THE 9 LINE - Minnesota National Guard

Sept / Oct 2008 

Volume 1, Issue 1 

Inside this issue: 

Where we have been 2 

A Day of Many 6 

Dust, Dust Everywhere! 7 

MWR News 8 

And here we go... 9 

Headquarters Platoon 10 

1st FSMP 11 

2nd FSMP 

12 

3rd FSMP 13 

4th FSMP @ Normandy 14 

Alamo Dustoff 06 15 

Red River 44 17 

Until Next Time 18 

Charlie Company, 2-149 GSAB 

Charlie Company, 7-101st Aviation Regiment 

‘Bene Volare Vitam Salvare’ 

I am an American Soldier..."Here I am! Send me." Isaiah 6:1, 8 

From First Sergeant Polozeck... 

The long months of training are finally over. The month of October is the first full 

month of C Co taking charge of the MEDEVAC mission here in Balad. During the 

last 30 days, we have gone from Kuwait to Iraq, training to real time. 

Kuwait was a time for us to acclimatize to the desert environment and to perform 

needed maintenance and training crucial to the mission. During our time there, we 

experience temperatures in the 

130s and had to learn to work and live while taking care of ourselves and our soldiers. 

I am proud to say that we accomplished all of this without any harm to our soldiers. 

This is a testament to our fine officers and NCO's getting back to basics, taking care of 

soldiers. Everyone is looking out for each other and making sure that rest periods, 

fighter management and hydration are a priority. 

In Iraq, we spent several weeks training with the unit we were replacing. The mission is 

a tough one and we are facing many issues, but we have stepped up and are making 

headway. Here in Balad, we are removed from the Battalion and have our own compound 

across the base. Food is delivered to us 3 times a day and is of good quality. 

The troops especially like "Sandwich Day." This happens 2 times a week. As well, we 

have access to the PX and all of the usual facilities that we have come to expect. 

Moral is high and the soldiers are looking forward to the next 8 months of mission success. 

As always, I stand ready to take care of the troops and their families. 

1SG Polo 

HE 9 L 

THE HE 

9 LINE INE 

Page 1

Charlie Company 2-149 GSAB Vol. 1 Ed. 1 

Looking back from where we have been... 

We all survived Ft. Sill, even though there were a few injuries we ALL survived Ft. Sill. 

Page 2


Looking back from where we have been... Cont. 

Page 3 

We boarded buses that took us to out-process Ft. Sill, and then on to the airport with a civilian barking at us to hurry 

up and sit down; we met some outstanding patriotic people in Bangor, Maine; and were teased in Ireland with the 

hint of Irish beer just on the other side of the counter.



Page 4 

We made it to Kuwait City, and then on to Camp Buehring. Some dealt with the sweltering heat and humidity of the 

port while others were preparing to support the AC when received at Camp Buehring AHP.



Page 5 

We finally made it to Balad and to the Medevac compound, and those off to Normandy compound. Five different 

flights, five different sets of stories to be told. Now that we are all at our respective work place for awhile, now its time 

to get to work. Inventories, Maintenance, Operations, TOAs, etc. must get done… ASAP.


A Day of many... inventories and briefings. 

Despite the significant personal time requirements of our ongoing operations, it is important that all 

Soldiers also participate in the accountability of equipment and items. Briefings, coupled with trying to get 

EVERYTHING done in time for an efficient RIPTOA makes some seem tired and bored. 

Inventories, Inventories, Inventories, plenty of hands to help. 

CW2 Meischen...we all know what your think- 

ing… “Is this almost over?” 

SGT Scott-McDonald assisted and even brought fresh water for us all. 

CW2 Ryan looking far and between keeping us secure with 

M9 w/ammo on his belt of obedience. 

Page 6

DUST DUST EVERYWHERE! 


Page 7 

A dry winter season created ideal conditions for a very dusty Spring and Summer. Less rain in the 

northwest portion of the country produces less vegetation and more dry lake beds. For this reason, 

much more fine dust is caught in the prevailing winds and carried across the country in the form of dust 

storms. According to one Staff Weather Officer, there were almost twenty days of dust storm conditions 

in our area of operations between May and June alone. A sustained storm with northwest winds is 

locally referred to as a „shamal‟. Occasionally a „haboob‟, a smaller, rapidly forming storm, can reduce 

visibility significantly in less than an hour. 

These photos were taken in the early morning hours on consecutive duty days. 

CW2 Phillips & CW4 Taylor in Chueville. 

What a difference a day makes! 

SPC Gernstenberger & SPC Williams coming from the hangar

MWR News... 


Page 8 

Hello from the sandbox! With all of this beach (minus the ocean part) we of the Alamo MWR figure there 

must be some fun to be had…at least to help us pass the time until we can make it back to our family and friends. 

Here is the MWR side of what has been going on and is soon to come in the lives of your favorite Alamo soldiers… 

September has been a busy month. Charlie Company arrived at Balad safely and jumped right into the 

MEDEVAC scene with the 101 st unit we replaced, Eagle Dustoff. Everybody worked incredibly hard as we moved in 

and assumed the mission. But everybody knows that if you work hard you deserve to play too. The “Screaming Eagle 

Sendoff” Party was a tasty good time. Alamo and Eagle Dustoff crews got a chance to get together outside of the 

aircraft and barbeque on the deck overlooking the airfield. Poker games and a live DJ dance off followed. With all of 

the holidays approaching in the next few months, we plan on having events like this at least once a month. 

Thanks to the Original Java Coffee Shop we run here on the Medevac Compound, there is a place to 

congregate for regular MWR events. Since sand doesn‟t really change colors with the seasons, we are reminded it‟s fall 

every Saturday with college football on the big screen. Jersey Day gives Alamo soldiers a reason to come relax after 

work and cheer on the Aggies, Longhorns, Sooners, or some other team. 

Cigars and Guitars Sundays brings out the musical talent of our crew. Last week found SPC Aaron Withrow, 

CW2 Justin Arnold, and CW2 Steve Varella around the coffee shop poker table playing their guitars while LTC 

Macgregor sang her son‟s favorite Johnny Cash songs. 

On the first of every month we'll be holding a 1K race. First place earns a trophy and t-shirts will be awarded 

to 2 nd UP, the first team to cross the finish line, and Most Creative 1K. Some Alamo soldiers are even taking it to the 

next level and have signed up for the Army 10 miler on October 5. 

Balad‟s MWR offers us many opportunities for fun as well. The big screen movie theater shows current 

movies, there are tons of races to sign up for, and the outdoor and indoor pools provide a refreshing escape. 

The greatest moral and welfare boost of all though is love from all of our family and friends. From care 

packages to letters to phone calls and video chats…thank you all for the support you bring to our lives every day. You 

make our MWR job so easy! Which is why one Wednesday a month is Handwritten Letter Home Day… 

1LT Kate Merriam, MWR OIC 

SPC Aaron Withrow, MWR Assistant 

Picture taken by 1LT Kate Merriam. 

Unofficial Website for ARMY MWR: http://www.armymwr.com

And here we go... 


The 3 Amigos: SSG Ramirez, SSG Vela, & SFC Rendon 

CW4 Torres, CW2 Arnold, & MAJ Tamez 


1LT Kate Merriam 

CW4 David Torres 

Page 9


Headquarters Platoon... 


The operations sections made a smooth transition taking over flight operations beginning with the right seat 

ride with the 101 st Airborne Division. Operations personnel were quickly integrated to the mission set and worked 

side by side with the 101 st soldiers. They quickly learned the importance of how flight operations works as the center 

piece of each and every medevac mission. Throughout the day one can walk into flight operations and see informa- 

tion flowing across the mIRC computer and hear both the secure and non-secure phone ring as the radio calls come 

over the FM and High Frequency radios. 

Page 10 

C Co 2-149 th Operation cell is made up of both Flight Operations Specialist (15P) and Commo Signal Specialist 

(25U). On the 15P side we have SGT Johnson, Elizabeth, SPC Dodson, Jessica, SPC Raposa, Heather, SPC Roark, 

David, and SPC Aleem, Naji. Each 15p and 25U is skilled and knowledgeable in their unique way. Our 25U section 

consists of a group of soldiers that offer an abundant source of assistance in and out of their MOS duties. SGT Castro, 

Christopher, SPC Clark, Aaron, SPC Anderson, Kyle, SPC Morgan, James, and SPC Lynch, Michael along with 

15P are all part of C Co. Tactical Operation Center that works as the heart of a very large body at work. Their work 

ethics and devotion are very much appreciated by all Charlie Co. 2-149 th soldiers.


1st Forward Support Medical Platoon (FSMP)... 


September was a busy month for the Alamo Dustoff organization. While we were in Kuwait, many things were accomplished 

such as the entire fleet of aircraft receiving desert modifications and all aircrew members conducting environmental 

qualifications before heading into the unknown. The remaining crews headed into Iraq on a very special day, 

September 11 th . It was only two short days prior to this that we witnessed our first of many sandstorms to come. 

There are vivid memories of CW2 Silva finally making his way back to the tents after leaving the hangars. He was covered 

in dust from head to toe on a night when there was no water for the showers. Mother Nature can be very cruel 

in this part of the world and it was then when we gained full respect for her. 

Only 19 days later, we are now conducting MEDEVAC operations in our area of responsibility and making a name 

for ourselves. As the mission goes on, Alamo Dustoff will only become more and more proficient by the day. The 

following months will also be successful ones as we continue to strengthen our bonds of this multi-state organization. 

The deployment is quickly passing by as we continue to support the ground forces, plan for upcoming holidays, and 

begin taking our leave. Until next month, 1 st FSMP leader, CPT Gobble signing out. 

CW2 Silva after a dust storm. CPT Gobble 

Page 11


2nd Forward Support Medical Platoon (FSMP)... 


September was a busy month for C Co 2-149 th AVN. A month filled with anticipation for starting the mission 

we have trained so long for. All of the pieces are coming together: Annual trainings, field training exercises, 

ATXs, and ADOS; all the preparation has been completed and now is the chance to execute. 

The month started off with our relief in place. We integrated with the 101 st and learned how the seasoned 

veterans have been doing business. Everyone met their counterparts face to face and is extracting as much information 

as possible from them while they are still here. 

The medics and operations personnel hit the ground running and learn by executing the mission. Flight 

medics worked out medical equipment configurations. They are spooled up and are now operating independently as 

lead medics deeply involved in mission planning, patient tracking, and mission execution. 

Operations personnel are instrumental in mission execution as well as they manage 9-lines, patient mission 

requests, and process time sensitive reports. 

Crew Chiefs are working tirelessly keeping up with aircraft maintenance and executing the mission. Their 

days are long and the demand for attention to detail is unrelenting. The pilots are gaining experience daily. New PCs 

are executing the mission like pros. 

Everyone within the platoon brings something to the table to make this experience an excellent one. They are 

eager to do their jobs and are doing an outstanding one at that. It is said that there truly is no replacement for good 

people and as a platoon leader I am fortunate to have experienced that first hand. 

CPT MacIntyre 

Page 12


3rd Forward Support Medical Platoon (FSMP)... 


As we look back from where we have been over the past year, what we have accomplished, and what we are 

able to accomplish; this deployment shall last in memory for decades to come. 3rd FSMP has some of the best individuals/soldiers 

that I have ever worked with. We have some of the most capable pilots that you can ask for. CW4 

Mike Taylor is blazing a trail for all other pilots to try to keep up with, (Inside joke, you‟ll need to ask Mr. Taylor 

“What‟s with the pink pig your carrying around?”). CW4 Todd “Madmax” Buzzard, CW2 Charles Romesburg, and 

CW2 Steven Varella along with their flying duties are making sure the respective underlining functions of our company 

are 100% and functional in their additional duties. Not to forget, two up and coming individuals, CW2 Chris 

Ryan and CW2 Steven Phillips are striving diligently to become the next Pilot in Command (PiC) for the unit. 

3rd FSMP medics, SPC Aaron Withrow, SGT Jennifer Krausch, SGT Jeffry Dixon, and SSG Chad Beals are 

making “things” happen and demonstrate their dedication to the needs and care of a patient to heart. You can see it 

in their work; its not just a job but a passion. 

As you look around the daily operations of our company duties you see many of 3rd FSMP personnel to be a 

valuable asset to getting the work done. As with the “Crew Dogs”; SSG Oscar Vela, SSG Richard “Tom Cruz” Ramirez, 

SGT David Tillman, SGT David Atkins, SGT Felipe Meraz, and SGT Richard Truelock. These guys strive everyday 

and at times into the late evening to make sure that the company Aircraft are available and ready for missions. 

These guys are the unmentioned muscle that make our flying capabilities happen. 

There is so much to say about each individual for the work and dedication they put forth into their work everyday. 

I think about how each person contributes to the overall success of this company; all the individuals “behind 

the scene” that make things happen for the company to operate efficiently and effectively. For example, SPC Jessica 

Dodson; she is in charge of the night Operations crew and mission tasking. She is learning leadership responsibility 

that will benefit her as a Registered Nurse in her civilian career as well as that for our company operations. Another 

example is that of SPC Michael Lynch “stepping up to the plate” and asking for additional duties so he can expand his 

knowledge and become even more of an asset to the platoon and of Charlie company. 

I feel that we as an FSMP have come together as a team very well. We have had a few bumps, and some growing 

pains but as time goes by we will become an even tighter knit group. Recently we have added to our FSMP and 

we have cordially welcomed CW5 Tait into our FSMP as a Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP). 

To all the families at home, I want you to know that your Husband, Father, Son, Daughter, Boyfriend or Girlfriend 

is performing an commendable mission and I want to thank you for your support of your Soldier, C Co 2-149, 

the ARMY National Guard, and the ARMY. Also for understanding what our mission is here for the combat soldier 

in harms way everyday. 

Until next month, “Alamo 36” 3rd FSMP Leader is wishing you well and be safe out there! 

CPT RUSSELL TIDABACK 

Page 13


4th Platoon took over the Normandy mission on 19 September 2008 from Company C, 7th BN, 101st Aviation. 

Since we have taken over the mission we have conducted Medevac missions throughout our area of responsibility. 

Normandy is a small Forward Operating Base (FOB) located approx. 35 Miles east of balad. We have develop a 

working relationship with both 2/3 Cavalry and the 5th Special forces Group which are both located here at FOB 

Normandy. The 5th Special Forces group treats the platoon to steak night and several training events that improve 

our skills as soldiers. 

Our living conditions are good both our showers and restrooms are located just a few feet away from our living 

quarters. The Dining Facility is very good. The PX is small and carries only the basic toiletries but with our frequent 

trips to Balad, the main company will pick up the requested items from the main PX and have them waiting for 

us when we conduct a mission to the Balad Hospital. 

The Gym is small but we all are able to work out with the provided equipment. 

Mail is a big highlight as that keeps all soldiers in touch with home. SSG Amy Hise has by far received the 

most care packages but all benefit from those packages through her cookies and goodies from home. 

ones. 


4th Forward Support Medical Platoon (FSMP) @ Normandy... 

The Internet access here is slow but it works and helps all maintain communication with home and loved 

Page 14


4th FSMP @ Normandy…(cont.) 


The Moral and Esprit De Corp is very high as SFC Greenwell brought his Xbox Rack Band. The Future of 

Rock Band rests here as SFC Greenwell picks the guitar, SPC Granger has risen to be a true drummer and others try 

on the beginner level with the Base guitar; we all try our hand at singing. We are so good at Rock Band, we unlock at 

least two new songs a week. Hawaiian shirt and cigar night is popular while the Rock band plays. Several of the 

troops from other units here at FOB Normandy have become regular groupies; as the band plays and torches glow the 

Hawaiian rock band plays on its regular nights. 

We have also conquered boredom as SSG Esquivels‟ talent as a barber was exposed. Through the magic of his 

hands and the clippers, he has introduced several new fashions sure to make the cover of GQ and VOUGE magazine. 

Families will be in awe as pictures begin to be sent to Computers, Children, Wives, and Husbands. The sounds of 

passion cries will be heard from the troops at Normandy as these family members beg the troops at Normandy to let 

their hair grow back prior to re-deployment. 

CW2 Turner and CW3 Rollo found out why you don't mess with Air force K-9 Dogs. They were introduced 

to the hairy beast through the K-9 trainer. They actually volunteered to put of the padded arm and let the attack dog 

attack them, key word there is “ATTACK DOG”, Hello. But rest assured all was well as the padded arm guard did its 

job and saved our Medics from performing live saving procedure on our two brothers. 

Page 15


4th FSMP @ Normandy…(cont.) 


Game night is a popular group event here at Normandy, as those of us that play Rummy and Monoploy only 

play to sucker those few into our night of Texas Hold „em. Of course, we only play with Chips, fake money!! 

We miss our Families, Love them, but rest at ease in knowing here at Normandy we have all found a new family 

the looks out for each other, cares for each other and will continue to do so until our return home. 

Page 16 

MAJ OWENS, 4TH FSMP, PLATOON LEADER (THE BALD GUY)!!


A Few remarks from Alamo Dustoff 06... 


The Alamo Dustoff came off of a well deserved block leave, and the advance party launched to Arifjan, Kuwait 

ahead of time to get a jump on receiving our helicopters and equipment before the main body arrived. We arrived 

in Udairi, Kuwait via commercial aircraft only to be christened by the extreme heat and humidity. We settled in 

to our open bay tents with the ever-so-cozy cotts as our bedding plan, and the guys quickly commented on the fact that 

we had to walk about two blocks to the shower facilities and about a half a mile to the chow hall. 

It was funny to hear the comparison stories of the more experienced “been there, done that” Soldiers vs. the 

younger inexperienced guys. As the guys and gals were pointing out the lesser desired qualities of our new temporary 

home, it was funny to hear the come-back remarks. The guys that had been here before during Operation Desert 

Storm said their piece (“well, we slept on the tops of our armored tanks”) and the guys that were here during offensive 

operations early on in Operation Iraqi Freedom snuck in their jabs (well, we didn‟t get to sleep at all cuz were too 

busy during the advancement north to Baghdad”). Then, who could compete with the stories that started with, “oh 

you think this is bad, let me tell you about when we were in the mountainous deserts of Afganistan…” Of course we 

were all trumped by the “this aint nothing…” stories told by Mr. Mike Phillips (aka “The Wizard”) who quickly referenced 

his combat experiences in the jungles of Vietnam. After that, we all just shut up and colored. 

As we received word that our aircraft had arrived at the port, the advanced party continued enduring the 

harsh heat and humidity and “prepared my horses for the rough ride” (as Mr. Xavi Gudino so eloquently stated). 

Anxiety certainly filled the air as our aircraft were flown to our camp and readied one last time before we flew in to 

Iraq. We conducted the much needed dust landing flight training for day and night vision device mission profile. 

The Soldiers of Alamo Dustoff collectively pulled an enormous amount of maintenance on our aircraft, the needed 

weapons training, and they accomplished this with nothing less than a smile to accompany the hard work. 

Although the time has been filled with much activity, not a day has gone by where Soldiers aren‟t seen 

emailing or calling keeping abreast of the goings-on back home. Soldiers have been web-camming birthday and anniversary 

wishes and keep great open communications with the home-front. 

The crews worked feverishly to prepare the aircraft, their equipment and themselves to go north into Iraq, but 

not before we left our mark on Camp Beuring. Then the day finally came. Alamo Dustoff had the fortuitous opportunity 

of leading the 2-149 GSAB with the first combat mission flights in to Iraq. We prepared for the flights and 

executed them as planned. There have been many “firsts” for Alamo Dustoff, but this ranks amongst the biggest 

milestones and certainly one we are proud of. Within a few days, the crews and aircraft had closed with the objective 

that would be Kelly Compound on Joint Base Balad, and the Relief in Place process was to begin. 

We were fortunate enough to conduct our RIP/TOA with one of America‟s finest MEDEVAC companies, C 

Co 7-101 Airborne (Air Assault). We encountered some extreme weather in the middle of our RIP, but we were able 

to complete our mission and replace the Eagle Dustoff on time followed by an immediate jump in to our MEDEVAC 

missions. 

Nothing gets done without Mr. Wes Jones and Mr. Gudino hammering away at the maintenance plan for the 

aircraft. The Soldiers that make the aircraft flyable have earned the respect of the entire battalion as they have quickly 

made my horses ready for the ride... 

Page 17


The operations gang has quickly embraced the mission and certainly prides itself as being in everyone‟s busi- 

ness. Specialist Raposa states that, “Nothing gets done around here unless “operations” knows about it!” Led by CPT 

Joe Evans, Mr. John Silva and SSG Benny Tenorio, SPC Raposa is exactly right. No MEDEVAC missions are exe- 

cuted unless the Operations section is in the middle of it. 

The flight crews have certainly jumped in to the MEDEVAC missions with an enormous amount of dyna- 

mism. You see, when the operations guys receive an urgent MEDEVAC mission, the flight crews have to run out and 

strap on that helicopter and be on their way to recover the wounded or injured Soldier within fifteen minutes. This 

group of characters is commonly led by Mr. Mike Taylor, Mr. Paul Neveu, Mr. Richie Schuler, SSG Mike Faulk, SSG 

Davis and SGT Tillman. Of course, Mr. David Torres makes certain that we are doing it safely. They are all doing a 

fine job. 

It is always a commanders‟ privilege to promote his Soldiers to higher rank and greater responsibility. This 

month I had the pleasure to promote two well deserved Sergeants. I flew out to forward operating base (FOB) Nor- 

mandy on a goggle mission to promote SPC Elizabeth Johnson to Sergeant and Sergeant Amy Hise to Staff Sergeant 

in front of their entire platoon. The fact that FOB Normandy is an austere location (and that‟s putting it lightly) and 

my Soldiers of the mighty fourth platoon (led by MAJ Keith Owens and SFC T.J. Greenwell) have taken over the 

MEDEVAC mission with minimal resources made the promotions much more special. I am very proud of SSG Hise 

and SGT Johnson for their stellar performance and accepting the challenge. 

The Soldiers of Alamo Dustoff were a part of a combat patch ceremony led by our “BC” LTC Macgregor. She 

“tagged” me with another combat patch, and I in-turn tagged my platoon leaders, and the ceremony continued so- 

forth. We donned the 34 th Infantry Division patch. This unit has a great history of combat action dating back to the 

early 1900s, tremendous accolades during WWII, and throughout the current Operation Iraqi Freedom. This was an 

awesome achievement for the Alamo Dustoff, and certainly a great day to remember. 

September was also filled with a time of great sorrow. We mourned the sudden loss of 7 of our brothers in 

arms from Red River 44. We were fortunate to have two reporters from The San Antonio Express News, Sig 

Christiansen and Nicole Fruge embedded with the Alamo 

Dustoff to write a story on how we do business. With this tragic 

loss, they got more than they bargained for. Nonetheless, they 

told this story so powerfully and honored the service of our 

fallen comrades. However tragic a loss, the memories of our 

American Patriots CPT Robert Vallejo, CW3 Brady Rudolf, 

CW2 Corry Edwards, SGM Julio Ordonez, SSG Luke Mason, 

SGT Daniel Eshbaugh, and CPL Michael Thompson will for- 

ever be forged in our hearts. They will never be forgotten. 

Alamo Dustoff 06, out! 


A few remarks from Alamo Dustoff 6…(cont.) 

Page 18

Red River 44... 



Page 19 

Memorial service on Joint Base Balad for the fallen soldiers of the Red River 44 accident. They will never be forgotten.

C 2-149 Commander 

MAJ Carlos Tamez 

C 2-149 First Sergeant 

1SG Jon Polozeck 


Until we meet again... 


This is a hand drawn Medevac UH60 on a concrete barrier in front of the Operations building. 

Contents of The 9 Line are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. 

Page 20

THE 9 LINE - Minnesota National Guard

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