Training pays off for Wisconsin Guard Soldier in Afghanistan

By Sgt. 1st Class Luis Saavedra

10th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Spc. Chase E. Crull of Hollandale, Wis., a generator mechanic assigned to the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1157th Transportation Company, was recognized as a hero in the 548th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade for actions taken during a recent convoy escort mission support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The 548th CSSB provides supplies to 1st Army Division and coalition partner units in the Regional Command East and Capital.

Crull was the lead vehicle driver when his MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. He sustained minor injuries but was more concerned about the well being of his fellow Soldiers. He comforted his crew, assisted the medic with other Soldiers and helped provide security.

"I was able to remember a lot of my training," Crull said. "Everybody acted accordingly."

The 1157th received mobilization training at Camp Shelby, Miss., and additional training in Afghanistan.

Crull vividly remembered the medic providing first aid with the assistance of some Soldiers, other Soldiers providing security and his lieutenant executing strong leadership. He assisted with security until the quick reaction force arrived, at which point he was ordered to seek medical attention. However, he did not want to leave and instead continued the mission, displaying his heroism.

"I wanted to be there to help anybody else," he said. "Never leave a fallen comrade."

Crull gained valuable experience from the incident but credits the military for providing the tools to succeed in a critical situation.

"Remember your training and trust your leadership," Crull said.

Staff Sgt. Dominic Renteria, a convoy commander assigned with the 1157th, described Crull as someone who goes above and beyond to ensure Soldiers are taken care of. He said Crull knows what needs to be done, takes his duty seriously, conducts proper preventive maintenance checks and services, and displays good judgment on the road.

"Spc. Crull exemplifies all the qualities of a Soldier who is ready to be an NCO someday," Renteria said.

Crull volunteered to deploy with the unit and is a student at the University Of Wisconsin - Platteville.

"Soldiers hold him in high regard," Renteria said. "We are happy to have him on the team."

Six Soldiers return home from joint UAV operations in Afghanistan

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue

Wisconsin National Guard

Wisconsin National Guard leaders, family and friends welcomed home six Red Arrow Soldiers Wednesday (June 6) at the Dane County Regional Airport from their deployment to Afghanistan where they operated the RQ-7 Shadow 200 unmanned aerial vehicle.

The Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (TAUS) Soldiers returned from demobilization training at Camp Shelby, Miss., where they concluded their approximate year-long mobilization in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Congratulations and welcome home," said Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

The six Soldiers, members of Company B, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, worked as a joint team in Afghanistan - providing a bird's eye view to their brothers in arms.

"It was a big change, supporting the Marines," said Sgt. Robert Haack, who was welcomed home by his parents, four sisters and extended family, "but as far as the aviation side of the house, it was all pretty much the same and we knew what to expect."

Lt. Col. David Sands, who became the battalion's new commander while the Soldiers were deployed, was kept up to date on their progress and is glad to have them home.

"We're very proud of the job you did over there," Sands said, noting that all of Company B will benefit from their deployment.

"I believe it actually expands the experience of the entire unit," he said. "That experience they gained will be shared with the rest of the Soldiers in our unit."

Annemarie, mother of Sgt. Zachary Michalak, said communication with her son was pretty good while he was deployed. The entire family would drop what they were doing whenever he'd call, she said, adding that she appreciated hearing from her son's unit as well.

"I do have to say that [Staff Sgt. Lucas] Gordon always called and said the guys were doing a good job - I liked that feedback," Annemarie said. "I'm very proud of all these boys, especially Robert, that they answered the call. I appreciate men and women who step to answer the call."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, spoke to the Soldiers.

"I just want to welcome you home ... tremendous job, I couldn't be prouder of what you've just done," Dunbar said.

As each of the Wisconsin Guard leaders stated at the airport, the Soldiers' next job is to take some time to reintegrate back into their lives. The leaders took the opportunity to stress the benefits and importance of the three-phase reintegration program the Soldiers will go through over the next 12 months.

"It's a great way to understand the resources and benefits available to you ... that you've earned," Anderson said. "The important thing here is you take this time, decompress and spend some time with your family.

Dunbar stressed that deploying in support of a contingency operation is no small, inconsequential feat.

"It's a big deal to put your uniform on, it's a big deal to serve your country, and it's a big deal to go overseas and serve in a combat zone ... so thank you," Dunbar said.

Wisconsin National Guard unit ready for Afghanistan

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The Oshkosh-based 1157th Transportation Company of the Wisconsin Army National Guard has completed its mobilization training at Camp Shelby, Miss., and is eager to hit the road - even if that road is somewhere in Afghanistan, where the unit arrived early this morning (April 17).

"They're more than ready," 1st Sgt. Tom Krueck said last week at Camp Shelby. "They're excited - they want to get out of here and do what they're supposed to be doing."

Initially tasked with transportation and base security missions in Kuwait, the unit was reassigned to conduct convoy security missions in Afghanistan. The change in mission also meant a change in vehicles and tactics from what the unit typically trains for.

"They've really embraced it," Krueck said. "They've taken the necessary steps to learn what they need to learn. They took it and ran."

As an example, the 1157th qualified all of its truck crews the first time around on a gunnery range where crew members had to engage targets with weapons affixed to Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The company averaged 877 out of 1,000 points, with one platoon averaging 915 - any score above 900 is considered distinguished.

"I think the best part of training was the gunnery," said Sgt. Megan Winke, a truck team leader who will be going on her first deployment. "Everybody got a chance. Not a lot of sleep involved, but everybody kept their heads up. My truck scored a 922."

Sgt. Jessica Paul, a driver, said the fact that the unit's mission was uncertain for a time did not affect the unit's morale.

"I'm ready for whatever we have to do," Paul said. "I think our unit has done a great job training and preparing us."

Sgt. Heather Servais said that, in addition to the 1157th's pre-mobilization training, Camp Shelby also prepared them for their deployment.

"We definitely got a broad variety of training," she said. "I'm really confident. I've got a great platoon. I think we're really ready."

"I know that we're ready," said Capt. Christian Menden, 1157th commander. "The unit is young - we have a lot of Soldiers that don't have actual combat experience, but they make up in actual education and willingness to learn and flexibility, and that's what really drives our unit and makes us strong. Everyone is willing to learn and do what is necessary to deploy."

Krueck agreed.

"They didn't go in thinking, 'Oh, we know this, we do this all the time,'" Krueck said. "They thought about what they could take from these guys that have been to Afghanistan and how they can apply it. I've been nothing but impressed. For a younger unit - only 30 of us maybe have deployed before, pretty much all the senior leadership - it never ceases to amaze me how they operate."

Even so, Menden acknowledged that the mission would be difficult.

"We know the optempo is going to be high," Menden said. "It's a big job, and we're just a small slice. We're part of the bigger picture."

"They're focused on the mission and readying themselves," Krueck added. "They're ready. They're just waiting to fly."

After their sendoff ceremony Feb. 4, the 1157th trained for several weeks at Camp Shelby. The 1157th was reassigned to deploy to Afghanistan as a result of reallocation of forces by the Department of Defense.