CPT Christopher B Cordova and 1LT Andrew L Bundermann are TF Mountain Warrior's Warriors of the Day for 19 April 2010

On 3 October 2009, Captain (CPT) Christopher B Cordova, from Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Silver Star during an attack when his COP came under a complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters.  When the initial attack started, CPT Cordova displayed great mental endurance and technical competence in treating and evacuating 16 US and AfghanNational Security Forces casualties and an additional 27 walking wounded.  CPT Cordova's expert decision and successful execution of a field-executed blood transfusion dept a dying Soldier alive until he could be evacuated to the next higher level of care.  Because of his calm demeanor and thorough understanding of medicien, CPT Cordova enabled his Soldiers to (sorry, I cannot read the remainder and couldn't find it on the internet).

On 3 October 2009, First Lieutenant (1LT) Andrew L Bundermann, from Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Silver Star during an attack when his COP came under a complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters.  Throughout the attack, 1LT Bundermann was the acting Troop Commander.  1LT Bundermann orchestrated the defense of Combat Outpost Keating, preventing it from falling into the hands of the enemy.  His perseverance under heavy fire and ability to advance the troop's position enables him to lead Brave Troop Soldiers in a successful counter-attack to retake the COP.  1LT Bendermann's actions throughout the battle of COP Keating saved the lives of dozens of Soldiers.  He exhibited the Warrio Ethos and pushed the Soldiers of Bravo Troop to continue the fight.  Through his calm (sorry, I cannot read the remainder and couldn't find it on the internet).

Well done Warriors!  Well done!

Task Force Mountain Warrior Has Left The Valley - The Korengal Valley

From ISAF

DAMN THAT VALLEY! (My note - not from the article)

ISAF Units Realign in Eastern Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-040


For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 14) - International Security Assistance Forces continued their realignment with more populated areas in accordance with the ISAF counterinsurgency strategy. Forces repositioned out of the isolated Korengal Valley in Kunar Province today. These deliberate moves began in March.

"This repositioning, in partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces, responds to the requirements of the new population-centric counterinsurgency strategy," said Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, ISAF Joint Command commander.

"The move does not prevent forces from rapidly responding, as necessary, to crises there in Korengal and in other parts of the region, as well," said Rodriguez.

"Repositioning forces from the Korengal valley to more populated areas will allow us to have greater flexibility," said U.S. Army Col. Randy George, Task Force Mountain Warrior commander. "The area was once very operationally important, but appropriate to the new strategy, we are focusing our efforts on population centers. We're still able to conduct operations there, even without a base, like we do in other remote valleys."

Coalition forces, in cooperation with their Afghan partners, continue to work with local leaders and local government officials to set the conditions for success in Afghanistan

FINALLY! The 2-503 Throws/Afghans Are Available For Sale!

Some of you are aware that we've been "advertising" the upcoming sale of 173rd, 2-503 throws/afghans.  Well....we're finally ready to take orders.

Please go to the 173rd, 2-503 Fund Raising website to order either or both of the following.  More details over there but here are photos of the two options

Design #1

Design #2

SGT Nicholas Pilat, 173rd, 2-503 Able Co is TF Mountain Warrior's Warrior of the Day

SGT Nicholas Pilat from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, a TAC mechanic, who for the past four months has driven over 2000 miles accident free in the TF Rock area of operations.  In addition to his duties as a driver and as a Non-Commissioned Officer, SGT Pilat has spent countless hours performing maintenance on four Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.  Due to his constant preparations none of the vehicles he is responsible for have ever been deadlined or failed to perform while on patrol.  As a result of his dedication to duty and steadfast professionalism the TAC vehicles have set the standard across the Battalion.

173rd BCT (Airborne) Returns to Afghanistan For Third Time

From CJTF-82

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, the 3rd BCT, 10th Mountain Division and their distinguished guests, stand for the American and Afghan national anthem at a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Shank, Dec. 20. The Spartans of 3rd BCT transferred authority of Logar and Wardak provinces to the Sky Soldiers of the 173rd ABCT for their third deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Army Pfc. Michael Sword, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team)

Sky Soldiers Assume Control of Spartan Battlespace

Written by Task Force Bayonet Public Affairs Tuesday, 22 December 2009 01:43

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - In a ceremony held at Forward Operating Base Shank, the Spartans of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, handed over control of their area of operations to the Sky Soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based out of Vicenza, Italy, Dec. 20.


“As we say farewell to Spartan, we welcome back the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team to Combined Joint Task Force 82 and RC-East battle-space,” said Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander, Combined Joint Task Force 82.

Scaparrotti highlighted some of the achievements of the 3rd BCT.

“Working side-by-side with Afghan partners, you protected the southern gates of Kabul, improved the infrastructure at the provincial and district levels and extended the reach of good governors throughout both provinces,” he said.

“While much has been done through Task Force Spartan, there’s still plenty of work to be done,” he added.

However, Scaparrotti showed confidence that the 173rd will continue where Task Force Spartan left off.

“I look forward to the outstanding support the Sky Soldiers bring to the fight,” he added, “It’s an honor to serve with you again.”

Col. David B. Haight, commander, 3rd BCT, followed Scaparrotti noting the accomplishments of his Soldiers during their time in Afghanistan.

“With our Afghan army and police brothers, we planted our guidons in the heart of the enemy territory. We dominated our battle space and established permanent presence in 10 districts, across two provinces, that have become dangerous sanctuaries for the enemy,” Haight said.

Haight also mentioned the progress made in the two provinces during the Spartans’ year-long deployment.

“We allocated almost 50 million dollars in development of roads, transportation, governance, water sanitation, health and education,” he said. “All in an attempt to connect the people with their government and help them understand the work and progress made on their behalf.”

Haight then turned his attention to the commander and soldiers of the 173rd ABCT.

“Col. Johnson and Command Sgt. Maj. Rolling, I could not be more confident in the success you will realize during the coming year,” Haight said. “Your unit is disciplined, well trained, well led, and enthusiastic about the mission and that may be the most important thing.”

“I am confident that you will prevail and greatly improve upon what has been established here in this battlefield,” Haight added.

Recognizing the hard work and progress made by the 3rd BCT, Col. James Johnson, commander, 173rd ABCT made a final promise to the Spartans.

“You have set the high standard for us to follow, and we will do our best,” Johnson said. “We will ensure that the sacrifice of Task Force Spartan was not made in vain.”