The Bushmaster Company has been busy since deploying to Afghanistan in January 2013. They spent weeks stranded in a snowstorm before arriving at COP Muqor, where they took on additional duties while stationed at the outpost. By early April, Bushmaster had successfully closed COP Muqor by the deadline. The Security Force Advise and Assist Teams (SFAATs) have become an integral part of the company as they shift their focus to enabling the Afghan forces. Bushmaster recently received orders for another "Change of Mission," which will involve forming a new platoon by combining members of two existing platoons under new leadership.

1. “Deeds, Not A P R I L 2 0 1 3
Words”
NEWS FROM THE FRONT
2 n d B a t t a l i o n , 2 2 n d I n f a n t r y R e g i m e n t
Commander’s Corner
Greetings to all!
As a battalion, we have now been in Afghani-
stan for approximately 75 days, and it has been
busy for everyone. We departed Fort Drum in
some pretty difficult weather conditions, and
they followed us all the way to FOB Warrior.
We successfully assumed the responsibility of
the area for Gelan and Muqor districts of
Ghazni Province on 9 February 2013. Addi-
tionally we have now handed over control of
COP Muqor to the Afghans, and we no longer
have elements of B/2-22 in Muqor. B/2-22
did a great job in this difficult task. A/2-22
has been rotating through many missions here
at Warrior, and they continue to excel. E/2-22
is taking care of the battalion very well, with regards to maintenance, transportation, ammunition,
food, and fuel. Finally, HHC has done very well with the difficult task of maintaining Warrior and
clearing the routes in our Area of Operations. The Battalion is doing great and as you look across our
battle space you can clearly see that we are having a positive effect and improving the security. I am
very proud of all our units and our Soldiers. It is clear our hard work back at Fort Drum is paying
dividends.
Changes are ahead. We have already conducted a Change of Command in A/2-22 between CPT Dan
Braner and CPT Jeb Townsend. The next change will be in HHC/2-22 where CPT Ross Pixler will
hand over the guidon to CPT Dan Braner. Another change is in B/2-22 where CPT Austin Miller will
hand over the guidon to CPT William McMurray. As a last note, the Majors in the battalion will swap
out in the coming weeks and months.
I want to say thank you to all our soldiers who are giving everything they have to accomplish the mis-
sion in Afghanistan. I would also like to thank all the spouses and family members whose, love, sup-
port, and sacrifice allow us to stay focused. All of our jobs are very difficult, but as a team and a part
of the Triple Deuce Family, we can accomplish anything.
Sincerely,
Courage 6
“Deeds, not Words!”

2. April Update- OEF XIII
APRIL 2013 Page 2
Words from the CSM
Team Courage,
Greetings from FOB Warrior! As we prepare for the Afghan Security
Forces to assume control of Afghanistan’s security, we are increasingly
aware of the importance of our mission and the heroes of this great Battal-
ion are exceeding the expectations. Across the board, our Soldiers are do-
ing great things, staying motivated, and adding to the great legacy of 2-22.
In the two-plus months that we have been in country, we have success-
fully assumed authority from 1st 503rd, transferred FOB Muqor over to the
ANSF (Afghan National Security Force), greatly improved the living condi-
tions and security posture of OP Goeke, modified the Battalion Headquar-
ters and Company CPs, conducted a change of command for A-Company,
welcomed two babies into the Courage family and reenlisted 22 of our
warriors.
As March comes to an end, I am looking forward to an exciting April.
Upcoming events include the promotion board, an NCO/Soldier of the
Month board, a three-on-three basketball competition, movement into a
more spacious worshiping center, movie night, and the warmer weather.
I want to thank the Rear Chain of Command and Soldiers, the FRG,
and, most importantly, our families and loved ones. It is because of the
great support that we have at Fort Drum that allows us to continue to do
outstanding things over here.
I am honored to serve with such great leaders and Soldiers. Continued
success and let’s remain diligent, alert, and forever at the ready.
Courage 7

3. April Update- OEF XIII
APRIL 2013 Page 3
HELLHOUND FAMILY READINESS GROUP
HELLHOUND COMPANY
as we continue to hone and safe, secure, and
perfect our individual and morale is high.
collective skills.
Whether we are
Your Soldiers are working fabricating a Null
hard and it shows. The FOB Modem Cable for
is changing every day, taking the TOCNET, con-
on our personality and build- ducting casualty
Hell Hound Company is in ing capacity for progress. evacuation training,
the full swing of the deploy- Although not a day goes by or simply going on
ment. We have hit the that we are not thinking of patrol...your love,
ground running here at FOB our loved ones back home, support and prayers
Warrior, Afghanistan. The let your mind be at ease are our strength.
training never seems to stop knowing that we are well, Thank you!
MEDICS @ WORK
HHC Medics work side-by- Station) at COP Moqur suc-
side with the FST (Forward cessfully and have already learn from
Surgical Team), doing any- set the standard on medical the very ex-
thing from chest tubes for a training doing everything perienced
wounded ANA Soldier to from basic sick call proce- leadership at their disposal.
shaving their heads in dures and MASCAL exercises
support of a coworker with to helping with full surgical
cancer. procedures with the FST.
The MED platoon is now at All of the Medics are very Medics scrub-in to
full strength after closing excited for the upcoming treat a wounded Af-
down an FAS (Forward Aid months and are eager to ghan soldier
FIVE HHC SOLDIERS REENLIST!
On 8 March 2013, three Soldiers crisp cool breezes of the early
took the opportunity to reaffirm morning Afghan air.
their commitment to the United
States Army and their comrades “Each of these Soldiers por-
in arms by reenlisting. Special- tray our Army Core Values
ist Bradley Roth, Specialist An- with extreme passion,” said
drew Miller, and Sergeant Jer- SGT John Porteous who pre-
emy Duncan (in order as they pared the site and proudly
appear) all received the oath of witnessed the private cere-
reenlistment while enjoying the mony. -Continued on pg4

4. April Update- OEF XIII
APRIL 2013 Page 4
FIVE HHC SOLDIERS REENLIST!
Not depicted in these pictures
are two additional Hell Hound
Soldiers who reenlisted: SFC
Edward Harmes and SPC Travis
Munsell. SFC Harmes re-
enlisted shortly after leaving
Fort Drum en route to FOB
Warrior. SPC Munsell recently
signed his reenlistment paper-
work. His reenlistment cere-
mony will occur shortly in the
upcoming week. Congratula-
tions to all newly reenlisted. CPT Ross Pixler and
Specialist Bradley Roth recit-
SGT Jeremy Duncan
ing the oath of reenlistment.
TACTICAL EXPLOSIVE DETECTION DOG (TEDD)
TEAMS PROVIDE TRAINING
TEDDs and their handlers are fectively. TEDD teams are an
a team utilized for detecting essential asset to the battle-
explosives on routes, open ar- field and contribute by saving
eas, and inside or outside of Soldiers lives. These teams
buildings, in order to allow are an excellent deterrent for
freedom of movement for dis- enemies who wish to cause
mounted patrols and convoys. harm by emplacing impro-
TEDD Teams train constantly, vised explosive devices.
keeping the K9’s ready to Training the Medics is a pri-
search and are prepared to ority, so that the clinical man-
conduct any mission on a mo- agement of military working
ment’s notice. The handler dogs is successfully achieved
gives commands to the K9 in in the absence of veterinary
order to search areas more ef- personnel.
LEARNING AFGHAN CULTURE
The last Afghan holiday of note was that day, which doesn’t quite cap- mated by the New Year resolution
Eid al-Narooz in mid-March, which ture the heart of the New Year to slaughter and subsequently bar-
celebrates the coming of a new year. spirit, and most of the time has the becue many a sheep. This is the
By some standards that is 2.5 months opposite effect. This year, how- way that Afghans tend to celebrate
late, but better late than not cele- ever, was relatively quiet and anti- ceremonious occasions, so while
brated. Besides, this is an opportunity climactic compared to former cele- they won’t let unclean infidels like
to slaughter as many animals as possi- brations. ourselves put an end to a sheep’s
ble, and at least make an attempt to life, we certainly will have the op-
eat the meat. Its significance for most We at FOB Warrior are determined portunity to turn dead sheep into
Americans is that the insurgents man- for this “New Year” in southern skewered sheep, which sounds like
age to shoot “fireworks” at US bases on Ghazni to be one of Afghan- a civilized American compromise.
American understanding, consum- -Cheers!

5. April Update- OEF XIII
ANVIL FAMILY READINESS GROUP
ANVIL COMPANY
Friends and Family of Anvil Company, the advising team, and force protection. Needless to say, the company is split pretty thin but
the guys are working their butts off.
After departing the Ft. Drum Rapid
Deployment Facility (RDF) in late January, Thus far Anvil has been successful in keeping the ball rolling from the previous unit
the Company touched down in Ireland to that was here. Anvil has conducted multiple Key
refuel and refit before flying to Air Force Leader Engagements (KLE) in the surrounding
Bases in Kyrgyzstan and Bagram for a few villages with the elders, putting a face and name to
days of classes and to meet some final train- the new unit working with their Afghan Security
ing requirements. Anvil Company reached its Forces. In early March, one of the Security Pla-
final destination at zero dark thirty on a Feb- toons and an advising team conducted a mission to
ruary morning and has since hit the ground clear a village with an Operational Detachment-
running. The Company operates bilaterally Alpha Team (ODA) and Afghan Local Police to
with Afghan National Security Forces build checkpoints. The 2-day operation was com-
(ANSF), specifically Afghan National Civil prised of many elements and attachments ranging
Order Police (ANCOP) and the local Gelan from dog teams to Air Force Joint Tactical Air Con-
District Police. The objective here is to hand trollers (JTAC) with F16s. The element was able to
off the fight to the Afghans and, through the secure an advising team enabling ANSF to build a
use of advising teams, we will enable their few checkpoints to help deter some of the Taliban
logistical, intelligence, maintenance, and fighters during the upcoming spring season.
operational capabilities so that they are able
to operate autonomously. Many of our great Soldiers have selected to re-
up their commitment to the US Army by re-
Additional responsibilities outside of enlisting in country. Anvil Company thus far has
the ANSF mission set include: manning an had 8 infantrymen extend their contracts as the
Observation Post that overwatches some key Company has several achievements to commemorate and has already conducted a reenlist-
areas, providing a Quick Reaction Force for ment, promotion, and deployment patching ceremonies within the first couple months.
the Battalion area of operations, security for
It is with full hearts that we bid farewell to our Company Commander (CO), CPT
Daniel Braner, as he moves on to take a second command of Headquarters & Head-
quarters Company (HHC). At the same time, we continue forward as we welcome
CPT Jeb Townsend as the new CO. Additional changes include 1LT Matt Golubski
assigned to be the Platoon Leader of 3PLT, replacing 1LT Daniel Dross who is mov-
ing to an advising team. SSG Medina is also an addition to 3PLT, replacing SSG Staf-
ford as a Squad Leader.
We really can't stress how much it means to have your support; receiv-
ing packages and letters are always a morale boost. Anvil Company has
deployed to Afghanistan with some of the best Soldiers 2-22IN Battal-
ion has to offer. We really can’t say enough about the caliber and qual-
ity of men that are surrounding this Company. It is definitely a hum-
bling position for the leaders within the Company and they are doing
Members of 2PLT pose around a check point built in a everything in their power to train, take care of, and protect your broth-
local village after an operation. ers/sons/husbands/fathers.
Anvil Company after reenlistment ceremony.

6. BUSHMASTER FAMILY READINESS GROUP
BUSHMASTER COMPANY 2)
COMMANDER’S CORNER SFAAT 8 (BLUE 2) AND SFAAT 9 (GREEN
Since departing Fort Drum in Janu- The SFAATs (Security Force Advise and Assist Team) have become an integral
ary 2013, the men of Bushmaster Com- and beloved part of Bushmaster Company over the past few months. Now referred
pany have constantly been on the move. to as “Blue 2” and “Green 2”, the SFAATs are the focal point around which the
After weeks of being stranded in one of Company operates as we switch our focus to pushing the Afghan Forces to the front
the worst snowstorms in Afghan history, of the fight. Early on, Blue 2 received a change of mission to stand up a new Mobile
the men finally arrived at Strike Force for eastern Afghanistan. Since
COP Muqor ready to work. then, the new additions of CPT Wampler and
Life at the company outpost MAJ Siegfried have seamlessly incorporated
was both challenging and their teams into the Bushmaster Family.
rewarding; the men never
once complained about the “CHANGE OF MISSION”
additional requirements and 2-22 Infantry Regiment and Bush-
strains associated with COP master Company are no strangers to the
life: pulling KP, rotating phrase, “Change of Mission.” In recent his-
through guard shifts, eating tory, Bushmaster Company has executed a
MREs, sleeping in a tent number of tasks on short notice to include:
with 20+ other men, going deploying to Fort Bragg, NC, to participate in
without a shower (good a complex airfield seizure exercise (JUN 12);
thing we trained for that at testing for the Expert Infantryman’s Badge
NTC), or doing 1SG (JUN 12), deploying to the National Training
Harmon’s “mayor cell” duties. Through Center, CA (SEP 12), deploying to Afghanistan in support of OEF XIII (JAN 13),
it all, the Company managed to effort- and closing COP Muqor (MAR 13). Indeed, Bushmasters have demonstrated that
lessly balance two competing missions: they have a unique ability to adapt and succeed when given the toughest missions.
to provide security for the SFAATs and to Again, Bushmaster Company has received a “Change of Mission.” The details are
meet the 1 April deadline of closing COP still being worked out, but one thing is certain: a new platoon will be formed. In
Muqor. As we began the retrograde, it order to better organize ourselves to be more versatile in the current operating en-
astonished us how much junk had accu- vironment, 13 Soldiers from 3rd Platoon under SSG Saddoris and 11 Soldiers from
mulated in an area the size of a couple of 2nd Platoon under SSG Davis will join forces to create a new platoon. Until further
football fields over the course of 5 years. notice, 1LT Rowen will dual-hat PL and XO duties for the platoon. There will be no
Every time we thought progress was be- change to FRG rosters!
ing made, something seemed to ooze out
of another orifice in the COP. Neverthe-
less, on 18 March 2013—two weeks ahead
of schedule—COP Muqor was transferred
to the Afghan National Army and the
Bushmasters were relocated to FOB War-
rior alongside the rest of 2-22 IN.
PROMOTIONS, RE-ENLISTMENTS, AND BABIES
Promotions: (PVT to PV2): Hoover, (PFC to SPC): Stricker, Reese, Pittman,
Loncaric, Richard, Connelly, Turner, Stanley, Marshall; (SPC to CPL): Garcia,
Newton, Silva, Parimore, McTighe, Stokes, Sandrik, Harris, Burnett; (CPL to
SGT): SGT Garden.
Re-enlistments: SPC Stricker (4 yrs, FT. Carson), SSG Ollis (6yrs., FT. Drum, College
Incentive), SPC Stanley (4yrs, FT. Drum, AASLT School, College Incentive).
Baby Bushmasters: PFC Allen (boy) 14 Mar 2013 - Ryker Logan Allen 7lbs, 4oz.; SPC
Parimore (boy) 21 Mar 2013 - Roland Dean Parimore 8lbs, 11oz.; SGT Wright (boy) 25
Mar 2013 -Jackson Lee Wright 7lbs, 4oz.

7. April Update- OEF XIII
EAGLE FAMILY READINESS GROUP
EAGLE COMPANY
COMMANDER’S CORNER EAGLE (FSC) TAKES THE LEAD ON ALL FOB WARRIOR
I’ve never seen a group of sol- LOGISTICAL SUPPORT
diers so dedicated to their work. The
results have begun to show from their Since their arrival in January, Eagle Forward Support Company has hit
many days of hard work, the nights they the ground running, taking over all logistical support on FOB Warrior. As daunt-
got home late, the ing as this task is, soldiers of this amazing com-
weekends in the field, pany have taken every assignment given to them
and the rotation in the in stride proving not only that they have been
desert of California. well trained, but also that they are beyond a
Those countless hours shadow of a doubt the best for the job at hand.
of hard work and train- Everyday this group of elite soldiers continue to
ing are paying off, as maintain vehicles, refuel aircraft, feed the FOB
this exceptional team and move supplies around the battlefield. It is no
continues to astonish surprise to their leaders, that the fruits of their
me every day. I could- labor over the previous 18 months are paying off.
n't be more proud of Eagle Company soldiers are ready for anything
the team assembled that may come their way! Many of the tasks that
here on FOB Warrior. I Eagle Company has fallen in on are not the
want thank each and “typical” Light Infantry FSC missions. You
every spouse continu- wouldn’t know it, however, because despite these
ing to march on without the assistance slight changes Soldiers of Eagle Company, learned their new duties, adapted and
of your loved ones. You are truly strong soldiered on as they have continuously done. There’s a long road ahead, but Eagle
and committed and I do not envy your Company are up to any challenge that should present itself.
task at hand. I can speak for all of us
here when I say, none of this is possible EAGLE COMPANY RECEIVES THE 10TH MOUNTAIN
without your love and support. Thank DIVISION COMBAT PATCH
you, from the bottom of my heart. You
provide the motivation our soldiers
need to continue to do the amazing job On February 22, 2013, Eagle Forward Support Com-
they do everyday. YOU are the heart- pany received its 10th Mountain Infantry Division
beat of this Company. Again, thank you Combat Patch and became part of a history extend-
all for all you have done, and continue ing back to World War I. The Combat Patch is worn
to do. Before I close I’d like to make a on the right arm and “From this day on, Eagle
special announcement regarding a new signifies that soldier Company will be part of a
addition to the Eagle Company Family. has served in a com- Triple Deuce History...A part
I’m happy to announce that Nichole and bat zone. of a brotherhood for years to
I will be having our second child! come..” - LTC Funck
(Nichole, sorry but I couldn’t resist!)
EAGLE COMPANY SOARS WITH BUSHMASTER COMPANY
Eagle Company soldiers attached to Bushmaster Company, 2-22IN had to
support of a very difficult mission. These soldiers were separated from the rest of the
company and lived with B Co, 2-22IN in less than favorable conditions with minimal
equipment and yet still found a way to go above and beyond their scopes and duties to
cook and maintain vehicles.
“That SPC Lehman can fix just “CPT Fisher, your cooks are doing
about anything...I have no really well. The guys love them!
idea how he does it!” They’re some real hard workers.
CPT Miller Can we keep them?”
(Bushmaster Co. Commander) -1SG Harmon (Bushmaster Co. 1SG)

8. APRIL 2013 Page 8
Chaplain’s Corner
to be a somewhat parachute covering both the
historical landmark walls and ceiling of the
for the FOB: it was Chapel. This is a very unique
FOB built a number of design for a FOB Chapel, and
Warrior years ago by the Pol- we are blessed to have it for a
Chapel ish, and the interior time during our deployment.
depicts Polish inte-
rior design. The pic-
ture to the left shows
To our surprise, the 2-22 IN the exterior of the Chapel.
Unit Ministry Team (UMT) The picture to the right
was blessed to have a solid shows the interior of the Inside the Chapel
structure for our worship Chapel. Notice the hard at FOB Warrior
services. The chapel seems wooden benches, and the
Each of you should
Blessings From The give what you have
decided in your
States (Free X) heart to give, not
reluctantly or
under compulsion,
God is good, all the time, all is lifted when mail enters the for God loves a
the time, God is good. We FOB. Soldiers know they are cheerful giver.”
are so blessed to have sup- receiving packages from fam-
port from the American peo- ily and loved ones. But they ~2Corinthians 9:7
ple. also know there are packages the Free X (as in free ex-
that will be shared that are change). We are
First, our family and friends sent from various US organi- certainly blessed
have been extremely gener- zations. The Chaplains office with goodies. Keep
ous by sending packages to has an area where these free ’em coming!!
individual Soldiers. Morale items are placed. It is called
Muqor Protestant Service
God has provided many tant service I offer is
opportunities to us to offer only one of the many
various services to the 2-22 worship opportunities.
Soldiers. The Unit Ministry Currently we have 5
Team (UMT) is dedicated to different services that
serve God and Country. By comprise of Protestant,
doing this we ensure the Catholic, and Ladder
free exercise of religion is Day Saints (LDS) ser-
upheld and granted to all vices.
our Soldiers. The Protes- Protestant Service
Doctor Nick Drakos at a service at Muqor

9. April Update- OEF XIII
“Deeds, Not Words”
This publication is for the friends and family
Deployment Address:
members of 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment.
Last Name, First Name We continually strive to inform those in the US of
Company, Task Force 2-22 our current mission, and everyday way of life while
FOB Warrior, Afghanistan deployed. Each company has told their stories in
APO AE, 09311
this newsletter for that particular month.
We’re On Facebook!
“Lead With Courage”
Search for “2nd BN 22nd INF”