DEMON TROOP NEWS
EDITION V 3 MARCH 2001
R
edeployment is only a few weeks ahead and the soldiers of Demon Troop are working just as diligent as they were when we first arrived here in Bosnia. Though it is possible to rest somewhat as the days wind down; we absolutely refuse. Instead, our mission is to ensure the maximum levels of safety and standards are adhered to. Our target still remains far away, however, as long as we stay mission focused with a hard driving effort on safety awareness, I assure you we’ll meet our target with extreme accuracy…the target being home with our families back in the United States.The Troop accomplished every mission with excellence and the soldiers in Demon Troop have taken on a level of pride that is unmatched throughout the Task Force. Our young soldiers are performing small miracles every day. Despite the cold weather, they continue to raise the Troop’s overall mission readiness through hard work and precision techniques and procedures. To further quantify things; The Department of the Army standard for fully mission capable OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters is 75 percent fully mission capable, which means on a daily basis, six of our eight aircraft should always be ready to fly on a mission. Just last month, Demon Troop’s operational readiness rate was 94 percent! Now that’s performance. Great job guys!
Last month, Demon Troop was very proud to witness the promotion of SPC John T. Smith. During the Task Force 2-3 Command information brief, LTC Ferguson took the pleasure of pinning the rank of "Specialist" to Smith’s collar in front of the entire Task Force. SPC Smith is our youngest soldier and his performance since being assigned to Demon Troop upholds the finest keepings in Cavalry spirit and tradition. Congratulations SPC Smith.
Valentine’s day was a successful day for Demon Troop as well. Although we weren’t shooting arrows into the hearts of romance, we were shooting the next best thing…2.75 inch rockets and 50 caliber machine guns at targets set up at Glamoc Range here in Bosnia. All of the aviators in both Troops participated in a 5 day semi annual gunnery qualification. Despite the unfavorable weather for flying and shooting, each helicopter aircrew qualified successfully. Again it probably wasn’t the most favorable of Valentine’s (believe me there is absolutely nothing romantic about a bunch of smelly Cavalrymen living under the same tent!) but we at least put steel down range and on target…Hooah!
CW2 Brand and LT Milchanowski prepare to qualify at Glamoc Live Fire Range.
I know the families back home are getting anxious to be with their loved ones again. As with any successful deployment there are many positive steps that can be taken back home before your husband redeploys. My wife (Christy) is currently in the process of working with the Army Community Services (ACS) center on Ft. Stewart. She will do her best to gain as much helpful information that pertains to redeployment / family reintegration. During the next Demon Troop Family Readiness Group meetings you should expect to receive some informative guidelines on redeployment activities and family reintegration. ACS is a very helpful resource to Army families, especially during the challenging times of being away from your spouse. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call a Christy or an ACS representative. Additionally, if you have any questions pertaining to Filing Income Taxes please call the Legal Assistance center on Ft. Stewart. As you may have already been informed, filing extensions will be authorized for all soldiers deployed to Bosnia.
I want to personally thank every family member of Demon Troop for your exemplary support. Your steadfast patience and understanding over the past several months is that of what some can only dream of. I look forward to seeing you all back at Ft. Stewart.
Garryowen and Glory!
THOMAS E. LEWIS
CPT, AV
Commanding