By CW3 A. Rafael Fabian Diaz, 7th Infantry Division (7ID) Human Resources Technician and SFC Cody Siders, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade S1 NCOIC
On behalf of 7ID Assistant Chief of Staff (ACofS), G1, LTC Lucas Braxton and SGM Paul George, 7ID G1 Sergeant Major – All eyes on the Bayonet Team!
Being a multi-component division headquarters has its challenges. There’s always the continuous struggle to fill our Reserve Component billets, for one, or the always original question of “how is HRC looking at us today? Active Component only or multi-compo?” That’s always fun around USR time… month after month. Regardless, we wouldn’t have it any other way! If it were easy then it wouldn’t be called the Army!
No matter what challenges lay ahead, the Human Resources (HR) Professionals of the Bayonet Division stand ready to deploy, engage and destroy the enemy, defend and serve, and provide top notch HR services to our Soldiers and Families across and beyond our formations.
Last fall (November 2018) the Bayonet Division had the privilege of hosting the 7th Chief Warrant Officer of the Adjutant’s General Corps (CWOAGC), CW5 Jacque Nixon, as he visited the HR Professionals of the 7th Infantry Division G1 and its subordinate unit S1s. With some of the best HR professionals in the Army, 7th ID HR Soldiers had an opportunity to show the CWOAGC how the team pushes through one obstacle after another, going the extra-mile serving Soldiers and their Families on a day-to-day basis.
Conducting an office call with the 7ID G1, LTC Lucas Braxton and SGM Paul George, CW5 Nixon listened as LTC Braxton discussed the overall mission of the 7ID headquarters and how the Division G1 is postured to provide HR support throughout its footprint. Additional topics of discussion were the I Corps Rolling Soldier Readiness Program (SRP) Level II mission, potential Distribution Management Level manning pilot, and the dynamic of reporting to two different higher headquarter entities (United States Army Pacific and United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)).
We welcome the challenge – January 2019 kicked off what will be a busy year for the HR professionals of the Bayonet Division. From preparing CTC/Deployment Briefs for FORSCOM in preparation for the 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, National Training Center rotation; to conducting manifesting operations in support of Pacific Pathways (Thailand/Philippines) and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center – 29 Palms (California); from getting back to the plans and operations roots as the Division prepares to integrate its foreign partners (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, and Singapore) in support of Bayonet Focus/Joint Warfighter Assessment exercises; to immediately following up with additional HR planning and support effort to kick off Talisman Sabre 19 (Australia).
Our HR Troops are ready to serve!
Ghost Brigade – 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division
Down in Ghost Country, the HR troops are grinding every day to provide high-quality HR support to over 4,400 Soldiers. With numerous real world missions coming to an end, the cohort combined efforts to execute reintegration tasks at the Institutional Training Branch for Pacific Pathways 19-01 and the Southwest Border Mission personnel, while simultaneously executing mass SFL-TAP and CAO/CNO training events in their footprint. Readiness and morale is at an all-time high in Ghost Country!
Within Ghost Country, home of the 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), last winter WO1 Veronica Fitzgerald, HR Technician, had the opportunity to discuss with the CWOAGC her “first 100 days” as a HR Technician in a high Operational Tempo Stryker Brigade. During the CWOAGC’s visit, she attended the RAPIDS out-brief as a result of an installation inspection. 1-2 SBCT S1 received a commendable rating and was lauded for producing 200 new CACs in a one month span; a testament to their “Soldiers First” mentality.
Building the bench – The HR leaders of the Ghost Brigade continue to prepare its young troops and set them up for success on their way up the ranks. As part of Sergeant’s Time Training, PFC Estrella Rodriguez, 23rd Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB), facilitated a period of instructions on battalion-level monthly reports. The Junior Enlisted troops run the show for the Ghost Brigade – PFC Durieu Pitts, 2-3 Infantry Battalion, familiarized the HR enterprise on the Global Electronic Approval Routing System as the Brigade transitions to a new personnel actions tracking system, while PFC Jin Kuroha from the Brigade S1 instructed HR professionals on how to properly complete DA Form 638, Recommendation for Award.
Recognizing Army HR talent behind the scenes – during BG Robert Bennett’s (61st The Adjutant General (TAG) of the U.S. Army) visit to 7ID in February 2019, he presented CPT Sherri Gregoire the AGCRA COL (Ret) Robert L. Manning Achievement Medal for her contributions to the 23rd BEB as the Battalion S1 OIC. SPC Felicia Brown, Brigade S1, received a coin from the Ghost Command Sergeant Major, CSM Chris Grant, for stepping up in the absence of leadership and always providing the very best HR support to the Soldiers of the Ghost Brigade on a daily basis – for both, a job well done!
Personnel Accountability and Strength Reporting – on the operational front, the Ghost S1 team continues to focus on our Division’s HR Core Competencies. As part of Manning the Force, Ghost 1 and her team planned, coordinated, and executed the manifest operations supporting the Brigade’s movement to the Philippines as part of the Pacific Pathways 19-01 exercise, an annual multilateral exercise focused in the Pacific comprised of three different deployments; each featuring components of a Brigade Combat Team and their host nation counterparts.
The Ghost Brigade exhibits AG pride, motivation, and competence both on and off duty. Three members of the current AGCRA Mount Rainier Chapter Council serve in the Brigade S1 and directly contribute to the cohorts’ participation in multiple Bake Sales events and Fun Runs. Additionally, 1-2 SBCT S1 OIC, MAJ Deb Daley, and NCOIC, SFC Julie Laney, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community by receiving the Horatio Gates Bronze Medal at the last AGCRA Luncheon.
Raptor Brigade – 16th Combat Aviation Brigade
Any place, any time – making things happen literally in all corners of the globe, the HR professionals of the Raptor Combat Aviation Brigade continue to go above and beyond the call of duty. Last November 2018, WO1 Tom Fitzgerald had the opportunity to discuss the Brigade’s SRP process and some of the challenges and successes of the program with CW5 Jacque Nixon at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Soldier Readiness Center (SRC).
Down on the peninsula – CPT Sandra Richards and SSG Chandra Ashley, S1 and S1 NCOIC for the 4-6 Heavy Attack Reconnaissance Squadron, along with their team of HR professionals answered the call and are currently deployed to the Korean Theater of Operations. They continue to hold down the line providing top notch HR services to the Task Force while forward deployed – Sabers!
Work hard, play harder – the HR professionals of the Raptor Brigade all take time to support the AGCRA Mount Rainier Chapter at JBLM. From Bake sales to AG Fun Runs, the Raptors are always supporting in full force.
Down with the B.R.O – the Brigade S1 Soldiers were an integral piece of the preparation and execution of Warfighter Exercise 19-04. For four months, they worked tirelessly ensuring the Brigade’s Soldiers, equipment, and supplies were prepared and accounted for thus sustaining the unit through the duration of the exercise. This was evident in the effort level, attitude, and morale of the S1 Soldiers while they prepared and executed this training exercise, many times in austere weather conditions and with little rest. Their performance was recognized and commended by senior members of the Brigade staff as well as Observer/Controllers.
Hero of the Battle – responsible for the battle tracking of over 3,000 geographically dispersed personnel, the Brigade’s HR expertise was a combat multiplier in the development of casualty tracking mechanisms and HR standard operating procedures, resulting in shared understanding throughout the Brigade’s Sustainment Cell and Tactical Operations Center. In the spirit of our HR Soldiers’ hard work and continued dedication, PFC Loren Gomes-Hadden was recognized as one of four Raptor Brigade representatives during the exercise as Hero of the Battle. Outstanding performance!
Lancer Brigade – 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division
Down at the Lancer Brigade, HR troops could not be going at a faster pace and knocking down more targets than the Soldiers of the S1 shop down at 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (2-2 SBCT). Despite of the unit operational tempo the S1 shop continues to go above and beyond the call of duty setting new standards of high-quality HR services and support to the Soldiers and Families of the Lancer Brigade.
Lessons learned – during the CWOAGC’s visit to JBLM last November 2018, WO1 Dante Steel, 2-2 SBCT HR Technician, discussed some of the Army HR products and best practices he has created and continues to execute at the Lancer Brigade, including Microsoft Excel programs of instructions to ensure S1 teams across the Brigade are mining and analyzing data in a more proficient and expeditious manner.
NTC Bound – as the Brigade ramps up for their upcoming NTC rotation, MAJ Eric Williams and his band of HR professionals continue to set up and take down HR targets flawlessly. Supporting the Brigade’s Pre-Deployment Site Survey and Leader Training Program efforts, Lancer 1 and his team conducted manifesting operations accounting for and tracking the movement of over 200 Task Force Lancer Brigade and Battalion Staff personnel, also supporting Company Commanders and other leaders with zero issues.
Warrior Strike – 2nd Infantry Division DIVARTY
Rounding CW5 Nixon’s tour of the 7ID Brigade S1s was a visit to the 2ID Division Artillery (DIVARTY) where he visited with CW2 Junior Colon and the Warrior Strike HR professionals. While at 2ID DIVARTY, CW5 Nixon received an impromptu brief on the activation of the Intelligence and Information, Cyber, Electronic Warfare, Space (I2CEWS) unit under the administrative control of 2ID DIVARTY, 7ID.
The 2ID DIVARTY S1 team exceptionally executes personnel accountability. In late February 2019, the Warrior Strike S1 pushed out a 2ID DIVARTY reconnaissance element to Australia in preparation for the unit’s participation in Talisman Sabre 19, a bilateral exercise designed to train Australian and U.S. Forces in planning and conducting combined task force operations in order to improve Australian/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. Simultaneously, the HR team also manifested and continues to track the daily accountability of Warrior Strike Soldiers training at the Donnelly Training Area in Alaska.
Strike the enemy, protect the innocent!
Last note.
Hail and farewell. Lastly, LTC Braxton, SGM George, and the rest of the Bayonet HR team would like to say welcome to the new crop of HR professionals joining the Division ranks this year. We are excited to have you all join one of the greatest HR cohorts in the U.S. Army and are looking forward to showing off what the great Pacific northwest has to offer – “live like the mountain is out!” To those of you leaving us in the near future we say many thanks! We are extremely grateful for what you have done for the Soldiers and Families of the Bayonet Division and wish you only the best in your future endeavors. Keep in touch!
Meet the team:
Bayonet Division – 7th Infantry Division – Bayonet G1 Team:
ACofS, G1 – LTC Lucas Braxton
G1 SGM – SGM Paul George
EPS OIC – CPT (P) Cliff Barnett
PLOPS OIC – CPT (P) Jerame Johnson
Readiness Director – CPT Robert Busley
HR Tech – CW3 A. Rafael Fabian Diaz
HR Tech – CW2 Yesenia Hall
ESM NCOIC/Platoon SGT – SFC Marla Ocalagan
EPS NCOIC – SSG Vanessa Harbo
PLOPS NCOIC – SSG Monique Lindo
ESM NCO – SGT (P) Isabella Eubank
HR SGT – SGT Brittney Echols
HR SGT – SGT Nicholus Henry
HR SGT – SPC (P) Nicholas Ancrum
HR SGT – SPC (P) Holden Goerke
HR SGT – SPC (P) Tyler Love
HR SPC – SPC Juan Granados
HR SPC – PV2 Cory Hockenberry
Ghost Brigade – 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division – Ghost S1 Team:
S1 – MAJ Deb Daley
S1 Senior HR SGT – SFC Julie Laney
HR Tech – WO1 Veronica Fitzgerald
Strength Manager – 1LT Jayson Ewert
HR SGT – SSG Willa Palmer
HR SGT – SGT Selene Garcia
HR SGT – SPC (P) Philip Chase
HR SPC – SPC Felicia Brown
HR SPC – SPC Gary Parris
HR SGT – PFC Jin Kuroha
HR SPC – PV2 Ashley Rodriguez
Raptor Brigade – 16th Combat Aviation Brigade – Raptor S1 Team:
S1 – CPT (P) Broderick “Brock” Gardner
S1 Senior HR SGT – SFC Cody Siders
HR Tech – WO1 Tom Fitzgerald
Strength Manager – 1LT Jennifer Zimmerman
HR SGT – SSG Emily Merriman
HR SGT – SGT Latice Blount
HR SPC – SPC Seok Lee
HR SPC – SPC Amanda Perez
HR SPC – PFC Loren Gomes-Hadden
HR SPC – PV2 Reginald Arberry
Lancer Brigade – 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division – Lancer S1 Team:
(Outgoing) S1 – MAJ Eric Williams
(Incoming) S1 – MAJ Jason Langer
S1 Senior HR SGT – SFC (P) David Harris
(Outgoing) HR Tech – WO1 Dante Steel
(Incoming) HR Tech – WO1 Rich Vazquez
Strength Manager – 2LT Sydney Portis
HR SGT – SGT Spencer Bates
HR SGT – SGT Brandon Williams
HR SPC – SPC (P) Jade Devarlezier
HR SPC – SPC Lopezestevez Carlos
HR SPC – PFC Johnna Granados
HR SPC – PV2 Miguel Ceja
Warrior Strike – 2nd Infantry Division DIVARTY – Warrior Strike S1 Team:
S1 – MAJ Lindsey Travis
S1 Senior HR SGT – SFC Gloria Harrell
Outgoing HR Tech – CW2 Junior Colon
Incoming HR Tech – WO1 Shanay Esaw
Assistant S1 – CPT Maxine Coleman
HR SGT – SSG Marjorie Ashley
HR SGT – SGT Veronica Mejia
HR SPC – Yadira Alberto
HR SPC – PFC Jasmine Vides
HR SPC – PFC Kyle Anderson
HR SPC – PFC Rene Sanchez