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SOUTHWEST ASIA, - At an
installation that is currently supporting
several hundred individuals and is
looking to expand to more than double
its current population; maintenance, of
mission essential equipment, is not only
challenging but educational.
Currently the 1st
Bn 623rd Field
Artillery is maintaining 68 different
pieces of equipment that they rely on
to complete their mission. In addition
to their own operational and
sustainment equipment, they are
supporting incoming and transient
units’ maintenance needs as well. With
that scenario, the Soldiers said it
presents several challenges as well as
educational opportunities.
“Our mission is a critical one. Our
mechanics and the support team are
excited about having this opportunity
to demonstrate their current abilities
as well as to expand their knowledge
on equipment that they are familiar
with, as well as not so familiar with”.
Said MSG Aaron Young
TTHHEE VVIIDDEETTTTEE
1st
Bn 623d Field artillery
Individual Highlights:
Cover Story 1
Commander 2
Sergeant Major 2
Law & Order 3
S1 3
S4 4
S3 4
First Aid Station 5
Motor Pool 5
Genius Bar 5
Cover Story Cont. 6
Cover Story Cont. 7
Tips for Better Sleep 8

15 MAY 2013
Vol. 1 Issue 5
Maintenance….The Mission Depends on It
MSG Aaron Young (left) and SFC Robert Long (center) work on decompressing an air conditioning unit, while SGT Joseph
Johnson (Right) watches the scale to determine the amount of freon that has been captured during the process.
PhotosLayout/Design/Photographer
2LT Gordon Deming
Writer/Photographer
SGT Bryan Ploughe
Editor in Chief
MAJ John Holmes
Photo by SGT Bryan Ploughe
Continued on Page 6

COMMANDER’S WORDS
LTC Timothy Fanter
“A good leader is one who
can tell another how to
reach his or her potential;
a great leader is one who
can help another discover
this potential for him or
herself.”
- Bo Bennett
COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR
SGM Robert Neathery
Greetings to our Soldiers, families, friends, and supporters of Morgan’s
Men. Our operational tempo has definitely increased at JTC. From the last
issue, we successfully conducted our Pre Deployment Site Survey (PDSS) and
are conducting the Mission Rehearsal Exercise with TF 240B. Once validated,
we will prepare them for onward movement partnered with a Military
Transition Team to their Forward Operating Bases.
Our Soldiers are now receiving daily mail due to the new post office
opened here at JTC. There was an official ribbon cutting with distinguished
visitor Lieutenant General Brooks and Major General Cheek at the ceremony
and then both ate lunch with Morgan’s Men.
In another ceremony, it was my privilege to perform the action of
frocking SGM Neathery to Command Sergeant Major for the duration of the
deployment. CSM Neathery has been filling the role of the Battalion
Command Sergeant Major since we departed and I relied on his counsel and
advice and he is an irreplaceable asset to the Command Team here in Jordan.
I will close with a few words on unit cohesion. One of the most critical elements in combat
capability is unit cohesion, that is, the bonds of trust among all Soldiers of Morgan’s Men that make the
combat effectiveness of this Battalion greater than the sum of the combat effectiveness for the individual
Soldier. This mission has given us the ability to take unit cohesion to the next level by including our
Jordanian Armed Forces brothers in arms. Continue to coach, mentor, teach, and develop the trust that is
necessary to effectively train Task Force 240 and Task Force 222.
Leaders as we now move into the break between training cycles let's
make sure we use this time wisely. This is a perfect opportunity to get
your troops on the computers knocking out online courses. You should
also be able to get in plenty of other worth while training during this
time. I know everyone has an internal training schedule but don't be
afraid to throw something else in if you see something that could be
beneficial to your soldiers. Don't be afraid to ask your soldiers at the
lowest levels what they think your unit needs to train on also. Don't
waste this opportunity to train your soldiers.

LAW & ORDER
Driving in our current area can be dangerous. In 2009, 262 injuries and
11.3 deaths occurred, in accidents, for every 100,000 road travelers in this
area of operation. Speed limits range from 50 to 80 KPH but are all too
often ignored. The local .08 blood alcohol content limit is on par with most
U.S. states, but it is laxly enforced. One major difference in vehicle safety,
from the United States, is that only operators of the vehicles are required to
wear seatbelts, not passengers. One measure that is put into place, to try to
control speed on roads is, strategically placed, speed humps. There are
frequently sudden stops at these randomly located speed humps
S1
1LT Matthew Engle
Distractions in a Vehicle
Is multitasking dangerous? Yes, yes it is if you are driving
a motor vehicle. Some distractions are outside the vehicle
such as other cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. Signs and
billboards can also be distracting. Let’s add to this some
distractions inside the vehicle. Having a radio on seems
pretty passive and not much of a distraction, unless what
the person is talking about is interesting and draws some
of your attention, as in a talk show or news program.
What if you have one or more passengers riding along,
involving you in a discussion? These are other forms of
distraction.
All distractions endanger driver, passenger and bystander
safety. Because text messaging requires visual, manual
and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the
most alarming distraction, according to the National
Highway Safety Traffic Administration. Other examples
of distractions include: using a cellular phone, eating and
drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading
(including maps), using a navigation system, watching a
video, and adjusting a radio or MP3 player.
which can lead to collisions. Every country has its own “road etiquette” and Jordan is no different. The
following are some examples. Horns are warnings, not complaints or gestures. Lanes are just guidelines,
not requirements. Driving here is dangerous due to lack of traffic laws, enforcement, and experience.
Drive cautiously! If you are involved in an accident cooperate and get a police report. U.S. authorities
cannot help you if you do not follow the law.
CPT Nicholas Carter
Distraction Facts
According to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration:
•Drivers who use handheld devices are four
times more likely to get into crashes serious
enough to injure themselves.
•Text messaging creates a crash risk which is 23
times worse than driving while not distracted.
•Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes
from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the
equivalent driving the length of an entire football
field, blind, while traveling 55 mph.
•Headset cellular phone use is not substantially
safer than handheld use.
•Driving while using a cellular phone reduces the
amount of brain activity associated with driving
by 37 percent.

S4
The Yard Dogs
SFC Scotty Turner
As the Supply section for
1st
Bn 623d FA, we have achieved
our mission in getting the unit here
and logistically functioning. Our Kuwait team, SGT Thurman, SPC
Morrison, and SPC Murphy are doing a great job of getting us what
we need to operate on a daily basis. The team here, consisting of SSG
Hoover, SGT Iqbal, SPC Toby Turner, and SFC Scotty Turner, is
conducting daily business for several units. The requests are being
processed and filled regularly with little or no problems. The units
have come to depend on this team for everything they need to
complete their missions. We try to give them the most support we
can; but, some are finding out that being deployed is not as easy as it
is back home because we have constraints due to our remote location
that are not quickly overcome.
We, as a section, are responsible for getting all classes of
supply from anything as small as nails to construct their training aids
to the MRAPS that are being used to train the Soldiers for their
upcoming mission. Supply is one section that never changes. We take
requests and action on them in a seamless manner as to not interrupt
training as much as possible. We are supporting other units that are
in our area as well. This is a challenge to us as we are accustomed to
taking care of only our own, but here it seems we take care of more
people in other units. I can say that this has been a very eye opening
experience getting to work with other units and seeing how they
operate but we take on a lot of responsibility as we have to supply
them with all also. Every unit that comes though here, or are
stationed close to us, depend on us for their survivability and we
have been up to the task so far.
Each member of our section has developed into a vital part
of the team as they have learned to succeed in their duties. We
continually get tasked to do more, which is a good thing, because it
makes time go by faster. I think our guys truly enjoy their jobs taking
care of our Soldiers as well as the other units. It is helping our young
NCOs become better supply sergeants and get better educated on all
the duties that are expected of them as they continue their military
careers.
Development is key to success in any
career you choose. Whether it be a
military or civilian career,
understanding a leader’s role and the
cornerstone of leadership helps
performance at many levels.
Credibility: How Leaders Gain and
Lose It, Why People Demand It
James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
After thirty years of research, Kouzes
and Posner conclude that credibility is
the cornerstone of leadership. Leaders
must “say what you mean and mean
what you say.” The three sources of
credibility are honesty, competence,
and inspiration. Army leaders cannot
achieve their potential without
considering and addressing the
expectations of those whom they lead.
S3
CPT Kevin Massengill
BOOK OF THE
MONTH

“Combat medics never
stand taller than when
they kneel to treat the
wounded saving lives in
the midst of utter chaos.”
-Unknown
FIRST AID STATION
MOTOR POOL
S6
Hey guys, as spring dwindles and summer approaches, you will need to
remember to continue to hydrate with water and be careful about supplements and
drinks containing caffeine because caffeine is a diuretic (make you have to urinate
more and makes it harder to hydrate). And, as we are out training and MWR trips,
make sure you are protecting your skin with sunscreen and wearing proper
clothing to protect your skin. We have also had a trend of sleep problems and
have added some tips to good sleep practices.
CPT “Doc” Hayden
Chances are that you have become use to the sound of the forklift
back up alarm by now. According to MSG Young “it is the most famous
sound here, day and night”. We use our lone forklift about 70 hours a
month. So, roughly, 35 hours a month you are hearing that familiar back
up alarm echoing across the base. Our operations here require frequent
material handling support and proficient operators to do the job. Our goal
in Maintenance is to move materials safely, train other operators to
become proficient, and keep this essential asset well maintained.
Recently, MSG Young conducted an ATLAS (All Terrain Lifter
Army System) Operator’s course for Alpha Battery. During the Course,
SSG Robert Long
The Signal Section is hard at work providing the best support to the
tenant units here at JTC. SPC Burrows has joined our small team and
has been working incredibly hard helping us resolve issues quickly. Ever-
changing missions mean we have to stay adaptable and we love the
challenge.
1LT Matthew Speer
Operators were trained and tested on the capabilities, functions, and preventative maintenance checks of the
ATLAS. They also completed 8 hours of equipment operations to gain and demonstrate their competency.
SFC Davis said “We enjoyed the course and learned tips that will help us in both military and civilian forklift
operations”. Congratulations to SPC Reed, SPC Clouse, SFC Davis, and SPC Burnett for successful completion
of the course!

The members of this maintenance team are use
to working on their own equipment and say it is
somewhat of a treat to have exposure to a
broader spectrum of equipment that they may
not otherwise be able to have their hands on, in
any other situation.
The eight regular members of the maintenance
team keep the regular checks and services caught
up, let alone the “surprises” that continually
arise. Although they have scheduled working
hours, some of this equipment runs 24 hours a
day to help support the installation in operations.
Due to that, it is not out of the ordinary for any
member of the team to get a wake-up knock at
their door, informing them that they are needed
for support at any given location on the
installation.
SPC Shawn Masden has quickly become
proficient in troubleshooting and repairing the
facilities power generation equipment. Much of
the generator powered equipment is essential to
operations or base life support and cannot be
without generator power for long. Through
Masden’s experiences here, he has learned to
troubleshoot with accuracy and make repairs
quickly. He has quickly learned the issues that he
can fix on the spot or if it is an issue that
requires more in depth attention, and if it
requires replacement with one of the float
generators that he also maintains to keep
essential equipment operating.
Although the generators are meticulously
maintained, they are a high demand item and
they continually require regular attention.
“Although this is his first deployment, he has the
mind set and the abilities of a seasoned Veteran
in his areas of expertise,” said WO1 Melissa
Propes, the Battalion automotive maintenance
technician.
SSG Nicholas Boller manages the Logistics
Information Systems (LIS), an essential element
in maintaining operations. All parts requisitions,
readiness reporting and maintenance management
tracking is conducted through the systems that
Boller operates. Although he does not hold a
logistical specialist MOS (military occupational
specialty), he has become proficient in daily
operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting of
the computer and satellite equipment as well as
tracking the extensive process of getting parts to
their remote location in southwest Asia.
SSG Boller works closely with maintenance
liaisons to communicate and track parts requests.
In addition to being responsible for LIS
operations, Boller’s technical expertise is a major
asset to troubleshooting and repairing automotive
equipment
Most of the 1st
Bn 623d
equipment that is
maintained is available back in the states for
familiarization and hands on training. But, there is
one piece that due to its cost and high demand in
operational areas is not readily available stateside
for training. The MRAP, or Mine Resistant
Ambush Protected vehicle, is a highly specialized
and technically advanced piece of equipment that
the maintenance team is quickly becoming
acquainted.
MSG Aaron Young ground guiding an operator in training
SFC Shawn Davis demonstrating his forklift proficiency during the
ATLAS (All Terrain Lifter Army System) Operator’s Course.
Maintenance Cont.

SPC Grover Nichols takes a moment to smile for the camera, while
he and SPC Timothy Firkins perform a regular service on a mission
essential vehicle.
“To have to opportunity to become familiar with
the vehicle and get some real world hands
wrench time on this vehicle is a privilege,” said
SFC Robert Long.
This particular vehicle has a level of protection
for Soldiers that is unmatched in the type of
situations that it is meant to endure. With the
armor strategically placed on this vehicle, regular
maintenance is more of an issue, due to the
removal of plates and so on, just to be able to
access the areas that require attention. “SPC
Grover Nichols has demonstrated the skill and
aptitude of a Soldier that has knowledge and
ability well beyond what his rank reflects. The
eagerness with which he tackles each job is one
of his many fine traits as a Soldier”. Stated WO1
Propes
“SPC Nichols is our go to guy, when it comes to
the “know how” and knowledge of armor
removal,” said MSG Aaron Young “He performs
this task in a rapid but complete and safe
manner. When Nichols is assigned to perform
these duties, I have no worry. I can go on about
my business knowing he’s in charge of that piece
of equipment.”
“Determination is of the utmost on a daily
basis,” said Propes. “Equipment reliability and
safety is our main concern. Without these two
elements in place, the Soldiers cannot perform
their daily missions.”
“To have to opportunity to become familiar with
the vehicle and get some real world hands
wrench time on this vehicle is a privilege,” said
SFC Robert Long.
Maintenance Cont.
SPC Ernest Reed being evaluated on his forklift ground guiding
proficiency during the ATLAS operator’s course.
Members of the 623d maintenance team, as well as others, took
one day to erect a new maintenance bay tent in their current area
of operation, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tips for Better Sleep
Doc Hayden
Maintain a regular sleep routine
 Go to bed at the same time. Wake up at the same time. Ideally, your
schedule will remain the same (+/- 20 minutes) every night of the
week.
 Avoid naps if possible
- Naps decrease the ‘Sleep Debt’ that is so necessary for easy sleep
onset.
- Each of us needs a certain amount of sleep per 24-hour period.
We need that amount and we do not need more than that.
- When we take naps, it decreases the amount of sleep that we need
the next night – which may cause sleep fragmentation and
difficulty initiating sleep, and may lead to insomnia.
Don’t stay in bed awake for more than 5-10 minutes.
 If you find your mind racing, or worrying about not being able to
sleep during the middle of the night, get out of bed, and sit in a chair
in the dark. Do your mind racing in the chair until you are sleepy,
then return to bed. No TV or internet during these periods! That
will just stimulate you more than desired.
 If this happens several times during the night, that is OK. Just
maintain your regular wake time, and try to avoid naps.
Don’t watch TV or read in bed.
 When you watch TV or read in bed, you associate the bed with
wakefulness.
 The bed is reserved for two things – sleep and hanky panky.
Do not drink caffeine inappropriately
 The effects of caffeine may last for several hours after ingestion.
Caffeine can fragment sleep, and cause difficulty initiating sleep. If
you drink caffeine, use it only before noon.
 Remember that soda and tea contain caffeine as well.

Avoid inappropriate substances that interfere with sleep
 Cigarettes, alcohol, and over-the-counter medications may cause
fragmented sleep.
Exercise regularly
 Exercise before 2 pm every day. Exercise promotes continuous sleep.
 Avoid rigorous exercise before bedtime. Rigorous exercise circulates
endorphins into the body which may cause difficulty initiating sleep.
Have a quiet, comfortable bedroom
 Set your bedroom thermostat at a comfortable temperature. Generally, a
little cooler is better than a little warmer.
 Turn off the TV and other extraneous noise that may disrupt sleep.
Background ‘white noise’ like a fan is OK.
 If your pets awaken you, keep them outside the bedroom.
 Your bedroom should be dark. Turn off bright lights.
If you are a ‘clock watcher’ at night, hide the clock.
Have a comfortable pre-bedtime routine
 A warm bath, shower
 Meditation, or quiet time

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