IowaIowa National National Iowa Guard Guard / May/June/ February 2016 2016

Iowa National Guard's Best Warrior competition

Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 | 1

4

May/June 2016 Th e Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr Public Aff airs Offi cer Col. Greg Hapgood Recognizing military moms Editor/Designer Master Sgt. Duff McFadden Sgt. Christie Smith State Photographer Staff Sgt. Chad D. Nelson Command Historian Tech Sgt. Michael McGhee

Th e Warrior Ready is an offi cial publication

Features 6 authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1. It is published electronically by the Iowa National Guard State Public Aff airs Offi ce on a monthly basis. News and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those USAFA cadets visit 132nd Wing of the Adjutant General of Iowa, Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden the National Guard, or the Department of Defense.

Follow the Iowa National Guard on Social Media 8 www.facebook.com/IowaNationalGuard or at @IowaNatGuard on Twitter

Contest for Iowa's Best Warrior Address all submissions to: Staff Sgt. Chad D. Nelson Th e Iowa National Guard Warrior Ready Magazine State Public Aff airs Offi ce 7105 NW 70th Ave. Johnston, Iowa 50131-1824 10 » Father, son focus or contact us at: by Sgt. Drew Shipley http://www.iowanationalguard.com/contact_us.htm Spc. Ethan Estabrooks navigated, engaged Comm: (515) 252-4582 and maneuvered through the Best Warrior three-day event with the help of a fellow Soldier who acted as his sponsor and who also happens to be his father.

11 » Female Soldiers compete by Sgt. Renee Seruntine Twenty-three Soldiers from across the state OnOn tthe Cover competeted in the Iowa National Guard Spc.Spc. EthanE Estabrooks, a Slater, Best Warrior competition. Th ree females IowaIowa resident and crew chief represented their units with confi dence and andand mechanic with Co. C, pride during the three-day contest. 2-147th2-14 Aviation in Boone, IowaIow performs a functions checkche on an M4 carbine 12 » Following in family footsteps riflrifl e during the recent Iowa by Sgt. Zachary Zuber ArmyA National Guard Best WarriorW Competition at Staff Sgt. Greg Bell, a squad leader with thet Camp Dodge Joint Co. A, Forward Support Company, 224th Maneuver Training Engineer Battalion, Iowa Army National Center, Johnston, Iowa. Guard based in Fairfi eld, Iowa, always (Iowa(Iowa ArmyA National Guard wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps photo byb Sgt. Andrew Shipley) and become a truck driver. 2 | Warrior Ready | May/June 2016

Chaplain's Corner Chaplain (Lt. Col,) Gary Selof, State Chaplain, IAARNG Promises are promises It would be impossible for any human to stop the day or night from coming at their appointed time.

In the same way, it would be impossible for any human to break the promises God makes.

eremiah was a prophet called by God to speak to the nation of Israel Jjust before they were going to be surely not cease to exist as a people. It taken into exile by the Babylonians. A would be impossible for any human to prophet’s job was not something to be stop the day or night from coming at desired. their appointed time. In the same way, it would be impossible for any human They were ridiculed, laughed at, beaten to break the promises God makes. and their life was in danger because they were told by God to go to the Sometimes life can seem overwhelm- people, the spiritual leaders and the ing and diffi cult. We may not feel King and tell them that God was not raelites would be destroyed would mean like it’s going the way we want it, or happy with the way they were acting. the promise of God would be broken. had planned. We may be dealing with But God intended to keep his promise depression or anxiety. Perhaps our God’s people were continually turning as he does all his promises. relationships in life aren’t what we away from his precepts and doing what- expected and things aren’t going too ever they wanted to do. They worshiped God had promised about 450 years be- well for us. It can be any number of other gods and lived their life no differ- fore Jeremiah was called to be a prophet things that can make us feel as if we’re ently than the pagan societies around there would be a descendant of David’s not cared for, or someone isn’t looking them. on the throne forever. He was speak- out for us. ing of Jesus Christ. Despite the fact the Jeremiah was especially not liked be- nation would be taken into exile, God There were people in Jeremiah’s time cause God gave him the task of telling didn’t forget his promise. who were following God and not giv- the leadership and people they were ing in to the societal pressure around about to be attacked by King Nebu- In Jeremiah 33:20 God tells Jeremiah them; surely they felt like God wasn’t chadnezzar from Babylon and taken to tell the people, “If you can break my in their corner. Yet in all of it, God was into captivity for 70 years! covenant with the day and my covenant telling them even though bad times are with the night, so that the day and coming for a time, the best is yet to be! It was not a popular message. night no longer come at their appointed So if you’re feeling overwhelmed Yet, in the midst of the message, the time, then my covenant with David my today, think of this time in the history love of God for His people is so clear. servant can be broken and David will of Israel. If God will keep his promise You see, God had promised King Da- no longer have a descendant to reign on to a nation of people that continually vid, many years before Jeremiah, there his throne.” turned its back on Him, surely when he would always be someone from David’s God used the absurdity of that thought says to us, “I will never leave you nor lineage who sat on the throne of Israel. to tell the people, while they will be forsake you,” (Joshua 1:5) we can trust For Jeremiah to go about saying the Is- taken into captivity for a time, they will what He says. Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 | 3 MILITARY MOMS

CELEBRATING MOTHER'S DAY

By Sgt. Christie Smith s families across America met for Mother’s Day brunches and celebrations, members of the Iowa National Guard, Staff Sgt. Catie Beck (top right), Lt. ACol. Linda Craven (bottom left) and Angela Kennebeck (bottom right) spent it like many other holidays – away from home, saying goodbye or cherishing the rare occasion when everyone is together. 4 | Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 with her daughters, like Mother’s Day Later though, Craven said she real- Staff Sgt. Catie Carr when she drilled with the RSG, Carr ized this Mother’s Day would make all said being a military mom has its ad- of her future Mother’s Days with her Headquarters and vantages. daughters extra-special.

Headquarters Company “You realize how much your children Craven married her husband, Luke, 734th Regional Support mean to you and how much you miss during fl ight school as they were train- them,” Carr said. “Those little every- ing to become U.S. Army helicopter Group day things, like taking them to the pilots. After several years on active babysitter, putting them to bed at night, duty, Craven and her husband decided to start a family. or Staff Sgt. Catie Carr, a Pella or reading a story, maybe they’re mun- dane to you, but they become special native and Assistant Operations Shortly after the birth of their fi rst when you can’t do them anymore.” FNon-Commissioned Offi cer daughter, the Cravens’ unit was de- with Headquarters and Headquarters Having periods of time away from her ployed to Iraq. Her husband went on Detachment, 734th Regional Support family helps them to appreciate the the deployment, while Craven was Group (RSG), Iowa Army National time they do spend together. Carr said asked to remain at Fort Hood, Texas Guard at Camp Dodge, Iowa, juggling she’s found ways to let her daughters and serve as commander for the rear military service with motherhood is know she’s thinking of them when detachment. Craven said she appreci- business as usual. she’s away. ated the opportunity to stay at home with their infant. “I don’t think I’ve ever had to explain Although she hasn’t deployed since her it. It’s all my daughters have ever daughters were born, she had advice to “The military has been really great and known,” Carr said. give to moms who have to leave their they’ve really tried to balance fam- ily demands with military service,” Carr works full-time for the RSG as an daughters for extended periods of time. Craven said. Active Guard and Reserve Soldier. She “There’s little things you do as a and her husband, also a veteran, have mom,” Carr said. “You can send a card. Craven left the active duty Army in two young daughters. I recorded one myself singing their 2008 and joined the Iowa National Guard while her husband attended law After years of relying on a supportive lullabies.” school after leaving the Army himself. network of friends and family to help She made the decision to leave aviation care for the girls when Carr and her and become a logistics offi cer. husband would be absent for military training, schools or deployments, Lt. Col. Linda Craven “I have made some career decisions… Carr’s husband decided to transfer his 185th to ensure, does this make sense also for skills to the civilian world and leave the the family?” Craven said. Iowa National Guard. Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Switching from active duty to the “He misses the military a lot,” Carr National Guard, Craven added another said, “but he knew that was best for our job title to her resume: Citizen-Soldier. family.” his advice may come in handy With so much on her plate, Craven said it was helpful to be organized and to As Carr continues to advance in her for Lt. Col. Linda Craven, a keep prioritized to-do lists. She said military career, she said being a mother TJohnston native and executive she often offers advice and mentorship brings unique challenges. offi cer with the 185th Combat Sustain- ment Support Battalion. Craven has to other military parents. “I’m currently waiting to have [anoth- two daughters who are learning the “I think the biggest thing for military er] kid until I can get my next phase of struggles of being in a military family. moms is knowing you can do it,” Cra- school knocked out,” Carr said, refer- ven said. “You can balance a civilian ring to the Senior Leader Course which Craven is joining other members of the career, a military career and a family at is required for promotion. 185th as they deploy to Afghanistan. The send-off ceremony for the Soldiers the same time.” Because pregnant women cannot attend was, you guessed it, held on Mother’s many military schools, Carr’s had to Day, May 8. Military Moms carefully plan her pregnancies around Army training opportunities. “I thought ‘Of all days, really, Mother’s Day?’” Craven said. continued on page 14 Despite having to miss important dates Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 | 5 Iowa hosts U.S. Air Force Academy cadets through unique collaborative program

By Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden

hanks to a rather unique collabo- ration, Airmen from the Iowa TAir National Guard’s 132nd Wing, located at the Des Moines Inter- national Airport, provided cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) a comprehensive view of the capabili- ties and diverse missions of the Wing’s more than 900 Citizen-Airmen.

Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, sought to create a program to educate future Air Force leaders on the differ- ences and similarities of Air National Guard operations and to demystify the Air National Guard as a component of the U.S. Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets (left) get some hands-on cyber security demonstrations during their three- day visit to the ’s 132nd Wing. (Right) retired Maj. Gen. Gregory Schwab, a 42-year veteran with the Iowa Air National Guard, chats with U.S. Air Force Academy cadets about his military career as an A-7 Corsair and F-16 Falcon pilot. The cadets were able to receive a comprehensive view of the capabilities and diverse missions of the Wing's more than 900 Citizen- Airmen. 6 | WWarriori RReadyd | MMay/June/J 20201616 He reached out to Air Force Academy What made this visit especially signifi - to meet Gen. Orr’s objectives. You can faculty member, retired Lt. Gen. Chris cant for this group – Cadet 1st Class have all the briefi ngs you want, but Miller, about the potential for collabo- Kegan Garnett, Cadet 1st Class Andrew it’s actually meeting with our National ration between the organizations. The Holba, Cadet 1st Class John Tougas, Guard personnel which leaves more of Academy Superintendent's action team, Cadet 2nd Class Alexander Fulton, a lasting impression,” said Rutter, who Pathways to Excellence, then secured Cadet 3rd Class Samuel Chadwick and also serves as the Director of Inspec- funding and approval for the initial site Cadet 3rd Class Nathan Montierth – tions, Inspector General Offi ce at the visit, which served as a test bed identi- was the fact three plan to specialize in 132nd Wing. fying possible areas for future collabo- fl ying Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), ration. By immersing the cadets into the daily while the other three are involved in operation of the Iowa Air National cyber security. “To our knowledge, this pilot program Guard during a drill weekend, the is a fi rst for the Air National Guard,” According to Lt. Col. Casey Tidgewell, cadets had the opportunity to shadow said Iowa Air National Guard 2nd Lt. the Cadet Group One commander, Airmen performing a wide diversity of Rick Rutter, who served as the program since RPA and Cyber are two of the missions at the Wing, while becoming manager. “This program seeks to initi- in-demand career fi elds cadets are educated on the Air National Guard’s ate a Total Force partnership between motivated towards, they brought three Federal and State dual mission struc- the Iowa Air National Guard and the cadets of each mission type. ture. U.S. Air Force Academy to provide “We chose three fi rst-class cadets (se- cadets the opportunity to gain fi rst- The 132nd Wing, which has served as niors) who’ve been selected to serve as hand knowledge of Air National Guard an aerial reconnaissance and combat RPA pilots upon graduation who also operations. fi ghter unit for more than 70 years, converted to three new operational mis- “We reached out to every commander sions beginning in 2013: an MQ-9 Re- at the 132nd Wing, so we could set up motely Piloted Aircraft Mission Control USAF Academy visit briefi ngs and tours throughout every Element; an Intelligence Surveillance element of the Air National Guard. and Reconnaissance Group (ISRG); We actually sought a more hands-on continued on page 15 and a Cyber Operations Squadron. approach that we felt was better able

WarriorW i Ready R d | MMay/June /J 2016 | 7 Iowa'sIowa's toptop NCOs,NCOs, juniorjunior enlisted,enlisted, vievie forfor titletitle ofof 'Iowa's'Iowa's BestBest Warrior'Warrior'

by Staff Sgt. Chad Nelson obstacle course, a 12-mile march while spent a lot of time studying for the carrying a 35-pound rucksack, and sev- appearance board and the written test, wenty-three Iowa Army National eral other events. and spent two to three hours a day do- Guard Soldiers from across the ing physical fi tness training to get into Tstate gathered at Camp Dodge The Soldiers are notifi ed of the events shape,” said Sgt. Allison R. Knipe, an Joint Maneuver Training Center in before the competition so they coul Oskaloosa, Iowa, native and unit supply Johnston, Iowa for the annual Best War- study and train for them, but this year specialist for Headquarters and Head- rior Competition held March 18 – 20. there was a mystery event none of the quarters Detachment, 734th Regional competitors knew about in advance: a Support Group at Camp Dodge. The competitors, grouped into junior three-mile run taking place directly af- enlisted and Non-Commissioned Of- ter the physical fi tness test, which itself The appearance board offered a formal fi cer (NCO) categories, were faced with contains a two-mile run. question and answer session in which challenges testing their knowledge, the state’s most senior enlisted person- skills and mental endurance. “It really took me by surprise, but it’s nel asked a series of questions about what we train for,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Army rules and regulations. Occasion- “It was a good mix of knowledge and A. England, of Polk City, Iowa, and a ally, Soldiers were stumped, digging physical activities,” said Sgt. Cody L. senior management analyst for Joint deep into the recesses of their memory Vantiger, a Sioux City, Iowa, native and Forces Headquarters in Johnston. for an answer. heavy equipment operator for the 831st Engineer Company, 224th Engineer Training for this competition is critical. These occasional missteps during an Battalion in Middletown, Iowa. “It’s With competitors from widely-varying individual event didn’t faze the com- a tough weekend, and it’s long, but we backgrounds in the military – every- petitors. If they made a mistake, they get through it.” thing from unit supply specialists to shrugged it off and drove on to the next infantrymen – there was something to event, regaining their confi dence by The tough weekend consisted of the challenge everyone. executing other tasks to standard. Army Physical Fitness Test, weapons qualifi cation, drill and ceremony, an “It took me fi ve months to prepare. I “I felt like I did pretty well until the 8 | Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 ruck march,” said Spc. Ethan Esta- shared a similar drive. erything they had into it to try to be brooks, a Slater, Iowa, native and crew number one in either the Soldier or the chief and mechanic with Co. C, 2-147th “I’ve always been internally motivated. NCO category,” said Command Sgt. Aviation in Boone. “I enjoyed the land That’s something I’ve never had a prob- Maj. Rachel Fails, the State Command navigation event the most. I was able lem with. If I have goals it forces me Sergeant Major for the Iowa Army to fi nd all the points and within a time I to get ready,” said the Johnston resident National Guard. was happy with.” and Soldier with the 186th Military Po- lice Company at Camp Dodge. “I want “All these Soldiers worked extremely For the land navigation event, Soldiers to push myself to always improve, and hard to get to the state-level competi- were given eight grid coordinates, a I’ve learned you’re either on your way tion. They’ve gone through a competi- map, protractor and compass. They up or you’re on your way out.” tion at the unit level and then competed then had to plot each grid coordinate on at the battalion level; these Soldiers the Camp Dodge map, and walk to each But, while only one NCO and one really wanted to be here. It is very point. Each location contained a unique junior enlisted Soldier were given the rewarding to see how much effort they stamp to prove they found it. Points titles of Best Warrior during this event, put into every event.” were given for each coordinate success- all of the competitors demonstrated the high values held by American Soldiers. fully reached, and ties were settled by Sgt. John G. Finken (Far left), with Each of them shared the determination the fastest time. the 186th Military Police Company and drive to never accept defeat and to climbs an obstacle during the Iowa And, in the end, it was all about trying never quit. to avoid ties in each of the events. It Best Warrior was about trying to be the fastest, the “Every single one of them put ev- Competition. Finken placed fi rst in smartest, and the toughest. the Non-Commissioned Offi cer com- petiton. Staff Sgt. Jason A. England Each Soldier pushed themselves to their (Below), a senior management ana- physical and mental limit, ignoring the lyst for Joint Forces Headquarters, bitter cold and snow during the obstacle completes his run during the Army course and the ever-growing blisters Physical Fitness Test (Iowa National on their feet during the ruck march. Guard photos by Sgt. Zachary Zuber) Each of these Soldiers tried their best Sgt. Cody L. Vantiger (Inset), with to elevate their performance above the the 831st Engineer Company, 224th efforts of their peers. The spirit of com- Engineer Battalion, performs a func- petition was alive and well inside each and every one of the competitors. tions check. (Iowa National Guard photo by Sgt. Andrew Shipley). “Competition is what drives me,” said Spc. Dakota VanBrocklin, a Dubuque, Iowa, native and combat medic with the 134th Medical Company (Ground Am- bulance), 109th Multifunctional Medi- cal Battalion at Camp Dodge. “I’m very goal oriented. [The competition gave] me something to look forward to and train towards. Putting in the time and effort outside of drills and when you’re tired and doing the things you don’t want to do is really what makes you the best.”

VanBrocklin’s drive ultimately pushed him to victory in this three-day compe- tition, as he was declared the Soldier of the Year out of the nine competitors in the junior enlisted category.

Sgt. John Finken, the newly-crowned Non-Commissioned Offi cer of the Year,

Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 | 9 Mentor, competitor Father, son focus on Best Warrior competition

Story and photos by Sgt. Drew Shipley

he 2016 Iowa Best Warrior Competition held at Camp TDodge in Johnston, Iowa March 18-20 presented a unique opportunity for one Soldier.

Spc. Ethan Estabrooks, a crew chief and mechanic with Company C, 2-147th Aviation, , navigated, engaged and maneuvered through the three-day event with the help of a fellow Soldier who acted as his sponsor and who also happens to be his father.

“I wanted to be there for him for moral support and help him with anything he needed,” said 1st Sgt. Gary Estabrooks, Spc. Ethan Estabrooks, a helicopter crew chief with Company C, 2-147th fi rst sergeant of Company A, 248th Aviation, Iowa Army National Guard, performs a personal search on his Aviation Support Battalion, in Waterloo, sponsor and father, 1st Sgt. Gary Estabrooks, fi rst sergeant for Company A, Iowa. “To help guide him through 248th Aviation Support Ballion, at the Iowa Best Warrior Competition at Camp the Best Warrior Competition and Dodge March 19, 2016. Gary served as Ethan’s sponsor during the event, watching him compete was fun. It (the providing instructions and assistance throughout the competition. competition) was an animal.”

The Best Warrior Competition consisted Iowa Army National Guard, felt his be in the National Guard,” Gary said. of several mentally- and physically- background helped his son to enlist. “I started out in aviation, he’s starting demanding events such as land out in aviation. We had a lot of fun navigation, an Army Physical Fitness “When it was time for Ethan to enlist, spending time together during this Test, a 12-mile march with a loaded my background in recruiting was competition. It’s a neat way to hand it rucksack, and several other tasks. important to make sure he was getting off and see what he can do with it.” what he wanted,” said Gary. “It was a Ethan, a Slater, Iowa native and third- way to get his college done and set him Ethan, one of eight junior enlisted generation servicemember, recalled his up for success.” Soldiers to fi nish the competition, interest in the military and his father’s added he had some ups and downs service as a child. With the benefi ts gained by serving in during the competition, but felt it was the military, there also comes a certain an overall success. “As a child, I grew up throwing on level of duty, loyalty and selfl ess- some boots and this small [Army] service. “I felt like I did pretty well until the uniform with ‘Estabrooks’ on it,” said ruck march,” said Ethan. “I enjoyed the Ethan. “It has always interested me. “Being pulled away from the family is land navigation event the most. I was One day, before graduating from high never easy,” said Gary. “My wife and I able to fi nd all the points and within a school, dad comes in the house and asks never pushed the military on Ethan. I’m time I was happy with.” me how I’m going to pay for college. happy to see that he’s happy and being Two or three days later, he was able to successful.” Ethan is currently taking pre-engineer- convince me that the National Guard ing classes at Des Moines Area Com- was the way to go.” Gary feels he’s passing the torch in their munity College, before transferring to family’s military service. Iowa State University to earn his degree Gary, a former recruiter with the in aerospace engineering. “I really never envisioned that he would 10 | Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 challenge of competing with males, and these women met the challenge head- on.

“I love it; they’re good competition and it’s fun to compete against the males. I think sometimes females are underestimated, so it’s nice to be able to prove that we can step up to the plate. We can perform just as well as a man if not better in some categories,” said Sgt. Allison Knipe of Fort Madison, Iowa, a unit supply specialist, with the 734th Regional Support Group at Camp Dodge.

Stepping up to the plate in this competi- tion required challenging preparation. The participants put in weeks of study- ing and physical training to perform their best in each event. Sgt. Allison Knipe from Fort Madison, Iowa, a unit supply specialist with the 734th Regional Support Group, Iowa Army National Guard at Camp Dodge, “It took me fi ve months to prepare. Iowa, crawls through the mud to complete one of the confi dence course I spent a lot of time studying for the obstacles as part of the annual Best Warrior Competition. Knipe trained in appearance board and the written test, the gym three hours a day to prepare for this competition. (Iowa National and spent two to three hours a day do- Guard photo by Sgt. Renee Seruntine) ing physical fi tness training to get into shape. It’s important to put in time on the treadmill, running the two miles, Female Soldiers seek to earn title as and practicing for the road march, since Iowa National Guard's Best Warrior it was during the winter,” said Knipe. Females performing in this competition by Sgt. Renee Seruntine “Overall, it’s a test feel they can meet any challenge asked n a cold, windy, three-day of them. They believe in themselves, weekend in central Iowa, Iowa of your Soldier ability and their units fully support them as OArmy National Guard Soldiers they help them prepare. competed in the annual Iowa National and it’s a challenge." “There are some events in this competi- Guard Best Warrior Competition. The tion that naturally, I think I’ll be better event took place March 18-20 at Camp Spc. Holly Morrison at, such as the exam and the appearance Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center boards. I hope I can be an inspiration to in Johnston, Iowa. other females who want to do some- The competition consisted of several thing like this. I use competing against events, including weapons qualifi ca- “Overall it’s a test of your Soldier abil- males as my motivation every day, and tion, the Army physical fi tness test, ity and it’s a challenge. It’s exciting to if I’m the underdog, then I feel I have board interviews, written exams, a 12- go out and see where you stand com- to show somebody up,” said Morrison, mile march with rucksack, and Warrior pared to everybody else in the Guard, who placed third in the Soldier of the Tasks and battle drills related to today’s especially being a female. You get to Year competition. operating environment. Each Soldier see exactly where you stand compared These female Soldiers are confi dent had to successfully complete each event to the males,” said Spc. Holly Morrison they did their best, giving their male for points toward their overall score. of Letts, Iowa, an automated logistical counterparts a run for their money. specialist with Co. B, 334th Brigade Through the intensive preparation and The majority of these 23 Soldiers from Support Battalion, based in Cedar spirited competition, they became bet- across the state were male. However, Rapids. three females represented their units ter Soldiers and will continue to push with confi dence and pride. Many female Soldiers welcome the themselves to improve on a daily basis.

Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 | 11 Following in the family footsteps by Sgt. Zachary Zuber "Being a truck driver and “Our transportation assets are currently being transferred to Nebraska,” Bell taff Sgt. Greg Bell, a squad being gone so much, said. “Alpha Company’s focus will be leader with Co. A, Forward changing to fueling operations. I was SSupport Company, 224th Engi- my family talked me into able to select three preferences into neer Battalion, Iowa Army National which I can transfer to.” Guard based in Fairfi eld, Iowa, always joining the National Guard ..." wanted to follow in his father’s foot- Bell has decided he will reclassify as a steps and become a truck driver. Staff Sgt. Greg Bell petroleum fuel handler so he can stay with his company, which will still be However, he said he never wanted to overcome to be successful. Bell is no located in Fairfi eld. be a full-time driver. Bell accomplished exception. that goal 13 years ago, with help from “I could have transferred to another his family. As part of the Iowa National Guard’s unit to remain a truck driver, but recent reorganization process, the the location of the units were rather “I always had the ambition to be primary mission of Bell’s company will unreasonable from where I live,” said a truck driver,” Bell said. “Being a be shifting in another direction. Bell. truck driver and being gone so much, my family talked me into joining the National Guard so I could be a truck driver and not be away from home as frequently.”

According to Bell, a Tipton, Iowa native, the education he’s received over his military career has assisted him in his civilian occupation.

“As a truck driver in the National Guard, the experience I received was able to carry over to my civilian job as a bridge crew operator with Cedar County,” Bell said. “The Department of Transportation recognized my military experience to obtain my commercial driver’s license, which is a prerequisite in being hired by the county.”

Each Soldier’s military career can consist of challenges they must

Soldiers from the 1168th Transpor- tation Company(top photo) trans- port an FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles) from the Forward Support Company, 224th Engineer Battalion, to be decommissioned. Sgt. Zach Faught (bottom right), a Marshalltown, Iowa native and motor transport operator with the 1168th Transportation Company, secures an FMTV to a trailer for transport in Fairfi eld, Iowa.

12 | Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 Air National Guard 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air Naitonal Guard Purple Up for Iowa military kids by Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot 185th Air Refueling Wing

igital tiger stripe camoufl age is the usual uniform of the day Dfor members of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City. Today however, unit members joined with area school students and supporters from across the nation in wearing purple to show sup- port for military children.

According to the 4-H website, http://4- hmilitary partnerships.org, “Purple Up Day" was established by former Secre- tary of Defense Caspar Weinberger in 1986. Weinberger’s designation of April as the Month of the Military Child ac- services are traditionally provided to was adopted from military organiza- knowledges the signifi cant role military military members and their families," tion’s use of the term when referring to youth play in our communities. said Risdal "This makes it all the more a unifi ed effort that doesn’t belong to a In 2011, the University of New Hamp- important that our military children fi nd specifi c military branch. support within their communities." shire Cooperative Extension Military In Iowa, participants added photos of Youth and Family Program started the Rather than using terms like Army themselves wearing purple at #IAPur- “Purple Up! for Military Kids” initia- green, Marine Corps red, or Air Force, pleUp throughout the day as part of the tive that quickly gained momentum and Navy or Coast Guard blue, "purple" activities. is now celebrated nation wide. New Hampshire chose April 15 to be that special day.

Lori Risdal, Iowa Air National Guard 185th Air Refueling Wing Family Programs Manager, says more than 11,000 children in Iowa are connected to the military. She said burdens placed on family members are often unknown and wearing purple on April 15 is one way for Iowans to show support for the sacrifi ces these families make.

Risdal says military children face many challenges unique to their situation, like having parents deployed for long periods of time. She says deployments and family separations can be stressful times for children. Members of the 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, pose for a "Because many Iowa military fami- group photo wearing purple in a show of support for military kids as part of lies live in rural areas, they’re sepa- national “Purple Up Day” at the Air National Guard base in Sioux City, Iowa. rated from military installations where (Iowa National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot)

Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 | 13 the key. military families through Family Readi- Military Moms ness Groups. While being involved in “You have to be fl exible because noth- these organizations for her husband and continued from page 5 ing goes as planned,” she said. daughters, Angela touched the lives of countless other Soldiers. Now that When she realized her husband, and Angela works at the Camp Dodge Post later her daughters, would be missing Exchange, she said those Soldiers know family holidays for deployments or Angela Kennebeck the hugs are always free. training, she said she started baking former U.S. Army cakes right away. “A lot of Soldiers will come into the store and say, ‘Hi, mom!’” she said. Active Duty Soldier “You just celebrate it on a different “And I don’t mind it a bit.” and Family Readiness day,” Angela said. Being a “surrogate mom” to many Group Leader In 1997, Dean joined the Iowa National Soldiers has made her proud to be part Guard after a short break in service. of the backbone of America’s Army. As the Kennebeck daughters grew, two ngela Kennebeck, an Ankeny Angela fought back tears as she refer- of them also joined the Iowa National native and Camp Dodge Post enced the pride and appreciation for her Guard. At one point, two of the Kenne- AExchange employee, has spent extended military family. more than 30 years mentoring military becks deployed together. families. Being a mother is a demanding role, but “The hardest thing about being a mili- being a military mom presents another tary mom is saying goodbye at deploy- As a Family Readiness Group leader, unique set of challenges requiring ments, or goodbye when they leave for Kennebeck was the go-to person for adaptability, resiliency and optimism. countless families, especially while training,” Angela said. “My husband their Soldiers were deployed. has deployed three times. On the third While Carr, Craven and Kennebeck deployment, my middle daughter, have each made different decisions for “The important thing is to let those Megan, went with him. It’s almost like themselves and their families in service families know, night after night, you’re a piece of your heart walks away when to their country, they all have one thing not the only one that may be crying your daughter deploys.” in common: They are Army moms and themselves to sleep,” Kennebeck said. they are Army strong. During those deployments, Angela said Angela met her husband at a recruiting she worked hard to help support other station when they were both in high school. Sgt. Maj. Dean Kennebeck, the U.S. Property and Fiscal Offi ce for Iowa sergeant major, and Angela were married while they were both serving in the regular Army.

After Angela’s initial enlistment as an administrative specialist, she got out of the Army to start a family with Dean, then a military police offi cer who spent a lot of time away conducting train- ing missions in the fi eld. Angela said adjusting to life as a military wife and mother of three daughters was a learn- ing process.

“You know, being overseas in Ger- many, being far from home and being a new mother, that’s an experience,” Angela said. But, the comradery be- tween military families built a support network she still cherishes to this day. Military families = Courage, strength, sacrifi ce Angela quickly learned adaptability is 14 | Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 “I’ve had no previous exposure to the brings professional, dedicated Airmen USAF Academy visit Guard, so the trip really helped me un- to the Total Force, where we serve derstand what the Guard does and how side-by-side training for and supporting continued from page 7 it compares to active duty. The people current operations.” I met were great and I was impressed By starting with such a small number with the leadership I observed. It was of cadets, offi cials hope to fi ne-tune the participate in the Air Force Academy's an awesome trip!" process, before ramping it up to include Unmanned Aircraft Systems course,” participation with the 185th Air Refuel- Tidgewell said. “We also chose three “These cadets came away with a great ing Wing in Sioux City, Iowa. cadets (two 3rd-class cadets, or sopho- understanding about the National Guard. They now understand how we mores, and one 2nd-class cadet, or Tidgewell pointed out there are several have both a federal and a state mission, junior) who are part of the Academy's opportunities for future collaboration and that speaks volumes. I most cer- Cyber Competition Team.” between the two Air Force entities. tainly believe this visit met all of Gen. The ensuing three-day visit featured a Orr’s objectives,” said Rutter. “There are several areas we can explore whirlwind tour of the Iowa Air National for future collaboration opportunities, “In my opinion, the USAFA does an Guard. It began with an informal din- including additional site visits with outstanding job of selecting these ner at Orr’s home on the Camp Dodge larger numbers of cadets, 132nd Wing future leaders. You could tell they were Joint Maneuver Training Center, with Airmen traveling to the USAFA to very well-rounded, very confi dent Orr and Col. Shawn Ford, the 132nd educate and motivate cadets towards leaders. They’re very competent, very Wing commander. It concluded with careers in RPA, cyber, and intel, and personable and very mature,” he said. tours of the Intelligence, Surveillance collaboration between the USAFA's and Reconnaissance Group; Cyber Tidgewell said the highlight of the visit fl edgling Cyber Innovation Center and Operations; RPA Operations; and the was their ability to see the Iowa Air Na- our Cyber Competition Team. Mobile Emergency Operations Center; tional Guard’s MQ-9 mission in action as well as briefi ngs about the Wing’s “Cadets were exposed to mission areas and their support of current operations, Mission Support, Total Force Integra- they’ll either soon be entering, or are just like active duty units. He also cited tion and domestic operations roles. interested in pursuing and they were a few of their main takeaways from the exposed to the professionalism, dedi- Iowa visit. Cadets also had the opportunity to cation, and opportunities of our Air speak with Col. Mark Chidley, the vice “The Iowa Air National Guard has National Guard partners. The ground wing commander, retired Maj. Gen. an extremely diverse mission set in work was laid and contacts established Gregory Schwab, and Lt. Col. Michael relevant and high-demand career fi elds, for future collaborative opportunities Barten, an RPA pilot and USAFA has several unique opportunities, and between our bases,” he said. graduate. They also were able to have lunch with a wide range of company grade offi cers, encompassing all the different missions that comprise Iowa Air National Guard operations.

“Unique opportunities included seeing the 132nd Wing's diverse missions, in- cluding MQ-9 operations, cyber opera- tions, and the ISR Group, as well as the several unique state disaster response missions,” Tidgewell said. “Cadets do not receive routine exposure to our Total Force partners, so this was a great opportunity to see what the Air Nation- al Guard has to offer and what cadets can expect as they serve side-by-side with the Total Force training for and supporting current operations.” U.S. Air Force Academy cadets get the opportunity for some hands-on cyber Montierth, a sophomore from Arizona, felt the trip provided a great exposure security demonstrations during their recent visit to the Iowa Air National to the Air National Guard. Guard’s 132nd Wing, located at Des Moines International Airport. Warrior Ready | May/June 2016 | 15 16 | Warrior Ready | May/June 2016