Kansas ADT U.S. flag has Deployed conducts spur unusual Airman wins ride ...... 2 history . . . 9 Army compe- tition ...... 10 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian

Volume 54 No. 4 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol July 2011 Soldiers deploy to monitor levees, provide security By Sgt. Shawn Stovall, UPAR The night shifts bring different obstacles 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery to overcome. Pfc. Roy Lockhart, from As the Missouri River began to rise, so Holton, Kan., knows what it takes to be did the possibility of a flood. Several com- successful during night time operations. munities in the St. Joseph, Mo., area have “We did some day time routes, so we been at risk, including a 13-mile stretch of could familiarize ourselves with the ter- levee in Elwood, Kan. Once the water level rain,” said Lockhart. “Of course once it’s reached 22 feet, it was clear that the levee dark out, there are always things that try was going to need constant monitoring. and catch you off guard. We are equipped Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 130th with halogen flashlights that allow us to Field Artillery were ready when the call have an extreme amount of visibility, but was made for support and Operation Thun- we always have to be on watch for the local der II was born. wildlife. We don’t want to disturb them Ten Soldiers reported to battalion head- while we are out here.” quarters in Hiawatha, Kan., to begin their While the Soldiers were out on patrols, mission briefs and training. They were the Command Center, set up at the El- going to need training on everything from wood High School, was ready to make the equipment, including how to operate the call to the Emergency Operation Center at Gator all-terrain vehicles, to proper proce- a moment’s notice. Sgt. 1st Class Kevin dures of spotting problem areas in the Johnson, Savannah, Mo., was ready to as- levee. After the briefs were finished in Hi- sist his Soldiers when they call in a po- awatha, the local Pizza Hut provided a free tential problem. lunch for the Soldiers before they started “We are a key aspect for the city of El- the next phase of their mission at Rose- wood to help quickly identify where the crans Air Force Base in St. Joseph, located Ten Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, Hiawatha, Kan., help the cit- problems are and how to fix them,” said just outside of Elwood, Kan. izens of Elwood, Kan., with flood monitoring on a 13-mile stretch of federal levees Johnson.” Once the Soldiers call in a prob- Once the Soldiers made it to Rosecrans and other flood related activities (Photo provided) lem the call goes to the EOC located at the Air Force Base, they were trained by the Elwood Fire Station and from there directly Army Corps of Engineers on how to prop- year became the Soldier’s new temporary during their stay. “We are treated like fam- to the levee district.” erly monitor the levee, how to spot prob- barracks. They were given access to the ily here,” said Yoho, a Topeka, Kan., na- This line of communication is vital for lems and how to properly prepare those gym, weight room, football field and din- tive. “This is why I signed up to be in the the overall success of the mission. Cur- problem areas for maintenance. Also taking ing facilities. National Guard, to help out communities in rently, the Soldiers are not manning the part in the training were public officials Volunteers from the surrounding area crisis. Everyone is extremely hospitable EOC, but once the water level reaches 25 from the surrounding area. The audience signed up to donate food, drinks and to and it is amazing to see how well they have feet the Soldiers take on 24-hour shift rota- ranged from police officers to city council- serve meals to the Soldiers three times a been taking care of us.” tions and have a presence inside the fire men from Elwood and Wathena, as well as day. Tammy Norris and Brandon Funk, The levee monitoring is broken down station. St. Joseph. It was here it was made clear both from Wathena, were two of the volun- into six hour shifts, with Soldiers working It is unclear how long the Soldiers will this was going to be a group effort with the teers during lunch time. both day and night rotations. Spc. Ramone be deployed to the city of Elwood. Initially community playing a very big role. “It feels great to be able to help the com- Addington has been tasked with daytime it was for six weeks, but with constant se- The Soldiers were later transported to munity and lend a hand,” said Norris, a operations. vere storms in the area, the Soldiers could Elwood High School, where they stayed school teacher during the fall. “We both “When we find a problem area, such as a be there through the month August. The during the entirety of their mission. What have flexible schedules and what better sand boil, we mark it with orange construc- strong support from community volunteers was a Spanish class during the school way to spend the summer then to help out tion paint and call it in,” said Addington, a and city officials has made a significant im- these Soldiers while they are here.” Hiawatha native. “Keeping an alert status, pact on the mission. No matter how long Pfc. Jeremy Yoho had great things to say staying focused and hydrated are key com- the Soldiers have to patrol the levee, it is about how helpful the community has been ponents during the day.” clear that the community is there to help. KSARNG unit teams with 1st Infantry to certify range PAID By Capt. Matt Hapke reminiscent of an aircraft control tower at range operators and military leadership to PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR U.S. POSTAGE

PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, any modern airport. Its four command levels see what is happening on the range both in 137th Infantry Regiment house computers and monitors allow both (Continued on Page 9) On the morning of May 16, 2011, the main guns of six M1A1 Abrams tanks and six Bradley Fighting Vehicles from the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment began a barrage of fire which signaled the start of a special joint en- deavor to improve the capabilities package of Fort Riley, Kan. This exercise, which combined the efforts of the 1st Infantry Di- vision, Fort Riley Range Operations, and the Kansas Army National Guard, provided the necessary Government Acceptance Test for the Digital Multi-Purpose Range Com- plex, or DMPRC. The DMPRC is a state-of-the-art digital live-fire range complex that can support everything from dismounted Soldiers, to High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), to Bradley Fighting Vehicles and Abrams Tanks, to attack helicopters like the AH-64 Apache. It has six firing lanes 2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka

OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL that are being watched by six cameras to aid Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300 in the after action review process, giving DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT Six M1A1 Abrams tanks from the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL Soldiers better feedback immediately fol- Regiment help conduct a Government Acceptance Test for a newly built Digital lowing their firing exercise. Multi-Purpose Range Complex on Fort Riley, Kan., May 16, 2011. (Photo by Capt. DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT The command tower of the DMPRC is Matt Hapke) Page 2 Plains Guardian • July 2011 Kansas Agribusiness Development Team #3 conducts spur ride By Sgt. Kenneth Kumle humor as the Shavetails mustered for their Combined Joint Task Force 1 next task — a two-mile ruck-march called After the sun set, Soldiers and Airmen the “hump-walk.” deployed to Afghanistan in support of Op- The teams marched around the perimeter eration Enduring Freedom with the 3/6 of Forward Observation Base Mehtar Lam, Kansas Cavalry Agribusiness Development past the living areas, firing range, mainte- Team 3, were restless as they awaited the nance bays and airfield. start of the “spur ride,” a tradition exclu- The seven teams split to one of seven sive to cavalry units. performance stations: six static stations The official start time was 3:30 a.m., with additional ruck-march iterations serv- May 25, to take advantage of the cool pre- ing as the seventh station. During the spur dawn, but true to the Army spur ride tradi- ride, the cadre graded the candidates on tion, the cadre, known as spur-holders, weapons, maintenance, emergency resup- arrived at 9 p.m. the night before, calling ply, marksmanship, medical and a written forth the “Shavetails” to begin establishing exam on cavalry history. Candidates tra- their teams. versed two-mile ruck-marches between Participants threw on their gear, and each station. team leaders raced to fulfill their first as- An element of the competition was the signment: gather three service members of teams earned more points for faster march higher rank. Each candidate was required times. The timer only stops when the last to have all of the required items. However, member crosses the finish line. some Shavetails returned missing required “It was good for the simple fact that so items and soon paid for it. many guys haven’t seen a traditional spur Service members without a camel back ride …. The biggest thing is can [the serv- found themselves carrying a series of water ice members] think outside the box with bottles tied together with parachute rigging their skill sets,” stated Master Sgt. Michael cord. No watch? A wall clock hung around L. Crist of Basehor, Kan., a personnel offi- their neck as a reminder of the importance Spur ride candidate, Sgt. Paul Olson, Manhattan, Kan., center, raises his arm in cel- cer for ADT 3. of keeping track of time. The boisterous ebration as he, and teammates 1st Lt. Benjamin Pimpl, Olpe, Kan., left rear, and As the sun rose and the Afghanistan heat cadre elicited laughs from all as they sin- Sgt. 1st Class James M. Swafford, Emporia, Kan., right, all with the 3/6 Kansas arrived, competitors joked “It’s a dry heat.” gled out candidates for infractions, good- Cavalry Agribusiness Development Team 3, finish the last of their ruck-march itera- The first casualties of the spur ride were a naturedly berating the unprepared and tions on Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, May 25. Olson’s enthu- few of the “extra” team members, a soft making a ruckus as the Shavetails looked siasm earned him the popular vote for the most motivated candidate. (Photo by Staff boiled egg each team was required to anywhere but in the eyes of the cadre as Sgt. Brandon Schultz, 3/6 Kansas Cavalry Agribusiness Development Team 3) name, protect and carry through the spur- they had been instructed. was an understanding that by the time the functions, and it is primarily through spur ride. By the end of the day, three eggs were “Back to your bunks!” ordered the spur- horse’s hair grows to a full tail, both rider ride events that Soldiers earn the honor of lost, and in the heat, fried to perfection. holders around 11 p.m. to the teams stand- and mount will have learned the core skills wearing the Stetsons and spurs. Significant to this particular spur ride, ing at parade rest. The participants needed of cavalry movement, orders and tactics At 3 a.m., the Shavetails poured from despite being in a combat zone, was the their rest for the 3:30 a.m. competition start necessary to operate within a horse- their living areas into the predawn darkness entry of Senior Airman Melissa Hidalgo, a and the long day ahead, the cadre said. mounted military unit. into the teams they formed the night be- medic attached to ADT 3, and native of The tradition of the spur ride and “earn- Modern times have seen the retirement fore. The cadre rearranged the teams, dic- Costa Rica who currently resides in ing the spurs” goes back to the origin of the of the horse, but not the pride or traditions. tating the rosters. Topeka, Kan. Female spur-holders are rare, U.S. Cavalry, with new riders learning the Hooves have been replaced with wheels, “The whole time it reminded me of basic and Air Force spur-holders rarer still. ropes prior to donning the spurs that ear- armor tracks and rotor blades; the bugle training, but this time I got to talk back,” According to Col. Howard E. Wheeler, a mark a cavalryman. The term “shavetail” call to “Charge!” replaced by radio-borne said Spc. Jason Cook, resident of Wichita, native of Manhattan, Kan., commander of refers to their assigned horse having its tail affirmatives. However, the tether to the Kan., a truck crewman with the ADT 3. the ADT 3, Hidalgo may be the first female shorn close, visible at a distance and serv- cavalry of old can be seen in the spurs, The exchanges between the spur-holder Kansas Air Guard spur holder. ing the dual purpose of identifying the Stetsons and sabers Soldiers traditionally cadre and the candidates, seeking to earn “It was an honor to … partake in the spur novice riders and marking their time. There wear today for formal armor and cavalry their spurs, maintained its tempo and (Continued on Page 11) Maintenance company provides needed support to MATES By Sgt. Kevin Landers, UPAR Area Training Equipment Site at Fort that they would not normally work on. The 995th Maintenance Company con- Riley, Kan. While at annual training, the “The training that the Soldiers received ducted annual training at the Maneuver unit worked on vehicles and equipment was very beneficial to keep their skills “ It was amazing to watch sharp,” said Master Sgt. Jimmy Jarvis, four companies come to- 995th acting first sergeant. gether and accomplish so The unit opened 132 work orders which resulted in 1,480 hours of direct labor time. much in such a short The Allied Trades section completed eight amount of time.” of nine nonmission capable work orders. The remaining order had additional electri- Capt. Wallace Miller, cal problems which had to be sent to an- commander other shop for repairs. The trailers all 995th Maintenance Co. needed the bed board replaced on them. They also load tested the material handling cranes for two Forward Repair Sites. much in such a short amount of time,” said The Commo Section installed radio Miller. “The dedication, enthusiasm and mount kits on 10 humvees. They also professionalism of these Soldiers were the worked 186 night vision goggles for two critical factors which allowed the 995th different units. Maintenance Company to far surpass The Organizational Maintenance section workload expectations.” repaired two nonmission capable vehicles, The unit also worked two high visibility performed two annual services on the work orders. One was for the repair of a Heavy Equipment Transporter and four an- piece of equipment at the Fort Riley mu- nual services on M113 track vehicles. seum. The second was to perform services The 995th Maintenance Company was on 95 M16s and four M203s for the 170th augmented by Soldiers of Headquarters Maintenance Company before their upcom- and Headquarters Company, 287th Sustain- ing range. ment Brigade, 731st Transportation Com- Drivers’ training was conducted on the up- pany and the 170th Maintenance Company, armored family of medium tactical vehicles, which led to the overwhelming success of light medium tactical vehicle, Forward Re- the unit’s annual training. pair Site and the load handling system. This “The focus for this annual training was resulted in getting 28 Soldiers trained on the individual Soldier MOS (Military Occupa- FMTV and the LMTV. Five Soldiers trained tional Skills) training, as well as team on the FRS and the LHS equipment. building,” said Capt. Wallace Miller, 995th While conducting physical training, the commander. “Soldiers of the 995th Mainte- unit was also preparing Soldiers to go to nance Company and sister companies were Warrior Leader Course. They accomplished able to expand their individual skill sets by this by have them conduct the Army Physi- working on new equipment which is not cal Readiness Training using the new phys- Spc. Jonah Stafford, 995th Maintenance Company, works on a trailer at the Fort available at the unit level.” ical training regulations. This included Riley MATES during his annual training (Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 “It was amazing to watch four compa- opening and closing formations, as well as Fankhauser) nies come together and accomplish so doing the drills from the new manual. July 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Officials address flooding concerns at tele-town hall meeting By Sgt. Jessica Barnett Public Affairs Office Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and U.S. Congress- woman Lynn Jenkins hosted a live telephone town hall meeting, June 15, 2011, in response to the flooding of the Missouri River in Northeast Kansas. The goal of the conference call was to inform residents of Northeast Kansas about the resources available to them, answer any questions they had about the flood in the state and status, preparation and response to the flooding of the Missouri River. In attendance for the phone conference in the State De- fense Building in Topeka., Kan., were Brownback; Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management; Insur- ance Commissioner Sandy Praeger; Mike McNulty, opera- tions director for the Bureau of Public Health Preparedness, Kansas Department of Health and Environ- ment; along with representatives from KDEM and other state agencies. Joining the teleconference by phone were Jenkins; Beth Freeman, regional administrator of Federal Emergency Management Agency Region VII; Dean Ownby, National Flood Insurance Program branch chief; Col. Anthony Hoff- man, U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers district engineer, Kansas City District; Jud Kneuven, USACE chief of emer- gency management, Kansas City District; and Jody Farhat, USACE Reservoir Control Center. Calls were placed to residents of Atchison, Doniphan, and Leavenworth counties, while others were able to call in. More than 2,300 callers participated in the meeting. Many of the residents’ questions were concerning the ru- mors that insurance companies are claiming that they will Representatives from state and federal agencies meet with residents of Doniphan and Atchison Counties in a tele- not cover this flood because it is “man-made.” Ownby was conference town hall meeting June 15 in the State Emergency Operations Center. The telephone conference was able to assure the Kansas community that no matter what arranged with the help of U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins to address flooding concerns of Kansas citizens. caused the flood, if their flood insurance is in effect, they (Photo by Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) are covered. for the benefit of the basin,” shared Hoffman. “This man- online to register: http://www.helpmekansas.org. Registra- “Some people are calling this a ‘man-made event.’ That ual is based on 100 years of historical run of records.” tion is free. is not the way we define a flood in the flood policy. As Many callers wished that the waters would have been re- Registering does not guarantee services and should not long as your policy was effective as of June the 1st, south leased earlier to prevent the mass amount that is being take the place of personal preparation. of Garrison Dam, Midland, you will be covered by the pushed out now. “If you or someone you know has a special need, per- flood policy.” “The bottom line is, there was no reason to release addi- haps mobility issues, oxygen usage or communication dif- Praegar also reminded the community that flood is not a tional water according to the Master Manual,” said Hoff- ficulties, please take advantage of this system to ensure covered peril in the normal homeowner’s policy. She en- man. “The game changing events were the rains in emergency personnel are aware of your situation,” said couraged people to participate in the National Flood Insur- Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming, as well as kind of a Tafanelli. “The information you voluntarily give will allow ance Program, which was established by an act of perfect storm of high snowfall and high rainfall in early local emergency management officials to know where you Congress in 1968 to protect your home or commercial May. Those three combinations were unpredictable. Those are and what you require.” property against flood damage. Water damage as a result of were game changers in the reservoir system.” The sole use of this information will be to assist emer- sewer back up or ground water seeping up into basements Farhat also noted that during the winter the rivers are gency management in planning to assist these individuals is not covered. frozen up north so there is no water to be released to pre- before, during and after a disaster. Many citizens also voiced their opinion that this flooding vent the massive overflow of melting snow. Brownback concluded the meeting by saying, “Key situation could have been prevented by better management Other important issues addressed during the meeting in- things folks, is to be watchful and be prepared. It’s going from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The USACE ad- cluded questions about special needs individuals living to be a long wet summer. If we get a long rainfall event in dressed the concern during the town hall meeting. within the area of possible flooding. the lower basin, that’s when we really look at particular “We operate in what is called the Master Manual, which The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is urg- problems coming up, and just be tuned in and listening.” is a water control plan which guides how much water ing residents who have special needs to call 2-1-1 and reg- For a listing of FAQs on flooding please go to should be released, when and how long from the reservoirs ister with the Vulnerable Needs Planning System or go www.floodsmart.gov. Brownback, Roberts visit flood stricken counties with adjutant general By Sgt. Jessica Barnett Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and U.S. the Doniphan County Emergency Opera- Tafanelli. “River levels will be fluctuating Public Affairs Office Senator Pat Roberts on a tour of Doniphan tions Center located at the Elwood, Kan., day by day depending on weather condi- Kansas Adjutant General and director of and Atchison counties, July 1, 2011. fire station. tions upstream and locally and other fac- the Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- Local elected leaders, emergency respon- Representatives from FEMA and the tors. We will maintain our staffing in the ment, Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, joined ders and residents met with state leaders at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were on State Emergency Operations Center for as hand to discuss problems being caused by long as necessary to keep on top of these the Missouri River flooding in the area and changing conditions and respond as how the state and/or federal government quickly as possible.” could further assist them, if needed. To help the Elwood community through- During the meeting, Roberts discussed out the duration of the flood, the Kansas how he is working to help the communities National Guard has provided support to in- impacted by flooding. “I have a bill that clude levee monitoring and security. tells the [U.S. Corps of Engineers] to factor Twenty–two Kansas National Guard Sol- in the 2010 and 2011, especially 2011, hy- diers from the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field drologic data into their 432 big book or Artillery were brought on state active duty manual that they have and must consider to Elwood to help provide a security patrol on flood control, navigation, irrigation and to keep the city safe from possible theft as so forth,” said Roberts. “We are also going residents and business decided to leave. to have congressional hearings. There are In Atchison, local officials had the op- at least 10 to 12 members of the Senate that portunity to meet with Tafanelli, Brown- are wanting answers to that because of the back and Roberts along with a FEMA obvious snow packs. “ representative. As of 9:30 a.m. that morning the flood Trey Cocking, city manager, shared in- stage was recorded at 29.01 feet. A volun- formation of the city’s economic hardship tary evacuation was put into effect the created by the flooding of the Missouri Monday prior, June, 27, 2011 once the River. Currently, the bridge across to Mis- river reached 29 feet. souri on US 59 is closed along with railway Missouri River levels continue to slowly along the river. Companies like MGP Inc. lower along the Kansas border. However, are having to find other means of trans- the public is being advised that these condi- portation for goods coming in and out. tions may change several times in the com- With many of the bridges closed across Trey Cocking (left), Atchison city manager, shows the city’s area of the Missouri ing weeks. the state border, many of the employees River to Governor Sam Brownback as they discuss flooding along the river July 1. “We need to remember that this is going must travel out of their normal route to get (Photo by Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) to be a long-term situation,” said (Continued on Page 6) Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • July 2011 Summer sends heat and floods, but we keep on serving By Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli This issue of the Plains Guardian high- 17 vehicles across eight states to deliver the Plains Guardian, but I encourage you to The Adjutant General lights several examples of Kansas Soldiers decommissioned military vehicles to South take some time and look at pages 14 and 15 The summer of 2011 has given Kansans and Airmen driving themselves to excel. Carolina, where they were destined to be- in this issue. These pages list the names of an up front seat to extreme weather. The On page 2 is a story about a “spur ride” come part of an artificial reef project. Soldiers and Airmen who have received a heavier than usual snowfall in the upper conducted by the Agribusiness Develop- Engineers from several Kansas Guard variety of awards and decorations in recent Missouri basin last winter, coupled with ment Team 3 in Afghanistan. I encourage units conducted three-week overseas de- months. The awards themselves are a small above average you to read about what it takes to “earn ployment training mission to Hohenfels, testament of the dedicated service these rainfalls in the your spurs.” Those who achieved this dis- Germany. While in Hohenfels, they men and women render to their state and spring, is resulting tinction included Senior Airmen Melissa worked on a number of construction proj- nation when responding to a flood, giving in flooding all Hidalgo, the first female Kansas Air ects aimed at improving and expanding aid following a tornado, or just serving far along the Missouri Guardsmen to become a spur holder. training facilities, as well as assisting with away from their home and family. River, including On page 6 is a story about Staff Sgt. equipment repair. Take a few minutes to look at the list of the Kansas/Mis- Veronica Bartley, who at the ripe old age of These examples are by no means a com- names. See if there are any you recognize souri border. And 23, has become the first female drill ser- prehensive list of all the things Kansas and, if so, give that person a call or send a unlike the extreme geant in the Kansas National Guard. She Guardsmen have accomplished in recent note to say, “Thanks for what you do.” heat and drought achieved her goal by going through all the months, but they give you a great idea of Medals are great, but the heart-felt expres- conditions across required courses while continuing to fulfill the spirit of our Guard members. sion of thanks—although I know they large areas of the Maj. Gen. (KS) her recruiting quota as part of the Recruit- I know in your busy lives it’s easy to would never ask for such thanks—are state, the immedi- Lee Tafanelli ing and Retention Battalion. overlook a particular section when reading worth more than any medal. ate effects of the There is also a story on page 10 about flooding will likely last long into the fall. Master Sgt. John Bogart, a member of the Soldier to Soldier I want to commend the staff of the 184th Intelligence Wing’s Civil Engineer- Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- ing Squadron, currently deployed to ment (KDEM) for keeping on top of the Afghanistan. As if being deployed wasn’t Effective communication is key flood situation in Northeast Kansas and co- enough of a challenge, Bogart entered him- By Command Sgt. Maj. John Ryan ting and the other is receiving. ordinating with local officials to provide self in a Noncommissioned Officer Board JFHQ-KS Land Component When transmitting a message we need the necessary resources and assistance. competition, conducted by the U.S. Army My granddaughter recently asked me if to consider who the receiver or receivers Their work to ensure that Incident Manage- 176th Engineer Brigade. The two-day I tweeted. I asked are and how will they interpret the mes- ment Teams are there to support to the event tests competitors physically with a what are you sage. We need to be clear, leaving little local agencies has been tremendous. I also 3.3 kilometer road march, marksmanship talking about? At room for misinterpretation on the part of want to commend the men and women of stress shoot, land navigation course and a that point she re- the person receiving the message. the Kansas National Guard who have been combat life-saver scenario. It also chal- alized I did not As receivers, we need to understand deployed to Doniphan County to assist lenges them mentally by requiring them to have a clue. She clearly what the message being sent by with levee patrols and to provide security write an essay on leadership and to appear then asked me if I the person transmitting is. So providing to areas that have been evacuated. As the before a review board to answer tough had a Facebook feedback to the sender will ensure you re- weeks go by, I am sure that KDEM and the questions. In the end, Bogart came out on page. I asked her ceived the message clearly and, if not, the National Guard will remain vigilant and top. My congratulations to him. why would I need person can clarify the message. prepared to respond to further calls for help This drive to excel can be seen at the unit a Facebook page Sometimes, as we talk to Soldiers, they from our citizens. level, as well. Many of our units recently when I am stand- hear what they want to hear. As an exam- It’s important to remember that’s what completed their annual training, testing ing here talking Command Sgt. Maj. ple, a Soldier told me they would like to we do. Day in, day out, 365 days a year, what they have learned, as well as learning to you? I could John Ryan work for the National Guard. I said we this agency is ready to fulfill our primary new skills. see a smile appear on her face and I re- can look into that. The Soldier then (at a state mission -- protect the life and safety The 995th Maintenance Company spent sponded by saying if you need to talk to later date) said I’m going to work for the of the people of Kansas. That is our focus its annual training at Fort Riley supporting grandpa just call me. She then told me Guard because they told me they would and that is why we exist. This is why we the Maneuver Area Training Equipment that she normally uses her phone to text. find me a job. Most of us have similar constantly plan, prepare, train, test and Site by repairing, refurbishing and upgrad- So wanting to connect with my grand- types of things happen to us. evaluate ourselves. We must be at our best ing equipment the Guard needs to be able daughter I said text me something and she Why is communicating important so that we can give our best efforts to the to carry out its missions. did. “LOL – LeAnna.” I said what kind of today? The current changing environment people we serve. The 731st Transportation Company took message is this and she said in this case we operate in today requires us to clearly LOL stands for (Lots Of Love). I smiled communicate the need for our Soldiers to A holiday, a birthday and a new MOS proudly and then asked the other case is get Military Occupational Skill qualifica- and she said (Laughing Out Loud). tion or the Noncommissioned Officer Ed- By Command Chief Warrant Officer 4 CBRN defense. Some duties specific to Now I don’t know about you, but I ucation System school, perform tasks Hector Vasquez this position include planning, coordinat- think that is what she wanted to do. I told efficiently, and maintain their medical I hope everyone had a safe and pleas- ing and directing CBRN operations and her I got it and when I figured out how to and physical readiness, just to mention a ant Independence Day holiday. I would training. This new MOS will be in field reply on my phone I sent her this mes- few. We, as senior leaders, must commu- like to thank the men and women in the artillery units with the first slot going to sage SHMILY GPA. She asked what kind nicate effectively. This will enable our National Guard for their service, as well the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery. of message is this, and I told her “See Soldiers to be ready to carry out the mis- as all of the retirees. Less than one per- More 740As will be fielded in the 1st How Much I Love You.” She got the sion as individuals and as a unit. Not cent of the United States population Battalion, 161st Field Artillery and 35th biggest smile on her face and gave me a communicating effectively can, in some serves our country today and without you Infantry Division throughout Fiscal Years big hug and said, “Call me,” then began cases, cause bad things to happen. and the support of your families we 2012 and 2013. to LOL. Go figure. Oh, by the way, did you notice my would not have the freedom that we do. The adjutant general, state command What I am talking about is communica- granddaughter gave up on grandpa? I still I would also sergeant major, inspector general and I tion. The means we use to communicate don’t tweet or have a Facebook page and like to wish had the privilege to visit several units is not as important as what we are com- I rarely text from my phone. Let us not happy birthday throughout the state this past June. For municating. Communicating has two give up on our Soldiers. Communicate to the Warrant many of the Soldiers attending annual basic elements to it. One is the transmit- with them. Officer Corps. training at home station, this was their The Army War- first time to participate in training back rant Officer home for quite a while due to deploy- Corps began July ments. Some units were catching up on PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian 9, 1918, when an maintenance while others were updating act of Congress records such as driver’s licenses and set- The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- established the ting up Defense Travel System accounts. ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- Army Mine Command Chief However, one thing that I found consis- olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will Planter Service Warrant Officer 4 tently throughout the trip was that every- payment be made for contributions. as part of the Hector Vasquez one I spoke with enjoyed getting back to The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions Coast Artillery home training. The morale and atmos- may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). Corps. Since 1918, the Warrant Officer phere were outstanding and I want to Circulation: Approximately 15,500 Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office Corps has gone through many changes thank all of the Soldiers and leaders for from ranks, definitions, education, pay, their support and questions concerning Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office commissioning, duties and positions, and becoming a warrant officer. I hope to Gov. Sam Brownback Director Adjutant General of Kansas Sharon Watson 785-274-1192 continues to change as the Army evolves. visit other units in the near future. Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli Assistant Director

The warrant officer plays a vital role in Warrant Officer Candidate School at the Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 Editor the Army and will continue to play a vital Kansas Regional Training Institute was Sharon Watson Public Information Writer role for years to come. completed this past June. The candidates Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-274-1190 In October 2011, the Kansas Army Na- had to pass three exams, as well at physical Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-274-1622 e-mail: [email protected] tional Guard will have a new Warrant Of- training, leadership and military briefings. Production Assistant Jane Welch ficer Military Occupational Skill, the The candidates also had to create a class Videographer 740A, which is the chemical, biological, song and complete two painting projects, Senior Airman Matt Lucht 785-274-1195 nuclear and radiological technician. The which consisted of painting the class rock Staff Writer 740A CBRN technician will provide in- outside of the Warrant Officer Candidate Sgt. Jessica Barnett 785-274-1191 The Plains Guardian may be read online at http://kansastag.gov depth technical expertise in the areas of (Continued on Page 5) For change of address, contact Jane Welch. July 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Convoy takes 731st Transportation Company across eight states By Sgt. Robert Williams out accident or injury. 731st Transportation Company For seven new Soldiers, it was their first Fifty-one Soldiers of the 731st Trans- ever line-haul mission. Their driving profi- portation Company convoyed with 17 vehi- ciency was tested in many ways along the cles through eight states en-route to Camp route. The weather played a factor for sev- McCrady, Fort Jackson, S.C. The primary eral days en-route to Camp McCrady. Driv- mission was to provide transportation as- ing through steady rains, the Soldiers had sets in support of Operation Reef-Ex off to negotiate periods of torrential down- the coast of South Carolina. pours and strong winds while traversing The 731st is a medium truck company through heavily congested city traffic in within the 287th Special Troops Battalion, cities such as Memphis, Tenn., and Atlanta, 287th Sustainment Brigade, comprised of Ga., logging more than 3,300 miles. Soldiers from Great Bend, Liberal, Hays “The training was amazing,” said Pvt. and Wichita armories. The primary vehicle Alyx Powell, Detachment 2, 731st Trans- used by the 731st is the M915 Tractor, portation Company. “I learned probably which is almost a carbon copy of the com- more than I did during the course of my mercial tractor-trailer truck weighing ap- AIT (Advanced Individual Training). We proximately 14 tons. The M915 Line-Haul drove through heavy traffic, heavy rain, Tractor is used primarily in transportation and high winds. You don’t get that kind of units for logistical movement of supplies. training all the time and I loved it.” For a second consecutive year, the 731st “For my first ever AT (annual training), it has been called upon to deliver materials to was great and I cannot wait until next the port in Charleston, S.C., to be used in year,” Powell said. the Reef-Ex project. On the way to South Powell, Medicine Lodge, had been out of Sgt. Peter Parlock (right) teaches Spc. Jessie Worthington how to properly chain Carolina, the 731st made a stop at the An- Advanced Individual Training for two weeks and binder an M113 hull at Camp McCrady, S.C., during the 731st Transportation niston Army Depot in Anniston, Ala., before he left for his first annual training. Company’s annual training. Both men are with the company’s Detachment 3, Hays. where the trucks were loaded with 21 “The opportunity to conduct innovative (Photo by 1st Lt. Andrew Tapley) M113 armored personnel carriers to be readiness training missions is key to progres- transported to Camp McCrady. Once there, sive success of the unit and readiness of our honored on Mother’s Day. Activities the trucks and trailers. As a result of the the carriers will undergo the final demilita- Soldiers,” said Capt. Jay Simecka, Topeka, moved to the coast with a day in the sun at diligent efforts of the maintenance team, all rization process before being utilized in the commander of the 731st Transportation Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Soldiers enjoyed a vehicles were kept fully mission capable barrier-reef project. Company. “This MOS (Military Occupa- seafood dinner, shopping on the boardwalk during the duration of AT. The Soldiers conducted line-haul missions tional Skill) specific training provides the and spending time on the beach. For Staff Sgt. Pat Ortega, Garden City, a for five days, hauling more than 300 tons of necessary elements to staying proficient and The Maintenance Section was able to Guardsmen since 1980, this was his last an- material more than 1,000 miles. Materials efficient as professional Soldiers. Our Sol- conduct maintenance operations at a main- nual training. He retires later this year. hauled included M113 hulls, trailer frames diers displayed their mettle in completing tenance facility at Camp McCrady. The “I’ve seen good ones and I’ve seen bad and concrete pipes. The missions provided a each mission with skill and professionalism.” shop provided an ideal location for the ones, and this AT was one of the best,” said very “real-world” training experience for the On May 8, the Soldiers got a much de- team to fix several issues that arose with Ortega. Soldiers, who successfully hauled materials served day off and it was a particularly spe- that were unfamiliar to them and did it with- cial day for six female Soldiers being Soldier’s dual careers are loud and filled with brass By Master Sgt. Brent Anders, Spc. Alicia March 2007. Murphy, Sgt. Chris Barlow and “I chose the tuba because I excelled at Spc. Tricia Draper, UPARs this particular instrument and I just love to Sgt. Chris Barlow of Battery B, 2nd Bat- play it,” said Barlow. talion, 130th Field Artillery, Abilene, Kan., Although these are two different career balances two different careers: an artillery paths, there are points where they intertwine. man in the Kansas Army National Guard “The discipline of being an artillery Sol- and a music education major at Fort Hays dier is the same as the discipline needed to State University. be a dedicated musician,” said Barlow. As a fire direction control specialist, Both careers have required multiple Barlow handles fire missions from the bat- schools and courses to be properly trained. talion and forwards them to the launchers. According to Barlow, receiving the original “I receive a fire mission and then I make fire request and then choosing which the decision of what mission goes to launchers will receive the final fire mis- which launcher so as to fire the rockets,” sion, is similar to reading music. Barlow said. “In the artillery I have to decide which On the civilian side, Barlow is a full-time launchers get certain missions, in reading student studying to become a secondary ed- music I have to decide which parts are for Kansas National Guardsmen of Detachment 2, 731st Transportation Company, Wi- ucation band teacher. His specialty is play- me as the tuba player and which parts are chita, help stabilize an M113 armored personnel carrier as it is loaded onto the M872 ing the tuba. Barlow was an Army band for the rest of the band. And,” Barlow trailer in support of Operation Reef-Ex at Camp McCrady, S.C., during the com- member with the 35th Infantry Division noted, “both artillery and the tuba make pany’s annual training in May. (Photo by 1st Lt. Andrew Tapley) Band, Olathe, Kan., from October 2005 to beautiful music when properly executed.” A holiday, a birthday and a new MOS International Officers visit capital Continued from Page 4 and build upon previous classroom theory School building and the “Hang the Hat” sign studies and discussion. Upon successful in the dining facility. The candidates completion of Phase III, candidates gradu- wrapped up their final weekend at the Re- ated July 30 at the War Memorial in Indi- gional Training Institute by volunteering in a anapolis, Ind. community project, where they hung and Graduating candidates will become com- finished sheetrock throughout the third floor missioned officers. The next step for them at the men’s homeless shelter. WOCS classes will be to attend their Warrant Officer Basic began this project in past years, starting on Course, where they will receive warrant of- the first floor, and this year’s class completed ficer MOS specific training. I wish them the the final floor and the project. best of luck in completing Phase III and the The next step for the candidates is to continuation of their basic course. complete Phase III (the final phase) of Now that Phase II is complete at the WOCS, which is the annual training or KSRTI, now is the time for those interested “field” phase. This phase will be conducted in becoming a warrant officer to start at Camp Atterbury, Ind., and consists of working on you predetermination packet. It warrior tasks and battle drill activities that takes several months to obtain all the re- provide leadership opportunities while em- quired documents to construct a packet, so phasizing lessons relevant to the Opera- don’t wait until the last minute. We have tional Environment. These activities vacant positions in various warrant officer culminate in a field leadership exercise that Military Occupational Skills. Contact War- International officers from the Command and General Staff College at Fort draws heavily on recent lessons learned. rant Officer 1 Sam Bonham, Warrant Offi- Leavenworth, Kan., enjoy a light breakfast before a briefing on the role of the The candidates will be evaluated on cap- cer Strength Manager, at (785) 274-1823; Kansas National Guard by Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, stone events, which provide for expanded [email protected] if you have July 14, 2011, in Topeka, Kan. The officers visit the capital city once during opportunities to apply flexible, adaptive further questions or would like more infor- their course of study to learn about state government and the National Guard. leadership principles in stressful, some- mation concerning vacancies and the com- (Photo by Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) times ambiguous, situations that reinforce pletion of the pre-determination packet. Page 6 Plains Guardian • July 2011 Recruiter is the first female drill instructor for the Kansas Guard By Sgt. Jessica Barnett Bartley joined the Guard Nov. 15, 2005, Public Affairs Office at the age of 17. She completed Basic The words “drill sergeant” brings to Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, mind flashbacks of fear and adrenalin for Mo., in May of 2006. After attending a seasoned Soldiers. Most think back to basic year at Allen County Community College, training of in-your-face yelling and disori- Iola, Kan., Bartley graduated Advanced In- entation. For one Kansas National Guard dividual Training as a light wheel vehicle Soldier, these words have a unique mean- mechanic at Aberdeen Proving Ground, ing she will be honored with forever. Maryland, graduating with high leadership Staff Sgt. Veronica Bartley, a recruiter honors. for Emporia, Kan., with the Recruiting and During her first unit assignment with Retention Battalion, Kansas Army National Company E, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Guard, graduated drill sergeant school at Regiment in Topeka, Kan., Bartley at- Fort Jackson, S.C., May 26, 2011, as the tended Warrior Leadership Course and Re- first female drill sergeant of the Kansas cruiting and Retention Noncommissioned Army National Guard. Officer Course. In November 2008, Bartley “I didn’t know [that I was going to be the started her recruiting career for the Guard, first female drill sergeant] at all until I in Emporia. In the following two years, she came back,” said Bartley, the first time she attended Advanced Leadership Courses heard the news. “I was shocked when I Phase 1 and 2, achieving the commandant’s found out. I didn’t realize that I achieved list during Phase 1. that. I hope I can live up to the expecta- While at school, Bartley still had to meet tion.” her recruiting quota. The recruiting noncom- While at Fort Jackson, Bartley had the missioned officer must “adapt and over- privilege of being under the guidance of come” in an effort to meet their mission. the first female commandant of drill in- “Bartley illustrates the total NCO, specif- Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, presents the Army Commenda- structors, Command Sgt. Maj. Teresa King, ically the Army value of selfless service tion Medal to Staff Sgt. Veronica Bartley in a brief ceremony June 23. Bartley com- appointed in 2009. because she took over 60 days out of her pleted the Army drill instructors course, making her the first woman to become a drill instructor for the Kansas National Guard, while maintaining her recruitment quota with the Kansas National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion. (Photo by Steve Larson, Public Affairs Office) recruiting cycle to attend the school, while sure these young Soldiers are successful still maintaining her mission,” explained and become qualified Soldiers that the Re- her commander, Chief Warrant Officer 2 cruiting and Retention Command can tran- Jack Hancock, of Company A, Recruiting sition into their prospective unit. and Retention Battalion. As a role model to new recruits, Bartley As a drill sergeant, Bartley is a vital asset has always made it a mission to uphold the to the Recruit Sustainment Program; a pro- standard for female Soldiers. gram established for newly enlisted war- “I am always trying to set the standards riors to prepare them for the physical and for females,” said Bartley. “Any female I mental rigors of boot camp. Bartley is now recruit and bring into the RSP program, I a subject matter expert on drill, ceremony let them know that if they want to get any- and numerous other aspects of the current where in the Army they need to set the Basic Training environment, such as the standard themselves. No one else can do it new form of physical fitness, Physical for them. And that’s the only way you can Readiness Training. prove yourself in the military.” Thus, she becomes a great source of Bartley was honored in a brief ceremony knowledge for her fellow cadre and the on June 23, 2011. Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee KSARNG. She will be a mentor, coach and Tafanelli, the adjutant general, presented the “go to” leader for RSP Soldiers heading her with an Army Commendation Medal, to basic training. Her tutelage will help en- an Adjutant General’s coin and a plaque.

Staff Sgt. Veronica Bartley, first female drill sergeant of the Kansas Army National Playing it safe in the heat Guard, teaches physical readiness training to new recruits during the Recruit Sus- By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Marvin Terhune “surprise” weather front that pops up has tainment Program drill, June 11, 2011, in Iola. (Photo provided) Safety Office ruined many family outings. Know where Summer has arrived in Kansas! What do the emergency shelters are located in the Brownback, Roberts visit flood stricken you think of when areas that you will be visiting. the temperature The kids have not gone swimming since counties with adjutant general hits the 100 degree last year; the heat index is pegging out and Continued from Page 3 cluding all the restaurants on the river. mark? Do you everyone wants to go to the lake.Take it to work each day because they reside in St. Only the river walk itself is being affected. think of activities slow! Everyone in the family is getting ac- Joseph, Mo. Atchison also geared up for its annual that you can partic- climated to the new season. Another hardship the city is facing is the Amelia Earhart Festival, July 15-16. The ipate in with your Make sure you prepare your activities, decline in tourism due to the flood. Many festivities still went on as they do every family like camp- refreshments and food around the condi- have the misconception that the city is year, with activities that normally take place ing, swimming or tions. Always have light snacks prepared flooded. The city is open for business in- on the Riverfront moved to Warnock Lake. boating? instead of heavy meals during the hot part As the ther- of the day. mometer rises we Have the kids drink plenty of water in- think of ways to Chief stead of soft drinks or other sugary drinks. beat the heat and Warrant Officer 3 Make them take a break for awhile and slow still stay active. Marvin Terhune down a little during extreme heat. If you Outside activities have infants or small children the risk factors with our family are always fun as long as with heat and the sun multiplies drastically. we plan for our activities. Summer is a great time to relax and It is always a good idea this time of year enjoy the outdoors as long as you have to keep up with the weather forecast. Know planned properly. Plan ahead and your what is forecast for your area. Be sure to family will enjoy the great outdoor life that check for projected storms or high wind Kansas has to offer! conditions if planning outdoor activities. A Be safe!

Not receiving the Plains Guardian? Subscriptions are free! Contact: Jane Welch Public Affairs Office 2722 S. Topeka Blvd., Rm 108 Topeka KS 66611 Flood waters are within a few feet of this bridge in Atchison. (Photo by Sgt. Jessica (785) 274-1190; [email protected] Barnett, Publc Affairs Office) July 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Training helps division create fully functioning command posts By Staff Sgt. Patricia Leihy, UPAR place June 6 to 12, involving a staff inte- tent weighs 1,600 pounds, so the exact integrated communication system that ties 35th Infantry Division gration team made up of 15 civilians con- placement of where the tent needs to be has it all together. The 35th Infantry Division Soldiers from tractor experts from across the Army to be precise. There is no “scooting” this The third event in the BCSoSIT training Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Nebraska instructing and assisting 35th ID Soldiers tent to put it in its right place. is a separate exercise event that the 35th ID took part in a training exercise titled Battle in setting up the command complex and Once the DRASH shelter systems and will conduct as part of its Full Spectrum Command System of Systems Integration training the division staff to effectively uti- the additional power generation capability Exercise Sept. 11, 2011, at the BCTC Training (BCSoSIT) June 6 to 12, 2011, at lize the capabilities this equipment and are in place the interiors of the shelters are Leavenworth. This is where all the systems the Battle Command Training Center, Fort technology bring to the division. fitted out with the tables, chairs and auto- and skills of the commander and his staff Leavenworth, Kan. To create a fully functioning division com- mated systems required by each staff sec- are exercised by the U.S. Army’s Mission The BCSoSIT exercise is comprised of mand post, there are several components that tion. The last component required to make Command Training Team in a seven-day three events designed to train a unit to uti- need to be established and integrated. the command post fully operational is the exercise. lize all of the systems that make up its The shelter system is a Deployable Rapid command post. This includes the shelters, Assembly Shelter (DRASH) system that automated systems and the communica- comes with medium or large shelters. The di- tions equipment that allow the 35th ID vision was issued eight large and 11 medium commander and his staff to command and shelter systems. Each shelter system is control units assigned to him for combat or equipped with an Environmental Control state civil support missions. Unit that contains its own generator, light The 35th ID’s command post is the most sets and air conditioner/heater unit to provide modern and sophisticated command and life support for that shelter. Additional power control facility currently available in the U.S. requirements for the automation and other Army. The BCSoSIT training events are de- equipment placed within the shelter is pro- signed to provide the division with the requi- vided by separate power generation systems site skills to fully utilize its capabilities in that are brought in. support of federal or state missions. The ECU, tent and parts to assemble the The first two of the three events took tent are all loaded onto a trailer. The large Lock and load ’em: 35th Infantry Division transitions to M4 rifle

By Spc. Charles M. Nolen, UPAR fed, assault rifle with a rotating bolt. The 35th Infantry Division M-4 carbine was developed from versions “Lock and load your first 20-round of the M-16, the M-16A2 and the M- magazine. Switch from safe to fire and 16A4. A telescoping stock, shorter barrel The battle command post is a modular system of tents and supporting components watch your lane.” and an accessory rail on the upper re- that allow military units to establish an operations center anywhere in the field. These words echo from the tower as a ceiver are just a few of the new features. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia Leihy, 35th Infantry Division) range instructor guides Soldiers from the The M-4 weighs in at 7.5 pounds 35th Infantry Division through a live fire loaded, which is more than a pound qualification range in Salina, Kan. The lighter than the M-16. The barrel is “Big for a Day” event teams 35th ID honed their marksmanship skills nearly six inches shorter than its prede- during May drill with the new M-4 rifle. cessor that gives the M-4 a marginal sac- Kansas Guardsmen with youth “I’m excited to try the new weapon. I rifice in terminal ballistics and range, but think the retractable butt stock and greatly improves its maneuverability and By Maj. John H. Tucker an actual military vehicle. Staff Sgt. Eric lighter weight will be more user-friendly handling. This is of key importance in Several members of the Hutchinson Na- Reichert was on hand to answer questions than the M-16,” said Staff Sgt. Michael close combat modern warfare. tional Guard Armory took some time from about the capabilities and uses for the Cleith, 35th ID Public Affairs noncom- “I like the M-4,” says Sgt. Richard their schedule May 16 to support the Big humvee. missioned officer-in-charge, as he waited Smith, 35th ID unit administrator. “I’ve Brother and Big Sister of Reno County’s “The Big for a Day event is often the in the unseasonably chilly weather to try shot both. The M-16 is long and bulky. “Big for a Day” event at the Kansas State first opportunity these youth have to visit the new weapon. With this weapon quali- The retractable butt stock and lighter Fair Grounds in Hutchinson, Kan. More with Soldiers from their community,” said fication, the 35th ID will officially weight are better suited to the wars we than 100 youth from the Reno County area Reichert. switch from the M-16 to the M-4. fight today.” took part in the event to find possible “The best part of supporting community The M-16 has a long and honorable While Smith has never had any prob- matches for youth members of the Big events such as Big for a Day, is that when history. In 1963, the M-16 replaced the lem qualifying with the M-16 and didn’t Brother and Big Sister organization. youth and adults drive past the Armory, M14 as the primary rifle of the infantry. notice any difference in accuracy, he Soldiers were teamed with the individual they know there are local citizens working The M-16 has been used by the U.S. mil- thinks that the adjustable butt stock and youth members for the two hour event that there that they can rely on,” said Sgt. 1st itary in every battle from Vietnam to Op- lighter weight will make it easier for included games, arts and crafts, hot dogs Class Bobby Brumley, readiness noncom- eration Iraqi Freedom and its popularity some Soldiers to qualify. and a display of emergency vehicles from missioned officer for Headquarters and has not stopped there. More than 100 “The M-4 can be more easily tailored Reno County agencies. Headquarters Detachment, 635th Regional countries around the world and 15 NATO to each individual Soldier. I think that The Kansas Army National Guard Re- Support Group. countries have adopted it, as well. will help improve their scores and unit cruiting and Retention Battalion provided a This was the fifth year in a row that mem- The M-16 is a gas-operated, magazine- readiness.” promotional humvee along with a football bers of the Hutchinson National Guard Ar- toss. The HMMWV was well received by mory have supported “Big for a Day” and the youth and adults as many photos were the Soldiers look forward to more opportu- taken to capture their opportunity to look at nities to support the youth of Reno County.

A Soldier of the 35th Infantry Division takes aim at a target downrange during weapons qualification for the M-4 rifle. The Soldiers of the division are transi- More than 100 youth from the Reno County area took part in the fifth annual “Big tioning to the M-4 from the M-16 rifle. (Photo by Spc. Charles M. Nolen, 35th for a Day” event at the State Fair grounds in Hutchinson to find possible matches for Infantry Division UPAR) youth members of the Big Brother and Big Sister organization. (Photo by Maj. John Tucker, 635th Regional Support Group) Page 8 Plains Guardian • July 2011 AFRICOM, Rwandan soldiers promote regional stability with training exchange By Spc. Michelle Lawrence, UPAR 35th Military Police Company Soldiers of the United States attached to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa have recently supported a series of missions to exchange soldiering skills with their Rwan- dan Defense Force counterparts and fellow partner nation members in Gako, Rwanda. The Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Kansas National Guard, provided expertise and advice, if re- quested, said Maj. Michael McCoy, a mission commander. Some of the skills the U.S. and RDF soldiers practiced together were land navigation, convoy operations, troop leading and mission planning. U.S. and RDF officers planned the operational portions of this educational ex- change while the enlisted soldiers combined their talents to lead the “hands on” field exercises. “Both U.S. and Rwandan soldiers quickly picked-up on the ideas presented,” said Capt. Lance Fowler, a mission U.S. and Rwanda Defense Force soldiers conduct a map reading exercise on a hill top in Gako, Rwanda, May 3. commander. “If it ever seemed like anyone was struggling The soldiers were challenged to determine their location and other visible points utilizing various land navigation with an idea, the Rwandans would come back the next methods. The U.S. Soldiers, all assigned to the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, a Kansas National Guard unit morning and know it like they’ve known it their whole life. currently deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, were invited by the Rwandan government to practice their joint We were able to put our heads together and work as a team.” soldiering skills. (Photo by 1st Sgt. Timothy Prine) While previous U.S.-Rwandan soldiering exchanges were our countries.” said. “Camp Lemonnier is great. It’s got everything that a exclusively managed by RDF officers, recent missions have This dedication quickly led to a level of trust between Soldier would want in a deployed environment, but getting included RDF noncommissioned officers, Fowler said. the groups and by one account, the RDF didn’t want to see the chance to see another country and interact with a dif- “This strengthens the relationship between the officer the U.S. Soldiers leave. ferent military force and seeing the results gave me a sense and enlisted soldiers,” Fowler said. “We were able to work “The hardest part of leaving is that you’ve built these re- of purpose.” through any issues, and we all asked questions to make lationships and friendships and then you’re gone,” said 1st In February, CJTF-HOA supported a similar training-ex- sure we were on the same page.” Sgt. Tim Prine, first sergeant for Headquarers and Head- change with the RDF when Soldiers assigned to the 402nd According to McCoy, the U.S. and RDF soldiers were quarters Battery, 1-161 FA. Civil Affairs Battalion met to practice medical airlift pro- united by a shared belief of what it means to be a soldier. According to Fowler, the mission gave his team a sense cedures. Prior to this, CJTF-HOA partnered with leaders of “The basic idea is that we are soldiers and want to serve of accomplishment and an understanding of the scope of the Capitol City of Kigali and the U.S. Embassy to our country,” McCoy said. “We aren’t doing it to get rich, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. Rwanda to renovate a school in the Kicukiru District, lo- and we sacrifice time away from our families to protect “We got a sense of what CJTF-HOA is about,” Fowler cated outside Kigali. Coffee ceremony opens Guardsmen, African soldiers dialogue with Ethiopian women share mechanic techniques By Sgt. Jessica Wright, is the Ethiopian New Year and that the cur- By Spc. Michelle Lawrence, UPAR 35th Military Police Company rent year in Ethiopia is 2003. 35th Military Police Company A traditional coffee ceremony was hosted Like many Ethiopians, Kedir, a local in- A team of mechanics assigned to the 1st “We have our way we on Camp Gilbert, Ethiopia, for prominent terpreter for Camp Gilbert, said he remem- Battalion, 161st Field Artillery exchanged troubleshoot and repair women in the Dire Dawa community. bered watching the destruction of the ideas on vehicle repair with Armed Forces stuff and they have their The coffee ceremony, hosted by the fe- World Trade Center on television. He said for the Defense of Mozambique soldiers male Soldiers of both the 35th Military Po- that he was in shock and first thought that in Maputo, Mozambique. own way. As we built this lice Company, Kansas National Guard, and it [the video footage] was part of a preview The soldiers traded ideas on vehicle partnership, we com- Civil Affairs Team 4023, was an important for a new movie. electrical systems troubleshooting, drain- means of building international relations, “I couldn’t believe the footage was real,” ing an air compressor, balancing tires on bined our way and their working relationships and friendships be- he said. a machine and learning about different way.” tween the Army and the locals in Ethiopia. Another important topic of discussion kinds of tools. Sgt. 1st Class Kurt Narron “It gave us an opportunity to meet with was education. According to Spc. Matthew Umbarger, key female leaders from the community,” “Many of the girls in the rural areas of communication between the two groups said Sgt. Rebecca Beeson, 35th Military Ethiopia begin marrying at the age of 12 or never posed an issue. we combined our way and their way.” Police Company. 13,” explained Lemlem Bezabeh, Dire “Whenever a question arose, neither By the end of the mission, the teams Coffee ceremonies are traditionally be- Dawa Bureau of Health. “More recently, side hesitated to ask anyone,” said Um- had repaired 11 of 13 FADM vehicles. stowed by the matriarch of the household females have begun attending higher barger. “One vehicle had been sitting for three and are a mark of honor and social impor- grades in school and are even beginning to “While language was a seemingly large years, but the U.S. and FADM soldiers tance. Although coffee is a chief export of obtain college degrees.” She said education barrier to get past, patience, understanding repaired it using parts from another Ethiopia, the coffee ceremony is more is the key to continuing this trend. and the help of an interpreter got us wrecked vehicle,” Narron said. “The often about the social gathering than it is The ceremony closed with group photos through,” said Spc. Ricky Delcour. FADM drove it around the last few days about the coffee. and a discussion of a possible upcoming Once the partner nation soldiers knew the U.S. Soldiers were there.” Many topics were discussed during the soccer match between the female Soldiers that they could easily communicate with Delcour said the event was a learning ceremony. Soldiers discovered that Sept. 11 and women of the Dire Dawa community. one another, they began to develop a re- experience for everyone. spect for each other’s technical skills. “Most people aren’t going to get to go “We have our way we troubleshoot to Mozambique and do different things and repair stuff and they have their own with different armies,” he said. “We did. way,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kurt Narron, 1- I liked being able to see how they oper- 161 FA mechanic and mission com- ated day-to-day compared to us. It was a mander. “As we built this partnership, different experience.”

Soldiers from the Armed Forces for the Defense of Mozambique test a starter Members of the Dire Dawa community in Ethiopia and female Soldiers from the motor. The soldiers partnered with mechanics from the 1st Battalion, 161st Kansas National Guard’s 35th Military Police Company discuss a variety of topics Field Artillery to increase their vehicle capabilities. (Photo by Spc. Matthew during a traditional coffee ceremony held June 4, 2011. (Photo by Spc. Hans Umbarger) Weidisch, Civil Affairs Team) July 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 9 “Nun’s flag” on display at Museum of the Kansas National Guard By retired Lt. Col. Doug Jacobs Belgium and got caught in the Battle of the A search could not locate a flag of this size from a staff and the nuns agreed to sew on Command Historian Bulge. The whole medical unit was cap- anywhere in the area. The only alternative another set of 48 white stars on the other There is a new display in the Museum of tured and forced to care for the wounded was to have the flag made from scratch. side of the flag. It was beautifully done and the Kansas National Guard in Topeka, Kan. German soldiers; others of the regiment So Washburn asked the nuns in a convent very durable, even today. In appreciation Gracing a wall in the wing dedicated to the were killed. in Hamelin if they could make the flag in a for their kind work, Butler and Washburn 35th Infantry Division is a United States flag. The medics were later rescued by the week, giving them a small replica of the gave the nuns 20 pounds of sugar and 50 While a U.S. flag may not seem an un- American Army and continued east into American flag. The nuns agreed very will- pounds of white flour, food they had not usual item to find in a museum devoted to Germany, where they helped free the vic- ingly to do this. They had an old foot-pedal tasted for more than five years! the history of the Kansas National Guard – tims of Auschwitz. The regiment stayed in sewing machine which they thought could The “Nun’s Flag” was flown in Hamelin, not even one bearing only 48 evenly Hamelin, Germany, the town famous for the do the job. Germany, to honor Memorial Day, May 31, spaced stars in its blue field – this flag has Pied Piper of Hamelin, for a short respite. For materials, they suggested using their 1945, and was used by the regiment an unusual history of its own. Just before Memorial Day, 1945, while in bed sheets for the white stripes and stars. throughout the rest of the war. Washburn Chaplain Charles H. “Harry” Washburn Hamelin, the commanding officer, Col. Al- They pulled out some of their blue surge kept the flag after the war. It has been was with the 35th Infantry Division, serv- bert Butler, requested that Washburn locate a uniforms, proposing these could be used for flown on many other Memorial Days in all ing with the 137th Regiment Medical Com- regimental flag to be flown at half staff on the blue field. However, they were at a loss the cities and parishes where Washburn and pany as the regiment worked its way across Memorial Day to honor their fallen soldiers. to think of what to use for the red stripes. his wife, Winifred, have lived. Washburn looked around town and found a Washburn passed away on Oct. 16, 2002, Nazi banner, which he pulled down off the at age 86. Winifred now lives in Pasadena, balcony of a nearby building. The nuns Calif. It was decided by the Washburn fam- agreed, reluctantly, to use this material. ily to donate the “Nun’s Flag” and Wash- The regimental American flag was com- burn’s memorabilia to the Museum of the pleted within the week as promised, and Kansas National Guard. looked glorious until Butler noticed that the The flag was presented by Winnie, nuns had sewn on 48 white stars on one Washburn’s daughter, Harriet Washburn side only, much as was done for a German Priska, and his sons, John and George banner that only shows one side. It was ex- Washburn, June 2, 2011. A formal dedica- plained that this was a flag which flew tion is planned in the near future. Program inspires kids to “Stay on Track” By Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Baker facts about substances and what it will do KSNG Counterdrug Task Force to their bodies based on science. They Sixth and seventh grade students from spend the majority of time working on “life Capital City School in Topeka, Kan., were skills” to increase the protective factors and filled with excitement as they prepared for reduce the likelihood these kids will turn to their rocket launch, May 23 and 24. drugs. Mentorship is the primary objective Students built and painted the rockets as the KSNG Drug Demand Reduction sec- weeks prior as a culmination activity to the tion spends time with kids in Kansas. “Stay on Track” program sponsored and in- “It is fun and I am learning things about structed by the Kansas National Guard drugs and hope I can share them with my Drug Demand Reduction section. “Stay on friends,” said a graduate of the program. Track” is a 14-week program that focuses “The activities are fun. We are learning to on health education, decision-making and work together.” goal-setting. It also includes sections on Rockets were used as an interactive ac- improving communication skills, interper- tivity to demonstrate some of the social sonal relations and media influences. skills that were learned during the program. The program will enter its fourth year of Students had to use written and verbal in- instruction at Capital City during the 2011- structions during construction, hoping that 2012 school year. when launch day came their rocket would “We are a school for special needs and fly high. Students tapped into their decision our students require a lot of individualized making and goal setting skills to decide attention as we direct them toward posi- what type and placement of fins on their tive behaviors,” said Deborah Ron- rockets and how that would affect their This flag, hand-sewn by German nuns from bedsheets, nuns’ clothing and a Nazi nebaum, Life Skills Coordinator for the goal of a successful launch and flight. banner in the closing months of World War II, is on display in the 35th Infantry school. “The program’s focus on drug ed- Students had an opportunity to use their Division wing of the Museum of the Kansas National Guard, Forbes Field, Topeka. ucation and interactive activities has newly learned communication skills during (Photo by retired Lt. Col. Doug Jacobs, command historian) proven to be a great blend for our student group work and the building phase. Indi- population. Combined, the information viduality was displayed with the designing KSARNG unit teams with 1st Infantry from ‘Stay on Track’ and the skills of Sgt. and painting of their rockets. Students ex- 1st Class Lisa Baker makes this essential perienced success as all rockets launched, Continued from Page 1 tank commander and noncommissioned in our curriculum.” despite dodging thunderstorms throughout and outside of the vehicles. With audio and officer in charge of Company C, stationed Military instructors give the students the day. video monitoring inside the tanks and in Lenexa, Kan. Stubbs said the outstand- BFVs, leadership inside the tower was able ing train-up gave them opportunities not to monitor the communication inside the ve- usually seen by National Guard or active hicles and watch the crews as they engaged duty armor units. targets. This new level of transparency will “Without the grading and pressure typi- improve crew performance and safety cally found in a standard gunnery exer- through the training process. cise, we were able to concentrate on With current deployments sending most of command and control with live rounds,” the infantry and armor forces from the “Big said Stubbs. “Usually we don’t get to Red 1” overseas, the division came to the choose the scenarios we fire, but in this Kansas National Guard to ask for assistance case we were a part of the planning from to ensure that the DMPRC testing would be the beginning.” done to standard and on time. According to The crews trained hard for a week using Mark Wilson, a senior advisor to the division simulators and “dry-fire” practices in from Program Executive Office of Simula- preparation for the live-fire exercise. The tion, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO crews then fired engagements using their STRI), “Without the assistance from the main guns and machine guns. The engage- Kansas National Guard, this range accept- ments included single tank and BFV sce- ance would have either been delayed or ac- narios, platoon-level coordinated attacks, cepted with less than favorable means.” and coordinated assaults where BFVs and What made this effort even more chal- tanks had to work together to eliminate tar- lenging was the fact that during this time, gets. In the end, the tests were successful the Combined Arms Battalion was in the and the government moved forward in ac- process of redeploying over 500 Soldiers cepting the range from the companies con- from a deployment to the Horn of Africa. tracted to create it. Wilson mentioned that Even though more than half of the battal- the ability to use the range for helicopter ion was deployed, the remaining armor and gunnery will be tested in August. infantry Soldiers rose to the challenge of The hard work and cooperation between conducting a live-fire exercise. the Kansas Army National Guard and the 1st “It was an outstanding opportunity to Infantry Division provided the military forces Up and away! Seventh grade participants in the “Stay on Track” program at Capital practice our gunnery skills and to allow within Kansas a new and advanced training City School, Topeka, conducted by the Kansas National Guard Drug Demand Re- our young Soldiers to participate in a gun- opportunity that is sure to keep Kansas Sol- duction section, launch rockets constructed during the 14-week program. (Photo nery event,” said Staff Sgt. John Stubbs, diers at the top of their professions. courtesy of Gretchen Hellebust) Page 10 Plains Guardian • July 2011 Deployed Kansas Airman wins Army road march competition By Staff Sgt. John Wright more than up to this particular challenge 455th Air Expeditionary Wing having been a self aid buddy care instructor For most people, jogging 3.3 kilometers in the past. — a little more than two miles—under the According to the sergeant, the most chal- hot Afghan sun in less than 25 minutes lenging part of the first day was still yet to might seem like an accomplishment. Try come: he had 30 minutes to write a 250- doing it in body armor that weighs nearly 500 word essay on leadership. 40 pounds while carrying an M-4 assault “It was a definite challenge because I rifle and 9 mm pistol, each with several have never been a person to write essays magazines of ammunition. with correct grammar, sentence structure This was just one phase of a two-day and flow,” Bogart explained. “However, I Army competition held at Forward Operat- was thankful the question dealt with leader- ing Base Sharana, June 3-4, in which Mas- ship because as an NCO that’s something ter Sgt. John Bogart took first place. Bogart that’s easy to write about.” is a engineering assistant with the 577th Day two presented what Bogart de- Expeditionary Prime Beef Squadron lo- scribed as a very daunting task. He had to cated at Bagram, Afghanistan. Bogart appear before a board consisting of four heard about the competition through his Army command sergeant majors, an Air commander and decided to see how he Force chief master sergeant, and two Army measured up. first sergeants. The board asked more than “I run marathons for the All National 30 questions covering a wide range of top- Guard Marathon Team,” said the Wichita, ics from the Air Force Professional Devel- Kan., native, who is deployed from the opment Guide. Kansas National Guard’s 184th Civil Engi- As board president, Milford was im- neer Squadron. “I thought it would be in- Master Sgt. John Bogart, 184th Civil Engineering Squadron, Kansas National pressed with the Air Force master ser- teresting to see where I stood physically Guard, surges out in front of the pack in a 3.3 kilometer road march during the Task geant’s answers. against the Army and I also wanted to rep- Force Hammer Third Quarter Noncommissioned Officer Board competition at For- “He is a very professional and knowl- resent my squadron.” ward Operating Base Sharana June 3. The competition was hosted by the Army’s edgeable NCO and you can tell he takes his The competition was organized and run 176th Engineer Brigade. Bogart finished with a top time of 24:43 and was the overall profession very seriously and takes care of by the Army’s 176th Engineer Brigade and competition winner. (Photo provided) his Airman,” the veteran soldier said. is broken down into two groups: enlisted Bogart’s achievement was also lauded service members and noncommissioned of- kilometers of heat, sweat and pain that tests The 38-year-old Guardsman met the by Master Sgt. Timothy Horvath, 877th ficers. The top NCO from each of the four the resolve of competitors. challenge head on, taking first place in the Expeditionary Prime Beef Squadron first battalions in the brigade and one NCO “The elevation and hills that you had to run with a top time of 24:43, a time that sergeant. from the 577th Expeditionary Prime Beef conquer for the run were extremely chal- drew praise from the event’s organizer, “To compete against the high level of Group is selected to compete. lenging,” said Bogart. “It was hard to Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Mil- NCOs from the Army he competed against, The first challenge is a road march: 3.3 breathe and run with all the gear on.” ford, 176th Engineer Brigade. I am extremely proud of the professional- “Sergeant Bogart was impressive on the ism and effort he put into preparing and ex- road march,” said Milford. ecuting in the event,” Horvath said. “I Mystery illness fells Airman After the run, competitors then had to think it speaks volumes to the caliber of participate in a marksmanship stress shoot NCO the Air Force produces.” By Maj. DeAnn Barr ruled out MS and honed in on inflammatory with the M-4 and 9 mm weapons. Each Horvath also explained how the compe- 184th Intelligence Wing demyelinating polyneuropathy, or IDP, a person had to run carrying a full “jerry tition showcased that the joint force is on One week after maximizing his annual condition where the immune system erodes can” of water (roughly five gallons) 50 the same page in terms of training and in- physical fitness test score, Senior Master Sgt. the myelin that covers nerve endings and yards, set it down and run back to get an- tegration. Bob Bledsoe, 184th Intelligence Wing, prevents brain signals from connecting. other jerry can and repeat the process. “We are truly one force, one fight,” said Kansas National Guard, began to feel a tin- With the correct diagnosis, treatment “Once done, you run over to your M-4 Horvath. “All the participants were en- gling in his fingers and extreme sensitivity to began immediately. Although the medica- and shoot a target that was 20 meters couraging each other, swapping stories and cold. Thinking it a little odd, he did what tion was extremely expensive and not en- away,” Bogart explained. “The target was a asking questions about missions. It was most healthy people do – nothing. tirely covered by insurance, Bledsoe was picture of two targets where one figure was clear to me the brotherhood and mutual re- A week later, however, while coaching his grateful to begin seeing small progress. in front of the other. The objective was to spect went beyond what our service com- high school football team in Western Kansas, Within three weeks of the three-hour long shoot the head of the object that was being ponent is. We are all here as a team to the wind began to gust strongly and Bledsoe treatments he began to walk with crutches obscured from the object in the front.” support one another.” found he could hardly hold his balance. He again. Soon he was walking on his own. Upon completing the M-4 shoot, competi- As the competitors waited for the board felt oddly dizzy while walking. For a guy To say the experience was life-altering tors had to perform the entire process over to announce the overall winner, Bogart said who rarely missed a day of work, once he would be an understatement. again, only this time shooting the 9 mm. Each he began to wonder if he had done enough needed crutches to avoid falling, he thought “The outpouring of support makes you weapon also had blanks in the magazines to to at least place respectably. it was time to head to the doctor. truly appreciate everyone around you, from cause malfunctions to test the competitors’ “I really thought I had lost,” Bogart ad- Initially, his family doctor diagnosed him family to friends to the second family in knowledge of clearing a malfunction. mitted. “Everyone represented their battal- with probable multiple sclerosis, but as the the Guard,” said Bledsoe. “Their support Land navigation was up next. ion and squadron very well. When they rapid degeneration continued it was soon was amazing, and there is no way to thank “It’s a challenge in itself to walk up and announced that I won, a huge rock fell off ruled out. Within three weeks of his su- people for all they have done.” down the hills,” Bogart said. “But you also my shoulders. I could breathe again.” perlative score on the annual PT test, Bled- Bledsoe has been out of treatment for had to know your pace count. You were A final honor was still to come for Bog- soe was in a wheelchair and his facial two months and is hoping all the progress giving a distance and a bearing and you art. In recognition of his achievement, features began to turn numb. Baffled and remains constant. He has been returned to had to walk the bearing with a compass.” Army Brig. Gen. Lester Simpson, 176th concerned, local doctors secured him an full military status and is more appreciative The ground pounding didn’t end there. Engineer Brigade commander, awarded the appointment within two weeks at the Mayo than ever for his good health. The determined senior NCO then had to sergeant the Army Commendation Medal. Clinic in Rochester, Minn. “We will just deal with things as they walk the 3.3 kilometers back to the com- “It was so surreal,” Bogart reflected. Within a day, diagnostic testing at Mayo come up, but for now, it’s good to be back.” pound, where a combat lifesaver test with “Standing in front of everyone as an Air multiple scenarios awaited. Bogart was Force member made me feel really proud.” Suicide is not just a deployment issue By Chaplain (Capt.) John Potter drawing from friends, family, and society Full-Time Support Chaplain are warning signs that any Soldier can ex- The news media frequently portray sui- perience. These factors can happen to any cide as a deployment issue. The all-too- person regardless of rank, time in service, common perspective is that only or combat experience. battle-hardened veterans experience sui- Remember ACE: Ask, Care, and Es- cidal difficulties. A service member goes cort. When you recognize the warning down range, encounters the realities of signs, ask your buddy if he/she is consid- war, develops post-traumatic stress issues ering suicide. Care for your buddy by re- and begins to question the value of life. moving any means that could be used for While these situations do occur, life in self-injury and actively listen to his/her uniform isn’t always that cut and dried. situation. Escort your buddy to the chain In calendar year 2010, the Army Na- of command, a chaplain, a medic, a be- tional Guard reported 114 suicides. A ma- havioral health professional, a counselor jority of these Soldiers never deployed. or a doctor. Never leave your buddy That statistic seems to get little attention, alone. Make sure that you connect your but it is very telling. Suicide issues apply buddy with a resource for help. to everyone in uniform. Suicide is not isolated to the combat Common issues, such as ending a rela- zone. Warning signs are common and can tionship, financial difficulties, feeling impact any service member. Do your part A mysterious illness that began as a tingling in his fingers put Senior Master Sgt. Bob hopeless, increasing alcohol use, or with- to prevent suicide, it just might save a life. Bledsoe into a wheelchair within a three-week span. (Photo by Maj. DeAnn Barr) July 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Photographers capture priceless and poignant moments By Sgt. Jessica Barnett Public Affairs Office Deployments are a very emotional time for service mem- bers and their families. Many are so overwhelmed that tak- ing pictures of these cherished milestones can be forgotten as they reach for their child’s first hug or feel relief when their son is home again. A former military spouse created a foundation of photog- raphers to help military families capture these unforgettable images. Operation: Love ReUnited offers free photography sessions to service members and their families during a de- ployment. Each family gets two free sessions per deploy- ment that can be used before, during, or after the deployment. The photographers agree to ship a 4x6 album (one per deployment) to the service member’s deployment location. This is done in hopes of boosting morale while away from loved ones. For a homecoming photo session, families will receive a compact disc of the images. Founder of Operation: Love ReUnited, Tonee Lawrence of Denver, Colo., realized the need for the program back in 2006, when her husband and father of three returned from his deployment and she wasn’t able to capture the long- awaiting faces of her little boys when they saw their father for the first time in months. To capture these emotional moments, Lawrence has re- cruited more than 600 photography businesses across the na- tion, some with multiple photographers working on their 1st Lt. Lindsey Davis, platoon leader and pilot with the Company G, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment behalf. To many service members, photos of family and (General Support Aviation Battalion), takes in the moment as he embraces his wife, Brigid, and dog, Izzy, at his friends are the life connection and morale boosters that make homecoming from a yearlong deployment to Iraq with the Kansas National Guard, at Forbes Field in Topeka, the time away from home a little bit easier to overcome. Kan., April 22, 2011. (Photo by Jeni Turner, Jenifriend Photography) “Many of us know firsthand, as children, spouses and parents of the military, how ‘real’ a deployment is,” said Operation: Love ReUnited helps families find participating The Operation: Love ReUnited website is set up only to Jeni Turner, OpLove: Reunited regional coordinator for the photographers in their area through its website at help deploying or deployed families locate a photographer Kansas City area. “It’s not just a short story on the nightly www.oplove.org. Families type in their ZIP code, contact the for two free sessions and the families are not obligated to news; it’s not just a ‘support your troops’ e-mail photographer and make an appointment for photos. purchase anything. forward...it’s a family, broken apart to help our country for “I’m very grateful to OpLove and Jeni for the priceless gift If you are a member or family member of the United what feels like the longest year of their life. As photogra- of our photographs,” expressed Brigid Davis, wife of 1st Lt. States military, and are interested in having very special phers, we gladly carry the burden of sealing their moments Lindsey Davis, of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation and touching images with a patriotic edge taken of you of departure and homecoming in photographic history. It’s Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion). “At that mo- and/or your family before a deployment or during, and at the least we can do for the men and women who stand tall ment, all I could see or think of was Lindsey. My emotions your reunion, please contact a photographer in your area and defend our homeland.” were bursting. Now I can relive that moment over and over.” by finding them at www.oplove.org. Kansas fliers supporting FEMA Kansas Agribusiness Development missions along Missouri River Team 3 conducts spur ride By Lt. Col. Dennis L. Pearson, CAP Crockett, 1st Lt. George Tom Page, 2nd Lt. Continued from Page 2 good-natured jibes, an undercurrent of the Mission Public Information Officer Jack E. Gonzenbach, and 2nd Lt. Mary ride,” said Hidalgo. “To find out I’m the event, continued. Each team was prompted Members of the Kansas Wing of the Ann Teschan. first female Kansas Air Guardsman to re- to sing the team theme song they’d sung Civil Air Patrol began assisting the CAP Recent training for aircrews also in- ceive spurs, just brings it closer to home.” numerous times that day, to the obvious de- Missouri Wing June 10, 2011, with provid- volved flying pre-flood aerial photo recon- The competition remained fierce, with the light of the gathered crowd and chagrin of ing aerial photo reconnaissance of the ex- naissance flights for the Kansas Army ultimate prize of having Wheeler pay for the the team. Everyone smiled as the cadre got tensive flooding along the Missouri River. National Guard two weeks before the winning team’s Stetsons. their final ribbing in and the candidates Flights assist the Missouri Wing CAP as Northern Tide mission from Salina to the In the end, Team Sweets, comprised of knew the day was concluding with their it supports the FEMA Regional Response Kansas City area, and up to Atchison. Spc. Richard Tyson Kane of Scott City, spurs all but on their boots. Coordination Center. Aircrews fly routes Aircrews provide aerial reconnaissance Kan., a truck crewman; Staff Sgt. Timothy Twenty-seven members of the 3/6 Kansas from Kansas City to the Iowa border and of flood progression of the Missouri River Schloetzer of Harveyville, Kan., a truck Cavalry Agribusiness Development Team 3, from Kansas City to Booneville, Mo. and other rivers. They photograph the con- commander; and Sgt. Chase Taylor of Leav- from specialists to lieutenant colonels, male Three Kansas Wing aircraft have pro- dition of levees and note overtoppings, enworth, Kan., a gunner, all with the ADT, and female alike, earned their spurs. vided 15 hours during five sorties. Mission breaches, seepage, and sand boils; hazards took the top spot by a slim margin. The Two Soldiers earned special recognition base is located at Charles B. Wheeler to roads, bridges, dams, power plants, and clincher for Team Sweets was their quick Sgt. Paul Olson of Manhattan, Kan., a Downtown Airport, Kansas City, Mo. water treatment facilities; report potential ruck-march times; they were the only team truck gunner for the ADT, was chosen as Kansas CAP members participating are hazardous material spills, assess the impact to earn all points available in that category. most motivated by his peers, and Spc. Col. Timothy Hansen, Lt. Col. John R. to communities and the area around Rose- With the conclusion of the spur ride, the Jason Cook, Wichita, also a truck gunner Shelton, Chaplain (Maj.) Randolph Colby, crans Air National Guard Base. teams retired to their hooches to rest and for the ADT, was chosen as most moti- Maj. Alan M. Simon, Maj. Donald R. The missions are expected to continue for refit for the traditional dinner. The candi- vated by the cadre. The Soldiers received a Whitney, Capt. Douglas D. Dutton, Capt. several weeks due to the ongoing nature of dates capped their day serving a meal to special plaque commemorating their Daniel L. Marvin, 1st Lt. Patricia A. the flooding along the Missouri River. the cadre and current spur-holders, and the achievement.

Staff Sgt. Terry Jimeson, HHB, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hi- awatha Retirements Staff Sgt. Brett Lassiter, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita Staff Sgt. William Lorenz, Det 1, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th Kansas Army National Guard FA, Concordia Col. Frederick Good, HHC, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Staff Sgt. Mitchell Marker, 170th Maint Co (-), Norton Col. Matthew Raney, HSC (-), 35th Div, Fort Leaven- Staff Sgt. Susan Middleton, Det 6, Co D, 2nd Bn, 135th worth Avn, Topeka Lt. Col. Charles Eberth, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Lisa Newman, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Lt. Col. Stephen Smith, HSC (-), 35th Div, Fort Leaven- Staff Sgt. Donald Shearmire, Det 1, 1161st FSC, Pratt worth Sgt. Raymond Alexander, Det 1, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Chief Warrant Officer 5 Keith Rogers, 35th Div, Fort Inf, Wichita Leavenworth Sgt. Chad Allerheiligen, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Indulis Dambro, JFHQ KS-LC, Lawrence Topeka Sgt. Cecil Cooper Jr., Det 2, 250th FSC, Clay Center Sgt. Maj. Pat Pierson, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Lane Doner, Det 1, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Con- Sgt. Maj. Melvin Smith, 69th TC, Topeka cordia Master Sgt. Aniello Burr, 35th MP Co, Topeka Sgt. Michael Hanson, HHD, 635th SG, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Ricky Combes, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita Sgt. Travis Harrison, 778th Trans Co, Kansas City Master Sgt. James Haynes, HQ, 235th Regt (RTI), Sgt. Timothy Hill, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Salina Sgt. Gary Kenney, BCTS, Fort Leavenworth Master Sgt. Charles Kuhn, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. Daniel Martinez, Btry C, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Abilene Sgt. 1st Class Charles Cherry, 35th MP Co, Topeka Sgt. Christopher Moore, FSC, 891st Eng Bn, Iola Sgt. 1st Class Dinah Johnson, Det 1, 1161st FSC, Pratt Sgt. Timothy Rozell, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Fred Jones, 137th Trans Co, Olathe Spc. Jerry Curry Jr., Det 1, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Lib- Sgt. 1st Class Judson Jones, Co D, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, eral Emporia Spc. Gregory Harris Sr., 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. 1st Class William Neff, HHC, 169th CSSB, Olathe Spc. Jason Myers, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Staver, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Staff Sgt. Ryan L. Pierce (left front), Newton, Kan., and Sgt. 1st Class Eric Inf, Lawrence Kansas Air National Guard Kaltenborn, Manhattan, Kan., watch spur ride candidate Senior Airman Melissa Hi- Sgt. 1st Class Todd Willbanks, Co D, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Doviak, 190th ARW, dalgo Mendez demonstrate her weapon skills with the M16 rifle. Hidalgo, an Air Salina Topeka Staff Sgt. Donnel Groshong, Det 1, 778th Trans Co, Master Sgt. Patrick Louis Cochran, 190th ARW, Topeka Force medic from Topeka, Kan., attached to ADT 3, became the first Kansas female Manhattan Master Sgt. Eldon Jackson, 190th ARW, Topeka Air Force National Guardsman to earn her spurs with the cavalry by completing the Staff Sgt. Terry Hirsch, HHB, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hi- Tech. Sgt. Phillip Edward Cockrell, 190th ARW, Topeka awatha Tech. Sgt. Thomas Hopper, 190th ARW, Topeka spur ride. (Photo by Senior Airman Ronifel S. Yasay, Laghman Provincial Recon- struction Team) Page 12 Plains Guardian • July 2011 Kansas National Guard engineers work on overseas projects By Staff Sgt. Brian Blandamer well as supporting the base maintenance 242nd Engineer Company team with unit services and repairs of organi- Approximately 70 Kansas National Guard zational equipment. Soldiers from the 242nd Engineer Company The CH47 pad expansion is a multiphase, (Horizontal), Coffeyville, Kan., augmented multirotation project designed to park five by Soldiers from the 772nd Mobility CH47 Chinook helicopters, thus increasing Augmentation Company, Pittsburg, Kan.; aviation capabilities at the HTA. The project the 226th Engineer Company (Vertical), requires more than 4,000 loads of fill mate- Augusta, Kan.; and Headquarters and Head- rial to be hauled to the site by 20-ton dump quarters Company and Forward Support trucks from a distant borrow pit. The mate- Company of the 891st Engineer Battalion, rial is then spread, compacted and brought Iola, Kan., conducted a three-week overseas to grade. The 242nd Soldiers hauled in ex- deployment training mission to Hohenfels, cess of 480 loads of dirt fill for the project Germany, April 9 to 30, 2011. and will cap off this year’s TCP cycle for The Soldiers primarily worked within the this project when it returns in August. Hohenfels Training Area, participating in The 242nd’s mission for this phase of the troop construction program projects in order IED Training Lane North project required to improve and enhance the training environ- the unit to emplace three culverts and re- ment at the Joint Multinational Readiness place one culvert that had been damaged Center. The major projects the 242nd Engi- before the lane could be made operational. neer Company tackled were expansion of the The unit also improved drainage along the current CH47 landing pad, various Impro- lane and dressed up the area with improve- vised Explosive Device training lane im- ments to the traffic lanes and traffic circles. provements, Class IV yard motor pool repair, Because of their exceptional perform- and initial work on berm construction at For- ance, Soldiers were rewarded with two Staff Sgt. Jared Ludwig and Sgt. Timothy Shoulders, 242nd Engineer Company, ward Operating Base Schwend. The units’ days off to visit the local German towns of Kansas National Guard, load a 20-ton dump truck with fill dirt for the CH47 pad ex- maintenance personnel also worked count- Nurnberg and Regensburg to sample Ger- pansion project in Hohenfels, Germany. (Photo by Spc. Maureen McWilliams, less hours repairing engineer equipment, as man culture and authentic German food. UPAR, 242nd Engineer Company)

Staff Sgt. John Lyon directs Sgt. Vernon Valentine where to dump rock as Sgt. Don- Pvt. Jessie Ryherd (left), Spc. Steven Taylor and Pfc. Tamara Roberts install a new ald Vining and Spc. Daniel Fogle observe. The rock will be compacted to allow for a wiring harness on a HMMWV in Hohenfels, Germany. Ryherd, Taylor and Roberts stable base for a culvert at the IED Lane north project area in Hohenfels, Germany. are with the Kansas National Guard’s 891st Engineer Battalion. (Photo by Spc. (Photo by Spc. Maureen McWilliams, UPAR, 242nd Engineer Company) Maureen McWilliams, UPAR, 242nd Engineer Company) 772nd Engineer Company conducts successful annual training By Sgt. 1st Class Jason L. Lane, UPAR checks and services on all assigned equip- safety oriented training, Soldiers of the movement techniques, and proper proce- The 772nd Engineer Company con- ment in the unit’s motor pool. Unit leaders 772nd began conducting PMCS of the dures to call in situation reports. ducted annual training from June 4 to 18, spent many hours inventorying their equip- equipment on ground. This task took two The Soldiers conducted a total of six mis- 2011. During this training, the Soldiers ment in preparation for the 772nd’s Com- days to complete as portions of the company sions, including one night mission. These conducted a 72-hour field training exercise, pany change of command. were attending separate annual trainings in missions ranged from military presence pa- completing preventative maintenance After a day of mandatory briefings and Germany, and over half of the company had trols and force-on-force skirmishes. With the either been deployed and recently returned knowledge gained from rehearsals, the Sol- or are ramping up to deploy soon. diers were given their orders. The missions But the small numbers of Soldiers pres- were all small unit infantry oriented. The ent were up to the task. While they were Soldiers were equipped with M-4 carbine checking the equipment, they were also paintball rifles. During the night missions, making sure that designated vehicles were the Soldiers used night vision goggles. This equipped with the proper emergency items allowed them to gain experience of operat- to more efficiently mobilize in the event of ing in an environment similar to a real com- a natural disaster. bat mission. The field training exercise was con- Following the exercise and after action ducted at a local law enforcement shooting reviews, members of the 772nd went back range in Pittsburg, Kan. The first order of to the police shooting range to conduct business was to conduct a reconnaissance community service operations. Range up- of the training area and establish a com- keep operations included picking up all the mand post. Soldiers conducted rehearsals trash around the range, mowing and weed and refresher training on the nine line med- eating around the operational area, repair- ical evacuation procedures, receiving and ing broken target brackets and constructing giving operation orders, reaction to near new weapons racks. Though the group was side and far side ambushes, reaction to di- small, the Soldiers accomplished a great rect and indirect fire, small unit tactical deal and received quality training. W|áv|ÑÄ|Çx |á à{x áÉâÄ Éy tÇ tÜÅçA \à Åt~xá áÅtÄÄ ÇâÅuxÜá yÉÜÅ|wtuÄx? ÑÜÉvâÜxá áâvvxáá àÉ à{x ãxt~ tÇw xáàxxÅ àÉ tÄÄA Cadet Dustin Dice operates a skill saw during range clean up/upkeep mission at the ZxÉÜzx jtá{|ÇzàÉÇ Pittsburg, Kan., Police Department shooting range. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jason – Lane, UPAR, 772nd Engineer Company) July 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 13 Flooding gives Kansas Guardsmen their chance to serve By Sgt. Jessica Barnett and we have several houses that are dents have left Elwood as a precaution. tected, as well.” Public Affairs Office empty,” said George Mitchell Jr., mayor of “We are roving around making sure These Soldiers are in addition to 10 that Soldiers from the Kansas National Elwood, Kan. “Our four man [police] force there is no looting going on,” said Sgt. Der- have been on duty in Doniphan County Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Ar- would be worn out by the time things could ick Maschmeier, a fire direction control since early June monitoring levees for pos- tillery deployed to Doniphan County, June settle down. The Soldiers were offered to specialist for multiple launch systems with sible problems such as sand boils, soft 28, 2011, to provide security patrols in El- us, so I went ahead and requested them to Battery A, 2-130th FA, and resident of spots and animals burrowing holes. wood, Kan. The tasking came through the help patrol and protect properties that are Hanover, Kan. “We are driving around “It’s good to just be here for the commu- Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- vacant at this time.” making sure everyone is safe. If the time nity,” said Capt. Jonathan Hines, battalion ment at the request of the mayor of El- Elwood and Wathena, Kan., officials is- comes to have to evacuate everybody, we’ll intelligence officer for the 2-130th FA, and wood and county emergency management sued a voluntary evacuation for their cities, just take action and help everybody evacu- an Olatha, Kan., resident. “They love hav- officials. as the Missouri River hit 29 feet, June 27. ate the town.” ing us here. They are feeding us like kings. “We enacted our voluntary evacuation By the end of June, an estimated 400 resi- As residents leave, they notify the city to They love seeing us around.” let the Soldiers know what homes and busi- “They asked specifically for us to come nesses need to be patrolled. out here and drive around to provide the se- “The response we are getting [from the curity presence,” he continued. “So the fact community] is tremendous,” said Mitchell. that we answered their call looks good on “With the Guard being here, I believe they the National Guard and I think it’s gratify- are at ease knowing that their property is ing for us to be here where we are needed protected and that the levee is being pro- and do what they need.” Event highlights dangers of hazardous materials in the home By Steve Larson injury and, in some cases, death.” Public Affairs Office “Our homes and workplaces are filled The average home is filled with sub- with a variety of products that make life eas- stances that, when not used properly, can ier and provide great benefits,” Morgan con- do great harm. Some we know about – in- tinued, “but everyone should consider the secticides, gasoline, household cleaners. potential dangers we usually don’t think Some, we give little thought to – glue, bat- about so that we can use these products teries, hairspray. These products can pose safely and enjoy the benefits they offer.” immediate dangers to adults, children, even Participating agencies included the pets and they can also pose dangers to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas National environment if not disposed of properly. Guard Wolf Creek Response Unit, Kansas To heighten awareness of hazardous ma- Emergency Geographic Information System terials found in the home, workplace, Team, the Kansas Department of Health and schools, and even on the sports field, the Environment, State Fire Marshal, Shawnee Sgt. Cody Lee and Pfc. Roy Lockhart, members of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- County Household Hazardous Waste, Field Artillery, monitor a federal levee in a gator, June 13, 2011. (Photo by Sgt. Jes- ment’s Technological Hazards Section Shawnee County Recycling, Environmental sica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) hosted a Hazmat/Radiological Awareness Protection Agency, Topeka Police Depart- Family Day June 29, at Gage Park, Topeka. ment and Topeka Fire Department. Army officers begin their careers “We often don’t take the time to read la- The event included information booths; bels carefully and may overlook words like static displays of emergency response vehi- at Officer Candidate School ‘Danger,’ ‘Poison,’ or ‘Warning’ on a prod- cles and equipment demonstrations; a uct label,” said Angee Morgan, deputy direc- clown, games, face painting and balloon By 1st Lt. Kathleen Argonza, PAO tor of KDEM. “That can lead to unnecessary animals for the kids. Officer Candidate School, 235th Regiment Each year, Soldiers from across nine dif- ferent states come to Salina, Kan., to face the first hurdle of their career as commis- sioned officers in the United States Army. These Soldiers, now holding the rank of of- ficer candidate, are attending the first phase of Officer Candidate School. On June 14, 2011, Soldiers at OCS cele- brated the Army’s 236th birthday. OCS cadre and officer candidates marked the oc- casion with a birthday cake and a ceremony commemorating the long tradition of Army leadership. Just the day before, the candidates awoke at 4:30 a.m. to the not-so-soothing sounds of their company platoon trainers rousting them from their bunks. The candidates moved with a purpose, hoisted their assault rifles, strapped on their fully loaded ruck- sacks and headed out on a five-mile road march, well before the sun had risen. The candidates would complete the road march before 8 a.m., right around the time when most people were just getting to work. Yet that day was nothing compared to the Capt. Jason Inskeep, Salina, Kan., over- candidates’ initial introduction to OCS. As- sees the training of two officer candi- Harry Heintzelman, Kansas Division of Emergency Management, talks to a group of sisting the candidates on their journey to- dates (Photo by 1st Lt. Kathleen kids about the dangers of hazardous materials that can be found in the average wards the coveted “gold bar” of an Army Argonza, PAO, Officer Candidate household at the Hazmat/Radiological Awareness Family Day at Gage Park. The second lieutenant, are over 100 staff and School, 235th Regiment) June 29 event was sponsored by KDEM’s Technological Hazards Section. (Photo by cadre. During this time in Salina, the in- signed to shock the candidate into a high- Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) structors at OCS hope to mold these Sol- stress environment. The TACs also got in- diers into competent, assertive and ventive, guiding the candidates through confident leaders ready to take charge of a exercises with names like “bear crawls,” Retired? Keep up with us by email platoon-sized element in combat. “buddy carries,” and “mountain climbers.” Shortly after a polite and crisp opening During an average day, candidates must In an effort to keep our retirees better ceremonies, etc. ceremony, 130 candidates were assembled not only follow orders, but also lead any- informed on what is happen- If you would like to be added to the list to meet their platoon trainers (known as thing from a squad to a company-sized ele- ing in the Adjutant General’s please e-mail your request to Jane Welch TACs) for their traditional “smoke ses- ment. Candidates attend many indoor Department, the Public Af- at [email protected]. sion.” The sunny June afternoon, at 94 de- classes on military procedures and leader- fairs Office has put together Also if you are a grees with 98 percent humidity, became a ship, yet during their breaks, they are “mo- an e-mail distribution list. retired Guardsmen grueling test of mental and physical en- tivated” by their TACs in sessions of Individuals on this distri- and are not receiv- durance. The candidates were guided rigorous physical exercise. bution list will receive ing a copy of the through exercises for hours under the hot Today, the candidates celebrate moving agency news releases, death Plains Guardian at Kansas sun. Candidates perspired straight one step closer to joining the proud frater- notifications, Guard mem- your home, please contact through their Army Combat Uniform while nity of commissioned officers, leaders of ber retirements, invitations to the Public Affairs Office at 785- performing pushups, sit ups, high-knees, Soldiers, and defenders of the Constitution changes of command, deployments, 274-1190 to be added to the mailing list. sprints and various other exercises de- of the United States of America. Page 14 Plains Guardian • July 2011

Spc. Robert T. Dutton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny G. Best II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy M. Edwards, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jeremy A. Blackbourn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Awards and Decorations Spc. Christopher D. Ellis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Crystal A. Booth, 226th Eng Co, Augusta KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Benjamin L. Force, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin N. Botkin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Bronze Star Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Housel, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 3rd Spc. Regan M. Gillespie, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Heath E. Bresee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Mathew O. Glasgow, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mark A. Brull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Amy J. Umbarger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Vincent E. Gonzales Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kurt T. Chance, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Capt. Brian R. Henning, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Tristan S. Greer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy W. Charboneau, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Capt. Zachary J. Kittle, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James R. Bowles Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Matthew R. Harp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brett M. Cole, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Kraig L. Buffington, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Jonathan A. Hejny, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Dean Conner, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Kevin M. Hubbard, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Samuel L. Frantz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. Christopher J. Heller, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Adam R. Culbertson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Jason W. Hulse, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Spc. Dwane A. Hendley, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jacob R. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Douglas D. Vaughn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jesse J. Gould, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. Christina L. Hull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Laura L. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Sgt. John L. Short, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Spc. Casey D. Jameson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Robert T. Dutton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Marion J. Dohle, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Timothy A. Hill, Counterdrug, Topeka Spc. Kenneth W. Jarred, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy M. Edwards, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class James D. Grayson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Samuel H. Huff, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. Daniel H. Lampson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. Ellis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Christopher M. Hargis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Spc. Cory J. Larsen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Ruth A. Fix, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Loren W. Spohn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Shane D. Johnson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. Josey W. Leck, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Benjamin L. Force, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Michael G. Walls, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Spc. Christopher J. Lee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Regan M. Gillespie, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jeremy W. Blevens, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Aaron J. O’Hara, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin L. Lero, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mathew O. Glasgow, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jason D. Christian, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Dale F. Ouderkirk, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 3rd Oak Spc. Charles G. Lewis I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Vincent E. Gonzales Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Housel, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Spc. Lee R. Maier Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Tristan S. Greer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. William B. Kerby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Matthew A. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Shayden D. Mason, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Matthew R. Harp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Chadwick S. Moran, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Cody D. McClellen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan A. Hejny, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Stephen M. Graham, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Bret M. Ploutz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. McGhee Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher J. Heller, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Michael G. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Michael L. Meyer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Dwane A. Hendley, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Meritorious Service Medal Sgt. William M. Smith II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Spc. Byron D. Mohammed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Ronald L. Holmquest Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Timothy J. Montgomery Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christina L. Hull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Emily B. Aki, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny R. Moore Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Casey D. Jameson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Master Sgt. Joel T. Paige, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with 2nd Spc. James J. Barclay, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jason R. Newport, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth W. Jarred, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. John C. Barnes, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mark A. Newton Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cody A. Lakey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Elton B. Bender, Co C (Ord), 2nd Bn, 235th Spc. Jonathan B. Belosic, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Harold G. Nichols IV, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Daniel H. Lampson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Rgt, Salina Spc. Johnny G. Best II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Shane L. Nickelson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cory J. Larsen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Samual C. Bonham, R&R Cmd, Topeka Spc. Crystal A. Booth, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nichole F. Palmer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Josey W. Leck, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Brumley, Jr., ADT #2, Topeka, with 1st Spc. Mark A. Brull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Glenn E. Porter, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher J. Lee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Timothy W. Charboneau, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Celia J. Prince, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin L. Lero, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Diane D. Dougherty, BCTC, Fort Leavenworth Spc. Laura L. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Trent L. Ramsey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Charles G. Lewis I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Robert T. Dutton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. William E. Rauch, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joshua R. Lowry, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Army Commendation Medal Leaf Cluster Spc. Stephen M. Reed Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Lee R. Maier Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. Ellis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. David A. Reed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Shayden D. Mason, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Benjamin L. Force, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. James R. Reynolds, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony W. McAdams, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jamie L. Jones, 226th Eng Co, Au- Spc. Vincent E. Gonzales Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jacob D. Rion, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cody D. McClellen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta gusta, with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Matthew R. Harp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. Joshua A. Robinson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. McGhee Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Charles J. Becher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Spc. William D. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Michael L. Meyer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Charles L. Cherry, Counterdrug, Topeka, with Spc. Jonathan A. Hejny, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth R. Rood, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Benjamin R. Michler, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Christopher J. Heller, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William H. Rusk Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Byron D. Mohammed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Travis A. Eichhorn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, Spc. Daniel H. Lampson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Meghan E. Salisbury, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy J. Montgomery Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Christopher J. Lee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Corey J. Sanders, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny R. Moore Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Gary W. Hanshaw, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, Spc. Justin L. Lero, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Samuel B. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jason R. Newport, 226th Eng Co, Augusta with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Lee R. Maier Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jessica G. Sifuentesgalarza, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mark A. Newton Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery H. Richardson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, Spc. Shayden D. Mason, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Andrew K. Snider, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Harold G. Nichols IV, 226th Eng Co, Augusta with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Christopher D. McGhee Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brittany T. Stewart, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Shane L. Nickelson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class John J. Simon, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Benjamin R. Michler, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nicholas A. Stipp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Curtis E. Odell, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Eric S. Brodersen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Byron D. Mohammed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Anthony L. Strickland, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Tommy Olivas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Troy L. Sullivan, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nichole F. Palmer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Michael D. Carlson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Harold G. Nichols IV, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nathan J. Swartz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Bryan N. Pierce, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Shane L. Nickelson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyle L. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Glenn E. Porter, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Daugherty, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, Spc. Curtis E. Odell, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. Steven M. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Celia J. Prince, 226th Eng Co, Augusta with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Spc. Bryant A. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Trent L. Ramsey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Sean J. Fisher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Nichole F. Palmer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. Scotty L. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William E. Rauch, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Spc. Derek A. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Janeva J. Reasor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. David H. Herbert, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Glenn E. Porter, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nicholas E. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Corey M. Redfern, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Celia J. Prince, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony L. Throckmorton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Stephen M. Reed Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Craig A. Pack, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Trent L. Ramsey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kevin A. Valot, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. David A. Reed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. William E. Rauch, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joseph A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. James R. Reynolds, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Brandon P. Pawloski, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Janeva J. Reasor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyler A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jacob D. Rion, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Corey M. Redfern, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jason W. Westphal, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joshua A. Robinson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Carrie D. Seeger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Stephen M. Reed Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. John D. Wilson Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William D. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Cole D. Younger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth R. Rood, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Amy J. Umbarger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. David A. Reed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Joshua D. Bales, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William H. Rusk Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. James R. Reynolds, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Christian D. Markley I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Meghan E. Salisbury, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jeremy J. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Jacob D. Rion, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Kevin J. Murphy II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Corey J. Sanders, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Joshua A. Robinson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Pfc. Henry W. Silvey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Lewis C. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James W. Bergen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Pvt. Joshua A. Busher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Samuel B. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Markus L. Chamberlin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Kenneth R. Rood, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Pvt. Lance L. Longie, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jessica G. Sifuentesgalarza, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Spc. Andrew K. Snider, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Brandon E. Diamond, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Corey J. Sanders, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny K. Speer Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerry Doby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Lewis C. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. Brittany T. Stewart, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Robert S. Helmer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Spc. Nicholas A. Stipp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerrod D. Hottman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. Samuel B. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Afghanistan Campaign Medal Spc. Anthony L. Strickland, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Spc. Jessica G. Sifuentesgalarza, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Capt. Brian R. Henning, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Troy L. Sullivan, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Shane D. Johnson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Capt. Zachary J. Kittle, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nathan J. Swartz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Toby W. Long, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny K. Speer Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st 1st Lt. Kraig L. Buffington, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth M. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Scottie L. Love, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Lt. Kevin M. Hubbard, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyle L. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Spc. Brittany T. Stewart, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st 1st Lt. Jason W. Hulse, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Steven M. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Christopher A. Moore, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Lt. Douglas D. Vaughn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Bryant A. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Nicholas A. Stipp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Oak Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jamie L. Jones, 226th Eng Co, Spc. Scotty L. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Matthew A. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Augusta Spc. Derek A. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Aaron R. Plumley, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony L. Strickland, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Sgt. John L. Short, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nicholas E. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Michael G. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Troy L. Sullivan, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Charles J. Becher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony L. Throckmorton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Donald L. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nathan J. Swartz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Marion J. Dohle, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kevin A. Valot, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Donald F. Vining, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyle L. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Travis A. Eichhorn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joseph A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Joshua L. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Oak Spc. Bryant A. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class James D. Grayson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyler A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Spc. Nicholas E. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Gary W. Hanshaw, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jason W. Westphal, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brian E. Anderson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kevin A. Valot, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Christopher M. Hargis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Adam N. Williams, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. James J. Barclay, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joseph A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery H. Richardson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John D. Wilson Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John C. Barnes, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyler A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class John J. Simon, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cory L. Winkler, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jeremy A. Blackbourn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jason W. Westphal, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Loren W. Spohn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Michael G. Woods, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin N. Botkin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Adam N. Williams, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Michael G. Walls, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cole D. Younger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Heath E. Bresee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John D. Wilson Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jeremy W. Blevens, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Joshua D. Bales, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kurt T. Chance, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cory L. Winkler, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Eric S. Brodersen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Shane M. Harris, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brett M. Cole, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Michael G. Woods, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Michael D. Carlson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Christian D. Markley I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Adam R. Culbertson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cole D. Younger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jason D. Christian, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Kevin J. Murphy II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jacob R. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Shane M. Harris, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Daugherty, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Chadd M. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Robert T. Dutton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Christian D. Markley I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Staff Sgt. Sean J. Fisher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Henry W. Silvey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy M. Edwards, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Robert W. Graham, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Carmel C. Solis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Ruth A. Fix, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Henry W. Silvey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. David H. Herbert, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pvt. Joshua A. Busher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Regan M. Gillespie, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pvt. Joshua A. Busher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Housel, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pvt. Tyler R. Gay, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Tristan S. Greer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pvt. Lance L. Longie, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. William B. Kerby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pvt. Lance L. Longie, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Matthew R. Harp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Chadwick S. Moran, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher J. Heller, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Good Conduct Medal Staff Sgt. Craig A. Pack, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christina L. Hull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Brandon P. Pawloski, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cory J. Larsen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Carrie D. Seeger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Josey W. Leck, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Sgt. John L. Short, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Amy J. Umbarger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Spc. Justin L. Lero, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Travis A. Eichhorn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jeremy J. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Capt. Zachary J. Kittle, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony W. McAdams, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Staff Sgt. Michael D. Carlson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James W. Bergen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Kraig L. Buffington, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Chadwick S. Moran, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James R. Bowles Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Jason W. Hulse, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Michael L. Meyer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James W. Bergen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Markus L. Chamberlin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Douglas D. Vaughn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny R. Moore Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James R. Bowles Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Trisha C. Cramer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Michael D. Carlson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jason R. Newport, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Trisha C. Cramer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Brandon E. Diamond, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James W. Bergen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mark A. Newton Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Brandon E. Diamond, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerry Doby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James R. Bowles Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William D. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerry Doby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Samuel L. Frantz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Trisha C. Cramer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth R. Rood, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jesse J. Gould, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jesse J. Gould, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Brandon E. Diamond, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William H. Rusk Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Stephen M. Graham, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Stephen M. Graham, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerry Doby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Meghan E. Salisbury, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Samuel H. Huff, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Robert S. Helmer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Stephen M. Graham, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony L. Strickland, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Aaron J. O’Hara, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerrod D. Hottman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Samuel H. Huff, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyle L. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Matthew A. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Samuel H. Huff, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Shane D. Johnson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Steven M. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Michael G. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Shane D. Johnson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Toby W. Long, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Bryant A. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Donald L. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Toby W. Long, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Matthew A. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Derek A. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Donald F. Vining, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Scottie L. Love, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Michael G. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nicholas E. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Joshua L. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Christopher A. Moore, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Donald F. Vining, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony L. Throckmorton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Emily B. Aki, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Aaron J. Ohara, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Joshua L. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joseph A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brian E. Anderson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Dale F. Ouderkirk, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Emily B. Aki, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyler A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. James J. Barclay, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Matthew A. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brian E. Anderson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John D. Wilson Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John C. Barnes, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Bret M. Ploutz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. James J. Barclay, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Joshua D. Bales, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan B. Belosic, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Aaron R. Plumley, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John C. Barnes, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jeremy A. Blackbourn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Michael G. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan B. Belosic, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Army Achievement Medal Spc. Crystal A. Booth, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. William M. Smith II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny G. Best II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin N. Botkin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Donald L. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jeremy A. Blackbourn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Heath E. Bresee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Donald F. Vining, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Crystal A. Booth, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Eric S. Brodersen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 1st Spc. Mark A. Brull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Joshua L. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin N. Botkin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Kurt T. Chance, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Emily B. Aki, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Heath E. Bresee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Michael D. Carlson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy W. Charboneau, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brian E. Anderson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mark A. Brull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jason D. Christian, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Adam R. Culbertson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. James J. Barclay, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kurt T. Chance, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Jacob R. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John C. Barnes, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy W. Charboneau, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Robert W. Graham, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Laura L. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan B. Belosic, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Dean Conner, 226th Eng Co, Augusta July 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 15 Spc. Adam R. Culbertson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta M device Spc. Bryant A. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Aaron R. Plumley, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jacob R. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Amy J. Umbarger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Spc. Scotty L. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Michael G. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Laura L. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta M device Spc. Derek A. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Sgt. William M. Smith II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Robert T. Dutton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jeremy J. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M device Sgt. Donald F. Vining, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy M. Edwards, 226th Eng Co, Augusta M device Spc. Nicholas E. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Joshua L. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. Ellis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James W. Bergen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony L. Throckmorton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brian E. Anderson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Ruth A. Fix, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James R. Bowles Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kevin A. Valot, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan B. Belosic, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Benjamin L. Force, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Markus L. Chamberlin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Spc. Joseph A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jeremy A. Blackbourn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Regan M. Gillespie, 226th Eng Co, Augusta M device Spc. Kyler A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin N. Botkin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mathew O. Glasgow, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Trisha C. Cramer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jason W. Westphal, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Spc. Kurt T. Chance, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Vincent E. Gonzales Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Brandon E. Diamond, 226th Eng Co, Augusta device Spc. Timothy W. Charboneau, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Tristan S. Greer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerry Doby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Adam N. Williams, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Spc. Brett M. Cole, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Matthew R. Harp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Samuel L. Frantz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M device Spc. Jacob R. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan A. Hejny, 226th Eng Co, Augusta device Spc. John D. Wilson Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Robert T. Dutton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher J. Heller, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jesse J. Gould, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M de- Spc. Cory L. Winkler, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. Ellis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Dwane A. Hendley, 226th Eng Co, Augusta vice Spc. Michael G. Woods, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mathew O. Glasgow, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christina L. Hull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Stephen M. Graham, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cole D. Younger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Vincent E. Gonzales Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Casey D. Jameson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Robert S. Helmer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Pfc. Joshua D. Bales, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Tristan S. Greer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth W. Jarred, 226th Eng Co, Augusta device Pfc. Shane M. Harris, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan A. Hejny, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cody A. Lakey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerrod D. Hottman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Pfc. Christian D. Markley I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher J. Heller, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Daniel H. Lampson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta device Pfc. Kevin J. Murphy II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christina L. Hull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cory J. Larsen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Samuel H. Huff, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Chadd M. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Casey D. Jameson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Josey W. Leck, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Shane D. Johnson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Henry W. Silvey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Daniel H. Lampson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher J. Lee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Toby W. Long, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Carmel C. Solis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cory J. Larsen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin L. Lero, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Scottie L. Love, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M de- Pvt. Joshua A. Busher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Josey W. Leck, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Charles G. Lewis I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta vice Pvt. Tyler R. Gay, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher J. Lee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joshua R. Lowry, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Christopher A. Moore, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Pvt. Lance L. Longie, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin L. Lero, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Shayden D. Mason, 226th Eng Co, Augusta M device Spc. Charles G. Lewis I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cody D. McClellen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Aaron J. O’Hara, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M de- Combat Action Badge Spc. Lee R. Maier Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. McGhee Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta vice 1st Lt. Kraig L. Buffington, 226th Eng Co, Au- Spc. Michael L. Meyer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Michael L. Meyer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Dale F. Ouderkirk, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M gusta Spc. Jason R. Newport, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Byron D. Mohammed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta device Sgt. 1st Class James D. Grayson, 226th Eng Co, Spc. Mark A. Newton Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy J. Montgomery Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Matthew A. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Augusta Spc. William E. Rauch, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny R. Moore Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Bret M. Ploutz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M de- Sgt. 1st Class Christopher M. Hargis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. David A. Reed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jason R. Newport, 226th Eng Co, Augusta vice Sgt. 1st Class Michael G. Walls, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jacob D. Rion, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mark A. Newton Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Aaron R. Plumley, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Housel, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William D. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Harold G. Nichols IV, 226th Eng Co, Augusta device Staff Sgt. William B. Kerby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth R. Rood, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Shane L. Nickelson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Michael G. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Brandon P. Pawloski, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Lewis C. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nichole F. Palmer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. William M. Smith II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Sgt. James W. Bergen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny K. Peer Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Bryan N. Pierce, 226th Eng Co, Augusta M device Sgt. Brandon E. Diamond, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nicholas A. Stipp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Glenn E. Porter, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Donald L. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Sgt. Shane D. Johnson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony L. Strickland, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Celia J. Prince, 226th Eng Co, Augusta M device Sgt. Scottie L. Love, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyle L. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Trent L. Ramsey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Donald F. Vining, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Matthew A. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Steven M. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William E. Rauch, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Joshua L. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Michael G. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Bryant A. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Stephen M. Reed Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Emily B. Aki, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Joshua L. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Derek A. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. David A. Reed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brian E. Anderson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brian E. Anderson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joseph A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. James R. Reynolds, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. James J. Barclay, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. James J. Barclay, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyler A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jacob D. Rion, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John C. Barnes, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John C. Barnes, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Joshua D. Bales, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joshua A. Robinson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan B. Belosic, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan B. Belosic II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Carmel C. Solis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William D. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny G. Best II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny G. Best, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth R. Rood, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jeremy A. Blackbourn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin N. Botkin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Driver and Mechanic Badge (Mechanic) Spc. William H. Rusk Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Crystal A. Booth, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mark A. Brull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerrod D. Hottman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Meghan E. Salisbury, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin N. Botkin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kurt T. Chance, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Bret M. Ploutz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Corey J. Sanders, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Heath E. Bresee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Benjamin L. Force, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brett M. Cole, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Samuel B. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mark A. Brull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan A. Hejny, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. Ellis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jessica G. Sifuentesgalarza, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kurt T. Chance, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth W. Jarred, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher J. Lee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Andrew K. Snider, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy W. Charboneau, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Daniel H. Lampson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Byron D. Mohammed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nicholas A. Stipp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brett M. Cole, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M de- Spc. Shayden D. Mason, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William D. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony L. Strickland, 226th Eng Co, Augusta vice Spc. Cody D. McClellen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Steven M. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Troy L. Sullivan, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Dean Conner, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. McGhee Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joseph A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nathan J. Swartz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Adam R. Culbertson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy J. Montgomery Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyle L. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jacob R. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny R. Moore Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Driver and Mechanic Badge (Driver-W) Spc. Steven M. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Laura L. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jason R. Newport, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. David H. Herbert, 226th Eng Co, Au- Spc. Bryant A. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Robert T. Dutton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mark A. Newton Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta gusta Spc. Scotty L. Thomas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy M. Edwards, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Shane L. Nickelson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jeremy J. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Au- Spc. Nicholas E. Thompson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. Ellis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Trent L. Ramsey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta gusta Spc. Anthony L. Throckmorton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Ruth A. Fix, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Stephen M. Reed Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James W. Bergen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kevin A. Valot, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Benjamin L. Force, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joshua A. Robinson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. James R. Bowles Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joseph A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Regan M. Gillespie, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth R. Rood, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jesse J. Gould, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyler A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Mathew O. Glasgow, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William H. Rusk Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerrod D. Hottman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John D. Wilson Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Vincent E. Gonzales Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Lewis C. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Samuel H. Huff, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cory L. Winkler, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Tristan S. Greer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Samuel B. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Bret M. Ploutz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Michael G. Woods, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Matthew R. Harp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Andrew K. Snider, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Donald F. Vining, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cole D. Younger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan A. Hejny, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Nicholas A. Stipp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brian E. Anderson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Joshua D. Bales, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher J. Heller, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Anthony L. Strickland, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jonathan B. Belosic, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Shane M. Harris, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Dwane A. Hendley, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyle L. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Crystal A. Booth, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Christian D. Markley I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Ronald L. Holmquest Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Kyler A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin N. Botkin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Kevin J. Murphy II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 2nd M device Spc. Jason W. Westphal, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Timothy W. Charboneau, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Chadd M. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christina L. Hull, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. John D. Wilson Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Brett M. Cole, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Henry W. Silvey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Casey D. Jameson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Michael G. Woods, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Adam R. Culbertson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Carmel C. Solis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kenneth W. Jarred, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Joshua D. Bales, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jacob R. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pvt. Joshua A. Busher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cody A. Lakey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Christian D. Markley I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Laura L. Daniels, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pvt. Tyler R. Gay, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Daniel H. Lampson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Kevin J. Murphy II, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. Ellis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pvt. Lance L. Longie, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cory J. Larsen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Kyler A. Ellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Josey W. Leck, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Combat Medical Badge Spc. Matthew R. Harp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device Spc. Christopher J. Lee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Corey M. Redfern, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher J. Heller, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Justin L. Lero, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Casey D. Jameson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Charles G. Lewis I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Josey W. Leck, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Capt. Brian R. Henning, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Spc. Joshua R. Lowry, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Driver and Mechanic Badge (Operator-S) Spc. Christopher J. Lee, 226th Eng Co, Augusta device Spc. Lee R. Maier Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M de- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jamie L. Jones, 226th Spc. Justin L. Lero, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Capt. Zachary J. Kittle, 226th Eng Co, Augusta vice Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Charles G. Lewis I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Kraig L. Buffington, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Shayden D. Mason, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Sgt. John L. Short, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joshua R. Lowry, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Kevin M. Hubbard, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Spc. Anthony W. McAdams, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Sgt. 1st Class Charles J. Becher, 226th Eng Co, Spc. Lee R. Maier Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta M device 2nd M device Augusta Spc. Christopher D. McGhee Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Jason W. Hulse, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Cody D. McClellen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Travis A. Eichhorn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Byron D. Mohammed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Lt. Douglas D. Vaughn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Christopher D. McGhee Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class James D. Grayson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny R. Moore Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jamie L. Jones, 226th Eng Co, Au- Spc. Michael L. Meyer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Gary W. Hanshaw, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Harold G. Nichols IV, 226th Eng Co, Augusta gusta, with 2nd M device Spc. Benjamin R. Michler, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Sgt. 1st Class Christopher M. Hargis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Glenn E. Porter, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 1st Sgt. John L. Short, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M M device Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery H. Richardson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. James R. Reynolds, 226th Eng Co, Augusta device Spc. Byron D. Mohammed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Loren W. Spohn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jacob D. Rion, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Charles J. Becher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Timothy J. Montgomery Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Michael G. Walls, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William D. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 2nd M device Spc. Johnny R. Moore Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jeremy W. Blevens, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Samuel B. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Marion J. Dohle, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Jason R. Newport, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Eric S. Brodersen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Johnny K. Speer Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta 2nd M device Spc. Mark A. Newton Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Michael D. Carlson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Steven M. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Travis A. Eichhorn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, Spc. Harold G. Nichols IV, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jason D. Christian, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Joseph A. Wellman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta with 2nd M device Spc. Shane L. Nickelson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Daugherty, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jason W. Westphal, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class James D. Grayson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, Spc. Curtis E. Odell, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M de- Staff Sgt. Sean J. Fisher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Adam N. Williams, 226th Eng Co, Augusta with 2nd M device vice Staff Sgt. David H. Herbert, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Michael G. Woods, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Gary W. Hanshaw, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Tommy Olivas, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M device Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Housel, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Joshua D. Bales, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 2nd M device Spc. Nichole F. Palmer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. William B. Kerby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Shane M. Harris, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Christopher M. Hargis, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, Spc. Bryan N. Pierce, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Chadwick S. Moran, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Pfc. Christian D. Markley I, 226th Eng Co, Augusta with 2nd M device Spc. Glenn E. Porter, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Craig A. Pack, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery H. Richardson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, Spc. Celia J. Prince, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Brandon P. Pawloski, 226th Eng Co, Augusta KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD with 2nd M device Spc. Trent L. Ramsey, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Carrie D. Seeger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class John J. Simon, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. William E. Rauch, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jeremy J. Wilson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Meritorious Service Medal 2nd M device Spc. Janeva J. Reasor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Sgt. James W. Bergen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. 1st Class Loren W. Spohn, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with device Sgt. Markus L. Chamberlin, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 2nd M device Spc. Corey M. Redfern, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Sgt. Trisha C. Cramer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Lt. Col. Nina Draffen, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf Sgt. 1st Class Michael G. Walls, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with device Sgt. Brandon E. Diamond, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Cluster 2nd M device Spc. Stephen M. Reed Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerry Doby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Lt. Col. William Hefner, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Jeremy W. Blevens, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. David A. Reed, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jesse J. Gould, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Senior Master Sgt. Perry Crabtree 190th ARW, Topeka 2nd M device Spc. James R. Reynolds, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Stephen M. Graham, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Doviak, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Eric S. Brodersen, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Spc. Jacob D. Rion, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Robert S. Helmer, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Master Sgt. Eldon Jackson, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak M device Spc. Joshua A. Robinson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Jerrod D. Hottman, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Michael D. Carlson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Spc. William D. Rogers, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Samuel H. Huff, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Jason D. Christian, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Kenneth R. Rood, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Shane D. Johnson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Air Force Commendation Medal 2nd M device Spc. William H. Rusk Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Toby W. Long, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Daugherty, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, Spc. Meghan E. Salisbury, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Scottie L. Love, 226th Eng Co, Augusta with 2nd M device Spc. Corey J. Sanders, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Sgt. Matthew A. Pierson, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Maj. Michael Robinson, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 3rd Oak Staff Sgt. Sean J. Fisher, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Spc. Lewis C. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Sgt. Bret M. Ploutz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Leaf Cluster device device Staff Sgt. Robert W. Graham, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Samuel B. Sexton, 226th Eng Co, Augusta 2nd M device Spc. Jessica G. Sifuentesgalarza, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Follow us on the Web Staff Sgt. David H. Herbert, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Spc. Andrew K. Snider, 226th Eng Co, Augusta M device Spc. Johnny K. Speer Jr., 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M http://kansastag.ks.gov http://www.twitter.com/KSAdju- Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Housel, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd device M device Spc. Brittany T. Stewart, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M http://www.facebook.com/Kansas tantGen Staff Sgt. William B. Kerby, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd device M device Spc. Nicholas A. Stipp, 226th Eng Co, Augusta NationalGuard http://www.twitter.com/Kansas Staff Sgt. Chadwick S. Moran, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with Spc. Anthony L. Strickland, 226th Eng Co, Augusta http://www.facebook.com/Kansas- Emergency 2nd M device Spc. Troy L. Sullivan, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Craig A. Pack, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Spc. Nathan J. Swartz, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Division-of-Emergency-Manage- http://www.twitter.com/Kansas device Spc. Kenneth M. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd M Staff Sgt. Brandon P. Pawloski, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with device ment Guard 2nd M device Spc. Kyle L. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Staff Sgt. Carrie D. Seeger, 226th Eng Co, Augusta, with 2nd Spc. Steven M. Taylor, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Page 16 Plains Guardian • July 2011 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Kansas Guardsmen receives car Reading tornado: a survivor’s tale to replace one lost to tornado By Master Sgt. Jeffrey Norling large row of hedge trees to slow down the 190th Medical Squadron hail and prevent damage to my windshield. The May 21 tornado that hit Reading, It passed after about a minute. Kan., destroyed the home of 190th Air Re- We came across some friends, a local fueling Wing member and Kansas state farmer and his son. They were headed off trooper Master Sgt. Jeffrey Norling— their property to storm spot, too. But their that’s me. SUV was now upside-down in the ditch This whole thing has been quite an expe- and they were crawling out. They waved us rience, which I will surely never forget – as on to town to check on Reading. much as we all want to. I crossed the tracks on the west side of As a trained storm spotter, I was moni- Reading, turned east on Front Street and toring the storm outside of town with my immediately knew Reading took a direct son, AJ. We were watching the NASCAR hit. The southwest corner of town is where showdown race while listening to the the tornados came in. It was eerie. By now NASCAR scanner (Clint Bowyer, of darkness had fallen and the stars were out, course), as well as the fire/EMS/police and the moon was peeking through the scanner in my office, since we knew bad edge of the storm as lightning flashed on weather was possible. My wife, Shelly, was the eastern sky. soaking dishes, and my daughter, Rachel, I drove to some fallen walnut trees on was on the computer. I overheard my best Front Street, about 50 yards from my friend Scott, the Reading fire chief, spot a house. I spotted Shelly waving her arms at funnel cloud, which was a remnant of an me. A huge sense of relief overcame AJ and EF-1 that hit just northeast of Emporia. He me, to include some tears. I asked her if she hollered on the radio that he needed any and Rachel were okay. I then asked about Master Sgt. Jeff Norling, a member of the Kansas National Guard’s 190th Air and all available storm spotters to spread the house, and she said simply, “It’s gone. Refueling Wing and a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper, starts his 2004 Suzuki out and surround Reading. The whole thing — it’s gone.” Forenza for the first time. The car was donated to Norling and his family during AJ and I grabbed the laptop and air card to I walked around the large fallen trees and a press conference at the Nickell Armory in Topeka, Kan., June 8, 2011. It was view radar images, my county radio, and my could barely see the remnants of my home donated through the Cars 4 Heroes nonprofit organization. (Photo by Sgt. Jes- Kansas Highway Patrol radio. I asked and in the glow of a flashlight. I radioed the sica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) pleaded that Rachel and Shelly come with KHP dispatcher that my house took a direct us. Shelly said, “No,” that she would stay, hit and that my patrol car was somewhere By Sgt. Jessica Barnett Guard, Jeff is also a 10 plus year veteran and if they heard we were actually in any under part of my house. Public Affairs Offices trooper in the Kansas Highway Patrol.” way going to have a tornado hit, they would After that, things moved quickly as we Master Sgt. Jeff Norling and his son, Cars4Heroes/Cars4Christmas is a non- go to the storm shelter in the backyard. started to look for our pets and survey the Aaron, 16, were returning from storm profit organization that provides free My son and I drove to a hill a mile and a damage. I asked Shelly if she was safe in spotting, May 21, 2011, as they witnessed basic transportation to disadvantaged in- half southwest of town for a full 360-degree the shelter. She explained that one of a tornado rip through their home town of dividuals and veterans who are not able view of the area. It was post-sunset and the Rachel’s friends a block away from the Reading, Kan. His wife, Shelly, and to obtain it on their own. sky to the west had a dim glow to it. We west side of town and her boyfriend were youngest daughter, Rachel, 15, survived Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adju- watched funnels drop out of the sky several so scared that they ran across the field be- the tornado by taking refuge in their tant general, is grateful for the continuing times with no ground contact or debris. tween our homes, and met Shelly at the home’s master bathroom – the only room support given to local National Guard The wall cloud rotated and dropped back door of our house. They started to that remained after the tornado. Due to members by the Kansas community and lower as it approached. To our northwest, make a run for the shelter, about 45 feet the devastation left behind, the Norling non-profit organizations. we saw two tails drop down – just over a away, when debris and hail started to family lost nearly everything. “It’s our privilege and honor to serve mile away. AJ and I stared at it for a sec- pound down. So, Shelly told everyone to To help the Norling family get back to our fellow citizens when a disaster ond, before I said, “This is going to be bad. get into the shower stall in our bathroom. normal life as much as possible, Cars 4 strikes,” said Tafanelli. “Sometimes, the That is a double!” I looked at the location she had taken the Heroes donated a 2004 Suzuki Forenza to tables are turned and it’s a member of the “It’s on the ground!” I hollered on the kids and was in awe. It was one of the only Norling, a member of the 190th Air Refu- Guard family who needs help. In those county and KHP radios that the tornado pieces of the house still standing with any eling Wing, Kansas National Guard and cases, I have never been disappointed by was entering town. integrity at all. Kansas Highway Patrol, during a press the outpouring of support we receive Within a second more, it hit a barn and She had wrapped all of them in a heavy conference at the Nickell Armory in from our fellow Kansans and organiza- some trees, darkening the funnels and comforter, stayed low to the floor, and Topeka, Kan., June 8, 2011. tions such as Cars 4 Heroes. On behalf of growing in width. The two twisters swirled watched as the roof was ripped off and the Norling and his family have always all Kansas Guardsmen, thank you.” around each other like dough hooks on a walls around her shook. The house had given back to their community, therefore, In attendance at the ceremony was blender. As it went directly north of our lo- lifted and twisted a bit when everything receiving something himself was unex- Brig. Gen. Deborah Rose, director of cation, we saw sparks from the power lines just simply blew up. pected. Joint Forces Headquarters, along with that were being ripped apart. Now, it is cleanup time, prayer time, and “The giving that we have received is many Guard and Kansas Highway Patrol Once the tornado entered town, all we the fact that I still have my wife and overwhelming. This just about takes the peers. could do was watch from the hill. I’m youngest child still alive on this Earth is cake,” expressed Norling. “We would “I’ve known Master Sergeant Norling trained to prevent harm and when there is due to one thing — He above! have never expected something like this. from my many years of service at the nothing you can do to change or stop it, it’s Stuff is stuff. It can and will be replaced. I am still kind of in shock really, over the 190th Air Refueling Wing, and it’s won- a crippling feeling. I had to tell AJ that There have been so many different bless- whole situation. We are just so thankful derful to know he’s being helped during Mom and Rachel may not be there when ings since we lost our home. to receive a vehicle to help fulfill some of this difficult time, especially since he’s we got back, and that it was a real possibil- There are pieces of our lives that the requirements of being a parent - get- been the one helping many others during ity they could be hurt, dead or missing. He changed forever that night. It still wakes ting the kids to and from everywhere.” his time in the Kansas Air Guard and as a and I said several one-word outbursts as we me up at night. There are pieces of our Norling was picked out of hundreds of Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.” drove north on the road toward town. lives we will never recover, but with all of deserving applicants to receive a car due If you would like to donate to Cars 4 Softball-sized hail was raining down on your support and prayers, and simple un- to his heroism, said founder Terry Franz, Heroes please go to www.cars4christ- us, as well as shredded leaves, grass and derstanding of how truly blessed we are, known as “Car Santa” to many. mas.org /donate-form for more informa- dirt. We had to stop, so I pulled under a we will succeed! “Jeff is a true hero in every sense of the tion. Cars, boats, trucks, motorcycles, or word, as is his family through their sup- RV are appreciated along with monetary port and understanding as he leaves for contributions. Free towing anywhere in long periods of time for deployments the nation is included if necessary. Your halfway around the world. In particular, vehicle donation truly can make an amaz- Jeff deployed as a medical technician to ing difference to a person in need. Vehi- Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2009. In cle donations are eligible for a tax addition to his almost 17 years of military deduction once the vehicle has been service in the Army and Air National given away.

The remains of Master Sgt. Jeffrey Norling’s house sits on his Kansas Highway Pa- trol car following a tornado that struck Reading, Kan., June 21. (Photo by Lt. Richard Mahoney, Kansas Highway Patrol)