Recently, the Cobras participated in a FOB Defense training exercise where there were several (training) casualties. As usual, I was impressed with the Cobras’ performance, teamwork, and professionalism. Other than that, we’ve been working hard at continuously improving our areas, supporting the Brigade, and working though R & R rotations. The following are some photos of the training event, as well as SPC Kling examining some Afghans and winning hearts and minds:...read more

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First of all, I would like to apologize for taking so long to post. There is quite a bit to talk about, so I’ll limit this post to what the Cobras are doing throughout Afghanistan. CPL Camero not only does a great job as a Brigade Medical LNO at Baghram, but he trained for and ran a marathon. Less than 10% of the American population can say they’ve done that and now he is one of them. Great job! SPC Gillespie has been working with the Battalion S-4 and recently received a...read more

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The Gardez escort platoon...Cobras all the way. CPL Owen (center) supervises medical training for the escort platoon between missions. PV2 Crawford critiques some B Company Soldiers after treating an open chest wound. PFC West after receiving his briefing for the next day's mission.

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The daily life on our FOB is a simple life because there isn’t much to do to get into trouble. Due to our elevation, we get a lot of snow that slows everything down. There is no PX and there are very few stores in our local “market place,” so we save a lot of money. What most of the Soldiers here have been doing to pass the time is working out. They all want to look their best for when they go home. There are weight rooms open 24/7, but cardio workouts can be a hassle and be...read more

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On June 8th, 1917, The 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) was officially established. Since then, they have participated in most of the major wars that the United States have been involved in. The Big Red One sent the first American shell of World War I. During that war, 1st ID boasted five Medal of Honor recipients. First Division began World War II with the invasion of North Africa as part of “Operation Torch.” When the Germans surrendered in Africa, the Division moved on...read more

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The Cobra Company has maintained their great reputation as team players as we transitioned into our operations in Afghanistan and relieved our 101st counterparts. What is usually expected during this period is that the outgoing unit has an “I just want to go home” attitude and the incoming unit “thinks they know it all.” What happened with us here is just the opposite. The outgoing unit welcomed us with open arms and ensured we were comfortable with the mission and...read more

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As we wait, for days, on flights to our final destination, I have taken time to watch the Soldiers of C Company and how they manage themselves. Usually, if a Soldier has too much time on his hands, he’s going to find a way to get into trouble. Not true for Cobra Company! Most are communicating with family back home via the internet (Facebook, Skype, etc..). Others sit down with friends for a game or two or ten of Spades or Dominos. Sleep has been off and on because of the change in time...read more

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Prior to my first deployment, my biggest fear, as a medic, was that I would freeze up when I had a casualty in front of me with his life in my hands. Within days of being in theater, I had three casualties at once, all with life-threatening injuries. I was amazed at how calm I was and how flawlessly the treatment went. All three casualties lived. I realized then that the constant / repetitive training that I had done months prior was the reason for that success. You have got to train, train,...read more

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My name is 1SG Robert Winchel. I am the First Sergeant of C Company (Cobras), 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team/1st Infantry Division (Big Red One). We are deploying to Afghanistan, and it is my intent to tell the many stories of the great Soldiers in my company throughout the deployment. My BLOGs are dedicated to them and their families. -1SG Robert Winchel

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