8/25/2014

Issue #2
Always
Flying

Sustaining the Fight



September 2014
1100
th
THEATER AVIATION SUSTAINMENT MAINTENANCE GROUP TASK FORCE 16
IN THIS ISSUE

Commanders Update 1
CSMs Comments 2
Chaplains Corner 3
Company Commander 4
1SG Comments 4
Train As We Fight 5
Safety Officer 6
SARC 7
Transfer of Authority 8
Promotions and Awards 9
Soldier Spotlight: SPC King 10
Morale Welfare and Recreation 11

As I write this weve
been on the ground
here in Kuwait for
about two weeks now.
We had a great
Transfer of Authority
(TOA) ceremony last
week, and said
farewell to the 1107
th

TASMG as they made
Commanders Update
COL Brian Connelly
their way back home to Missouri. Just yesterday CSM Cruz
and I flew to Camp Buehring, in northern Kuwait, to
participate in the TOA for the 34
th
Combat Aviation Brigade.
This is significant, as the 1100
th
TASMG is already working
closely with the 34
th
Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) to
supply world-class maintenance expertise to keep their
fleet in the air and several more of our Soldiers will be
sent to Udairi Army Airfield (located at Camp Buehring) in
the coming weeks to bolster that mission. To the east in
Afghanistan, weve got a detachment of Soldiers doing
great work supporting the final Combat Aviation Brigade
deployments in that region. Theyre also living up to the
name Task Force Retriever by working the all-important aviation retrograde mission of getting all
those aircraft parts separated, sorted, and returned back to the supply system to keep Army aircraft
flying throughout the world. And here at Camp Arifjan in addition to the usual aviation maintenance
and retrograde missions were assisting the 1
st
Theater Sustainment Command in the areas of
operations, intelligence, training, and much more. 1100
th
TASMG Soldiers are helping plan aerial
resupply missions, update security clearances, and even coordinating the Commanding Generals
schedule definitely not things we trained for at Ft. Dix! At this rate we may have to change our motto
from Semper Volans (Always Flying) to Semper Enim (Always Busy) but thats the way we like it.
Always Flying!
Retriever 6

CSM Lambeth and
COL Dippold of the
1107
th
case their
colors, effectively
transferring
authority to the
1100
th
TASMG.
Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight
extremely proud of each and every Soldier. Your patience, your focus and
your abilities make each and every one of you a true patriot and leader. We have some challenges
coming our way but more importantly, we have unique opportunities as we move forward.

To our supportive families: You should be very proud of your Soldier! They are working very hard. We
are gainfully employed in each position, enthusiastically learning the specifics of our jobs. We are
getting acclimated to Kuwaits weather and the workload is getting steadier. Soldiers are comfortable
in their housing and they are well-fed. During their free time Soldiers can participate in a number of
MWR activities, such as Bingo night, karaoke, or even catch a movie at the MWR movie theater. Two
different colleges offer educational opportunities for our Soldiers, and they can stay in shape by
attending a wide variety of fitness classes like Zumba, yoga or crossfit. Soldiers have plenty to occupy
their time here.

I will ask you to stay in contact with your loved ones and send them care packages to show your
support. Again, I am extremely proud to serve with such an outstanding organization committed to
professionalism and completing our mission.

CSM Nilsa M. Cruz
Always Flying!
2
Command Sergeant Major
CSM Nilsa Cruz

Soldiers, Families and Friends,

Greetings from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Finally, after a month and a half of
training, we are in country. The past couple of weeks were busy for the unit;
we completed a Relief in Place (RIP) and Transfer of Authority (TOA) with the
1107
th
TASMG.

I want to thank the 1107
th
command team, staff and Soldiers for making this
transition so smooth. Thank you for your service and contributions. Safe
travels and enjoy your well-deserved time with your families.

We have assumed the mission and are moving full speed ahead. I am
Below: SFC Harris working in the S4 Shop.
Bottom Left: SGT Monzon enjoying the AC in the S4 shop.
Bottom Right: CW3 Stahecki stops by for a visit.
Above: Soldiers practice evaluating a casualty at the Collective
Task Operations Lane (CTOL) training event.
Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight
that can be seen very clearly in the written contributions of Judaism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam,
Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and many of the worlds religious groups. Even many ethical traditions,
fables, and mythological tales contain this age old principle. DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE
THEM DO UNTO YOU, or said another way, TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED.
Chaplains Corner
CH (MAJ) Lonny Wortham
In the Disney movie Aladdin the character Jafar is the Royal Vizier of
Agrabah and is the main antagonist in this 1992 animated feature film.
Jafar is characterized as an amoral psychopath who would not hesitate to
destroy anyone he perceives as a threat to his own sinister designs.
During one of the scenes Jafar announces his belief in the Golden Rule:
Whoever has the gold makes the rules.

While this is not the real Golden Rule it does reflect the attitude that
some people possess, an attitude of control and dominance. This month
I would like to take a moment to remind our readers about the value of
understanding The Golden Rule. This phrase has a long and rich history

When I think about people struggling with relational pain or family
issues I notice The Golden Rule is often being ignored or even
overlooked. When we are impatient or impolite with another
person, in that moment we choose to treat someone else in a way
that we would not want to be treated ourselves. It is easy to justify
saying something in a harsh manner if we are upset, but I know that
the recipient of the harshness feels disrespected, unloved and hurt
when they are called names, cursed at or yelled at. The challenge I
extend to each of you is simple. Lets develop three simple tasks that
can shape the way we treat others (coworkers, family members,
neighbors, grocery baggers, cashiers and strangers).
Jafar got the message all wrong.
1. Think before you speakthe person who says
everything that comes to mind is an insensitive bully.
When you hear the phrases, I am just being honest
or I am just telling the truth this is often a smoke
screen to abuse and mistreat the people around
them. So replace quick verbal reactions with well
thought out statements.

2. Ask before you assumemany times we make
assumptions and think the worst about others
instead of thinking the best. This key is critical to
implementing The Golden Rule in your life. When
we make too many faulty assumptions about others,
motives, choices and behaviors we will often assume
something negative about the other person. So when
you see something you dont understand, ask. When
you hear something that you dont like, ask. When
you experience something that hurts you or makes
you angry, seek healing in place of retaliation.

3. Give what you want to getonly strategic thinking
will allow you to succeed with this final task. I
remember a time that I felt frustrated with a
coworker and it took everything to restrain myself
from giving them a piece of my mind. I had to
decide within seconds whether or not it was more
important to express my frustrations or build and
nurture a healthy relationship. I gave that coworker
exactly what I wanted in return: patience,
understanding, honesty and friendship.

Are you wearing your spiritual JSLIST?
If you treat others the way you would like to be treated you will find that over time your relationships
can only get better and stronger.

3
Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight

all of you for your love and support

Before I go I would like to thank our Family Readiness Group: Mrs. Hash, Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Robert
Strahl for the great care package from a Taste of Home. The Soldiers loved everything that you sent and
we thank you.
God Bless All of You,
TOP
First Sergeant
1SG David White
We are now in the next phase of our deployment. Your 1100
th
TASMG
is up and running here at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. All of our training has
paid off and prepared us for the next nine months. We had a very
successful RIP/TOA with the 1107
th
TASMG. The 1107
th
ensured that
we knew the lay of the land before their departure. Now we are
directly supporting the war fighters with depot aviation maintenance
and logistical support all over theater.

Your Soldiers continue to make me proud with their motivation and
professionalism. We are looking forward to all of the challenges that
lie ahead during this deployment. I want all of the family, friends and
loved ones to know that your Soldier is doing a great job. I again thank
Company Commander
CPT Marshall Stevens

August was a month of transition for the 1100
th
TASMG as we happily left
the mobilization site at Joint Base Dix-McGuire-Lakehurst for Camp Arifjan,
Kuwait and Bagram, Afghanistan. We fell in on the 1107
th
TASMG from
Missouri and quickly integrated into our area of operation. Honestly, I
underestimated many of our Soldiers. Working on little sleep, a seven hour
jet lag, and 120 degree heat, Soldiers still hit the ground running. The four
day relief in place (RIP) was extremely aggressive and left no time to
acclimate to the environment. Now, over a week after the transfer of
authority (TOA) it is clear that nothing was missed.
Operations are expanding each day. The broad array of skills we possess has made us a sought after
resource. Our footprint has expanded to working in theater level operations and logistics cells, aviation
maintenance support at Camp Buehring, and retrograde operations throughout the theater.

Soldiers, take pride in what you are doing. This is a volatile area of the world and our footprint here is
extremely important to maintaining stabilization. Families, stay involved. The unit Facebook page is
excellent and has received great reviews. If you havent liked our page, please do so:
www.facebook.com/1100TASMG. I am recommending a family readiness group event (FRG) in the near
future, perhaps a lunch.

CPT Marshall J. Stevens
Semper Volans!
SPC Stevenson is hard at work in the S6 shop.
SPC Jenkins delivers the mail.
4
Send your Soldier a care package:
[Soldiers Name and Rank]
1100
th
TASMG TF 16
APO, AE 09366
Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight
5
Train As We Fight - Collective Task Operations Lane
Soldiers of the 1100
th

TASMG underwent their
final training exercise at COL
Victory at JB-MDL in July.
Soldiers had to rely on all
their previous training to
get through the exercises,
which included evaluating
and evacuating mass
casualties, towing and
hitching a disabled
HMMWV, and counter-IED
procedures. Soldiers also
became proficient in various
less than lethal weapons
systems and room clearing
procedures.

The training was quite
extensive and, at times,
exhausting, but the
experience gave the 1100
th

TASMG the tools they need
to operate on the
battlefield.
Left: SPC Stevenson conducts a radio check in preparation for a convoy.

Right: SPC Adams smiles before the convoy mission.

Below: SPC Brown and SSG Matthews practice room clearing procedures.
Above: SFC Angle
inspects the FN
303, a less than
lethal weapon
system.

Right: Soldiers
receive instruction
on towing a
disabled
HMMWV.
Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight
6
PCB Safety Inspection: Buyer Beware
CW5 Sam Thomas, Safety Officer

On 15 August, a Fire Captain, along with CPT Stevens, CSM Cruz,
1SG White and several other Soldiers conducted a safety
inspection of our permanent concrete buildings (PCBs). The
purpose of the inspection was to ensure that all precautions are
taken to keep our Soldiers safe from electrical and fire hazards,
among other things.

Look around your housing or working areas for any electrical
appliance originating from this part of the world. Then look closer
for the stylized CE mark near the manufacturers marking and
there it is! Great! According to ASG Kuwait, approved electrical appliances must have either a
CE or UL marking. So this appliance is totally safe - right? Not so fast there, safety officers! As I
found out, the true meaning of CE and its assurance of safety may be iffy.

Soldiers using this type
of power strip should
exchange theirs for one
that is approved by the
Fire Department.
Fire Captain, Andrew Smith, announced his displeasure with the majority
of the power strips he saw during our safety inspection and recommended
their replacement. He has seen these units overheat and their switches
fail, posing a serious fire hazard. As before, it seems that undesirable
(cheaply made or knock-off) power strips have again made their way into
our PX here at Camp Arifjan. These strips are lightly made with light gauge
wiring and switch housings that break easily. CPT Smith feels they are
inappropriate for our use. And yes, oddly, there is a CE stamped on them.
Hazily defined, CE is thought to mean,
Conformite Europeenne, or, European
Conformity. Unlike its American cousin,
UL (Underwriters Laboratory), the
European regulation governing the CE mark
(1) provides no clear explanation qualifying
its use. Generally, CE may indicate a safe
and reliable product; but according to
ANEC, the European consumer voice for
standardization: BUYER BEWARE! (2)
Post-inspection revealed a furnishing management officer (FMO)
on a mission, SFC Zang immediately sprang into action. At Free
Issue he acquired a box of Fire Department approved power
strips. The plan: a one-for-one exchange with the PCB residents.
By the following Tuesday he and other FMOs had scored 20 bad
strips, cutting off their power cords with extreme prejudice.
Further dissection proved the reported light gauge wiring and
easily broken switches. Disaster averted!

But we need to remain on guard. More faulty power strips are still
lurking under the beds in the PCBs and under the desks at the
Heliport. Well continue our eradication and replacement program.

Please dont compromise your safety or that of others, request a one-for-one replacement from
your FMO today.
CW5 Sam Thomas
Samuel.e.thomas4.mil@mail.mil

Avoid the Worst, Safety First


The Safety Council meets once a week to
discuss important safety issues around
the workplace and living quarters.
SFC Zang shows off a number of
faulty power strips.
Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight
7
As the unit Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
(SARC), it is my duty to ensure the Commanders
SHARP policy is implemented and executed.
Undoubtedly, the Commander is committed to
ensuring that 1100
th
TASMG personnel live and work
in an environment free of sexual assault, sexual
harassment and sexual offensive words, actions, and
innuendos.

Sexual assault and sexual harassment related
offenses are extremely serious in nature and have no
place in the 1100
th
TASMG or the Army. Awareness is
the key, and if everyone stands up against these acts
we can impact tremendous culture change.
Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect.

I would like to thank the family members for trusting
this Command with the safety of their loved ones. I
would also like to thank the members of the 1100
th

TASMG for being responsible and adhering to the
Commanders no tolerance policy on sexual assault
and sexual harassment. Yes, we went through some
rough training but we got through it successfully, and
we shall continue to train until this issue is
eliminated within our culture.

MSG Nerissa Bishop
No more excuses
Nerissa.e.bishop.mil@mail.mil


I AM the Force Behind the Fight
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
MSG Nerissa Bishop
Soldiers can contact MSG Bishop on Camp Arifjan
at 9720-3747. The 24/7 Hotline is also available
for Soldiers: 430-7477.
SSG Chinaris is a Victims Advocate and can also
assist with SHARP related issues.
Left: SGT St. Preux and PFC
Conley at work in the ALAM.






Bottom left: SPC Raspberry
takes a break for a moment.



Bottom right: CW3 Plummer
is working on those TPS
reports.
Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight
The 1100
th
TASMG formally assumed the
mission at Patton Army Airfield, Camp
Arifjan, Kuwait, taking over from Missouri
National Guard unit 1107
th
TASMG.

Brigadier General Daniel Mitchell, 1
st

Sustainment Command (Theater) deputy
commanding general, spoke at the Transfer
of Authority ceremony, stating one
outstanding Army unit has been replaced by
another outstanding unit.

Soldiers from the 1100
th
TASMG will have
the opportunity to perfect their craft here
at Camp Arifjan, as well as other possible
locations. Theater aviation support is an
essential mission. It directly supports the
warfighter on the ground by allowing
aviation units to keep their aircraft flying.

The 1100
th
will run operations until 2015,
when the 1108
th
TASMG from Mississippi
will take over.
8
COL Connelly and CSM Cruz uncase the group colors during the transfer of
authority ceremony (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tracy R. Myers, U.S. Army Central).
Members of the
1100
th
and 1107
th

sing the Army
Song at the close
of the transfer of
authority
ceremony.
BG Daniel Mitchell, 1
st

Sustainment Command
(Theater), deputy
commanding general,
addresses the 1100
th

and 1107
th
at the
transfer of authority
ceremony.
Transfer of Authority
Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight
Promotions and Acknowledgements
9
SFC Congers wife, Christine pins on his new rank.
Promotions
Ryan Jack First Lieutenant
Raymond Conger Sergeant First Class
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to the National Guard Association of Maryland for donating a set of
Maryland flags. The 1100
th
received a flag for each month were in country, to ensure
the Maryland colors are always vibrant.
1LT Jack was recently promoted.
Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight
Soldier Spotlight: SPC Teneka King
Interview by SSG Robles

SPC Teneka King is originally from Germany but has lived in the US for
almost 10 years. She has been a member of the 1100
th
TASMG for
approximately two years. SPC King is a 42A, Human Resource Specialist
and works in S1.

As a 42A in S1, what will be your primary duties?
I might be working with tracking NCOERs, as well as helping out with
processing awards.

Whats the best part about being a 42A?
Being able to help Soldiers get their stuff squared away. I like taking
care of Soldiers.

You were selected to be a Chaplains Assistant as an additional duty.
What can you tell us about that?
Its more than I ever thought it would encompass, but I like it because I
get a chance to speak with the Soldiers more than I do on the 42A side.
Normally you are very busy as a 42A. I get an opportunity to really get
to know Soldiers. What they tell me is confidential. If I can encourage
people to become more spiritual, I would really like that. I want them
to know they are not alone in their struggles.

This is your first deployment. How do you feel about that?
Im excited. Ive been in almost six years and this is my first
deployment. I feel like youre not a Soldier until you deploy.

What is one of your biggest concerns about the deployment?
I dont think I have any. I think its going to be a good experience.


10
Do you have any goals for this deployment?
I want to finish my Sign Language class. Im taking four different sign language classes, as well as some classes for
my bachelors degree. Im also taking an exam to become a certified nanny. I plan to pay off debt too. I hope to
come home with a six month emergency fund. Thats definitely one of my major goals.

What are you looking forward to the most on this deployment?
When youre deployed you know exactly what youre doing. There is a structured plan, versus home where
everything changes all the time.

What will you miss from home while on the deployment?
Ill miss my friends and my church.

What kind of activities do you plan on doing over in KU?
Im going to work out a lot. I have goal to earn a PT badge. I also want to get into running. Ive always wanted to
be an avid runner.

What was it like parting from your family?
At first I thought I would be fine, not a problem. Then when everything actually happened, it was more difficult. I
had to hold back my tears, and I had to tell my mom to just go. It was also hard to part from my best friend and her
children. I was a nanny before I became active duty and if the children had come, I would have been all over the
place. Those kids are like my own.

Is there anything in particular you would like to receive in a care package?
Since I just became a pescatarian, I would like to receive nuts, dried veggies and fruits.





What are your plans for after the
deployment?
I would like to find a position as a full-time live-
in nanny. I also want to go back to school full-
time, but before that I want to go back to
Germany to visit friends and family.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I want everyone to know that I am always
available to talk. I hope I am able to provide
assistance and encouragement to those in
need. We all go through our struggles. No one
has to be alone or ashamed. Im here for you.



Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation
Bingo Night!
Bingo night has become quite
popular with the 1100
th
. Bingo is
held every Tuesday night at 1900 in
the Community Center in Zone 1.
Players have 15 opportunities to win
awesome prizes like 1 TB external
hard drives, Bose head phones or
speaker systems, and blu-ray players,
just to name a few. The August 19
bingo game resulted in three 1100
th

winners: SGT King (sound dock and
speaker system), SSG Robles (bug-
out bag), and SSG Matthews
(Samsung blu-ray player).

Left: MSG Fowler gets ready for another exciting round of bingo. Right: PFC Eskridge, SGT Monzon and SSG Toliver.
Bingo is serious business. Start off with two cards and
work your way up to four. If you want to win, you have to
keep up. Faster!
SPC Wentz just needs B5 for the win.
SSG Matthews wins a Samsung blu-ray player.
11
Issue #2
Always Flying | Sustaining the Fight
12
Flag Football
The Soldiers of 1100
th
TASMG competed in a flag football tournament here at Camp Arifjan. The
tournament was a two game elimination. 1100
th
TASMG lost the first game, but won the second and
was eliminated in the third round. Never fear, the 1100
th
TASMG flag football team will be back for
the regular season beginning in October!
The Awesome 1100
th
TASMG Flag Football Team

Top row, left to right: SPC Moore, SPC Bell (team captain), SPC Stevenson, SSG Casterline, SPC Rooks, SPC Bell, SGT
York, SGT Jackson, and SPC Natt.
Middle row, left to right: SPC Raspberry, SPC Adams and SGT St. Preux.
Bottom row, left to right: SSG Harrod and SGT Wagner.
Not pictured: SPC Reed and SPC McCallister.
Team Captain, SPC Bell gives the team some
instructions for the next play.
We want your photos!
Please submit a photo to:
ASHLEY.E.MEISTER.MIL@MAIL.MIL
SHELBY.R.ROBLES.MIL@MAIL.MIL
Like us on Facebook!:
HHD 1100th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group

12
Send your Soldier a care package or letter:
[Soldiers Rank and Name]
1100
th
TASMG TF 16
APO, AE 09366
Birthdays
MAJ David Magness 7 September
SPC Mervin Allen 9 September
LTC MayB Sersland 12 September
SSG Michael Casterline 12 September
SPC Dimetrius Jenkins 17 September
SSG Maximilian Rodela 20 September
MSG Harry Newman 24 September
SFC Brian Hall 27 September
SGT King enjoys a black bean eggroll from the newly-
opened Chilis here on Camp Arifjan.