ua m= Spring 1999, Vol. 23, No. 2

F E A T U R E S

8 Best of the Buckeye State Ohio Guard's top airmen, soldiers chosen for 1998.

1 Q Tale of a Red-Tailed Angel Ohio native Harold Sawyer's heroics in the European skies helped the Allied cause in World War II.

13 Maintaining the Edge Newark's 211 th Maintenance Company provides crucial support, gains experience during overseas annual training.

16 Making the Grade Select, Train, Promote, Assign (STPA) promotion system changes since its start in 1996.

18 Getting Back to Basics Veteran Ohio Air Guardmembers head back to Lackland.

D E P A R T M E N T S

2 National News 24 Buckeye Briefs 3 Feedback 2 6 All About People 2 3 Guarding Against Drugs 28 Benefits

ABOUT THE COVER: Cpl. Michael Coss operates a grinderon a fifth-wheel trailer attachment during the 211 th Maintenance Company's deployment to the EquipmentMaintenance Center-Europe, located in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The EMC-Eis considered one ofthe U.S. Army's toughest proving grounds for maintenance units. Photo by Steve Toth, Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office.

E-mail articles, concerns [email protected] [email protected]. 1 NATIONAL NEWS

Army announces new fraternization policy. A new Army policy on fratern ization took effect March 2, giving officers and enlisted sold iers who are now dating one year to marry or IGUARD end their relationship. The new "good order and discipline" policy revises Army Regulation 600- Spring 1999, VOL. 23, No. 2 20. Besides restricting personal relationships between soldiers of different ranks, it also limits private business deals between officers and enl isted soldiers. While the policy does not prohibit The Buckeye Guard is published quar­ transactions such as sci Iin g a car or renting a house, it does restrict the lending of money or entering terly by the Public Affairs Office. Ohio into long-term business partnerships. Business relationships, which were allowed under the old Adjutant General'; Department, 2825 W. policy, are exempt until March I, 2000. In general, relationships are prohibited if they appear to Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio in volve the improper use of rank or position for personal gain, or will have an adverse impact on 43235-2789, (614) 336-7000. The views a nd opinions expressed in the Buckeye unit morale or the ability of a command to accomplish its mission. Relationships between reserve Guard are not necessarily those of the component members are exempt from the new policy if the relationships are primarily based on Departments of the Army and Air Force or civilian acquaintanceships. Personal relations between Regular Army and reserve component the Adjutant General of Ohio. The Buck· soldiers are allowed as well, with the same stipulation. But, officers and enlisted soldiers cannot eye Guard is distributed free to members of date if either are on acti ve duty or Acti ve Guard/Reserve (AGR) tours. (A rmy News Service) the Ohio Army and Air National Guard and to other interested persons at their re­ NA TO admits Ohio Guard partner Hungary to its ranks. Hungary became one quest. Circulation 19,000. of the newest members ofNATOduring accession ceremonies March 12 at the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Mo. It marked the six-year culmination of the successful Ohio-Hungary ADJUTANT GENERAL'S DEPT. partnership, part of the Department of Defense Military to Military Contact Program. The pairing State Commander·in-Chief of the Ohio National Guard and the Hungarian military was established to aid the former Soviet Gov. Bob Taft Bloc-nation with its transition to a functional democracy. Several military exchanges were made over the years, most recentl y with the ONG's Buckeye Express deployment in August 1998 to Adjutant General Hungary-see Winter 199811999. Maj. Gen. John H. Smith Buckeye Guard, (excerptsfromAmerican Forces Press Service)

Asst. Adjutant General, Army Army Chief promises Guard 'seat at the table.' In a candid speech to senior Guard Brig. Gen. Ronald G. Young leadershi p earlier this year, Army Chief ofStaff Gen. Dennis Reimer said the Army had not listened to the Guard enough in the past. Speaking in late January at the Army National Guard Senior Leaders Asst. Adjutant General, Air Conference in Crystal City, Ya., Reimer conceded he has "made mistakes in the past," and said the Brig. Gen. Paul J. Sullivan Guard would have a "seat at the table" in upcoming budget and force structure considerations. It Command Sergeant Major, Army was another step toward reconciling the strained re lations between the Guard and the active Army. Command Sgt. Maj. Michael 0. Howley During a similar speech at the NGA US general conference in September 1998, Rei mer announced steps the Army was taking to incorporate the G uard into the total force. The Quadrennial Defense Senior Enlisted Advisor, Air Command Chief Master Sgt. Earl Lutz Review-a comprehensive review of military needs completed in 1997-should have given Guard concerns more weight, he said. The QDR recommended cutting thousands of troops from the PUBLICATION STAFF National Guard over the next several years. Reimer promised to explore other options to full-time manning decreases in armories, as well as other concerns that were voiced. (NGA US Public Affairs) Director, Public Affairs Capt. Neal E. O'Brien Award recognizes personnel who helped end Cold War. Beginning April 5, about Deputy Director, Public Affairs 20 million former and current service members and Department of Defense civilians were able to Ms. Denise Varner start applying for certificates honoring them for their parts in winning the Cold War. Those quali fy ing for the certificates can apply via the Internet at http://coldwar.army.mil, e-mail at Associate Editors cwrs@Fairfax-emh I .army .mil or fax at (703) 275-6749. Applicants also may mail requests to: Cold Mr. Steve Toth Staff Sgt. Diane L. Farrow War Recognition, 4035 Ridge Top Road, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22030. Those eligible must have served with the War, Navy or Defense departments between Sept. 2, 1945, and Dec. 26, 1991. A Editorial Assistant telephone help line-(703) 275-6279- became acti ve April 5. (A merican Forces Press Service) Ms. Mimi Myers Pentagon says anthrax vaccine is safe. Pentagon officials insist the mandatory anthrax Contributors: Army/Air National Guard Journalists vaccine has proven to be safe. Reporters questioned the safety of the vaccineearlierthis year during Unit Public Affairs Representatives a Pentagon briefing aftereight pi lots from the Connecticut Air National Guard's I 03rd Fighter Wing said they planned to resign rather than take the six-shot series. The unit, which flies A- IO Guardmembers and their families are Thunderbolts, is scheduled to deploy to the Gulf later this year. The anthrax vaccine is mandatory encouraged to submit any articles meant to for all service members, active duty and reserve, but priority is being given to people going to inform, educate or entertain Buckeye Southwest Asia and Korea, Department of Defense spokesman Ken Bacon explained. Bacon Guard reade rs, inc luding stories about reported that during exit interviews, six of the eight Connecticut pilots said anthrax was only one interesting Guard personalities and unique of many factors that entered into their decision to resign. (A merican Forces Press Service) unit training. Deadlines are:

Winter: October 15 Rees new vice chief at NGB. Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees was Spring: January 15 selected in January as vice chief, National Guard Bureau. Rees wi ll be responsible for assisting the Summer: April 15 chief, NOB , in management of the National Guard Bureau and in advising the Army and Air Force Fall: July 15 chiefs of staff on Guard matters. Prior to his current assignment, Rees served as the adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard. (Department of Defense Public Affairs) 2 Buckeye Guard FEEDBACK FROM THE FIELD Former soldier access OH-TAGNET. What factors or people led to your decision to We hope that you will find this site informa­ become part ofth e Ohio National Guard? seeks reunion info ti ve and helpful. Please relay any recommenda­ tions/suggestions on how we can improve this The assistance with the college tuition was a I was in the Ohio Army National Guard for I 0 site for customers. major factor in my deciding to join the Guard. years and was in Honduras for Operation Chief Warrant Officer Russ Calvert Also, being in the Air Force for I 0 years, I really FUERTES CAMINOS from November 1988 to State Command Chief Warrant Officer liked the military. June 1989. I want to know if anyone knows of Spc. William C. Shorts Ill a reunion forthat mission. I heard some time back that one was planned but have not heard any­ My parents thought that it would be a great thing since. Thanks fo r any assistance. way to be able to go to college, and I knew I Craig Smith would have a sense of pride after I completed Amelia, Ohio concerned are you basic training. about the Y2K computer Pfc. Jeffrey A. Hamilton Magazine not just for problem? Will it affect I needed educational benefits to finish col­ Ohio guardmembers government and banking? lege, and I always wanted to be in the military. Thank you as a former Ohio Army National Spc. Stephen A. Sturgill Guardmember for the mailing of the Buckeye EDITOR'S NOTE: The Feedback page is the ... a unit that was only a 15-minute drivefrom Guard to my active duty post. r have a new chance for our readership not only to respond address due to my recent PCS (Permanent Change to any posed questions, bur also to share infor­ home, and to finish out my reserve obligation of Station). I request to keep on receiving the mation or to sound off on any issue regarding from my acti ve duty Army enlistment. Buckeye Guard. the military or the Ohio National Guard. Name witheld Chaplain (Capt.) Blaine E. Smrekar Our policy: anonymous letters won't be pub­ HHS, 6-37 Field Artillery lished, bt11 names can be withheld upon request. I decided as a child to be in the Army. As I became an adult, I fo und that I wanted to be a EDITOR'S NOTE: Th e Buckeye Guard is for part of it, yet not full-time. more than just current Ohio Air and Army Engineers lead way in Spc. Kenneth W. Pawlowski Guan/members. Many former guardmembers 'Feedback' responses now on active duty still receive the magazine, as Several junior enli sted members of Com­ Corrections do civic and govemme11t leaders, youth groups pany B, I 12th Engineer Battalion, Lorain, re­ + The article on the summer encampment of and military retirees. Anyone wanting a f ree sponded to some "Question of the Quarter" the Civil Air Patrol (see Buckeye Guard, Winter subscription to the magazine can get one by forums from previous editions of the Buckeye 1998/1999, page 22) had incorrect information writing to the address listed in the box below. Guard magazine. Some of these soldiers' re­ on how to contact Chaplain (Maj.) George S. Once current guardmembers retire, they should sponses follow: Kelly. His mailing address is: PSC Box I 0367/ note that they will not automatically be kept on the ATTN:HC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio B uckeye Guard mailing list. However, a short What's the most valuable experience you 've 45344-536 1. His e-mail address is: written note or e-mail to the Adjutant General's gained as a member of the Ohio Guard? [email protected]. Depart meIll Public Affairs Office requesting to be Also, it is only IMA reserve chaplains and kept 011 the mailing list will continue the subscrip­ ... the experience of knowing different people, chaplain assistants who can earn retirement tion untilfurthernotice. This initial request needs doing different things, and talking to people points for service with Civil Air Patrol. to be made by a retiree only once, and then again that listen and don't mind listening to what I've onlyfor address changes or ca11cel/atio11. got to say. + The photograph of the Buckeye Express Pfc. Lewis Cozart deployment to Hungary that appeared on page Warrant Officer site 14 of the Winter 199811999 Buck eye Guard ... experiencing teamwork, and not only learn­ was not properly credited. Senior Airman Scott availaible on Intranet ing but also li ving the Army values. T he Guard Gossard of the l 80th Fighter Wing, Toledo, The Warrant Officer Information Center web refl ects the values learned in basic training. took the photo. page has recently come up on-line with OH­ Pvt. J oseph M. Camera T AGNET. Rick Stone of the Officer Personnel FAX your Letters to the Editor to DSN Branch created the web site, which was designed ... discipline-I have not yet been to basic 346-74 /0orcommercial (614) 336-7410. to provide a central location for up-to-date infor­ training, but I have already discovered that E-mail letters to buckeye@OH-ARNG. mation to current warrant officers or those inter­ discipline is a key role in the Ohio Guard. ngb.army.mil or [email protected] or ested in becoming one. Pfc. Robert A. Doran mail to A GOH-PA, A 1TN: Buck eye Units and soldiers can locate this web page by Guard, 2825 West Dublin Granville Road, going to O H-TAGNET or http//55.86.254.230 ... having the opportunities to volunteer or Columbus, Ohio 43235-2789. All sub­ on unit computers with on-line access, under the be mobilized to lend assistance to areas that are missions are subject to editing based on Military Personnel Management Office section. hit with natural disasters or need massive help. space and style co11siderario11s. A valid user name and password must be used to Spc. Jonathan Huff Spring 1999 3 Command Focus Maj . Gen. John H. Smith, Adjutant General New Ohio adjutant general outlines his goals Smith's vision will lead states Army and Air National Guard into next millenium

irst, let me tell you what an honor it is to including lack of employer support, increase in force structure, in part due to our inability to have the opportunity to serve the men and deployments for contingency operations to recruit and retain soldiers and airmen, and also Fwomen of the Ohio Army and Air Na­ locations such as Bosnia and Saudi Arabia, low due to the changing nature ofo ur national defense tional Guard. For more than 200 years, we have unemployment and lack of competitive benefits needs. It is crucial that we stabilize the force answered the call of our state and nation in times to induce personnel to enlist and/or stay in the structure (apportionment ofunits) i11 the ONG of need. It is no secret that an increased reliance organization. to meet the needs ofth e active force, giving our has been placed on the National Guard to fulfill In the first few months of hi s administration, units a11d personnel a place i11 our National our National Security Strategy. To meet the Gov. Bob Taft has proposed raising the tuition Military Strategy. challenges that go along with increases in opera­ grant program from 60 to 70 percent, and we are There are many factors that affect unit force tions tempo, we must be capable of responding grateful for his willingness to address this issue structure make-up, including the National Mili­ when called, and we must so early in hi s administra­ tary Strategy, readiness of units and the ability be ready. tion. However, we will pro­ to recruit and retain personnel. In addition. to In order for each soldier vide information to the state meet the needs of the active military, and at the and airman in the Ohio soldier and airman legislators as they continue same time satisfy potential state requirements, National Guard to be suc­ to determine the feasibility it is vital to have force structure that is relevant. cessful , and thus for our in the Ohio National of raising the ONG tuition The department will continue to seek force organization to be success­ grant program to 100 per­ structure that satisfies the dual needs of the state ful , everyone must know Guard to be success­ cent. We continue to con­ and nation, and focus on ensuring soldiers and what the goals are, and how duct first line leader training airmen are trained and qualified to perform their we wi ll define success. As ful ... everyone must in the Army National Guard military duties when called. each soldier and airman know what the goals in an effort to educate our We all must rememberthat in orderto compete does hi s or her job, you soldiers about the implica­ for new force structure, and maintain what we should keep these goals in are, and how we will tions of not retaining per­ have, it is vital to strengthen our personnel mind, and consider how sonnel. We will support na­ readiness by having trained soldiers and airmen, what you are doing will define success. " tional efforts to increase pay and units manned at 100 percent of authorized help us achieve success. and retirement benefits, and strength. Our goals are simple, and you undoubtedly have introduced a retention handbook to help The Quadrennial Defense Review and Na­ will recognize them: recruit and retain to sup­ supervisors in conducting counseling for those ti onal Defense Panel initiated by the U.S. Con­ port 100 percent of our authorized strength in soldiers who are eligible to re-enlist in the Army gress and DepartmentofDefense recognized the personnel; stabilize the force structure in the National Guard. need forthe U.S. military to adapt to new threats ONG to meet the needs of the active force; and We also will aggressively seek out those to our national security. Some of those threats reorganize the ONG to place us in a position to missions that will enable our soldiers and airmen call for the establishment of what we now call participate in new and emerging missions. to train and perform real-world mi ssions around "Homeland Defense." We must be capable of Our 11umber 011e priority is to recruit and the globe. The opportunity for soldiers and adapting to enhancements in the roles and mis­ retai11 soldiers a11d airmen to support 100 per­ airmen to participate in training like Exercise sions of the National Guard, which means we cent of our authorized strength in perso1111el. NEW HORIZONS, the rebuilding of infrastruc­ must have the vision to reorganize the ONG to This is a daunting task, one that we have placed ture in Central America destroyed in Hurricane meet new and emerging missions. a tremendous amount of emphasis on over these Mitch, is what many of us signed up for. The Homeland Defense will become one of the past few years. But it must be understood that best form of retention is tough, realistic and primary responsibilities of the Guard. Included failure to achieve this goal impacts our ability to challenging training, and I pledge my word that in these new roles and missions will be response achieve goals two and three. Many factors we will seek those opportunities for you. to incidents in~ol v ing weapons of mass destruc- impact our inability to recruit to 100 percent The ONG has continued to realize cuts in - continued on page 6 4 Buckeye Guard Smith first Air Guardmember in state's Command Profile history to be appointed adjutant general ov. Bob Taft named Maj . Gen. John H. Following service in Vietnam, Smith served in a GSmith the 79th adjutant general of Ohio, variety of Air Force assignments, and transitioned replacing Maj. Gen. Richard C. Alexander, who as a pilot to fi ghter aircraft. He piloted the F­ retired Dec. 31 after serving 11 years in the post. l 00, F-102 and F-4 fighters prior to joining the The ceremony took place Jan. 13 at the Iowa Air National Guard in 1974. governor's office. Smith joined the Ohio Air National Guard in 'Tm honored that Governor Taft has se­ 1976, and has served in several positions includ­ lected me to be a member of his cabinet," said ing director of operations for the l 78th Tactical Smith, a veteran of more than 37 years of Fighter Group, Springfield; commander, l 80th military service. "I look forward to working Tactical Fighter Group, Toledo; and commander, closely with Governor Taft in his capacity as 121 st Tactical Fighter Group, Columbus. commander-in-chief of the Ohio National Following Operation DESERT STORM, Guard." Smith was handed the difficult task of Maj. Gen. Smith had been serv­ transitioning the 12 1s t TFG ing as the assistant adjutant gen­ "I am confident and the l 60th Air Refueling Lt. Col. Richard L. Brazeau eral for Air since his appoint­ Group into what is now the 200th RED HORSE ment by Gov. George Voinovich that the Guard will 121 st Air Refueling Wing, in September 1996. As Ohio with headquarters located at Age: 52 adjutant general, Smith will com­ remain strong and Rickenbacker Ai rport, Co­ Occupation: Commander, 200th RED mand the 15,000-member Ohio ready to serve under lumbus. He commanded the HORSE Squadron, Camp Perry. Army and Air National Guard, I 2 1st from 199 .l to 1996. I grew up in: Toledo and is responsible for the war­ the leadership of He has more than 4,000 When I was little I wanted to be: in the time and emergency response fli ght hours as a rated com­ military someday. readiness of the Ohio Guard. Adjutant General mand pi lot. Friends and classmates in high school Smith is the first Air National Smith is a Minnesota na­ thought I was: a good student-athlete, fun, Guard officer to hold the posi­ John Smith." tive and 1976 graduate of the loving-a trusted friend. tion of Ohio adjutant general. -Ohio Gov. Bob Taft University of Minnesota, My favorite time of the year is: fall , at "The Ohio National Guard where he received a degree in harvest time. performs valuable service to Ohioans and to our economics. He and hi s wife Anita reside in The one thing I treasure most is: my family. country," Taft said during the ceremony. "I am Westerville, and have three children: Peter, My favorite junk food is: buttered popcorn. confident that the Guard will remain strong and Andrew and Sarah. My biggest pet peeve is: people who drive ready to serve under the leadership of Adjutant Smith officially began his duties as adjutant slower that the speed limit in the outside lane General John Smith." general Jan. 18. on the expressway, and then wi ll not move to Smith volunteered for service in the U.S. Air "I consider myself to be lucky to have the the inside lane. This forces you to have to Force and received hi s commission as a second opportunity to follow General Alexander," he pass them on the inside. lieutenant in 1962. He served a one-yeartour of said. "I will continue to work on the challenges My favorite recreational activities are: duty in Vietnam as a C-123 aircraft navigator, we face as an organization, and look forward to fishing and restoring old cars. and was awarded the Di stinguished Flying Cross movi ng the Ohio Guard into the 21 st century." with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal and the -Compiled by the Adj. Gen. Dept. Public lfl could travel back in time, I would: like Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. Affairs Office.• to have lived around the turn of the century (1 890-1925) to have experienced the era of the industrial revolution. Taft takes office as If I won $20 million in the lotto I would: 67th Ohi'o governor take tomorrow afternoon off. The older I get, the more I: can certainly incinnati native Robert A. Taft II began appreciate the many things that I have been work Jan. I I as Ohio governor after win­ C blessed with-my family, friends and co­ ning a statewide popular election in November. workers, my job and my freedom. Taft, 57, took the ceremonial oath of office When I retire, I want to: spend more time and presented his inauguaral address to about and to travel with my best friend-my wife. 2,500 people in attendance for the January If I could leave today's guardmembers festivities at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus. with one piece of advice it would be: to As governor, Taft will oversee 23 cabinet Photo by Steve Toth, AG Dept. Pubic Affairs Office. always do your very best in any job you may agencies and more than 60,000 state employees, Gov. Bob Taft recites the oath of office in be asked to do. Al ways look ahead. Look back and as the state's commander-in-chief, he has January as his daughter, Anna (far left) the authority to dispatch the Ohio National administers it. His wife, Hope, holds the only to reflect on your experiences and to Guard in times of state emergencies. family Bible once used by Taft's great­ make tomorrow better than today- FUEL -Compiled by the Adj. Gen. Dept. Public grandfather, President William Howard YOUR FUTURE! Affairs Office. • Taft, at his inauguration in 1909. Spring 1999 5 Adjutant general completes leadership team

By Capt. Neal E. O ' Brien Adj. Gen. Dept. Pu blic Affairs Office

ew Ohio Adjutant General Maj . Gen. John H. Smith completed his leader­ Nship team by naming his assistant adju­ tants general in March. Brig. Gen. Paul J. Sullivan replaces Smith as assistant adj utant general for Air and Brig. Gen. Ronald G. Young takes over as assistant adjutant general for Army from Brig. Gen. John S. Martin. Martin, who retired in January, commanded the Ohio Army Guard fo r more than seven years. He also served as interim adjutant general during Gov. Nancy Hollister's term, which spanned parts of last December and January. Smith called the selections of the assistant adjutants general the toughest he has made in his more than 30 years as a military officer. "There were a tremendous number of qual i­ BG Ronald G. Young -Asst. AG, Army Brig. Gen. Paul J. Sullivan-Asst. AG, Air fi ed officers for the positions," he said. "That made the process as tough and competitive as Strategic and Long Range Pl anning program. commanded at all levels in the Army G uard, any I have seen. I know that the Ohio Army and In his civilian capacity, Sullivan is the major­ including Special Forces, mi litary police and Air National Guard will benefit greatly from the ity owner of Computer Fiscal Planning (CFP), engineers. He previously served in full-Lime leadership and experience General Sullivan and a small software company that develops com­ posit ions at the Adjutant General's Depart­ General Young bring to the job." puter programs for business and cardiology. ment as federal human resources officer, and Sullivan previously served as the chief of Joining the Ohio ANG in 1978 as a pilot with military support offi cer, where he planned, staff for the Ohio ANG and had been respon­ the 12 1s t Tactical Fighter Wing, Columbus, prepared and commanded operations to re­ sible fo r providing leadership and management Sull ivan has gone through the commissioned spond to state and federal emergency situations. assistance to the state's units, in particular in ranks as a unit commander prior to being as­ Young recently served as the deputy director the area of recruiti ng and retention. He directed signed to Headquarter , Ohio ANG. of the Civilian Marksmanship Program, where the development of strategic planning with an Sullivan resides in Lancaster with his wife, he was responsible for the promotion of ri fle emphasis on mission transformation and career Kathy, and is the father of four children. practice and firearms safety. Young is the imme­ management throughout the Ohio ANG. Young most recently served as the com­ diate past president of the Ohio National Guard Sullivan has had extensive and recent expo­ mander of the 16th Engineer Brigade, Colum­ Association, and current ly serves on the Na­ sure lo reengineeri ng efforts and to the transfor­ bus. Young formerly served as the 10,000- tional Guard Association of the United States mation and inclusion o f space missions into the memberOhio Army G uard's chief of staff from Executive Council, where he represents and ANG. He is a member of the ANG Board of September 1996 to November 1998, where he leads nine states for all Army issues. Directors and is the primary author of the was respons ible for the day-to-day operations. Young and his wife, Renee, reside in New "ANG Vision" narrative that is the basis of its Young brings a wealth of experience, having Lexington.•

Command Focus cominuedfrom page 4

tion. As a result, the ONG is reviewing the our complement of refueling, airl ift, fi ghter air­ called ... and be ready." capabilities of the organization to ensure we are craft and support units, we are uniquely situ­ These goals are within our grasp, but they able to adapt to these changes. We are in the ated to support this concept. require the commitment of every soldier and process of forming a "rapid assessment and To support these new and emerging missions airman to meet them. In my 20-plus years in the initial detection," or RAID, detachment that we must maximize the personnel strength, sta­ ONG, my experience has been that we rise to the will allow us to assist state and local authoritie bilize force structure and remain fl exible enough occasion. I expect that once again we wi ll do so, in responding to an incident that involves weap­ to respond to the requirements in volved. but I now appeal to you to keep standing. Strive ons of mass destruction. This in itial effort will Each of these three goals is mutually support­ to maintain the gains and successes we will give us the opportunity to begin assessing the ing. Success in one is dependent on our success undoubtedly achieve. It remains vital that we requirements to build, train and equip the RAID in the other two, and vice versa. When the are capable of meeting personnel readiness goals, detachment. The Ohio Air National Guard is Department of Defense and the National Guard retain force structure that is relevant to the poised to support the Air Force's new Expedi­ Bureau look across the spectrum of states to needs of the state and nation, and at the same tionary Aerospace Force concept that will allow support the country's national defense needs, time remain flex ible to meet the vision of the commanders, worldwide, to tailor support pack­ we must be positioned to provide ready, trained military of the future. I look forward to serving ages to deploy and infl uence global events across units. Our success in meeting our goals will you in the fuwre, and I know that together we the full spectrum of mi li tary operations. With be defi11ed by our ability to "respo11d whe11 can accomplish great things for the ONG. • 6 Buckeye Guard Citizen Spotlight Guardmember, camp help troubled individuals reform Story and photos by of the camp shock incarceration Sgt. 1st Class Bob Mullins program for two main reasons-it HQ STARC (-) offers an alternati ve to a lengthy prison sentence and the stigma that ilitary basic training, or goes with that; and it allows the "boot camp" as it often is inmates to fi gure out who they are Mreferred to, has never been and what they must do to return to easy. It is not designed to be. society and a new way of li fe. Boot camp is where hard work A member of the Army's I 0 I st and determination grow into char­ Airborne Division while on active acter and strength. Individuals be­ duty, King currently is a specialist come team members who are al­ assigned to Headquarters and Head­ ways seeking self-i mprovement. quarters Detachment, State Area Richard King is always eager to Command in Columbus. see new volunteers come through King, a self-described "people the boot camp called Camp Reams. person," knew he wanted a civili an Camp Reams drill instructor Richard King (center), a traditional " I have the satisfaction of seeing career where he could make an i m­ Ohio Army National Guardmember, gets up close and personal people wanting to make a change pact on people's li ves when he left with a newly shorn enlistee at the boot camp. and then actually following through active duty. The opportunity to of the General Educational Devel­ camp. Each has the right to quit at with it," said King, a drill instructor workatCampReams filled thebill. opment (GED) course, substance any time and return to prison if at the camp. "Here at Camp Reams I feel that abuse counseling and Alcoholics they can' t complete the program. However, the enlistees who come I am making a difference in many Anonymous meetings, values train­ However, once they quit the in­ to Camp Reams are not ordinary lives," King said. ing and employment skills. mates never may be readmitted. volunteers, and Camp Reams is not For90 days, the volunteers must The regimentand the instructors Successful graduates go to a half­ an ordinary boot camp. King and adhere to a rigorous schedule begin­ are very hard on the inmates, but it way house for 60 days and after the other cadre aren't run-of-the­ ning with reveille at 5 a.m. and all is designed to maximize the po­ that are placed on supervised pa­ mill drill instructors. continuing until I 0 p.m. when taps tential for the inmates to success­ role for the rest of their sentence. Established by the Ohio Legisla­ is sounded. The Ii ving arrangements, fully return to society, King said. Every inmate' s successful ture in 1990, Camp Reams is a boot physical fitness training, chow time, Maj. Ron Burford, a retired completion of the program pro­ camp with a definite military fla­ inspection of personal living areas Marine with two tours of duty in vides a sense of satisfaction for vor- with the camp's enlistees and limited personal possessions Vietnam, is the Camp Reams com­ King and the other cadre. being convicted criminals. are very reminiscent of traditional mander. Burford said keys for in­ "(Former inmates) call us back Located on the grounds of the military basic training, King said. mate success are discipline and constantly thanking us for getting Southeastern Correctional Institu­ Even uniforms and appearance are learning to foll ow orders. their minds together or helping tion near Lancaster, Camp Reams inspected during drill and ceremo­ "This is the best thing that you them fini sh their GEDs," he said. draws its enli stees from within the nies. At 8 a.m., the colors are raised will see in the rehabilitation world," King, who currently is talcing state's corrections system. and work details begin. At 5 p.m., Burford said . "Here we are able 10 classes at Columbus State Com­ Most of them are first-time of­ the colors are fo lded and self-en­ see the difference in lives when munity College, now is witnessing fenders, and have committed non­ hancement programs are conducted. they graduate." agreat fini sh to what once was a sad violent, drug-related offenses. The These programs include Adult Ba­ Each inmate must be at least 18 beginning-one of the former in­ inmates have volunteered 10 be part sic Education classes, completion years old and pass both a physical mates at Camp Reams is also one and background investigation prior of King's classmates at Columbus to transfer from prison to the boot State. •

King leads a new Ciri:.en Spotlight is a feature aimed at crop of Camp Reams highlighting the civilian occupations and enlistees through off-duty interests of Ohio guardmembers. push-ups during Please e-mail story ideas 10 buckeye@ initial indoctrination. OH-ARNG.ngb.army.mil or buckeye@ The paramilitary tagoh.org, or mail to: boot camp draws A GOH-PA many similarities ATTN: Citi:en Spotlight with basic training 2825 W. Dublin-Granville Road that military service members endure. Columbus, Ohio 43235-2789 Spring 1999 7 neJ Semces Com­ pany ID July 1995 8S to bis enlistment in a personnel actions the National Guard, specialist Fameth was selected for an ACtive Popelka served on Ouard/Reserve(AGR)tourwithHQSTARC1n Propelka active duty as a bat- 1998. talion motor pool operations NCO. His hobbies include camping and art. His He currently attends Miami University in mother, Melanie Farneth, also lives in Westerville. Fameth previously was selected as the AGR solider of the year for HQ STARC. BEST OF THE Airman of the Year NCO of the Year­ Senior Ainnan Derrick S. McElrath, a resident of Columbus, is a food BUCKEYE STATE Air Guard services specialist with the 121 st Air Staff Sgt. Robert A. York, a lifelong Refueling Wing, Columbus. resident of Toledo, is a security forces Born in Dayton, McElrath enlisted journeyman with the I 80th Fighter Wing, in the Air National Guard after gradu­ Toledo. He enlisted in the Ohio Air Na­ ation from Walnut Ridge High School tional Guard in 1990. in 1990. He completed on-the-job train­ He attended security specialist school ing at Rickenbacker Air National 19'J8 in San Antonio and recently completed Guard Base after attending basic train­ his seven-level skills training there as ing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. well. York also has completed the Air He received his bachelor' sdegree in National Guard Security Police Urban accounting from Central State Univer­ Warfare School, conducted at Camp sity in 1995 and plans to begin gradu­ Gruber, Okla. ate work at Franklin University this In 1991, Yorkwascalledtoactiveduty year. in support of Operation DESERT McElrath spends much of his free STORM and was responsible for in­ time as a volunteer for the Young creased security patrols and Air Force Heroes program, designed to mentor n.1.idle security operations. He has also served as Oxford, where he is pursuing adegree in manage­ school-age children. He also is the area co,1rdi­ security for the presidential staff and Air Force ment inforrnation systems. He enjoys hiking, nator for the United One. York currently bicycling, white water rafting and racquetball. Negro College Fund. serves as the I 80th Propelka's parents, Jan and Bill Snodgrass. McElrath currently Security Forces live in Broadview Heights. works as a branch Squadron's trainer, Propelka initially was selected as the soldier manager for National teaching martial arts of the year by his major command, the 16th City Bank in and self-defense Engineer Brigade. Pickerington. In ad­ techniques to fellow dition, he is a member members of the 180th of the Pickerington AGRSoldier Security Forces Chamber of Com- Squadron. merce. of the Year York graduated MCEirath McElrath initially Spc. Brian R. Fameth, a resident of Westerville, from Owens State York was selected as the outstanding airman of the is a personnel actions specialist in the Standard Community COiiege in 1995. He also received year by his major command, the !21st ARW. Installation Division Personnel System his first-degree black belt in American Kempo 8 Buckeye Guard everal All" Force awards inehidingthe Air Foree Commen­ dation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Southwest Staff Sgt Steven R. Jessie, a resident of Asia Service Medal and the Air Force Longevity Norwood, 1s assigned as a tank commander to Service Award. Company D, t -147th Armor Battalion, located in Cincinnati. Jessie has served as a member of the l-147th since Second Lieutenant of 1989. Prior to his assign­ the Vear-Air Guard ment with the 147th, Second Lt. Troy Cramer. a lifelong resident Jessie spent seven In 1987, Higley became the 180th Fighter of the Mansfield area. is the environmental years on active duty Wing's ground safety manager for the I 79th Airlift Wing, Mansfield. a'i a parachute rigger. manager. She served He joined the Air National Guard in 1989. Jessie was recently as the ground safety Cramer has brought national attention to the selected through the chairman at the Air environmental programs at the I 79th Airlift Select. Train, Pro­ National Guard Wing. Through his work, hazardous waste mote. Assign (STPA) Safety Conference in generation was reduced by 50 percent at the unit Jessie system to serve as the both 1991and1998. in 1998. Cramer is credited with helping the assistant operations sergeant in Headquarters Previously, Higley I 79th be the first Air National Guard unit to and Headquarters Company, 1-14 7th Armor was elected to serve install a wastewater treatment system. Battalion. on the Air National He also has focused his efforts on pollution In his civilian occupation. Jessie works as an Guard's Executive prevention and guided the wing to I 00 percent independent merchandiser. His hobbies include Safety Council. Higley increase in pounds recycled in 1998. He estab­ physical fitness and weapons. He has three Higley is a member of the Enlisted Associa­ lished and trained a base pollution prevention grown children: Steven, Melissa and Rachel. tion National Guard of the United States and a team to improve the unit's ability to identify Jessie initially was selected as the traditional lifetime member of the Noncommissioned Of­ places where pollution can be reduced. Cramer' s NCO of the year by his major command, the fi cers Academy Graduates Association. Her efforts have helped 37th Armor Brigade. military awards include the Air Force Commen­ the unit move closer dation Medal. to achieving three of AGR NCO of the its strategic goals. His First Sergeant of the programs also have Vear-Army Guard extended into com­ munity outreach pro­ Sgt.1st Class Rob­ Vear-Air Guard grams such as unit ert E. Lloyd Jr., a resi­ Master Sgt. David Parker, a lifelong resident participation in Earth de nt o f M ount of Lima, is the fi rst sergeant forthe I 80th Fighter Day acti vities. Be­ Vernon, is assigned Wing, Toledo. He joined the Ohio Air National causeofCramer' s ini­ as the assistant op­ Guard in 1979. Cramer tiatives, the wing has erations noncommis­ Parker was assigned to the wing's electronic been recognized as a leader in environmental sioned officer for De­ counter measures shop until 1995. During that protection. tachment 4 (Recruit­ time, Parker not only assisted the I 80th Fighter Cramer received hi s bachelor's degree in ing Command), Head­ Wing on several deployments, but also volun­ environmental science from Bowling Green quarters, State Area teered to help out Air National Guard units from State University and hi s master's in environ­ Command, located in Virginia and Iowa with thier scheduled rotations Lloyd mental management from Findlay University. Columbus. Prior to to Tncirlik, Turkey, for Operation PROVIDE His awards include the Air Force Achievement hi s current job assignment, Lloyd worked as a COMFORT. Parker also has deployed to Tur­ Medal. Outstanding Unit Award, Meritorious National Guard recruiter from 1986 to 1996. key in the past with the I 80th Fighter Wing in Service Medal and the Environmental Excel­ Lloyd has an associate' s degree from the Ohio support of various missions. lence A ward. State University. He likes coaching Little League In his civilian career, Parker works for the baseball and YMCA basketball. Lloyd has a Lima Police Department as ajuvenile detective. Compiled by /st Sgt. Tonya Minor, Head­ wife, Cheryl; son, Robert; and daughter, Lisa. He is considered an authority in his profession, quarters, State Area Command (-), and Staff Lloyd initially was selected as the AGR and has been called on occasion to testi fy on Sgt. Shannon Scherer, Headquarters, Ohio Air noncommissioned officer of the year for hi s various matters in front of the Ohio Legislature. National Guard. major command, HQ ST ARC. Parker also has formed task forces to address Spring 1999 9 < > cffak o/a ~@ailed ~ n June 1998, the Ohio Nat- during my junior year. That's when the onal Guard named its newly federal government started offering the It dining facility at Ricken­ Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP). backer Airport, Columbus, the "Redtail This program was designed to provide Angels Dining Facility" in honor of the America with a reservoiroftrained pilots Tuskegee Airmen. in case war broke out. It was free except They were the squadron of African­ for classroom materials, and so I decided American pilots during World War II to take advantage of it. So I went ahead and who fl ew their P-5 1 Mustang fighter enrolled and got my private pilot's li­ planes- with tailfins painted a distinc­ cense. The CPTP at Tuskegee was all­ tive red-on B- 17 bomber escort mis­ black as was later, in 1942, the Army Air sions, never losing a bomber they were Corps flight school at Tuskegee. I gradu­ assigned to protect. ated from the Army Air Corps Advanced Then known as Lockbourne Army Air Flying School Class 43-D on April 29, Base, Rickenbacker was the post-war 1943, and was commissioned as a second home of the Tuskeegee Airmen, as the lieutenant and got my pilot's wings. Start­ U.S. military remained racially segre­ ing with my class, all the graduates of gated until President Truman ended the advanced fl ying school were sent to the practice in 1948. 332nd Fighter Group. The only other Columbus native Harold Emmett Saw­ black combat unit at that time, the 99th yer, one of the fa mous Tuskeegee Airmen Fighter Squadron, had gone overseas just who fought during the war, was further Courtesy photo. before we graduated. They were in North honored last June when a multipurpose CPT Harold Sawyer receives the Distinguished Flying Africa fl ying P-40s. conference room within the Redtail An­ Cross in 1945 for his wartime exploits from COL Noel After graduation, we went into P-40 gels Dining Facil ity was dedicated in hi s Parrish, commander at Tuskeegee Army Air Field. At transition training at Tuskegee Army Air honor. Some of Sawyer's wartime era the time of this photo, Sawyer was a flight instructor Field, and it lasted a month. That Allison experiences are told in the following in­ at the Army Air Corps flight school at Tuskeegee. engine on the P-40Tomahawk was some­ terview. thing else. It had wicked torque and it Authority. I too joined the Housing Authority overheated easily. It was tough taxiing down the Interview by Sgt. Anthony Meldahl and stayed until I retired in 1981. My oldest runway with all those other aircraft types using 237th Personnel Services Battalion brother worked for the Post Office. the same fi eld. It got pretty crowded. That was one ofthe disadvantages to that field at Tuskegee. "The story ofth e part played by the Air Force Q : Where did you go to college? Since we were black we couldn' t go anywhere i11 World War II cannot be told by the generals, Sawyer: I went to Tuskegee Institute in else. So at one field we had basic training. the military analysts, the war corresponde111s, Alabama. I enrolled there in Septemberof 1938 advanced training and fighter transition. even the historians, however gifted they might and graduated in May of 1942 with a Bachelor After we completed transition training on the be. It can 011/y be told by the pilots, crewmen, and of Science degree in agriculture. P-40 we were shipped in June 1943 up to ground complements-the men who actually Selfridge Army Air Field in Michigan. I was made the history and survived. " Q :You are from Columbus. How did you assigned to the 30 I st Fighter Squadron in the - from "The Tuskegee Airmen" decide to attend college at Tuskegee Institute? 332nd Fighter Group. We continued to train on by Charles E. Francis Sawyer : My oldest brother went for a year the P-40. One of our pi lots was an All-American up to Ohio State. Then he changed and went to football player from Syracuse. He got killed at Q: Can you talk about your family roots here Tuskegee Institute. And that's why I went Selfridge. He was fl ying a P-40overLakeHuron in Ohio and your life before and after the war? there. All three of us brothers were in school at and the engine went dead on him. I was there Sawyer: I was born in Columbus on Nov. 10, the same time. But the main reason was the when it happened. We had a lot of guys messed 1920. l had two brothers. I was in the middle. opportunities we had down South. Back then up in that P-40 because they were old and ragged All three ofus were in the service overseas in you just couldn 't get a job when you graduated hand-me-downs. World War II. My older brother served in the from college up here-I mean, blacks couldn' t. Then, about October, all of a sudden they Red Ball express in France. My younger brother We had fri ends that had degrees in engineering switched us over to P-39 Bell Aircobra aircraft. was in the Pacific. Both of my parents were and yet they wound up at the Neil House on We shipped out to Ramitelli, Italy, in Febru­ born in Columbus. My father operated a laun­ High Street as a bellhop. Going to a bl ack school ary 1944 with the 332nd Fighter Group. Our dry and dry cleaning business. It was located on in the South, you had more opportunities be­ group was assigned to the 12th Air Force and we Long Street. When my two brothers and I came cause you could be hired at different black flew the P-39 Aircobra out of Ramitelli Air home from the service, all three ofus joined the schools down there. Field. We were assigned harbor patrols and business for a short period of time. Then Dad convoy duty. One squadron flew ground sup­ sold the business. My youngest brother went Q : How did you get in volved in fl ying? port over theAnzio beachhead, flying P-39s. with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Sawyer : In 1941 , I was down at Tuskegee I fl ew 60 mi ssions in Aircobras from Febru- 10 Buckeye Guard onlyo11e able to ge1 through. Near the target we his guns were frozen. The enemy broke imo us werej11mped by 25 enemy aircraft. After three of and immediately I startedflring. /fed him a lot the enemy aircraft had al/empted to attack the of rounds that damaged his ship severely and bombers, Lieutenant Bernie Jefferson and I sent it into a spin. I couldn 'tfollow him down as followed them down. I pulled up on one of the other enemy planes were still up there. A few enemy airplanes and got a burst into its tail minllfes later, Capt. Faulkner called that the section. Immediately the enemy plane began other bandits had gone. We then caught up wi1h making split Ss while diving towards the ground. the bombers and co111i11ued 011 our mission." I followed the enemy until I saw him crash." Can you add anything more to that account? Q: Where there any places where German fl ak Sawyer: Sometimes you just get lucky. A lot (antiaircraft gunfire) was particul arly bad? of ti mes you don't know where they come from. Sawyer : Some of those places we fl ew to, The German pi lots were good for coming out of especiall y over Romania at the Ploesti oil fields, the sun . They always kept the sun to their the fl ak was just so thick you could see puffs of backs. You'd look up into the sun and they'd be smoke around you all the time. When they hit on you before you knew what happened. They close enough to you it would vibrate the plane. hit my fl ight and their ambition was to break The fi ghters had more of a chance because they through the fi ghter escort and get to our bomb­ could bob and weave. The bombers couldn't do ers. We did everything we could to stop them. that. They were just sitting ducks for fl ak. I've seen bombers hit by fl ak a lot of times. That's A newspaper article tells about an aeri al battle that occurred on July 25, Preserving the past 1944. This was an escort mission covering B- 17 s, which were on a Coutesyphoto. bombing mission against the Goering Sawyer as a newly commissioned second tank works at Linz, Austria. lieutenant in the spring of 1943. In the article, war correspondent ary to May 1944. We used to go out and these John Jordan reported: "Eight oft he convoys would come into the Mediterranean Mustangs were pounced by and Adriatic Sea. We went out to pick them up Messerschmidt /09s in a viciously at a certain distance and keep them from being fanatical attack. Three attacked by the German aircraft. One of our Messerschmidtsjumped the Colwn­ squadrons was stationed right outside of Naples, bus flyer and in a swirling, exciting at Capodichino Air Field. They had contact with ba11le, !st Lt. Sawyer downed one enemy fi ghters over Anzio beachhead. 109 and damaged two, which prob­ Photo by Todd Cramer. AG Dept. Photo Lab. In May 1944 we were assigned to the 15th ably never returned to their base. Friends of the Tuskeegee Airmen group includes Air Force and we started fl ying the P-47 Thun­ There have been reports ofa revol11 - (from left) OC Dean Veneziano, SSG Edwin derbolt for long-range bomber escort. Then in tio11 inside of Germany (The July Robinson, SGT Anthony Meldahl and Bill Melvin. July, we started receiving the P-5 1 Mustang. We 1944 bomb plot against Hitler) and fl ew those until the end of the war. the low morale of its armed forces. Sawyer commented on this saying: Airmen gain new 'Friends' Q: Can you recall the first time you fought an 'Those Jerries up there today must The group "Friends of the Tuskeegee Airmen" re­ aerial engagement with a German fi ghter? 1101 have heard abolll it."' cently has been formed to preserve the rich history of Sawyer : There was a guy I knew named In his 1944 account of the combat Ohio's many Tuskeegee Airmen veterans who served Lucky Lester (2nd ll. Clarence D. Lester, JOOth Sawyer stated: " We were covering the country during and after Worl d War II. Fighter Squadron, three aerial victories on July B-17s. After we linked up with the The Central Ohio Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen 18, 1944, all Messerschmidt 109s). He shot bombers each flight was assigned to is one of the largest in the United States, and the chapter down three German aircraft on one mi ssion. cover certain portions of the bomb­ holds its meetings every two months at the Redtail When he got back to the fi eld, he started thinking ers. Capt. Faulkner was leading the Angels Dining Facil ity, located at Rickenbacker Air­ back and told me: "I realized that all this hap­ group. He was also leading a flight of port in Columbus. pened to me injust five minutes." It was the same four. We saw a group of MEs Sharing a common interest in World War II history, with me. Things happen so fast. You' re not (Messersclunidts) and decided that Friends of the Tuskeegee Airmen members began their watching the action like in the movies where as long as they didn't attack us we quest to preserve history by conducting in-depth they're up there dogfi ghting for 30 or 40 minutes. would 11 't leave the bombers. They interviews with Tuskeegee Airmen veterans. The first came in atfour o'clockto six o'clock result of their work is the interview with reti red Capt. Q: The fi rst time you got an aerial victory was putting them behind us with altitude. Harold E. Sawyer appearing in the Buckeye Guard. July 12, 1944, and it was a Folke Wulf l 90A. As we climbed up they came down. The group is now conducting research for future According to official records, the 332nd Fighter About 30jumpedourfligl11 ofeigh t. I magazine articles, slide shows, photo exhibits and Group escorted the 5th Bombardment Wing (B­ saw smoke rings over my canopy. We museum displays. For more information, contact Sgt. l 7s). On that day the bombers' target was a got into a tight luftberry (circle). A Anthony Meldahl at (614) 336-7478 days or (740) marshalling yard in southern France. In your li11le later I noticed one enemy air­ 587-2382 evenings. Compiled by the Adj. Ge11 . Dept. 1944 account you described the combat: craft coming inatthreeo'clock. Mean­ Public Affairs Office. "The weather was so bad 0 11 r group was the while, Lietenant Leah r called in that Spri ng 1999 11 really a heart-rending thing to see-those bomb­ you were involved in on July 25, 1944, by ers burst into flames, knowing that guys were on Col. Noel Parrish. board and couldn't get out. Sometimes you'd see Where did this award ceremony take place? parachutes and sometimes not. That's kind of a Can you say anything about what Col. Parrish pitiful thing. 1 always admired those bomber was like? pilots. They really caught it, especially when Sawyer: That was after I returned from they were on the bomb run to the target. Once overseas and was back in 1945 at Tuskegee Air they started that bomb run they didn't veer. 1 Field. I was assigned there as an advanced don't care how heavy the flak was, they went flight instructor at the school. Colonel Parrish right on through it. When we got that close to was the commanding officer at Tuskegee Air Ploesti we would pull up and stay out of that Field. 1 think he was the second commander. heavy flak. The bombers would stay their course The first commander was relieved of com­ and fly right into it. The German fighters them­ mand because he was really prejudiced. Colo­ selves wouldn't go into that flak 10 go after the nel Parrish wasn' t like hi s predecessor. Hedid bombers. When the bombers came off the target everything he could do to help make things we'd pick them up again and continue. bearable for black soldiers at Tuskegee. Photo by SSgt Douglas Nicodemus, 121stARW. Colonel Parish didn' t become a brigadier Q: Did you ever see any German jets? Harold Sawyer (right) talks with then-state general until way after the war. And that was Sawyer: Yes. On one escort mission over Adjutant General MG Richard C. Alexander the price he had 10 pay for standing up for the Germany, around November 1944, a flight of (left) atthe dedication of the Redtail Angels rights of blacks. about four enemy jets came diving through our Dining Facility in 1998. Everybody liked Parrish. After the war he formation. They came through so fast practi­ along the lines of: "Did you see what I saw!" We joined the Tuskegee Airmen Association and cally all you saw was thedark exhaust trails they never saw anything like that before and it was a followed us everywhere we went. He made left behind. Those jets flew through our entire total and complete surprise. Ourintelligencehadn't every convention we had. His widow still goes group. They didn't shoot at anybody and didn' t warned us yet that we'd have any contact with 10 the conventions 10 this day.• try to hit the bombers. They just went on this revolutionary aircraft. through. Thal was the only time we ever broke EDITOR'S NOTE: Capt. Jim Garvey, 121 st radio silence on a combat mission. I'm not going Q: There is a photo of you being awarded the Air Refueling Wing, Co/11mb11s, assisted with to tell you what they said but it was something Distingui shed Flying Cross for the aerial action this interview. 200th RED HORSE remembers WWII vets

Story by tried for many years to obtain his Richard Brazeau, current 200th Staff Sgt. Shannon Scherer decorations without much success. RHS commander. "If it wasn't for HQ, Ohio Air National G uard Cooper took up the cause of these fo lks we wouldn't have all obtaining the medals for Hrynciw the blessings we have today." ast year, before Saving Private and Cooper's own father, Kenneth Since the first ceremony, four LRyan brought World War II Cooper, who had served on the other veterans have been honored, veterans to the forefront of Ameri­ battleship USS Alabama in WWI I. including a former prisoner of war. can history, the Ohio Air National "It was really a dream come true "The stories that these men tell Guard's 200th RED HORSE Squad­ for me to honor my father and thank are remarkable," Cooper said. ron already had recognized the need him for hi s service with the United "You see a lot of misty eyes as the to honor the remarkable achieve­ States Navy," Cooper said. medals are being pinned on." ments of these men and women. Calling on connections at the Most of the recipients have been The unit began a biannual tradi­ Army Personnel Command Records unit members' relatives, but the tion in I 996ofhonoring World War Center, Cooper obtained a li st of service also is available to the com­ II veterans with medals and decora­ the awards and decorations to be munity and veterans' organizations. tions they had never before re­ presented. With the support of "It's good for the community to Courtesy photo. ceived during their military service. retired Lt. Col. Phillip Brooks, meet our members and see the fu ll 200th RHS Commander Lt. "II all started when I met a former 200th commander, the unit formation and the esprit de corps at Col. Richard Brazeau and member's grandfather at a party," our unit," Brazeau said. decided to present the medals dur­ World War II veteran Luther said Maj. Kent Cooper, unit logis­ ing formation at the December drill. Veterans' friends and family are Miller stand at attention after tics officer. "He was wearing a invited to the ceremony, and the The formation and presentation Miller was presented with his WWII hat, and I always like talking of awards received so many favor­ numberthatattends each ceremony medals and decorations. about the war with veterans." able comments that the units's lead­ has increased in the past few years. Much to Cooper's s urprise, ership decided to make it a twice-a­ A reception caps each ceremony some bad, and it made me feel very Michael Hrynciw said he had never yearevent, once during the Decem­ where today's guard members mi x honored," wrote WWII veteran received his medals for serving in ber dril I, and again in the summer at with yesterday's heroes to share Luther Miller, who served in Af­ the Army Air Corps between July the annual family day open house. war stories, memories and a com­ rica and Europe, in a letter to Coo­ 1943 to December 1945. Hrynciw "ll really shows our people the mon bond of service before self. P.tr· "II made me realize the time I had been part of the second wave of realization of what we ourselves "(The ceremony) brought back spent in the service was not spent the Normandy invasion and had could be called into," said Lt. Col. many memories, some good and in vain. Thank you."• 12 Buckeye Guard THE

Newark's 211th Maintenance Company goes to Kaiserslautern, Germany, to take on challenges of EMC-E

Ohio soldiers were housed in barracks dating back to World War I. Spring 1999 llAINTAINING -, THE ~l)C• Story and photos by Steve Toth Adj. Gen. Dept Public Affairs Office

,,,he Equipment Maintenance Center-Eur­ ope hosted I 12 citizen-soldiers from the Ohio Army National Guard in Novem­ ber when the 2 1 Ith Maintenance Company, Newark, deployed to Kaiserslautern, Germany, to conduct the unit's annual training mission Oct 3 1-Nov. 2 1. One of 14 reserve component units that were slated to perform a rotation at EMC-E in FY99, the 2 11 th had the opportunity to train in what is widely considered one of the most challenging training environments in the world fo r RC main­ tenance units. The units are tasked with mis­ SGT Aaron Smith bolts a finished Humvee engine into a container in preparation for sions to complete and function on their own sending the engine back to the field. This is the final step after repairs and testing. within established chains-of-command, under ply (parts distribution); component repair (re­ tence, adherence to Army repair standards, the oversight of an EMC-E staff that is com­ building Humvee transmissions, transfers and safety, professionalism, leadership and com­ prised of active Army and Acti ve Guard/Re­ differentials); engine rebuild; maintenance con­ munication. Unit strengths and weaknesses were serve (AGR) soldiers, and German civilians. trol (statistical tracking of work production and identifi ed to help the 21 1th better plan future "It's a critical opportunity for leaders to parts orders); motor pool; and communications training and soldiers' skill development. practice something they don' t always get to (repair of radios and other electronic devices). Capt. David Seitz, 2 11 th Maintenance Com­ practice at other (annual training) sites-they The shops were evaluated by the EMC-E pany commander, and the un it's soldiers readily have to task organize their company. Leaders staff in areas that included technical compe- accepted the challenges issued by the EMC-E have to know their soldiers and know what staff. Their largest challenge may have been they're capable of," said Maj. Christopher Tay­ that the unit actuall y is organized as a lor, EMC-E support officer. direct maintenance company, with the Taylor, who is the primary evaluator of mission to repair equipment by in ­ reserve component maintenance un its that per­ stalling new or already rebuilt whole form rotations at Kaiserslautern , expl ained components. However, at EMC-E that the realism of the EMC-Eenvironment the unit has been tasked with a is something that units do not generally general support mai ntenance mi s­ see at othertrai n i ng sites because other sion, where equipment compo­ operations are much more structured nents are torn down to their and controlled. At EMC-E, the units sma llest parts, rebuilt, rein- are almost completely autono­ stall ed into the equipment and mous-they are in charge from checked for serviceability in a the fi rst day and even must shop environment. develop a plan how they want "The key to this mission was to physicall y organi ze their our ability to adapt to meet the tools and shops. needs of the mission," Seitz said. Throughout the rotation, the "Our people have the necessary unit conducted general mainte­ mechanical ability (to perform a nance support missions in seven general support mission), and this different shops or sections­ training opportunity helps develop allied trades (repair of tools and and increase their skills and exper­ other components); technical sup- tise. "Good training usually makes you SGT James Boyer adjusts a hub for a five­ leave y~ur comfort zone. We were asked ton truck tire in the motor pool section. to adapt to a mission that we were not used 14 Buckeye Guard "Not only did we meet the mzsszon, we exceeded it in many areas. "

TOP: SSG Terry Frusher inspects a camshaft before it is installed into a rebuilt Humvee engine. LEFT: PV2 William Morgan (left) and SPC Gregory Harden clean and repair night vision goggles in the communications section. BELOW: PFC Rick Lanning, working in the technical supply warehouse, determines the amount of parts needed to fill one of the repair sections' orders. to doing. We were being evaluated on ourability sonnel and resources while demanding cost­ responsibility of full management of the shops to adapt with as little guidance as possible from effecti veness. and trying to efficiently complete the repair EMC-E. It was a challenge to our leadership and "It's buying unit readiness at a very low missions assigned to them during the three­ soldiers and allowed us to develop confidence in price," Jenkins said. "It's good for (USA RE UR) week period. our abilities." and good for the unit. It's a real picture of how "(The structure at EMC-E) is a good situa­ Evaluations of the 21 I th at the end of the effecti ve the unit can be in performing its war­ tion. We're allowed to run our shop and be left rotation by the EMC-E staff were very favor­ time mission ... and, I think units geta real sense alone. We know what we need to do and we do able, and indicated a high degree of technical of pride that they' re producing something that's it," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Hysell, motor pool competency and professionalism di splayed by used around the world. noncommissioned officer-in-charge (NCO IC). the unit's soldiers, noncommissioned officers "It is of some importance how the units With some time off, the annual training period and officers. produce, but it is more important how they take also allowed the unit's soldiers to experience "Not only did we meet the mi ssion, we the mission and how they do it." foreign cultures. For many soldiers, it was their exceeded it in many areas," Seitz said. "The The 2llth's leaders eagerly took on the first time in Germany, while others with prior EMC-E staff stated that the 2 1 I th was one active service had been stationed here of the best, if not t he best, unit that has before. In any case, the annual training trained there. rotation at Kai serslautern proved memo­ U.S. Army Europe(USAREUR) and the rable for unit members for many reasons. reserve component units that train at "This trip is one of the better ATs Kaiserslautern mutuall y benefit from the we've had," said Spc. Thomas Sigrist, an way EMC-E is structured. Reserve com­ allied trades shop worker. ponent units are given the opportunity to Added Seitz: " I have all ki nds of faith deploy to Germany and train on the latest in the company. I've had the privilege to Army equipment in a real , wartime mi s­ be the commander fo r2 1/2 years. There's sion, according to Lt. Col. Jeffery Jenkins, never been a case of them letting me down EMC-Ecommander. USAREUR is helped ornot getting their mission accomplished. with its maintenance backlog. "I really happy that everything we've Over the last decade, the EMC-E struc­ done, it's been a good experience for all ture has proven to be an ideal example of the the soldiers involved." Army's "total force" concept, in a time The 2 11 th last trained at EMC-E in marked by significant downsizing of per- 1993.• Spring 1999 15 By Staff Sgt. Dia ne Farrow sioned Officer Educational System, HQ STARC (-) or NCOES, courses ( I 00), other resident courses ( I 00) and sci f­ e current program that determines development courses ( I 00). Some who fill s what e nlisted slots awards that origin ally counted for l n the Ohio Army National Guard points no longer do, such as the has changed quite a bit since it was imp­ service ribbon. And, starting th is lemented in January 1996. year, no points will be counted for For STPA, or Select, Train, Promote NCOES courses unless both phases and Assign, the name of the game is still have been completed. points, but how the points are calcu­ Another change affected calcu­ lated and how the results translate into lating the leader appraisal score. training opportunities has changed dra­ Though three appraisal worksheets maticall y since its inception. are still averaged for specialists, During the last three years, enlisted sergeants and above acquire two soldiers have received promotions and scores resulting from their current new assignments based on the publica­ Noncommissioned Officer Evalua­ tion of STPA lists. Grouped by rank, tion Report (NCOER). these listsevaluatesoldiers in each mili­ "The rater and senior rater evalu­ tary occupational specialty (MOS) ate the soldier, each awarding up to using a point system. Ideally, as vacan­ 250 points-totaled according to cies occur, the soldier at the top of the which block they mark on the list wi ll be offered the assignment and NCOER (see Figure I). These two be promoted to the next higher grade. fi gures are averaged with the score "The intent is to place the best given by the unit fi rst sergeant or quali fi ed soldier in a position for ad­ command sergeant major, whocom­ vancement- lo give him or her the first pletes an Enlisted Personnel Ap­ opportunity to accept the assignment," praisal Worksheet, or NOB Form Photo by SFC Bob Mullins, HQ STARC (-). said State Command Sgt. Maj. Michael 41 0 1- 1-R," said Master Sgt. David SSG Sherry Gulley, HQ STARC, is promoted to sergeant first 0 . Howley, Ohio's top enlisted sol­ Del auter, enlisted personnel man­ class by 1 SG Tonya Minor and MAJ Thomas Haidet in March. dier. So on an annual basis, the entire ager for the OHARNG and super­ enlisted corps-everyone from spe­ visorof the state's STPA program. Form 4 10 1-R-E), annotated wi th terms of career development and cialist to master sergeant- takes a good, "This was done to relieve the current data from the PSB at least leadership counseling," he added. hard look at where ad ministra t ive 90 days prior to the packet's sus­ "They need to be involved in deter­ t hey stack up burden on units. pense date. mining where their soldiers are at, against their peers. Many complained "This really helps both sides," where they need to get and how Same as when there was no value Del auter said. " It verifies what they need to get there. As leaders, the program began, to NCOERs if the information we have, and lets the we need to help our soldiers set and the highest pos­ the soldiers' leader appraisals soldiers know what they need to realize these goals." First line lead­ sible score is were being used in add to PSB'srecords." Each soldier ers are now required to use the 1,000-750 ad­ ability to make the promo tion is responsible for submitting docu­ STPA leadership counseling form min is tr a ti v e process," ex­ mentation for any changes that need 4 101 -R as part of quarterly coun­ po ints a nd 250 themselves plained Delauter, 10 be made. And for APFT and seling sessions. points based on who started man­ weapons qualification scores to be Promotion packets are due to the leader appraisals. competitive. It aging the program updated, unit rosters must be sub­ state Enlisted Personnel Office by Administrative challenges them in May 19 97. mitted at company level no later Nov. 30 for specialists (E-4s); Dec. points are still de­ Shortly aft er he than Sept. 20 each year. 3 1 for master sergeants and ser­ termined by the to improve as began, the PS B "Before 1996, the promotion geants first class (E-8s and E-7s); nine areas identi­ (Personnel Ser­ system was more subjective, based Jan. 3 1 for staff sergeants (E-6s); fied in 1996(maxi­ individuals." vices Branc h) on personal opinions and relation­ and Feb. 28 for sergeants (E-5s). mum points noted manually went ships with unit leadership," Howley Once the completed packets are -CSM Michael O. Howley in pare ntheses): through each per­ said. "With STPA, it 's more ana­ submitted and the totals validated, State Command Sgt. Major time in grade (75), sonnel fi le and en- lytical, based on quantitati ve data. the STPA lists are scheduled to be ti me in service (50), awards (75), weap­ tered relevant information into the This puts the promotion destiny of published 30 days later-Jan. I for ons qualification (75), Army Physical STPA database. Now units are given soldiers in their own hands. ]-4s; Feb. I for E-8s and E-7s; Mar. Fitness Test, or APFT, score (75), a printout of each soldier's Enlisted "This is also forcing first line I for E-6sand Apri l I forE-5s. This civilian education ( 100), Noncommis- Promotion Point Worksheet (NOB leaders to do a more thorough job in year, however, the first two lists 16 Buckeye Guard RATED NCO'S NAME (t..st,FlrsJ., Mlrltll•lltlrl.tJ THRUDATE weren't published until March. minimum cutoff score-has ~ COMFETENCE "We were running behind be­ been removed. This cutoff was : ~~flc&~.li~~~JJ,... and llblRtiH cause there was a change ofhard­ 0 Sound judgment ''The rater and senior rater the mean average of scores o S.•king t.elf-improvement a1Miy11 leaning ware on Jan. 1, which required o Acc:omphhlno IHkt to tN f\Altst capacity; cotmitted to exc.l~ .1 evaluate the soldier, each within each grade, regardless of EXC(LLEHC~ SUCCESS NU:DS IN,ll;OVEME:NT about six weeks to complete. ($-•} (M~l!J awarding up to 250 points­ MOS. Some data was lost and needed totaled according to which block "Now, no line exists whatso­ to be input again," DeLauter ever, and we are 'toploading' explained, emphasizing that they mark on the NCOER." schools," said DeLauter, who STPA lists are now available on - MSG David Delauter asserted this was the most sig­ TAGNet, the Ohio National Enlisted Personnel Manager nificant change in the program. Guard's internal website . For example, when Ohio was "We're trying to update those authorized 296 seats for PLDC lists about every 45 days," he (Primary Leadership Develop­ said. ment Course), the STPA 1ist for This does 1101 mean points E-4s was sorted by points, re­ can change during the year, gardless of MOS, and the top DeLauter stressed. Selections 296 soldiers were scheduled for happen every day, he pointed school. "Then we sort the list out, so when the top five accept I. RESPONSIBtLITY &. ACCOUNTABILITY by MOS and manually check to o cat• and malnt~• ol equlp.llaellitlH new assignments, No. 6 be­ o ~ and •quipnwit safety ensure every No. 1 (in each comes No. I. "This is just a way o Cons.rvatlon of &uppllea. and h.nOs : ~~~ ~:S-~t~~~~ '!ro!a MOS) was given a seat," he said, to keep soldiers aware of their noting that even without the current status." cross-check, 99.4 percent of the In regard to units looking to L RATER. C>YeraD potential tor promotion andl No. 1s are placed in schools fill a vacancy, DeLauter main­ or .-vice in poiltloni of gr.,t., tHf)Ofl1ilblN!y. based on the first sort. AMONO THE: FU.LY Now, the NCOER tained that the STPA list is the ..., CA.PAlllE MARGINAL Because STPA lists dictate commander's third option. directly correlates school eligibility and applica­ b. RATER. Ust 3 potltlcm In~ the reled "First, commanders should look NCO c~ b.st ser~ the Almy at Nllhtf tions, DeL auter started process­ currMit or nut NP grad9. at making a lateral move within to STPA points, ing E-4 to E-5 promotion pack­ the unit-moving an E-5 into ets first instead of last so that another E-5 slot-what we re­ promotion system. the state Training Office can fer to as a 'developmental as­ e. SENIOR RATER. <>vwan P*flormance "trap" more PLDC slots for signment."' Ohio guardmembers. "We're Next, units need to consider hoping this wi ll improve our placing an excess, overgrade or Figure 1-Army Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report. utilization rate of the schools reassigned soldier into the posi­ we've been authorized. Before, tion, which could mean bringing a days," said DeLauter, who admit­ such challenges will resolve them­ when E-4 packets were due in May, new recruit into the Ohio Guard. ted that STPA wasn't welcomed selves over time. It just doesn't Training couldn 't plug names in for "In the case of placing a new en­ with open arms when it began. He happen overnight." PLDC until after June l ." li stee into a vacant slot for E-5s or said the first and second years were "I was fourth on the list in my Likewise, because of the smaller above, we have the commander riddled with complaints from units MOS, but because two above me number of E-7s and E-8s, who have sign a statement acknowledging that who wanted to promote from were flagged and the other fai led the fewer NCO ES requirements to sched­ the un it may be eliminating a pro­ within. PT test (upon assignment), I got ule, the Enlisted Personnel Office motion opportunity for a current Howley also indicated that open­ bumped to No. l ," said Staff Sgt. started preparing both lists at the Ohio guardmember." ing positions statewide has had a Stephen Sharp, tank crewman with same time. This kept March and April When these alternati ves have negative effect on unit leadership Troop A, 2-107th Armored Cav­ as list publication dates for E-6s and been exhausted, units submit a "re­ development within teams and sec­ alry, Cincinnati. "I kept getting E-5s, respectively. quest for fill." DeLauter then pull s tions. "This is not so much a prob­ calls and turning them down until I "We're anxious for the soldiers to up the current applicable li st, elimi­ lem within specialty MOSs, such got the call I really wanted-from learn the system," the state command nates flagged individuals, and sub­ as aviators, scouts and Avenger my own unit." Soldiers stay at the sergeant major said, "because once mits a list of eligible candidates to crewmen-there we can grow kids top of the list until they turn down that happens, I think we'll see pro­ the unit. Soldiers can be flagged for within a unit. It's when admin, food a position within 50 miles of their found, positive results." To increase failing the APFT, for not meeting service and communications per­ home of record; at that point, they awareness, the Enlisted Personnel Of­ weight standards or for undergoing sonnel cross organizational lines are removed from the STPA list fice recently published an informa­ any adverse actions-such as those that we run into problems. until it is published again the fol­ tion pamphlet and offers briefings to brought on by a positive drug "As NCOs, it is our job to iden­ lowing year. units upon request. screening. They cannot be selected tify those who can be future lead­ In addition to filling vacancies, "STPA works as well as the sol­ for promotion until the flag is re­ ers," Howley asserted. "Through the STPA list still serves in priori­ diers' abi 1it y to make themselves com­ moved. career counseling, it is within our tizing training opportunities. petitive," Howley said. " It challenges Once the list is in the hands of the power to put the right person, at the Beginning with the 1998 STPA them to improve as individuals. unit, a series of phone calls begin. right place, at the right time. STPA lists, the training line-which iden­ "This is the most fair system I've "This time-consuming process is is a maturing program-it's been tified soldiers who were eligible to seen in terms ofempowering soldiers the major complaint we get these only three years. I'm convinced attend NCOES courses based on a to get ahead.''• Spring 1999 17 ABCDEFGHl.JKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Story and photos by members are kept up-to-date on the changes management together to discuss issues affecting Staff Sgt. Shannon Scherer and processes happening at basic training. the Ohio Air National Guard. the trip also served HQ, Ohio Air National Guard This year's group represented a diverse back­ as a way to educate everyone on the changes ground of career fields. Recruiters and reten­ occurring at basic training. e al I know the horror stories of tion managers were present, along with com­ The first day consisted of a tour of the obstacle basic training; demon drill sergeants, manders, training personnel and Ohio's as­ course which basic trainees run twice during their Wtough mental and physical condi­ sistant adjutant general for Air. Ohio is one six-week stay at Lackland. On this particular day tioning and the loneliness of leaving home. of the few states that takes such a large no trainees were running the course, but Ohio For 33 Ohio Air National Guardmembers number of people to Lackland because air members were able to get a feel of the intensity of going back to basic training meant reflecting transportation is usually easier to coordinate the obstacles nonetheless. An interesting change on a vivid past, but enjoying and learning within the state. is that passage of the obstacle course is no longer about the present. "There's a lot of support from the units for a requirement for graduation. Members from all of Ohio's flying and our strength management team," said Senior "We want all the trainees to attempt the course," ground units gathered together on Jan. 25 to Master Sgt. Larry Mallett, recruiting and said Staff Sgt. James Rabel, training instructor. return to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, retention superintendent. "The state staff "We no longer do a timed run for safety purposes, home of Air Force basic training. This educa­ really saw the need for this and they made it and we encourage a teamwork-type camaraderie tional deployment has been conducted every happen." atmosphere now, where before it was more of an few years since the early 1990s so Ohio Besides bringing the key players in force individual activity.

,.. An active-duty Air Force noncommissioned officer (center, in camoflauge fatigues) shows an Ohio Air National Guard contingent around the Warrior Week camp at Lackland. I I Ohio airmen keep up with changes at home of reVis Air Force basic training

Members moved on to extend to one fu ll a tour of the new secu­ '1t's important that week of training. rity forces training facil­ "We're trying to ity and learned about the we give people an get combat training electronic technical in them," Rabel said, schools that are also updated view of the "teach them how to housed at Lackland. li ve in field condi­ The next day wel­ new concepts at ba- tions." comed the members to Guard members learn about another new sic training. Recruit­ also viewed the Ser­ change to Air Force basic vices technical training known as War­ ers need to be able to school, which pro­ rior Week. Many people vides for an addi­ may recall that their ba­ paint an actual pic­ tional week of this Brig. Gen. Paul J. Sullivan (right), assistant adjutant sic training never af­ type of training as ture for the enlistee. " general for Air, talks with AB Kristen Shade, a forded them the oppor­ well. During a dor­ trainee at Lackland and a member of the 179th tunity to sleep and work SMSgt. Larry Mallett mitory tour, many Airlift Wing, Mansfield, about her experiences. in field conditions- Recruiting/Retention Superintendent guardmembers pa- well, not anymore. Af- trolled the buffed­ ter trainees spend an afternoon at the firing to-perfection, bed-aligned floors as if they them­ training. Reporting statements quickly turned range, they then proceed to set up camp in a selves were doing an inspection. More than the into relaxed conversation as the delegation remote location from the base. Armed with awe of ever having lived in those conditions talked with the soon-to-be airmen. After modified M- I 6s, the trainees set up tents, don were the "remember when" stories that arose. lunch the group met with four Ohio National MOP gear and patrol the perimeter for 72 For lunch Ohioans were paired with short­ Guard trainees in various stages of training. hours. In September 1999, this exercise will term trainees to hear a firsthand account of basic "It's really hard." said Kristen Shade, trainee from the I 79th Airlift Wing. "Especiall y when your flight hasn't learned to work as a team yet." Other Ohio trainees talked to the group about their expected career fields and what they thought of such basic training additions as the field exercise and the new confidence course. For the most part, all agreed that they were ready to go home. Overall, the week produced a lot of old memories and a lot of good information. "It's important that we give people an updated view of the new concepts at basic training," Mallett said. "Recruiters need to be able to paint an actual picture for the en­ listee." Thirty-three Ohians now know what that picture looks like ...a new way of training for a new millenipm.•

LEFT: ~James Rabel (left), a training lnstructoratLacklancJ, ls questioned by CMSgt.Jaine8~(rlght)asCOl.MYr9n Ashc~OHANGchfefOfriitf, IOokson. Spring 1999 Ohio Air Guard units help u.

Photo by Steve Toth, AG Dept. Pubhc Affairs Office. ABOVE: Brig. Gen. Lance Meyer, 121 st ARW commander (right), talks with Jerry Revish of Columbus television station WBNS the day of the deployment. RIGHT: Capt. Troy Smith, a DESERT FOX volunteer from the 121 st, stands by a KC-135 after returning home. Courtesy photo by The Columbus Dispatch. 121 st ARW joins in DESERT FOX fight By Capt. Denise Varner crew chiefs-volunteered for the deployment, Bosnia, Korea, Hurricane Mitch (relief) and the 121st Air Refueling Wing leaving their families less than one week before Persian Gulf- there'sjust a real need fora lot of the Chri stmas holiday, not sure when they refueling missions, and that's why there's a need wo KC-1 35 Stratotanker refueling aircraft and would be going home. The deployment was for the Guard and Reserve to help." Ttwo aircrews from the 12 lst Air Refueling slated to last seven days, with the possibility According to statistics provided by the Air Wing, Columbus, deployed Dec. 17 as part of the that it could have been extended, but both crews Mobility Command, the Air National Guard and military build-up for Operation DESERT FOX. returned Dec. 2 1. the Air Force Reserve fl y 268 of the 442 "One Stratotanker was scheduled to go to Pease In the past two years, the 12 lst ARW also has Stratotankers in the command. With the reserve Air Force Base, New Hampshire, and the other to provided refueling support for missions to Iraq components managing a majority of refueling Spain, but both ended up staying at Pease," said in Operations NORTHERN WATCH and aircraft, increased operations tempo around the Brig. Gen. Lance Meyer, 121 st commander. SOUTHERN WATCH, and the peacekeeping world calls for more support from the Air Guard One aircrew refueled two B- 1 bombers as they mission in Bosnia, Operation JOINT GUARD. and Air Reserve. were headed over the At lantic Ocean to take part "The reserve components have more than 60 In addition to playing an integral part in theAir in the bombings in Iraq. percent of the re fuelers in the world today," said Force mission of global engagement, KC- 135 All members of each aircrew--composed of a Col. Ron Albers, 121 st Operations Group com­ also provide aerial refueling support to the Navy, pi lot, co-pilot, navigator, boom operator and two mander. "With everything that's going on- Marine Corps and allied nations' aircraft.• Operation diagnosed a success By Senior Master Sgt. Jim Katzaman Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen agreed. Air Force Print News "All Americans should be proud of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who executed Operation DESERT FOX," he said. fter launching hundreds of cruise missiles and dropping untold tons Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Henry H. Shelton noted the role played A of bombs from allied aircraft, the Operation DESERT FOX assault by aircrews who moved and supported forces into and around the area against Iraqi military targets concluded Dec. 19. of operations. These included Air Force and Air National Guard crews President Clinton, following the advice of his national security team, of the U.S. Transportation Command. told the nation that four nights of bombing sites suspected for production These crews, Shelton said, "know how critical their contributions are of weapons of mass destruction and other military and security targets to the overall operation. So do the crews of the aerial refueling aircraft, had met allied goals. without whose support these strikes, indeed, even getting the equip­ Clinton said he was "terribly proud of our men and women in uniform. ment to the fight, would not have been possible. Once again, they have done a difficult job with skill, dedication and "In fact,"hesaid, "I think their motto should probably be 'try fighting determination." without us."'•

20 Buckeye Guard milharv maintain IA

O:Lfid(~OOard~~t; lbe~ If the &pedltionary MroSpace 'Foiiee Concept evolves as plalined, the future will find the ANG Photo by Tech. Sgt. G.M. Kobashigawa, 1st Combat Communications Squadron. relieved of some present overtasldngs, while Supplies are unloaded from one of the 179th Airlift Wing's C-130s in Tazar, Hungary. achieving more. The Air Force is changing the way units are tasked to support worldwide missions, said Lt. 179th supports JOINT FORGE Col. Mau Musial, ANG advisor to the Air Mobility Command deputy commander for op­ embe rs of the I 79th Airlift Wing sive systems and armor while crews wear sur­ erations at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. He recently Mansfield, returned last October afte; vival vests and flak jackets due to the ongoing M visited the 121 st Air Refueling Wing, Columbus, participating in Operation JOINT FORGE hostilities and uncertainty in the areas. to explain how the EAF concept may affect units. (originally known as PROVIDE PROMISE and During the rotation from mid-July Lo late EAF is the overall plan of the new Air Force later JOINT ENDEAVOR). October 1998, the Air National Guard com­ and ANG to conduct business; there will be I 0 Two unit C- 130 aircraft along with aircrew pleted 464 of 482 scheduled mi ssions for just Air Expeditionary Forces (AEFs), the actual and support personnel participated as part of a more than a 96 percent effectiveness rating. units that will implement the EAF philosophy. rainbow Guard coalition that also included units During those missions, 3,700tons ofc argo were As in the past, a combination of two Guard from Alaska, Georgia and West Virginia as the transported, along with 10,832 passengers. tanker wings will cover a contingency such as major players during the last month of the three­ The I 79th AW is one of many reserve units Istres, France or Pisa, Italy, one as lead unit, and month rotation. Additional units from across the which have been supporting these missions in the other as backup. Crews and support person­ United States were represented in the earlier Eastern Europe for well over five years now. nel will rotate in and out for two weeks of duty rotations as well as individual augmentees from "For those who even begin to know some of on the deployment. Each of the 12 1s t Air Refu­ various units who helped fill in the gaps that the the hi story of the Balkans, many feel that what eling squadrons will be part of a separate AEF. major units could not cover. we are doing is fruitless and that when we leave, " It's no different than what you're doing The rotation completed another 90-day tour the countries will go back to theirethnic cleans­ now," Musial said. "But, we now know where by Air National Guard units in support of the ing and warring," said Maj. Mark Lynskey, each plane and each airman is at any time- all are active-duty 86th Airli ft Wing, located at Ramstein 179th AW chief ofc urrent operations. "Allow­ accounted for, and each unit is pulling its fair Air Base, Germany. The successful rotation was ing this situation to go unchecked, however, is share. The primary goal was to ensure equity." exemplary of the immense re lief from high op­ not easy to condone nor is it in the best interest The I 0 Air Expeditionary Forces will include erations tempo provided by reserve component of the U.S. or Europe." fi ghters, tactical airlift aircraft and support forces. units to their active-duty counterparts. Continuing uncertainty and volatility in the Each AEF will be able to respond to a variety of Operations occur out of a separate squadron region means the I 79th may be called on for combat and humanitarian missions. Two of them and night line/maintenance area at Ramstein, and future support missions, Lynskey said. will be on alert or deployed for a 90-day cycle, personnel include everyone from pilots and air "For a unit with only eight aircraft and two will be preparing to deploy and the others crewmembers to maintenance, life support, in­ approximately 1,000 total personnel, filling will be conducting training to remain ready. telligence and transportation personnel, first these commitments is a major effort, especially The EAF pl an is good news for airmen wanting sergeants and administrati ve specialists-ev­ when you consider that the unit has already more stability in their lives; with the EAF they' II erything one would fi nd in almost any opera­ been to Oman for over a month this past June be on call for only 90 days every 15 months. tional C-130 unit. and July ( 1998) as well as the aforementioned Col. Ron Albers, !21st Operations Group Missions currently continue to ny into Bosnia deployment," he said. "My hat is off to our commander, added, "I think the OPTEMPO and otherneighboring countries, including Hun­ tradit ional guardmembers who somehow con­ (operations tempo) is going to go down, and the gary, Macedonia and the Kosovo region. These tinue to step fo rward selflessly to fill these obligation for guardmembers to perform extra missions support the peacekeeping fo rces on the commitments while working in their civilian duty will also go down. A key point is that ground in those areas by carrying personnel into career and juggling their family life."• traditional guardmembers won' t be tasked with and out of the area along with supplies required more than two weeks annually unless they really for the ground forces. The mi ssion aircraft EDITOR' SNOTE:Maj. Marklynesky, 179th want extra duty."• continue to be fully equipped with activedefen- AW, contributed i11for111atio11for this article. Spring 1999 21 Guard units 'adopt' Columbus-area high school Story by 2nd Lt. Kristine Varga toward helping the students and promoting the 237th Personnel Services Battalion Guard in a positive light," Nolen said . Some projects planned for the near future The Ohio National Guard continued its proud include the shadow program, where high school I tradition of working with the youth of the students can shadow guardmembers by fo l low­ state when yet another school was "adopted" ing them around for a day during drill to learn through the Adopt-A-School program by three more about what the guardmembers do; the Ohio Army Guard units at the end of last year. tutor program, geared to help students pass the Westland High School, in south west Colum­ high school proficiency tests; taking a field trip bus, was officially adopted by the 237th Per­ to Geuysburg or Washington, D.C. with the sonnel Service Battalion and its subordinate JROTC cadets; and representing the National 337th and 437th Personnel Service Detach­ Guard at the school's career day this spring. ments in a Nov. 3 ceremony at the school. Courtesy photo. The Adopt-A-School program, cosponsored The ceremony began with the Westland High L TC J.R. Nolen (left) presents retired Lt. by the Columbus Public Schools and theGreater School Junior ROTC Color Guard posting the Col. Luther Kennedy, Westland High Columbus Chamberof Commerce, has expanded colors. Lt. Col. Luther Kennedy of the school's School Junior ROTC commander, with from two school-business partnerships in 1980 JROTC program then welcomed everyone to Westland's Adopt-A-School certificate. to more than 375 business partners today. Since the ceremony and introduced Lt. Col.J.R. Nolen them exposure to the military's rank structure. 1989 the total value of goods and services Jr., 237th PS B commander, and other represen­ The 237th PSB has shown great interest in provided by the school-business partners has tati ves from the Ohio Air and Army National becoming acti vely involved with Westland High exceeded$3 mill ion annually. Guard. Nolen gave a brief overview of the School. One project that the battalion has con­ In 199 1, the Ohio National Guard became Adopt-A-School program and presented the ducted since the adoption was a food and cloth­ actively involved with the program and made it official adoption certificate to Kennedy. ing drive. Aftercompleting the drive in Decem­ policy that all units adopt a school in their The highlight of the evening was the promo­ ber, the collected items were then donated to respecti ve local areas. Currently there are more tion ceremony for several JROTC cadets. To people living in the school's commun ity. than 5,000 partnership volunteers worki ng with make the promotion ceremony more meaningful Another significant event was the school's Columbus Public Schools. This is equivalent to to the cadets, the representatives of the Air and participation with the 237th PSB in a 1998 more than 120,000 hours being contributed to Army National Guard who were present were Veteran's Day parade. The JROTC Color Guard the program. Today Adopt-A-School partner­ given the opportunity to promote the cadets. carried the Adjutant General's Corps colors ships are reaching more students, addressing a For a JR OTC cadet, the promotion exemplified along with the unit guidon. wider range of needs and involving every sector their commitment to excellence and also gave "I am pleased with the bactal ion's enthusiasm of the Columbus community. • Explorer cadets' survival skills put to test raving subzero weather con­ the camp on the Friday evening of cold weather injuries and separated Many cadets and advisors said they Bditions, 25 Military Explorer the competition, which was marked into buddy teams. The cadets pulled are looking forward to next year's cadets from the Stow Armory and by 20-degree temperatures and ahkio sleds packed with specific Klondike Derby. advisors from the 1st Battalion, freezing rain, in preparation forthe equipment to each station. The "The Klondike Derby went very 107th Cavalry, Stow, and Detach­ following day's activities. station events were comprised of well ," said Sgt. 1st Class David L. ment 4, Headquarters State Area Dawn on Saturday morning winter survival, " Death Stick Adams, a Military Explorer group Command (Recruiting), took part brought even colder temperatures 2000" ice hockey, first aid, ice res­ advisor and strength maintenance in the annual Klondike Derby con­ for the cadets. Prior to the start of cue (snow shoes, cross-country NCO for Detachment4, Headquar­ ducted Jan. 9- 10 at the Camp the Klondike events, the teams were skiing, rescue sleds) and a ti med ters, State Area Command. " It Manitock Boy Scout reservation. treated to a hot break fast, after lditarod endurance event. taught the Explorers leadership, The group set up operations at which they were trained in treating About half of the overall scouts winter survival and teamwork. It in the competition spent the ni ght also showed the community that in cabins, but not the Stow Explor­ the National Guard is involved with ers- they opted to stay in a general its youth." purpose (GP) medium tent with a In addition to the unjt's advi­ thick straw-covered floor. The sor , Service Battery, I - I 34th Field evening events included a night Artillery ( l 55SP), Medina, pro­ orienteering and compass cour e vided personnel and equipment that ended about 9 p.m. within a support for the Stow Explorers warm council hall building that participation at the Kl ondike housed a live youth band and all the Derby.• nachos and cheese and hot choco­ EDITOR'S NOTE: Sgt.1st Class Courtesy photo. late one could put away. Military Explorer cadets from the Stow Armory post compete The Explorer cadets went home David L. Adams, Detachment 4, in one of the events attheannual Klondike Derby, which tested Sunday with the knowledge of how ffQ STARC, contributed informa­ them on a variety of skills including winter survival and first aid. to survive in a winter environment. tion for !his article. 22 Buckeye Guard GUARDING AGAINST DRUGS

Ohio National Guard According to Young­ s town Mayor George recognized for vital McKelvey, last year alone there were 55 homicides youth programming (the population of Young­ The Ohio National Guard receivedoneofthe stown is 85,000). Ohio Department of Education's premiere The murder rate has gone awards for the organization's efforts to enrich up every year and the mayor the lives of the state's young people. said he expects the homi­ The ONG was the recepient of the 1998 cide rate to increase in 1999. Asset Builder Award, presented by the Depart­ Another factor faci ng ment of Education's Safe, Drug-Free Schools Youngstown is the infiltra­ Program Office. The award was presented in tion of various drug-in­ December at the Ohio Prevention and Education volved groups from Ja­ Conference. maica and the Dominican Since its inception in 1997, the Asset Builder Republic. These groups are Award is presented to an individual or organi­ normally based out of De­ zation that exemplifies a positive approach to troit but have recently ex­ youth development by investing wisely in Ohio's panded their operations Courtesy photo. youth, increasing their exposure to positive, into the Youngstown area. Luceille Fleming (right), director of the Ohio Department constructive activities, and instilling values and These groups tend to spe­ of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, receives the skills that will guide them throughout life. cialize in trafficking mari­ Ohio Commendation Medal from MG Richard C. Alexander According to Mike Magnusson, consultant juana but also have no for her and her department's work with the Ohio National Guard in combating drug and alcohol abuse. to the Safe, Drug-Free Schools Program, the qualms about other crimi­ members of the Ohio National Guard have nal activities such as credit served and continue to serve Ohio's youth as card scams, telephone fraud and mail fraud. The Ohio Commendation Medal is custom­ positive role models through many initiatives What can the Counterdrug Task Force do in arily presented to a military service member including the Red Ribbon Week celebration, a situation like this? The task force tries to who distinguishes himself or herself while serv­ Teen Education and Motivation (TEAM) camps synchronize efforts with agencies that are al­ ing in a military capacity through meritorious and the Higher Ground character education ready established. The Counterdrug Task Force achievement. Although it is infrequent, civilians program. Compiled by the Adj. Gen. Dept. Pub­ has been supporting the DEA in Youngstown who perform in an outstanding manner, in con­ lic Affairs Office. with full -time analytical support for the last junction with military personnel or military few months, and this support must continue for operations, may be given the award at the eradication efforts to be successful. discretion of the adjutant general. 'Drug Czar' office pays As ONDCP and the Youngstown mayor's Other civilians who have received the award visit to Youngstown office further develop a strategy, the Ohio include Ohio First Lady Hope Taft and U.S. Sen. National Guard wi ll stand ready to support this Mike De Wine. The Office of National Drug Control Policy strategy. To make it work, though, wi ll take ''The Ohio Commendation Medal awarded to (ONDCP), also known as the office of the teamwork, communication and most ofall , time. Director Fleming is rarely presented to civilians "Drug Czar," recently visited Youngstown at The situation in Youngstown did not occur and demonstrates the magnitude of our appre­ the request of the city mayor's office. The Ohio overnight and, whi le serious, it is unfortunately ciation for her efforts to eliminate substance National Guard Counterdrug Task Force hosted not unique. Other communities in Ohio face abuse in Ohio," Alexander said. "Director the visit along with the Youngstown Police simi Jar problems. The Counterdrug Task Force Fleming is deserving of the honor and prestige Department and Drug Enforcement Adminis­ will continue to support those communities that come with receiving this medal, which is tration (DEA). faci ng the scourge of drugs and drug-related presented in the military tradition for perfor­ The visit was in keeping with ONDCP prac­ violence. Sub111i11ed by Maj. Robert Baylor, Adj. mance above and beyond the call of duty." tice of assisting communities particularly hard Gen. Dept. Military Support Branch. The Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug hit by drugs. The Justice Department's Opera­ Addiction Services and the Ohio Adjutant tion Weed and Seed program and the enterprise General's Department historically have worked zone/community empowerment initiatives seek Friend to Guard together on many alcohol and other drug preven­ to eliminate drug dealers from an area; create receives OHCOM tion and awareness events, including Red Rib­ economic opportunities to prevent their return; bon Week celebration, Governor's Juvenile and address the root causes of social problems, Luceille Fleming, director of the Ohio De­ Crime Summit, Ohio Prevention and Education including drug use and drug-related crime. partment of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Ser­ Conference (OPEC) and Parents Resource In­ The immense decline of the steel industry in vices, was awarded the Ohio Commendation stitute for Drug Education (PR I DE) World Drug Youngstown has created the perfect environ­ Medal on Dec. 3 1 from Maj. Gen. Richard C. Conference. ment for crime and drugs to flourish since little Alexander for her meritorious service to the Fleming has led Ohio's alcohol and other drug economic development has taken place to offset state of Ohio and the Ohio National Guard. treatment and prevention efforts since the the loss. What has increased, unfortunately, is It was Alexander's last day of service as state department's inception in 1989. Submitted by the rate of drug-related homicides. adjutant general. the ODADAS Public lnfor111atio11 Office. Spring 1999 23 BUCKEYE BRIEFS

tral Americans. Hurricane Mitch destroyed the ONG departs for region's crops, roads and water wells, and caused Central America nearly $ 10 billion in damage as well. Submitted by Capt. Neal£. O'Brien,Adj. Gen. Dept.Public A forward command element of Affairs Office. the Ohio National Guard, at the forefront of President Clinton's EDITOR'S NOTE: On the back cover of the plans for support of Central Buckeye Guard, Sgt. John Daloia ofthe 1485th America, departed from Transportaion Company, Dover, holding his Rickenbacker Army National Guard son Ju stin, is interviewed by Columbus televi­ Enclave the morning of March 13 en sion media prior to the initial deployment of route to Honduras. Ohio National Guardmembers to Honduras in The Ohio National Guard will March to support Exercise NEW HORIZONS. have command over 20,000 troops from 34 states who will rotate through the region over a seven­ Guard acquires land Courtesy photo. month period as part of Exercise MSgt. Randall Johnson (left) and TSgt. Mark NEW HORIZONS, the U.S. relief at Ravenna arsenal Heacock, both of the 179th Airlift Wing, prepare the effort to restore and repair the in­ The Ohio Army National Guard signed a Mart EQ-1 Wastwater Treatment System. frastructure of Central American "memorandum of agreement" with the U.S. countries that were devastated by Hurricane Army Industrial Operations Command (IOC), 179th AW finds new Mitch last October. the Army Material Command and the National The troops, primarily from the reserve com­ Guard Bureau that eventually will lead to the way to reduce waste ponents of the Army, Air Force, Navy and transfer of about 16,000 acres at the Ravenna The 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, recently Marines, will operate out of Nicaragua, Hondu­ Army Ammunition Plant to the Ohio National served as a test site for the installation of a ras and Guatemala. They wi ll perform their Guard. wastewater treatment system to treat C-130 annual training in two-week increments overthe A ceremony was held between National Guard engine compressor wash water and aqueous course of the deployment. and Army officials Dec. 29 to mark the transfer based parts washer water. This treatment sys­ The Ohio Army National Guard's 2 16th of the arsenal, about 30 miles east of Cleveland. tem conserves water and significantly reduces a Engineer Battalion, headquartered in Hamilton, The ONG already has been using portions of unit's hazardous waste generation. The l 79th will have command of relief operations being Ravenna for training and recently has built one AW joined forces with the Mart Corporation undertaken in Nicaragua. Named "Task Force new barrack to house 240 soldiers. The Ravenna and Advanced Chemical to develop this unique Buckeye," the engineer contingent was sched­ Training and Logistics Site, located within the treatment process over the past few years. uled to deploy to Nicaragua sometime in mid­ boundaries of the arsenal, eventually will serve In 1993, it was discovered that C-130 engine May or early June. as a major training area for the Ohio National compressor wash water was testing high in "The Ohio National Guard has a history of Guard. Compiled by the Adj. Gen. Dept. Public cadmium, which was coming from the cadmium providing contingency support all over the Affairs Office. plated compressor blades within the turbine world. Ohioans should be proud that our engines. Guard units around the nation were National Guard will be engaged once again in ANG bowling regional then faced with the problem of managing this providing humanitarian assistance to the Cen­ contaminated wash water, from collection tral America region," said Gov. Bob Taft, com­ tourney set for October through fi nal disposal. mander-in-chief of the Ohio National Guard. The 1999 Northeast Regional Air National Originally this wastewater treatment system Brig. Gen. James E. Caldwell, deputy com­ Guard Bowling Tournament, hosted by the was designed for treating dirty water generated manderofthe OHARNG State Area Command, lOl st Air Refueling from the aqueous based parts washers that so led a contingent of 50 ONG personnel who set Wing, Maine Air many ANG bases have switched to. With a little up a headquarters for NEW HORIZONS, the National Guard, modification and reengineering, the Mansfield U.S. reliefexercise effort based out of Soto Cano Bangor, Maine, unit was able to develop a "mini-wastewater Airbase in Honduras. Caldwell is overseeing will take place Oct. treatment system" to eliminate engine wash four separate relief operations in Nicaragua, El 8-10 (Columbus Day water and aqueous based parts washer water Salvador and Guatemala that include road and weekend). from the unit's hazardous waste generation. bridge repair, water well drilling and school and The bowling tourna­ To date, the Mansfield unit has seen a more medical clinic construction. ment is open to all active than 50 percent reduction in their hazardous "This effort is the key to shoring up the and retired Air National Guardmembers, and waste generation. countries hit hardest by Hurricane Mitch. We civili ans employed by the Air National Guard. ANG units have the potent ial to experience will provide the command oversight and logis­ Spouses of retired and active members, and of huge cost savings with the wastewater treat­ tical support necessary for the mission's suc­ ANG civilian employees, also may enter. ment system, but more important, they will be cess," Caldwell said. For more information, contact your unit rep­ reducing or nearly eliminating the quantity and Hurricane Mitch ki lled more than 9,000 resentative or.J

Zanesville unit hosts li vely serving military soldiers and airmen should not offer. national conference In orderto assist the media in facili­ tating an accurate portrayal of mili­ For the second year in a row the 220th tary operations, readiness and weap­ Engineering Installation Squadron, Zanesville, ons systems, the office hopes to com­ was the site of a national EIS conference. pile a database ofretired officers from Sixty-three people representing 19 Air Na­ which the media can utilize when mili­ tional Guard engineering installation units mel tary forces deploy for a contingency. last October to discuss issues vital to the engi­ Retired officers interested should neering installation mission. send a copy of their military resume, This year's conference focused on the loss of to include daytime and evening phone personnel and wartime equipment. Also fea­ numbers, and e-mail addresses if ap­ tured were topics important to upcoming exer­ plicable, to the Adjutant General's cises and inspections presented by inspector Department, Public Affairs Office, generals from the National Guard Bureau. 2825 West Dublin Granville Road, Courtesy photo. With the downsizi ng of the active duty engi­ Columbus, Ohio 43235-2789. S11b- Members of the 179th Airlift Wi ng, Mansfield, neering installation units, the Guard will be 111iued by Capr. Neal£. O'Brien, Adj. received several awards at the 1999 National accepting more responsibility in the total force Gen. Depr. Public Affairs Office. Guard Bureau Environmental Conference. mi ssion. However, budget cutbacks still re­ quired conference attendees to make a plan to cling award and the recycling award for indi­ reduce their full-time forces by 38 percent and Buckeye Guard gets vidual/team excellence. The environmental qual­ their vehicle forces by 30 percent. ity award for individual/team excellence went to "We're keeping what's necessary for war­ national accolades the I 79th Airlift Wing, Mansfi eld, fort he unit" s time," said Maj. Jeff Lewis, 220th detachment The Ohio National Guard took top honors in 1998 Earth Day project. commander. "'But it's still hard to make the the 1998 National Guard Bureau Media Contest Individual awards were presented 10 the I 79th cuts." Submitted by StaffSg t. Shannon Scherer, conducted Jan. 29 in Washington D.C. The A W 's Master Sgt. Mark Carey, who got a HQ OHANG. Buckeye Guard was named one of the best certificate of appreciation for voluntary achieve­ publications in the entire National Guard, win­ ment. Master Sgt. Barbara Lederman, l 80th 37th Division vets to ning first place in the magazi ne category . FW, was recognized with the bioenvironmental It marks a return to the top for the magazine, engineer technician award. Submiued by Staff hold annual reunion which previously had fini shed first in the NGB Sgt. Shannon Scherer, HQ, OHANG. contest from 1992 to 1995. The 37th Division Veterans Association will The Buckeye Guard magazine was then for­ hold its 8 1s t annual reunion Sept. 3-5 at the 178th FW bi rds head warded 10 the Department of the Army's Keith Belmont Avenue Ramada Inn in Youngstown. L. Ware journalism competition, conducted For more information, write co-chairman south for winter March 1-2 in Alexandria, Va., where the maga­ Edgar Davis at 4268 Patricia A venue, Young­ Snowbirds became showbirds under Arizona zine tied for third in its category. The magazine stown, Ohio 4451 I; or co-chairman James skies as F- l 6s and about 130 members of the was first in 1994 and second in 1995. McGinnis at 3821 Frederick St., Youngstown, l 78th Fighter Wing, Springfield, participated in "The success of the magazine in the past year Ohio 44515. Interested individuals also may Operation SNOWBIRD Jan. 30-Feb. 12 at would not have been possible without the sup­ write the 37th Division Veterans Association at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tuscon. port of several Army and Air National Guard 65 S. Front St., Room 432, Columbus, Ohio Four passenger-fi lled C-l 30s departed Spring­ journalists and photographers in the field, and 43215; or phone (614) 228-3788. Submiued by field during the morning ofthe Jan. 30and landed unit public affairs representatives (UPARs)," Nick Scarpa, 37th Division Vererans Assn. in Arizona six hours later under sunny 70- said Capt. Neal E. O' Brien, director of public degree skies. affairs for the Ohio Adjutant General's Depart­ The two weeks in the desert provided a Military analysts sought ment. Compiled by the Adj. Gen. Dept. Public unique opportunity for heavy training during The Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office. the winter months when inclement weather can Affairs Office currently is looking for retired make fl yi ng hours tough to come by in Ohio. military officers in the rank of colonel or above Air Guard receives "In addition to the obvious benefits of better who are war college graduates to serve as mili­ fl ying weather, the airspace in our main working tary analysts for local media (all throughout environmental honors areas and the Goldwater Range Complex allows Ohio) during times of crisis or deployments. The Ohio Air National Guard fared well at the for complex tactical scenarios, li ve weapons Typically, when Ohio Army and Air National 1999 National Guard Bureau Environmental deli very and great air-to air training," said Lt. Guard units deploy for military operations such Conference, Feb. 22-26 in Gulfport, Miss. Col. Jeffrey T. Williams, detachment com­ as Operation DESERT FOX, local media look Representatives of the 12 1s t Air Refueling mander. "The aircraft load-out provides our for military personnel to offer "expertise" on Wing, Columbus, accepted the environmental crew chiefs and weapons loaders the opportu­ military tactics, weapons systems and defense quality award for the best or most improved nity to practice working with realistic combat department policy. Often, the media wants program in the country. The l 80th Fighter loads on the aircraft." Submitted by Tecl1.Sgt. opinions and speculation on issues which ac- Wing, Toledo, received both the overall recy- Mike Myers, 178th FW. Spring 1999 25 ALL ABOUT PEOPLE

Venerable 'top' has During his fi rstsummercamp in Breckenridge, "It has been a wonderful experience," he said. Ky., as a private first class in Headquarters and "I only wish I could spend another 20 years seen much during Headquarters Company, 147th In fantry Regi­ with the troops." Submitted by Sgt. I st Class ment, Galvin decided that he wanted to become Bob Mullins, HQ STARC (-). tenure in Ohio Guard a first sergeant. "I_ remember telling my first In the spring of 1957, Dwight D. Eisenhower sergeant that some day I would have his job." Department employees was just beginning his second term as president. Galvin's take-home pay for those two weeks Gasoline was 18 cents a gallon. Elvis Presley was $36. Regular drill pay was paid quarterly. honored for generosity was introducing the world to rock 'n' roll and When Galvin was promoted to sergeant, he Adjutant General's Department employees had to learn cadence and march troops. This young Cincinnati native Barry Galvin decided were honored Feb 5. for their contributions to to join the Army. requirement was met in a unique way when he help the 1998 Combined Federal and Combined Galvin was 17 and watching many friends was attending the University of Cincinnati. Chari table campaigns. "UC had a new Bear Kittens (female) drill around him leaving for the military, so he de­ The Gold Honor Award, given to agencies cided that he wasn't to be left behind. "I heard team," Galvin said. "They needed to know how with percapitagiving levelsof$75 or more, was that it was the fun thing to do," he quipped. to march and 1 needed the practice so we all presented to the employees of Beightler Ar­ Galvin was sworn learned our neces­ mory and the Army National Guard at sary skills." into the Ohio Army Rickenbacker. During the early National Guard at The Air National Guard employees at 1960s and through I 1:30 p.m. March Rickenbacker ANG Base received the G old and 25, 1957,electingto the Vietnam era, the G lass Award for having the most significant enter a home station Guard began receiv­ increase in overall campaign performance from ing better un iforms recruiting company the previous year. and equipment and so he could finish Some individual donors were recognized as high school. Inter­ in 1967, training well. Spc. Brian Lehigh and Lou Ann Wehling estingly, Galvin standards began to pledged 3 percent of their salaries to the cam­ be upgraded. Galvin was unaware that at paigns, while Lt. Col. Deborah Ashenhurstand went to Fort midnight that day a Lt. Col. Duncan Aukland committed 2 percent Benning, Ga., for a new federal law oftheirannual income. All are fu ll -time employ­ would go into effect Galvin ... 1957 Galvin ... today six-week course on ees ofBeightler Armory except for Ashenhurst, the ENTAC (wire-guided French missile sys­ making basic training mandatory. He avoided who is a full-time Army Guard employee at that requirment with minutes to spare, but tem). He later served in several other positions Rickenbacker Army Enclave. including mortar sergeant for nine years, infan­ Galvin still worked hard for his unit. After Overall, nearly 48 percent of Adj utant graduation and in the ensuing months, more than try platoon sergeant for five years, battalion S3 General's Department employees contributed 20 members of Galvin's high school class would sergeant, battalion S2 sergeant and brigade to the campaigns. Compiled by the Adj. Gen. intelligence sergeant. be sworn into his platoon. Dept. Public Affairs Office. Guard funding was severely cut during the It was in 1978 that Galvin's long term goal late 1950s. Galvin's first uniform was a was reali zed. He was assigned as fi rst sergeant hand-me-down with three patches sewn on the of the unitthat he had joined 21 years earlier. "In back of the fatigue shirt to cover holes. Brown this position I was able to communicate, guide boots and shoes complemented the uniform. and direct the lives of soldiers," he said. "We were not issued field jackets or sleeping In 1987,after Operation ARTICWARRIOR bags. We were told that they were not available in Adak, Alaska, Galvin transferred to the 73rd and were issued two wool blankets instead," Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Columbus, Galvin said. "On one of my early summer and was there until the brigade disbanded. His camps (later known as annual training) we next stop was armor school at Gowan Field, arrived in Grayling, Mich., to find four inches of Idaho, and then was reassigned to Headquarters snow on the ground. There were no buildings Company, 134th Field Artillery, Columbus. and we were sleeping in tents. It was tough but Eventually Galvin got the opportunity to be a we made it through." fi rst sergeant again, this time for C Battery, Essential equipment and training materials I 34th Field Artillery, serving for two years. also were hard to come by in those days. "There Forty-two years have come and gone since were not enough rifles, so many of the soldiers Galvin joined the Ohio Army National Guard. learned the manual of arms with broom sticks," After transitioning from summer camps to an­ PhotobyToddCramer, AG Dept. Photo Lab. he said. Galvin still has the hand-drawn, colored nual train ing, and watching the National Guard Adj. Gen. Maj. Gen. John Smith accepts maps that he prepared for his first students in become an equal partner in America's fighting a plaque of appreciation from Judy Dixon a map reading course because even the simplest forces, Galvin changed with it and is still calling of the United Way, for the generosity formations. He is currently the fi rst sergeant for of training aids were not available either. "Re­ displayed Qy Adj. Gen. Dept. employees gardless of the handicaps incurred due to lack of the Headquarters Company, 371 st Corps Sup­ during the 1998 Combined Federal and funding, morale was always high," he recalled. port Group, Kettering. Combined Charitable campaigns. 26 Buckeye Guard ALL ABOUT PEOPLE

Smith receives first competition were Capt. Larry Henry, StaffSgt. Rick Githens Order of Musket award and Spc. Aaron Rourke, all of Ohio's Air National Guard enlisted members Company B, 2-19th Special gathered on Feb. 26 to present the highest honor Forces Group, Chagrin Falls; bestowed by the enlisted force to Maj. Gen. Tech Sgt. Greg Rudi of the John Smith, state adjutant general. The first 12 1s t Air Refu eling Wing, Co­ lumbus; and Maj . Thomas Order of the Musket was awarded to Smith Haidet and Maj . Christian during an evening of tradition and camaraderie as Klinefelter of Headquarters more than 180 guard members from across Ohio joined in the celebration. and Headquarters Detach­ ment, State Area Command, Part of Ohio's kick-off for the Air National Columbus. Githens was the Guard's Year of the Enlisted celebration, the dining-in was held at the Redtail Angels Dining top Ohio placer in the compe­ Facility at Rickenbacker Airport, Columbus. tition, fini shing 67th. The team of Rudi, Haidet, The Order of the Musket, established in Henry and Githens finished Photo by Steve Toth. AG Depl. Public Affairs Office. 1992, is patterned after the Air Force's Order of Neoma Lucas (center) displays the Saint Joan D'Arc the Sword. The Order of the Musket is a means I lthinthe4-by-7.5-kmrelay. medallion and certificate presented by the United States of recognizing and honoring individuals, both Representing the Buckeye Armor Assocation for her work as a family support military and civilian, for conspicuous and sig­ Stale in the 7.5-km women's sprint competition were Mas­ group coordinator. With her are CSM Mike Howley (left), nificant contributions to the welfare and pres­ state command sergeant major, and her husband, CSM tige of the enlisted corps of the Ohio ANG. ter Sgt. Donna Rakes, HHD James Lucas, Camp Perry command sergeant major. Smith was nominated and selected during hi s STARC; and Sgt. I st Class term as Ohio's assistant adjutant general for Andrea Mahr, Detachment 4, HQ STARC (Recruiting). Compiled by the Adj. Air. His outstanding accomplishments included Lucas recognized for Gen. Dept. Public Affairs Office. putting more emphasis on the family while commander of the I 80th Fighter Wing, Toledo, family support work and for creating an ethics forum to address Former TAG serving Neoma Lucas was the latest in a line of issues of diversity while commander of the distingui shed women to receive the Saint Joan 121 st Air Refueling Wing, Columbus. as NGAUS director D'Arc Medallion. An honor guard from the I 79th Airlift Wing, Fifty-six thousand National Guard officers The award ori gi nated in 1994 and is pre­ Mansfield, presented the colors and the flute now rely on the recently retired head of the Ohio sented by the United States Armor Associa­ ensemble of the 555th Air Force Band, Toledo, National Guard lo manage their association's tion to honor women who volunteer their time provided music during the dinner. daily activities in the nation's capital. Maj. Gen. and contribute significantly to the morale, StaffSgt. Peter Smith, the general's own son, Richard C. Alexander spirit and welfare of armor or cavalry units and served as duty sergeant fort he awards program. replaced retired Maj. communities. The official Order of the Musket proclamation Gen. Edward J. Lucas was honored for her work as a fami ly was presented to the general along with a replica Philbin in January as support group coordinator for the Camp Perry of the first Minuteman Musket. Smith's wife, executive director of Training Site and the former 107th Armored Anita, also was honored with a framed poem the National Guard Cavalry Regiment. She is the wife of Command entitled "The Military Wife." Association of the Sgt. Maj. James Lucas of Detachment 2, Head­ During his acceptance speech, Maj. Gen. United States quarters, State Area Command (Camp Perry). Smith was noticeably moved by the recognition (NG AUS). The Saint Joan D'Arc Medallion award as he thanked the audience. Philbin began serv­ consists of a certificate and a silver medall ion "You are the masters," Smith said. " I ing in the position in suspended from a yellow ribbon. The 37th wouldn't be here if it was not for the efforts of June 1995. The Armor Brigade awards these medallions in the Alexander our enlisted. Thank you." Submitted by Staff NGAUS Executive name of the Armor Association to women each Sgt. Slla1111011 Scherer, HQ OHANG. Council, the association's 28-member governing year who contribute to the betterment of the body, selected Alexander in June 1998 from a 37th Armor Brigade units and communities. ONG fields team at pool of distinguished applicants after Philbin Other recipients of the award include: announced his intention to step down at the end 1996-Barbara Carter, 37th Armor Brigade biathlon competition of last year. (first Saint Joan D'Arc ever awarded in Ohio). The 1999 Chief, National Guard Bureau As executive director, Alexander, a former 1997-Jackie M. Chaney and Lisa Hartmen, Biathlon Championships saw another contin­ association president, will manage the daily op­ l - 147th Armor Battalion; and Diana gent from Ohio represent the state's Army and erations of the NGA US and its25-memberWash­ Whatmough, 1-107th Armor Battalion. Air Guard Feb. 6-14 on the wintery slopes at ington staff. He is the fifth NGAUS executive 1998-Carol Jackson, 37th Armor Brigade. two locations-the Ethan Allen Nordic Center director since the position was created in 1974 1999-Cindi Perez, 1-107th Armor Battalion. in Jericho, Vt., and at Lake Placid, N.Y. and the first African-American to hold the post. Submitted by Brig. Gen. David Hartley, 38th Participating in the I 0-ki lo meter men's sprint Submitted by NGA US Public Affairs. fllfantry Division. Spring 1999 27 GUARDMEMBER BENEFITS

Reserve commissary + Marine Corps Re­ serve, (703) 784-9317 visits doubled +Air Force Reserve, 1-800-525-0 I 02, exten­ Congress voted last fall to double the number sion 227. of visits reservists, National Guard and gray­ Guardmembers on area retirees may make to the commissary, from state active duty for fed­ 12 to 24. erally declared disaster But to take advantage of the increase, reserve operations (and their fam­ members sti ll need the Commissary Privilege ily members) are allowed Card to get in the door. Guard and Reserve units to use commissary stores issue the cards to their members. during the period of their The expanded commissary benefit is also active service. Required Photo by Steve Toth, AG Dept. Public Affairs Office. available to reserve component retirees who are documentation is a mili­ COL Matt Kambic, the Plans, Operations and Training officer not yet 60 years old, but will be e li gible for tary order stating that the for the Ohio Army National Guard, explains the force structure retired pay when they hit that magic number. guardmember is serving of the state's units to Army ROTC cadre from around Ohio. The commissary privilege also applies to family in support of a federally The Ohio Army Guard hosted a conference in February members of current and retired reserve compo­ declared disaster. (Air aimedatfostering better training and recruiting relationships nent personnel. Force Print News) with ROTC battalions at univerisities around the state. "Service in the National Guard and Reserve is now more challenging and more difficultthen ever before," said Charles L. Cragin, acting Ohio Army Guard, Ohio system-which is comprised of Camp assistant secretary of Defense for Reserve Af­ Perry, Camp Sherman, Tarlton and Ravenna fairs. "Doubling the commissary access for ROTC work together Training and Logistics Site. reservists and their families helps to level the The Ohio Army National Guard held a The SMP is where a soldier can be a member playing fi eld and improve their quality of life." conference recently for several ROTC cadre of the Army Guard and in ROTC at the same According to Col. James Scott, Office of the from colleges and univeristies around Ohio to time, while receiving pay and benefits from Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve better inform them about the variety of Guard both organizations. Combined benefits include Affairs, "many reservists feel it's a significant units, training sites and programs such as the all or part of a student's college tuition paid entitlement. Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) through various programs, books and supplies "The problem is lack of awareness-the re­ that can can be of great benefit to both entities. allowance, monthly stipend, and Guard drill servi sts don't always know about the benefit or Conducted Feb. 24 in Columbus, the con­ pay as an E-5 while in the program. Cadets serve take advantage of it." ference afforded Army Guard leaders the op­ in a Guard unit and attend drills while in school, For 1999, the services indicate they will issue portunity to highlight technologies such as the and receive commissions as second lieutenants two 12-visit cards. Next year, the card will be distance learning network, where students can after completing ROTC and graduating college. revised to contain 24 blocks. take self-paced, computer-based courses in For more information, call 1-888-0 H­ To shop the commissary, reservists or imme­ various subjects. Also discussed was the pos­ GUARD. (Adj. Gen. Dept. Public Affairs Of­ diate family need a valid identification card and sibility of ROTC units training in the Fort fice) a current Commissary Privilege Card that en­ titles them to 24 shopping days. Cards, which Reserve Pay for 4 Drill Periods are usually obtained from the Reserve/Guard YEARS OF SERVICE unit administrator, are stamped or initialed at <2 J J 4 • I II 12 14 .. II 21 22 24 J6 Gr adt> each store visit. During active duty, Reserve 0.10 10•5. 16 1081.92 1081.92 1081.92 1081.92 11 23 . .&4 1123.44 11 85.68 1185.68 1270.52 1270.52 1355.60 1355.60 1355.60 1440.00 and Guard personnel can visit the commissary 0·9 Y26.28 9 50.56 970.80 970.80 970.8 0 995.48 995 •.& 8 1036.92 1036.92 I 123 . .a4 11 23 . .& 4 11 85.68 1185.68 1185.68 1270.52 0·8 838.96 864.16 884.60 884.60 88•.60 950.56 950.56 995.48 995A8 1036.92 1081.92 1123.44 1151.16 1151.16 1151.16 as many times as they wish and do not have to 0-7 697. 12 744.52 7'•.52 744.52 777 .92 777 .92 823.00 823.00 864.16 9 50.56 1015.96 10 15.96 101 5.96 10 15.96 10 15.96 0·6 516.68 567.64 60•.88 604.88 60•.88 604.88 604.88 604.88 62S.44 724.32 761.28 777 .92 823.00 850.80 892.56 get their card initialed. 0·5 4 13.28 485.H 5 18.80 5 18.80 s 18.80 5 18.80 534.40 563.24 601.00 646.00 682.96 703.72 728.32 728.32 728.32 Gray-area reserve retirees (younger than 60) 0-4 348.32 424.16 452.4.a 452.44 460.84 481.16 514.0• 5•2.92 567 .64 592.64 608.88 608.88 608.88 608.88 608.88 o.J 323.68 361.88 386.92 428.08 448.60 464.64 • 89.84 514.04 526.60 526.60 526.60 526.60 526.60 526.60 526.60 usually get their cards by mail, but "judging 0·2 282.28 308.28 370.36 382.84 390. 72 390. 72 390. 72 390. 72 390.72 390. 72 390. 72 390.72 390.72 390.72 390.72 from someofthe phone calls I've gotten, it's not 0·1 245.08 255.08 308.28 308.28 .108.28 308.28 308.28 308.28 308.28 308.28 308.28 308.28 308.28 308.28 308.28 0·3E o.oo 0.00 0.00 -128.08 .U8.60 464. 6• 489.84 s l..& .0" 534.40 534.40 53•.• 0 534.40 534.40 5J4AO 534 •..&0 automatic," said Lt. Col. Terry Jones, Office of 0-2E 0.00 o.oo o.oo 382.84 390. 72 4 03.12 4 2 4.16 440.40 452.44 452. U .is2.u 452A4 452A4 452.44 452.44 the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve 0-IE o.oo 0.00 0.00 308.28 329.32 341.U JSJ.84 366.12 382.84 382.84 382.8..& 382.84 382.84 382.84 382.84 W-5 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 .00 0.00 0.00 562.84 584.12 601.04 626.36 Affairs. W-4 329. 76 353.84 353.84 361.88 378.40 395.0• 411.64 440.-lO 460.84 477.0-1 489.84 505.60 522.52 538.80 563.24 \\'.J 299. 72 32 5. 12 325.12 329.J? 336. 16 3 57 .56 378.•0 390.72 -103. 12 .i5.20 H8.08 444. 76 J60.84 460.84 .a77.04 Scott said retirees who want to get "into the W-2 262.52 284.0-1 284.04 292.28 308.28 325. 12 337 .48 349.84 .161.88 374.60 386.92 399.08 4 15.20 4 15.20 4 15.20 system" and obtain a card by mail should con­ W-1 2 18.72 250. 76 250.76 27 1.72 284.04 296.20 308.28 320.96 333.16 345.56 357.56 370.36 370.36 370.36 370.36 F.-9 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 o.oo 383.64 392.28 401.12 410.40 419.60 427.68 450. ll 467.6"' 493.96 tact their regional personnel support team. £ .8 0 .00 0 .00 o.oo o.oo 0.00 321.68 331.00 339.64 348.48 357.72 365.84 374.84 396.88 414.52 441.42 Reservists needing a card should contact their f.-7 224.64 242.52 251.40 260.28 269.16 277.72 286.60 295.56 308.88 317 .68 326.48 JJ0.72 352.96 370.52 396.88 £ . 6 193.24 2 10.64 21 9.40 228.72 237.32 245.88 254.88 268.00 276. J4 285.36 289.68 289.68 289.68 289.68 289.68 unit administrator or call : E-5 169.56 184.56 193.52 201.96 215.lJ 224.04 232.84 241.48 245.88 245.88 245.88 245.88 2•S.88 245.88 245.88 + Army Reserve, 1-800-325-1869 f.·4 158.12 167.04 176.88 190.48 198.04 198.04 198.0J 198.0J 198.04 198.04 198.04 198.04 198.04 198.04 198.04 E-3 149.0 .. 157.20 163.44 169.96 169.96 169.96 169.96 169.96 169.96 169.96 169.96 169.96 169.96 169.96 169.96 + Navy Reserve, 1-800 535-2699, extension E· 2 143.44 143.44 143.44 143.44 143.44 143.44 143.44 143.44 143.44 143.•T 143.44 143.44 143.44 143. 44 143.44 E-1>4 127.92 127.92 127.92 127.92 127.92 127.92 127 .92 127.92 127.92 127.92 127.92 127.92 127.92 127.92 127. 92 5500 or (504) 678-5500 E-1<4 1 18.36 0.0 0 0.00 o.oo 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 .00 0 .00 0.00 0 .00 0.00 0.00 28 Buckeye Guard WYATT EARP '99

Story and photos by Steve Toth further with its an­ Mark Federle, Adj. Gen. Dept. Public Affairs Office nual Wyatt Earp second section team leader, Competition. Con­ uses red tape to mark the t one time or another. American Wild ceived by Maj. Mark location of concertina wire that West icon Wyatt Earp rode shotgun for Slavik, former Bravo his scout team has discovered A the stagecoach lines. was a buffalo hunter Troop commander, during the tactical phase of the and Indian fighter in addition to what he is best the competition is a Wyatt Earp competition. LEFT: known for-serving as a U.S. marshal. way to motivate the CPL Adam Martin awaits Similarly. U.S. Anny Cavalry scouts always troopers completing instructions before planning his have been known to be versatile soldiers. Having their annual SCCT. next move during a call for a long tradition of being the "eyes and ears" of an ''It's a real team artillery fire exercise. armor battalion. cavalry scouts are highly trained effort-like a Top in reconnaissance and survivability skills. Their Gun competition for a tank crew," said Capt. neous Membership Program, Armbruster said. key missions are to locate the enemy, determine Lance Armbruster. current Bravo Troop com­ The final event of the Wyatt Earp competition, his disposition and report appropriate informa­ mander. held on the Sunday of drill. was a 12-kilometer tion back to the battalion. The troop's scouts are divided into three sec­ road march with full rucksacks. The event also To survive, even with the finest tanks in the tion teams, consisting of about seven to I 0 sol­ would serve as a tiebreaker if necessary-and it world, an armor battalion must know what it is diers each. who compete against each other in a was. After the road march, the second section, led facing. Scouts must maintain proficiency in their wide spectrum of events. This year's competi­ by Staff Sgt. Mark Federle, and the third section. assigned skills in order for the entire battalion to tion, conducted mainly during the unit's two-day led by Sgt. Jeff Aldrich, tied with 625 points each. be ready. Therefore. cavalry units test their sol­ drill on Feb. 20-21, included a tactical exercise to The second section was crowned champion by diers on a regular basis with the Scout Crew recon an obstacle, drill and ceremonies, call for virtue of winning the timed road march. The first Competency Test (SCCT). artillery fire exercise and a written test on scout section, headed by StaffSgt. Eric Payton. finished Troop B, 2-I07th Cavalry, Lebanon. nick­ platoon standard operating procedures (SOPs). with 550 points. named "The Black Knights," has taken the re­ Results from the unit's Army Physical Fitness Other members of the winning second section quired testing of its cavalry scouts' skills one step Test (APFT) taken in January also would factor team were Sgt. Steve Dean, Spcs. Harry Sober. into the competition, as would each section's Todd Christenson and Ben Brown, and Pfc. Gor­ knowledge of weapons systems. In one of the don Cairns. more spirited events. each section was timed on Many soldiers said they look forward to the how quickly its members could pull together and competition each year. as it allows the winners assemble an M-9 pistol, M-16 rifle, M-60 ma­ some bragging rights. chine gun, .50-caliber machine gun and TOW "It's a great way to keep a good, healthy rivalry miss le system. The hook was that the parts of all between sections and to maintain the operational five weapons were mixed together and spread out readiness of a unit," Sober said. on the floor-so the scouts not only had to know Armbruster said the unit leadership revises the how to re-assemble the weapons but which parts competition somewhat each year to maintain a went with which weapon. degree of difficulty and to correspond with the "You've got to know how to put the parts scouts as they develop their skills. together, and also have to recognize if there's a "We try to refine it and change it, and make it part missing," said Sgt. Stephen Hargraves, scout more challenging each year." Armbruster said. instructor and one of the unit noncommissioned "We also do a Leadership Reaction Course during officers who administered the competition. the year too. It forces (the cavalry troopers) to Army ROTC cadets from Wright State Univer­ work together and solve problems. PFC Gordon Calms (left) begins assembling sity near Dayton also helped run the events. "The idea behind this type of training is that we anM-60machinegunwhileSPC Ben Brown Through the years. the unit has had several WSU work on building unit cohesiveness during the runs to gather more weapons parts. cadets enroll in the Guard through the Simulta- year and becoming more proficient at ourjobs."• BULK RATE U.S. Postage PAID Columbus, OH IGUARD Permit #3754 The Ohio National Guard 2825 W. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43235-2789 OFFICIAL BUSINESS