29TH INFANTRY DIVISION
116TH REGIMENT, 2ND BN
FOX COMPANY
Official Awards for Meritorious Service Before and During FP2’s Deployment
September 4th 2021
First Lieutenant Collin R. Kelso
1Lt. Kelso has participated in his third official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 2nd Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
“1Lt. Kelso and I go way back, and from my time with the man who is “technically” my recruiter, I can tell you there are very few people who break the mold of being in both leadership AND being terrifyingly good at the game as they lead a unit. Well, rest assured, 1Lt. Kelso is one of them. As such it was no surprise to anyone in the know when 1Lt. Kelso pushed south to take up a defensive position against the 1st ID push across the dried up riverbeds. With M4 in hand and little else, 1Lt. Kelso set about identifying and tracking the continued locations of the enemy in the south with all the skill and training that befits a man of his time and rank in the 29th. As soon as all the relevant data was shared and spread, 1Lt. Kelso wasted no time turning that attention right back onto the enemy. With the same dedicated and fiery spirit expected of 29thers, the Lieutenant dove into the fray with nothing but death on his mind. In his initial engagement with the enemies advancing down the river, the 1Lt. engaged and successfully killed several of the enemy. Keeping track of their movement, as he’s never one to laze about, 1Lt. Kelso followed the enemy tank and the infantry support with it. Bursting from his position when it became clear he could no longer hide from the enemy, 1Lt. Kelso slaughtered those around him before, finally, succumbing to their fire. For this honorable and, frankly, skillful display Headquarters can’t see any other way to give back than providing 1Lt. Kelso with an Army Commendation Medal. Congratulations, Lieutenant; you’re an inspiration to us all.” -SSgt. Crane
Second Lieutenant Sean P. Quiles
2Lt. Quiles has participated in his third official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 2nd Award. For being a part of the defense round victory is also receiving the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
“2Lt. Quiles and myself have a long history; from our very first time meeting each other on that fateful day on Sumari, to his days as my ASL, and now his well-deserved position of 2Lt., I have always believed the Lieutenant would go far. Suffice to say, then, that when 2Lt. Quiles willingly stepped up to assist me with running the FP2 scrim when I was set to be all alone for the endeavor, I knew I was in good hands. Taking up the admittedly strange role of “pseudo-Platoon Sergeant”, 2Lt. Quiles worked hard from the very outset to make sure that FP2 was prepared. At every drill, during debriefs, and even during off-hours the Second Lieutenant worked hard to find every nook and cranny that could help FP2 achieve victory. To top it off, as if taking on the role of a secondary leader wasn’t enough, 2Lt. Quiles additionally created a whole document, replete with images and explanations, on how to attack AND defend the numerous hangars on the map. Due to his efforts, FP2 can was assured of victory, and as such, 2Lt. Quiles is assured of a Soldier’s Medal. Congratulations, 2Lt., and frankly, thank you.” -SSgt. Crane
Sergeant Major Ross M. Dethfield
Sgt. Maj. Dethfield has participated in his sixth official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
SSgt. Crane has participated in his fifth official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 3rd Award. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal. In addition SSgt. Crane will receive the Legion of Merit for leading FP2 to victory in an official scrimmage.
Staff Sergeant Benjamin A. Gibson
SSgt. Gibson has participated in his fourth official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
SSgt. Newton has participated in his third official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 2nd Award. In addition for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Cpl. McArdle has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Cpl. Officer has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private First Class Art Lomibao
PFC Lomibao has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private First Class Collin P. Magatagan
PFC Magatagan has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private First Class Cole Younger
PFC Younger has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private First Class Brandon J. Terry
PFC Terry has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private First Class Enrique A. Melero
PFC Melero has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private First Class Arthur S. Leite
PFC Leite has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private First Class Rafail G. Skleros
PFC Skleros has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private First Class William M. Robinson
PFC Robinson has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private First Class Jack M. Page
PFC Page has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Cpl. Maestas has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Cpl. Moran has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Technician, 4th Grade Brett M. Sutera
T/4 Sutera has participated in his third official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 2nd Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Technician, 5th Grade Jessica Jess
T/5 Jess has participated in her second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory she will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
“In the hands of a great player, a marksman rifle is a mighty weapon; in the hands of a great team, the marksman themself is a mightier one. Like all the great marksmen in 29th history, T/5 Jess was sent into the fray of FP2’s deployment with a veritable laundry list of objectives to complete. On the first round of the scrim, during FP2’s defense, T/5 Jess was first sent to identify the location of the enemy. Spotting the first truck then waiting for more, the Technician kept careful and cautious watch, identifying accurately two of the three enemy transports, both of the enemy tanks, and accurately predicting the third transport taking an alternate route. With her spotting work halfway done T/5 Jess engaged the enemy at range as they disembarked, keeping heads down and taking a few as well. With word of a northern push Jess shifted from her initial position on the south to an entirely northern position, only to engage enemies out in the desert once more. During this time she successfully located, marked, and then killed the enemy marksman with a single shot to the brain, painting a very special patch of sand a very special shade of pink. Finally, not one to rest on her laurels, T/5 Jess moved south and engaged the enemy as they pushed in, ambushing infantry following the enemy armor inside and killing one more. Across the entire engagement T/5 Jess slew five enemy infantry AND continuously marked and identified the location of multiple enemy assets; without this, the defense could not have been won as handily as it was. For this, Headquarters has determined an ARCOM is well worth her troubles. Well done, T/5, and I am sure there’s many more where that came from!” - SSgt. Crane
“When she isn’t busy marking or killing people out on the battlefield, T/5 Jess has proven herself to be an avid supporter of the 29th at large. From maps, to mods, to identifying attack routes, Jess has made quite a name for herself. In the case of the FP2 scrim, however, the Technician outdid even herself. In preparation for the deployment Jess created a layer of Tallil, replete with very visible bunker number markers, respawning objectives for repeat practice, and over one hundred knock-down target dummies hand placed all around the airfield compound. And for those not in the know, due to the public nature of mods in Squad, her placement of these targets was specifically done to obfuscate potential spies downloading our map in an attempt to determine our attack plan! Beyond that, T/5 Jess identified not only the primary location by which we could advance onto the compound from the East, which became the primary means by which we attacked the airfield, but also discovered the initial area by which the truck objective was destroyed by friendly tanks from OUTSIDE the compound. For her efforts, Headquarters and I can see no one more deserving than her to receive a Soldier’s Medal. Congratulations, T/5, it is thoroughly well earned!” - SSgt. Crane
Technician, 5th Grade Matt Shields
T/5 Shields has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
“T/5 Shields is one of those special cases in the 29th; not only is he good at leadership roles, but he has a history of being a trend setter with his AIT as well. I should know, afterall, since he was ASL underneath me so many years ago! And, as I am sure all members of 2nd Battalion have heard, I happen to have a particular admiration for the man and his obsession with finding angles with grenade launchers. From his very first time proving his ferocious tenacity at EP3S1’s EBOTS Finale to the first few days on the dunes at Tallil, it was clear Shields was the man with the plan. Several back alley bets later and we were waiting with bated breath to see who would come through and kill the boxes at the FP2 scrim and, unsurprisingly, it was T/5 Shields at five hundred meters with his grenade launcher. T/5 Shields had spent, for those not in the know, an inordinate amount of time locating, perfecting, and then disseminating the knowledge of how to kill the ammo-dump objective from OUTSIDE the enemy compound, thereby completely negating any need to enter and clear the airfield in the first place. Due to this, 2Lt. Quiles and myself were able to plan with complete freedom, never once having to worry about actually reaching the objective area. To top it off, he had the gall to go ahead and be one of the two grenadiers who took down that second objective in the first place. As such, it is my honor to provide him with a very well deserved Soldier’s Medal. Congratulations, T/5 Shields, you never cease to amaze.” - SSgt. Crane
Technician, 5th Grade Julek E. Kabloski
T/5 Kabloski has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Daniel E. De La Torre
PFC De La Torre has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Carson Jacob
PFC Jacob has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Alexander Quartz
PFC Quartz has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Michael J. Davis
PFC Davis has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Cpl. Guyette has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Cpl. Argerham has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class David J. Simonson
PFC Simonson has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Ciaran P. Beer
PFC Beer has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Technician, 5th Grade Grant P. Gillespie
T/5 Gillespie has participated in his third official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 2nd Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Gabriel J. Alvarez
PFC Alvarez has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Alexander R. Arzoumanian
PFC Arzoumanian has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Evan S. Ericson
PFC Ericson has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Gerald Mendoza
PFC Mendoza has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Brett M. Formosa
PFC Formosa has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Joseph Loan
PFC Loan has participated in his first official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Samuel L. Metz
PFC Metz has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Cpl. Tremblay has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Cpl. Taylor has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Nour Aboalfa
PFC Aboalfa has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Technician, 5th Grade Drake H. Perez Pantoja
T/5 Perez Pantoja has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
“In every 29ther’s life there comes a moment where they snap; they’ve watched their buddies get shot dead, they’ve seen friendly armor pop off in the distance, and all they can think about is those darn enemies across the way that made all that happen. During the FP2 deployment to Tallil for our scrim against the 1st ID, T/5 Perez-Pantoja, hereby to be referred to as PP, had that moment. As enemy infantry set up during their attack round out into the western desert, PP couldn’t simply stand idle and let them taking up fighting positions. Requesting permission from his foster Squad Leader, the Technician burst from the relative safety of the airbase and stormed towards the enemy. With nothing but rifle and hand grenades in hand, T/5 Perez-Pantoja struck out at the enemy defensive position, killing several and driving them from the position. Not done with his assault, he further followed in the wake of his enemy to harass them all the way across the desert. Upon reentering the compound he went on to attack the enemy wherever they had found purchase, assisting fellow 29thers in throwing back the attackers. All in all, T/5 PP slew six men in his fated rampage, leading to the defeat of the enemy northern assault. For this dedicated and driven defense, Headquarters had seen fit to honor T/5 Perez-Pantoja with a well-deserved Bronze Star! Congratulations, T/5, and keep up the great work!” -SSgt. Crane
Private, First Class Adam Helfer
PFC Helfer has participated in his third official scrimmage and is therefore eligible for his Combat Infantry Badge, 2nd Award. In addition, for being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Phil C. Jonesy
PFC Jonesy has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a two round scrimmage in which both rounds were a victory he will receive the World War II Victory Medal.
Private, First Class Furkan Akbulut
PFC Akbulut has participated in his second official scrimmage. For being a part of a successful attacking round in a scrimmage he is awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
Private, First Class Milton K. Varanda
“PFC Varanda was supposed to be our medic for the scrim, but he found out that he unfortunately was unable to attend at the last minute. Even though he couldn’t make it, PFC Varanda put in the time to keep the squad alive with medic and find valuable positions for us while we crossed the eastern desert. If he wasn’t there to heal us during our drills, our guys might not have gotten as much practice in scrim prep as they did. Because of this, I believe he is deserving of this medal. Thanks for all the hard work PFC Varanda!” - Cpl. Guyette
Private, First Class Kevin A. Croft
"PFC Croft has done something very important to a squad going through a scrim. He has shown his dedication attending every squad drill and platoon drill he can during scrim prep, despite not being able to show up for the scrim itself and having high attendance. With his Grenadier skills helping FP2S2 with pushing through the north and defending the northwest in scrim prep he shined his skills taking down objectives and pushing up with the squad. PFC Croft has displayed the importance of being a squad member during scrim prep for this we will be awarding PFC Croft with a good conduct medal! Thank you PFC Croft for your outstanding effort in scrim prep and keep up the great work!” - Cpl. Maestas
Private, First Class Jareck A. Hollens
“PFC Hollens knew from the start he couldn’t make it to the scrim. Instead of fussing about it or missing drills, he decided to help out with scrim prep. Throughout the month of scrim prep, he didn’t get to play with the squad, but instead got to play against us and help us improve our attack through the eastern desert. PFC Hollens would go constantly change positions, trying to foil our attack and teach us how to deal with said position. He showed us various spots where MGs, marksmen, or any basic rifleman could hide and great ways for us to get their heads down for us to cross. For all of his hard work, helping us during scrim prep, I think PFC Hollens needs to be getting a medal of his own. Thanks for all you did for us this last month PFC Hollens!” - Cpl. Guyette
For our defense round, FP2 was set up around the inside edge of the objective area, with FP2S2 guarding the north, FP2S3 guarding the east, and FP2S1 watching the south. Equipped with two tanks, one was positioned on the west looking north while the other was in the southwest looking east. The enemy forces began their attack with two of their three transport trucks being spotted moving in from the southeast. Shots were exchanged between both armor and infantry, their locations being tracked as they moved in. One enemy tank made their presence known in the south as it was able to engage with one of our tanks and destroy it. The enemy initially tried moving in from the eastern edge of our defense area, but were battled back and forced to withdraw and adjust their attack. While this was happening, the second enemy tank and their third transport were spotted in the north. Much of the enemy infantry in the north were dispatched as they crossed across the open desert with minimal cover. The enemy tank in the north was able to push into our movement restrictions but ultimately met its fate due to well placed mines. The reorganized forces in the south after inflicting multiple casualties onto S1, moved west and attacked from a southwestern angle into our defense. With the tank supporting them, they were able to get the tank and some infantry moved up, but as they slowly crept through our lines we were able to eliminate all the enemy infantry. The enemy tank was able to push the farthest into our defense, but once the vehicle was tracked by a well aimed anti-tank shot, the tank was rendered useless and the time limit ran out, giving FP2 the win by holding both objectives.
The attack round featured a three prong attack by the forces of FP2. FP2S2 attacked from the north, with the goal of attracting as much attention as possible, while also being able to destroy one of the objectives with long range mortar fire. FP2S3 attacked from the east, with a similar goal of getting the enemy’s attention looking that way. FP2S1 followed a predetermined path in the south, following dried up riverbeds in an attempt to attack and breach the walls of the compound from the south. The attack went as planned for the initial stage, as all squads and tanks followed their respective locations and were able to get there with no issues. Both of our tanks attacked with S1 on the southern side, they quickly engaged one of the enemy tanks with little to no effect. All three squads began to move in closer, exchanging more and more fire with losses to both teams. Both of our tanks moved up and one was able to destroy the truck objective before being blown up by one of the enemy tanks. Our second tank engaged in combat with their tank but ultimately met their fate as well. S2 in the north was able to move up close enough to a predetermined position in which their grenadiers were able to blow up the ammo box objective to secure the win for the round.
