The Bark

The Bark

2nd BN 27TH IN REGT WOLFHOUNDS



Volume 1, Issue 9 November 2004

It has become traditional for our

sitting presidents to annually proclaim

that the nation celebrates Veterans Day,

and in a separate proclamation,

Thanksgiving Day. In his Thanksgiving

Proclamation in 2001 President Bush

said, in part:

“Nearly half a century ago,

President Dwight Eisenhower

proclaimed Thanksgiving as a time when

Veterans Day Americans should celebrate ‘the

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night plentiful yield of our soil . . . the beauty

only because rough men stand ready to do of our land . . . the preservation of those

violence on their behalf." -George Orwell

ideals of liberty and justice that form the

The month of November gives us basis of our national life, and the hope

both Veterans Day and Thanksgiving of international peace.’ Now, in the

Day. In the minds of many, these two painful aftermath of the September 11

days have no connection with each attacks and in the midst of our resolute

other. Those who think that are, of war on terrorism, President

course, wrong. We, as a people, have s

Eisenhower' hopeful words point us to

reason to give thanks for our bounty our collective obligation to defend the

only because of the men and women (Veterans continued on page 5)

we honor on Veterans Day. And, when

we speak of our bounty we are talking

about more, - much more - than our

food and comforts. In his State-of-the

Union address in 1941, President

Roosevelt spoke of the Four Freedoms:

which he argued were fundamental

freedoms all humans ought to enjoy:

Freedom of Speech; Freedom of

Religion; Freedom from Want; and,

Freedom from Fear. These are what we

give thanks for. These are what our

veterans did - and do - provide. These

and more, are what we, tomorrow’s

veterans, are providing to our country,

and to the people of Afghanistan.





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LTC Piatt and the Orgun-e FOB Devil Dogs

Commander's Forum gather around the Marine Corps' birthday

By: LTC Piatt, NF6 cake.



Devil Dogs Celebrate Birthday

November is a time to give By: SSgt Terrance M. McGowan, USMC

thanks. This month I wanted to share

with you a letter I wrote for our families On November 10, 2004, the

and loved ones back home. This small detachment of eleven FOB Orgun-

Thanksgiving I will give thanks for the E Marines from MWSS-473 and

mothers who have children serving in HMLA-773 celebrated the 229th birthday

the military. of the United States Marine Corps. The

observance was informal, but was filled

Dear Family and Friends of the with traditions that make the Marine

Wolfhounds: Corps birthday celebration truly unique.

On October 27th, 2004 Corporal To help commemorate the event, in

Billy Gomez died of wounds he suffered attendance were LTC Piatt, SGM

from combat action in a small town near Marrero, other soldiers from the 2-27

the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Billy Wolfhounds, 3/5 soldiers, as well as

Gomez was a very special person, a representatives from the FOB' others

dedicated soldier and loving son. He conventional forces (OCF) and

made everything and everyone around employees of Kellog, Brown and Root

him better. (KBR).

Billy was wounded on October The ceremony started with a

st

21 when a remote controlled brief history of Tun Tavern in

improvised explosive device struck his Philadelphia, PA. It was here, on

vehicle. Three others were injured when November 10 1775, that the Marine

their vehicle hit the mine, SFC Martin Corps was born. On that day, the

Delarosa, PFC Ryan Sergeant and one Continental Congress meeting at the

local national interpreter. Their mission tavern commissioned Samuel Nicholas

was to deliver medical care to a remote to “raise two Battalions of Marines” as

village that has no doctors or clinics. the American colonies prepared for

Because of their actions the people in independence from the English.

this area are no longer intimidated by the Next, attention was drawn to a

enemy. Billy helped bring hope to these circular table set with a white table cloth,

people and the enemy’s only course of a red rose in a vase tied with a red

action was to try and destroy that (NF6 ribbon, a plate with a slice of lemon and

continued on page 3) (Birthday continued on page 7)





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(NF6 continued from page 2)

hope. In a desperate attempt to refute

the progress Billy, Martin and Ryan

brought to this small town, the enemy

struck in this cowardly way. In spite of

the enemy’s actions their service and

sacrifice continues to make a difference

in this once extremely hostile area. We

will not let the enemy win. Billy

believed in what he was doing and we

SGM Marrero, along with local police,

distributes Humanitarian Aid.

will continue to bring stability to this

Thank You America remote area; Billy would have wanted it

this way.

Thank You, America Billy was evacuated to Germany

By: SGM Marrero, 2-27 INF as he clung to life. His mother, sister

and two brothers traveled to Germany to

The last couple of months I have be with him during his last days. The

been truly touched by the patriotism, trip his mother made is every mother’s

support, and admiration of the American worst nightmare. As I prayed for Billy I

people. I have personally received over could not help but cry for his mother.

one hundred care packages and letters Every soldier is prepared to face the

from all over the country. These sacrifices that our country asks of us but

packages and letters are from you, we often forget the human toll on those

Americans trying to do their part in the we leave behind. Recently Mrs. Joan

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Neal, the mother of CPL Wesley R.

These items include used clothes, toys, Wells, wrote me and shared these words:

cookies, candy, toiletries, books, music “Each and every one of you

CDs, DVDs, cans goods, razors, and deserves to be honored for all you

school supplies. Most of the care sacrifice for our freedom here.

packages have come from people or Unfortunately for human nature it takes

organizations like www.anysoldier.us, such a tragedy to open the eyes of all to

Family Readiness Groups, Boy Scouts, see what it takes to make our country

Girl Scouts, United Service what it is, America the beautiful, land of

Organizations (U.S.O), family, and the free and home of the brave.”

friends. In most instances letters of I was very moved by these

encouragement and praise have really words. I realize now that mothers, not

touched us. Every letter or care package soldiers, pay the price for our freedom.

has been evenly distributed throughout

the Paktika Province to the Task Force "NO FEAR!"

Soldiers or the local nationals. Believe NF6

me when I say it is like Christmas when

we receive your mail or when we

conduct patrols to hand out (Thanks

continued on page 6)









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Flanders Fields

By: SPC Sturgeon, HHC



In the spring of 1915, possibly We are the dead. Short days ago

what is the most famous war poem of We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

our time was written. LTC, then MAJ, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

John McCrae, M.D., of the Canadian In Flanders Fields

Army wrote “In Flanders Fields.” In this

work he details the devastation he Take up your quarrel with the foe:

witnessed in the battle for Ypres Salient To you from failing hands we throw

in the western part of Belgium. The torch; be yours to hold high.

Almost 90 years later this poem If ye break faith with us who die

still inspires generations, serves as a We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

rallying cry for the fallen and has served In Flanders Fields

as the inspiration for the VFW’s poppy

sales, the proceeds of which go to “America’s Answer”

support disabled Veterans. By R.W. Lillard

I remember hearing this poem at

every Remembrance Day (What the Rest ye in peace, ye Flanders dead

Canadians call Veterans Day) assembly I The flight ye so bravely led

attended in school as a child but never We’ve taken up. And we will keep

fully grasping the significance of the True faith with you who lie asleep

emotions it evoked. With each a cross to mark his bed.

It wasn’t until this deployment

with its highs and lows that I truly In Flanders Fields

learned to appreciate the power of “In Fear not that ye have died for naught

Flanders Fields”. With a new sense of The torch ye threw to us we caught

duty I will proudly wear a poppy every Ten million hands will hold it high.

11th of November. And Freedom’s light shall never die!

What follows is the poem “In We’ve learned the lesson that ye taught

Flanders Fields” and a poem written as a In Flanders Fields

response to Flanders referred to as

“America’s Answer” written by R.W.

Lillard.



“In Flanders Fields”

HELP WANTED

By LTC John McCrae Anyone that wants to submit an

article for The Bark, please have it

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow turned in to SPC Hennigan or SPC

Between the crosses, row on row Robeck no later than the 12th of the

That mark our place; and in the sky month.

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.









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(Veterans continued from page 1) Behind the Scenes of Bravo

enduring principles of freedom that form By: SPC Kelly, B Company HQ

the foundation of our Republic.”

In 1789, President Washington, It’s 1930 Zulu and the Bravo

recollecting the countless blessings for Company conference room looks like

which our new Nation should give the scene of the Dallas Cowboys war

thanks, declared the first National Day room on draft day. Charts, maps and

of Thanksgiving. …President Abraham paper are strung all over the table as the

Lincoln revived what is now an annual leaders prep for the next days mission.

tradition of issuing a presidential Having only arrived four hours

proclamation of Thanksgiving. President ago and the patrol set for 0300 Zulu the

Lincoln asked God to "heal the wounds following day the mood is strained.

of the nation and to restore it as soon as Personnel are running frantic making

may be consistent with the Divine sure last minute pre-combat inspections

purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, (PCI) are completed and the convoy will

harmony, tranquility, and Union." be ready to roll.

In his proclamation for Veterans As it has happened countless

Day 2004 President Bush said, again in times, Bravo Company exceeded

part: expectations and are lined up fifteen

“Americans live in freedom minutes prior, in full spirit and ready to

because of our veterans' courage, accomplish the mission.

dedication to duty, and love of country. This has been the scene on many

On Veterans Day, we honor these brave days since our commander, Captain

men and women who have served in our Sego, led the first platoon into Orgun-E

Armed Forces and defended our Nation. last March. That platoon wasn’t on the

Across America, there are more than 25 ground a week before they made a push

million veterans. Their ranks include into Sharona and established the

generations of citizens who have risked s

company' second home.

their lives while serving in military Bravo Company has continued a

conflicts, including World War II, steadfast pace throughout the eight

Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and months in theatre. Having only been

the War on Terror. They have fought for together as a company twice since

the security of our country and the peace arriving, it is a testament to the leaders

of the world. They have defended our abilities to keep their soldiers motivated,

founding ideals, protected the innocent, focused and constantly ready for the next

and liberated the oppressed from mission.

tyranny and terror. They have known the Having a place to stage with all

hardships and the fears and the tragic the comforts of home has allowed for the

losses of war. Our veterans know that in platoons to focus on delivering

the harshest hours of conflict they serve Humanitarian Aid and conducting

just and honorable purposes.” combat patrols. No longer is the concern

As the Wolfhounds continue our about sleeping conditions, hot chow and

mission we not only bring the Four staying warm.

Freedoms to Afghanistan, we also Having secured the entire

preserve them in our Homeland. A free province of Paktika during the country' s

(Veterans continued on page 8) first (Bravo continued on page 6)





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(Thanks continued from page 3)

Humanitarian Aid with your

contributions. The faces of the Soldiers

and local nationals are a sight to see,

thanks to you! Everything that you have

sent has made a difference on our base

camps or local villages.

What I have learned through this

experience is that the news media has it

wrong, it is not all negative. Americans

The 2-27 Scouts on patrol in Marzak, with

really do care and support their military snow capped mountains as the backdrop.

members serving all over the world in

harm’s way. Americans want to do their (Bravo continued from page 5)

part in this war and help any way democratic elections in early October,

possible. I consider myself your tool to Bravo Company is now focused on

share your love and support throughout continuing to build a rapport and take

our area of operations. And for this I am care of the citizens who have come to

truly blessed and honored to serve our trust us.

nation. Nearly every convoy that leaves

Again, thank you for caring and Orgun-E is followed in tow by a jingle

all of your support to our nation’s cause. truck filled with Humanitarian Aid for

Without you or the support, we cannot the various towns. Bravo Company has

win this Global War on Terrorism. passed out nearly 500 blankets (with

hundreds of more to come), clothing for

Sincerely, the women, children and men of the

region. SPC Buskirk of second platoon

SGM Anthony Marrero, Operations has had delivered to him personally a

Sergeant Major, a proud American and dozen boxes of shoes for the

Wolfhound! communities. It is this dedication to

what we are here doing that exemplifies

the attitude of all Bravo Company.

Behind all that the platoons in the

company have accomplished and will

continue to accomplish throughout the

All previous full color editions of deployment, the planning is what takes

The Bark can be found on place behind the scenes here in Orgun-E.

www.kolchak.org Before a patrol can take place the

Click on the 2nd Battalion page. logistics have to be set and the

preparation for the mission organized.

This is to include the numerous hours

spent at the motor pool making sure

(Bravo continued on page 7)









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(Bravo continued from page 6)

vehicles are mission capable, patrols are

organized at battalion level, and

weapons systems are up.

SGT Bartlett is like a puppet

master who pulls the right strings every

time and makes things happen. As the

platoon sergeant and training room

NCOIC his job is never done. He is in

charge of making sure the platoons have

ammo, get their mail, have a constant

supply of fresh batteries, food and water. The Marines on OE celebrated the 229th

birthday of their beloved corps with a

One of his most important jobs and the colorful cake!

one that everyone has appreciated the

most is planning and sending the soldiers

home for leave. (Marines continued from page 2)

Entering the latter stages of pinch of salt, a bible, an inverted glass,

November, Bravo Company has lead the and finally an empty chair. Each item

battalion in sending soldiers home on carries its’ own solemn POW/MIA

leave. This dedication to the soldiers symbolism. The round table with white

welfare, led by 1SG Gentry and Captain cloth shows the everlasting concern for

Sego, has made Bravo Company a our men still missing and the purity of

success in the first eight months and is their motives while answering the call of

why we will be a success in the last four duty. The red rose and vase with a red

months. ribbon symbolize the life of each of the

As we push on into the holiday missing, our determination to account

season we begin to realize it' the time

s for them and their families and loved

we miss being home the most. The ones who still await answers. The slice

temperature here is dropping and we of lemon and pinch of salt reminds us of

sometimes feel we just don’t know how the bitter fate of those captured and the

we are going to continue. However, we tears endured by the missing and their

will continue looking to our leaders to families. The bible represents the

guide and continue to motivate us so we strength gained through faith. The

can accomplish the mission we came inverted glass symbolizes their inability

here to do. to share in the nights’ toast. Finally, the

As Bravo Company has done chair – it is empty – they are not here.

and, will continue to do, we will The memorial proceeded with a

complete all the missions we are tasked reading of then Marine Commandant

with. There will be a convoy lined up John A. Lejeune’s 1921 birthday

outside fifteen minutes prior to departure message to the Corps. This original

ready to embark on yet another birthday message is read every year at

adventure. each observance of the Marine Corps

birthday. The next tribute is read from

General Michael W. Hagee, present

Comments or Suggestions? E-mail Commandant of the Marine Corps.

them to robeckb@kolchak.org The birthday celebration was

(Marines continued on page 8)





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(Marines continued from page 7) as fast as they can to the city. What does

concluded with a cake cutting ceremony. the wise man say to the brothers?

In this unique tradition the first two

pieces of cake are presented to the oldest #3. Honest Joe says: "What I don' t

Marine and youngest Marine present. know about milk is scarcely worth

This is symbolic of the passing on of mentioning," but he was flabbergasted

Marine Corps knowledge and traditions one day when each of two ladies asked

from the old to the new. him for two quarts of milk. One lady had

Final inspirational words were a five-quart pail and the other had a four-

offered by LTC Piatt, who then quart pail. Joe had only two ten-gallon

presented the oldest and youngest cans, each full of milk. How did he

Marine with a Wolfhound unit coin. The measure out exactly two quarts of milk

Marines followed suit by presenting for each lady?

their own unit coins, plus cigars, to LTC

-BR

Piatt and SGM Marrero. Everybody

present then shared in some cake. The

celebration was a resounding success

and a good time was had by all!



Exercise for the brain...

Try your luck at figuring out

these riddles. The first person with all

three answers wins a free meal at the

Hard "Rocket" Café!



#1. Below, 10 nine letter words have

been broken into chunks of three letters.

These chunks have been mixed up, no

chunk is used twice and all chunks are

used. Can you determine what the 10 (Veterans continued from page 5)

words are? Afghanistan, a democratic Afghanistan

rbr tim sag tel lig ent will not be a place from which comes a

hea dli ble whi htn fer sinister, sub-human evil to do harm in

car age esc ing ind wat America. Our countrymen honored our

til hai ush dif eta new brothers on Veterans Day and we give

rlw all erf ope ent ght them a world to be thankful for on

Thanksgiving Day.

#2. A man tells his two sons to race Our families will indeed sleep

their camels to a distant city to see who peaceably because we do stand more

will inherit his fortune. The one whose than ready to do violence on their behalf.

camel is slower will win. The brothers, More than ready…

after wandering aimlessly for days, ask a

wise man for advice. After hearing the -HM

advice they jump on the camels and race









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one of the most competent medics in the

platoon.

“If I had a platoon of medics like

him I’d have no worries," said 1LT

Curtis.

CPL Gomez entered the United

States Army on 11 August 1997. He

was assigned to Schofield Barracks in

July of 2001. In March 2004 he was

deployed to Afghanistan in support of

Operation Enduring Freedom as part of

the 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

During his combat tour in

Afghanistan, CPL Gomez earned the

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,

the Global War on Terrorism

Expeditionary Medal, the Combat

Medical Badge, and the Purple Heart.

The Loss of a Friend Previous awards include the Army

Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service

Wolfhounds of the 2nd Battalion,

th Ribbon, the Army Good Conduct Medal,

27 Infantry Regiment remember a

the National Defense Service Medal, and

fallen comrade at a memorial service

the Expert Field Medical Badge.

held at Orgun-e FOB on 30 October.

PFC Jerry Little said his co-

CPL William Gomez, 25, of

worker was a true friend and type of guy

Perris, California died on 27 October at

you could always count on.

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in

“He was a great person. If you

Germany of wounds sustained from an

needed something he was there,” PFC

IED attack.

Little said. “He was liked and respected

CPL Gomez, a Combat Medic

by everyone who knew him.”

assigned to HHC 2-27IN, was critically

SPC Visala Tui spoke at the

wounded when an improvised explosive

memorial service paying tribute to his

device destroyed his Humvee while on

best friend.

patrol in Paktika Province, Afghanistan

“I’m thankful to have had him as

on 20 October.

a friend in my life the last three years,”

Two other 2-27 soldiers seriously

he said. “I can look back at all the

wounded in the same attack are

memories of the good times we had.”

recovering.

“I will never forget him. He will

CPT Daniel Beard, Headquarters

always be in my heart now and forever.”

Company Commander, described CPL

SPC Tui shared how he would

Gomez as a quality soldier and dedicated

tell his children about CPL Gomez.

medic.

“He’s the person who helped

“There was nothing CPL Gomez

their daddy…the hero who fought for

would not and could not do for the good

their freedom,” he said. “They will hear

of the mission,” CPT Beard said.

(CPL Gomez continued on page 10)

Medical Platoon Leader, 1LT

William Curtis, said CPL Gomez was





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(CPL Gomez continued from page 9)

stories of how great he was, how tough

he was, and how he inspired others to

fight on.”

"Because of CPL Gomez,

America is America today. I will always

miss you, Billy, my friend.”

All soldiers of the 25th Infantry

Division will miss his presence and

friendship both on and off the battlefield.

His dedication to his duty,

professionalism and faith is a model for

all to follow. His love for country, The Task Force 2-27 Medical Platoon gathers

family and friends is an inspiration to us s

around CPL Gomez' field cross after a touching

memorial ceremony.

all.

CPL Gomez was the youngest of

triplets. He is survived by his two

brothers, Army SGT Mark Gomez who

is currently deployed to Afghanistan Congratulations!

with the 2-35IN, 25th ID(L), and Army The following personnel have

SGT Joey Gomez who is assigned to taken the necessary step in their

Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He is also survived continuing service to the US Army and

by his sister Debbie Gomez, and his their nation during the Global War on

mother Maria Rivas. Terrorism. By reenlisting some of these

Soldiers are entitled to a tax free bonus,

-MH EArmyU College Program, and their

choice of duty station. Most recently

these soldiers have been offered the

opportunity to serve in Hawaii as part of

Bark Staff the new Unit of Action or Stryker

Brigade. www.stayarmy.com -SGM M

SPC Hennigan - MH

1ST QTR FY 05 Reenlistments

SSG Stanley Hogan HHC

SPC Robeck - BR SSG Jay Webb HHC

SSG Don Quiambao HHC

SSG Jeffery Owens HHC

SSG Hugh Jones HHC

SPC Kenneth Labutis HHC

SSG Kenneth Parent A Co

SGT James Chandler A Co

SPC Jason Latham A Co

SSG Donald Workman B Co

SGT Derek Wood B Co

SPC Daniel Olcott C Co

SPC Daniel Wren C Co

SPC Christopher Harlan C Co





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