In this issue... Vol. 4....Issue No. 2 March/ April 2006

41st BCT members train for year-long deployment, pgs. 8-9 Three Oregon Army National Guard units return home

Flying CH-47 Chinook helicopters through hostile airspace in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during their year-long deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, members of the Oregon Army National Guard’s Det. 1, Delta Co., 113th Aviation assumed heavy lifting operations supporting forward operating bases throughout Southern and Western Afghaninstan.

But at their demobilization ceremony on March 19, all their hardships became a distant memory — because now they are home. Story by Spc. April L. Dustin, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs See complete story on page 11.

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter alights on a mountain ridge in Afghanistan to pick up a platoon of Soldiers. While deployed to Afghanistan, members of the Oregon Army National Guard Det. 1, Delta Co., 113th Aviation unit “Mustangs” flew thousands of support and humanitarian missions. Photo courtesy Det. 1, D Co. 113th Aviation 1042nd: Home safe and sound 3670th comes back from Iraq Story and photos by Spc. April Dustin, grabbing headlines, but in case you didn’t Oregon National Guard Public Affairs know it, you are heroes everyday,” Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, told the returning CLACKAMAS, Ore. – More than 70 Soldiers during the ceremony. “Nothing in Soldiers of the 3670th Maintenance Com- the Army works without maintenance, it pany were welcomed home from Iraq by wouldn’t run without maintenance, we’d family, friends, community, and dignitaries be totally crippled without maintenance, during their demobilization ceremony at and we thank you for everything that you Camp Withycombe on March 25. do for us.” “It feels great to be home, I can’t seem Two platoons of the 3670th Maint. to articulate the feeling I have to be back Co., an automotive repair platoon and a here in Oregon,” said Cpt. Chris Lennox, construction/ engineer equipment repair commander of 3670th Maint. Co. platoon, deployed to Iraq in April 2005 The unit spent 12 months supporting Op- with the 1071st Maintenance Company, eration Iraqi Freedom (OIF) by helping to Michigan Army National Guard. During keep the battle moving with their technical the deployment, members of the unit trav- and mechanical talents. eled to six different Forward Operating “There may be some folks out there Bases (FOBs), performing maintenance driving tanks and flying helicopters that are See 3670th on page 2 Photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Monica Voehmer (left), greets her fiance, Sgt. Robert Armstrong, of the 1042nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance) during their homecoming at the Portland Air Base Feb. 26.

Story compiled by Sentinel Staff

SALEM, Ore. — About a hundred family members and friends stood inside the Air Mobility Command (AMC) hangar at the west end of Portland International Airport on February 26, waiting for 33 Soldiers of 1042nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance) to arrive. Among the gathering, Sgt. Deannie Darrow watched the huge C-5 transport plane descend through the gray sky carrying her husband, Sgt. 1st Class David Darrow, home to her. “He’s coming home, and that’s all that matters,” Darrow said. “I won’t have to worry about him anymore.” Darrow’s statement echoed the anticipation that all the family members waiting in the hangar must have felt after the 1042nd experienced a number of delays in Europe, which postponed the unit’s arrival date in Oregon by almost a week. Family, friends and military leaders let out a collective cheer as the C-5 finally touched down on the Fathers re-unite with their children at the 3670th Maint. Co. demobilizataion ceremony runway. See Rees on page 6 March 25. Left: Spc. Winston Bradshaw. Right: Pvt. 1st Class Roert McClamma. March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 2 Tell us what you think!

Address your comments, feedback and Personnel readiness a top priority for ORNG ideas to: Soldiers, Airmen rewarded for recruiting efforts through G-RAP & 2-STAR The Oregon Sentinel Attn: Editor top priority for the ORNG: personnel readi- When it comes to retention, we’ve got c/o State Public Affairs Office ness. A total of 1,176 people have signed the best tools we’ve ever had. The primary up for the Army National Guard Recruiter ingredient is communication. Talk to your P.O. Box 14350 Assistance Program, of those people 1005 Soldiers or Airmen. Talk to your friends. Salem, OR 97309 are actively engaged in the program. Airmen Financial rewards, transformation oppor- [email protected] are also eligible to enroll in G-RAP, but only tunities, such as new MOSs or AFSCs, the 173rd Fighter Wing is currently an ac- deployment adventures, and promotion The Oregon Sentinel tive wing in the program; the 142nd Fighter opportunities abound. There should not Wing will soon be an active wing as well. be a single Soldier or Airman leave whose The Oregon Sentinel is the official publication of the Oregon National Guard, authorized under the G-RAP pays $1,000 when a potential concerns cannot be addressed. provisions of AR-360-1. It is designed and published recruit enlists and another $1,000 when Another way to contribute to person- monthly by the Oregon Military Department Public that person goes to basic training. Mem- nel readiness is through membership in Affairs Office, PO Box 14350, Salem, Oregon, 97309, bers of the ORNG have earned $43,000 professional organizations. The benefits (503) 584-3917. The views and opinions expressed in through the program, and Army recruiters that these organizations advocate for our the Oregon Sentinel are not necessarily those of the are working another 241 potential enlist- Soldiers and Airmen greatly enhance our departments of the Army and Air Force. The Oregon Sentinel is distributed free to members of the Oregon ees. If each of them ships, G-RAP will pay readiness by attracting and retaining high Army and Air National Guard and to other interested another $482,000. If you haven’t signed up quality individuals. The Oregon National persons at their request. Circulation: 12,500. The for G-RAP, but you’d like to, visit www. Guard Association meets at the end of this Oregon Sentinel is also distributed electronically via guardrecruitingassitant.com. month. This organization was instrumental the Internet at http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/AGPA/ Another program showing your success in educating elected officials and citizens publications.shtml. Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees is the 2-STAR program. So far members of about the impact of BRAC proposals in Adjutant General, State of Oregon Stories and photos from the field are gratefully the ORNG family have earned 81 badges. Oregon. In addition to the ORNGA, you’ll accepted. We need your input to insure better Seventy-six have earned the basic badge find outfits like the Air Force Association, coverage. There’s always something going on in the for referring a person who enlists, three The Association of the U.S. Army, and Oregon National Guard. have earned the senior badge for referring several others advocating issues affecting Guard members and their families are encouraged With grateful hearts we’ve seen hundreds two people, and two have earned the master Soldiers and Airmen. I encourage you to to submit any articles meant to inform, educate or badge for referring three people who’ve look into membership with a professional entertain readers of the Oregon Sentinel, including of our Soldiers return from overseas: Det. stories about interesting Guard personalities and 1, Delta Company, 113th Aviation and the enlisted. The command will distribute the organization. Participation in a group like unique unit training. Letters to the editor are also 1042nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance) badges to unit commanders on 30 April this gives us a collective voice on issues of welcome. All letters must include the author’s name, are back from Afghanistan. The 3670th for presentation to the recipients at their our greatest concern. address and daytime phone number. Names may be Maintenance Company is home from Iraq. next drill. As we head into summer and gear up for withheld in print upon request, but all letters must be Yet, even as we welcome home our Sol- If you haven’t signed up for G-RAP deployments and annual training, keep your signed, and are subject to editing prior to publication. or participated in the 2-STAR program, focus on personnel readiness. The dividends For publication schedules, or for any other questions, diers, we’re preparing a farewell for 900 please see your unit Public Affairs Representative, or more with the 41st Brigade Combat Team, you’re missing out on more than extra we gain from your efforts are a stronger, contact the State Public Affairs Office or any of the at Camp Shelby, Miss., as they prepare for cash or recognition. You’re missing out on ready, steady force. Oregon Sentinel staff members listed below. a year-long tour of duty in Afghanistan. the opportunity to shape the future of the We also have the 41st Personnel Services ORNG. If you want high-caliber Soldiers The Oregon Sentinel utilizes Times New Roman, Company on duty in Kuwait, and dozens and Airmen working at your side, you have Garamond Pro and Arial fonts, and is designed to take responsibility for bringing them into using Adobe InDesign CS. Graphics are produced of our Airmen are on duty in Afghanistan, using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe PhotoShop. All Iraq, Diego Garcia and the far reaches of the service. G-RAP and 2-STAR are simple design and layout are accomplished on a Macintosh the globe. ways for rewarding actions that will help G5 computer. Text files are edited using Microsoft Despite our fast-paced deployment sched- maintain a high-degree of professionalism Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Word. ule, we continue to successfully address a in the ORNG. Adjutant General, State of Oregon 2006 Oregon Military Department All Rights Reserved 3670th works to get equipment back into the fight Oregon Military Department Continued from FRONT PAGE weekly mortar and missile attacks. Likewise, Cole said it was difficult for her State Commander-in-Chief “Usually the FOB would get two or three to set aside her duties as a wife and mother, Governor Ted Kulongoski and repair for many units within the theater rounds per attack,” said Lennox. to assume her duties as a Soldier. of operations. At Camp Ar Ramadi one mortar landed “The hardest thing was letting go and Adjutant General Their work included repairing and re- inside the work area of the construction/ en- knowing that they would be fine without Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees building vehicles, up-armoring vehicles, gineer equipment repair platoon work site. me, because I’m usually such an active part and even working on generators to keep Fortunately no soldiers were injured. in their everyday life,” said Cole. Asst. Adjutant General, Air electricity going in the “tent cities” in which “Living in tents and not knowing were “While being so proud of all of you, back Brig. Gen. Daniel B. O’Hollaren they lived. the mortars are going to land makes you here in Oregon your families and communi- Maintenance teams from the unit com- wonder,” said Holland. ties faced the daily challenges of working Asst. Adjutant General, Army pleted 180 inspections and repairs at FOB On January 20, an attack on Camp Ar and living without you. That wasn’t easy,” Brig. Gen. Raymond C. Byrne, Jr. Cobra, inspected and repaired more than 250 Ramadi hit too close to home, when small said Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski at vehicles at FOB Bernstein, completed more arms fire whipped through the maintenance the demobilization ceremony. “To carry on State Command Sergeant Major than 900 job orders while at FOB Caldwell, position of the FOB, injuring Spc. Jaynie without you for such a long period of time Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas R. Moe and processed more than 750 work orders Cole. was a great sacrifice for you, and for us, at Camp Ar Ramadi. “I was sitting outside the tent when we and for all Oregonians. No one should ever State Command Chief 1st Sgt. Allen Holland, said the 3670th saw a mortar go over head, so I went over to doubt the sacrifice that you have made. So, Chief Master Sgt. Rodney R. Smith was able to complete these job orders my platoon’s tent to check in,” said Cole. “I just as I thank you for your service and for through working together as a team, work- had just yelled inside the tent ‘Cole’s here, never failing to prove me right when I say ing long hours, and not getting much time I’m good’ and had gotten a ‘gotcha’ back. our National Guard Soldiers are the best Or- Oregon Sentinel Publication Staff off. He said the unit was willing and ready I turned to leave and started talking to a egon has to offer, I also thank your families to take on all assignments at any given time, fellow Solider when we realized there was and employers for standing behind you in and from any unit that needed assistance. Editor in Chief/Contributing Writer incoming rounds going off around us. We sharing the terrible burdens of war.” Holland, said the unit’s mission was im- Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy got behind the Hescos and I kind of peeked portant, because it helped to save Soldiers’ [email protected] out to see if I could see anything. That’s lives. when I felt a hit to my chest.” Associate Editor/Copy Editor “(It’s important) so that Soldiers using the Cole said she saw the round still sticking Kay F. Fristad vehicles and equipment could be safe,” Hol- out of her chest. Because the bullet had’nt [email protected] land said. “If equipment breaks down during penetrated very deeply, Cole was treated an attack you’d be stuck defending your self and returned to duty. She was awarded the Contributing Editor/Contributing Writer until another vehicle comes to recover your Purple Heart for her injury. Capt. Michael S. Braibish equipment out of the danger zone, which “I think I value life more each day that I’m [email protected] also puts other Soldiers at risk.” alive,” said Cole. “The Purple Heart means Cpt. Lennox said by providing mainte- to me that I’m lucky to be here today. Every Co-Editor/Contributing Writer/Photographer nance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for time I look at it, I’m reminded of all the Spec. April L. Dustin units that relied on them, the 3670th was soldiers who have died for our country and [email protected] able to get damaged equipment back into I say a prayer that no more will die.” the fight, which in turn kept pressure on Now her family is relieved to have her Contributing Writer the insurgency. back home safe and sound. Kimberly L. Lippert The Soldiers were also required to per- “It was very difficult to tell the kids that [email protected] form force protection duties within the vari- she got shot and make sure that they were ous FOBs they occupied, such as manning dealing with it okay,” said Cole’s husband, Audio/ Visual/ Contributing Photographer perimeter towers and manning entry control Travis. Sgt. 1st Class Tom Hovie points – searching vehicles and personnel Travis said while Cole was away, it was [email protected] at FOB gates. About four Soldiers from very challenging being a single dad to Contributors the 3670th volunteered to serve on Convoy their three children, Michael, Ashley, and 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Security Teams (CST), escorting supply Jourdan. 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs convoys that moved food, parts and equip- “You never realize how much you de- Cpt. Chris Lennox and 1st Sgt. Allen Holland uncase the 3670th guidon at the demobiliza- 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs ment throughout Iraq. pend on someone until they are gone,” said tion ceremony in Clackamas on March 25. Unit Public Affairs Representatives Lennox said the FOBs would receive Travis. March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 3 Transformation creates job opportunities Recruiting, Retention key to ORNG’s mission nation, it happened to support the need to them right so they will want to stay around change how we will fight in the future. Out for an extended career. of that, Oregon has gained a much greater In a time when retaining and recruiting diversity of units and jobs. top-notch talent is tough, alienating your We gained a new structure for 1st Squad- employees can be very costly. Studies ron 82nd Cavalry, now a Reconnaissance, show that employees often chose to leave Surveillance, Target Acquisition (RSTA) an organization because of their supervisors’ Battalion. It now consists of two motorized or coworkers’ poor interpersonal skills. A companies and a ground surveillance com- key trait of influential people is listening pany with a lot of new high tech equipment, and understanding another’s perspective. plus a Forward Support Company (FSC). Interpersonal skills are high on the list of the The 3rd Battalion 116th Cavalry has abilities that make an individual successful bulked up to almost twice the size it used in the workplace. If people don’t think their to be, and changed its mission. They are ideas are heard or accepted, they will stop now a heavy armor battalion, consisting presenting them, reducing the organization’s of two tank companies, two mechanized cache of knowledge and innovative ideas. If rifle companies, an FSC, and an engineer individuals feel that they cannot contribute company. and are not useful to the organization we The 2nd Battalion 218th Field Artillery will loose them. We need to ensure that all changed to two larger firing batteries, and of our folks have a say and are involved in added an FSC. our unit’s mission. Command Sgt. Major Thomas R. Moe, Together, Oregon has added six FSC Chief Master Sgt. Rodney R. Smith, We have some great full-time recruiters State Command Sergeant Major units, a signal company, the RSTA battalion, State Command Chief Master Sergeant in the field and they are committed to im- increased the size of military intelligence proving our numbers, but there is no way Transformation: All the Soldiers in the unit, and changed the structure of the 641st they can do this alone. As always, I want to Oregon Army National Guard have heard Aviation Battalion. A big issue facing us in the Guard and encourage you to turn in names of potential of it, and almost all the Soldiers in Oregon By how we have placed or re-aligned especially here in Oregon is Recruiting and recruits to the recruiter assigned to your unit. are living it. Soldiers who drill at almost Army units across the state, it means that Retention. On the Air side of the house, we We need Airmen in most career fields and every armory in the state are seeing changes, for present and future Soldiers of the Or- are failing to meet the national goals for re- right now there are a lot of benefits available whether they are new missions, new align- egon Army National Guard we have more cruitment, which places the state of Oregon to new recruits. ments, different or new equipment, or per- opportunities for more people to serve. All in the yellow for meeting our goals. On the Right now, our manning is low, and we sonnel changes. of our battalions now have real TOE (table national level, everyone is having problems need to recruit to keep our strength up. What does transformation mean to Sol- of organization and equipment) positions with their numbers, and Oregon’s seem to While on the lookout for potential recruits, diers in the Oregon Army National Guard? for Soldiers, no matter what gender they take a down turn every month. I believe we do not forget to take care of the soldiers in First of all, the why of transformation: are, and more opportunity for promotion are structured in a manner that is designed to your command. Retention is just as im- Army transformation is more than quick- and leadership positions. It also means that support the active component in an excep- portant as recruiting to keep morale high. fix improvements in systems, hardware, if Soldiers want to do something different tional manner. Our current weakness lies Please help keep the Oregon Air National and weaponry. The entire Army is going and continue to serve, we now have force purely in the number of Airmen that we have Guard strong. We must manage our force to through transformation. The undertaking structure to support that. In our state you can currently serving. If there was ever a time to ensure the Guard is properly sized, shaped is ambitious, it is moving rapidly, and we be infantry, tanker, scout, aviator, ground focus all our collective energies on recruit- and organized to meet the challenges of are doing it while we are at war. The big equipment maintainer, mobile equipment ing and retention activities, it is now. today and tomorrow. purpose is to maintain the Army’s near-term maintainer, transporter, medic, military After reading over exit questionnaires for Finally, I want to congratulate Staff Sgt. strategic superiority around the world and police, artillery, high-tech signal operator or retention purposes, I am convinced that we Daniel Dierickx from the 270ATC for be- develop long-range solutions for structure, maintainer, or be in the military intelligence must do a better job of listening to what our ing selected for one of the Air National lethality, and information dominance on the field. All of these fields have numerous sub- people have to say. We should not be los- Guards top twelve Airmen of the Year. For future battlefield. fields that, give everyone who wants to serve ing people because of promotions, schools, the second year in a row an Airman from As part of the transformation, the basic an opportunity. awards, recognition or training practices. Oregon has been recognized for outstand- structures of the Army are changing. Bri- Bottom line: While the process of trans- We have an outstanding workforce, and ing duty to his Unit, State and Nation. gade Combat Teams are the basic building formation is stressful and creates some un- as supervisors, trainers, and those being I was very proud and pleased when I re- blocks of the Army Transformation. Combat certainties, transformation will be good for trained, we must be better at our commu- ceived a phone call from Command Chief service and combat service support units Oregon and the Soldiers, both in the present nication skills. Listening can help avoid Master Sgt. Richard Smith (NGB/ANG- are being realigned to support the concept and future. The diversification, relocation, troubled communications that lead to such CCM) about the selection of Staff Sgt. of these units, being part of the basic teams and addition of units will enable us to of- unwanted outcomes as low morale, lost Dierickx. We have always known that we either at brigade or division levels. fer more opportunities for our present and respect, reduction of fresh ideas, and poor have outstanding Airmen here in Oregon. For Oregon, this transformation means future Soldiers. There is no excuse now for service. Everyone that works for the Guard Once again we have shown the country that we have deactivated some units, and Soldiers who want to continue serving or full time knows that we cannot complete the that we do have the best. activated new units. While it is always sad to people who are considering serving, not to mission without our Drill Status Guards- Again a big congratulations to Staff Sgt. fold the flag of any of our units, who all have be able to find a job they want to do in the man. Our DSG’s are a valuable asset and Dierickx for your selection, you truly are a long and honorable service to the state and Army National Guard. we need to ensure that we train and treat the best of the best. Army Transformation: Restructuring Oregon’s 41st and 82nd Brigades Story by Spc. April L. Dustin, McBride said another big change for the former commander of the 206th QM Bn. The 1249th Engineer Battalion will Oregon National Guard Public Affairs 41st BCT is replacing the 41st Provisional “The 206th has accomplished a lot in a short also see many changes as it converts from Battalion with the 41st Special Troops Bat- amount of time. It has been a grand oppor- three mechanized companies and one Due to limited space in the Jan/Feb 2006 talion. The new battalion will consist of the tunity and our legacy will live on.” heavy company into a vertical construction issue of the Oregon Sentinel, the ‘Transfor- 41st BCTs Headquarters and Headquarters Lt. Col. Don Rolph, former commander of company, a mobility company, an engineer mation article on page 9 is continued in this Company, A Company (ENG) transformed 741st CSB, assumed command of the 821st support company, and a forward support month’s issue. For specific information on from the 162nd Engineer Company, and B TCB during the transformation ceremony company. These changes to the engineer how Transformation affects your individual Company (MI) transformed from the 241st on Jan. 8. battalion will provide more opportunities unit, check with your chain of command. Military Intelligence. The battalion will “Transitions are never easy, but I chal- for female soldiers in the forward support add a new Signal Company, C Company lenge you to seek out the positive aspects company, and the vertical construction 41st Brigade Combat Team (SIG) specializing in network and satel- of becoming part of the 821st Troop Com- company will train Soldiers for job skills The transformed 41st Brigade Combat lite communications, which will increase mand,” said Rolph, as he addressed the that are more marketable to civilian em- Team will consist of two infantry bat- long-range communications capabilities of two combining battalions. “There’s a lot of ployers. talions (2-162 Inf. and 1-186 Inf.), one the brigade. pride and honor in (the 206th and 741st), Oregon Aviation Transformation fires battalion (2-218 Field Artillery), the Other new units created by these changes now we need to bring that pride together Many Army Aviation transformation 141st Brigade Support Battalion, the new include four new Forward Support Com- into the 821st.” changes will take place within the 82nd 41st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, panies within the 141st Brigade Support The 82nd Brigade also lost two of its cav- Troop Command Brigade’s 641st Medical and the new 1st Squadron 82nd Cavalry Battalion. These new companies will create alry troops. E Troop and F Troop 82nd Cav- Battalion. Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target more opportunities for Soldiers in support alry were transformed into A and B Troops The 1042nd Medical Company will be Acquisition (RSTA). positions, especially benefiting female of the 1st Squadron 82nd Cavalry (RSTA), transformed into C Company, 7th Battalion “The 41st Brigade Combat Team has Soldiers. The support companies will be which is now part of the 41st BCT. 158th Aviation and will keep all 12 of their always been a combined-arms team,” said attached to elements of the infantry, field “You will have the opportunity to develop UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters. said Lt. Col. Donll McBride, transforma- artillery, and RSTA units across the state to a new organization that has been determined Detachment 1, D Company, 113th Avia- tion officer for Joint Forces Headquarters.. provide direct support to those battalions. to be essential in our future force structure,” tion will be transformed into Detachment “The big change was replacing an infantry “With this transformation plan we will said former 82nd Brigade Commander Col. 1, B Company, 1st Battalion 168th Avia- battalion with a RSTA Squadron.” provide the state with the ability to draw George Lanning during the E Troop deacti- tion and will keep five of their CH-47D McBride said the new 1st Squadron 82nd from a regional perspective for combat, vation ceremony on Jan. 7. Chinook helicopters. Cavalry (RSTA) will be a very mobile combat support or combat service support McBride said another big change for the RAID, a counter drug unit, will be trans- and specially equipped unit, to include units,” said McBride. 82nd Brigade is converting 3rd Battalion formed into Detachment 1, C Company, the use of tactical Unmanned Aerial Ve- 82nd Troop Command Brigade 116th Cavalry into part of a Heavy Brigade 1st Battalion 112th Aviation (Security and hicles (UAV). The squadron will consist The 82nd Troop Command Brigade pro- Combat Team. Support) and will look to replace their OH- of a headquarters troop, a forward support vides the brigade level command structure “The 3-116 Cavalry is transforming from 58C Kiowa helicopters with four Light company, two motorized reconnaissance for units which do not fall under 41st BCT primarily an armor battalion (with three Utility Helicopters (LUH) in 2009. troops, and a dismounted reconnaissance or Joint Force Headquarters. tank companies) to a combined-arms bat- A Company 249th Aviation will receive troop. McBride said one of the biggest trans- talion with armor, mechanized infantry and four new fixed-wing airplanes to replace The newly transformed fires battalion, formation changes in the 82nd Brigade engineers in Bradley Fighting Vehicles,” the C-23B Sherpas and they will be based 2-218th Field Artillery, will lose two how- was the loss of two battalions. The 206th said McBride. at the Portland Air National Guard Base itzers as it transitions from having three Quartermaster Battalion and the 741st Corps The 3-116 will contain a tank company, (PANG-B). State Flight Detachment 47 firing batteries with six howitzers each, Support Battalion were inactivated and their two mechanized infantry companies, an (Operations Support Airlift Command) to having a two firing batteries with eight subordinate units have been combined into engineer company, and a forward support will turn in their C-12U airplane in fiscal howitzers each. However, the battalion the 821st Troop Command Battalion. company. This transformation will increase year 2009 or 2010 and join A Co. 249th will receive specialty equipment including, “The one constant in the military is the battalion’s authorized strength by ap- Aviation in the Future Cargo Airplane UAVs and light counter-mortar radars. change,” said Lt. Col. Rosemarie McCabe, proximately 400 Soldiers. unit. March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 4 Oregon Guardsman brings a little ‘Semper-Fi’ to the 1042nd Medical Company Once a Marine... always a Marine

Story by Sgt. Joe Lindsay, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment Reprinted with permission from Hawaii Marine

NANGALAM, Afghanistan (Feb. 24, Nearly four years to the day of the at- 2006) — Recently, the U.S. Army Reserve tacks of September 11, Brennan and his had an ad campaign geared to former Ma- fellow soldiers from the 1042nd, based in rines and Marines who were nearing their Salem, Ore., found themselves headed to end of active service date. The recruiting add Afghanistan in support of Operation Endur- read simply, “Sometimes the best Soldier for ing Freedom. the job… is a Marine.” The deployment for Brennan came at a In smaller print, there was of course the difficult time. standard talk of continued benefits — money “My Dad passed away shortly before for college, retirement — and so forth. we deployed,” said Brennan. “He was my For one former Marine, the call to service hero.” in the Army National Guard had nothing to Now however, it seems as if Brennan has do with benefits or the influence of an argu- taken the role that his father held in the eyes ably rather clever recruiting campaign. It of his son and the men he led in Vietnam had, instead, everything to do with what he — the role of hero. felt was right. “I have never met Captain Brennan, “I clearly remember the President shortly or anybody from the 1042nd, but I know after 9-11 asking each American to give who he is, and I know who they are,” said two years back to their country,” said Capt. Sgt. Michael Chambers, a Bronze Star and Jerry Brennan, an aero-medical evacuation Purple Heart recipient who currently serves Photo by Sgt. Joe Lindsay, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment officer with the 1042nd Medical Company, with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment as Capt. Jerry Brennan stands beside one of the unit’s 1042nd’s UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters Air Ambulance, Oregon National Guard, a platoon sergeant for Charlie Company, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. currently serving as the Task Force Sabre 3rd Platoon. Aviation Detachment officer-in-charge of “Captain Brennan has reached a sort of “When you’ve got a brother on the ground According to Brennan, the true best of the Jalalabad Airfield in addition to his duties folk hero status out here at Camp Blessing bleeding and the 1042nd comes to pick him best is his family back in Oregon. as a UH-60 medevac pilot and air mission among the Marines, because we’ve seen him up and give him a chance to survive when “Being away from my family is definitely commander. come into hot LZ’s (landing zones) under otherwise there would be no chance at all, the most difficult part of being deployed,” “This is my way of giving something enemy fire and risk his life to save ours.” that’s just like a guardian angel to us,” said Brennan. back,” he said. “We all heard that there’s a former Ma- Chambers said. Brennan also made it a point to thank Brennan, who served in the Marine Corps rine pilot out here with the 1042nd, and Sgt. Brent Wright, a 1/3 platoon guide his company back in the states for their as a CH-53AD/E Pilot with HMH-361 from that makes us feel like we’ve got a guard- with Charlie Company, 3rd Platoon, spoke understanding during his deployment to 1984 to 1992, originally joined the Marines, ian angel in Captain Brennan,” continued of Brennan in a similar vein. Afghanistan. in part, to pay homage to his father, a highly Chambers, a native of Lexington, S.C. “We’re in the hot spot in Afghanistan at “I am going back to work for Welch Allyn, decorated Vietnam veteran. Camp Blessing,” said Wright, a Navy Com- Incorporated, a diagnostic medical com- “My Dad, Tony Brennan, was my big- mendation and Purple Heart recipient from pany that makes the patient monitors in our gest influence in joining the Marine Corps Littleton, Colo. “It helps our fighting spirit Blackhawk helicopters,” said Brennan. originally,” said Brennan, a graduate of the when we see helicopter pilots like Captain “They have treated me and my family University of Oregon who now calls Lake Brennan come in here to the danger zone.” very well and have gone well beyond ‘their Oswego, Ore., his home. “He received a “Obviously this area is dangerous because call of duty’ by supporting me on my de- Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and sustained of rocket attacks, mortar attacks and small ployment.” multiple combat injuries in Vietnam.” arms fire, but even without that, even if this Brennan said it has been a true pleasure Brennan had been out of the Marines for AO (area of operations) was completely supporting the Marines once again. nine years when the fateful day came that peaceful and serene, it is still dangerous “I believe I was selected for the position to would bring him back into the service of to land here because of the mountains, work with the Marines here in Afghanistan his country. weather, and terrain,” continued Wright. because of my prior Marine Corps service,” “When we were attacked on 9-11, I “Captain Brennan puts it on the line to help said Brennan. “I hold a special place in decided to serve my country again,” said us in tight spots. As far as we’re concerned my heart for fellow Marines – I think all Brennan. “I was originally born in New York he’s a Marine serving in the Army. Nothing Marines do.” and had recently relocated my wife Sara wrong with that. Once a Marine, always a and our children — Emma, 6, and Charlie, Marine.” Joe Lindsay is a Marine Corps combat 2 — back to Oregon just prior to the attack. Those who serve with Brennan in the correspondent with the Hawaii Marine, the A friend of mine was killed working in the 1042nd spoke of him in the highest of base newspaper for Kaneohe Marine Corps World Trade Center attack on September terms. Base, Hawaii. His article on Capt. Bren- 11th. Also, my brother was Rudy Giuliani’s “He is a fine officer,” said Staff Sgt. nan first appeared in the Hawaii Marine speechwriter and was there with the mayor Photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, State Public Affairs Office Larrie Ericson, a 36-year veteran of the Or- on Feb. 24, 2006, and has been reprinted when the towers came down. I joined the Capt. Jerry Brennan, at the Portland Interna- egon Army National Guard attached to the in this issue of the Oregon Sentinel with Oregon National Guard shortly after Sep- tional Airport’s MAC facility. on March 2, with 1042nd. “And I’ve been around long enough permission. tember 11th 2001.” his son Charlie, 2. to know. He’s the best of the best.” Eckley’s passing leaves behind family legacy of service, selflessness Story by Kimberly L. Lippert, According to James’ brother, Lt. Col. Oregon National Guard Public Affairs (Ret.) Stan Eckley, growing up in the Eckley household wasn’t a matter of if you would Sgt. James R. Eckley, an Army Guard join the military, it was a matter of when. aviator and 30-year member of the Oregon “It was just one of those things. Growing National Guard died March 9, 2006 of a up in our family we always saw dad going heart attack. to drills, so it was just something we knew Eckley joined the military in 1966, and we would do,” he said. Stan retired with soon completed Officer Candidate School 30 years of service in the Oregon National and the Infantry Officer Basic and Infantry Guard. Advanced Officer courses. He attained At one point in time, all four Eckley the rank of Major, and after a brief break brothers and their father were serving in in service he re-entered the Army National the Oregon National Guard. The distinc- Guard in 1991. tion put them in the national record books As an aviator for the Oregon Guard, Eck- for having the most members of the same ley earned the Senior Aviator Badge and was family serving in the same branch of service active in the Civil Air Patrol in Salem. He simultaneously. participated in numerous search and rescue “One of the brightest moments of my missions for both the Guard and CAP. life was to have all four of my boys in the “He will always be remembered for his National Guard at the same time,” said faithful service to the Nation, Oregon, the Benjamin. Army National Guard, and his community,” Stan Eckley remembers his brother as a said First Sergeant Rudy Hernandez, 1042nd dedicated soldier who loved to fly. Medical Company First Sergeant. “He was most happy when he was around Photo courtesy of Eckley family Eckley followed in the footsteps of his aviation,” Stand said. “He really enjoyed From left to right: father, Benjamin Eckley and sons, James, Stanley, Keith, and Joseph. father, Colonel (Ret.) Benjamin Eckley, working with the younger people in the Civil who had a long career with Oregon National Air Patrol.” the 1-186 Infantry for a period, and he was of 25 years, Annie D. Ford. Guard, and was the original commander of According to Col. (Ret.) Howard Klopfen- a great guy,” Klopfenstein said. “I enjoyed Staff Sgt. Eckley is survived by his wife the 82nd Cavalry. Benjamin said that he stein, who served with James and Benjamin, working with him. They’re a very close-knit Annie, parents Benjamin and Gloria Eck- encouraged his sons to serve their country Eckley was a devoted Soldier and aviator. family.” ley, and two sons James R. Eckley Jr. and in some capacity, an interest James Eckley “When I was Deputy Brigade Commander, Family members said Eckley enjoyed Douglas E. Eckley. He is preceded in death took to heart. Jim was the full time assistant in Ashland for spending time with his wife and companion by daughter, Jacqueline Smith. March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 5 Combat Medics receive training ‘essential to deployment’ (Air Ambulance), the 91-Whiskey Combat “This [working Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Medic training was held in Monmouth, Ore., around the aircraft] always a Marine Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Feb. 6-12. But not all of the training hap- gives me an op- pens in the classroom. Of the seven days portunity to gain Monmouth, Ore. — The “patient” waits of instruction, about 80-percent is actual confidence so I’ll silently on the litter. The four litter-bear- hands-on instruction. And according to know what to do ers stand ready, while a small black speck Daniels, the training is critical to saving in a real situation,” appears in the cloudless sky overhead. It lives in a combat environment. says Spc. Jason grows larger as it nears the field – and what “We continue to get stories from the Ashworth, 25, of began as the sound of butterfly wings soon field,” Daniels continues, “saying how this Wimer, Ore. becomes a deafening roar as the Oregon Na- training has saved lives. It provides our Sol- A s h w o r t h , a tional Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, diers with real-world, hands-on training.” member of HHC, kicking up dust and clumps of grass, settles The Medical Company, based at the RTI 1-186 IN BN in 30 yards away. in Monmouth, is responsible for training Ashland, served As the flight medic emerges and makes his and certifying some 200 military combat as a volunteer way over to the group, the lead litter bearer medics in Oregon. Known as 91-Whiskey in firefighter before turns to look at his fellow litter bearers, giv- military parlance, these Soldiers are not only joining the Oregon ing the command to lift their patient. With medical personnel, but must also understand Army National hunched shoulders and bowed heads, they all aspects of working around military Guard. He did advance toward the aircraft. Their efforts aircraft – namely the UH-60 Blackhawk some work with have greatly increased the chance that this helicopter – the designated air ambulance helicopters at Fort patient – who is now on his way to a hospi- for the Oregon Army National Guard. Sam Houston, but tal to receive urgently-needed medical care All Soldiers holding the 91-Whiskey it wasn’t as exten- – will survive his injuries. MOS must go through the refresher course sive. This could easily be a scene cut from every two years in order to keep their cer- “This sustain- an Oregon National Guard deployment in tification. In most cases, the helicopters ment course is giv- Iraq or Afghanistan. And it could easily be are not available for actual instruction, and ing me a lot I didn’t a real world scenario, where quick actions students and instructors alike must rely on get at Fort Sam,” taken by trained Combat Medics just saved simulated aircraft. Ashworth says. a life. “We used a square transformer over by “I’m truly getting But today, the action is only practice, and the building as a simulated aircraft one a lot out of it.” instead of the Middle East, the stage for this time,” says Capt. Tony Ballenger of the Second Lt. Chris- elaborate play is the Regional Training Insti- Medical Company. Ballenger, who serves topher Markesino, tute (RTI) at the Western Oregon University as the officer in charge of the Pre-Hospital 25, from Portland, campus in Monmouth, Ore. Trauma Life Support Course (PHTLS), agrees. “This training is essential to mobiliza- chuckled as he described how students in “This is great tion,” says Col. Richard Daniels, Deputy previous classes would use anything at hand training with a lot State Medical Commander. to simulate the battlefield. But all those at of real-world expe- A collective effort between the 249th the RTI agree there’s nothing like practic- rience,” Markesino Training Regiment, Western Oregon Uni- ing with genuine equipment — especially says. “This is much versity, and the 1042nd Medical Company a real helicopter. more valuable than Sgt. Daniel Bobo, 44, of Salem, Ore., awaits extraction by an Oregon any book we could Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at the RTI’s 91W read.” Combat Medic Training Course at the Western Oregon University Markesino, a Campus in Monmouth, Ore., on Feb. 9, 2006. Medical Platoon leader for 1st Inf., 186 Bn., attended the course for recertifica- “Some of these guys haven’t had a real- tion as an Emergency Medical Technician life experience working with the equipment (EMT) stressed that the individuals teaching or with the vehicles,” Rusher says. “So the course – regardless of them being class- by using a more realistic situation, it helps room instructors, flight medics, or aircrew prepare them for the real fight.” personnel – bring a wealth of knowledge to Even the university campus gets some- the instruction, with many of them working thing out of the training. in the private sector. Spc. Pedro Velasquez, 24, of Salem, Ore., “Tomorrow we’re going to instruct stu- finds that the training he receives here is a dents on vehicle extraction,” says Capt. good mix of his civilian life and his Guard Mike Rusher, Shift Commander for Polk experience. County Fire District #1. “But we’re using “I’m going to school to be a paramedic, vehicles these Soldiers may encounter in and work full time doing this,” Velasquez the field – large trucks, Humvees, and other says. “The medic training the Army gives vehicles they may see when they deploy.” us helps my [civilian] career. They supple- To further enhance the scenario’s realism, ment each other.” Rusher and his colleagues planned to stage “I love being a combat medic,” Ashworth the vehicles in a field, on uneven ground of adds. “It’s the best job in the Guard.” dirt and sand instead of pavement. Several For more information about the 91-Whis- students would also get the chance to get key Sustainment Course, or the 249th Train- Sgt. Daniel Bobo, a Flight Medic with the 1042 Medical Company (Air Ambulance) leads a hands-on experience with equipment such as ing Regiment, contact Col. Richard Daniels group of Combat Medic students through a Combat Medic exercise. the ‘jaws of life’ and metal cutting tools. at 541-552-6701. Medevac rescue hoist trainers committed to saving lives Story by Mary Jane Jacobsen, R1 rescue hoist used in military UH-60 “Army aviation has its maintenance 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Blackhawks. Alkire has seen the course standards and that is what we teach,” he through to its current state and believes the continued Monmouth, Ore. — Oregon Regional training saves lives. As a senior instructor for the course, Staff Training Institute (RTI) has the only Army Having spent decades in the medical and Sgt. Brent Collee prepares technical forms, approved maintenance course of its kind aviation industries, Alkire is a passionate quality checklists and training materials to for the high performance rescue hoist that advocate of the course which he believes is include the training support packets. He is used in most medical evacuation aircraft the best of its kind. explained that the first hoist training at the around the world. Master Sgt. Donald R. Rue, a rescue hoist RTI was conducted in 2000 and with the Initially, the Oregon guard was assigned course manager, explained the course’s evo- improvements made over the past few years a new medical evacuation mission in 1995. lution and approval steps. According to Rue, the program has developed into the highest The need for a qualified rescue hoist mainte- the Army Aviation and Missile Command quality course you can find. nance program became apparent to the team and Army Medical Department, the two Staff Sgt. Darrin Lane, also a senior in- shortly after this mission was set in place. proponents for the course, have endorsed the structor, created and maintains the course’s The school has instructed hundreds of hoist curriculum administered at the RTI. official website and has developed the air- students from as far off as Korea, Central Alkire and Rue took the initiative to go craft quality control forms and records. Lane America and Germany. Air Force, Army, directly to the Goodrich factory where the is a technical inspector and has 20 years of Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and civilian hoists are made and developed the curricu- aircraft maintenance experience. rescue teams all come to the Oregon RTI lum over the past decade. “The hoist is an excellent piece of equip- for this vital and relevant training. “The extraction and rescue of an indi- ment that needs to be well maintained, and The seven day certification teaches in- vidual where an airlift is the only means to this training fills that need,” Lane said. dividuals what they need to know about: maintain life is the basis of the maintenance The course is designed for crew chiefs, preventative maintenance schedules, unit course,” said Alkire. “A successful extrac- flight medics, maintenance personnel, and level and intermediate level maintenance tion is the bottom line of the rescue hoist their supervisors. They also welcome civil- including complete disassembly and reas- and each individual working on that hoist ian technical advisors and support teams for Photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon National Guard sembly of a working hoist. It will also give knows it.” medevac units around the world. Sgt. Jason Johnson, 32, of Salem, Ore., a attendees a glimpse into the history of the “The course exists because of its im- Students that graduate from the course flight medic with the 1042nd Medical Co., hoist as well as an opportunity to share their portance in keeping and maintaining a receive a certification and an official DA practices working the hoist from a UH-60 hoist experiences and learn from others. ready force of emergency responders. By 1059, service/civilian school academic Blackhawk. Retired Master Sgt. Gary Alkire, a rescue providing high caliber, relevant and quality report, signed by a Colonel or above; they hoist course manager and instructor at the training for the individuals attending the also receive a technical manual on compact For more information regarding the high RTI, was one of the first to take the original course, we exceed the standards of training disc and an open door when ever they have performance rescue hoist maintenance course from the manufacturer for the model elsewhere,” Alkire said. questions or issues. course, log on to www.hoistcourse.org March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 6 New course prepares Soldiers, Airmen for Air Assault School the real course. The pre-course is open to “I do yell — and call them names,” all members of the Oregon National Guard, Rysavy says, “But I think it helps them do regardless if they attend the Air Assault better.” course or not. And along with an academic “If you’re too soft as an instructor,” he preview, and some knot-tying skills comes continues, “you’ll make it too easy for [the an arduous physical regimen. students]. Air Assault is not easy.” “The road-march is the main factor for According to Campbell and Rysavy, failure out of Air Assault school,” Camp- most of the Air Assault cadets’ success in bell says. the course is assessed not just during Zero- According to Campbell, there are secrets Day, but also within the first three days of to successfully completing the final phase the course. Many who begin the course of the Air Assault course — a challenging do not make it to graduation. Cadets can 12-mile foot march along the beach front- fail any phase along the way. In 2005, 340 ing Camp Rilea in Warrenton Ore., while students began the course on April 7. On loaded down with full combat gear and a graduation day on April 17, only 76 Soldiers 40-pound rucksack. Practice and training is and Airmen were awarded their Air Assault one aspect, but there are other tricks. badge. However, those who fail are given Known as a “range-march”, participants the opportunity to reenter the course at the must keep a predetermined pace, but at the point they failed, but must do so within six same time refrain from burning themselves months. out. The gait resembles a race-walk, and Although the course is tough, and the at- must be kept to about an 8-9 minute pace trition rate high, many who graduate find a for a four-mile course. Then there’s the new sense of self-confidence. Some even mental part. re-invent themselves. “There’s little games you can play in “There was this one cadet,” says Camp- Staff Sgt. Rowena Simshaw (l.), Sgt. Paul Edgerly (r.) and three others from the 102nd your head,” Rysavy says. “Counting your bell, “He arrived with a big chip on his Civil Support Team prepare for their pre-dawn ruck-sack run at Minto-Brown Park in Sa- steps, doing math with the numbers — it shoulder. He was a Navy Seal, and had lem on Feb. 23. all helps pass the time and keep your mind done all this stuff, and he made it through the Story and photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, with civilian and federal agencies as one of occupied.” course just fine, and I thought that graduat- the first responders to terrorist attacks and “The bottom line is if the student has ing the course was just going to be another Oregon National Guard Public Affairs weapons of mass destruction. (See related graduation as a goal,” Campbell says, “Then notch on his belt.” story on page 6). they’ll already be motivated to finish.” “But,” continues Campbell, “He came It’s 6:30 in the morning, and Sgt. Paul This morning, the two were overseeing “Our goal is to make sure everyone can up to me after graduation, and told me that Edgerly’s heart rate is racing. four of their fellow unit members during pass the course before they go,” he adds. going through Air Assault school really Maybe it’s because he’s carrying a 40- a pre-training course on Feb. 23. On this Both Rysavy and Campbell are well- changed his outlook on himself. Hearing pound rucksack on his back. Or maybe it’s cold, gray Salem day, Capt. Kristen Maas, suited for their task. In addition to both him say that meant a lot to me.” because he’s trying to finish a 6-mile run Staff Sgt. Rowena Simshaw, Staff Sgt. Bill being part of the cadre which instructs Air If you have any questions about, or are (with the fully-loaded rucksack, Kevlar hel- Gent, and Sgt. Paul Edgerly each donned a Assault cadets, they were both instructors interested in attending, the Air Assault met, and full BDUs) in under 90 minutes. fully-loaded rucksack, their Kevlar helmets with the Mobile Training Team (MTT) at Course, or would simply like to participate Edgerly huffs and puffs as he rounds and canteens filled with water, and prepared Fort Benning, Ga. Moreover, they were both in the pre-training, contact Sgt. Christopher a concrete and steel pillar that marks the for an Air Assault ‘pre-course’. previously stationed at Camp Rilea, and Campbell at 503-932-6746. start/end point of this morning’s run at The informal pre-courses were organized have an intimate knowledge of the post. Minto-Brown Park in west Salem. for their unit throughout the spring and early “Teaching this course is a lot of fun,” The Pre-Air Assault Course will consist “I’m doing okay,” he manages to say. summer seasons are meant to prepare not Rysavy says. of three training weekends, May 11-14, June “Edgerly’s got some drive,” says Sgt. just 102nd CST personnel, but all entrants, During the Air Assault Course participants 23-26, and July 13-16, at Rilea Training Jarrel Rysavy, after shouting some words for the Air Assault Course scheduled at can expect ten days of grueling physical Site. Soldiers will travel the first day of each of encouragement, as Edgerly disappears Camp Rilea in August. demands, mental stress, and the inclement class date and report at 1700 hours. These back down the path. “Anyone who comes to our pre-course and unpredictable coastal weather for which training weekends can be funded either in “Yeah,” agrees Sgt. Christopher Camp- will be able to pass the Air Assault Course,” Oregon is famous. But participants must ADT status (A10/211) or in IDT status. Sol- bell. “At the half-way mark they’re a little says Campbell. first get through ‘Zero-Day’ — a five-hour diers must complete all three pre-training uncomfortable, but they’re okay.” The unusually high failure rate for prior ordeal involving nine obstacles, with ardu- weekends in order to attend the accredited Rysavy and Campbell, are both members Air Assault courses prompted Campbell and ous physical training between each ‘station’, Air Assault Course. of the 102nd Civil Support Team — the Rysavy to request course organizers to al- and a timed two-mile run following the For enrollment information contact, Staff joint-force division within the Oregon Na- low them to hold a pre-course, which would obstacle course — all the while being yelled Sgt. Debbie O’Donnell, Regional Training tional Guard which specializes in working train participants on what to expect during at by instructors. Institute (RTI), at 503-838-8577. Rees: “Every patient you evacuated will forever remember the 1042nd” Flight Facility in Salem, Ore., where the of the most challenging aviation environ- tion Ceremony at the Army Aviation Flight Continued from FRONT PAGE unit is based. ments that I have ever flown in,” said Facility in Salem on March 6. During the “The ramping up to come home is when Brennan. ceremony, a letter from Oregon Governor “Even though we’ve had several delays, the anxiety kicks in, because everyone wants Not only did the pilots and crew members Theodore R. Kulongoski was read to the the unit is finally on the ground,” said Brig. to get home as soon as they can,” said Chief return safely from each mission, but so did returning Soldiers by Danny Santos, Senior Gen. Raymond C. Byrne, Jr., Assistant Warrant Officer Rick Chagnon, instructor many U.S. and other coalition forces that Policy Advisor. Adjutant General, Army. “I bet all the pilot, upon returning to Salem. were plucked from the battlefield by the “For many of you this not the first time disappointments those delays caused will Chagnon said the desert environment and 1042nd’s life-saving pilots, crew chiefs, you’ve been mobilized,” Santos read from evaporate the moment they get off the plane. high altitudes in Afghanistan provided a lot and medics. the letter. “But for all of you my message The fact that they’re all home and safe is of good experience for the younger pilots Brennan said many times while picking remains the same; you are absolutely the exceptional.” and crew chiefs in the unit. up wounded Soldiers from convoys that had best that Oregon has to give, we could not The 1042nd Med. Co. was returning “There’s a lot more things going on during been attacked, the firefights and mortars be more proud of what you’ve accomplished from a six-month rotation in Afghanistan, missions over there, it’s a lot different from a would still be happening around them. or be more grateful to have you back home supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. simple rescue over the Santiam River,” said The unit remained on-call 24 hours a day and safe.” Their primary mission during the deploy- Chagnon. “They (the flight crews) all did to perform mass-casualty pick-ups, point- Oregon State Senate President, Peter ment required using their UH-60 Blackhawk well. They learned a lot, they executed their of-injury pickups, improvised explosive Courtney told the audience that every one helicopters to provide medical evacuation missions flawlessly, and we never dropped device (IED) casualty pickups, and patient of the 33 Soldiers had volunteered for the and transport of injured U.S. and other not-one mission. We brought everyone back transfers. deployment. coalition forces. safe and sound with no scratches, no bumps, “Every mission was important to us, “This group of men and women not only After a brief reunion with their families no bruises, so it was a success.” whether it was a patient transfer, or go- put themselves in harm’s way and they had in Portland, and enduring a week of inpro- While based at Bagram Air Base, near ing directly to an IED strike to pick up an to leave their loved ones, but they did it cessing in Fort Lewis, Wa., the Soldiers Kabul, and Jalalabad Airfield, bordering injured Soldier,” said Brennan. “They all to help other people in a far off place that were brought back to the Army Aviation Pakistan, the 1042nd Med. Co. logged more were very important to each and every single were struggling.” Courtney said to a stand- than 1,000 inci- one of us.” ing ovation. dent-free flight The 1042nd performed more than 290 Oregon Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. hours in some medical evacuations, to include medevac Raymond F. Rees also addressed the gather- of the most chal- for local Afghani nationals. Many of their ing at the ceremony and thanked the family lenging flying patients were Afghani children who had members for keeping the home fires burning conditions over been wounded by landmines. while their Soldiers were away. rugged, moun- “I’d say over half of the people we treated “It’s you who laid the foundation of tainous and des- were Afghanistan nationals. Most of them strength for them on the home front and ert terrain. were very friendly and appreciated what we enabled them to conquer the challenges of Capt. Jerry were doing,” said Brennan. Afghanistan,” said Rees. “Just as we’ve Brennan, ex- For a few of the 1042nd Soldiers, who asked our Soldiers to endure the hardships ecutive officer had previously deployed with the unit to of the deployment, we’ve asked you to do for the 1042nd, Afghanistan in 2002-03, it was interesting the same.” said the skills of to see how the country is evolving. Rees commended the returning Soldiers the flight crews “There was a huge difference between for their courage and commitment to both were tested ev- when I was there in 2002 and this time,” their mission and to each other. ery day, during said Chief Warrant Officer Earl Poole, “It took all of you who deployed, main- every mission. maintenance officer. “Now there are large, tainers, pilots, engineers and medics, a total “It was kind thriving villages, some of which had tripled team effort, to give our troops the best care of like baptism in size since the last time, and it was just that they could hope for. Every patient that by fire for a lot amazing to see the people coming back to you evacuated out of harm’s way and cared A Soldier walks toward a gathering of family and friends at the Portland of us that were their homes.” for will forever remember the 1042nd, who Air Base on Feb. 26 after the unit’s members arrived at the base in an over there, it The Soldiers were officially released from with commitment and courage braved the Air Force C-5 military transport aircraft. represents some active duty service during a Demobiliza- battle to save them,” Rees said. March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 7 The Oregon National Guard’s 102nd Civil Support Team:

Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs

One step closer to federal certification, recognition

102nd CST Survey Team Leader. “Working Above: 102nd CST members approach the mock ‘crash scene’ to assess any levels of con- with the other agencies is vital to what we taminants released by a suspected dirty bomb. The scenario was part of a joint-agency ex- he exercise started, appropriately do. We need to train with all the HAZMAT ercise held on Feb. 15 at the Portland Fire Department’s training facility in north Portland. enough,T with a bang. teams throughout the state.” Members of the Oregon National Guard’s According to Capt. Zachary Irvine, 102nd fense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), them.” 102nd Civil Support Team joined personnel CST Medical Operations Officer, the unit located in Fort Belvoir, Va. The DTRA Elmore cited the events of 9-11, where from a number of public safety and law was specifically designed to work with is tasked with providing assistance to lo- authorities in New York City lost very enforcement agencies on Feb. 15, at the civilian first-responders, and periodic multi- cal civil support teams to help reduce the important lines of communication and Portland Fire Department’s training facility agency training is imperative. threat and effects of chemical, biological, or situational command and control because in North Portland. “They [civilian authorities] get to know radiological incidents. CST members have various agencies were using different radio Participants included the FBI, Oregon us, and we get to know them,” Irvine said. a direct communication line to personnel frequencies. Furthermore, he added, agen- State Police, Portland Police, Hazardous “Also, there’s a definite benefit to bringing at the DTRA — which includes doctors, cies that practice together, will work better Materials Teams (HAZMAT) and Fire De- all our military hardware to the table,” he epidemiologists, and experts in the fields of together if there happens to be a real-world partments throughout the Portland Metro added. chemistry, biology, and radiology — who scenario. area in a multi-agency practice exercise. The military hardware Irvine referred help them model contamination effects on “Bringing all these agencies together is According to organizers of the event, bring- to includes cutting-edge communications any given area using weather, temperature, good so we can evaluate any issues with ing together the wealth of knowledge and systems, with one vehicle devoted solely to type and quantity of contaminant, or a list command and control,” Elmore said. “Hav- experience from military, state, federal, command and control — offering satellite, of other environmental variables. Based on ing that clear direction from a unified com- and local authorities is instrumental in the secure digital and voice communications in post-911 world. order to communicate with both civil and “Working with other teams is extremely military authorities. The unit also possesses important because these are the people we leading-edge technology in the detection have to work with on a regular basis during of toxic industrial and organic substances, real-world crises,” said 102nd Civil Sup- chemical and biological warfare agents, and port Team commander, Lt. Col. Steven J. radiological materials. Ferrell. “We have the ability to break down Throughout the morning, the scenario samples to the molecular level to figure unfolded; during a routine traffic stop, out what they are and how best to combat Portland Police officers discover suspi- them,” Irvine said. cious occupants of a car which turns out Wearing their protective gear, two mem- to be carrying weapons of mass destruc- bers of the CST went out to the scenario’s tion. A small-weapons firefight resulted incident site to take samples and monitor the in a wounded, and possibly contaminated, level of any contaminants. They were joined Portland Police Officer. Furthermore, the by two HAZMAT team members from the vehicle catches fire, prompting the response Portland Fire Department, and by the Port- of local fire fighters. land Police’s Bomb Squad remote-control Further complicating the situation was the robot, known as the Remotec Andros, which discovery of evidence of a ‘dirty bomb’ in gave incident commanders a close-up view the vehicle. The 102nd CST was called in of the situation without putting human life to help assess the level of contamination. In in jeopardy. order to simulate the travel time from their “If one of the first officers sees that there’s headquarters in Salem, the team staged their a suspicious device, they’ll notify the bomb vehicles and equipment in the parking lot squad, and they’ll determine if they need to across the street from the training facility. send in the robot,” said Maj. Sean McGann, “This training is fabulous because it’s as Deputy Commander for the 102nd CST. close as possible to what we’d see in the According to McGann, the situation is real world,” said Tech. Sgt. Larry Andersen, evaluated by the first responders — usu- Sgt. Paul Edgerly (background), and Sgt. Chris Campbell (foreground) of the 102nd Civ- il Support Team, do a last minute check on equipment before heading out to the ‘crash ally police and fire personnel — before a scene’. The unit practiced with a number of other federal and civilian emergency agencies determination is made if other agencies on Feb. 15, 2006 at the Portland Fire Department’s Training Facility in North Portland. who possess more specialized skills are required. In this case, they called in both feedback from DTRA, CST modelers can mand is very important.” the HAZMAT and CST teams. then use computers to map the contaminant In order to be effective throughout the Although the 102nd CST is outfitted with plume over time to help authorities deter- state of Oregon, the 102nd CST requires fed- state of the art equipment, monitoring and mine the best course of action, whether eral certification, which needs to be signed protective gear, members are constantly it is decontamination, restricted access or by the Secretary of Defense. The joint-force attending refresher and instruction courses full-scale evacuation of the public. team, comprised of both Oregon Army and in order to keep abreast of developing “The training [CST members go through] Air National Guard members, is authorized technology, and chemical, biological, radio- is extremely important,” Ferrell said. “It 22 personnel, who are full-time members logical agents. In addition to their normal gives us credibility as a first responder of the National Guard. Though they are military occupational skill qualification — something that’s recognized throughout federally resourced, trained and evaluated, or professional military training require- the world by other first response teams.” they fall under the control of the Governor ments, members of the CST are required to The expertise and level of professionalism of Oregon. The CST required 18-24 months complete approximately 600-800 hours of is not lost on the exercise’s other partici- for manning, equipment acquisition and initial training in order to be a team member. pants. Sgt. Vince Elmore, a member of the training, and according to Ferrell, is nearing Instruction is provided to the unit by several Portland Police Rapid Response Team, and the end of their certification cycle. Department of Defense schools, along with 15-year veteran of the police department, “By April, the packet will be submitted to other agencies such as the National Fire felt the members of the 102nd CST brought Washington D.C.,” Ferrell said. “We hope Academy, Federal Emergency Management valuable skills to the exercise. to have full certification by the summer of Agency (FEMA), the Environmental Protec- “Bringing the CST on board [with these 2006.” Sgt. Paul Edgerly checks out the ‘crash tion Agency (EPA) and the Department of exercises] is a great thing,” Elmore said. “Until we’re signed off on our certifica- scene’ through one of the 102nd CST’s IR Education. “Now that we know what the CST can do, tion, we cannot respond to any incidents,” telescopes. The CST works closely with the De- I don’t think we should do anything without he added.

March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 10 From the Citizen-Soldiers help rebuild a vital part of Oregon’s history

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Russell Bassett, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Fort SUNSET BEACH – Two hundred years ago, U.S. Army citizen Sol- diers – members of the famed Corps of Discovery expedition – were the first non-Native Americans to blaze a trail to the sea over North- to the west Oregon’s coastal hills and wetlands. Today, thanks again to the efforts of Citizen Soldiers, the Fort to Sea Trail – a 6.2 mile hike that marks the end of the Lewis and Clark journey – can now be Sea enjoyed by everyone. More than 100 members of the Oregon National Guard helped to build the trail that begins at Fort Clatsop and ends at Sunset Beach. Chip Jenkins, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park super- intendent, said the trail would not have been possible without the help of Oregon’s citizen Soldiers. “We could not have done it without them,” he said. “They were a huge help, and by help I mean everyone from the specialists and NCOs all the way up to the officers and adjutant general. Those out here working every day were creative and ingenious as far as how to solve everyday problems and make progress. The citizens of Oregon ought to be proud of their Citizen Soldiers.” Guard Soldiers of the 1249th Engineers and B Company, 52nd Engineers, as well as Reserve Soldiers from the 671st Bridge Company, worked on the project, which culminated with a dedication ceremony Nov. 14. Guard Soldiers built the first mile of the trail, which is wheel chair accessible, and constructed the last half mile of trail from Sunset Beach trailhead to the Pacific Ocean overlook. They also worked on two of the trail’s biggest bridges, helped to clear other portions of the trail and laid the groundwork for the parking lot at Sunset trailhead. “It’s neat knowing that the initial Lewis and Clark journey was a military expedition, and we are here 200 years later with the military to build a trail to remember that journey,” said Maj. Daniel Brewer, Innovative Training Program project manager, who oversaw the trail’s construction. Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Heathcock, project NCOIC, said finishing the Above: The terrain on the trail includes coastal forest, wetlands, grasslands, dunes and beach. Above right: Oregon trail gave him a real sense of accomplishment. Army National Guard Soldiers work on Sunset Bridge, the largest bridge on the Fort to Sea Trail. “We are giving back to the community,” he said. “It was a high vis- ibility target for us to put our best foot forward, so to speak, and show what Citizen Soldiers are capable of. It’s only fitting that military comes in now, just like the original expedition.” Right: Two hikers climb a hill on the Heathcock, who has hiked the trail several Fort to Sea Trail on Jan. 21. The 6.2 times, compared it to “watching a sunset mile trail is open year-round. come up on a good day. “You end up on the beach and you know you can’t possibly go any farther without building a raft,” he said. “I enjoy hiking from the dark timber to the open beach.” Jenkins, who has also hiked the trail several times, said he enjoys it because it offers a va- Below: Canby resident Jayna Nole riety of different of terrain: lush coastal forest, takes in the ocean view at the Sunset wetlands, grasslands, dunes and beach. More Beach overlook, which marks the end than a mile of the trail runs through Camp of the 1805 Lewis and Clark expedi- Rilea, an Oregon National Guard post. tion, and the new Fort to Sea Trail. “The trail totally exceeded my expecta- tions,” he said. “I fully expected once we got the primitive trail in, that we would have to go back and make improvements, but be- cause of the help from the private sector and help from the Guard, we were able to build it to a higher standard.” Heathcock said the toughest challenge the Guard Soldiers faced was working in the mud. “We had a lot of tight spaces and cut and fill area where we were working with a backhoe and dozer in soft clay,” he said. “The toughest part was staying on schedule working in areas where the ground was like pudding.” The engineer said Oregon Guard Soldiers received excellent training building the trail. “A couple of our guys pulled civilian employment from what they learned here,” he said. Several private companies and government agencies also worked on the trail or donated money and equipment for the trail’s construction. “It was a great joint venture,” Heathcock said. “Everyone pulled together and brought forth their best to come up with what turned out to be a great final project.”

The Fort to Sea Trail is now open year round. From June 10 to Sept. 4, a shuttle will run between Fort Clatsop and Sunset Beach. For more information on the trail, visit: www.forttosea.org. March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 11 Mustangs serve ‘crucial link’ between Soldiers on front lines and rear areas Continued from FRONT PAGE 6,500 flight hours over the challenging, high-mountain desert terrain, moving more Story by Spc. April Dustin, than 11 million pounds of supplies and Oregon National Guard Public Affairs equipment and 45,000 troops. “Every Oregon Soldier brought his or PENDLETON, Ore. — Crowds of her “A” game to this mission,” said Doran. people stood along the streets of Pendleton, “Whether it was fixing, fueling and flying Ore. amidst flashing lights and sirens of aircraft or administering the personnel and police cars and fire trucks on March 17, to logistics of the unit, the Soldiers executed welcome home more than 80 Soldiers of bravely, faithfully and successfully under Detachment 1, D Company, 113th Aviation the most extreme circumstances.” Regiment (the Mustangs). Delta Company’s more dangerous duties A trail of flags, banners, and yellow included serving as the primary Air Assault ribbons lined the path to the Army Aviation platform for the 173rd Airborne, and the Flight Facility, where family members, 3rd and 7th Special Forces Groups. The military personnel, and supporters from aircrews performed more than 100 missions the Pendleton community patiently waited in which they inserted combat troops to wrap their arms around the returning directly into battle with the enemy. In June, Soldiers. the Mustangs supported combat troops “Upon our return to Pendleton, we during the single largest engagement of were greeted by the community in a OEF, Operation Catania, which resulted in very memorable and very emotional more than 150 Anti-Coalition Militant kills home-coming celebration,” said Capt. and captures, and produced the most enemy David Doran, Det. 1, D Co. 113th Avn. KIAs of any operation in Afghanistan to commander. “It was something that we date. Photo by Spc. April L. Dustin, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs will never forget. That was the moment I “Primarily, we served as the crucial and CW3 Dennis Rogers (front), and fellow members of the Oregon Army National Guard’s knew we were home.” indispensable link between the rear area and Det.1, D Co., 113th Aviation toss their hats after being dismissed by their commander, Cpt. The demobilization ceremony at the Army those Soldiers (infantry troops and Special David Doran, at the unit’s demobilization ceremony in Pendleton, Ore., March 19. Aviation Flight Facility on March 19 was Forces) whose main mission is to close filled with more banners, family members, with and destroy the enemy,” said Doran. we still had five months ahead of us. on rubble.” community supporters, and patriotic music. “We were the lifeline for their logistics. We Aircrews had to continue to execute in the Meanwhile in Afghanistan, Doran said the Many distinguished speakers welcomed used our audacity and versatility to insert same environment, but with a serious shift Mustangs continued to execute dangerous them into the most advantageous positions in paradigm. No mission was considered combat missions with enemy contact to gain as much tactical advantage as routine, no return to base was assured. likely. On December 4, the unit almost possible, as they engaged the enemy. We This took amazing fortitude and personal lost another aircrew. He said although the maneuvered them rapidly throughout the courage on the part of each individual.” CH-47 was completely destroyed, the crew ever-changing battlefield.” The Mustangs didn’t have much chance escaped with only minor injuries and were Doran conveyed, that the imminent to pause and grieve, they had to continue recovered from the fighting soon after. danger of these missions loomed over the their mission. The Afghan National “Most of us have a new appreciation Mustangs, as they counted their luck at each Parliamentary Elections had been taking of combat aviation and better understand and every “close-call”. He said many times place throughout the months of August the risks involved,” said Doran. “It takes the helicopters were shot-up by enemy and September and the Mustangs had to facing those dangers with your close machine guns (catching one aircraft on provide aircrews to accomplish many friends and comrades to really understand fire) and many aircrews had nearly missed missions needed to ensure security of the and appreciate life away from the combat being hit by Rocket Propelled Grenades elections. zone.” (RPG). “The stark reality was that we were but Doran said the deployment gave him a “We were feeling very lucky, we were one cog in the machine, and the machine better appreciation for the value of life and not sure how long that luck could possibly was not going to stop or even slow.” Doran the precious time he was missing with his hold out before someone got hurt or worse,” said. “In retrospect, it kept us moving wife and two kids. said Doran. forward as a unit, even though we each “The distance that we could not bridge On September 25, their worst fear was paused on our own, in our own time, to and the precious time that we can never realized, when one of the Chinooks was reflect and begin the healing process.” reclaim makes a long deployment like this hit by an enemy RPG, killing five crew In early October, shortly after the such an enormous sacrifice, especially for Photo courtesy of Det. 1, D Co. 113th Aviation members on board. Two of these crew deaths of Baum and Stump, a devastating those with spouses and children,” Doran A Chinook flies over Afghanistan at dusk. members were Oregon National Guard earthquake hit Pakistan and the unit was said. Soldiers, Warrant Officer Adrian Stump tasked yet another mission; to provide Now that the unit has returned safely the Mustangs home including, Governor and Staff Sgt. Tane Baum, both from humanitarian aid. The unit deployed to Oregon, Doran said the Soldiers of Theodore R. Kulongoski, Senator Gordon Pendleton. Doran said the loss of their two aircraft to Pakistan and the crews Det. 1, D Co. 113th Avn. can look back Smith, Senator Ron Wyden, Congressman comrades affected everyone individually moved more than 750,000 pounds of on this deployment with pride in their Greg Walden and Oregon Adjutant General and the unit in its totality. relief supplies, evacuated more than 750 accomplishments, knowing they made a Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees. “We all grieved in one way or another, casualties, and transported 650 aid workers difference. But, Doran said he did not really breathe and we likewise managed in one way or in the aftermath of the earthquake. “We made the resurgence of significant a sigh of relief until at the end of the another,” said Doran. “It changed the way “The relief missions in Pakistan was terrorist sanctuaries within our area of ceremony, he was able to stand in front of we looked at our mission, and it changed a surreal experience for the aircrews operations highly unlikely; hopefully his Soldiers, order “dismissed”, and watch the way we looked at each other. We went involved,” Doran said. “They flew above our successors will continue to apply the the Mustangs throw their hats up in the air from the fear of losing an aircrew, to the an otherworldy landscape of flattened pressure,” he said. “We enabled the Afghan with celebration. graver fear of losing another aircrew and dwellings - thousands of rooftops resting people to take control of their own destiny “That was the moment I knew that we by safeguarding the National had completed our mission and we had Parliamentary Elections and gotten everyone else home safely to their allowing them a glimpse of families and friends,” said Doran. reprentative democracy. And The Mustangs had spent one long, difficult we restored hope to thousands year serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan, who had little or no chance for flying CH-47 Chinook helicopters survival following the earthquake through hostile air in support of Operation in Pakistan, demonstrating the Enduring Freedom (OEF). The unit arrived U.S. Soldier is a compassionate in Kandahar in March 2005 as part of D provider of basic needs to those Company, 113th Aviation headquarted in in peril.” Reno, Nevada. Within the first three weeks Before the demobilization of touching down on the desert soil, they ceremony began, officially had assumed 100 percent of heavy lift releasing the Soldiers from operations necessary to sustain the Forward their active duty service, Doran Operating Bases (FOBs) throughout gathered the Mustangs around southern and western Afghanistan. him and told them that this “When we arrived, we took Total endeavor will define them, for Operational Authority ahead of schedule, better or worse, for the rest of thanks to the motivation of our soldiers their lives. and the training that we had conducted, Doran said, “Fifty years from which decreased the train-up we required now, we may not recall the in-country,” said Doran. address of the house we owned, The fast pace in which the Mustangs the name of a coworker, the type assumed their mission seemed to set the of car we drove. But, we will not tone for the rest of the deployment, as likely forget the men and women they continued to operate at an extremely with whom we served and the high tempo. As part of the Quick Reaction struggles we faced together as a Force (QRF), the Mustangs were on-call team. We will not forget those we 24 hours a day performing a wide range of lost; they will live on, unaffected aviation missions including, standard re- Photo courtesy of Det. 1, D Co. 113th Aviation, Oregon Army National Guard by time, in our memories. We will supply missions, downed aircraft recovery, A group of Soldiers from Det. 1, Delta Co., 113th Aviation stand next to one of their CH-47 Chinook be able to say we were a part of forward area re-fueling, and casualty helicopters. Cpt. David Doran, (center, in front of doorway), is the unit’s commander. Warrant Officer something great and noble, and evacuation. The unit logged more than Adrian Stump is pictured on the far right. God willing, long enduring.” March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 12 Oregon’s 1-186 Trains in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ The second exercise was a full as- their objective, the 27th Infantry Regi- sault on an enemy held village. ment of the Japan Ground Self Defense After hitting the target with mortar Force (JGSDF) was seizing their own. fire, both companies advanced on the This bilateral operation required both village under a hail of rifle and ma- forces to train, communicate and fight chine gun fire. White, red and purple together to accomplish a joint mission smoke drifted across the battlefield of cordon and search, as well as a direct creating an eerie backdrop as the Sol- assault. diers rushed the objective. “Most missions these days involve a “Move, move, move! Cover that multinational force,” said Ashworth. door!” could be heard over the crack- By participating in Operation Orient le of small arms fire as squad leaders Shield the Oregon National Guard Sol- pushed their Soldiers to fight and clear diers had the opportunity to experience the objective. working with another nation, as well as Using covering and suppressive fire, learning a few new things. the Guardsmen quickly overwhelmed “Training in Japan is good because the ‘insurgents’ and secured the vil- it allows our soldiers to interact with lage. different cultures, as well as gain a bet- Small unit tactics like the cordon and ter understanding of how the JGSDF search, and a direct attack are fluid ma- works,” said Campbell. neuvers, allowing for quick shifts, so Operation Orient Shield was not only an Soldiers can adapt to changing battle- opportunity to work with Japanese soldiers, field conditions. Teamwork and precise but to meet Japanese families and make new coordination are essential as fire teams friends. As part of the bilateral exercise, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment secure buildings during an urban as- and squads move from position to posi- Soldiers from Oregon’s 1-186 Inf. Bn. sault for Operation Orient Shield. tion. also participated in a program where they “The guys worked together very were welcomed into the homes of Japanese Story by Spc. Jody Metzger, from escaping, while another group well,” said Spc. Jason Ashworth, a families. Det. 1, 1-128th Mobile Public Affairs, does a systematic search. combat medic for C Company. “The objective is for the Soldiers to Colorado Army National Guard The experiences gained from the op- get intelligence of enemy activity in the eration helped the Soldiers build confi- Photo by Sgt. Scott Griffin, area and to be able to take them down,” dence with each other as well as their Colorado Army National Guard said 1st Sgt Michael Campbell, Com- own ability. mand Sergeant Major for Task Force “I have benefited from the training HOKKAIDO, Japan - Operation Orient 186. and have a greater sense of confidence Shield 2006 training exercise in Hokkaido, The crunching sound of a hundred in my skills as a Soldier and as a com- Japan ended with a bang March 14, as snowshoes was the only noise as the In- bat medic,” said Ashworth. Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry fantryman advanced on the objective. This type of training is essential in Regiment and the 5th Brigade, 27th Infantry With C Company as the cordon, B the emerging 21st Century Battlefield. Regiment of the Japan Ground Self Defense Company advanced on the ‘village.’ “Since 9-11 the concept of war in Force engaged the enemy during cordon- After a brief exchange of gunfire, the the military has changed. A lot of war- Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry search and assault operations. Soldiers quickly secured the objective, fare is being fought in the cities,” said Regiment joined the 27th Regiment for the Cordon and search is a technique that clearing each building and detaining a Campbell. closing ceremonies of Operation Orient creates a perimeter to keep any enemy half-dozen insurgents. As the American forces were seizing Shield 2006. Oregon Youth Challenge Program receives national honors, recognition Oregon Congresswoman Darlene Hooley through a two-phase program, beginning receive encouragement and support in and Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant with an intensive residential program during implementing their life plan as they re-enter General of the Oregon National Guard, in which they develop life-coping skills, per- their home environments. receiving the honors at the Senate Dirkson form community service work, and attend In addition, NFL player and former Or- Building in Washington D.C. Also in at- academic classes. The structured and highly egon State football standout, Tim Euhus, of tendance from Oregon were Sen. Gordon successful program focuses on many of the the Buffalo Bills, agreed to be a co-spokes- Smith, Rep. Greg Walden, Brig. Gen.. Governor’s benchmarks for youth, including person for OYCP, along with NBA star and Mike Caldwell, deputy director for state mandatory mentoring, work placement, and former University of Oregon basketball affairs, and Rick DeMars, the Director of drug and alcohol education. player, Fred Jones, of the Indiana Pac- OYCP. Other guests included Senators OYCP students provide thousands of ers. The two professional athletes will be John McCain, of Arizona, and Max Baucus, hours of service to the community, govern- teaming up to raise awareness about OYCP of Vermont. ment agencies, and nonprofit organizations. through a variety of grassroots marketing Administered by the Oregon National Since its inception, OYCP students have opportunities including, public service an- Oregon Youth Challenge Program drill team Guard, the OYCP is Oregon’s only public provided more than 188,900 hours of service nouncements, collateral materials (including military-focused alternative high school. It through out Oregon. the Web site) and participating in OYCP Story prepared by Sentinel Staff is guided by Oregon National Guard values Upon graduating from the OYCP, cadets activities locally and nationally. and principles and focuses on redirecting at- receive a high school diploma, a GED, or “The Oregon National Guard Youth Chal- The Oregon National Guard Youth risk youth toward a positive future. have earned enough credits to return to lenge Program makes our urban and rural Challenge Program (OYCP) received The OYCP is the only statewide high high school. Nearly 1,700 Oregon high communities stronger, by giving at-risk honors for having the best post-residential school in Oregon, and it serves youth from school dropouts have earned eight or more youth a second chance in education and ac- mentorship program of more than thirty all 36 counties. It is accredited and an al- certified high school credits at the OYCP, quiring life skills that will give them the best similar programs nationwide. In addition, ternative school for Bend and La Pine. The and re-enrolled in school. More than 1,000 chance for becoming responsible adults,” it was recently named one of the top three legislative Emergency Board approved more students who previously left school have said Euhus. “I am pleased to team with Fred programs of its kind in the nation for 2005 than $400,000 in funding last month to help earned a high school diploma or GED while Jones to raise awareness about the program – an honor it has received for the past four keep the successful program whole. in the OYCP. so more at-risk youth will understand they out of five years. The voluntary 17-month program pro- The program, which is cost-free to cadets can rise to the challenge.” Two cadets, Romiro Villgomez, of Sa- vides at-risk youth ages 16 to 18 with a and their families, is followed by one year For more information, visit www.oycp. lem, and Alex Soeffker, of Medford, joined second chance to succeed. Cadets work of mentoring. During this time, the cadets com or call 541-317-9623. Soldiers have access to free physical training thanks to donated exercise equipment Story by Spc. Patrick Lair, teaches boxing at West Albany High School. turned the old rifle range into a gym. 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment He also works as a recruiter at the Albany Nyquist said that while he works out every National Guard armory. day at the new gym, it is still a work in prog- ALBANY, Ore. — Soldiers of the 224th Cpt. Dunn is the commanding officer of ress. He hopes to route another electrical line Engineers in Albany won’t have any excuses 821 Troop Detachment in Salem. During into the gym to power televisions next to the when taking their Army Physical Fitness the week, she works full time in the Human treadmills. He also hopes to use a side exit Test. Resources Office at the Oregon Military in the gym for Soldiers who want to come Cpt. Jessica Dunn and Staff Sgt. Dan Department in Salem. She is also an ac- in and work out on their own time. Dunn recently donated approximately complished kickboxer. “We lucked out,” Nyquist said of the $55,000 worth of exercise equipment to the In the fall of 2005, the Dunns decided to Dunns’ contributions. “It worked out great Albany National Guard Armory. What used eliminate the weight training side of their for us. It’s good to have people like them to be the armory’s indoor rifle-range is now gym and focus solely on ring-sports and in the Guard.” a mirror-lined room full of bench presses, martial arts training. They teach classes Victory Gym will soon be turned into a tread mills, dumb bells and other exercise in boxing, Thai kickboxing, jiu jitsu and non-profit corporation, staying open just for equipment. capoeira, which they liken to the moves of local boxing and martial arts students. “My goal is to get the word out that all the “Cat Woman or Eddy on Tekken.” “We don’t make any money on the gym. local Guard Soldiers have a place to work They sold four pieces of equipment to the We do it for the kids. Whether they compete our for free,” Staff Sgt. Dunn said. “I love Albany YMCA at a 50 percent discount. In or not, it’s good for discipline,” Staff Sgt. what the Guard is doing for me. I’m just exchange, the YMCA donated their outgo- Dunn said. trying to give something back.” ing equipment to the armory. The Dunns The Dunns encourage Soldiers to check The Dunns have managed a ring-sports then donated the remainder of their fitness out the weight room at the Albany armory, and martial arts training center called Vic- equipment to the Albany armory and Staff 3800 Knox Butte Rd. NE. Soldiers can now work out for free, using the tory Gym for 12 years, the last four years in Sgt. Scott Nyquist, administration noncom- For classes at Victory Gym, it is located donated exercise equipment located at the Albany. Staff Sgt. Dunn trains boxers and missioned officer for the 224th Engineers, at 251 Pacific Blvd. SW. Albany National Guard Armory. March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 13 Oregon Guardsmen help protect home Personnel ready 41st Brigade for deployment state during First World War Story by Kimberly L. Lippert, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs

Did you know that the Oregon National Guard played a significant role in protecting the home-front during World War I? While many were fighting overseas, officials at home worried about inadequate protection of docks, shipping plants, food warehouses, and other assets from espionage or sabotage by enemy operatives or sympathizers. The State Council of Defense for Oregon responded by drafting a plan for organizing a state police force. The council modeled the plan after the Texas Rangers. The Oregon Legislative Emergency Board met and approved the proposal, resulting in $250,000 in funding for the force through the end of 1918. When looking for recruits officials primarily sought men with prior military experi- ence. The majority of the new guard was between the ages of 18 and 45 years old with many having served in the Spanish American War. With a total of five automobiles and 12 motorcycles the force numbering 11 officers and 180 enlisted men took to the streets. Salaries were reasonable for the time privates earned $90 a month while Officers were paid according to military salary. While assignments varied much of the focus for Oregon’s new police force centered around protecting shipbuilding. By November, police had guarded the construction of 61 wooden ships and 20 steel ships in Oregon. Another major focus of the force was pre- venting wildfires in the state, a mission that remains important for the Oregon National Guard today. During the time of the Military Police Force, two officers and 50 enlisted were assigned to prevent serious damage to crops from fire or “other destruction at the hands of lawless men.” The force was stationed in Athena, Condon, Helix, Heppner, La Grande, Maupin, Moro, Pendleton, Pilot Rock, and Umatilla – all communities growing Story and photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs grain needed to feed the American soldiers fighting in Europe. Officials estimated that the police visited and safeguarded nearly 11,500 farms during this duty. Along similar lines, Sgt. Anthony Armpriest, (left) and Pvt. 2nd Class Taijit Grewal (right), both from large detachments saw duty fighting 38 forest fires. Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 141st Brigade Support Battalion, assist with loading The military police also nabbed Oregonians who violated the state’s prohibition laws items into shipping containers in Salem, Ore., on Feb. 23, 2006. The items are bound related to alcoholic beverages. MP Officers arrested and secured convictions in 87 liquor for Afghanistan as part of the 41st Brigade deployment in the summer of 2006. law cases. Leaders saw the arrests as part of their role to protect the “public morals” of Organized by Harold Wood of Salem, Ore., who also heads up the Oregon Cares the state. In other actions the Oregon Military Police nabbed violators of espionage laws, Project, items included donated web cameras, food, audio-visual equipment, clothes and and other “seditious and disloyal acts.” shoes for the Afghani people and donated fire-fighting equipment destined for Afghani The actions by the military police force against bootleggers fueled criticism by opponents volunteer firefighters. According to Wood, at the height of the donation, there were 169 of Governor James Withycombe and the Oregon Military Police. The Oregon Journal fully-loaded pallets in the warehouse. newspaper said that while the police had been formed by military need, they since had been Some items, originally bound for Louisiana as part of the Hurricane Katrina relief used for “all sorts of activities.” Suspicions even arose in some quarters about whether the efforts, were diverted to the Oregon National Guard’s largest deployment since WWII, military police had “engaged in bootlegging themselves.” To make matters worse, a police because relief workers in the southeast were receiving too many items. private’s pay of $90 per month was three times the pay of a Soldier. Supporters countered Use of the warehouse space on northeast Amber Street was donated by Steve Mac- that, unlike Soldiers, military policemen had to pay for their own “full sustenance.” donald, co-owner of Mac’s Radiator in Salem. Unfortunately, Macdonald would never The end of the war soon brought an end to both the controversy and the Oregon Military get to see his generosity come to fruition. He passed away on Feb. 18, 2006. Police. Within three weeks all but 15 men were mustered out of service. The governor sought to continue the military police as an ongoing presence. In January 1919 he recom- mended that the Oregon Legislature establish “a state constabulary of ten or fifteen men as a small mobile force for state police duty.” Withycombe envisioned the organization helping with the enforcement of prohibition and game laws as helping to prevent forest fires. Sexual harassment awareness Despite Withycombe’s efforts the organization came to an end on March 30, 1919. Law enforcement in Oregon reverted to a fragmented system of groups enforcing prohibition, Stories by Lt. Col. Marilyn K. Woodward, ORARNG Safety Manager criminal, arson, forestry and other laws. It wasn’t until 1931 that the Oregon State Police Department was created, and many people believe that organization was modeled after April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) to raise awareness about the Oregon Military Police. and to promote prevention of sexual violence. The Department of Defense (DoD) theme for SAAM 2006 is Sexual Assault Prevention…Begins With You. This slogan serves to Portland Lumberjax game goes Guard remind us that each of us can play a role as a leader, a teacher, a friend or co-worker in sexual assault prevention. New DoD policies addressing sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) seek to establish a climate of confidence in which:

- Sexual assault and the attitudes that promote it are not tolerated. - Victims of sexual assault receive the care and support that they need. - The offenders are held accountable for their actions.

In calendar year 2004, there were 1,700 reported cases of sexual assault within the Military Services. Of these, 104 were assaults on men. Victims usually know their as- sailant; nearly 70-percent of sexual assaults on women, the assailant was the boyfriend, marital partner, date, friend, family member or neighbor. Units were provided with an initial training NGB video, “Sexual Assault: Staying on Guard” which was to be viewed by all OR Guard members by 31 March 2006. The Program differs for National Guard Title 32 members versus Title 10 Active Duty. Information and safety tips may be obtained from the DoD website, http://www.sapr. mil/, or a specific Service website. Or, you may contact your local Brigade or Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC). The ORNG SAPR Program Manager/ SARC is LTC Marilyn Woodward. She can be reached at 503-584-3931.

Spc. Jaynie Cole (center) presents the game ball at the Lumberjax lacrosse game April 2. ORARNG to receive automated defibrillators Story and photo by Spc. April L. Dustin, Oregon National Gaurd Public Affairs Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are computerized devices that can help The Oregon National Guard dominated the Rose Garden April 2 during the Portland Lumberjax lacrosse game. Thousands of lacrosse fans found that around every corner, prevent death due to sudden cardiac arrest. These devices monitor the heart rhythm and and everywhere they looked, the National Guard was there. can, if need be, deliver an electric shock to the chest wall to assist personnel whose heart “Through the partnership of the Oregon Guard and the Portland Lumberjax, we has stopped or went into fibrillation (very rapid uncoordinated fluttering contractions were able to saturate the Rose Garden with advertising and recruiting tools during this of the heart.). They are only part of the Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) which event,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gower Talley, Marketing NCO for Recruiting and Retention may be required to keep someone alive until paramedics can arrive. Command. He said he was pleased with the way the event turned out and appreciated The Oregon Army National Guard has acquired about twenty under the guidance of the the warm welcome extended by the Portland Lumberjax. State Surgeon; see ORARNG Reg. 385-5 (Dec 04). These have been distributed based As lacrosse fans arrived at the game, they were surprised to see Greg Biffle’s #16 on likelihood of accidental electrical shock, age of employees, number of employees and National Guard racecar from last year’s NASCAR season. As they approached the car number of visitors. They are being installed in central locations within a facility. Ad- to get a closer look, they were greeted by recruiters, who offered them a chance to have ditional AEDs will be distributed when funding becomes available to purchase more. their picture taken with the car. Each work place/ facility is required to have one or more personnel trained in First Aid To begin the game, the Lumberjax introduced one of the Oregon Army National (FA) and CPR to include the use of our agency AEDs (American Red Cross or American Guard’s recently returned Iraq veterans. Spc. Jaynie Cole, a Purple Heart recipient Heart Association Standards). This is primarily to protect our employees IAW with from the 3670th Maintenance Company, was brought out on the turf to be recognized Federal Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and state guidelines. for her service with a thunderous applause from thousands of appreciative fans. Cole Our training may be used for civilians as necessary. Oregon has a Good Samaritan was given the honor of presenting the game-ball. Law (ORS 30.801) which includes protections for individuals and organizations that “I was nervous standing out there in front of all those people, but it was a lot of fun, promote and provide FA, Cardio-Pulminary Resusitation (CPR) and deploy an AED in I am honored,” said Cole. “They even let me keep the ball.” an emergency. Fans watched the game underneath the 1-800-Go-Guard banner that randomly AEDs are only part of your Emergency Plan for your facility. All employees shall flashed throughout the game on the electronic LCD ring surrounding the stadium. know your plan and know where the First Aid Kits and AEDs (if available) are located. During breaks in the game, commercials high-lighting the service of Oregon National Supervisors shall ensure the appropriate number of employees have current FA/CPR/ Guard Soldiers displayed on the score-board monitor in the center of the arena, as Lumberjax dancers threw National Guard T-shirts to fans in their seats. AED training for your facility. March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 14 we are here. We don’t have much time, SARTS can provide a rifle or pistol to par- Your Letters though. Time eventually catches up and Purple camps benefit ticipating soldiers or airmen. Contact MSG runs its course on our bodies. My cousin’s Arnst via email: [email protected]. death called me back to the nucleus of my children of deployed Cousin shares thoughts life: family, friends and myself. So much service members Native American Cul- had distracted me for so long. Don’t let The National Military Family Association anything pull you away from your life’s on Soldier’s death (NMFA) announces their 2006 Operation tural training in May My cousin Adrian Stump was killed in nucleus. I didn’t attempt to explain what a great Purple residential camps for all children The Department of Defense will conduct the mountains of Afghanistan a few months from all branches of the Armed Forces. a three-day training course on American ago. We grew up together. We were going person my cousin Adrian Bovee Stump NMFA developed this free residential camp Indian Cultural Communication in Seattle, to share our first legal drink when he came was because words do not apply. Emotions do. You listen to him with your eyes and program, which is sponsored this year by Wash., May 16-18, 2006. home for Christmas. The free training will provide an overview He didn’t show. The helicopter he piloted your heart because words lack substance. the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and They cannot describe Adrian or people TriWest Healthcare Alliance, in response to of DoD’s American Indian and Alaska Na- was shot down by a rocket-propelled gre- tive Policy and cover practical methods to nade launched by one of the “terrorists” like Adrian. the need for increased support for military enhance formal consultation and intercul- we often hear about, the ones who hate After Adrian’s death, I envisioned myself children, especially those whose parents are freedom. It took the military three weeks to on my deathbed, staring blankly out a win- or will be deployed. tural communication with tribes. gather his body ripped apart by the impact dow and asking, “What was it all about?” Operation Purple, offers children the It is highly recommended that interested of a grenade into his helicopter. If your life isn’t on the path you would opportunity to experience nature, develop parties register as soon as possible, as it Christmas was depressing. My aunt and like it to be, begin a new one. The clock friendships, learn life skills and enhance may be difficult to get room reservations uncle had lost their first-born baby; I lost a is running. their self-esteem. The camp setting provides after mid April. great cousin and even better friend. children with many challenging and exciting For more information, contact Laura I tuned the world out. After my mother Harry Beckwith opportunities to interact positively with like- Berg, AICCC Project Coordinator at 503- called and told me to forget about seeing minded individuals all being from similar 281-4716, or via e-mail at berg@teleport. com. my cousin again, I didn’t come out of my Oregon Soldiers invited backgrounds and situations. room for three days except to make at- Each camp is “purple”, meaning it is open tempts at eating. I drank more than usual. to submit names to Pur- to children of any member of the uniformed MOSQ, OES, I smoked more than usual because the services including National Oceanic Atmo- numbing effect made Adrian’s passing ple Heart Hall of Honor spheric Administration, United States Public NCOES top schooling slightly tolerable. Dear General Rees, Health Service and the Air National Guard I gave up on the news because every and Reserve. Families are encouraged to priority for ORNG time I turned it on, a slide show of my life I want to take this opportunity to make apply to the location closest to their home with Adrian would reel inside my head and you aware of the National Purple Heart Due to the impact of transformation and I would cry until my body became limp Hall of Honor, which is currently being as transportation costs are not covered. This the Department of Defense’s immediate from exhaustion. built in New York’s Hudson Valley. year NMFA’s Operation Purple Camps will need to attain the highest level of readiness, I almost cried during the recent State of Located just over ten miles from the host more than 2,500 deserving children at all MOSQ training takes precedence over all the Union when Bush asked us to never United States Military Academy at West 26 locations in 22 states. Programs in the other military educational opportunities. forget the families who have lost a loved Point, the National Purple Heart Hall of following states have been offered funding OES/ NCOES is also a high priority. Re- one in this war of aggression. I thought of Honor pays tribute to those who were killed to host a camp in 2006; Alaska, California, cent deployments have caused Soldiers to what my family has been through these or injured defending this great nation. Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, fall behind in their professional education. past months. I was told that neighbors I respectfully request that you make the Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, OES/ NCOES is critical for these Soldiers could hear my aunt’s scream blocks away Hall of Honor known to your returning Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Or- to remain competitive with their peers. It is when the government vehicle arrived and soldiers and airmen, who have earned the egon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, important to properly manage the careers uniformed officers told her that she would Purple Heart, so that they may record their Washington, and Wisconsin. of our leaders to ensure the future of the never see her boy again. names and stories in the Hall’s database. Several of the Operation Purple Camps Oregon Army National Guard. Human brains are not wired to handle The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor are located on active air bases including; Due to budget constraints, school fund- the emotion that floods a mother’s body at is scheduled to open on November 11, Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field, FL (for ing must be focused on schools that will the moment her son’s heart no longer beats. 2006 and it would be wonderful to have youth 13-18 yrs); Hill AFB, UT (for youth support our readiness levels. Functional The brain cracks and the body collapses. those citizen soldiers and airmen, who have 13-16 yrs); McChord AFB, WA (for youth training such as Ranger, Airborne (except My aunt’s eyes are empty now; I have sacrificed so much, included in this very in 7-12th grade); Mountain Home AFB, ID for certificates earned through successful a hard time looking into them because I worthwhile project. Any service member (for Teens); Tinker AFB, OK (for youth 9- recruiting efforts), Air Assault (except for don’t see her pain, I feel it, and it’s at that who has earned a Purple Heart shall be 14 yrs); and Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (for the school at CRO), Pathfinder, Infantry moment that I realize I’m experiencing afforded a place in the Hall. They simply youth 10-15 yrs). Mortar Leaders Course (IMLC), Battle only a fraction of what’s coursing through need to send a copy of their DD 214 to the If you want to take advantage of this Staff NCO, and Sniper will be by exception her body. following address: The National Purple only. In addition, all Disney training for the excellent camping opportunity, visit the As I watched President Bush, I heard him Heart Hall of Honor, PO Box 207, Vails remainder of the year will not be approved National Military Family website at www. say that freedom is on the march and won- Gate, NY 12584. and the educational training program offered dered, is it? I thought it odd that freedom is Thank you for your time and attention nmfa.org. Click on the Purple Camp clos- by HR will be maximized. the bastard offspring of military interven- to this issue and for your service to your est to where you live, download the ap- There are educational opportunities avail- tion and mass murder. I thought it odd that state and nation. plication form(s) complete and follow the able outside of MOSQ and OES/ NCOES in a world so large, a single man has the mailing instructions. Applications will also that support our readiness goals. Functional power to kill thousands of people without Senator William J. Larkin, Jr. be available at www.operationpurple.org. schools such as Officer Strength Manager answering legitimate questions from the New York Registration begins March 15th and ends Course (OSM), and Battalion Career Coun- people he is supposed to be serving. May 1st. For more information, contact Jo selor Course (BCCC) instructed by the My friends and family went out for Kinchington, Soldier and Family Assistance Mobile Training Teams (MTT) at RTI will drinks on the day we had planned. Adrian Soldiers with PTSD have Manager, at 1-800-790-0963. be supported. Centrally funded courses at didn’t make it because his body was blown many resources, options the Professional Education Center (PEC) into pieces, cremated, then spread in the that are required for increasing, improving, Blue Mountains in Oregon. Dear Editor, Free Tae Kwon Do or sustaining the full time force will also Now my world is back on its axis, at- offered to Guardsmen be supported. tempting to regain its calm rotation. I sit I just completed reading your Jan/Feb In an effort to ensure that our budget through my classes and wonder if the 2006 issue. I read all of your issues as National Guard members and their im- will be able to support MOSQ and OES/ material truly arouses my passions, or if the father of a recently released soldier of mediate families (spouses and children) are NCOES, all RC soldiers need to attend RC the discussions we have are even worth the O.N.G. I am also a County Veterans welcome to receive free Taekwondo lessons component schools with Region G. This Service Officer and the President of the the mental energy. Are we talking about every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in saves critical travel dollars needed to ensure the meaning of life? No. Are we talking Oregon County Veterans Service Officers the auditorium at Camp Withycombe, 10101 our readiness levels. All schools outside of about how to realistically arrive at a bet- Assoc. SE Clackamas Rd., Clackamas, Ore. Region G will be by exception only. ter world? Or is it simply liberal fantasy? Your article on P.T.S.D. provided good The free lessons are being provided Probably the latter. information to our returning soldiers, but For more information, contact Lt. Col. courtesy of Grand Master Hong Sik Kim, Timothy Kelly, deputy chief of staff for op- I don’t like being alone because there’s you once again left out what is likely the owner of Kim’s Taekwondo, who is a ninth too much time to think about how sad and most important resource to each and every erations, or Lt. Col. David Stuckey, deputy degree black belt. Kim is also a member of director of operations, at 503-584-3612. angry I am that a National Guardsman soldier with P.T.S.D. and any other issues the Oregon State Defense Force. is dead because the soldiers that were in they are having any kind of difficulty with. “Taekwondo teaches self defense, and Afghanistan were relocated to Iraq and That resource is their local County Veterans is good for physical and mental fitness,” Hunting, fishing li- replaced with National Guard units — who Service Officer. said Kim. were supposed to stay national and respond Local C.V.S.O.s have expert knowledge To pre-register for classes call Hong Sik cense fees reimbursed to local catastrophes. in all areas of Veterans benefits and are Kim at 503-653-0200. Everyone told me that my cousin’s death especially equipped for getting soldiers to active duty Soldiers was not in vain. I look into their eyes and treatment for P.T.S.D. C.V.S.O.s can access If you are currently serving in an active know they are lying to me and to them- help at the few places you mentioned in Monthly small arms duty capacity, National Guard, or reserve selves. I know they are trying to make me the article and the many places you did not component of the United States Armed feel better; I nod my head. There are people mention. White City, Walla Walla, Rose- training for ORNG Forces, or have retired from military service — good people — who honestly believe burg V. A. hospitals, local mental health The Small Arms Readiness Training within the last 12 months you are eligible to that Adrian’s death wasn’t in vain. And to facilities, and local counseling centers. Section will conduct basic rifle and pistol for reimbursement for your Oregon Hunting them, I shake my head, but say nothing. C.V.S.O.s have attended virtually every marksmanship training monthly throughout and Fishing License. Our existence on this planet is not very stand-down and reintegration event that 2006. The reimbursement goes through the significant. The world keeps spinning when has been held! These training sessions are open to all recruiting department. You will need to we die. People move on. However, when I think it would be very beneficial and members of the Oregon National Guard and show your military ID, hunting and or fish- informative to your staff to become familiar the world loses someone like Adrian, it will provide opportunities to safely train ing license, secondary ID such as a driver’s with the most available and knowledgeable should stop, if only for a moment. Rains with highly skilled instructors offering qual- license, DD 214, or NGB Form 22 if you should pour. Our collective self should resource in this state for our servicemen. ity, focused marksmanship training. recently retired from the Armed services. pause and reflect: Are we acting as pawns C.V.S.O.s work hand in hand with the while the powers that be distract us from Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs to Guard members who participate will Take the items to your nearest recruiting what truly matters in our life: family, provide the best Veterans Services avail- gain an increased level of shooting skill office and after filling out a form your reim- friends, ourselves and all living beings? able anywhere. and a thorough understanding of the basic bursement request will be submitted. Are we doing what we truly love in our principles of marksmanship. If you have any further questions please lives? Timothy H Jederberg, Check the SARTS webpage for location, call the Oregon National Guard Recruiting If you aren’t, you are living a lost life. President, Oregon County Veterans Ser- dates and additional information: www.mil. Office at 503-584-3811. Religious or not, it is a miracle that vices Officers Assoc. state.or.us/SARTS Although use of unit weapons is preferred, Continued on next page March/ April 2006 The Oregon Sentinel Page 15 TRICARE launches Recruiting launches Act to help families of fallen Soldiers prescription program ESAR Program On April 6, Senator Gordon Smith introduced the Fallen Heroes Family Savings Act. TRICARE has launched its first-ever The Every Soldier is a Recruiter program When a servicemen or woman is lost while serving on active duty, their next of kin campaign to encourage beneficiaries to use is a referral bonus program administered by receives a $100,000 death gratuity. As recently as a few years ago the death gratuity the TRICARE Mail Order Program (TMOP) the Department of the Army. ESAR is simi- was a modest payment of $6,000. Senators Smith and a group of bi-partisan senators to fill prescriptions. lar to G-RAP with the following important advocated for an increase up to $100,000 and the payments exemption from federal TRICARE officials hope to use a change differences: income taxes. in co-payments not only to encourage more - Payment is $1,000, paid upon comple- Restrictions exist today that limit a family’s ability to contribute the $100,000 gratu- beneficiaries to use mail order but also tion of BCT and AIT. ity payment to a tax free account. The Fallen Heroes Family Savings Act will allow generic drugs. - Only Non-Prior Service referrals will the families to roll this gratuity, tax free, into a Roth IRA, Health Savings Accounts or The plan would end the $3 co-payment on be accepted. Education Savings Accounts. These families will rollover the death gratuity amounts mail order generics. At the same time, co- - ALL Army National Guard soldiers are above the contribution limits currently permitted, therefore allowing families to safely pay for the retail network would rise from eligible, including ADSW, AGR and MIL invest such large sums for future financial security. $3 up to $5 for generic and from $9 up to TECH (only exception is members of the “Behind our fallen heroes are the families they leave behind.” Smith said. “Encour- aging their tax free investment will help these families grow the savings they need to $15 for brand name drugs. Recruiting and Retention Force). pay a lifetime of bills. No amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one, The company Express-Scripts runs the You cannot combine ESAR with the G-RAP program. For more information but the investment could help pay for a child’s college education, pay health care costs TMOP. To reach it, call 866-363-8667, or or put an individual’s golden years on firm footing.” 866-275-4732 from overseas; e-mail TMOP. and to register and provide a referral, visit www.1800GoGuard.com/esar. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) agreed to be an original cosponsor of this bill. Congress- [email protected]; man Walter Jones (R-NC) introduced this legislation in the House of Representatives or write to Express Scripts Inc., P.O. Box on July 27, 2005. 52150, Phoenix, AZ 85072. NGB Marathon Championships set New signal company lifeline for Soldiers TRICARE projects for May 7 help service members The NGB marathon championships will Story by Staff Sgt. John Glover,115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment be held in Lincoln Nebraska May 7th. Run- with healthy living ners from all states and U.S. territories com- CAMP WITHYCOMBE, Ore. – Oregon Army National Guard’s first signal com- TRICARE has created two demonstration pete to earn a spot on the “All-Guard” team. pany, Charlie Company of the 41st Special Troops Battalion, was officially activated projects and one pilot program to test help The Oregon team has placed in the top three in a ceremony Feb. 4. service members and their families battle almost every year since 1994. The top-three The activation is part of the total Army transformation to a modular, brigade-oriented the dangerous effects of obesity, tobacco finishing times from each team are added up force. The new company will provide signal assets such as telephone, radio and satellite use and excessive drinking. to determine the winning team. Oregon is communications capabilities to the 41st Brigade Combat Team and ORARNG; in the TRICARE plans to launch weight man- the defending team champion. past, these services were provided by the Oregon Air National Guard or Army Guard agement, tobacco cessation and alcohol The runners representing Oregon are: Sgt. units from other states. programs within the coming months. These 1st Class Bill Kaemmer, from the PSU Gold The new structure will allow the BCT to go to a theater with all necessary assets projects will involve service members and program; Staff Sgt. Ed King, 123rd Weather in one cohesive package. In the past, a brigade would have to pull the necessary at- their families who volunteer to participate. Flight, Portland Air Base; 2nd Lt. Evan Go- tachments from a division-level unit to have the pieces necessary to be effective in a The demonstration projects and pilot ing, Delta Co., 2-162 IN BN; and Sgt. 1st theater of operations. program will span three years and the sole Class Timothy Vandervlugt, JFHQ. Though officially activated, the unit is still in the forming stage at just 30-percent pilot program will cover two years from strength with roughly 20 Soldiers. Deactivation of other units in the state with organic start-up. They will help identify ways to de- communications assets allowed Charlie Company to form its initial base of troops, but liver the best possible benefit for TRICARE the remaining positions will have to be filled by Soldiers new to the National Guard or beneficiaries. Corrections wishing to cross-train from another military occupation specialty. For more information about the dem- “If a Soldier is interested in joining the company and willing to go to school, the onstration projects’ launch dates, visit opportunity is open to them,” explained 1st Sergeant David C.K. White, company first TRICARE’s website at www.tricare.osd. Incorrect rank noted sergeant. mil/healthychoices. for MG Rees in Jan./ The activation of this new company provides a plethora of opportunities which have not been previously available for Soldiers in the ORARNG, according to White. One Feb. 06 issue of these opportunities is promotion for communications Soldiers; White was promoted Motorcycle club an- In the Jan./Feb. ‘06 issue of the Oregon to first sergeant Jan. 1 to become the top enlisted Soldier in the company. nounces third Ride & Sentinel, we mistakenly referred to Maj. Another opportunity is working with equipment that units at the brigade level haven’t Gen. Raymond F. Rees as a Brigadier Gen- previously been able to own. Pfc. William L. Hansen is taking advantage of this op- Rally for the Troops eral in the photo caption on page 11. Our portunity by volunteering to train on tactical satellite equipment. The third Ride and Rally for the Troops deepest apologies for the mistake. Hansen has wanted to work with the equipment since working around the high-tech motorcycle event will take place on July gear during his active duty time in the Army. “(Working with TACSAT) is something 9, to show support of military members that intrigued me, now I have the opportunity to do that, so this is a great position to currently deployed to the Middle East and be in,” Hansen explained. their families. Quotes from ‘Broth- “With the (new) equipment we will be able to provide the capability to do anything The event is a motorcycle ride coupled erhood’ article incor- you can do with high-speed Internet,” Hansen said. These capabilities include allowing with a rally with music, food, and enter- deployed Soldiers to call home or check e-mail in addition to the secure network con- tainment. There are T-shirts and pins for rectly attributed nections, which are the lifeline of communication for the brigade in theater, explained registered participants or for purchase, and Some quotes were incorrectly attributed Hansen. other items that will be sold or raffled in the ‘Brotherhood’ article on page 7 and 8 White feels that the company’s newly activated status is its greatest asset. “How many All proceeds, including registration fees, of the January/ February 2006 issue of the times have you ever been in a unit where they said, ‘We can’t do that’ or ‘We’ve always will be donated to support troops and their Oregon Sentinel. done it this way?’ We don’t have those boundaries,” White explained. “We don’t want families. A few statements in the article were incor- to be part of anything but the best unit in the state … and that’s where we’re headed.” The Rally will begin and end at Destina- rectly attributed to Sgt. 1st Vince Jacques. tion Harley Davidson located at 2302 Pacific The following statements should have been Highway, East Fife, Wa. attributed to the Lieutenant, of 2nd Bn. Mo’s Restaurants goes ‘above and beyond’ Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a 162nd Inf., who chose to remain nameless departure time of 10:15 a.m. U.S. flags will for the article: in supporting the Oregon National Guard be prominently displayed at the rally site, on “Two months after I got back I couldn’t motorcycles, and along the ride route. take not having anything to do. It drives you nuts. Sitting around talking to everyone about what it’s like over there, you get sick 1st CAV dedicates of talking about it. Then money starts run- memorial in Ft. Hood ning out and you start thinking about the FORT HOOD, Texas – The 1st Cavalry bills. You’ve got to get back into the work Division commemorated the sacrifice and force, back into the routine you had before deployment… but now everything’s totally service of its members during a dedication different. The normality of everyday life ceremony of the Operation Iraqi Freedom that we lived without for a year, (while we Memorial on April 4, outside the division were in Iraq) now becomes the monkey on headquarters. your back.” Located on the east end of the division “So you try twice as hard to makeup for parade field, the memorial honors all troops the fact that you’ve been gone. So now who have participated in Operation Iraqi you’re trying harder to do what you think Freedom under the First Team. is expected of you back home and you’re Of note, 168 names of those who made running yourself into the ground. And the the ultimate sacrifice (including the names whole time you’re dealing with this transi- of eight Oregon National Guardsmen from tion you’re still trying to deal with the stress 2nd Battalion 162nd Infantry) are etched and emotions of the loss of your friends and into polished, black granite panels. These the (stuff) you’ve seen over there.” panels are from the same mountain in India “You talk to the other guys and how you Photo by Bill Van Natta, ESGR Executive Director used for the Vietnam Memorial in Wash- all miss the simple combat life. We came Mo’s Restaurants was presented with the “Above and Beyond” award from the Oregon ington, D.C. back looking for the peace and simplicity of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) by Col. Cameron Crawford, Com- Featured speakers included the 1st Cav- what life used to be before we left and you mander of the 41st Brigade Combat Team, (center), on March 9 at the Mo’s location in alry Division’s commanding general, Maj. begin to realize that there’s nothing simple Lincoln City, Ore. Gen. Joseph Fil, Jr., the Multinational Corps- about your life back home.” Peggy Preisz, general manager; Jolee Becker, assistant general manager, and Gabrielle Iraq commanding general (and former First “I’m fortunate with my fiancé because she McEntee-Wilson, vice president of public relations; accepted the award. Team commander) Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, is so incredibly supportive. She’ll just listen Mo’s has continued to support the Oregon National Guard, providing free meals to de- and members of the 1st Cavalry Division and won’t offer advice or try to diagnose ploying units and their families during the mobilization ceremonies. Mo’s has also adopted Association, who coordinated fund-raising what I’m saying or feeling, she’s just there the 41st BCT, offering to provide assistance to families and send care packages to Soldiers efforts for the memorial. to listen and share the pain with me.” during the brigade’s Afghanistan deployment in 2006-2007. - - - - - OFFICE OF THE STATE ADJUTANT GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY AND AIR FORCE PRSRT STD NATIONAL GUARD OF OREGON US Postage Page 16 Page P.O. BOX 14350 SALEM, OREGON 97309-5047 PAID OFFICIAL BUISINESS Permit #605 Salem, OR “The reason why we turn jets in MOPP 4 MOPP in jets turn we why reason “The Chief Master Sgt. Erin Parks, who re “I think this is awesome!” says Parks An observer during the last ORE, Parks the teach to like I so learner, visual a “I’m “All this hard work is going to pay off, Fitzgerald, the IG inspectors need to know that the wing’s personnel can turn aircraft gear. around while wearing MOPP we that commander ACC the to prove to is to is which mission, one number our do can chemical and a wartime in win and fight fly, environment,” he says. cently assumed the position of the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing Command Chief spent majority of the day briefing personnel on what to expect once they entered the “play area”. Simulating a deployment to the country of Qatar, base personnel were challenged with rules and laws, in addition foreignto various chal lenging exercises throughout the weekend. Process Personnel the in team her and Parks groups large several briefed (PPA) Area ing of personnel who would participate in the weekend’s the for prepare helping exercise, events. about the exercise. uses visual examples during her briefings. In the corner of the room, a plush toy pen guin hangs from the ceiling, yellow safety tape wrapped around its black and white body. The display is key anotherremember personnel trick help to Parks use to likes one case, this in — processes and passwords of the passwords for challenges being the word “Penguin”. way I learn,” says Parks. “My hope is that these [briefings] are effective.” and we’re currently on the Fitzgerald rightsays. going “We’re to track,”do great in June.” ------“All our NCOs and officers are safety ‘turn of process the flightline, the on Out “We get a lot of rain here in Oregon,” he Oregon,” in here rain of lot a get “We He suggested using wooden pallets as “You don’t want your people getting Nowhere is safety a bigger concern than prac practice, practice to down comes “It “Some of the safety practices we do im the are personnel wing’s the that adds He First and foremost on the minds of all the all of minds the on foremost and First Clark pointed out the muddy conditions most important resource it has. Little things things Little has. it resource important most like making sure the vehicle is turned off before getting out, or that the wheels are impor are area the leaving before chocked safety of issue the that adds Fitzgerald tant. also comes down to teamwork. monitors,” he says. ing is aircraft’ made more complicated by the this to Add gear. MOPP of addition the occasional simulated mortar and chemical dynamic new a adds which attacks, weapon to According job. already-complicated an to in and around the Civil parade Engineering com the of end west the on located pound, field. He suggested do exercise organizers a site survey during their planning stages, and account for Oregon’s inclement and unpredictable weather. said, “so it’s a good idea to take that into consideration when planning.” walkways between the tents, and elevating electrical cables out of the mud. hurt,” he said, “especially during an exer cise.” dollar multi-million where flight-line, the on hardware mixes with ordinance, highly-combustible fuels, amidst screaming jet engines. the sound of tice,” Fitzgerald says. game. war the enter personnel as mediately make We sure they have a full canteen of hydrating. constantly they’re that and water instill We in them that safety comes first,” Fitzgerald says. Master Sgt. Paul Looney of the 142nd Fire and Rescue, readies his crew for another sce another for crew his readies Rescue, and Fire 142nd the of Looney Paul Sgt. Master on March 11. Operational Readiness Exercise nario during the March UTA’s Master safety. is observers and participants Sgt. Mike Clark, Ground Safety made Manager Squadron, Refueling Air 939th the for improved be could that areas several of note upon for safety. - The Oregon Sentinel Oregon The - Eventually, the ‘condition black’ signal is is signal black’ ‘condition the Eventually, Half way across the base, Chief Master “There’s definitely some learning going Covington carries a UXO (unexploded “It’s exciting to be a part of the exercise, the of part a be to exciting “It’s “This is a total learning experience,” “It hurts,” Roush moans, clutching his character a of “killing-off” the like Much “Make sure you get him in MOPP!” he Once outside the SRC, Roush’s body- Senior Airman Jason Uriah (right) and Tech. Tech. and (right) Uriah Jason Airman Senior Sgt. Dennis Locke, (left), administer Self- Aid and Buddy Care to a “fallen comrade” during a casualty exercise on the flightline. der. der. He drops it just outside the entryway to one The prop of is the tents. destined to all-clear the once response, players’ the test signal was given. their from emerge personnel CE and given, note take immediately They places. hiding cordon and location, its in call UXO, the of off the area surrounding it, and including their tent. transportation to the medical tent. “I’ve learned a lot. I think this [exercise] gives me a one-up on others when I go to tech school,” he adds. own his launching is Covington Patrick Sgt. training exercise. on here,” said Covington, a member of the 147th Fighter Wing in Houston, Texas, as mud the through way his picks carefully he compound. Engineering Civil 142nd the in shoul his on bomb, simulated or ordinance), takes his place on the exchangeslitter, hisand maskRoush and NBC ensemblefor a non-player badge. He would spend the rest of the day observing the Portland Base Fire Personnel going through various exercises. sides both play to able be to interesting and get you — observer an as and SRC the in — participant,” a as see don’t you things see to says Roush as he gets into the Fire Chief vehicle waiting in the parking lot. Dickerson says from the litter as he awaits chest. on go can actor the so series television a on carried is Roush things, better and bigger to out of the SRC by the litter team, as Col. after them. Steven Gregg shouts yells, mindful of the simulated chemical the building. attack going on outside double, Airman Basic Timothy Dickerson ------. / 1249 Executive Officer 1249 Executive Story by Maj. Kevin Dial, Kevin Maj. by Story , where patrons could retrieve their photos.

— It was a beehive of activity in the

Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Public Guard National Oregon For more information on National Guard Car #16, visit “We finally got to hear the engines roar,” said die-hard NASCAR NASCAR die-hard said roar,” engines the hear to got finally “We While on its way to the Rose Garden for the Portland Lumber One of Greg Biffle’s #16 National Guard cars made a pit stop

Back in the SRC, Senior Master Sgt. Al Back in the SRC, Senior Master Sgt. But according to Fitzgerald, the IG will us of expectations IG’s the three, day “By “The IG folks are here to educate, moti In November, several personnel who “You “You can read things a thousand times “This is nice,” said Airman 1st Class Jef Class 1st Airman said nice,” is “This Just outside Fighter Operations located Throughout the base, over a three-day pe three-day a over base, the Throughout The Portland Air Base’s March Opera PORTLAND AIR BASE, March 12, over attention for vied radios Squawking www.1800goguard.com/guardracing he was the driver. As the battalion continues to support the strength strength the support to continues battalion the As driver. the was he Car Guard host can we time next the to forward look we mission, #16 and show the state that we really are “One Step Better.” website as long as fan, Sgt. vehicle, Robert Browning, FSC engineer 1249th Eng. excellent Bn. an According make to would this Browning, audience in Salem. In the two days at this location, mall patrons posed for a free photograph with the approximately car. 750 The photos team that processedwere uploaded to the Go-Guard local Recruiting and Retention personnel, and the National Guard National the and personnel, Retention and Recruiting local temporarily opened up shop in the mall. Team Racing Jax lacrosse game April on 2, the car was received by an excited at the Lancaster Mall in March as the 1249th Engineer Battalion, National Guard race car visits Lancaster Mall in Salem March/ April 2006 April March/ Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Sgt. Nick by and photos Story Tech. a heart attack. in the room jumps tenfold. One person mans mans person One tenfold. jumps room the in the phones calling for a self-aid and buddy care team, while another calls the UCC to inform them that Roush is in the throes of len Roush, Fire Chief for the Portland Fire, Portland the for Chief Fire Roush, len clutching his chest. For a falls to the floor, As moves. room the in one no split-second, tempo the action, into spring people several will be a lot higher than day one,” Fitzgerald Fitzgerald one,” day than higher lot a be will warns. their suggestions.” be here to evaluate the wing. the inspectors will help you out. By day two and day three, they’ll expect youinput and mistakes your from learned have to vate, and independently evaluate,” Fitzger evaluate,” independently and vate, ald says. “First and foremost, they’re here show you if day, first the On us. evaluate to a good attitude and a willingness to learn, wrap vehicles and equipment and how to strap and litter a on person injured an place them down. weren’t taking part in the shown trainingby ORE wereobservers how to double- but you never really get it till you do it in person,” adds 142nd Fighter Wing Safety Officer and ORE organizer,“Snap” Fitzgerald. Maj. Paul the decon instead of just reading about it in it about reading just of instead decon the a manual,” he said. Decontamination Kit. voice. his muffling mask gas his Woods, frey do actually and here out come to good “It’s from the 123rd Fighter Squadron wearing full MOPP gear the correct procedure for decontaminating a vehicle using the M295 Inspection in June, 2006. in building 265, exercise Pierreobserver Jones,Col. instructed three members The goal — to test the Oregon Air National Air Oregon the test to — goal The anything to readiness and response Guard’s unit the on out try would team inspection the Readiness Operational upcoming the during troop who received a “dear-John” letter from from letter “dear-John” a received who troop his sweetheart to a full-scale enemy attack weapons. biological and chemical involving riod during the March UTA, exercise orga exercise UTA, March the during riod scenario every about just throw would nizers in the book at the members of the 142nd Fighter Wing, ranging from a disgruntled tional Readiness Exercise (ORE) was in full full in was (ORE) Exercise Readiness tional swing. to and fro only hinted to the various war- game scenarios unfolding just outside the secured vault door. the din of conversation around the confer ence table in the center rushing of the people room. of The number and work of flurry 2006 or SRC. Survival Recovery Center, PANG Base for Operational PANG ‘ready’ Readiness Inspection say inspectors