Bronze star 287th renews 184th Medical awarded for old friendship Group actions . . . .2 with Iraqi supports PlainsPlains GuardianGuardianvillage . . . . .6 exercise . . .8

Volume 52 No. 01 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol February 2009 Embedded Training Team receives hero’s welcome home By Staff Sgt. Mark Hanson Team Azadi deployed in January 2008 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment after receiving mobilization training at Fort Over the past several years the Kansas Riley and Hohenfels, Germany. Under National Guard has seen its fair share of Wood’s command, the team served as mili- deployments. With men and women now tary advisers, mentoring Afghan Security serving in nearly every operational envi- Forces in a number of combat and adminis- ronment, deployment ceremonies are be- trative tasks. This particular training team coming routine events. Fortunately, for was constructed on a voluntary basis. Sol- every deploying unit, there is a long- diers were drawn from several units across awaited return ceremony for another unit. the state, including Joint Forces Headquar- Fifteen Kansas National Guardsmen were ters Kansas; 69th Troop Command; 1st welcomed home by friends, family and hon- Battalion, 161st Artillery; 1st Battalion, ored guests on Friday, Jan. 2, after a 12- 635th Armor; Detachment 2, Headquarters month deployment in Afghanistan. The and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, small group of Soldiers who made up the 178th Field Artillery; 2nd Battalion, 137th Embedded Training Team #4 (Team Azadi), Infantry and 714th Maintenance Company. were commended and congratulated on their Wood said that the real success of their tireless service in support of Operation En- mission was due to the tremendous support during Freedom at the Kansas National his troops received from home. Guard Armory in Manhattan, Kan. “Separation is extremely difficult for “Each member of this team had taken everybody, but with the incredible support, initiative on multiple occasions to be self- it makes even the most difficult situations initiated in combat operations in their line bearable,” Wood said. of duty,” said Maj. Robert Wood, 2nd Bat- Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant gen- talion, 137th Infantry, who commanded the eral, also thanked the families for their un- Maj. Robert Wood (center), commader of Embedded Training Team #4, Team Azadi, returns the state flag flown by the unit over Kansas headquarters in team. (Continued on Page 7) Afghanistan to Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Traynor) 1st Battalion, 635th Armor Reading program builds inactivated, merges with bridges with Iraqi students 137th Infantry Battalion By Master Sgt. Carl Mar children learn how to pronounce words 287th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs correctly and about Western culture. By Spc. Jessica Rohr designed to make Kansas Forces more mo- COB ADDER, Iraq – Relationships are “Al Ashyabb is the first school to take 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment bile and tactical in response to missions at built one step at a time. For 287th Sustain- advantage of the program in southern The 1st Battalion, 635th Armor was inac- home and overseas. ment Brigade Civilian Military Operations Iraq,” said Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Parker, tivated on Dec. 6, 2008, merging with the Lt. Col. Howard E. Wheeler, commander (CMO), that process might be best de- 287th CMO operations sergeant. 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry as part of the of the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, said this scribed as one word at a time. That was the “We performed a practice run at the Al Kansas National Guard’s reorganization merge was both inevitable and justifiable objective of their “Read Iraq” program -- Habib school two weeks earlier and from plan. The inactivation ceremony took place for future operations in the Kansas Guard. teaching English to Iraqi students by read- that experience learned that we needed to at the Kansas National Guard Armory in “The world that we live in requires a ing to them at Al Ashyabb School in choose readers that have a natural knack Manhattan, Kan. military and Army that is capable of oper- Muthanna province on Jan. 12. for reading to children. The ability to use The restructuring and reorganization is ating in a perpetual state of conflict,” said The “Read Iraq” program is a CMO body language to suggest meaning of the Wheeler. “The 1st Battalion, 635th Armor project which places volunteer Soldiers, as- words is as important as the ability to read answered the call to meet the demands of sisted by interpreters, in Iraqi school rooms clearly,” said Lt. Col. Clint Moyer, 287th this operational environment. Today, we re- to read children’s stories. The students are CMO chief. organize two of the finest organizations I learning English as a second language. The (Continued on Page 6)

PAID know into a formation that is the cutting PRSRT STD PRSRT

SALEM, OR edge and teeth of our Army.” U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT This is not the first inactivation for the bat- talion. After World War II, the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor was part of the military draw- down, but was reactivated in 1976. In addi- tion to their involvement in World War II, the battalion also served in several deployments including Kosovo, Operation Enduring Free- dom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit also served domestically in sev- eral disaster situations. For example, in June 2007 the battalion provided security forces for residents of Manhattan shortly after an F4 tornado destroyed parts of the town. In addition to earning the Army Superior Unit Award during its mission in Kosovo, the unit also retains the honor of being dis- tinguished with the French Croix de Guerre with Palm—World War II Streamer em- broidered Normandy and was cited in the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army for actions in the Ardennes. As the ceremony came to a close the unit colors of the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor 2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka were slowly cased, representing a final OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300 chapter in a 67-year-old commitment to the Sgt. Teresa Perrin, a patient administrator for the 287th Brigade Surgeon staff, puts DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL Kansas Army National Guard. The two on a sad face while reading a children’s story in English for students at Al Ashyabb units, now locked in formation, will be school on Jan. 12, while interpreter Mansour looks on with amusement. (Photo by

DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT (Continued on Page 2) Master Sgt. Carl Mar) Page 2 Plains Guardian • February 2009 Edson awarded two Bronze 287th Sustainment Soldier Stars for actions in Afghanistan receives full U.S. citizenship By Maj. Mike Wallace ships with the local Afghan National Army By Master Sgt. Carl Mar 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment unit and other Coalition Forces. On Nov. 5 at Fort Lewis, Wash., Sgt. Kansas National Guardsman, Maj. Gre- Edson enlisted in the Kansas National Ivan Sanchez, a native of Puerto Rico and a gory Edson, Topeka, was awarded two Guard on Sept. 11, 1992, as an armor crew- unit supply specialist for the 287th Sustain- Bronze Stars, one with “V” Device (valor) man. He served five years as an enlisted ment Brigade, pledged his allegiance to the for his actions in a recent deployment to soldier and was promoted to the rank of ser- United States of America. In doing so he Afghanistan. Edson deployed with an em- geant. He completed Officer Candidate became an American citizen — for the sec- bedded training team as the weapon’s com- School in 1997 at Fort Benning, Ga., and ond time. pany and battalion executive officer/ was commissioned in the Armor Corps. He Residents of Puerto Rico and other training officer mentor for the 2nd Kandak, served with the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor American territories such as Guam are con- 2nd Brigade 205th Corps, Afghan National Regiment as a tank platoon leader, company sidered U.S. citizens and already enjoy all Army. executive officer, heavy mortar platoon the rights and privileges of citizenship ex- Edson distinguished himself during leader, battalion staff officer and tank com- cept one. Although territorial citizens can many engagements with the enemy and pany commander. He served as an infantry hold primary elections, they cannot vote specifically for continuing to fight after company commander in Kosovo from Janu- for a president. being wounded by enemy actions in De- ary 2005 to February 2006. “Maybe on paper it’s not a big difference, cember 2007, for which he received a Pur- Edson is a graduate of the Armor Officer but it means a lot to me,” said Sanchez. His ple Heart. He also distinguished himself Basic Course, Armor Captain’s Career hope, like many other people also seeking through his efforts to improve the capabili- Course and the Combined Arms Exercise. American citizenship, is that it will open ties of the Afghan National Police force in In addition to the Bronze Stars, his awards doors of opportunity in the future. his area by getting them better equipment include a Combat Action Badge and the “You don’t need to be a citizen to serve and improving their operational relation- Meritorious Service Medal. on a deployment, but in my situation I wanted to go to Iraq with the 287th as a supply specialist. This job requires a secu- rity clearance. Being that I wasn’t born in Sgt. Ivan Sanchez can claim citizenship the 50 states, I couldn’t get a clearance be- in three nations, but it is his U.S. citizen- fore now,” he said. ship of which he is the most proud. Sanchez began his citizenship efforts in (Photo by Master Sgt. Carl Mar) April 2007. The approval process, which typically extends to several years, was ac- “Maybe on paper it’s not a celerated when he transferred to the 287th big difference, but it and was notified that he would deploy. He will deploy with the 287th now, but means a lot to me.” he’s also looking forward to a time after his Sgt. Ivan Sanchez deployment ends. He hopes to return to Iraq as a civilian contractor with Kellogg, Brown and Root and work alongside his Since his parents are both Dominicans, sister Cristina Sanchez, who is a senior lo- he can also claim Dominican citizenship. gistics coordinator for the company at Talil However, after his father left Mexico he Air Force Base, Iraq, the same location moved to Puerto Rico for a similiar diplo- where he will be stationed. The jobs which mat posting and, after retirement, decided he wants to fill, he said, would also require to live there permanently with his family. a security clearance. “Puerto Rico is where I grew up. That’s It was Cristina who motivated him to where my family lives and I never left move to Kansas from Puerto Rico in 2001. there until I came to Kansas,” said She was a member of the Kansas National Sanchez. “The culture is different from Guard then and persuaded him to join for other Latin countries. It’s the culture I iden- Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, pins a Bronze Star medal on Maj. the employment opportunities. He did and tify with and that is why I chose to be Greg Edson. Edson received the award for actions taken in Afghanistan. (Photo by became a full-time maintenance technician Puerto Rican.” Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) at the Mobilization and Training Equip- “But I don’t fight or go to war for the ment Site at Fort Riley. sake of Puerto Rico. Having the American Armor battalion inactivated Sanchez, 27, can claim citizenship to flag on my right shoulder means something Continued from Page 1 frontier, the 2-137th was involved in the several countries. He was born in Mexico, now. It feels heavy — I mean, I can feel it. known as the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Philippine Insurrection, Word War I, World where his father, a Domincian Republic This is the flag I would die for.” (Combined Arms Battalion). War II and Global War on Terrorism: Oper- diplomat, was serving at the time. “I really feel now what it means to be an Lt. Col. Anthony V. Mohatt, commander ation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring “My parents left two months later,” he American Soldier,” he said. of the 2-137th Infantry, said, “We are Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. said. “I’ve never been back there, but be- Sanchez and his wife, Yuseika Santini, proud to celebrate the history of both regi- “This is the way we fight now. It needs cause that is where I was born I could be a live in Junction City, Kan. They have two ments as we move forward with a brighter to be this way. It is a smart move on the citizen of Mexico.” sons; Bryan, 11, and Ian, 9. history that will be formed.” Army’s part and a smart move for the state The 2-137th, headquartered in Kansas of Kansas,” said 1st Sgt. Steve Harmon, City, Kan., is also no stranger to change as Company D, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Sebelius appoints Small to the needs of the Kansas National Guard (Combined Arms). “If we have to cross or- evolve with each conflict. The 2-137th ganize and cross level for battle, we might Commission on Veterans Affairs began as a volunteer militia and later, in as well do it now, so that we train as we 1885, became part of the Kansas Army Na- fight. Why wait till the fight happens to Governor Kathleen Sebelius has ap- the United States Army Reserve. Now re- tional Guard. Along with battles on the start training together?” pointed retired Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small tired, Small has owned a law practice in to the Kansas Topeka for more than 25 years. Commission on Small’s military awards include the Veterans Affairs. Meritorious Service Medal, Army Com- “Jon has been mendation Medal, Army Reserve Compo- a dedicated pub- nents Achievement Medal, National lic servant and Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces excellent leader Reserve Medal and Army Service Ribbon. for the state of Small's military education includes the Kansas,” Sebe- Field Artillery School Advance Course, lius said. “I am Command and General Staff College, the thankful for his Judge Advocate General School's Basic willingness to and Advance Courses and the U.S. Army serve on this im- Retired Brig Gen. War College. He received his bachelor’s portant commis- Jonathan Small degree from Kansas State University and sion.” his juris doctorate from Washburn Uni- Small, Topeka, served as assistant ad- versity School of Law. jutant general for the Kansas Army Na- Small’s appointment to serve on the tional Guard from 1999-2008, serving commission will expire in 2011. also as the commander of the Land Com- The KCVA provides Kansas veterans, ponent for the Joint Force Headquarters their relatives and other eligible depend- in Kansas. ents with information, advice, direction Prior to his service in the Kansas Na- and assistance through the coordination tional Guard, Small served as Assistant of programs and services in the fields of Lt. Col. Howard Wheeler and Sgt. Maj. Timothy Tiemissen furl the colors of the 1st Kansas Attorney General and Deputy education, health, vocational guidance Battalion, 635th Armor during an inactivation ceremony for the battalion on Dec. 6, Kansas Attorney General while serving in and placement and economic security. 2008, in Manhattan. (Photo by Spc. Jessica Rohr, 105th MPAD) February 2009 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Dr. Pepper Snapple Group presents check Murdock is new consultant to Kansas National Guard Foundation Last summer, the Dr. Pepper Snapple The month-long promotion ran from for Military OneSource Group set aside a portion of its proceeds in mid-June to mid-July. For every case of June and July to support the Kansas Na- product sold, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Hello, my name is Bonnie Murdock and agencies with resources and information on tional Guard Foundation. based in Topeka, kept a portion of the pro- I’m the Military OneSource Consultant for issues which military families face. Com- On Dec. 17, the Dr. Pepper Snapple ceeds for the foundation. Through this, the Kansas under the mon issues include managing personal fi- Group presented a check to the foundation promotion raised $8,301. Participating Joint Family Sup- nances; tax preparation and filing; coping totaling $10,695. The presentation took stores included Hy-Vee, some Wal-Mart lo- port Assistance with separation and reunion; parenting; and place at the Topeka Hy-Vee store, 29th and cations and several smaller stores including Program. I retired becoming “suddenly military;” but service Wanamaker Road. Members of the Kansas Apple Mart and Thriftway. Some locations from the U.S. members and their families may contact National Guard Foundation board and of the offered an option to purchase a card for a Army Medical De- Military OneSource for any specific, Kansas Guard were present at the event. dollar donation toward the foundation. This partment in 1999 unique, or personal issue. By calling the “This was a great opportunity for us to part of the promotion raised $2,394. after 24 years of toll-free number (1-800-342-9647) or give back to those men and women and Funds donated to the Kansas National Active and Re- going to www.militaryonesource.com, their families who do so much for their Guard Foundation, Inc. provide financial serve service in service members and families can receive country,” said Eric Rogers, branch manager support for programs aimed at helping Korea, Maryland, immediate, personal and confidential sup- with the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group for Guard members, their families and their Colorado, Texas port 24/7. Appropriate, face-to-face coun- Bonnie Murdock Topeka and Manhattan. “We were thrilled communities in dealing with various aspects and Germany. My seling in the local community, free of with the response to the promotion and of military deployments. These include spouse of 30 years charge, can also be arranged simply by thank Kansans for stepping up to support camps for children of Guard members, com- is a Kansas native who retired from active contacting Military OneSource. the Guard.” munity meetings and trainings for family service in 2004; he is about to be “re- I can also help advertise programs that “We appreciate Dr. Pepper Snapple members trying to deal with issues arising greened” for return to active duty at Mun- help service members and families through a Group’s decision to help our Soldiers, Air- from Soldier deployments, as well as transi- son Army Health Center, Fort new, web-based directory. If you represent a men, their families and the Guard commu- tioning through the return home. Leavenworth, Kan. As a Kansas “bride,” local, non-profit organization that offers nities,” said Michele Henry, board The foundation also supports programs military retiree and military spouse, I am support services (such as legal, financial, president of the Kansas National Guard that educate the public about the roles and truly proud and honored to be associated and child care) to Kansas military members Foundation. “We also want to thank the accomplishments of the Guard and their with the Kansas National Guard. and families, or you know of such an organi- community members who supported us by families and the benefits of the Guard in I work in the Family Programs Office zation, please contact me. I can ensure that purchasing the products in this promotion.” communities. under Workforce Support, Joint Force your services are listed in MySTATE on Headquarters. Alongside the vigorous sol- MilitaryHOMEFRONT, the Department of dier and family support programs of the Defense’s Web site for family policy. Kansas National Guard, my job is to extend Please don’t hesitate to call with any those resources and to connect military questions, appointment requests, comments families to each other and to supportive or referrals you may have at 913-424-3038, military and community resources. The or to e-mail me at bonnie.murdock@mili- Joint Family Support Assistance Program taryonesource.com. You are welcome to and Military OneSource are especially fo- share my contact information with any cused on families that do not have ready community agencies, counterparts, com- access to support services. mands, family programs assistants, family As your Military OneSource Consultant, readiness groups or volunteers that you feel I am ready to offer presentations at military may benefit. I hope to meet many of you in and community functions on the many re- person, and I look forward to working with sources offered through Military One- the Kansas Guard in support of Kansas Source. I am glad to assist service members military families in the coming weeks and and families, commands and community months. “Home Safe, Drive Safe, Stay Safe” initiative seeks to save veterans’ lives By D.C. Hannah dose, long-acting sleep medications that Transition Assistance Advisor raise the risk of automobile and motor- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cycle accidents and encouraged to seek Michele Henry (right), board president of the Kansas National Guard Foundation, cause of death among Americans aged alternatives to these medications when- accepts a check for $10,695 from Eric Rogers, branch manager of the Dr. Pepper 15 through 44. Many of our nation’s ever possible. Snapple Group. The money was raised through a summertime promotion at area newest veterans are in this age group. Here are some simple rules to reduce stores that sell Dr. Pepper/Snapple products. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Traynor) More young veterans die from motor ve- the risk of becoming involved in a crash: hicle crashes than from suicide. • If you are planning to drink alco- Crashes are also the leading cause of hol with friends, designate a sober death among veterans in the early years driver before going out and give Armory returned to city after they return from combat deploy- that person your keys; ment. This was true of veterans who • If you’re impaired, call a taxi, use served in Vietnam and in the first Gulf mass transit or call a sober friend War, and is proving to be true among or family member to get you home veterans now returning from Iraq and safely; Afghanistan. • Use your community’s Sober To reverse this trend, the U.S. Depart- Rides program; ment of Veterans Affairs, the Department • Promptly report drunk drivers you of Defense and the U.S. Department of see on the roadways to law en- Transportation are partnering in a new forcement; driving safety initiative, called “Home • Wear your seat belt while in a car Safe, Drive Safe, Stay Safe,” to educate or use a helmet and protective gear veterans and their families on ways motor when on a motorcycle as these are vehicle deaths can be avoided. VA will your best defenses against an im- help the Department of Transportation paired driver; spread the word about two major safety • And remember, if you know some- initiatives: “Drunk Driving. Over The one who is about to drive or ride Limit. Under Arrest,” designed to reduce while impaired, take their keys and impaired driving, and “Click it or Ticket,” help them make other arrange- designed to encourage seat belt use. ments to get to where they are The three agencies will also jointly going safely. work with researchers to better under- For more information, visit the VA’s stand what can be done to prevent vehi- new Safe Driving Web site at cle fatalities following deployments. www.safedriving.va.gov, see the Safe Every VA hospital will appoint a Safe Driving Coordinator at your nearest VA Col. Cliff Silsby, the director of Facilities Engineering for the Kansas National Driving Coordinator to educate patients hospital, or contact your Transition As- Guard, turned the keys to the Mankato armory over to Mayor Don Kester. A brief and VA staff about the issue and to dis- sistance Advisor. In Topeka, contact: ceremony, attended by approximately 30 members of the community, was con- tribute Department of Tranporation and D.C. Hannah ducted Jan. 15, 2009, to officially turn the armory over to the city of Mankato. Department of Defense materials and Transition Assistance Advisor The armory, built in 1958, is named after former Mankato resident and Kansas posters. The coordinator will also con- JFHQ-KS Guardsman Brig. Gen. Wint Smith, who commanded the 635th Tank Destroyer duct a Safe Driving Rally for patients, 2722 SW Topeka Blvd., Room 104 Regiment during WWII. The armory has been the home of Detachment 1, 995th their families and the community this Topeka, KS 66611 Maintenance Company. The armory will be used as city offices for Mankato. year. In addition, VA medical staff will (785) 274-1129 (Photo by Sgt. 1st David Carron, 995th Maintenance Company) be educated about the potential of high- [email protected] Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • February 2009 New challenges, new missions for our agency By Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting will include aspects of training presented to the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment peared in the state. The event is planned for The Adjutant General Israeli troops and NATO training, and be (Combined Arms) are training in Saudi May 20 and 21 and will help prepare those This spring the Kansas Adjutant Gen- supported by a web site featuring military Arabia for three weeks in late February and agencies involved in the Vigilant Guard ex- eral’s Department members and resiliency issues. Additional early March to take part in Friendship One, ercise in June which will involve a foreign is unveiling the details about the program will be an- a bilateral exercise. This is the first time animal disease scenario. Resiliency Center, nounced in late March and April. such an exercise has been conducted be- It’s almost spring and we must be ready a new training Being better prepared is the key to suc- tween the U.S. military and the Royal for severe weather. Last year Kansas had a program to cess for our Guardsmen and first respon- Saudi Land Forces and the first time since record-breaking 187 tornadoes resulting in strengthen Guard ders in their missions and to improve 1991 the U.S. and Saudi military have four deaths and millions of dollars in prop- members and their overall preparedness. Kansas recently par- taken part in a large-scale military exercise erty damage. Flash flooding is also a sig- families to better ticipated in a pilot training program called together. In addition, our Agribusiness De- nificant concern for Kansans in the spring. handle life chal- Integrated Emergency Management velopment Team will soon leave for It’s time for each of us to check our family lenges. The con- Course. It is typically taught at the FEMA Afghanistan where the approximately 60 emergency kits in our homes and cars, and cept for the Emergency Management Institute in Army and Air Guardsmen will work with ensure all of the supplies we need are there Resiliency Center Emittsburg, Md. As part of the pilot, local Afghani farmers to help them im- including bottled water, non-perishable Maj. Gen. was developed as a FEMA taught the program in Kansas. It prove food production capabilities. They foods and prescriptions. Make sure your Tod M. Bunting result of the de- provided our state the benefit of evaluating have been training at the Great Plains Joint family knows where you’ll be if phone ployment challenges of troops and their our State Emergency Operations Center Regional Training Center in Salina. We lines are down and roadways are impassa- families, some of whom have experienced during a difficult disaster scenario to see will host a deployment ceremony for these ble. And if you haven’t purchased a multiple deployments since 2003. This pro- what improvements could be made. The troops March 11 in Topeka. weather alert radio, now is the time to do it. gram will enhance the readiness of Guards- training revealed many successful As expected, the Kansas legislative ses- In closing, we have several people in the men and their families by providing tools processes in place and some additional sion is focusing a lot of attention on our department to congratulate including a new and techniques in advance of challenges. In areas where changes may be beneficial. state’s challenging budget situation. It’s too general officer. Kansas received authoriza- addition, the training program will support This month, Kansas was honored with a early to say what kind of impact any cuts tion to fill the general officer position from first responders who must respond to mul- visit from Homeland Security Secretary will have on the Adjutant General’s Depart- National Guard Bureau in October follow- tiple disasters across our state and nation Janet Napolitano. Having served as gover- ment, however, we have been asked to re- ing a recent study looking at distribution of such as the terrorist attacks on the World nor of Arizona, she can relate to the chal- view possible areas where we may have to positions based on joint capabilities. Col. Trade Center and in Oklahoma City, as lenges we face in Kansas concerning reduce the budget. We will work closely Norm Steen was promoted to brigadier well as deadly natural disasters like the disaster response and state budget short- with the legislature and the governor’s office general and takes over as the new com- Greensburg tornado. ages. Napolitano witnessed a big event in throughout the session to ensure our agency mander of the Great Plains Joint Regional The first portion of the training, sched- Greensburg seeing the town’s only grocery is able to maintain its public safety mission Training Center. Lt. Col. J.J. Jordan be- uled to begin in March, is focused on mili- store open following the May 4, 2007 tor- of being the emergency responders to the came the deputy commander of the tary leaders. It will teach them how to nado. The town is making significant emergency responders across our state when GPJRTC, Col. John Andrew became the assess, strengthen and transition them- progress with many homes now rebuilt. their resources are overwhelmed. deputy commander of the Kansas Army selves, their troops, and their families Much work remains, but federal and state This spring, the Adjutant General’s De- Guard, and Brandt Haehn became senior through the difficulties that can accompany support continues and we keep working partment will host the second annual Busi- plans officer with Kansas Division of being deployed. The majority of the train- closely with the town through their ongo- ness and Industry forum in Salina, Kan. Emergency Management. I’d also like to ing is newly developed by mental health ing recovery process. This year the focus will be to bring to- welcome new employees Jonathan York clinicians in the U.S. who have worked Two exciting missions for the Kansas gether leaders from the agricultural and hired as the KDEM Response and Recov- with Kansas National Guard members fol- National Guard happen over the next few chemical industries to improve disaster ery Chief and Natalie Davis hired as the lowing their deployments. The course also months. Approximately 180 soldiers from preparedness and to discuss the impact for- Communications Unit Chief. Congratula- eign animal disease could have if it ap- tions to each of you. Soldier to Soldier A simple path to success Warrant officer recruiting going well By Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 21 warrant officers that should be pinned, By Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Cullen September every year and shows a snap- Mark Jensen as well as an additional 12 pre-determina- 169th CSSB shot of what is in a Soldier’s file. More im- I want to bring you all up to date on tion packets that look very good. These The headline reads “Liberal, Kansas, portantly, it indicates whether a soldier is Warrant Officer Accessions so far in Fis- should be successfully processed and the Soldier Accepts willing to take a promotion within the unit cal Year 2009. candidates viable before the end of the Promotion to Ser- or elsewhere in the state. Checking the ap- We have pinned fiscal year. geant E5 in Kansas propriate blocks is significant. More issues seven warrant With any luck, this will all result in an City, Kansas.” arise in this area than any other because the officers since accession of 33 warrant officers this year, You’ve got to be Soldier does not check the intended block. October and based solely on those currently in kidding. Did this You are the person who can best take have one pre-de- process. This is a success story which is really happen? care of your career. The competition begins termination greatly attributable to the efforts of our Well, it’s not as when you begin looking for your first set of packet in the new full time Warrant Officer Recruiter far-fetched as you sergeant stripes. Do you know how to navi- Personnel Office. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Billie Hancock. might think. The gate through the Army Knowledge Online We have four I want to thank all of you who have Soldier who checks Web site to check your Interactive Personal packets that have provided leads and mentored soldiers to the block on the Electronic Record Management System Command Sgt. Maj. been approved consider the warrant officer program. 4100 (Enlisted Pro- records? Everything pertaining to future Patrick Cullen by the propo- Command Chief Your dedication to the warrant officer motion Point promotions needs to be posted accurately nency with an Warrant Officer 5 corps will ensure the success of the corps Worksheet) indicating he or she is willing in your file. Does everything in your file additional five Mark Jensen in Kansas for years to come. Each of us to take a promotion within my battalion, is actually belong to you? Occasionally a awaiting federal can be proud of the warrant officer her- facing this possibility. record gets misfiled. Is everything in your recognition boards. itage and tradition of excellence in As a command sergeant major for 169th file accurate? When turning in documents There are currently two warrant officer Kansas, knowing this legacy will con- Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, I such as school transcripts and Military candidates in school with another two tinue through the tireless efforts of the spend a considerable amount of time deal- School Academic Evaluation Report, you commissioned officer to warrant officer young men and women entering our war- ing with promotions. I recently received a need to ask for a verification showing it conversions being actioned. This makes rant officer corps. call from a family member wanting to was actually loaded into the Interactive know why his “significant other” wasn’t Personal Electronic Record Management getting promoted. I boiled it down to a sim- System. A batch number is issued when- ple cookbook recipe for success: be where ever a document is loaded into the system. PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian you’re supposed to be, when you’re sup- This is your proof that documents have The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content posed to be there and be prepared to ac- been loaded. of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, complish the mission. This might sound a First-line leaders should be checking their photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- bit simplistic, but many things have been Soldiers’ Interactive Personal Electronic olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will payment be made for contributions. accomplished by doing the obvious. Record Management System files at least The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions When a soldier recently asked how I be- once a year. Historically, this has been done may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). came a command sergeant major, I an- during a Soldier’s birth month by the full- Circulation: Approximately 15,500 swered, “I consistently showed up on time time unit noncommissioned officer. First- Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office for drill.” While this might not be all I did, line leaders should be checking the files Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office it’s certainly the first step to designing a road with their Soldiers throughout the year. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius Director map to success. Setting a goal and figuring The goal of the Enlisted Personnel Pro- Adjutant General of Kansas Sharon Watson 785-274-1192 Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting Assistant Director out what specific steps are needed is funda- motion System is to instill as much fairness Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 mental to anything we accomplish in life. in the system as possible. We want to en- Editor Sharon Watson This includes buying a car or a house, start- able the individual Soldier to maintain con- Administrative Assistant Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-274-1190 ing a business, getting an education or get- trol of his or her career by making Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-274-1622 e-mail: [email protected] ting promoted in the Kansas National Guard. thoughtful choices. The Soldier who fol- Production Assistant Your 4100 plays a critical role. One lows a simple but clear plan will get pro- Jane Welch problem I frequently confront is how this moted. The Plains Guardian may be read online at seemingly simple document gets filled out. Keep it simple. Make a plan. And have http://www.Kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral/Library/Plains Guardian current issue.pdf For change of address, contact Jane Welch. The 4100 is normally sent to units during the discipline to follow through to success. February 2009 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Steen promoted to brigadier Ask general in Kansas National Guard Col. Norman E. Steen was pinned with 16th Infantry at Fort Riley in October 1982 one star during a special ceremony on Sat- and was later named Training Management the urday, Feb. 7, signifying his promotion to Control System officer at the same post. brigadier general in the Kansas Army Na- Steen joined the Kansas Army National tional Guard. The promotion took place at Guard in June 1984 and was assigned as TAG Nickell Armory, Topeka. tactical intelligence officer for the 1st Bat- Kansas received authorization from Na- talion, 635th Armor in Manhattan. He tional Guard Bu- stayed with the battalion through Septem- reau to fill a general ber 1988, serving as personnel officer and Military OneSource offers one- officer position fol- logistics officer. He transferred to the 35th lowing a recent Infantry Division, Fort Leavenworth, in stop shopping for services study looking at October 1988, where he served as aid to distribution of posi- the commanding general and secretary to I understand from deployment and re- • Education tions based on joint the general staff. deployment briefings that Military One • Elder care capabilities. Steen joined the 2nd Battalion, 635th Source is a resource we can use, but what • Guard/Reserve With this promo- Armor in Salina in July 1990 as executive exactly does the program offer for Guard • Legal tion, Steen as- officer. He was named operations officer and Reserve members? • Mind/Mental health sumed command for the battalion in February 1991. Steen Military OneSource is a one-stop re- • Money of the Great Plains returned to the 35th Infantry Division in Brig. Gen. Norman source for military members and their • Moving Joint Regional August 1992 as public affairs officer. E. Steen families. Take a look at the list below. • Parenting Training Center in Steen became operations officer at Head- Military OneSource offers a myriad of • Recreation Salina. The training center is the flagship quarters, State Area Command in Septem- services to aid servicemembers and their • Relationships of several proposed centers across the state ber 1995 and was inspector general for the families with the various complexities of • Special needs that will provide training facilities for joint 35th Infantry Division from June 1996 to life. With deployments, redeployments • Transition military and civilian emergency response January 1998. He served as Supply Man- and other life events, a little extra help • Wounded Warrior agencies, including fire, law enforcement, agement officer at Headquarters, State can go a long way to ensure everyone in- For more information about Military medical, hazardous material and others. Area Command from January 1998 until he volved has the tools they need to tackle OneSource go to: www.militaryone- “I am pleased General Steen has agreed assumed command of 1st battalion, 635th any situation. Military OneSource also source.com or call 1-800-342-9647. to take the reins of the Great Plains Joint Armor in July of that same year. provides TroopTube, a medium for video ** ** ** Regional Training Center,” said Maj. Gen. In January 2001, Steen became training sharing for service members and their Send your question(s)by email to Bunting, the adjutant general. “Norman has officer at Headquarters, State Area Com- family and friends. [email protected] or by mail to the extensive command experience needed mand and was named deputy chief of staff, • Body/physical health the Adjutant General’s Public Affairs Of- to handle the management of this training intelligence, at Joint Forces Headquarters • Career fice, Att: Sharon Watson, 2722 S. Topeka center that will serve the military, public Kansas in May 2002. He assumed com- • Crisis Blvd., Room 108, Topeka KS 66611. Ques- and private sectors.” mand of the 235th Regiment, Kansas Re- • Deployment tions may be submitted anonymously. Steen has more than 30 years of commis- gional Training Institute in September sioned military service, receiving his com- 2004. mission as second lieutenant in June 1978. His awards and decorations include the STARBASE receives funding He served with the 1st Battalion, 26th In- Legion of merit, Meritorious Service By Staff Sgt. Tim Traynor Kansas STARBASE locations will be fantry, U.S. Army, from January 1979 to Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Com- Public Affairs Office funded through 2009 with all current staff March 1984. During that time, Steen mendation Medal with two oak leaf clus- Since 1993, Kansas STARBASE has remaining on board. served as rifle platoon leader, weapons pla- ters, Army Achievement Medal with two worked with more than 42,000 Kansas chil- “This is great news for the youth of toon leader, assistant battalion personnel oak leaf clusters, Army Reserve Compo- dren in grades four through six, teaching Kansas,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the officer, anti-armor platoon leader and nent Achievement Medal, the Expert In- and inspiring them to greater interest in adjutant general. “STARBASE is a pro- heavy mortar platoon leader. He became fantryman Badge and Parachutist Badge. math, science, engineering and technology. gram that works, firing up interest in math, company commander for Headquarters and Steen was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., and The Kansas STARBASE program is the science, engineering and technology in the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, (Continued on Page 11) largest in the U.S. with locations in Wichita, next generation of engineers, scientists, as- Topeka, Salina and Kansas City, Kan. tronauts and a host of other professions that Recent Congressional funding of the pro- are key to keeping our nation strong. These Leadership changes announced gram was not enough to support all 60 students are the leaders of tomorrow and STARBASE academies across the nation. STARBASE is a program that not only for Kansas Army National Guard However, the Department of Defense was makes them enthusiastic about science, it Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant gen- who will now serve as Joint Chief of Staff able to secure additional funding which, in also instills confidence and leaderships eral, recently announced changes in the for the Kansas National Guard. Wheeler will addition to some cost-saving measures, pro- skills. We’re sincerely grateful to the De- leadership of the Kansas National Guard, assist Brig. Gen. Deborah Rose, commander vided the necessary funds to support all partment of Defense for providing funding effective Monday, Feb. 16. of the Joint Forces, in accomplishing the STARBASE academies at their 2008 levels. to keep this great program going for our Col. John Andrew was named deputy missions of Joint Forces Headquarters Jeff Gabriel, executive director of the Kansas kids.” commander of the Kansas Army National Kansas. Kansas program, was recently notified by For information about Kansas STAR- Guard. His role will be to assist Brig. Gen. Wheeler replaces Col. Eric Peck, who is the National Guard Bureau that all four BASE, go online to www.kansasstarbase.org. John Davoren, assistant adjutant general – preparing for deployment to Afghanistan as Army and commander of the Kansas Army commander of an Agribusiness Develop- National Guard, in directing the training ment Team that will assist Afghan farmers Some advice: Don’t be ‘That Guy’ and operations of the Kansas Army Na- in developing agribusiness ventures. By Staff Sgt. Tim Traynor tional Guard. Andrew took on the role of Col. Alan Soldan, State Aviation Officer, Public Affairs Office Kansas Army National Guard Chief of assumed Andrew’s former duties as the Ever wake up the next morning after a Staff last November. Kansas National Guard operations officer night of drinking only to realize you may Andrew succeeds Col. David J. Wheeler, and Joint Staff operations director. not remember it or are faced with the con- sequences and have no idea how every- thing happened? Odds are you may have Personnel changes made as been “That Guy.” “That Guy” is a Department of Defense department reorganizes program aimed at helping service members Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas Adjutant division, including response and recovery curb excessive alcohol use, along with the General, announced a reorganization within operations of disasters, emergency manage- embarrassing and possibly dangerous be- the Adjutant General's Department that will ment planning and hazard mitigation, and havior associated with it. Toilet surfing and on the Internet allow the agency to put a stronger empha- work closely with non governmental agen- backyard boxing may seem like great ideas • Friends, family and co-workers ap- sis on homeland security and at the same cies, county and state partners and at the after a few drinks, but who wants to wake proaching you about your drinking time strengthen the agency's emergency federal level. up to a broken toilet that’s flooded your habits. management operations. Brandt Haehn has been promoted within bathroom or look in the mirror to find If any of the above characteristics de- Bill Chornyak, deputy director of the the department to senior plans officer. missing teeth and a swollen knot on your scribe you or someone you know, it may be Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- Haehn was formerly an emergency planner forehead? time to develop a strategy to avoid being ment, was named deputy director of Home- with KDEM. So what are some things that may point “That Guy.” There are several options to land Security, a reorganized division within Jonathan York joins KDEM as Response to becoming “That Guy?” help anyone wishing to cut down on “That the Adjutant General's Department. He will and Recovery Chief, a position previously • Binge drinking (five or more drinks on Guy” behavior. Military OneSource is a oversee Homeland Security planning, pro- known as the Operations Officer. York’s the same occasion) free resource provided to all service mem- grams and exercises and work extensively previous position was as emergency man- • Finding out you drunk-dialed someone bers and their immediate family. Along with the department's partners in the pri- ager for Marshall County. • Finding alcohol as the only means to re- with Alcoholics Anonymous, there is Al- vate sector, as well as at the county and Natalie Davis has been hired as Commu- lease stress, or calm the nerves Anon/Alateen that provides support for the state level and at the federal level with the nications Unit leader for KDEM. Davis has • Drinking until passing out or family of individuals seeking a change in Department of Homeland Security. 20 years experience in emergency medical vomiting their alcohol consumption. Angee Morgan, senior plans officer with services and was the fiscal agent for the • Finding or sending pictures/video of For more information on the That Guy KDEM, became the new deputy director of Southwest regional Homeland Security under the influence behavior, possibly program, go to www.ThatGuy.com. KDEM. She will oversee all aspects of the Council. Page 6 Plains Guardian • February 2009 287th Civil Affairs renew an old friendship with Iraqi village By Master Sgt. Carl Mar greeted the team members and invited 287th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs them inside a nearby community building Four years is a long time for friends to for hot tea. not see each other. Attitudes can change in About a dozen men, a few quieting that time and that was a concern of the young children at their side, listened in- 287th Sustainment Brigade Civil Military tently as Al Habeb engaged Moyer in dis- Operations team when they visited the vil- cussion. He retold the history of how lage of Al Habib in Muthanna Province, Coalition Forces had helped his village in Dec. 23. The trip’s primary purpose was to the past, then spoke about the needs of the conduct an assessment of the community’s village today – help with their water pump water pump for possible replacement, but and help in obtaining jobs for some of the the end result was to renew old ties. village men who were unemployed. Two weeks earlier, Lt. Col. Clint Moyer, “We had a good relationship with the 287th chief of Civil Affairs, was attending Soldiers in the past and we would like to a key leaders meeting between area build that same relationship with you,” said shaykhs and his unit’s command staff when Al Habeb. “I understand that this goal re- he met Shaykh Al Habeb of the Al-Ghizi quires work and cannot happen immedi- Tribe. In their dialogue, Moyer learned that ately. But I hope we will achieve this goal.” Coalition Forces had built a road through After the meeting, the shaykh provided the shaykh’s village and remodeled the vil- Moyer and his team a walking tour of the lage school. However, those projects con- village while pointing out major features of cluded in the fall of 2004 and no one in the the village, including the one canal of area had seen Coalition Forces since then. brown water which is their primary source “Shaykh Al Habeb also said that the vil- Lt. Col. Clint Moyer, Chief of Civil Affairs for the 287th Sustainment Brigade, (center of water. The tour ended at the remodeled lage water pump was in dire need of re- left) listens as Shaykh Al Habeb (center right) describes the water problems of his vil- Al Saafy school house -- a yellow brick placement and asked for our assistance,” lage during a tour of the community, Dec. 23. (Photo by Master Sgt. Carl Mar) building with four classrooms accommo- said Moyer. team had yet to go out independently on a Al Saafy elementary school there was a dating 103 students and 12 teachers. The 287th Sustainment Brigade, an mission. Al Habeb presented the team sev- bonus. It gave us an opportunity to try out Al Habeb and Moyer visited the school Army National Guard unit based in Wi- eral opportunities why it would be a good our ‘Read Iraq’ program,” said Sgt. 1st principal, Kundaier Chasseb Hashim, and chita, Kan., had recently taken over sus- first mission. Class Alexander Parker, 287th Civil Affairs asked his permission for visitors to enter tainment operations in southern Iraq from “It’s a place where no Coalition Forces operations sergeant. into the classrooms. Would he allow the the 7th Sustainment Brigade, which re- had been for a while and conducting a site The program, explained Parker, utilizes Americans to read books in English and turned home to Fort Eustis, Va., a few days survey of their pump offered us a chance to Soldier volunteers to read familiar chil- give small gifts to the teachers and stu- before Christmas. The 287th Civil Affairs re-establish relations with the people. The dren’s stories to Iraqi school children learn- dents? Permission was given and for the ing English as a second language. The next hour American Soldiers held the atten- Brigade continues partnership with Al children learn from English speakers how tion of every child in the school. to enunciate words correctly and gain in- As the Soldiers gave the lessons and the Amal School for the Deaf and Mute sight into Western culture. children were laughing loudly, Al Habeb By Sgt. Heather Wright them within the next three months or so,” Arriving late morning into the village, conversed with some of the unoccupied 287th Sustainment Brigade said White. the Civil Affairs team and its security team Soldiers. “Have you visited here before, do Soldiers from the 287th Sustainment One of the unique challenges White easily found the pump and conducted an you like our country? Maybe someday, Brigade and the 3rd Battalion, 133rd Field faces is finding hearing aids that will not assessment of its condition. Little of the when you are not a Soldier, you will come Artillery Regiment brought smiles and interfere with the girls’ head coverings. original green paint remained; most parts back?” he asked with a smile. The delight hope to the Al Amal School for the Deaf “Most of these girls’ hearing loss is sig- were rusted dark brown and leakage was on his face indicated that he was happy to and Mute in the city of Ar Rumaythah. nificant enough to rate behind-the-ear hear- evident around its base. Afterwards, see again the presence of Coalition Soldiers Lt. Col. Clint Moyer, chief of the 287th ing aids,” White explained. “Unfortunately, Shaykh Al Habeb and village elders in his village. Sustainment Brigade Civilian Military Op- the scarves they wear would create inter- erations, and Lt. Col. Richard White, audi- ference and feedback. We’re looking at ologist and 287th Medical Operations hearing aids they can wear at their waists Reading program building bridges director, spearheaded the Jan. 14 visit. The with wires that attach to ear molds they can Continued from Page 1 loved me, I wanted to cry,” said Miller. “I trip followed up on the “Operation Voice of wear under their headscarves.” “Many Soldiers volunteered to do the loved doing the reading so much, I want to Hope” audiology exams, held on Dec. 10, In addition to the 17 girls, there are also reading, but we chose the ones that showed do it again.” which the Kansas-based Sustainers pro- 22 hearing-impaired boys who need hear- they could bond with the children. They ap- Sgt. Teresa Perrin, 37, is a patient adminis- vided for 17 deaf Al Amal students. ing exams. White intends to conduct exams peared comfortable while reading and they trator for the 287th Brigade Surgeon staff “We wanted to touch base with the stu- on the boys when a colleague from another used their hands and facial expressions to and is from Junction City, Kan. She is in Iraq dents and parents that we conducted exams base visits with more sophisticated audiol- support what they were saying,” he said. with her husband Staff Sgt. McKindree Per- on, see what the conditions were in the ogy equipment. It was no surprise then that the two Sol- rin, who is a member of the 287th Brigade school and see what else we could do to “The equipment we have at Adder is diers reading at Al Ashyabb school that day Personal Security Detachment. She has three help,” Moyer said. very basic. I would like to test the boys were members of large families. daughters from a previous marriage, ages 11, Parents and children excitedly sur- with the new equipment for more accurate Spc. Cassandra Miller, 20, brigade supply 16, and 19, and works as a Guard technician rounded White as he walked through a gate results,” he said. specialist from Newton, Kan., has four in civilian life at Fort Riley. into the school courtyard. They were eager After initial greetings, Al Amal teachers brothers and three sisters, four of whom are “The 14 or 15 kids were a tough crowd,” to learn if they would receive hearing aids gave the group a tour of the facility. The younger than her. She joined the Kansas said Perrin. “They were first and second after their recent exams. classrooms were full of smiling students Army National Guard while a senior at New- graders and hadn’t started learning English “We’re looking at various funding happy to see the visiting Americans. ton High School and, after graduation, yet. By the looks on their faces I could tell worked as an administrative clerk for the they were probably thinking ‘Who’s this sources for hearing aids and hope to have (Continued on Page 7) Kansas National Guard recruiting command. crazy lady?’ But overall I think it was a On Monday, she read to a class of 20 good experience for all of us.” children, ranging in age from 4 to 11. Indi- “We had fun. In my first book I read to vidually, the children had been learning them about animals on a farm. I’d say the English from one to four years. animal’s name and then they’d repeat it “I read to them from two books, one first in English, then in Arabic. If they said about training a pet dog and another one it right, I’d give them a lollipop.” about farm animals,” she said. “The kids “My second book was about a fox trying appeared to know a lot of the animal names to steal grapes. The fox story was probably and were happy to join in when I growled the best received. That’s because the chil- ‘grrrrr’ and barked ‘arf! arf!” dren found similarities about it to a popular “After reading, we wrote the English and Iraqi story about a fox which goes on a re- Arabic alphabets on the chalk board and ligious journey.” sounded out each letter. Then the children “The last lesson I gave was about wanted me to write down my name in Eng- Kansas. I brought out pictures of things lish, which I did, but in single letters. They which represent our state – a buffalo, sun- asked me to write it again, but the next flowers, cows and a tornado. The tornado time in cursive. When I did that, they got them really excited,” said Perrin. ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ and said that it was Reflecting later on her classroom presen- beautiful. They said the cursive form of tation, Perrin said, “I loved it. I thought it English looked more like their Arabic form was a tremendously awesome experience. of writing.” It feels good to give something back to the “They also knew how to tell me their Iraqi people, and I want to go on more mis- names and ages in English. Two children sions. I’m going to ask if I can go again.” knew English well enough we could under- Al Ashyabb school was built with the as- stand one another with only a little help sistance of the 7th Sustainment Brigade Lt. Col. Richard White, audiologist and 287th SB Medical Operations, greets stu- from the interpreter,” she said. and opened in November 2008. The 287th dents at the Al Amal School for the Deaf and Mute Jan.14, 2009. (Photo by Spc. The reading was a heart-warming event Sustainment Brigade continues to assist the David Emerson) for her. “When the kids told me that they school. February 2009 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Civil Air Patrol conducts Program connects Soldiers, Mission Pilot training families for the holidays Members of the Kansas National Guard these Soldiers on the air with their loved By Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR A Cessna 182 belonging to the Topeka currently stationed in Iraq had a chance to ones and letting them talk about their de- On Dec. 6, 2008, Civil Air Patrol con- squadron was available to perform check exchange holiday greetings with family ployment so others can better understand ducted Mission Pilot training at Topeka’s rides, although, most went back to their members on the phone and let fellow the role of Guard members in Iraq and at Philip Billard Municipal Airport. These own squadrons to conduct their check Kansans listen in. home,” said Bunting. volunteers came from Topeka, Salina and rides. There they would use their The families of seven Soldiers with the The program ran Dec. 25 from 8 to 11 Wichita to attend the one-day classroom squadron’s aircraft and flight evaluator. 287th Sustainment Brigade, who deployed a.m. and was rebroadcast the next day at training. Some of the subjects covered were crew to Iraq this past fall, were invited to the same time. It was also available on the Retired Lt. Col. Mike Madden, com- resource management, navigation, elec- KLWN 1320 AM radio in Lawrence to ap- station’s Internet site, www.klwn.com. mander of CAP Eagle Squadron Topeka tronic and map and terrain orientation and pear on the Jeremy Taylor Show. Their Sol- Approximately 260 Kansas Guardsmen Composite, explained that any CAP mem- the current electronic equipment used in diers joined them from Iraq via telephone, of the 287th Sustainment Brigade are con- ber may elect to become a CAP pilot. He search operations. as did several special in-studio guests: Maj. ducting logistical support for U.S. and stated that the member must be at least 17 Capt. Lynn Haltom conducted a class on Gen. Tod Bunting, the Kansas Adjutant Coalition forces in their assigned area of years of age and hold current and valid crew resource management. She pointed out General; Guard Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom. FAA ratings. Additionally, they must pass that, although the mission pilot leads the Jenkins and Chuck Bredahl with Kansas The 287th, headquartered in Wichita, is written and flight checks for the aircraft mission, they cannot do everything them- Employer Support of the Guard and Re- also made up of the 169th Combat Sustain- they are flying. Madden said “Once they selves. The pilot must rely on the other serve. ment Support Battalion, Olathe; the 891st have qualified as a pilot they can fly CAP members for successful conduct of search “We really appreciate the opportunity Engineer Battalion, Iola; and the 287th aircraft on training flights, shuttling aircraft and rescue missions. On board the aircraft KLWN radio gave our Kansas Guard Special Troop Battalion, Hays, as well as from one location to another. However, are the mission pilot, the observer and scan- members and their families by having subordinate units in each battalion. they cannot fly on official Air Force mis- ner. The mission pilot commands the mis- sions, such as, search and rescue.” sion. The pilot flies the aircraft, getting it to To become a mission pilot requires addi- where it needs to be and speaking to the Air tional training. A mission pilot trainee must Traffic Control network. The observer, sit- be at least 18 and have at least 175 hours of ting in the right front, assists in navigating pilot-in-command time. A mission pilot and uses the Civil Air Patrol radio net to trainee must also attend the type of ground speak to the base station and ground teams. training that was conducted in Topeka. They The scanner, often a Cadet, sits in the back then must pass a mission pilot flight check seat, assisting in the visual search and docu- ride conducted by a qualified evaluator. menting the aircraft search pattern. To be a mission pilot, a pilot must have In addition to search and rescue missions, logged at least 200 hours as pilot in com- mission pilots provide air support for disas- mand and 50 of those hours must be cross ter relief, transporting blood and live tissue country. To remain a mission pilot an indi- to critical care sites. Also, when requested vidual must recertify by going through this from a higher headquarters, they fly coun- training annually. terdrug and homeland security missions.

Maj. Cheryl Whelan visits with her family from Iraq during a special radio program on KLWN in Lawrence. Whelan is a member of the 287th Sustainment Brigade, cur- rently serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Brigade continues partnership Continued from Page 6 physically and mentally impaired which in- “Our generator has been broken for a cludes 15 girls and 20 boys. During the while now,” said Heyem Shakir Saleh, di- visit, desperate parents sought the attention rector of the deaf and mute program. of the Soldiers present, begging them to “We’ve had other visitors that said they help their children. They showed the visit- Capt. Lynn Haltom, Kansas Civil Air Patrol, conducts a class on crew resource man- would fix it, but they never did. God will- ing group their children’s twisted limbs and agement at a Mission Pilot training event. (Photo by Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, ing, it will happen soon.” anxiously relayed stories of seizures and UPAR) The teachers face many limitations. other various physical and mental issues. “We need to provide the children with a Moyer explained to Mohamad Muhsen, reason to stay in school. School supplies, director of Al Amal’s Physically and Men- Soldier’s efforts lead to law coats, clothing -- anything you can provide tally Disabled Program, that White special- By Staff Sgt. James M. Grosdidier ployed in Iraq,” Vedder said. “I did some would help us do that,” said Saleh. ized in audiology and was unable to make 35th Division Public Information Staff investigating on the internet and found The school is in need of basic supplies, any diagnosis outside his specialty. Muh- While all Soldiers take an oath to de- that there were hundreds of instances of in addition to visual aid equipment in the sen appeared disappointed, but understood. fend the Constitution, the ultimate law of Soldiers and Sailors losing custody rights classrooms, a needed asset for the special Moyer assured Muhsen he would bring the the land, few have the opportunity to help during overseas deployments. I felt needs students. children’s needs to the attention of the create law. Spc. Christopher Vedder, a something had to be done.” In addition to providing supplies and Muthanna Provincial Reconstruction Team broadcast specialist assigned to the 35th Holsman say that Vedder’s action un- equipment, Moyer intends to partner with and COB Adder’s medical team. He also Division headquarters, Fort Leavenworth, doubtedly helped benefit hundreds of the Iraqi teaching staff to update their teach- intends to include their five teachers with Kan., recently did just that. Missouri service members. Kansas has ing skills with a week-long conference. those from the deaf and mute program in a Actions by Vedder, Kansas City, Mo., also passed a similar law—Senate Bill “We haven’t had any training or teaching teachers’ conference organized by the helped spur the passage of House Bill 2621—that protects Kansas service mem- updates for several years,” Saleh said. 287th Civilian Military Operations to be 1678 through the Missouri General As- bers in similar circumstances. Moyer, a special education teacher for held in February. sembly last year. It was signed into law by “Specialist Vedder brought to my atten- the Sedgwick County Special Education At the end of the classroom tour, Soldiers Governor Matt Blunt on June 11, 2008. tion the fact that many of our servicemen Cooperative in Kansas, has a contact back passed out toys to the children and school Among its many provisions, the bill and women faced the possibility of losing in Kansas who is working to create training supplies provided by the 3rd Battalion, ensures that service men and women can- custody of their children while de- and visual aids for the Al Amal staff. 133rd Field Artillery Regiment to the teach- not have the terms of their child custody ployed,” Holsman said. “Mr. Vedder was Al Amal also has a program for the ers, all of which were gratefully accepted. arrangements changed because of mili- instrumental in helping to enact new leg- tary service. islation to protect soldiers.” Embedded Training Team #4 According to Vedder, he contacted his “What Specialist Vedder did was out- Missouri state representative, Jason Hols- standing,” said Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Continued from Page 1 Overall, the ceremony may not have man (D-District 45) because of stories he Pierson, commander of the 35th Division. wavering support, adding that they are an been as large and extravagant as some had heard about service members losing “A lot of people—even senior leaders— important element in sustaining future mis- brigade-sized elements would have, but the custody of their children because of de- identify problems, but they don’t always sions of the Kansas National Guard. general atmosphere was still very much the ployments. take actions. Specialist Vedder took the “The fact that we get a little choked up same. Friends, family members, spouses “I had heard about a Marine who had time to take action. That has made all the when we think about our family is appro- and children were all elated to see their lost visitation rights while he was de- difference.” priate, because it’s actually the reason we loved ones home safe and proud to give do what we do,” said Bunting. them a hero’s welcome. Page 8 Plains Guardian • February 2009 184th Medical Group enables force readiness during exercise in South Korea By Capt. Alyson Stockton gency room, command and control area, 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs dental, intensive care unit and a pharmacy Readiness is a cornerstone in today’s and logistics area. Additionally, there is a military, and a recent 184th Medical Group ward with a capacity of three, 10 or 25 pa- deployment contributed to the war worthi- tients, depending on the configuration. An ness of two total force entities. EMEDS system with 10 patients required A group of 39 medical and support per- about 20 personnel to staff. Only about 40 sonnel traveled to Gim Hae Air Base, a total units in the Air Force and the Air Na- U.S. Air Force contingency field in South tional Guard have an EMEDS capability. Korea, to inventory war readiness materials A field training exercise to develop on behalf of the 51st Medical Group at readiness skills added to the realism of the Osan Air Base. experience. Tech. Sgt. Joshua Wiser, med- This was a win-win situation for both Pa- ical readiness, planned the exercise with in- cific Air Forces and the Air National jects that tested readiness skills across the Guard, as the Guard was once again ready spectrum of career specialties. Tech. Sgt. to fulfill active-duty shortfalls. Since Pa- Cindy Willis made up key players to repre- cific Air Forces needed personnel to ac- sent common battlefield injuries including complish the inventory and the 184th burns, bullet wounds, implanted shrapnel needed funding to accomplish realistic and dehydration. training, the two joined forces with mutu- The first full day in-country, the group ally beneficial results. attacked the tent setup task, finishing ahead “This is just another example of what we of schedule and thus setting the tone for the can achieve when we work together as a rest of the trip. All setup, tear-down, and total force,” said Maj. Billy Garst, the inventories were accomplished rapidly and 184th medical administration officer. thoroughly, leaving time to experience Ko- Members of the 184th Medical Group set up their Expeditionary Medical Support The 184th Jaydocs gained experience in rean culture. Squadron equipment in Gim Hae, Republic of Korea, on Sept. 18. (Photo by Capt. setting up the Expeditionary Medical Sup- “This is a group of exceptionally hard- Alyson Stockton) port (EMEDS) system, which consists of working individuals who really make my job six tents. Those six tents yield crucial capa- as their commander easier because of their ton, 184th Medical Group commander. “During my four years of active duty I bilities, including an operating room, emer- self-discipline,” said Lt. Col. Rohn Hamil- Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Akin has been a never set up an EMEDS,” said Staff Sgt. part of many exercises that tested medical Melinda Kellogg, bioenvironmental techni- capabilities, and observed that the Jaydocs cian. “Now I know if we are called up for set up the EMEDS system in record time. something, we all have the confidence to But unlike Akin, many were learning the set up EMEDS and provide help to who- procedure for the first time. ever needs it.” 134th Air Control Squadron supports Iraqi election process By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier air refueling tankers, intelligence, surveil- 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing lance and reconnaissance aircraft and fight- Joint Base Balad Airmen were engaged ers. They also manage, coordinate and clear in the Iraqi sky as Iraqis participated in airspace to allow for tactical mission execu- their country's electoral process Jan. 31, tion while simultaneously permitting air traf- the first time since 2005. fic procedures to continue in Iraq. Members of the 727th Expeditionary Air "I'm honored to be a part of this," Tokarz Control Squadron observed the sky and said. "I don't think we'll realize until after polling stations to give confidence to the we've left, to understand the true impact Iraqi people and support them while they we've had to the mission. It's easy to get vote, said Lt. Col. Michael Tokarz, the caught up in the day-to-day actions com- 727th EACS commander. In addition, the pared to being part of the moment. What I unit is providing airspace deconfliction and think is remarkable are the steps we are situational awareness for Iraqi air force pi- taking now will hopefully give the country 184th Medical Group personnel attend to an” injured” warfighter during a medical lots during the election process. of Iraq everlasting peace by building it up readiness exercise at Gim Hae Air Base, South Korea, Sept. 23. (Photo by Capt. Tokarz is a member of the Kansas Na- toward a democracy.” Alyson Stockton) tional Guard’s 134th Air Control Squadron, "U.S. and coalition airpower is uniquely currently deployed with the 727th EACS. qualified to provide non-intrusive security Smoky Hill commander trades Air Approximately 60 members of the 134th support to the government of Iraq as it con- ACS are deployed for the mission. Their as- ducts this historic election," said Lt. Gen. Guard blues for Elven red and green signment is to manage flying operations for Gary L. North, the commander of 9th Air By Chief Master Sgt. Jim Weldy Smoky folks that if $450 was raised, the all aircraft flying in Iraqi airspace, including Force and U.S. Air Forces Central. Lt. Col. Jeff “Madman” Maddex, Smoky range noncommissioned officer in charge Hill Air National Guard Weapons Range and assistant noncommissioned officer in commander, may not have won any national charge would shave their heads. That opened awards, but he was chosen by the men and up the check books and they raised $625. women of the range as the person they would Since Team Smoky couldn’t bear to see most like to see wearing an elf costume. Vot- their beloved enlisted leaders with frozen ing for their favorite elf was just one way the craniums again, several ideas of how to group raised money for a less fortunate raise the money were suggested. The pay to Salina area family during the holidays. vote for the person you’d most like to see For the third year in a row, the 27 men and wearing an elf costume to work idea was women from Smoky Hill have come to- met with instant positive response. gether to purchase, wrap and deliver gifts to Thankfully, Maddex is good-natured and a Salina family in need. The first year was donned the costume with little fight. In simple--donate if you wish--and $587 was total, $803 was raised and a local Salina raised. Last year, the donations were a little family was able to have a very Merry down, so a challenge was made to the Christmas. Annual report is now online The 2008 Annual Report of the Adjutant Included in the report is an overview of General’s Department is now available on- the year’s events, a brief history of the line. The interactive PDF version of the re- agency, information on deployments and port can be accessed by clicking the link homecomings, legislative measures that af- found on the Adjutant general’s Depart- fected the Kansas National Guard and other ment home page. The URL is divisions of the agency, reports from each http://www.kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral of the agency’s offices and National Guard The report, compiled by the Public Af- units, fiscal information and a map show- Senior Airman Daniel Shaub concentrates on a screen depicting Iraqi air space in fairs Office of the Adjutant General’s De- ing the location of each National Guard the Control Response Center Jan. 29 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Members of the partment, details the events and activities unit within the state. 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron observed the sky and polling stations to of the Kansas National Guard, Kansas Di- The report and map are interactive with give confidence to the Iraqi people and support them while they voted in the 2009 vision of Emergency Management, Kansas links from each National Guard unit’s in- Iraqi provincial elections. Shaub is a 727th EACS air surveillance technician de- Homeland Security and the Civil Air Patrol formation to its location on the map and ployed from the 134th Air Control Squadron, Kansas Air National Guard. (Photo by over the past year. vice versa. Senior Airman Elizabeth Rissmiller) February 2009 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Classes spur thinking, continuing operations after a disaster By Staff Sgt. Mark Hanson what their central functions are and what 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment essentials they will need in order to main- Over the past year the state of Kansas tain longevity and stability in a time of se- has seen its fair share of disasters and vere crisis. Over the past several years, emergencies. In 2008 alone, Kansas was hit Young has continued to develop similar by a record-breaking 187 tornadoes, result- classes that focus on educating governmen- ing in four fatalities, nine injuries and mil- tal officials on proper preparation methods lions of dollars in damage to homes, and interagency collaboration. property and infrastructure. When such in- “The key to these training sessions is that cidents occur, the citizens of Kansas rely there are representatives from numerous upon their appointed state agencies for state and local departments,” Young said. services and support in order to maintain “Each individual department’s function their way of life. But what happens when forms a foundation on which all other plans the necessary state, county or city organiza- are designed and deployed. The point of tion has yet to properly plan how their own these COOP classes is to allow the various agency will endure the crisis? agencies to sit down and develop these plans “Proper planning means finding and iso- around each other.” lating your entity’s central functions,” said Interagency development helps promote Maj. Dave Young. “I put it this way, when and maintain the vitality of requirements your boat is sinking, you have to take in- needed in instances where a COOP would ventory of what is essential for your job be utilized. Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas that won’t allow you to sink further.” adjutant general, agrees that such training Young is the director of the Kansas Adju- elements, like the Continuity of Operations tant General’s Department Integrated Ini- class, is a fundamental part of emergency tiatives Office in Topeka, Kan., and a key management. Maj. Matt Oleen leads a discussion in Continuity of Operations Planning at the Eisen- instructor of the Continuity of Operations “Any amount of planning can help keep hower Center for Homeland Security Studies in Nickell Armory, Topeka. (Photo by or “COOP” class, often held at the people alive and safe,” said Bunting. “The Jane Welch) agency’s Eisenhower Center for Homeland interconnected relationship that these differ- joint classes and exercises, can we manage all day long, but the second their own fam- Security Studies. The COOP class was de- ent agencies, departments and businesses to develop courses of action that will main- ily is involved, it complicates things and signed to help agency members evaluate have is unfathomable. And only by doing tain structural integrity in a time of need.” they’re not able to focus on the tasks at The program also addresses the broad and hand,” said Young. complex range of circumstances each depart- More than 1,100 individuals from multi- Simulators provide safe training ment or agency should prepare to address. ple agencies have attended COOP training By Sgt. Michael Mathewson, UPAR On Jan. 9, Capt. Todd Loughney and “We drive in the diversity of things that sessions. The day-long block of instruction Flying a UH 60 Black Hawk helicopter Chief Warrant Officer 4 Larry Werneke can potentially happen,” says Young. “It includes group discussions, tabletop exer- is a hazardous, yet commonplace, event for flew a training session with Chief Warrant may not be some far-fetched Hollywood cises, planning activities and lectures. Par- members of the 1st Battalion, 108th Avia- Officer 3 Brandy Nichols serving as the in- gimmick, but it could be any number of ticipants are given the materials and tion. To serve the citizens of Kansas, they structor pilot. Although physically on the things, not just tornadoes or floods or ice guidance to plan and devise their own fly aircraft in all types of weather night or ground at Fort Riley’s Marshall Field, the storms, but things like finding lethal mold in COOP. Classes are typically taught on a day. simulator placed them on the Army Na- your building, leaking gas-lines, biological monthly basis at the Eisenhower Center. To reduce this hazard and ensure readi- tional Guard ramp at Topeka’s Forbes contamination, worker strikes, information Sessions are open to state and local officials. ness pilots train constantly in the Black Field. After takeoff they took turns flying technology outages or terrorist attacks.” Tentatively scheduled to begin in June Hawk. However, there are some proce- instrument approaches into the local Bil- The lesson also places a large emphasis 2009, the Integrated Initiatives Office will be dures that are too dangerous to perform in lard Airport and Forbes Field. All the on personal family protection, perhaps the offering two new classes at the Eisenhower the aircraft. That is when crews use the while, Nichols was inputting weather con- most critical part of COOP preparedness. Center—Kansas Homeland Security 101 and 2B38 UH-60 flight simulator at the Fort ditions, such as icing, and navigation and Personal family protection recommends Fusion Center Intelligence 101. Both classes Riley Regional Aviation Simulation Center. equipment failures. On the final approach that government employees should actively will be focused on creating a collaborative The simulator is an exact representation of the session, the runway at Forbes came be updating and preparing their own fami- work environment between agencies. of the Black Hawk’s pilot stations with posi- into view as the aircraft passed through the lies for emergencies so as not to further For more information about the COOP tions for an instructor pilot and observer in bottom of the cloud layer. Landing on the complicate their duties later on. class, contact Maj. Dave Young at (785) the rear of the cockpit. The simulator has six runway center line with a complete engine “People can do their jobs left and right 274-1478 or [email protected]. degrees of motion, which allows for a realis- failure, the crew asked the tower to send tic session of flight. The simulator banks left out an aircraft tug to bring them home. and right. The nose will drop and rise. The “The simulator is a wonderful procedural Agencies take part in four-day front, side and chin windows are computer trainer,” said Nichols. “It allows the guys a generated screens that allow for both visual chance to do things that they can’t do in emergency management course and instrument flying conditions. With mo- the aircraft without damage." By Pfc. Stephanie Hodges of our resources and assets the other agen- tion and visual clues, the vibration of the “I was working with the crew for stan- 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment cies have,” said Paula Phillips, Kansas Divi- seats and the sounds, it simulates a real dardization,” he continued. “The crew Any time, any place and in any commu- sion of Emergency Management and Kansas Black Hawk. needs to work as a team. The pilot flying nity, a disaster can happen. In order to better Homeland Security training manager. The instructor can input a variety of the aircraft needs to fly and rely on the co- prepare for a crisis situation, the state of The Kansas IEMC was conducted Feb. weather conditions, as well as every con- pilot to provide the corrective actions.” Kansas has implemented the Integrated 10-13 at the State Emergency Operations ceivable aircraft and Air Traffic Control “The simulator is a great tool and re- Emergency Management Course for state Center in Topeka at Nickell Armory. This malfunction. Depending on the mission, the source,” said Werneke. “It gives us a agencies. This course will streamline disas- course was open to state organizations with instructor has the ability to program friendly chance to fly in an instrument flight envi- ter preparedness and response by enabling roles and responsibilities in the state EOC. and opposition air and ground forces. (Continued on Page 11) agencies to work together and assess a situa- The training included instruction on NRF tion, minimize the impact, ensure the imme- elements, an outline of Emergency Opera- diate needs are properly met and guarantee tions Plans and a description of essential the welfare and safety of the public. roles based on each response agency. A Each level of government, from federal simulated disaster exercise was also con- to local, along with non-governmental or- ducted to test the knowledge learned and ganizations, use the guiding principles of retained. the National Response Framework when a Each participating agency provided at catastrophe occurs. The NRF is the funda- least two personnel for this disaster. One mental document for all emergency re- individual represented the agency in state sponse, which outlines the key ideas, roles EOC training and the other individual and structures that coordinate national re- acted as the exercise controller. The simu- sponse. Additionally, it gives guidance to lated test took place in a replicated city the state Emergency Management Agency called Crisis City. Participants were given and coordinating agencies’ Emergency Op- topographical map resources, hazard analy- erations Plans. sis and vulnerability assessments. Partici- In correlation with the NRF and the Fed- pants played out their roles as first eral Emergency Management Agency responders and learned how emergency op- (FEMA), the Emergency Management In- eration centers should operate, how people stitute (EMI) provides training and educa- respond to disasters and how to manage the tion to all levels of government to improve crisis. Participants also experienced the re- the level of national emergency responsive- covery phase, adjusting operation capabili- ness. EMI has developed the Integrated ties to meet changing needs and the ever Emergency Management Course (IEMC) changing population. to implement the NRF and reinforce the re- “The reason we need to participate in sponsibilities of emergency management these types of activities is to make sure that Capt. Todd Loughney (left) and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Larry Werneke, members officials of state agencies. Kansas Emergency Management and our of the Kansas National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, go through their paces “Every disaster is unique…so we need to state partners are able to effectively and ef- in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flight simulator at Fort Riley. (Photo by Sgt. meet with our partners, practice, and de- ficiently respond to the needs of the citizens Michael Mathewson, UPAR) velop relationships so that we become aware of Kansas during a disaster,” said Philips. Page 10 Plains Guardian • February 2009

Cpl. Timothy Pollock, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Matthew Reed, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Carl Abbott, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Phillip Reese Jr., Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Awards and Decorations Spc. Marcus Abell, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Ray Roberts, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Goza, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Trevor Abell, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Shane Rockers, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Bronze Star Medal Sgt. 1st Class William Hamilton, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Spc. Samith Alonso, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Christopher Rodie, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Kingman Spc. Jacob Amato, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Benjamin Rogers, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. 1st Class Charles Jones, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Marlan Ash, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Andrew Rott, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. 1st Class David Medina Jr., 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. William Baker, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Jordan Russell, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Lt. Col. John Johnson, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Kirk Meyer, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with Spc. Quoc Bao Vo, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Alberto Sandoval, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Maj. Jerritt Curtis, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Christopher Barnhurst, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Steven Schultz II, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Maj. Mark Herron, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Lary Patrick, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, King- City Spc. Christopher Shields, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Maj. Adam Krein, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson man Spc. Shane Beardsley, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Bronson Shipman, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Maj. Thomas Powers, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Rains, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, Spc. Kevin Beat, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Michael Skinner, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Maj. Jerry Sanko, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Brandon Beckner, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Samuel Smith, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Capt. John Heminway, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Eric Rich, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with Spc. Michael Beckner, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Leonard Stairrett, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Capt. Lenard Leivan, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Russell Bedford, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Kody Stebens, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Capt. Shawn Miller, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. 1st Class Micheal Schmidt, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Spc. Kyle Bolling, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Jonathan Stephens, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Capt. Jose Torres, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Kingman Spc. Cody Borden, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Brittany Stewart, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Capt. Grant Watson, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery Taylor, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Nicholas Bowen, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Loren Stinebaugh, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 1st Lt. Jeremy Clawson, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson City Spc. Jesse Boyd, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Tyler Suiter, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 1st Lt. Kai Englert, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. 1st Class David Viegra, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Kevin Brabb, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Matthew Sullivan, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman 1st Lt. Lance Fowler, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. 1st Class Howard Williams Jr., Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Spc. Beau Brough, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Samuel Swain, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 1st Lt. James Lehner, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Dodge City Spc. Derrick Brown, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Denny Tellez, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Whitley, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Sgt. 1st Class Gary Woody, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, King- Spc. Nicholas Broyles, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Morgan Terry, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Wichita man Spc. Edwin Bulstrode III, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Bert Thompson, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. Maj. Ricky Matticks, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Staff Sgt. Samuel Aye, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Spc. Jesse Burgoon, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Dustin Thompson, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City 1st Sgt. Warren Dusseau, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Staff Sgt. Tracy Barragan, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Nicholas Campa, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Aaron Todd, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita 1st Sgt. Richard Flowers, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson City Spc. Kale Campbell, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Marcus Tolbert, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth 1st Sgt. Leslie Wing, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Staff Sgt. Justin Becker, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Travis Carroll, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Daniel Tompkins, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Master Sgt. Darrian Campbell, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Staff Sgt. Keith Brady, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Michael Casares, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. David Trejo, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Kingman Staff Sgt. Roy Brott, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Nicholas Churchill, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Matthew Umbarger, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Terence Goscha, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Staff Sgt. Jose Carrillo, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Luke Collins, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Stephen Unsinn, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Master Sgt. Kurt Narron, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Staff Sgt. Bobby Clair, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Michael Collins, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Matthew Vail, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. 1st Class Jason Jouret, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Staff Sgt. Jacob Cloud, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Shawn Collins, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. David Vlachos, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson City Staff Sgt. Michael Dill, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Tahnya Collins, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Hanh Vu-Peck, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. 1st Class Carline Long, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Staff Sgt. Michael Garcia, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Jimmy Coonce, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Ronnie Wagner, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. 1st Class Michael Mulligan, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wi- City Spc. Darryl Coronado, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Austin Wagoner, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson chita Staff Sgt. Joseph Gerritzen, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, King- Spc. Matthew Craver, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. David Ward, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Staff Sgt. Charley Finley, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman man Spc. Joseph Crusinbery, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Andrew Waters, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Staff Sgt. Jeromy Fisher, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Staff Sgt. Kevin Hansen, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Jerry Curry Jr., Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Nathan Wedel, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. David Franco, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Staff Sgt. Terry Hillyer, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Thomas Dardzinski, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Kimberly Weigel, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson City Staff Sgt. Richard Jackson, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with Spc. Robert Davis, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Robert Wells, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Staff Sgt. Kelvin Hicks, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Curtis Dawson, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Derek Westring, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Staff Sgt. Kent Lockhart, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Staff Sgt. David Johnson, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. John Decker, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Mark Wilderom, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman City Staff Sgt. Edward Jones, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Leonard Demel, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Robert Williams, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Staff Sgt. John Lofing, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Staff Sgt. Martin Lammey, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Bradley Denison, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Scott Wilson, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Robert Longacre, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, King- City Spc. Daniel Dennett, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Thomas Wolfe, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson man Staff Sgt. Lavel McCord, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Dakota Dezelske, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Bethany Wood, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Chadwick Milford, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. John McGraw, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Brion Dinkel, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Michael Wood, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavtigian Jr., Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Staff Sgt. Michael Miller, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Benjamin Easley, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Matthew Woods, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Kingman City Spc. William Eaves, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Andrew Yoder, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. Leonard Cyre, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Staff Sgt. Timmy Morris, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with Spc. Michael Ellison, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Bradley Youngers, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Robert Ennest, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Pfc. Ronald Bowen, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Meritorious Service Medal Staff Sgt. Wesley Naegele, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Todd Ensz, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Pfc. Shemile Colin, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Gerald Parker, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Ramon Espana-Valle, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Pfc. John Countryman, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Staff Sgt. Justin Piland, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Robert Faison, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Pfc. Jason Cunningham, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Staff Sgt. Michael Pohlman, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Justin Farabee, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pfc. Shawn Eller, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Lt. Col. Charles Brown, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth City Spc. Matthew Feldt, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Pfc. Timothy Gannon, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Lt. Col. Martin Fries, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Michael Potter, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Kristopher Flory, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Pfc. Clint Gordon, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Lt. Col. Russell Richardson, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Anthony Rainey, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with Spc. Daniel Fogle, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Pfc. Eric Hawk, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Lt. Col. Brian Roberts, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Silver and One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Craig Ford, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pfc. James Hilty, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Lt. Col. Donald Troth, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Joseph Ralston, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Spc. Alan Foster, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Pfc. Aaron Hittle, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Lt. Col. Robert Williams, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Travis Ratzloff, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Aaron Free, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Pfc. Cedrick Hunter, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Maj. Darrin Daugherty, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Brian Reed, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Gale Friend, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pfc. Steven Laury Jr., 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Maj. Brian Garbee, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with 1st Staff Sgt. Kenneth Richardsoncline, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Spc. Kyle Fritz, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pfc. James Mace, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Oak Leaf Cluster Dodge City Spc. Kyle Galvin, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Pfc. Ryan Neely, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Maj. Joseph Pehlman, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Kenneth Rivera, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Spc. Ronald George, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pfc. James Nevins, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Maj. Courtney Prewitt, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with 3rd Staff Sgt. Bryan Shultz, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Christopher Gray, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pfc. Virgilio Ortiz, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Douglas Spencer, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, King- Spc. Raymond Greer III, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Pfc. Cheryl Ryan, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Maj. Stephen Shank, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth man Spc. Erik Guerrero, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pfc. Ian Schmitt, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Maj. Dana Shopfner, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Gary Stillings, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Craig Haley, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Pfc. Michael Thompson, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Maj. James Van Biber, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Timothy Stock, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Kelly Hall, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Pfc. Brian Viola, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Capt. Jeffrey Marlow, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth City Spc. David Halsey, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Pfc. Andrew Wieland, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City 2nd Lt. Matthew Daniels, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Staff Sgt. Van Wallace, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Jacob Hardison, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pfc. Buddy Willis, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hector Vasquez, 35th Div, Fort Leav- Staff Sgt. Paul Wilson, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Robert Harris, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Pfc. Charles Yancey, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson enworth Staff Sgt. Michael Yandel, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Robert Hedrick, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pvt. 2 Mikeal Armantrout, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Cochran, 35th Div, Fort Leav- City Spc. Jerred Helm, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman City enworth Staff Sgt. Eddie York, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Spc. Melissa Herren, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Pvt. 2 Dustyn Crockett, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. Maj. Becky Middendorf, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, Sgt. Ronald Bloodworth, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Francisco Herrera, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pvt. 2 Alexander Kopf, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster City Spc. Leonard Herrman, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Pvt. 2 Michael McGraw, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. Maj. Dereck Thomas, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Kevin Boese, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Derrick Heuer, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman 1st Sgt. Rodney Labbe, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. Jeremiah Brown, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. David Hicks, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Army Achievement Medal Master Sgt. Robert Coles, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Marvin Bunting, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Joshua High, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Master Sgt. Antonio Slaughter, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. John Carl II, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Jeffrey Hoehn, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. 1st Class Brent Anders, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Bounma Chanthalangsy, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Spc. Sean Hovorka, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. 1st Class Larry Arnold, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, King- City Spc. Michael Hurd, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 1st Lt. Andrew Tapley, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth man Sgt. Hedilbert Chee, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Robert Jackson, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Dailey, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, Sgt. 1st Class Sherman Crawford, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Sgt. Arthur Cole, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Sean Jessip, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Kingman Sgt. David Coleman, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Wesley Johnson, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Sgt. 1st Class Mark Pawley, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. 1st Class Lee Girard, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Craig Cox, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Jason Keller, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Theis. Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Sgt. 1st Class Orville Thompson, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Bobby Crump, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Scott Kiekel, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Dodge City Staff Sgt. Lawrence Coltharp, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, King- Sgt. Daryl Davis, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Calvin Kim, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Sgt. 1st Class Eddie York. 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with man Sgt. Travis Davis, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Joe Kirkpatrick Jr., 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Michael Duncan, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, King- Sgt. Alexandro Deleon, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Ryan Kisner, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Staff Sgt. Kimberly Allen. 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with man Sgt. Donald Dickey, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Steven Koehn, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Dennis Dinkel, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Adler Ladewig, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Staff Sgt. Anthony Beckler. 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Army Commendation Medal Sgt. Alex Garcia, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Michael Lafferty, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Staff Sgt. Christopher Jackson. 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, Sgt. Keith Glenn, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Anthony Lago, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Christopher Goldhart, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Patrick Lane, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Staff Sgt. Roger McGill, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Col. Russell Conrad, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Anissa Gonzales, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Monique Latney, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth City Col. Julie Hosmer, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with Silver Sgt. Richard Gooch, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Nathan Laviolette, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Staff Sgt. Philip Mildren, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Christopher Gross, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Heath Lawson, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Lt. Col. Rex Johnson, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Randy Haney Jr., Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Brooks Leatherman, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Robert Patterson, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with Lt. Col. Bruce Shopfner, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Kevin Harper, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Jonathan Lee, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Maj. Jay Christensen, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Ryan Hasty, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Joshua Lewis, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Staff Sgt. Anthony Rainey, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Maj. Thomas Dysinger, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with Sil- Sgt. Kenneth Horsley Jr., Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Jonathan Lofgren, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Staff Sgt. Kenneth Rivera, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with ver and One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Peter Johnson, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Jerry Lofland, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Maj. Michael Howell, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Darrell Justice Jr., 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Sharon Maldonado, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Jason Sperling, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Maj. Dean Knauss, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with 2nd Sgt. Shawn Kaufman, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Daniel Mansur, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Johny Ward, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Kyle Kiekel, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. James Martinez, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Sgt. Harold Bechtle, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Capt. Nicole Knight, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. John Manly, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Kenneth Maxwell II, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. Nelson Cline, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Capt. Jeffrey Marlow, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with 2nd Sgt. Marion Martin, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Spc. Travis Mayer, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. Paul Helton, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. William McClain, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Steven McBryde, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. David Hoggatt, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Capt. Jason Oldham, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Brian McKinney, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Russell McCall, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Sgt. Brian Holloway, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Capt. Rachel Sullivan, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Terry Mead, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Jim McCammon, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. Marion Martin, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth 1st Lt. Kyle Bell, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Sgt. Corey Merrill, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Justin McCauliffe, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. Richard Weese, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 1st Lt. Jason Latham, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. Jeffrey Miller, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Kimberly McCauslin, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with Spc. Clinton Barney, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth 1st Lt. Patrick Morris, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. Michael Moore, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. David Blackwell, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 1st Lt. Michael O’Crowley, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Sgt. Jeffrey Morley, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with 1st Spc. Brandon McCraw, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Trenton Caswell, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City City Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Gerald McDonnell, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Jody Cooley, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City 1st Lt. James Pope, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Sgt. C.L. Morris, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Sean McGuire, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Jeffery Cranor, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 1st Lt. Michael Raschen, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Wayne Ouimette, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Spc. Jacob McMullin, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Alicia Ferguson, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth 1st Lt. Charles Ross, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. Sarah Patterson, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Michael McVeigh, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Michael Ford, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with 1st Oak 1st Lt. Debbie Schwalm, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. Wesley Poell, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Hector Medina, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Leaf Cluster 1st Lt. Stephen Stimson, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. Travis Polen, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Stephen Melton, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. George Foster, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson 1st Lt. Ryan Strotkamp, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. Eric Randle, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Ricardo Mendozamaddox, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Spc. Jerry Gregory, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Chief Warrant Officer 4 Darren Smith, 35th Div, Fort Leaven- Sgt. Kristin Ricard, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Dodge City Spc. Jonathan Hartle, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson worth Sgt. Adam Rounds, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Timothy Miller, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Nathan Hartnett, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Chief Warrant Officer 2 Don Davison, 35th Div, Fort Leaven- Sgt. Craig Savidge, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with 1st Oak Spc. Clayton Morris, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Alex Jones, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman worth Leaf Cluster Spc. Wayne Morrison, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Koi Law, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Merle Amrine, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. Gary Schrand, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Benjamin Moser, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Elizabeth Mansur, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Walter Boyer, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Carl Scott, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Andrew Mueller, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. John Meyer, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Roy Cummins, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Chad Seel, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Joseph Navarro, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Shane Miskell, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Andrew Dailey, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Alan Stagner, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Quentin Neal, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. William Morgan, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Michael Shaffer, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Sgt. Jacob Steenbock, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Aaron Nelson, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Ethan Nalker, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth City Sgt. Patrick Stevens, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Raymond Nelson, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Jorge Rosales, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. 1st Class Shannon Bronson, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. Tony Tatum, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Matthew O’Loughlin, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Spc. Corey Russell, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Sgt. 1st Class Steven Churning, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. Timothy Thomas, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Landon Olson, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Spc. Rondall Sanders, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. 1st Class Steven Collins, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Steven Thompson, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Dustin Parker, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Darryl Shirey, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. 1st Class Clark Conaway, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wi- Sgt. Darryl Trimmell, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Andrew Patterson, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. Andrew Sloan, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with 2nd chita Sgt. Paul Vancleave, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Bruce Pease Jr., Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Danny Deschenes, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. Matthew Williams, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth, with 3rd Spc. Carlos Peniaranda, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Spc. John Solomon, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. 1st Class Steven Geiss, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Colt Pfautz, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Pfc. Timothy Baker, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman City Sgt. Joseph Wilper, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Spc. Myles Pierpont, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Sgt. 1st Class Lee Girard, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Ken Wilson, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Spc. Joshua Reding, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman (Continued on Page 11) February 2009 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Guardsman’s career spanned KANSAS VETERAN’S MEMORIAL 25 years and three continents BASS TOURNAMENT By Staff Sgt. James M. Grosdidier wouldn’t have had a chance to otherwise,” 35th Division PAO staff Lovelady said. The Fifth Annual Kansas Veteran’s Memorial Bass Tournament in memory of all fallen Kansas service men Sgt. 1st Class Roy Lovelady retired in “I have lived in Korea, Germany, and women will be held on April 25, 2009, at the Coffey County Lake near Wolf Creek Generating Station, October from a military career that has Turkey. I have had lots of experiences and Burlington, Kan. This tournament is to celebrate the freedom and pursuit of happiness that we enjoy as Americans. So join us in recognizing the fallen heroes of Kansas that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our American seen service on three continents and spans the Army made them possible.” Freedom. over 25 years. According to Command Sgt. Maj. Den-

This is a boat tournament, bring your own boat and fill it with as many participants as the boat can legally hold. Lovelady, originally from Kennett, Mo., nis Taylor, a Soldier like Lovelady will be Top 5 places will receive prizes. 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery Family Support Group is hosting this enlisted in the Army Reserve as an ammu- difficult to replace. tournament. This is a fun tournament you can start from 30 minutes after sunrise until 8:30 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m. Prizes will be awarded after the final boat returns or 12:30 p.m. whichever is the earliest. There is NO entry nition specialist. Since then he has served “Sergeant First Class Lovelady is a great fee for this tournament. in a variety of roles, including a combat Soldier, very highly dedicated. We are

Prizes and Trophies will be awarded. engineer and administrative specialist. going to miss him,” Taylor said. “The skills Date: April 25, 2009 at Coffey County Lake Lovelady served in Iraq in Operation he brought with him greatly improved the Bratwurst, Hamburgers and side dishes will be (near Wolf Creek) served at the end of the event. Desert Storm in 1990-91. He has spent the personnel process. He is a great, gentle Schedule of Events last 10 years with the 35th Division. While giant. He will be sorely missed.” Time Event 6 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Check in and Pre-Tournament Announcements with the division, he went to support As a civilian, Lovelady is employed by 30 minutes after sunrise until 8:30 a.m. Tournament begins peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and dis- the Trail’s West Golf Course, Fort Leaven- 12:00 p.m. Tournament Ends/Weigh In/Lunch and Awards aster relief missions in the wake of Hurri- worth, as the maintenance supervisor. He ------cane Katrina. presently resides in Leavenworth with his “The Army has taken me around the son, Anfernee, a student at West Middle Official Entry Form world. I saw things and met people I School.

Boater Name:______

Address:______

City: ______

State: ______Zip Code: ______Send form to: 2nd Battalion 130th FA Attn: Family Support Group Hm Phone:______108 North 1st Street Hiawatha, Kansas 66434 Wk Phone:______

Boat Registration Number:______State: ______

Year & Model of Boat:______Boat Motor HP:______

I have read and will comply with the above stated tournament rules and regulations;

______Boater’s Signature Point of contact for this tournament is Eric Thompson, 785-742-5636.

Tournament Rules and Regulations 1. Participants and Eligibility: Participation in this event is open. The first 70 teams (maxi- mum allowed on Coffey County Lake) to register for this event will be allowed in the tourna- ment. Contestants must possess a valid Kansas State Fishing License if required by law. Contestants under the age of 18 may enter and fish with a parent or legal guardian provid- ing both the minor and parent/legal guardian read, understand and sign an entry/waiver form (provided upon request). Maj. Gen. Wayne Pierson, commander of the 35th Division, presents a U.S. flag to This is a Boat tournament. We will not be matching boaters with non-boaters; your fishing Sgt. 1st Class Roy Lovelady during a retirement ceremony. (Photo by Staff Sgt. partner is up to you, but you will have to have a partner. Tournament starting order will be James M. Grosdidier) determined by the arrival time of the boat. 2. Lake Closure: The Lake is subject to being closed to boat access under certain wind Steen promoted to brigadier general or other conditions. Boats will be prohibited from be placed on the Lake when it is closed, boats are prohibited from staying in the water after notification of Lake closure. If the tour- Continued from Page 5 toon Course; RC Tank Commanders nament starts on Coffey County Lake and wind conditions cause anglers to leave the lake, attended high school in Hills, Minn. He Course; Command and General Staff Col- the weigh in will be conducted at that time. earned a Bachelor of Science degree in lege; Tactical Commanders Development 3. Boats, Motor and Safety: All boats must be motorized and for fishing purposes only. economics at the University of Minnesota Course, Brigade level and Armor Pre-com- All boats must stay in designated fishing areas. The Lake must be accessed and entered at the Public Access Area only. Any other access is prohibited. All persons in a boat on the and a master’s degree in public administra- mand Course. He is currently working on lake are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved (Type I, II, III or V) personal flota- tion at Kansas State University. He also the Advanced Joint Professional Military tion device at all times. Each contestant is solely responsible for his/her actions, including earned a master’s degree in strategic stud- Education Course. situations due to inclement weather. It is your personal decision to travel to and/or fish in ies at the U.S. Army War College. In his civilian career, Steen is president this tournament regardless of weather conditions. There is absolutely no use of alcohol His military education also includes Air- of Jasper Enterprises, Inc., Woodland Park, during the tournament. borne Course; Infantry Officer Basic and Colo. Steen and his wife, Cheryl, live in 4. Scoring: The daily limit is based upon creel limits of Coffey County Lake. Only species in the Bass family will be counted during weigh in. The creel limit for a TEAM is Advanced Courses; Infantry Mortar Pla- Woodland Park and have three children. five fish; they must meet all State and Coffey County Lake Limits (Creel and size restriction pamphlets will be available during registration). Total weight of five fish will determine a teams standing. In the event of a tie for 1st place, the winning team will be decided by the UH-60 Black Hawk simulators largest single fish weight. Any team presenting fish that fall into the protected length limit Continued from Page 9 mistake in the simulator, it is learning. A will be disqualified and may be subject to fines imposed by Coffey County or Kansas Dept of Wildlife & Parks. All fish weighed will be returned to the water upon completion of weigh- ronment and it gives you to chance to con- mistake in the aircraft — worse case is ing. Disposition of dead fish will be up to tournament officials. duct tactical missions. There’s the planning death.” 5. Sportsmanship, Tackle and Equipment: You may not fish within 50 yards of another process and the execution without any con- Werneke went on to say “We are re- competitor if anchored or secured in a fixed position with the trolling motor out of water. All sequences if you make a mistake. There is quired to get twelve hour a year, which is angling must be done from the boat. Anyone displaying poor sportsmanship, breaking no danger of loss of limb. If you make a not a lot, but it keeps you on your toes.” local, state or federal laws or violating any of the rules of this tournament will be subject to disqualification. Tournament officials on-site will make any decisions concerning disqualifi- cation. Protests must be received at time of weigh in, no exceptions. Staff Sgt. Kelly McPormack, Btry B (-), 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City 6. Pre-tournament meeting and weigh-in: Any last minute tournament information will be Retirements Staff Sgt. Jerry New, Co A, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf Regt (CAB), given to the boat captain upon sign-in. All contestants are required to sign in. The tourna- Lawrence ment will begin at 6 a.m. or first safe light (dependent on inclement weather or fog). The Kansas Army National Guard Staff Sgt. George O’Brien Jr., 2137th SC (F), Manhattan tournament will end at 12 p.m. Competitors that do not meet the 12 p.m. time for turn in Col. Kenneth Gale, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Colleen Owens, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka are disqualified from weigh in. Col. Lisa McPeak, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa Staff Sgt. Charles Sallis, Det 1, 778th Trans Co, Manhattan Lt. Col. Charles Brown, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. Carlos Arroyo Jr., 778th Trans Co, Kansas City Lt. Col. Francis “Duke” Hester Jr., JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. Franklin Brown, 2137th SC (F), Manhattan Awards and Decorations Lt. Col. William Sullivan, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa Sgt. Clyde Hixson II, Det 3, 250th FSC, Sabetha Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jimmy Istas, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. Jeffrey Knowlton, 250th FSC, Ottawa Sgt. Eric Lawrence, 242nd Eng Co, Coffeyville Continued from Page 10 1st Lt. Gregory O. Thomas, 184th IW, Wichita, with 1st Oak Chief Warrant Officer 4 Susan Jordan, Det 1, Co C, 1st Bn, 171st Avn, Topeka Sgt. Emeka Okoronkwo, Det 2, 250th FSC, Clay Center Pfc. Eric Fox, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Leaf Cluster Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stephen Peak, 287th Sustainment Sgt. Matthew Stewart, Co D (-), 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Pfc. Donald Jones Jr., 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Chief Master Sgt. Brian Saunders, 190th ARW, Topeka Bde, Wichita Sgt. John White, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Phillipsburg Pfc. Tory Krehbiel, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Senior Master Sgt. Delton Brun, 190th ARW, Topeka Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Romans, HQ, 235th Regt Spc. John Sims, Btry E, (TAB), 161st FA, Great Bend Pfc. Charles Robinson, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Shellie D Armstrong, 184th IW, Wichita (RTI), Salina Pfc. Donald Stewart, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Master Sgt. Dawn M. Haynes, 184th IW, Wichita 1st Sgt. Stephen Chrisman, Co B (-), 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Kansas Air National Guard Pfc. David Thomas, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Master Sgt. Jack W. Reynolds, 184th IW, Wichita Salina Pfc. Jessica Webb, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Christopher N. Tillison, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Robert Coles, Det 1, 170th Maint Co, Good- Lt. Col. Miki Rende, 190th ARW, Topeka Pvt. 2 Marc Gray, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Master Sgt. Frances Wegner, 190th ARW, Topeka land Senior Master Sgt. James R. Beard, 184th IW, Wichita Pvt. 1 John Dishon, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Tech. Sgt. Vic Vinson, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Brian Donovan, FSC (-), 891st Eng Bn, Iola Senior Master Sgt. Delton Brun, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Roy Lovelady, HHC, 35th Div, Fort Leaven- Senior Master Sgt. Kris Clarke, 184th IW, Wichita KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD Air Force Achievement Medal worth Senior Master Sgt. Scott Then, 190th ARW, Topeka Meritorious Service Medal Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Snook, BCTS, Fort Leavenworth Master Sgt. Mark Mertel, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class David Welch, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Master Sgt. Jeffrey L. Nice, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Jack W. Reynolds, 184th IW, Wichita Capt. John C. Suter, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Horace Brown Jr., 287th Sustainment Bde, Wi- chita Master Sgt. Christopher N. Tillison, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Anthony Smith, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Montgomery, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Dennis Coulthard, Det 3, 250th FSC, Sabetha Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Coons, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Mark H. Wilson, 184th IW, Wichita, with 4th Oak Senior Master Sgt. Wallace Bonnette, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Leroy Edwards, 2137th SC (F), Manhattan Tech. Sgt. Dawn M. Haynes, 184th IW, Wichita Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Mark Sabes, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Suzanne Honeycutt, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa Tech. Sgt. Richard LaCount, 190th ARW, Topeka Maj. Deann M. Barr, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Edward A. Benoit, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. John Kompus, 170th Maint Co (-), Norton Tech. Sgt. Patrick B. O’Brien, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Jarrod M. Moseley, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Sean Greenlee, 190th ARW, Topeka Capt. Deborah L. Balentine, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Matthew Madinger, 190th ARW, Topeka Page 12 Plains Guardian • February 2009 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Kansas National Guard names Soldier, NCO of the Year Cargill “Jeans Week” nets money for By Maj. Mike Wallace Bachelor of Arts degree from Upper Iowa Kansas National Guard Foundation 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment University in May 2009. He works as a Staff Sgt. Ryan L. Pierce of Newton is material handler in civilian life. the Kansas Army National Guard’s Non- Jones has been married to Tramaine for commissioned Officer of the Year and Spc. three years, and they have a daughter, Edwin Jones of Junction City, Kan., is the Angel, 2. He likes to read, work out, watch Kansas Army Na- sports and spend tional Guard’s Sol- time with his fam- dier of the Year. ily. The Soldiers earned Pierce, a member these top honors of Company D, 2nd during the Non- Battalion, 137th In- commissioned Offi- fantry, joined the cer and Soldier of Guard so he could the Year Competi- keep the military in tion held at the his life and have a Great Plains Joint retirement after Regional Training serving his country. Center in Salina Staff Sgt. Ryan L. Spc. Edwin Jones “I am honored to during a grueling Pierce have represented my unit at this year’s com- four-day contest from Nov. 6-9, 2008. petition and will strive to be the best at the Jones and Pierce earned top marks in 27 upcoming Regional NCO of the Year categories, beating out numerous competi- Board,” said Pierce, who is an armor crew- tors. These categories also included Soldier man. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Free- Employees of Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. in Wichita presented a check for appearance, skill with weapons and how to dom and works with the Pre-mobilization $2,059 to the Kansas National Guard Foundation in January. The money was conduct maintenance on equipment, Training Assistance and Evaluation team in collected as part of a “Jeans Week” event during Veterans Awareness Week at knowledge on current events, first aid and Salina. He has served in the Minnesota Army the company. Employees paid $5 each to be allowed to wear blue jeans to work other tasks. National Guard and spent five years on ac- during the week. (Photo provided) “Specialist Jones showed excellence in tive duty. In civilian life, Pierce is a mainte- military bearing and leadership, a thorough nance worker for the City of Newton. knowledge in Army history and programs, Pierce, a 12-year veteran of the Kansas State Representative Elaine Bowers and had kept himself in top physical condi- Army National Guard, is no stranger to tion,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Ha- military bearing and history. His parents elected to Kansas STARBASE board worth, command sergeant major, Joint Forces are retired Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond State Representative Elaine Bowers was Generally, one or two positions on the Headquarters Kansas - Land Component. Pierce and Susan Pierce, who live in Hib- recently elected to the Kansas STARBASE board open each year, and Board members Jones talked about winning the competi- bing, Minn. Foundation Board. The Board assists with can serve two, two-to three-year terms for a tion and that even though he worked hard “I would like to thank all of those who dispersing funds for STARBASE programs. maximum of six years. to win, he still gives credit for his win to have helped and are currently supporting “We are excited to have State Represen- The STARBASE foundation board of di- higher powers. “This is the Lord’s doing,” me with a very special thanks to the one tative Elaine Bowers joining the STAR- rectors consists of: Garry Cushinberry, he said. “I want to let everybody know God that supports me the most, my lovely wife, BASE Foundation Board. Her familiarity president; Dennis Hansen, vice president; is first in my life.” Traci,” said Pierce. with the STARBASE program both from Barbara Bunting, secretary; Frank Garver, He has been in the Kansas Army Na- They have three children, Kaitlin, 11; her personal experience attending STAR- Treasurer; and members Dr. Kurt Barnhart, tional Guard for only eight months, coming Madison, 8 and Rylie, 4. Traci is a chiro- BASE academies with her children, as well State Representative Elaine Bowers, Mar- to his unit, the 235th Regiment, as a human practor assistant. Pierce is a 1995 graduate as many of the elementary schools she rep- lon Johnston and Alan States. resource specialist after four years in the of Hibbing High School. He has attended resents in her district participating in the The Board of Directors is the sole gov- Army Reserve. He joined the Guard as a Everest College and Hutchinson Commu- Salina STARBASE site are a great asset to erning body of the Kansas STARBASE way to pay for college. nity College while working on a degree in our team," said Garry Cushinberry, STAR- 501(c)3 organization. The nonprofit organi- The 1999 graduate of Flint Northern criminal justice. BASE Foundation president. zation manages the STARBASE program High School in Flint, Mich., is the son of His hobbies include hunting, playing General elections were held last fall dur- on behalf of the state of Kansas and aug- Jan R. Jones of Winona, Miss., and Eddie horseshoes, watching the Minnesota ing which Barbara Bunting was elected for ments the U.S. Department of Defense Flowers of Kilmichael, Miss. He has an Vikings and NASCAR, taking trips with another three-year term as the secretary for funds to enhance the youth educational Associate of Arts degree from East Missis- his family, going to the movies with his the Foundation Board. program in Kansas. sippi Community College and will earn his wife, sports and playing the acoustic guitar. KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD Napolitano visits Greensburg 2009 Adjutant General's Combat Marksmanship Match

Rifle - Pistol - Sniper Hosted by:

184th Intelligence Wing th 190 Air Refueling Wing New Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, along with Gov. Kath- KSARNG Area Medical Detachment leen Sebelius and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, visited Greens- burg, Kan., on Feb. 11 and took part in a ceremony reopening the Dillon’s store Kansas Regional Training Center, Salina, Kan. in the community that was ravaged by a tornado May 4, 2007. Earlier in the day, Napolitano stopped by Nickell Armory in Topeka to speak to a group of May 29-31, 2009 emergency management professionals attending an Integrated Emergency Management Course conducted by the Federal Emergency Management For registration please contact: Agency. As Homeland Security secretary, Napolitano oversees all federal emer-

Capt. Gleb Gluhovsky, State Marksmanship Coordinator 913-486-6530 [email protected] gency response, recovery, training and mitigation programs. (Photo by Sharon Staff Sgt. David Salinas, 190th ARW Air Guard 785-861-4435 [email protected] Watson)