional careers."
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
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Signed into law on June 20, 2008, the new GI Bill is a Department of Veteran Affairs-sponsored program that provides the most comprehensive educational benefit package for veterans since the original GI Bill -- the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 -- was authorized toward the end of World War II.
Today's new GI Bill, Obama said, was implemented "to renew our commitment to ensure that the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America get the opportunities that they have earned."
Obama observed that his grandfather, who served under Army Gen. George S. Patton during World War II, was a beneficiary of the original 1944 to 1956 GI Bill, which helped to produce a strong post-war economy, as well as the largest middle class in U.S. history. By 1947, Obama noted, half of all Americans enrolled in colleges were military veterans.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is just as important as the original, Obama said, as it also recognizes servicemembers for their wartime service and represents "an investment in our own country."
Obama said the new program will provide today's veterans "the skills and training they need to fill the jobs of tomorrow."
"Education is the currency that can purchase success in the 21st century," the president said, "and this is the opportunity that our troops have earned."
With the Post-9/11 GI Bill, qualified active-duty and selected reserve servicemembers who have served after Sept. 10, 2001, are eligible for 36 months of state-school educational benefits -- the equivalent of four nine-month academic years. Benefits include tuition and fees that are paid directly to the school, a monthly living allowance paid to the participant, and a books and supplies stipend paid to the individual.
And as of Aug. 1, qualified career servicemembers have the option to transfer benefits to their spouses or children. Most servicemembers who have at least six years of military service and are in the armed forces on or after Aug. 1 and agree to serve an additional four years qualify to transfer their benefits.
"We are including the family members who have sacrificed so much by allowing the transfer of unused benefits to family members," Obama said. "And we are including those who pay the ultimate price by making this benefit available to the children of those who lost their life in service to their country."
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, who also spoke at the ceremony, exhorted Post-9/11 GI Bill participants to "make it count; make it count for all of us. Make it count for our country."
Shinseki observed that more than 1,100 private educational institutions have elected to participate in the supplemental Yellow Ribbon Program that permits eligible servicemembers and veterans to attend private colleges and universities whose costs exceed the highest in-state rates at public undergraduate institutions.
Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, VA "will match whatever is contributed by those private colleges and universities, up to 50 percent of those total costs," Shinseki said. "We are grateful that so many schools have joined this effort and we thank them for their support of our veterans."
Former Marine Staff Sgt. James Miller, an Iraqi war veteran who introduced Obama at the ceremony, is taking Shinseki's advice. Miller has enrolled as a full-time student at George Mason University under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. He is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business communications.
"Thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the young veterans of the wars in the Middle East are united here," Miller said. "We have come to gain new skills and to learn new subjects. We are here to pursue educational goals that will prepare us for success in our professional careers."
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
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DoD Identifies 3 Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 1 in Mushan Village, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their patrol with improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
Killed were:
Cpl. Jonathan M. Walls, 27, of West Lawn, Penn.;
Pfc. Richard K. Jones, 21, of Person, N.C.; and
Pvt. Patrick S. Fitzgibbon, 19, of Knoxville, Tenn.
Killed were:
Cpl. Jonathan M. Walls, 27, of West Lawn, Penn.;
Pfc. Richard K. Jones, 21, of Person, N.C.; and
Pvt. Patrick S. Fitzgibbon, 19, of Knoxville, Tenn.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Alexander J. Miller, 21, of Clermont, Fla., died July 31 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum. N.Y.
Spc. Alexander J. Miller, 21, of Clermont, Fla., died July 31 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum. N.Y.
03 August 2009
DoD Identifies Marine Casualties
The Department of Defense announced the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom Aug 1st.
Lance Cpl. Gregory A. Posey, 22, of Knoxville, Tenn., and Lance Cpl. Jonathan F. Stroud, 20, of Cashion, Okla., died July 30 of wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Posey was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Stroud was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Lance Cpl. Gregory A. Posey, 22, of Knoxville, Tenn., and Lance Cpl. Jonathan F. Stroud, 20, of Cashion, Okla., died July 30 of wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Posey was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Stroud was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
New Active Duty Dental Plan Launched August 1
Active duty service members now have a new dental program that started Aug.1, 2009.
The new Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) becomes the dental care plan for active duty service members (ADSMs) assigned to locations with no access to a military dental facility. ADDP is also for service members referred by their dental treatment facility (DTF) to the civilian network for specialty care or due to unavailability of timely DTF appointments.
TRICARE Prime Remote enrollees–ADSMs with duty stations and residences more than 50 miles from a military dental facility–are eligible for ADDP. Reserve and National Guard members activated for more than 30 consecutive days on federal orders and who live more than 50 miles from a military dental facility are also eligible for ADDP on their activation date.
ADSMs who live in remote locations, but work within 50 miles of a dental treatment facility will continue to be seen at a DTF.
Of the more than 81,000 dental claims filed each year by ADSMs, approximately 31 percent of them come from service members living and working in remote locations. In the past, the Military Medical Support Office of the TRICARE Management Activity handled remote dental claims and referrals from DTFs. United Concordia, Inc., will now handle these claims and referrals through the new ADDP under a contract awarded in September 2008.
ADSMs using the ADDP will be able to take advantage of United Concordia’s network of dentists and specialists. No enrollment is required.
“United Concordia will establish an extensive dental provider network covering the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands,” said Navy Capt. Robert Mitton, TMA dental program director. “TRICARE wants to ensure a high level of beneficiary satisfaction as well as controlling costs.”
Letters and brochures are being mailed to ADSMs in remote locations to inform them of the new ADDP program. To download the brochure, click the dental section under the appropiate region on the TRICARE Smart site at http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart.
Learn more about dental plans and getting care at http://www.addp-ucci.com and http://www.tricare.mil/dental.
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The new Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) becomes the dental care plan for active duty service members (ADSMs) assigned to locations with no access to a military dental facility. ADDP is also for service members referred by their dental treatment facility (DTF) to the civilian network for specialty care or due to unavailability of timely DTF appointments.
TRICARE Prime Remote enrollees–ADSMs with duty stations and residences more than 50 miles from a military dental facility–are eligible for ADDP. Reserve and National Guard members activated for more than 30 consecutive days on federal orders and who live more than 50 miles from a military dental facility are also eligible for ADDP on their activation date.
ADSMs who live in remote locations, but work within 50 miles of a dental treatment facility will continue to be seen at a DTF.
Of the more than 81,000 dental claims filed each year by ADSMs, approximately 31 percent of them come from service members living and working in remote locations. In the past, the Military Medical Support Office of the TRICARE Management Activity handled remote dental claims and referrals from DTFs. United Concordia, Inc., will now handle these claims and referrals through the new ADDP under a contract awarded in September 2008.
ADSMs using the ADDP will be able to take advantage of United Concordia’s network of dentists and specialists. No enrollment is required.
“United Concordia will establish an extensive dental provider network covering the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands,” said Navy Capt. Robert Mitton, TMA dental program director. “TRICARE wants to ensure a high level of beneficiary satisfaction as well as controlling costs.”
Letters and brochures are being mailed to ADSMs in remote locations to inform them of the new ADDP program. To download the brochure, click the dental section under the appropiate region on the TRICARE Smart site at http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart.
Learn more about dental plans and getting care at http://www.addp-ucci.com and http://www.tricare.mil/dental.
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DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Johnny R. Polk, 39, of Gulfport, Miss., died July 25 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank grenade on July 23 in Kirkuk, Iraq.
He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Staff Sgt. Johnny R. Polk, 39, of Gulfport, Miss., died July 25 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank grenade on July 23 in Kirkuk, Iraq.
He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
The Hill, Vol. 22, Aug 3, 2009
It’s not the dirt that makes the hill; it’s the Sledgehammer Soldiers that make the hill.
FRIENDS AND FAMILIES OF THE SLEDGEHAMMER BRIGADE
– We have been receiving and appreciate the tremendous amount of comments from our readers. Due to some technical hurdles, weekly publication of “THE HILL” was postponed until we returned to Fort Benning from our rotation at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. However, we were able to post updates to hammerpao.com and facebook, check them out here. Rest assured that your Hammer PAO staff is hard at work solving the issues to make sure everyone continues to get up to date news, both here on Kelley Hill and while the Brigade is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Look for a new issue of “THE HILL” this week, covering all the NTC training and activities. Until then, please take 60 seconds to complete the below survey about how you get your news.
- SURVEY – HAMMER PAO WANTS TO KNOW! - NEWS SURVEY The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office wants to hear from YOU. How do you get the brigade news? What would you like to see? Click here to take the 60 second survey. http://twurl.nl/rtnzjh
- 3RD HBCT ON FACEBOOK - http://facebook.hammerpao.com - 3RD HBCT ON TWITTER - http://twitter.hammerpao.com - 3RD HBCT ON YOUTUBE - http://youtube.hammerpao.com
- COL. PETER JONES ON TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/PJHammer6 - SHARE THE HILL! Forward THE HILL to your family and friends so they can hear the latest news from the SLEDGEHAMMER BRIGADE. Send them to http://www.hammerpao.com so they can get their very own copy every week.
- HAMMER PAO WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!! You read the news, and we want to give you the news you want to read! If you or other 3rd HBCT Soldiers are doing some interesting training, volunteering in the community, or anything else that people should know about, let us know so we can feature what you do. Email 3hbct3id.pao@us.army.mil with your ideas.
- The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 3rd HBCT Newsletter. This e-mail based newsletter offers information and happenings about the Soldiers of Kelley Hill, the 3rd Infantry Division and the Army. Use the provided links to see related photos and read more about each story on the PAO website, http://www.hammerpao.com.
- This newsletter is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army and their families. Contents of this newsletter are not necessarily the official views of, or are endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or U.S. Forces Command. It is released weekly by the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, Fort Benning, Georgia, 31905. All editorial content of this newsletter is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office of Fort Benning, Georgia. For additional information email 3hbct3id.pao@us.army.mil
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FRIENDS AND FAMILIES OF THE SLEDGEHAMMER BRIGADE
– We have been receiving and appreciate the tremendous amount of comments from our readers. Due to some technical hurdles, weekly publication of “THE HILL” was postponed until we returned to Fort Benning from our rotation at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. However, we were able to post updates to hammerpao.com and facebook, check them out here. Rest assured that your Hammer PAO staff is hard at work solving the issues to make sure everyone continues to get up to date news, both here on Kelley Hill and while the Brigade is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Look for a new issue of “THE HILL” this week, covering all the NTC training and activities. Until then, please take 60 seconds to complete the below survey about how you get your news.
- SURVEY – HAMMER PAO WANTS TO KNOW! - NEWS SURVEY The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office wants to hear from YOU. How do you get the brigade news? What would you like to see? Click here to take the 60 second survey. http://twurl.nl/rtnzjh
- 3RD HBCT ON FACEBOOK - http://facebook.hammerpao.com - 3RD HBCT ON TWITTER - http://twitter.hammerpao.com - 3RD HBCT ON YOUTUBE - http://youtube.hammerpao.com
- COL. PETER JONES ON TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/PJHammer6 - SHARE THE HILL! Forward THE HILL to your family and friends so they can hear the latest news from the SLEDGEHAMMER BRIGADE. Send them to http://www.hammerpao.com so they can get their very own copy every week.
- HAMMER PAO WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!! You read the news, and we want to give you the news you want to read! If you or other 3rd HBCT Soldiers are doing some interesting training, volunteering in the community, or anything else that people should know about, let us know so we can feature what you do. Email 3hbct3id.pao@us.army.mil with your ideas.
- The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 3rd HBCT Newsletter. This e-mail based newsletter offers information and happenings about the Soldiers of Kelley Hill, the 3rd Infantry Division and the Army. Use the provided links to see related photos and read more about each story on the PAO website, http://www.hammerpao.com.
- This newsletter is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army and their families. Contents of this newsletter are not necessarily the official views of, or are endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or U.S. Forces Command. It is released weekly by the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, Fort Benning, Georgia, 31905. All editorial content of this newsletter is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office of Fort Benning, Georgia. For additional information email 3hbct3id.pao@us.army.mil
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