Dec 28, 2012

As 2012 comes to an end, the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade adds numerous events to its history.

Dec 27, 2012

During this holiday season, Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), will be spending the holidays deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Dec 27, 2012

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Dec. 25, 2012) -- Christmas is often a difficult time to be separated from loved ones during a combat deployment. This year the chaplains of 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), sought to bring the Christmas spirit to the Soldiers of Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan. "We usually expect to see an increase in family and relationship problems following the holidays," said Capt. Justine Majeres, the brigade psychologist. "The stress of being away from family is only compounded by our environment." This is an issue that the 3rd Brigade religious support teams were keenly aware of as they prepared for the holiday season.

Dec 27, 2012

Dec 26, 2012

-- For Soldiers serving on forward operating bases and combat outposts across Afghanistan, receiving packages from home during the holiday season can turn a good day into the best day of the deployment. With that thought in mind, Albuquerque, N.M., native Maj. Eric Meyners, brigade chaplain, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, began gathering boxes and packages from people and organizations across the United States in order to provide a little extra holiday spirit during the deployment.

Dec 26, 2012

When it comes to joining the military, the decision can be easier for some than it is for others. For U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Dollar, a native to Yakima, Wash., the decision wasn't too hard at all.

Dec 26, 2012

Torkham Gate is one of Afghanistan's busiest gates along the country's border with Pakistan. Soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, were recently joined on a mission to the gate by the brigade's command sergeant major.

Dec 26, 2012

For Soldiers serving on forward operating bases and combat outposts across Afghanistan, receiving packages from home during the holiday season can turn a good day into the best day of the deployment.

Dec 25, 2012

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - With Christmas in full swing here in Afghanistan with the Wings of Destiny, the Soldiers are physically here, but their hearts are at home with their Families and friends. With the holidays bring many traditions some of which find their way into life even when thousands of miles separate Soldiers from their Families. "Traditions, whether in Afghanistan or at home, whether physical or intangible, are real and they are important," said Col. Paul Bontrager, commander, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. "They give us our humanity, they define us as individuals and Families, and they strengthen our ability to withstand adversity and difficult times. The distance between Soldiers and their families during the holidays has always been tough to endure, especially in times of repeated deployments. In this season, the traditions that the Wings of Destiny shares with its Soldiers and Families is the bridge between worlds and a way to communicate love and togetherness in spite of the distance. "I would like to thank you for your continued support of this great and wonderful unit," said Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Plattenberg, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade command sergeant major. "The support we have at home is an uplifting spirit that words cannot describe as we see it in the eyes of our Soldiers."

Dec 25, 2012

Dec 20, 2012

Dec 20, 2012

Army Pfc. Demetrius Roberson, a preventive medicine medic with Company C, 426th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, works daily to prevent disease and bodily injuries to Soldiers on Forward Operating Base Fenty and on other FOBs and Combat Outposts across the country.

Dec 20, 2012

COMBAT OUTPOST HONIKAR-MIRACLE, Afghanistan -- A specially trained brigade from the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division has been training their Afghan National Army counterparts since arriving to Combat Outpost Honikar-Miracle last month.

Dec 20, 2012

Family members of deployed Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division celebrate the Christmas season with food, activities and a visit from Santa Claus Dec. 10 at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center in Fort Campbell, Ky. (U.S. Army photo taken by Spc. Brian Smith-Dutton, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division)

Dec 19, 2012

For the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Destiny, supporting the aviation needs of ground forces is the core of the mission. In order to achieve success, the aircraft need to be at peak performance.

Dec 19, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- More than 40 family members of Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division attended a Strong Bonds retreat Dec. 7 -- 9 here at the Sheraton Music City Hotel.

Dec 19, 2012

Five Soldiers with the 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, volunteered to read short stories to all of the kindergarten and first grade classes at the Rossview Elementary School, Dec. 19.

Dec 15, 2012

The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade from Fort Campbell, KY provides multi functional air support to Regional Command East and Regional Command North.

Dec 14, 2012

Chaplains from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), gathered in a briefing room at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, for an extensive two-day training event aimed at increasing individual resiliency, Dec. 5, 2012.

Dec 14, 2012

On the morning of Dec. 2, 2012, insurgents detonated a truck laden with explosives next to Forward Operating Base Fenty in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, and detonated it. A two-hour battle followed and the insurgents were defeated by the cooperation of coalition and Afghan forces. The insurgents were defeated, but a gate was destroyed as a result of the battle.

Dec 13, 2012

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Dec. 10, 2012) -- Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), teamed up with 1st Kandak, 1st Coy, Afghan National Army, Zormat Afghan Uniformed Police and Afghan National Civil Order Police, on a two-day mission to disrupt and clear insurgent activity in the Zormat District, Afghanistan, Dec. 9, 2012. During the ANSF-led mission, several suspected insurgents were detained for questioning and more than 80 lbs of home-made explosive material was destroyed. The operation was aimed at destabilizing an alleged safe-haven for anti government activity within the district. ANSF conducted all clearing and questioning operations while the Rakkasans of Company D, 1-187, assisted in facilitating aerial support while supplying additional ground forces.

Dec 13, 2012

When Operation Homefront took over responsibility of Fort Campbell's Holiday House last year, the plan of action was to learn and grow, laying down a solid foundation for the following Christmas season and seasons to come. As a result, the ball got rolling a bit earlier for Holiday House 2012. "We've been preparing for this year's Holiday House since about the first week of September," said Tina Englen, president of the Tennessee/Kentucky chapter of Operation Homefront. "This was a bit earlier than last year, which gave us a little bit of a head start." The early start allowed for earlier training of command throughout the installation. Units were given applications to be filled out by Soldiers and Families who would need a bit of extra help this holiday season.

Dec 13, 2012

Soldiers do many things while deployed -- clear buildings, capture terrorist, and even destroy caches with drugs and weapons, in order to protect the local nationals and their fellow comrades from harm. Many times when clearing a building, the enemy will fight back. Whether it is with weapons or hand-to-hand combat, Soldiers need to be prepared to protect themselves and others.

Dec 12, 2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan (December 12, 2012) -- U.S. Army Soldiers with 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, from Fort Carson, Colo., stood in formation at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Afghanistan, Dec. 5 as their brigade transferred authority to the 201st Afghan National Army Corps, which will now be supported by the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division from Fort. Campbell, Ky.

Dec 12, 2012

This story retraces the events of December 22nd, 1944 at Bastogne, Belgium, the day we received German surrender ultimatum and issued the subsequent "Nuts!" reply. Its author, Kenneth J. McAuliffe, Jr., is the nephew of Brig. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe who commanded the Division during the defense of Bastogne.

Dec 11, 2012

For many, the idea of taking a math class seems something more out of a nightmare or a torture devised by an educational system that has a vendetta against them. For Soldiers in 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Ready, it's not a nightmare, it's an opportunity.

Dec 9, 2012

For those with loved ones deployed, take pride and satisfaction that their sacrifice is allowing others to enjoy the holiday season. If we are doing our job, others don't need to worry about terrorist attacks and can celebrate without worry. We can sleep well at night knowing we have Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) protecting us.

Dec 9, 2012

U.S. soldiers from Bravo Battery, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, and 7-101 GSAB, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division conduct sling load operations with the M777 Howitzer and the CH-47 Chinook, Dec. 4 2012, at Fort Campbell, Ky. Also available in high definition.

Dec 9, 2012

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant James E. Alsobrooks was awarded the Purple Heart by the Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division, Maj. Gen. James C. McConville and Tennessee's 7th District Congressman Martha Blackburn, 67 years after he sustained wounds during World War II. Dec. 7 2012, at Fort Campbell, Ky. Available in High Definition.

Dec 8, 2012

101st Airborne Division (AASLT) spirit video for 2012 Army Navy football game depicting the Navy mascot attempting to complete The Air Assault Course.

Dec 8, 2012

Dec 7, 2012

Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, began the long processing of preparing for their rotation to the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., by loading equipment onto railcars this week at Fort Campbell.

Dec 7, 2012

Soldiers from each task force of the Thunder Brigade, came together to form Task Force Wings in order to support training with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. An alliance like Task Force Wings and the 2nd BCT is a rarity, and a great way to keep every section within the units, deployment ready.

Dec 7, 2012

Soldiers from Bravo Battery, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team pratice sling loading a M777 155mm howitzer to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from 7-101st General Support Aviation Battalion, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade on Dec. 4, 2012.

Dec 6, 2012

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Nov. 21, 2012) -- At Camp Parsa, Afghanistan, an Afghan National Army-led, six-week counter improvised explosive device course is currently on track to churn out more than 40 new, highly trained Afghan soldiers who are motivated to combat IEDs. The training gives Afghan troops another capability necessary to sustain unilateral operations and provide security for Afghanistan. According to a report by icasualties.org, IEDs accounted for 63% of all casualties sustained by the Afghanistan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Forces from January 2008 to September 2012, thus bringing full attention to defeating this potent and deadly threat.

Dec 6, 2012

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan --Soldiers assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a patrol in search of signs of insurgent activity in the mountains near Combat Outpost Bowri Tana, Afghanistan, Nov. 30, 2012. Soldiers from Company C conducted a security patrol in search of the site where a rocket was fired from during a recent attack on their combat outpost. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Abram Pinnington, Task Force 3/101 Public Affairs)

Dec 6, 2012

Dec 6, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- More than 20 "Rakkasans" from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conducted Individual Readiness Training here in November in preparation for late deployment.

Dec 6, 2012

Chaplains from Europe and the U.S. took part in the first ever chaplains conference at Camp Marmal in Balkh Province, Afghanistan Nov. 13. Chaplain (Maj.) Billy Graham, chaplain, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade joined fellow chaplains from the U.S., Germany, Sweden, Norway and Croatia in an international exchange of faith and fellowship.

Dec 6, 2012

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital's community-based clinic, the Screaming Eagle Medical Home, recently earned the highest recognition attainable from the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

Dec 4, 2012

The 101st Airborne Division's Unified Endeavor 13-1 MRX is designed to validate its standing operating procedures associated with the transformation to a Combined Team (CT), to fully test the collaborative communications capabilities between U.S. Forces Afghanistan, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Joint Command, subordinate task forces, and enable continuous team-building within the Combined Task Force (CTF) Battle Staff.

Dec 4, 2012

For the many Soldiers filtering into the job fair at Cole Park Commons, Tuesday, the goal remained simple: make connections on the way to a new career. This goal is crucial for Fort Campbell's wounded warrior population, who received special treatment at the event with the first hour open exclusively for these Soldiers.

Nov 28, 2012

Non-commissioned officers and officers from 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, restarted a storied Army tradition with a clash on the gridiron in the first annual Turkey Bowl, Nov. 21, 2012 at Fort Campbell, Ky.

Nov 28, 2012

Maj. Gen. James C. McConville's remarks upon the Department of Defense announcement that the Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), both from Fort Campbell, Ky. will deploy to Afghanistan in 2013.

Nov 25, 2012

The Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), celebrate a Thanksgiving meal while at Fort Campbell, Ky, Nov. 20.

Nov 24, 2012

Some people search their entire life for signs telling them what to do. For Erika Espeseth, it was a billboard for military chaplaincy that pointed her in the direction she had been searching for. She finally knew what she wanted in life: a life of ministry and service.

Nov 24, 2012

Nov 21, 2012

Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, were treated to a special meal in honor of Thanksgiving on November 20, 2012 at Fort Campbell, Ky. The officers and non-commissioned officers of the brigade served turkey, ham, crab legs, yams and other Thanksgiving trimmings in keeping with tradition of unit leaders serving a holiday meal to their subordinates.

Nov 20, 2012

Every Soldier at all levels that arrives at Fort Campbell will receive a blue book prior to leaving the Kalsu 20th Replacement Company.

Nov 19, 2012

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- On Jan. 7, 2011, Public Law 111-383, also known as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 or NDAA, was enacted.

Nov 19, 2012

NASHVILLE, TN (Nov. 4, 2012)--The crowd rose to their feet, and their cheers were heard echoing throughout the LP Field stadium as nearly 100 Soldiers from Fort Campbell marched out from the visiting team's tunnel Nov. 4. The Soldiers, most from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), were at the stadium to participate in the opening and halftime ceremonies, which honored men and women from all branches of service as part of the National Football League's Salute to Service campaign.

Nov 19, 2012

FAIRBORN, OHIO (Nov. 14, 2012)--A crowd of approximately 200 2nd and 3rd grade students from Fairborn Primary School bundled up and gathered around their flagpole in the frigid morning air Nov. 14 to witness a ceremony that honored one of the school's former students, U.S. Army Spc. Jesse Snow who was killed in action in Afghanistan Nov. 2010.

Nov 19, 2012

"Strike" Brigade battery earns top distinction

Nov 18, 2012

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Nov. 15, 2012) -- On a sunny afternoon Soldiers gathered for a brief escape from their surroundings. As they crowded together, acoustic guitars rang throughout the facility. Equipped with a smile, their eyes sparkled: Music, laughter and ease were in the air. Country music's brightest song writers left the comforts of Nashville, Tenn., to travel around the world for this enjoyable delivery. On its second day, the Nashville to You Tour came to forward operating base Gardez and Camp Clark, playing country music's top hits for Soldiers, Nov. 15, 2012. The tour featured five of Nashville's top songwriters; Hillary Lindsay, Keni Thomas, Carlton Ray Scott, Thomas Verges and Billy Montana.

Nov 17, 2012

The Soldiers of Headquarters Company, 626th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), show off their combat efficiency with sling load operations in Khowst Province, Afghanistan.

Nov 16, 2012

Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, compete in the brigade's top squad competition on November 14, 2012 at Fort Campbell, Ky. The competition's events included a 1/2-mile run with a 30-foot log, 1/4-mile stretcher carry, obstacle course, buddy team carry, and call-for-fire scenario. Each battalion from within the brigade sends one squad each month to compete for the honor and bragging rights of being named the 'Top Squad'.

Nov 16, 2012

Army physical training is important and to add variety to the program, leadership encourages Soldiers to submit suggestions to do something different weekly.

Nov 16, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, KY -- When the bullets are flying and the enemy is sight, a Soldier's heart is beating fast, his adrenaline is pumping and his mind races, but he keeps his cool, maintains his composure and eliminates the enemy.

Nov 16, 2012

The Eagle Marksmanship Academy at Fort Campbell, Ky., is a train-the-trainer program the Sabalauski Air Assault School offers to teach leaders how to coach and mentor Soldiers on marksmanship.

Nov 16, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- Whether they are currently serving in Afghanistan or have served in historical conflicts such as World War II, Korea or Vietnam, the "Rakkasans" of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) have been recognized for many outstanding achievements.

Nov 14, 2012

The Screaming Eagle insignia of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is perhaps the most recognized and famous shoulder sleeve insignia in the United States Army. However the history and symbolism of the patch is often forgotten. The eagle on your shoulder is not just any American Bald Eagle, but instead, it commemorates the most famous animal mascot that ever served in the United States Army.

Nov 14, 2012

As America comes together to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is important that we give thanks to those who have earned this freedom.

Nov 13, 2012

Soldiers of C Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Briagde are charged with the crucial task of providing medical evacuation to Regional Command East.

Nov 13, 2012

Veterans of the past, present and even those of the future marched Nov. 10 for nearly three hours in the downtown Clarksville, Tenn., Veterans Day Parade, an annual exhibition where they patriotically celebrate the men and women who have served in the U.S. military armed forces.

Nov 10, 2012

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Nov. 1, 2012) --At 10 a.m. the small gym on Combat Outpost Chergotaw was filled with onlookers and competitors who had gathered for a challenging physical fitness competition. For the first time during their deployment, the Soldiers of Angel Company, 3rd Battalion,187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), were conducting their famous Angel Rak physical fitness competition. The Angel Rak Competition is a test that identifies the strongest and most physically fit squads in the Company.

Nov 9, 2012

Task Force Destiny, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade provides world class aviation support to Regional Command East and Regional Command North.

Nov 8, 2012

Three Tennessee Titans quarterbacks dropped by Fort Campbell's Warrior Resiliency and Recovery Center on Tuesday, visiting Soldiers recovering from traumatic brain injuries as well as other wounded, injured and ill Soldiers in the Warrior Transition Battalion.

Nov 8, 2012

A collection of 52 medics from across Fort Campbell were recognized during the third annual Armed Services YMCA Angels of the Battlefield dinner Nov. 1 at Cole Park Commons for their courage, dedication and professionalism.

Nov 8, 2012

"A Thunder Warrior is highly trained, disciplined and fit -- a member of a team built on trust and respect, devoted to the mission , Soldiers, and Families," is the creed for the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade. Command Sgt. Maj. Ron Dvorsky, the 159th CAB's command sergeant major, said the brigade's Soldiers continue to exemplify this creed by repeatedly showing exemplary performance during the Warrior Leader Course at Fort Campbell, Ky. Throughout the last four consecutive graduating classes at the Staff Sgt. John W. Kreckel Noncommissioned Officer Academy, numerous 159th CAB Soldiers have made the Commandant's List. Forty-two 159th CAB Soldiers graduated with honors, one with distinguished honors, one with the Leadership Award and two earned the title Iron Soldiers.

Nov 7, 2012

The 401st Army Field Support Brigade's Logistics Task Force Salerno is dedicated to supporting the Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division and associated units, also known as Task Force Rakkasan, in their area of operations. The small team has or can reach back to leverage all the skill sets needed to support the Warfighters in their area.

Nov 7, 2012

The world's premier snipers converged on Fort Benning, Ga., Nov. 2-5, 2012, for the 12th annual International Sniper Competition.

Nov 7, 2012

A young private shakes the hand of an older Soldier and thanks him for his service during the Korean War, over sixty years ago. As James Rutherford, a retired Army veteran, receives his medical treatment at the Veterans Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., he beams with pride and vitality as he relays his memories of the distant past to Pvt. Nancy Delgado, a chaplains assistant, 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, who is barely 19 and has only served two months in the Army. Delgado is one member of the 159th CAB's Unit Ministry Team who traveled to Nashville's VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) hospital Nov. 5 in order to say "thank you" to the nation's veterans that turn to this facility for medical needs.

Nov 7, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- When nearly 2,000 Soldiers are deployed to Afghanistan, many spouses are left to take care of the children, finances and other matters on their own, which has the potential to create a lot of stress in their lives.

Nov 6, 2012

An innovation that will leave female Soldiers safer and more comfortable on the battlefield was named one of Time Magazine's "Best Inventions of the Year 2012."

Nov 6, 2012

Sling loads help resupply Soldiers at outlining Combat Outposts and FOBs with essential items such as fuel, water, food and other various supplies.

Nov 5, 2012

Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), were provided the opportunity to vote in our nation's 57th quadrennial Presidential elections while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Nov 4, 2012

As he sat down, he brushed the dust off his uniform. His boots well broken in, dirty from a recent patrol and the sun had painted his face two shades darker. Through a gritty smile, he'll tell you he doesn't mind. This is what he signed up for. This is exactly what Sgt. Joseph Wroniak, an infantry team leader assigned to "Choppin" Company, 3rd Battlion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), wanted when he decided to enlisted for the U.S. Army in 2007.

Nov 4, 2012

Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division participate in a Tennessee Titan's Salute to the Troops event, Nov. 4, 2012, held during their home game at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn.

Nov 3, 2012

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Oct. 23, 2012) -- Afghan National Security Forces demonstrated their ever increasing ability to conduct independent counter insurgent operations in Chamkani District near the Pakistan border, Oct. 23, 2012. Members of the Afghan Uniformed Police, Afghan Border Police and Afghan Local Police successfully coordinated and executed a security mission, while Soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), augmented security and intelligence support.

Nov 3, 2012

Nov 2, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2012) - Delegates from the Swedish Armed Forces visited the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Oct. 31, to see how the U.S. Army manages and operates their helicopter units. This is not the first time the 159th CAB has supported coalition forces with a tactical overview of their aviation assets in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The SwAF is the second international armed forces delegation the brigade has hosted within 40 days. SwAF Brig. Gen. Johan Svensson, the head of procurement and training for the Swedish Air Force, said he was impressed with the size and professionalism of the 101st Airborne Division, and he appreciated the generosity with which 159th CAB shared important information and experiences on the UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters. A year ago, Company C, "Dustoff," 7th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th CAB, supported a Swedish medical delegation comprised of doctors and nurses. The Swedes said they were very impressed, and asked specifically to visit the 159th CAB again this time. "We will apply all the lessons learned from you into our role and use them when we deploy to Afghanistan," Svensson said.

Nov 1, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- With the cold of the day and even colder night, the Soldiers said their goodbyes to the Families as they climbed onto the busses to begin their deployment to Afghanistan.

Oct 31, 2012

The day started like any other. I had no idea that soon I'd come dangerously close to killing two of my friends.

Oct 31, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, KY -- "Fire in the hole! Fire in the hole, Fire in the hole!" screams a combat engineer, then the sound of a soft click leaves his hands and then a deafening boom; a secured doorway is no more. A combat engineer, also known as a Sapper, is a Soldier who performs an array of construction and demolition duties under combat conditions. They are trained in constructing and breaching trenches, building bunkers, creating tank traps and fortifications, constructing and/or demolishing bridges, roads and now perhaps most commonly known as the guys who cleared land mines and IED's from routes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Oct 31, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, KY -- An award ceremony was held to present the Forces Command Level 45th Annual Phillip A. Connelly Award to the Soldiers of the 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Oct. 24, outside of the Strike Dining Facility. Strike's 526th BSB, known as Best By Performance, won in the category for Active Army Field Kitchen-Field Feeding Operations, during the Connelly evaluation phase conducted earlier this summer; which tested Team Strike's ability to establish a field kitchen and while providing effective over-watch. Presenting the award was Maj. Gen. John R. "Jack" O'Connor, Maj. Gen. John R. "Jack" O'Connor, FORSCOM Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4.

Oct 31, 2012

101st Airborne Division Command Sgt. Maj. Alonzo Smith shares his story on overcoming depression.

Oct 30, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky-The 4th Brigade Combat Team Dining Facility was awarded the 101st Airborne Division Commanding General's Best Dining Facility or "Best Mess" of the Quarter for the second quarter in-a-row, Oct. 17, 2012, at Fort Campbell, Ky.

Oct 30, 2012

The cavalry tradition within the U.S. Army is called the Order of the Spur. Any Soldier serving with cavalry units (referred to as troopers) can be inducted into the Order of the Spur after successfully completing a "Spur Ride" or for having served during combat as a member of or with a Cavalry unit.

Oct 29, 2012

"'Man up?' What does that even mean?" The women on the right side of the room burst out into laughter. The men seated on the left side of the room began to defend their answer to "Ten things you want and need from your partner." The 20 couples attending the 563rd Aviation Support Battalion marriage retreat in Sevierville, Tn., shared their answers to demonstrate the differences in priorities men and women have in a relationship. The three-day Strong Bonds retreat, Oct. 26-28, provided resiliency training for Families utilizing workshops on love languages, how to resolve conflict, and defining wants and needs within relationships. Couples demonstrated strategies discussed during the session through role-playing. Capt. (CH) Trey Vaughn, the 563rd ASB chaplain said the message the retreats convey is cohesion -- between Families, spouses and unit members. "(This training) also tells you how to listen to one another and be sensitive, but the whole time it's stressing teamwork, and in the Army, that's definitely something they stress all the time," Vaughn said.

Oct 26, 2012

It was 10 p.m. on Bagram Air Field and the hustle and bustle of garrison had begun to slow down. The workday was ending and most soldiers and airmen were preparing to call it a night.

Oct 25, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky-Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, completed Operation Cherokee Resolve, Oct. 16 and 17, 2012 at Fort Campbell, Ky.

Oct 24, 2012

Fort Campbell, Ky.--The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division held a Colors Casing ceremony, signifying the unit's pending deployment to Afghanistan on Memorial Field Tuesday.

Oct 24, 2012

Fort Campbell Ky.--As Soldiers, we spend a vast majority of our days training and preparing ourselves for the physically demanding stresses of combat, but last week the leaders of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division had an opportunity to study ethical decisions under stress of combat.

Oct 24, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, trained as Eagle First Responders Oct. 17 and 18 here.

Oct 24, 2012

Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division train members of a Kentucky National Guard unit on conducting Low Cost Low Altitude air drops.

Oct 24, 2012

I would like to share a few basic points on leadership as it applies to all Soldiers within the Division. It is important to note that you do not have to be in a leadership slot to begin practicing the qualities that will make you a better leader and future NCO and leader. These fundamentals are simple and apply to every Soldier who puts on a uniform each day, regardless of rank or position.

Oct 23, 2012

The cadets from the Civil Air Patrol Central Louisiana Composite Squadron visited Gorgas Army Airfield to view the 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, "Task Force Wings," helicopters Oct. 16 during its field exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center near Fort Polk, La. Their ages ranged from 12-21 years old; they were excited to see the different types of aircraft TF Wings utilized and learn about them, but there was one highly-anticipated helicopter -- the AH64 Apache attack helicopter.

Oct 23, 2012

It is Friday morning, Oct. 19, and while most Soldiers don their uniform and go to work, Soldiers of the 7th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, roll up their sleeves and head out the front gate. Organization Day this month for the "Dragons," Company D, 7th Bn, 101st Avn. Reg., consisted of 92 volunteers assisting with eight different community outreach projects spread throughout the Clarksville area in order to show their support for the surrounding community. "(There's) something to be said about going out, getting away from work but also doing some good," said Capt. Ben Summers, the Dragons' company commander.

Oct 23, 2012

FORT CAMPBELL, KY--On a windy Wednesday morning last week at Fort Campbell's Sabalauski Air Assault School, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Hawkins, division chaplain, 101st Airborne Division, delivered his invocation with energy and zeal, as the latest class of graduates stood motionless in formation.

Oct 22, 2012

"Ladies and gentlemen, the ceremony will begin in two minutes," the Voice of the Eagle announced over the microphone. The last of the awardees found their seats as approximately 100 friends and family members, Soldiers and leaders found theirs. The gathering in McAuliffe Hall Atrium, Oct. 18, recognized the Fort Campbell, Ky., Volunteer of the Month, where 159th Combat Aviation Brigade had three recipients. The Volunteer of the Month program is dedicated by the post to recognize all the volunteers for Fort Campbell, explained Sonya Long, the family readiness support advisor for the 159th CAB. Each brigade has two months during the year to nominate their volunteers, and the top three with the most hours or an exceptional community outreach get awarded a certificate, division pin, post parking pass and a bag with other goodies. Col. Jimmy Blackmon, the brigade commander for 159th CAB, said in a society that is increasingly self-focused, it is important to recognize people whose attention is on others.