Image credit: Military Health System

This Saturday, June 27, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs mark National PTSD Awareness Day.

In the United States, more than 8 million veterans and civilians suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or over 6% of the population. While each has a history of trauma, every individual’s story is unique. Combat, terrorism, violent crime, abuse, natural disasters, car accidents, and other life-threatening experiences have all contributed to the increase of PTSD in recent years.

Research by the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder shows that homeless combat veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq are more likely to suffer from PTSD than Soldiers of previous conflicts.

Trauma-related stress affects relationships and jobs, with loved ones and coworkers often feeling unable to help. Problems associated with PTSD can also affect the will to live. The specter of suicide haunts a significant number of veterans today.

Identifying Symptoms and Warning Signs

Symptoms may start months or even years after the traumatic event, and they sometimes come and go over time.

People with PTSD typically develop the following symptoms:

— Painful memories, or reliving the trauma (flashbacks)

— Edginess, hypervigilance, and/or insomnia

— Avoidance of triggers, including activities or situations that used to be enjoyable

— Increase in sadness, depression, and/or negative thinking

You Can Do Something About it

There is real hope. With awareness on the rise, help is more available than ever before. Care is crucial after identifying PTSD. Patients who receive treatment report a higher quality of life than those who avoid care. Seeking social support from family, friends, and others also benefits many patients.

Veterans are encouraged to contact the VA for help with PTSD: http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/PTSD.asp

Active duty/retired personnel with PTSD should schedule an appointment with a primary care manager or mental health provider: https://tricare.mil/mtf/

Civilians who are experiencing PTSD should speak with their doctor for a referral to a specialist. You can search for local providers here: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

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In 2010, the US Senate officially designated June 27 National PTSD Awareness Day. Then, in 2014, the Senate declared June PTSD Awareness Month.

To learn more, visit the National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

Photo credit: 3ID

Join in on our 12 hrs of pub-a-thon fun from Saturday July 4th starting at 1300EST thru 0100EST.  This is a 12 hrs Gaming event (Join anytime) - The event will be held in our Vanilla Public Server on Arma and our TeamSpeak.

Soldiers (Current/Former) and Civilians are encouraged to join us in public play on our 3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit Servers during the times listed above to celebrate our units 17th Year Anniversary and join in on camaraderie with the gaming community. We will have members on throughout the night and into the morning! We are inviting everyone to this event, come meet new people get to know our members and other members of the community and just have a good time!  

During this time all Soldiers are encouraged to recruit public players into our Teamspeak and possibly into our unit.

Make sure you click “Going” to our Calendar event: https://3rdinf.us/calendar/event/7-pub-a-thon-unit-celebration-anniversary/

 Join our teamspeak; teamspeak.3rdinf.us
Server IP: 104.153.105.118:2302  

Photo credit: U.S. Army

Ranger School teaches members leadership skills in a 12-hour high intensity course. The first phase of the Ranger School was an introduction and explanation of the mission along with a quick training on the procedures and tactics that were expected and utilized to complete the objectives. Once the training phase was over, the mission started with setting up the camp one hour after midnight and guarding the camp/going on patrols during the 9 hours night. The course ended with 2 hours of intensive combat shortly paused for briefings between missions.

The following Soldiers have successfully completed Ranger School with 173rd Airborne Class 20-01:
 

Graduates:

 Officer Candidate Bailey Lambert 

Warrant Officer Candidate Garry Beaudoin 

Sergeant David Sklenar 
Sergeant Christoph Brock 

Specialist Yarden Nissan 
Specialist Eric Abel 

Private First Class Brendan Moose 
 Private First Class Michael Luckie 

Private Second Class John Purdy 
Private Second Class Alyen Mouring 
Private Second Class Anthony Tyree 
Private Second Class Kyle Skitz 
Private Second Class James Kiheri 

Instructors:

173rd Cadre Instructors

Corporal Maarten Gregoire 
 

This past weekend, 14 Soldiers from 3rdID attended the 173rd’s Ranger School as Cadre or Students. Not for the faint of heart, the course consisted of over 13 hours of grueling work, pushing the limits of each man predent. It was a severe test of leadership, initiative, and comradery.
 
Graduates will be awarded the coveted Ranger Tab, marking their excellence as Soldiers. They join an elite brotherhood within the milsim community.

Ranger School Graduate SPC E.Abel said, “It was a good course to attend. If you want a taste of being in a leadership role, this is 100% a way to get experience and also see how other people do it. It was an eye opening experience on how the chain of communication works and how essential communication is.”
 
The 3rdID thanked the 173rd for inviting us back to another outstanding course. We look forward to working together with our brothers in arms in the future.
 

Authors:
OCS B.Lambert
SGT C.Brock

Graphic credit: U.S. Army

This Sunday, the United States Army celebrates over two centuries of service to our nation. The Continental Congress established the Army on 14 JUN 1775, making it the oldest branch of service.

First formed as 10 Rifle Companies to unify Colonial forces, the Army has grown exponentially over the course of its history. It currently numbers over 1 million Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard personnel, with more than 180,000 Soldiers stationed in over 140 countries.

Throughout United States history, American Soldiers have fought in dozens of conflicts, facing off against countless enemies around the globe. These men and women have always stood true,  protecting the freedoms and opportunities those before them earned the hard way. From the very beginning, they have earned the respect of a proud nation and a grateful world.

Always working to improve itself, the United States Army continues to develop its organization, personnel, and military capabilities. Currently undergoing a renaissance after two decades of combat in the War of Terror, Army leaders are preparing for whatever may come their way. Despite the uncertainties of an ever-changing world, today’s Soldiers stand ready to close with and engage any and all potential enemies of the future.

General George Washington, first Commander of the Army, wrote: “There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet an enemy.”

Military stations worldwide will be joining in the celebrations this weekend. A number of virtual events will be shared online, including:

• 1130 - *Virtual Event* - Army Birthday Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery

• 1900 - *Virtual Event* - FLAGSHIP Event: "The Army at 245: An American Celebration" (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)

Sunday, 14 JUN also marks Flag Day, commemorating Congress’ adoption of the “Stars and Stripes” as the official United States Flag in 1777. Communities nationwide will join in on the celebrations of our nation’s Colors.

Photo credit: U.S. Army

During Ceremony this past Sunday, First Sergeant Patrick Conlisk announced several new leadership assignments in First Platoon.

The following Soldiers have been promoted to:

Officer Candidate Bailey Lambert - Platoon Leader

Celebrating his first enlistment anniversary, Staff Sergeant Bailey Lambert has been promoted to Officer Candidate. He now takes the reins of First Platoon “Widowmakers” as Platoon Leader.

After starting his service as a Fireteam Leader within First Squad, he quickly rose through the ranks, taking on the duties of Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant before his current assignment. An accomplished veteran of Operation Thin Ice, Officer Candidate Lambert holds a number of qualifications and awards, including the Expert Marksmanship Badge, Air Assault Badge, Basic Parachute Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Soldier’s Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device & Oak Leaf Cluster, and many other decorations. His example continues to set a high standard for the unit.

Office Candidate Lambert had the following message for his Soldiers: “Be loyal to yourself and loyal to your team. If you’re loyal to your fellow soldiers they will have trust, faith and believe in you as a leader. This way, you can expect great success with fellow soldiers following in your footsteps.”

Sergeant Jannes Drake - Platoon Sergeant

A long-time member of 3ID, Corporal Jannes Drake has been promoted to Sergeant, returning to the duty of “Widowmakers” Platoon Sergeant.

During his time with the unit, he has also served Platoon Forward Observer, Fireteam Leader, and Squad Leader. Deployed in Operations Bronze Fire, Red Leopard, Bright Star, and Thin Ice, Drake has a large amount of experience to share with the Platoon. He has been awarded the Expert Marksmanship Badge, Air Assault Badge, Basic Parachute Badge with Gold Star, Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantry Badge (Stage 2), Ranger Tab, 3ID Patch, French Fourragere, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, and many others.

Sergeant Drake wants his Soldiers to know he is there for them and always approachable. He said, “I definitely want to focus on making 3rdID more active during the week, by just hanging out in the Platoon Common Hall, playing some other games, etc.”

He added, “Another point is ensuring that there is [not only] healthy competition, but also a real sense of cohesion between the Squads and Platoon...and even extend it to help Soldiers realize that we are all members of the Arma community, not just 3rdID.”

Corporal Maarten Gregoire - Squad Leader

Now well into his first reenlistment, Corporal Maarten Gregoire has been promoted to Second Squad Leader.

A decorated veteran of Operations Bronze Fire, Red Leopard, Bright Star, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Thin Ice, he has filled a number of positions within the unit, such as Platoon Medic, Fireteam Leader, and Forward Observer. Gregoire’s qualifications and awards include the Expert Marksmanship Badge, Air Assault Badge, Basic Parachute Badge with Gold Star, Combat Infantry Badge (Stage 3), Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Ranger Tab, 3ID Patch, French Fourragere, Soldier’s Medal, Purple Heart, and many others.

Corporal Gregoire spoke about his new post, stating, “This is my second tour, and I am very happy to be part of this community. Although it has had its ups and downs, it’s still a great unit filled with great people. I'm always available if someone needs a chat or some advice!”

When asked about his vision for Second Squad, he said, “I rejoined this unit with the goal to make this community bigger and more active again. Most of the time, [there is] a fair amount of Ghosts soldiers on Teamspeak, so I'd say it’s going very well so far. That’s the direction I’d like to keep on going, and maybe we can spread this to the other squads as well. And become really active as a community again during the week!”

In closing, First Sergeant Conlisk said, “From what I understand and from what I know, Sergeant Lambert really is the heart that pumps the blood through this unit. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve with him, and I am really excited to see what he can do taking the helm of this platoon. We have really high expectations for him, but I have every confidence that he will be able to lead you into the future and lead you to success.”

The Alpha Company awards ceremony is a special occasion once a month to allow the unit commander to honor recipients who have been recognized for their accomplishments while assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Gaming Unit.

This month recognised the promotion of Staff Sergeant B.Lambert to Officer Candidate and Platoon Leader, Corporal J.Drake to Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant, Corporal M.Gregoire to Ghosts Squad Leader.

Congratulations to Officer Candidate Bailey Lambert and First Sergeant Patrick Conlisk on reaching their 1 Year Anniversary. 

This month, First Sergeant Patrick Conlisk held a ceremony on behalf of Major John LaFlash to recognize...

The following soldiers were promoted to:

E-3 Private First Class

Private Second Class Kit Ohnira promoted to Private First Class

E-4B Specialist

Private First Class Jacob Frost promoted to Specialist

Private First Class Eric Abel promoted to Specialist

Private First Class Dominik Toplak promoted to Specialist

E-5 Sergeant

Corporal David Sklenar promoted to Sergeant

Corporal Christoph Brock promoted to Sergeant

Corporal Jannes Drake promoted to Sergeant

E-5 Officer Candidate

Staff Sergeant Bailey Lambert promoted to Officer Candidate

The following soldiers were awarded:

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, MOVSM

 Special Thanks to....

Sergeant Jannes Drake donating ($25), and Private Second Class Anthony Tyree donating ($30)

Armed Forces Service Medal, AFSM

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Quincy Morton
Officer Candidate Bailey Lambert

National Defense Service Medal, NDSM

Private Second Class Joshua Sanders
Private Second Class Alyen Mouring

Good Conduct Medal, GCM

Sergeant Jannes Drake
Sergeant David Sklenar
Corporal Maarten Gregoire
Private First Class Filippo Monte

Army Achievement Medal, AAM

Sergeant Jannes Drake
Specialist Robert Yankura
Specialist Eric Abel

Joint Service Achievement Medal, JSAM

Warrant Officer Candidate Ryan Stricklin

Army Commendation Medal, ACM

Sergeant Jannes Drake
Corporal Marteen Gregoire

Joint Service Commendation Medal, JSCM

Sergeant Jannes Drake

Purple Heart, PH

Basic Parachute Badge

Specialist Alex Barsan
Specialist Eric Abel

Combat Medical Badge

Specialist Jacob Frost

Combat Infantry Badge (Stage 1)

Private First Class Michael Luckie
Private First Class Brendan Moose
Private Second Class Will Smith
Private Second Class Joshua Sanders
Private Second Class Kyle Skitz

Combat Infantry Badge (Stage 2)

Specialist Alex Barsan
Private First Class Peter Fransson

Closing notes from the ceremony:

Ranger School - June 13/14 - Contact OCS Bailey Lambert for Info.

Promotion Boards - June 13th .

The Third Infantry Division Realism Gaming Unit places itself within the US Army's Third Infantry Division's Command Structure. Although we are a gaming unit, we realize that we wear the patch and use the name of a great real-world unit. We try to honor the 3rd Infantry Division in all that we do.

At Fort Stewart, Georgia, exists the "Warrior's Walk." It is a walkway dedicated to the soldiers and attached units of the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, and Hunter Army Airfield who gave their lives while serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. At this walkway, visitors remember the courageous soldiers who demonstrated exceptional valor, honor, and respect for their Army, their country, and their belief in their cause during these Operations. As of February 2019 there are 469 heroic soldiers honored at the Warrior's Walk.

In an effort to honor these Soldiers in our own way, we have created the Warrior's Wall here. We also have created our own in-game versions of the Warrior's Walk, within the game's limitations, on our Basic Training Maps. When we wear this patch, when we use this name, we remember those warriors who gave their lives in support of the same.

Fort Stewart, Georgia

 

Arma 3

 

Check out our Warrior Wall for those who gave their lives for their country. 

WARRIOR WALL

 

Photos by Sgt. Arjenis Nunez
Soldiers arriving from advanced individual training at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., are guided toward their next in-processing check-point at the Truscott Air Terminal on Hunter Army Airfield May 13.

3rd ID safely welcomes first-term Soldiers

In spite of logistic difficulties due to COVID-19, the Marne Reception Center on Fort Stewart has continued to receive incoming Soldiers from advanced individual training.
The MRC, also known by its moniker, Gateway to the Rock, helps Soldiers in process the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield community.

The MRC’s senior enlisted leader, 1st Sgt. Tara Charles, said her staff has maintained operations by taking precautions in accordance with COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines, but the process for the MRC remains much the same.

“The first step in the process is that the Soldiers’ AITs contact us and tell us where they’re coming from, how they’re coming and when,” Charles said.
Soldiers arriving from far-away locations travel by air, like those who recently arrived from Fort Huachuca, Arizona, on May 13. The Soldiers arrived by aircraft to Truscott Air Terminal at Hunter, and were then brought to the MRC on Fort Stewart by bus.

Other Soldiers who arrive from regionally-close locations travel to the MRC by bus, like the recent group of Soldiers from Fort Gordon who arrived on May 15.
Spc. Jake Heald, a Soldier assigned to MRC, said precautions are taken throughout the transition period, and that the new Soldiers had to be screened for COVID-19 before exiting the aircraft and bus.

“Soldiers are quarantined for 14 days prior to arriving, so they arrive on a ‘clean’ flight,” Heald said.

According to leaders at the MRC, Soldiers who don’t arrive on clean flights are quarantined in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team’s logistics support area for 14 days.
Soldiers who already endured 14 days of quarantine and passed COVID-19 symptoms screening checks at the MRC download their bags from the bus and have their orders and leave forms checked. The next step is issuing the Soldiers a barracks room and providing briefs on the procedures of in-processing.
Charles said that due to the COVID-19 response the length of stay at the MRC for in-processing has been reduced from seven days to four days, so Soldiers can be shipped to their units quicker.

Soldiers have their finances processed on the first day, their medical and dental records updated on the second day, and they are issued equipment by the Central Issue Facility on the third day. The fourth day is when Soldiers are shipped to their units. Throughout the process, the MRC staff ensures Soldiers maintain social distancing and are advised on  travel restrictions in place as a result of COVID-19.

According to Charles, the MRC goes a step beyond expectations at times, because it is prepared to help incoming Soldiers who have special needs, such as providing housing for a Soldier and their Family who may be struggling with financial issues. She said this helps ease the burden for Soldiers as they make their transition to becoming a Dogface Soldier.

In addition to responding to COVID-19, Soldiers assigned to the MRC have demonstrated their ability to adapt to change as the unit has conducted a command structure change earlier this year when it transitioned from under the 3rd Infantry Division’s Special Troops Battalion to under the command of 3rd ID’s Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion.

In addition to the organizational change, the command team at the MRC is new as well, with Charles and the MRC’s new commander, Capt. Calvin Fortune, recently taking over from the outgoing command team, Capt. David Downing and 1st Sgt. Gene Fisher.

Many Soldiers agree that it is the Soldiers to their left and right who help when response, transition and change need to occur.

“I figured things would be rushed and that COVID may change some things,” said Pvt. Curtis Brooks, an in-processing Soldier  newly assigned to 3rd ID. “But having friends in the Military helped ease some of the anxiety and manage my expectations a bit.”

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