The 1-87 Infantry Battalion conducted intense platoon live-fire exercises over three weeks to strengthen their combat readiness in preparation for their role as the Global Response Force. Soldiers trained in dismounted and mounted maneuvers, practicing attacking objectives on foot and from vehicles while coordinating indirect fire support. The challenging winter conditions and complex scenarios tested the unit's cohesion, competence, and confidence at all levels. The training ensured the platoon leaders and battalion are certified and able to execute attacks as required to support any potential GRF mission.

1. SPECIAL POINTS OF
INTEREST:
1-87 Infantry Soldiers strengthen combat
readiness
Summit news
Summit Soldier pursues American Dream
“ T O T H E T O P ” W I N T E R 2 0 1 2
Summit 6 and Summit 7
On behalf of the Command Sergeant Major and myself, we want to express
our heartfelt pride and gratitude for the sacrifices by Families and Soldiers
alike since our last Battalion Newsletter. Our Battalion has been in the field
training to ensure the proper level of readiness in support of the Global Re-
sponse Force mission, which is a gigantic responsibility. Our Battalion re-
mains part of the response force to deploy anytime and anywhere upon notifi-
―Teamwork is the cation. We are the Commander in Chief‘s response force and our Summit
ability to work to- Team should be exceptionally proud. Over the past three months, our Sol-
gether toward a com-
diers have conducted Squad Situational Training Exercises and Live Fire Ex-
mon vision. The abil-
ity to direct individual ercises; an intense Outload Rehearsal with the Division and Installation to in-
accomplishments to- spect our readiness; Christmas Leave; and then immediately into Platoon Live
ward organizational Fires. Wow! I could not be more impressed with all of our Soldiers. We are
objectives. It is the ready!
fuel that allows com-
mon people to attain Now, I want to ensure that our Soldiers and Families rebuild from the hectic
uncommon results.‖ and aggressive training that we experienced through the freezing tempera-
tures (down to minus 20 degrees) and the accompanying wind, snow, ice, and
rain. The Soldiers fought through it all over a three week period and with tre-
mendous positivism and aggressiveness. All our Companies displayed excep-
tional efforts through their training. Nothing has changed though — my num-
ber one goal remains to build competent, confident, and cohesive Leaders and
teams. To do this, we must increase our focus on resiliency to build positivism
in the Battalion and better coping mechanisms for Soldiers and their Families
as we continue to train hard and remain ready.
Let us not forget that we are first and foremost a Family and we must continue
to support each other. Our social network remains the Infantry Squad and my
goal over the next 90 days is to ensure that our Platoon and Squad Leaders
counsel and care for our Soldiers as we prepare each other for our next Climb
To Glory! To the Top! LTC Morgan and CSM Bass

2. PAGE 2
From Your FRG Advisors
Hello Summit Families,
We would like to congratulate the families that welcomed Summit babies over the holidays and
continue to do so. We are in a Summit baby boom! Also, We would also like to extend a warm
welcome to our new families. We hope you are getting settled and organized and meeting new
friends within our unit.
We continue our GRF status and want to thank the FRG leaders for their hard work in getting us
prepared for this mission. We do need to continue to train our new volunteers as we farewell lead-
ership. We would like to thank those of you for stepping forward and taking responsibility and be-
ing part of the Summit FRG team.
We have some very exciting events planned for this Spring and Summer. Events such as the
SUMMIT Woman's Conference in March, the Summit Formal in June, and several Family days throughout
each company. We look forward to seeing you there. To The Top! Patty & Misty
NEWS
SUMMIT NEWS

3. 1-87 Infantry Soldiers strengthen combat readiness
Sgt. Blair Neelands
1st Brigade Combat Team Journalist
Soldiers of 1st Brigade Combat Team‘s 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment battled through the harsh North
Country weather Jan. 17 through Feb. 2 during multiple platoon live-fire exercises on Fort Drum.
This intense training exercise comes after the Summit Battalion assumed the 12-month responsibility of Global
Response Force on Dec. 1.
―(The) 1-87 has assumed the Global Response Force tasking in support of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division,‖ said Capt. Robert Bauleke, battalion fire support officer. ―We are on alert to deploy any-
where in the world within 96 hours, so the platoon and mortar live-fire exercises we have conducted the last
three weeks are in support of that mission.‖
Following the assumption of GRF, the battalion has amplified its training to ensure combat readiness at all lev-
els.
―Instead of having another 120 days to prepare to conduct these live-fire exercises
had we not assumed the GRF mission, we are conducting them now,‖ Bauleke
said.
During the first week Soldiers spent in the field, the training focused on platoons
maneuvering on foot to assault objectives.
―We had to platoon dismounted live-fire exercise conducted at Range 44 where
the platoons went through three iterations: a dry, blank and live,‖ Bauleke said. ―Its
purpose was to certify the platoons on conducting a maneuver live-fire exercise
with indirect fire assets.‖
Soldiers then transitioned to another training location and mounted their weapons
to the gunner‘s turret of their Humvees to attack targets while maneuvering as pla-
toons in vehicles.
―We did a mounted patrol and coordinated bounding movements with the vehicles
to each phase line; then the targets pop up, and we take out the targets and move
to the next phase line together as a unit,‖ said Spc. Jake Lasater, a medic with D
Company, 1-87 Infantry. ―The purpose of this is to better communicate and coordi- Mortar men with 1st Battal-
nate movement between the individuals in each truck. This is very important train- ion, 87th Infantry Regiment
fire a 120 mm mortar round
ing, because we are actually working together and functioning as a unit.‖ during the Summit Battal-
As each platoon conducted the mounted maneuver, the scenario changed slightly ion’s platoon live-fire exer-
to simulate the unknown of the battlefield. As Soldiers of D Company went through cise Feb. 1 on Fort
Drum. Photo by Sgt. Blair
the lane, their company commander‘s vehicle was struck with a mock improvised Neelands
explosive device.
―I had to move up there and check out the people inside the vehicle,‖ Lasater said.
―There was an injured person inside the vehicle, so I had to treat any life-threatening issues there and then
continue treating him as we traveled to the evacuation site.‖
Mortar men and forward observers joined in on the action during each portion of the live-fire. With access to
60 mm, 81 mm and 120 mm mortar rounds, platoon leaders had to effectively use their forward observers to
call in the indirect fire.
―Probably the best thing I have seen is the integration of fires,‖ Bauleke said. ―I like seeing the platoon leaders
using their indirect fire assets and seeing the forward observers at the platoon level in a trainer mode making
a fires plan and executing the fires plan.‖
Throughout the two weeks of training, every Soldier in the Summit Battalion continued to push through the
harsh weather conditions to complete the mission.
―I have seen confidence, cohesiveness and competence consistently for the last three weeks at every level,‖
Bauleke said. ―This training is to ensure that the senior leaders and the platoon leaders are certified and com-
petent in executing attacks whether it be dismounted or mounted in support of any operation 1-87 receives.‖
The Summit Battalion will continue to train hard at every level to achieve combat readiness in preparation for
any mission Soldiers may receive.
SUMMIT NEWS

4. PAGE 4
Hatchet
Greetings Summit Family!
From the HHC Command Team:
CDR: CPT Nathan Shields,
1SG: 1SG Raymond Dolbow
XO: 1LT Erik Prins
We are pleased to be addressing you
this quarter as the Soldiers of Hatchet
Company continue to train and develop
as Soldiers and do great things. As
SUMMIT some of you know, the company has a
NEWS new First Sergeant, 1SG Raymond Dolbow. 1SG Dolbow is a returning 1-87 IN alumnus
whose experience, dedication, and professionalism is already making this great company
even better.
Since our last news letter there has been much training and many-a-late nights as the com-
pany assumed its duties as the Global Reaction Force (GRF). During the Platoon Live Fire
Exercise which the Battalion ran in January, Hatchet Soldiers conduct was consistent
throughout the 3 week block of training. The variety of Fort Drum weather was not missed;
for example, harsh conditions included -10 degree temperatures, snowstorms, thunder-
storms, and freezing rain. Your Soldiers did an amazing job and you should be proud of
their accomplishments.
In the midst of the Company‘s furious training, we
have received many new additions to the Hatchet
Company. In addition to the new Soldiers that have
either PCSd to this great Battalion or arrived here as
HHC their first duty assignment, the Hatchet Family has
grown with 8 new babies in the last quarter; who are
FRG Leader
highlighted on page 10. Lastly, the Company would
Cassandra like to mention how proud we are of the outstanding
Price hard work and dedication from SPC Eric Gavour who
is working on his doctorate in order to become a medi-
cal doctor in the United States. You can read all about
his story on page 11.
SUMMIT NEWS
SUMMIT NEWS

5. Gator
PAGE 5
Greetings Summit Family!
From the A Company Command Team: CDR: CPT Andrew Rob-
inson, 1SG: 1SG Vincent Simonetti, XO: 1LT Andrew McCarthy.
This quarter was a busy one for the Gators of A Company! Mrs. Christina Narewski and Mrs. Paige
Moody have left our ranks as FRG leaders, and Mrs. Selina Pritchard has stepped up to fill the role. The
company completed Squad Live Fires, Operational Readiness Survey, and Platoon Live Fires since the
SUMMIT last FRG newsletter.
NEWS
A CO Soldiers and NCOs have seen great recent success at BN, BCT, and DIV NCO/Soldier of the
Month Boards. At the top of the heap is CPL Allen. He was recently named the DIV NCO of the Quarter.
He won NCO of the Month/Quarter honors at BN and BCT levels, and then competed in a Division-wide
NCO skills and leadership competition. His designation as 2 nd QTR 10th MTN DIV NCO of the Quarter
allows him to compete for Division/Post NCO of the Year. Should he win that competition, he will be des-
ignated for the All-Army Best Warrior Competition! Additionally, our own CPL Moody was designated BN
NCO of the Month in January, SPC Austin was BN Soldier of the Month for January, and CPL Gannon
ALPHA won BN Soldier of Month in November. 1SG Simonetti holds ―mock boards‖ to prepare our Gators for
FRG Leader these events. The company conducts monthly ―To The Top‖ competitions to inculcate a competitive spirit
and keep our Warrior Skills sharp. On February 3rd, the platoons engaged in a head-to-head ―To the Top‖
Selina Pritchard
foot march competition, combined with weapons proficiency skills testing. 3 rd Platoon barely edged 2nd
Platoon for top honors, as their Soldiers got to the MK-19 and M2 .50-cal first. All Soldiers got to enjoy
the 7-mile ruck march and test their weapons proficiency, though!
We could not be more proud of the accomplishments and company unity displayed these past few
months! Our training cycle was ramped up in the past quarter, and we rose to the occasion. Gators oper-
ate at a higher level. Our thanks go out to the families and loved ones of our Gator Soldiers. We enjoyed
getting to know you at the FRG events and Holiday Dinner (what a night!). Your support for your Soldier
does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. You are why we do what we do!
As iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another. Every Gator
and his family are critical to the success of A Company and 1-87 IN. We
have full confidence in the ability and potential of all Gators. Gator Done!!!!
SUMMIT NEWS

6. Blacksheep
PAGE 6
To our Black Sheep Families:
The company continues to grow and become a more
cohesive unit everyday. We have transitioned from
squad level training into platoon level operations.
Over the next 60 days we will continue to focus on
PLT level missions and transition to Company training
in the months of April and May.
Our Soldiers did very well during the PLT live fire exercises in January. We trained in very rough
conditions as we experienced snow, rain, and ice. All the soldiers performed superbly. In fact,
they did so well that the BN Commander, LTC Morgan, stated that our PLTs had the best day and
night fire iterations he had seen in the Battalion. This is a reflection not only of the Soldiers giving
100% in training, but also of all the support they receive from their families. I want to say thank
SUMMIT
you for allowing our men to do what they do in order to protect our country.
NEWS
I am grateful for the continued support that our FRG experiences. We have new key callers and a
new treasurer now. Turnout at our last meeting was very good, as we had over 25 families come
to the COF to learn about the different weapons systems our Soldiers use in their profession. We
will continue to make FRG meetings not only informative but also fun for the families.
The Company conducted a Platoon Competition on 10FEB12 to see which was the toughest pla-
toon in the company. The event was composed of a 5 mile ruck march and a 2 mile run. Overall,
all platoons did well, but the winner was 2nd platoon. We will host the first of many squad compe-
titions on 02MAR12 here at the B CO COF. This will include both physical and mental challenges
BRAVO and will identify the Company‘s ―Top‖ squad. The competition will begin at 0720 and will end
FRG Leaders around 1000. All families are welcomed to come and cheer the men on.
CPT Castellanos
In closing, I want to thank all our volunteers from the FRG. Sherri Lutz stepped up to be the new
And FRG leader back in November and I know we are getting the FRG back on track. To all the wives
Sherri Lutz and kids, thank you all for your help and support. If you would like to volunteer in whatever capac-
ity, please let us know. We can always use additional help. Please let us know if you would like
more company t-shirts or of any new designs fro female and children shirts.
BLACK SHEEP
―FURTHER, FASTER, HARDER‖
Respectfully,
Juan Castellanos
CPT, IN
Commanding
SUMMIT NEWS

7. PAGE 7
Cobra
Hello Cobras!
Cobra Company has come a long way while working to meet the
demands of being the Global Readiness Force these past few months. We
have conducted situational training exercises and live fire exercises from
the fire team level up to the platoon level, and we have had an opportunity
to do more specialized training focused on our assignment as Mountain
Infantry.
Charlie Company conducted Basic Military Mountaineering Training
from 22 to 24 February in order to provide our Soldiers the ability to sur-
vive, maneuver, and overcome unique challenges that exist in a mountain-
ous area of operations. Soldiers were trained on rope hauling systems and
SUMMIT fixed rope systems, which are used to transport men, weapons, and equip-
NEWS ment up and down rugged slopes. Our Soldiers were also trained in the
most efficient methods of moving in mountainous terrain, and how to travel
in snow shoes – something that most of our Soldiers had never done.
The essence of the training that we conducted dates back to 1-87
Infantry‘s origin on 15 November, 1941. Our unit was originally made up of
veteran skiers, mountaineers and woodsmen who underwent extensive
winter military operations and mountaineering training. That training was
conducted at the Mount Rainier National Park near Fort Lewis, WA, then at
Camp Hale, Colorado in 1943. Summit Soldiers have been selected to
lead the way in rugged, mountainous terrain from the Northern Apennines
CHARLIE
in World War II to the Hindu Kush Mountains during Operation Anaconda,
FRG Leaders
due to their focus on mountain warfare. Charlie Company has made an
Amber Orr important step towards the mountaineering proficiency of its predecessors,
but there is much more work to be done.
After training was complete, Cobra Soldiers and Families were in-
vited to Dry Hill for a family tubing event. Despite the weather, it was a
great turnout and Amber and I hope that everyone had fun – we received
great feedback and hope to coordinate a similar event in the future.
Cobras Never Quit!
Cobra 6
Cobra’s Never Quit
SUMMIT NEWS

8. Dagger
PAGE 8
Hello, friends and families of Dagger Company. As always, I hope you and
you family are doing well and enjoying all that Northern New York has to offer.
Over the last few months the Soldiers of Delta Company have displayed out-
standing dedication and determination in
support of their Global Readiness Force
Mission. Training has been focused, in-
tense, and realistic.
In January, Dagger Soldiers were the first
on Fort Drum to utilize a virtual trainer spe-
SUMMIT cifically designed to develop their ability to
NEWS close with and destroy enemy armor
weapon systems. After honing their skills in a virtual environment, Dagger
Company Soldiers were put to the test in
February while conducting a platoon live fire
exercise. All platoons performed admirably
as they showcased their ability to maneuver
over rough terrain, employ heavy machine
guns, and use mortar systems .
DELTA
Most recently, Dagger Soldiers returned to
FRG Leader
Rebecca Spring
the basics ensuring the mastery of their indi-
vidual assigned weapons, to include the M4 carbine and M320 grenade
launcher. In addition, Soldiers received training on the AT4 rocker launcher
and basic demolitions.
I thank you all for your continued support as we work to perfect our craft. The
efforts of the family readiness group has not gone unnoticed as we strive to
develop not only resilient Soldiers but resilient families as well. The true
strength of a Soldier doesn‘t come from
rigorous physical fitness or advanced
marksmanship. True strength begins
with support from friends and family and
for that I thank you.
Sincerely,
Dagger 6
SUMMIT NEWS

9. PAGE 9
Forge
Foxtrot Company Conducts Resiliency Training
2LT Christopher Clifford
Foxtrot Company, Distribution Platoon Leader
The life of a Soldier is not an easy one. Our army has been decisively engaged in multiple thea-
ters throughout the world for over ten straight years our nation‘s economy has fallen on dark times, and
many Soldiers find it difficult to cope with the constant stresses that our men and women in uniform face
every day. In an effort to combat stress and promote the development of balanced, healthy, and self-
confident Soldiers, 1LT Melson and SSG Knupp of Foxtrot Company, 1-87 Infantry Battalion coordinated
and held what is to become the model for resiliency training for the entire battalion.
The Forge Resiliency Campus, as it was called, took place in the 1-87 Infantry motor pool on the
23rd and 24th of February 2012. The concept of the training was to integrate Fort Drum programs, family
members, and leaders into a scholastic training environment focusing on resiliency. The classes that
SUMMIT Soldiers took part in honed in on some of the major contributors to stress such as financial issues, fit-
NEWS ness and nutrition, family problems, and the human tendency to focus on negative events while ignoring
the good ones. Fort Drum instructors from ACS (Army Community Service) were brought in to help edu-
cate Foxtrot Company Soldiers on ways to overcome these contributors to stress through awareness,
action, and camaraderie.
Along with the classes, the Soldiers took part in practical exercises that consisted of questions
from the MRT (Master Resiliency Trainer) work book, PMCS (Preventative Maintenance Checks and
Services) on Foxtrot Company vehicles combined with lessons from ―Hunting the Good Stuff‖, and Resil-
iency PT which combined lessons learned from class with physical training to reinforce the key concepts
of resiliency. These classes were given in a relaxed setting and according to SPC Arenz, ―The informal
environment helped the instructors to engage the classes and it helped us learn a lot.‖
FOXTROT
FRG Leader The second day of the campus focused on family. Soldiers were encouraged to bring in
their families so that they, too, could benefit from the training that their soldiers were receiving. The
Heather
main training focus of day two was ―Avoid Thinking Traps‖ lessons from the MRT book. Soldiers and
Willows their families participated in group exercises that reinforced resiliency concepts in everyday activities.
Foxtrot Company also held an FRG pizza luncheon with the FRG leader and BDE MFLC in attendance.
During the lunch, representatives of the FRG briefly went over upcoming events that Foxtrot Company
Soldiers and their families could take advantage of and discussed what the BDE MFLC can do for Sol-
diers and their family members. The day concluded with a financial brief taught by an ACS financial
counselor who went over how to read an LES and gave tips for financial security. One spouse who was
in attendance commented, ―Mr. Byrne (the ACS instructor) was very informative; he broke the class
down in such a way that it couldn‘t be misunderstood. I‘m glad I came.‖ This was the general sentiment
around the motor pool on Day Two of Resiliency
Training. CPL Auterson put it best when he said, ―As
Soldiers and as a family, having training such as this
where we form relationships increases unit cohesion
by a great measure.‖
The goal of the resiliency campus was to
create a sense of balance in Foxtrot Company Sol-
diers and family members. The resilience training
that was provided empowers everyone who received
it to excel in an era of high stress, high training
tempo, and operational readiness. The Foxtrot Com-
pany Resiliency Campus succeeded in strengthening
Foxtrot Company Soldiers and giving them the tools
necessary to stay Army Strong. Soldiers of F Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regi-
ment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, sit in the motor pool
while participating in a resiliency training event. Photo by
1LT Shane Willows.
SUMMIT NEWS

10. PAGE 10
Summit Promotions
Promoted For the Month Promoted For the Month Promoted For the Month Promoted For the Month
of November 2011: of December 2011: of January 2012: of February 2012:
1LT Brown, Andrew SSG Price, Jerry 1LT Matthews, Leroy 1LT Burrell, Jeffrey
1LT Long, Lexington SSG Race, Jason SSG Beshaw, Ryan SSG Cox Dwight
1LT Makowski, Markus SSG Sopha, Randall SSG Fernandez, Aristotle SSG Douglass, Evan
1LT Melson, James SSG Valadez, Ivan SSG Vorhies, Aaron SSG Trappe, Tyler
1LT Pruess, John SGT Bedford, Michael SGT Banda, Roger SGT Cook, Adam
1LT Tickal, James SGT Black, David SGT Birtch, Mitchell SGT Edwards, Andrews
1LT Walker, Daniel SGT Bussy, William SGT Flack, Kyle SGT Foster, Trey
1LT Winglemire, Joseph SGT Drake, Matthew SGT Johnson, Bradley SGT Loris, Daniel
SUMMIT 1LT Yu, Henry SGT Gonzalez, Esteban SGT Morales, Erick SGT Lovelace, Donovan
SFC Boepple, Jesse SGT Granger, Jacob SGT Nicholson, Joseph SGT Nelson, James
NEWS SSG Boulduc, Brandon SGT Haynes, Wayne SGT Reyes, Christopher SGT Smith, Ethan
SSG Christensen, Scott SGT Kastory, Stephen SGT Smith Ivory SPC Hickerson, Michael
SSG Price, Eric SGT Meyer, Robert SGT Taylor, Andrew SPC Musumeci, Alfio
SSG Rojas, Eddie SGT Rochefort, Gregory SPC Andrademedina, Frank SPC Pierson, Thomas
SSG Risser, Joshua SPC Aquino, Aaron SPC Degiovine, Stephen SPC Price, Daniel
SSG Rosas, Dino SPC Collins, Avery SPC Gomez, Duarte SPC Sisler, Joshua
SSG Stovall, Gregory SPC Hall, John SPC Hilton, Jacob SPC Wilder, Matthew
SGT Bittner, Sean SPC Rickscohen, Maritza SPC Montanez, Joshua PFC Anthony, Mark
SGT Cripe, Jared SPC Siksei, Jeacy SPC Morgan, Tyger PFC Banghart, Ryan
SGT Kesel, John SPC Smalley, Markjoseph SPC Murray, Anthony PFC Bartolome, Neil
SGT Tolson, Robert SPC Stacy, Gerald SPC Sexton, Christopher PFC Campos, Robert
SPC Bromund, Michael PFC Maddox, Anthony SPC Sievers, David PFC Chamberlin, Dustin
SPC Bryant, Brandon PFC Moore, Joshua SPC Sullivan, Paul PFC Conetto, Jacob
SPC Foy, Dennis PV2 Christian, Michael SPC Williams, Anthony PFC Coronado, Nigel
SPC Furtado, Christopher PV2 Colon, Freddie SPC Williams, Mark PFC Daniel, Andrew
SPC Goin, Noah PV2 David, James SPC Zabel, Russell PFC Delora, Benjamin
SPC Green, Deon PV2 Escalera, David PFC Adam, Alexander PFC Gallardo, Christopher
SPC Gregorio, Bradley PV2 Garcia, Jonedward PFC Graham, Robert PFC Grieco, Nicholas
SPC Killgo, James PV2 Hays, Ryan PFC McArthur, Jayme PFC Gutierrez, Lawrence
SPC Meynell, Aaron PV2 Hernandez, Able PFC McBrayer, Devin PFC Halthon, Lorenzo
SPC Ordway, Shamus PV2 Holle, Dustin PV2 Blanche, Timothy PFC Kell, Kristoffer
SPC Renner, George PV2 Bohannon, Seanmichael PFC Kirkham, Bracken
SPC Tuttle, Christopher PV2 Isaacs, David
SPC Tuz, Jonathan PV2 Lasovich, Cody
SPC Wilkerson, James PV2 McCartney, Dakota
PFC Avina, Humberto PV2 Rice, Nathan
PFC Combs, Adams
PFC Granger, Joseph
PFC Rosser, James
PV2 Feliciano, Joseph
PV2 Fuqua, Ernest
PV2 Gonzales, Jorge
Congratulations to the following Summit Soldier
on his graduation of Ranger School
1LT Mark Buhl
SUMMIT NEWS

11. PAGE 11
Congratulations to the following on the birth of their Summit Babies
PV2 Altamirano and wife Jacqueline are the proud parents of Carlos Altamirano born on 2 Sep 2011
CPL Newsome and wife Lavangela are the proud parents of Christian Newsome born on 22 Sep 2011
PV2 Crowe and wife Jennifer are the proud parents of Josie Crowe born on 24 Oct 2011
PFC Austin and wife Ashley are the proud parents of Maddox Austin born on 7 Nov 2011
PFC Noury and wife Jordan are the proud parents of Aiden M. Noury born on 14 Nov 2011
SGT Vega and wife Krystal are the proud parents of Evelyn Vega born on 17 Dec 2011
SSG Woodard and wife Betty are the proud parents of Cody Lee Woodard born on 29 Dec 2011
SSG Narewski and wife Christina are the proud parents of Isabella Narewski born on 30 Dec 2011
SGT Canto and wife Debbie are the proud parents of Sophia Canto born on 31 Dec 2011
SPC Dunson and wife Lyndia are the proud parents of Lyanna Dunson born on 13 Jan 2012
SGT Smith and wife Melva are the proud parents of Addison Smith born on 16 Jan 2012
SSG Peace and his wife Kimberley are the proud parents of Karson Peace born 17 Jan 2012
SGT Nugent and wife Alison are the proud parents of Charleigh Nugent born on 18 Jan 2012
SUMMIT SPC Hobbs is the proud mother of Zion Hobbs born on 22 Jan 2012
NEWS SPC Morlock and wife Ryan are the proud parents of Kaleb Mason Morlock born 24 Jan 2012
SPC Robinson and wife Tamisha are the proud parents of Taylor Robinson born on 8 Feb 2012
PFC Bradshaw and wife Kristen are the proud parents of William J. Bradshaw born on 12 Feb 2012
SPC Echeverria and his wife are the proud parents of Hector Echeverria born on 12 Feb 2012
SPC Orozco and wife Rosella are the proud parents of Benjamin Clark Orozco born on 14 Feb 2012
SPC Zellman and wife Alica are the proud parents of a baby boy born on 14 Feb 2012
CPT Belohlavek and his wife Athena are the proud parents of Abel Belohlavek born 18 Feb 2012
LT Rinaldi and his wife Erika are the proud parents of Gunner Adam born 20 Feb 2012
Re enlistment
BEASLEY ANTOINE MARQUETTE KESEL JOHN MARK
BEISCH ERVIN EUGENE LAIDACKER JOSHUA PAUL
BUNCH ZACHARY JOHN LEAL YONI
CHAVEZ MICHAEL ANTHONY LOVELACE DONOVAN PATRICK HU
CHEGE JOHN MUIRURI MCLAURIN ANTHONY PAUL
COOK ADAM CHRISTOPHER MORRIS ANDREW EUGENE
CRIHFIELD DOUGLAS MICHEAL RAJKOVIC YOVANKA
CRIPE NATHANIAL XAVIER REECE JAMES CASEY TYLE
DIAZ IVAN ISAI ROBINSON THOSMAN JR
DIRGO LANDON JAMES ROCHE JEREMY EDWARD
DRAKE MATTHEW ALAN RUMLEY JERAMY DEAN
DUNNE SEAIN MICHIEL SIMMONS ELBERT TEDDY JR
ESPOSITO JOHN ANTHONY JR SMITH JEFFREY FORREST
FLORES JARAME DAVID SOLEDAD RAUL JR
FOX RYAN EDWARD STORIEZELLWEGER JUSTIN MICH
GARCIA FRANK PANCHO TELLECHEA JULIO ANTHONY
GONZALEZ ESTEBAN JESUS TOLSON ROBERT CLINTON
GRAY WILLIAM CHASE TORRES BRICE MATTHEW
GUTTIERREZ GABRIEL TORRESNEGRON JOSE LU
HANSMIRE EVAN KWASINSKI VORHIES AARON JOSEPH
HARDY JON THOMAS
HORN BRADLEY WAYNE
KEISER RUAN WAYNE
SUMMIT NEWS

12. Summit Soldier pursues American Dream
By Sgt. Blair Neelands
1st Brigade Combat Team ―I became a United States citizen the same day I graduated basic train-
ing,‖ he said. ―I was told it would take a year before I would become a
The American Dream; its definition varies from person to person. Some citizen, so when I got my citizenship that day it was awesome. When the
may want to be the next sports superstar; some may want to start a family lady sang the National Anthem it was touching.‖
and buy the house with a white picket fence; and some may want to serve
their country. Following advanced individual training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where
he graduated with honors, he and his wife arrived at Fort Drum and the
A combat medic in 1st Brigade Combat Team‘s 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry North Country in the spring of 2011. In the time he has spent in 1-87 IN,
Regiment, pursues his American Dream every day. he has juggled the demands of studying for his exams on top of the chal-
lenges of everyday training.
Nov. 11, 1981 in the small town of Nkawkaw, Ghana in West Africa, Spc.
Eric Gavour was born. During childbirth, his mother experienced complica- When it came time for him to take his first exam in December Gavour
tions that have shaped the way he lives his life. nearly postponed until the words of his battalion commander, Lt. Col.
Daniel Morgan, encouraged him to keep going until he achieved his goal.
―As if child birth itself was not stressful enough, my mother had a trans-
verse lie during delivery, which is why I took an interest in Obstetrician ―My son is a wrestler and what I tell my son is what I tell the formation and
Gynecologist,‖ he said. that is you don‘t step onto the mat to wrestle or into the ring to fight think-
ing that you‘re going to lose because if you do the guy on the other side is
As the son of an engineer and a teacher, Gavour was pushed from a going to beat you,‖ Morgan said. ―You have to go in, knowing, believing
young age by his parents to do the best he possibly can and to never stop and thinking that you are going to win. For him, his fight is to pass those
dreaming. tests and that‘s what he is doing. You can‘t walk into the ring thinking you
are going to lose because you will.‖
―I have always lived after my father‘s advice that even though I was small
in stature I could be as big as I wanted, and all I had to do was dream big Morgan had met Gavour previously, but during a recent field training exer-
and work hard to achieve my dreams,‖ he said. cise he discovered there‘s more to this small-statured medic.
Early in his education, Gavour‘s teachers saw his potential; he was moved ―Immediately upon talking to him he was asking me questions that were
up in grade twice. Once he arrived in high school, also known as college beyond that level of a medic,‖ Morgan said. ―I had met him before but I
in Ghana, Gavour narrowed his focus by studying sciences. After three didn‘t know his whole history, so I asked him how he knew all these ques-
years, he took an entrance exam and was accepted to School Of Medical tions to ask and he told me that he was a doctor; I was flat out shocked.
Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Sciences. Then he explained to me what was going on, so we went off to the side
and had a personal one-on-one conversation about him.‖
―My first four years I spent studying and mastering Anatomy, Physiology,
Biochemistry, etc,‖ he said. ―At the end of my four years I earned a ―The best way to describe it is I was intimately touched by his story,‖ he
Bachelors of Science in Human Biology in 2005. I then spent the next said. ―I was completely and profoundly floored of the fact that I had finally
three years studying clinical practice with emphasis on Internal Medicine, met somebody like this that you hear about on Oprah Winfrey or some-
Surgery, Pediatrics and Obstetrics Gynecology.‖ thing and lo and behold he is right here in my battalion.‖
During his fifth year at the university, he had the opportunity to travel to With help from 1-87 IN leadership, Gavour is enabled to use every spare
Germany to study for a month in a transplant unit. moment to study, including listening to seminars in his car, to prepare for
test two in March and test three in May.
―I had the opportunity to work with German doctors and medical students
in the organ and tissue transplant center,‖ Gavour said. ―That really drove Once he passes the third exam he will become certified by the ECFMG
me to working harder to achieve my dreams.‖ board; with this certification he can then apply for an internship and resi-
dency.
After seven long years, Gavour finally graduated from medical school in
May of 2008 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees ―When I was in basic training, our commander would come in and ask
which are honored not only in Ghana, but several European countries, ‗how you doing Charlie company?‘ and we would say ‗livin‘ the dream‘,‖
New Zealand and South Africa, but not in the United States. Gavour said. ―At the time they were just words, but now I really am living
the dream because I‘m here in the states, working with the best of the
―I completed medical school at the age of 26 and was even hungrier for best; I‘m now a medic in the U.S. Army; I get to rub shoulders with guys
means to better myself,‖ said the 30 year-old Ghanaian native. ―I traveled who put their lives on the line to defend this nation and fight for the free-
to visit my sister in Mission, Texas and on Oct. 29, 2008, I decided to stay dom of the world; that is living the dream for me. And on top of all of that
here in the United States and fight to live the American dream.‖ I‘m working on becoming what I studied for seven years to be: a medical
doctor in the U.S. Army.‖
He gave up everything he had, including his ability to practice medicine in
order to follow his dream. In order for foreign medical doctors to practice in
the U.S., they must receive certification by the Educational Commission
for Foreign Medical Graduates. Though, before receiving this certification,
Gavour must pass the three-step United States Medical Licensing Exami-
nation, but each part costs between 780 and 1355 dollars.
Gavour got a night job at the local Walgreens‘ pharmacy as a clerk while
he saved up money and studied for his exams. He then met an Army re-
cruiter and realized his dream of becoming a medical doctor in the U.S.
could be achieved in the Army. Soon after, he found himself facing the
toughest challenge of his life: basic combat training at Fort Sill, Okla.
―Those were the longest nine weeks of my life,‖ Gavour said. ―I learned a
lot about teamwork; before I always just depended on myself and all I
have ever had to do was go to school and pass. It was a big wake-up call
for me.‖ Lt. Col. Daniel Morgan, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team‘s 1st
Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, has supported Spc. Eric Gavour, a 1-87
Graduating basic training is a proud moment for every Soldier, but Ga- medic and doctor in his home nation of Ghana, in his journey to become a
vour‘s graduation was extra special. medical doctor in the United States. (Photo by Sgt. Blair Neelands)

13. 1-87th
Fort Drum
1-87th Infantry
Fort Drum, NY 13602
Phone: 315-774-3774 Staff Duty
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SUMMIT NEWS is an official publication of The Family Readiness Group ( FRG ) of 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment , Fort Drum,
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1-87IN/1BCT/10MTN DIV
87th Infantry Regiment Coat of Arms
87th Infantry Regiment Coat of Arms The red castle tower recalls the battle of heavily
mined areas. Its three battlements represent campaigns for the Aleutians, North Apenni-
nes, and Po River Valley. The fountain (a disc bearing wavy blue and white stripes)
stands for the crossing of the Po River that brought the 87th to the foothills of the Alps.
The catamount, or wildcat, represents the fighting spirit, cunning, and aggressiveness of
the mountain infantry, while the lance and pennant allude to the province of Bologna,
where the unit emerged after fighting its way through the Apennines. The shield bears a
snow-capped mountain to represent both the region where the organization first re-
ceived its specialized training and the normal home of mountain troops. The crossed ski
pole and ice ax are some of the tools used by mountain troops, while the horseshoe
represents the pack elements of the unit. The single red horseshoe indicates the fact
that the 87th Infantry was the first organization of its kind. The motto on the scroll reads
87th Regimental Crest "VIRES MONTESQUE VINCIMUS", Latin for "We conquer power and mountains."