Unofficial 1st Infantry Division Magazine of Soldiers and Families

Special Edition 2009 www.riley.army.mil
Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

Creed

TEAMWORK is the foundation of the Big Red One. I shall

never fail my team, for I maintain the standard. My conduct and self-discipline set the example for others 

to follow.

HONORis what I stand for – an American Soldier on duty

for my country. My loyalty is intense. I display care for

my fellow Soldiers and my chain-of-command through courage, respect, integrity and compassion.

I have learned to ENDURE, to thrive in adversity.

The harsh reality of combat gives me the enthusiasm for

realistic training. I am physically and mentally strong to

meet the demanding situations my unit encounters.

We are one in the Big Red One. Our BROTHERHOOD

gives us strength to fight on to any objective and accomplish the mission as our veterans have done 

before us. I live the legacy of my division.

READINESS is my priority. To be ready for any mission,

anytime, anywhere. My business is first-class training and living high standards of care and equipment, 

weaponry and tactical and technical competence.

My ORGANIZATION is my strength. The BRO is bigger

than any one individual. It gives me purpose, self-confidence, 

competitive spirit, intestinal fortitude and the desire to fight 

with all my heart.

1

The Big Red One No Mission too Difficult. No Sacrifice too Great.

Special Edition 2009 www.riley.army.mil

Duty First!

The Duty First is an unofficial 

publication produced under 

the provisions of AR 360-1, 

published by Soldiers of the 

1st Infantry Division. Editorial 

views and opinions expressed 

are not necessarily those of 

the Department of Defense, 

the Army or the 1st Infantry 

Division. All photos are 

Army photos unless otherwise 

noted. Circulation is 6,000 per 

issue, printed monthly. Story 

and photos submissions are 

welcome and should be sent to: 

1st Infantry Division

Public Affairs Office 

ATTN: Editor 

Bldg. 580

RM 317

Fort Riley, Kan. 66442. 

Telephone number

COM 239-6821 

 DSN 856-6821 

or visit Duty First online at 

www.riley.army.mil.

1st Infantry Division 

Commander

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks

1st Infantry Division CSM

Command Sgt. Maj. Jim 

Champagne

1st Infantry Division PAO 

Lt. Col. Matt Hackathorn

Editor

Anna Staatz

Staff Writer

Jordan Chapman

Illustrator 

Tammy Dinger

2

Contents

Danger 6 ... 3

Danger 7 ...4

Devotion ... 5

Duty ... 11

Determination ... 15

Dedication ... 21

Cover Photo: Maj. Gen. Vincent 

Brooks, commanding general, 

1st Infantry Division and Fort 

Riley, leads 111 Soldiers in 

the Oath of Enlistment July 

31 during the Victory Week 

Division Pass in Revew 

ceremony.

Duty First!/Staatz
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Commanding General Danger 6

 Welcome Home ‘Dukes’

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks

After 12 tough months in the mountains 

and villages of Afghanistan, our 3rd 

Brigade ‘Dukes’ are finally home. Col. 

John Spiszer, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald 

Orosz and all of the other leaders and 

Soldiers of the Duke Brigade represented 

the 1st Infantry Division well throughout 

their entire deployment and they added 

yet another thrilling chapter to the history 

of this storied Division.

There are countless stories of individual 

heroism that happened during that year 

in some of the most remote areas of 

Afghanistan. Despite their remote outpost 

locations, our Dukes encountered heavy 

enemy contact. Some dealt with constant 

attacks at their outposts. Others were 

ambushed along travel routes. The attacks 

from Taliban insurgents didn’t deter 3rd 

Brigade Soldiers. There was no sacrifice 

too great. Unfortunately, some did make the ultimate sacrifice 

and those brave souls who sacrificed their lives in the name 

of freedom will live on forever, in our hearts and in our fond 

memories. 

But there was no mission too difficult for our Soldiers 

and by the time the Dukes redeployed, violence had 

decreased throughout their areas of operation. Not 

only that, the Dukes also worked to improve the way 

of life for the Afghan people. They helped 

rebuild schools, distributed supplies when 

a massive earthquake struck and worked to 

rebuild communications infrastructure.

The mission of the Dukes was a prime 

example of how versatile today’s Soldiers 

must be. On one hand, they fire weapons, 

conduct reconnaissance and hit the streets 

on patrols. On the other hand, they work 

side-by-side with partner security forces 

– whether that be our coalition forces, 

the local police or national armies. They 

are Soldiers first, but they must also be 

diplomats, working to improve not only 

security, but also the quality-of-life for 

whatever corner of the world we send 

them to.

And while those Soldiers are downrange, 

protecting and defending freedom, here at 

home are their Families, friends and loved ones. They, too, know 

the meaning of sacrifice and deserve not only our appreciation, 

but our respect. So to all of our Duke Families, thank you for 

your service.

To all of the Soldiers of the Duke Brigade, welcome home 

and a job well done! You truly embodied the Big Red One motto 

– No Mission too Difficult. No Sacrifice too Great.

 Duty First! 

4

Command Sergeant Major Danger 7

Division Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Champagne

Victory Week Celebrates

The Big Red One

The 1st Infantry Division has played a 

major role in many of our nation’s wars. 

It’s because of our Soldiers and their 

values that we have always been victorious 

in every conflict that’s confronted us. 

I can proudly say that the history of our 

division is the history of our nation. 

Throughout history, our Soldiers have 

seen victory in battle and prosperity in 

peace. 

Our division, like our nation, will not 

forget the valorous acts of our veterans 

— nor the countless acts of sacrifice and 

devotion by the men and women who 

fought and served with them which has 

contributed to the privilege and security 

we enjoy today.

For 92 years, Big Red One Soldiers have 

fulfilled their obligations magnificently — 

and as our division continues down the path 

of transformation, Big Red One Soldiers 

will remain the centerpiece that we will organize, equip and 

train for fighting and winning the nation’s wars — and anything 

else we are asked to do. 

Our division’s ethics rest on the bedrock of the seven Army 

values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity 

and personal courage. It is a unique collection, unlike any 

other in the world, and reflects the high standards to which 

the Big Red One and the entire Army adheres. Our profession 

ultimately is about the willingness of Soldiers to fight and die,

if necessary, for one another and for our 

country. 

George Washington once said “...

without this Army, we wouldn’t have this 

country.” He also said the brave heroes 

who sacrificed so much to give us our 

independence fought, not for themselves 

alone, but for the fate of unborn millions, 

who depended on the courage and conduct 

of this Army. 

 I see this same courage in our Soldiers 

as many of them are and will be deployed 

overseas for the second, third and fourth 

time. They are Soldiers of an Army at war, 

who serve the nation as their predecessors 

have since before the birth of the republic. 

Sacrifice, valor and devotion are woven 

throughout the fabric of the flag they 

defend. 

During our Victory Week celebrations, 

we celebrated that service; we celebrated 

the history that is defined by that service; and we celebrated 

the Soldiers who helped to write that history and the history of 

the 1st Infantry Division. During Victory Week, we celebrated 

those values and the Soldiers who for decades have lived by 

those values, even before they were written down. We have and 

always will live by our values, and through them, maintain our 

strength. 

Now...Get After it!
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Former Soldier Awarded Silver Star for Bravery

5

By Anna Staatz

Duty First! Magazine

On April 6, 2004, then- Spc. David Sterling wasn’t thinking about a Silver Star or even saving someone else’s life. 

He and other members of his mechanized infantry section were headed out to help some Marines near Ar Ramadi, who 

had taken contact and suffered casualties.

Sterling said when they arrived at the area, he didn’t see any American Soldiers; instead he saw members of the 

Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, and in the midst of the shots being fired, couldn’t even tell who was firing at whom. Then 

Sterling saw a group of Iraqi men in the area acting “kind of strange.”

“We requested to fire some warning shots and then moved in a little closer,” Sterling recounted.

What happened in the next moments changed the course of his life. A rocket-propelled grenade hit the Bradley he 

was in, puncturing the side of the Bradley, slicing through the leg of the vehicle commander, Lonnie Moore, and then 

amputating the lower part of Sterling’s right arm on the spot.

Sterling provided first aid to himself. Moore radioed for evacuation and reinforcement, and then blacked out due 

to loss of blood. 

“He (Moore) was bleeding really bad,” Sterling said. 

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, awards 

David Sterling, II, with the Silver Star during the Victory Week pass in review ceremony July 31. 

Duty First!/Staatz

6

He provided covering fire with his 

M-16 and when that jammed, he used 

Moore’s weapon to continue firing.

Once he and Moore were evacuated, 

the next few weeks were a blur. Sterling 

arrived at Walter Reed Medical Center 

before his wife, and said the first days 

there were barely a memory.

“I was on so much medication and 

stuff, that I was just out of it,” he said.

He and his wife, Beverly, toughed out 

those early days, tackling the numerous 

challenges that faced them. For Sterling, 

after the basic healing process was over, 

he had to begin not just rehabilitation 

on the arm he’d lost, but he also had to 

relearn everyday tasks.

“I was right-handed. I had to learn to do 

everything with my left,” Sterling said.

The 2003-04 deployment was Sterling’s 

first. He joined the Army at 19, in part 

because it was an honorable way to earn a 

living for his Family. After basic training, 

he was sent to 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry 

Regiment, 1st Brigade.

“My wife was pregnant and I was 

looking at how to take care of her and 

a baby,” Sterling said. Now the couple 

has three children, Michael, Thomas and 

Callie.

All three children, Beverly, Sterling’s 

mother, Rosemary, and sister, Rachelle 

Lyon, were present July 31 when Sterling 

was awarded the Silver Star for his actions 

in combat.

“It’s an honor,” Sterling said. “I’m kind 

of surprised the Army is making a big deal 

of it...this is a lot.”

Sterling and his Family live in the 

Fort Riley area. They opted to stay after 

Sterling was medically retired in late 2004. 

Sterling currently works as a civilian for 

Range Control.

David Sterling, II, salutes Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks after being awarded the Silver 

Star during the Victory Week division pass in review ceremony on July 31.

Duty First!/Staatz
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Big Red One Remembers Fallen Soldiers

7

By Laura Stroda

1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

The Victory Bell tolled for its fallen, a firing squad sounded off in salute and bagpipes played a solemn tune as 53 

Soldiers were remembered in a somber memorial ceremony July 30 at the 1st Infantry Division’s Victory Park.

The ceremony honored the Big Red One Soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in battle during the past year.

“They represented the 1st Inf. Div. with honor, with courage and with dedication,” said Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, 

commanding general of the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley. “Remember that each name is a Soldier with a story. A person who 

left behind family, friends, brothers and sisters in arms. A person who willingly raised his or her right hand to serve our 

nation, both here in America and throughout the world ... May their sacrifice, and that of their families, live on in freedom 

and in liberty, in our hearts and in our fond memories.”

More than half of the fallen Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan with the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a 1st Inf. Div. 

brigade that deployed from Fort Hood, Texas. Hit especially hard was the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. Thirteen 

“Blue Spaders” were memorialized during the ceremony. The stones of Spc. Stephen Fortunato, Sgt. Preston Medley and 

Spc. Cory Bertrand, all Soldiers in Company D, were placed on Victory Walk together. 

Richard Fortunato of Beverly, Mass., makes a rubbing of his son Stephen’s memorial stone July 30 

following the victory Park memorial ceremony at the 1st Infantry Division headquarters. Spc. Stephen 

Fortunato, who deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, was killed Oct. 

13, 2008, when his Humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device.

8

Fortunato’s father Richard and his wife, Nancy, traveled from Beverly, Mass., to pay tribute to their son and his fallen 

comrades, who all died in Oct. 13, 2008, when an improvised explosive device hit their Humvee. 

For the Fortunatos, the Victory Park ceremony and outpouring of support from other Soldiers and community members 

brought back memories of Stephen’s memorial ceremony in their hometown. Stephen was the first Soldier from Beverly 

to be killed in combat since the Vietnam War and Nancy said the community lined the streets to pay tribute to their son.

“We had the bagpipes and a caisson. People came from far and near.... hearing the bagpipes again, it wasn’t good; it 

reminded me of being back home,” Richard said.

Nancy said while the ceremony did bring a small amount of closure, it was still an emotional time. 

“This place is overwhelming. We didn’t realize it was so big, and knowing Stephen was part of this, he was with a 

wonderful group of people,” Richard added.

“Stephen loved the Army; he loved his job and wanted to be in the action. He wanted to protect his men ... He was 

very proud,” Richard said, noting his son quit college after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and enlisted in the Army. “I know 

he died doing what he wanted. He told me on his last visit, ‘Dad, if I have to die, I’m ready to die.’ He did what he had 

to do. He wanted to do this.”

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley pauses with 1st 

Inf. Div. Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Champagne at the stones of fallen Big Red One Soldiers during the Victory 

Park memorial ceremony July 30 at the 1st Inf. Div. Headquarters.

Photos by: 1st Inf. Div. PAO/Stroda
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Below are the names of Soldiers who paid the ultimate price between August 2008 

and July 2009. Their names were added to the stones in Victory Park.

9

Master Sgt. Davy N. Weaver MITT

Lt. Col. James J. Walton MITT

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew L. Hilton MITT

Sgt. Douglas J. Bull 3rd Brigade Combat Team

2nd Lt. Michael R. Girdano 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Spc.David J. Badie 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Pvt. Jair D. Garcia 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Spc. William J. Mulvihill 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony MITT

M. Carbullido

Sgt. Jose E. Ulloa 1st Sustaintment Brigade

Staff Sgt. Kristopher D. Rodgers3 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Sgt. 1st Class David J. Todd, Jr. MITT

Pvt.Vincent C. Winston, Jr. 3rd Brigade Combat Team 

Spc. Marques I. Knight 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Pfc. Michael R. Dinterman 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Pvt. John A. Mattox 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Task Force Duke

Slebodnik

Pvt. Michael W. Murdock 3rd Brigade Combat Team 

Capt. Bruce E. Hays MITT

Sft. Brandon W. Farley 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Staff Sgt. David L. Paquet 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Capt. Bruno G. Desolenni MITT

Staff Sgt. Nathan M. Cox 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Pfc. Joseph F. Gonzales 3rd Brigade Combat Team 

Sgt. Preston R. Medley 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Spc. Stephen R. Fortunato 3rd Brigade Combat Team

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Spc. Cory J. Bertrand 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Sgt. John M. Penich 3rd Brigade Combat Team 

Cpl. Jonnie L. Stiles Task Force Duke

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Donald V. Clark Combat Aviation Brigade

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christian P. Combat Aviation Brigade 

Humphreys

Master Sgt. Anthony Davis MITT

Capt. Robert J. Yllescas 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Sgt. John J. Savage 94th Engineer Bn.

Pfc. Benjamin B. Tollefson 2 Brigade Combat Team

Staff Sgt. Joshua L. Rath 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Cpl. Keith E. Essary 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Sgt. Ezra Dawson 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Sgt. Daniel J. Thompson MITT

Capt. Brian M. Bunting MITT

Sgt. Christopher P. Abeyta Task Force Duke

Sgt. Robert M. Weinger Task Force Duke

Staff Sgt Timothy L. Bowles Task Force Duke

Spc. Norman L. Cain III Task Force Duke

Lt. Florence B. Choe MITT

Navy Lt. J.G. Francis L. Toner IV MITT

Pfc. Richard A. DeWater 3rd Brigade Combat Team 

Staff Sgt. William D. Vile Task Force Duke

Sgt. James D. Pirtle 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Spc. Ryan C. King 3rd Brigade Combat Team 

Maj. Steven Hutchison MITT

Spc. Chad A. Edmundson 2nd Brigade Combat Team

Sgt. 1st Class Kevin A. Dupont MITT
11 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

Warrior Competition Pushes 

Skills To The Limit

By Sgt. Nathaniel Smith

1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

Every warrior fights for victory, but the 1st Infantry Division set out to find its ‘Victory Warrior’ through competition 

July 29.

The competition was part of the Big Red One’s week-long ‘Victory Week’, a celebration of camaraderie, history 

and honoring its heroes – past and present.

Sgt. 1st Class Richard Dukes, the competition’s noncommissioned-officer-in-charge from the 1st Battalion, 16th 

Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, said the challenge was based upon two other Army competitions, Best Ranger and 

Expert Infantry Badge.

“It consists of a 12-mile road march, 11 skill-level-one tasks, done within a three hour and thirty-minute time 

frame,” Dukes said. “The time will not stop during any of those events, so it keeps those Soldiers motivated to move 

fast through the 12-mile road march.”

At the end of the road march, a stress shoot ended the challenge, involving short-range and long-range marksmanship, 

for each two-Soldier team.

At the end of the competition, points were tallied from each event, and a winner determined.

Second Lt. Daniel Abaldo, an operations officer with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, who participated in 

the event, said he felt preparation for the competition helped him and his teammate, Capt. Benjamin Ryder, the 2-34 

Armor intelligence officer, do well in the event.

“We tried to be advanced and kind of war-game based upon time and capabilities,” Abaldo said. “I think we did it 

pretty well; it really worked in our favor.”

Abaldo and Ryder were the first to cross the finish line, but due to the points system for each event, it did not 

guarantee victory.

Despite that, Abaldo said he felt good about his and his teammate’s chances.

“I certainly hope (we win), but I saw a lot of guys and girls pushing hard; good luck to all of them,” Abaldo said. 

“It was a good push, and I couldn’t have done it without Capt. Ryder.”

4h IBCT/Campbell

A team arrives at Range 18 for the radio and call for fire portion of the Victory Warrior competition.

12

By Anna Staatz

Duty First! Magazine

First Infantry Division Soldiers capped off a week full of sports competitions, ceremonies and remembrance with 

a division pass in review ceremony on July 31.

“Victory Week” is an annual Big Red One event, designed to remember the division’s fallen, honor its veterans and 

showcase the strength and prowess of today’s Soldiers.

During the pass in review ceremony, Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks administered the Oath of Enlistment to 111 Soldiers. 

The group of Soldiers was led by Spc. Elisabeth Melchione, the youngest Soldiers to reenlist.

Also during the ceremony, three division heroes were recognized for their actions during combat. David Sterling, 

II, was awarded the Silver Star for actions in combat in April 2004. While conducting combat operation near Ramadi, 

Iraq, Sterling, a gunner, was assaulted by an enemy counter-attack and struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, which 

wounded both he and his platoon leader. Even though his hand was blown off in the attack, Sterling applied first aid 

to his platoon leader, and manned the turret to repel approaching enemy forces. 

“This is a big honor,” Sterling said. “But at the same time, I’m kind of surprised the Army’s made such a big deal 

out of it. It’s very special.”

Also received honors were Sgt. Damien Griffith and Spc. Jessica Ross, both of 1st Sustainment Brigade. Griffith 

and Ross were awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained while in combat in Iraq.

Service, Duty Recognized
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By Jordan Chapman

Duty First! Magazine

Preparatory chants, stretching and encouragement of 1st Infantry Division Soldiers could be heard on and near 

Custer Hill Parade Field as the early morning light of July 27 slowly revealed the first day of Victory Week.

About 16,000 Soldiers from the division formed up on Custer Hill Parade Field and along Normandy Drive to kick 

off the first event of the week, Victory Run, a 3.6-mile route around Custer Hill.

Following the conclusion of “The Big Red One” song, sung in unison by all soldiers present, followed directly by 

the playing of the Rocky Theme song by the 1st Inf. Div. Band, Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of 

the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Champagne, division command sergeant major, led the 

way for all of the Soldiers, many of which couldn’t help but smile as they jogged down the road with the strength of 

the “Italian Stallion” beating at their ears.

Brooks said that enthusiasm and positive energy also came from getting to run with so many fellow Soldiers. 

“It’s about morale. You can see how big the division is, even with some brigades deployed,” said Brooks .“It’s rare 

that a division can get together on the street ... What it symbolizes this year is that the division headquarters itself is 

back in the business of leading and fighting.”

A part of that show of leadership came from the division headquarters staff leading the run, the first part of which 

had division staff running the “gauntlet” with Soldiers on both sides the street looking on.

“Having the leadership run the gauntlet, having the leadership run through the units lined on both sides lets the 

Soldiers see their leaders, doing the same thing they are doing every morning, doing PT. That pumps them up,” Brooks 

said.

Maj. Mike Goodwin, G3 Assistant Fire Support Coordinator and Victory Run coordinator, felt that the 10-minuteper-mile pace wasn’t too bad, and though some Soldiers struggled, the majority of the Soldiers gleamed with pride and 

kept on shouting with enthusiasm as they passed the review point near the final stretch of the run.

Some Soldiers took the chance to salute Brooks and Champagne or raise their fists in triumph as they jogged passed 

while others took the chance to play up the Rocky Theme even further, shouting movie phrases or punching at the air.

Run To The Finish

Camaraderie, fitness part of division run

Above and upper right: Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks (left), commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division 

and Fort Riley, and Division Command Sergeant Major Jim Champagne lead Soldiers at the beginning of 

the division run July 27, which kicked off Victory Week.

Below right: Runners are shown from above.

Photos by: Jordan Chapman (above Cody Herding (below right) and Spc. Shantelle Campbell (above Right)

The enthusiasm shouted from the Soldiers of the Big Red One was the very reason Goodwin felt the Victory Run 

was the best possible way to start off Victory Week. 

“It’s a great thing for people to see so many Soldiers passing by. I just think it’s a great event,” he said, explaining 

such a display of Soldiers gives a great idea of just how large the division is in manpower, adding further that half of 

the Soldiers are deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 

“It’s just a great way to start the week ... It worked out very well,” Goodwin said.
15 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

By Anna Staatz

Duty First! Magazine

The 541st Motor Pool housed a crowd that stretched its seams as Soldiers, Family members, community members and 

friends packed in to watch the final rounds of the Victory Week boxing tournament on July 29.

A clang of the bell was all it took to get things underway, with John Enderle of 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Jacob Tippit of 1st Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., 4th IBCT, touching gloves in the men’s 

lightweight round. Tippit won the match by decision after three rounds, and in spite of the loss, Enderle said he was proud 

of his unit for having three fighters make it to the finals.

“We had a lot of guys compete in this,” Enderle said. “Even the new guys who had never put on gloves before did 

good.”

A fellow “Ranger,” Spc. Tausolo Aieti, won the middleweight round against Atalau Wiley of 2nd Bn., 32nd Field Artillery 

Regt., by technical knockout in the second round.

Wiley said he felt good about making it to the finals of the Victory Week tournament. During the Dragon Week boxing 

tournament earlier this year, Wiley lost in his first fight.

“I was more mentally prepared for this tournament,” Wiley said. “It feels a lot better this time around, just to have made 

it to the finals.”

In the light middleweight, it was Lorenzo Diaz, of 701st Brigade Support Battalion, up against Ryan Avila of Headquarters 

and Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Avila took the match for HHC, winning by decision.

In the men’s heavyweight bout, Kyle Gibson of 1st Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., went up against Horace Brown of 24th 

Transportation Company, winning by decision.

The final men’s bout featured Tim Lambert, of Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4 IBCT, against Petero Taufagu, of 2nd 

Bn., 16th Inf. Regt. Lambert took the super heavyweight match in the second round by technical knockout.

There were also two women’s bouts. In the women’s lightweight fight, Selena Higgins, of 2nd Bn., 32nd Field Artillery 

Regt., won by decision against Roshaundra Hazley, also of the “Proud Americans.”

Carla Dotson, 701st BSB, came up victorious in the women’s heavyweight match, winning by decision against Sarah 

Nixon, 2nd Bn., 32nd Field Artillery Regt.

Kyle Gibson, 1st Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, lands a punch during his bout 

against Horace Brown, 24th Transportion Company, 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

Duty First!/Staatz

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John Enderle of 2nd Bb., 16th Inf. Regt., 4th IBCT, hits his opponent, Jacob Tippit of 1st Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., 4th 

IBCT.

Selena Higgins, of 2nd Bn., 32nd Field Artillery Regt., 4th IBCT, steps into a punch during her bout against 

Roshaundra Hazley, also of the “Proud Americans.” Higgins won the lightweight womens title.

Duty First!/Staatz

Ist Inf. Div. PAO/Smith
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“I put a lot more time and effort in training this year. That helped me out a lot to get me to the top,” said Spc. Jeremy 

Gilmore, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team explaining further that he competed for 

third place in the combatives competition in 2008. “(I like) the sportsmanship. I like to go out there and watch the other guys 

compete and I like competing myself. This sport is outstanding.”

Atalau Wiley of 2nd Bn., 32nd Field Artillery Regt., 4IBCT, also felt he was more prepared for the boxing tournament, after 

losing in his first fight during Dragon Week earlier this year. “I was more mentally prepared for this tournament,” Wiley said. 

“It feels a lot better this time around, just to have made it to the finals.”

After three days of Victory Week athletic events that entailed grueling matches in the afternoon heat, exciting finishes and 

crushing defeat, only a handful of 1st Infantry Division Soldiers were allowed to call themselves champions during the Victory 

Cup Awards Ceremony July 30 at Infantry Parade Field.

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley, congratulated each of the Soldiers 

receiving awards and felt the competitions showed lots of spirit and great sportsmanship.

“It was a great showing of the spirit of the Big Red One throughout all of the competition. I’m really proud of you. It’s just 

awesome to see you be able to do that,” Brooks said, just prior to Soldiers coming up to accept awards.

Soldiers from 1st Bn., 28thInf. Regt, HIBCT, were awarded first place for tug of war, golf and the Victory Warrior competition; 

Soldiers making up a team from the 1st Squadron., 4th Cavalry Regt., 4IBCT took first place in soccer; the 1st Engineer Battalion 

took first in the 111 Mile Relay and 10 mile run; 2nd Bn. 16th Inf. Regt., was awarded first place for basketball, volleyball 

and combatives; Soldiers from 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team took the softball championship; Soldiers of the Division 

Headquarters and Headquarters 

Battalion took first in flag 

football; Soldiers of HHC, 

1st Combat Aviation Brigade 

were awarded first place in 

dodgeball; 2nd Bn., 32nd 

Regt. took first in boxing; the 

601st Aviation Support Bn. 

was awarded first in the Color 

Guard competition; and the 

2nd General Support Avn. 

Bn., 1st Avn. Regt., accepted 

the first place trophy for 

weightlifting.

Though each Soldier was 

pleased with their first place 

prize, they were all still 

competing for the top trophy, 

the Victory Cup.

After Brooks took 

suggestions on who should 

receive the cup from the 

shouting Soldiers in front of 

the stage, he awarded the cup 

to the “Black Lions” of the 1st 

Bn., 28th Inf. Regt.

“It’s been a great week, 

Victory Week,” Brooks said. 

“The competitions I saw over 

 the last coupe of days (were) 

 fabulous, great teamwork.

18

David Bounds, a petroleum specialist with Company A, 701st Forward 

Support Battalion, gains seven yards on a play during a game of flag football 

July 27 on Custer Hill as part of Victory Week. 

1st Sust. Bde. PAO/Sgt. Merritt

Athletic Competitions

17

By Jordan Chapman

Duty First! Magazine

Soldiers had no shortage of entertainment during Victory Week. Whether they participated in events or merely observed 

and cheered on their fellow Soldiers, each contributed to the success of the many athletic activities that occurred on Custer 

Hill.

Whether it was basketball or soccer, football or softball, Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division confirmed that they 

enjoyed the time to compete against one another, but claimed it took many things for a team to achieve a championship.

For the Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion flag football team, that championship was a result of a lot of 

practice.

“We practiced a lot before the tournament ... every Monday and Wednesday,” said Private Christopher Brown, DHHB, 

though Spc. Roy Striblin, also of DHHB, jokingly added that there wasn’t any competition. The team played a total of four 

games, one on July 27 and three on July 28.

The 1st Brigade Softball team also had a tight schedule. In two days, they played a total of five games, but claimed the 

secret to their championship was having teammates that had played together before.

“They already know each other and work together well,” said Staff Sgt. Leo Guzman, team captain. “It was fun.”

More activities included the 10 mile-run, which took runners from King Field House, down Dickman Avenue to Huebner 

Road, to the Ogden Gate and back.

The run was the qualifier for the Big Red One’s Army 10-miler team, which will compete in October at the United States 

Army conference in Washingtion, D.C.

Though the soccer, tug of war, dodgeball, weight lifting and basketball were all a success, it was the boxing and 

combative finals on July 29 that may have drawn the most support from fellow Soldiers.

Each connecting blow would fill the host locations with cheers and shouts of what move a fighter should execute next, 

though fighters of both events explained the right training was key to any success in the ring.

A Soldier gives every last bit of strength he has left crossing the finish line for the Fort Riley 10 mile run 

July 28.

CAB PAO/Pfc.Hale

Strength Showcased In
19 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

By Jordan Chapman

Duty First!Magazine

The sight of blood wasn’t that uncommon as 1st Infantry Division Soldiers headed in and out of the combatives ring July 

29.

The Victory Week event allowed Soldiers of every weight class to stake their claim in the ring while feeding off of the 

energy of the crowd, all of whom were clearly not let down by the day’s activities.

Though many Soldiers vied for a chance and fought for their pride throughout the week, only 14 made it into the finals 

inside the chain-link ring. Those Soldiers were divided into seven weight classes: fly-weight, light-weight, welter-weight, 

middle-weight, cruiser-weight, light heavy-weight and heavy-weight.

Despite who was named the winner of each weight class, each Soldier agreed that it’s all fun and games in the end, 

especially since many of the fighters were teammates or knew each other.

“It’s definitely exciting and it’s good experience overall,” said Spc. Scott Kay, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th 

Infantry Brigade Combat Team, who fought for the Heavyweight title against teammate, 1st Lt. Richard Sexton, 2nd Bn., 

16th Inf. Regt., 4th IBCT.

Though some of the fighters knew each other, the nerves and excitement that come before a match still didn’t fade or stop 

them from doing their best inside the ring.

“Relax and stay calm. Do what you know,” Kay advised Soldiers who wanted to do well, while Spc. Jeremy Gilmore, 2nd 

Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., 4th IBCT, felt much success can be gained from the right amount of training.

“I put a lot more time and effort in training this year. That helped me out a lot to get me to the top,” Gilmore said, explaining 

further that he competed for third place in the combatives competition in 2008. “(I like) the sportsmanship. I like to go out 

there and watch the other guys compete and I like competing myself. This sport is outstanding.”

Fighters Grapple 

For Ring Titles 

Jeremy “Wing Man” Gilmore of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry prepares to land a 

blow to the head of Scott “Rock Wall” Stanridge, also of 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., during their Fly-Weight Combatives 

Championship match July 29 in building 88312.

Duty First!/Chapman

20

Flyweight

*Jeremy “Wing Man” Gilmore

Height: 5’3”

Weight: 125

Unit: 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., 4 IBCT

Scott “Rock Wall” Stanridge

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 125

Unit: 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., 4 IBCT

Lightweight

Damien “Beast-Slayer” Cardwell

Height: 5’6” 

Weight: 140 

Unit: 1st Brigade, 101st Forward Support Battalion

*Michael “The Crippler” Andrade

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 140 

Unit: 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., 4 IBCT

Welterweight

*Curtis “Keoki” Borge

Height: 5’7”

Weight: 155

Unit: Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion

Wayne “All That” Jacob

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 155

Unit: 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., 4 IBCT

Middleweight

Joshua “Well-Digger” Welbourn

Height: 5’10” 

Weight: 170 

Unit: 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., 4 IBCT

*David “The Animal” Andrews

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 170 

Unit: Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion 

Cruiser Weight

Kyle “Constrictor” Roudebush

Height: 6’1” 

Weight: 175 

Unit: CAB 601st Aviation Support Battalion

*Charles “All Out” Gualtierie

Height: 6’4” 

Weight: 185 

Unit: 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., 4 IBCT

Light Heavyweight 

*Raymond “Everyone Loves” Moungey

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 205 

Unit: 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., 4 IBCT

Jonathan “DELO” Brown

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 191

Unit: 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., 4 IBCT

Heavyweight 

*Richard “Maxim” Sexton

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 205

Unit: 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., 4 IBCT

Scott “Shamrock” Kay

Height: 5’9

Weight: 222 

Unit: 1st Sqdn,. 4th Cav. Regt., 4IBCT

* = winner

Michael “The Killer” Andrade of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry takes the 

upper hand from Damien “Beast-Slayer” Cardwell of 1st Brigade, 101st Forward Support Battalion during 

the Light-Weight Combatives Championship match July 29 in building 88312. 

Photos by Duty First!/Chapman
21 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

FORT RILEY LEADERS

PLEDGE COMMITMENT TO

ARMY FAMILIES

Fort Riley Public Affairs Office 

Fort Riley’s leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Army Families when they re-signed the Army Family Covenant July 

31 during the Victory Week Celebration.

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, Division Command Sgt. Maj. 

Jim Champagne, Garrison Commander Col. Kevin Brown and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Ian Mann each placed their 

signature on the covenant, before the performance of country music singer Keni Thomas.

The official Army Family Covenant was originally signed Oct. 17, 2007, by then Secretary of the Army Pete Geren and 

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey Jr. Fort Riley signed its copy of the covenant Oct. 29, 2007, formally recognizing the 

sacrifices made by Families on the home front while the Army is at war.

Fort Riley further pledged to continue existing Family programs and services, increase the accessibility and quality of 

health care, improve Soldier and Family housing, ensure excellence in schools, youth services and child care and expand 

education and employment opportunities for Family members.

“We’re very fortunate to be in a place where Families matter so much,” Brooks said before signing the covenant. “We’re 

also fortunate to be in an Army that has committed itself, at the highest level all the way down to the lowest level, to taking 

care of our Families and trying to say thanks back to them, through our deeds, not our words; the things we do that commit 

ourselves back to Families who have done so much in service and sacrifice for us as Soldiers.”

The covenant has helped the Family of Sgt. Kevin Snow, who said he would have been unable to care for his four children 

without the Army’s aid.

“The covenant has helped our Family because, medically, I can’t take care of my kids,” Snow said. “The covenant has 

helped us in a way that it has paid for our day care. The Army has looked out for our Family, even after I was out of the Army. 

They still look out for families and veterans that have given so much.”

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, signs the Army 

Family Covenent during a ceremony on July 31, marking the conclusion of Victory Week.

Duty First!/Staatz

22

By Parker Rome

1st Infantry Division Post newspaper

Family Readiness Groups showed their support 1st Infantry 

Division Soldiers as they stood at cheering sections during the 

Victory Run on July 27, just one example of how our Soldiers 

are depended on to carry out tasks and do so each day with the 

support and their Families.

Three locations were set up for Family Readiness Group 

members to meet and cheer on the Soldiers during the 4-mile 

run across Custer Hill.

“They work hard to do their job, and the little things that we 

do to let them know that we’re here for them encourage them 

on,” Anna Hurning said.

Hurning said that the experience was rewarding even though 

she had to wake up early to get to her spot.

Hurning and Priscilla Rutherford, who both have spouses 

in the 1st Sustainment Brigade, brought signs decorated by 

children.

“At our last FRG meeting, the children took time while we 

were having the meeting to make the signs, color them and get 

them involved in this,” Rutherford said.

Spouses Cheer On 

Soldiers

Anna Hurning, a 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team spouse, writes a message on a sign before the Victory 

Run. 

A group of Family Readiness Group members 

cheer for Soldiers as they run by towards the end 

of the Victory Run July 27 at Custer Hill. 

1st Inf. Div. Post/Rome

Rutherford said she enjoys opportunities like this 

to show her support.

“Whatever it takes to support our troops out 

there,” Rutherford said.
23 Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil

By Jordan Chapman

Duty First! Magazine

Victory Week came to a relaxing close as Soldiers and Families of the 1st Infantry Division took over Infantry Parade 

Field dressed in casual clothing and giving out plentiful smiles as they each walked around the grounds to experience 

the fun, games, food and music.

“This is an event that encompasses so many elements, so there is something for everyone,” said Melissa Kinney, 

Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Marketing Chief. 

Available to those who attended the event were an enclosed paint ball course, a rock wall, scavenger hunt, car show, 

activities for children, military working dog demonstrations, Commanding General Mounted Color Guard demonstrations 

and food booths.

Spc. Steven Zimmermann, of 601st Aviation Support Bn., Combat Aviation Brigade, had good things to say about the 

car show available to viewers. “They have some nice cars here,” he said, explaining he has a real passion for cars, but 

couldn’t decide which one he would rather own. “All of them,” he said.

Pvt. First Class Thomas Newman of 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regt., 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said he felt 

the week went off without a hitch and thought the festival was a great way to cap off events.

“They have a lot of stuff for children and Families. That’s something nice to see,” he said. “Victory Week they say is 

for the Families and Soldiers ... It was a short week, a lot of activities. It definitely makes a difference.” 

Festival Celebrates 

Families, Fun

Staff Sgt. Jack Wheeler of 1st Squadron. 4th 

Cavalry Regiment, helps his son, Dillon, 3, pull 

back on a water balloon sling shot July 31 at 

the Victory Week Festival held near Infantry 

Parade Field. Both father and son launched many 

successful balloons together. 

Josh Goodwin, 12, takes his shot at the rock wall 

July 31 at the Victory Week Festival. 

24

Newman also noted that he also liked that the signing of the Army/Family Covenant would take place for all to see. 

The covenant was signed by Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, 

Division Command Sergeant Major Jim Champagne, Col. Kevin Brown, garrison commander, and Garrison Command 

Sgt. Maj. Ian Mann and Families from Fort Riley. 

Recognizing the commitment and increasing sacrifices that Army Families make every day, Newman felt that having 

Families see the signing will hopefully allow them to feel like they have a better role and can feel more comfortable 

taking part in Army events.

“It makes them feel more active and generally involved,” Newman said, hoping that the covenant will also help 

Families know and understand more of what is going on.

Those that enjoy music were not left out of the fun, either. Behind all of the activities stood a stage surrounded by 

bleachers for the evening’s Battle of the Bands and a concert given by Keni Thomas, a former Army ranger.

Thomas fought in the battle recounted in the book and motion picture “Black Hawk Down” and also served as 

military advisor for the film “We Were Soldiers.” The Bronze Star for valor and the combat infantryman’s badge are 

among Thomas’s various awards.

“You will never find a better audience,” Thomas said. “Anytime you play for a military audience you will find they 

are the most appreciative.”

Thomas added that he too gets the chance to be appreciative towards the, because they have all been through and 

experienced similar situations.

It is the moments where he and his audience connect that make it all worth it, Thomas explained, saying it is in those 

moments that he can truly tell people what is dear to his heart and hopefully make a difference.

“You can make a difference with whatever it is you do. You can go out with a Gibson or you can go out with an M4. 

You’re going to make a difference in this world whether you know it or not,” he said.

A fireworks demonstration closed down the night and the end of Victory Week.

Spc. Steven Zimmermann of 601st Aviation Support Bn., Combat Aviation Brigade, explains to his 

wife, Jennifer, how one specific piece of a car works as they look at the classic cars on display as his 

their son, Kayden, 14 months, waits patiently to the side July 31 at the Victory Week Festival held on 

Infantry Parade Field. Zimmermann said cars and car knowledge is one of his hobbies. 

Photos by Duty First!/Chapman
Duty First www.riley.army.mil Duty First www.riley.army.mil 25

Duty First!/Staatz Duty First!/Chapman

Photos: (Top) Keni Thomas 

plays during his concert July 

31 at Victory Week Festival, the 

week’s concluding event.

(Bottom Left) Aria Musil, 8, 

shoots at Air Soft targets during 

the Victory Week celebration on 

July 31. 

(Bottom Left) Pvt. First Class 

Thomas Newman of 1st 

Squadron. 4th Cav. Regt., 4th Inf. 

Brigade Combat Team, shows 

his son Jaydon, 4, and daughter, 

Madison, 7, a horse that makes 

up the Commanding General’s 

Mounted Color Guard while wife, 

Aimee, looks on July 31 during 

the Victory Week Festival held 

on Infantry Parade Field.

US Army Garrison at Fort Riley PAO

26

Honoring 

current and 

former members of 

the 1st Infantry 

Division and 

affiliated units, 

commemorating 

our fallen 

Warriors and 

celebrating the 

Big Red One’s 

lineage and 

history.

Looking for Information

About The Big Red One?
Honoring 

current and 

former members of 

the 1st Infantry 

Division and 

affiliated units, 

commemorating 

our fallen 

Warriors and 

celebrating the 

Big Red One’s 

lineage and 

history.