3^rd Squad consists of SSG Orozco as squad leader and Staff Sergeant Blackwell, Staff Sergeant Hart, Sergeant Dumaguindin and Sergeant Cavaliere as team leaders. Soldiers in the squad are SGT Williams, Craig, SPC Peebles, SPC Conrad, SPC Goggans, SPC Currie, SPC Hedgcoth and PFC Miller

During the months of November and December, 3^rd squad  Soldiers continue to hit the gym, play X-Box games, and on warmer days, play a friendly game of football. Weather is starting to get worse, but still haven’t seen to much snow. During the month of November SPC Williams and SPC Dumaguindin were promoted to the rank of Sergeant and SGT Hart was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. SPC Conrad was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for his out standing work in the Med-Station a few months back, and  SSG Hart was also awarded an Army Commendation Medal for his actions during a couple of rough situations. For Thanksgiving, the cooks here at Hades base prepared a delicious meal. There was baked and fried turkey, ham, prime rib, shrimp cocktails, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and that’s just to name a few things to include a number of pie’s and cakes. The cooks really did a great job.

As for the month of December, 3^rd squad continued with our every day duties of providing safety to the base, conducting missions within our area and providing quick response for emergency situations that may arise.. Soldiers are still doing things to raise morale, and make time fly by. It’s hard being away from our families during the Christmas season, but I couldn’t think of another group of guys I would rather be with while away form home. PFC Currie and PFC Hedgcoth were both promoted to the rank of Specialist. SPC Hedgcoth was also given a coin from Brigadier General Votel, the 82^nd Airborne Division’s Deputy Commanding General of Operations while at an award ceremony at FOB Shank. As always, the cooks did a great job preparing Christmas dinner. They cooked everything from turkey to home made sweets, and chocolates.

At this time 3rsd squad would like to thank every one that has been supporting us through this deployment. Other than personal packages, every soldier was given two or more Christmas gifts from families and organizations that have been sending care packages. Thank you all for you kindness and generosity.

3^rd squad is currently conducting base security by manning the guard towers to keep the remainder of the Soldiers on the base safe.