1) Bravo Company has been working hard to transition security of the local bazaar and village of Nawshad to the Afghan National Army (ANA). This is a major step that will boost soldier morale while helping the ANA build legitimacy and capacity. 2) Sadly, Sergeant Chris Soderlund was killed in action in July. He was an outstanding NCO who will be deeply missed by the company. 3) The company continues to improve the living conditions on the base, with a new dining facility, weight room, and movie lounge nearing completion. Progress is being made despite challenges.

1. 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment August/ September 11 ISSUE 6
BRAVO COMPANY NEWSLETTER
Letter from the Commander Letter from the XO
First, let me apologize for we’ve made with their brethren since This past month I
not sending out a newslet- we had seen them last. In August, we was on leave and had
a great time with my
ter at the beginning of began the process of transitioning
wife, friends, and
August. The company has security of the bazaar and Nawshad to family. As we all
been working hard to set the ANA. This is a huge step for both know, it is not easy
up the next unit before we us and them. Our guys get to turn over coming back, but I
come home. On a similar security duties (about which I’m sure am glad to finally be
back at the COP with
note, there should only be you’ve heard them complain), and the the rest of the com-
one more deployed news- Afghans are taking charge in a district pany. From what I
letter before we can all where neither the Army or the people was told, July was a
meet and do this face to face. With that, you’ll see a pretty probably thought it was possible. I’m very busy month for
everyone. It was nice
long list of promotions on the bottom of the page. The proud of our soldiers for working so
to come back to two finalized Mega PEBs. We are in the
Army is slowing down promotion rates, so it goes to show diligently to make this happen. process of setting up the final pieces of the buildings so
how strong our soldiers are to have so many new NCOs. Sadly, we must again say good bye to that we can move our DFAC, weight room, and cardio
Let me tell you a little bit about the amazing things your one of our beloved brothers. SGT room into the new buildings. The company has begun
Soldiers have been doing. In July, we conducted some Chris Soderlund was killed in action in the first steps in packing up non-mission essential equip-
ment to be packed in containers to send back the States.
major operations into the villages of Dasht and Kharoti. early July. SGT Soda was an amazing By the end of August we will have four out of our five
These are two areas where the previous unit would have NCO and couldn’t help but make the containers packed and ready to be shipped out. Although
never dreamt of being able to go, but we walked there and people around him better. We’ll miss it is not our main focus it is a good feeling to begin this
back without any major incident. This is a testament to the him dearly, and every member of process of preparing to redeploy. We will continue to
make improvements on the COP, so that our quality of
hard work and dedication that the men of Bravo put into Bravo will strive to honor his ultimate
life will increase and also so we setup the next unit with
their work daily. With the addition of these villages and sacrifice. Please keep his family and a nice new home. The company has successfully transi-
the ones between them and the COP, that marks just about friends in your hearts. As ever, I thank tioned security of the Bazaar to the ANA and by the end
every village in Charkh District on our “places we’ve each of you for the love and support of the month should transition security of Nawshad to
been” list. In August, we once again changed out our Af- that you send. It keeps us going. the ANA. This transition is vital in the efforts to build
the capacity and legitimacy of the ANA in Charkh Dis-
ghan National Army partners. The most recent group was trict. At the same time, our Soldiers will have a boost in
with us in January and February, so it was almost a reun- -CPT David Wilson morale as they will not have to spend days at a time
ion of sorts. It was fun to show them how much progress “Charkh 6” securing the Bazaar and Nawshad. Finally, I was devas-
tated when I found out that SGT Soderlund was KIA,
Letter from the First Sergeant and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife, friends,
platoon, and family. He was an outstanding NCO and we
will never forget him.
Over the course of Facility/ Movie Lounge/ Gym on
the last month and camp is nearly complete. We are -CPT Sean Cockrill
half or so, your loved awaiting some minor electrical work “Charkh 5”
ones have made great and final inspection prior to moving
strides here in in. The multipurpose building is a
Charkh. We have huge improvement over the building Promotions
transitioned the ba- that collapsed and will give every-
Since this month’s issue is a “two-fer” here are the
zaar security to the one a place to relax. Your loved promotions from July and August:
Afghan National ones worked non-stop throughout To PFC
Army and will transi- the last several weeks improving Genaro Mapula
tion the village of Nawshad by the time you read this. positions in the bazaar and Nawshad Cameron Matthews
Your loved ones are dedicated to bringing peace and preparing them for the ANA. I am Edgar Rodriguez
security to the Afghan people and it is reflected daily continuously amazed by their efforts To CPL
Benjamin Doughty
by their continued goodwill and sacrifice. While con- and I am forever indebted to the James Winders
ducting operations, SGT Soderlund made the ultimate Soldiers of this company for the To SGT
sacrifice for our country and the people of Afghanistan. hard work and the results they have Michael Blockburger
I would ask that everyone keep his family in their achieved. Thank you for the unwav- Geoffrey Cudd
thoughts and prayers along with all our fallen hero’s ering support you continue to give to Collin Harvey
families. I would ask that you also pray for SGT Curry this Company and your loved ones. Thomas Servais
Roberto Soliz
and his family, as he battles his wounds. The impact
James Wartes
that your Soldiers have had on the lives of the people of -1SG Karl Fratzke Gary Whenman
Charkh will never be forgotten. We continue to im- “Charkh 7” To CPT
prove quality of life on the CCOP and our new Dining Sean Cockrill

2. 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment August/ September 11 ISSUE 6
BRAVO COMPANY NEWSLETTER
First Platoon Soldier of the Month
SPC Thomas Weitzelsmith (Weezy), is a SAW gunner in 1 st Platoon, from Edgewater, Maryland.
He enlisted in the military after a short stint working as an electrician and wants to become a Ser-
geant soon. His tenacity on the battlefield and unmatched physical and mental toughness make
him one of the best soldiers in 1st Platoon. His combat load weighs over 100 pounds, which he
carries on a daily basis. Not only is SPC Weitzelsmith a beast in combat, but he always has a great
attitude and keeps the morale of his squad high. His self-less service and hard work has doubt-
lessly improved the lives of the Afghan Citizens and help keep his comrades going.
Second Platoon Soldier of the Month
SPC Kevin Jones is from Aurora, IL and is 22 years old. His parents and siblings still live in
Aurora, and are very proud of what SPC Jones is accomplishing here in Afghanistan. He is the first
person in his immediate family to be in the military. SPC Jones has been with the unit since June of
2009, and has since made himself a great asset to 2 nd PLT, B CO. SPC Jones is a SAW gunner for
the PLT, and is one of the best we have. Even though this is his first deployment he acts like a
seasoned veteran. 2nd PLT is proud to have him and we can’t wait to see what he will achieve later
in his military career .
Third Platoon Soldier of the Month
PFC Brad Hampton, the 3rd Platoon Medic, is our soldier of the week. PFC Hampton is from Dow,
IL and has four children: three boys and a girl. PFC Hampton is a vivid MMA follower; he prac-
tices and competes in the sport. PFC Hampton has been with 3 rd Platoon since he has been in the
unit; he has been a great asset to the Platoon. PFC Hampton has shown tremendous tactical and
technical knowledge on numerous occasions throughout the deployment, he is always there advis-
ing soldiers on daily health care and providing aid to soldiers when needed .
Fourth Platoon Soldier of the Month
PFC Kenneth Nickell, 23, is from Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He currently serves as a Grenadier in
Alpha Team 2nd Squad and is the Platoon’s RTO. PFC Nickell enlisted in the US Army as an In-
fantryman a year ago after graduating from Ponaganset High School. Throughout the month of July
PFC Nickell’s performance has been exceptional, due to his quick thinking and common sense out
in sector. PFC Nickell has grown as a soldier and has shown his potential to become a great leader
since the beginning of the deployment. He has proven to be a great asset to the team and Platoon.
Headquarters Platoon Soldier of the Month
SPC Stephen Judd from Florence, AL is a Fire Supporter who works in the COP Charkh CP. He
previously served with the 101st Airborne out of Fort Campbell, KY, with whom he deployed twice
to Iraq. SPC Judd uses his expansive knowledge of Fire Support and considerable experience as a
battle tracker to ensure that our TOC as well as higher units have an accurate picture of what is
happening with our troops in Charkh. SPC Judd has shown dedication and resiliency, having
bounced back from two battlefield injuries. Despite these setbacks, SPC Judd continues to be an
invaluable asset to the team. He is happily married to his wife Brandi with whom he has two boys,
a girl, and one more on the way.
“OUR COUNTRY, NOT OURSELVES”