The 1st Engineer Battalion has assumed missions across eastern Afghanistan after deploying from Fort Riley in September. Each company has been busy conducting training and assuming their roles. The 111th Engineer Company is now known as REBEL and is stationed at COP Zormat, conducting route clearance and rebuilding the COP after a VBIED attack. The 41st Engineer Company, known as the Bulldogs, has arrived at FOB Airborne to assume the route clearance mission just as the weather begins to change and snow starts falling on the surrounding mountains.

1. A LW A Y S F I R S T, D I E H A R D ! November 01, 2012
Issue 1
The Engineer!
Inside this issue:
The Battalion
BN Commander 1
Commander’s
BN Sergeant Major 2 Corner
HHC-HAMMER 3
FSC—WORKHORSE 4
111TH– ASSASINS 5
41ST—BULLDOGS 6 LTC THOMAS B. HAIRGROVE, JR. of these units and their Soldiers. Each has dem-
Since our depar- onstrated an unrivaled degree of professional-
72ND—COLD STEEL 7 ture from Fort Riley ism and dedication that has set the standard for
in early Septem- deploying units. I know that their performance
AWARD & RE-UPS 8 ber, the Soldiers of would not have been possible without the su-
the 1st Engineer perb support of our Diehard Families and
DIEHARD PHOTOS 9
Battalion have friends.
been incredibly Over the next several months we will face
busy and have al- numerous challenges such as poor weather,
ready proved evolving missions and a determined enemy, but
themselves as combat ready. Soon after de- I have complete confidence that our Soldiers are
ploying, the battalion moved to its final desti- up to the task.
nations and began a rigorous process of in- As a final note, I would like to take the oppor-
theater training and transition tasks in prepa- tunity to thank each and every one of you, Sol-
ration of assuming our diverse missions. diers and Family members, for your sacrifices
On 14 October 2012, the 1st Engineer Bat- and commitment. Your support is our strength.
talion, now Task Force Diehard, conducted Always First!
the transfer of authority (TOA) with the 7th
LTC Tom Hairgrove
Engineer Battalion, Task Force Red Devils. In
the days prior, each company likewise as-
sumed their missions across eastern Afghani-
stan. The 72d Engineer Company and the
111th Engineer Company are each assigned
to the 178th Engineer Battalion, Task Force
Prowler while Task Force Diehard has grown
to include HHC, FSC, the 41st Engineer Com-
pany, the 102d Engineer Company, the 264th
Engineer Company, the 289th Engineer
Company, and the 857th Engineer Company. The 1st Engineer Battalion Color Guard after
I cannot express how proud I am of each the TOA Ceremony on FOB Shank.

2. November 01, 2012
A LW A Y S F I R S T, D I E H A R D !
Issue 1
The Engineer!
The Battalion
Command
Sergeant
Major’s
Corner
CSM KEITH L. EVANS
The Diehard Battalion hit the
ground in Late September
and your Soldiers have done
a phenomenal job quickly
learning their mission from
our Engineer brethren from Task Force I would like to take this opportunity to thank all
Red Devils (7th Engineer Battalion) from of the TF Diehard families for their support to our Sol-
Fort Drum, New York. We conducted our diers here. With the holiday season upon us you will be
transfer of authority on October 14th and officially assumed our in our thoughts and in our hearts as we continue our
mission. Along with your Diehards I would like to welcome the mission. I would like to personally wish all a safe and
102nd Engineer Company (Sapper) and 264th Engineer Com- happy holiday season.
pany (Clearance Company) from Fort Bragg, NC and the 289th
DIEHARD!
Engineer Company (Vertical) and 857th Engineer Company
(Horizontal) from the Mississippi National Guard to the Task CSM Keith L. Evans
Force Diehard family. We look forward to serving alongside
them during our time here in Afghanistan.
Since assuming mission I have been on battlefield cir-
culation with the 41st Engineer Company where I conducted a
night clearance mission and observed them training with mini
unmanned aerial vehicles. There is no doubt they are prepared
for the mission ahead of them. I also visited the 111th Engineer
Company for their transfer of authority ceremony and got the
opportunity to see how the Assassins were living. Even though
they are located on a austere Combat Outpost their morale was
high and the Soldiers were eager to get busy conducting clear-
ance operations. I visited with the 264th and 289th Engineer
Company’s and was impressed with how they were making
their missions happen. I will continue to go out and visit our TF
CSM Evans with newly promoted SFC James Eddings on FOB
Diehard Soldiers on a monthly basis and give updates in future Shank.
newsletters.

3. FOB SHANK, AFGHANISTAN
HHC
Bring The Hammer Down!
TF Diehard’s 1st Reenlistment
SGT Curtis D. Rose, a native of Mobile, Alabama, and
a signal support Non-Commissioned Officer, pledged his third
oath at FOB Shank, Afghanistan, October 8, 2012. SGT Rose be-
came the first DieHard to raise his hand and take the oath of
enlistment during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 12-13.
He reenlisted for a future assignment to Fort Lewis, Washington.
When asked why he chose to reenlist he simply said, “I enjoy
serving my country and love my MOS.” SGT Rose also chose to
have LTC Hairgrove, TF DieHard Commander, swear him in, “It
was phenomenal to be able to reenlist SGT Rose. He and I have
been together since Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-10. It was an
honor to have the opportunity to reenlist him.” On October 8,
2012, TF Diehard retained one of its best and brightest Non-
Commissioned Officer to serve within the ranks for years to
come. - SFC David Barrera III (S-2)
1SG’s Column Commander’s Column
HAMMER 7 HAMMER 6
First, I want to say thanks to the Hammer Soldiers completed
family, friends, and Soldiers of a successful Relief In Place
HHC. The unwavering support (RIP) with their counterparts
that you are providing and the from HHC, 7th EN BN (TF Red
continued sacrifices that you Devils). Now, with our Red
make daily has not gone unno- Devil brothers-in-arms rede-
ticed. Words will never express ployed to their home station
the appreciation that the com- (Fort Drum, NY), and Hammer
mander and I have for you. I Soldiers settled into their roles
would like to also say thanks to on FOBs Shank, Fenty and BAF,
the command team of HHC, 7th we continue our mission to sup-
EN BN. The professionalism port the other companies in TF
you displayed made our transi- Diehard, and enable them to
tion into FOB Shank a smooth accomplish their missions. A
one. The Soldiers have settled special thank you goes to our A Hammer Soldier’s training is never done. The new fleet
into their roles and responsi- Red Devil brothers, who of vehicles means drivers’ training for all Soldiers. SSG Mo-
bilities here and their efforts worked diligently to ensure our hammed, the Battalion Master Driver, trained Hammer Sol-
have gone a long way to make success, and to our Families, diers on Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
this a very productive deploy- who constantly support us in all Hammer Soldiers also conducted Combat Life Saver (CLS),
ment. our endeavors. Cold Weather and Winter Driving training. FSC’s Mainte-
1SG Charles A. Chappelle CPT Oscar Schneegans nance Platoon instructed Hammer Soldiers in the fine art of
snow chain installation on an MRAP (thank you, FSC!).

4. WORKHORSE family and friends, we have finally made it over the
Page 4
half way mark. It is nice to know we are on the downward slope of
FOB SHANK, AFGHANISTAN
FSC, Workhorse
Newly promoted 1LT Habermaas and Soldiers from
WORKHORSE family and friends, we are The new NCO leadership in the Main- her Platoon
about to officially complete our first month tenance Platoon, SFC Curry
here in Afghanistan, and it has definitely been (Maintenance Platoon Sergeant & Main-
a busy one. After finally making it to Bagram tenance Control Supervisor), SSG Ellis
Airfield Afghanistan, the company immedi- (Motor Sergeant), and SGT Moore (Shop
ately began mandatory training. There was a Foreman) have been hard at work reor-
three day blur of all day classes and trips to ganizing the motorpool and implement-
the range to verify all of our sharpshooting ing systems to make operations more
skills. Many Soldiers were immediately sent efficient such as: improving service
to classes to learn how to operate vehicles, packets and effectively tracking non-
weapons systems and various types of war mission capable equipment to increase
fighting equipment. It took almost an entire unit readiness. The newly appointed
month to get the whole company back to- Squad Leaders; SPC Rosario, SPC Robin- work and training, Distro found time to take a
gether at FOB Shank. son, and SPC Broom are working hard to break for the re-enlistment of SGT Stephens
A few long days and late night flights later, learn the ins and outs of their positions as and the promotions of SSG Cass and SPC
the Company was at FOB Shank and ready to first line supervisors. The platoon started Leitchman. In this first month alone, Distro has
work. Every leader was tasked with shadow- off by preparing all FSC and HHC vehicles already covered over 1250 kilometers, and that
ing their counter part in the 7th Engineer for winter, and SGT Eales taught a class on number is sure to increase steadily until it is
Battalion. There was a lot to learn in a short snow chains for all operators. Next, they time for all of us to go home.
period of time, but focused on conducting - CPT Derek Benz, Commander, FSC
every Workhorse Sol- technical inspections
dier jumped right in to to catch faults before
learn their role in our any vehicles went out
mission. on mission. SGT
The HQ Platoon had Daley and her team of
an abundance of new clerks have been
vehicles, communica- working long hours
tions systems and re- ensuring all three Greetings to All,
ports to learn about. SAMS-1E systems are
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
SSG Eddings and his to standard. The pla-
all the Family members for supporting their
Soldiers spent many toon has also been
Soldier before we deployed to Afghanistan.
days in drivers training and radio classes to busy with combat life saver’s class and The Soldiers spent long days at work prepar-
ensure the entire company operations section driver’s training on the different Mine Re- ing for this deployment and family time was not
is always ready to support maintenance and sistant Ambush Protect (MRAP) vehicles. as long as we hoped. The commander and I
distro. SPC Lathan, the Company postal clerk, Everyone is learning a lot and growing believe in taking care of families and encour-
picks up and distributes mail to the Soldiers even closer as a platoon. age you to participate in the Family Readiness
daily, which is one of the biggest boosts to As soon as Distro Platoon arrived at Group. I would like to thank Mrs. Russell for
morale. FOB Shank, they began learning about volunteering to be the Family Readiness
their Area of Operations (AO) and how Leader. Over this last month, the Soldiers con-
crucial their job is to Task Force DIEHARD. tinue to perform maintenance on vehicles and
The Platoon is tasked with delivering mis- conduct convoys transporting supplies to other
sion essential equipment and supplies to all units across Afghanistan in support of Task-
units within the Task Force. Simply stated, force Diehard. We had two NCOs reenlist, SGT
they drive all over RC-East. The Diablo Daley and SGT Stephens. We also had SGT
(Distro PLT’s nickname) Soldiers attended Cass promoted to Staff Sergeant and 2LT
driver’s training for five types of vehicles, Habermaas promoted to First Lieutenant. May
winterization classes, cargo securing class God Bless you and continue to pray for our
and various ranges to ensure they were safety.
FSC Soldiers conducting Driver’s Training in the
TF Diehard Motorpool ready for their first mission. Somehow,
-1SG Vaughters

5. Page 5
COP ZORMAT, Afghanistan
6
111th EN Co (REBEL), ASSASSINS
A word from the Company
1SG Overby celebrates his 8th “29th”
The Assassins have come to Af- birthday!
ghanistan and have already made
history with the 111th Engineer Com-
pany now having been deployed to its
tenth theater of conflict. Upon arrival
in Afghanistan at Combat Outpost
(COP) Zormat the Company’s call sign
of Assassin was replaced by Rebel
due to the RC East naming convention
guidelines. We will be called the RE- The 111th Sapper Crest placed on the COP
BEL until we return to Fort Riley Zormat water station
The Sappers of 111th have
been busy with their relief in place
(RIP) with the 642nd Engineer Equip-
ment Company from Fort Drum, New
York. These tasks include learning
the routes and tactics used to clear the
1st Platoon (RCP 2)
roads of the Zormat area that the Com-
filling sand bags and
pany will be required to clear in sup-
HESCOs increasing
port of 1-187 Infantry Battalion (Air
the Force protection
Assault) the Rakkasans and of the COP
of the barracks
Zormat life support task such as guard
duty, local national escort, and force
protection improvements.
An unforeseen task that the
Company has come across is the re-
built and force protection improve-
ments of COP Zormat after a VBIED
attack on the Afghan National Army
(ANA) side of COP Zormat. This at-
tack caused significant structural
damage to many buildings on the
COP but resulted in no significant
injuries to US personnel. The rebuild
has been going very smooth with the
arrival of Construction Engineers to SPC Kiss and Ybarra of RCP 48 prepping
which we are now augmenting to their MRV for mission
speed up the repair time.
REBEL 6 1LT Spinelli on route with a local national
tractor surfing on the back ground

6. Page 6
FOB AIRBORNE, AFGHANISTAN
41st Engineer Company
Family and friends of the Bull- ducting internal training with
dogs, we have finally made it their new equipment to ensure
to our home away from home, they can handle any situation
FOB Airborne . that may arise while on patrol.
After long training events, We are extremely proud of our
several days of inventories, Soldiers and the dedication
and a “right and left seat they display on a daily basis.
ride” the 41st Engineer Com- We all miss our families
pany has now officially taken and appreciate your continued
over the Route Clearance support to make it through the
SPC Downey repairing air-lines under
mission here in Afghanistan. an MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Pro- remainder of our deployment
We have gotten here tected Vehicle with you all standing behind
just in time for the changing us.
Maintenance has
of the seasons and a notice- CPT Matthew J. Keesling
jumped in with both feet by
able drop in the temperature, -Bulldog 6-
working long hours to en-
and you can even see snow
sure our equipment is op-
forming on the peaks of the
erational. There has been a
surrounding mountains.
non stop stream of vehicles
(2nd Platoon prepares for the pending snow- rolling in and out of the
fall by training on how to properly install
maintenance bay on a daily
snow chains)
basis. Our Maintenance sec-
tion continually receives
praise and commendation
for the significant impact of
(1st Platoon preparing to conduct mainte-
their efforts in keeping the nance on their equipment)
fleet operational.
Bulldog Promotions:
The Route Clearance
PFC Arroyo to Specialist
Platoons did great job PFC Bazinette to Specialist
adapting to their environ- PFC Moore, C to Specialist
ment and current mission. New Additions to the Bulldog Family:
They have been very busy Kairo James Corgile 8lbs 7oz, 19 in.
executing patrols and con- Maddie Danielle Reed 7lbs 3oz, 19.5 in.

7. Page 7
FOB SHARONA, AFGHANISTAN
72ND MAC, Coldsteel
Coldsteel Family and Friends, greet- across the area of operations. 1st Pla- perfectly. As I go out on missions with
ings from Afghanistan! As you proba- toon (Mad Dogs) is continually relied the platoons and visit the motorpool to
bly know, we took the reigns from our upon by 1-4CAV out of Fort Riley to see the mechanics, I am in awe of all
predecessors during our transfer of clear the way for them during opera- our accomplishments and am truly
authority (TOA) ceremony on 6 OCT tions. They continually receive praise proud of all of our Coldsteel Soldiers.
2012. We are all settled in and accom- from 1-4CAV and TF Prowler for their
plishing the mission. professionalism and for keeping the
Soldiers across the area of
operations safe. 2nd Platoon
(Outlawz) is supporting 1-
28IN, also out of Fort Riley,
at FOB Orgun-E keeping the
From left to right, Soldiers of 2nd Platoon:
Soldiers in that AO safe by
(back row) SGT Vargas, CPL Luna, SPC
clearing endless miles of
Erdeski, SPC Solis, PFC House, SPC
routes. We can’t wait to Esquivel, SSG Leon (front row) PFC Johnson,
have them back with us but J., PV2 Catalan, PV2 Gonzalez, SPC Walker
they are in good hands and
are being well taken care of. Life on FOB Sharana and Orgun-E is
I continue to receive great good. Although it could never replace
1SG Strassels passes the guidon to CPT Shoults during
the TOA Ceremony reports of how both platoons are being home, we are able to stay con-
vital to operations and are doing nected with family and friends at home.
The Soldiers are doing great! an awesome job. Our mechanics in FMT We are also able to enjoy three hot
Currently the Company is located at are doing a superb job in keeping us meals and a shower a day. Mail also
FOB Sharana along with 1st Platoon and rolling. There’s not a moment to spare flows regularly to both FOB Sharana
the Field Maintenance Team (FMT). when it comes to ensuring our equip- and FOB Orgun-E. We thank you for all
2nd Platoon is temporarily located at ment is in tip-top condition and the me- the care packages. We get them every-
FOB Orgun-E in support of operations chanics are completing that mission day and they are a great morale
there. We are task organized under booster.
Task Force Prowler (178th Engineer I want to take moment to thank
Battalion out of South Carolina.) our most critical component of the com-
Though we don’t fall under the 1st Engi- pany, our Family and Friends. I thank
neer Battalion for the deployment, we you for all of your support. It fuels our
continue to maintain regular contact drive to get the mission done. We are
with them and still receive great sup- truly blessed.
port and guidance from the command
team and staff.
COLDSTEEL!
The Soldiers in Headquarters
serve as the central nervous system of
the company. I am continually amazed CPT Ashton Shoults
on their ability to track so much infor- -Coldsteel 6-
mation without dropping the ball and From left to right, Soldiers of 1st Pla-
toon: SPC Henderson, SPC Reyes, S.,
provide stellar support to our platoons.
SFC White, SPC Jackson
Since taking over, our platoons have
made quite a name for themselves

8. Page 8
DIEHARDS RE-ENLISTMENT
Congratulations to the following soldiers for you continuing your service in the United States
Army.
SGT Rose, Curtis D. II, HHC
SGT Stephens, William D., FSC
SSG Thomas, Anthony E., 72MAC
SGT Daley, Kadiann M., FSC
SPC Waters, David C., 72MAC
SPC Kirby, John J. 41RCC
SFC Bobbitt, Karen D., HHC
SSG Reeves, Robert L. Jr., 41RCC
SPC Kirby (pictured left) is reenlisted by the
41st EN Co Cdr, CPT Matthew Keesling at FOB
Airborne, Afghanistan.
SFC Bobbit, HHC, pictured receiv-
ing the oath from 2LT Puccio at FOB
Shank, Afghanistan

9. Page 9
DIEHARDS AT PLAY
2LT Puccio waits for equipment to be slung to its next SPC Kirby’s reenlistment, with the oath offered by Co CDR
location CPT Mattew Keesling
Soldiers from the 1st Engineer Battalion working with their
interpreter
SFC James Jones, HHC, oversees CLS training on FOB Shank.
Newly promoted 1LT Habermaas with SGT Daley, FSC, shaking hands
PFC Rogers receives a coin for excellence as a Husky Operator
after her reenlistment on FOB Shank
for 1st PLT, 111th Sapper Co, pictured here with his PL, 1LT Chew.