1. PAGE 5
THE VIDETTE
1st Bn 623d Field artillery (HIMARS)
15 FEB 2013
Vol. 1 Issue 3
Individual Highlights:
First Responder Training is Something to be Taken Seriously
Cover Story 1
Commander 2
S1 2
Law & Order 3
Rear Support Team 4
Chaplain’s Corner 4
Top Secret 5
First Aid Station 5
Motor Pool 5
First Responder 6
Photo by 2LT Gordon Deming
JORDAN, SPC Eric Alford work with a Linguist while giving instruction on the
medical lanes
SGT Bryan Ploughe
JORDAN -- Many basic Soldiering From splinting to tourniquets, the six
skills are some of the things that we major tasks of a first responder
take for granted. U.S. service members encompassed multiple elements of
Photos
Layout/Design/Photographer are trained extensively in those basics medical training during a five-day
2LT Gordon Deming and then in their specific military job. block of instruction. All of the
As part of their deployment to the Jordanian Soldiers were very
 Middle East, Soldiers of Morgan's Men receptive to training and were eager
Writer/Photographer are sharing that knowledge with their to learn. One of the biggest concerns
SGT Bryan Ploughe Jordanian counterparts. The medics of for these students was performing the
the 623d, for example, introduced nine-line request for a medical
Jordanian Soldiers to some basic first evacuation.
Editor in Chief responder techniques and procedures
MAJ John Holmes that hopefully they will never have to Continued on Page 6
put into place.

2. Page 2
COMMANDER’S WORDS
LTC Timothy Fanter
Greetings to our Soldiers, families, friends, and supporters of
Morgan’s Men. We conducted the Transfer of Authority (TOA)
Ceremony, uncased the Battalion Colors, and are now officially
responsible for the Jordan Operational Deployment Program. Please read
more about the battalion highlights located in this issue of The Vidette.
Recently, we held a ceremony for the Batteries to uncase their guidons “A good leader is one who
and now all proudly fly on JTC. can tell another how to
reach his or her potential;
Our Soldiers are continuing to establish great partnerships with a great leader is one who
the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) and understand the culture. Many of can help another discover
us were invited to eat Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan, with our very
this potential for him or
gracious Jordanian partners. We are also preparing for our first Morale,
herself.”
Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) trip to learn more about the country of
- Bo Bennett
Jordan and will be highlighted in the next issue of The Vidette.
I will close with a few words on the Rear Detachment. Myself and CSM Miller
personally selected the Soldiers for the Rear Detachment mission because it is just as important
as our deployment mission, if not more so. These Soldiers are more than capable of handling
unit business and serving the Soldier’s most important resource – the families. If there is help
needed for the families, please utilize the Rear Detachment and the unit Family Readiness
Group. They are there to serve you.
Morgan 6
S1
FY 13 EPS PUBLISH DATES
FEBRUARY PROMOTIONS Group Considered Date List is Published
SSG Joshua Matlock- Promoted to Sergeant First E8 to E9 1-Mar-13
Class on 7 FEB 2013
E7 to E8 1-Mar-13
PFC John G. Harlan- Promoted to Specialist on E6 to E7 1-Mar-13
12 FEB 2013
E5 to E6 1-Apr-13
Congratulations Gentlemen!
E4 to E5 1-May-13

3. PAGE 3
LAW & ORDER
CPT Nicholas Carter
Bootleg items are more abundant in Jordan as they are in large
American cities because copyrights are not recognized in many areas outside
of the United States. Soldiers have access to bootleg DVDs, knock off
clothing and jewelry such as Louis Vuitton, Nike, Rolex. For many,
Soldiers and tourists alike, these items are attractive even though we know
they are not the real thing. Many partake in the selling and buying of these
items, usually without consequence.
While most people, Soldiers included, are aware it is illegal to sell brand named products that are
not authentic; many, however, are unaware that it may illegal to purchase these items. Purchasing bootleg
or pirated items is a crime in most states; likewise, it is a crime in Jordan as well. If you buy five pairs of
Gucci shades for 25 JD, then you have more than likely just purchased a bootleg product. It is nice to
have a $10.00 “Folex,” fake Rolex, that you can be worn daily without fear of damaging it or a horrible
copy of the latest movie to pass the time during deployment. It is natural to want purchase nice items at a
greatly reduced price, who wouldn’t? Legally, it is in everyone’s best interest to stay away from these items.
Soldiers need to be smart about their shopping. Be reasonable in the amount you buy, never resale these
items, and keep your purchases to yourself. As in most situations, common sense will keep you out of
trouble.
Transportation & Sustainment Team
1LT Shannon Price
Soldiers of the 1-623d FA have a tremendous support team to assist their base life support and
transportation needs. Every mail call, bottle of Gatorade, piece of lumber, and spare part Soldiers have
received was first touched by a member of the TS&T in some capacity. These Field Artillery Soldiers received
a crash course in logistics and cargo movement to be able to transport the cargo and Soldiers. On our last
mission, over 13,000 pounds of lumber were palletized and shipped. The lumber will be used to help improve
living quarters and common areas, build targets for the firing ranges, and upgrade the post office and office
space. 1st Lt Shannon Price understands the importance of the mission. “There are a lot of moving parts that
involve logistical support and planning. These Soldiers have taken to their new positions seriously and blew me
away with their dedication and professionalism to accomplish each and every mission. They put in long hours
and work during the night to ensure all the cargo and equipment makes it forward so our battalion can be
successful. They have all stepped up and learned positions I went to school for months to learn”
SPC David Collins and SPC David Dixon preparing SPC Tyler Hudson and SPC David Dixon working
lumber to be palletized and shipped to the unit. with the Air Force to send lumber.

4. PAGE 4
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
CH (CPT) W. Ryan Steenburg
S2
Training for War
1LT Jack McClure
In Psalm 144, David writes, “Blessed be the Lord, my
rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle”.
I read these words recently and was struck by the truth and Hello from the S2 section.
relevance they hold for us and our mission here. As much as Our main focus is to provide safe,
there is a spiritual element to be considered here, David is accurate and fast information that is
writing from a very real, very physical perspective as it pertains taking place in and around Jordan for
to training for battle. King David, if he was anything, was a the Commander's decision making
warrior. He had stints of romance and was passionate about process. Our goal is to ensure the
playing music, but at the end of the day he was a man of war safety of the 1-623d (HIMARS)
(check out 1 Samuel 18:20-30). David did not just train for war, Soldiers as well as the safe return of
he engaged in war. Interestingly enough, some of the wars in each solider back to their respective
which he engaged were on the very soil you and I walk on here families. We have been actively
in Jordan. Take a look at the hills that surround us, working to seek all the real world
approximately 3000 years ago these were the hills upon which activities that are rapidly taking place
King David fought and won many battles (read 2 Samuel 10 for around our location. The section is
a taste of where we are). So what does this have to do with quickly finding the gaps needed to
Morgan’s Men? Well, part of what was so striking to me was excel the unit toward a rich and
the fact that we are here to prepare the JAF. We are in a successful mission.
position where we are tasked with the duty to train Soldiers for OPSEC Tip of the Month:
battle tasks. We came prepared for this mission. We are Watch for patters that you place on
executing our mission with excellence. Have you, however, Facebook or other Social Media
considered the reality this training holds for the JAF Soldiers? outlets of your daily life.
King David recognized his strength came from God. Might I Always remain vigilant and
suggest we summon a similar strength? Allow me to encourage keep in mind the information that is
you to pray for the JAF Soldiers you train. Before each training put on social networks. We as an
exercise pray that all would be safe, that the training would be organization and a family need to
successful, and that their hands would be prepared for the war always remember Operational
that lies ahead. May God bless the 623d. Security.

5. PAGE 5
FIRST AID STATION
CPT “Doc” Hayden
I want to remind everyone to use proper and safe lifting techniques.
Always have a spotter for lifting weights and wear a back lifting belt
when doing squats and other activities involving your back. Remember
before doing any exercises that you will need to do proper stretching
and warm up before exercising to warm up and loosen up muscles to
prevent injuries. Then after exercising do a cool down and stretching
to prevent injuries. Proper hydration is always important with exercise
and especially with using supplement due to muscle breakdown by
products to flush these chemical out your kidneys. We do not have
enough people here as it is and to lose one of you because of injury will
“Combat medics never stand
not be good for you or your unit. Remember safety when lifting
taller than when they kneel to
weights and exercising.
treat the wounded saving
lives in the midst of utter
chaos.”
MOTOR
-Unknown
POOL
SPC Shawn Masden
Education on Your Power Generation
Before starting any generator, be sure to do your before PMCS. This includes checking the fuel
level, oil level, coolant, external electrical connections, and the grounding assembly. Follow these steps to
properly start your generator: Flip master power switch to “Prime and Run” for 3-5 seconds. Listen for
clicking noise to ensure your fuel pump is working. Hold master power switch in the start position until oil
pressure reaches 25psi and the engine is stable. Release power switch to “Prime Run” or “Prime Run Aux
Fuel” if using an auxiliary fuel tank. Once started, adjust the hertz to 60Hz and check indicators for proper
function. If everything looks correct, flip the AC interrupter to “closed” to power your connections. Follow
these steps to shut down a generator: Flip AC interrupter to the open position; make sure the green light
above it is no longer glowing. Turn master power switch to the off position and put the emergency stop
button. If your generator is not operating properly, be sure to notify maintenance.

6. Page 6
First Responder (Continued) Photo by SGT Bryan Ploughe
“Although we had some cultural and
language differences, we were able to
accomplish the required training, through
the assistance of the Jordanian leadership
and linguists," said SSG Aaron Wallace, a
combat medic. "These Soldiers, with the
training that they have received from us
as well as the other lanes of instruction,
will make well rounded and complete
Soldiers that the Jordanian Army can be
proud of.”
SPC Eric Alford is on his first
deployment overseas and was impressed
with the Jordanian’s eagerness to learn
and happy to be an instructor.
”I was not real sure of what to expect as a
medic in a foreign country at first, but
now that we are getting more involved in
the training, it has became more clear,"
said Alford. "The Jordanians hang on
every word you say. I am proud to be a
part of this mission.”
JORDAN, SPC Anthony Jackson observes Jordanian Soldiers during a
First Responders evaluation.
JORDAN, The
623d medics
demonstrate
Photo by 2LT Gordon Deming procedures for
responding to a
JORDAN, SSG Aaron Wallace acts as OPFOR for casualty of a
the JAF as they perform security on the medical lanes. fellow Soldier
This helped explain the importance of security while prior to the
providing medical aid to fellow Soldiers in combat. Jordanian
Soldiers going
through their
evaluation of
classes received.
Photo by SGT Bryan Ploughe