KANDAHAR, Afghanistan- An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper was killed in western Afghanistan February 5, while his unit was conducting a patrol in the Badghis province.
Sgt. Dillon Foxx, a forward observer with 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, died when an improvised explosive device detonated while his unit was patrolling the Murghab district.
“He will be missed by everyone that knew him,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Fitzgerald, Foxx’s squad leader. “He was always the first person I would come to for help to get things done. He made my job easy knowing that I could count on him to get the job done. I know that he made a difference in my life and I will try to live my life to the fullest for him.”
Foxx, a 22-year-old native of Traverse City, Mich., enlisted in the Army in May 2006 at the age of 18. He attended One Station Unit Training at Ft. Sill, Okla., as well as Basic Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Ga. Upon completion of his training, Foxx reported to duty at Ft. Bragg, N.C., where he was assigned to the 1-508th PIR.
In January 2007, Foxx deployed with the unit for a 15-month deployment to Afghanistan, returning in April 2008. Foxx was promoted to sergeant in January 2009, and deployed to Afghanistan in August 2009, were he was currently serving his second deployment.
“Sgt. Foxx was the type of paratrooper that makes commanding a company easy,” said Capt. Aaron White, Foxx’s company commander. “He was a self-starter and always got the job done. I am blessed to have served with heroes like Sgt. Foxx. He will be missed by the entire company, and we pray for his son, Levi, and his family.”
Foxx’s awards and decorations include an Army Commendation with Valor Device, the Army Commendation with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.
He is survived by his son, Levi, his mother, Trina Pfua, and his father, Robert Lentz.
A memorial will be held in his honor in Afghanistan.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan- Two 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers were killed in southern Afghanistan February 2, 2010, while their unit was conducting a mounted patrol.

Capt. Daniel Whitten, a 28-year-old native of Iowa, and Pfc. Zachary Lovejoy, a 20-year-old native of Albuquerque, N.M., died when the vehicle they were driving in struck an improvised explosive device in the Zabul province. Both Paratroopers were assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.
“Capt. Whitten and Pfc. Lovejoy were beloved members of the task force,” said Lt. Col. David I. Oclander, commander of the 1-508th PIR. “They lived their lives to the fullest extent possible in everything they did. Their lives inspired us, and their memories will drive us to honor them.”

Whitten was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry in May 2004, and subsequently attended Infantry Officers Basic Course, Basic Airborne School, and Ranger school at Fort Benning, Ga. Upon completion of his training, Whitten reported to Fort Bragg, N.C.in March 2005, and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. While with the 3-504th PIR, he served a four-month deployment to Iraq.
Upon returning from Iraq, the 3-504th PIR was re-designated as the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and in January 2007, Whitten deployed with the unit for a 15-month deployment to Afghanistan. In August 2009, Whitten became the commander of Company C, 1-508th PIR and deployed for his third time.

Lovejoy enlisted in the Army as an infantryman in August 2008, attending One Station Unit Training and Basic Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. Upon completion of his training, he reported to Ft. Bragg, N.C. and was assigned to 1-508th PIR where he served as an assistant machine gunner. He deployed in August 2009 with the unit for a year-long deployment to Afghanistan.

“Dan and Zachary will be missed by all of C Co.,” said 1st Lt. Scott Haran, a platoon leader in Company C. “We will all dedicate ourselves fully to their memory and to their legacy. To Starr and Mr. and Mrs. Lovejoy, you are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Whitten’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Senior Parachutist’s Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

Lovejoy’s awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist’s Badge.

Whitten is survived by his wife, Starr Whitten, and his parents, Dan and Jill Whitten.
Lovejoy is survived by his parents, Mike and Terry Lovejoy, and his sister, Ashley Lovejoy.
A memorial in their honor will be held in Afghanistan.

As we place 2009 behind us and move into 2010 I want to take a minute to reflect on a year that has been full of opportunity to meet and interact with your Paratroopers and families. We are quickly approaching the halfway point of our deployment and I know that the FRG will continue to be responsive to the changing needs of those of you back at home for this second half.

The FURY brigade continues to shift and change to meet the needs of RC South and, more importantly, our Afghan counterparts. In the last month we have built up a new operations center called Combined Team Zubul in Zabul Province where the brigade continues to focus on protecting the road ways and developing relationships with the people of the province. We have gained more assets including a Provincial Reconstruction Team and a combined US and Romanian Force to conduct this critical mission. Our new team members and 1F are doing an outstanding job in this area and making tremendous strides.

The rest of the units’ missions have not changed as dramatically as in Zabul. Each unit continues to partner closely with their Afghan counterparts to secure Afghanistan. All FURY elements are adapting to the many changes that occurred in December and early January. 2F and 97th MP Battalion have truly been integrated into TF Kandahar, commanded by the Canadians. Arghandab River Valley and Kandahar continue to be challenging areas, but there are daily reports of insurgents being captured and drugs and weapons being seized. The true good news story is that many of these operations are being planned and executed by the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) themselves.

The Afghan National Army is but one of the ANSF elements we partner with. The Afghan government has a Department of Defense equivalent called the Ministry of Defense. The MOD answers directly to President Hamid Karzai. At the National Command level they have a similar structure and mission to our own Army. From there they are broken down into Corps which are roughly equal to a Division level command. The two Corps we work with are 207th Afghan Corps in Herat for Regional Command West and the 205th Corps headquarters in Kandahar for Regional Command South. Each corps commands brigades which are comprised of Kandaks (Battalions) made up of companies and platoons. One of the notable Afghan Commanders we partner with is Major General Jumaluddin, who commands the Second Brigade of the 205th Corps. His brigade operates throughout Zabul. His unit is one of our closest partners and we have witnessed steady growth and improvement with each passing month.

4-73 and Pro also are doing a tremendous job building relationships in Herat and Farah in the West. They have been working closely with the Afghan government and our Italian and Spanish partners to improve relations with the population. There have been an increasing number of reports of Taliban fighters turning themselves in to the ANP and ANA.
Task Force Professional in the Bala Mugrahab area of Badghis province has developed a close working relationship with LTC Bruno the commander of the Italian Battle Group operating in the same area. Together they have forged a relationship of trust and confidence with the elders and Afghan leaders in their area. TF Pro and the Italians have weekly security meetings with the Afghan leaders and discuss projects needed for development. Several projects are under way to improve the quality of life for the people who live there including, mosque rebuilding and several cash for work programs that keep Afghan males employed and away from the insurgency.

As always, all of these efforts could not be successful without the key enablers of the BSB, BSTB and HHC who are now spread across half of Afghanistan to support all of our combat arms elements.

It is hard to believe we have been here for six months now. I can see the strength and determination on the faces of our Paratroopers as CSM Flowers and I travel around checking on them and hearing their stories. We are very proud of the stamina your loved ones are displaying. Despite all of the change, they continue to be as motivated as they day they arrived.

At this halfway point, our R and R plan is in full swing. A third of our Paratroopers have already made it home or out to a well-deserved vacation spot. As the remaining elements of our brigade return for this break, I want to wish you all a wonderful reunion. This time should give you the energy to push through for the second half of deployment. It is all downhill from here, but I recognize this can be a difficult time. Focus on that light at the end of the tunnel and continue to turn to your support structures to get through this second half.
Our unit is an agile and highly adaptable organization. Each day we grow as a team. The strength of our Paratroopers never ceases to amaze me. Thank you all for the indefatigable support that you offer to your Paratroopers. I am equally proud of you.
Airborne! All the Way! Fury from the Sky!

Jan. 12, 2010
Task Force Kandahar Public Affairs Office

Afghan, Coalition Forces foil Taliban IED efforts in Arghandab
by Sgt. Stephen Decatur

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan- Afghan and coalition forces conducted a major clearing operation Jan. 10 in the Arghandab river valley near Kandahar, Afghanistan. The objective of Operation Fazilat was to attack the Taliban’s improvised explosive device capabilities and establish a permanent coalition presence in a section of the valley. The mission followed up on the success of Operation Oaqab, which recently cleared other parts of the Arghandab near the village of Charbagh.
About a battalion-sized force including companies of 3rd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 205th Corps of the Afghan National Army, elements of the Afghan National Police, U.S. Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and Canadian mentor teams from the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry cleared an area that included the villages of Jelaran and Rajan Qala.
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition troops discovered hundreds of pounds of ordnance, including improvised explosive devices, anti-personnel mines and homemade explosives. Soldiers also found a “night letter” the Taliban had delivered to terrorize the locals.
First Sgt. Amonullah of 2nd Company, 3rd Kandak led a group of Soldiers from his unit during the operation. Amonullah said that his Soldiers’ performance is building confidence in the ANA.
“It’s impressive for my Soldiers to find an IED,” Amonulluh said. “Not just for themselves, but for everyone else who sees, including the locals.”
Aside from reducing the threat of IEDs, the operation also aimed to put coalition forces in the “hold phase” of counter insurgency operations in the Arghandab district. Afghan and coalition troops took advantage of the winter season to attack the network of prepositioned IEDs and stores of explosives while the majority of fighters were gone and could not over watch their IEDs or defend their caches.
The commanders on both sides of the alliance hope that attacking the enemy in areas where they previously felt secure and diminishing their stockpiles will throw them off balance when the fighting season begins again.
“ In summertime the enemy will try as much as possible to attack us,” said 1st Lt. Mohammed Qasem Khan, executive officer of 2nd Co., 3rd. Kandak. “We know what they will do and we will be prepared with a plan against them. We’re always changing our plans and our tactics to keep ahead of them … everyone knows that day by day the enemy is getting weaker.”
Situated on the outskirts of Kandahar, the Arghandab river valley is one of Afghanistan’s most fertile agricultural areas and accounts for half of the pomegranates grown in the country. Because of its location, abundant food, thick foliage cover and dense cultivation the valley served as an ideal location for mujahedeen trying to gain influence in Kandahar city during their war with the Soviet Union from 1979 to 1989, said Capt. Claude Lambert, commander of Company D, 2-508 PIR.
Arghandab was also the scene of intense combat during the summer of 2009 when elements of a U.S. Stryker infantry unit, 1st Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment and 3rd Kandak arrived in the area. The 3rd Kandak has played a pivotal role in improving security in the area since their arrival last year.
When 2nd company showed up in the district, there were so few ANP in their area that the police couldn’t resist the Taliban, Amonullah said. Now 2nd Co. has patrols in every village, although they are sometimes frustrated by the Taliban bullying the people, Amonallah said.
“The people are scared of the enemy,” Amonulluh said. “They are very happy to see us, but afterwards the enemy comes back and asks who spoke with us and try to intimidate them.”
Coalition forces never had enough troops to maintain a constant presence and hold the valley. Lambert should know. In a spot where the Strykers used to set up temporary observation points, Lambert’s company is building a permanent combat outpost that was a corner of an empty park a week ago. The arrival of a full battalion of Airborne infantry to replaced the overstretched Strykers has changed the situation in the area.
“Literally in Arghandab there has been no tactical infrastructure until now,” Lambert said. “We’re sending a message to the people that we’re here to stay and we’re here to to build a better life for them and their children. We’re also building confidence in the ANSF that coalition forces will be there to support them so that they can provide law and order.”
The Paratroopers are bringing their expertise in dismounted operations and their experience mentoring ANSF to Arghandab. D Co. switched mid-tour from acting as combat advisors for ANP along Highway 1 to partnering with ANP to bring security to Arghandab.
“[The Taliban] essentially had freedom of maneuver in terms of the limited area where vehicles can go,” Lambert said. “But that’s what suits us great as light infantry, Airborne Paratroopers … I might have one squad out the Taliban might be watching, but he doesn’t know if I have two or three others, or where they are.”
Ultimately, success in the Arghandab will depend upon coalition forces, ANSF and the local people cooperating to a common enemy, Amonullah said. Afghan and coalition Soldiers will have to gain the trust of the people.
“I saw several incidents where locals people lost a father, a mother or a brother to an IED,” Amonullah said. “They must solve our problem, so we that can solve their problem.”

January 8, 2010
Task Force Kandahar

U.S. senators visit focal point of new strategy in Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan- A delegation of U.S. Senators including former presidential candidate Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Homeland Security Committee chairman Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, visited the Operational Coordination Center- District in the Arghandab river valley Jan. 7 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. Also accompanying the group were International Security Assistance Force commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, and Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.

Lt. Col. Frank Jenio, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and others including Col. Baluch, commander of 3rd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 205th Corps, Afghan National Army briefed the group about the situation in the Arghandab and the purpose of the OCCD.

“If we’re working together and planting roots in the population [the Taliban] are absolutely going to lose,” Jenio said.

The OCCD is a combined headquarters in the Arghandab where coalition and Afghan forces live and work together in order to synchronize counterinsurgency efforts and increase the level of cooperation between agencies. The facility was built during the past month as part of an effort by coalition and Afghan forces to establish a permanent presence in Arghandab, which had previously been thinly guarded, and create stability in the districts surrounding Kandahar city. McChrystal’s new strategy for Afghanistan hinges around the security of large population centers like Kandahar.

The OCCD won’t just serve as a headquarters for combat outposts throughout Arghandab where Afghan and coalition forces are working together to gain the trust of the people and clear out insurgents. ANA, Afghan National Police, U.S. Army, Canadian Army, Department of State and Department of Agriculture, the district government will also be located there to ensure better coordination and cooperation between agencies.

Both Jenio and Baluch emphasized to the senators the importance of Afghan and coalition troops being physically in each other’s presence and working together to accomplish their mission. Baluch said that because of their different strengths, Afghan Soldiers should lead the way in operations and coalition troops should follow behind to assist when necessary.

“Whenever there’s a fight we go together,” Baluch said. “Being Afghans, we are familiar with the terrain and the people. It’s best for Afghans to lead operations and coalition forces to support with their technology and air power.”

After their briefing, the delegation met with Arghandab district leader Hajji Abdul Jabar. Jabar explained to McCain and company that Arghandab is the gate to Kandahar, and many great kings and leaders of nations from Alexander the Great to current Afghan president Hamid Karzai have passed through that gate.

“You may know that I ran for president and lost,” McCain said. “I wish I had gone through that gate.”

Lieberman, a former vice-presidential candidate was also intrigued.

“We thought we were supposed to start in New Hampshire,” Lieberman said.

McCain told Jabar during the meeting that Americans are most proud of their young men and women serving in the armed forces, and that those troops cannot succeed without the help of Afghans. When Lieberman asked Jabar why he chose to serve in the Afghan government when it would be easier and safer to stay at home, Jaber told him that it was because of the young people he sees coming from foreign nations to fight for Afghanistan’s future.

“When I see young men and women of coalition forces from all over the world coming to serve and protect our nation, we as Afghans should feel ashamed and embarrassed, with a turban on our head, to just go sit in our homes and do nothing.” Jabar said. “We should be the first to [serve] for the protection of our nation and our country.”

-30-

By Capt. Vincent Gothard
4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 82nd Airborne Division

HERAT, Afghanistan – Instead of a red sleigh pulled by reindeer, Christmas came to a remote group of Soldiers in Herat province in uparmored vehicles.
Leaders from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division paid a special visit to Paratroopers of 2nd Platoon, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment on Christmas day to bring them a hot Christmas meal and care packages.
The Paratroopers are forward deployed to Contingency Operating Base Redhorse in the Pashton Zargon district of Herat province. The base is so small that Paratroopers have no hot water, no trash pickup, no phones and only one hot meal a day – when weather permits.
When their hot Christmas meal arrived though, most of the Soldiers were gone. Due to a report by a local village elder, the majority of the platoon was conducting an investigation into a suspicious object sighting. After convoying nearly 250 miles, 4th BCT, 82nd ABN Div. Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Flowers was determined to share some Christmas cheer with the Soldiers and waited until the entire team returned to serve them dinner.
“This is a very special day,” said Flowers. “Not just for Americans, but also for our Coalition force. It’s an honor to be around these young heroes that do their duty with no questions asked.”
“We appreciate very much everyone coming all the way out here, making time for us, seeing the troops.” said Sgt. William Fox, a Paratrooper in 2nd Platoon.
For many of the Soldiers at COB Redhorse, this was their first Christmas away from home and family.
“It’s tough on us, but we’re doing alright. It’s different, being here for Christmas, but we have everything we need,” said Private 1st Class Kennan Cooper, who was spending his first Christmas away from home and his new fiancé. “It’s real nice to see the chain of command come this far to support us.”
Spc. Edward Smith is also spending his first Christmas away from home.
“I like it out here, it’s still new to me but I like it. We keep morale high between each other by playing games,” he said. “I am happy to see some new faces out here and the support from chain of command. I want to say Merry Christmas back home. Be good, be safe.”

-30

82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper Killed in Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan- An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper was killed in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan Dec. 18, 2009 while his unit was conducting a dismounted patrol.
Spc. Jason Johnston, a 25-year-old native of Albion, New York, assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, was killed in action when his dismounted patrol detonated an improvised explosive device in the Arghandab river valley in southern Afghanistan.
Johnston joined the Army as an infantryman August 10, 2006 and attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Ga.. He went on to complete the Basic Airborne School also at Fort Benning, Ga., and was then assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg, N.C., in February 2007. He served with the unit during its 15-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from January 2007 to April 2008.
“Johnston was the type of guy that did the job with little complaint, comment or fanfare- but always did the job well,” said Capt. Adam Armstrong, Johnston’s company commander. “He was liked by the men and always ready to go for any mission that came down. You could tell he was the type of Trooper that you could count on.”
Johnston’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutists Badge.
He is survived by his parents Bradley and Jeanine Johnston.
A memorial in his honor will be held in Afghanistan.

-30-

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan- An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper was killed in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan Dec. 18, 2009 while his unit was conducting a combat logistics patrol.
Sgt. Albert Ware, a 27-year-old native of Chicago, Ill., was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. He was killed in action when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive in the Arghandab river valley in southern Afghanistan.
Ware joined the Army as a motor transport operator July 6, 2006 and attended basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He completed the Basic Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. and was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion at Fort Bragg, N.C., in November 2006. He served with the unit during its 15-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from January 2007 to April 2008.
“Sgt. Ware was loved and respected by all personnel in his platoon,” said Sgt. First Class Kalep Rivers, Ware’s platoon sergeant. “He will be truly missed.”
Ward’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge.
He is survived by his wife Pleshette Farmer-Ware, his son T’John B. Ware, his daughter Heaven Ferguson, his daughter Musu Cawtain, his father Thomas Ware and his mother Massa Cooper.
A memorial in his honor will be held in Afghanistan.

Fury family and friends,

Midway through the holiday season, I want to take a moment to wish you all the very best. I know it is difficult being separated from your loved ones, but rest assured, we are proudly serving and trying to take at least a few moments to appreciate all that we have accomplished and the many things we are thankful for.

CSM Flowers and I traveled to as many of our Forward Operating Bases or Combat Outposts as possible during Thanksgiving weekend and were able to spend time with the great men and women of our brigade combat team. I am happy to report that morale remains high and enthusiasm for our mission here in Afghanistan is strong.

Task Force FURY continues to prove its agility as our mission evolves to best support the people and government of Afghanistan. We are still spread throughout southern and western regions of the country, but some of our units will relocate to best help build capacity for the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Task Force One Fury will primarily focus in Zabul Province (with Bravo and Delta Companies working outside) and Task Force Two Fury will consolidate North of Kandahar City in Kandahar Province. 2/508 will be working in the lower portion of the Arghandab River Valley. The valley is rich and covered with orchards and canals that provide jobs and food for the inhabitants. Arghandab’s proximity to Kandahar City means it’s vital to the successful security of Kandahar City. The 97th MP Battalion will continue its mission in Kandahar City working with the Afghan Police, and our Special Troops Battalion Headquarters Company, and Military Police Platoon will join them to sustain the partnership with the Afghan National Police in the city and outside environs. 2Fury and 97 MPs will work under the tactical control of Task Force Kandahar (TFK) which is led by a fantastic Canadian Command Team. TFK has been responsible for Kandahar and Kandahar City for several years and have fostered a great relationship with the people of Kandahar increasing the advancement in security, governance, and economic development. This alignment makes for a great Canadian – American relationship, but we predict come February 2010 and the Winter Olympics (especially in Hockey) we will be rooting for our native countries to come out on top!

Since my last letter, the Fury BCT has taken on more responsibilities with respect to Zabul Province, and we have gained a new member of our team which is the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team. They are a team of great professionals, led by an Air Force LTC, US Department of State and USAID experts who are essential for developing socio-economic and governance improvements in Zabul.

TF Professional (which includes Bravo 1Fury and Alpha 3Fury) and Task Force 3 Fury will continue their outstanding work in Herat and Farah with the assistance of brigade staff members based out of Herat. They make a difference everyday partnering with the Afghans of these two great cities in the west that have seen much less attention from coalition forces in the past. Their efforts have already led to great relationships being forged between the local people, the local governments, the ANSF, and the coalition. We have also gained a new member of the team to assist with this relationship building with the addition of the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). The PRT is a special military unit comprised of military and civilians who assist Afghanistan with developing governance and economic opportunity.
The mighty Spartans of 782nd Brigade Support Battalion continue to support the entire brigade throughout all of our areas of responsibility providing excellent logistical support. The support required to train and mentor is as complex as the ANSF themselves. We have little groups of Spartans embedded with each of the battalion task forces, and we are growing capacity out in the west at Shindand Airfield. It is vitally important to spread the battalion out and operate in this manner, so we can ensure we continue to support all of our forward elements throughout the nine different provinces we have Fury troopers living and working.

The Special Troops Battalion is also very spread out, as we have taken capabilities within the battalion, and emplaced them across our operating environment to achieve a greater effect. In addition we have moved elements of the battalion operations center to Uruzgan, to nest with the Dutch brigade and provide command and control for Delta Company, 1Fury who remains in that area to advise and train the Afghan Police.

The ANSF are made up of a variety of security forces including Afghan National Army (ANA) and the Afghan National Police (ANP). Within the ANP, there are Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP), Afghan Border Police (ABP) and the Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP). The ANA is able to move throughout the country to defeat the insurgents, while the police focus more on specific districts or regions. The AUP are similar to our police forces maintaining order within the cities and towns. As their name suggests, the ABP have the primary mission of policing the borders ensuring that routes are both safe to travel and free from smuggling operations. Finally, the ANCOP provides flexibility to the ANP. When the ANP attend training, the ANCOP are used to help in specific districts while the police are receiving the needed training to serve as the protectors of their districts. Each arm of the ANSF serves a vital role in protecting the people of Afghanistan and your FURY Paratroopers are standing shoulder to shoulder with them every day. As many of you know, we have built senior mentor teams out of the BCT around senior leaders (to include LTCs, SGMs, master Sergeants etc) to focus on advising the Regional Level Police, Border Police, 207th ANA Corps Commander/Staff and the Southern ANCOP BDE. These teams are essential in building capacity in the senior ANSF leaders/staffs.

Afghans who join the ANSF are true heroes who take incredible risks volunteering to serve at all levels. The work is difficult and often hazardous and there are other challenges to ANSF. Low literacy rates, equipment shortages, and inexperience makes developing capability a challenging task. New initiatives launched by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan address these challenges. Among some of these initiatives are pay reform and a literacy program. Within the last month, pay levels have increased to around $240 a month. These great warriors recognize the opportunity for progression and choose this life because they want to improve Afghanistan for their families and fellow citizens. Afghans are a proud people who have hope for their future despite the many challenges that they face. As I travel around and talk to your Paratroopers, I hear countless stories that depict this pride and hope. They proudly recount all of the successes they have seen.

As always I am in awe of your unwavering commitment to our Paratroopers out here in the field. The outpouring of support and displays of gratitude I see with each letter and package that comes to our Paratroopers signifies the commitment each of you have made to support this most noble of endeavors. Our prayers also go out to the Families and friends of our fallen heroes in the Fury BCT. Success has come with sacrifice, and we will always remember those who have fallen in this very important task that we have been given, hope in Afghanistan.

For this holiday season your support provides an immeasurable positive effect on our mission and I thank you for your commitment and contribution. We could never achieve what we are without your love, sacrifices and support. Please be safe this holiday season and the entire Fury team wishes all of you a happy holiday season.
Happy Holidays!

COL Brian M. Drinkwine Fury 6

Washington, D.C. - - The Army is introducing a new way for Families and
friends to communicate with their loved ones who are deployed in support
of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Beginning 1 December 2009 the Army
will launch "HooahMail" as a pilot program for fast, easy, secure,
letter-style correspondence to OEF deployed Soldiers. Based on a
proven system used by the Marine Corps since 2003, HooahMail brings
another method to keep in touch with military members in Afghanistan.
From Stateside, HooahMail offers a computer based process which will
generate a printed, sealed, letter-style document for direct delivery to
forward operating bases throughout the OEF area of operations. This
one-way system will allow secure download capabilities at selected OEF
remote sites. These letters will then be printed on special equipment
which will print, fold, seal and address the envelope for free delivery
to OEF Soldiers. HooahMail will be distributed just like regular mail
through unit mail-rooms. At sites which don't get daily postal mail
service, HooahMail will offer a free, convenient way to communicate.
This method could reduce delivery time in some cases from 14+ days to
remote locations to same/next day service, with an average 4 days to all
other locations in Afghanistan. HooahMail will augment traditional
postal letter mail service. Funded by Department of the Army, and
supported by the current postal command structure, HooahMail offers a
new and exciting way to strengthen communications to our OEF Soldiers.
For more information about HooahMail visit their website at
www.hooahmail.us.