Also Inside this Issue— YoungYoung JoeJoe WheelerWheeler retiresretires afterafter 3636 yearsyears

♦ KSARNG honored by Cabinet members ♦ 184th Logistics Readiness Squadron hold Joint conference

DivisionDivision worksworks Mayor’sMayor’s CellCell inin KoreaKorea

The Kansas Sentinel is an authorized, official publication of the Kansas Army National Guard. The Kansas Sentinel is published to Commander’s Call………….. 3 provide command and public information to specific audiences about the Chief of NGB Visit…………... 5 Kansas Army National Guard and its Soldiers at home 35th Division in Korea……… 6 and deployed abroad. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and Wheeler Retires……………... 7 do not necessarily reflect the official view of or is en-

Cabinet Members dorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Army. This publica- Thank Guardsmen.…………. 9 tion does not supercede any information presented in Wichita Mayor Inspires…….. 11 any other official Army or Department of Defense publication. Volunteers Honored at Kansas Sentinel reserves the right to edit all material. Joint Conference………..…… 13 Published works may be reprinted, except where Skeet Shoot…………………... 16 copyrighted, provided credit is given to the Kansas Sentinel and the authors. Distribution of the Kansas Know Your Benefits…………. 18 Sentinel is electronic.

Mayor’s Cell Provides Assistant Adjutant General-Land Component: Brig. Gen. John Davoren Foundation for Success ..…… 22 Publisher: Maj. Michael Wallace, 105th MPAD, Commanding 184th Logistics Host Editor: Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Witzke, First Sergeant, 105th MPAD Conference ………………….. 24 Design and Layout: Maj. Michael Wallace Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Witzke Proof and Editor-at-Large: Jane Welch State Public Affairs Office

Articles, photos, artwork and letters are invited and should be addressed to: Editor, Kansas Sentinel, 105th On the cover: Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 2722 SW Topeka Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, talks with Master Sgt. Greg Kober, the Operations and Ex- Blvd, Topeka, KS 66611. Telephone: 785-274-1902, ercise Master Sgt. at Crisis City about rubble pile activities. or by email at: [email protected] or Photo by Sharon Watson, State Public Affairs, Cover design by Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th MPAD [email protected]

I would like to let all of all the senior leaders this last you know that the members weekend to review the 2011 of the Kansas Army Na- Yearly Training Briefs. tional Guard (KSARNG) One item that continues to continue to show our fellow concern me is the number of per- Kansans and the people of sonnel who are eligible for but the nations where we serve aren't preparing themselves for overseas our capabilities, future opportunities because they dedication and professional- aren't enrolled in the Non- ism. Commissioned Officer Educa- We all need to remember tions System(NCOES). We are that though we have been finding that completing NCOES supporting missions for course while deployed is very over eight years, we con- difficult to accomplish. tinue to be successful doing Our level of training continues extraordinary things on be- to be very high. MOS qualifica- half of our nation. tion numbers are as high as they KSARNG units today are Brig. Gen. John Davoren have ever been in the state. Unit conducting pre- Assistant Adjutant General, strength numbers are my top con- mobilization and reset op- cern and are of critical impor- erations throughout Kansas Kansas Land Component tance for the future of the Kansas while we meet our commit- Army National Guard. ments overseas. We are currently about 100 soldiers below Our second Agribusiness Development Team our strength goal of 5,365 KSARNG soldiers for (ADT) mission is successfully under way in Af- the end of this current fiscal year. ghanistan. Soldiers supporting the Regional We will see some changes in KSARNG leader- Corps Advisory Group mission and Ground Liai- ship over the next three to six months. While son Office mission have returned to Kansas. The there will be changes, we will continue to set and 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry, is enforce standards in our units and demonstrate conducting pre-mobilization training in prepara- that we follow the Army values. tion for operations in the Horn of Africa. The recent First Army Inspector General team Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artil- visit identified supply and logistics areas where lery, are exceeding requirements for the Multi- we still need to improve. We have made progress Force Observer mission in the Sinai. The 35th during this year through the efforts of many of Infantry Division performed extremely well dur- you, we are getting better, but still have to con- ing the Key Resolve exercise in Korea. tinue to improve. All units in the reset, training, or ready phases All of us must be committed to doing our best need to maintain and improve their individual sol- every day and looking for ways to improve every dier readiness through weapons qualification, day in the future. Army Warrior Training, and Army Physical Fit- I am proud that we have Kansas soldiers who ness training. I had the opportunity to meet with continue to meet the needs of Kansas and nation.

Windham, Command Sgt. Maj. John Ryan and the Soldiers of the 235th Regiment. They have provided a place of honor in their Headquarters to display the plaques of the NCO’s that are inducted into the Kansas Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer Hall of Fame. 2009 was the Year of the Non- commissioned Officer, 2010 and be- yond will be known as the Years of the Kansas Army National Guard Noncom- missioned Officers. Command Sgt. Maj. I challenge all of you to nominate Glenn Peterson each year, those NCO’s that have made State Command Sergeant Major, contributions to the Kansas Army Na- Joint Force Headquarters— tional Guard and made it what it is to- Land Component day.

I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Soldiers of the Kansas ATTENTION: Army National Guard that we have es- All Readiness, Training, tablished a Kansas Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer Hall And PS NCO’s! of Fame in Salina, Kan. On April 18, If you are not sending this 2010, the inaugural induction ceremony publication out to your Soldiers in will be held and the first inductees will your unit—then you are wrong. be the ten Fallen Heroes that we have Don’t cheat them on their Army lost to combat operations since 9/11. news! It is only fitting that our first NCO’s Send this out to all of your to be inducted are those heroes who Soldiers, Today! gave the ultimate sacrifice for their fel- low Soldiers, State and Country. A spe- Command Sgt. Maj. Glenn Peterson cial thanks, goes out to Col. Robert

Photos and Story by Sharon Watson, State Public Affairs emergency planners and leaders to watch the various Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard components of an exercise unfold. It will also provide Bureau, visited the Great Plains Joint Training Center classroom instruction. in Salina, Kan., on Friday, March 26. He took an ae- A group of firefighters involved in a search and res- rial and ground tour of cue exercise greeted McKinley as he got a close-up parts of the recently de- view of the rubble pile. He thanked them for their ef- veloped 160-acre site forts. where military and civil- McKinley told reporters there are potential opportu- ian first responders train nities where the Great Plains Joint Training Center together for state disaster might provide the best venue for national training response. needs and said he would ask some of his team to “This is a world come visit the site to determine the possibilities. treasure out here, very “I can’t think of a better venue than this facility impressed,” McKinley right here, right in the heartland of America,” said said. McKinley. McKinley was in- vited by Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas Adju- tant General, to view the site developed over the past couple of years and opened for training last summer. The training venue Gen. Craig McKinley and includes Crisis City, a Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting tour the Crisis City headquar- replica of a small city ters building. that allows responders a more realistic training scenario. It includes a rubble pile for a building collapse and actual over- turned rail cars for a hazardous chemical spill. Addi- tional venues are being added. “We designed the site after getting input from our civilian first responders on what they need,” Bunting said. McKinley expressed appreciation for Bunting’s vi- sion and ability to make the site a reality. “With Fort Riley, this facility can bring so much training space to this part of the country,” McKinley noted. The first joint civilian-military training at the Great Plains Joint Training Center and Crisis City was in June 2009 when the field portion of the Vigilant Guard exercise involved a train derailment and build- ing collapse. During his visit, McKinley toured the Crisis City headquarters building, which is nearing completion. It Gen. Craig McKinley and Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting tour will provide a second-story observation room for the train derailment site at Crisis City.

KA CHI GAP SI DA – “We go together” By Cadet Sherridan M. Franklin 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs The mantra for U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) military forces training together is Ka Chi Gap Si Da, “We go together,” and signifies a very deep commit- ment to each other. Approximately 135 Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort Leaven- worth, Kan. (35th ID) recently gained great apprecia- tion for this mantra when they deployed to Camp Long, South Korea March 4, 2010 to conduct joint military exercises with the First Republic of Korea Army (FROKA). 35th ID Soldiers participated in Operation Key Re- solve, an annual exercise held by the U.S. and ROK militaries to strengthen the alliance between the two countries. Members of the 35th Infantry Division familiarize them- Key Resolve is an annual, high-profile exercise selves with local terrain to be better able to quickly inter- designed to enhance readiness and the ability to de- grate into the Combined Forced Command. fend the Republic of Korea (ROK). The exercise pro- Photo provided by 35th Infantry Division vided valuable training to FROKA and 35th ID service renamed three years ago to reflect the transition to a members and improved upon the ability of allied ROK-led program that will be complete in 2012. Key forces outside of Korea to quickly integrate into the Resolve focuses on crisis management, maneuver and Combined Forces Command (CFC) should an inci- sustainment of forward forces during wartime situa- dent occur that threatens the ROK. As a combined/ tions. joint exercise, Key Resolve involved all branches of Eleven 35th ID Soldiers left ahead of the main the United States and ROK militaries. body, as the Torch party, on Feb. 23 in order to set up Formerly called Reception, Staging, Onward life support services for the main body and to coordi- Movement, and Integration (RSOI), the exercise was nate for the arrival of the advance party. Twenty-one Soldiers made up the advance party that left on Feb. 28 to receive and analyze the classified operations order from the FROKA headquarters. The advance party also prepared the exercise area in the command bunker so that the main body could hit the ground running. The main body assembled at 35th ID head- quarters for final preparations on March 2, and de- ployed on March 4. The division received notification to participate in Operation Key Resolve on Dec. 16, 2009. Normally, guard units plan two to three years out for overseas training. The 35th ID had just under three months to plan for this exercise. The division replaced January and February’s two-day drills with two four-day drills to complete all the required training and Soldier Members of the 35th Infantry Division meet with their counterparts in the Republic of Korea (ROK) to help plan readiness processing in time. Operation Key Resolve See KEY RESOLVE Photo provided by 35th Infantry Division Page 21

WHEELER RETIRES AFTER 36 YEARS By Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th MPAD Wheeler also received a certifi- Serving for more than 36 years in cate of appreciation from President the military, Col. David ‘Joe’ Obama expressing thanks and ap- Wheeler, the Kansas National preciation for his commitment and Guard Joint Chief of Staff, retired dedication. President Barack and was awarded the Legion of Obama said that Wheeler has been Merit and given numerous other an inspiration and thanked him for accolades for his achievements dur- being part of the forces that helped ing a ceremony held for him by the keep America secure. Adjutant General of Kansas, Maj. Kansas Governor Mark Parkin- Gen. Tod M. Bunting, at the son sent a letter of acknowledge- Nickell Armory in Topeka on Sat- ment and stated that he knew that urday, April 10, 2010. Wheeler’s family had also sacri- “We’re losing one of the crutches ficed much for the State and na- that the Kansas National Guard has tion’s security during Wheeler’s 36- had for 36 years,” said the Kansas years of service. He thanked them Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Tod and stated that they, and Wheeler, M. Bunting. “We are extremely with their dedicated service and lucky that Col. Wheeler put on this spirit, would leave a lasting impres- uniform 36 years ago, because he’s sion with all those Wheeler served left an indelible and impressionable with. mark in the Kansas National Wheeler, in his known humble Guard.” manner, spoke at the end of the (Above photo, from left) Kansas By order of the President of the ceremony. He commented on how Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Tod M. United States, Wheeler was things have worked out during his Bunting affixes the Legion of Merit to awarded the Legion of Merit for his career. Col. David ‘Joe’ Wheeler’s distinguished accomplishments “I was ‘joint’ before ‘joint’ was uniform during the retirement throughout his career. According to cool,” Wheeler said, referring to the ceremony. th the Secretary of the Army, Lt. Gen. team relationships that the Kansas Photo by Maj. Mike Wallace, 105 MPAD Thomas G. Miller, Wheeler de- Army and Air National Guard now paid for all my travel and educa- serves the award for his character employ. tion—I guess it was meant to be. and energy that motivated his sub- “But, I’ve been lucky. There’s a My mom can tell you, when I was ordinates and established a reputa- secret I have to tell, I’ve never only eight-years-old, I was digging tion for excellence, Soldier care and really worked, because I’ve always foxholes and playing Army, so I mission accomplishment for all to enjoyed what I’ve done—so it was guess it was destiny.” emulate. never like having to work. I sur- The ceremony was attended by “His enforcement of standards rounded myself with good Non- more than 300 well-wishers, family and setting the example are the cor- Commissioned Officers and staff and friends. Among those present nerstone of excellence and a legacy and listened to what they had to were Wheeler’s wife, Candace; of his service,” said Miller. “His say.” their daughter, Heidi; their son, outstanding performance, strength, “I look back on all the people Marcus; Wheeler’s mother, Sally integrity and dedication to duty are I’ve trained and have a good feeling Furman; his sister Suzanne and her in keeping with the traditions of on seeing how many are doing great husband, Mike Kirk. military service and reflect great with their jobs and their careers,” credit on him, the U.S. Army and Wheeler continued. “Also, the See WHEELER, the Kansas National Guard.” Guard has been good to me—it’s Page 8

From Kansas Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting (right) WHEELER, awards the Kansas Medal of Page 7 Excellence to Col. David ‘Joe’ Wheeler last month in Wichita During the cere- during the annual Officer Devel- mony, many organi- opment Conference for his numer- zations and individu- ous years of exemplary support als presented to the Kansas National Guard. Photo by Spc. Angie Mooneyham, Wheeler with numer- 105th MPAD ous mementos and awards. After the ceremony, cake and mand and General Staff Col- punch was served lege, nuclear/biological/ and attendees social- chemical Officer’s Course ized with the family. The family (where he was the Honor Gradu- he would become an officer, get- plans on an informal retirement ate), National Security Course, ting his commission from the Of- celebration at a later date. the United States Army War Col- ficer Candidate School on June lege and many others, while still The story of Joe Wheeler-- 19, 1976, and accepted the posi- earning a Bachelor’s of Science It was a winter day, Dec. 10, tion as Platoon Leader, Company degree and two Masters Degrees 1955, when Joe was born in D, 891st Engineer Battalion. on the civilian side. Wichita, Kan., and held for the He served in numerous other But Joe did not do this by him- first time by his mother, Sally positions over the years, such as self. Being a National Guard Sol- who hoped the future would be platoon leader, executive officer, dier, takes the support of a fam- open for him—that he would personnel staff officer, senior ily. His family has supported him carry on the honorable traditions TAC officer, engineer equipment through the highs and the lows. and lessons that he would be officer, assistant operations offi- His father, the late Col. Donald taught, and serve for the common cer, commander, personnel offi- Wheeler, who served a combat good of mankind. cer, intelligence officer, deputy tour in Korea and two combat History shows that Col. commander, joint operations offi- tours in Vietnam, was there the Wheeler has done that. Through cer and chief of staff for the land day Joe entered the military, his abilities and leadership skills, component, Kansas Army Na- proudly standing next to his son Joe has held numerous positions tional Guard before his last as- as his prodigy took his steps to a of great responsibility and done signment. military life. His mother has been so in an exemplary manner. His He was assigned to numerous there for Joe, even as he worked last position, as the Chief of the units, too. He began at Company his way through promotions, pin- Joint Staff for the Kansas Na- C, 1-137th Infantry Battalion, ning new ranks to his shoulders tional Guard, shows that the Na- then served in the various posi- and reflecting how much a man tional Guard and the Adjutant tions in the 242nd and the 891st her son has become. Joe’s sister, General of Kansas placed trust in Engineer Company, the Kansas Suzanne, is still supporting her his abilities and fidelity that few Military Academy, 69th Troop brother, even though she moved attain. Command, and the Joint Staff. to Rogers, Ark., and married It was a long road for Joe to Besides OCS, he attended Mike Kirk. this pinnacle of success. He fol- many military schools—Engineer lowed his father’s footsteps for a Officer Basic Course, Recruiting military life by enlisting in the and Retention course, TAC Offi- See WHEELER, Army on Feb. 28, 1974, as a cer Training Program, Engineer Page 20 crawler tractor operator. A year Officer Advance Course, Com- and a half later, he decided that CABINET MEMBERS THANK KANSAS ARMY

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS

Photos and Story by Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th MPAD Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates, was in Topeka re- cently to accept his Distinguished Kansan of the Year award. Dur- ing the ceremony, he gave spe- cial recognition to members of the 35th Infantry Division Band and members of the Honor Guard in the Kansas Army National Guard. They’ve been nationally recog- nized before for their exemplary manner when they perform their duties, but this is the highest praise yet—a U.S. Cabinet mem- ber. The members of the band, ‘the (above photo from left) Sgt. Roger Lively (U.S. Marine Corps), Airman Brass Five’ were Sgt. Todd 1st Class Joshua Epperly (U.S. Air Force), Sgt. Chase Taylor and Sgt. 1st Hollis (trumpet), Sgt. Audria Class Christopher Lucas of the Kansas Army National Guard (KSARNG) Osborn (French horn), Spc. Jo- with Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, then Corpsman 1st Class Joel Adams (U.S. Navy), Spc. Kyle Simmons and Spc. Joe Swann (KSARNG and Petty seph Felton (tuba), Staff Sgt. Jo- Officer 3rd Class Brian Prowker (U.S. Coast Guard) take a moment for a seph Worthington (trombone) photo. Sebelius recognized the high standards the Honor Guard shows at and Spc. Rachael Adame all functions. (Not pictured, Master Sgt. Rodney Moyer) (trumpet). They played opening music to the evening’s festivities and later played the lead when mons and Spc. Joe Swann of the the Kansas State song, ‘Home on Kansas Army National Guard. the Range’ was played as a sing- Gates listened to the band and a-long for the night’s attendees said, “they are really good. I that included Gates, his wife, his think they are just as good as any mother; Kathleen Sebelius, Kan- band we have in Washington, sas’s former governor and cur- D.C.” He was so impressed, that rent Secretary of the Department he personally awarded each of of Health and Human Services; the band members his personal Kansas Governor Mark Parkin- ‘Challenge’ coin, which is a pres- son; U.S. Senator Sam Brown- tigious award in the military from back; U.S. Congressman Todd high-ranking dignitaries. He also Tiahrt and many other civilian awarded the Color Guard mem- and military dignitaries. bers his ‘Challenge’ coin for the Posting the colors were mem- professional manner they pre- bers of all branches of the mili- sented the colors and executed tary, to include Master Sgt. Rod- their duties. Spc. Joseph Felton is the tuba st player for the Brass Five. ney Moyer, Sgt. 1 Class Chris- See CABINET THANKS, topher Lucas, Spc. Kyle Sim- Page 10

(left photo) Mem- bers of the Honor Guard ready to present the colors. (right photo) Staff Sgt. Joseph Wor- thington (trombone) and Spc. Rachael Adame (trumpet) perform ‘Home on the Range.’

here. To be a member, each in- Guard members are able to ac- strumentalist must have tremen- complish so much more than a dous ability,” he said. “We are a standard Soldier.” great tool for community relations Topeka resident Sgt. Audria as well as for Soldier events.” Osborn, formerly of Hoyt, is a Spc. Rachael Adame of nurse who has been in the band Topeka, recently joined the group for three years with five years in From CABINET THANKS, permanently after being a substi- the Kansas Army National Guard. Page 9 tute. She will admit that the audi- It may seem odd that a person “National Guard and Reservist tion for the permanent position in with a Music Education degree members are unique persons,” the band was difficult and that she should end up nursing, but, as she said Gates. “Not only are they a had to be pretty competent as a worked on her degree, she noticed Soldier, Sailor or Airman, but musician to join the group. “But that nurses love music, so it they are versatile and talented being in this group is worth it,” seemed second nature to take up people because of their civilian she said. “Because of the size of nursing and stay in the band. She background. They bring their the group, we get to go to a lot of readily admits that her experience background and experiences to smaller functions, such as and education in more than one what they do for their branch of churches and such that larger career field helps her more in life. the service. This is why they do military bands cannot fit into.” “The National Guard benefits so well at the tasks they are as- Spc. Joseph Felton is working the public,” she said. “This band signed.” on his Masters degree in music is a small group, that fits into Interviews with the band and sees that his experience on smaller forums, and we come members-- the civilian side benefits his mili- from many backgrounds— Staff Sgt. Joseph Worthington, tary career. “Basic training gets teaching, nursing, cabinet mak- of Cummings, Kan., directs the you to think differently, so when ing—so when we interact with the ‘Brass Five’ and has been around faced with difficult decisions, you local populations, they find out in the band approximately 25 can reason them out by assigning that we aren’t just cold Soldiers, years. He doesn’t have to be told priorities, won’t get frustrated, but warm and understanding hu- that his group is a shining exam- tend to better understand how man beings that have a lot with ple of true professionalism. things work and how they hap- each of them. It’s a wonderful “Being in this band is a com- pen, how to be part of the solu- thing to see them extend a hand of mitment of considerable time. tion,” Felton said. “Then you can friendship to us.” Each member devotes a lot of join your experiences from mili- See CABINET THANKS, their personal life to see the per- tary and civilian life together, and Page 20 fection that we strive to attain come up with a more perfect solu- tion, that’s why we National “I think it is a benefit to have the

MAYOR OF WICHITA GIVES INSPIRATIONAL SPEECHES Photos and Story by Army and U.S. Marine Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th MPAD Corps, and named for Saint Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, Barbara, patron saint of was the guest speaker during the artillerymen, was being opening of the annual Kansas presented to Soldiers that National Guard Career Develop- deserved special recogni- ment Seminar held at the Wichita tion for their values and Hyatt on March 27, 2010, where practices in life. he gave inspirational words to the “You have demonstrated military attendees and their fami- that time and time again lies. when you have been asked “It is very important to me for to serve in numerous loca- our local and state governments tions around the world, that to support the Kansas National you will do so,” said Guard,” he said. “For instance, in Brewer. “Yes you have Wichita, if anything bad happens, demonstrated that you will like a tornado, fires, floods, ex- make the ultimate sacri- plosions or any other myriad of fice.” Mayor Brewer is a former Kansas Army things—I’m the first line of de- “So I understand the fense for the community. It’s my National Guard Officer, and is adamant courage, the commitment about the need for the Guard in Kansas. job to have our system ready to and the character required support our community—but, to serve in this elite group, which Brewer had for the National sometimes something will hap- plays an important role in the Guard. pen that calls in our final line of safety and security of our state “I know that Mayor Brewer defense, and that’s the Guard. and nation,” he said. had a successful career of more I’m comfortable with them on Brewer explained the impor- than 20 years in the Kansas our team and can sleep better at tance that he, as mayor of Wich- Army National Guard,” said night knowing that they are al- ita, realizes the National Guard Burke, “and am really pleased ways ready for any emergency.” plays for local communities, that the mayor of the largest city Earlier in the year in January, in Kansas understands the role, in st Kansas, and the United States, Brewer spoke during the 1 Bat- time of need, of the Kansas Na- st when challenges to the commu- talion, 161 Field Artillery’s An- nity’s security comes into ques- tional Guard. I am also pleased nual Field Artillery Ball and tion. that that the Kansas National Saint Barbara’s Celebration held “You’ll go anyplace to meet Guard is so highly respected and at the Broadview Hotel in Wich- those challenges—Western or viewed in such a favorable light.” ita, Kansas. South Central Kansas, Iraq, Af- Brewer closed his inspirational Brewer, a retired captain from ghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo or speech about values learned and the Kansas Army National some other hotspot—and you’ll practiced with, “I understood that Guard , expressed his apprecia- accept any challenge—from civil it’s not about you; it’s about the tion for the Kansas National disturbances, earthquakes, fires, people you serve and the ideals Guard and its members and told storms and yes, even wars,” he you’re sworn to protect. I hope everyone that it was an honor to said. that your time in the Guard pro- be present at the function, where The commander for the 1-161 vided you with your own set of The Order of Saint Barbara, a FA Battalion is Lt. Col. Thomas lessons and values.” military honor society of the Burke was impressed with the See MAYOR, United States for both the U.S. genuine affection that Mayor Page 20

YOUTH PERFORMS NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR GUARD Photos and Story by Spc. Angie M. Mooneyham, 105th MPAD Amanda E. Miller, the 10-year- old daughter of Tammy and Rick Miller of Wakarusa, Kan., and 4-H member for the Auburn Club in the Topeka area, was invited to perform the National Anthem at the Kansas 2010 Joint Conference Kansas Adjutant for her held in Wichita, Kan., on Saturday, General Maj. performance March 27, 2010. Gen. Tod M. of the National Miller was chosen for her dedi- Bunting presents Anthem during cation to supporting a local 4-H yellow tulips as the opening a sign of of the Kansas leader and family friend, Lt. Col. friendship to 2010 Joint Scott T. Henry during his recent Amanda Miller Conference. deployment to Afghanistan in sup- port of Operation Enduring Free- dom. soon. She reported only being a little Her mother said Amanda could “Henry knows the Miller family nervous during her performance sing as soon as she could talk. through the 4-H organization. Both and had prior experience perform- “When her brother Bradean (three sets of parents are 4-H leaders. ing in front of crowds at her years younger) was born, she “The club was great during my church. Singing is not a future as- would sing to him all the time,” deployment,” said Henry. “They piration for this young vocalist, said Tammy. sent socks, Christmas cards—all though; she inspires to be an au- In addition, Miller and her fam- sorts of stuff we needed and thor when she grows up. Miller ily found great joy in adopting wanted. I would send emails to the also likes to read, write, draw and ‘Scott’ during his deployment. club on what was going on in the play sports. “We would send him letters and country, what it was like, and eve- Photos of these events can be draw hearts on pillow cases and rything, and they would read it to viewed at www.kansas.gov/ sent suitcases full of ‘care pack- everyone during meetings back ksadjutantgeneral on the Kansas ages’,” said Miller. The 4-H group home. It was a good educational Adjutant General’s website. is looking to adopt another Soldier, experience.” Photo and story by Chansler takes 3rd in First Annual 5K Run Spc. Angie Mooneyham, 105th MPAD Pushing against an unusually strong Kansas wind, Maj. Kyle Chandler 1st Battal- ion, 161st Field Artillery, Wichita, took third place in the first annual 5K race held at the National Guard Association of Kansas (NGAKS) Joint Conference held in Wich- ita, March 26-28. Chansler and 40-plus runners participated in the event, which was an addition to the event schedule this year, held in lieu of the annual golf outing. “Essentially, what happened was the NGAKS was unable to host the golf tourna- ment this year, so why not do a 5K instead,” said Maj. Jesse Sojka, 184th Intelli- gence Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, Wichita, Kan. and coordinator of the Fun Run. Chansler posted a time of 23:32 to finish third. Air Guard Tech. Sgt. Mark A. Wall, 184th Intelligence Wing, Wichita, posted the winning time of 20:05.

VOLUNTEERS HONORED AT JOINT CONFERENCE

Story and photos by Spc. Stephanie Hodges, 105th MPAD

The National Guard Association of Kansas, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kansas and the Kansas National Guard Family Programs Office combined their annual conferences this year. Joint State Conference events are a mixture of addresses from key speakers, workshops, awards pres- entations, memorials and social events. Family Programs kicked off Sat- urday, March 27 with a social event luncheon at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Lunch was proceeded with a Runway Fashion Show supplied by Wild at Heart Boutique, stationed out of Wichita, Kan. The social gathering was opened to spouses, family members, and volunteers of Kansas Army National Guard mem- bers. This casual lunch and relaxed Above: Beth Arpin receives environment was intended for all the Horizon Award for com- pleting a minimum of 500 vol- attendees to mingle and associate as unteer service hours. Arpin is well as further their knowledge a member of the 287th Sus- about Family Programs. tainment Brigade Family Sup- Immediately after the fashion port group and volunteered an show Hilari DeLaRosa, Air Guard exceptional amount of time Family Programs Coordinator, re- during the brigades recent layed experience and understanding deployment. She received her of volunteerism within Family Pro- award at the Family Program grams, Family Readiness Groups Award Ceremony . (FRG) and the Kansas National Guard (KSNG) as a whole. She ex- Right: Family members went to Tanganyika Wildlife Park plained volunteers and their service and had a visit from none to KSNG was pertinent to the struc- other than the wildlife park ture and cohesion of units, FRG's, animals which included a and families that would sequentially baby kangaroo and lemur. The generate resilient guard members attendees were allowed to state side and during deployment. pet and photograph each wild She additionally explained that vol- creature whilst the Assistant unteerism is an excellent way to Director of Tanganyika, See VOLUNTEERS Sherri Souts, educated the au- Page 14 dience about the animals.

From VOLUNTEERS young generations of KSNG and Flushed with redness to their Page 13 hosted the Youth Symposium or- cheeks, the children took a break promote self worth and build a ganized by State Youth Coordinator for a snack and prepared for an ad- more successful sense of self. Dezaree Harding. venture to the skating rink at the "The National Guard Family "The state conference is an ex- Carousel Skate Rink, Wichita, Kan. Programs is a volunteer-based pro- perience to reward the youth for After gathering the children into gram," states DeLaRosa, "The vol- their hard work throughout the small groups for more thorough ac- unteers within the KSNG are year," stated Harding. countability and an explanation of strong, confident, and willing to "Furthermore, it provides a time for the rules, they were assembled into support the Guard members.” young leaders and volunteers to be a line and marched onto buses for The afternoon ensued with the honored for the time and efforts the voyage. continued support of volunteerism they have sacrificed for Kansas." The skating rink provided and its importance with presenta- The Youth Symposium began speedy fun for the older children tions from Bar- and established bara Bunting, new experiences wife of Kansas for the younger Adjutant General ones. Skating, Maj. Gen. Tod upbeat music and Bunting, and colorful, dancing Marie Delong, lights fueled the 184th Intelli- fire of classic gence Wing FRG skating games Chairperson. such as limbo The afternoon and the hokey- at the Tangany- pokey. After ika concluded skates were re- with a raffle and moved and care- a visit from none fully put away a other than the hardy lunch was Wildlife Park provided wrap- animals which ping up the time included a baby spent at Carousel kangaroo and (Left to right) Jessica Herlinger, Aydan Wildman, and Skylar Dickey support Skate Rink. lemur. The atten- each other while skating with the Youth Program hosted by Family Programs The buses were dees were al- at Carousel Skate Rink. loaded and the lowed to pet and children returned photograph each wild creature Saturday morning with socializing safely to the hotel. Upon arrival whilst the Assistant Director of and team building activities, which training pursued that consisted of Tanganyika Sherri Souts, educated encouraged the children to meet family cohesion and volunteerism. the audience of the each animals new acquaintances and reconnect Harding discussed upcoming mili- habits, natural environment, and the with old friends. tary youth events to include Kids care necessary for survival. The team building events with Camp July 6-10 for ages 8-12 and Far from being over, Family an assortment of races that included Teen June 19-23 for ages 13-17. Programs included recognition of but were not limited to the crab Additionally, she spoke about youth volunteers, training, along walk, alligator crawl, snake slither See VOLUNTEERS with amusing activities for the and bear walk. Page 15

From VOLUNTEERS ice cream cone to an elaborate tri- adolescent, not exceeding the age Page 14 ple stacked ice cream treat topped of 18, who has gone above and be- the available resources geared to- with whip cream, chocolate sprin- yond the call of volunteerism for wards older participants such as kles and nuts. To each ice cream that year. Determination for these college scholarships, college pre- sundae his own. Children then awards is through nomination and a paredness, and accessible money swarmed the dance floor and voting process. Nominations for extracurricular activities. danced to the are from any individual that "KSNG child and youth programs lat- amily is aware of the volunteer ard F takes a holistic approach to al Gu ased work that the nominated ation teer-b help military youth The N volun the individual provided. The across the state. We not “ s is a ithin voting process is assem- gram teers w and only provide physical ac- Pro volun dent, bled of a board of at least ram, confi tivities to bond such as prog trong, uard three individuals outside camp," said Harding, "We re s the G of the Family Program SNG a pport also have resources for K g to su office to vote on the willin ers.” mental and emotional health memb s nominated individuals ogram as well." ily Pr in all catego- After a brief break with r Fam ries. Each board sa, Ai parents the Youth Dining Out LaRo tor member votes anony- ri De ordina commenced with a string of Hila Co mously and will turn in their final outstanding performers on the est, crazed results to the State Family Program karaoke machine. Each singer music. The evening came Office. tried with all their might to sing to a close with distribution of prizes The following morning was dedi- their favorite songs with as much to each young participant. cated to the acknowledgment of the conviction and justice one could During the Youth Dining the remaining outstanding youth volun- give the artist. The show was fol- prestigious youth awards were pre- teers. The Frontier Award was pre- lowed by dinner and a dessert buf- sented during the Joint Conference sented to volunteers that contrib- fet that featured an assortment of Banquet. The honorees were Ha- uted significantly to the KSNG and pizza, soda, flavored ice cream, and leigh Delong awarded the Air required a 50-199 service volunteer sundae toppings. Each sundae crea- Youth Volunteer of the Year and hours. Recipients of the Frontier tion ranged from a simple vanilla Allyson White awarded the Army award included Skylar Dickey, Jes- Youth Volunteer sica Herlinger and Tyler Shaffer. of the Year. These Herlinger stated, “I think it's awards are pre- really awesome when adults recog- sented annually to nize all of our youth volunteers’ the youth indi- hard work." viduals who dis- The Family Programs is a grow- played the most ing support entity and is sustained commitment to by the volunteer of all ages. This support Kansas yearly conference allots time for Family Pro- appreciation of these humble heroes grams. It is of the Kansas National Guard. awarded to an

Left: Skylar Dickey receives a Pioneer Service award from Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Adjutant General. Dickey completed more than 50 hours of service as a youth volunteer.

Shooters battle elements in sixth annual competition Story and Photos by ing one as it zipped away. Other stations required PFC Robert Havens, 105th MPAD shooters to hit clays traveling at fastball speeds with mere seconds to spot, sweep, aim and shoot. There was even a station that had a clay pigeon skipping across the ground like a rabbit. One thing is for certain; all shooters agreed this course is the toughest competition that has yet been held. In spite of this, when the totals came in, there was a first for the competition. When the scores of the 17 shooters were totaled, the much anticipated an- nouncement of the winner did not come. “We have a tie,” said Lt. Col. Les Gellhaus, the event organizer. Two shooters, Mike Isaman and Lt. Jeremiah Johnson would have a shoot-off on the first station. Each shooter would get two shots each, the clays Lt. Col. Eric Blankenship chambers another round and begins would come out in random order, and the shooter scanning for his next target during the Adjutant General’s would not call for the clays, they would simply get Sixth Annual Skeet Shoot, held March 26, 2010. fired. A coin is flipped; Johnson comes out the vic- tor. He chooses to shoot second to get a taste for the A group of men load their weapons as the sun event. fights its way into the cold blue March sky. They are Mike Isaman steps up, loads his shotgun and raises looking forward to its heat, but not to the wind that it into his shoulder. In an instant, two clay birds are comes with it. The heat will make handling their in the sky. Two shots are fired and one bird goes weapons easier, but the wind will make their target down. All things considered this is pretty good, see- nearly impossible. A lieutenant grips his shotgun, ing as the wind is now blowing 15 mph faster than it firmly plants butt stock into his shoulder and watches was when he had last shot at this station. as his target begins to soar. See SHOOTERS In an era of modern day communication, it is diffi- Page 17 cult for people to get to know the person who they are working with. The annual skeet shoot competi- tion serves as a way to get to know fellow officers, take a moment away from the everyday grind, and build some rapport. Going strong for six years, the competition has never seen a day like this before. Divided into four different teams, the Adjutant Generals annual sheet shoot had 17 officers, friends, and family members competing for a cash prize. “It’s good friendly competition” said Col. Cliff Silsby, a facilities and engineer officer at the National Guard headquarters. “It is important to come out and have a good time with who you don’t get to meet,” Silsby continues. The contestants shot at nine stations with about every possible scenario you could imagine in a shoot. Some stations would require the shooter to hit clays skipping across the water, before swinging Lt. Col. Les Gellhaus awards Mike Isaman with the First the shotgun to the other side of the range and shoot- Place award for individual shooter at the Adjutant General’s Sixth Annual Skeet Shoot, held March 26, 2010

From SHOOTERS imagine. Each team would be confronted with eight Page 16 clay pigeons soaring through the sky from all angles With the targets traveling much faster, the within mere seconds of each other. Each pigeon shooter’s skills were put to the test. Johnson steps up, would be worth five points, and there would be three again, two shots fired, one bird down. In a sudden rounds. With 23 points separating the first place team death shoot-off, both shooters are very much alive. and the last place team, anything was possible. There Three times the men were at the station before was a catch though, there was a “poison bird” that Johnson relented to Isaman. The two men shook was a different color from all the others, and was hands, exchanged jokes, and headed back to the club- worth a whopping negative 35 points. house for the next event. First team to shoot was Team Wannabees, the sec- After a brief reprieve, the men gathered for the ond placed team going into the covey shoot. A total covey shoot. The covey shoot is as close to con- of six birds were hit for 30 points, but a poison bird trolled chaos in a shotgun shoot-off as one could was shot, costing them 25 points. The first team had walked away with five points. The second team to shoot was the Rowdy Rene- gades, the lowest scoring team. Again when the smoke had cleared six birds had been shot from the sky, another poison bird was shot. Rowdy Renegades would as well walk away with five points. Team Sooners would shoot third, the team cur- rently who was carrying the third most points. This time a total of seven birds were shot from the sky, and no poison birds fell. This gave the team an addi- tional 35 points on the board. Team Sooners, walked away from the covey shoot with 35 points total. The last team to shoot was Team Cats, the lead- ing team. The men, who had been shooting well all Above: Mike Isaman, a Topeka Police Officer, begins to day, shot a total of seven birds from the sky with no scan and sweep for the pigeon that would ultimately win poison birds. Team Cats would as well walk away him the top individual shooter award. from the covey shoot with 35 points, which would Below: Col. Dereck Rodgers takes aim and fires at a solidify their win. clay pigeon during the Adjutant General’s Sixth Annual Skeet Shoot, held March 26th, 2010

Awards were: Mike Isaman for first place individual shooter with 35 points total and winning the shoot-off. Lt. Jeremiah Johnson for second place individual shooter with 35 points total. Lt. Col. Les Gellhaus for third place individual shooter with 34 points. Team Cats for first place with 148 points. Team Sooners for second place with 119 points. Team Wannabees for third place with 112 points.

Know Your Benefits: GI Bill of Rights, Past and Present By Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Witzke, agriculture, mining, fisheries, and 105th MPAD 2. Veterans were free to attend the other vocational fields that were In almost every military recruit- educational institution of their previously taught informally. ing message, regardless of service, choice. Teaching staffs enlarged and sum- money for college or education is mer and extension courses thrived. typically listed within the top three 3. Colleges were free to admit those Further, the student population was reasons why someone should enlist veterans who met their admissions no longer limited to those between in that particular branch of the requirements. the ages of 18 and 23. The veterans Armed Forces. were eager to learn and had a Over the next several months, Within the following seven greater sense of maturity, in com- we will explore the history of the years, approximately eight million parison to the usual student stereo- major educational aid programs, veterans received educational bene- type. Finally, the idea that higher changes to the programs, what is fits. Of that number, approximately education was the privilege of well- available currently and how to ap- 2,300,000 attended colleges and born elite was finally shattered. ply to use the programs that are universities, 3,500,000 received available to National Guardsmen school training, and 3,400,000 re- Changes in the Bill and their family, both state and fed- ceived on-the-job training. By By the end of the initial period eral. 1951, this act had cost the govern- prescribed by the original legisla- Perhaps the greatest area, in ment a total cost of approximately tion in 1957, the bill had been terms of the federal government's $14 billion. stripped in the Veterans Adjustment participation in education, was the Act of 1952. Under the new law, GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill, offi- The effects of increased enroll- the government no longer paid tui- cially known as the Servicemen's ment to higher education were sig- tion directly to institutions of higher Readjustment Act of 1944, was de- nificant. Higher educational oppor- learning; veterans instead received signed to provide greater opportuni- tunities opened enrollment to a var- a flat fee of $110 which was to go ties to returning war veterans of ied socioeconomic group than in the toward their education. Korean World War II. The bill, signed by years past. Engineers and techni- Veterans returned home only to find President Theodore Roosevelt on cians needed for the technological that the benefits they believed they June 22, 1944, provided federal aid economy were prepared from the were entitled to had been slashed. to help veterans adjust to civilian ranks of returning veterans. Also, By the time that the Viet Nam life in the areas of hospitalization, education served as a social safety War rolled around, benefits had purchase of homes and businesses, valve that eased the traumas and been diminished to almost non- and especially, education. This act tensions of adjustment from war- existence and the price of a college provided tuition, subsistence, books time to peace. For the American education had skyrocketed. Some and supplies, equipment, and coun- colleges and universities, the effects nine years after the end of the Viet- seling services for veterans to con- were transforming. In almost all nam War, in 1984, Mississippi tinue their education in school or institutions, classes were over- Congressman Gillespie V. “Sonny” college. The Servicemen's Read- crowded. Institutions required more Montgomery revamped and reintro- justment Act included the follow- classrooms, laboratories, greater duced the GI Bill. Adopted, this ing: numbers of faculties, and more re- bill has since been known as the sources. House facilities became Montgomery GI Bill, but those ear- 1. The Federal Government would inadequate and new building pro- lier provisions wouldn’t last long as subsidize tuition, fees, books, and grams were established. New voca- the cost of education continued to educational materials for veterans tional courses were also added. This escalate, making it obsolete within and contribute to living expenses new student population called for a few years. incurred while attending college or differential courses in advanced See BENEFITS other approved institutions. training in education, commerce, Page 19

The 2010 Profes- Photos and U.S. Represen- sional Career Develop- story by, tatives Jerry ment Convention held in Maj. Mike Moran (left) Wichita in March, was Wallace, and Todd for the Kansas Army 105th MPAD Tiahrt (right) and Air National Guard speak about leaders to meet and what Congress jointly develop their owes the skills and communicate National their needs for the next Guard. year. The event was visited by Gen. Craig McKinley, gency,” said Moran. “I the chief of the National Guard Bureau, U.S. Con- think we all have the gressmen Jerry Moran (R-Kansas 1st district) and desire to see freedom and liberty for Americans and Todd Tiahrt (R-Kansas 4th District). our future generations.” Moran talked about the efforts that revolve around Tiahrt said it was Congress’s responsibility to pro- making sure that benefits (such as retirement and vide the Guard with the proper tools and equipment health care benefits) are accessible to National Guard they need. members no matter where they live. “We’ve increased the budget by $125 million “Kansas is a place the Guard is welcome and it from last year,” said Tiahrt. “We’re also investigat- has a bright future,” he said. ing other incentives for Guard members, their em- “Just look at our Joint Training Center in Salina, ployers and families (such as tax incentives for em- it brings people from across the country into our state ployers of Guard members, increase of GI Bill) and to work and have exercises out there.” we want to make sure that all Guard members can “It’s important to be prepared for any emer- return to civilian life after serving in Kansas.

From BENEFITS 30 days. You must have received amount of support that an individ- Page 18 an honorable discharge to be eligi- ual may qualify for depends on While federal assistance programs ble for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. where they live and what type of provided some relief for the gen- As of Aug. 1, 2009, the Post-9/11 degree they are pursuing. eral student population, the Mont- GI Bill is effective for training. Ap- gomery GI Bill was failing to pro- proved training under the Post-9/11 Next month we will delve into vide adequately for veterans. This, GI Bill includes graduate and un- the application process to activate coupled with the large influx of dergraduate degrees, and voca- your benefits and take a look at personnel following the heinous tional/technical training. All train- some of the programs available acts of Sept. 11, 2001, only exacer- ing programs must be offered by an outside the Montgomery GI Bill bated the problem. institution of higher learning (IHL) and Post 9/11 GI Bill. To compensate, Congress and approved for GI Bill benefits. adopted the Post 9/11 Montgomery Additionally, tutorial assistance, Of course, when there are ques- GI Bill, which came into effect re- and licensing and certification test tions about your educational bene- cently. The Post-9/11 GI Bill pro- reimbursement are approved under fits you should always defer to the vides financial support for educa- the Post- 9/11 GI Bill. experts in the State Education Of- tion and housing to individuals The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay fice. Their information can be with at least 90 days of aggregate your tuition based upon the highest found on the Kansas Knowledge service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, in-state tuition charged by a public Online website at www.ks.ng.mil or individuals discharged with a educational institution in the state service-connected disability after where the school is located. The

From CABINET THANKS, Sgt. Todd Hollis Page 10 (trumpet) and Sgt. “I think it is a benefit to Audria Osborn have the band playing at these (French horn) have functions,” said Sgt. Todd played at many for- mal and informal Hollis. “It gives the public a functions the different view of the Army, smaller band group because they generally think fits in with better of the Army as a bunch of in- than the larger 35th fantry, tanks and destruction. Division Band can. This is the artistic side.” The ‘Brass five’ has Hollis is a school teacher in a deep and full Augusta, Kan., where he sound that is sur- teaches high school and be- prising. ginning band. He thinks that being in the military is the best involvement and service. While cause we feel that the colors training a teacher can have in a each member that was coined and the reverence given to them mentorship position. “I’ve gone by Gates didn’t have much to is what is important at the time. to numerous Army leadership say, the Honor Guard leader, It is an honor and a privilege to schools and I use that knowl- Master Sgt. Rodney Moyer re- serve in this way, and it is nice edge to teach,” he said. flected on the mentality of each to get recognition from a cabi- Time spent with the Honor of the team’s members. net member on our professional Guard-- “We try to stay in the back- bearing when we perform our The Honor Guard has mem- ground as much as possible,” duties.” bers committed to community Moyer said. “We don’t want to be the center of attention be-

From Mayor, From WHEELER, Page 11 Page 8 Joe married the former Candace Macy in Belle “I hope that you carry those Plain, Kan. on Sept. 16, 1978. From this union, they lessons and values with you after received their daughter Heidi and their son, Marcus. your time in the Guard. They’ll His family has stood by him, attending many func- serve you, your family and tions with him and showing their support of their fa- friends and your community ther, as he earned his higher education, promotions, whatever field you choose to go better positions of leadership in the Kansas National into. In closing, I hope you know Guard, and numerous awards that include the Legion how much your service is appre- of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Com- ciated, not just by the people in mendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medals, this room, but also your fellow the Kansas Medal of Excellence, Kansas Army Na- Americans.” tional Guard Meritorious Service Ribbons, Kansas Army National Guard Emergency Deployment Ser- Photos of these events can be vice Ribbons and numerous others. viewed at www.kansas.gov/ Retirement is not stopping or slowing down ksadjutantgeneral on the Kansas Wheeler. His hobbies include golf, water and snow Adjutant General’s website. skiing, boating, hiking and biking, but he plans on committing his time to other endeavors in the future.

From KEY RESOLVE Page 6 Lt. Col. Dave Johnson, division operations officer, said “Starting with notification on Dec. 16, 2010, it was a non-stop process that the staff worked on every day.” A small team conducted a one-week site survey in Korea in January. “The site survey was critical to the success we experienced preparing for this deploy- ment,” said Johnson. “We actually walked the ground we would use during the exercise and met the people we’d be working with.” Communication in multi-national operations can be challenging. Korean Augmentees to the U.S. Army (KATUSA) are used as interpreters to facilitate com- munication between the U.S. units they are assigned to, the ROK Army, and Korean civilians. Eight Master Sgt. Roy Cummins is interviewed by Korean jour- KATUSAs were assigned to the 35th ID and were nalists on the importance of Key Resolve between ROK crucial to the success of the division. and the United States. “One of the differences of working with another Photo by 35th Infantry Division army is that they don’t always understand what is featuring the U.S. National Guard, and the Israeli Re- written or said, so the interpreters are needed,” said serves in an effort to change the ROK’s reserve sys- Lt. Col. Eric J. Ford, a 35th operations officer. “The tem. The Korean film team visited Kansas to capture KATUSAS did an excellent job, that’s why they’re 35th ID’s preparations for the Key Resolve deploy- there; they did it well.” ment, and also filmed the division participating in Sgt. Youngsuk Jung, KATUSA with the Army Li- Key Resolve in Korea. aison Team, said despite having occasional minor is- Brig. Gen. Alex. E. Duckworth, the 35th ID Dep- sues, joint forces in Korea get along well because uty Commanding General said overall the exercise they truly care about each other. was a success; not only did the division accomplish “Sometimes it’s not that easy to get along with its goals and expand its capabilities, the real world Americans because we have some differences in our exercise gave all the Soldiers who participated a cultures,” Jung said. “But I think the forces in Korea chance to hone their Soldier skills outside of the ar- care about each other and even though there are dif- mory. ferences, we make a great team.” “Anytime we get out of the armory, get away from Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Pierson, the commanding our comfort zone and get put in new environments general for the 35th ID said the exercise is essential to where we have to adapt is great. NCOs need to know ROK national security and demonstrates a deep com- how to move live formations instead of icons,” mitment to a U.S. ally. Duckworth said. “Going through the thought process "The Koreans live under the constant threat of ag- of what to do with weapons, personal hygiene, feed- gression from the north. To the FROKA this exercise ing plans, sleep plans and movement plans; all those is about protecting the lives of their families and the things you don’t get when you move icons.” existence of their country. To us, it is a demonstration Soldiers from the 35th ID made the 15 hour flight of our deep commitment to a very close ally to help back home and were reunited with their families them protect their families and their country,” Pierson March 21. said. The 35th ID is also the subject of a ROK govern- ment documentary film. Chosun Illbo, the Korean Daily News, is producing a four-part documentary

Mayor’s Cell provides foundation for division’s success By 1st Lt. Jason Boothe 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs In today’s Army, having an efficient Mayor’s Cell is an integral part of running an operation success- fully. The Mayor’s Cell mission is often under- appreciated and even more often, misunderstood. Great Mayor’s Cells receive little attention. The Mayor’s Cell functions as a nerve center to the non-maneuver side of the division in wartime and during exercises like Key Resolve. The Mayor’s Cell provided essential support functions during the divi- sion’s recent deployment to Korea for Operation Key Resolve March 4 to 21, 2010. The Mayor’s Cell mis- sion included medical, staff duty and personnel ac- Maj. Cristal Horsch, a 35th Infantry Division Physician’s countability as well as non-essential tasks such as ar- Assistant, checks a patient’s throat for infections. ranging transportation for troops on Morale Welfare Photo provided by 35th Infantry Division and Recreation trips to Seoul, Korea. Key Resolve is a U.S.-Republic of Korea joint exercise held annually The Mayor’s Cell also provided transportation on the Korean Peninsula involving all branches of the when needed for emergency services. During the ex- military. ercise, two Soldiers received Red Cross messages that The mission of the Mayor’s Cell appears simple on resulted in an early departure for emergency leave the surface but is actually wide-ranging and complex from Korea. The Mayor’s Cell successfully coordi- when viewed from the inside. nated efforts and provided transportation to get these “The Mayor’s Cell is the life support for the divi- Soldiers to the airport and back home to be with fam- ily. sion that provides crucial logistics for mail services, th food, housing, etc. However, most of the time is Getting the 35 ID to Korea and back home took a spent taking care of Soldier huge effort. Plans had to be issues and ‘putting out fires,” made for transportation to said Sgt. 1st Class Ron Sut- and from Korea, the basic ton, Non-commissioned Of- necessities of food and shel- ficer in Charge of the ter and a myriad of other de- Mayor’s Cell. tails that allowed the opera- One of the Mayor’s Cell’s tion to run smoothly. Part of key functions was to provide that effort rested on the medical aid and support to shoulders of the advance the 35th ID Soldiers and Ko- party. rean Augmentees to the U.S. The advance party was a Army (KATUSAS) at Camp group of soldiers that trav- Long. eled to Korea prior to the Maj. Cristal Horsch, a Crucial supplies being loaded to disseminate to the rest of the unit to arrange for 35th ID Physician’s Assistant Soldiers on the exercise is part of the Mayor’s Cell basic necessities to be met. responsibilities. attached to the Mayor’s Cell They set the groundwork so Photo provided by 35th Infantry Division for Key Resolve said there the rest of the unit had a were very few medical situations during the divi- place to eat, sleep and oper- sion’s time at Camp Long. ate upon their arrival. “Luckily we had no injuries and nothing more se- From MAYOR’S CELL rious than an ear-infection,” Horsch said. Page 23

Swann Garners Guardsman of the Year Honors Story and Photo by ence held at the Wichita Hyatt this March. Staff Sgt. Greg Zuercher, 105th MPAD Enlisting in the Kansas Army National Guard as He had no idea that as a boy taking music les- a member of the 35th Infantry Division (ID) Army sons he would be following a trail that would lead Band in March 2005 after his freshman year at him to the highest award possible for an Army Washburn, Swann’s decision was influenced by Guardsman. Spc. Joseph Swann, from Topeka, has Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Patterson, who followed just such a path. Swann was named the happened to be the commander of the 35th ID Army Outstanding Guardsman at the 2010 Joint Confer- Band as well as Swann’s music lesson teacher. Equating him like a proud father witnessing his own son succeed, Swann said Patterson is “very happy, excited, and proud of me.” Serving full-time as a soldier and bugler in the Honor Guard - the Kansas National Guard Military Funerals program since July 2008, Swann credits Patterson and Rodney Moyer, the state coordinator of military funerals honor program, for much of his success. “I served a long time as an M-day (traditional) soldier with the band,” said Swann. “It was through Chief Patterson that I became involved full time in the honor guard as a bugler. Spc. Joseph Swann (center) receives Outstanding Guardsman “All I’ve tried to do is to be the best I can possibly be,” said Swann. “I just do my job – I of the year from (from left) Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Haworth, wasn’t even looking for this award – it came to Kansas Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting, Assistant me.” Adjutant General Land Component, Brig. Gen. John Davoren Swann is the son of James and Katherine and Command Sgt. Maj. Glenn Peterson. Swann of Topeka. From MAYOR’S CELL Making sure the Mayor’s Cell staff had what they Page 22 needed to perform their jobs was the responsibility of “The advance party arranged for barracks, cots to Capt. Todd Lavery, Mayor’s Cell Officer in Charge. sleep on, cell phones and vehicles. (We) also set up “Our job in the Mayor’s Cell is to support the Sol- the medical clinic and coordinated with the dining diers so they don’t have anything to worry about but facility to set up hours for Soldiers to eat,” said 1st Lt. the mission,” said Lavery. “If we can do that, then Jessica Aguinaga. Any sergeant major or first sergeant in the Army will tell you that feeding troops in the field is one of the unit’s highest priorities. Due to the continuous 24 hour operation that Key Resolve demanded, the Mayor’s Cell also had two soldiers whose sole focus was to provide food for the night shift. These Sol- diers regularly ensured that a hot meal was made and delivered to those soldiers who did not have the op- portunity to eat during the regular dining facility hours. “We prepared 60 meals a night and took it over to them. After we served them, we waited about two hours to make sure everyone had a chance to eat be- A Mayor’s Cell worker takes calls that people phone in to fore we brought the food back and cleaned up,” said th make requests of needed supplies or services. Spc. Kevin Kirkwood, a cook for the 35 Division. Photo provided by 35th Infantry Division

184th Logistics hosts conference The second Kansas National Guard (KSNG) Joint forces Supply (J4) sponsored Sustainment Confer- ence, hosted by the 184th Logistics Readiness Squad- ron, was conducted Feb. 9 to 11 at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan. This conference brought logisticians and operations soldiers and air- men together to discuss and develop plans and proce- dures for conducting joint sustainment functions in domestic operations. Military subject matter experts and civilian warri- ors from the Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- ment, delivered several presentations. These presen- tations were focused toward sharing management systems between our Air and Army Guard sustain- Lt. Col. Chet Wilson leads a working group on developing ment professionals, and providing the tools for effi- a more comprehensive reports system. ciently directing and managing domestic missions to Photo Provided support the governor and Adjutant General’s Depart- ment in times of domestic emergency. In addition, three working groups were formed to tional Guard. develop a more efficient and encompassing reporting Included with the programmed events in this con- and asset tracking system for decision makers; for ference is the opportunity for the Kansas National developing a joint standard operating procedure for Guard logistics community to develop relationships conducting reception, staging, and onward movement and friendships. This will provide for a more effi- operations for large scale events; and for further de- cient and rapid level of response for our future mis- veloping pre-planned “capabilities packages” for sions. most anticipated support events from the Kansas Na- After action comments indicate this conference to be very valuable for the participants. As a result, the sustainment community will continue its efforts to develop “jointness” for the citizens of Kansas.

What’s Coming Next Edition? ♦More on the Annual Professional Development Conference! ♦How tough is Air Assault School? ♦105th MPAD charging forward. ♦NCO Hall of Fame Inductees. ♦Fishing Tourney winners. Capt. Kelly Martin and 1st Sgt. Randy Rice discuss communications systems. Photo Provided