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GW FAMILY PROGRAMWelcome to FamilyReadiness GroupsWritten by Patricia Harmon89th MP Brigade Family Readiness Support AssistantWhat is the FRG?The Army pledges to support Soldiers and theirfamilies as unveiled in the Army Family Covenant1,an unbreakable promise between the Army and itsSoldiers and Families. In doing so, many policies,tools and resources have been implemented to alleviate family member hardships. The most prominent isthe Family Readiness Group, or FRG.The FRG program is the unit Commander’sprogram that is strictly made up of volunteers. It wasestablished long before the Army Family Covenantwas introduced and it is still powerful beyond measure today.What do they do?Our FRGs have led, participated in and supported some major life-changing events. They partneredwith the city of Lampassas, the 89th’s communitypartner, to host the March Against Hunger 10k/5krun and walk. They tutored high school students, lenthelping hands to the CenTex 2nd Chance AnimalShelter, conducted Food Drives, and established ajunior color-guard.Halloween was especially fun across the brigadewith a multitude of festive parties, Trunk-or-Treatingfrom our cars in nearby parking lots, and Trick-orTreating in the barracks where Soldiers’ decorateddoors marked the spot for goodies. Best of all, wejoined forces with our Adopt-A-Unit partner organization, the Copperas Cove Wal-Mart, and hosted acommunity haunted house with our Soldiers. It wasa blast!Footnote1. The Army Family Covenant can be found on the followingArmyOneSource website: tplace/ArmyFamilyCovenant/default.aspx8GRIFFIN WARRIORFALL 2010So, why should I join?Why join the FRG? Not sure of how you fit? Hesitant because of past experiences? At any given timein the 89th MP Brigade an MP Company is deployed. This means that there is also a family without their Soldier, enduring the challenges of everyday life. Regardless of your experience with FRGsor lack thereof, you unknowingly possess a talent toassist in many ways.Our Senior Spouse, Mrs. Laurie Williams,offered some wonderful words of wisdom duringher reception as well. As she reflected on those MPspouses who mentored her, she strongly emphasizedthe significant impact they made in her life whileteaching her how to be a military spouse and theresponsibility and etiquette that comes with it. Shecharged those spouses in attendance, “It is now yourduty to do the same.”Your Soldier’s rank is not a factor in the Griffinbrigade because every Family member has value.Participation by phone, email or in person is equallyimportant to us and to our families.While there are many dynamics that ensure ahealthy FRG, the key to success here is that it doesnot work without you, the family member. Why jointhe FRG? You are the reason you should join theFRG!U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Candace LeFamily members and friends of the 26th MP Detachmentgather to greet their loved ones upon redeploymentJune 5, 2010 at Fort Hood, Texas. Family Readiness Groupsare a great way to stay connected during deployments.

GRIFFIN WARRIORhttps://safety.army.milFALL 20109

GW NEWS 89TH MP BRIGADE CHANGE OF COMMANDWith change in mission comeschange of commandStory and photos by Spc. Candace Le89th MP Bde. Public AffairsFORT HOOD, Texas – The bugle sounded as thebattalion and brigade colors moved toward the centerof Sadowski Field July 15 during the 89th MilitaryPolice Brigade’s change of command.Col. John Huey, the outgoing commander, andCol. Patrick Williams, the incoming commander,were escorted to the colors and brigade commandsergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Ashford, by Maj. Gen. Will Grimsley, acting senior commander of III Corps and Fort Hood.The traditional green and gold colors of the Griffin Brigade were carried around the circle. Ashfordhanded off the colors to Huey, who gained commandof the 89th in November 2007. Since MPs deploy incompany-sized elements, Huey worked to continually deploy and redeploy subordinate battalions andcompanies.Col. Patrick Williams, 89th MP Brigade commander, giveshis incoming speech at a change of command ceremonyJuly 15 at Sadowski Field, Fort Hood, Texas.10GRIFFIN WARRIORFALL 2010He returned in May with the 89th after a yearlong deployment, during which he oversaw andhelped to set the standard for detention operations inIraq.As the ceremony continued, Huey handed thecolors off to Grimsley, signifying his official relinquishing of command. Huey will go on to be theassistant commandant at the Military Police SchoolHouse at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.Grimsley turned to his left, gripping the colorswith Williams, transferring responsibility for thebrigade to its new commander.Williams arrived to the 89th MPs after servingwith an interagency task force that assessed U.S.detention operations and Afghanistan correctionsystems from May to July 2009.In 2008, he was appointed as the Deputy Commandant, United States Disciplinary Barracks, FortLeavenworth, Ks. in July 2008.The colors passed to Ashford, marking the official assumption of command and Williams’s trustin his new command sergeant major.As the three officers marched back to their seats,Williams and Huey crossed behind Grimsley, takingtheir rightful spots in the ceremony.With all of his accomplishments and contributions to the brigade, Huey will be truly missed, andhe will miss Fort Hood.“It’s been an absolute honor for me to serve asthe 89th MP Brigade commander,” Huey said. “It ishard to believe where we’ve been and what we’vedone since I took command in 2007. It proves to methat a loyal, dedicated and collective team can accomplish anything if they work together.”At the end of his speech, Huey addressed theSoldiers he worked with and recognized them forthe many man hours they worked to accomplish thebrigade’s missions.

89TH MP BRIGADE CHANGE OF COMMAND NEWS GWCol. Patrick Williams, 89th MP Bde. commander, returns the salute of the HHC commander,Capt. Peter Cruz, July 15 at Sadowski Field. Williams is joined on the field by Col. John Huey,assistant commandant at the MP School and former 89th commander, and Huey’s wife, Anita,following their change of command.“This has been themost rewarding timein my career,” Huey said.“Leaders, Soldiers andstaff thank you for thehard work and thank youfor your outstanding professionalism.”A new beginningbrings new ideas,goals and aspirations.Williams will bringall this and his desire tolead into the battle ashe begins his command ofthe 89th MP Bde.“To the troopers ofthe Griffin Brigade, to theleaders out there on thefield, to those deployed,those at Fort Riley, FortBliss and here at FortHood, I only ask a coupleof things: live the Armyvalues and exude the Warrior Ethos,” Williams said.Maj. Ruse Wiley, 89th MPBrigade executive officer,leads the color guardduring the brigadechange of commandceremony July 15, 2010at Fort Hood, TX.Williams set his goal of exceeding the brigade’salready high security and law-and-order standardsboth on post and in the field.“I know that we will improve the force protection and the quality of emergency services that areprovided here at The Great Place,” Williams said.“We as military police are charged to assist commanders, maintain good order and discipline, here athome or deployed. As you go about the business ofthe Army, remember the military police corps mottothat we are of the troops and for the troops.”GRIFFIN WARRIORFALL 201011

GW NEWS 720TH MP BATTALION CHANGE OF COMMAND720th passes the guidonStory by Capt. Eileen Healy89th MP Bde. Public AffairsFORT HOOD, Texas – Lt. Col. David Segalla Jr.relinquished command of the 720th Military PoliceBattalion, 89th MP Brigade to Lt. Col. Eric Brunkenat the Phantom Warrior Center here, June 14, 2010.Segalla’s next assignment is with the NATOTraining Mission-Afghanistan/Combined SecurityTransition Command-Afghanistan, where he willserve as the Afghan Border Police Program Manager.Brunken is married to the former Krista M.Johnson of Pataskala, Ohio.U.S. Army photo by Spc. Candace LeBrig. Gen. P.J. Atkinson, III Corps deputy commandinggeneral, listens to opening remarks at the 720th MPBattalion change of command ceremony June 14, 2010 atthe Phantom Warrior Center, Fort Hood, Texas.U.S. Army photo by Spc. Candace LeLt. Col. Eric Brunken, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade commander, takes the guidon from Command Sgt. Maj. PeterLadd, 720th MP Bn. command sergeant major at a change of command ceremony June 14, 2010 at Fort Hood, Texas.12GRIFFIN WARRIORFALL 2010

97TH BATTALION CHANGE OF COMMAND NEWS GW97th MP Battalion conductschange of commandStory and photo by Capt. Eileen Healy89th MP Bde. Public AffairsFORT HOOD, Texas – Soldiers, Family members,friends, and invited guests filled the King FieldHouse, Fort Riley, Kan. to watch the 97th MP Battalion leadership change command, Oct. 7.The 97th MP Bn. headquarters unit is the 89thMP Brigade. located here. Col. Patrick Williams,89th MP brigade commander and Command Sgt.Maj. Michael Ashford traveled to Fort Riley to attend the change of command and to personally thankLt. Col. David Chase for his hard work as outgoingcommander of the 97th MP Bn. and to welcome Lt.Col Michael Matthews to the Griffin Family.Chase, a Hawthorne, Nev. native, first gainedcommand of the 97th in 2007. He most recentlyreturned in July 2010 with the 97th after a year-longdeployment in which he successfully led the battalion to serve as the battlespace authority in KandaharCity, Afghanistan.During the deployment, the 97th MP Bn.assisted members of the Afghanistan Police Mentorship Program in becoming a more professional forcecapable of protecting their citizens and local government. Chase will go on to be the deputy provostmarshal for the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley,Ks.“It’s been an absolute honor for me to serve asthe 97th MP Battalion commander,” Chase said. “It’san experience me and my family will never forget.”At the end of his speech, Chase reminded theSoldiers of something he frequently told them duringhis time in command. “You are special, there is noone else like you and you are very important to themission.”“This has been the most rewarding time in mycareer,” Chase said. He thanked the majors on hisstaff for their hard work and diligence and remindedhis company commanders to truly take the time toenjoy their time in command, as it passes all tooLt. Col. David Chase, outgoing 97th Military PoliceBattalion commander watches as Lt. Col MichaelMatthews, 97th MP Bn. commander holds the battalioncolors representing Matthews’ assumption of commandat a change of command ceremony Oct 7, 2010 at KingField House, Fort Riley, Ks. Col. Patrick Williams, 89thMP Bde. commander (left) and 97th MP Bn. commandsergeant major, Command Sgt. Major Thomas Sivak(right) observes the transfer.quickly.While Lt. Col. Matthews is a new member ofthe Griffin Family, he is no stranger to Williams.Matthew’s served as a platoon leader for the 1st MPCompany at Fort Riley and Williams was his company commander.“We go way back.” Williams said eluding to themany years that have passed since his days as acompany commander.“I enjoyed serving with you then, and I lookforward to serving with you now,” Williams said toMatthewsMatthews, a Montana native, arrived to the 97thafter serving as the Deputy Brigade Commander atthe Army Corrections Brigade, United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.“I look forward to serving as your battalioncommander, Guardians,” Matthews said. “TakeCharge.”GRIFFIN WARRIORFALL 201013

GW NEWS MP CONVOY LIVE-FIRE EXERCISESupport elements work asteam during MP convoylive-fire exerciseStory and photos by Spc. Candace Le89th MP Bde. Public AffairsFORT HOOD, Texas - A mixture of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade staff formed three squadsin order to conduct convoy live-fire exercises June15-17 at Fort Hood’s Jack Mountain.Each squad, comprised of about 13 Soldiers,completed the course four times during its day onthe lanes. The troops’ mission was to escort a lightmedium tactical vehicle carrying supplies.The first and second walk-throughs allowed theSoldiers to stop at each point and observe their surroundings. During the third exercise, Soldiers wereoutfitted with blank ammo to practice firing theirweapons while on the convoy.After practicing all day, squads were issued liveammunition, given a safety brief and were sent outto be tested on the tactics, techniques and proceduresthey had been taught.“The more Soldiers fire their weapons, the moreeffective and comfortable they are using them,which makes it more likely they will take out theirtarget,” said Sgt. 1st Class Donnie Jones, 720th MPBn. operations noncommissioned officer and selfproclaimed “trigger man” for the exercise.Jones communicated with the tower as theconvoy approached its targets. He also detonated themock improvised explosive device at the end of theexercise.Spc. Charlie Aguayo and Pfc. Zachary Devasier, bothmechanics with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade, checkan M2, .50-caliber machine gun at a convoy live-fireexercise June 15, 2010 at Jack Mountain, Fort Hood.14GRIFFIN WARRIORFALL 2010

MP CONVOY LIVE-FIRE EXERCISE NEWS GW“Previously deployed Soldiers know the usefulness of such training and use it to refresh andsharpen their skills,” Jones said.“If they go out and do convoys, it’ll help forthose who haven’t deployed yet,” said Spc. MarquisBloodworth, an HHD truck driver who deployedto Camp Stryker on Victory Base Complex, Iraq in2007. He said the Soldiers learn key concepts suchas maintaining the proper distance between trucksand what to do if an IED hits the convoy.Bloodworth has seen such training tested incombat. During his deployment, one of his unit’sconvoys got hit by an IED. Thanks to multiple rehearsals, he said, his team knew what to do.“We had practiced over and over the scenarioswe would use,” Bloodworth said. “We were prepared.”Two other units from the 89th MP Bde. recentlywent through the same training, Jones said. The 64thand 401st MP companies, currently deployed toAfghanistan, ran these lanes in February as a part oftheir pre-deployment training.The detachment also had another mission inmind during the training. Each squad was composedof Soldiers from different offices and its memberspossessed a wide variety of military occupation specialties, which made teamwork even more important.“Primarily, we are getting Soldiers out hereshooting weapons and working as a team that nor-mally aren’t a team,” Capt. Andrew Douglass, HHDcommander, said. “It’s a rarity.”“We have a staff sergeant out here as a convoycommander,” said Sgt. 1st Class Corey Fairchild,HHD first sergeant, in reference to Staff Sgt. DennisKatona, a chemical operations noncommissionedofficer assigned to HHD.“He’s out here leading a convoy, which is something he may not have experienced before,” Fairchild said.Having different career fields was not a problemfor these Soldiers. They completed the live-fire runtrained and working as a team.“There was good suppressive fire and muzzleawareness from gunners,” Jones said. “Drivers hadgood spacing between the vehicles.”Communication on the radios was good as well,Jones said.“I heard people calling targets up. Everyone wasmotivated and moved quickly,” he added.During the after-action review, Command Sgt.Maj. Peter Ladd, 720th MP Bn. reminded troopsabout their duty as Soldiers.“You cannot take away from what your primarymission is as a Soldier in the United States Army andthat is to train and to kill the enemy,” Ladd said.After a long, successful day in the Texas summer heat, the Soldiers packed up their vehicles andweapons and set up the last convoy of the day.GRIFFIN WARRIORFALL 201015

GW NEWS 93RD MP BATTALION GETS DOWN AND DIRTY93rd MPs get down and dirtyfor Pig Bowl tournamentStory and photos by Clarence GilesFort Bliss MonitorFORT BLISS, Texas - Soldiers from the 93rd Military Police Battalion came together Friday to blowoff some steam and compete in an array of events forthe coveted Pig Bowl trophy.Participating units included the 72nd MP Detachment, the 591st MP Company, and the 93rd’sHeadquarters and Headquarters Co.“Soldiers had not come together in this fashionsince 2006,” said Capt. Brenda Beegle of HHC, 93rdMP Bn.“The events were held to promote morale, espritde corps and recreation,” Beegle said. “The reasonit’s called the ‘Pig Bowl’ is because we’re gettingdown and dirty – we’re in friendly competition witheach other. This is an opportunity for us to come together as one, enjoy each other and celebrate havinga good month. This is also the first Pig Bowl since2006. So, we’re just letting it all hang out.”The competition included a guidon relay race offive runners, covering a quarter mile each, carryingtheir respective unit’s flag. There was also softball,basketball, flag football, tug of war and a strongmancompetition with a 5,200-pound Humvee.With 93rd’s HHC, four competitors pushed theHumvee, with a driver aboard to steer, in the firstpart of a three-component, 100-meter race consistingof four pushers, two litter carriers and one water cancarrier, trotting.The second half-mile was covered by the littercarriers with a “wounded” colleague aboard and athird Soldier carrying a water-filled, five-gallon gascan weighing about 35 pounds. All three phases ofthis competition involved running, if possible, and itwas a timed event.The 212th MP Co. came in with the best timeof two minutes and two seconds, while 591st cameclose with a time of two minutes and 11 seconds, according to Sgt. John Wingert of HHC, 93rd MP Bn.Soldiers of the 93rd Military Police Battalion, the 72nd Military Police Detachment, the 591st MP and the 212th MP Company kickoff the Pig Bowl tournament as one of five events, with a four-leg guidon relay race Friday, Oct. 21, 2010 nearthe Omar Bradley Softball Complex.16GRIFFIN WARRIORFALL 2010

93RD MP BATTALION HOSTS ORGANIZATIONAL DAY NEWS GW93rd MP Bn hostsorganizational dayStory and photos by Clarence GilesFort Bliss MonitorFORT BLISS, Texas -The 93rd Military Police Battalion “let down their hair” and were served juicy slabsof ribs by a volunteer “beef battalion” of civilians at Kelly Park during their Sept. 25 battalion organizationalday.“Most of the Soldiers have been deployed numerous times,” said Lt. Col. Vernon Lightner, commanderof the 93rd Military Police Battalion. “And, when we return from deployment, we’re working the roads andproviding law enforcement for the installation. Both missions are inherently dangerous and stressful. Now it’stime to enjoy. It gives them a chance to reconnect outside their work environment.”“We’re here to have family fun, enjoying friends, food and fellowship,” said Command Sgt. Maj. MyronLewis, the battalion command sergeant major. “We come out here to bring all the Soldiers of the battaliontogether for fellowship and acknowledge the end of summer. We break bread and socialize with each otherduring this annual event.”The group of more than 500 relaxed by competing in basketball, yard kickball and volleyball. There werealso water slides and jumping balloons for children of the Soldiers. At the end of the day the coaches talliedup scores for competitive events and awarded trophies to the top performers.Soldiers of the 93rd Military Police Battalion, the72nd Military Police Detachment, the 591st MP andthe 212th MP Company kickoff the Pig Bowl tournament as one of five events, with a four-leg guidonrelay race Friday, Oct. 21, 2010 near the Omar BradleySoftball Complex.A kickball teammate“rises to the occasion”in returning a kickballto the “pitcher” duringan outing of the 93rdMilitary Police Battalionat Kelly Park Sept. 25.,2010.A player in the 93rd Military Police Battalion’s pickupbasketball game at Kelly Park sends the “peel” intoan arcing shot Sept. 25.GRIFFIN WARRIORFALL 201017

GW NEWS 977th MPs PREPARE FOR DEPLOYMENT977th MPs prepare fordeployment at Task ForceOutlawStory and photos by Lt. Col. Deanna BagueFort Bliss Public AffairsMcGregor Range, N.M. – Soldiers from the977th Military Police Company, 97th Military PoliceBattalion, trained detainee operations here under thedirection of Task Force Outlaw in preparation for anupcoming deployment.After completing individual skills training andsmall unit tasks and drills at their home station, theunit participated in a culminating exercise at TF Outlaw where they conducted internment resettlementoperations.“While we can do some of that at Fort Riley,Kan., the facilities here at Fort Bliss and out here atMcGregor Range just provide a fantastic opportunity to get an external evaluation on these Soldiersto make sure that they are ready to deploy, fight an

Safety Stand-Down Day change of command 93rd Military Police Battalion Fort Bliss, tX 97th Military Police Battalion Fort riley, kS 720th Military Police Battalion Fort hood, tX 89th Military Police Brigade Fort hood, tX 178th Military Police detachMent Fort hood, tX and give shelter a hand MPs pay it forward and give shelter a hand INSIDE Safety