The Soldiers of TF Workhorse were invited to have lunch with the Kandahar Air Wing at their compound, a significant cultural gesture. During the meal, the team bonded with the Afghan soldiers over food and conversation. The lunch helped both parties appreciate each other's efforts to maintain aircraft and the partnership between their forces. It was a positive experience that deepened their relationship and understanding.

1. TASK FORCE
WORKHORSE
603RD ASB, 3CAB, 3ID
The Workhorse Chronicle
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
EDITION
V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 2 1 M A R 2 0 1 3
The Commander’s Corner by LTC Andy Gignilliat, TF Workhorse CDR
February proved to be an exceptional month The vast role of an Aviation Support Bat-
for the Workhorse Team. Every Sol- talion is best appreciated when deployed
dier within our unit continues to and there’s no doubt the Workhorse Team
proudly serve their Nation and their is respected and appreciated by our peers
teammates. As their commander, I and higher headquarters. Although our du-
couldn’t be more impressed with the ties may provide a continuous challenge,
team. While spread across six loca- they are noticed by those we serve and re-
tions within Afghanistan, our Sol- spected by those who couldn’t accomplish
diers continue to provide world-class their combat mission without the profes-
logistics, communication, training sional accomplishment of our tasks.
and maintenance support to the 3rd
Combat Aviation Brigade and our Finally, I ask for the continued emotional
Kandahar Air Wing Partners. support of our Family Members. Deploy-
INSIDE ments can be tough for each of us but the
THIS Whether it’s the Soldiers of HSC within our family members provide the essential sup-
ground maintenance partnership, motorpool, port network that enables our Soldiers to
ISSUE:
battalion staff or support operations office, endure the challenges and stressors of sepa-
- CDR’s 1 the Brigade couldn’t function without them. ration and long work hours. Just as leaders
Our HSC/A Company combined team sus- must appreciate the contributions of each
Corner
tains the fight through providing essential Soldier, every successful Soldier has a
- CSM’s 2 supplies consisting of fuel, ammunition, re- family member to thank for their success.
pair parts and helicopter movement control
Forum
across Southern Afghanistan. Sincerely,
- Soldier’s 3 LTC Andy Gignilliat
Angels The B Company “Bulldawgs” continue to WORKHORSE 6
- Rear-D 3 generate combat power by accomplishing
amazing efforts and maintaining up to 16
- Lunch with
4-5 simultaneous AH-64, UH-60 and CH-47
The KAW aircraft phase inspections. Finally, C Com-
pany sustains the tactical communications
Saint capabilities of the Brigade and its critical
Patrick’s 6-7 MEDEVAC stations.
Day
Soldier 8-9 TF Workhorse Continues to Maintain and Sustain the
Photos Brigade’s Fleet of Chinook, Blackhawk, Apache, and
Kiowa Warrior Aircraft.

2. PAGE 2
The Command Sergeant Major’s Forum
by CSM Grant Stange, TF Workhorse CSM
diers need to realize when in many ways, the social
As we end another and how to balance their interaction and camaraderie
calendar month on daily schedules. The tour is we enjoy fosters a mental
this current deploy- likened to a marathon, it is state that those not in the
ment, I wanted to let not a sprint. This terminol- military usually do not un-
the Soldiers, War- ogy has been utilized many derstand. Respect the con-
rant Officers and times before in many situa- ditions and environment
Officers of the Task tions, but holds as true as you left in the states prior
Force WORK- always. The focus always to deploying. Respect the
HORSE team know needs to be the mission and commitments that you
I am extremely the individual particulars that made to your family mem-
proud of the daily accom- all Soldiers bring to that end bers and friends as you
“I am proud to be the plishments they are perform- state. Soldiers need to un- would if they were here
Command Sergeant ing. Soldiers always seem to derstand the time when not with you. Respect any fi-
Major for this great amaze me with their dedi- on duty, needs to be dedi- nancial responsibilities you
Battalion. The Soldiers cated drive and initiative. As I cated to rest, reset for the have individually ventured
exhibit pride in the unit walk around the KAF foot- next duty shift, physical fit- into. Respect the career you
as well as spirit de corps print, I see Soldiers of all ness and maintaining those have chosen, and all the
Caption
ranks, diligently exercising relationships at home. There tangibles that being a mili-
with each other.” describing
their military skills to benefit is no clear-cut plan on how tary service member en-
-CSM Grant Stange both the brigade as well as
picture or
to do all well without sacri- tails. When we all under-
graphic.
our NATO partners. ficing something within one. stand and apply RESPECT
Leaders need to watch their to all facets of our lives, we
I want to emphasize a few Soldiers, know their routines build a stronger army, a
things in this month’s article, and ensure they are resting tighter-formed team as well
the first being SERVICE. As purposefully when they have as functional families.
we commit to the mission of the time to do so. Technol-
supporting the Aviation Bri- ogy can be a great thing or it Everyone is doing very
gade’s role in Afghanistan, can be a distracter. The abil- well. From what I see,
the means to conduct daily ity to connect to the internet Leaders are staying en-
SPC Timothy Guyer activates brings with it times as well as telephonic ser- gaged with their Soldiers,
of high OPTEMPO as well as vices here in theater, are Squad and section level
serves as a CH-47 Phase times of low demand. Sol-
Team Leader for B Co, TF great morale boosters. Do teams are reacting to mis-
not let them become distrac- sion change and complet-
Workhorse
ters that negatively affect the ing the task that they are
work and physical perform- being handed. Soldiers are
ance while conducting du- engaged in the myriad of
ties. task that makes the
WORKHORSE Battalion
The second thing I will ad- as successful as it is. I
dress is RESPECT. Soldiers thank you all for being the
of all ranks need to under- Soldiers that you are and
stand that when we deploy as for building a legacy of
an Army, we forget the trou- Teamwork and Diligence.
bles and stressors of the life
we left in the states as a CSM Stange
norm. The Army is a family WORKHORSE 7
THE WORKHORSE CHRONICLE

3. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 PAGE 3
“Soldier’s Angels Send Many Blessings”
Coverage by SSG Victor T. Wright., Bravo Company Quality Control NCO and 1LT Donald F. Ingham, C Co Executive Officer
Deployment offers many challenges: when the unit arrived in Kandahar pany. He has established a “pen pal”
longer work hours, emotional uncertainty, they had 9 packages and several program amongst the Soldiers of C CO
fear, loneliness, and many more. Every letters waiting for them. The pack- and college students in Florida. Each
Soldier deals with stress in their own ages covered everything from snacks soldier was asked if they wanted to par-
unique way. to toiletries. ticipate in December, and a list of Sol-
diers, and their address was compiled
When asked why she volunteered to and forwarded to a representative from
One of the most comforting and stress-
be a Soldier’s Angel, Anna Dokko the school.
relieving events we experience is mail,
especially care packages. Some Soldiers of San Francisco remarked: ‘If
get them regularly, some rarely. For single someone improves our quality of The first batch of letters arrived a few
Soldiers, or those with families who are life, why not proactively give days ago to a great deal of fanfare. Each
less engaged in the deployment, mail and thanks? I believe every service letter included some basic information
packages may be less common. For these member embodies valor and right-
about the student who was going to be
individuals Mail Call is often a disappoint- eousness. It feels like a crime to
overlook the sacrifices a fellow citi- the Soldier’s pen-pal, a few questions
ment. This article highlights two separate directed to the Soldier. Additionally, the
instances in which Company level leaders zen has made to perpetuate all that
we take for granted: safety, comfort, letters contained bits of humor and enter-
have worked to bridge this gap.
and freedom. “ tainment; Cat Memes in particular seem
SSG Wright recognized early in the de- to be very popular at the moment. Many
Soldier’s Angels is supported by of these clippings now decorate the areas
ployment that care packages can be a tre-
people from all walks of life. You
mendous morale booster. In an effort to around where the Soldiers work, and are
can be adopted or have your entire
improve the lives of his subordinates, he a constant reminder of their new friends
shop adopted simply by visiting their
contacted Soldiers Angels. They are an all back home.
website and filling out the online
volunteer force of men, women and fami-
form. It is well worth it and can
lies who dedicate themselves to providing
certainly make the deployment eas- The hardest battle that deployed Soldiers
care packages to soldiers they adopt. Sol-
ier to handle. fight is the battle against loneliness.
dier’s Angel’s motto is: “May No Soldier
Go Unloved.” This program greatly benefits Soldier
1LT Ingham, the Executive Officer
from Charlie Company, also went morale and helps them maintain a
SSG Wright signed up to be adopted be- healthy connection to the world outside
above and beyond in order to pro-
fore the deployment began, and the out- Afghanistan.
vided a morale boost to his com-
pouring of support has been tremendous;
“From the Rear Detachment”
Coverage by CPT Dave Hernandez, Rear D Commander
“Workhorse” families, we thank you for your sup- FRG’s to best support you and our Soldiers. If you
port. The rear detachment has moved into a steady have any ideas or suggestions, please let your FRG
battle rhythm. The Soldiers in the rear detachment Leader know. This program is intended to be for
worked hard to send TF Workhorse forward. All of you and designed by you!
this hard work has paid off. 603rd has established The rear detachment team continues to serve our
itself to be leading the way in operations for 3rd great Soldiers and families. The 603rd Headquarters
CAB. As we enter this period of the deployment, is located in BLDG 307on HAAF. If you have any
stress has really started to build on some of our
questions or need assistance, please contact you
families. The Army has multiple support agencies
that provide excellent care and support. FRG leader but you can also contact our Family
Readiness Assistant, Mrs. Celena Smith.
We continue to work with all of the company CPT Dave Hernandez

4. PAGE 4
“Luncheon with the Afghanistan Kandahar Air Wing”
by 1LT Scott Moe, HSC XO
The Kandahar Air Wing tain their military fleet and Military officials before
(KAW) recently invited the this unexpected invitation being escorted to our re-
Workhorse Ground Mainte- was confirmation that their spective dining areas.
nance Partnership Team to hard work and dedication is We immediately felt a
their compound to enjoy a paying off. The Soldiers sense of camaraderie due
traditional Afghan meal. who were afforded this to the overwhelmingly
This invitation to break unique opportunity were: warm reception. We
bread was a departure from Captain Stuart, First Lieu- suddenly realized how
the ordinary. Prior to TF tenant Moe, Staff Sergeant appreciative they were of
“The Soldiers of TF Workhorse’s arrival, the Atchison; Sergeants the team.
Workhorse have KAW did not feel that the Bower, Cole, Dion; and
Ground Maintenance Part- Specialists Allen, Craig, I must say that we were
dedicated countless nership was being utilized Higginbotham, and John- not mentally prepared for
to its full potential. The son. The Afghan Soldiers the feast because of the
hours to tailoring this
Soldiers of TF Workhorse were eager to host the team vast differences in cul-
Caption
program to the specific realized this, and have in their quarters; so much ture and culinary flavors.
describing
dedicated countless hours so that one of the Staff Ser- Nonetheless, the team
picture or
needs of the KAW. To to tailoring the program to geants met us at the gate to remained optimistic and
graphic.
the specific needs of the personally escort us to our prepared for an afternoon
show their appreciation
KAW. To show their ap- destination. of good conversation,
for our continued preciation for our contin- laughter and merry mak-
ued support, the Afghan As we entered their quar- ing.
support, the Afghan military leadership decided ters, the team was greeted
to host the team at their by numerous senior Afghan
Military leadership
quarters as op-
decided to host the posed to the din-
ing facility. This
team at their quarters. action carries
-1LT Scott Moe huge cultural
significance; TF
Workhorse is the
first unit to be ex-
tended this cour-
tesy.
Soldiers from the
Maintenance Pla-
toon have worked
tirelessly teaching
the Afghan’s how
to properly main-
THE WORKHORSE CHRONICLE

5. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 PAGE 5
For the first time, we saw them
for who they really were: a happy,
prideful, family oriented, people
who place a tremendous emphasis
on personal relationships.
The team also learned some inter-
esting cultural lessons. When of-
fered food / drink for the first
time, it is considered rude to say
no; you must try it at least once
before you can refuse subsequent
offers. Before entering the dining
areas, we had to remove our
boots. Once the elders offered us
a sit, we had to sit cross legged;
another cultural lesson learned
painfully; absolutely brutal on the
knees and ankles. assuming the mission. The
team in turn expressed their
Despite the team’s initial appre- gratitude for the phenomenal
hension, the food was amazing! hospitality, the incredible rela- Under Leadership of the HSC
The menu included rice with rai- tionships they have fostered,
sins, carrots, peppers and beef and continuation of efforts to Command Team, SSG Atchison,
(we think!). The raisins made the strength the US / Afghanistan
SGT Dion, SGT Cole, and SGT
rice especially sweet but quite partnership.
delicious; who knew? They also Bower serve as our primary
served "meatballs," salad, fruits, The team has been doing phe-
yogurt and flat pita bread; for the nomenally since arriving in trainers for the Kandahar Air
team, the pita bread doubled as theater and has received multi-
Wing Maintenance Partnership
the napkin. The meatballs were ple accolades from the Brigade
cooked slightly over medium-rare Command Team. Most re-
with some very interesting spices cently, the Partnership Team
added. We quickly found out that was featured in a report from
a man with an empty plate is a the Armed Forces
man who is still hungry. They Network (AFN).
ensured that our plates stayed full
and our cups of chi were never
empty. Apparently, the best cup
of chi is the one with the leaves
and stems visible in the cup.
After 4 hours of uncontrollable
laughter, great food and camara-
derie, the Afghans thanked the
team for attending, the great work
they have accomplished since

6. “The History of Saint Patrick’s Day and Savannah, GA”
PAGE 6
Coverage by CPT Aaron Green, AS3
My Grand-Father Patrick held on March
O’Malley was born in Dub- 17, not on the
lin, Ireland on St. Patrick’s neighboring
Day 71 yrs ago this March weekend.
17th. You would be hard
pressed to meet a more So why do we
patriotic man, who counts celebrate the
the day he earned his U.S. holiday most
Citizenship as, “the greatest associated with
day of his life.” He loves green-dyed
“So you’re looking for rivers and beer?
and admires U.S. Soldiers, and if you a means of teaching about the
me pot of gold, eh?
happen by the VFW outside of Fort Lá Fhéile Pádraig, "the Day of the Trinity in Christianity and that is
Carson, CO odds are you will find him Festival of Patrick" commemorates why it is associated with the holi-
volunteering his time entertaining the most prominent patron Saint of day today.
Veterans young and old. If you have Ireland who lived c. AD 385–461 on
never seen a giant leprechaun who is the anniversary of his death. He was As Kenneth Moss of the Journal of
in fact one of the best Elvis imper- born into a wealthy Romano-British Social history pointed out, St.
sonators outside of Las Vegas, I can family but was kidnapped by Irish Patrick’s Day led the way for the
tell you he is quite a sight. So in raiders at the age of 16 and held as creation of a “new parade” which
honor of a great man born on another slave. Claiming that God came to him gained in adherents and absorbed
great man’s birthday; allow me to in a dream and showing him the “elements of American patriotism
share with you some tidings of the means of his escape to the coast, Saint and full-fledged nationalism.”
long tradition and strong connection Patrick freed himself returned to
that our home city has to this holiday. The end result was such that the
Britain and went on to Gaul (France) Irish- American community came
Did you know that St. Patrick’s day is to study in the priesthood.
only a legally recognized holiday in to regard itself in the 1870s as a
Suffolk County, MA and Chatham In 432 he returned to Ireland, and for community that defined itself by
County, GA? the 29 yrs until his death attended his dual loyalties on one hand, and in
calling of evangelism. It is said that another as “a unified common
Though it is widely celebrated he used the three-leafed shamrock as organism” which gathered in
throughout the U.S., the City of Savan-
nah, Georgia has hosted the St. Pat-
rick's Day celebrations officially since
1824, with recent attendance rivaling
that of celebrations held in New York
City (Savannah, New York and Chicago
having the largest celebrations in the
country). Unlike any other cities,
Savannah's historic parade is always
FSGA and HAAF Soldiers march in the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade
THE WORKHORSE CHRONICLE

7. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 PAGE 7
strength on the basis that they had a com- "as an act of solidarity with the Irish in
mon past. their fight for independence." This
event became known as The St. Pat-
And in more recent times it has become far rick's Day Encampment of 1780.
more a holiday that celebrates Irish culture
spread by the Irish Diaspora throughout the So this year whether you will be enjoy-
world. Most prominently in the U.S., how- ing the festivities down on River Street
ever, it is a celebration of the deep connec- (and if you do please do so safely with a
tion of Irish immigrants to their adoptive plan) or here on KAF (sadly minus the
home and by extension all immigrants who green beer); whether you’re Irish in
built this Nation to greatness with their bare ancestry or just for the day, it is my
hands; hence, “everyone is Irish on St. Pat- sincere hope that you raise a glass,
rick’s Day.” cheer, and feel a connection to the spirit
of a hard and dogged group of survivors,
The first recorded parade in New York was The Irish, like my Grand Father Patrick
by Irish soldiers in the British Army in 1766. O’Malley!
In 1780, while camped in Morristown, NJ,
General George Washington, who com-
manded soldiers of Irish descent in the Con-
tinental Army, allowed his troops a holiday
on 17 March
Check Out Our Nearly 1,700 photos on Facebook
“603rd Aviation Support Battalion”
To see how our Soldiers are doing in Afghanistan
603rd ASB Deployed Contact 603rd ASB Home Detachment Contact
Information Information
BN CDR: LTC Andy Gignilliat CDR: CPT David Hernandez 912-315-2092
andrew.gignilliat@afghan.swa.army.mil
david.hernandez31.mil@mail.mil
BN CSM: CSM Grant Stange
grant.stange@afghan.swa.army.mil 1SG: 1SG Shane Latty 912-315-2094
shane.a.williams3.mil@mail.mil
BN XO: MAJ Curtis Perkins
curtis.perkins@afghan.swa.army.mil
XO: 1LT Denise Bernard 912-315-7970
BN Adjutant: 1LT Marisha McLean denise.bernard.mil@mail.mil
marisha.mclean@afghan.swa.army.mil
FRSA: Mrs. Smith 912-315-2093
celena.g.smith.civ@mail.mil

8. PAGE 8
Hard Work, Great Training, and Some Fun!
These Pictures
represent the great
Soldiers within TF
Workhorse as they
accomplish our
Nation’s mission,
continue to
develop through
professional
training, and find
the opportunities
to enjoy their
fellow Soldiers!
THE WORKHORSE CHRONICLE

9. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 PAGE 9