1. CPT Radbill, Mrs. Vandertang and my
wife Jerah lead the larger group
exceptionally well, but only because
they have the best collection of
volunteers on Fort Drum and the
best group I have had to work with
in any of my previous deployments.
Thanks again for all that you do and
for your support.
Let us know how we are
doing in terms of sharing information
– are you getting what you need out
of this newsletter, FRG
meetings and on Face-
book. Please encourage
your friends and ex-
tended family to follow
our Facebook page so
they too can keep up on
the trials and tribulations
of this great organization.
Be proud of
the great Soldiers/
Troopers over here and
all that they have accom-
plished. We are equally
proud of all that you
have done in support of
us. If we have to be
separated from our
loved ones and friends, at least we
do so knowing we are making a
difference and knowing that we are
completing our assigned missions
with distinction.
Until next month…
Ready Now! Comman-
dos! Climb to Glory!
We have just hit our 90
day mark, which puts a third of our
tour behind us. I’d like to tell you all
that time is flying by – but when we
think about time away from our
families it can make the time crawl.
CSM Jusino and I firmly believe that
is because we have such a great
supporting team back at Fort Drum,
led by all of our Wolverine families!
The effort by the Troops/
Companies and all of our
Cavalrymen and Cavalry-
women has simply been
outstanding. Our primary
mission remains to advise
two separate Afghan
Army Battalions, also
known as Kandaks, while
also integrating all Afghan
security forces in West-
ern Paktika. Led by the
Green 1 and Green 6
elements, we are hitting
this mission as if we’ve
been doing this for years.
Our Afghan partners are
pleasantly surprised at
how committed we are
to helping them prepare to take sole
control of this area. Concurrent to
this effort, A Troop and B Troop are
working hard to integrate the Afghan
Uniformed Police and other Afghan
Security Forces into the most capa-
ble force they can be.
A/2-14 continues to be a
model of consistency, keeping our
main Forward Operating Base (FOB)
secure while partnering with a Jorda-
nian combat arms unit to ensure the
hub that is FOB Sharana can operate
without interference. In addition to
their security mission, A Company
along with the HQ of C Troop con-
duct mission command of large con-
voys of equipment across the area
which will help us complete our
other mission – the closure of all of
our outposts and FOBs before we
head back to Fort Drum. Both units
have exercised a great deal of pa-
tience and a high level of technical
competence to get the mission com-
pleted and the “product” delivered –
and that is what we are all about…
mission accomplishment!
We have had our first few
VIP visits which have gone exception-
ally well. There has been a herculean
effort to rebuild this headquarters
from the state of disrepair that it was
in when we inherited it to the excel-
lent facility it is today. During these
VIP visits, some of our Cavalrymen
were awarded combat awards, re-
flecting their strong performance
under direct fire from the enemy.
Our job remains a dangerous one,
but CSM Jusino and I have every
confidence in the abilities of our
fighting Wolverines – we will come
out on top in every engagement.
I would like to once again
congratulate all of our great volun-
teers who were recognized last
month and this month. You truly are
a special group and I am so glad to
have you as a core to our FRG team.
Bottom of the Third
I N S I D E
T H I S I S S U E :
CSM Corner
T-Shirt Sales
2
A Troop
B Troop
3
C Troop
Dietz Prints
4
D Company 5
Kidz Korner 6
D E P A R T M E N T O F
D E F E N S E
The Growler A P R I L 1 5 , 2 0 1 3V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E V
S P E C I A L
P O I N T S O F
I N T E R E S T :
 Bottom of the
Third
 Troop Up-
dates
 Kidz Korner

2. P A G E 2
T H E G R O W L E R
The Sergeant Major’s Cornerour men and women in to the
future.
Everyday our Soldiers
perform exceptionally on all levels.
We as a unit could not complete
our mission without the strength
provided from all of our friends
and families back home. Our
Troopers depend on the bedrock
of support you supply to this unit
while deployed. I could not be
more proud of the FRG and how
they are providing the mesh to
keep families informed on the
latest and greatest from Western
Paktika.
As we grow closer to
Just as the Commander
mentioned, we are slowly but
surely making our way through
this rewarding deployment. Our
Soldiers are making a difference
for the people of Afghanistan and
it shows every day. As mentioned
before we are very swollen with
pride from all the things this great
unit is doing
This month has been a
busy one for some of our Soldiers
who have recently completed the
promotion boards to Sergeant and
Staff Sergeant. I’m confident to say
that we are selecting quality Non-
Commissioned Officers to lead
completing the task of transitioning
the Afghan Security Forces to take
the lead, we become closer to re-
turning to our loved ones at home.
LTC Griggs and I will continue to be
both honored and humbled by the
great unit of which we have had the
privilege to be a part. Families con-
tinue take care, safe travels and bless
all.
WOLVERINE 7
Until next month…
Ready Now! Comman-
dos! Climb to Glory!
Want a CTF Wolverine T-Shirt!? Please Contact
CPT Andrew Radbill
Andrew.e.radbill.mil@mail.mil

3. P A G E 3
T H E G R O W L E R
Alpha Troop - Sabergade in retrograde operations
by providing safe passage and
logistical support to US con-
voys between COP Orgun-E
and FOB Sharana. Team Saber
has also continued to improve
and expand the operational
capabilities at COP Sar Howza
and, when turned over to the
Afghan Government, will allow
local Police to have a facility
capable of effectively managing
and sustaining operations
throughout the district.
In addition, the Sol-
dier of the Month for the
Squadron was SPC Joshua
Cunningham from A Troop.
Throughout the
month of March, Team Saber
has worked alongside their
Afghan Partners, Police and
Government official by provid-
ing assistance, insight, and mo-
tivation to improve their stabil-
ity and security of the Sar
Howza District. The efforts
put forth by both sides have
continuously denied the enemy
freedom of maneuver and
sanctuaries throughout all of
the villages and roads within
the district. Throughout this
partnership, CFT Saber and
Afghan National Security
Forces (ANSF) have been able
to assist the Commando Bri-
His hard work, determination
and professionalism were just
some of the qualities that led
him to victory at the Soldier of
the Month Board. From every-
one at A Troop we want to
congratulate SPC Cunningham
on a job well done!
SPC Cunning-
ham, Soldier of
the Month
Its’ been almost
three months since B
Troop has been here in
theater. Work has been
going very smooth. Every-
one is now part of a daily
routine, focused on ac-
complishing our mission
and improving this organi-
zation.
Specialist Green of A
Troop, Specialist Deroo, Spe-
cialist Ryon, and Specialist
Whisnant of B Troop all re-
enlisted this month. Deciding
to re-enlist is as life changing as
joining the military. Not only
have these Soldiers dedicated
so much already to the Army,
but they signed up for another
term. Such selflessness and
unwavering devotion from
these young men are truly
commendable attributes.
Bravo Troop
Observation
Point
Bravo Troop - Black Hawk
Throughout the
month, Soldiers have been
attending mock boards, held by
First Sergeant Salkanovic. The
purpose of these mock boards
is to help Soldiers prepare for
their upcoming promotion or
Soldier of the month boards.
They are held every Friday at
the chapel at 1800 (6 pm). Our
Squadron Command Sergeant
Major came down at the end
of the month, to hold a pro-
motion board. Specialists Allen
and Brown of D Company, 2-
14 Infantry and Specialists
Asaro, Miranda, and Nguyen of
B Troop all attended the
board. Every Soldier that went
in came out with a promotable
status. Soon they will all be
promoted to Sergeant. Private
First Class Gonzalez, B Troops
supply clerk, was promoted at
the end of the month also, to
the rank of specialist.
Something that is very
routine for us is mail. Thanks to all
the supporters and families we
have back home. Our mail room
opens everyday at 1630 (4:30 pm),
right when dinner chow is served,
by Specialist Joseph Asaro, the B
Troop mail handler. Mail is and has
always been a morale booster to all
of our deployed Soldiers. It is a
good feeling, receiving these won-
derful packages from people who
are so appreciative of the service of
our Soldiers.

4. P A G E 4V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E V
Charlie Troop - Crazy Horse
It has been a fun and
eventful month for the Soldiers of
C Troop. The Soldiers competed in
an all encompassing physical fitness
challenge consisting of a mix of
heavy lifting and endurance-based
events. Although the Soldiers of
Crazyhorse were pushed to their
limits, the event was considered by
all to be a
success. Spe-
cialist Aguilar
(pictured
right) reaf-
firmed his
commitment
to the Army
by reenlisting
for another
four years.
Specialist
Carlie Wil-
liams III (pictured far right) contin-
ues to distinguish himself on the
FOB as he began teaching a daily
combatives class to Soldiers and
Local Nationals alike.
The Soldiers of CFT
Crazyhorse pressed on through
their demanding schedules and
facilitated a very successful visit
from key leadership in Afghanistan,
the Commanding General of Afghan
Forces along with the
2nd
Brigade Com-
mander, Colonel Den-
nis Sullivan. The Afghan
Army made us proud
as they represented
their Province with
honor and discipline.
As always we
could not complete our
mission with out each
and everyone of our volunteers,
family members and supporters.
From all of us here at C Troop, thank
you for being the driving force that
keeps us going. Ready Now!
Want a Dietz Print? Please Contact CPT Andrew Radbill
Andrew.e.radbill.mil@mail.mil
SPC Calie Williams III teaching
Combatives on FOB Rushmore

5. Soldiers of FLE 3, on Super
FOB, put all their efforts into prepping
and supporting the combined mission in
March. The area around Super FOB
received heavy rains before and during
the mission, which gave the FLE 3 Re-
covery Team quite a test of their skills
and equipment. They recovered 14
vehicles within a 48 hour period. In
conjunction with the direct support of
the mission, FLE 3 continued to support
the rest of the Soldiers and civilians
staying on Super FOB.
Some of the Soldiers of FLE
4, on Sar Howza, were also involved in
the combined mission that took place at
Super FOB. Their experience was
missed as support for Alpha Troop
continued to increase. Many personnel
changes accrued through the ranks of
FLE 4, SSG Epps moved from Super
FOB to become the NCOIC and SPC
Harris , another experienced recovery
specialist moved to Super FOB as well.
FLE 4 is also spear heading the creation
of a MWR on Sar Howza, which will
involve movie nights and competitive
game tournaments.
Delta’s detachment at FOB
Rushmore has also gone through some
personnel changes. SSG Gage came
from Sar Howza and is now the Mainte-
nance NCOIC, SGT Pugh came from
Super FOB to be the Dining Facility
(DFAC) Manager. The Soldiers on
Rushmore, with only a 4 man crew,
have learned to adapt and work as a
team to repair vehicles, manage a
DFAC, and complete all logistical sup-
port for Charlie Troop, 1-89 Cavalry.
March was a busy and excit-
ing time for the Soldiers of Delta Com-
pany. We are proud to say that all
Delta Soldiers are safe and healthy at
each location; working hard to sustain
the missions of CTF Wolverine and the
retrograde of 2nd
Brigade. We thank
you for your love and support during
these times away.
March was a busy time for
the Soldiers of Delta and 1-89 CAV.
There have been more personnel
moves as we continue to improve our
support of CTF Wolverine and the
retrograde mission of 2nd
Brigade. We
ended March with the completion of a
combined ANA and US Army mission
where Delta Soldiers were the direct
support for 1-89 CAV and their attach-
ments.
Delta HQ has been busy as
usual. The responsibilities and tasks
continued to build up throughout
March, but Delta HQ’s limited person-
nel consistently find a way to complete
the mission and support the Troops.
The forward logistical elements (FLEs)
and detachments from Delta have in-
creased their demands for vehicle parts,
equipment, and assets, which creates
more work for the HQs element. As
we begin another month HQs will also
plan and execute a Change of Com-
mand for Delta. CPT Lahr is moving to
210th
S3 shop, and we will welcome
CPT Wallace into the Darkhorse family
in May.
Delta Company - Dark Horse
Don’t Forget the FRG photo competition has been
extended until April 30th!

6. Kidz Korner
Use the words
at the bottom
and RECON the
puzzle. How
many can you
find?