Charlie Company 3/144 Forward

Homecoming Ceremonies and Information

2013-05-09T11:17:00.001-07:00

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO

To All:

The time is finally here. Task Force Sequin is Coming Home! The following information was released this morning from the 56 IBCT and 3-144 IN BN.

Two Homecoming ceremonies are planned for separate locations as given below.

PALESTINE Group:Date: 22 MAY 2013 (Departure from platform)
Arrival Time: on or about 3:00 PM for the Ceremony
Location: Palestine Armory, 601 Armory Road, Palestine, TX 75801

FORT WORTH Group:Date: 23 May 2013 (Departure from platform)
ARRIVAL TIME: on or about 3:00 PM for the Ceremony
LOCATION: Cobb Park Armory, 2101 Cobb Park Road, Fort Worth, TX 76105

Soldiers will contact their Family Members as soon as they receive their travel itineraries. Please allow a minimum of 4-5 business days before expecting your call.

Congratulations! to everyone. I know you are all extremely excited. Any additional information that may be released will be forwarded as soon as I receive it.

OPSEC

2013-04-07T16:29:00.001-07:00

Always remember that the movement, time dates, locations of out soldiers is NEVER to be discussed, especially on any social media, operational security (OPSEC) is very serious. Violators can not only delay departures and arrivals, but you can also be prosecuted! When in doubt! Don't post!!!!

Order your welcome home sign today!

2013-04-03T19:45:00.001-07:00

Order your Free Banner, Sign and more Here!

If you haven't already ordered your
WELCOME HOME
banners, signs, and more... here is an awesome
company that has continued to
support our troops for years.

Thank you to Build A Sign for their commitment to the Military Men and Women, and their Families.

Order your today, FREE (you only pay the shipping).

Order Here

2013-02-23T15:17:00.001-08:00

Dear Family Members of the Charlie Company FRG group,
I am Thomas G. Pledger, the new Company Commander for Charlie Company. Your Soldiers are doing outstanding work here in Afghanistan. During my short time here they have begun working side by side with the Afghans and have opened a completely New Entry Control Point providing better security for Shindand Airbase.
All of your loved ones have begun the process of getting our equipment and work areas ready to hand over to our replacements that will be arriving in theater soon.
We are currently scheduled to de-mobilization at Camp Shelby, date to be determined, approximately May. This will be an extremely busy time and unfortunately, family time will be non-existent. The first time your Soldiers will be available for reunions, will be upon return to the unit armories. Please do not drive to Camp Shelby. Our goal at Camp Shelby is to De-Mobilize as fast as possible, so that the family reunions will be expedited.
Once again, I reiterate, please do not drive to Camp Shelby upon our return, your Soldiers will be unavailable to be seen as we will be trying to get De-Mobilized as quickly as possible.
If you have any concerns please feel free to email me at thomas.pledger@us.army.mil.

Vr

Thomas G. Pledger
CPT, IN
Commanding

Order your Free Banner, Sign and more Here!

2012-12-11T08:43:00.004-08:00

If you haven't already ordered your

WELCOME HOME

banners, signs, and more... here is an awesome

company that has continued to

support our troops for years.

Thank you to Build A Sign for their commitment to the Military Men and Women, and their Families.

Order your today, FREE (you only pay the shipping).

Order Here

Letter of Appreciation from the Regional Commander

2012-12-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

Today at Shindand Air Base, Deputy Commander of Regional Command-West Colonel Mark A. Bertolini presented a Letter of Appreciation from the Regional Commander, Brigadier General Luigi Chapperini (Italian Army), for the outstanding support t...

hat the Task Force has provided to the Regional Command-West overall.

The certificate reads as:
International Security Assistance Force
Regional Command West
Headquarters

Letter of Appreciation
Presented to
Task Force Bowie

In recognition of outstanding support of Regional Command-West, Italian Task Force North retrograde operations from 01 September 2012 to 05 September 2012. Task Force Bowie is presented with this Letter of Appreciation in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while serving in Regional Command-West Afghanistan. Task Force Bowie's efforts greatly contributed to the safety and security of coalition forces and the Afghan people. As a representative of the International Security Assistance Forces in Regional Command-West , you are to be congratulated for your efforts.

I can proudly state that Task Force Bowie has performed an outstanding job with total dedication to the ISAF mission and is a great credit to your Country, the United States Army and the Texas Army National Guard.

signed
Luigi CHAPPERINI
Brigadier General, ITA Army
Commander RC-W

YOU'RE INVITED TO THE ARMED FORCES BOWL

2012-12-05T11:28:00.001-08:00

Amazing event for Female Veterans, Military Spouses, Mothers Daughters, Sisters! Register TODAY

2012-12-03T13:44:00.003-08:00

F7 Group Teams Up with Challenge America!

F7 Group Teams Up with Challenge America!

CALLING ALL SPOUSES, SISTERS, DAUGHTERS, MOTHERS...
THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU...

ARE YOU A WOMAN WHO SERVES/ HAS SERVED IN THE MILITARY?
Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves- Past or Present…

ARE YOU THE FAMILY MEMBER OF A VETERAN OR MILITARY SERVICE MEMBER ?
Spouse, Mother, Sister, Daughter…

JANUARY 18, 2013 IS ALL ABOUT YOU!!!
F7 Group and Challenge America have teamed up to bring the single greatest ONE DAY EVENT for women who serve and sacrifice for our country to North Texas.

JANUARY 19, 2013 IS ABOUT THE WHOLE FAMILY!!!
Challenge America Military Opportunities (CAMO) welcomes all Dallas-area veterans and their families to the inaugural CAMO Family Fitness Day, Saturday, January 19, 2013, on the field of iconic Cowboys Stadium. CAMO Family Fitness Day, focusing on comprehensive soldier and family fitness, brings a day of fun with Dallas-based sports professionals and free resources and seminars led by veteran and family support organizations. The day will end with a good old-fashioned picnic-style, star-studded evening concert on the field, hosted by Honorary CAMO Co-Founders Vince Gill and Amy Grant and friends.

Friday, 18 January 2013 – Location TBD

■10:30am – 4:30pm Symposium for Women of the Military and Veteran Family presented by F7 Group (pre-registration required)
■5-7pm Sponsored Celebratory Reception

Saturday, 19 January 2013 – CAMO Family Fitness Day – Cowboys Stadium

■8am – 3pm Dr. Oz’s “15-minute Physicals” (pre-registration required)
■11am – 4pm Symposium for Military, Veterans, and Family Members; Veteran-Serving Organizations, and Veteran-Hiring Businesses (by invitation only)
■3-7pm Resource Fair: Tables and Exhibits from Veteran-Serving Organizations and Event Sponsors (open to concert attendees, concert ticket required for entry)
■4-7pm Family Fun Time: Punt, Pass & Kick; Hoops Station; Puck Shoot; Batting, and Goal Kicks with Professional Athletes plus Family-Style Picnic (open to concert attendees, concert ticket required for entry)
■7:30-9:30p Concert Event hosted by Vince Gill and Amy Grant for Military, Veterans, and Family Members, and Veteran-Serving Organizations

LIMITED TICKETS, SO PLEASE REGISTER AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Additional Questions? or to SPONSOR this Event, Contact: Email Tessa: @ tessa.smith3@us.army.mil

CLICK BELOW LINK TO REGISTER TODAY!

http://www.f7group.com/challengeamerica/

Submit your Nomination for MILITARY SPOUSE OF THE YEAR, 2013!

2012-11-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

Nominations Closing Soon!
Be sure to nominate a deserving Military Spouse, for the
Military Spouse of the Year, 2013.

This is the time to honor the women that Stand Beside the Uniform!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me - Tessa

tessa.smith07@yahoo.com
_____________________________________________

Military Spouse of the Year 2013

www.militaryspouse.com

Military Spouse magazine founded the Military Spouse of the Year® (MSOY) award in 2008 to honor military spouses of all ranks and from all branches of service. More than a million military spouses support and maintain the home front while our service members defend this great nation. The Military Spouse of the Year® award recognizes military spouses' important contributions and unwavering commitment to the military community and our country.

The Military Spouse of the Year® award solicits nominations from the military community as well as all Americans in the late fall. Three distinct phases of voting follow, culminating in the announcement of the Military Spouse of the Year® at an annual awards luncheon in our nation's capital in early May. The event attracts Congressional members, senior military and Department of Defense leadership.

•In 2008, Military Spouse pioneered the concept of empowering the community by enabling military spouses to recognize leaders within their ranks.

•In 2008, the inaugural Military Spouse of the Year® awards luncheon.

•In 2009, Military Spouse magazine added a Spouse of the Year (SOY) for each branch of service.

•In 2012, Military Spouse introduces a MSOY Alumni Luncheon to foster greater camaraderie among current and former branch and military SOYs.

•For 2013, Military Spouse magazine added an installation level to the award, ensuring that each and every base, district (Coast Guard), and state (National Guard) has a representative. Military Spouse magazine's vision isto enhance communication and strengthen connections amongst military spouses at the local level

Military Spouse magazine encourages all Americans to consider nominating their friends, relatives, neighbors or colleagues for this prestigious honor.

You're Invited: Homefront for the Holidays Luncheon

2012-11-27T14:21:00.002-08:00

Homefront for the Holidays Luncheon

Saturday, December 1, 2012

12:00 noon – 2:00 pm

Prince of Peace Christian School

4000 Midway Rd.

Carrollton, TX 75007

We invite you to join us for a holiday luncheon to honor the female spouses of military service members and female service members. The luncheon will feature great food, lots of fun, an entertaining speaker, and festive goodie bags for the holidays.

The luncheon will provide laughter, tears, sharing and friendship.
The luncheon is sponsored by the National Charity League N. Dallas Chapter and
Operation Homefront of Texas
Registration is required for the luncheon. To register, please send an email to:

texas@operationhomefront.net

Include the following information:

Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Email Address
Phone Number with Area Code
Rank of military service member
Branch of Military
Registration is limited to 75 participants. Registered guests will receive a confirmation email for the event.
National Charity League is a mother/daughter philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. Through the mother-daughter relationship, National Charity League develops strong women leaders serving and impacting communities today and for generations to come.
We are honored to host this event for the women who serve our Country and support our military service members.

Happy Thanksgiving from Task Force Bowie!

2012-11-21T07:58:00.002-08:00

As the Soldiers of Task Force Bowie prepare for another day at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan...

Back home their families prepare for a day of thanks and fellowship with family and friends this Thanksgiving. The leadership of Task Force Bowie wants to say Thank You for the many sacrifices you are making as your love ones are conducting their duties in Afghanistan.

With your support, your Soldiers are staying focus on the mission at hand and providing a safe and secure environment for our Coalition Forces, other US Forces and the people of Shindand.

Task Force Bowie is thankful for the many supporters from the Fort Worth area and family members who have been providing our Soldiers the never endless care packages and letters that has been a major uplifting factor in our mission.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Soldiers of Task Force Bowie!

Fourth Texas – Fix Bayonets!

John A. Sturgill

Major, Infantry

David Snowden

Command Sergeant Major

Free Thanksgiving Dinner... All Welcome!

2012-11-20T12:46:00.003-08:00

The owner of Duffy's Diner will be hosting a

FREE Thanksgiving Meal on Thursday, November 22, 2013 from 11-until close.

Please feel free to pass this along to ANY SM or FM that is in need of a meal
(they do NOT have to be in the military to receive a free Thanksgiving meal).

Duffy's is located at.... 3700 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Duffys-Diner/219320411490478

Thanksgiving Prayer for our Military Families

2012-11-20T12:18:00.002-08:00

Thanksgiving Prayers for our Military Families

At Thanksgiving, as you consider all of the things for which you give thanks. Please remember those who place themselves in harm’s way so that we may peacefully celebrate with our families.

Pray that they are protected, safe and return home quickly. Pray for the families without their loved ones, that they remain strong and steadfast supporting their loved one while serving our country.

WE all have SO Very Much to be grateful for; let’s not forget to thank those who fight for us!

http://youtu.be/reDiz5nkxK8

God Bless our Military Men and Women!

Bring them all home safe and sound!

Awesome Thanksgiving Banner sent to Charlie Company

2012-11-20T12:00:00.003-08:00

What a great surprise Charlie Company received...

How sweet and cool is that?!

Christopher Pathe, Christopher Michael Gipson, Richard Ramirez, Justin Osborn, Josh Garber and Company Commander Brian Smith.

Our Soldiers got goodies and this banner from school kids.

It warms my heart to know there are people who not only think about our Warriors but also take their time to show the appreciation.

God bless those kiddos!

Nominations Open for MILITARY SPOUSE OF THE YEAR

2012-11-19T07:59:00.002-08:00

NOMONATIONS ARE OPEN:
If you know a deserving Military Spouse, here is your change to nominate them for the Military Spouse of the Year Award. Time to honor those women that stand beside their husband's uniform with pride!
_______________________________________________________

Nominate your favorite Military Spouse of the Year!

http://msoy.militaryspouse.com/nomination#

Military Spouse magazine founded the Military Spouse of the Year® (MSOY) award in 2008 to honor military spouses of all...

ranks and from all branches of service. More than a million military spouses support and maintain the home front while our service members defend this great nation. The Military Spouse of the Year® award recognizes military spouses' important contributions and unwavering commitment to the military community and our country.
...
The Military Spouse of the Year® award solicits nominations from the military community as well as all Americans in the late fall. Three distinct phases of voting follow, culminating in the announcement of the Military Spouse of the Year® at an annual awards luncheon in our nation's capital in early May. The event attracts Congressional members, senior military and Department of Defense leadership.

•In 2008, Military Spouse pioneered the concept of empowering the community by enabling military spouses to recognize leaders within their ranks.

•In 2008, the inaugural Military Spouse of the Year® awards luncheon.

•In 2009, Military Spouse magazine added a Spouse of the Year (SOY) for each branch of service.

•In 2012, Military Spouse introduces a MSOY Alumni Luncheon to foster greater camaraderie among current and former branch and military SOYs.

•For 2013, Military Spouse magazine added an installation level to the award, ensuring that each and every base, district (Coast Guard), and state (National Guard) has a representative. Military Spouse magazine's vision isto enhance communication and strengthen connections amongst military spouses at the local level

Military Spouse magazine encourages all Americans to consider nominating their friends, relatives, neighbors or colleagues for this prestigious honor.

Military and Veterans Discount Center

2012-11-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

The military and veterans discount center was a ten year old idea that one of the founders, Terrence Thomas, had but never acted on until a fateful day at the AT&T store in April 2011. Prior to going to the AT&T store, he had read on the web and on several message boards that the company had a military discount and veterans were eligible. He went in and asked the associate about it and she was very helpful, but did not know about the discount for veterans. Feeling embarrassed with all of the fuss and ruckus caused over this (a manager was called in and made a call back to headquarters) he decided to make the purchase without the discount and hoped to resolve the issue at a later date.

Two trips back to the store with DD-214 in tow coupled with faxes and personal calls to their corporate offices still resulted in no discount. Now it was time to act. He knew that some veterans have been able to get the discount with a DD-214, but why them and not everyone? Did they make a mistake? Who knows.

While we understand that companies are under no obligation to provide military discounts, (and we are grateful that they do) active duty personnel, reservists, retirees, veterans and spouses are entitled to accurate information about military discounts and veteran discounts. No one should have to pour through pages of pages of angry posts on message boards to determine their military discount eligibility.

What is MVDC?

It is the largest collection of military and veteran discounts on the web. On the site you will find accurate and up to date information about military and veteran discounts in your local area. In addition, if you see a discount, feel free to add it to our list. Our job is to save you time in figuring out who has discounts and more importantly, to save you money.

Who are we?

Terrence Thomas - Co-Founder and Navy Veteran

Terrence is no stranger to building websites that help the military community, in 1998, he cofounded GI Bill Express, a site that linked veterans and military personnel with schools that provided discounts for the military community. The site was acquired by Military.com in 2000 and formed the foundation for their careers and education channels. This is where he also met Ted.

Ted Gizewski -- Co-Founder and Marine Corps Veteran

Ted first met Terrence at Military.com, where they worked together on building one of the largest miitary community sites on the internet. Ted has over 15 years of experience as an attorney in the technology industry. He has worked at both major law firms and in-house at Fortune 50 technology companies assisting online and software companies succeed.

Click Link Below to start SAVING!!

http://militaryandveteransdiscounts.com/veterans_day_discounts

Task Force Bowie - First 90 Days with Boots on Ground

2012-11-13T14:32:00.002-08:00

Task Force Bowie taking major strides in securing Shindand Air Base!

The Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry Regiment (Forward) "Task Force Bowie" has been on the ground at Shindand Air Base since mid-August and has already provided over 250,000 man hours of base security in one shape or another. Each and every Soldier here is focus on the mission. Several of the Soldiers when they are not on patrol or guard duty, are taking advantage of the several different online college courses that are available or other military distance-learning courses to improve not only themselves but also the unit they serve.

In August we conducted our Transfer of Authority with Task Force Griffin (Ohio National Guard) Soldiers and assumed the security mission here on Shindand Air Base. In September, we saw the dawning of T-Patches on several new Soldiers who have never been deployed before and a change in our higher headquarters from the 838th AEAG (USAF) to the 47th Garrison Command. October brought on more taskings as we began our movement of our Base Defense Operation Center from one side of Shindand Air Base to another. With the beginning of November, Task Force Bowie Soldiers are still focus on the security mission and the spirits are high as we continue to work through any challenge that presents itself.

We have accomplished more than the previous three units before us within one of their rotations. The command is very proud of the each and every Soldier who has step up to the plate and has gone above and beyond what was asked of them. Most of the leadership on the ground is performing either one or two levels above their current duty position; with major sufficient results and praises from our superiors.

Special recognition goes out to all the Task Force Bowie family members who are making the ultimate sacrifice with your love ones standing watch from thousands of miles away. I thank all of you of your continue support to our mission here. I look forward to coming home with these “Brave Texans” next year and being able to see the smiles from all of you as they are embraced in open arms to each and every one of you. I ask that you continue engage with the rear Family Readiness Groups and the Battalion Full-Time Staff for any questions or concerns you may have.

Sincerely,

John A. Sturgill
Major, Infantry
Battalion Executive Officer

New Right Sleeve Combat T-Patchers of Task Force Bowie.

November 12, 2012

2012-11-12T08:32:00.001-08:00

November 12, 2012, a set on Flickr.

Special Thank You to Matt Blackwell, for the latest photos!

Happy Veterans Day!

2012-11-11T12:29:00.003-08:00

Happy Veterans Day to all!

An extra special wish to Charlie Company and Thank you to our Company Commander 1LT David Brian Smith.

It is your integrity, honor, and example that you lead your men in the MILITARY way. God Bless you all and God Speed for a quick and safe return!

AMEN

Happy Halloween from Theatre

2012-10-31T08:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween from Charlie Company Forward!

We're having some fun, and just wanted to thank our families who sent our Halloween Care Packages!

We are enjoying them and having fun for Halloween! The Spiders are awesome!

Spookily,

Charlie Company Forward!

Picture Courtesy of SFC Scott

Special Thank you to the F7 Group

2012-10-30T12:11:00.003-07:00

I'd like to extend an extra special thank you to the F7 Group for attending and networking at the 2012 SkyBall.

If you're interested in more information on the F7 Group which Support Female Veterans and Women that stand Beside the Uniform.

Please visit their webpage and site up today!

Be sure to view our SkyBall 2012 Video Presentation

http://www.f7group.com/

The Life of a Military Wife ~ ENJOY

2012-10-24T08:26:00.004-07:00

A little humor and a little reality for all us MILITARY WIVES~

CLICK Here to enjoy Video

You're Invited to a VIP Gary Sinise Concert!!!!

2012-10-17T08:49:00.005-07:00

Inviting ALL Military Families & Supporters of the Military~

GARY SINISE & The LT DAN BAND

DFW Airport is Hosting a "Special" very intimate concert supporting the AirPower Foundations is proud to invite you to a special Tribute to MILITARY FAMILIES!
...

You MUST HAVE A TICKET to attend, so I need to know ASAP how many you want. Name, # of Tickets wanted, and Contact Number!

American Airlines Hanger #5
East 28th Street DFW International Airport
Friday, October 26, 2012.
Opens at 5:30pm, VIP concert begins at 7:00pm.

Please email me for you tickets ASAP, Tessa.

tessa.smith07@yahoo.com / # 817-948-9462

Honor your Military Spouse or Military Mom with a Hearts of Heroines Lapel Pin Today!

2012-10-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

You can Purchase for yourself, or purchase one to support a Military Spouse or Mom.

The Hearts for Heroines lapel pin recognizes the hundreds of thousands of military spouses and mothers who serve our country right along side of their uniformed spouses, sons and daughters.

Their sacrifices and courage are little noticed by those unfamiliar with military life. Your acknowledgement of these proud patriots is a small gesture in which we hope you'll consider wearing.

For only $14.95 you receive a beautiful lapel pin and a military family received a $50 gift card. You can request a specific military family receive your gift card or we can distribute the card in your name.

Military families who purchase can receive the card themselves.

It's a wonderful way to say "Thank You" to our military spouses and mothers for their unwavering support, commitment and sacrifice to serving our great nation.

Order Yours Today, and be sure to let them know if you want to honor a specific Military Spouse/Mom.

Order Below

Hearts of Heroines Lapel Pin

An Army Wife...

2012-10-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Everyone hears of the Army Wife,
Her trials, sacrifices, and devoted life.
She is strong, she is brave, and she is loving indeed,
Standing by her man in his time of need.

But what of others in a similar situation,
Who have made being an Army Wife their main occupation?
They suffer many of the same trials and many of the same fears
Without the security of future years.

Will there be peace or will there be war?
You try to be hopeful but it's hard to ignore.
The world seems to be falling apart
When to a soldier you have given your heart.

Your love runs too deep to escape from it now.
You hope to be together somewhere, somehow,
When his duty is over and your life can begin.
You wonder if it will happen but don't question when.

The many heartbreaks and times you did weep
When he made promises the Army couldn't keep.
But you have learned so much together and come so far.
Others don’t understand but you know where you already are.

His job is ever-changing and takes him far away.
You think of him always and pray every day--
For his safety, his courage, and his love for you
That he may remain steadfast, loyal, and ever true.

Nothing is sure and nothing is set in stone...
Except that he will leave again and you will be alone,
Holding tightly to your dreams of a future together
When you will at last be able to say the word "forever."

Tears have become anything but a stranger.
They fall freely in sadness, loneliness, and anger.
But he will never know because you will never tell.
You've learned to hide your misery only too well.

A few months? That doesn't sound like so long.
The letters and phone calls keep your love going strong;
Even when they are few and far between,
in them, his love for you can clearly be seen.

So keep your chin up and a smile on your face.
He is protecting your freedom and keeping you safe.
His heart is strong and his love is true
and don't ever forget that he is missing you too.