SAVANNAH BANANAS (and Banana Ball League) UKRAINE WAR ONE SHOT - Jayson's Boys (and that one woman)
(AN: This year saw the soon to be Banana Ball League finally debut a 4th team based in Savannah but with a semi-regional aim: the Texas Tailgaters. With some of the players based out of Texas, they have won the hearts of the now growing Banana Ball fanbase not just within the United States but also abroad. To celebrate the conclusion of the 2025 season of the BBCL, while also sending our congratulations to the first people assigned to the two brand new teams - the Coconuts and Clowns - that will be debuting come the 2026 season, I am doing my FIRST team-only POV AU set from this brand new team of Banana Ballers in the same current day Ukrainian War universe, this time from the perspectives of the Tailgaters team and its now nationally famous country band and its star vocalist, infielder Jayson Arendt. This will also featuring this year's batch of the Visitors minor league team, the new faces for the older 3 teams, the ex-Banana Ballers who played in the new Cosmic Baseball league organized by the Bananas' former sister team in the Coastal Plain League, the Tri-City Chili Peppers, and the record 4 women who played in the league this year.)
TW: violence, language, war scenes, Texas dialect
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE LATE MARSHAWN KNEELAND OF THE DALLAS COWBOYS OF THE NFL
MALA KORCHANIVKA, KHOTIN TOWNSHIP, SUMY COUNTY, SUMY OBLAST
Mid-October 2025
0935H EEDT
The sounds of the guitars, drumset and fiddle had awakened the townsfolk of the village of Mala Korchanivka over the past weeks since the 716th Savannah Infantry Regiment, 351st Southeastern Coastal Infantry Brigade, USAR - affilated with the 14th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces - arrived there to assist in the fight to remove remaining formations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Sumy Oblast. And this was the country music band of the regiment, since its official regimental band and affilated brass jazz band had been based off an on its home barracks, Grayson Barracks, in Savannah, Georgia, and its Ukrainian garrison in Kovel, Volyn Oblast. Its rock and pop section, provided by volunteers from Nashville, has remained stateside. Since the so-called "Tailgaters" Country Band was established in May 2025, they have been the only musical formation of the regiment based in Ukraine full time, since its personnel are also fighting solders of 4th Platoon, A Company of the 1st Battalion of said regiment under LTC Tyler Gillum. Standing at 6 to 7 members strong, one drummer, one fiddle player, one acoustic guitar and 3 electric guitars plus one extra vocalist, with Ukrainians from the liason team of the regiment and its affilated brigade providing the electric plano, zythers and synthizers as well as Ukrainian folk instruments, they solely have country music songs in their playlist since the platoon was reorganized from the former iteration in 2024 as one recruited from much of the southern USA, with the state of Texas providing much of its staffing, as part of the transformation of said battalion into a nationally-recruited unit with the rest of the regiment provided by personnel from colleges and universities in its AOR as part of its continuing commitment of the brigade's stateside operations in support of the wider armed forces, alongside regular Army personnel, reservists and members of the Georgia National Guard.
The bandleader - no less than the platoon commander 1LT Jayson Arendt. An accomplished country singer too, he was appointed 4th platoon commander in December 2024, and saw the transition to the new composition once they all arrived in Savannah that April and began training for their current role as part of Ukraine's war against Russia. The other US-based members are:
CPL Kaden Bowler
SGT Tre Jones
CPL James "Jimmy Strings" Taubl
SGT Sammy Taubl
PFC Rodrigo Sanchez
Appearing occasionally as a soloist with the band is now newly promoted CPL Travis Moniot since August, having helped compose a few songs regarding the war himself. All of them are combat capable soldiers with the rest of their company, which is a wheeled mechanized unit under 1st Battalion that operates the Stryker platform.
They have just finished their tuneups in the field away from their camp in the village after breakfast when MAJ Brandon "Penny" Pennington called in together with SSGT Andrew Bartman regarding a combat assignment that A Coy/1-716 would be doing. The nominal superior, retired COL Joe Mikulik, now a honorary Brigadier General, has been assigned off and on in Kovel and their home barracks in Savannah as well as back in his hometown in Texas, as part of his work for the wider regiment as a staff adviser to the regimental commander COL Eric Byrnes, in addition to working for the wider brigade itself.
"Major Penny, sir!"
The band members snap into attention as Arendt salutes his superiors.
"So Captain Bill - we must prepare to call him that now - will finally be slated to promoted in weeks from now having been company commander for almost 3 years already, but if not he will have to wait longer," Major Penny states. "LeRoy has ordered that given that elements from the 7th Air Assault Infantry Regiment of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, the 17th Mechanized Infantry (Armored) Division and the 6th Rangers of Ukrainian SpecOps are north of our area of operations fighting the remaining Russian elements in Sumy, now down to a division-sized force, but with their numbers reduced due to Ukrainian actions. Our focus now is to help in finishing the capture of the village just north of us - Oleksiivka. Ukrainians have been conducting offensive and moping-up operations to finish the remaining Russsian forces in the village. Our company's mission is to help these Ukrainians - assigned to the 48th Assault Infantry Battalion and the 140th Special Operations Regiment which are also assigned to this AOR - to finish off these Ruskies and finalize the liberation of this area. Lieutenant Arendt, call the rest of your men and Corporal Megan Wiggins, you have an operation to do with the rest of your platoon and all of the company."
"Thanks Major. I have to call the rest of my boys."
"Band practice will have to wait in the meantime, Jayson, platoon's waiting for your orders. Right now the people of this town know that your efforts are helping them cope with the war effort right now just miles from their homes."
"Affirmative."
"Dismissed Lieutenant."
Turning to his bandmates, he said, "What are you waiting for men? Drop those instruments, we have a mission to do. And Ukrainians to defend. Get geared up, boys."
"Thanks Jayson," stated Sergeant Tre Jones, "We indeed have a job to do that's more important than the music we play."
"Same for me here," CPL Taubl added.
"The same too Lieutenant," added SGT Taubl, who happens to be Jimmy's brother.
PFC Sanchez agreed as well with the order of his unit command that morning, telling Jayson "I'm with you on that one."
Turning to Corporal Bowler, he pats his shoulders saying, "I'm counting on you just as always." Kaden replied, "Just as in old times Lieutenant. Nearly half a year here, but we're stronger than ever."
"By the way, where's Corporal Moniot?"
"With the rest of the platoon, sir."
Moniot, coming from Frisco in Texas, formerly under the 78th Brigade Combat Team since 2022-23 on the grounds of having been a part of its collegiate training team in 2016 that trained in Cuba and whose efforts with the rest of his collegiate comrades astounted the Cuban people and authorities, had been loaned permanently from the brigade at the request of retired BG Jesse Cole, regimental colonel of the 716th, and with the approval of retired BG Mikulik and battalion leadership. Thus he had been a part of the brigade's many great battles in central and eastern Ukraine and much of the 716th's command had noticed his courage and resolve as deputy squad leader when the brigade moved to Vovchansk last year when the 78th moved there to support Ukrainian operations against a failed Russian advance southward from the city. When 4th platoon finally got its new composition early this year, Cole recommended, thru Mikulik and Major Bartman, and with the OK of one of the 78th BCT's liason officers LTC Scott Hatteberg, that Corporal Travis would be transferred away from his then active unit into the younger unit based out of Savannah, as part of the 1st Battalion under the overall command of LTC Tyler Gillum, assigned to 1LT Bill LeRoy's A Company as part of 4th Platoon, which is under 1LT Arendt.
Turning to his Ukrainian bandmates, he signaled the Ukrainian interpreter assigned to the platoon - also a musician playing the bandura, a Ukrainian folk plucked instrument so famous internationally over the years - to call on them to get ready for the mission before them.
With their instruments and Sanchez' drum sticks packed back in their places, the bandsmen now prepare their weapons, helmets and uniform gear for the mission to come.
Meantime, in part of the the forward base known as "Tailgater Camp" formed when all of A Company arrived in the area with the rest of their battalion, the rest of 4th platoon - together with Corporal Megan Wiggins who joined the platoon in July this year - have all began to gear up their weapons with their combat uniforms. This section of the field camp, with all its makeshift facilities as in the rest of the complex built with the assistance of the Corps of Engineers of the Support Forces of Ukraine, can be distinguished by the Texas state flag flying.
Leading them are platoon officers 1LT Christian Davis, 1LT Mac Danford, 2LT Zachary Blankenship and 2LT Jonathan Luders. They were selected by BG Milkulik to join a part of the formation with Blankenship previously with 2nd platoon, alongside some of the others like CPL Indiana Stanley, formerly under the command of 1LT Cory Garrastazu early last year. Platoon sergeant for this is now SSGT Brian Trepanier. Brian was a part of the former configuration of the platoon under 1LT Garrastazu and this year he chose to remain with the new composition as a sergeant, later appointed the senior NCO of the unit by 1LT Arendt.
"So is that Lieutenant Jayson's band that we all just heard?" asked 1LT Danford.
"Yes it is," stated SPC Jon Reid. "THAT is my freaking platoon leader right there."
Corporal Megan Wiggins added, "Indeed, been a pleasure working all those months with him, gents, as the only woman in this unit."
Bam-Bam replied "Surely lucky that A Company got to call for you to join this platoon, ma'am. I'm very sure that 1st Battalion command had given its permission for your service duty."
"Certainly this has to be 1st Lieutenant Jayson", said SPC Nelson Smith. "Almost all of A Company has been hearing his band play this morning."
Added SGT Jimmy Lewis, whose call sign is "Slim Jim": "I'm sure that's his band, having packed up their instruments and changed into their weapons again. This means our company will be the vanguard for another operation today by the battalion." He joined the platoon in early April as a former mechanized infantryman from one of the battlions of the 83rd Los Angeles from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 174th Infantry Division, CLVIX Corps.
"That's him alright, Lewis", said CPL Marcos Castillo, callsign "Jet". He's been slated to be promoted as a Sergeant.
"I know that's him and his band", said CPL Travis Moniot. "I co-wrote some songs with Tre and performed with them."
SPC Smith replied "That's great of you Moon!"
"Thanks, private, just doing my part."
In seconds, the lieutenant and his bandmates, now in combat gear and with weapons at the ready, arrived, joined by their Ukrainian counterparts also in the ready, soldiers-musicians eager to fight for the liberation of their homeland. Even Major Bartman and SSGT Pennington are with them too. Everyone stops and the platoon officers and senior NCOs now report of the platoon's readiness followed by the squad leaders, SGT Nicholaus "Nick" Lopez, CPL Taylor Justus and SGT Brett Carlson - Corporal Justus being one of the former configuration of 4th platoon who stayed on when Jayson would later become commander of his outfit and the transition to the new composition was completed in early May, with all those from the former configuration having to return to the USA. The platoons of 1LT Pruitt and Madron, respectively, became the 8th and 9th platoons, respectively, in a provisional move to prepare for the full transformation of B Company of 1st Battalion into a nationally recruited formation from its current iteration of its personnel all coming from Savannah and its vicinity as well as from much of northeastern Georgia and southern towns of South Carolina.
"So what's the order from Lieutenant LeRoy?" asked Specialist Reid.
"A Company", said 1st Lieutenant Arendt, "is leading elements of 1st and 2nd battalions of the regiment to help in ongoing moping out operations in partially liberated Oleksiivka. 3rd battalion has just arrived with our stateside battalions now being the 4th to 7th battalions, the latter having been activated and will serve as the local battalion assisting the Army ROTC units in Savannah. While we at 1st battalion will be the lead element, with us in Alpha Coy as the first on the field, 2nd battalion serves as the reserve. This village has been recently been taken by the Ukrainian Ground Forces and there are efforts to remove the remaining Russian presence there. Our mission: to help in the liberation of those remaining parts of the village and surrounding areas still in Russian hands. We are to help the Ukrainians in their continued fight to remove the remaining Russian elements right here in Sumy Oblast, even if it means certain death either for many or all of us in the company. Not only are we facing Russians, we are facing many Russians who have been forced by their officers, even many despite injury and illness, to committ to the mission asked to them, despite manpower problems, and even a lot of Russians fighting even at the orders of evil and corrupt unit commanders as we've all known as of late. You all understand this mission we in the company are to undertake?"
A "Sir, yes sir" resounded from everyone.
"We're all ready for this Lieutenant," said 1st Lieutenant Danford. "Count on us, the "Tailgaters" of 4th Platoon A Company. We will fight this."
"Thanks Mac," Jayson replied. "I know I can count of these men."
Turning to 2LT Jonathan Luders, callsign "Sunshine", he commended him once more for a great breakfast he helped to cook for his platoon this morning that even the company leadership was once more impressed.
"So how was those "energy balls" you baked even in the field?"
Luders responded, "Good as ever sir."
"Gentlemen, Corporal Megan, gather up," the platoon commander said, " we are to assemble with the rest of A Company before company leadership arrives, see you all in the assembly area. Move out!"
"You all heard the LT," SSGT Trepanier said, "Let's move on!"
On hearing this, Major Bartman and SSGT Pennington joined them as well. The major asked Jayson, "Is this a new operation Lieutenant LeRoy ordered A Company to do after hearing of what 1st Battalion will do today in that village?"
"Yes, major, CO's orders. All in coordination with LTC Gillum, our battalion commander. Rest of 1st Battalion, our cannon company and combat support elements will follow the lead of Alpha Company."
"So we are reinforcing Ukrainian efforts to secure that area, lieutenant?"
"Affirmate, Drew."
"Be warned Lieutenant Arendt, there will be Russians ambushing either us or the Ukrainians we are helping in this mopping up operation. There are also threats of booby traps, grenades, mines, and even a possible drone attack from UAVs, either dropping bombs or staging a suicide attack. This platoon of yours better be prepared for everything the Russians are throwing and even times in clear view of every path we may go, either on foot or in the Strykers."
"Thanks Major. We will surely do our best, but we're Tailgaters. Ready to go even in the midst of danger."
At the wide assembly area in the field camp wherein all of the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 716th have been based since late September, the other platoons of A Company are slowly fillling up awaiting the arrival of the company commander, 1LT Bill LeRoy, battalion leadership, the other Ukrainian liason personnel and those personnel assigned directly to the unit on secondment but have no platoon assignments. This is while the rest of 1st Battalion is starting to assemble for the day's mission and its heavy systems and crews being readied.
Among the first units to arrive in the open grounds were 1st Platoon led by 1LT Jackson Olson, together with the company first sergeant SFC Malachi Mitchell, callsign "Flash", his platoon officers 1LT Ryan Cox, 1LT Josh Reddick, 1LT Robert Anthony Cruz, 1LT Jocelyn Alou, 2LT Ty Jackson and 2LT Toi Moyer, alongside his company XO 1LT Kyle Luigs and Major Hunter Pence, who rejoined the regiment last year as a staff officer, alongside the lone Canadian, Sgt Ryan Kellogg, now on his 3rd year on secondment, recently promoted from being a Master Corporal. All are in combat battle dress uniforms with the yellow and white armbands below those used by the Ukrainians, with the armbands flashing the official heraldic arms of Savannah. Joining them are squad leaders CPL David Ray Meadows, CPL Dalton Mauldin and sergeant Alex Pierce, the company's lead corpsman, sergeant Danny Hosley, and their combat correspondent and the platoon's only civilian, Sammy Bauman, alongside battalion officer Major Doug Flutie and SSGT Kelsie Whitmore, who joined the company on loan from C Company, 1st Battalion, 78th Brigade Combat Team, sharing in the duties of platoon sergeant with SSGT Jared Donalson. Jayson's 4th platoon came there after their arrival, joined by Captain Ray Ortega, a holdover from last year when he was appointed to join the 716th, and MSGT Lance Larmier, alongside CPL Blaise Maris, who joined the regiment this year from Florida on the advise of CPL Mauldin as Maris - the grandson of the late 1LT Roger, who served in 3 regiments of the CLVIX Corps - was producer and co-arranger of some songs that Mauldin had helped compose, some of them relating to the war and thus was asked to do his refresher training - having served in a collegiate regiment in the state before - in Grayson Barracks by the Nashville-raised corporal after accepting his offer to join A Company. Currently, he's with 2nd Squad and serves as Mauldin's 2IC.
"IS THAT THOSE TAILGATERS from Jayson's platoon?!!" asked a shocked and stunned SFC Mitchell.
1LT Cox replied, "Yes sir, they are here."
"Sure know these guys more day after day, Coxy," added 1LT Olson.
"Can't believe we've been with these guys and others for years," said SGT Eric Jones Jr. "All these decisions have the signature of retired general Cole."
"Sure feels different whenever the other platoons are gathered with us," CPL Correlle Prime added.
"Damn right," said CPL Ty Jackson, who was also from the old iteration of 4th platoon before he moved to 1st platoon in the summer of 2024. He had served in the regiment before when it was a light infantry battalion armed with the Humvee.
"Even as some of them in the platoon come from Texas itself," added SGT Michael Deeb, "they have become a vital part of A Company."
3rd platoon came next, these being the so-called "Firefighters" led by 1LT Dakota McFadden, callsign "DMac", and his superior officer Captain Valerie Perez, also like Kelsie, is on loan from the 78th Brigade Combat Team's C Coy. from 1st Battalion, upon the request of the regimental command and its colonel, BG Jesse Cole. All in the platoon wear the red armband with the arms of Savannah and with fire department patches pinned on it. Together with MacFadden are platoon officers 1LTs Corey Pye, Dalton Cornett, Joe Lytle (both formerly of 2nd platoon and Cornett already promoted from being a 2LT in 2023) and Alex Bentley, and 2LTs Daniel Brito and Liam Spence, the company's only Australian born officer, alongside CPL Issac Parra and SGTs Noah Bridges and Christian Dearman who are the squad leaders in the platoon - both Noah and Dearman, both from 1st platoon, were promoted from the rank of Corporal last year and were appointed into their duties this year in a full time capacity by McFadden. Its platoon sergeant is ex-1st Platoon veteran Staff Sergeant Matt Malatesta, callsign "Monster", assisted by SGT Marshall Shrill.
"Morning DMac," Jayson greets the 3rd platoon commander.
"Mornin' y'all, Tailgaters," DMac replies.
"Looks like y'all are getting ready to get into the battlefield again," says Captain Perez.
"We are are, ma'am," CPL Bowler replies.
5th platoon had already arrived before the others did led by 1LT Garrett DeClue formerly of 3rd platoon and promoted into the rank this year, handling over from 1LT Cory Garraztasu who returned to the USA for a new assignment with the Colonial Heights Rifles, part of the same brigade as the 716th, and his deputy, 2LT Brady Kais (now with 2nd platoon), joined by his fellow officers 1LT LJ Talley (who the regiment recalled out of retirement after a stinct with the Toronto Rifles of the CLVIX Corps' 901st Infantry Division) and 1LT Mark Crocco - already confirmed to be commander of 7th platoon, but chose to remain for now with the 5th pending any personnel assignments that Bill has to approve with the help of battalion leadership. The platoon of both newbies and the remaining few veterans from the former configuration of 4th platoon wears the gray armband. DeClue's officers are 1LT Ashby Vinning, 1LT Dylan Kurohashi-Choy Foo formerly from 1st platoon and was one of the first from 4th platoon to be reassigned, and 2LTs Brock Theriot and Fisher Polydoroff, his callsign "Ole Knuckles" known by virtue of him carrying a M16 or M14 rifle instead of the modern M4 carbine and the classic uniform collection in his residence back stateside - as well as those recreations earned by participating in reenactment events. The squad leaders, who DeClue earlier appointed while they were in Savannah for their pre-deployment training with the consent of company leadership, are CPLs Benjamin Greer, CJ Williams and Jordan Brewer.
"So that's the man they call "Ole Knuckles", remarked Specialist Reid. "A Company knows they snagged a historian and language expert who knows at lot of languages and will be a big help to our Ukrainian liason team."
"He's that one," said 1LT Arendt. "We've met him a few times."
"There's also one Australian too?"
"Affirmative, that's Corporal Brett Allen, recently promoted to Lance Corporal by the Aussie military attache in Ukraine after his heroics in Vovchansk in his first weeks with the platoon."
"I'm sure his Australian family know of his heroism."
Then there was 2nd platoon led by 1LT Jake Skole, who took over from Cornett upon his transfer to 3rd platoon this year. They wear the pink and black armband as part of their battledress upon the recommendation of Major Mike Vavasis, battalion HQ officer and their superior. With Skole as part of platoon leadership are 1LT Bronson Balholm, 1LT Brandon Sherman, 2LT Jake Lialios and 2LT Riyan Rodriguez, an OCS grad commissioned from the ranks, together with 1LTs Sammy Claycamp (slated to be promoted to Captain) and Thomas Simoneaux, MSGT Anthony Coromato and SSGT Isaac Hess and their platoon senior NCO SSGT Jason Swan (who joined from 1st platoon in 2023) alongside squad leaders SGT Tanner Thomas, SGT Drew Gillespie and CPL Chase Achuff, who because of combat related injures in the field in June of this year in the Vovchansk AOR, was temporarily replaced by CPL Dustin Baber in that role until he recovered fully from his injuries. CPL Ashton Lansdell, also on loan from the 78th Brigade Combat Team, is with the men of 1st squad since joining them as well in the early summer and wears the same colored armband as the rest.
LeRoy then arrives with Major Matt Leinart, who the regiment recruited while its stateside recruiting team was on tour in Anaheim and is now part of the headquarters element, and now LTC Sean Casey, who they recruited and helped come out from retirement after a long career with the 169th Cincinnati as a platoon and company commander and later on as a battalion staff officer. By now he states that in just minutes, they will be ready to be moving out on the mission to help in the mopping out of much of Oleksiivka village just north of where they are together with the rest of the battalion as well as to formally help in the preparation of the resumption of key services after distrupion caused by the brief Russian occupation.
He then makes it clear that once more, LTC Tyler Gillum is confident in his very ability to command these gentlemen - and five ladies - who are a vital part of this company as they are ready to face the danger in such a newly liberated village which still has a reduced Russian presence, as well as any danger they may face as they help the Ukrainians rebuild and clean up the damage the enemy left behind.
"Good luck gentlemen - and ladies. I'm counting on all of you again today, we need all your cooperation and all the hard work and combat duty we'll do together", Bill says as he ends his speech to his troops. "We have a mission to do and Ukrainians to help rebuild in a local village that is mostly liberated - the real work will not start until the remaining Russians have been pushed out thanks to us. You all hear me?"
"Aye sir!"
"Alpha Company 1/716.." "FIRST ALWAYS FIRST, FOR OUR COUNTRY ALWAYS, FOR SAVANNAH, FOR GEORGIA, VICTORY OR DEATH!"
"Good luck everyone, Tyler will soon brief us all once the rest of our battalion shows up. At ease everyone, take your rest. But first, Lieutenant Cruz, please."
Prayers would be said then by the lieutenant before the formation awaited for the rest of their battalion, asking God for guidance and strength for the mission ahead.
"Thanks for this prayer, Lieutenant", remarks CPT Ray Ortega, who the 1st Battalion recruited back last year.
"T'was a pleasure to lead them again," 1LT Cruz replied.
"I know you are a man of God," the captain replied, "and I know that He will guide all of us in this battle. And He will watch over the Ukrainians too."
At the same time, the rest of 1st Battalion have finished company level preparations and are slowly gathering as one, ready to hear LTC Gillum's address to everyone as they prepare to conduct their military operation to help the Ukrainians finish the liberation of Oleksiivka and help the village in its rebuilding. And indeed he does that, addressing everyone regarding the security ops they will do and coordinate with the Ukrainians deployed there, as well as the fact that they will be escorting village leadership and government representatives to their official return there after a long time away because of the Russian occupation, for which a delegation from the National Police, State Bureau of Investigation, the SSU and other agencies will be joining them to help reestablish Ukrainian control. Once he addresses A Company, he addresses them as ever the beloved father of the battalion he helped raise with their support, asking even more for them to be the safe vanguard that the battalion expects of them ready to fulfill their mission, regardless of the cost it would take even many or all of them losing their lives or be seriously wounded. For this operation he says, A, B and C companies will be deployed together with the weapons and cannon companies and the air defense battery, with the other companies placed on operational reserve to be sent when necessary.
Soon, the regimental leadership element enters to give the order for 1st Battalion to proceed to their operational duties. No less than Colonel Eric Byrnes, LTC Nate Fish and their regimental command sergeant major, CSM Tyler Hinkins, are present alongside LTC Casey, as Eric addresses 1st Battalion once more regarding the task they lies ahead for them. 2nd Battalion was to be the reserve element with all of the 1st being the active element of the operation with A and B companies tasked to monitor the area with the rest securing the village government facilities, village Ukrainian Orthodox chapel, and a newly liberated school. The air defense battery will provide air defense cover over the newly liberated village and with the help of the C-UAS section of the air defense battalion, will help disable any possible UAV attacks. The cannon company and anti-tank company will provide fires support as well. All are made aware that Russia may be ready to ambush this Ukrainian government convoy and disrupt any efforts to reestablish governmental institutions and trust after days of Russian occupation, as well as to find and search for any collaborators and Russian Armed Forces soldiers and National Guardsmen mixing with the civilians, thus it is their duty to be ready for any possible Russian attack not just on them but also on Ukrainian military and law enforcement and to help them fight those living amongst the Ukrainian villagers who are planning to bribe many of them into working for the enemy. Then, it's time for everyone in the battalion to move into their vehicles as the order is given to commence this new mission.
At once, as COL Byrnes gives the signal, all of the battalion's infantry moves into the Strykers while those of the cannon, mortar and machine gun companies, the battalion sniper and recon units, all gear up for the operation, as well as the government and law enforcement representatives they will be escorting. They would be joined by a small armored contingent from the "Steel Border" 1st Border Infantry Brigade (Offensive Guard) armed with the BMP-1LB and BTR-4s and with personnel from the State Border Guard Service manning them, as well as UGF Army Engineers, both military and civilian alike, as they also plan to reconstruct the former dirt roads into concrete and asphalt as well as to coordinate efforts with the power utility and telecommunications companies. They are reinforced with the 156th Mechanized Infantry Brigade being represented by a small armored company of T-64BV main battle tanks from its armored battalion and a battery of D-30 towed howitzers from its towed gun battalion under the 156th Field Artillery Regiment, with the cannon company of the 1st Battalion 716th armed with the M635s and Humvee Hawkeyes providing additional firepower in the reserve, in addition to towed MT-12 Rapiras of its anti-tank battalion, also under the command of the 156th FAR, which form a towed anti-tank gun battery under the command of said battalion for anti-tank warfare ops.
"4TH PLATOON MOVE ON TO YOUR STRYKERS" was the order from the platoon commander, and once Jayson gets into his vehicle, the platoon embarks per their assigned vehicles. Given the small number of their personnel, Jayson's band - with its US and Ukrainian members - uses the lead Stryker joined by Major Bartman and SSGT Pennington with the 3 squads using the other three assigned to them as their drivers and weapons operators, all based in the US and have joined them on the Ukrainian deployment, take their positions, alongside the relief vehicle commanders. The motors soon begin to kick in as A Company slowly drives off the field on their Strykers from their camp with watching Ukrainians waving goodbye to them and the rest of 1st Battalion. At once, the intercom comes online and all the walkie talkies come alive. All the platoons coordinate their intercom and some of the personnel of A Company get their GoPros set for the combat footage - in 4th platoon's case, PFC Nelson's.
OLEKSIIVKA, KHOTIN TOWNSHIP, SUMY COUNTY, SUMY OBLAST
3rd platoon's commander, 1LT McFadden, has just finished informing Bill LeRoy of his platoon's readiness on the walkie-talkie on his command vehicles when Jayson Arendt comes in next. As usual, A Company is the lead 1st Battalion element being driven to Oleksiivka along the C151504 roadway, as LTC Tyler Gillum's command Stryker is part of the A Company part of the convoy alongside parts of the battalion headquarters, given that they are planning to deploy their mobile CP in the village with the M1130 command vehicle as the basis. Before that, Bill chatted over the intercom with 1LT Garret DeClue over the readiness of the so-called "Visitors" from 5th platoon - called as such because these formerly were, as the name suggests, visitors to the Grayson Barracks complex in historic Savannah before being asked by regimental command either to be transferred or to be recruited directly into the ranks of this unit - for the operation ahead. They are driving with just a few miles left towards the Russian border and into the agricultural fields surrounding these houses that define the rural communities along the Russo-Ukrainian border in the Ukrainian side - these farming families also affected by the war.
"Tailgater 1, Bill, this is Arendt, 4th platoon ready to deploy at your orders."
"Banana 1, Jayson, all the best, Kyle and I and much of the company leadership are ready as well, be weary for any Russians trying to ambush this convoy," Bill replies from his command vehicle.
"Stay safe too Bill, GATER UP!" was Jayson's reply.
"How's Bravo 1, Jake?" Bill then radios his 2nd platoon leader.
"Good as ever Bill, 2nd platoon is ready to follow your orders."
"Roger that Jake. Make sure the platoon's safe out there, Russians are planning to ambush either the Ukrainians or us travelling to this newly liberated village."
"Affirmative LT."
As Bill chats with the 8th and 9th platoon commanders, Jayson did call the nominal vehicle commanders on the Strykers - 2LT Luders, SGT Castillo and SGT Taj Porter, also coming from 2nd platoon, which responded with the readiness of their crews and as part of the platoon as a whole as well as the readiness of the relief commanders, drivers and machine gunners to be on standby to take their places once they leave. Luders occupying the duty of platoon vehicle commander normally done by a NCO shows how much the platoon is confident in its officers.
All of A Company operates a mix of the standard M1126, the M1304 ICVVA1-30 and the M1296 Dragoon, the latter two having turrets with the XM813 30mm gun and M240C machine guns. Bill and Kyle are each assigned the M1255 CVV command vehicle variant with SFC Mitchell assigned the Huvmee, platoon leaders the M1304 sans 1LT Crocco whose vehicle is the M1296, which also is the primary FSV/AFV for each of the platoons aside from the platoon leader's vehicle. This means in 5th platoon there are two M1296 Dragoons instead of just one. The rest of the vehicles are M1126s with the Javellin ATGM mounted on it alongside the M240C for anti-armor, personnel and vehicle capability. In addition, the company uses the M1129 wheeled self-propelled mortar, which alongside its RMS6L 120 mm mortar gun, carries M224 mortars for dismounted use by the weapons platoon, alongside M60 machine guns mounted on the regular M1126 by said unit's machine gun teams. In a normal situation the platoon sergeants of the company ride the second vehicle, but this is not the case. Joining them is the M1253A1 ATVVA1 ATGM vehicle, a platoon of these systems which are under the control of the battalion's anti-tank company, alongside two operated by A Company's weapons platoon as its anti-tank component. Four M1265A1 Stout M-SHORADs from the air defense battery of the battalion, together with AN/TWQ-1 Avengers mounted on the Humvee chassis from the same unit, provide the much needed mobile air defense cover against UAVs and rarely, aviation.
The company drives on as the government convoy prepares for leaving the main road and into one of the roads leading to a integrated school building which serves elementary and high school students in this part of Khotin Township, especially in the border areas. Before the Russian invasion, students studied the whole 12 years of general education before university in the same building. Now liberated from the Russian occupation, today representatives from the township office of the Ministry of Education and Science are also a part of the convoy to check the facilities and see how much items and materiel the Russians left behind in the integrated school campus during their brief stay, as well as to provide an inventory of the educational materials and furniture that still remained on site. Their work is heavily guarded by the UGF and National Guard contingent on standby alongside a few constables of the National Police's Sumy Regional Police Department, via its township offices for Khotin, alongside some MANPADs-equipped personnel of the former two for air defense cover. The UGF engineers from the Support Forces, also with military and police escorts, at the same time together with representatives from the energy and water utilities, begin their assessment of the power and water distribution lines, alongside representatives from Ukrainian telephone company Ukrtelecom checking the status of its phone lines and some mobile services.
In the meantime, the convoy stops just east of the school, just miles from the main road of the village, as personnel of the UGF and the National Police are walking with them, checking every residential and commercial building for signs of the brief Russian presence, as well as clearing any signs of booby traps and the like, as well as conducting mine clearing operations if there are any Russian mines left behind by the occuping forces. They are joined by heavy vehicles of the 156th MIB as the armored protection, keeping watch for any Russians sneaking back as if nothing happened during their brief occupation of the village. The 1st Battalion command and several NCOs have at the same time began setting up their mobile CP just a few miles from the school to monitor the battalions' deployment.
"Bill here, got an intel report that Russians from the 72nd Mechanized Infantry (Motorized Rifle) Division are planning a platoon or company sized one final push to regain the village for Russia," he then calls everyone on the intercom. "Be warned, the Ukrainians who we are walking with may be ambushed by personnel of two of its regiments - by now almost reduced into battalion size at this point due to recruitment problems, but still bigger. The company sized push may be either the vanguard for a possible bigger attack or will be just a simple incursion into a newly liberated village."
"Whose in charge?" Called his XO 1LT Luigs.
"CAPT Nathalie Sullivan. Has a Ukrainian liason from the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense with her team. Advised us this morning in the battalion."
"Got that Bill."
"Better tell the company to be ready for any attacks from these Russians from east of this road."
"Noted Lieutenant Kyle, Alpha Coy., dismount on the move! Get everyone out, there may be Russians preparing to ambush."
"Affirmative Bill!"
Before that LeRoy informed his battalion commander that intel confirmed the presence of Russians from the 72nd MID north of the area with just a squad of T-62s and T-72As and some BTR-80 Chunmas from North Korea as well as BTR-60PBs, as well as 2 Type 8 wheeled AIFVs from the People's Republic of China, one of a few that Russia was determined to test given the poor state of the military industrial complex as of late that it has turned to other nations for the supply of their heavy weapons systems that the nation is slowly getting unafforable to manufacture in its own vehicle factories due to Ukrainian attacks on military industrial facilities and the dire financial situation in the country, armed forces inclusive. The infantry are only supported by older towed ex-Soviet M-30 and Chinese Type 83 howitzers, the latter only sparingly supplied from the storages also because of a lack of official plans from Russia to import more Chinese, North Korean and Iranian heavy systems to supplement its increasingly slow pace of local production of armored vehicles, artillery and aviation. The guns, through, are far away from the village and are only being supplied to their positions in Novomykolaivka to the north, with the lack of BM-21 Grads being visible. The majority of new assets, through, are only a few Shahed 2s - named the Geran - which are licenced produced from Iran and are operated by a half-company sized force from the 30th Mechanized Infantry Regt (Territorial Forces) under the 72nd MID thru its UAV battery, with the infantry, armor and artillery units based from its infantry battalions are now undermanned, the MBT battalion and now reduced field artillery detachment. He thus gave permission to Gillum to prepare his company, inclusive of the 5 women in their ranks, to brace for any possible Russian attack on them and the Ukrainians who are with them checking the village for any Russian stragglers left behind from the withdrawal of forces days before, as well as clearing any signs of the brief Russian occupation. This being granted, he then radioed the company and those from B Company to brace for any attack by the Russians, while informing Gillum to get the other companies, the anti-tank battery and the weapons and air defense companies to be ready to help them and their Ukrainian partners, while sparing some of them to protect the newly liberated integrated school campus from Russian attack while 2nd Battalion is being deployed from their base to reinforce them, together with the regiment's new tank company operating M48 Pattons and the M10 Booker.
"Hey Bill, there's another group heading to our positions," Kyle called on the intercoms after disembarking.
"Is that 1st Lieutenant Garrastazu?" Bill responds.
"Yes he is, but he's carrying a different unit DUI on his combat dress."
And there they come, having rejoined A Company and 1st Battalion but had to side in a M35 belonging to the headquarters element, which means they rode with company command. 1LT Cory Garrastazu, wearing the DUI of the 51sth Colonial Heights Rifles, whom he joined this year upon the recommendation of its regimental commander COL Bierlein as part of A Company of its 1st Battalion, which was established upon the then battalion now reflagged as a regiment in late 2024, had arrived back to Ukraine wherein he had his official baptism of fire the previous year just many miles away in Vovchansk, having been granted permission for his fall to winter combat duty in Ukraine on secondment to his first ever unit after a great summer mobilization training with his now current regiment (which operates the new Joint Light Strike Vehicle as a motorized rapid response infantry unit) before returning to Colonial Heights for the spring. Joining him were 1LTs Breland Almadova and Austin Schumaker, SPC Max Fries, PFC Blake McIntosh, SGT Brandon Roberts, SGT Brandon Crosby, soon to be platoon sergeant in A Company's 1st platoon, CPL Tucker Perry, CPL Trey Vanderpool, and SGT Deaundre Roberts, callsign "DJ the Invader" - a graduate of the 78th BCT's youth training program and by now liason to the Cary-based brigade on behalf of his new unit and formerly with the 716th which fought together with them for a year and a half. This special group - all granted permission from Colonial Heights to return to their first unit for the fall and winter - all rejoin the platoons wherein they came from: Blake and Trey with 3rd platoon, Crosby and Roberts with the 1st and Breland, Roberts, Perry and Austin with 2nd platoon, all wearing once more, below their current white-yellow-red-purple or blue, green and pink armbands as a mark of their current platoon assignments in Colonial Heights, the colored armbands of their prior platoon assigments in the Savannah-based unit with the heraldic arms of the city of Savannah on them. Cory and Fries, who last year were together on 4th platoon with much of the new breed of junior enlisted personnel, instead joined 5th platoon reunited with now Sergeant Chris Vazquez and thus, with their new unit, resumed wearing the grey armbands with white piping they wore last year.
By now 1LT Luigs has called on the platoon commanders to get ready to deploy on the move and dismount everyone, while also activating the vehicle squads for the fire and weapons support needed. And as always, 2LT Luders was tasked to integrate the vehicle squads of A Company's Stryker fleet to better coordinate vehicle-based fires.
"MOVE OUT PLATOONS" was the order and at once all 5 platoons of A Company, with some of the HQ elements, are all out on the move with carbines and rifles at the ready. 4th Platoon followed the order from Luigs on behalf of 1LT LeRoy and everyone is now outside in the crisp fall air of north central Ukraine, alongside the Ukrainian liason section and those Ukrainian members of Jayson's country band. In the meantime the Ukrainians - both soldiers and policemen alike - are still reconnoitering the newly liberated village for any sign of the short-lived Russian presence with others searching the farmlands and forests for any remmants of the Russian presence, as well as any possible stragglers who have mixed with the remaining civilian population. As usual Bill and Kyle, together with SFC "Flash" are outside the company command vehicle. And the additional Ukrainians from the 48th Assault Infantry came in as requested, wearing Multicam camo uniforms.
"Sure reminds me of North Carolina", Jayson said. The fall weather does remind him of the climate of his home state.
"Much cooler than Houston," added SGT Jones. "I'm certain PFC Sanchez shares the same sentiment."
"Just like Connecticut where I was before", said CPL Taubl. "More of a fall weather characteristic of New England."
"Just like the Savannah I used to live and train before," staff sergeant Trepanier said. "At least there will be snow in a few weeks from now here."
"Pretty much sure boys?" said CPL Bowler.
"Much sure," 1LT Arendt replies.
Then.... BOOM. And later on the intercom rang from the company's lead Ukrainian liason.
Some of the Ukrainian Ground Forces soldiers in the advance party were hit by a grenade from the Russians from the 30th MIR (TF), the liason officer, ranking 1LT, informs Bill in English. The party is now slowly engaging the Russian platoon sized force while those hit are being medevac'd away, two Lance Sergeants having died on the scene. The enemy, the Ukrainian stated, were awaiting from near one of the residences with a grenade launcher mounted on the AKM. Another got wounded due to a sniper shot from the street. The call was made for the Ukrainians from the 48th AIB to begin engaging the enemy and help the advance party.
"HOLY SHIT Cowboy Kyle. I'm about to call my company," Bill said upon hearing of the report to his XO. "Ukrainians need our help now."
"Got that commander," Kyle answered.
"Roger that Lieutenant LeRoy", SFC Mitchell added. "So you're calling Battalion CP, Bill?"
"That's an affirmative," the company commander replied. "Be ready Flash, we have an armed engagement to finish and Ukrainians to help." After that convo, he informed LTC Gillum of the report of his Ukrainian liason team later, alongside his XO, Major Adam Virant.
Bill then called on the intercom afterwards after receiving the "START THE CLOCK" call from Tyler from the command truck, coupled with the usual Jesse Cole "Showtime" recording the regiment would blast to signal the start of the battle: Russians have been spotted and are already attacking Ukrainians, and A Company had to respond now to help the latter as well as to brace for any possible UAV attacks, especially from suicide missions, as well as from an expected larger attack force. Response was immediate, 1st and 2nd platoons began to fire back whenever Russians were spotted, careful not to get hit by gunfire from the enemy, nor even cause a friendly fire insident, and to stop even bombing civilian residences with grenades. In like manner the company's Stryker-based self-propelled mortars and their crews, under Bill's strict orders, were careful not to hit these residencial houses, and instead on the open ground wherein the Russian reinforcements would begin to move in order to preempt their actions in support of the advance party. Machine gun teams also took their places as the reserve given the possiblilty that additional Russians would be coming on the road leading to the integrated school complex. And all the rest of the Strykers, forming the operational vehicle platoon commanded by 2LT Luders, were to fire only on the enemy and avoid residential buildings as Ukrainian families would return to them once the time is right. At the same time, 2LT Polydoroff ever the musician of his unit, with a bugle carried as always alongside his rifle and issued pistol, usually a Colt, sounded the attack call.
CPL Andy Archer positioned his sniper rifle alongside fellow sharpshooters CPL Nolan Daniel, CPL Blake Benson and PFC Joe Sperone, who all took their positions to avoid detection by Russian UAVs and recon personnel, while PFC Nelson had the GoPro already switched on to record footage of the enemy encounter alongside a few other personnel of the unit, inclusive of PFC Tyler Rigot, already getting their GoPros ready while Sammy got the video recorders, primary and backup, set to document the battle for the Savannah city newspapers as before. Joining him was Drake Toll, a Baylor alumnus who joined him when both were hired to be a part of the regiment's PAO unit in 2024 alongside other civies with media experience. The two others, Brett Loftis and Zach Staton, remain stateside as recent additions for now as they still travel with detachments of the regiment to display its heroics in Ukraine to the wider population.
Then it was the turn of the other platoons to open fire, when Russians were spotted running towards their positions as well - only to retreat and later get shot by gunfire either to get killed or wounded - unable to counter the modern American and Western firepower of the Ukrainians and the Americans fighting with them. Among them were the men and one lady of 4th Platoon.
"Damn those guys!" said CPL Bowler, who upon seeing a GAZ Tiger among the Russians attacking the Ukrainian-American forces, began to fire his Javellin, which later hit its target, killing its driver and resulting in injuries to its machine gunner and the few crew inside.
"Damn, our Ukrainian brothers are much furious than ever," said PFC Kollin Stone.
CPL Andrew Mann replied, 'You've got that right, Private."
"Estas bien, to think that they have been fighting the Russians these past few years since the invasion started," SGT Castillo added.
"This is one scene I'll never forget," says SPC Nelson, who's GoPro is mounted on his combat helmet as he records the scenes of the armed encounter.
"COVER US!" That was the call from 1LT Arendt. "Russians ahead, we're pulling back!"
"Roger that Jayson, GATER UP boys!" was the response from 2LT Blakenship, who thus gave the order for 1st and 2nd squads to cover their platoon commander and members of the regimental country band, alongside their platoon sergeant. At the rear was PFC Sanchez firing as usual on the Russians, escaping unhurt from all the gunfire, preceded by SGT Jones and CPL Taubl who were the machine gun crew operating the M240, and SSGT Trepanier with his M4 also firing at the Russians.
"GATER UP!" was the response of everyone in the platoon.
"Don't forget me boys," added CPL Wiggins as she joined the group pulling back for cover, with SPC Zach Watson also with his rifle on firing mode still engaging at the enemy.
Having found their cover in the facade of a local house, CPL Kaden Bowler asked his platoon leader, "You good?"
"So damn good, corporal," Jason replies.
"So am I," Kaden adds.
"Me too as well LT," CPL Tre says as well. "Glad I and Corporal Jimmy Strings (CPL Taubl's callsign) did not get shot."
"Same here," added PFC Sanchez. The country band survived in one piece, as none of the Ukrainians are also injured so far.
"Same as well Lieutenant," added Corporal Wiggins. "We gonna go all down yonder on these Russian lads."
"Well would you look at that, second lieutenant Polydoroff in his vintage camo," said CPL Justus as he saw the 2LT in his classic 70s camoflage and M1 helmet on, "all with his M16 at the carry and firing like it was intended for."
"No doubt of what Crocco's platoon is doing," added 1LT Danford. "These newbies have proved a lot beginning in Vovchansk when they fought with the rest of the company."
"Sorry to have kept you guys waiting," radioed 1LT Garrastazu on the intercoms, "Cory Cubano estoy aqui. And I'm with Specialist Fries right now in 5th platoon because Sergeant Vazquez was one of my NCOs whom I trained with before when the 4th Platoon was originally established last year."
"CORY!" replied CPL Justus. "Glad you and those lads based out of Colonial Heights have returned here for the fall."
"Just back doing what I've trained for, for patria y vida and for Ukraine, hermando."
"Gracias Cory," the corporal responded. "I am well sure 1LT DeClue is finally back after suffering a combat injury to his shoulder in Vovchansk."
5th platoon already has contributed to the effort with two GAZ Tigers destroyed as well as a T-62 and the few Russians they killed in their sector of the firefight. Among those who did their best, aside from 2LT Polydoroff, are PFC Lukas Cook, CPL Brewer and SPC Brian Dansereau.
In the meantime, CPL Cole Kitchen as well as SPC Kollin Stone also helped in the 4th platoon's efforts as well in their sector, contributing much to the deaths of stiffheaded Russians eager to die for the defense of their homeland and their goal of the total defeat and destruction of Ukraine as a nation.
In the meantime, 3rd platoon led by 1LT McFadden was also fighting the Russians in their sector, and PFC McIntosh had fired his Javellin on the direction of an old GAZ-69 all-terrain vehicle in the fields reinforcing the vanguard party, killing the driver and some Russian Ground Forces soldiers riding from the recon company of the 1st battalion, 30th MIR, what is by now a mix of new recruits, international volunteers and mercenaries inclusive of those from India, Cuba and the African Sahel, and veterans coming from various parts of Russia, as well as injured veterans from the first few years of the invasion, that reflected the recruiting and retention problems faced by those enemy units deployed in Ukraine and even the corrupt and tyrannical atitude of many in the officer corps determined to force these personnel into the attack against Ukrainian forces and the international volunteers fighting under Ukraine's flag against Russia and its allies - in addition to the troublesome state of its military industry and those heavy weapons systems being pulled out of storage to replace those systems, inclusive of newer homebuilt products like the T-90, the Tornado MLRS and the BTR-82, being either destroyed, damaged or captured by the Ukrainians, while waiting for more overseas heavy vehicles to be purchased to offset these losses given the slow manufacture rate for the new heavy weapons systems as well as those already in service when the invasion started.
"Nice shot Blake," 1LT Cornett said on the coms.
"THAT was a booming sound we can all hear," SGT Dearman added.
It would be followed by another, this time by SPC Ga'von Wray, who fired his Javellin on a BTR-60PB.
"Holy Moly, y'all," remarked Captain Val Perez. "Remarkable that two of the 3rd platoon have destroyed Russian vehicles, twice."
"Just can't believe this, cap," 1LT McFadden said.
"That alone," the captain replies, "would earn him the Bronze Star."
"What a shot," added CPL Logan Lacey. "That's one of our rookies, DMac."
"So will you be doing more of these, Specialist?" asked his roomate PFC Ron Franklin Jr.
"Gonna do as I can," Wray responds before slinging back the Javellin and getting back to his M4 carbine, as fellow NCO SGT Ben Dum III (already newly promoted) fires his NLAW leading to the explosion of another GAZ Tiger and the death of its driver and some of the crew. He is covered by CPL Nick Heath, who fires his M4 at some of the Russians trying to kill him with their rifles. Identicaly, CPL Mason Maxwell also has been a stellar face in the platoon, having made his own mark once more while firing his M4s both on the move and when on stationary, helping his fellow guys and Captain Perez.
In the meantime, the 1st and 2nd Platoons were the spearhead of the operations that helped the Ukrainians evacuate their wounded and dead away from the village while repelling the Russian platoon, which even led to the elimination of another section of recon soldiers who arrived via motorcycles as part of a reinforcement force of Russians from the same regiment that the lead platoon came from, a job well done as what 1st Battalion leadership would observe from their CP listening to the intercom. In addition the work of the cannon company, alongside the Ukrainian artillery, led to the most of the main Russian armored column, especially the MBTs, to be destroyed with much accuracy. And the fact that there was no self-propelled gun system present was pretty much good that the balance of the battle had shifted to the Ukrainians and Americans, given that the 156th MIB's heavy systems have also joined the fray.
"This is incredible, Colonel Byrnes," LTC Gillum called up on the regimental command stationed in the integrated school campus. "Ukrainians and Americans fighting together against a singular enemy, Eric, I'm certain many back home are starting to realize how important we are to them."
"Cannot believe this, one more reason why Congress must continue helping them," Eric replied, "especially with the heavy systems, as well as funding for their domestic military industry. European systems ain't enough."
"Regardless of developments in the White House, Congress and the Pentagon, Byrnsie, especially in regards to arms deliveries," Major Virant said, "Everytime these Ukrainians fight shoulder to shoulder with the boys from Savannah, they are making it clear they need all the help they would get from the USA and our allies."
"That's what we hope for in the coming months, regardless of what's happening back home," Eric replied.
Major Pence called in response from A Company positions on the intercom, "I'm sure what's going on today will reaffirm that." He is the senior battalion officer who is there in person to help Bill, Kyle and A Company leadership coordinate their efforts with the rest of the battalion.
2nd platoon itself, the lads with the pink and black armbands, fired - together with the yellow armband wearing 1st platoon - upon most of the Russian reinforcement column, with just a few fleeing in retreat as most of the men who fought with them, many of them injured veterans forced to fight despite their combat injuries suffered during the invasion, were killed by Ukrainian-American gunfire. The two lead platoons were careful, on Bill's orders, not to cause a friendly fire incident together with the rest of A Company against the Ukrainians.
And another booming sound came as a BTR-70 of the main Russian reinforcement force, which was starting to aid the remaining survivors in advance of another small armored column of T-72s and a Chinese Type 92 wheeled APC with the tricolor star roundel decal indicating its purchase by Russia as a trial vehicle in preparation for future orders of secondhand stock from its fellow BRICS founding member, was destroyed by two Javellins from CPLs Reece Hampton and Sal Jacobo - both of 2nd Platoon, which earned the praise of staff sergeant Swan and MSGT Coromato. Much of its infantry crew are thus killed in the process.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" was the reaction from Major Mike Vavasis in the battalion's mobile CP when he learned of it from 1LT Skole. "How did they do such a thing?"
"Two of my men, Major", 1LT Skole called on the intercom, "THAT act is more than what these boys and Lansdell have all done."
"No doubt about those two," says CPL Armando Becerra.
1st Lieutenant Bronson "Bronny" Balholm then fired his M4 upon spotting two Russians running headlong with their AK-74s, killing them in an instant, with CPL Lansdell covering him alongside one of those who was with 2nd platoon from its beginnings, SGT Zak Whalin - who the regiment brought back last year from a brief service term with the 62nd New York City Light Infantry.
"GRENADE" was then heard from the Ukrainian liason team which also is fighting with the rest of the company.
What did happen next, this time on 1st platoon's side, was that another explosion, this time from PFC Kyle "KJ" Jackson's Fort-600 grenade launcher, which had targeted parts of the Russian reinforcement troop, led to the deaths of 2 Russian Corporals and a Junior Sergeant, as well as a reservist 3rd Lieutenant serving with the BARS militia on secondment.
1LT Olson shouts: "THAT is what I know about private Kyle.. I'm hopeful he will be a Corporal."
"You and me both," says 2LT Jackson.
Suddenly CPL Andy Archer called on the intercom: "ENEMY SNIPER DOWN. Lieutenant Olson, sir, the sniper who took out a Ukrainian National Guardsman has been KIA." Andy had fired his M82 Barrett sniper rifle after one of the personnel from the Ukrainian liason team had been informed of where the enemy sniper was hiding, the location and coordinates of which then relayed via intercom to the corporal from Hawaii.
"Well done Andy," his platoon commander replies.
"Thanks again for covering us as always," sais 1LT Jocelyn Alou. "Damn proud of you eliminating that Russian sniper."
Archer replies to 1LT Olson: "Just doing my job, showman."
His fellow sharpshooter SPC Kyle Perry also killed a few Russians as well, with another Javellin kill recorded by SGT Roberts on another BTR-60PB, with SSGT Whitmoore covering for them both.
Even more shocking and incredible for the Ukrainians and their American allies, the trucks carrying UAVs destined for the school building and Sumy City itself was destroyed by Ukrainian towed artillery and American mortar shelling upon detection by Ukrainian UAVs. SGT Hosley, after destroying 2 Russian suicide drones on flight to hit futhur Ukrainian positions using a FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS, had to tend to SGT Tanner Thomas from 2nd platoon after a grenade shapnel had earlier hit his shoulder from another Russian grenade targeting his platoon, helped by CPL Connor Higgins (callsign Big Butter) now back with 1st platoon and a few of the company medical team who arrived on call after he relayed to them the call given to him from 1LT Skole regarding his combat injury, who work alongside CPLs Zack "Philly" Philips and Gage Voorhees and SPC Austin Kreminzski, all coming from 1st platoon, and 2nd platoon's SGT Miles Williams. And his Savannah roommate, Corporal Mauldin of 1st platoon, did help as well in the medevac operation, alongside CPL Blaise Maris. CPL Hampton escaped it unharmed together with CPL Becerra.
"Better?"
"Not better Sarge," Thomas replied, growling in pain. "But glad I'm gonna be safe again after what has just happened. Thanks to you guys... and to you Dalton."
"Able to help you, roomie," Dalton replied. "T'was a pleasure."
"And Tanner," Danny says, "I'm even glad to have been the one who have saved your life."
"Thanks, Danny-do-it-all, sir?"
"Yeah, that's the call sign the battalion called me because of all the work I've done to save the wounded and still doing the duty of an infantryman ALL those years, one that has struck with me."
"And who's with Dalton, sarge?"
"Corporal Blaise Maris, grandson of 1st Lieutenant Roger, a national defense veteran who lived thru the first years of the Vietnam War at home helping to recruit personnel for overseas deployments."
And indeed Tanner gets pulled off the line to tend to his wounded shoulder in a local hospital in Sumy, thanks to Sergeant Danny Hosley. Yet another UAV comes, but SGT Albritton, firing the M240 on top of one of the Strykers, hits it, alongside a final blow from the Stringer fired by one of the Ukrainians, leading to it crasing down into the wide wheat fields.
"WELL DONE Stilts", said SGT Deeb on the intercom.
"Just doin' my job Vitamin," he replies.
"He's done that again," CPL Alex Zigler said regarding the job Sergeant Albritton proved valuable as the vehicle machine gunner time and again in assistance to Ukraine's war. "We all know that man."
"That's one of my vehicle gunners," 1LT Olson adds. "I'm damn proud of him."
"Cannot believe what I've heard again in the intercom," Sammy thought as he was shooting combat footage on his videocam.
"IMPOSSIBLE to see that happen," added Drake. Both are in civies but with dark blue body protection jackets with PRESS indicated and in helmets.
Callsign "Stilts" then fired the vehicle's ATGM system and yet another BTR-70 was hit, nearly destroying the vehicle and leading to serious injuries to its weapons operator.
"Oh my gosh," exclaimed SSGT Whitmore. "This is incredible."
Added CPL Gabe Howell, "That's why we trust him."
SSGT Donalson, together with SGTs Jones Jr and Crosby, all carrying their M4s, together with CPL Ethan Skuija, 2LT Calvin Butler and SSGT Aaron Stracker, a part of the first personnel of the regiment to see action in Ukraine's east in the first months of the war, were already at either at the prone in the street or at the side of the local residences alongside most of the riflemen of the 1st platoon, firing in support of the Ukrainians in front of them and the reinforcements also from the same units as the advance party, which together with those personnel from A Company, have been firing at almost all directions in support of the main Ukrainian forces in the village as well as militia personnel of the Territorial Defense Forces that also came to their aid, leading to the deaths of many Russians and some of the vehicles of the reinforcement column also destroyed. Corporal Skuija, always with the handy M320 grenade launcher mounted to his M4 carbine, would, as always, throw a long M67 grenade mounted on his uniform belt, and at this case, 4 Russians would be killed before a grenade blast from a North Korean made grenade in Russian service almost knocks him and Jones Jr to the ground, dropping their service rifles.
"You good Ethan?"
"Same as you, EJ."
"Sergeant Jones," Donny calls one of his junior NCOs on the coms, "Glad you're still in one piece."
"Thanks sarge."
"Jones! Skuij!" "You both safe after that grenade explosion?" Hosley called up on the intercom getting back on the field after bringing SGT Thomas from 2nd platoon to a combat ambulance to be medevac'd away from the front.
"We're a-ok Sergeant," Jones responds. "No need for a medic."
"Are you sure these two are safe?" asked a concerned SSGT Malatesta.
Donny answered, "Yes they are."
Both would regain posture, back with the weapons on their hands. CPL Reese Alexiades, from his position near the street, would fire one more Javellin round leading to the damage of a Russian T-72AM1, leading to its crew bailing out of the MBT. Yet another from SPC Dylan Porter from 2nd platoon results in the downing of a BMP-1AM as CPL Peter Holden continues to cover their efforts.
The firefight lasted for almost an half hour to around 40-50 minutes, and the Russians at last then left in haste north to Volodymyrivka, pursued and forced out of their sector by the Ukrainian reinforcements from the 156th MIB and the "Steel Border" Brigade of the SBGSU that came to the aid of the remaining Ukrainians of the company sized task force of soldiers and policemen alongside some from the Sumy Oblast KORD unit of the National Police, supported by the field artillery and some UAVs that destroyed some of the T-72s and damaged the other enemy armored equipment. In addition, some of the other Russians that remained in the east of the village were all expelled as part of the mopping up operation by TDF reservists and militias together with personnel from the UGF, fully securing it in Ukrainian hands.
"Look at those Russians running away," Bill says.
SFC Mitchell replies on the intercom, "Their commanders will not let them get away from this act of desertion of orders."
"I'm sure of that happening," adds 1LT Reddick. "And thank heavens for the arrival of the Ukrainian reinforcements."
Only a few Russian survivors, plus some expats from Burkina Faso and South Africa who were forced to join the Russian forces, surrended to the joint Ukrainian-American forces. And the partly damaged and abandoned enemy vehicles would be towed away later to be formally captured and pressed into Ukrainian service. It would be yet another embarassing defeat for the Russian 72nd Mechanized Infantry.
LTC Gillum then calls on the intercoms from the mobile CP congratulating all A Company personnel together with all of the 1st Battalion from a job well done, as the MinEduSci personnel continue their tour of the school campus regardless of the battle that had just happened miles from their location, inspecting every classroom and laboratory for telltail reminders of the Russian occupation and making an inventory of any educational material and teaching tool either still present or have been damaged by the enemy. After speaking to elements of the battalion, he then informs Bill and all of A Company thanking them for a great victory working together with Ukrainians against the Russian aggressor.
"I'm sure Jesse, Emily, their kids and all of Savannah are damn proud of what you all did today," Tyler tells the men - and the 5 women of A Company.
"Thanks Tyler, Boom!" Bill replies.
"Boom Baby," Tyler responds.
The Ukrainian liasion also greets Bill and everyone, and the CO replies "Thanks as well for helping in what we do too."
He replies with words of gratitude also for their efforts to make the people of the USA know that they need badly all the support for the continued war effort against Russia and its allies, as well as reconstruction aid for all the damages the nation incurred so far. He will absolutely inform personnel from Operational Command East regarding the mopping up work following the liberation of the village and that with the battle over, the work to find any Russians remaining will continue, as well as for any houses that see evidence of the brief enemy presence as well as any enemy mines and booby traps left behind by them.
As the lieutenant and his XO, together with SFC Mitchell, are checking in on each of the platoons for post-battle assessment as they prepare to ride back to barracks after assisting in the Ukrainian patrols across the village and later on depart for Andriivka to the west to help in another mopping up operation and for lunch and to begin the process of restoring Ukrainian government institutions and residences and any damaged utility lines, after visting their comrades in the 1st and 2nd platoons, they then visit 4th platoon.
"Congrats, lieutenant," Bill greets one of his officers.
"I know my boys and Megan have once more become clutch for you and Alpha Coy and one more thing, Bill, I am full confident in your continued ability to be a leader among us," 1LT Arendt replies.
"Thanks Jayson, stay safe for there are rumors of any Russians in the next village we will be heading. Gater up."
"GATER UP".
First Lieutenant Luigs also greets Arendt saying "In such a few months since you landed here, your men - and the one lady who's a part of your platoon - have become a family and a team, right?"
"That's right Cowboy Kyle. Just doing what Ukraine - and the American people back home - demands of us to do."
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