1

Flintlock 

U.S. Africa Command’s premier and largest 

Special Operations Forces exercise

Operation Cold Steel sharpens capabilities 

of 79th Soldiers

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 79TH THEATER SUSTAINMENT COMMAND

2018

Issue I

The

Falcon

The 79th is Ready to Fight

With Ready Force X implementation, Nationwide 

Move, and operations across the continent of 

Africa, the 79th is setting the standard for 

readiness in the army reserve.

Cold Steel 
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2 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 3

“To Do For Country,

 Falcon Strong!”

79TH TSC Public Affairs Office: 562-936-7660 

Email: usarmy.usarc.79-tsc.mbx.pao@mail.mil

Official Website: http://www.usar.army.mil/79thTSC/

Find us on:

To receive a copy of the Falcon at home or in your 

email, sign up at: www.postable.com/TheFalcon

79TH TSC COMMAND TEAM

COMMANDING GENERAL

MAJ. GEN. MARK W. PALZER

DEPUTY COMMANDING GENERAL

BRIG. GEN. SUSAN E. HENDERSON

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

COMMAND SGT. MAJ. JOHN ZIMMERMAN

COMMAND EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MR. FREDERICK J. HOLMES

COMMAND CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER WILFREDO JARIN 

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

LT. COL. BRANDON KELLEY

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CHIEF

SGT. 1ST CLASS ALEXANDRA HAYS

MANAGING EDITOR

CPT. ERIC SMITH

LAYOUT & DESIGN

SGT. HEATHER DOPPKE

Two Star Notes:

By Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer

Falcon Family and Friends,

 I recently had the opportunity to visit France to commemorate 

the Soldiers of the 79th who fought to liberate France following the 

D-Day invasion. As I spoke to crowds of French citizens still dedicated 

to remembering our Soldiers 74 years later, I was struck by the indelible mark this unit has left on the world. The way we prosecute battle 

today may be different, our role may have changed, but I know that 

the Soldiers of the 79th today are continuing in this great tradition – 

we are a force for good.

 As the 79th TSC rounds out our 100th year of service to this 

country, I could not be more pleased to reflect on the progress we’ve 

made in our first year as a Theater Sustainment Command. Since our 

transition to a global mission last fall, our team has adapted with 

great flexibility and competence to the unique challenges of our new 

role. 

 We’ve integrated our teams with U.S. Army Africa to support exercises and operations across the African continent. We’ve enabled our 

Expeditionary Sustainment Commands to take on their own missions 

around the world as part of our globally deployable force. We’ve 

tackled the task of preparing our units assigned to Ready Force X for 

their new mission. 

 Our RFX units are rapidly reaching their required readiness levels 

because of the dedication of the Soldiers in those units and the hard 

work of leaders at every level of the chain of command. As we pursue 

this new initiative, we become the face of the future of our force. We 

are on the cutting edge of readiness with the capability to fight fast 

and destroy the enemy wherever they may be.

 I encourage you to read on in this magazine to find out more 

about how we are contributing to the Ready Force and to see all of 

the exciting ways that the 79th is leading the way.

FEATURES:

The Falcon, a U.S. Department of Defense publication, is published 

biannually by the 79th Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs 

Office located at 4201 Saratoga Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720-5170. 

In accordance with DoD Instruction 5120.4, this DoD magazine is an 

authorized publication for the members of the U.S. military. Contents 

of The Falcon are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, 

the U.S. government or DoD.

Ready for Anything 

with Ready Force X

By Maj. Josiah Fisher & 

Sgt. 1st Class Angel Marini

PG 5

PG 10

PG 14

PG 26

PG 6

PG 12

PG 16

PG 28

After the storm

By Spc. Kaitlin Waxler

Bridge to Awesome

By Sgt. Kayla Benson

Sharpening Steel

By Spc. Kaitlin Waxler &

Staff Sgt. Debralee Best

Soldiers Contend for 

79th TSC Best Warrior 

and Top Squad Title

By Staff Sgt. Robert C. Pufahl

Flintlock

By Capt. Fernando Ochoa

Testing The Waters

By Capt. Thomas Piernicky

PG 30

How to win the 

fitness game

By Sgt. Heather Doppke

PG 32

Community Outreach

By Sgt. Christopher A. Bigelow

PG 24

The Army Goes Rolling 

Along

By Chief Warrant Officer 

Ricardo Villanueva &

Master Sgt. Richard Mallozzi

Cover photo: U.S. Army Reserve Spcs. Gabriela Benitez and 

Jose Barajas, automated logistical specialists, 693rd 

Quartermaster Company, work together as gunner and 

assistant gunner to group and zero an M2A1 machine gun 

during Operation Cold Steel II, hosted by the 79th Theater 

Sustainment Command at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., Oct. 16, 

2017. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

Remembering the 

Bataan Death March

By Capt. Thomas Piernicky

PG 20

Dispatches From The 

Field

PG 31

Maple Resolve

By Staff Sgt. Robert C. Pufahl
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4 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 5

The 79th is ready to fight

Soldiers and Leaders of Team 79, 

 The only reason why our U.S. Army exists is to 

FIGHT and WIN our nation’s wars. We all have a 

part in that mission. From the newest private to 

the commanding general himself, we must all use 

our time and resources to PREPARE for war. We 

owe it to our families, who want us to return safely, 

and we owe it to our fellow Soldiers with whom we 

bear the cost of war. 

 Preparing for war is as much mental and spiritual as it is physical and psychological. For years we 

have used the term “training” in the Army. Training 

is something athletes have the luxury to do. As 

Warriors of America’s Army Reserve, we must go 

beyond mere training and prepare ourselves and 

our teams mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally to close with and destroy the enemies of 

our country. In today’s unstable world, as Warriors 

of the most lethal Army Reserve force that our 

nation has ever seen, we must use every moment 

possible to prepare for war. In doing so we will be 

ready when called upon by our nation to fight and 

win against any enemy in the world, in any climate, 

at any time. 

 No other army in the history of the world has 

been able to project large, lethal combat forces 

globally and then sustain them to fight and win 

the way the U.S. Army has demonstrated time and 

time again. We have some of the most advanced 

weapons, battle-hardened Soldiers, and combatexperienced leaders in the world. It is our logistics, 

sustainment, and support Soldiers that enable our 

Army to be the great Army that it has become. 

In fact, what separates good armies from great 

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ON POINT

armies are their ability 

to sustain and support 

their forces in the fight. 

No other army has 

done that as well as we 

have. As such, there is 

no better target on the 

modern battlefield than 

you, the Soldiers of our 

low-density, high-demand support force. 

 The battlefields that 

we must prepare for war are multi-domain battlefields where there are no rear areas. The world today 

is more volatile than it has ever been. We are faced 

by multiple threats on multiple fronts, some of whom 

are near peer adversaries that have had the luxury to 

study both our technology and our tactics over the 

last several decades. Some of them have been waiting 

for an opportunity to challenge us. They know that 

to truly defeat us, they need to deny and isolate our 

combat fighting forces from logistics, sustainment and 

support. Therefore, it is more important than ever for 

you, the sustainer, to fully embrace the Warrior Ethos 

and be proficient in your Army Warrior Tasks and 

Battle Drills. 

 Know the kind of warfare we must prepare for 

isn’t the kind of warfare many of us have seen or 

experienced. For decades, the United States has had 

the luxury of sea, air, space, and cyber superiority. 

Our near peer adversaries had the luxury of studying 

us and developed technologies and tactics to deny 

us dominance in a world where wars will be fought 

across all domains. 

 You are a member of the most elite and lethal 

fighting force ever known to mankind, and you must 

do this as a Citizen Soldier with a fraction of the time 

that our active component brothers and sisters have 

to prepare for war. Therefore, it is vital that each 

one of you use your time and resources wisely to do 

what is necessary to prepare for war. Your survival in 

combat and the survival of your teammates depends 

upon it.

FORT KNOX, Ky.– The life of a senior leader in a Ready Force 

X unit comes with additional focus, increased accountability, 

and non-stop training.

 1st Sgt. Bryant Howard plays a key role in shaping the 

readiness of the 842nd Quartermaster Company. The Army 

Reserve has designated the 842nd as an RFX unit, and the 

company is a subordinate unit to the 451st Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). 

 “Being a senior leader in an RFX unit means putting in 

more time toward the goal of achieving a higher state of 

readiness,” said Howard. “It means asking more from the Soldiers and encouraging them to welcome the higher op-tempo 

that comes with being in an RFX unit.”

 Ready Force X is more than an enhanced state of individual and unit readiness. The “X” is used to demonstrate 

that this initiative does not apply to just one specific operation or theater. RFX units are designed to react to and resolve 

any issue in an expeditious manner, regardless of geographic 

location. 

 RFX, at its core, is a culture change within the Army Reserve. It builds on the concept of deploying in a “break glass 

in case of emergency” situation. Units need to not only be 

ready to deploy, but already be highly trained, lethal, and 

subject matter experts in their field. They have to be ready to 

be the first Reserve units in a new environment. This enhanced preparedness allows any RFX unit at any given time to 

be able to execute an emerging requirement anywhere in the 

world.

 RFX was not created to address a current need for deployable units, rather, it exists to ensure there is a pool of units 

tasked with maintaining higher levels of readiness to enable 

quick deployment in the future. These units leverage the resources of every echelon in their chain of 

command. The Ready Force approach to individual 

and unit readiness has reduced pre and post mobilization timelines helping to meet any contingency. 

 The 79 Theater Sustainment Command has 

put an emphasis on executing unit-centric readiness through improved personnel, equipping and 

maintenance, and training actions. To increase the 

842nd’s readiness toward meeting future mission 

requirements, the company completed a threeweek Combat Support Training Exercise at Fort 

Knox, Kentucky in March 2018. 

 As a fueling unit, more than 100 Army Reserve 

Soldiers of the 842nd were able to set up a tank 

and pump unit and assist base operations by maintaining the readiness of generators and heaters 

during the exercise. 

 Howard also put emphasis on battle-focused 

training during the exercise. “We continually rehearsed reaction to contact, improving the perimeter, security, accountability, combat lifesaving skills, and protective measures in a 

chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack.”

 The CSTX created an environment where Howard and his 

Soldiers had to be ready for anything. Most importantly, they 

learned valuable lessons about lethality on the battlefield.

 “The skills we learned at the CSTX will help us if we need 

to go into an austere environment and they have built our 

confidence to where we know we have what it takes to accomplish the mission and protect ourselves,” said Howard. 

“Even though we’re a fueling unit, we must know what it 

takes to survive.”

 Some of the Soldiers in the 842nd haven’t had this type of 

training since they attended basic combat training. A significant effect of this exercise has been increased morale.

 “This unit has some of the best, highly-motivated Army 

Reserve Soldiers any command could ask for,” said Howard. 

“They’re being challenged and pushed to their limits, but the 

morale of the unit is very high.”

 Going forward, Howard said the unit will continue to train 

on different aspects of battle-focused training while continuing to maintain the readiness of the company’s primary 

fueling mission. As an RFX unit, he acknowledged the sense 

of urgency.

 “We should be ready to fight yesterday, and I’ve asked 

our leaders to train up on what they feel is lacking with their 

Soldiers,” said Howard. “While I feel confident in the unit’s 

ability to survive, defend, and fuel if needed, I know we must 

not stop training.”

Ready for Anything with Ready Force X

"...we must go beyond mere 

training and prepare ourselves 

and our teams mentally, 

physically, spiritually, and 

emotionally..."

SHARE YOUR STORY

Are you or someone you know exemplifying the Citizen Soldier lifestyle? We want to hear your 

story!

For your chance to be featured, please email us with a brief summary of how you're going above 

and beyond or doing something extraordinary in your life!

usarmy.usarc.79-tsc.mbx.pao@mail.mil Soldiers of the 842nd Quartermaster Company engage in training at CSTX to 

prepare them as a RFX unit. (Courtesy photo)

By Maj. Josiah Fisher, 451st ESC

and Sgt. 1st Class Angel Marini, 79th TSC By Command Sgt. Maj. John K. Zimmerman
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6 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 7

Army Reserve Command's inaugural Operation Cold Steel, 

hosted by the 84th Training Command.

 More than 450 weapons crews were trained and certified 

over the seven-week duration of OCS. The exercise executed 

crew-served weapons platform qualifications through 

multiple 12-day rotations, with Soldiers qualifying on Mark 

19 40 mm grenade machine gun, M240B machine gun and 

M2 machine gun weapons systems.

 The first Operation Cold Steel was a successful proof of 

principle, concluding with a qualification rate of 93 percent.

 Maj. Ryan Gore, Task Force OCS II operations 

officer-in-charge, noted the changes to this year’s Cold Steel 

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CALIF.—Operation Cold Steel II kicked 

off Oct. 12, 2017, at Fort Hunter Liggett, California.

 The second iteration of the exercise is bigger than the 

previous year, both in number of locations and in the number 

of troops involved. Cold Steel II runs from Oct. 12, 2017, to 

Aug. 31, 2018, at Fort Hunter Liggett; Fort McCoy, Wisconsin; 

Fort Knox, Kentucky; and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, 

New Jersey. Comprising of approximately 3,800 crews of 

10,000 Soldiers from across the Army Reserve, Cold Steel is 

the Reserve’s premier crew-served weapons qualification and 

validation exercise.

 The Army Reserve, part of the Total Force, requires 

extensive training to keep Soldiers capable, combat-ready, 

and lethal. For the largest Federal Reserve force in the 

nation's history, exercises like Operation Cold Steel are vital to 

being able to deploy rapidly to any part of the world. 

 The 79th Theater Sustainment Command, the lead agency 

for Cold Steel’s Fort Hunter Liggett portion of the exercise, 

provided cadre to support a variety of roles from classroom 

instruction to range safety. The selected 79th TSC Soldiers 

and those from downtrace units called itself Task Force 

Coyote. 

 “Cadre are our leaders for the operation,” said 1st Sgt. 

Derrick Roberson, Task Force Coyote first sergeant. “We are 

everywhere for the Soldiers so that we can provide all the 

tools to help them perform.”

 That's no small task, considering each cycle of Soldiers has 

a four-day window to become proficient on the crew-served 

weapon systems they are assigned. These systems include 

the M249 light machine gun, M240 and M2 machine guns 

and the Mark 19 40 mm grenade machine gun.

 “A lot of these Soldiers haven't had the opportunity to 

handle crew-served weapons,” said Spc. Christian Bennett, a 

wheeled-vehicle mechanic with the 79th TSC and cadre for 

Cold Steel. “This is their chance to gain new skills to take back 

to their home units and be a part of the Ready Force.” 

 Ready Force X is a pool of units tasked with maintaining 

higher levels of peacetime readiness to offset risk to the 

nation. Its mission is to rapidly respond to evolving threats.

 “This is a great learning opportunity for everybody 

involved,” said Master Sgt. Robert L. Caron, maintenance 

supervisor, 79th TSC. For Task Force Coyote he serves as the 

safety noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “As we 

restructure, events like this help to give a feel of what lies 

ahead in future missions.”

 Caron, in his 38th year of service, knows a thing or two 

about transitioning and restructuring.

 “We have a lot of newer troops here at Operation Cold 

Steel II, supporting the mission. We have a lot of senior 

troops too,” he said. “We can help sharpen our younger cadre 

and prepare them for upcoming promotions. They help us 

older guys out as well because they help us adapt to the 

changes. It benefits everybody here.”

 The Cadre have not accepted this mission lightly. Primarily 

comprised of noncommissioned officers, these Soldiers have 

taken a personal interest in the task at hand.

 “Every Soldier needs mentoring,” said Sgt. Moses Gross, 

a financial management technician with the 79th TSC and a 

Task Force Coyote range safety. “It's good to be able to give 

them the one-on-one training. From the primary 

marksmanship instruction classes to live-firing the weapons, 

they need guidance.”

 Sgt. Felicia Obaya, a motor transport operator with the 

851st Transportation Company, 79th TSC, is a range safety 

officer for Task Force Coyote, keeps her eye on safe training.

 “My job is to ensure that everybody knows the proper 

mechanics of each of the weapons,” she said. “Ensuring that 

everybody is safe is top priority.”

 In 2017, an estimated 1,800 Army Reserve Soldiers from 

approximately 60 Army Reserve units participated in the U.S. 

Story by Spc. Kaitlin Waxler, 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command 

and Staff Sgt. Debralee Best, 84th Training Command

sharpening steel

"Every Soldier needs mentoring” -Sgt. Moses Gross

 

Spc. Zachary McFarlane makes adjustments on an AN/PAS-13 Thermal Weapon Site while Sgt. 1st Class Trevor Bissett, motor transportation 

operators, 182nd Transportation Company, observes during Operation Cold Steel II, hosted by the 79th Theater Sustainment Command at Fort 

Hunter Liggett, Calif., Nov. 29, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

Cold Steel II kicks off at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. 

exercise. 

 “It will focus on crew-served weapon and platform 

qualification as well as collective live-fire training to enhance 

the readiness of selected units,” Gore said. “Additionally, it 

provides a platform for Soldiers to be trained as Vehicle Crew 

Evaluators and gain practical experience so they can effectively preform in this capacity at their units. Finally, it teams 

newly-trained Army Reserve Master Gunner Common Core 

graduates with seasoned active-component Master Gunners 

to build the bench that will enable units in the Army Reserve 

to conduct gunnery autonomously at the unit level in the 

coming years.” 

 According to Gore, this combination of training is designed 

for units to become self-sufficient in completing this training 

on their own.

 “The 79th has sent out some high quality personnel,” said 

Brig. Gen. Richard Staats, senior advisor for Task Force Coyote. “They're doing excellent work out here, and I don't think 

they could do a better job.”

"exercises like Operation Cold Steel 

are vital to a force that can be 

asked to deploy rapidly to any part 

of the world"
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8 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 9

Photos by Sgt. Heather S. Doppke 

79th Theater Sustainment Command

sharpening steel

"As we restructure, events like this help to give a feel of what lies ahead in future missions.” 

 -Master Sgt. Robert Caron

Sgt. Marco Hermosillo, motor transport operator, 419th Transportation Company, 

zeros an M240B machine gun on Nov. 30, 2017, as part of Operation Cold Steel 

II hosted by the 79th Theater Sustainment Command at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. 

Nov. 30, 2017.

Spcs. Robert Norvell and Erica McCallister, human resource specialists, 350th Human 

Resources Company, work together as gunner and assistant gunner during target accusation practice on a 

Mark 19 40 mm grenade machine gun as part of Operation Cold Steel II on Nov. 11, 2017. 

Spc. Stephen Justin adjusts an AN/PAS-13 Thermal Weapon Sight while Staff Sgt. 

Jeff Harley looks on. Both Soldiers are petroleum supply specialists with the 842nd 

Quartermaster Company, preparing to send the first rounds downrange with an M2 

machine gun for weapons qualification during Operation Cold Steel II Oct. 15, 2017. 

Staff Sgt. Dorian Yeager, water treatment specialist, assists Spc. Justin Martinez, 

paralegal specialist, both with 382nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, while 

he fires the first rounds downrange with an M2 machine gun for weapons 

qualification during Operation Cold Steel II, Oct. 15, 2017.

Spc. Christopher Landon, a motor transport operator assigned to the 182nd 

Transportation Company, fires an M240B machine gun as part of Operation Cold 

Steel II, Dec. 2, 2017.

Staff Sgt. Jeff Harley, petroleum supply specialist, 842nd Quartermaster 

Company, adjusts a traversing and elevation mechanism on an M2 machine gun 

during Operation Cold Steel II, Oct. 15, 2017. 
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10 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 11

“When opportunity arises and local officials can use 

the Reserve, we stay as long as they need us.”

 -Sgt. Beau Burkhead

After the storm

Story by Spc. Kaitlin Waxler

4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

BEAUMONT, Texas – The U.S. Army 

Reserve’s 373rd Combat Sustainment 

Support Brigade assisted local 

authorities here during relief efforts in 

the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

 Capt. Tabitha Williams, commander 

of Headquarters and Headquarters 

Company, 373rd CSSB, directed Army 

Reserve Soldiers on multiple missions 

under Defense Support of Civil 

Authority (DSCA) to administer aid for 

people affected by the catastrophic 

hurricane.

 “(DSCA) allows us, as federal assets, 

to assist local civilian authorities in 

times of disaster,” explained Williams. 

“My role is to accept the DSCA mission 

and orchestrate our Soldiers in ways 

that will be the most useful.”

 Williams oversaw Soldiers in her 

company, as well as those with the 

348th Transportation Battalion.

 “Our Soldiers are providing capabilities to travel through high water and 

collect multiple citizens,” Williams 

said. “They’re providing expertise and 

efficiency while collaborating with the 

373rd CSSB Conducts High Water Rescue Missions

Team 3, said that the efforts and 

resources put forth by the U.S. Army 

Reserve were critical in life-saving 

missions.

 “The Reserve has been a big help. 

The Soldiers want to jump in and help 

local authorities, and it’s been 

outstanding,” said Theriot. “They’re 

driving [military tactical vehicles] for 

us. As we’ve needed help in the water, 

they’ve been jumping in with us and 

helping to rescue people. They’re really 

doing a great job at getting us where we 

need to go.”

 Sgt. Beau Burkhead, a water purification specialist with the 373rd CSSB, 

drove Strike Team 3 around the flooded 

city, and tried to eat and rest at the fire 

station in between calls.

 “When opportunity arises and local 

officials can use the Reserve, we stay as 

long as they need us,” said Burkhead. 

“This is a great, real-life experience 

for Reserve Soldiers. Getting to apply 

everything we learn in training ... it puts 

a real sense of purpose to all of this.”

 Sgt. Ronald Allen, a unit supply

Beaumont Fire Department and Police 

Department.”

 Although the circumstances were 

less than ideal, the Army Reserve Soldiers were prepared and equipped for 

the mission. Water levels continued to 

rise throughout the week, but the skills 

that Soldiers acquired during previous 

training events proved to be effective.

 “They are well-trained, licensed, and 

experienced drivers in these vehicles, 

but the conditions of driving in so 

many feet of water—it is new to the 

Soldiers,” explained Williams. “Even 

though there were so many variables, 

basic soldiering skills allowed us to 

adapt and overcome, and we were 

successful in that.”

 The primary focus for the Soldiers 

was to assist in high-water rescues. 

 Many people in the Beaumont area 

chose not to evacuate their homes, so 

the Fire Department and Soldiers made 

frequent trips to check up and ensure 

their safety.

 Fire Captain Cody Theriot, leader 

of Beaumont Fire Department’s Strike 

specialist with the 373rd CSSB, 

explained just how large of an impact 

the team had on rescue missions.

 “There were at least 150 adults 

and 100 kids, along with 15 animals,” 

explained Allen. “That was the first day. 

The other vehicles were only able to 

carry three people at a time, and ours 

could transport twenty-five to thirty 

people at a time.”

 By the end of operations, Army 

Reserve Soldiers had assisted in over 

700 evacuations of citizens, 170 animals, and transported over 100 emergency personnel to critical locations.

 The 373rd CSSB and 348th 

Transportation Battalion belong to the 

4th Sustainment Command

 (Expeditionary). The command has 

units throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, 

New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. As 

part of America’s Army Reserve, these 

units are trained, combat-ready and 

equipped to provide military and logistical support in any corner of the globe.

Sgt. Beau Burkhead, a water treatment specialist with the 373rd Combat 

Sustainment Support Brigade, stops to give direction to one of the survivors while conducting a water level survey with Beaumont Fire Department 

in Beaumont, Texas, Sept. 2, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Heather 

Doppke)

Sgt. Phillip Bradley, an information technology specialist with the 373rd 

Combat Sustainment Support Brigade, sits and eats after returning from a 

high water rescue mission in Beaumont, Texas, Sept. 1, 2017. (U.S. Army 

photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

Staff Sgt. Darrell Thibeaux, a human resources specialist with the 373rd 

Combat Sustainment Support Brigade, helps survivors into a Medium 

Tactical Vehicle during a high water rescue mission in Beaumont, Texas, 

Sept. 1, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

Sgt. Phillip Bradley, an information technology specialist with the 373rd 

Combat Sustainment Support Brigade, helps unload survivor’s recovered 

items from the back of a Medium Tactical Vehicle during a high water 

rescue mission in Beaumont, Texas, Sept. 1, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by 

Sgt. Heather Doppke)

Staff Sgt. Darrell Thibeaux, a human resources specialist with the 373rd Combat Sustainment Support Brigade, is thanked 

by a survivor during a high water rescue mission in Beaumont, Texas, Sept. 1, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Heather 

Doppke)
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12 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 13

Soldiers, Squads Contend for 79th 

TSC Best Warrior and Top Squad Title

The Best of the Best

to achieve, and how to perform the steps. This is someone 

evaluating your competency, your proficiency in these skills, 

and grading you based on that,” he said.

 Sgt. Charles Cherry of the 79th TSC STB believes that the 

competition builds character, morale, and great leaders for 

the future. According to him the squad portion especially provided an opportunity to develop leadership skills. 

 “It’s a chance to lead Soldiers. It’s a great experience for 

me and the only way to get better is to do it in challenging 

situations. If you’re going to lead a team here, be there for 

your team. It’s not about you,” he said. 

 In the eyes of the 311thth ESC’s Spc. Kevin Pendleton 

the competitors had good reasons for taking on the difficult 

competition. 

 “I really do enjoy the environment that we are in. It’s 

meant to put us in stressful situations so we can learn what 

our limits are and push past those,” he said. 

 Other Soldiers noted embracing the personal challenge 

and even the potential for career progression. Whatever the 

reason for competing, Soldiers felt the pride of accomplishment at the end. Cherry didn’t have to wait to hear the 

results to know he was a winner. 

 “My dream has already come true. I led these guys. We 

had a great time and I just want to see them prevail throughout the Army, whatever their endeavors are,” he said.

"It’s meant to put us in stressful situations so we can 

learn what our limits are and push past those."

-Sgt. Charles Cherry

Sgt. Louis Serra, transport management coordinator, 535th Movement 

Control Team, runs through the obstable course during the Best Warrior Competition 2018 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., June 17. (Photo by 

Sgt. Heather Doppke)

Best Warrior Competitors hike during the ruck march as part of the 

Best Warrior Competition 2018 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., June 17. 

(Photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

Sgt. Angela Myers fires an M2A1 machine gun during the Best Warrior 

Competition 2018 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., June 17. (U.S. Army 

photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

Spc. Antonio Hernandez, culinary specialist, 79th Quartermaster Company, runs through one of the surprise events of the warrior challenge. 

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Pufahl)

Spc. Michael Rountree, a chemical, biological, radaiological and 

nuclear specialist, 478th Human Resources Company, checks a map 

during the night land navigvation course. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 

Heather Doppke)

Sgt. James Southard and Spc. Camden Ewell, petroleum supply 

specialists, 786th Quartermaster Company, are named Best NCO and 

Best Soldier. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Pufahl)

Spc. Michael Rountree, a chemical, biological, radaiological and 

nuclear specialist, 478th Human Resources Company, low crawls 

during the obstacle course. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

By Staff Sgt. Robert C. Pufahl

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – Competitors from the 311th, 

4th, 451st, and 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Commands 

and the 79th Theater Sustainment Command’s Special Troops 

Battalion competed in this year’s Best Warrior and Top Squad 

Competition, May 17-20, 2018. 

 In a change to previous competitions held annually by the 

79th TSC each unit was represented by a squad. The members of each squad vied for the title of Best Soldier or Best 

Non-Commissioned Officer individually. The highest Army 

Physical Fitness Test score was also a new award category 

this year. 

 Competitive events included ruck marches, an obstacle 

course, day and night land navigation, weapons qualification, 

and other challenging surprises.

 At the culmination of the grueling three-day competition 

Spc. Camden Ewell and Sgt. James Southard, both of the 

364th ESC, were named Best Soldier and Best NCO, respectively. The 451st ESC claimed the spot of Best Squad with 

Sgt. John Zukaitis, Sgt. Louis Serra, and Pvt. 2nd Class Wayne 

Jasper. The highest APFT score award went to Spc. Tuoc Le of 

the 311th ESC.

 The Best Warrior and Top Squad Competition tests Soldier 

skills and the personal resilience of all the competitors. In 

preparation for the event competitors not only have to focus 

on physical fitness but also on Warrior Task Training. 

According to Sgt. Angela Myers of the 311th ESC the skills 

tested at BWTSC are important. 

 “All of these infantry tasks are vital to our sustainment for 

our fighting force,” she said. 

 Sgt. Alanzo Patterson of the 364th ESC noted how unusual 

the challenge was. 

 “It’s quite different from anything I’ve done. The sleep deprivation; not being able to tell the time besides by daylight. 

The different tests that we’re having are above our knowledge,” he said.

 Competitors were not allowed to have any electronic 

devices such as phones or watches, and were not even told 

what time of day it was. Drill Sergeants were on hand to 

provide additional training and discipline. Meals consisted of 

MREs and loud music was played prior to sleeping hours and 

at wake up to create extra difficulty for the tired competitors. 

In addition, the Soldiers had seven graded essays to complete 

throughout the competition on topics ranging from why they 

joined the Army to what it will look like in 100 years. Adding to the challenge were mystery events to see how well 

competitors could negotiate the element of surprise. One 

such event was a race between two competitors pushing cars, 

moving water cans and ammo boxes, and low crawling as 

quickly as possible. 

 Spc. Francisco Aguirre of the 4th ESC emphasized that 

competitors were expected to show up ready to excel. 

“This is not a training station where you’ll be taught how 
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14 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 15

remembering the Bataan 

Death March

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. – U.S. Army Reserve 

Soldiers with the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), 

based in San Antonio, took part in the 2018 Bataan Memorial 

Death March, here, March 25, 2018. 

 This yearly event honors the nearly 10,000 U.S. and Filipino Soldiers that died during an April 1942 forced march at 

the hand of their Japanese captors during World War II. 

 More than 8,000 participants tackled the Bataan Memorial Death March this year either as individuals or teams. One 

team leader was U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Troy Catterton, 

a logistics officer with the 4th ESC who works in the unit’s 

emergency operations center. Catterton was inspired to participate by his boss, Lt. Col. Bob Wagner, who completed the 

march previously. 

 “I knew about the Bataan Death March, but didn’t know 

the historical context behind it,” said Catterton. “It’s a realistic opportunity show appreciation, and through the suffering 

and challenges of service members coming back from World 

War II. It brings personal pride and value to me and will 

reflect honor on my unit.” 

 Catterton knew the event would be a grueling endeavor. 

He did research on the historic march to better understand 

what the U.S. and Filipino Soldiers endured. In 1942, after 

seven months of fighting, those Soldiers surrendered to the 

Japanese Army and were forced to march 65 miles through 

the sweltering heat of the Philippine jungle. Many died of 

disease, injury or were executed by their captors during the 

 “Typically, I started training at Thanksgiving,” said Zamora. 

“We train to get the body strong, the mind strong.”

 Another member of Catterton’s team, U.S. Army Reserve 

Maj. Mike Hopkins, the 372nd QM BN Intelligence Officer, is 

no stranger to ruck marching. Hopkins attended the Special 

Forces Qualification Course in which he recalled ruck marching 250 miles over a two week period.

 “This is the ultimate challenge for foot marches,” said Hopkins. “It teaches you how far you can go. You can’t stop. You 

find new limits you didn’t know were there.”

 The ability to push the body past known physical limits 

starts with a proper mindset. Catterton said the key to finishing the Bataan Memorial Death March is high morale. That 

morale and high motivation were displayed on the team’s 

smiling faces at the opening ceremony of the event. During 

the opening ceremony, survivors of the original Bataan Death 

March were present for a roll call and greeted the participants as they began the march. 

 “It’s neat to have the survivors from the original march at 

the start,” said Zamora. 

 Zamora recalled seeing a particular Bataan Memorial 

Death March survivor at a specific checkpoint every year 

during her first several marches. She said he had a way of 

motivating her to finish because she realized his march was 

far worse than what she was taking on. Then, one year, he 

wasn’t at that check point. The survivor had died in the 

months preceding the annual memorial march. 

 “I was crying,” said Zamora. “It was sad that I would never 

see him there encouraging me on.”

 That sort of inspiration was a significant driving force 

for Catterton’s team during their 26.2-mile trek. The team 

crossed the finish line in 8 hours and 27 minutes. Despite 

their sore feet and tired bodies, the group maintained their 

smiles and positive attitude. 

 “It was a great experience and I recommend it to all 

ranks,” said Catterton. 

 

Story by Capt. Thomas Piernicky

4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Archuleta with the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, 

shakes hands with U.S. Army Col. (Ret.) Ben Skardon, a survivor of 

the original Bataan Death March, at White Sands Missile Range, New 

Mexico, March 25, 2018. (Photo by Capt. Thomas Piernicky)

The Bataan Memorial Death March is a 26.2-mile run/ruck/walk event 

held annually to honor thousands of American and Filipino soldiers 

who defended the Philippines at the outbreak of World War II. (Air 

Force photo by Senior Airman Steven A. Ortiz)

Servicemembers, families and civilians participate in the 29th Annual 

Bataan Memorial Death March on March 25, 2018 at White Sands 

Missile Range, New Mexico. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steven 

A. Ortiz)

Soldiers with the 364th Training Support Battalion, 5th Armor Brigade, 

1st Army, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas pose for a team photo before 

beginning the 2018 Bataan Death March. (Photo by Capt. Thomas 

Piernicky)

Maj. Linda Zamora with the 372nd Quartermaster Battalion (Petroleum 

Support) stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, briefs her 

team on the route for the 2018 Bataan Memorial Death March. (Photo 

by Capt. Thomas Piernicky)

Servicemembers honor the 75,000 who surrendered to invading 

Japanese forces on April 9, 1942, and were marched by their captors 

over 60 miles through treacherous jungle terrain and into captivity. (Air 

Force photo by Senior Airman Steven A. Ortiz)

Soldiers hike 26.2 miles in memorium 

march. 

 While the original death march covered 65 miles in jungle 

terrain, the memorial march course allows participants to 

do a 14.2 or 26.2-mile route. Catterton’s team prepared 

to complete the 26.2-mile course set in the rigorous New 

Mexico desert at White Sands Missile Range. Events like the 

Bataan Memorial Death March hone a Soldier’s body and 

mind ensuring today’s Army Reserve is the most capable, 

combat-ready, and lethal Federal Reserve force in the history 

of the Nation.

 Such preparation and training required a significant commitment from Catterton. He started his training by doing 

Crossfit then switched to three days of ruck marching interspersed with two days of running four to six miles. Catterton 

said the terrain of Fort Sam Houston, Texas, has numerous 

hills that built his endurance for the march. 

 “The regimen that I conduct is that every other day is a 

ruck day,” said Catterton. “I get to Fort Sam at 0500 in the 

morning, I put on a 50-pound ruck and my boots, and I will 

ruck for about three consecutive hours.”

 For one member of Catterton’s team, this is her 13th time 

participating in the Bataan Memorial Death March. U.S. Army 

Reserve Maj. Linda Zamora, executive officer for the 372nd 

Quarter Master Battalion (Petroleum Support) stationed at 

Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, conducts a 6-day-aweek training regimen that incorporates trail running and 

rucking in sand.
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16 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 17

NIAMEY, Niger – Members of the 79th Theater Sustainment 

Command participated in Flintlock 2018; an annual, Africanled, integrated military and law enforcement exercise April 

11-20, 2018.

 Flintlock, U.S. Africa Command’s premier and largest 

Special Operations Forces exercise, has been on-going since 

2005. The exercise aims 

to strengthen key partner 

nation forces throughout 

north and West Africa as 

well as Western Special 

Operations Forces. 

 Multinational partners 

this year included Belgium, 

Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and 

the United Kingdom. 

 The 79th TSC was key 

in running the Reception Staging OnwardMovement Integration 

station. The RSOI is a very 

important function of a 

military exercise which 

incorporates contingency 

and expeditionary base 

operations support with 

responsibilities for managing facilities, providing administrative and logistical 

support of Soldier services, 

and ensuring the security 

of personnel and facilities 

on a base camp. 

 Normally, the RSOI 

task is standard operating 

procedure, but Flintlock 

2018 was not a normal exercise. This exercise was attended 

not only by service members from every branch of the U.S. 

Armed Forces but also more than a dozen African nations 

including the host nation of Niger.

 1,900 service members from 23 African and Western partner nations moved through the RSOI but the mission didn’t 

end there. The RSOI also had to process civilians participating 

in Flintlock including personnel from the State Department, 

civilian contractors, and journalists. Their primary mission 

FLINTLOCK 18 

By Capt. Fernando Ochoa

Special Operations Command, Africa 

"This exercise gave our Soldiers real world 

experience learning how to fight as we train 

and giving us multi-skill and force multiplying tasks” 

 

 

 - Maj. Leticia Dreiling

U.S. Africa Command’s premier and 

largest Special Operations Forces 

exercise

was to safely check in and out all personnel and to assist 

in maintaining accountability as these personnel travelled 

through country.

 “More than most, this exercise gave our Soldiers real world 

experience learning how to fight as we train and giving us 

multi-skill and force multiplying tasks,” said Maj. Leticia Dreiling, 79th TSC Support 

Operations plans officer 

in charge. “We had a 

heavy lift, which gave our 

personnel a challenge, 

but it also helped us 

build relationships and 

create bonds with our 

Allied African partners,” 

she said.

 Soldiers from the 79th 

Theater Sustainment 

Command also visited 

Saint Vincent de Paul 

orphanage, which is an 

international non-profit 

organization, where 

they delivered supplies 

to support the children 

April 17, as the exercise 

was coming to a close.

 Led by a 3rd Special 

Forces Group (Airborne) 

first sergeant, from Fort 

Bragg, North Carolina, 

Soldiers delivered 100 

kilos of beans, 50 kilos of 

rice, Nestle baby formula 

and other assorted food 

supplies. Donations were 

also given by the Spirit of 

America organization who help charitable causes throughout 

the African continent.

 “For me, this was the best day I had during the Flintlock 

exercise, delivering these supplies and love to these deserving children,” said Maj. Shannon Memminger, 79th TSC support operations planner. “But, our team also provided crucial 

support to the Flintlock 2018 exercise, including logistics, 

movement and RSOI services,” he said.

Forces Armées Nigeriennes soldiers wait for their turn to conduct close quarters combat training with U.S. Special Forces advisors during Flintlock 2018 

April 13, 2018 in Agadez, Niger. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Love)

Chadian soldiers conduct key leader engagement and ambush training 

with 20th Special Forces Group during Flintlock 18 in Niger, Africa on April 

17, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Runser)

Nigerien Armed Forces conduct a convoy movement, key leader engagement 

and ambush exercise during Flintlock 18 in Niger, Africa on April 15, 2018. 

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Runser)

Soldiers of the Belgium Special Operations Surgical Team render aid to a casualty as part of an exercise during Flintlock 2018 in Tahoua, Niger, April 16, 2018. 

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

A U.S. military member interacts with orphans at Saint Vincent Orphanage of Niamey during Flintlock 2018 in Niamey, Niger, April 18, 2018. 

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

A Nigerien Soldier marches across the airfield at the start of the opening 

ceremony of Flintlock 2018 in Niamey, Niger, April 11, 2018. (U.S. Army photo 

by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

By the culmination of Flintlock 2018, new partnerships between the 23 partner 

nations were forged. (Courtesy photo)
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18 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 19

 

U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Leo Erro Trajano, culinary specialist, 693rd Quartermaster Company, views 

the range through an AN/PAS-13 Thermal Weapon Site preparing to send rounds downrange 

with an M2A1 machine gun for weapons qualification during Operation Cold Steel II, hosted 

by the 79th Theater Sustainment Command at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., Oct. 16, 

2017. Operation Cold Steel is the U.S. Army Reserve's crew-served weapons 

qualification and validation exercise to ensure that America's Army Reserve 

units and Soldiers are trained and ready to deploy on short-notice and 

bring combat-ready and lethal firepower in support of the Army 

and our joint partners anywhere in the world. (U.S. Army photo 

by Sgt. Heather Doppke, 79th Theater Sustainment Command)
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20 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 21

In addition, he was awarded the Silver Star medal for his actions. He later recounted that during the attack as he and his 

radioman ran across a field one of them stepped on a land 

mine and that his radioman lost his leg from the explosion. 

 The 79th Infantry Division General Order 35 dated 12 

March 1945 reads as follows:

 AWARD OF SILVER STAR. Pursuant to authority contained 

in AR .600-45, the Silver Star is awarded to Captain EDWIN 

C. JACKSON, 01321039, Infantry, 314th Infantry, United 

States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 9 

December 1944 in France. When Captain Jackson received an 

order for an attack he conducted a personal reconnaissance 

of the terrain and enemy positions in his company’s area of 

attack. At the appointed time he led his company in the attack on the enemy position, routing two enemy companies, 

taking 30 prisoners and killing 24 enemy. During the attack 

Captain JACKSON was wounded but refused evacuation until 

the company’s mission was accomplished. His outstanding 

leadership and devotion to duty reflect highest credit upon 

himself and the armed forces of the United States.

 On 12 January Lt. Jackson rejoined I Company near 

Rohrwiller, France about 7 miles southeast of Haguenau. During his absence, the 79th had continued its attack across the 

Moder River during the bitterly cold Alsatian winter and advanced northeast across the Lauter River (the boundary line 

between France and Germany) and into the Siegfried Line 

and, as a result of Operation Nordwind by the Germans, had 

fallen back to defensive positions south of Haguenau along 

the Moder River, giving up their hard fought gains made in 

December.

 On 1 January 1945 the Germans began Operation Nordwind. The offensive was to break through the lines of the U.S. 

7th Army and French 1st Army in the Upper Vosges mountains and the Alsatian Plain, and destroy them. This would 

leave the way open for Operation Dentist and the destruction 

of the U.S. 3rd Army.

 It soon had the under strength U.S. 7th Army in dire 

straits. The 7th Army, at the orders of U.S. General Dwight D. 

Eisenhower, had sent troops, equipment, and supplies north 

to reinforce the American armies in the Ardennes involved in 

the Battle of the Bulge.

 U.S. VI Corps, which bore the brunt of the German attacks, 

was fighting on three sides by 13 January. With casualties 

mounting, and running severely short on replacements, 

tanks, ammunition, and supplies, Eisenhower, fearing the 

outright destruction of the U.S. 7th Army, rushed already battered divisions hurriedly relieved from the Ardennes, southeast over 100 km, to reinforce the 7th Army. Their arrival 

was delayed, and the Americans were forced to withdraw to 

defensive positions on the south bank of the Moder River on 

21 January. The German offensive finally drew to a close on 

25 January, the same day that the reinforcements began to 

arrive from the Ardennes.

 Hitler's last offensives in December 1944 in the Ardennes 

region of Belgium and Luxembourg, and in January 1945 in 

the Alsace region of France marked the beginning of the end 

for the Third Reich. With these final attacks, Hitler had hoped 

to destroy a large portion of the Allied ground force and to 

break up the Allied coalition. Neither objective came close 

to being achieved. Although perhaps the Allies' victory in the 

spring of 1945 was inevitable, no doubt exists that the costs 

incurred by the Germans in manpower, equipment, supplies, and morale during the Ardennes-Alsace battles were 

instrumental in bringing about a more rapid end to the war in 

Europe.

 The battle in the Alsace appeared to be less dramatic 

than in the Ardennes, but was no less an Allied victory. Hitler 

spent his last reserves in Alsace and with them the ability to 

regain the initiative anywhere.

Dispatches from the field

WWII Memoirs

Meurthe River.

 While recuperating from his wound, the 79th Division 

moved beyond the Meurthe River and cleared the Foret (forest) de Parroy in what was their bloodiest battle to date. Tree 

bursts from German artillery shells sent splinters flying in all 

directions and caused many casualties.

 On 18 October, Lt. Jackson returned to duty in Company 

K near Manonviller just as the Division was preparing to be 

relieved by the 44th Division. On 23 October, the day the 

44th relieved them; I Company’s CO (Commanding Officer), 

Capt. Erdman, and Lt. Seymour were seriously wounded. Lt. 

Jackson was transferred to I Company as CO on 25 October.

 For 18 days, beginning on 24 October, the Division was 

on R&R in Luneville where they enjoyed showers, hot meals, 

clean clothes, movies and slept with roofs over their heads. 

In addition, daily training sessions provided time to absorb 

the many replacements that had arrived.

 On 11 November the 79th left Luneville on its next mission to force the Saverne Gap through the Vosges Mountains 

and drive the enemy out of Alsace. If the Germans were not 

driven from the mountains before winter set in, they could 

delay the Allied advance until spring.

 During the next two weeks, the 79th pushed through the 

Saverne Gap and was in Hoerdt, between Strasbourg and 

Haguenau, by Thanksgiving.

 On 5 December the 79th, while still part of the US Seventh 

Army, passed from XV Corps to VI Corps to participate in a 

planned offensive to the northeast which was to culminate in 

the breaching of the Siegfried Line. The 79th’s mission was to 

attack on the Corps’ right flank, seize Haguenau and be ready 

to clear the Foret de Haguenau which contained large German ammunition dumps. 

 On 9 December 1944 Lt. Jackson led I Company on an 

attack about 1 mile southwest of Haguenau, France. During 

the attack he was wounded, earning his second Purple Heart. 

As the 314th prepared to cross the Meurthe River on 21 September 1944, Lt. Jackson received the first of his 3 combat 

wounds and his first Purple Heart medal. He was shot in the 

head by a sniper about 1 mile north of Fraimbois. The bullet 

entered the front of his helmet, travelled around between 

the steel outer helmet and the fiber liner, and exited out the 

back. He did have a scar over his ear as a result but narrowly 

escaped death. When at the Aid Station another soldier 

saw his helmet with bullet holes front and back lying on the 

ground and remarked that he pitied the poor soldier who it 

belonged to. Lt. Jackson informed him that it was his.

 The following is a first-hand account by Lt. Dick Orphan 

who was a forward observer with the 314th Cannon Company and was with Lt. Jackson when it happened. Lt. Orphan’s 

job was to accompany a Rifle Company and coordinate artillery fire from rear positions to support them.

 “One misty morning near the town of Luneville with the 

Rhine-Marne Canal just ahead, we knew that the German 

defenses were across the canal. Being foggy in the early 

morning, we were able to warm a cup of coffee over flaming 

K ration boxes. I was talking with the [K Company platoon 

leader] named Jackson. As we were looking at a map together planning the day's activities, the mist began to clear as 

the sun rose. Suddenly a German sniper must have had us in 

his sights. I heard a crack quite different from the usual rifle 

sound. Jack was hit through his helmet and bleeding profusely out of his head. I often thought that there was a 50-50 

chance of being selected by the German sniper and one must 

continually face in combat the chances of being killed but 

dwelling on the prospect does not make it easier. Jackson 

was evacuated and I did not see him again but was told later 

that he did recover.”

 The 3rd Battalion, 314th Infantry, 79th Division was 

awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions from 20 

Sep 1944 to 23 Sep 1944 to establish a bridgehead across the 

" Captain Jackson was 

wounded but refused 

evacuation until the 

company’s mission was 

accomplished." 

Capt. Edwin Jackson 

(circled, center-back row) 

with Company K outside 

Paris. (Photo courtesy of 

Phil Jackson)

The following is an excerpt of a book contributer Phil 

Jackson is writing about his father, Capt. Edwin C. 

Jackson. CPT Jackson served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1953, 

and saw action as a platoon leader and operations officer in the 

314th Infantry Regiment, eventually earning a Silver Star and three 

Purple Heart medals. 

Photo right: 2nd Lt. Edwin Jackson at Camp Gruber, Okla., 1943.
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22 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 23

 Action on 25 January was particularly intense. The Ger-

mans had broken through the MLR (Main Line of Resistance) 

northeast of Haguenau in the area held by the 222nd Infantry 

(42nd Division). Companies I and K of the 314th were moved 

to Neubourg and called on to help repel the German attack 

through the Bois d’Ohlungen. It was here that Lt. Jackson was 

wounded in the face by artillery fragments but remained on 

duty. This qualified him for his third Purple Heart medal. One 

document lists the date of his wound as 27 January but since 

on that day the 314th was relieved by the 101st Airborne and 

a 24 hour rest before they moved to the southern edge of 

Haguenau to relieve the 242nd Infantry, it is more likely that 

he was wounded on the 25th.

 After securing Haguenau, the division enjoyed 10 days of 

R&R at Dieulouard between Nancy and Metz. While there, 

Lt. Jackson received a promotion to the rank of Captain.

 On 17 February the 79th became part of XVI Corps and 

the Ninth US Army and moved to an area north of Tongres 

(present day Tongren), Belgium for further training and to 

resupply equipment for future operations.

 On 23 February the 314th was assigned to assist the 35th 

Division crossing the Roer River while the rest of the 79th Di-

vision was held in reserve. The 314th feinted a crossing on 26 

February thus allowing the 35th Division to successfully cross 

the Roer and clear the enemy from in front of the 314th. This 

ended their mission and they rejoined the Division.

A postcard depicting 2nd Lt. Ediwin Jackson from Camp Gruber, 

Okla. (Photo courtesy of Phil Jackson)

Top right: Capt. Jackson (center) with fellow Lieutenants in Holland. 

Middle right: U.S. troops at the Meurthe River, France.

Bottom right: U.S. troops at the Meurthe River, France.

(Photos courtesy of Phil Jackson)

Sexual harassment and sexual assault threaten unit cohesion and readiness. 

As leaders, we must set and enforce standards and uphold our values 

to ensure an Army free from sexual harassment, sexual assault and retaliation.

TOGETHER, THIS WE’LL DEFEND.

Join Us: USArmySHARP 

WWW.PREVENTSEXUALASSAULT.ARMY.MIL

DOD SAFE HELPLINE: 1-877-995-5247

WWW.SAFEHELPLINE.ORG

SEXUAL ASSAULT.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT.

NOT IN

OUR ARMY.
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24 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 25

Story by Chief Warrant Officer Ricardo Villanueva, 79th TSC

and Master Sgt. Richard Mallozzi, 376th Transportation Company 

The Army Goes Rolling Along

From Washington to Kentucky the 376th executes the start of 

Nationwide Move

MISSOULA, Mont. – Members of the 

376th Transportation Company executed the first iteration of Nationwide 

Move 2018 on February 16, 2018, as it 

sent 35 Soldiers to haul equipment from 

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to Fort Knox, Kentucky, in support 

of Bridge - Combat Support Training 

Exercise 2018.

 Nationwide Move is a comprehensive training exercise that provides 

Army Reserve transportation units 

valuable and realistic training as they 

perform real-world equipment hauls to 

supply other on-going training exercises 

throughout the United States. Units 

assigned to Nationwide Move perform 

front hauls and back hauls, or convoys, 

gaining valuable experience while fulfilling a needed capability.

 In its first year as lead coordinator 

for Nationwide Move, the 79th TSC 

tasked the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command to oversee movement 

of essential equipment that would be 

transported with Army Reserve assets 

in order to support Bridge - Combat 

Support Training Exercise 2018. The 

79th TSC tasked the 376th TC to provide 

trucks and personnel to transport the 

vital equipment to the exercise. 

 Soldiers of the 376th TC battled 

snow, ice, and freezing temperatures as 

they moved 20 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), 

and various skid-mounted generators 

for a total of about 3,168 miles per 

truck. 

 “I enjoyed Annual Training for the 

purpose of driving our equipment long 

distance and through varying weather 

conditions,” said Staff Sgt. Gideon Cooper, 376th TC. “It is not often, even on 

active duty, that we have the chance to 

drive through the conditions we did and 

experience the satisfaction of completing a rather arduous mission.”

 The convoy initially traveled Westbound from Missoula, Montana to pick 

up equipment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Marysville, Washington. The 

convoy picked up 364th ESC equipment 

then moved Eastbound in order to meet 

the expected delivery to Fort Knox, 

Kentucky by February 27. 

 The mission itself was not routine, 

due to the adverse winter weather, said 

Master Sgt. Richard Mallozzi, 376th TC 

Senior Truck Master. Mallozzi planned 

for freezing temperatures and briefed 

the Soldiers volunteering for their first 

Nationwide Move mission. 

 “This mission truly exercised all 

aspects of our Company,” said Mallozzi. 

“The Soldiers’ morale was high throughout the mission. The multiple weather 

and road conditions pushed our drivers 

and mechanics to enhance their driving 

skills on the spot. This is the best exercise to properly evaluate an M915 truck 

company.”

 With most of the mountainous 

terrain covered in snow and ice, the 

maintenance platoon and the drivers 

worked on various trucks along the way. 

Truck malfunctions and breakdowns occurred due to extreme weather, lack of 

equipment usage, and faulty parts; the 

realistic breakdowns helped to exercise 

the unit’s breakdown procedures and 

flex the mechanics’ and drivers’ knowledge on their assigned equipment.

 Equipment was tracked utilizing the 

Coalition Mobility System, a newlydeveloped Department of Defenseapproved application used for in-transit 

visibility of military equipment. 

 The equipment arrived on time, as 

expected, and a different team from the 

376th TC performed the back haul after 

the exercise was over. The substitution 

was necessary in order to provide realistic motor transport operations training 

for as many transportation Soldiers as 

possible, said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ricardo Villanueva, a Mobility Officer and 

Officer in Charge of Nationwide Move 

for the 79th TSC.

Villanueva added that the first leg of 

Nationwide Move went considerably 

well, even with the extreme weather 

conditions and the shortage of personnel and equipment. 

“We came across a lot of challenges 

well before moving any trucks,” said 

Villanueva. “But having experienced, 

proactive and motivated units, like the 

451st ESC and the 376th TC made this 

mission a success. Having experienced 

Soldiers coordinating at the transportation company-level makes all the difference when planning realistic training.” 

This iteration is just one portion of Nationwide Move which this year will also 

involve moving equipment to Maple 

Resolve, a multinational exercise in 

Wainwright, Canada. 

HIIT IT

By Sgt. Heather Doppke

 

 First off...what is HIIT? HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training, and you can use almost any type of exercise for a HIIT routine. It's 

a form of cardio that can give you phenomenal results in a very short 

amount of time. The basic foundation to HIIT is intervals of high intensity 

activity coupled with intervals of low intensity activity or rest. The key is 

to shock your body, forcing it to use fat as fuel by never allowing it adjust 

to one level of intensity.

Benefits of HIIT: 

- Burns fat faster and longer: Traditional cardio workouts burn fat only 

during the workout but HIIT allows your body to continue losing weight 

during times of rest.

- Saves you time: Lack of time, one of the main excuses as to why 

people don’t workout, is now less of a problem since you can perform 

HIIT only a few times a week in under 30 minutes and see results.

- Location and equipment do not matter: It's something you can do anywhere with or without equipment. This is beneficial for Soldiers because 

often times they may be in a location without any access to a gym or 

other form of workout equipment.

- Preserve muscle mass: Unlike traditional cardio workouts, where 

some muscle will be burned as fuel, HIIT focuses on just burning fat, 

which means the likelihood of your body growing muscle mass would be 

higher.

Now that you’ve seen a few of the benefits from HITT, here are a few 

examples to get you started:

- Beginner: 15 seconds high-intensity exercise / 60 seconds rest or 

 low-intensity exercise

o Repeat this 10x, ending with a final 15-second high-intensity 

blast

- Intermediate: 30 seconds high-intensity / 60 seconds rest or 

 low-intensity exercise

o Repeat this 10x, ending with a final 30-second high-intensity 

blast

- Advanced: 30 seconds high-intensity / 30 seconds rest or low-intensity 

 exercise

o Repeat this 10x, ending with a final 30-second high-intensity 

blast

- Athlete: 30 seconds high-intensity / 15 seconds rest or low-intensity 

 exercise

o Repeat this 10x, ending with a final 30-second high-intensity 

blast

 Whether you’re trying to burn and shred some unwanted body fat, 

save time with shorter but more efficient workouts or just change up your 

cardio style the most effective workout is the one you’re willing to do. Any 

form of working out is better than no workout at all. The most important 

thing is to get moving.
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26 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 27

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Approximately 15 Reserve Soldiers with the 

364th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) endured snow 

and mud as the small team hustled to build a secondary tactical operations center during Combined Situational Training 

Exercise - Bridge in Fort Knox, Ky., March 21, 2018.

 Jump Tactical Operations Center (TOC) Coyote, the first of 

its kind for the 364th, demonstrated the Soldiers’ ability to react in a new combat environment. Their goal was to establish 

and maintain communications with the main TOC, which was 

one mile away. 

 “We’re training to go to an environment that is unfamiliar,” 

explained Capt. Kevin Prevost, a training support officer with 

the 364th ESC. “We’re breaking new ground.”

 “This is an idea that kind of sprung out from this exercise. 

Brig. Gen. Gregory Mosser and his staff want to see what we 

can do,” Prevost said. “We are pressing forward, leaning forward in the saddle as they say, to at least attempt to set the 

equipment up the way it would need to be set up.” 

 Despite the cold Kentucky winter weather and working 

into the night, the Soldiers successfully stood up and concealed the mobile operations center along the tree line and 

established 360-degree security. Communication with the 

main TOC was initiated by phone, email and radio using a 

very small aperture terminal satellite and antenna. 

 “Signal [and] comms could be considered the blood of 

the JTOC. Without them, there’s really not much point to 

the whole thing,” said Sgt. Cory J. Seamons, a sustainment 

automation support management specialist with the 96th 

Sustainment Brigade under the 364th ESC. “Communication 

to the rear, data input [and] output with other units, stockages, ordering and movements all need connectivity to track 

and move.”

 The jump TOC tested the unit’s capability to not just support operations remotely, but completely resume operations 

if the main TOC was compromised by enemy fire or chemical attack. Sustainment operations are a critical piece on the 

battlefield that includes moving and tracking troops, as well 

as supplying ammunition, fuel, equipment and life-essentials 

such as food and water. 

 Being the first project of its kind for the unit, the Soldiers 

had to critically assess the situation and determine the best 

use of the limited amount of equipment and supplies, noting 

their obstacles, duration of tasks, and successes. 

 “We were able to expand our current capabilities for the 

unit and actually prove a concept for future operations,” said 

Sgt. Jordan Smith, satellite communications specialist with 

the 96th SB.

 After two days in their first location, a team of 364th 

Soldiers packed up and moved to a new location, this time 15 

miles from the 364th main TOC. 

 Even though the jump TOC staff rotated, the teamwork 

and morale stayed high throughout the process. 

 “Different people at different times have worked on this 

particular part of the project, so we’ve had input from all staff 

sections, and all different ranks, and people have chipped 

in to do their part,” said Prevost. He added he felt the unit 

performed excellently. 

 The jump TOC attracted the attention of multiple distinguished visitors, including Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey, Chief 

of the Army Reserve and commanding general for U.S. Army 

Reserve Command. 

 

“There was a time when we conducted operations in a very 

dynamic fashion like this,” said Luckey during his visit to the 

jump TOC. “The way you all are thinking about doing this, 

you’re on the right track.” 

 “Much like a lot of what we do, we adapt, improvise and 

overcome,” said Prevost. 

 Through projects such as Jump TOC Coyote, the Soldiers 

with the 364th ESC demonstrate their readiness, capability 

and lethality regardless of the mission or its conditions.

Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey, chief of the Army Reserve and commanding general for U.S. Army Reserve Command, tours the 364th 

Expeditionary Sustainment Command Jump Tactical Operations Center, March 23, 2018, in Fort Knox, Ky., during Combined Situational Training 

Exercise- Bridge. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Kayla Benson) “We’re training to go to an environment that is unfamiliar. We’re 

breaking new ground.”

 -Capt. Kevin Prevost

U.S. Army Reserve Cpl. Enrique Vizcarra, culinary specialist, 1002nd 

Quartermaster Company, preps meat for cooking while Samuel Stanovich, an evaluator with the National Restaurant Association Military 

Foundation, looks on during the Philip A. Connelly cooking competition 

held at Fort Polk, La., March 25, 2017. During the competition, the 

Army Reserve partners with the National Restaurant Association to 

give food service personnel an opportunity to demonstrate their capability and combat-readiness while competing for recognition. (U.S. 

Army photo by Master Sgt. Dave Thompson)

Bridge To Awesome 

Story by Sgt. Kayla Benson

364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

364th Soldiers battle cold conditions 

U.S. Army Reserve Cpl. Enrique Vizcarra, culinary specialist, 1002nd 

Quartermaster Company, preps meat for cooking while Samuel Stanovich, an evaluator with the National Restaurant Association Military 

Foundation, looks on during the Philip A. Connelly cooking competition 

held at Fort Polk, La., March 25, 2017. During the competition, the 

Army Reserve partners with the National Restaurant Association to 

give food service personnel an opportunity to demonstrate their capability and combat-readiness while competing for recognition. (U.S. 

Army photo by Master Sgt. Dave Thompson)
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28 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 29

JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE LITTLE CREEK – FORT STORY, Va. 

–Soldiers with the 348th Transportation Battalion took part 

in Combat Support Training Exercise 78-18-03, here, March 1 

through March 29, 2018. 

 CSTX 78-18-03 is a Combat Support Training Exercise with 

11,000 participating service members that ensures America’s 

Army Reserve units and Soldiers are trained and ready to 

deploy on short notice. 

 Lt. Col. David Nowicki, commander of the 348th Transportation Battalion (Terminal), based in Houston, Texas, has five 

Reserve units and four attached active duty units compromised of 300 Soldiers participating in the exercise running 

port and beach oprtations. Nowicki said that the training 

was good for his Soldiers to practice their lethal warrior tasks 

while working with active duty units, which was an extra 

challenge as the units were spread out over long distance 

geographically.

 “We are executing mission command where we have to 

empower our subordinate commanders and formations to 

follow commander’s intent and end state, but make the decisions to adjust as necessary to accomplish the mission,” said 

Nowicki.

 Running ports and opening beaches for amphibious landing craft is something that few Army units can do. To do this, 

members of the 331st Causeway Company spent nine hours 

during training building a causeway just off the beach on Fort 

Story, Virginia. It is the only unit in the Army that can accomplish this task.

 “This gives the Army an asset most people don’t know 

we have,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Kurt Hollier, of the 348th 

Transportation Battalion. “It means we don’t have to rely on 

the Navy.”

 In the initial days of training Soldiers practiced small unit 

tactics, which many of the experienced Soldiers had not practiced in many years. 

 The Soldiers enjoyed challenges which enhanced the training value of the exercise, but by Monday evening the weather 

had taken a turn for the worse. Soldiers had prepared for cold 

weather with temperatures dropping to below freezing, but 

the strong winds caught many off guard. Freezing temperatures, driving rain and wind gusts over 30 mph tore down 

tents the Soldiers were sleeping in.

 “By and large, the weather was the largest challenge we 

had,” said Nowicki. 

 The harsh weather conditions challenged Nowicki’s 

Soldiers and created unexpected complications during the 

training. Extreme wind gusts tore a tent free and blew it into 

a tree top several yards away.

 “Even though we had the tents staked down and sandbags 

on there, the wind was big enough, it just blew up,” said Capt. 

Ayana Kendal, commander of the 384th Movement Control 

Team out of Fort Eustis, Virginia, one of the active duty units 

attached to Nowicki’s battalion. “We had Soldiers sleeping in 

tents and they got wet. With the wind they got really cold. 

We did have one Soldier that experienced mild hypothermia.”

 Despite the weather, the Soldiers maintained high spirits. 

Kendal’s Soldiers set to work immediately to fix the tents.

 “Morale was high to continue the mission,” said Kendal. 

“The Soldiers were laughing and singing while getting soaked 

in the rain and snow. It didn’t faze them.”

 Leaders in the unit offered the soaked Soldiers a chance 

to go to a near-by building and change into dry clothes and 

sleep there for there night, but they refused. 

 “Soldiers come out here and want to be tested,” said 

the 348th intelligence officer, 1st Lt. Christopher Zavesky of 

Houston, Texas. Zaleski said the Reserve Soldiers enjoyed the 

challenges of the training despite the hardships.

 Training exercises like CSTX 78-18-03 are developed to 

improve each units’ training readiness and to assess how they 

perform in a dynamic operational environment. 

 “I have seen the growth of Soldier skills and confidence 

over just a few days,” said, Nowicki. “It has given me crystal 

clear vision of what our current capabilities are if we are 

called to perform our overseas mission in the next few days.” 

 The 348th Transportation Battalion is a part of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The command has units 

throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and 

Texas. As part of America’s Army Reserve, the units are capable, combat-ready, lethal and equipped to provide military 

and logistical support in any corner of the globe.

"This gives the Army an 

asset most people don’t 

know we have,” 

 -Command Sgt. Maj. Kurt Hollier

testing the waters

Port and beach operations try the skills of 348th Soldiers

Story by Capt. Thomas Piernicky

4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command 

Sgt. 1st Class David Tate and Sgt. Shawn Robinson, 338th Transportation Detachment, Ft. Eustis, Va., setup and test their equipment during CSTX 78-18-03, at JEB-Ft. Story, Va., March 7, 2018. 

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Sofia, 78th 

Training Division)

Army Reserve Soldiers flex and pump their arms to signal "gas, gas, 

gas" after donning their M-50 protective masks during CSTX 78-18-

03, at JEB-Ft. Story, Va., March 7, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Staff 

Sgt. Christopher Sofia, 78th Training Division)

An Army Reserve Soldier wearing an M-50 protection mask gets 

into the prone position to secure the area during CSTX 78-18-03, 

at JEB-Ft. Story, Va., March 7, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. 

Christopher Sofia, 78th Training Division)

A Soldier ground guides a M998 HMMWV off of Landing Craft Utility 

vessel 2023 and onto the mud flats beach during CSTX 78-18-03, 

at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Va., March 10, 2018. (U.S. 

Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Sofia, 78th Training Division)

U.S. Army Landing Craft Utility Craft 2023 briefly ties to U.S. Army 

LT-805 Tug Boat to transfer some personnel on its way to U.S. Naval 

Ship Brittin anchored off the coast of Joint Expeditionary Base Little 

Creek-Ft. Story, Va., on March 10, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Staff 

Sgt. Christopher Sofia, 78th Training Division)
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30 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 31

 Fitness is key for any Soldier but in the life of an 

Army Reserve Soldiers fitness is only one of many 

other responsibilities. For many Reserve Soldiers daily 

life consists of working a full time job, going to school, 

and supporting their family while also reporting to their 

unit every month for drill and in the summer for Annual 

Training. Fitness isn’t programmed in each morning like 

it is for our Active Duty counterparts. With that disadvantage, and because we only are required to take an 

Army Physical Fitness Test twice per year, it’s crucial 

for Reserve Soldiers to find ways to make fitness fit into 

their daily regimen.

 There are many ways to stay in shape, so it’s up to 

every individual to find out what works best for them. It’s 

the responsibility of the Soldier to always be prepared 

and ready for an APFT but motivation to maintain this 

level of fitness can sometimes be hard to find. 

 For someone who’s been a lifelong athlete like Sgt. 

Joy Mason, a human resources specialist with the 79th 

Theater Sustainment Command, working out is a lifestyle where motivation comes from within.

 “When I wake up every morning and look at myself in 

the mirror I want to see something I love,” she said.

What about for those who haven’t always been fit? For 

some Soldiers, up until joining the Army, fitness was 

never really part of their lifestyle.

 “I never did sports growing up, but I was in marching 

band,” said Sgt. Timothy Yao, a print journalist with the 

201st Press Camp Headquarters. Setting goals helps 

keep things interesting for him. 

 “Whether it be Spartan Races, Tough Mudders or 

simply setting personal goals, external sources of motivation can help fuel your internal motivation of staying 

fit,” he said. 

 Beyond maintaining the required level of fitness, 

another obligation for Soldiers is to maintain a healthy 

body weight within standards. For some, this is actually 

a more difficult challenge than staying fit. But for others like Mason, keeping a healthy diet is already part of 

daily lifestyle. 

 "I live a KETO lifestyle! Sometimes you have to give 

up the bomb french toast topped with a sugar mountain or the jelly-filled donut that melts in your mouth to 

get the results you want. No one says it's easy living a 

healthy, fit lifestyle but the rewards are priceless,” she 

said. 

 Living life on a strict or specific diet everyday doesn’t 

work for everyone though. Many may want to enjoy that 

French toast or a jelly filled donut. 

 “It's ok to enjoy sugar and fatty foods, but portion 

control and frequency factor in when trying to maintain a 

healthy lifestyle," explained Yao. “The right type of food 

intake is the cornerstone of weight management. Eating 

‘real’ foods, not pre-packaged or processed, is not only 

healthier, but your body is able to digest more nutrients,” 

he claims.

 According to www.goarmy.com there are four components of physical fitness Soldiers should focus on: 

Cardio Respiratory Endurance, Muscular Strength and 

Endurance, Flexibility and Body Composition. In addition 

to a well-planned workout routine, proper nutrition also 

plays a crucial role in maintaining these components at 

optimal fitness levels.

 The National Center for Biotechnology Information 

states that, “the physical characteristics of the U.S. fighting Soldier have long proved to be a significant factor in 

the maintenance of a strong military force. Throughout 

history it has been demonstrated that the stronger, more 

fit, mentally sound Soldier is better able to perform his or 

her assigned duties at optimal levels of proficiency.”

 Whatever path your fitness journey takes you on the 

most important thing is to get started now. Don’t wait for 

tomorrow to make an improvement, instead, do some 

research today to find a diet and routine that is realistic 

and sustainable for you. Taking a step in the right direction today can pay off long term dividends for both your 

health and your military career.

How to win the fitness game

Creating A Plan That Works For You 

"No one says it's easy living 

a healthy, fit, lifestyle, but 

the rewards are priceless."

- Sgt. Joy Mason

Soldiers assigned to 1st Stryker Brigade executed the proposed Army 

Combat Readiness Test (ACRT) on Ready First Field, April 17, 2018. 

The proposed ACRT is part of the Army's effort to optimize Holistic 

Health and Fitness and improve Soldier readiness. (U.S. Army photo 

by Sgt. Kelsey Miller)

By Sgt. Heather Doppke, 79th Theater Sustainment Command

Maple Resolve 2018

WAINRIGHT, Canada—Soldiers of the 786th Quartermaster 

Company from Provo, Utah, participated in Maple Resolve 

2018, a multi-national exercise which ran from May 14-24. 

 Maple Resolve is the largest annual Canadian army 

exercise and is an opportunity for U.S. Forces to strengthen 

relationships, exchange information and share best practices 

among partner nations. This year approximately 6,000 troops 

from the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, France, and Australia 

participated. 

 In the first year of the unit’s involvement with Maple 

Resolve, Soldiers of the 786th QM CO were responsible for 

the central fuel point of the exercise. Two fuel bags totaling 

almost 24,000 gallons were filled with diesel and dispersed 

throughout the field to power equipment such as tanks, 

trucks, and power generators. Throughout the exercise, the 

Soldiers used ten tankers, each with a 5,000-gallon capacity. 

In addition, Solders also supported the transportation of aviation fuel to the airfield.

 Twenty-Nine Soldiers also participated in convoy operations with Canadian tactical vehicles in combat simulation 

where they transported fuel to remote locations. 786th QM 

CO Platoon Leader 2nd Lt. Thai Welty noted that the most 

appealing aspect of Maple Resolve is that it is not a typical 

training exercise where troops are confined to a base.

 “We’re going to be on the move, constantly supporting the 

fight and shifting the way that we train for the future,” Welty 

said. 

 The Soldiers moved tactically throughout the exercise 

training field, delivering fuel to various locations where they 

engaged simulated enemy forces along the way. 

 2nd Lt. David Rogers, also a 786th platoon leader, echoed 

this sentiment and citied enthusiasm for an opportunity to 

move beyond the classroom. 

 “We’re going to get out there and put hands on the equipment,” Rogers said. “It’s a lot more hands-on, a lot more 

practical, and we’ll be able to do our job in realistic way in 

an environment that is similar to what we would deal with in 

combat.”

 The 786th began planning for the exercise in October 

2017. Much of the preparation was coordinating resources 

and how to allocate troops with the Canadian Armed Forces. 

The 786th QM CO provided tankers, fuel pumps, hoses, fittings, and fire extinguishers while the Canadian Armed Forces 

provided the fuel bags. In addition, the Canadians provided 

safety equipment to prevent fuel runoffs as well as environmental protection experts to inspect and certify the operation.

 Both of the platoon leaders credit their leadership, which 

provided the battle drills to focus on. Their leadership empowered them to personally create an appropriate training 

plan affording an opportunity to train to mission. 

 79th TSC Soldiers from the 650th Regional Support Group, 

208th Transportation Company, 250th Transportation Company, and the 456th Transpiration Detachment also took part 

in Maple Resolve this year.

Soldiers from the 786th Quartermaster Company out of Provo, Utah, 

set up a central fuel point May 10, during Maple Resolve 2018.

Soldiers from the 786th Quartermaster Company out of Provo, Utah, 

set up a central fuel point May 10, during Maple Resolve 2018.

Soldiers from the 786th Quartermaster Company out of Provo, Utah, 

set up a central fuel point May 10, during Maple Resolve 2018, the 

largest annual Canadian army exercise which involved 6,000 troops 

from five countries in Wainright, Canada. 

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Robert C. Pufahl, 79th Theater Sustainment Command
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32 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 33

Story and photo by Sgt. Christopher A. Bigelow

316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

Community outreach 

MARYSVILLE, Wash.—364th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) personnel and Shoultes Elementary School 

staff in Marysville committed to the 

development of a partnership in 

education February 28, 2018.

 As the official start of the Army 

School Partnership Program (SPP) 

between Shoultes Elementary and the 

364th, an Army Reserve unit headquartered here at the Marysville Armed 

Forces Reserve Center, a signing ceremony was held to provide a working 

agreement between the two organizations.

 Brig. Gen. Gregory Mosser, Commanding General of the 364th ESC, 

spoke with Shoultes Elementary School 

staff at the ceremony to kick off what 

Mosser considers to be the start of a 

valuable partnership. 

 Mosser and Cory Taylor, the Shoultes 

Elementary school principal, signed a 

document to determine nature of the 

partnership between the 364th ESC and 

Shoultes Elementary. 

 The 364th ESC pledged that within 

the program, Soldiers will actively 

volunteer and assist students by tutoring, participating in reading programs, 

mentoring, assisting in career development, holding motivation classes and 

providing recognition and rewards for 

student achievements.

 “The purpose of the partnership is to 

build a stable and consistent relationship between the school and the military community, to assist our youth in 

developing strong citizenship skills, improve their educational experiences and 

provide positive role models through 

willing volunteers,” said Mosser, a native of Lakeville, Minn.

 According to Mosser, through the 

364th ESC’s participation, Soldiers will 

be given the opportunity to develop 

bonds with community members, build 

the understanding of the military and 

military presence in Marysville, and devote themselves to community service.

 The SPP is designed to optimize participant opportunities for educational 

enrichment and preparing students for 

educational success. 

 “It’s my belief that our students will 

greatly benefit from the service that will 

be rendered. We hope this partnership 

will continue for quite some time,” said 

Taylor. “364th ESC Soldiers have much 

to offer our local schools and their efforts will go far in contributing to the 

educational excellence of our children. 

Their dedication is greatly appreciated 

in making this program possible.”

 As a key speaker in the ceremony 

Taylor welcomed future participating 

service members on behalf of the entire 

school.

 “As I’ve reflected on what this 

partnership means I couldn’t help but 

think about how important it is to have 

great adult role models for our students 

to follow. In our day, I can’t think of 

anything that is more important to our 

future generation than having quality adult role models. Without question this is what our service men and 

women represent,” said Taylor.

Brig. Gen. Gregory Mosser, Commanding General of the 364th ESC, and Cory Taylor, Shoultes 

Elementary School principal, officially start the Army School Partnership Program (SPP) between Shoultes Elementary and the 364th ESC in a signing ceremony Feb. 22, 2018.

"I can’t think of anything that is more 

important to our future generation than 

having quality adult role models." 

 - Cory Taylor, Shoultes Elementary School Principal

Soldiers volunteer to enrich students' school experience 

Are you taking advantage of your military health benefits through TRICARE? 

If not, you could be wasting thousands of dollars a year. TRICARE coverage qualifies as the minimum coverage required 

by the Affordable Care Act and is a great way to provide comprehensive medical care for your family and yourself. 

Members of the Army Reserve in a drilling status are eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select. Retired members may be eligible for TRICARE Retired Reserve. In addition to these programs, Reservists can take advantage of the TRICARE Dental 

Program. 

Here’s some more information on the costs of coverage:

With the TRICARE Dental Program you can receive low cost dental insurance for yourself and your family. Current 

monthly premiums are:

 • Sponsor only: $11.39

 • Single: $28.48

 • Family: $74.05

 • Sponsor and family: $85.44

For more information, including how to purchase TRS or TRR coverage, go to www.tricare.mil/trs or www.tricare.

mil/trr. To learn more about the TRICARE Dental Program visit www.uccitdp.com.

*All program details current as of 20 JUNE 2018*
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34 The Falcon 2018: Issue I 35

FalconNews

 Over the next few years many changes are going to be 

made to the GI Bill. New servicemembers and recent veterans will be the primary ones to benefit from the upcoming 

changes.

 One of the biggest changes being implemented is the 

removal of the time limit veterans have to utilitize their GI 

Bill, hence the name "Forever GI Bill." This not only applies 

to veterans discharged on or after Jan. 1, 2013, but also to 

surviving spouses and dependents and their use of the Fry 

Scholarship.

 Another big change is that GI Bill benefits will be restored 

for those who had attended a college that closed or lost accreditation after Jan. 1, 2015. Any portion of the GI Bill that 

had been utilized to pay for classes taken but credits were 

then lost will again be made available to the servicemember.

 The new law also allows for some of the Reserve Educational Assistance Program recipients to become eligible to 

switch over to the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

 There have also been a few changes made towards housing allowance. Housing allowance is now going to be based 

on the location where you attend classes and not necessarily 

where the main campus is located. 

 BAH will also be reduced by one percent every year from 

2015 to 2019, averaging $100 less allowance per month, 

resulting in BAH covering only 95 percent of housing cost by 

2020. These changes will only affect those who began utilize 

their GI Bill benefits after Jan. 1, 2018.

 Any servicemember awarded with a Purple Heart will now 

get the full GI Bill regardless of how long they served on Active Duty. This change will take effect August 1, 2018.

 Also effective Aug. 1, 2018, is that if a veteran is enrolled in 

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics programs, 

has used up all of their GI Bill benefits and has at least 60 semester/90 quarter hours credit toward a STEM degree, they 

can get paid up to $30,000. Those who already have a STEM 

degree and are working on a teaching certification will also 

be eligible to be paid.

 For more information on these and other benefits of the 

Forever GI Bill please go to:

https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/FGIBSummaries.asp#109

Forever GI Bill

JAJI, Nigeria – Twelve U.S. Army Soldiers deployed to the 

Nigerian Army’s School of infantry to train more than 200 

Nigerian soldiers for seven weeks, Jan. 15 - Feb. 22, 2018.

 Facilitated by U.S. Army Africa, eight Security Assistance 

and Training Management Organization, Fort Bragg, North 

Carolina soldiers teamed up with four soldiers from 1st 

Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, to 

share ground-combat tactics with the Nigerian Army’s 26th 

Infantry Battalion.

 “We brief them the mission, conduct the lane and follow it 

U.S. Army Trains Nigerian Infantry

Story and photo by Capt. James Sheehan

up with an assessment,” said Capt. Stephen Gouthro, the U.S. 

Army officer-in-charge of the training course. “Sometimes, 

the assessment is brutal. We do not sugarcoat it. If there is a 

better way to conduct a mission, they need to know. Honest 

and direct feedback is best.” 

 The U.S. Army training team developed the comprehensive 

seven-week course following an invitation from the Nigerian 

government. Instruction included offensive and defensive 

tactics such as reacting to contact, countering an improvisedexplosive device, and seizing an objective. 

“The significance of this training cannot be underestimated,” 

said Guothro. “We developed the training program according to the Nigerian Army’s needs. We will push them because 

their life may depend on it.”

 The 26th Infantry Battalion could be the Nigerian Army’s 

next unit to deploy to the Borno State, an area in northwest 

Nigeria and a location that’s seen frequent attacks from the 

violent extremist organization, Boko Haram.

 The Nigerian Army, along with support from the MultiNational Joint Task Force, has made great strides in 

containing and degrading the downsized terrorist group. Last 

month, 700 abducted civilians were freed from Boko Haram’s 

grasp.

A handful of Soldiers from the 764th Ordnance Company 

(Explosive Ordnance Disposal) out of Fort Carson, Colorado, 

came to Cameroon at the request of U.S Army Africa during 

Counter Improvised Explosive Device-Defeat Phase I training October 23 to November 17, 2017, to help Cameroonian 

troops learn more about IEDs and how to dispose of them 

safely.

 While IEDs have long been used in conflicts, they are a 

favorite among terrorist organizations. Cameroonian Armed 

Forces regularly deploy to northern Cameroon—an area 

where the violent extremist organization Boko Haram operates. According to the United Nations, attacks by Boko Haram 

have displaced up to two million people in the countries of 

Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, and Niger, and have claimed the 

lives of up to 15,000 people since 2009. 

 So Staff. Sgt. Joshua Crenshaw and his team, many with experience countering IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan, are taking 

what U.S. EOD Soldiers learn in their nine-month course and 

condensing it into four-week courses—providing potentially 

life-saving training in the fight against violent extremism. 

 “We’re here passing on the knowledge that will hopefully 

save these guys’ lives,” said Crenshaw. “It will make them 

slow down, make them think about it before they just run 

U.S. Troops Train Cameroonian Armed Forces in Counter-IED

into a situation.”

 During the course Soldiers of the 764th went over how to 

manage many IED threats that the Cameroonian troops might 

encounter including vehicle-borne IEDs, suicide vests, IEDs 

buried in the ground, weapons caches, and more.

 “It means a lot to me personally,” said Crenshaw. “I’ve 

done the fight, I’ve done what they’re going to do, and I know 

how dangerous it is. I’ve been on both sides of the effects of 

it, so it means everything [to me].”

250th transportation Soldiers haul equipment from 

California to Canada

WAINRIGHT, Canada—Soldiers from the 250th Transportation 

Company out of South El Monte, California, took part in the 

second leg of Exercise Nationwide Move May 1-June 4, 2018, 

transporting needed equipment from California to Wainright, 

Canada, in support of Maple Resolve 2018.

 Moving equipment to Maple Resolve, a multi-national exercise which ran from May 14-24, 2018, provided the unique 

opportunity for the Reserve Soldiers to perform their mission 

across national borders.

 The twenty-vehicle front haul from the Los Angeles area to 

Canada took six days, averaging eight hours a day of driving.

 “This is what we want to do,” said 1st Lt. John Villagrana of 

the 250th TC. “These line missions, these long-haul trips. This 

is why we signed up for this job.”

 Villagrana explained that long-distance driving is his unit’s 

specialty, and Nationwide Move provided an opportunity to 

gain further experience.

 The 250th TC ensured vehicle maintenance was standard 

and rest stops were planned accordingly before embarking on 

the trip.

 “Twenty vehicles driving from Southern California to 

Canada with no incidents—it’s pretty impressive,” said Capt. 

Adrian Silva, 250th convoy commander, referring to the front 

haul. “It’s just a testament to the Soldiers’ skills and how 

outstanding they are.”

 The 250th hauled military tactical vehicles and other 

equipment needed for Maple Resolve, and ensuring the 

loads were properly balanced was key to mission success. 

 “It’s about getting the proper training for our Reserve Soldiers and the equipment being exercised,” said Chief Warrant 

Officer Ricardo Villanueva of the 79th TSC, officer in charge 

of Nationwide Move. 

 Villanueva explained that without Nationwide Move, the 

Army would rely solely on commercial contracting to move 

the equipment needed and that the, "success is determined 

by getting the equipment exercised and the feeling that the 

Soldiers have accomplished something."

Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays 

Story by Sgt. Heather Doppke

Story by Staff Sgt. Robert C. Pufahl 
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36 The Falcon

Editor

The Falcon

79th Theater Sustainment Command 

Public Affairs Office

4201 Saratoga Avenue

Los Alamitos, CA. 90720